Archives 2026

Bangalore, Jan 20: Saving for the future is something most people want to do—but sticking to a long-term savings plan can often feel difficult. Rising household expenses, changing priorities, and the pressure of paying premiums year after year can make long-term commitments hard to sustain. To make saving simpler and more affordable, Tata AIA Life Insurance has enhanced its long-term savings plan, Fortune Guarantee Supreme*, with features that ease the financial burden while offering guaranteed returns.

Sharing the Responsibility of Saving with the ‘Premium Offset’ feature

At the heart of this enhancement is Tata AIA’s unique ‘Premium Offset’ proposition. Under this feature, customers pay premiums only for the first six years of a 12-year premium-paying term, and can choose to offset the remaining six premiums with the income benefit offered by Tata AIA. This offset structure allows customers to stay invested for the long term without the pressure of paying premiums throughout the entire term. By reducing the out-of-pocket commitment, the plan lowers the barrier to disciplined saving—especially in an environment where costs and taxes often make long-term financial commitments feel overwhelming.

Commenting on the enhancement, Sujeet Kothare, Chief of Products, Marketing, Corporate Communications & Business Mid Office, Tata AIA Life Insurance, said:

“Many consumers want to save for the long term but hesitate because the commitment often feels heavy and difficult to sustain—especially with rising costs and taxes. With the strengthened Fortune Guarantee Supreme, we are changing this experience by sharing the responsibility of saving with our customers. The premium offset proposition, combined with guaranteed income options, is designed to make disciplined saving simpler, more predictable, and easier to sustain over time.”

Clarity, Certainty, and Confidence with the ‘Power of 6’

Fortune Guarantee Supreme also offers customers the option to receive a guaranteed income and other guaranteed benefits with an attractive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) upwards of 6%, subject to policy terms and conditions. This feature, known as the ‘Power of 6’, is designed for individuals seeking certainty and regular income in the future—whether to support post-retirement needs, long-term family goals, or financial stability during later life stages.

The “Power of 6” variant strengthens the company’s focus on dependable long-term solutions by offering customers an attractive guaranteed of 6% IRR. Built for individuals planning for life goals such as children’s education, retirement, and income security, the variant combines assured returns with life insurance protection to deliver greater confidence in financial planning.

Designed for Long-Term Security

As an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan, Fortune Guarantee Supreme provides guaranteed benefits along with life cover throughout the policy term—ensuring continuity and financial protection even in unforeseen circumstances. Eligible premiums continue to qualify for tax benefits under Section 80C, while maturity and death benefits are exempt under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, subject to prevailing tax laws.

With these enhancements, Tata AIA Life Insurance aims to help consumers move beyond hesitation and cost-related concerns—empowering them to commit to long-term savings with greater ease, confidence, and clarity.

The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa Announces Key Leadership Appointments: Sidharth Bhardwaj as Executive Chef and Braj Mohan Jat as Director of Food & Beverage

The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of two seasoned hospitality Culinary & Food & Beverage professionals Sidharth Bhardwaj as Executive Chef and Braj Mohan Jat as Director of Food & Beverage. Together, they bring over three decades of combined experience within the luxury hospitality sector, particularly with Marriott International brands.

Executive Chef Sidharth Bhardwaj Chef Sidharth joins the resort with over 18 years of culinary expertise. He has previously helmed culinary operations as Executive Chef at prestigious properties including the Sheraton Hyderabad and JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa. His distinguished career is marked by numerous accolades, including the ‘Young Hotel Chef of the Year 2017’ by FHRAI and the ‘Award of Culinary Excellence, Asia Pacific Rising Star 2016’ from Marriott International. Chef Sidharth is renowned for his commitment to using natural, wholesome ingredients and his ability to create immersive, experiential dining journeys.

Director of Food & Beverage, Braj Mohan Jat Mr. Braj Mohan Jat (Braj) brings a wealth of strategic leadership to his role as Director of Food & Beverage. With a robust background that includes over 13 years with Marriott International. His expertise lies in revenue management, event and conference management, and a proven track record of achieving the highest levels of guest satisfaction through customized service standards.

Elevating the Dining Experience In their new roles, Chef Sidharth and Braj will oversee the resort’s diverse culinary portfolio, ensuring that each venue Harvest, Haven, Ira, and the Pool Bar delivers the Westin brand’s signature wellness experience. Beyond the traditional outlets, the duo is set to revolutionize the resort’s gastronomic identity by curating a series of unique, immersive dining experiences. Guests can look forward to intimate Villa Barbeques, providing a personalized and private culinary affair, and authentic Farm-to-Table dining experiences that celebrate local produce and seasonal flavours. Central to their vision is the implementation of the Westin Eat Well Menus, designed to provide delicious, nutrient-rich options that sustain health and well-being without compromising on gourmet flair.

We are thrilled to welcome Chef Sidharth and Mr. Braj to our leadership team,” said Mr. Kamaljit Singh, General Manager of The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa. “Chef Sidharth’s creative vision and culinary prowess, combined with Braj’s strategic expertise in F&B operations, will undoubtedly elevate our guest experiences. Their shared passion for excellence and deep-rooted experience with Marriott International makes them the perfect fit to lead our talented team as we introduce these new dining concepts and continue to define luxury hospitality in Jaipur.

New Delhi, Jan 20: Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, launches a video campaign featuring Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana that flips the script on healthy eating: it’s not about restriction, it’s about choosing hard because hard is what makes you better.

The film draws a compelling parallel between Mandhana’s journey, from winning World Cups and reaching new milestones to navigating personal challenges, and the everyday choices we all face. Through unwavering discipline and determination, she has consistently chosen the harder path to become one of India’s most celebrated cricketers.

The campaign deliberately shifts the narrative around healthy eating. Instead of positioning it as deprivation or a New Year’s resolution destined to fail, Zomato frames it as what elite performers do, making disciplined choices that compound over time. This isn’t about guilt. It’s about ambition. The same mindset that drives athletic excellence can drive personal health goals.

Commenting on the campaign, Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney, Marketing Head, Zomato said, 

“Smriti’s journey reminds us that excellence isn’t built on easy choices; it’s built on the hard ones, made consistently. This campaign isn’t about guilt or New Year resolutions that fade by February. It’s about reframing healthy eating as an act of strength and ambition. With Healthy Mode, we’re giving customers the tools to make those hard choices easier, so that discipline becomes habit, and habit becomes transformation.”

The multi-channel campaign will be brought to life through digital and social media.

To convert intent into action, the campaign spotlights Healthy Mode, Zomato’s feature that removes friction from choosing healthy:

• Healthy Scores at a glance
• Macro breakdowns
• Healthier alternatives across every cuisine
• One-tap filtering

Healthy Mode aligns with Zomato’s core mission of “Better food for more people.” By making nutritional information accessible and actionable, the platform aims to transform healthy eating from an occasional choice to an everyday ordering habit. Check out the Healthy Mode on Zomato.

Chennai, Jan  20 : EscrowTech India, the country’s only pure-play software escrow services provider and the market leader, has officially rebranded as EscrowNXT to underscore its focus on next-generation software escrow solutions for AI-driven systems, enhanced capabilities, and global expansion.

EscrowNXT officially came into effect on January 1, 2026. Founded in 2005 as EscrowTech India, the company has served over 500 clients, including leading Indian and international BFSI institutions and prominent software companies. With a focus on next-generation software escrow solutions for AI-driven systems, EscrowNXT plans to incorporate automated verification and smart contract integration. As part of its international growth strategy, the company is establishing an office in Dubai to strengthen its presence in the GCC region and support regional enterprises and financial institutions.

Software escrow is a secure, tripartite arrangement between a software developer, a client or end user, and an independent escrow provider, under which the software’s source code and documentation are held safely and released only if predefined events, such as vendor insolvency or contract breaches, occur. Escrow services protect clients by ensuring business continuity when vendor support fails, while helping developers build trust and credibility without exposing their intellectual property. By acting as a neutral custodian, escrow services reduce risk and strengthen confidence for all parties in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

EscrowNXT pioneered the institutionalisation of software escrow services in India at a time when technology risk mitigation was largely unexplored. Over the past 20 years, it has offered a comprehensive suite of ISO 9001:2015–certified services including software escrow, technology escrow, IP archival, verification and testing, and secure vault solutions.

In his comments, Mr. Arun Mahadevan, Managing Director – EscrowNXT said,

“As the first mover in software escrow in India, EscrowNXT has played a pivotal role in mitigating enterprise risks such as vendor insolvency, technology obsolescence, and regulatory compliance, including the Reserve Bank of India’s requirements on source code access for critical applications. This milestone underscores our unmatched expertise in a market where pure-play escrow providers remain rare. Our transition to EscrowNXT reflects our evolved vision and expanded capabilities, with a sharp focus on global markets and next-generation software escrow solutions for AI-driven systems, incorporating automated verification and smart contract integration.”

Bengaluru, Jan  20: Deconstruct Skincare, the science-backed skincare brand, unveils #BringBackBarbershops, a campaign that celebrates a space many of us hold close: the neighbourhood barbershop. Supported by digital amplification, the campaign invites people to rediscover these local institutions.

For generations, these shops have been more than places to get a haircut or a shave. They’ve been safe havens where conversations flow easily, where human bonds form naturally, and where the rhythm of routine brings a rare kind of comfort. There’s something special about these spaces – the familiar chair, the trusted hands, the unrushed attention. They’re cornerstones of the neighbourhood, quietly important in ways that go beyond grooming.

Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO, Deconstruct, said:

“Before algorithms told men how to groom, there was the neighbourhood barber. We wanted to honour that tradition, not disrupt it. This campaign isn’t about selling a new routine; it’s about recognising one that’s already there and showing how thoughtful products can fit seamlessly into rituals men already trust. The barbershop has always been a place of care. Our Oil-Free Moisturiser simply replaces the sting at the end with something gentler.”

“Today’s ceremony is a defining moment in Pavna’s journey of sustained growth and regional outreach. The Hosur facility underscores our strategic intent to be closer to our customers, drive operational excellence, and reliably meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry. Our investment and expansion in Hosur will bolster production capability, strengthen logistics efficiency, and contribute to local economic development. We now look forward to the swift completion of this facility and to commencing operations at the earliest possible time frame.”

Visakhapatnam, Jan 20: In a move aimed at converting startup potential into measurable outcomes, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) today announced a strategic partnership with Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), Visakhapatnam, to create a structured co-incubation pathway for market-ready and revenue-generating startups from Andhra Pradesh.

This partnership is focused on execution and measurable outcomes. The collaboration will jointly identify high-potential startups, offer structured co-incubation and hands-on scale support, and enable access to capital of up to ₹2 crore, helping founders move confidently from early traction to scalable growth.

The MoU was signed between Ravi Eswarapu, CEO, RTIH, Visakhapatnam and Dr VK Rai, CEO, IIMCIP, reinforcing a shared commitment to building fundable, scalable, and nationally visible and globally competitive startups emerging from the region.

Focus Areas of the Partnership

Under the agreement, Ratan Tata Innovation Hub and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park will collaborate across three key areas:

• Structured co-incubation with clear milestones and outcome tracking
• Capital access of up to ₹2 crore for selected startups
• Hands-on execution support across product, market access, governance, and scale readiness

The partnership will leverage IIMCIP’s national incubation experience, institutional networks, combined with Ratan Tata Innovation Hub’s strong regional presence and startup pipeline, to create a strong bridge between regional innovation, national capital and markets.

Speaking on the collaboration, Ravi Eswarapu (CEO, RTIH, Visakhapatnam) said,

“This partnership is all about creating real impact. By combining RTIH’s innovation ecosystem with IIMCIP’s proven incubation expertise, together, we aim to empower startups from Andhra Pradesh to scale nationally and globally.”

Dr VK Rai, CEO, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, added,

“There is a strong entrepreneurial energy in Andhra Pradesh. Our role is to help convert that energy into fundable, scalable businesses with structured support and by connecting founders to the right networks, mentors, and markets. IIMCIP’s partnership with RTIH is about turning regional entrepreneurial potential into scalable, fundable enterprises with national impact.”

This collaboration aligns with IIMCIP’s broader mission of strengthening entrepreneurship in emerging and under-represented regions. And, by focusing on execution, capital enablement, and visibility, the partnership aims to create a repeatable model for converting regional innovation into scalable enterprises.

Shortlisted startups from the first pitching edition under this co-incubation programme will be announced shortly. The selected cohort will enter a structured incubation and scale-up journey supported by mentorship, network & market access, and capital enablement 

Mumbai, Jan 20:  India’s insurance sector is entering a phase of sustained mid-term expansion, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, rising consumer demand and supportive regulatory reforms, according to a new Swiss Re Institute analysis titled “India’s economic and insurance market outlook 2026–2030: resilient and rising amid global shifts.”

Swiss Re forecasts India’s insurance premiums to grow at an annual real rate of 6.9% between 2026 and 2030, making it the fastest-growing major insurance market globally. This growth is expected to significantly outpace China (around 4%), the US (2%), and Western Europe (about 2%) over the same period.

Strong economic tailwinds support insurance expansion

India is projected to maintain an average real GDP growth of 6.5% over the next five years, supported by robust private consumption, continued public infrastructure investment and improving private capital expenditure. Fiscal measures such as GST simplification and personal income tax concessions are boosting demand, particularly among lower- and middle-income households. The impact of global trade disruptions, including US tariffs, is expected to remain limited, given that goods exports to the US account for only about 2% of India’s GDP.

Amitabha Ray, Market Head for India at Swiss Re, said:

“India is a clear bright spot for insurance growth in the mid-term, with strong opportunities emerging across health and motor insurance. Forward-looking regulatory reforms, digital innovation and an increasingly consumer-centric product mix will support expansion. Insurance will play a vital role as a financial shock absorber for Indian households and businesses facing rising climate, health and longevity risks.”

Regulation and innovation driving the next growth phase

The forecast marks a strong rebound from 3.1% growth in 2025, following adjustments to new regulations. Reforms led by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), along with broader government initiatives, are improving transparency and reshaping the sector for long-term growth. Key measures include a higher foreign direct investment (FDI) limit, modernisation of distribution channels and GST reforms, which are expected to attract capital, expand access and stimulate insurance adoption.

Life insurance premiums are projected to grow 6.8% annually over 2026–2030, driven by expanding distribution, rising demand for retirement solutions and steady credit growth. India remains the second-largest life insurance market among emerging economies.

While non-life insurance faces near-term pressures from regulatory changes and medical inflation, growth is expected to recover in the medium term. Health insurance premiums are forecast to grow 7.2% annually, while motor insurance is expected to expand by 7.5%, supported by increased vehicle penetration.

Mahesh H Puttaiah, Head of Insurance Market Analysis at Swiss Re Institute, noted:

“India’s large consumer base, stable inflation and fiscal prudence provide resilience against global uncertainty. These strengths will translate into sustained insurance premium growth, positioning India for a very positive mid-term outlook.”

Rising natural catastrophe risk highlights protection gap

Swiss Re estimates that USD 26–29 trillion in property assets are exposed to natural catastrophe risks across India, with several high-growth regions overlapping with multi-peril hotspots. As asset concentration increases, large-scale disasters could have a material impact on national economic growth.

Addressing this risk will require wider insurance and reinsurance coverage, alongside investments in early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure and stricter enforcement of building codes—particularly in rapidly urbanising and coastal regions.

Parvinder Singh, Head of Client Underwriting India at Swiss Re, said:

“Amid rising catastrophe risks and global uncertainty, disciplined underwriting and sustainable insurance solutions are essential to narrowing India’s protection gap and ensuring long-term stability for communities and businesses.”

Insurance market growth outlook (real terms)

• India: 6.9% (2026–2030)

• Emerging Asia (ex-China): 6.1%

• China: 3.9%

• North America: 1.8%

• Western Europe: 2.1%

• 30% savings on a second room (ideal for families)
• Spa credit of INR 2,000 per stay
• Curated breakfast and dinner experiences
• High tea with signature Fairmont rituals
• Happy hours (1+1 on select beverages)
• 25% savings for army veterans and their families