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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (February 14, 2026 - February 20, 2026) February 20, 2026 26 Business / Entertainment T he India Pavilion at NY NOW, jointly organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and Expo Bazaar, a subsid- iary of India Expo Mart & Centre (IEML), marked a significant milestone in strengthening India’s long-term export strategy for the U.S. home and lifestyle market. The pavilion showcased a curated se- lection of products frommultiple Indian factories and artisan clusters, aimed at reflecting the depth, diversity, and crafts- manship of India’s handicrafts sector. “More importantly, the initiative dem- onstrated a shared commitment by EPCH and Expo Bazaar to establish a scalable Just-In-Time (JIT) supply-chain model, enabling U.S. retailers to access Indian products with immediate local availability through U.S.-based fulfilment infrastruc- ture,” the press release from organizers said. CoA Member, EPCH K. N. Tulasi high- lighted the strong commercial relevance of the initiative and expressed confidence in its long-term potential. In his speech, he noted that this model significantly enhances India’s competitiveness in the U.S. market by bridging the gap between traditional sourcing timelines and the evolving needs of American retailers. The availability of Indian products through local fulfilment, he added, offers buyers greater flexibility, faster replenishment cycles, and improved inventory planning. Senior Vice President-Global Opera- tions at Expo Bazaar Jitin Prashar, empha- sized that the Just-In-Time supply chain being developed by Expo Bazaar repre- sents a fundamental shift in how Indian handicrafts are positioned for interna- tional markets. By building a responsive supply chain originating from India and supported by overseas warehousing, Expo Bazaar is enabling an efficient, demand-driven, and scalable export model, Prashar added. He further highlighted that this ap- proach allows U.S. buyers to access a vast and continuously evolving product as- sortment with significantly reduced lead times, while simultaneously empowering Indian manufacturers and artisan clusters with sustained demand visibility. The model not only simplifies procure- ment for international retailers but also creates a structural pathway for increasing exports from India by aligning production, inventory, and distribution more closely with market demand, he noted. Prashar said Expo Bazaar intends to participate in additional leading interna- tional trade shows to expand awareness and adoption of this initiative across global markets. Director General, EPCH and Chairman, India Expo Mart & Centre Dr. Rakesh Kumar, underscored the broader strategic vision underpinning this collaboration. He noted that Expo Bazaar has already established similar showrooms and fulfilment centers across key European markets, creating a strong foundation for international distribution. Building on this success, there are plans to further strengthen the ecosystem by developing fulfilment and consolidation capabilities within India, enabling faster and more efficient inventory replenishment from India to the U.S. and Europe, he said. Such an integrated, end-to-end supply-chain framework is essential for positioning India as a reliable, responsive, and future-ready sourcing destination, Kumar said, adding that initiatives like the India Pavilion at NY NOW exemplify how industry-led execution, supported by institutional frameworks, can unlock new growth avenues for Indian handicrafts in global markets. Handicrafts Bazaar At NY NOW India Pavilion Reinforces India’s ‘Just-In-Time’ Export Vision For The U.S. Market PHOTO:REUTERS/SATISH KUMAR Siddharth Tyagi, Deputy Director, EPCH, Jitin Prashar, Senior VP, Expo Bazaar and K N Tulasi, CoA Member EPCH, at the India Pavilion in NY Now. Watch Anil Kapoor Roar In Action-Packed ‘Subedaar’ Teaser As Retired Soldier ‘Dhurandhar’ Fame Rapper Flipperachi To Perform In Mumbai This March T he teaser for the Anil Kapoor- starrer action-drama ‘Subedaar’ is out. In the short teaser, the ‘Mr. India’ actor is seen as Subedaar Arjun Morya, a retired soldier trying to live a normal life in a fast-changing world. However, his past and the system around him do not let him remain quiet for long. The one-minute-seventeen-second teaser gives a quick glimpse of Arjun Maurya, a retired soldier navigating a world where his traditional values face modern challenges. Kapoor’s character faces off against crime and corruption, all while struggling with strained family relationships. In December 2024, Kapoor also unveiled a glimpse of the high-octane action, which further fueled anticipa- tion for the project. The teaser featured the actor dressed in a striped white shirt, beige trousers, and slippers, seated inside a dimly lit room while a group of men outside threatened to break in. In the teaser, Kapoor’s character, ad- dressed as “Subedaar” and “Chacha,” is seen sitting on a wooden chair facing the door. Calm yet resolute, he signals while holding a gun before loading it, indicat- ing his readiness for a confrontation. The sequence highlights the character’s composure under pressure and hints at the intense action to come. Subedaar is directed by Suresh Triveni. The film also stars Radhikka Madan, Aditya Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, and Mona Singh. Subedaar will premiere on Prime Video on March 5, later this year. -ANI R apper Flipperachi of ‘Dhurand- har’ fame is all set to perform in Mumbai on March 13. Excited for his concert, Flip- perachi, in a press note said, “India has shown me incredible love, and Mumbai is a city I’ve always wanted to perform in. The energy, the people, the culture it all feels very familiar. This show is going to be loud, emotional and unforgettable. Mumbai, get ready!” He rose to worldwide prominence with his viral hit ‘FA9LA’ and later fea- tured in the Bollywood film Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary rap. The show is produced and promoted by Eva Live and Zee Live. -ANI ‘Swayambhu’ Teaser Out Now T he trailer of Nikhil Siddhartha’s ‘Swayambhu’ was released on Wednesday. Mounted as a grand historical epic, the film stars Nikhil Siddhartha, Sa- myuktha, Nabha Natesh, and Nawab Shah. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=1J1FAqavUwA With its deep roots in Indian history, spirituality, and symbolism, the film “prom- ises to present a visually rich and emotionally powerful cinematic experience.” Set during India’s glorious golden era, the teaser introduces a story steeped in heritage, bravery, and cultural significance. At the cen- tre of the narrative lies the Sengol, an ancient sacred sceptre symbolising righteous leader- ship, justice, and moral authority. Inspired by legends linking it to Lord Ram, the Sengol is believed to have been bestowed upon a ruler as a symbol of governance guided by dharma, read a press note. The story unfolds at the centre of Sengol and as a sparkling, fierce battle and invasions between kingdoms seeking to reclaim it. Written and directed by Bharat Krishnam- achari, the project features music by Ravi Basrur of KGF and Salaar fame, stunning visuals by Baahubali and RRR cinematogra- pher KK Senthil Kumar, and editing by Baa- hubali’s Tammiraju, alongside several other celebrated talents. -ANI PHOTO:ANI