Category: Business

New Delhi, Mar 27: The Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Committee of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organised a one-day training programme on “Using AI for Productivity: A Practical Guide” at PHD House, New Delhi. The workshop aimed to empower students from diverse academic backgrounds including arts, commerce, law, management and humanities with practical knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

 The workshop was designed to simplify AI concepts and enable participants to integrate AI into their daily academic and professional tasks. It focused on building foundational understanding, enhancing productivity, and encouraging ethical and responsible use of AI.

The sessions were conducted by distinguished resource persons including Prof. Manikant Roy, Ph.D. Candidate, IIT Delhi and Assistant Professor – Business Analytics, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, Prof. Poonam Goyal, Chair Professor, Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, and Mr. Sanjay Kumar Suri, Founding Partner & CEO, Future IT Advisory, each leading dedicated segments of the workshop.

Prof. Manikant Roy, Ph.D. Candidate, IIT Delhi and Assistant Professor – Business Analytics, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, conducted sessions on practical AI tools such as Google Gemini and NotebookLM, highlighting their applications in research, documentation, and workflow automation. He also covered prompt engineering basics and demonstrated how AI can be effectively leveraged to enhance productivity, efficiency, and decision-making.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Suri, Founding Partner & CEO, Future IT Advisory, introduced participants to the fundamentals of AI, including its real-world applications and differences between AI, Machine Learning, and Generative AI. He also demonstrated how tools like ChatGPT can be effectively used for tasks such as summarisation, research, and content creation.

Prof. Poonam Goyal, Chair Professor, Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, delivered a session on “Computer Vision to Multimodal Understanding: Models, Fusion Strategies, and Applications”, providing insights into evolving AI capabilities and their real-world applications. She introduced participants to how advanced AI models integrate multiple data types and highlighted key strategies and use-cases in this domain.

Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar, General Manager & Head of Presales (India), Newgen Software, representing the partner organisation, highlighted that many individuals are still unable to fully visualize the practical applications of emerging technologies. He emphasized that AI is increasingly enabling data-driven decision-making by leveraging insights from past data, and encouraged participants to actively adopt and implement the learnings shared by the panelists in their respective domains.

The workshop also included hands-on activities, enabling participants to apply concepts such as writing effective prompts, verifying AI-generated responses, and building personal productivity workflows using AI tools.

The programme witnessed participation from around 100 students, including those from leading institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), and Institute for Integrated Learning in Management (IILM), reflecting strong interest in AI-driven productivity tools and future-ready skill development.

Bengaluru, Mar 27:  The 4th edition of IIJS Bharat Tritiya 2026, organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), concluded on a triumphant note at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), solidifying its position as India’s third-largest B2B jewellery exhibition. The show witnessed a massive scale-up, hosting over 1,100 exhibitors and 1,900 stalls, while attracting 15,000 trade buyers from 500 Indian cities and 40 countries. This rapid growth in just four editions highlights the show’s emergence as a premier global sourcing destination and a vital hub for the international gem and jewellery community.

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, lauded the success of the event, stating, “The 4th edition of IIJS Bharat Tritiya has exceeded our expectations, proving that despite shifting global dynamics, the Indian gem and jewellery sector remains a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship. By bringing over 15,000 global buyers to Bengaluru, we have created a platform that transcends mere transactions; we are building a sustainable ecosystem for future growth. The energy witnessed here proves that our industry continues to shine stronger by innovating and finding new avenues for trade, leaving the community with renewed confidence for the year ahead.” 

Shri Shaunak Parikh Vice Chairman, GJEPC said,  “What made this edition of IIJS Bharat Tritiya remarkable is the synergy between India’s rich jewelry heritage and modern innovation. From the Crafts Pavilion to the Innov8 Talks, provided a stage where traditional artistry meets the aspirations of a new-age industry. Our goal is to ensure that every participant, from the MSME to the largest exporter, builds lasting connections and fresh opportunities that will fuel their growth in the year ahead.”

The exhibition floor at IIJS Bharat Tritiya was marked by high-quality networking and strategic sourcing, as retailers and wholesalers prepared for the upcoming Akshaya Tritiya and wedding seasons. The event highlighted the industry’s agility and strong focus on design-led innovation.

Amid fluctuating metal prices, manufacturers adapted by shifting towards lower karatage gold—such as 14K and 9K—while also showcasing lightweight gold, diamond-studded collections, and high-end couture, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for value and design.

This blend of innovation, adaptability, and strong relationship-building created a dynamic atmosphere, with industry leaders expressing optimism for growth in both domestic and international markets.

At the same time, the appetite for high-end jewellery remained strong. Large, statement diamond sets continued to draw serious buyers, especially pieces featuring fancy shapes and fancy colour diamonds. In contrast, melees and star-size diamonds found relevance in lightweight, prêt-friendly designs that are easier to wear daily. 

With  advanced manufacturing techniques,  jewellers have reduced the weight of pieces by nearly 20 to 50 percent without compromising on visual impact. The result is jewellery that looks substantial yet feels lighter on the pocket.

Silver jewellery, too, showed a fresh, fashion-forward direction. Designers experimented with varied finishes — matte, oxidised, brushed and high-polish — often layered with bursts of colour, enamel, or textured surfaces. The category is clearly moving beyond traditional styling into a more trend-driven, global aesthetic.

Coloured gemstones added another vibrant layer to the fair. Multicolour tourmalines, kunzites, morganites, rubellites, tanzanites, quartz and crystals were widely seen across collections, increasingly being used in fine jewellery rather than remaining limited to fashion lines.

Exhibitors at the show echoed this sentiment, noting the high quality of business interactions. Prashant Kiran, Director, Laxmi Jewellery Chennai Pvt. Ltd., observed a strong focus among the attendees, saying, “The first day of the show was good, though footfall was moderate, but the buyers who were serious. We had a good mix of visitors from Chennai, Mumbai, and different parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The advantage this time was that we had enough time to sit with buyers, discuss business aspects minutely, which is equally important. We deal mainly in 22-karat gold jewellery, and at present the volatility in gold prices has made consumers a little cautious. Today’s buyers, especially the younger generation, are well informed and keep track of prices, so they tend to wait and watch before making a purchase.”,

Similarly, Rahul Mehta, Managing Director, Diarah and Silver Emporium, highlighted, “Shows like IIJS are not just about selling they are about meeting people, building networks, and staying connected with clients. In today’s market, that interaction becomes even more important. When prices of metals fluctuate sharply, confidence in the market does get affected, and buyers become cautious. Still, platforms like this give us the opportunity to meet customers face-to-face, understand their needs, and keep the business moving forward. I believe participation should always feel voluntary and positive, because when exhibitors come with the right mindset, the overall experience of the show becomes much better for everyone.”

The event culminated in a high-octane celebration of the trade’s resilience with a grand finale featuring the Mega Lucky Draw. The ceremony awarded a spectacular lineup of premium prizes to lucky winners, including a Mercedes-Benz as the grand prize, alongside a Mahindra Thar, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Swift Dzire, and Hyundai i10, as well as 10 Honda Activa scooters. This final highlight served to celebrate the participation of the global trade community and the shared success achieved during the exhibition.

Recognition Highlights Momentum in Tendo’s Insights and Marketplace Products

Philadelphia, PA — Mar 27 — Tendo, a healthcare technology company that partners with patients, clinicians, employers, and care navigators to put clinical quality at the center of every care decision,  has been named one of Forbes’ Top Startup Employers for the third consecutive year. The recognition reflects the company’s growth, product innovation, and strong culture as it continues to scale its provider quality and two-sided healthcare marketplace offerings.

Forbes’ annual list, developed in partnership with Statista, evaluates privately held U.S. companies based on employer reputation, employee satisfaction, and sustained growth. Tendo’s third-year recognition underscores both its expanding national footprint and the team driving its software innovation.

“Earning this recognition for a third year reflects both our growth and the values that guide how we build Tendo,” said Jennifer Goldsmith, CEO and Co-Founder of Tendo. “As we expand our healthcare marketplace and quality analytics offerings, we remain focused on attracting and supporting exceptional, mission-driven people who are passionate about improving how care decisions are made.”

Tendo’s platform addresses a critical moment in healthcare, as traditional fee-for-service models become increasingly complex and costly for both consumers and employers. With the rise of self-insured employer plans and consumer self-pay care, greater transparency and visibility into provider quality have become essential. Today, Tendo supports a growing national network of employers, care navigators, and healthcare providers using its platform to guide high-value care decisions at scale. By enabling more informed choices, transparent and predictable pricing, and quality-based differentiation for providers, Tendo helps support better outcomes and a more sustainable healthcare delivery system.

New Delhi, March 27 (BNP): India’s health insurance sector continued its strong growth trajectory in 2024–25, with total premium collections crossing ₹1.2 lakh crore, reflecting rising awareness, improved access to healthcare financing, and increasing demand for financial protection against medical expenses.

The sector recorded an approximate growth rate of around 9 per cent during the financial year, underlining sustained expansion driven by demographic shifts, higher coverage uptake, and evolving consumer needs.

To enhance efficiency and ensure timely support for policyholders, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has prescribed specific timelines for the settlement of cashless health insurance claims. As per the norms, insurers are required to provide cashless pre-authorisation within one hour and final authorisation within three hours, aimed at reducing delays and facilitating quicker access to treatment.

The rise in health insurance premiums has been attributed to factors such as ageing policyholders, expanded coverage, and the inclusion of enhanced features in insurance products. The regulator’s 2024 guidelines mandate that insurance products be priced fairly, based on relevant risk factors, while ensuring long-term viability and value for customers. Pricing is subject to periodic review by appointed actuaries using credible data and customer feedback.

On claims performance, the claims paid ratio (by number of claims) improved to 87.50 per cent in 2024–25, compared to 82.46 per cent in 2023–24 and 85.66 per cent in 2022–23, indicating better settlement outcomes.

According to data from IRDAI’s Bima Bharosa portal, a total of 1,37,361 general and health insurance grievances were reported during FY25, of which 1,27,755 cases, or 93 per cent, were resolved within the same financial year.

Industry data suggests that instances of claim disallowance or repudiation are largely linked to specific policy conditions, including exceeding the sum insured, co-payment clauses, sub-limits, deductibles in top-up policies, room rent caps, proportionate charges, and exclusions such as non-medical expenses.

The regulator has also undertaken multiple measures to improve transparency, streamline claims processing, and strengthen policyholder confidence. Experts note that a balanced and informed approach by all stakeholders will be key to building a more transparent and trustworthy health insurance ecosystem in the country.

Yaounde, March 27 (BNP): Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian delegation to the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization, which commenced on March 26 in Yaounde.

The conference opened with a ceremonial session chaired by Cameroon’s Trade Minister and attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala along with trade ministers and senior representatives from member nations. Representing India at the inaugural session, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal participated in the proceedings.

The opening session was followed by a brief celebration marking the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on September 15, 2025.

During the Ministerial Conversation on foundational issues of the WTO, Goyal underscored the need for reforms to be undertaken through a transparent, inclusive, and member-driven process, with development at its core. He stressed the importance of upholding key WTO principles, including non-discrimination, consensus-based decision-making, and equity.

On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal called on Cameroon’s Prime Minister Dion Ngute Joseph, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation between India and Cameroon. He also held a bilateral meeting with the WTO Director-General to deliberate on the MC14 agenda.

In addition, Goyal met his counterparts from the Netherlands, France, and Ethiopia, exchanging views on enhancing bilateral trade relations.

Separately, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of bilateral engagements with representatives from Chile, Paraguay, the United States, Nepal, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, New Zealand, and members of the European Union Parliament. The discussions covered the MC14 agenda and explored avenues for boosting trade ties.

Talks with Chile and Peru included updates on the ongoing India-Chile and India-Peru Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Discussions with the European Union and New Zealand focused on progress toward concluding the India-EU and India-New Zealand trade agreements.

The day’s proceedings concluded with a ceremonial reception and gala dinner hosted by Cameroon.

Thompson Brings Lido Experience with “Welcoming Private Club” Model

REMBERT, SC, March 26, 2026 – Broomsedge Golf Club announced today that it has partnered with Baker Thompson, who will assume the role of Managing Partner and CEO of the club.  Baker comes to Broomsedge after several years working alongside Michael Keiser, Jr., a longtime friend and supporter of the club. Baker played a key role in the in financing the early lodging at Sand Valley and later joined Michael’s team full-time, leading vertical development projects and overseeing real estate sales.

Among the unique perspectives and skills Baker brings to Broomsedge is his experience as the first Captain of the Lido.  The Lido introduced the British Isles model of private club operations to the U.S.  Broomsedge has embraced that approach, providing a membership experience based on personal relationships, camaraderie and competition, while also welcoming outside play.  The Lido, ranked 48^th in the world by GOLF Magazine, prides itself on providing a world-class golf course to members and guests alike.

“It was our intention from the start at the Lido to bring a new accessibility to top-tier American golf,” says Michael Keiser, Jr.  “Americans have always benefitted overseas from the welcoming nature of clubs in the British Isles.  There’s no reason that won’t work here.  We were thrilled when Broomsedge opened with enthusiastic acceptance non-member play.  That’s a large part of what makes Baker the perfect person to take their club and facilities to the next level.”

Thompson brings an ambitious agenda to Broomsedge, beginning with the construction of 4 Bedroom cottages for members and guests and an exceptional food and beverage venue overlooking the golf course.  This work will begin immediately.  After completing phase 1 the Broomsedge team will turn to building a second golf course and additional club and guest amenities.

Michael Keiser, Jr. will act as a senior advisor to the project and will provide the resources of his team to Broomsedge, assisting with the master plan, development of the cottages, the food and beverage experience, and the operational vision for the club.

“Broomsedge has already built a high-quality membership, and guests who have visited have only elevated the value to members and enhanced the reputation of the club,” Thompson says.  “I am bullish on what we have put together. I believe in member traditions and events, and in the larger community of golf and golfers.  As a member and captain of the Lido, I’ve loved this way of operating.  It was exciting when Broomsedge adopted a similar model, and I look forward to building a larger platform for members and guests alike.”

Mumbai, Mar 26: India’s aviation sector is entering a decisive expansion phase, with passenger traffic projected to reach 300 million domestic travellers by 2030 and commercial aircraft fleets expected to nearly double to around 1,100 aircraft by 2027. Against this backdrop, Airport360 Expo 2026 will take place on April 23–24, 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, bringing together airport operators, airlines, aviation authorities, technology providers and infrastructure developers to examine the next phase of airport development and passenger mobility in India.

Organised by Media Fusion, Airport360 builds on the success of the Inter Passenger Terminal Show (IPTS)and returns with an expanded scope covering airport infrastructure, operations and technology innovation. The exhibition is expected to host over 2,200 attendees, 50+ exhibitors and more than 100 aviation professionals and decision makers, along with participation from over 10 countries including Germany, Nepal, Bangkok, Singapore, Oman, positioning the event as a key industry platform for collaboration across the global aviation value chain.

Placing the exhibition in the context of India’s aviation growth trajectory, Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion, said, “India’s aviation sector is witnessing one of the most dynamic growth phases globally. Over the next two decades, the industry will require close to 37,000 pilots and 38,000 maintenance technicians, highlighting the need for coordinated innovation across infrastructure, technology and human capital. Airport360 Expo has been conceived as a strategic platform where airport authorities, airport leaders, aviation technology providers, infrastructure developers and industry leaders can collaborate to build smarter, more efficient and future-ready airport ecosystems for India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.”

India currently ranks as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally and continues to register sustained growth driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanisation, expanding regional connectivity and the growth of low-cost carriers. Government initiatives such as the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, along with major investments in airport infrastructure through public private partnerships, are strengthening the long-term foundation of the sector.

Reflecting these developments, Airport360 Expo 2026 will showcase innovations across the airport infrastructure and operations landscape including terminal technology, airport infrastructure solutions, MRO capabilities, ground handling automation, passenger processing systems and sustainability-focused airport design. The exhibition floor will feature a diverse line-up of aviation technology providers and infrastructure solution companies including Dormakaba India, Amadeus, AurionPro, CPG Consultants, Suprema, Dallmeier GmbH, among others.

Industry experts and technology providers participating in the exhibition note that the next phase of aviation expansion will depend on integrated infrastructure, operational efficiency and digital innovation.

Highlighting the strong growth trajectory of India’s aviation sector, Mr Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Principal Consultant & Commercial Aviation Lead, Frost & Sullivan, said, “As India expands its airport infrastructure and passenger traffic continues to rise, three priorities will shape the next phase of growth. These include building strong domestic MRO capability supported by global partnerships and training ecosystems, positioning India as a key international transit hub connecting East and West, and accelerating sustainability through SAF adoption and the electrification of ground support equipment. At the same time, workforce shortages, supply chain delays and rising operating costs remain structural challenges that require coordinated action. Clear aviation master planning, faster customs processes and wider adoption of digital and AI-driven solutions will be essential to scale efficiently. Platforms like Airport 360 Expo play an important role in bringing together industry stakeholders to accelerate collaboration across MRO, connectivity, sustainability and airport modernisation.”

Mr Jigar Mehta, Founder, Sankalit Consultants, said, “India has expanded its airport network from 74 to 159 in a decade and aims to reach 350 by 2047 while serving one billion passengers annually. With every dollar invested in aviation generating a 3.1 times GDP impact, the next phase of growth will depend on integrated digital infrastructure and secure operational ecosystems. Platforms such as Samagra Twin bring together more than 40 airport systems into a single operational view, enabling safer operations, reducing energy consumption by 10–25% and improving lifecycle efficiency. With air cargo projected to reach 10 million tonnes by 2030 and MRO infrastructure rapidly scaling, operational intelligence, cybersecurity and ecosystem connectivity will define the next generation of airport infrastructure. Airport 360 Expo provides a valuable platform for Sankalit Consultants to engage with industry stakeholders and contribute to shaping secure, digitally integrated and future ready airport ecosystems.”

Mr Susanta Nath Sharma, Principal Director & Business Head, AurionPro, said, “Airports today must evolve into intelligent, passenger-centric ecosystems where real-time insights drive operational excellence. As passenger volumes continue to grow and India prepares for nearly 50 new greenfield airports, the focus must shift towards smarter, digitally integrated terminals that can deliver seamless and queue-less passenger journeys. Technologies such as AI-driven feedback systems, IIoT, Digital Twins, and predictive analytics will play a critical role in enabling data-led airport operations. Evidence shows that effective queue management alone can improve airline turnaround times by 10–15 percent, highlighting the value of intelligent automation. At the same time, strengthening cybersecurity, operational governance, and sustainable infrastructure will be essential to building resilient aviation ecosystems. Platforms like Airport 360 Expo provide an important opportunity for the industry to collaborate and accelerate the development of future-ready airports.”

The exhibition will run alongside the Airport360 Conference, a flagship knowledge platform bringing together aviation leaders, policymakers and industry experts to examine the future of airport infrastructure and operations in India. The conference will be centred on the theme “Building Airports That Perform: Design, Operations & Readiness for India’s Next Aviation Surge” and will feature 12 sessions across two days covering airport design, operational efficiency, digital transformation, sustainability and passenger experience innovation.

Key industry leaders expected to contribute to the discussions include Mr Bharat Malkani, Chairman, Max Aerospace & Aviation Limited and President, MRO Association of India; Mr Chandrashekar Sreenivas, Vice President – Daily Operations & Customer Experience, Bangalore International Airport Ltd; Mr Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Senior Aviation Consultant & Commercial Aviation Lead, Frost & Sullivan; Mr Faiz Khan, Chief Commercial Officer, Muscat Duty Free; Mr Raman Sikka, Associate Principal, Sikka Associates; and Mr Prabhat Mahapatra, COO, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Capt. B V J K Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport; Simon Lotter, Head of Market for Asia & Pacific, Munich Airport International; Rajesh Jethwani, Executive Director, Aviation for Western India Projects, Project Director for Development of NMIA, AECOM; among others. These discussions will explore themes including airport operational readiness, commercial aviation growth, passenger experience transformation and infrastructure planning for the next phase of aviation expansion.

Further strengthening its industry impact, the event will also host the Airport360 Awards, recognising airports, service providers and industry leaders driving transformation across passenger experience, sustainability, safety, operational excellence and technology adoption. The awards aim to highlight breakthrough initiatives that are shaping the future of airport development in India.

With India poised to emerge as one of the world’s largest aviation markets over the coming decade, Airport360 Expo 2026 aims to provide a strategic platform for innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling stakeholders to collectively shape the next generation of intelligent, resilient and passenger-centric airports.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mar 26: RX has confirmed that the 2026 edition of Airport Show co-located with Global Airport Leaders’ Forum and Women In Aviation Middle East Conference, originally scheduled to take place from 12–14 May at Dubai World Trade Centre, will now take place from 12-14 October 2026, with the venue remaining unchanged.

The decision to reschedule the event has been made to prioritise the safety and well-being of customers, partners and colleagues, and to give the MEASA airport community greater confidence and flexibility to attend.

Now in its 25th edition, Airport Show is set to take centre stage as the MEASA region’s most influential B2B platform for airport innovation, sustainability, and connectivity. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the milestone edition celebrates a quarter-century of driving airport development and shaping the future of the industry across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

For over two decades, Airport Show has brought together the airport ecosystem to foster collaboration on multi-billion-dollar projects and next-generation aviation solutions. This year’s theme, “The Future of Airport Innovation Starts Here,” encapsulates the show’s renewed mission to drive smarter, safer, and greener operations across global airports.

May Ismail, Exhibition Manager, Airport Show, said: “Airport Show has long served as a vital platform for bringing the airport community across the MEASA region together in Dubai, enabling suppliers and airport leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future growth of the sector.

“The safety and well-being of our customers, partners and colleagues remains our highest priority, and the decision to run Airport Show 2026 later in the year reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate with confidence and for everyone to enjoy flexibility in planning their participation at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the airport community back to Dubai in October.”

The RX team remains committed to supporting all participants and will work closely with exhibitors, partners and stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to rescheduled dates.

Bengaluru, India, Mar 26: VIRGIO, the sustainable fashion-tech brand, is set to reintroduce its most defining initiative, the ‘Eco-nic Fair ’26’ Anti-Sale, a bold reset on how fashion pricing is perceived. Positioned as India’s only cost-to-make fashion fair, Eco-nic challenges conventional retail by putting transparency at the center of the shopping experience.

From March 27th to March 31st, the five-day event will see VIRGIO remove all mark-ups and margins, offering its entire range at true cost price across both its offline retail stores and online platforms, including virgio.com, the VIRGIO app, and leading marketplaces. Customers can expect price drops of up to 70%, not driven by seasonal clearance but by the elimination of traditional retail markups.

Over the past two years, VIRGIO has been bringing transparency and the true cost of fashion to the forefront, even offering detailed cost breakdowns on each product page. Eco-nic Fair is a natural extension of this philosophy. Positioned as a direct gesture of gratitude to its community, the initiative reinforces the brand’s belief that conscious commerce should be both accessible and honest.

In an industry where inflated pricing and aggressive discount cycles have become the norm, VIRGIO’s approach signals a deliberate shift. The Eco-nic Fair builds on the brand’s ongoing commitment to cost transparency by extending that philosophy into action. During the event, VIRGIO absorbs operational and platform costs, allowing customers to engage with fashion at its actual production value.

Amar Nagaram, Co-Founder of VIRGIO, states, “Discounting has trained customers to question value. We’re doing the opposite, removing the margin to make value visible. When you strip away markups, you’re not just changing the price, you’re changing the conversation around fashion, what it costs, what it’s worth, and what we’ve all been conditioned to accept. Eco-nic Fair is not about selling more; it’s about building awareness, trust, and a more informed relationship between the consumer and the product.”

Over the past few years, VIRGIO has steadily built a model where sustainability and scale coexist. This includes the growth of Beyond The Curve, its inclusive fashion line co-created with actor Anjali Anand, its expansion into the UAE market, and a rapidly growing network of 7+ physical retail stores across key cities in India, alongside a strong digital presence.

The brand has also extended its design philosophy beyond apparel through Amodira, its fragrance vertical rooted in Indian cultural narratives and sensory storytelling. Its association as the Sustainable Fashion Partner for IIFA 2025 further amplified its commitment to embedding sustainability within mainstream, global-facing platforms.

As VIRGIO continues to evolve, its focus remains consistent: building a fashion ecosystem that prioritizes integrity, inclusivity, and transparency. The Eco-nic Fair ’26 is not just a retail moment, but a statement on the future of pricing, consumption, and trust in fashion.