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Hyderabad, Feb 28: On 28th February, Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson – CSR, Apollo Hospitals, inaugurated the 1000th Apollo Pharmacy store in Telangana, marking a significant milestone in Apollo’s continued effort to expand access to quality healthcare. India’s largest and most trusted pharmacy network now operates across all 33 districts of Telangana and employs more than 10,000 people across its retail, digital and supply chain ecosystem.

The network provides access to over 50,000 genuine medicines and wellness essentials round the clock, with quick delivery facilities available across all districts, strengthening essential healthcare access across urban and semi-urban communities. Apollo currently services more than 1.65 lakh medicine orders daily and plans to add over 200 new pharmacy stores in Telangana over the next three years.

Expressing her thoughts on the milestone, Upasana Kamineni Konidela said, “This milestone is not only about expanding access to quality healthcare, but also about creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities especially for women across Telangana. As we grow, we are committed to building inclusive workplaces that empower women with stable careers, leadership opportunities, and financial independence, enabling them to uplift their families and communities.”

Through its omni-channel platform, Apollo 24/7, Apollo offers an integrated continuum of care including teleconsultations with Apollo doctors, diagnostic services, and customised insurance solutions all accessible from the comfort of home. 

New Delhi, Feb 28: North India’s jewellery trade received a significant early-season boost as the 2nd edition of DJGF Signature 2026 opened today at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. Organised by Informa Markets in India, the three-day B2B exhibition (28 February – 2 March 2026) has established itself as the capital’s definitive sourcing platform for retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers preparing for the crucial first-half buying cycle.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC (Chief Guest); Shri Ramavtar Verma, Chairman, TBJA; Shri Naveen Kumar Jindal, Senior Chairman, TBJA; and Shri Kamal Pawal, President, TBJA, alongside Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, Ms. Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India, and Mr. Pankaj Shende, Group Director, Informa Markets in India amidst an august industry presence.

Spanning over 70,000 square feet of exhibition space, DJGF Signature 2026 brings together 120+ exhibitors representing more than 400 leading jewellery brands. These include Vikash Chain, Beera Jewellers, Neeru Jewels, Riddhima Chain, Grover Jewels, ASV Polki, SRK Jewels, Unique Alankar, Shri Radhey Krishna Jewellers and Many more. The show is expected to attract over 7,000 trade visitors, including 400+ VIP and curated hosted buyers comprising senior retail decision-makers, trade bodies, and sourcing delegates.

Industry Context: Strong Structural Momentum

India’s gems and jewellery industry continues to demonstrate robust growth. Contributing nearly 7–8% to India’s GDP and accounting for 12–14% of merchandise exports, the sector supports over 5 million livelihoods. With India processing nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds by volume and remaining one of the largest global consumers of gold, the country occupies a pivotal position in the global value chain.

The domestic jewellery market, currently valued at approximately USD 85–90 billion, is projected to expand to USD 130–150 billion by 2030, driven by wedding demand, premiumisation, organised retail expansion, and rising consumer confidence.

Comprehensive Showcase Aligned with Key Buying Cycles

 The exhibition presents a comprehensive showcase across Fine Jewellery, Gold Jewellery (plain, antique, and contemporary), Gold & Diamond Jewellery, Polki & Jadau, Silver Jewellery, Loose Gemstones, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Casting Jewellery, and Jewellery Technology & Packaging Solutions — offering the trade a decisive first-mover advantage ahead of Akshaya Tritiya and the upcoming wedding and festive seasons.

Shri Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, said, “It is truly heartening to witness the scale and energy of this exhibition today. The participation from exhibitors and buyers reflects not just strong business sentiment, but also the growing maturity of our gem and jewellery ecosystem. Platforms like DJGF Signature 2026 have evolved into structured marketplaces that enable systematic procurement, networking, and meaningful knowledge exchange. Today, the jewellery industry operates in a new normal: gold premiums hovering around 3% and silver nearly 5% have become standard, while tighter inventory cycles and frequent B2B exhibitions every 8–15 days allow us to manage procurement with lower risk and greater efficiency. However, alongside growth, we must prepare for critical regulatory shifts: BIS-led HUID transfers expected to streamline traceability, mandatory silver hallmarking, currently limited to 90 and 80 standards despite nearly 50 tonnes of silver trade, and PMLA compliance supported by AI-driven monitoring.”

Speaking on the occasion, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said: “With the domestic jewellery market projected to expand to USD 130 billion by 2030, the sector is entering a phase of structured growth driven by festive demand, bridal purchasing, and increasing formalisation. As design innovation, supply agility, and trend forecasting become critical differentiators, DJGF Signature 2026 is strategically positioned to empower the trade with early-season insights, high-quality sourcing, largest display of light weight jewellery as per market demands, and curated business matchmaking — enabling jewellers to capitalise on emerging opportunities across segments.”

Shri Ram Avtar Verma, President, TBJA, said, “DJGF Signature 2026 truly reflects how far our industry has come. The sheer scale, participation, and energy at this edition are remarkable. Today, this event hosts over 400 respected brands, drawing an unmatched crowd and creating a business environment once seen only in Mumbai, now firmly established in Delhi. And, not just jewellery traders, but machinery, technology, and allied industries found a comprehensive marketplace here. For that, heartfelt thanks to the entire team.”

Shri Kamal Pawal, President, TBJA, said, “Today, DJGF Signature has established itself as a show of the scale and stature we once associated only with Mumbai. In North India, we had never witnessed such a grand and professionally organized platform before. We are fortunate to be part of this journey and confident that the future will bring even greater growth.”

Knowledge Agenda and Industry Recognition

Beyond sourcing, DJGF Signature 2026 features insightful sessions addressing export fundamentals, luxury retail transformation through AI, bullion price volatility, and evolving Gen-Z consumer behaviour. Structured B2B matchmaking sessions will facilitate high-value business conversations.

The show is supported by key associations such as The Bullion and Jewellers Association, Delhi, Delhi Jewellers Association, Gurugram Jewellers Association, Karol Baug Jewellers Association, Maliwara Jewellers Association, Dariba Jewellers Association, Lucknow Mahanagar Sarafa Jewellers Association and Ghaziabad Jewellers Association

 With its focused positioning, curated buyer programme, and forward-looking knowledge agenda, DJGF Signature 2026 continues to strengthen North India’s jewellery ecosystem — setting the tone for the larger DJGF 2026 exhibition and reinforcing India’s competitive edge in the national and global jewellery landscape.

Chandigarh, Feb 28: Turning the exhaust note into the beat of music, TVS Apache, today launched its first-ever official anthem — ‘The Apache DNA’, celebrating 20 years of the brand’s legacy. Bringing excitement to customers, especially the new generation in India and across the world, the anthem has been composed by one of India’s finest rapper and songwriter Brodha V. Launched in 6 languages – English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu & Kannada, the anthem marks a landmark cultural moment for an iconic racing and performance motorcycling brand like TVS Apache.

Music is a powerful motivator for motorcyclists, and TVS Apache channels that same energy through its performance-driven style. Embodying a fearless spirit, and racing DNA, TVS Apache has become synonymous with performance, technology, and innovation for over 6.5 million riders across 60+ countries. The anthem further amplifies this spirit, positioning itself as a bold expression of confidence and unmatched energy on and off the racetrack.

Commenting on the first-ever TVS Apache anthem, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Business Head, Premium Segment, TVS Motor Company, said, “For 20 years, TVS Apache has been the living expression of our racing DNA, an attitude and legacy that has empowered 6.5 million riders globally. ‘The Apache DNA’ anthem is our tribute to every rider who embodies the philosophy of TVS Apache. As we continue to democratize racing-bred technology, we are also expanding TVS Apache’s presence into music and youth culture, creating deeper connections with the communities that live and breathe the brand every single day.”

The lyrics of ‘The Apache DNA’ reflect the core ethos of TVS Apache: speed, precision, and control. With the launch of the anthem, TVS Apache takes its racing DNA beyond motorcycles, strengthening its emotional connect with riders and expanding its presence across music genres and the community. As the brand continues to push the boundaries of performance motorcycling, it resonates a powerful expression of TVS Apache’s commitment to confidence, authenticity, and an unstoppable riding ethos that resonates with the next generation of riders

Feb 27: New estimates of Real GDP at INR 322.58 lakh crore in the FY 2025-26, against the First Revised Estimate (FRE) of GDP for the year 2024-25 of INR 299.89 lakh crore pegs GDP growth rate at 7.6% as compared to 7.1 % in FRE 2024-25. Further, nominal GDP is estimated at ₹345.47 lakh crore in the year 2025-26, against ₹318.07 lakh crore in 2024-25, showing a growth rate of 8.6% said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Real GVA at INR 294.40 lakh crore in the year 2025-26, against ₹273.36 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, registers a growth rate of 7.7% as compared to 7.3% in 2024-25, he added.

As India moves towards deeper integration in the global value chains, base year updates at regular intervals, current after every five years, reflects government’s commitment to data-driven policy intervention to shocks in the global economy, he said.

The revised GDP framework will enhance the credibility and analytical usefulness of India’s national accounts statistics. The updated methodology is expected to provide policymakers, businesses, and investors with a more accurate picture of economic activity across sectors, he added.

New series integrates multiple data sources such as GST statistics, financial results of listed companies, transport indicators, and digital administrative sources. This broader data coverage is expected to strengthen measurement of economic output, consumption, investment, and sectoral contributions, and prepare India for the next phase of growth trajectory, he said.

Given the revised statistical framework and the evolving economic landscape, PHDCCI suggests the following policy priorities to sustain high growth momentum in the coming years:

1. Accelerate implementation of industrial policies and PLI incentive initiatives to deepen domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in high-value and growth sectors such as electronics, engineering goods, chemicals, and renewable energy equipment.
2. Facilitate faster project clearances, enhance access to long-term finance, and further improve ease of doing business.
3. Further, expanding infrastructure investments in transport, energy, and logistics networks to reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency.
4. Expand credit access, technology adoption programs, and export facilitation measures to enable MSMEs to integrate into global value chains.

Improved statistical measurement will support data-driven and evidence-based policymaking and facilitate better economic planning. Foreign investors, both institutional and non-institutional, that are keen to invest in India’s growth story, will see this as reliable and internationally comparable data, which augurs well for increasing India’s private capex-driven growth momentum said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & SG, PHDCCI.

Mumbai, Feb 27: Jio Finance Platform and Service Limited (JFPSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), today announced the launch of the all-new JioFinance app, a hyper-personal, AI-driven digital marketplace designed to make finance more accessible, contextual, and intelligent for every Indian. The launch is accompanied by ‘Finsider’, an exclusive early access campaign inviting users to experience the app first, share feedback, and earn JioPoints redeemable against a wide catalogue of rewards.

Transforming Financial Experiences in Bharat
The new JioFinance app moves beyond conventional product listings to deliver an intelligent, personalised, and seamless financial journey. Leveraging Agentic AI and Neural Networks, the platform provides tailored recommendations based on each user’s life context, financial intent, and eligibility, enabling users to make confident, informed decisions about their financial future.

Key Features of the JioFinance App:

• Marketplace for Intelligent Finance: A comprehensive digital storefront offering products across loans, credit cards, insurance, investments, digital gold, tax filing, savings accounts, and more, from JFSL and trusted partner brands.

• Tailored Recommendations: Driven by 15 AI agents and ~70 decision-making engines, the app delivers personalised product suggestions based on real-time financial context.

• Dynamic Personalisation: Every user sees a unique home screen reflective of their financial profile and needs.

• Natural Language Interface: Users can explore products by typing their financial needs in a chat bar, eliminating the need for multiple app screens.

• JioPoints Rewards Program: Users earn JioPoints for every transaction, redeemable against a wide catalogue of personalised rewards.

Upcoming Features Include:

• Financial Fitness Score: A comprehensive index to assess a user’s financial health across spending, borrowing, insurance, investments, and tax compliance.

• Personal CFO for Bharat: Actionable guidance through a conversational journey to help users improve their financial wellbeing.

• Autonomous Execution: Automate recurring payments and investments in just a few clicks.

• Exclusive Membership Program: Earn assured value-back on products and services availed through the app.

Hitesh Sethia, Managing Director and CEO, Jio Financial Services Limited, said:

“We believe intelligent finance should be a basic right of all citizens. With the paradigm shift in finance, we are putting Bharat at the heart of everything we build. The new JioFinance app is a hyper-personal, intelligent marketplace that removes noise and friction from financial decisions, empowering every Indian with actionable intelligence, transparency, and trust.”

Through Finsider, users will get early access to explore the app, provide feedback, and help shape the evolution of JioFinance while earning rewards for their participation.

The launch of the JioFinance app underscores JFSL’s commitment to democratizing finance and delivering a next-generation, intelligent financial experience tailored to the needs of India’s diverse population.