The event was flagged off by Shri Madhu Bangarappa, Ex-Hon’ble Minister for Education, Government of Karnataka, and witnessed the participation of nearly 800 people from all walks of life, including healthcare professionals, students, police personnel, social organizations, hospital staff, and members of the general public. The walkathon was conducted around the St. Martha’s Hospital campus with the objective of creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and encouraging individuals to embrace a tobacco-free lifestyle.

The programme was graced by several distinguished dignitaries of St. Martha’s Hospital, including:
• Rev. Fr. Thomas Pariyarath, Director
• Dr. Christi Dominic Savio, Medical Superintendent
• Dr. Arun Kumar, Additional Medical Superintendent
• Sr. Deepa, Sister Superior & Secretary
• Sr. Puspha, Nursing Superintendent
• Sr. Ancy, Principal, St. Martha’s College of Nursing
• Dr. Sivasankari R., Consultant Pulmonologist, Organising Secretary & executive committee member of KPA
• And team of our doctors –

• Dr.Sunil Gowda,Urologist
• Dr.Praveen – General Medicine
• Dr.Sunkappa – Spine Surgeon
• Dr.Sahana – General Surgery
• Dr.Nikhil – General Surgery
• Dr.Shilpashree – OBG
• Dr.Ameera – Pulmonary Medicine
• Mr.Ashwin – RT

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries highlighted the alarming rise in tobacco consumption and nicotine addiction, particularly among young people. They emphasized that tobacco continues to be one of the greatest public health threats of modern times, contributing to cancers, heart disease, chronic respiratory illnesses, stroke, and numerous other life-threatening conditions.

The guest speakers delivered insightful and impactful talks on the devastating consequences of tobacco use and the importance of prevention and early intervention. Dr. Jayant Mahadevan, Consultant, Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS, spoke on “Tobacco Addiction – Ways to Counter It,” while Dr. Lohith G. Reddy, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Hospital, addressed the topic “Tobacco Use and Lung Cancer.” Dr. B. L. Shashi Bhushan, renowned Pulmonologist & Secretary of KPA, shared his expertise on “Tobacco and Lung Disease,” educating participants on the severe impact of tobacco on respiratory health.

As part of the awareness initiative, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) and medical consultations were also conducted free of cost, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to preventive healthcare and community well-being.

The event resonated strongly with the message “Don’t Let Tobacco Take Your Breath Away,” inspiring participants to become advocates for a tobacco-free future. Through awareness, education, and collective action, St. Martha’s Hospital reaffirmed its longstanding mission of serving humanity and promoting healthier communities.

The overwhelming participation and enthusiastic response from the public underscored the urgent need for continued awareness campaigns against tobacco use and demonstrated the community’s shared determination to combat this growing menace.

Bengaluru, June 2: Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), the flagship company of the Shriram Group, today announced its alliance with the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB) as the Presenting Sponsor.

The collaboration was unveiled by Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, Shriram Finance along with legendary Indian badminton champion and PSB founder Padma Shri Prakash Padukone at the Padukone-Dravid Centre of Sports Excellence, Bengaluru.

Through this alliance, SFL reinforces its commitment to nation-building through financial inclusion and community development — extending its reach to sports and grassroots talent across the country. As part of the collaboration, all existing and future PSB centres across India will operate under the name “Shriram Finance presents Padukone School of Badminton.” The initiative aims to strengthen access to structured badminton training at the grassroots level across age groups and aspiring players across the country.

Key Highlights of the Alliance
• Naming Rights: All existing and future PSB centres across India to operate under the name “Shriram Finance presents Padukone School of Badminton”
• Apparel Sponsorship: Over 2,000 branded T-shirts to be distributed to players, coaches, and support staff across PSB academies
• Tournament Sponsorship: 13 Open Tournaments under Shriram Finance’s presenting sponsorship, along with 2 All India Yonex tournaments as the “Powered By” sponsor

For over four decades, Shriram Finance has been a trusted financial partner to small entrepreneurs, retail borrowers, and underserved communities across India. This alliance with PSB is a natural extension of that ethos — investing in human potential beyond the balance sheet and reaching communities where they live, work, and play.

Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, Shriram Finance, speaking on the occasion, said, “At Shriram Finance, we have always believed in creating meaningful impact within the communities we serve. Our alliance with the Padukone School of Badminton reflects that commitment. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage and inspire young players across the country to pursue the sport with dedication, discipline, and confidence, while helping strengthen the grassroots sporting ecosystem in India.”

Padukone School of Badminton currently operates 75 centres across 18 Indian cities, offering professional coaching and training programmes designed to nurture young talent and encourage wider participation in the sport.

Padma Shri Prakash Padukone, Founder, Mentor & Director, Padukone School of Badminton, speaking on the occasion, said, “We are delighted to welcome Shriram Finance as the Presenting Sponsor of the Padukone School of Badminton. This alliance is built on a shared vision of nurturing talent at the grassroots level and making quality badminton coaching accessible to aspiring players across India. With Shriram Finance’s support, we look forward to expanding our reach further and creating a stronger platform for young athletes to learn, grow, and pursue the sport with the right guidance and infrastructure.”

The Padukone School of Badminton is dedicated to making quality badminton coaching accessible across India through professionally managed centres and structured development programmes spanning beginner, intermediate, and high-performance levels. The academy’s training ecosystem covers technical skills, agility, fitness, and tournament preparation, complemented by a specialised coach certification programme aimed at strengthening the broader badminton ecosystem in India.

2026 ರಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನ ಬಲಿಷ್ಠ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಯ ಹಾದಿಯನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಿರುವ ಕಿಯಾ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ, ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ವರ್ಷದ ಇಂದಿನವರೆಗಿನ (YTD) ಒಟ್ಟು ಮಾರಾಟದಲ್ಲಿ 139,197 ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ದಾಖಲಿಸಿದೆ. ಇದು 2025 ರ ಇದೇ ಅವಧಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾರಾಟವಾದ 121,514 ವಾಹನಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೋಲಿಸಿದರೆ ಶೇಕಡಾ 14.6ರಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಗತಿಯನ್ನು ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಪ್ರೀಮಿಯಂ, ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಮತ್ತು ಭವಿಷ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪೂರಕವಾದ ಚಲನಶೀಲ ಪರಿಹಾರಗಳನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಕಿಯಾ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯು ನೀಡುತ್ತಿರುವ ಗಮನ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಂಪನಿಯ ವಿವಿಧ ಮಾಡೆಲ್‌ನ ಕಾರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಇರುವ ನಿರಂತರ ಬೇಡಿಕೆಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ಈ ಮಾರಾಟದ ವೇಗವು ಮುಂದುವರಿದಿದೆ.

ಮಾರಾಟದ ಸಾಧನೆಯ ಕುರಿತು ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಕಿಯಾ ಇಂಡಿಯಾದ ಸೇಲ್ಸ್ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾರ್ಕೆಟಿಂಗ್ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಹಿರಿಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಅತುಲ್ ಸೂದ್ ಅವರು, “ನಮ್ಮ ಸಾರ್ವಕಾಲಿಕ ಗರಿಷ್ಠ ಮೇ ತಿಂಗಳ ಮಾರಾಟದ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನವು, ವಿವಿಧ ವಿಭಾಗಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬದಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರ ಆದ್ಯತೆಗಳಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಕಂತೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಕಾರುಗಳ ಶ್ರೇಣಿ ಹೊಂದಿಕೆಯಾಗಿರುವುದನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಬಿಂಬಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಹೊಸ ಸೆಲ್ಟೋಸ್ ಮತ್ತು ಸೋನೆಟ್ ಕಾರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಮುಂದುವರಿದಿರುವ ಭಾರಿ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಇದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಾರನ್ಸ್ ಕ್ಲಾವಿಸ್, ಕ್ಲಾವಿಸ್ EV ಮತ್ತು MY26 ಸಿರೋಸ್ ಮಾಡೆಲ್‍ಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಿಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಉತ್ತೇಜನಕಾರಿ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆಯು ನಮ್ಮ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಯ ವೇಗವನ್ನು ಕಾಯ್ದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಅದೇ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ, ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ನಾವು ಆರಂಭಿಸಿರುವ ‘ಬ್ಯಾಟರಿ-ಆಸ್-ಎ-ಸರ್ವಿಸ್’ (BaaS) ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಂತಹ ಉಪಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಗೆ ಇಲೆಕ್ಟ್ರಾನಿಕ್ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಬಳಕೆಯನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸುಲಭ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕವಾಗಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಪಾತ್ರ ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿವೆ. ದೇಶಾದ್ಯಂತ ನಮ್ಮ ಅಸ್ತಿತ್ವವನ್ನು ನಾವು ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಬಲಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ, ಭಾರತೀಯ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರ ಬದಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಅಗತ್ಯತೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಪೂರಕವಾದ ನವೀನ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳು, ಪ್ರೀಮಿಯಂ ಮಾಲೀಕತ್ವದ ಅನುಭವಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಸುಧಾರಿತ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನಗಳನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುವುದರ ಕಡೆಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಗಮನ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯುತ್ತದೆ,” ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಈ ತಿಂಗಳ ಬಲಿಷ್ಠ ಮಾರಾಟದ ಸಾಧನೆಯನ್ನು ಹೊಸ ಸೆಲ್ಟೋಸ್ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಸಿದೆ, ಇದು ಜನವರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಯಾದಾಗಿನಿಂದ ಪ್ರತಿ ತಿಂಗಳು 10,000 ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ವಾಹನಗಳ ಮಾರಾಟದ ಮೈಲಿಗಲ್ಲನ್ನು ದಾಟುವ ಮೂಲಕ ತನ್ನ ಬಲಿಷ್ಠ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಯ ವೇಗವನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಿದೆ. ಇದರ ಬೋಲ್ಡ್ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ, ಸುಧಾರಿತ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾನದಂಡವನ್ನು ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸಿರುವ 5-ಸ್ಟಾರ್ BNCAP ಸುರಕ್ಷತಾ ರೇಟಿಂಗ್ — ಇದು ಇಂದಿನವರೆಗೆ ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಅತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಅಂಕ ಗಳಿಸಿದ ICE ವಾಹನವಾಗಿದೆ — ಇವು ಒಂದು ಪ್ರೀಮಿಯಂ ಕೌಟುಂಬಿಕ SUV ಆಗಿ ಅದರ ಸ್ಥಾನವನ್ನು ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಬಲಪಡಿಸಿವೆ. ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲ್ ಮತ್ತು ಡೀಸೆಲ್ ವೇರಿಯಂಟ್‌ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯಾಪಕವಾದ ಆಟೋಮ್ಯಾಟಿಕ್ ಟ್ರಾನ್ಸ್‌ಮಿಷನ್ ಆಯ್ಕೆಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಗೆ ಸುಲಭವಾಗಿ ಲಭ್ಯವಾಗುವ ಸೌಕರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಸೋನೆಟ್ ಕಾರು, ಕಾಂಪ್ಯಾಕ್ಟ್ SUV ವಿಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನ ಬಲವಾದ ಕೊಡುಗೆಯನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಿದೆ. MY26 ಕಿಯಾ ಸಿರೋಸ್ ಕೂಡ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಂದ ಉತ್ತೇಜನಕಾರಿ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆದುಕೊಂಡಿದೆ, ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿ ಅದರ ನವೀಕರಿಸಿದ ವೇರಿಯೆಂಟ್ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ, ಆಟೋಮ್ಯಾಟಿಕ್ ಗೇರ್‌ನ ಸುಲಭ ಲಭ್ಯತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಮೌಲ್ಯದ ಕೊಡುಗೆಗಾಗಿ ಇದು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಗಮನ ಸೆಳೆದಿದೆ.

ಕಿಯಾ ಇಂಡಿಯಾದ ಕೌಟುಂಬಿಕ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಶ್ರೇಣಿಯನ್ನು ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಬಲಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಾ, ಸುಧಾರಿತ ವೈಶಿಷ್ಟ್ಯಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ವೈವಿಧ್ಯಮಯ ಆಸನಗಳ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕ ವಾಹನದ ಸೌಕರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತಿರುವ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರನ್ಸ್ ಕ್ಲಾವಿಸ್ ಮತ್ತು ಕ್ಲಾವಿಸ್ EV ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯತೆ ಗಳಿಸುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಕಿಯಾ ಇಂಡಿಯಾದ ‘ಬ್ಯಾಟರಿ-ಆಸ್-ಎ-ಸರ್ವಿಸ್’ (BaaS) ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಪರಿಚಯವು, ಇಲೆಕ್ಟ್ರಿಕ್ ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ಖರೀದಿಸಲು ಇರುವ ಆರಂಭಿಕ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಅಡಚಣೆಗಳನ್ನು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಮತ್ತು ಗ್ರಾಹಕರ ಅನುಕೂಲತೆಯನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಕಂಪನಿಯ EV ಕಾರ್ಯತಂತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಪೂರಕವಾಗಿದೆ.

402 ನಗರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹರಡಿರುವ 891 ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಕೇಂದ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ಒಳಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಕಿಯಾ ಇಂಡಿಯಾದ ಬಲಿಷ್ಠ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರವ್ಯಾಪಿ ಜಾಲವು, ನಗರ ಮತ್ತು ಉದಯೋನ್ಮುಖ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಗಳೆರಡರಲ್ಲೂ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರು ಅದರ ಮಾರಾಟ, ಸೇವೆ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾಲೀಕತ್ವದ ಬೆಂಬಲವನ್ನು ಸುಲಭವಾಗಿ ಪಡೆಯುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದು 130 ಪ್ರಮಾಣೀಕೃತ ಸೆಕೆಂಡ್ ಹ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಕಾರುಗಳ ಮಳಿಗೆಗಳಿಂದ ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಬಲಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಷಣದ ಪಾವತಿಗಳು, ಸುಲಭವಾದ ಕಾರು ವಿನಿಮಯ ಮತ್ತು ಜಂಜಾಟರಹಿತ ಮಾಲೀಕತ್ವದ ಅನುಭವವನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ.

The programme offers a structured and transparent solution for customers looking to move into any Mana residence by simplifying the buying and selling cycle. It is applicable for homeowners with apartments in Bengaluru, while allowing participation from buyers who may currently be residing in other cities or even overseas. As an ongoing initiative across existing and upcoming Mana projects, it is designed to support quality conscious lifestyle upgrade-driven demand in a more consistent and accessible manner.

Under the initiative, customers can exchange their current property for a new Mana home through an evaluation process that delivers initial value estimates within approximately 48 hours, significantly reducing waiting periods and enabling faster decision-making. The customer gets paid up to 80 percent of the evaluated value even before selling that unit and the balance paid once its sold, which is then adjusted against the booking value of the new Mana residence based on the applicable payment structure. Customers can also secure bookings through post-dated cheques, offering additional flexibility while completing the transaction process.

The process is designed to ensure clarity, efficiency, and timely progression at every stage. It begins with a qualification phase completed within 24 hours, followed by an initial virtual offer issued within the next 48 hours. Property inspection is subsequently scheduled at the seller’s convenience, after which a final offer is presented within a further 48 hours. Upon acceptance, legal due diligence is completed within approximately 30 days, resulting in a structured and time-bound experience for customers.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. D Kishore Reddy, CMD, Mana Projects, said, “Homebuyers today are looking for smarter and more convenient ways to upgrade their lifestyle, but the process of selling an existing home while booking a new one often creates unnecessary delays and uncertainty. With the Home Exchange Programme, we are simplifying this journey by offering customers a seamless pathway to move into a new Mana home through a faster evaluation and booking process. By enabling value adjustment of the existing home and offering flexible payment options, we are making the transition more practical, transparent, and financially comfortable. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating solutions that make homeownership easier and more customer-centric.”

The programme is especially relevant for working professionals, growing families, and quality conscious lifestyle upgrade-driven buyers, seeking 2, 3, and 4 BHK homes within well-planned residential communities. With offerings across select projects and price segments up to approximately INR 4 crore, the initiative is aligned with the evolving preferences of urban homebuyers looking for larger homes, better amenities, and stronger community infrastructure.

With the Home Exchange Programme, Mana Projects continues to strengthen its customer-first approach by combining thoughtful development with practical solutions that address real homebuyer needs. As the company expands its residential portfolio across Bengaluru, the initiative reflects its larger vision of making every stage of homeownership simpler, more transparent, and more accessible.

A breakthrough introduced through the ROSA robotic platform is frameless brain surgery technology, transforming the way neurosurgical procedures are performed in India. Traditionally, many brain procedures required rigid frames fixed to the patient’s skull for surgical navigation. With ROSA’s frameless robotic technology, surgeons can now achieve sub-millimetric precision without the discomfort and invasiveness associated with conventional frame-based systems.

The introduction of this technology represents a paradigm shift in minimally invasive cranial surgery, significantly improving patient comfort, surgical efficiency, precision, and clinical outcomes. The ROSA system supports complex brain tumor surgeries, epilepsy procedures, stereotactic neurosurgery, and movement disorder interventions while helping preserve critical brain functions.

The Mazor X robotic guidance system is designed for spine surgeries and assists surgeons with highly precise planning and placement of spinal implants. The technology enhances surgical accuracy, minimizes human error, reduces radiation exposure, and supports minimally invasive approaches that can lead to smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker rehabilitation for patients.

Dr. Ravi Gopal Varma, Director – Aster Global Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences & Lead Consultant – Neurosurgery, Aster CMI Hospital, Karnataka, said, “The introduction of Mazor X and ROSA robotics represents a major milestone in advancing neurosciences care in India. The frameless capabilities of ROSA are transforming the way brain surgeries are performed by improving precision while making procedures significantly less invasive and more comfortable for patients. These technologies allow us to achieve exceptional surgical accuracy in highly complex brain and spine procedures.”

Dr. Akshay Hari, Consultant – Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital added, “Robotic-assisted spine surgery with Mazor X enables detailed pre-operative planning and extremely accurate implant positioning, which is critical in complex spine surgeries. With enhanced precision and reduced tissue damage, patients can experience faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved long-term results.”

Commenting on the development, Dr. Prashanth N, CEO – Aster Hospitals, Karnataka said, “At Aster, we continuously invest in advanced technologies that redefine patient care. The addition of Mazor X and ROSA robotic systems further strengthens our Neurosciences program and reinforces our commitment to bringing world-class, technology-driven healthcare solutions to patients across India and beyond.”

With the integration of robotic-assisted neurosurgery, Aster CMI Hospital continues to expand its advanced neuroscience ecosystem by combining expert clinical excellence with next-generation technology to deliver safer, smarter, and more precise surgical care.

Building on the tremendous success of its five existing stores in the city, and encouraged by the consistently warm welcome from Bengaluru’s shoppers, Lulu Group India has made this landmark investment to deepen its roots in one of India’s fastest growing retail markets. Spanning 58,516 square feet of thoughtfully designed retail space and offering dedicated parking for 200+ vehicles, the store is set to serve the community with unmatched convenience. The launch is also expected to generate over 1,000+ direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local community, marking its significance as Lulu Group India’s 6th store in Bengaluru and 18th across India.

Mr. Yusuff Ali M. A., Chairman & Managing Director of Lulu Group commented “This store has been meticulously designed and curated to serve the vibrant, diverse community of Old Madras Road and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Every detail from store layout to product assortment reflects Lulu’s commitment to delivering a premium yet accessible retail experience”.

The store offers an expansive and carefully curated product selection to meet every household need under one roof. Farm fresh fruits and vegetables sourced directly from farms, ensuring maximum freshness and nutritional value. A wide selection of high quality meats, poultry, and fresh seafood meeting international hygiene and quality standards. A comprehensive range of everyday grocery staples including dairy, bakery, beverages, and packaged foods both Indian and international brands. From cleaning supplies and personal care products to kitchenware and home utility items, everything the modern household requires.

In true Lulu fashion, the store harmoniously blends international quality with local favourites providing a shopping experience that resonates with the diverse cultural fabric of Bengaluru. Whether it’s a familiar local brand or a sought after international product, customers will find it all at prices that deliver genuine, everyday value.

The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Yusuff Ali M. A., Chairman & Managing Director of Lulu Group and Mr. C. Gopalan Chairman and Founder of Gopalan Group. Their presence underscored the significance of this occasion and the positive impact Lulu Hypermarket’s expansion has on the region’s retail landscape and employment ecosystem. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Ashraf Ali M. A., Executive Director, Lulu Group India, Mr. Nishad M A, Director and CEO, Lulu Group India, Mr. Fahaz Ashraf, Director and COO, Lulu Group India, Mr. Jayakumar Gangadharan Director of Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi and Telangana, Mr. Shereef K.K., Regional Director of Lulu Karnataka Region, Mr. Jamal K P, Regional Manager, Lulu Karnataka Region, Mr. Noushad K, General Manager, Lulu Retail Karnataka and other Lulu dignitaries.

To celebrate this landmark opening, Lulu Hypermarket is delighted to offer special discounts and exclusive promotional deals across a wide range of product categories. These offers are available from the inauguration day, 17th May 2026, and will run through 21st May 2026. Shoppers are warmly encouraged to visit the store and take full advantage of these launch-exclusive savings.

This is an excellent opportunity for residents of C V Raman Nagar, Old Madras Road, and all surrounding areas to explore their new neighbourhood hypermarket and experience the Lulu difference first-hand.

Bengaluru, May 16: The world’s favourite jeweller, Joyalukkas, is all set to mesmerise Bengaluru with the Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show, from 15th May 2026 at its Koramangala, Bengaluru showroom. This exclusive showcase promises an extraordinary celebration of artistry, elegance, and innovation in diamond jewellery.

Featuring an exquisite range that spans opulent bridal statements to refined contemporary designs for everyday wear, the exhibition brings together timeless craftsmanship and modern sensibilities. Each creation reflects exceptional detailing and design excellence, available only for a limited period during the show.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman G Managing Director of Joyalukkas Group, said: “The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show celebrates our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating jewellery that resonates with elegance and individuality. Bengaluru has always been special to us, and we are delighted to present this exclusive collection to our customers, offering them an opportunity to experience diamonds in their most brilliant form.”

Adding to the allure of the exhibition, customers will receive a free gold coin with every purchase of diamond jewellery worth ₹1 lakh and above during the show period, making the celebration even more rewarding.

The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show will be held exclusively at the Joyalukkas Koramangala showroom in Bengaluru until 31st May 2026. Jewellery connoisseurs and patrons are invited to immerse themselves in a world of dazzling diamonds, where every piece embodies luxury, emotion, and timeless beauty.

As part of its India growth strategy, Red SchoolHouse is targeting the launch of 150+ schools across India over the next 2–5 years through a franchise-led expansion model.

Founded in 2004, Red SchoolHouse is a multi-award-winning preschool brand from Singapore, known for its globally inspired early childhood education approach and proprietary SPICE curriculum focused on Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Emotional development.

India marks a key strategic market for the brand as demand continues to grow for premium and internationally aligned preschool education among urban families.

“India is an extremely important market for us, given the strong demand for quality early childhood education and globally aligned learning models. Through our partnership with Franchise India, we look forward to building a strong and scalable presence across the country over the coming years,” said Rachel Goh, CEO & Founder, Red SchoolHouse.

The Bengaluru launch marks the beginning of the brand’s larger India expansion plans, with the company actively exploring partnerships and franchise opportunities across major metro and high-growth cities.

“India’s preschool and early learning segment continues to see significant growth, particularly among parents seeking international education standards and holistic learning environments. Red SchoolHouse brings a globally established education model with strong long-term expansion potential for the Indian market,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairperson, Franchise India.

With its India entry, Red SchoolHouse aims to build a premium preschool network focused on globally inspired learning and scalable education-led growth across the country.

Speaking ahead of the inauguration, Dr. C. N. Manjunath said: Liver problems are turning out to be a sneaky but major health issue in India, and usually, it’s at a very severe stage when the patients are found. A liver ICU dedicated to liver care opening at Aster Whitefield Hospital is a very appropriate and great step that will enable our healthcare system to be more efficient and quicker in handling very difficult liver cases. Apart from better survival chances, specialized facilities equip the patient care to be comprehensive and in collaboration of various medical disciplines.”

Adding to this, Dr. H R S Girn Senior Consultant – HPB and Liver Transplant surgeon, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said:“The establishment of a specialty Liver ICU represents an innovative approach in the establishing single point care facility for liver sick patients requiring what we call the Liver Arc services (Hepatology, ICU, Surgery, Transplantation, Luminal and radiological interventions) under one roof. A person with decompensated cirrhosis or liver failure experiences rapid changes within a short period of time. Thus, in this case, having a speciality dedicated ICU implies that all actions can be taken efficiently and effectively for the patients and their families. In turn, this provides a seamless referral and healthcare delivery pathway aimed at holistic liver care, liver specific training for budding future specialists and brings liver care at par with other resource intensive single organ dedicated ICUs like the Cardiac or Neuro ICUs which have traditionally been the norm.  With busy lives, nuclear families and increasing liver disease burden in the country single organ specific facilities under trusted brands like Aster are the need of the hour as a single point contact resource for the patients suffering from life threatening conditions.”

Mr. Srikant Subudhi, Chief Operating Officer, Aster Whitefield Hospital, added:
“At Aster Whitefield Hospital, the core of our efforts is the creation of highly sophisticated, patient-oriented healthcare ecosystems that can effectively meet the various clinical needs of today and tomorrow. The launching of Karnataka’s first dedicated Liver ICU is a powerful indication of how we are always ready to put our money into the specialised infrastructure which is capable of dealing with the increasing complexity of liver-related diseases. Not only does this facility leverage state-of-the-art technology and a wide range of medical experts, but it also ensures continuous monitoring for better clinical results and provides easier access to specialised and high-quality treatment, “

The Liver ICU will be a collaborative endeavor by a team of highly skilled and proficient physicians, including liver transplantation surgeons, hepatologists, and gastroenterologists, as well as critical care specialists. This dedicated unit will try to fill a major void in the liver care infrastructure of Karnataka, and it will be a one-stop solution for patients to get timely, cutting-edge and life-saving treatment.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of key industry leaders, including Ar. Neelam Manjunath, Founder, Managing Trustee and CEO, CGBMT – Centre for Green Building Material & Technology, Ar. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association; Mr. Sandeep Chaudhry, President (WAI – Waterproofers Association of India), Mr. Kunjjaan Popat, Secretary (WAI – Waterproofers Association of India), Mr.  Brajesh Nahar, Managing Director (Aerolam Insulations Pvt Ltd), Dr Er. Amarnath CB, President,

IBIMA – India BIM Association; Brajesh Nahar, Director & COO, APL Apollo Building Product Pvt. Ltd.; Savio Lainez, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Mr. Umed Sing – Founder, (Mount Roofing and Structures Private Limited), Mr. Joseph Rozario, Director (Metal Scope (India ) Private Limited), Colorshine Coated Private Limited; along with Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India.

The opening day witnessed robust participation from architects, consultants, builders, contractors, engineers, and project owners, reflecting the growing importance of roofing within India’s evolving construction landscape. As the sector expands, roofing is no longer just a structural necessity but a strategic element influencing energy consumption, thermal efficiency, and overall building performance. Innovations such as insulated panels, cool roofing systems, metal-based solutions, and solar-integrated technologies are gaining strong traction, aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals.

Speaking on the commencement of the 23rd edition of Roof India, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “Day 1 at Roof India 2026 has set a strong tone for the exhibition, with an encouraging turnout and high-quality engagement from across the construction, infrastructure, and building materials ecosystem. India’s construction sector continues to grow at over 6–7% annually, with the building materials market expected to cross USD 1 trillion by 2030, driven by rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development. Within this, roofing is fast emerging as a high-impact, innovation-led category.

Mr. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, Architects Engineers and Surveyors Association (AESA), said, “The roofing sector is undergoing a decisive shift as design, sustainability and material innovation become central to construction practices. Platforms like Roof India enable architects and engineers to engage directly with evolving technologies, especially in pre-engineered and steel structures. Such forums not only facilitate knowledge exchange but also influence how the industry responds to changing environmental and functional demands, encouraging more integrated, efficient and future-ready building practices.”

Brajesh Nahar Director & COO, APL, Apollo Building Product Ltd. said, “The construction sector is witnessing a clear shift towards integrated, steel-led building solutions, driven by infrastructure growth and evolving project demands. Steel is now central across roofing, structural systems and pre-engineered solutions, enabling faster, more efficient execution. While India is the second-largest steel producer globally, per capita consumption remains significantly lower than China, indicating strong headroom for growth. Industry platforms like Roof India continue to showcase innovations that support this transition toward modern, user-friendly construction systems.”

Amarnath CB, President, India BIM Association Digitalisation said, “It is becoming foundational to modern construction, where building plans are first translated into digital models and then used for simulation, optimisation and on-site execution. What stands out

today is a multidisciplinary perspective, which includes convergence of architecture, engineering and contracting, within a shared digital ecosystem. Platforms like Roof India enable aligning industry practices with emerging national policies and accelerating the adoption of IT-led construction approaches across infrastructure and building projects.”

Mr Gagan Saini, Group Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “The vision and direction of the event were clearly articulated, with valuable insights from industry leaders on current priorities and future expectations. Participating brands, including APL, also highlighted the innovations they are set to showcase.”

Day 1 of the expo delivered a dynamic lineup of Open Seminar & Business Meets sessions, under the theme ‘Reshaping the Future of Steel Infrastructure & Pre-Engineered Buildings’. The sessions spotlighted key advancements and trends in the roofing and construction industry. The day began with discussions on digital initiatives in construction, passive cooling strategies for hot climates, and sustainable approaches to built environments. Keynote sessions highlighted the role of sandwich panels in sustainability, high-performance roofing frameworks, and innovations in stainless steel roofing systems for demanding environments. Special sessions explored precast lightweight composites, advancements in 3D concrete printing, and future-ready infrastructure solutions. The day concluded with the 1st edition of ROOF INDIA DESIGN TITAN AWARDS, organised by the Construction & Infrastructure Forum (C&IF), celebrating innovation and excellence across the industry.