Archives January 2026

Standard Chartered has announced the launch of the second phase of its “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” global wealth campaign, reinforcing its role as the strategic partner for global-minded investors who want insight and confidence across markets, cycles, and every decision that shapes their financial future. In India, the campaign is aimed at the growing wealth and affluent segment, including ‘Global Indians’.

This second phase of the campaign introduces a suite of CIO-powered intelligence through content formats designed to give investors direct access to the bank’s high-frequency market outlooks, expertise-backed sector calls, and timely cross-market guidance. This includes new editorial partnerships, digital content releases aligned to market movements, amplifying the CIO’s views to a wider affluent audience. At the heart of the campaign is a bold delivery of real-time, world-class investment insight, when it matters most.

The campaign calls out three key pillars Cross Border Wealth, Wealth Expertise, and Navigating Volatile Times, highlighting Standard Chartered’s strengths as a global wealth partner.

This 360° Integrated Marketing Campaign will run across various touchpoints: Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, Linear TV and Connected TV, Digital Media (Google Search,  Programmatic buys and Social Media platforms), and Owned Media, targeting and engaging different investor audiences, in more personalised ways.

Haymans Fung, Global Head of Marketing for Wealth and Retail Banking at Standard Chartered, commented,

“Investors today are navigating a far more complex landscape, with geopolitical developments and market shifts influencing decisions across borders. With this next phase of our ‘Now’s Your Time for Wealth’ campaign, we aim to give clients clearer access to the insights and connections that matter most. By combining our international network with our 170 years of expertise, and timely perspectives from our Chief Investment Office, we are committed to supporting clients in making confident, well-informed decisions wherever they are in their wealth journey.”

 Aditya Mandloi, Managing Director, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, said, 

“At Standard Chartered, we empower our affluent clients with deep market insights and expertise to invest confidently. Through Standard Chartered Group’s extensive international network and four wealth hubs, timely intelligence from our Chief Investment Office, and tailored investment opportunities, we help our clients take advantage of the right opportunities at the right time.”

The first rollout of the “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign in January 2025 ran in a mix of out-of-home advertising across airports and in-city sites, print advertising, film and content partnerships with leading international, regional and local media across seven key markets – Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, UAE and India.

New Delhi, Jan 22: India’s residential real estate market entered a new phase of maturity in 2025, transitioning from volume-led expansion to value-driven growth, according to the latest report by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and ANAROCK.

While housing sales across the top seven cities declined 14% year-on-year to 3.96 lakh units, the total transaction value rose 6%, crossing INR 6 lakh crore, indicating that premium and higher-ticket homes are increasingly driving the market.

This divergence between volume and value reflects a structural shift in Indian housing. After a muted price phase between 2015 and 2019, residential prices surged nearly 54% during 2019–24, supported by post-pandemic recovery, infrastructure spending, and consolidation among large developers. In 2025, price growth moderated to a healthier ~8%, pointing to a more sustainable, end-user-focused market.

Premium and Luxury Housing Leads Growth

“One of the most striking changes is in demand composition,” said Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group. “Homes priced below INR 75 lakh, which accounted for nearly 60% of sales in 2021, now make up just ~32% of the market. In contrast, luxury and ultra-luxury housing has expanded rapidly, supported by rising incomes, lifestyle upgrades, and improving affordability.”

• Luxury homes priced above ₹4 crore now contribute 18–20% of total sales, compared to just 1–2% pre-pandemic.

• The ultra-luxury segment (INR 40 crore and above) recorded a 66% jump in sales in 2025, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) accounting for over 70% of transactions.

Structural Shifts in Residential Demand

• Tier-I cities continue to lead, while Tier-II cities gain traction.

• Larger, wellness-focused, amenity-rich homes are increasingly preferred.

• Demand for 3BHK and larger units has risen to 45–50%, up from 30% in 2018, with average unit sizes across major cities increasing by ~40% since 2021, led by the NCR region.

Supply Trends and Market Institutionalisation

• Listed and Grade-A developers now account for ~45% of residential supply, up from 28% five years ago, reflecting stronger balance sheets, execution capabilities, and growing buyer trust.

• The market continues to benefit from macro fundamentals, including robust private consumption (~60% of GDP), tripling of government capital expenditure since FY19, and a healthy banking system with net NPAs at multi-decade lows.

Outlook
India’s residential real estate is increasingly being recognized as a structural pillar of economic growth, capital formation, and urban transformation. Key tailwinds include:

• Lower interest rates

• Rising per capita incomes

• Infrastructure-led urbanisation

• Growth in Global Capability Centres (GCCs)

• Increased FDI inflows

• Under-penetration of housing finance (mortgage-to-GDP ratio at ~11%)

“Residential real estate in India is no longer just a cyclical investment play—it is now a strategic driver of economic development and urban transformation as the country moves toward a USD 7.3 trillion economy,” the report concluded.

IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India, Jan 22: Reinforcing its commitment to innovation-driven growth and global collaboration, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AccelESG India Private Limited, a leading platform focused on accelerating technology commercialization, start-ups, and industry-academia partnerships.

The MoU aims to foster collaborative engagement in areas such as deep-tech innovation, start-up mentoring, technology transfer, capacity building, and market-oriented research. Facilitated under the guidance of Prof. Abhyanand Singh Maurya, IIT Roorkee, the partnership will enable IIT Roorkee and AccelESG India Private Limited to support early-stage ventures, facilitate industry-linked research outcomes, and strengthen pathways for translating academic innovation into scalable solutions with societal and economic impact.

The collaboration aligns closely with national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, Make in India, and Digital India, while also contributing to global priorities around sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-based economic development.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said,

“This partnership with AccelESG reflects IIT Roorkee’s strategic focus on transforming cutting-edge research into real-world impact. By strengthening industry and start-up linkages, we aim to create an ecosystem where innovation seamlessly transitions from laboratories to society, contributing to national development and global technological progress.”

Mr. Sanjay Commera, Chief Executive Officer, AccelESG India Private Limited, said,

“The signing of this MoU with IIT Roorkee marks an important milestone in our mission to build strong, outcome-driven innovation ecosystems. Partnering with a premier academic institution enables us to accelerate the translation of research-led ideas into scalable technologies and startups. This collaboration will foster meaningful engagement between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs, aligned with India’s national priorities and the global innovation landscape.”

Under the agreement, joint activities may include start-up acceleration programs, innovation challenges, mentorship initiatives, collaborative research projects, and knowledge-exchange platforms. The partnership is also expected to provide IIT Roorkee students, researchers, and start-ups access to wider industry networks, global best practices, and commercialization support.

This strategic association further strengthens IIT Roorkee’s role as a leading institution driving innovation-led growth, supporting India’s transition towards a knowledge-based and globally integrated economy, and addressing complex societal challenges through technology and entrepreneurship.

New Delhi, Jan 22: Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL), India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power, and technology conglomerate, has generated a cumulative financial impact of nearly ₹2,500 crores for employees through sustained Employee Stock Option (ESOP) grants over the past five years. The most recent ESOP 2025 cycle, worth over ₹500 crores, has empowered nearly 1,200 first-time recipients, including freshers, highlighting one of India’s most inclusive and broad-based wealth creation initiatives.

Vedanta’s ESOP program covers nearly 40% of its workforce across plants, functions, and career levels, making it one of the most inclusive schemes in the country. For more than 20 years, ESOPs have been a core part of Vedanta’s culture, extending grants even to freshers and early-career professionals—eligible for allocations worth up to 30% of fixed pay over a standard three-year vesting period. This makes Vedanta one of the few conglomerates in India offering equity ownership from the start of a career.

A key differentiator of Vedanta’s ESOP structure is that shares are allotted at a deeply discounted price of Re 1, reinforcing the company’s commitment to shared ownership and long-term value creation. With Vedanta’s shares reaching all-time highs, ESOPs have enabled employees to achieve significant milestones such as buying homes, funding higher education, purchasing vehicles, supporting family needs, and building long-term savings.

Employee Stories Highlight Impact

• Neeraj Kumar, Manager, Smelting Operations, Hindustan Zinc, shared,
  “When my family was registering our home in Patna, my ESOPs became our biggest support. Granted three years ago, they vested at the perfect time as Vedanta’s share price hit record highs. It allowed me to support my family and made my father immensely proud. Very few organisations offer such inclusive wealth-creation opportunities for middle management.”

• S M Rahaman Kasim, Associate GM, Quality Management, BALCO, Vedanta Aluminium, said,
  “Vedanta ESOPs gave me the confidence to fund my children’s education—one son pursuing MBBS in Russia, the other studying in Guwahati—without financial stress.”

• Nilesh Bhor, Associate Manager, Finance, Sterlite Copper, added,
  “When my father’s car met with an accident and insurance was rejected, my ESOP savings helped us manage the situation with dignity. It was truly a lifeline for my family.”

The recent ESOP 2022 vesting cycle delivered over 80% share value appreciation, generating more than ₹300 crores in wealth for employees, demonstrating the strong link between Vedanta’s performance and employee rewards.

Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal’s vision underpins this approach—empowering employees, accelerating career progression, and creating equitable financial opportunities, particularly for young professionals and women. The program also rewards contributions in areas critical to Vedanta’s future, including automation, digitalisation, AI-driven innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.

By placing equity ownership in the hands of engineers, young professionals, plant teams, and middle management, Vedanta is reshaping compensation norms in Indian manufacturing. This democratization of wealth creation ensures that employees directly benefit from the value they help generate, reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to shared success and long-term growth.

New Delhi, Jan 22: As India gears up for the Union Budget 2026–27, healthcare experts and industry leaders have called on the government to significantly scale up public spending on healthcare, highlighting persistent gaps in infrastructure, workforce capacity, and access to affordable care across the country.

In FY 2025–26, the government allocated ₹99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an 11% increase over the revised ₹89,974.12 crore in FY 2024–25. While this rise was welcomed, the Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) noted that public health expenditure remains well below the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP and lags behind benchmarks in comparable developing economies.

India’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure from a dual disease burden—communicable and non-communicable conditions—alongside growing demand for specialty, preventive, and long-term care services. AHPI emphasised that Budget 2026–27 should prioritise strengthening healthcare delivery in rural, semi-urban, and underserved regions, advancing the nation’s goal of universal health coverage.

According to National Health Accounts, households still bear nearly 48% of healthcare costs out-of-pocket, exposing families to financial vulnerability during medical emergencies. AHPI has urged higher public investment to expand medical and nursing education, establish training institutions, accelerate adult immunisation programmes, and scale up mental health, geriatric care, emergency services, and telemedicine networks. The association also highlighted the need to rationalise GST on healthcare services and reform insurance regulations to improve affordability and coverage.

Key Voices from the Healthcare Sector:

• Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI, said,
  “To secure a healthier future for India, it is imperative to invest in robust health systems today. Budget 2026–27 must enhance funding to expand infrastructure, strengthen the workforce, and ensure equitable access to quality services, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.”

• Mr. Probal Ghosal, Founder & Managing Partner, GCV; Co-Founder and former Chairman, Ujala Cygnus, commented,
  “The upcoming budget is a pivotal moment for India’s healthcare. Sustainable public healthcare schemes, digital integration under Ayushman Bharat, rational package rates, and prompt reimbursements are critical to maintain quality care in the hinterlands and expand patient access nationwide.”

• Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Deputy Director General, AHPI, added,
  “India’s healthcare demands are evolving faster than current systems can support. The budget must accelerate investments in technology-driven care, quality assurance, and hospital capacity-building to create a resilient, future-ready ecosystem.”

• Dr. V. K. Gupta, Founder-Director, Silverstreak Superspeciality Hospital, stated,
  “Budget 2026–27 offers a crucial opportunity to bridge regional healthcare disparities. Targeted fiscal incentives and easier access to long-term capital can encourage hospitals to expand into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, improving care access and easing pressure on metropolitan healthcare systems.”

AHPI further emphasised that private sector participation in healthcare infrastructure development will be key to complement public investment. With India’s doctor-to-patient ratio still below WHO norms, the association views Budget 2026–27 as a decisive moment to strengthen healthcare system resilience, improve preparedness for future public health challenges, and ensure equitable access to quality care nationwide.

New Delhi, Jan 22: Dylect, one of India’s fastest-growing lifestyle-tech brands and an emerging leader in premium automotive accessories and home utilities, today announced its January Art Sale on Amazon. Running tentatively from 16^th January to 22^nd January, the event makes Dylect’s innovative auto-care, home cleaning, and solar lighting solutions more accessible to digitally savvy Indian consumers through exclusive savings.

The product range will be available at discounts of up to 60% during the sale, featuring key categories such as high-performance dashcams, pressure washers, tyre inflators, automotive vacuum cleaners, and solar-powered outdoor lights. In addition to Amazon offers, the brand is extending an extra 5% discount on its website with the code DYLECT5, applicable across all products over and above the prevailing Amazon prices creating a compelling and highly competitive value proposition for customers.

Dylect products stand out for their seamless integration into modern lifestyles, blending high performance, minimalist industrial design, premium materials, advanced features, and rigorous quality standards. Backed by superior after-sales support and an extended 12-month warranty, the brand is scaling aggressively across Amazon, Flipkart and D2C while planning to expand into new categories like kitchen appliances.

“The Jan Art Sale is our way of rewarding loyal customers and introducing more Indians to Dylect’s game-changing products at unbeatable prices,”

said Anuj Bhatia, Founder of Dylect. “With the extra 5% off via DYLECT5 coupon code, on the website combined with Amazon’s live deals, we’re delivering exceptional value on tools that make everyday life easier, cleaner, and more efficient.”

Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has collaborated with Disney Publishing APAC to bring 36 iconic Marvel audio series in Hindi to listeners in India.

Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers, and Wolverine will be featured across 36 Hindi audio series, produced as high-quality audio content for on-the-go listening. These stories will unfold across multi-episode arcs, bringing the power of Disney’s storytelling to a new, mobile-first generation of listeners.

“We’ve always believed in the power of Disney storytelling, proving that stories can travel anywhere when they connect with audiences,” said Veronica Cabalinan, VP – Publishing and Experiences, APAC, Disney Publishing. “Pocket FM is turning listening into a deeply emotional and almost cinematic experience. We are excited to see how Marvel’s Super Heroes will inspire a new generation of fans in India by harnessing the power of audio.”

From mythology-inspired series to supernatural thrillers and dark fantasy sagas, listeners in India are embracing worlds that stretch the imagination. Pocket FM, a leading platform for fantasy audio series, sees fantasy as an emerging genre blending tradition, technology, and creativity.

“Our cultural DNA is built on imagination, and larger-than-life storytelling.” said Rohan Nayak, Co-Founder and CEO, Pocket FM. “Together with Disney, we’re turning the epic stories of Marvel Super Heroes into serialized audio journeys that feel native, emotional, and accessible. Fantasy and super-hero series have always been one of Pocket FM’s strongest genres and continues to grow exponentially. With this collaboration, we are ensuring that premium fantasy entertainment is inclusive and deeply relatable  so that anyone, anywhere in India, can feel like they are truly part of  the story.”

Bangalore, India, Jan 22: ASUS, the Taiwanese tech giant, today announced robust performance in South India, achieving sustained growth over the last three years and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing PC brands in the region. Between 2023 and 2025, ASUS recorded ~40% cumulative growth, maintaining a strong upward trajectory despite a challenging and volatile market environment.

In 2025 alone, ASUS delivered 25% year-on-year growth across South India, significantly outperforming the broader PC market. According to GfK, even as the overall market declined post-pandemic, ASUS strengthened its market share, reflecting strong brand pull, channel execution, and category leadership.

“Each region in India requires a tailored go-to-market strategy, but our vision remains unified: to make state-of-the-art technology accessible to more consumers. From AI PCs to premium gaming and consumer notebooks, our focused efforts have driven consistent growth in southern India, even in a volatile market. As we move into 2026, our priority will be scaling further, with a sharper focus on AI PCs and the premium segment,” said Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer & Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India.

Among southern states, Tamil Nadu led the growth, contributing 35% of the region’s expansion, driven by strong offline presence and exclusive store performance. Kerala followed with 25% YoY growth, supported by festive demand and channel execution, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka delivered steady gains of 23% and 8% YoY, respectively.

From a category perspective, consumer notebooks (NB) remained the primary growth driver, contributing 57% of total volumes, followed by gaming PCs (NR) at 40%. Gaming notebooks, in particular, performed strongly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, reinforcing ASUS’ leadership in high-performance and enthusiast segments.

The quarter’s performance was further boosted by robust festive demand and ASUS’ extensive retail network, which helped capture higher share across regional markets. Recognizing the importance of experiential retail in India, ASUS also launched the ROG Labs gaming-first premium experience format in Bengaluru, enhancing brand engagement with consumers.

Despite a declining overall market, ASUS’ consistent outperformance demonstrates its ability to grow faster than the industry and strengthen market share, solidifying its position as one of South India’s fastest-growing PC brands.

India, Jan 22: Gully Labs, India’s leading narrative-driven sneaker brand, has partnered with iconic sportswear label Nivia Sports to present Maidaan a collaborative capsule that redefines contemporary Indian streetwear through culture, memory, and community.

The partnership debuted with the Gully Labs × Nivia MAIDAAN launch, an all-star 3v3 football tournament and high-energy preview event held at Claygrounds. Six creator-led teams competed on the pitch, while guests experienced live music, DJ sets, curated food zones, and an exclusive first look at the Maidaan capsule. Rooted in nostalgia, shared spaces, and street culture, Maidaan is more than a collection it is a cultural movement that reclaims everyday grounds through a modern lifestyle lens.

Maidaan draws inspiration from outdoor moments with friends long afternoons, open conversations, and the freedom of simply being present. These grounds were not just places to play, but social hubs where style, identity, and self-expression naturally evolved. This philosophy anchors the collection, positioning Maidaan as a tribute to lived experiences rather than spectacle.

For decades, Nivia has been a familiar presence in Indian homes and neighbourhoods. With Maidaan, that legacy evolves through Gully Labs’ design-first, street-driven aesthetic, transforming nostalgia into wearable fashion grounded in emotion and authenticity.

The Maidaan capsule blends urban streetwear sensibilities with functional design, prioritising movement, comfort, and everyday versatility. The collection features lightweight sneakers with durable rubber outsoles and breathable, relaxed jerseys designed for ease and daily wear each piece bridging past and present through thoughtful design.

At the heart of the collection are three sneaker silhouettes Sova White, Eleven Crest, and Barefoot Blue. Designed as lifestyle-first hybrids, the silhouettes emphasise comfort and adaptability while incorporating subtle cues inspired by heritage, identity, and the quiet beauty of time spent outdoors.

Extending beyond footwear, the collection introduces the Gully Labs × Nivia Jersey, reimagined as a statement streetwear piece rather than conventional athletic wear. Crafted from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with a relaxed, oversized fit, the jersey features graphic storytelling inspired by Kolkata’s cultural legacy, iconic institutions such as Mohun Bagan AC, and Nivia’s roots in Jalandhar, Punjab bringing together regional narratives, historic influences, and generations of Indian craftsmanship.

An abstract, floral tapestry inspired graphic flows across the chest and sleeves, weaving layered stories of place, memory, and belonging. Finished with ergonomic side splits, antimicrobial treatment, and breathable construction, the jersey transitions seamlessly from casual daytime wear to elevated street styling.

Commenting on the collaboration, Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra, Co-Founders of Gully Labs, said,

“Maidaan reflects the spaces we grew up in, the friendships we formed, and the memories that stayed with us. Collaborating with Nivia allowed us to translate those emotions into a contemporary design language.”

A Nivia spokesperson added,

“Nivia has always been part of everyday Indian life. With Maidaan, that familiarity evolves into a modern expression one that connects legacy, community, and personal style.”

The Maidaan collection is now available in-store and online, with plans to expand across major marketplaces soon. Celebrated for its streetwear sensibility and culturally rooted design, the collection underscores a shared commitment to bold, expressive fashion that resonates with urban communities and culturally driven consumers.

New Delhi, Jan 22: Ergonomic furniture startup Vergo made its national television debut on Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz, the reality show featuring India’s most disruptive startups, by drawing attention to one of the most overlooked workplace health challenges—prolonged sitting and poor seating ergonomics.

During the episode, Vergo highlighted the hidden costs associated with traditional office seating. Studies cited revealed that over 56% of Indian office workers sit for more than eight hours daily, while musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impact nearly 72% of IT professionals, leading to absenteeism rates almost three times higher than in ergonomically optimised workplaces. Research further indicates that Indian businesses lose over ₹8,500 crore annually due to productivity losses linked to poor seating, while poor sleep alone costs organisations ₹2.1 lakh per employee per year. For every 100 employees using suboptimal seating, losses can reach ₹28 lakh annually due to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare expenses.

The founder explained that most conventional chairs are designed around static postures, restricting natural spinal movement and causing back, neck, and shoulder discomfort within minutes. According to studies, 68% of office workers report lower back pain, 52% experience neck pain, and 45% suffer shoulder pain—largely attributed to rigid backrests and fixed lumbar support that prevent essential micro-movements.

Vergo’s approach centres on adaptive seating that responds to individual body movement rather than forcing the user to adapt to the chair. Active seating solutions that support dynamic posture have been shown to improve body engagement and reduce attention-task errors by 20%. However, 77% of Indian offices continue to rely on static seating. The brand showcased three key solutions: adjustable ergonomic chairs, active stools that encourage movement, and dynamic chairs using springs or elastomers to absorb and return force—making extended sitting healthier and more productive.

Harsh Wadhwani, Founder, Vergo, said, 

“People tend to normalise discomfort because the damage occurs gradually. Once individuals experience seating that supports natural movement, their expectations shift permanently. Our mission is to make ergonomics preventive rather than reactive. Chairs are not merely furniture—they are tools for health, productivity, and long-term well-being.”

The episode also addressed the broader challenge of ergonomic adoption in India. Despite 68% of employees reporting musculoskeletal pain and more than half sitting over eight hours daily, workplace seating remains underinvested due to cost sensitivity and limited awareness. Research shows that organisations save ₹289 in healthcare costs and ₹241 in absenteeism for every rupee invested in workplace wellness, demonstrating a strong return on investment.

Vergo challenged the misconception that ergonomics is a luxury, illustrating how poor seating contributes to stress, fatigue, and reduced efficiency. The founder explained how design innovations—such as a 120-degree anterior hip tilt, split-seat pans, elastomer lumbar ribs, and dynamic armrests and footrests—can reduce gluteal pressure by up to 30%, support natural spinal alignment, and promote healthy micro-movements.

Vergo’s appearance on IdeaBaaz resonate strongly with viewers, reflecting a growing shift among younger professionals who increasingly view ergonomic seating as a long-term investment in health, comfort, and productivity.