After winning the top honours at MADDYS & PEPPER AWARDS last year, be positive 24 Innovation Design continues its winning streak at BIG BANG AWARDS 2025. The agency won the “Best Design Agency of the Year” and “Best Healthcare Agency of the Year” recognitions at a grand awards ceremony held in Bangalore on 7th February.

Chennai’s be positive 24 Crowned ‘Best Design Agency’ & ‘Best Healthcare Agency’ at BIG BANG AWARDS 2025
 

‘be positive 24’ bagged a whopping 6 Gold, 7 Silver and 3 Bronze awards for its work on brands like VBJ Jewellery, GRAVA Business Park, ASSANA Colorectal Clinic, TURAKHIA Opticians, THE WORLD RESIDENCES, NSL Luxe Developers and ARTEMIS Luxury Kitchens amongst others.

Organised by the Advertising Club Bangalore, this is the 41st edition of the BIG BANG AWARDS with over 650 entries from about 150 agencies and production houses.

Speaking on the win, Abhishek D Shah, founder and managing director, be positive 24 commented “This is our 20th year of operations and we have begun the year with a BIG BANG. We won 62 national and international awards in 2025, and 2026 has already delivered 16 metals in just 5 weeks. These consistent victories feel doubly good, because the juries have validated campaigns that have also performed extremely well in the real markets. This inspires us to further raise the bar of innovation and creative disruption within the team.”

About be positive 24 Innovation Design

The agency offers strategy and management consulting, branding and marketing services, and film and photography production. Its clientele includes Vummudi Bangaru Jewellery, Assana Colorectal Clinic, Taj Brand Residences, Siemens Gamesa, DRA Developers, My Home Group among other clients. With over 40 global clients, be positive 24 has so far won more than 175 national and international awards and is widely recognised for its cutting-edge strategy and creative excellence. Its recent campaign for Assana Colorectal & Gut Clinic earned international acclaim, hailed by marketing and healthcare experts as a master class in branding.

For more details, please visit: www.bepositive24.com.

All set with a stronger, broader and more market-relevant showcase for India’s fast evolving gifting, stationery, paper, art & industries, Gifts World Expo Mumbai and Paperworld Mumbai will return with a grand showcase featuring 400 companies. Schedule to held from 26-28 February 2026 at Hall No. 2 & 3, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, the platform will become a comprehensive business and networking hub engaging retailers, distributors, corporates, art and craft enthusiasts, institutional buyers, manufacturers as well as brand owners to explore the new offerings from the gifting, paper and stationery industries.
 

Gifts World Expo Mumbai & Paperworld Mumbai will be held from 26-28 February 2026, at Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra
 

As consumer preferences shift towards customised, design-led, utility driven and occasion-specific products, both gifting & stationery categories are witnessing a steady transformation. Products that were once largely functional or seasonal segments are now becoming experience-led premium and innovation-driven, opening new opportunities across retail, corporate and institutional channels.
 

Gifts World Expo Mumbai will represent a diverse range of thoughtful as well as contemporary gifting solutions catering to corporate, institutional, festive, wedding and premium gifting needs. The showcase will span across categories like perfumes, electronics, lifestyle accessories, home and kitchen products, wellness kits, gourmet foods and beverages, handicrafts, decor, sustainable products, customised merchandise, bags and more. The growing emphasis on employee engagement, brand recall, personalization and sustainability has positioned gifting as a year-round business opportunity rather than a purely seasonal one. Gifts World Expo Mumbai will spotlight pioneers such as ​Arvind Mills, Flipkart, IGP, MaxFresh, Nasher Miles, Power Plus, Signoraware, Swiss Military, Unix and more.
 

Running in parallel, Paperworld Mumbai will spotlight innovations across paper, stationery, office and school supplies, writing instruments, arts and crafts hobby materials, educational toys and creative learning tools. With rising demand from students, parents, educators, working professionals and hobbyists, the category continues to move beyond basic consumption into design-led, experience-driven and value-added products, supported by trends such as sustainable materials, digital stationery, smart products and custom formats. Key exhibitors from Paperworld Mumbai include leading stationery innovators like Casio, Elkos Pens, Indeutsch Industries, KGOC Global (Kangaro), Kores India, Linc, Luxor Writing Instrument, Saino Pen, Submarine Pens and more.

Visitors will discover product innovations and trends such as eco-friendly stationery, personalised notebooks, planners, creative hobby kits, safe children’s products, premium writing instruments, innovative packaging and gift-wrapping solutions, along with private labelling and bulk customisation capabilities.

“Gifts World Expo stands at the forefront of India’s gifting industry, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of businesses. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive platform where industry leaders can drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, find one-stop sourcing solutions and explore new business opportunities. With a robust lineup of exhibitors and high-level industry conferences, we are shaping the trajectory of the gifting sector in India,” said Ms Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd., stated, “Paperworld Mumbai and Gifts World Expo Mumbai together reflect the changing dynamics of India’s stationery and gifting industries. Today’s buyers are looking at relevance, creative and meaningful concepts and differentiation, whether it is school and office supplies, creative products or gifting solutions. India has a strong base of homegrown brands responding to these shifts and these platforms together offer a vast product universe, business connections, while also driving industry trends that support long-term business growth.”

A key highlight of the 2026 editions of the shows will be the curated knowledge programmes designed to address the real-world business challenges and emerging opportunities across different business segments. The sessions and activities will be organised under two focused tracks: Gift Talks and Paper Talks. A session by Times NIE – Balancing Brains and Bots: A Wellbeing-First Approach to AI in Education engaging representatives Principals and Head Co-ordinators from several schools. The Grand Brush Off will see the artists turn blank canvas with their spontaneous creativity.

Apart from this, across three days, various panel discussions will shed light upon topics around wedding gifting, gifting from India to the world highlighting the diversity and richness of the country, employee gifting, university merchandise & souvenirs, importance of packaging in gifting, youth and hobby markets, stationery designing, why adults still love stationery and the psychology behind it, workshop on packaging and more. Besides, this show will also feature a start-up zone, innovation zone, sustainability will be a core background theme, live-demo of paper making by artisans, art and craft engagement activity, new product launches, products for Gen-Z and lots more.

India’s gifting and stationery markets continue to demonstrate strong long-term growth fundamentals. According to IMARC Group, the Indian school stationery supplies market, valued at USD 2,629.5 million in 2025, is projected to reach USD 4,001 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.77%. The gifting market, expected to reach USD 1.05 billion by 2033, is being driven by rising disposable incomes, corporate gifting demand, digital platforms and increasing preferences for personalised and sustainable products.

The events are jointly organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. & Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India. Gifts World Expo Mumbai 2026 co-located with Paperworld Mumbai promises to be a definitive platform for India’s gifting, paper and stationery industries.

For information about the show and photographic material, please visit
giftsworldexpo.com/mum/

paperworldmumbai.in.messefrankfurt.com/mumbai/en.html
 

About Paperworld Mumbai 
Paperworld Mumbai is the ultimate hub for connecting with the global names and leading brands in top-quality stationery, office products, art and craft products, writing instruments, teaching and learning aids, paper & paper products, green stationery, back-to-school supplies and lots more. Entering the 6th edition the expo brings together leading Indian and international manufacturers, suppliers and brands showcasing the latest product range to drive business.
 

Gifts World Expo: India’s Largest Exhibition for Gifts Sourcing

Gifts World Expo, recognized as India’s largest exhibition for gifts sourcing, is an annual hallmark event that sets the stage for unparalleled business opportunities in the gifting industry. Organized by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., the Expo has become a pivotal platform for industry professionals, fostering innovation, creativity, and strategic partnerships across diverse sectors.

India’s first-ever Elevator & Escalator Symposium & Quiz 2026, held on 13th & 14th February 2026 in Chennai and dedicated exclusively to vertical transportation professionals, brought together leading experts who strongly emphasised the urgent need for uniform codes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance across the country. The two-day landmark event was organised by ISEEVENTUS Pvt Ltd, India’s leading Elevator and Escalator exhibition organisation, and witnessed extensive technical discussions on emerging technologies, safety innovations, and best practices for the elevator and escalator ecosystem. The gala event concluded with announcement and felicitation of the winners of National Industry Quiz 2026.

Dignitaries at E&E Symposium & Industry Quiz 2026 Held in Chennai 

The Symposium was inaugurated by Mr. V. Ramakrishnan, Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Tamil Nadu, and was graced by the presence of distinguished industry leaders including Mr. R. Balakrishnan, Vice President and Head – MEP Design, L&T Construction; Mr U Viswanathan, KONE Elevator India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Suraj Thodimarath, President, EECMAI and President, Asia Pacific, Wittur Group; Mr. Ravishanker Thandavan, FOCUS (VP), REVROY Pvt Ltd.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. V. Ramakrishnan appreciated the initiative and stressed the need for greater awareness of safety standards and strict adherence to the respective state Lift Acts across the country. He underlined that consistent implementation and compliance remain vital to improving public safety in vertical transportation.

Mr. R. Balakrishnan said such symposiums should be organised regularly across the nation to ensure the adoption of best manufacturing and engineering practices. He added that strengthening quality and safety in the industry will significantly contribute towards India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation.

Highlighting the motivation behind the initiative, Mr. TAK Mathews, Principal Consultant, TAK Consulting and organiser of the Symposium, said, “Tamil Nadu has one of the highest concentrations of elevator manufacturing companies in the country, and the enthusiasm of the industry here encouraged us to choose Chennai as the maiden city for this symposium. I am delighted to witness professionals coming together to exchange knowledge, innovations, and insights, while staying updated on evolving technologies, best practices, and regulatory requirements.”

Winners of National Industry Quiz (Who Will Be MAHAGURU?) Announced

Running parallel to the symposium, the grand finale of the ISEE Elevator Industry Quiz 2026 conducted over the past two months—was held at the conclusion of the event. The winners were announced and felicitated in the presence of eminent industry leaders and delegates.

The winners of the National Industry Quiz “Who Will Be MAHAGURU?” are:

Mahaguru: Mr. Akshay Mahadik and Mr. Vaibhav Baravkar (Schindler India) – Prize Money: Rs. 5 lakh.

1st Runner-Up: Mr. V. Sreekanth (Fujitec India Pvt. Ltd.) – Prize Money: Rs. 3 lakh.

2nd Runner-Up: Mr. Boopathi and Mr. Ramkumar Seeralan (Fujitec India) – Prize Money: Rs. 1 lakh.

All finalists and semi-finalists were also awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performance.

The pioneering initiative aimed to create a high-impact knowledge-sharing platform focused on the most critical challenges and opportunities facing the industry today ranging from safety and compliance to innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.

The structure and flow of the sessions were carefully designed to address the most pressing challenges faced by the elevator and component manufacturing industry today. Ultimately, the objective of this collective learning is to elevate industry-wide standards of quality, safety, and compliance. The sessions were designed to strengthen technical knowledge, improve operational efficiency, and enhance future readiness across the elevator and escalator industry.

The two-day Symposium was supported by leading industry partners including Fermator, Fujitec, Johnson Lifts & Escalators, KONE, Mitsubishi Elevator India, OTIS India, Schindler India, TAK Consulting and Tectronics Techworld.

To know more about ISEEVENTUS & Upcoming Expo ‘ISEE 2026’ visit www.isee-expo.com.

Chennai-based Glottis Logistics is aligning its expansion strategy with the infrastructure-led thrust outlined in Union Budget 2026–27, betting that improved freight connectivity and customs modernisation will shape the next phase of India’s trade growth.

Ramkumar Senthilvel, Promoter and Managing Director, Glottis Logistics

With capital expenditure set at INR 12.2 lakh crore for FY27, the Centre has reinforced its commitment to multimodal logistics integration, port-linked industrial corridors and inland freight networks. For organised logistics operators, these investments are expected to gradually reduce structural costs and improve transit predictability — key variables in an increasingly volatile global trade environment.

Glottis, which provides end-to-end ocean, air and road freight services along with customs brokerage and warehousing solutions, handled over ~110,000 TEUs in FY25 and served nearly 1,900 clients across renewable energy, engineering, high-technology and commodity sectors.

In FY25, the company reported a Debt-to-Equity ratio of 0.23x which signals strong balance sheet health enabling aggressive growth pursuits, and through its disciplined capital deployment and operational efficiency has delivered Return on Equity (ROE) of 57.4% and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 73.1%.

Building on that base, Glottis has outlined capital expenditure of approximately INR 130 crore toward acquiring trailers and container assets. The objective is to increase owned capacity, reduce dependence on third-party equipment and strengthen execution control across trade corridors.

“Budget 2026–27 may not announce large short-term incentives, but it strengthens the backbone of trade through infrastructure and customs efficiency,” said Ramkumar Senthilvel, Promoter and Managing Director, Glottis Logistics. “For logistics companies, predictability and execution will increasingly determine competitiveness. Aligning capital allocation with structural reforms is essential for sustainable growth.”

The government’s emphasis on dedicated freight connectivity, coastal shipping and multimodal integration is expected to benefit asset-backed operators that can optimise routes and improve utilisation rates. Expansion of logistics infrastructure into Tier-II and Tier-III clusters may also support distributed manufacturing growth, potentially broadening cargo flows beyond traditional metropolitan gateways.

Alongside physical infrastructure, customs digitisation measures — including electronic cargo sealing, expanded non-intrusive inspection systems and extended duty deferment for Authorised Economic Operators — aim to shorten clearance timelines and ease working capital pressures for exporters and intermediaries.

Industry executives note that time compression in border processes can be as significant as freight cost reductions, particularly as global supply chains adjust to geopolitical shifts and sourcing diversification.

Glottis has continued to expand its footprint across industrial corridors, including the launch of a new Ahmedabad branch in January 2026 to align with western port-led growth zones. The company has been delivering steady performance, supported by diversification across transport modes and strong regional trade linkages. 

While global trade volumes remain uneven due to inventory corrections and demand shifts, infrastructure-led reforms are expected to strengthen India’s long-term export competitiveness. For logistics operators, the transition signals a shift from incentive-driven growth to efficiency-led scale.

Infrastructure investment may not generate immediate stimulus-driven gains. But over time, it reshapes cost structures, execution reliability and global positioning. For Glottis Logistics, the strategy is clear: invest in assets, maintain balance-sheet discipline and align expansion with a trade ecosystem increasingly defined by operational strength rather than incentives.

About Glottis Logistics
Glottis Logistics is a global freight forwarding and supply chain solutions provider, headquartered in Chennai, India. Founded in 2004, the company brings over two decades of expertise in delivering reliable and efficient logistics services across air, sea, and land transport.

With a skilled and dedicated team, Glottis Logistics offers end-to-end logistics support, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, 3PL solutions, and multimodal transport. The company’s integrated solutions are designed to simplify complex supply chain challenges and ensure secure, on-time deliveries for businesses of all sizes — from local enterprises to global enterprises.

Leveraging a strong pan-India network and global partnerships, Glottis Logistics combines operational precision with transparency and customer-focused service to drive performance and growth in domestic and international trade.

Website: www.glottislogistics.in.

With the participation of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, and bringing together the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Service Chiefs, Chairman DRDO, and senior leadership from the Ministry of Defence, Kalam & Kavach 3.0 – India’s premier defence dialogue platform – will be held on 14–15 April 2026 in New Delhi. The platform is designed to drive outcome-oriented engagement at the highest levels of India’s defence and security establishment.

kalam and kavach 3.0

Building on the strong policy and industry momentum generated at Kalam & Kavach 2.0 (2025) – widely acknowledged as “The Year of Reforms”, the 2026 edition represents a clear progression from reform intent to implementation. The previous conclave catalysed discussions on joint theatre commands, AI-enabled and data-driven warfighting, emerging doctrines, and the repositioning of Indian industry as a strategic co-developer of national defence capability.

Kalam & Kavach 3.0 will take the vision of JAI – Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation – Forward. The forum will focus on translating policy direction into executable pathways, such as, strategic partnerships, accelerated R&D and test-to-deployment mechanisms, and policy-aligned financing models.

These discussions will culminate in a strategic White Paper capturing actionable recommendations for consideration by senior leadership.

With the presence of India’s top defence decision-makers, Kalam & Kavach 3.0 offers select industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders a focused platform to engage directly with policymakers, shape policy-aligned narratives, and position themselves at the forefront of India’s defence innovation and manufacturing ecosystem – aligned with national priorities and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Galgotias University witnessed strong engagement and sustained footfall on Day One of the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The five-day summit, running from February 16 to 20, opened to significant participation from academicians, policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, and industry delegates, with the Galgotias pavilion emerging as a key attraction.

Galgotias University Pavilion at AI Impact Summit 2026, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

The Galgotias stall stood out for its immersive and interactive showcase of a comprehensive Rs. 350+ crore Artificial Intelligence ecosystem, positioning the University among the largest AI investors in India’s private higher education space. Visitors engaged closely with the University’s NVIDIA powered supercomputing infrastructure, designed to drive cutting edge research in generative AI, large language models, computer vision, natural language processing, and data science.

A major crowd puller at the pavilion was ORION, Operational Robotic Intelligence Node, which interacted live with delegates and demonstrated applied robotics and intelligent systems integration. The live demonstrations drew significant attention, reinforcing the University’s emphasis on hands-on, real world AI deployment.

The stall also highlighted AI-driven Centres of Excellence developed in collaboration with leading technology partners, alongside the Semiconductor Research Lab and Drone Intelligence Lab. AI-powered startups incubated under GICRISE at the Galgotias Incubation Centre were showcased, reflecting a strong pipeline of deep tech innovation emerging from the campus.

In addition, the iOS Development Centre presented AI enabled applications developed by students, offering visitors a glimpse into scalable, industry ready digital solutions aligned with global technology trends.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Summits like these are important platforms to demonstrate not just vision but capability. Our Rs. 350+ crore AI ecosystem, powered by advanced supercomputing infrastructure, research labs, Centres of Excellence, and student led innovation, reflects our commitment to shaping India’s leadership in Artificial Intelligence.”

With continuous high-impact interactions and strategic discussions throughout the day, the Galgotias stall set a strong tone for the remaining days of the summit, positioning the University as a leading academic force in India’s AI transformation journey.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities—public and private combined—this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. 

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks. 

These recognitions reflect Galgotias University’s strategic focus on teaching quality, research impact, internationalization, and industry relevance, and its mission to shape globally competent graduates prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. 

What does the legendary Carrington training ground look like from the inside? And what is it like to watch a game from the VIP box at Old Trafford?
 

Parimatch Sports, a premium sportswear brand inspired by top athletes, gave a group of Indian influencers and passionate Manchester United supporters the opportunity to win a special fan experience with the club. From January 30 to February 2, Rajat Pawar, Apoorva Jadaun, Gurdeep Rai, and Nita Shilimkar travelled to Manchester to immerse themselves in the club’s world.

Parimatch Sports and Manchester United Hosted Indian Influencers

“Being inside the club’s environment felt unreal. It was about stepping into the world of the team, feeling the atmosphere, and understanding what it truly means to be part of Manchester United. Thanks to Parimatch Sports, we were able to experience it all up close,” said Gurdeep Rai.

Inside Carrington: Where Champions Are Made

On the first day, the group visited the Carrington training ground—the very place where champions are made and the foundation for their future victories is laid.

The influencers watched the training session a day before the match, met the players, and got autographs. They felt every moment of preparation—an experience usually inaccessible to the public, but made possible by Parimatch Sports.

Next, they visited Old Trafford—Manchester United’s home and a place of inspiration for millions of fans worldwide. A private tour of the stadium and museum with club legend Denis Irwin offered a deeper understanding of the club’s history, trophies, and defining moments.

Dinner at Dishoom Manchester was filled with conversations about the experiences and encounters with football icons, leaving them part of something truly extraordinary.

Match Day Energy

On the second day, the influencers took part in the highlight of the trip—the Manchester United vs Fulham match. The stadium’s atmosphere gradually filled with anticipation, the stands came alive, and tension was tangible before kickoff.

From the VIP box, every goal felt closer, and the stadium’s energy hit even harder. The game was fast-paced and intense, culminating in a spectacular 3:2 victory for Manchester United. Moments like these ​​show how Parimatch Sports brings fans closer to the heart of football.

More Than a Trip

The collaboration with Manchester United marks one of many high-profile international initiatives delivered by Parimatch Sports. The brand successfully continues to strengthen its global presence and build deep connections with sports audiences around the world.

“Experiences like this highlight the special bond with our global fan community. Together with Manchester United, we were pleased to welcome the influencers from India and give them a meaningful insight into life at the club,” highlighted a Parimatch Sports Press Office.

About Parimatch Sports

Parimatch Sports is a high-quality sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes and designed to equip every brave soul on their winning track. Trusted by international stars like Trinidadian cricket legend Sunil Narine, Parimatch Sports creates professional on-field kits for football and cricket teams alongside a comprehensive range of stylish workout wear for fans. The brand stands out with exclusive designs inspired by the greatest athletes and their victories on the pitch. Parimatch Sports aims to expand the horizons of Asia’s love for sports, bringing it to a new level.