Category: Business

New Delhi [India], April 14: The second edition of the India & International Cake Magazine Awards (IICMA) 2026 concluded on a high note in New Delhi, positioning the capital as a vibrant meeting point for the global cake artist community. The evening, held at Bel-La Monde Hotel, brought together leading cake artists, National and International judges, and industry professionals, further cementing India’s growing influence in the international edible arts space.

With over 40 awards presented across diverse categories, the awards celebrated excellence spanning cake artistry, wedding cakes, sugar art, and emerging segments, recognising both established names and rising talent. What set the evening apart was its ability to seamlessly bring together home bakers, independent creators, and globally acclaimed artists on one stage, creating a rare, inclusive ecosystem within the industry.

Conceptualised by internationally acclaimed cake artist Tina Scott Parashar, IICMA continues to bridge Indian talent with global benchmarks. Building on the momentum of its debut edition, the 2026 awards saw increased international participation and a stronger emphasis on credibility, backed by a structured and unbiased evaluation process.

Among the top honours, the Global Excellence Award was presented to Edna and Vanik of Enamor Cake, while the India Excellence Award was awarded to Rumana Jaseel. Alena Ujshag was recognised as Global Sugar Artisan Extraordinaire, and Samie J Ramachandran received the Sugar Artisan Extraordinaire India title. Megha Kwatra Madan was honoured as Best Teacher, while Zareen Shaukat Shaikh and Rushina Mehrotra were recognised for their work in pastry and celebration cake artistry. The awards also marked a first for the industry by recognising cake content creators at both India and international levels, with Diya Pal awarded Cake Content Creator India and Lara Mason recognised as Cake Content Creator International, along with several other awardees across categories.

The event featured a distinguished panel of international guests and expert judges, including David Close (UK), Kelly Jane (UK), Alena Ujshag (Ukraine), Mariya Ozturk (Turkey), Lucie Charvatova (Czech Republic), Edna and Vanik of Enamor Cake (Armenia/Iran), and Larysa Rybchuk (Ukraine), bringing diverse global perspectives to the judging process.

Speaking at the event, Tina Scott Parashar, Founder and Editor of India & International Cake Magazine, said, “IICMA was created with a clear vision to build a platform in India that reflects global industry standards while remaining accessible to artists at every level. The response this year has been extremely encouraging and reinforces the importance of creating spaces that prioritise merit, visibility, and meaningful opportunities for artists.”

Designed as a large-format live experience, the evening stood out for its high-energy format, strong visual presentation, and a sense of community that extended beyond competition. The platform brought together participants from across experience levels, connecting them with global peers while fostering recognition and industry engagement.

The awards were presented by Achyutam, with Rainbow Dust as the Powered by Partner, Unox as the Signature Partner, and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) as the Knowledge Partner. Big FM joined as the Radio Partner, while D’licious Magazine came on board as the Print Media Partner.

The event was further supported by Platinum partners Fab flavours, Packing Packers, Arife Lamoulde, and Catch Spices; Gold partners Omkraft, Madhav Enterprises, and The Cake Decor; Silver partners Malas, Wow Decoratives, and School of Bakery & Culinary Art (SBCA); along with gift sponsors Bakersville, Megha Kwatra Madan, and Tasty Crafts, all of whom played an integral role in bringing the platform to life.

Over the years, IICMA has evolved into an important platform for a rapidly growing community of home bakers, small businesses, and professional cake artists who often operate without access to larger industry networks. By combining international exposure with a credible evaluation process, the platform continues to open new avenues for recognition and growth.

The India & International Cake Magazine Awards continues to establish itself as a credible and inclusive platform that recognises excellence while strengthening connections between Indian and international cake artists, further contributing to the global evolution of the industry.

India & International Cake Magazine is a global platform dedicated to showcasing cake artists and edible art from India and around the world. Through its growing community and initiatives, it promotes talent, encourages skill development, and builds meaningful connections within the global cake industry.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 14: In a moment of pride and recognition, Lanchulal KS was honored with the prestigious title of Business & Entertainment Personality of the Year at the Times Business Awards 2025–26, held across Mangalore, Mysore, and Hubli. The recognition was accompanied by an official Certificate of Excellence, marking a significant milestone in his inspiring journey.

The Times Business Awards is a distinguished platform that celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership across various industries. Being recognized at such a reputable event highlights the remarkable impact Lanchulal KS has made in both the business and entertainment sectors.

Lanchulal KS has consistently showcased a visionary approach, blending creativity with strategic business acumen. His contributions have not only elevated his professional standing but have also influenced and inspired many across industries. This award stands as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and ability to create meaningful impact.

Adding further strength to his growing influence is his association with Astra Group, which continues to expand its presence and reputation under dynamic leadership. Together, they are setting new benchmarks in excellence and innovation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Lanchulal KS is widely respected as a philanthropist and social worker. His commitment to giving back to society and driving positive change reflects his strong values and leadership beyond business.

With this recognition, Lanchulal KS continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders, proving that dedication, vision, and purpose can create lasting success.

Connect & Learn More:

•  Personal Portfolio: https://lanchulalks.com/
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanchulal.lal1
•  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579411123542

Team: Astra Groups Management
Contact: +91 89513 09511

New Delhi [India], April 14: Merino Industries, a global leader in surface & interior solutions has announced the onboarding of Pankaj Kapur, a renowned & critically acclaimed actor for its latest brand campaign centered around Merino Marine Board. Known for bringing depth & authenticity to his performances, Kapur lends a strong sense of credibility as well as relatability into the arena of engineered boards that’s often overlooked but plays a defining role in how furniture performs over time.

Conceptualized around real concerns within everyday homes, the campaign unfolds through a series of three short films. Each film focuses on a specific challenge that homeowners encounter across kitchens alongside wardrobes & furniture – thus drawing attention to the importance of the core material that supports visible finishes.

Set within a lived-in home environment, the films are designed to feel familiar & grounded. Kapur takes on the role of a narrator who speaks directly to everyday experiences – thus imbibing storytelling to address functional problems associated with furniture.

The first film addresses indoor air quality, an aspect that is increasingly influencing how people approach interior decisions. While furniture is associated with comfort, it is often the material used within it that can impact the air inside homes over time. The narrative highlights the presence of emissions that often go unnoticed, bringing attention to the importance of low-emission materials. Merino Marine Board, compliant with stringent European E1 emission standards, is presented as a solution that supports healthier indoor environments alongside long-term durability. Pankaj Kapur subtly highlights the toxicity surrounding us whether it be the traffic, society or technology where everything has its own set of cons, and then he puts light on how toxic fumes and cancer causing emissions can disrupt the comfort of home. Marine Board, which is also the lowest emission board in its category is then introduced as a solution to the viewers.

The second film shifts focus to a widely observed issue in furniture: swelling (commonly referred to as “phoolna” in hindi). Exposure to moisture and water remains a constant across kitchens and utility spaces. Over time, this leads to deformation along with weakening & compromised performance. Through a simple and direct narrative, the film explains how boiling waterproof technology & strong moisture resistance help furniture retain its form and strength even in demanding conditions.

The third film explores structural strength: a factor that directly influences the lifespan of furniture. Cabinets, wardrobes and shelves must carry weight while maintaining stability over repeated use. The narrative highlights the importance of load-bearing capacity as well as screw-holding strength, showing how a strong internal core helps prevent bending, loosening and long-term structural fatigue. Merino Marine Board is positioned as a reliable base that supports everyday furniture applications with consistency and strength.

Across all three promos, the storytelling remains rooted in real-life usage. The home setting along with Kapur’s grounded narration creates a natural connection with the audience. The campaign’s central message, “Water se Safe, Health Rahe Great!”, brings together the ideas of moisture protection besides indoor safety & long-term reliability in a clear and memorable way.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Manoj Lohia, Director at Merino Industries said, “In most conversations around interiors, attention tends to remain on surfaces and finishes. However, the true performance of furniture is shaped by the material that forms its core. With this campaign, the intent was to bring that understanding into the mainstream in a way that feels real and relevant. Pankaj Kapur brings a certain depth and honesty to the narrative, which allows these conversations to connect more meaningfully. Merino Marine Board has been developed keeping in mind the conditions that furniture is exposed to every day i.e. moisture & load besides repeated use, as well as the growing awareness around indoor environments. It shows our continued focus on materials that support durability, safety and long-term reliability. Through these films, we hope to encourage more informed choices, where performance and well-being are considered from the very beginning of the design process.”

With this campaign, Merino continues to strengthen its approach towards communicating material innovation through everyday relevance. Through focusing on what lies beneath the surface, the brand brings attention to a critical yet often overlooked aspect of interiors, the role of the board that quietly defines how furniture performs over time.

About Merino Industries Ltd. 

Merino is a versatile manufacturer and marketer of Interiors Solutions with a wide collection of products for homes, offices, commercial and public areas. Sustainability is at the core of Merino’s strategy as they incorporate practices to minimize wastage and conserve water during production. Merino Group has come a long way since the launch of plywood in 1974 and subsequently with the launch of the high pressure laminates in 1981. Today Merino Group has a beautifully strong presence in over 80 countries with an annual turnover of over 245 million USD with diverse business interests that expand from Interior Architectural products to Information Technology to Food & Agro products. The Group has achieved the current leadership position by following its vision to compete at global level and has adapted the international technology while maintaining Indian ethos.

New Delhi [India], April 14: In the ever-evolving world of fine jewellery—where heritage meets modern elegance—Urmil Jewellers Gold & Diamond India Limited stands tall as a symbol of trust, quality, and timeless craftsmanship. With a rich legacy spanning over four decades, the Urmil Group has transformed from a modest family-run business into one of the most trusted jewellery brands in East and North Delhi.

A Journey Rooted in Trust Since 1978

The story of Urmil began in 1978, when visionary entrepreneur Mr. Phool Chand Soni laid the foundation with Urmil Bartan Bhandar. Built on strong values of honesty, dedication, and customer relationships, the business quickly became a household name.

By 1980, the brand had already established a strong presence in the local retail market. As customer trust deepened, so did their expectations—leading to a natural transition into the jewellery segment.

From Small Beginnings to a Trusted Jewellery Brand

Responding to growing customer demand for high-quality jewellery, the Soni family entered the jewellery industry with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence. What started with just three employees has now grown into a thriving organization with 350+ professionals, serving millions of satisfied customers.

Second Generation: Building the Brand Identity

Under the leadership of Mr. Vinod Soni, Urmil Jewellers was formally established in 2000, marking a significant milestone. The brand quickly earned recognition for:
* Premium gold & diamond collections
* Authenticity and transparency
* Customer-first approach

Further strengthening trust, Mr. Suresh Soni introduced advanced gold purity testing systems and ensured the sale of Hallmark-certified jewellery, setting new industry benchmarks.

Digital Transformation & Modern Retail Expansion

Embracing the digital age, Mr. Dinesh Soni led the brand’s technological evolution by launching its official website and mobile app, offering customers a seamless and modern shopping experience.

Third Generation: Innovation Meets Tradition

The legacy continues with Mr. Shubham Soni, who joined the business in 2018. Representing the third generation, he brings:
* Fresh retail strategies
* Contemporary design innovation
* A modern customer experience approach

While driving innovation, he remains deeply rooted in the core values of trust, dedication, and customer satisfaction.

A Brand Trusted for Generations

For countless families, Urmil is not just a jewellery brand—it is a symbol of “bharosa” (trust). From weddings to festivals, Urmil Jewellers has been a part of life’s most cherished moments for generations.

Strong Presence Across Delhi

Urmil Jewellers currently operates multiple successful showrooms in Delhi, including:
* Ram Nagar, Shahdara
* Yamuna Vihar (Flagship Showroom)
* Durgapuri
* Madhu Vihar

The Yamuna Vihar showroom is widely recognized as one of the largest jewellery destinations in East & North Delhi, offering premium collections and an unmatched shopping experience.

Grand Openings & Celebrity Presence

Strengthening its brand presence and public appeal, Urmil Jewellers has marked key showroom launches with renowned personalities:
* The grand opening of the Madhu Vihar branch and Urmil Fashion Studio (Ram Nagar, Shahdara) was graced by Bollywood actress Zareen Khan
* The Yamuna Vihar flagship showroom was inaugurated by Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela along with Hon’ble Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari

These high-profile inaugurations highlight the brand’s growing recognition and strong market presence.

Expansion Plans: Strengthening Delhi-NCR Presence

Continuing its growth journey, the Urmil Group is set to launch new modern showrooms, including:
* A grand flagship showroom in Durgapuri
* A new showroom in Indirapuram (Uttar Pradesh)
* An upgraded modern showroom in Ram Nagar, Shahdara
* An additional showroom in Ram Nagar, Shahdara

These expansions reflect the brand’s vision to bring premium jewellery closer to customers while enhancing accessibility and overall shopping experience.

Diversification into Luxury Fashion

In 2023, the group expanded into the luxury segment with the launch of Urmil Fashion Studio—a premium bridal and designer wear destination offering bespoke wedding collections and high-end occasion wear.

A Legacy That Continues to Shine

With three generations of leadership, decades of craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Urmil Jewellers Gold & Diamond India Limited continues to redefine trust and elegance in the jewellery industry.

 https://urmiljewellers.in/

Crafted with Passion. Worn with Pride. Trusted for Generations.

For Media Queries & Information:
Mr. Santosh Tandon
(P.R.O., Urmil Group)

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On-campus homeopathy clinics at Udgam School for Children and Zebar School for Children highlight rising student usage and parent-led shift towards accessible school healthcare

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 13: Marking World Homeopathy Day, Anubhuti Homeopathy Clinic has released consolidated data from its school-based clinic network operating across Udgam School for Children, Zebar School for Children, Satellite School for Children, and Bodakdev School for Children from Ahmedabad, highlighting the growing adoption of structured, on-campus healthcare support among students. This trend is gaining relevance as schools across India explore structured, on-campus healthcare models to improve student wellbeing and minimise classroom disruption.

Key Highlights

• Over 2.42 lakh student visits recorded across school campuses in 10 years (2016–2026) 
• 55,800+ visits in FY 2025–26, highest annual footfall 
• Footfalls nearly 2x higher than pre-Covid levels (2019–20) 
• Primary students (Classes 1–5) account for ~57% of visits 
• Top concerns: abdominal discomfort (19%), headaches (16%) 
• 40% visits recorded during monsoon months (July–September)

According to internal records, Anubhuti’s school clinic network has recorded over 2.42 lakh student visits between 2016 and 2026, indicating sustained and growing utilisation across partner school campuses. In the latest academic year, 2025–26, the network recorded 55,800+ student visits, the highest annual footfall in the dataset, reflecting a strong increase in usage. The data also indicates that current volumes are significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, pointing to a visible post-Covid shift in how parents and schools are approaching everyday student health support.

One of the key insights from the data is the pattern of repeat usage, with students averaging over 8 visits per year, suggesting that the clinics are being consistently relied upon for school-day health concerns rather than as a one-time intervention.

The data further shows that primary grade students (Classes 1–5) account for nearly 57% of total visits, followed by middle school students (Classes 6–8) at around 24%, indicating stronger usage among younger age groups. The most frequently recorded concerns include abdominal discomfort (19%) and headaches (16%), followed by cough, cold, fever-related symptoms, and other common school-day health issues. Another notable trend is seasonality, with nearly 40% of visits occurring during the monsoon months between July and September.

Experts believe this reflects a broader shift in how everyday student health concerns are being managed within school ecosystems.

Commenting on the trend, Manan Choksi, educationist and part of the school leadership, said “What we are witnessing is a clear behavioural shift. Parents today are not just looking for treatment—they are looking for accessibility, safety, and continuity for their children within the school environment. When structured care is available on campus, it builds confidence and ensures that learning is not disrupted by everyday health concerns.”

Sharing the healthcare perspective, Dr. Sunil Shah of Anubhuti Homeopathy Clinic said:
“Our experience across school campuses shows that timely, child-friendly support within the school setting can make a meaningful difference in managing everyday health concerns. The growing usage reflects increasing trust among parents and institutions in a model that prioritises accessibility, continuity, and responsible guidance.”

Educators and healthcare practitioners associated with the initiative note that on-campus clinics help enable timely response to minor ailments, reduce unnecessary disruption to classroom learning, and ensure that parents remain informed, with referrals made whenever additional medical attention is required.

As schools increasingly prioritise holistic development and student wellbeing, Anubhuti’s school-based clinic model is emerging as a practical example of how healthcare access can be integrated into the education ecosystem in a structured and scalable way. As conversations around student wellbeing evolve, such data-backed, school-integrated healthcare models are emerging as scalable solutions that can be replicated across institutions in India.

New Delhi [India], April 13: Amazon is scaling its India-born quick commerce strategy to global markets, with Jefferies projecting up to 25% growth in order volumes. The move signals a broader shift in e-commerce from convenience to immediacy as rapid delivery models reshape consumer expectations worldwide.

So here’s the thing about Amazon: it rarely just copies a trend. It usually absorbs it, reshapes it, and then quietly pushes it somewhere bigger. And now, that whole quick commerce playbook that kinda exploded in India? Yeah, it’s not staying local anymore.

The report (from Jefferies, if you’re wondering) basically says Amazon’s taken what worked in India, fast deliveries, hyperlocal inventory, that whole “I want it now, not tomorrow” mindset, and is starting to replicate it globally. Which… makes sense. But also feels like one of those moments you don’t notice until it’s already everywhere.

India, weirdly enough, became the testing ground. Not Silicon Valley. Not Europe. India.

And honestly, that says a lot.

Because quick commerce here didn’t grow slowly. It kinda just… happened. One day, you were okay waiting 2–3 days for a package, and the next, you’re mildly annoyed if your groceries take more than 15 minutes. I mean, how did we even get here?

Anyway, Amazon saw that shift early. Or at least earlier than most global players. The model small warehouses, tight delivery radii, heavy use of data to predict what people might order before they even search for it, it’s almost obsessive in design. Like someone sat down and said, “What if impatience was the default setting?”

And now Jefferies is saying this could drive around 25% order growth. That’s not small. That’s… actually pretty aggressive.

But here’s where it gets interesting. This isn’t just about speed. Speed is the headline, sure. But underneath, it’s really about behavior change. Once people get used to instant delivery, they don’t go back. They just don’t. It’s like switching from 4G to Wi-Fi; technically, you could survive without it, but why would you?

And Amazon knows that.

So instead of treating quick commerce as a side feature, it’s weaving it into its larger ecosystem. Which is kinda scary if you think about it. Because once they scale this globally, smaller players—who built their entire identity around “fast delivery” suddenly don’t look that special anymore.

I mean, imagine competing on speed… against Amazon.

Yeah.

Amazon’s India Model Goes Global

Also, there’s this subtle shift happening in what people order. Earlier, quick commerce was mostly groceries, essentials, and last-minute stuff. Now? It’s expanding. Electronics, small appliances, and even random impulse buys. Things you didn’t even know you wanted until they showed up in a “deliver in 10 minutes” banner.

And don’t ask me why, but that changes how people spend their money. It just does. When the waiting time disappears, the friction disappears. And when friction disappears… spending goes up. Simple, but kinda dangerous.

Jefferies seems pretty bullish on all this, obviously. They’re framing it as a structural growth lever, not just a temporary spike. Which, okay, fair. But it also raises a question about how sustainable this model is outside India.

Because India has this unique mix: dense cities, a cost-effective delivery workforce, high mobile penetration, and a population that’s extremely price-sensitive but also convenience-hungry. It’s a weird combo, but it works.

Try replicating that in, say, parts of Europe or the US, and things get messy. Costs go up. Labor dynamics change. Infrastructure isn’t always optimized for this kind of hyperlocal fulfillment. So yeah, the model travels, but it doesn’t travel cleanly.

Still, Amazon’s not the kind of company that backs off easily. If anything, it’ll tweak the model until it fits. Or force it to fit.

What’s also kinda fascinating is how this flips the narrative. For years, global companies brought ideas to India. Now, it’s the other way around. India’s consumer behavior is shaping global strategy. That’s… new. Or at least it feels new.

And maybe that’s the bigger story here. Not just that, Amazon is expanding quick commerce. But that India quietly became the blueprint.

Anyway, whether this turns into a massive win or just another expensive experiment, we’ll see. But one thing’s pretty clear: the “wait for delivery” era? It’s fading. Fast.

And yeah, we’re all a little complicit in that.

PNN BUSINESS

New Delhi [India], April 13: The Dubai-born professional makeup brand’s hero product reaches a landmark milestone, driven by artist trust and not advertising

Forever 52 today announced that its Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation has crossed 5 million units sold, a landmark milestone that reflects not just commercial success but the depth of trust the brand has built within the Indian professional makeup community. Founded in Dubai in 2008 and entering the Indian market in 2018, Forever 52 took a deliberate path that set it apart from the start with no celebrity endorsements and no mass advertising, just a product handed directly to the people who would put it to its hardest test. 

That community, including makeup artists, beauty educators, salon chains, and makeup academies, responded with something far more valuable than a campaign impression. Under the growing visibility of dailylifeforever52, they responded with conviction. Within two to three years of launch, the Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation had become a staple in professional kits across the country, recommended by senior artists to emerging talent and incorporated into academy curricula as a benchmark for base makeup performance. 

The product’s appeal was immediate and clear. Known widely under forever 52, it delivered international-grade formulation built for flawless, high-definition results, long wear, and adaptability across India’s diverse skin tones at a price point that made professional quality genuinely accessible. It filled a gap the market had long felt but rarely seen addressed. Five million units later, it continues to.

_“Reaching 5 million units is a number, but what it represents is something bigger — the faith of every artist who put this foundation in their kit before the world had heard of us. We built this product for professionals, and they built this brand in return. That exchange is what we’re celebrating today.”_ 

—Mr. Shabbir Bohra, M.D, FMT Group 

The brand has continued to expand its foundation range since, often referenced alongside other Forever 52 product innovations, launching the Pro Artist Foundation with a larger 60ml format, a first in its segment, and a wider shade range designed to serve fair, medium, and deeper Indian skin tones with equal precision. Each iteration has stayed true to the same founding principle to build for the professional, and the consumer will follow. 

Forever 52 is now entering its next phase of innovation, with the broader Forever52 brand evolving to introduce base products infused with skincare ingredients including ceramides, reflecting a shift in how it supports both makeup performance and skin health. The focus is no longer just on how makeup looks under lights, it is equally on what it does for skin over time. With a targeted ₹400 crore sales milestone ahead and aggressive expansion plans in motion, the brand’s ambitions are as carefully considered as the product that started it all.

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New Delhi [India], April 13: Sunday, April 5, marked the culmination of India’s fourth-largest run, PNB Soldierathon Delhi 2026, hosted through a landmark collaboration between Punjab National Bank and Fitistan. True to its motto, “Run With Soldiers. Run For Soldiers,” Soldierathon serves as a bridge between civilians and the armed forces — honouring the sacrifices of martyrs while supporting the rehabilitation and well-being of wounded and injured soldiers.

• With 27,000 on-ground and 66,000 virtual participants, PNB Soldierathon 2026 stands as a testament to the partnership between PNB and Fitistan and their ability to mobilise communities for a national cause
• The event was bookended by the Race Expo at Thyagaraj Stadium, along with cultural showcases that seamlessly combined fitness with nation-building

The success of PNB Soldierathon highlights not only Fitistan’s ability to mobilise large communities but also its strength in harnessing fitness as a powerful tool for nation-building, aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement. With the goal of making the event accessible to both seasoned runners and first-time participants, the race featured multiple categories, including a 21 km-half marathon, 10 km-run and 5 km-run. 

The route, passing through India Gate and Central Delhi, added emotional and iconic significance, transforming the run into a deeply meaningful experience. The build-up to race day was thoughtfully planned: participants were invited to the Race Expo at Thyagaraj Stadium, not only to collect their BIBs but also to engage with the Soldierathon and SENA teams, understand the larger purpose underlying the initiative, and experience the spirit of the event beforehand.

The expo brought together brand activations, cultural showcases, and community interactions — creating a vibrant space where people connected with fitness, with each other, and with the cause. Participants were also encouraged to engage with the Fitistan app ecosystem, which provided guidance, tracking, and motivation throughout their fitness journey. On race day, participants experienced interactive fitness and wellness zones, community engagement activities and digital integrations, while interacting with wounded and paraplegic soldiers and visiting SENA stalls managed by soldiers’ families. All these elements came together to deliver a truly immersive and impactful experience. 

Alongside the on-ground event, PNB MD & CEO Shri Ashok Chandra launched the Virtual PNB Soldierathon on the Fitistan app, which has already crossed 66,000 registrations. The challenge will continue until April 11 and is expected to surpass 1 lakh participants. Through this activation, PNB and Fitistan are aiming to set a world record for the highest cumulative distance covered in a virtual run. Shri Ashok Chandra also expressed confidence and pride in the initiative, sharing his vision of making PNB Soldierathon one of India’s most impactful and prestigious runs in the coming years. Beyond participation, the event created meaningful impact through Fitistan’s SENA initiative, where a portion of proceeds is directed towards the rehabilitation and welfare of wounded and injured soldiers. Soldierathon Patron Hon’ble Governor General V.K. Singh applauded the strong partnership between Punjab National Bank and Soldierathon while commending Shri Ashok Chandra’s vision.

Shilpa Bhagat, Co-founder, Fitistan, said, “The Soldierathon initiative is deeply personal to me. Fitness has always been an integral part of my life, but over time, it evolved into a way to build resilience, discipline, and purpose. With Fitistan, my vision has always been to make fitness more inclusive and meaningful. Soldierathon perfectly aligns with that vision — where fitness is not just about performance, but about impact. Being part of something that combines wellness, community and purpose is truly fulfilling.”

Soldierathon was originally envisioned by Major Surendra Poonia (VSM) under the guidance of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who believed that fitness could be a powerful medium to connect the nation with its soldiers. Beyond aligning with Fitistan’s mission of combining fitness with purpose, PNB Soldierathon offers civilians a rare and valuable opportunity to interact with the armed forces: by running alongside soldiers, engaging with them, and witnessing their discipline firsthand, participants develop a deeper sense of respect, gratitude, and connection. Major Poonia lauded every runner, NCC cadet, member of the Indian Armed Forces, PNB leadership and the entire PNB Soldierathon team for delivering an event that strengthens the Fit India Movement and raises awareness about wounded and paraplegic soldiers.

PNB Soldierathon 2026 is more than just a race; it is a movement. By combining fitness with patriotism and social impact, it is building a strong foundation for responsible, aware citizens. This landmark partnership between Punjab National Bank and Fitistan – Ek Fit Bharat is not just creating a fitter India but also a stronger, more united and deeply patriotic nation.

New Delhi [India], April 13: India’s advertising market is expected to reach ₹1,64,137 crore in 2025, with digital projected to remain the lead growth driver. GroupM’s latest forecast also points to stronger spending from sectors such as BFSI, which continue to raise digital budgets as visibility, trust, and compliance move closer together in the customer journey. 

That larger shift helps explain why companies working in tightly watched sectors are attracting more attention, and why EMIAC Technologies has begun to stand out within that conversation.

Founded in January 2017 and headquartered in Jaipur, EMIAC Technologies has built its business around AI-led digital marketing, branding, content creation, online reputation management, business automation, and CRM integration. 

Over time, the company has developed a visible presence across sectors such as BFSI, healthcare, IT and technology, education, and automotive. That sector mix gives the story a sharper business edge, because regulated and trust-sensitive industries place a higher premium on consistency, clarity, and credibility in how they are represented online.

EMIAC Technologies at a Glance

Field	Detail
Company	EMIAC Technologies
Founder	Divya Gandotra
Founded	January 2017
Headquarters	Jaipur, Rajasthan
Services	AI-led digital marketing, branding, content, ORM, automation, CRM integration
Sectors served	BFSI, Healthcare, IT and Technology, Education, Automotive
Scale	500+ brands served
FY2025 active clients	122
Repeat client rate	41.8%
Official website	emiactech.com

Why Regulated Sectors Shape a Different Kind of Digital Company

In sectors such as finance, healthcare, and insurance-linked services, digital growth is never only about reach. Search presence, message control, reputation, and discoverability all influence how a business is understood before a conversation even begins. That has pushed many brands towards partners who can manage multiple parts of digital visibility together rather than treat content, PR, SEO, and automation as isolated activities.

This is where EMIAC Technologies has built a distinct profile. Instead of appearing as a narrow service provider, it has evolved into a broader digital growth business with capabilities that map closely to the needs of sectors where communication quality matters as much as campaign output. The company’s presence across BFSI and healthcare is especially relevant in that context, because these are categories where trust compounds slowly and mistakes are far more expensive.

The Numbers Behind the Business

The company’s scale gives that positioning more substance. EMIAC Technologies has served more than 500 brands, had 122 active clients in FY2025, and reported that 41.8% of its clients were repeat clients. Those repeat relationships accounted for 45.67% of FY2025 revenue, offering a useful measure of continuity in a services-led business.

Three figures are especially telling:

• 500+ brands served across the company’s cumulative journey
• 122 active clients in FY2025
• 41.8% repeat clients contributing 45.67% of FY2025 revenue

Those numbers matter because regulated sectors rarely reward inconsistency. Repeat business, in particular, signals that clients are staying with the company beyond one-off projects and campaign cycles.

Divya Gandotra and the Company’s Operating Direction

The founder’s role is central to how this story takes shape. Divya Gandotra has built the company from Jaipur into a business that now operates across multiple high-trust sectors and service lines. That arc matters in the current market, where more companies are being built outside the traditional metro clusters and are still finding meaningful scale in sectors that demand stronger operational discipline.

The wider market context supports that shift. On the capital markets side, the BSE SME platform had 714 companies listed to date and more than ₹15,470 crore raised as of April 7, 2026, reflecting a broader ecosystem in which smaller, sector-focused businesses are entering larger public conversations.

A Quieter Rise, a Clearer Identity

EMIAC Technologies has grown into a company with a more defined role than a conventional agency profile suggests. Its mix of digital growth, reputation management, automation, and sector depth places it in a category of businesses that sit close to how regulated industries are now being discovered, evaluated, and trusted online. In a digital economy where spend is rising and scrutiny is getting sharper, that is a meaningful position to hold.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 13:  Invicta Diagnostic Limited (NSE – INVICTA), – one of the leading diagnostic service providers in Maharashtra’s healthcare services sector, has announced its expansion beyond the Mumbai Metropolitan Region following the Board’s approval for acquisition of a majority stake in Vinchurkar Diagnostics Private Limited, a well-established diagnostic services provider based in Nashik.

Acquisition Details

The Company will acquire up to 95% equity stake in Vinchurkar Diagnostics Private Limited in two tranches. The first tranche involves acquisition of 51% shareholding by 31st May, 2026, followed by a second tranche of up to 44% shareholding by 31st October, 2026. The acquisition will be undertaken through cash consideration, with a total consideration of ₹7.60 Cr.

About Vinchurkar Diagnostics Private Limited

Vinchurkar Diagnostics Private Limited, established in 1993, is a well-established diagnostic services provider based in Nashik, Maharashtra. The company offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services including CT, MRI, mammography, and other diagnostic tests, and is known for its 24/7 service capability. It has been a pioneer in the region, being the first private diagnostic centre in Nashik to introduce CT and Mammography in 1995, followed by MRI in 1999 and Superconducting MRI in 2004.

For FY 25, Vinchurkar Diagnostics reported a turnover of ₹4.45 Cr, reflecting its established operations and strong regional presence in the Nashik market.

Strategic Impact of the Acquisition

Upon completion, the acquisition is expected to support Invicta Diagnostic Limited’s expansion into Nashik and strengthen its regional footprint beyond the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The move aligns with the Company’s strategy to scale its diagnostic network across Maharashtra, enhance service reach, and deepen its presence in high-potential regional markets.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sanket Vinod Jain, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Invicta Diagnostic Limited, said, “This acquisition aligns with our strategy to expand beyond the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and strengthen our presence across key markets in Maharashtra. Nashik is a high-potential healthcare market, and our entry into the region supports our long-term growth plans.” We are acquiring an already established and reputed diagnostic player with a strong legacy and deep-rooted presence in the local market. This allows us to leverage existing capabilities, enhance service offerings, and drive operational synergies, while continuing to deliver high-quality diagnostic services to a wider patient base.”

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