Aurya Diamonds Launches in Bengaluru, Challenges Traditional Diamond Luxury

Aurya Diamonds Debuts in India, Redefining Luxury with Lab-Grown Brilliance

Bengaluru, March 30, 2026: A new chapter in India’s luxury jewellery landscape has begun with the launch of Aurya Diamonds, a brand focused on certified lab-grown diamonds and conscious design. With its entry, Aurya aims to reposition lab-grown diamonds-not as substitutes, but as the preferred choice for today’s style-conscious and ethically aware consumers.

Founded by industry veteran Shikha Dadha, along with co-founder and investor Saad Salman, Aurya Diamonds blends high-fashion aesthetics with sustainability, targeting India’s evolving luxury market where transparency and value are as important as design.

Breaking away from the conventional “behind-the-glass” retail experience, the brand has introduced a contemporary jewellery gallery in Bengaluru. The space is designed to be interactive and inviting, allowing customers to touch, try, and explore pieces in a relaxed, immersive setting-reflecting the mindset of a new generation of buyers.

High-Profile Launch समारोह

Aurya’s arrival was marked by a two-day inaugural celebration attended by prominent figures from politics and entertainment.

Day 1 spotlighted the brand’s role in Karnataka’s retail evolution, with the presence of senior ministers including shri.Ramalinga Reddy, Santosh S Lad, and B. Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan.

Day 2 embraced the theme of “Ethical Brilliance,” featuring actor Urvashi Rautela and acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, along with Bengaluru’s leading influencers.

A Shift in Luxury Thinking

Speaking at the launch, Shikha Dadha said, that the diamond industry is undergoing a fundamental shift. She emphasized that modern luxury should no longer be restricted by high costs or ethical concerns. Aurya, she said, is designed for individuals who see jewellery as a form of self-expression—offering bold, everyday elegance without compromise.

Saad Salman highlighted the business perspective, calling lab-grown diamonds one of the most significant disruptions in the jewellery sector. He noted that Aurya aims to tap into India’s growing middle and upper-middle-class market by delivering products that are both cost-effective and ethically responsible.

Reetesh Gade, who leads marketing and operations, pointed out that today’s consumers are redefining luxury. According to him, buyers now demand not just quality and design, but also transparency and value—an expectation Aurya seeks to meet through its approach.

Riding the Lab-Grown Wave

Aurya’s launch comes at a time when India’s lab-grown diamond market is witnessing rapid growth. Increasing awareness, coupled with the appeal of larger carats at more accessible prices, is driving demand-especially among younger consumers who prefer mindful consumption.

Positioning itself at the intersection of design, sustainability, and affordability, Aurya Diamonds aims to set a new benchmark for modern Indian luxury-one that is expressive, accessible, and responsibly crafted.

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Powerplay unveils AI agents to streamline construction operations

Powerplay unveils AI workforce platform for construction sector

Bengaluru, March 26, 2026: Construction technology firm Powerplay on Thursday announced the launch of what it describes as India’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-driven workforce platform for the construction industry, aimed at automating critical operational functions across project lifecycles.

The platform introduces five domain-specific AI agents designed to handle tasks such as estimation, procurement, supplier assessment, demand forecasting, compliance, and financial readiness. The company said these agents are trained on real-world construction data, enabling them to function within the complexities of Indian project environments rather than generic software settings.

According to the company, early deployments have shown significant efficiency gains, including a sharp reduction in estimation timelines—from weeks to minutes—and productivity improvements of up to 60% across key workflows.

The system has been developed using operational data from over 85,000 construction projects executed on its platform over the past four years. This dataset includes bills of quantities, procurement records, billing cycles, and compliance documentation, which have been used to build standardised execution models for the AI agents.

Powerplay said the platform maintains accuracy levels of up to 99% through a “human-in-the-loop” approach, where experienced professionals review AI-generated outputs before final decisions are taken. This model also enables outcome-based pricing for clients.

Speaking on the development, Iesh Dixit, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said the construction sector, despite contributing nearly 9% to the country’s GDP, continues to face a shortage of specialised talent in areas such as estimation and procurement.

He noted that the emergence of “vertical AI”—systems trained on industry-specific workflows—marks a shift from conventional software that merely records activity to solutions capable of executing routine operational tasks. He added that the company aims to position India at the forefront of this transition.

The platform is designed to support incremental adoption, allowing firms to deploy individual AI agents while retaining human oversight in critical areas. Powerplay plans to extend its AI capabilities across the entire construction lifecycle, from initial cost estimation to final financial reconciliation.

Founded by entrepreneurs with experience in construction operations, the company began as a coordination platform addressing fragmented workflows among site, procurement, and finance teams. It has since evolved into a broader operational system used by contractors and developers managing multi-site projects.

The company expects the new platform to drive wider adoption among general contractors, infrastructure developers, including those in renewable energy and data centres, as well as project firms seeking greater predictability in timelines, costs, and financial outcomes.

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Rohan Bopanna, Joshna Chinappa Lead ASICS SUPERBLAST™ 3 Launch in City

ASICS Unveils SUPERBLAST™ 3 in Bengaluru Ahead of TCS World 10K 2026

Bengaluru, March 24, 2026: Japanese sportswear major ASICS has introduced its latest high-performance running shoe, the SUPERBLAST™ 3, in Bengaluru, building momentum ahead of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026, where it serves as the official Sports Goods Partner. The launch took place at the brand’s Brigade Road outlet and also showcased the official race-day apparel for the upcoming event.

The unveiling drew attention with the presence of tennis star Rohan Bopanna and leading squash player Joshna Chinappa, both of whom spoke about the importance of discipline, consistency and mental strength in sport, aligning with ASICS’ long-standing ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ philosophy.

The SUPERBLAST™ 3 represents a step forward in the brand’s performance innovation. It features FF LEAP™ foam, described as its lightest and most responsive cushioning yet, aimed at delivering a more energetic and efficient running experience. The shoe also incorporates a redesigned trampoline pod to enhance rebound and conserve energy over longer distances. A dual-layer cushioning setup, combining FF LEAP™ with FF BLAST™ PLUS, is designed to offer a balance of comfort and responsiveness.

Further enhancements include an engineered woven upper for improved breathability and a refined eyestay structure for better midfoot support, enabling a more adaptive and stable ride. Alongside the footwear, ASICS presented its race-day collection featuring lightweight T-shirts, shorts, tights, sports bras and socks equipped with ACTIBREEZE™ technology for enhanced ventilation and moisture management.

Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, noted that running in Bengaluru is increasingly evolving beyond participation into a more performance-focused pursuit. He highlighted the growing emphasis among runners on training discipline, recovery and overall well-being, adding that the brand aims to support this shift through innovation-led products.

Sharing his perspective, Bopanna emphasised the importance of longevity in sport, underlining how preparation, recovery and mental balance play a crucial role over time. Chinappa echoed similar views, pointing to the role of routine and perseverance in athletic progress, while noting the growing accessibility of performance-driven gear for runners today.

With its continued association with marquee running events across the country, ASICS is further strengthening its foothold in India’s fitness ecosystem. The company remains focused on supporting runners at every stage of their journey through a mix of advanced products and community-driven initiatives.

The SUPERBLAST™ 3 and official TCS World 10K merchandise are now available at ASICS stores nationwide and on its official website.

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“From Sweet to Savoury: Masala Dates Offer a Fresh Take on a Classic Superfood”

Apis India’s MISK Adds a Spicy Twist to Healthy Snacking with Masala Dates

Bengaluru, March 20, 2026: In a bid to redefine everyday snacking, Apis India Limited has introduced a new product under its MISK range-Masala Dates-blending traditional ingredients with contemporary taste preferences.

First launched in Lucknow, the offering aims to reposition dates from a conventional sweet to a flavourful, ready-to-eat snack.
Moving beyond the usual perception of dates, the new range comes in three bold variants -achari, imli (tamarind), and chilli-lime. The dates are deseeded and pre-sliced, making them convenient for immediate consumption and suited to fast-paced urban lifestyles.

The product is positioned as a healthier alternative to fried and high-sugar snacks, combining the natural nutritional benefits of dates with familiar Indian spice profiles. This fusion caters to consumers increasingly seeking snacks that strike a balance between taste and wellness.

Apart from being consumed on its own, Masala Dates are designed for versatility. They can be added to breakfast bowls, mixed into salads, used in chaat preparations, or simply eaten straight from the pack, expanding their appeal across different eating occasions.
The launch reflects Apis India’s focus on clean-label, value-added products that align with evolving consumer habits. The ready-to-use format also addresses the growing demand for convenience without compromising on flavour.

Commenting on the development, Amit Anand said the idea behind Masala Dates was to create a flavour-rich snacking option rooted in Indian tastes while keeping health and convenience in mind.

The product is expected to be available across India in the coming weeks through retail stores, modern trade outlets, and major e-commerce platforms, marking its entry into the expanding better-for-you snacks category.

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Nothing Launches Phone (4a) Series in India, Redefining the Mid-Range Smartphone Experience

Bengaluru, March 14, 2026: London-based consumer tech brand Nothing has officially announced that its much-anticipated Phone (4a) Series is now available for sale in India. With this launch, the company aims to redefine the mid-range smartphone segment by combining its iconic transparent design, powerful performance, advanced camera technology, and the latest software experience.

The new Nothing Phone (4a) brings a standout triple-camera setup designed for users who love photography. It features a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and up to 70x Ultra Zoom, along with a Sony ultra-wide sensor and a 32MP front camera for selfies. Powered by the TrueLens Engine 4, the device supports Ultra XDR photography and AI-enhanced imaging, allowing users to capture everything from wide landscapes to distant subjects with remarkable clarity.

The smartphone sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a vibrant and smooth visual experience. It is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i and powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, ensuring reliable everyday performance and smooth gaming.

One of the highlights of the device is the newly introduced Glyph Bar, an upgraded lighting interface that provides smart notifications and can also function as a fill light for photos and videos. Staying true to Nothing’s design philosophy, the phone features a transparent back design and comes in bold colour options including Blue, Pink, Black, and White, along with IP64 protection for everyday durability.
The Phone (4a) also packs a 5400mAh battery with 50W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting power. Running on Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.1, the device offers smarter AI features, deeper customization, and a fast, clean user experience.

Pricing and Availability
The Phone (4a) is available in Black, White, Blue, and Pink in three configurations:
8GB + 128GB – ₹31,999
8GB + 256GB – ₹34,999
12GB + 256GB – ₹37,999
The Phone (4a) Pro is available in Black, Silver, and Pink in three configurations:
8GB + 128GB – ₹39,999
8GB + 256GB – ₹42,999
12GB + 256GB – ₹45,999
As part of the launch offers, customers can avail bank discounts of up to ₹3,000 on Phone (4a) and up to ₹4,000 on Phone (4a) Pro, along with exchange offers and no-cost EMI options through select partners. With these combined offers, the Phone (4a) will be available at an effective starting price of ₹24,999, while the Phone (4a) Pro will start at an effective price of ₹34,999.

The Nothing Phone (4a) Series is available for purchase through Flipkart, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Croma, and leading retail stores across India.

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