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IFA 2025: Berlin’s biggest tech event is a sell-out success
BERLIN: Two days before the official opening of IFA Berlin, the doors have opened for the traditional Media Days, giving international journalists a sneak peek at the world’s largest home and consumer technology event. Over seven days, the trade show will present product launches and press conferences from leading global firms, revealing the latest innovations in the home and consumer tech industry.
IFA 2025 is a resounding success, with 1,900 exhibitors from 49 countries filling the entire 190,000 square metres of exhibition space. Berlin will once again serve as the international hub for innovation, inspiration and exchange. IFA Management GmbH chief executive officer Leif Lindner said, “Berlin is becoming a stage for technology, culture and community these days. Together with our partners and exhibitors, we are creating a place where home and consumer tech can be experienced in all its range.”
GFU Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH managing director Sara Warneke added, “IFA is a unique meeting place for the global tech industry—here, trade visitors and end consumers can marvel at the innovations that will shape our everyday lives in the coming years.”
This year’s event promises a wealth of new features alongside established sectors like home entertainment, appliances and smart homes. New formats include the Beauty Hub, Outdoor Cooking & Gardening, and The Mobility Track. The Creator Hub at the Palais provides a new platform for influencers and digital communities, while Games Ground x IFA highlights Berlin’s thriving indie gaming scene.
The IFA Global Markets in Hall 26, taking place from 7 to 9 September, will be a sourcing platform for original equipment manufacturers and retailers. Meanwhile, IFA Next in Hall 25 will serve as a launchpad for startups and disruptive technologies. In a new partnership with the Cradle to Cradle NGO, IFA is also focusing on sustainability and a circular economy for the tech industry.
For the media, the event offers exclusive access to press conferences and new product demonstrations before the general public. The festival-like atmosphere extends to the IFA Sommergarten, which will feature a vibrant musical lineup, including performances by Jan Böhmermann and Olli Schulz on 7 September.
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Swiggy sees record orders during India vs New Zealand T20 final
Chicken biryani tops match-day menu as fans order 7,500 times per minute at peak.
MUMBAI: India’s T20 final didn’t just break stumps, it broke Swiggy’s delivery records, proving cricket fans celebrate victories with plates, not just flags. Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, reported a sharp spike in food orders during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. On 8 March 2026, overall orders rose 23.2 per cent year-on-year compared with the same date in 2025, driven by fans turning living rooms into mini stadiums complete with match-day feasts.
Key highlights from the evening:
- Orders during peak match hours (7–10 pm) were 2.1 times higher than pre-match levels.
- The highest order rate hit 7,500 orders per minute at 19:45.
- Chicken biryani reigned supreme as the most-ordered dish, followed by masala dosa, chicken fried rice, garlic breadsticks and paneer butter masala.
While metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad led volumes, the cricketing fever spread nationwide. Among emerging cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Surat and Rajkot recorded the strongest order growth. Smaller markets including Shillong, Agartala and Port Blair also showed significant appetite, underlining the expanding footprint of quick-commerce food delivery across India.
The surge reflects a growing trend of pairing major sporting events with doorstep delivery, turning big matches into shared, convenient celebrations. In a night where every boundary mattered, Swiggy proved the real MVP might just be the delivery partner who kept the snacks and the vibes flowing without missing a single wicket.
