Archives January 2026

By:  Dr Alok Misra, CEO & Director, Microfinance Industry Network 

“The microfinance sector touching lives of nearly 30 crore low income people needs policy support in the form of robust KYC framework for accurate borrower verification and responsible credit reporting. In light of SC judgement restricting Aadhar use, the issue needs to be addressed through solutions such as Aadhaar last-four-digit storage or tokenisation. The other area requiring policy support is availability of stable funding mechanism. High dependence of NBFC-MFIs on bank funding leads to sudden drying up of funds and affects financial inclusion, like seen for last one year. This has resulted in nearly 50 lakh clients going out of formal finance fold.

Other than that, at a macro level, the sector has shown tangible improvement in credit discipline, with Portfolio at Risk (1–90 days) for RBI regulated entities declining from 5.3% in Dec 2024 to 2.4% by end December 2025 and nearly 96% of borrowers are within prescribed MFIN guardrails. We remain hopeful for an early announcement on the proposed credit guarantee scheme for microfinance, which will further strengthen lender confidence and start a virtuous cycle for the sector.”

The Red Lorry Film Festival (RLFF), the country’s premiere international film festival curated by BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, has announced its third edition, scheduled to take place from March 13 to 15, 2026, in Mumbai. The festival continues to strengthen its position as a marquee event on India’s cultural calendar, celebrating curated global and Indian cinema.

With over 120 titles set to be screened, the upcoming edition places RLFF among the few international film festivals in the city, thoughtfully curated for cinephiles, the film industry, and cinema enthusiasts alike.

Ahead of the full line-up announcement, the festival has revealed select titles that will be showcased at the third edition.

These include Indian premieres of Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial Is This Thing On?, Safe House (ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Award), Brendan Fraser-starrer Rental Family, Case 137, Fantasy Life and Wrangler. The line-up also features Cannes selections such as Nino (Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award Winner), The Love That Remains (Palm Dog Winner), Fatih Akin’s Amrum, Redland, A Pale View Of Hills, Leave One Day and Peak Everything.

Further highlights include Venice selections The Sun Rises On Us All (Volpi Cup for Best Actress winner) and The Souffleur; TIFF selection Hen (Platform Award – Honourable Mention); Berlinale selections Circus Boy (Best Film – Generation Kplus), The Botanist (Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury), Late Shift (Switzerland’s official entry to the Oscars), and Tom Tykwer’s The Light, among others.

The festival will also have a special “Legacy Rewind” section, celebrating tributes, classics and restored films that have shaped Indian cinema over the decades.

The 3rd edition of RLFF will also feature a special celebration of Marathi cinema, with screenings of acclaimed upcoming and well-received Marathi films. Additionally, the festival will host the Rendezvous with French Cinema section in partnership with Alliance Française de Bombay (AF Bombay).

Speaking about the third edition, Ashish Saksena, Festival Director, Red Lorry Film Festival and COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow, said, “Red Lorry Film Festival was created with the intent of offering Indian audiences access to carefully curated global cinema in a theatrical environment. Over the last two editions, we have seen a growing appetite for international storytelling across cultures and genres. As we enter the third edition, our focus remains on thoughtful curation and delivering a festival experience that reflects the evolving tastes of Indian cinephiles while championing cinematic voices.”

In addition to film screenings, RLFF will feature masterclasses and panel discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals, along with red carpet gala events. Further details will be announced closer to the festival. The festival will be hosted at INOX Maison, Jio World Drive Plaza, BKC, with satellite screenings at PVR ICON, PVR City Mall, PVR Dynamix, and Cinépolis Fun Republic Mall.

With its third edition, the festival continues to bring global cinema closer to Indian audiences through immersive theatrical experiences. Passes for the upcoming edition of the festival are available on BookMyShow.

RMZ Announces Strategic Investment Partnership with the Government of Maharashtra at WEF Davos 2026 to Facilitate Investments up to USD 30 Billion

Davos, Switzerland / Mumbai, Jan 23: RMZ, Asia’s leading integrated alternative-assets platform owned by the Menda family, today announced a strategic investment partnership with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

Under this long-term partnership, RMZ plans to facilitate investments of up to USD 30 billion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over the next ten years in a phased manner. The initiative has the potential to generate approximately 3 lakh direct and indirect jobs throughout the project lifecycle. The collaboration is designed to drive economic growth through foreign direct investment (FDI) in urban, regional, and infrastructure development.

As part of the partnership with MMRDA, RMZ will lead investment structuring and capital mobilisation, alongside master planning, project development, and long-term asset management, leveraging global best practices across real estate, infrastructure, logistics parks, and data centres. MMRDA will support land identification and aggregation, provide policy-level support, and facilitate approvals and planning for the projects.

In collaboration with CIDCO, RMZ will develop new data centre and commercial projects in Navi Mumbai, with project execution expected to commence in FY 2026-27. CIDCO will support RMZ in obtaining necessary permissions, land allotments, approvals, and clearances from relevant government authorities in line with Maharashtra’s policies and regulations.

A CIDCO spokesperson said,

“We are excited to announce this partnership with RMZ, which aligns with Maharashtra’s vision to attract large-scale, technology-led infrastructure projects, strengthen digital resilience, and meet India’s growing demand for data-driven services. Navi Mumbai is fast emerging as a preferred hub for high-value data centres and digital infrastructure. This collaboration will enable planned, future-ready development by providing the necessary infrastructure, approvals, and ecosystem support for long-term digital and economic growth.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manoj Menda, Chairman – Supervisory Board, RMZ, said,

“Large, long-duration investments require more than capital; they demand alignment, trust, and strong institutional frameworks. Maharashtra’s focus on planned development and long-term economic value creation provides an ideal foundation. This strategic investment partnership reflects RMZ’s commitment to patient capital, sound governance, and building infrastructure platforms designed to deliver enduring economic outcomes.”

Mr. Deepak Chhabria, President – RMZ Infrastructure, added,

“Mumbai and its surrounding regions are emerging as critical hubs in India’s digital infrastructure and data-driven economy. RMZ already has approximately 230 MW of colocation capacity across its digital infrastructure platform, including assets in and around Mumbai. The partnership with MMRDA and CIDCO supports the next phase of expansion for future-ready data centre and AI infrastructure aligned with global standards. Our focus remains on developing efficient, sustainable platforms to support India’s growing digital economy over the long term.”

The collaboration aims to transform strategic locations into thriving growth hubs, enhance connectivity, and accelerate the implementation of key infrastructure projects, driving economic growth and long-term investment certainty for global capital.

Bengaluru,  Jan 23: Hexagon, the global leader in measurement technologies, today announced the India market launch of its next-generation metrology solution, the ATS800, at IMTEX Forming 2026, one of India’s premier manufacturing and machine tool exhibitions. While the ATS800 has been introduced in global markets earlier, this marks its official debut in the Indian manufacturing sector.

The launch ceremony was attended by Mr. Pramod Kaushik, President, Hexagon India, Mr. Manoj Sharma, Director – Marketing and Sales Excellence, Hexagon India, along with other Hexagon leaders and distinguished guests. The event is ongoing until 25 January 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, with Hexagon showcasing the ATS800 at Hall 3A, Booth A126.

The ATS800 is a high-precision laser tracking metrology solution that combines direct scanning and reflector tracking in a single portable system. It enables manufacturers to measure complex surfaces, fine features, and large structures from distances of up to 40 metres, improving precision, productivity, and workflow efficiency.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Pramod Kaushik, President, Hexagon India, said:

“The introduction of the ATS800 in India reflects Hexagon’s continued commitment to supporting the country’s manufacturing transformation. As manufacturers move towards higher precision, larger assemblies, and digital quality workflows, the ATS800 offers a flexible and scalable solution to improve accuracy, productivity, and operational confidence.”

Mr. Manoj Sharma, Director – Marketing and Sales Excellence, Hexagon India, added:

“India’s manufacturing ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and the ATS800 reinforces Hexagon’s commitment to equipping Indian manufacturers with advanced metrology solutions that enhance quality, productivity, and competitiveness.”

The ATS800 caters to a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, heavy engineering, and large-scale fabrication, delivering precise measurements, reduced inspection times, and improved traceability. Its design supports integration with automation systems, advanced workflows, and robotic platforms, enabling seamless connectivity with existing metrology software.

Hexagon’s participation at IMTEX Forming 2026 underscores its commitment to the Indian market, supporting manufacturers across industries with innovative metrology and digital solutions that enhance efficiency, quality,

Mondelez India, the makers of some of India’s most loved snacking brands, today announced the expansion of its Cadbury Bournville portfolio with the launch of two new variants: Bournville 50% Dark Chocolate with Orange and Bournville 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange.

This strategic portfolio expansion reflects India’s growing taste for premium dark chocolate, offering consumers an indulgent experience that balances cocoa intensity with the zestful notes of orange.

Combining the timeless pairing of citrus and cocoa, the new Cadbury Bournville Orange variants have been crafted to deliver a refined multi-sensory experience. The deep, rich character of premium cocoa harmonizes with bright orange undertones, creating a sophisticated treat for both emerging and seasoned dark chocolate enthusiasts. This launch underscores Mondelez India’s continued commitment to leading the premium snacking segment through meaningful innovation and consumer-centric offerings.

Excited about the launch, Nitin Saini, Vice President – Marketing, Mondelez India, said

“Since introducing dark chocolate to India in 2009, Bournville has shaped the category’s journey, witnessing remarkable growth in recent years. As dark chocolate continues to premiumize in India, we’re expanding the Bournville range with distinct cocoa intensities and flavor pairings that elevate indulgence. The new orange variants bring together our signature richness with the vibrancy of citrus, offering Indian consumers more sophisticated ways to experience dark chocolate.”

The New Range:

• Bournville 50% Dark Chocolate with Orange: An inviting introduction to dark chocolate, this variant blend smooth 50% cocoa with a refreshing hint of orange, perfect for those exploring the category.
• Bournville 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange: The first of its kind in Bournville’s 70% cocoa range, this variant offers an intense dark chocolate experience balanced by subtle orange notes, crafted for a more evolved palate.

Global digital health innovator Qure.ai today announced that it has received a multimillion-dollar grant from the Gates Foundation to advance health equity by improving access to timely, high-quality diagnostics for some of the world’s most preventable infectious diseases.

The grant will enable Qure.ai to develop a large, open-source, multi-modal global health database aimed at accelerating innovation in disease prevention and early detection. The initiative will support WHO-aligned lung health diagnostic pathways and incorporate non-identifiable clinical histories, medical imaging data—including Chest X-rays, Thoracic Ultrasound, and High-Resolution CT scans—as well as cough and lung sound recordings, and laboratory or biological markers. This comprehensive dataset will empower researchers and innovators worldwide to develop, validate, and refine next-generation AI models for global health impact.

As part of the initiative, Qure.ai will also develop AI-enabled point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) algorithms to support the early detection of tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia, two of the world’s deadliest yet preventable and treatable infectious diseases, particularly in under-resourced regions. TB claims approximately 1.23 million lives annually, while pneumonia causes nearly 2 million deaths each year, including 700,000 children under the age of five—despite both diseases being curable when diagnosed early.

Commenting on the development, Prashant Warier, Founder and CEO, Qure.ai, said,

“In our bid to reach the unreachable, we have spent the last decade deploying AI-enabled X-ray solutions in some of the most remote regions of the world—from sub-Saharan Africa to the heights of Everest and rural Southeast Asia—transforming TB detection and diagnosis. This work has reduced diagnosis timelines from 14 days to just 1–2 days, often without a clinician present. With this grant from the Gates Foundation, we are excited to build on this expertise and scale our impact to reach even more communities.”

Dr. Shibu Vijayan, Chief Medical Officer – Global Health, Qure.ai, added,

“By leveraging the latest advancements in digital health and artificial intelligence, Qure.ai is addressing healthcare’s blind spots—bringing high-quality diagnostics within reach of every clinic, health worker, and child, regardless of geography.”

Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Dr. Justy Antony Chiramal, Project Lead and Clinical Director, Global Health Innovation, Qure.ai, said,

“This grant allows us to build on years of continuous innovation in public health and push the boundaries of what AI can do for global health. By bringing together tuberculosis, pneumonia, and broader lung health priorities—especially for children in low- and middle-income countries—we are addressing an urgent need. A child dies of pneumonia every 43 seconds, a loss that is both unacceptable and preventable, underscoring the critical need for better diagnostics and equitable access to care.”

Qure.ai is a global digital health leader with deployments across 105+ countries and over 4,800 healthcare sites worldwide, supporting the detection and management of tuberculosis, lung cancer, and neurocritical conditions such as stroke through AI-powered solutions.

Novopor Advanced Science expands US footprint with acquisition of FAR Chemical; Strengthens global specialty chemicals platform

Hyderabad & Palm Bay, Jan 23: Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited, a Bain Capital portfolio company and global performance chemicals and material science CDMO, today announced its acquisition of FAR Chemical, a US-based leader in custom and complex specialty chemical manufacturing focused on Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Coatings & Adhesives and other Specialty Chemicals, from its US parent CPS Performance Materials Group.

The acquisition of FAR Chemical is a key milestone in Novopor’s strategy to build an integrated specialty chemical platform that delivers end-to-end solutions to customers ranging from early-stage process development to commercial scale manufacturing. Integrating FAR Chemical’s deep expertise in complex chemistries and attractive end markets complements Novopor’s existing capabilities and expands its US presence.

“FAR Chemical’s deep expertise in differentiated, complex chemistries and long track record of working with global performance chemical and material science companies make it a strategic fit with Novopor’s mission to drive innovation and deliver custom solutions. This acquisition enhances our ability to support a broader range of chemistries, accelerate time-to-market for new products, and strengthen our presence in key high-growth markets,” said Radhesh Welling, MD of Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited.

“FAR Chemical is a respected operator with a proven track record in complex specialty chemical manufacturing. The combination of FAR Chemical with Novopor strengthens the platform’s technical depth, geographic reach, and ability to support customers across the full product lifecycle. This investment underlines our continued commitment to building market-leading businesses through strategic acquisitions and operational excellence,” said Saahil Bhatia, Partner of Bain Capital.

“FAR Chemical and CPS Performance Materials have established a differentiated platform grounded in deep technical expertise, an uncompromising commitment to safety, and a strong track record of delivering innovative solutions for customers with unique and challenging development needs,” said Justin O’Connor, President of FAR Chemical. “This partnership strengthens our ability to invest in advanced capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational discipline and enhances our ability to support customers seamlessly from development through commercial-scale manufacturing. We are proud to join Novopor in building a platform defined by technical excellence, a safety-first culture, and an unwavering commitment to our customers.”

Novopor Advanced Science, backed by Bain Capital, has been executing a strategy of targeted investments and acquisitions to expand its global footprint and technical portfolio. In 2025, Novopor acquired Pressure Chemical Company, a Pittsburgh-based specialty chemical and high-pressure chemistry expert, broadening its development-to-manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing its presence in the US market. Additionally, Novopor inaugurated a state-of-the-art Pilot Plant Facility in Visakhapatnam, designed to bridge early-stage R&D with commercial-scale production and accelerate innovation across agrochemicals, performance materials, and specialty chemicals.

KPMG served as financial advisors, Alvarez & Marsal served as technical advisors, and Honigman LLP, Khaitan & Co and Clifford Chance LLP served as legal advisors to Novopor. Raymond James, Forvis Mazars and Thompson Hine LLP served as advisors to FAR Chemical.

This Republic Day, KLAY, one of India’s leading and most trusted early childhood education and care brands, has launched its Republic Day digital campaign, ‘What Is India?’ The campaign draws from the innate curiosity of preschool children, exploring how early ideas of belonging and national identity begin to form long before children formally understand the concept of a nation.

Designed to spark reflection among parents, educators, and communities, the campaign highlights how young children perceive India—not through history lessons or national symbols, but through the behaviours, emotions, and relationships they observe in their everyday lives. By centring the voices of preschoolers, the campaign reimagines nationhood as a lived experience rooted in inclusion, care, and shared social moments.

Preschoolers may not yet grasp abstract concepts such as governance or geography. However, exposure to national celebrations like Republic Day and witnessing adults express pride and emotion naturally prompts children to ask questions about what India represents. The campaign’s central question, “What Is India?”, emerges from this early curiosity, recognising that children derive meaning from lived experiences rather than formal explanations.

The campaign is anchored in KLAY’s belief that a child’s environment plays a critical role in shaping their worldview. At this formative stage, ideas of identity and belonging are shaped through relationships, community interactions, and emotional security within familiar spaces such as classrooms and homes.

Speaking on the campaign, Arshleen Kalra, Head of Academic, KLAY Preschools and Daycare, said,

“While the idea of a nation may still be abstract for young children, they are highly perceptive to behavioural patterns and interpersonal relationships. When children witness pride in India around them, they naturally seek to understand what India stands for. This campaign interprets that curiosity through children’s everyday experiences and interactions.”

Through ‘What Is India?’, KLAY reiterates its commitment to early learning that extends beyond academic readiness to include social awareness, emotional development, and a strong sense of community. The campaign reinforces the belief that the foundations of citizenship are laid early in life—quietly shaped by the environments in which children grow, observe, and absorb the world around them.

 Bengaluru, India, Jan 23: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled an early preview of its upcoming cooling innovations, marking a meaningful evolution in how comfort, intelligence and energy efficiency will define modern homes

With the message “The future of AI AC is coming,” the brand is setting expectations for an AC advancement that moves beyond conventional home cooling.

The teaser spotlights the Bespoke AI WindFree™ Air Conditioner lineup, combining advanced AI technology, premium design and smart connectivity to deliver a more refined home cooling experience for Indian conditions

The range will feature WindFree™ Cooling, along with AI Fast & WindFree™ Cooling+, AI Energy Mode, Preventive maintenance and SmartThings integration for optimized performance, better energy management and seamless control.

Chandigarh, Jan 23: Axis Mutual Fund, one of India’s leading asset management companies, launches its new fund offering Axis BSE India Sector Leaders Index Fund an open-ended Index Fund that invests in the constituents of BSE India Sector Leaders Index. The NFO will open for subscription on January 23, 2026 and close on 06 February, 2026. The fund will be managed by Karthik Kumar (Fund Manager). The minimum investment amount is ₹100. The fund aims to provide long-term wealth creation solution to investors.

The new fund is designed to offer investors a prudent way to gain broad market exposure to India’s leading companies across 21 sectors from the BSE 500 Index. The constituents of the fund will include the top three companies based on average six month daily total market capitalisation from each of the 21 sectors represented in the BSE 500 Index. This gives the investors an access to established market leaders in their domain across the Indian economy. The fund helps investors contribute to not only the dominant sectors in the index but also niche growing sectors of the economy

Speaking on the launch, B. Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis AMC said,

“As markets evolve, investors are seeking innovative investment solutions. At Axis Mutual Fund, we believe that companies who lead their segments, tend to showcase strong fundamentals and resilience. The Axis BSE India Sector Leaders Index Fund provides access to sector-leading and dependable companies in their own field through a diversified framework. We believe, this fund will allow investors to participate in India’s growth-led economy and future.” 

Key attributes of the fund:

• Allocation to sector leaders: The fund is designed for investors who seek broad market exposure to established leaders across sectors. Drawing from the BSE 500 Index, it will invest in top three companies from each of the 21 sectors. The sectors in this index include financial services, information technology, industrials, commodities, FMCG, healthcare, among others.
• Index Composition: The fund offers diversified exposure across large, mid, and small caps, preventing concentration risk and providing weightage, regardless of the size of the sector. It will be reconstituted on a semi-annual basis which allows the portfolio to be periodically rebalanced.
• Balanced Risk: The index is subject to minimum stock weight of 1% and maximum stock weight of 5% that are rest quarterly.

Commenting on the Ashish Gupta, CIO, Axis AMC said,

“The methodology for the Axis BSE India Sector Leaders Index Fund is designed in a way that its base universe, captures companies across the breadth of the Indian Market. By systemically identifying leading companies within each sector, the fund seeks to provide investors with a diversified exposure to established businesses through a transparent and rules-based passive approach.”