29, Jan 2026
IICT to Host Global Game Jam 2026 Mumbai, Joining the World’s Largest Game Creation Movement
The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) will serve as the official Mumbai jam site for Global Game Jam 2026, the world’s largest game creation event, scheduled from 30 January to 1 February 2026.
Global Game Jam is a globally celebrated initiative that takes place simultaneously across hundreds of locations worldwide, bringing together game developers, designers, artists, programmers, musicians, and storytellers for an intense 48-hour creative sprint. It is facilitated by Underdogs Studio. Participants collaborate across disciplines to conceptualise and build playable games from scratch, driven by innovation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving.
For decades, India has been recognised globally as one of the world’s largest and most passionate gaming markets. With Global Game Jam 2026, that narrative takes a decisive turn. India is no longer positioned solely as a consumer of global gaming content, but as an active creator, building original games, intellectual property, and interactive experiences for the world.
As an official jam site, IICT Mumbai will host participants for an immersive, hands-on experience, providing a collaborative ecosystem where ideas rapidly transform into functional games. The initiative reinforces IICT’s vision of experiential learning, community-led innovation, and skill development within the rapidly growing AVGC-XR sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), said:
“Global Game Jam represents the true spirit of collaboration and creative freedom that defines the gaming and interactive media industry. By hosting Global Game Jam Mumbai at IICT, we are creating a platform where young creators and professionals can learn by doing, experiment fearlessly, and engage with global creative practices. This initiative strongly aligns with IICT’s mission to nurture future-ready talent and position Mumbai as a key hub in the global game development ecosystem.”
- 0
- By Neel Achary
29, Jan 2026
Wondrlab Network Appoints Ishaan Balvani as Creative Lead – Digital
Mumbai, India, Jan 29: Wondrlab Network, India’s platform-first marketing network, today announced the appointment of Ishaan Balvani as Creative Lead – Digital. In his new role, Ishaan will spearhead digital-first creative thinking across the network, strengthening Wondrlab’s focus on culture-led full-funnel storytelling, brand relevance, and integrated digital solutions.
Ishaan will report to Hemant Shringy, Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner, Wondrlab Network.
Before joining Wondrlab, Ishaan was with FCB Kinnect, where he served as Group Creative Director. During his tenure, he played a key role in building impactful digital narratives, leading integrated campaigns for marquee brands, and mentoring creative teams across platforms. Some of the campaigns and brands Ishaan has worked on include HDFC Bank’s “Vigil Aunty – End of Scam Sale”, which won at Kyoorius, secured a Grand Prix at The One Show, and earned a Cannes Lions award. He has also played a pivotal role in TATA.ev, contributing to the launch of multiple vehicles and campaigns such as “Perfect Roads” for Harrier.ev, along with award-winning work including recognition at Kyoorius and The One Show for the #PerryPowerfulPunch campaign.
His portfolio further includes high-impact campaigns for Flipkart, including SASA LELE and Big Bang Diwali, along with work across marquee brands such as Disney+ Hotstar, Durex, Amul, Amazon, Google, Lodha Group, Aditya Birla Capital, and Standard Chartered, spanning categories from finance and e-commerce to entertainment and FMCG.
In this capacity, Ishaan will collaborate closely with strategy, technology, and media teams to translate insights into impactful digital ideas, ensuring creative output is deeply rooted in culture while delivering measurable business outcomes.
Commenting on the appointment, Hemant Shringy, Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner, Wondrlab Network, said,
“Ishaan brings a rare combination of creative depth and digital instinct. His ability to think in platforms, culture, and ideas makes him a strong addition to our creative leadership. As brands navigate an increasingly complex digital ecosystem, Ishaan’s leadership will help us deliver sharper, more meaningful work.”
Speaking on joining Wondrlab, Ishaan Balvani, Creative Lead – Digital, Wondrlab Network, said,
“Wondrlab’s integrated and platform-first approach really stood out to me. It’s a network that’s building for where brands and culture are headed, not where they’ve been. I’m excited to collaborate with teams across the network to create digital work that is relevant, impactful, and truly connected to people.”
29, Jan 2026
SparxIT Conducts Cybersecurity Awareness Sessions at Leading Universities
New Delhi, Jan 29: SparxIT, a global AI-first technology partner specializing in intelligent digital transformation and next-generation software solutions, recently conducted cybersecurity awareness sessions at Galgotias University and HRIT University. These initiatives form part of the company’s ongoing efforts to promote safe and responsible digital behaviour among students.
The sessions, attended by over 100 students at each university, addressed the growing cybersecurity risks faced by young users in increasingly digital academic and professional environments. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, SparxIT’s experts highlighted how cybercriminals often target students by exploiting routine online activities.
Participants were introduced to key cybersecurity concepts, including various forms of phishing—email phishing, SMS phishing (smishing), and voice-based scams (vishing). Students learned to identify warning signs, recognize impersonation attempts, and avoid falling prey to attackers creating urgency to extract sensitive information.
The program also emphasized malware awareness, with a focus on ransomware, demonstrating how malicious software can compromise devices, lock users out of systems, and threaten personal and academic data. Preventive measures such as avoiding suspicious links, keeping systems updated, and promptly reporting unusual activity were shared with participants.
Vikash Sharma, CEO, SparxIT, commented:
“Today’s students are among the most active digital users, which also makes them increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. These awareness sessions aim to shift cybersecurity from a purely technical concern to a shared responsibility driven by everyday digital behaviour. By helping students recognize risks such as phishing, malware, and unsafe password practices, we aim to empower them to navigate digital platforms safely and confidently.”
A key focus of the sessions was password safety and account protection. Students learned the importance of strong, unique passwords, the risks of password reuse, and the role of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and one-time passwords (OTP) in securing online accounts. Practical tips were shared to safeguard personal, academic, and financial information across platforms.
The sessions encouraged students to view cybersecurity as a collective responsibility, highlighting that while technology provides protection, individual awareness and informed behaviour remain critical in preventing cyber incidents. Participants also received guidance on how and where to report cybercrime and suspicious digital activity.
Through these engagements, SparxIT aims to foster a more cyber-aware student community, equipping young users with practical knowledge to navigate digital spaces securely and responsibly.
29, Jan 2026
Archies Partners with Shark Tank–Backed Sudathi to Launch ‘TereSangForever’ Valentine’s Campaign
New Delhi, Jan 29: Archies, India’s iconic gifting brand renowned for helping people express emotions and celebrate relationships, has partnered with Sudathi, one of India’s most affordable saree brands, to launch a special Valentine’s Day cross-collaboration campaign titled “TereSangForever”. Rooted in nostalgia and the warmth of cherished memories, the campaign brings together Archies’ legacy of heartfelt gifting and Sudathi’s elegant ethnic fashion to celebrate renewed love, enduring companionship, and meaningful connections that stand the test of time.
The “TereSangForever” campaign is rooted in emotional storytelling and nostalgia, focusing on relationships that grow stronger over time. Through co-created digital content, curated gifting moments, and interactive giveaways, the collaboration positions the saree as a renewed symbol of love and commitment, paired with Archies’ timeless expressions of affection.
Sudathi will spotlight a thoughtfully curated range of sarees from Banarasi, Kanchipuram, and Paithani silks to cotton, chiffon, and georgette, crafted for celebrations, festive occasions, and everyday elegance. Complementing this, Archies will showcase its signature gifting portfolio, reinforcing how thoughtful gestures continue to play a meaningful role in modern relationships. A key highlight of the collaboration is a co-branded Valentine’s Day giveaway, offering prizes that pair a Sudathi saree with an Archies gift, encouraging deeper engagement and cross-brand discovery. Exclusive discount codes from both brands further enhance consumer participation.
Commenting on the collaboration, Hanisha Gandhi and Varun Moolchandani, Executive Directors, Archies, said,
“At Archies, love and emotions have always been at the core of our brand. With TereSangForever, we wanted to move beyond fleeting celebrations and bring the focus back to relationships that truly last. Partnering with Sudathi allows us to blend thoughtful gifting with timeless ethnic fashion, creating a Valentine’s Day narrative rooted in nostalgia, commitment, and meaningful expression.”
Sharing his thoughts, Viren Lathiya, Co-Founder, Sudathi, said,
“Sarees have always symbolised grace, emotion, and enduring bonds. Through TereSangForever, we are delighted to collaborate with Archies to reimagine the saree as a renewed expression of love this Valentine’s Day. This partnership beautifully blends tradition with modern relevance, making high-quality sarees more accessible and meaningful for today’s evolving relationships.”
Archies and Sudathi aim to redefine Valentine’s Day celebrations by blending gifting and fashion into a powerful expression of love that truly stands the test of time.
29, Jan 2026
EKA Mobility Signs Strategic MoU With HPCL to Develop Green Mobility Infrastructure at HPCL Retail Outlets
New Delhi, Jan 29: EKA Mobility and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing sustainable mobility solutions and green energy initiatives across the country.
The partnership brings together EKA’s expertise in electric commercial vehicles and HPCL’s extensive nationwide energy and retail infrastructure to jointly develop, pilot, and scale innovative solutions across electric mobility, charging infrastructure, battery swapping, green hydrogen, and sustainable logistics
As part of the collaboration, EKA and HPCL will work towards leveraging HPCL’s extensive fuel retail network to develop charging infrastructure for commercial electric vehicles, including battery swapping stations where required.
HPCL is one of India’s largest state-owned oil and gas corporations, operating over 24,400 Retail Outlets nationwide and running over 5,300 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations under HP e-Charge brand.
The MoU holds strategic significance as India accelerates its transition toward green transportation. HPCL’s existing Retail Outlet footprint provides a strong platform for accelerated EV charging infrastructure deployment and seamless nationwide expansion.
The cooperation with HPCL represents the next step in the collective efforts of Eka Mobility, a leading Indian electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, green hydrogen and sustainable logistics. This is regarded as an important foundation for realizing the goal of widespread electric vehicle adoption and promoting sustainable transportation in the world’s third largest automotive market.
29, Jan 2026
MediBuddy Strengthens Presence with New Indore Office
MediBuddy Expands National Footprint with New Indore Office; City Emerges as Company’s Second-Largest Hub
Jan 29: MediBuddy, India’s leading digital healthcare company, has expanded its national footprint with the launch of another new office in Indore, further strengthening its presence across key growth markets beyond metro cities. Located at the Brilliant Summit building in the Vijaya nagar area & managed by IndiQube, the new office marks an important milestone in MediBuddy’s expansion strategy, underlining its focus on decentralised growth, regional talent development, and operational scale. MediBuddy serves over 30 million users across India for their healthcare needs like Doctor consultations, Lab tests, Medicines, visioncare, second opinion and concierge services for surgery, home healthcare and many other services.
Indore’s rapid emergence as a technology and talent hub in central India made it a strategic choice for MediBuddy’s next phase of growth. The company began building its presence in the city just eight months ago, and the launch of this office reflects the pace and confidence with which MediBuddy is expanding in the region. Today, the Indore office is home to 400+ employees, expanding teams across technology, operations, and customer experience—enabling delivery of healthcare services across the country for users across the country.
The IndiQube workspace has been designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and a growth-oriented environment. With this addition, MediBuddy now operates at 10 locations across India, with Indore emerging as its second-largest office after Bengaluru—a testament to the company’s long-term commitment to the city and its talent ecosystem. The Indore office will support the company’s innovation roadmap and strengthen its ability to deliver accessible, and seamless healthcare at scale.
Commenting on the expansion, Satish Kannan, Co-founder and CEO, MediBuddy, said,
“As we continue to scale our healthcare ecosystem, expanding our capability centers in an emerging city like Indore is a key part of our long-term strategy. This office strengthens our operational capabilities while allowing us to tap into a strong talent pool that can contribute meaningfully to our growth journey .”
Adding to this, Enba, Co-founder & CTO, MediBuddy, said,
“Our expansion in Indore reflects MediBuddy’s
commitment to building a distributed, future-ready workforce. By investing in regional ecosystems, we are not only creating employment opportunities but also ensuring that innovation and decision-making happen closer to where our users are.”
Over the years, MediBuddy has evolved into one of India’s most widely used digital healthcare platforms, serving millions of users annually. Its end-to-end services—from consultations and diagnostics to medicine delivery and post-care support— are enabled by a nationwide network of 140,000+ doctors, alongside hospitals, diagnostic centres, and pharmacies, delivering coverage across more than 99% of India’s PIN codes.
With this latest expansion, MediBuddy continues to deepen its regional presence, reinforce its operational strength, and reaffirm its commitment to building inclusive, sustainable growth opportunities across India.
29, Jan 2026
Kauvery Hospital Treats Rare Pancreatic Tumour Using Advanced Technology After Patient Presents with Giddiness
Chennai, Jan 29: Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, successfully diagnosed a rare and elusive pancreatic tumour known as an insulinoma in a 60-year-old woman, causing persistently low blood sugar and frequent loss of consciousness.
The hospital followed a stepwise diagnostic approach. Initial imaging studies, including a contrast CT scan and a specialised PET scan, did not clearly identify the cause. The breakthrough came with specialised blood tests measuring insulin and C-peptide levels, followed by a targeted endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which ultimately helped locate the tumour.
The tumour’s small size and challenging location added a further layer of complexity. Measuring just 1.3 cm, it was located at the neck of the pancreas and surrounded by vital structures. The surgical team therefore opted for a robotic-assisted approach, using robotic intraoperative ultrasound (RIOUS) to accurately localise and safely remove the tumour.
The surgery was successful, with the patient’s blood sugar levels started normalising immediately after the procedure. She made a rapid recovery and was able to return to normal activity the very next day.
The diagnostic team was led by Dr. P. Basumani, Senior Consultant and Director, Kauvery Institute of Digestive Sciences, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, while the robotic procedure was performed by Dr. Swaminathan Sambandam, Senior Consultant and Lead, Multi-Organ Transplant (Liver, Kidney, Pancreas and Small Intestine), Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani.
In his comments Dr. Basumani said,
“Insulinomas are extremely difficult to locate, especially when they are very small. In this case, even advanced imaging did not give us clear answers. Specialised blood tests combined with focused Endoscopic Ultrasound Evaluation helped us precisely identify the tumour.”
Dr. Swaminathan Sambandam said,
“This was a technically demanding surgery. Tumours of this size and location are extremely challenging to operate on through conventional methods. Robotic surgery, supported by intraoperative ultrasound, gave us unmatched precision and control. Very few hospitals in the country have access to this level of technology.”
In his comments, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said,
“This case reflects the strength of clinical teamwork, perseverance in diagnosis, and the role of advanced technology in handling rare pancreatic and endocrine tumours. It reinforces Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence, advanced diagnostics and state-of-the-art robotic surgery”.
29, Jan 2026
Shweta Mahadik to Host Clay Bird Workshop at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Mumbai, Jan 29: Actor and celebrated DIY creator Shweta Mahadik will host a Clay Bird Making Workshop at the YWCA International Centre, Kala Ghoda, on Sunday, 1st February 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, as part of Asia’s largest street art festival, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.
The 90-minute hands-on workshop invites participants to reconnect with the joy of working with their hands. Guided step by step, attendees will shape clay into charming birds that can later be transformed into paperweights, wind chimes, or decorative table centrepieces. Designed for an intimate group of 25–30 participants, the session includes all materials and is open to beginners as well as craft enthusiasts.
More than a craft activity, the workshop celebrates mindful making, sustainability, and the beauty of imperfection, values that resonate with the spirit of Kala Ghoda.
Speaking about the initiative, Brinda Miller, Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, said:
“Kala Ghoda has always been a space where art becomes something you can experience, not just observe. Workshops like this bring people closer to the creative process and remind us that art can be simple, tactile, and deeply personal.”
Shweta Mahadik first gained national attention during the COVID-19 lockdown with her imaginative DIY recreations blending fashion, sustainability, and accessibility. Her recreation inspired by the Sabyasachi Mukherjee x H&M collaboration went viral in the Indian fashion community. She later received international recognition when handpicked by American Eagle for a sustainability-focused campaign, with one of her upcycled garments showcased at an exhibition in London.
Reflecting on the workshop, Shweta Mahadik said:
“Working with clay feels grounding in a way that very few things do. These little birds are symbols of freedom and imagination, and I love the idea of people taking home something they created with their own hands. Art doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes it just begins with touching the earth.”
Set within the vibrant Kala Ghoda precinct, the workshop promises to be more than an activity—it offers a shared moment of creativity, calm, and community amidst the city’s bustling rhythm.
For media enquiries, interviews, or further information, Shweta Mahadik is available for conversations and feature stories.
29, Jan 2026
Union Budget 2026 can strengthen private credit and finance for sustainable growth
From a private credit and alternative investment standpoint, we expect the Budget to focus on improving capital access for mid-market developers, enabling last-mile funding for stalled projects, and accelerating redevelopment-led urban renewal. Greater regulatory clarity for Category II AIFs, improved tax pass-through visibility, and wider participation from domestic institutional capital would further deepen India’s alternative investment ecosystem.
Continued emphasis on urban infrastructure, transit-oriented development, and redevelopment, particularly in high-density markets, along with faster approvals and predictable tax treatment, can meaningfully improve risk-adjusted returns for investors while strengthening long-term financial stability across the sector.
29, Jan 2026
Metro Brands Launches FILA’s First-Ever New-Concept Store at Mall of Asia, Bengaluru
Metro Brands Limited, has unveiled FILA’s first-ever new-concept store in India at Mall of Asia, Bengaluru (Ground Floor), marking a defining moment in the brand’s retail evolution in the country. Spanning ~1000 sq ft., the store introduces a globally inspired, design-led format that redefines how consumers experience FILA in a modern retail environment.
Rooted in FILA’s iconic Italian heritage, the new store blends refined European design cues with a contemporary, fluid layout to create an engaging retail experience. Designed as more than just a shopping destination, the store functions as a lifestyle showcase bringing together performance, streetwear and athleisure. The museum-inspired Library Wall at the core of the store is an exclusive space to limited-edition drops, premium collections and new launches.
To mark the launch, FILA hosted an exclusive store unveiling on 28th January, bringing together prominent lifestyle influencers, fashion creators and key media representatives. The evening featured curated walkthroughs of the store, new product drops including Anna, the Motorsport Collection – Replica, and global collections such as Echappe and SuperBubble, along with immersive brand moments that celebrated FILA’s evolving global identity and its growing presence in India’s premium sneaker and athleisure landscape.
Commenting on the launch, Alisha Rafique Malik, President, Metro Brands Limited, said:
“The new store marks an exciting new chapter for FILA in India—one that brings renewed energy, sharper expression, and a more dynamic connection with today’s consumer. We have created an environment that blends thoughtful design and curated product storytelling, while remaining deeply relevant to the Indian market.”
With this launch, Metro Brands continues to strengthen its commitment to introducing globally benchmarked retail formats that blend design, storytelling and consumer experience, reinforcing their domination in building the sport and athleisure experience in India
