In June 2025, US and Israeli forces targeted Iran’s military (read alleged nuclear facilities) before a unilateral cessation of hostilities, after the declaration of mission accomplished. Then, the exchange rate of the INR to the US Dollar averaged around 85.92. Brent crude oil prices had averaged approximately in the range
The Chennai Pen Show has quietly carved out a distinct niche for itself in the global calendar of events dedicated to pens, inks, accessories, and stationery items. I use the term “global” consciously, as Aditya Bhansali of Endless, the organisers of the show, says the Chennai Pen Show is the
The final of the ICC Champions Trophy was on 9th March 2025. And India was playing. Naturally, organisers and participants alike were a bit skeptical, fearing that cricket will keep the crowds glued to their sets at home, affecting footfall at the Chennai Pen Show. Not unjustified, considering that cricket
Starmark is undoubtedly a “go-to” destination for bibliophiles, stationery lovers, and increasingly, fountain pen and ink aficionados in Kolkata. Naturally, when Starmark celebrates its 25th year, the city sits up to take note. As someone who has spent half my life browsing and buying from the different Starmark outlets, I
Is there a sudden spurt in religious-themed fountain pens in India? Are most major boutique manufacturers draping their holy cloaks around them in an act of reverence and presenting the image of one popular incarnation after the other because of some sacred compulsion? Has flaunting one’s faith somehow become the
Aditya Bhansali was one of the early movers in the fountain pen and ink marketing space in India. His initial forays were marked by the creation of, and the successful running of his e-commerce site www.thepenworld.com , which continues to set the industry standards, apart from enjoying the distinction of
Dr. Bibek Debroy, the economic advisor to the Prime Minister, inaugurated the 3rd chapter of The India Pen Show (TIPS III) in Mumbai as he chaired the Inaugural Session. Present on the dais were Kabir Bedi and Dipti Naval among a host of achievers from fields as diverse as pediatric
The last couple of years has been exciting ones for the fountain pen, ink, paper, stationery, and accessories segment in India. On the one hand, fuelled by demand, several young and enterprising people have unveiled brands that are always out to outdo themselves, forever stretching their horizon; while on the
The Pen Mahotsay, conceived by the Pen Club and organised by Kishaly Events & Advertisement at the ICCR, Kolkata on the 15th, 16th and 17th of April, 2002 has just concluded. It was the first Pen Show of its kind in Kolkata in foreseeable memory and I must begin by
Fountain pen industry and the effect of the pandemic thereon – are things really as hunky-dory as they are being made out to be? I am often accosted with the question, “How has the pandemic affected the fountain pen industry in India?”. Honestly, there isn’t a ready answer that I
East India LE 2020 chalks a first for Indian pen lovers The Indian fountain pen manufacturers are a risk averse lot, say the apologists. Ask the critics and one is greeted with a fusillade of sterner stuff – that they have zero research and development; are content only with
Makoba feels that the best is yet to come, gets ready to reap the rewards on the other side of the pandemic Inked happiness: Before everything else, what does Makoba mean? How old is the ecommerce platform? What attracted you to the world of writing accessories? How has the journey
