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LONDON FOG ENTERS THE INDIAN WATCH MARKET THROUGH LONG-TERM LICENSING PARTNERSHIP WITH BRANDZSTORM

LONDON FOG ENTERS THE INDIAN WATCH MARKET THROUGH LONG-TERM LICENSING PARTNERSHIP WITH BRANDZSTORM

Mumbai (Jan 27th, 2026): London Fog, the iconic American heritage lifestyle brand with over 100 years of history, today announced its official entry into the Indian watch market through a long-term licensing partnership with Brandzstorm India Marketing Pvt. Ltd. The London Fog brand, globally owned by Iconix International Inc., is internationally recognised for its blend of classic design and contemporary lifestyle appeal, and is represented in India through Iconix India, a strategic joint venture between Iconix International Inc and Reliance Brands Limited.

Founded in 1923 as the Londontown Manufacturing Company in Baltimore, Maryland, London Fog built its reputation on innovative outerwear, including its iconic raincoats and trench coats, which first gained prominence in the 1950s and became synonymous with functional elegance and metropolitan style. Over the decades, the brand expanded into a broader lifestyle portfolio spanning luggage, apparel, footwear, accessories, and eyewear — maintaining its hallmark of timeless design and dependable quality.

As part of its growth strategy in India, this new partnership introduces a premium fashion watch collection that seamlessly marries London Fog’s heritage design ethos with contemporary aesthetics and international quality standards, catering to the evolving tastes of Indian consumers.

Inspired by the brand’s classic design DNA, the London Fog watch collection features refined silhouettes, clean dials, and versatile styles for both men and women — including analog, multifunction, and chronograph models. Each timepiece exemplifies the brand’s core values of reliability, elegance, and understated sophistication, offering a compelling combination of heritage influence and modern functionality.

Under the long-term licensing agreement, Brandzstorm India Marketing Pvt. Ltd. will be responsible for product design, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, and nationwide distribution of the collection. The watches will be launched through a comprehensive omnichannel strategy, spanning leading e-commerce platforms and select premium offline retail partners across India.

Commenting on the collaboration, a representative of Brandzstorm stated that the partnership reflects a shared vision to build London Fog watches into a scalable and enduring lifestyle category in the Indian market, grounded in heritage and contemporary relevance.

Bob Galvin, CEO of Iconix International Inc, added “India represents a key growth market for London Fog, and Brandzstorm’s strong execution capabilities and deep market understanding make them an ideal long-term partner for the watches category”.

ABOUT LONDON FOG

London Fog, owned by Iconix International Inc, is one of the most iconic and established American fashion brands. For over 100 years, it has embodied a classic metropolitan appeal from work wear to weekend dressing. Today London Fog remains as smart and timeless as the raincoat that made its name. With a modern-classic sensibility and an expanded line, it’s the perfect fit for a fast-moving world with an evolved sense of style. The London Fog mission is to outfit and adapt with the ever-changing modern lifestyle, weathering every season and situation with men and women who value savvy, refined style. London Fog continues to represent accessible luxury with broad international distribution across department stores and specialty retail channels worldwide.

ABOUT BRANDZSTORM INDIA MARKETING PVT. LTD.

Brandzstorm India Marketing Pvt. Ltd. is a leading brand licensing, marketing and distribution company in India, with expertise in watches, fashion accessories, and lifestyle products. The company partners with global brands to build and scale their presence in the Indian market through strategic design, retail execution, and brand storytelling.

Sophia Polytechnic hosted “The Indian Artryst – Bringing Traditional Art Forms To Life”, a conference for makers, artisans & thinkers re-imagining the future of fashion

Sophia Polytechnic hosted “The Indian Artryst – Bringing Traditional Art Forms To Life”, a conference for makers, artisans & thinkers re-imagining the future of fashion

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 27: Sophia Polytechnic hosted a two day conference called “The Indian Artryst – Bringing traditional art forms to life”, a conference for makers, artisans & thinkers re-imagining the future of fashion. The conference focused on conversations around the vast availability of Indian arts and crafts, preserving the Indian art forms and weavers, and taking the craft of India to international platforms.

On day one of the conference, esteemed speakers such as Laila Tyatbji – founder member of Dastakar, Mr. Gaurang Shah – celebrated Indian designer, Nitin Pamnani – founder of online store i-tokri took to stage to share their experiences with students on working with the Indian craftsmen and weaver, on how to build a fashion brand which speaks about the Indian values and culture and how to build an online presence for global outreach of the brand.

On the second day of the conference, esteemed speakers such as Sujata Bissau, co-founder Suta, Mr. Hemang Agrawal – MD & Founder Surekha Group, Shivam Nathan – Director Swadesh India, Lekha Prajapati – Actor, Nivedita Saboo – Indian fashion designer interacted with student and took them through their journey of building brands which speak about the Indian crafts, the shortcomings of building a brand and how to overcome challenges while building the brand.

The two day conference also hosted an inter – college competitions such as a fashion show (green fashion runway), a fashion play (kala ki kahani) and a folk dance competition where 18 fashion institutes from all over Maharashtra participated. students showcase their talent through sustainable collections celebrating the green runway, kala ki kahani and folk dance competition where the story telling highlighted the Indian artisans, weavers and preserving the art forms which is slowly diminishing.

“The Indian Artist Conference 2026, organized by the department of Dress Designing & Garden Manufacturing, Sophia Shree B.K. Somani Memorial Polytechnic, a two day national level conference sponsored by the Luigi and Laura Dalla Piccola Foundation organized in collaboration with MKSSS’s School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune was a great success, where we would educated the students on the importance of the Indian fashion, culture and artist.”, says Jignasa Shah.

Incredible Design Showcases Two Iconic Republic Day Parade Tableaux Celebrating Ayush and the Legacy of Punyashloka Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar

Incredible Design Showcases Two Iconic Republic Day Parade Tableaux Celebrating Ayush and the Legacy of Punyashloka Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar

New Delhi | Republic Day Parade 2026 – Incredible Design, a New Delhi–based multidisciplinary design studio, has conceptualised and delivered two landmark tableaux for the Republic Day Parade 2026, translating India’s civilisational wisdom, governance ethos, and cultural continuity into powerful national narratives. Designed for the Ministry of Ayush and the State of Madhya Pradesh, the tableaux reflect Incredible Design’s expertise in transforming policy, heritage, and vision into immersive spatial storytelling.

The Ministry of Ayush tableau embodies the philosophy “Ayush ka Tantra, Swasthya ka Mantra,” highlighting the role of the National Ayush Mission (NAM) in strengthening India’s traditional systems of medicine and integrating them into the national public health framework, aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The tractor unit features a rotating tri-sculpture of Acharya Charak, Acharya Patanjali, and Acharya Agastya, seated around a hill of medicinal plants, symbolising Ayush wisdom rooted in nature. A walking contingent showcases NAM’s digital platforms reinforcing preventive and accessible healthcare, reflecting India’s emergence as a technology-enabled global wellness leader. “Ayush is often seen as ancient knowledge. We wanted to show it as a future-ready public health system—rooted in nature, but scaled through technology,” says Architect Sanjay Soni, Chief Knowledge Director Incredible design.

The main trailer presents NAM’s flagship initiatives—Supraja (neo-natal and maternal care), Vayomitra (elderly care), and Ayurvidya (Ayush education at the primary school level). The Arishadvarga, representing the six inner enemies, is depicted through expressive puppetry, illustrating how Ayush practices foster balance and holistic well-being. The rear section showcases the Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush), depicting community health activities, a meditative figure symbolising body–mind–spirit harmony, yoga demonstrations, and a display of commonly used Ayush medicines. Side panels feature 3D murals of Bharatiya therapies such as Marma, Shirodhara, and Cupping, alongside pioneers of major Ayush systems.

Production Designer, Tushar Pradhan, Grey Production comments Ahilyabai Holkar represents governance where power was quiet, culture was protected, and women shaped the moral centre of the state. Our design had to carry that restraint.” Madhya Pradesh tableau is conceived as a dignified homage to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar—an enduring embodiment of self-reliance, patriotism, ethical governance, and the guardianship of culture. The front section presents the revered image of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai holding a sacred Shivling, seated on a lotus, symbolising serenity, devotion, and maternal strength. The central portion depicts her with ministers and soldiers, representing just administration and protection of Dharma, while panels below illustrate the extensive restoration and construction of temples undertaken during her reign.

The concluding sections present the iconic ghats, temples, and fort of Maheshwar, with the flowing Narmada River evoking the spiritual and cultural soul of the region. Temple spires established by Ahilyabai rise above the ghats, while murals below depict women engaged in the renowned Maheshwari sari weaving tradition—testifying to women’s empowerment, dignity of labour, and indigenous craftsmanship fostered during her era. Folk artists performing traditional dances add rhythm and vitality, transforming the tableau into a living cultural tribute.

Reflecting on the design philosophy behind the twin tableaux, Sanjay Soni, Architect and Chief Knowledge Director, Incredible Design, said:

“A Republic Day tableau is architecture without permanence—but with enormous responsibility. It exists for minutes, yet it must live for decades in public memory. At Incredible Design, we don’t start with form—we start with meaning. Form emerges only after the story is clear. These tableaux are designed simultaneously for the President’s eye, the television camera, and the collective consciousness of the nation—few design challenges are as complex.”

Through these two presentations, Incredible Design reaffirms its role as a trusted creative partner for national platforms—crafting large-scale public narratives that celebrate India’s heritage, empower its present, and inspire its future.

About Incredible Design

Incredible Design is a New Delhi–based multidisciplinary design studio specialising in national pavilions, Republic Day tableaux, cultural installations, and large-format exhibitions. Led by architect and Chief Knowledge Director Sanjay Soni, the studio is known for translating policy, heritage, and institutional vision into compelling spatial narratives. With a strong foundation in research, design thinking, and execution excellence, Incredible Design has delivered landmark projects for central ministries, state governments, and global platforms.

This Republic Day, National Finance Olympiad Partners With Mirae Asset Mutual Fund to Advance Financial Education for Parents Across India

This Republic Day, National Finance Olympiad Partners With Mirae Asset Mutual Fund to Advance Financial Education for Parents Across India

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], Janaury 23: As India celebrates the values of citizenship, empowerment and nation-building, the National Finance Olympiad (NFO), India’s largest financial literacy program for school students, has announced a new collaboration with Mirae Asset Mutual Fund to bring investor education directly to parents through an interactive learning tool included with every Personal Finance Handbook (PFH) purchase.

The partnership aims to bridge the financial literacy gap not only for students but for their families, particularly parents who often struggle to find time and reliable resources to revisit their own financial goals.

As part of this initiative, every parent who purchases the NFO’s Personal Finance Handbook will also receive a complimentary SIP Wheel, a hands-on investor awareness tool created by Mirae Asset Mutual Fund. The wheel visually demonstrates the power of compounding through scenarios such as SIPs, SIP top-ups, lumpsum investments and Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs), helping parents understand how disciplined, long-term investing can transform their financial future.

Parents can also deepen their learning through QR codes included in the brochure, leading them to Mirae’s investor education microsite and a curated YouTube playlist designed to simplify core investment concepts.

“When parents invest time in understanding their own financial habits, they naturally shape their children’s relationship with money,” said Shiv Bidani, Co-founder of the National Finance Olympiad. “While our program equips students with age-appropriate financial knowledge, many parents tell us they wish they had learned these concepts sooner. This collaboration with Mirae Asset allows us to extend the learning journey beyond the students. The SIP Wheel is a simple, practical reminder of how consistency and compounding can change a family’s financial future.”

Mr. Shrinivas Khanolkar, Head – Digital, Marketing & Corporate Communication of Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Private Limited said, “Financial awareness is most powerful when it begins at home. As a long-term investor focused fund house, Mirae Asset believes that parents play a pivotal role in shaping how children perceive savings, investing and financial discipline. Through this partnership with the National Finance Olympiad, we aim to empower parents with simple, intuitive tools that help them understand the power of compounding and consistency, encouraging these concepts to seamlessly integrate into everyday family conversations and, over time, may help children develop a strong foundation of financial awareness for the future.”

This initiative also acts as a preview to a broader financial literacy journey offered by Mirae Asset, encouraging parents to explore structured learning content, interactive calculators and educational videos that make the principles of compounding and investing easy to understand and apply.

About NFO: The National Finance Olympiad (NFO) is India’s largest and most impactful financial literacy program dedicated to students from Grades 1 to 12. With a mission to make financial education accessible, practical and engaging, NFO equips young learners with essential money management skills through structured content, competitive exams and school partnerships. With a footprint across 500+ institutions in 100+ cities, NFO aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and continues to advocate for integrating financial literacy into mainstream education.

About Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Established in 2007, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund is one of India’s emerging fund houses. Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd. is the Investment Manager to Mirae Asset Mutual Fund.

As a pivotal player within Mirae Asset Global Investments, operating across 19 countries, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to collaborative management, offering a fully diversified investment platform. As on December 31, 2025, the AMC has 87 schemes available for investors spread across Equity funds, Debt funds, Hybrid Fund, ETFs and Index funds. With expertise drawn from our global professionals, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund aims to cater to clients’ evolving needs with innovative solutions across various asset classes, striving to align portfolios with investment objectives for potential growth and success.

The information contained in this document is compiled from third party and publically available sources and is included for general information purposes only. There can be no assurance and guarantee on the yields. Views expressed in the document cannot be construed to be a decision to invest. The statements contained herein are based on current views and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Whilst Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Private Limited (the AMC) shall have no responsibility/liability whatsoever for the accuracy or any use or reliance thereof of such information. The AMC, its associate or sponsors or group companies, its Directors or employees accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind resulting out of the use of this document. The recipient(s) before acting on any information herein should make his/her/their own investigation and seek appropriate professional advice and shall alone be fully responsible / liable for any decision taken on the basis of information contained herein. Any reliance on the accuracy or use of such information shall be done only after consultation to the financial consultant to understand the specific legal, tax or financial implications.

Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

TresVista Expands AI-Enabled Advisory Platform Through RapidCanvas Partnership

TresVista Expands AI-Enabled Advisory Platform Through RapidCanvas Partnership

New York [US] / London [UK], January 23: TresVista has partnered with RapidCanvas, a leading enterprise-grade agentic AI platform provider, to embed AI at the foundation of core workflows and enhance client delivery. This collaboration marks a significant step in TresVista’s enterprise AI strategy, enabling the development of custom AI-powered workflows that drive operational efficiency, scalability, and better decision-making.

Built from the data layer upward, these AI-native solutions integrate seamlessly with TresVista’s systems, delivering context-aware insights and automation across high-value processes. RapidCanvas’ platform combines agentic AI capabilities with no-code/low-code development, allowing TresVista teams to design and deploy bespoke AI agents quickly, without compromising control or compliance.

Security and governance remain paramount. The platform operates within TresVista’s controlled IT environment under a hybrid hosting model, with strict identity management and SOC 2-certified security. Importantly, client data will never be used for AI model training, reinforcing trust and confidentiality.

This alliance follows TresVista’s rigorous evaluation of the AI landscape. Over the past six months, the firm has reviewed hundreds of AI products and platforms through a structured framework that prioritizes durability, scalability, and real-world impact. RapidCanvas is among the first tools selected, recognized for its ability to deliver flexibility while ensuring operational assurance, meeting the rigorous standards required for enterprise financial workflows. This selection marks the beginning of a broader initiative, with additional tools in the pipeline aimed at accelerating TresVista’s AI-driven transformation.

“AI is not an add-on for us; it’s foundational,” said Sudeep Mishra, Managing Director & Co-CEO, TresVista. “RapidCanvas enables us to build secure, scalable, and integrated AI solutions that deliver real impact for clients.”

“Most companies don’t lack ambition around AI, they lack execution. The ones that succeed treat AI as core to their business, not as a side project. TresVista takes a thoughtful, disciplined approach: they focus on real workflows, real decisions, and real impact. They understand where AI belongs, where it doesn’t, and how to implement it responsibly. That clarity is both rare and powerful.” shared Rahul Pangam, CEO & Co-Founder, RapidCanvas

Building on recent AI initiatives, including its strategic partnership with Model ML, this partnership positions TresVista as an AI solution architect, creating a secure, integrated AI framework that raises the bar on speed, precision, and reliability and sets a new standard for client delivery in enterprise financial services.

About TresVista

TresVista is a global platform providing sophisticated solutions to clients combining domain expertise, technology, and human capital. Our unique model allows clients to achieve excellence through embracing best-in-class AI and human capital with an offshore resource model.

About RapidCanvas

RapidCanvas is the trusted partner for transforming business with AI, using a Hybrid Approach™ to AI transformation that combines agentic AI with human experts. The result is enterprise-grade AI accessible to all organizations, with measurable business outcomes 10X faster at 80% lower cost vs traditional solutions. RapidCanvas works with industry leaders in manufacturing, retail and consumer goods, financial services, and infrastructure, turning what was once impossible into the everyday. Recognized as a top 5 Data Science and Machine Learning platform by independent research firm G2 for customer satisfaction and backed by top-tier investors including Peak XV Partners, Accel, Titanium Ventures, and Valley Capital Partners.

Fern Holidays International Recognised as “India’s Best Hospitality Provider 2025” at Atal Samman Samaroh 2026

Fern Holidays International Recognised as “India’s Best Hospitality Provider 2025” at Atal Samman Samaroh 2026

New Delhi [India], January 23: Fern Holidays International, a trusted name in premium travel and hospitality services, has been proudly honoured with the prestigious title of “India’s Best Hospitality Provider 2025” at the grand platform of Atal Samman Samaroh 2026. It was held at Bharat Mandapam on January 22, 2026. The recognition highlights Fern Holidays International’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences, and exceptional customer satisfaction for travellers across India and beyond.

The award was received by Mr. Vikas Saini, Director, Fern Holidays International, acknowledging his leadership and vision in driving the brand with innovation, trust, and service excellence. Under his guidance, Fern Holidays International has consistently strengthened its position as a hospitality provider that focuses on creating memorable experiences through premium travel planning.

Organised by the Topnotch Foundation, the ceremony was a prestigious gathering that celebrated outstanding contributions across various industries. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Shri Piyush Goyal Ji, Shri Shripad Naik Ji, and Shri Arif Mohammed Khan Ji, along with actress Ms. Huma Qureshi, adding significance and prestige to the evening.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikas Saini expressed heartfelt gratitude and shared:

“This award is a proud milestone for Fern Holidays International. It strengthens our belief in delivering the finest hospitality and travel experiences. This recognition belongs to our hardworking team and the trust our customers place in us every day.”

With a growing presence and a strong reputation for providing premium holiday experiences, Fern Holidays International continues to set new benchmarks in the hospitality sector. The brand is known for offering a perfect blend of comfort, reliability, and professionalism.

Driven by the philosophy of creating unforgettable journeys, Fern Holidays International remains dedicated to raising service standards, expanding its offerings, and enhancing customer experiences nationwide and internationally. With this honour, the brand reaffirms its promise to deliver exceptional hospitality everywhere.

Suchitra Academy Hosts Vibrant Alumni Meet on 30 December

Suchitra Academy Hosts Vibrant Alumni Meet on 30 December

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 22: Suchitra Academy organised its 2nd Alumni Meet on 30 December, bringing together alumni from several past batches for an evening centred on reconnection and community engagement. The event provided a structured opportunity for former students to reconnect with peers, teachers, and the school environment after varying lengths of time away from campus.

Alumni representing different graduating years attended the meet, reflecting the institution’s sustained relationship with its former students. The programme was designed to encourage interaction across batches, allowing participants to renew old connections and establish new ones based on shared academic and co-curricular experiences.

The Principal, Head – Programs, teachers, and alumni representatives addressed the gathering. The Principal highlighted the role of alumni as long-term members of the school community and emphasised the importance of continued engagement. Alumni speakers shared perspectives on reconnecting with the institution and peers after graduation.

The agenda included interactive games aimed at promoting conversation and collaboration among attendees. Cultural performances, including dance and song presentations by students, formed part of the programme and supported informal engagement.

Food arrangements allowed alumni to continue conversations in a relaxed setting. A bonfire session later in the evening served as a focal point for group interaction, with alumni exchanging memories and reflecting on shared experiences.

Representatives of Suchitra Academy reiterated the value of alumni engagement and described the meet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen alumni relations. The Alumni Meet concluded with active participation and reinforced the importance of maintaining long-term connections between the school and its alumni community.

For further information, please contact: Phone: +91 91773 99900 or Visit

Website: https://suchitra.in/

Forget the Waitlist: You Can Now Pilot Ferrari’s ₹12 Crore Purosangue in Dubai Without a Deposit

Forget the Waitlist: You Can Now Pilot Ferrari’s ₹12 Crore Purosangue in Dubai Without a Deposit

New Delhi [India], January 22: India For the Indian automotive enthusiast, the Ferrari Purosangue is the ultimate “forbidden fruit”. While it represents a dream machine for many, the reality of owning one in India is typically reserved for a microscopic elite–names like Shri Mukesh Ambani. Between astronomical import taxes, a multi-year waiting list, and limited local allocations, getting behind the wheel of this ₹12 crore masterpiece on Indian soil is a massive challenge.

However, that dream is now coming true in a new way. The road to experiencing this Ferrari legend has just shifted to Dubai.

The “No-Deposit” Revolution

In a move that disrupts the traditional luxury rental market, MKV Luxury Car Rental in Dubai has added the Purosangue to its fleet with a game-changing condition: no security deposit is needed.

Typically, renting a supercar involves blocking lakhs of rupees on a credit card. MKV’s new policy removes this financial barrier, allowing Indian travelers to simply book and get behind the wheel of one of the world’s most wanted cars. At a starting price of USD 2,200 per day, this elite experience is now accessible to Indian tourists, business travellers, and families on holiday.

Not an SUV, But a “Four-Door Ferrari”

The Purosangue is a landmark model for Ferrari. It is their first-ever four-door car, designed for those who demand supercar speed but also require space for family or friends.

Under the hood lies the heart of a beast: a mighty V12 engine, a masterpiece of engineering that is becoming increasingly rare today. Ferrari famously refuses to call it an SUV, instead labelling it a “four-door Ferrari” to ensure its sporty soul remains intact.

Why Dubai is the Ultimate Pitstop

Dubai is a city where luxury is famously easy to access. While such cars remain incredibly rare in India, Dubai offers a hassle-free way to enjoy them without the burdens of ownership.

Why wait years for an allocation when you can have the keys today?

  • Easy Booking: You can reserve the car online before your trip begins.
  • No Big Deposit: You don’t have to keep lakhs of rupees blocked as a security deposit.
  • Pure Fun: Drive around Dubai’s iconic sights and capture the moment with no long-term worries.
  • Trusted Service: MKV Luxury is known for clear pricing, well-maintained cars, and excellent service.

For every Indian who has dreamed of a Ferrari, your chance to lead the pack has arrived. Pack your bags for Dubai and prepare for the drive of a lifetime.

Ready to start the engine?

View the collection and book the Ferrari Purosangue at mkvluxury.com.

Indian Brands rush to secure their own DotBRAND Top Level Domain as surges ahead of ICANN New gTLD Round 2026

Indian Brands rush to secure their own DotBRAND Top Level Domain as surges ahead of ICANN New gTLD Round 2026

New Delhi [India], January 22: As the global internet governance body ICANN prepares to reopen applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) in April 2026, Indian companies are showing unprecedented interest in securing their own branded internet extensions — commonly referred to as DotBRAND domains.

Domain industry consultants and registry service providers report a sharp rise in enquiries from Indian startups, consumer brands, banks, and large conglomerates over the past 3 months. The renewed interest comes after a 14-year gap since ICANN’s last new gTLD application window in 2012, when global brands such as BMW, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and BNP Paribas secured their own brand-specific domains.

“Indian brands are approaching DotBRAND domains very differently this time,” said Venkatesh Venkatasubramanian, a DotBRAND advisor and founder of NewgTLDProgram.com. “In 2012, DotBRANDs were seen largely as experimental. In 2026, they are being evaluated as core digital infrastructure — on par with trademarks, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity investments.”

Startups join large enterprises in New gTLD program

What distinguishes the upcoming ICANN New gTLD round is the participation of venture-backed startups and digital-first companies alongside traditional enterprises. According to industry estimates, more than 60% of recent DotBRAND enquiries from India are coming from startups in fintech, consumer internet, SaaS, and D2C sectors.

Founders see branded top-level domains as a way to control customer trust, reduce phishing risks, and create a unified digital identity across websites, apps, email, and marketing campaigns. A DotBRAND domain allows a company to operate an exclusive namespace — for example, pay.brand or support.brand — where every domain name is verified and controlled by the brand itself.

“In sectors like fintech, healthtech, and marketplaces, trust is no longer optional,” Venkatesh noted. “A DotBRAND top level domain instantly tells users that the domain is authentic. That has a measurable impact on conversion rates, customer confidence, and fraud reduction.”

Limited window, long-term advantage of DotBRAND domains

ICANN’s 2026 application round will remain open for approximately 12-15 weeks, with each DotBRAND application costing $227,000 in application fees alone, excluding consulting and operational costs. While the upfront investment is significant, brands increasingly view it as a long-term strategic asset rather than a marketing expense.

Globally, DotBRAND operators have reported tangible benefits, including reduced phishing incidents, lower dependency on defensive domain registrations, and stronger brand recall. In India, where digital adoption is expanding rapidly across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, the appeal is even stronger.

“India’s digital economy is scaling faster than its trust mechanisms,” said Venkatesh. “DotBRANDs offer brands a way to future-proof their online presence for the next 20 to 30 years.”

Scarcity drives urgency for DotBRAND Domain Names

Unlike regular domain extensions, DotBRAND domain names are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are permanently exclusive to the applying brand. Once the application window closes, brands that miss the opportunity may have to wait another decade or more.

With ICANN confirming April 30, 2026 as the opening date for the next round, DotBRAND advisors expect demand from Indian applicants to intensify through 2025 as board-level discussions and feasibility studies accelerate.

“Brands that understand the strategic value of DotBRAND Domains early will have a clear advantage,” Venkatesh said. “This is not about owning another domain name. It is about owning the exact name of a brand in the form of a domain name aligned permanently with your brand.”

The Statement of Shincheonji Church of Jesus

The Statement of Shincheonji Church of Jesus

Politicians and certain media outlets must stop exploiting Shincheonji Church of Jesus for political contention. The Joint Investigation Headquarters must conduct an impartial investigation.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus expresses deep concern regarding the proliferation of speculative reports based solely on the unilateral claims of expelled individuals. These reports involve allegations of “mass entry into the People Power Party,” “interference in the Presidential election,” and “interference in the General election.”

We state clearly and unequivocally:

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never instructed its members to join any political party, including the People Power Party or the Democratic Party of Korea, or to engage in political activities. Systematic election interference is neither structurally possible nor factually true.

The church does not have the means to know its members’ individual political choices, nor do we control them. Individual political activity is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. Accordingly, we do not track the number of party members in our congregation, and we do not keep any such lists.

Despite this, certain politicians and media outlets are concluding that Shincheonji Church of Jesus is systematically interfering in elections in collusion with a specific party. This behavior amplifies unverified speculation and effectively predetermines the direction of the investigation before it has even concluded.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus seeks the establishment of truth based on facts, not speculation. Therefore, we officially demand that the Joint Investigation Headquarters conduct a fair verification process as follows.

First, the Joint Investigation Headquarters must conduct a simultaneous joint inquiry by cross-referencing the list of members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus with the political party rosters, including those of the Democratic Party and the People Power Party.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus clearly states its willingness to provide its membership list with the consent of its members. This investigation must not target a specific party alone. It must be, as the President instructed, an investigation “without sanctuary,” leaving no one exempt.

Second, if any individuals are confirmed to be registered members of any political party, the Headquarters must directly investigate the circumstances of their joining and whether there was any systemic instruction. Furthermore, the investigation must objectively verify whether these individuals participated in major intra-party elections, such as presidential primaries or party leadership primaries.

Third, if the claim persists that Shincheonji Church of Jesus received special favors through political intervention, specific details and evidence must be clearly presented. If political collusion actually existed, it could not explain the current reality where the church is blocked from using its own facilities as religious sites, even after purchasing spaces through a legally sound process.

We strongly demand that this matter be clarified not through suspicion targeting a specific party, but through a fair joint investigation that spans both ruling and opposition parties.

Fourth, the Headquarters must investigate whether there is collusion between politics and religion across all religious groups, including Protestant, Buddhist, and Catholic denominations, and must use the exact same methods applied to Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

20 January, 2026
All Members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus