Archives January 2026

Mumbai; Jan 30: SBI General Insurance, has delivered a strong performance in 9M FY26, reinforcing its position as one of India’s fastest growing general insurance companies.

Continuing its robust growth trajectory, the company reported a Gross Direct Premium (GDP) of INR 10,769 crore, recording a growth of 14.5%, exceeding the industry growth rate of 8.7%. The Ex-Crop business growth is 25.5% v/s industry growth at 13.1%.

The Company’s strong performance in 9M FY26 was driven by sustained growth across key lines of business like Health by 29%, Personal Accident (PA) by 49%, Motor by 19%, and Fire by 13%.  Together, these segments reinforced the company’s focus on scalable growth, operational excellence, and customer-centric innovation. Additionally, the Company improved its market share among private & SAHI companies by 39 basis points from 6.25% in 9M FY25 to 6.64% in 9MFY26

The Company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 522 crore. The Loss ratio also improved significantly to 78.5% in 9M FY26 from 84.3% in 9M FY25. In addition, the solvency ratio stood at 2.12 times, well above the regulatory minimum of 1.50, underscoring the company’s solid financial foundation.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said 

“Our performance in 9M FY26 reflects the strength of the foundation we are building for the future. In 9M FY26, we’ve grown by 1.7 times faster than the industry and 1.9 times faster than Private & SAHI companies. The Company has recorded a GDP of INR 10,769 crore in 9M FY26. This growth is not just about scale, but about building a resilient, technology-led, and customer-centric insurance institution. We are focused on creating sustainable value by strengthening our core portfolios, deepening trust with customers, and expanding access to protection across India’s evolving risk landscape.”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added: 

“Our financial performance in 9M FY26 highlights the effectiveness of our risk management framework, operating discipline, and long-term financial strategy. The company has displayed a significant improvement in the loss ratio of 78.5% from 84.3% in the previous financial year. This is a testament to enhanced underwriting, improved risk selection, better claims management, and increased operational efficiency. Our focus remains on sustainable profitable growth, strengthening capital efficiency, and building a financially robust institution that delivers long-term value to all stakeholders in a dynamic market environment.”

SBI General Insurance continues to strengthen its growth momentum through focused investments in technology, product innovation, a consistent emphasis on customer experience, and disciplined operational execution. Supported by a well-balanced business portfolio and scalable platforms, the Company is building a stable foundation for long-term profitability while steadily expanding its market presence.

Mumbai, Jan 30: Arkade Developers Limited, one of Mumbai’s leading real estate development companies, reported strong year-on-year growth in pre-sales and collections for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, supported by healthy demand across its residential portfolio and disciplined execution.

During the quarter, the company recorded robust growth in pre-sales and collections compared to the same period last year, along with steady operational momentum reflected in higher area sold. Performance also remained strong on a quarter-on-quarter basis, driven by sustained buyer confidence and timely project progress.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, Arkade Developers continued its positive growth trajectory, reporting improved pre-sales, collections, and revenue compared to the corresponding period last year. The company also maintained healthy profitability, underscoring its focus on operational efficiency and execution excellence.

Operational Highlights

• Strong year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter growth in pre-sales and collections

• Significant increase in area sold during both the quarter and nine-month period

• Consistent progress across ongoing residential projects

Financial Highlights

• Stable revenue performance during the quarter and nine-month period

• Healthy operating profitability and margins

• Sustained focus on cash flow discipline and balance-sheet strength

Commenting on the Q3 and nine-month FY26 performance, Mr. Amit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Arkade Developers Limited, said:

“With strong pre-sales momentum, healthy collections, a robust project pipeline extending into 2026, and a supportive interest rate environment, we are well positioned to deliver premium residential developments and create long-term value for all stakeholders.

The year 2026 has begun on a positive note, and we remain optimistic about the upcoming Union Budget and its potential to further support sectoral growth. In the current quarter, we are targeting additional occupation certificates in Mumbai’s western suburbs, reinforcing our consistent track record of ahead-of-schedule project completion.

Looking ahead, the company has a strong development pipeline across multiple projects with substantial saleable area. We are also set to launch a new project at Bangur Nagar, Goregaon West, which will mark our eighth development in the Malad–Goregaon micro-market—an area that continues to witness strong demand and buyer confidence.”

Awards & Recognition

• Arkade Developers was honoured by ET Edge with the Best Brand 2025 recognition

• The company won the Best Integrated Marketing Campaign award for Arkade Bangur Nagar Metro Station, presented by Realty+

Sammir Dattani, Executive Director, Sanathan Textiles mentions –

“The progress on the India – EU Free Trade Agreement will benefit the Indian textile and apparel sector, as tariffs on textile and apparel products will reduce from 12% to 0%, thereby enhancing cost competitiveness and market access in the European Union. This development creates opportunities for us to expand and explore demand across various European countries.

Europe is home to some of the world’s leading fashion brands and automotive manufacturers, both of which rely extensively on imported textiles for apparel, upholstery, technical fabrics, and automotive interior applications. Enhanced access to this market provides Indian manufacturers like Sanathan Textiles an opportunity to participate more deeply across fashion-led consumption as well as value-added technical and automotive textile segments.”

Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO, Birla Fertility & IVF

“India’s health system has made significant progress in prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Fertility care now needs to be formally integrated into this framework as part of comprehensive family health planning.

Budget 2026 has an opportunity to enable earlier and more efficient fertility care through practical measures. Integrating fertility screening into preventive health programmes and extending insurance coverage to diagnostics and early stage interventions would allow people to seek care sooner, when treatment is more effective and costs are better controlled.

Access must be matched with quality. National standards for fertility laboratories, structured training for embryologists, and consistent clinical protocols are essential to delivering safe and reliable outcomes across the country.

These are targeted investments with long term returns. Strong fertility care infrastructure supports family formation, demographic stability, and a more resilient healthcare system, making it a logical inclusion in India’s health and economic planning.”

WaveX has invited applications from startups for participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, from 16th to 20th February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Summit will serve as a key national platform for showcasing innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and fostering collaboration across India’s rapidly growing AI ecosystem.

As part of the Summit, WaveX will facilitate a dedicated Startup Exhibition Programme, enabling selected startups to showcase their AI-driven products and solutions to a diverse national and international audience. Startups operating in the AVGC-XR segment and working on AI-driven products will be provided with dedicated showcase and business networking opportunities at the MIB Pavilion during the AI Impact Summit.

The MIB Pavilion will serve as a central hub for showcasing cutting-edge and emerging AI technologies in the media and entertainment sector, enabling innovators to engage with policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and global stakeholders, and fostering collaboration across the creative and technology ecosystem.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to play a significant role in strengthening India’s AI innovation ecosystem by facilitating structured engagement between startups and key stakeholders.

Haier Appliances India, the world’s No.1 major appliances brand for 17 consecutive years, today announced the launch of its Lumière Colorful 4-Door Refrigerator range, expanding its premium portfolio to cater to style-conscious, modern Indian homes.

The Lumière range combines contemporary aesthetics with intelligent functionality, offering a luxurious expression of refrigeration. With a spacious 520L capacity and a premium Colorful Steel finish available in gloss and matte, the refrigerators are offered in three elegant shades – Pearl White (HRB-600 PW), Mauve Pink (HRB-600 MP), and Rosette White (HRB-600 RW) – thoughtfully designed to complement modern interiors while delivering reliable everyday performance.

As consumers increasingly seek appliances that blend style and practicality, the Lumière range introduces advanced features including a convertible zone, external digital control panel, 95° Anti-Tipping Door Racks, whisper-quiet operation, smart storage solutions, and Expert Inverter Technology with dual fans for stable, efficient cooling. These innovations combine to create a refrigerator that is both a functional necessity and a statement of contemporary living.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. NS Satish, President, Haier Appliances India, said:

“At Haier, we are dedicated to redefining premium refrigeration for modern Indian homes. The Lumière Colorful 4-Door refrigerator range sets a new benchmark in style and sophistication, transforming the kitchen into a space of luxury while reflecting Haier’s heritage of innovation, quality, and thoughtful design.”

The Haier Lumière range is available across India starting at INR 83,990 and can be purchased via the Haier website, leading e-commerce platforms, and retail outlets nationwide.

Key Features of Haier Lumière Colorful 4-Door Refrigerators:

• Colorful Steel Finish: Modern, elegant shades of Pearl White, Mauve Pink, and Rosette White.

• Convertible Zone: Flexible storage with up to 85% convertible space and dedicated freezer area.

• External Digital Control Panel: Intuitive temperature management without opening the door.

• Expert Inverter Technology with Dual Fan: Stable, efficient, and quiet cooling.

• Dedicated Fruit & Vegetable Box: Organised storage for optimal freshness.

• 95° Anti-Tipping Door Racks: Safer, smarter storage for bottles and containers.

• Whisper-Silent Operation: Quiet performance ideal for open kitchens and modern living spaces.

Haier’s Lumière range is designed to meet the evolving needs of Indian households, offering an unmatched combination of style, innovation, and performance.

New Delhi, Jan 30: Rajya Sabha MP Rajinder Gupta today raised a critical national concern during Zero Hour in the Upper House, highlighting the need for comprehensive employment rights for senior citizens in India.

Addressing the Chair, Gupta emphasized that India is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, with the population aged 60 years and above exceeding 140 million—a figure projected to reach nearly 350 million by 2036. With life expectancy approaching 70 years, the nation possesses a vast pool of healthy, skilled, and experienced senior citizens capable of contributing productively beyond conventional retirement age.

Gupta expressed concern over the absence of a comprehensive legal framework to address age-based discrimination in employment or to formally recognize the right to work post-retirement based on ability rather than age. While Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution guarantee equality and equal opportunity, age-based exclusion remains prevalent, particularly in the private sector and across formal and informal employment, with limited legal protections or recognition.

Highlighting global practices, Gupta noted that developed nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, and Japan have implemented progressive legislation to promote active ageing. In Japan, where nearly 29% of the population is above 65 years, age-based employment discrimination has been removed, enabling continued workforce participation of older citizens.

Urging timely policy intervention, Gupta appealed to the Government to introduce a comprehensive legal framework to:

• Prevent age-based discrimination in employment

• Enable the right to work beyond retirement for willing and capable senior citizens

• Create flexible, dignified, and safeguarded employment opportunities

He emphasized that such reforms would not only uphold constitutional values but also unlock the economic, social, and intellectual potential of India’s ageing population.

Mumbai, Jan 30: Fresh from the success of Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday, one of India’s most promising young actors, features in Grazia India’s January issue, sharing insights into his artistic journey and the lessons that have shaped him. From early experiments in DJing, music production, and video game design to assisting on film sets, Panday’s path reflects curiosity, perseverance, and a deep respect for the craft of acting.

In the feature, Panday opens up about the challenges he faced breaking into the film industry, including multiple rejections during auditions and the realities of navigating a competitive landscape. “I understood there were going to be a lot of no’s before there would be a yes, and that it is a part of the process,” he shares, emphasizing patience and acceptance as key to his growth as an artist.

The actor also delves into his preparation for Saiyaara, highlighting his detailed character work and commitment to authenticity. “I had a diary where I wrote extensively about Krish, noting his emotions, and how I wanted to bring softness and vulnerability to him where the script lacked it,” Panday explains, offering a rare glimpse into the discipline and mindfulness behind his performances.

Despite the attention following his breakout role, Panday remains grounded and focused on his craft. “I just want to move on to the next one. Your passion always comes from a place of love. I want to be a part of films and act till I can,” he says, reflecting a measured, thoughtful approach to building a long-term career.

Grazia India’s feature captures Ahaan Panday at a transformative stage in his journey—a young actor whose curiosity, patience, and dedication to the process are as integral to his craft as the performances that have begun to define him.

SVKM’s NMIMS opens undergraduate registrations for 2026–27 admissions across Commerce, Engineering, Law, Design, and Mathematics

 As graduates build successful careers in consulting, banking, analytics, law, technology, design, and data science, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Deemed-to-be University, has opened registrations for undergraduate admissions for the academic year 2026–27. Registrations for all UG programs have begun from 28th January 2026 across its multiple campuses: Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Shirpur,  Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore and Chandigarh. The undergraduate programs span Engineering, Technology Management, Pharmacy, Commerce, Economics, Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, Management, Law, Design, and Mathematical Sciences. Exam dates vary by program and are available on the official NMIMS website. 

For students aspiring to careers in commerce, management, economics, humanities, and international studies, admissions are offered through the NMIMS Programme Aptitude Test (NPAT). It opens doors to the School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Liberal Arts, School of Branding & Advertising, Centre for International Studies, and the Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Management. The programs offered include BBA, B.Com (Minor in Business Analytics), B.Sc (Finance), BBA (FinTech), Integrated BBA–MBA, B.Sc (Economics), BA Liberal Arts, BBA Branding & Advertising, BBA International Business, BBA Management & Marketing, and BBA (Hons.) Finance. Known for interdisciplinary teaching, global exposure, and industry-aligned curriculum, NPAT is counted among India’s most desirable UG entrance pathways. Graduates secured jobs in leading companies with top packages of ₹24.30 LPA for BBA and ₹22.55 LPA for B.Com and B.Sc Finance.

Engineering, technology management, and pharmacy programmes are offered through the NMIMS Common Entrance Test (NCET). It is a gateway to the School of Technology Management & Engineering and the School of Pharmacy & Technology Management across NMIMS campuses, except Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The programs at these schools include B.Tech, the integrated five-year MBA Tech (B.Tech + MBA), and Pharma Tech (B.Pharm + MBA). From ABET-accredited engineering degrees to NIRF-ranked multidisciplinary technology-management pathways, NCET prepares students with strong technical and leadership skills. Graduates have benefitted with more than 500 recruiters visiting the campus for placements, with the highest package reaching ₹1.22 crore.  

Law aspirants can seek admission through the NMIMS Law Aptitude Test (NLAT). It gives aspirants entry to the School of Law and opens admission to B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.). These courses integrate legal education with humanities and management, equipping students to tackle the changing legal landscape. Students gain practical exposure through moot courts, internships, legal writing, and case studies, building foundations in subjects like Political Science, Economics, Sociology, History, and core legal principles including Constitutional, Criminal, and Contract Law. Graduates from SVKM’s NMIMS School of Law have secured placements with packages up to ₹19 LPA.

Design education at NMIMS is offered through the NMIMS Design Aptitude Test (NDAT). It provides access to the School of Design for its unique four-year AICTE-approved B.Des. in Humanising Technology degree program, which aims to make designing technology more humane, accessible and purposeful. The program offers specialisations into Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and Cognitive-science-based product design. Graduates have secured jobs across varied roles in EdTech, Gaming, Digital Media, IT Services, and Design Consulting with the highest package of ₹26.4 LPA.

For students inclined towards mathematics, analytics, and data-driven careers, the NMIMS Mathematical Sciences Test (MST) enables entry to the Nilkamal School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics & Analytics. The School offers B.Sc programs in Data Science, Applied Statistics & Analytics, and Applied Mathematical Computing. Graduates have secured placements in leading companies with the top package being ₹22 LPA.

As India heads into Union Budget 2026, the education sector is looking for deeper implementation rather than sweeping policy changes. With clear intent around digital learning, AI readiness and skills-embedded education, the ecosystem is well placed to execute at scale. The focus now must be on taking experiential and AI-enabled learning beyond metros and ensuring first-generation learners are not left behind.

Sharing his pre-budget perspective, Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director of Birla Open Minds Education Ltd., says,

 “The upcoming budget is a golden opportunity to fuel India’s journey toward becoming a global talent powerhouse. By deepening the focus on teacher empowerment, we can turn the vision of the National Education Policy into a reality. The future belongs to a nation that invests in its learners today, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive in a digital-first world. As we head into #Budget2026, there’s a lot to feel positive about. The intent around digital learning, AI readiness, skills-embedded education and innovation is clear there, and with over 2 lakh recognised startups, the capacity to execute also exists.”

Budget 2026, he notes, presents an opportunity to strengthen implementation, empower educators and build a future-ready talent ecosystem.