Archives 2026

Mr. Vinod Francis, Chief Financial Officer, South Indian Bank, on the recent RBI MPC announcement:

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance reflects confidence in a benign inflation outlook and resilient economic growth. The upward revision in FY26 GDP growth, along with the RBI’s assessment that system-level parameters for banks remain sound, reinforces confidence in the sector’s ability to support sustained economic expansion. For banks, a stable rate environment enables effective transmission of policy measures, disciplined balance sheet management, and calibrated credit growth across key segments.

The continued focus on data-driven policymaking, supported by the upcoming new GDP and inflation series, further enhances predictability for lenders. At the same time, initiatives such as the proposed guidelines for Kisan Credit Cards and the ongoing emphasis on MSME and rural credit align well with our strong presence in these segments, positioning the Bank to deepen credit penetration while maintaining asset quality and capital strength.”

New Delhi, Feb 6: Amity School of Business (ASB), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, successfully hosted the 4th Edition of the International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Development (ICESBD’26). The conference centered on the theme: “Evolving Enterprises: Navigating GIG Innovation, Green Operations and Digital Relationship”, bringing together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss innovative and sustainable business practices.

Conference Highlights:

• Keynote Addresses:

  • Ms. Simin Askari, Chief Human Resource Officer, DS Group, emphasized the importance of sustainability, gig economy recognition, and digital transformation in today’s evolving business landscape.

  • Ms. Saranya Pradhan, Head – Sustainability and Corporate Communication, McCain Foods, highlighted how sustainable practices, gig innovation, and digital relationships drive growth, customer loyalty, and long-term value creation.

  • Mr. Santosh Sharma, Founder & CEO, Book My Jet, underlined how eco-friendly operations and leveraging global freelance talent foster innovation, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer engagement.

  • Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, AUUP, stressed the synergy between entrepreneurship and sustainability as a key driver for economic growth while minimizing environmental impact.

• Panel Discussions & Workshops:

  • Panel discussion on “Sustainable Innovation in the Gig Economy: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges”.

  • Paper presentations covering topics such as gig economy entrepreneurship, circular business models, digital relationship management, and resilience in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

  • Research paper development workshop on crafting high-quality submissions for Scopus-indexed journals.

• NEXT GEN – INNOVATE EXPO 2026:

  • The conference featured an exhibition of 29 start-ups and businesses founded by young entrepreneurs, showcasing sustainable, digital, and disruptive innovations.

Dr. Sujata Khandai, Director – ASB, said,

“Entrepreneurs are increasingly integrating eco-friendly products, renewable energy, and ethical supply chains into their business models. ICESBD’26 provides a platform for thought leaders and innovators to share insights, inspire students, and explore transformative strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship.”

ICESBD’26 reinforced Amity University’s commitment to nurturing future-ready entrepreneurs, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation as cornerstones for the next generation of business leaders.

Dubstep launches ‘Love on Loop’ Campaign and Limited-Edition ‘Buzz X12 – Love Edition’ Wireless Earbuds Exclusively on Instamart for Valentine’s Day

Feb 06: This Valentine’s Day, Dubstep, the fast-fashion consumer tech brand from the Nu Republic Universe, has rolled out its seasonal Valentine’s Day campaign ‘Love on Loop’, built around impulse-led gifting, music, and quick-commerce behaviour. The campaign coincides with the launch of the Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition, available exclusively on Instamart.

Designed to reflect how young consumers increasingly shop for occasions, Love on Loop targets last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers who prioritise speed, experience, and emotional value over advance planning. By leveraging Instamart’s quick-delivery ecosystem, the campaign positions spontaneity not as a compromise, but as a feature of modern gifting.

As part of the campaign, customers purchasing eligible Dubstep® products on Instamart during the campaign period stand a chance to win curated Valentine’s rewards. Nine winners will receive dinner vouchers worth INR 3,000 each, while one grand prize winner will win air tickets for two to Goa, along with a chance to meet actor Abhay Deol, subject to availability and scheduling.

Commenting on the campaign, Ujjwal Sarin, Founder, Nu Republic Universe, said,

“Valentine’s Day is about moments, not planning weeks in advance. With Love on Loop, we wanted to blend instant access with real emotion. Dubstep® is built for spontaneity — loud, expressive, and ready when you are. Partnering with Instamart lets us deliver that vibe in minutes.”

As part of the Valentine’s Day collection, Dubstep® has introduced the Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds in a bold, passion-red finish with metallic accents, created exclusively for the season. These earbuds are powered by Bluetooth v5.4 and tuned with X-Bass® technology to deliver deep bass and clear vocals. Equipped with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the earbuds ensure clearer calls even in noisy surroundings. With up to 60 hours of total playtime, intuitive touch controls, and a comfortable all-day fit, the Buzz X12 is designed for both everyday listening and Valentine’s gifting.

The Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition will be available exclusively on Instamart at an offer price of INR 599 for a limited period, giving consumers across India a quick and convenient way to celebrate Valentine’s Day through expressive audio gifting.

Mamaearth Onboards Sreeleela as Hair Care Category Brand Ambassador; Unveils Valentine’s Day Film for Rosemary Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo

Feb 06:  Mamaearth, India’s leading purpose-driven personal care brand, has unveiled its latest campaign for the Rosemary Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo, onboarding South Indian and Bollywood actress Sreeleela as the new brand ambassador for the hair care range. With her youthful charm, authenticity, and strong Gen Z connect, Sreeleela brings a refreshing new energy to the brand.

This association marks a significant milestone in Mamaearth’s journey as well as in Sreeleela’s fast-rising career. Known for her natural appeal and inclination towards wellness, she strongly aligns with Mamaearth’s ethos of delivering effective personal care solutions rooted in natural, toxin-free ingredients.

Set in a packed cricket stadium, the campaign film features Sreeleela alongside actor and dancer Shantanu Maheshwari in a light-hearted, playful moment on the Kiss Cam. As the two share a close moment, the mood shifts when Shantanu runs his fingers through her hair, and a few strands come loose, instantly magnified on the stadium’s big screen. The crowd reacts, turning a personal moment into a very public one.

The film then introduces Mamaearth Rosemary Anti Hair Fall Shampoo, powered by the goodness of Rosemary and Methi Dana, as a solution designed to help reduce hair fall and strengthen hair. In a confident turn of events, the film closes with Sreeleela returning to the stadium with visibly healthier, fuller-looking hair, reclaiming the moment and ending the story on a strong, self-assured note.

Speaking about the campaign, Sreeleela said, 

“I’m excited to be a part of this campaign as it brings together a fun, relatable story that reflects real, everyday moments. The film addresses concerns like hair fall in a light and honest way, without exaggeration. What truly draws me to Mamaearth is the brand’s philosophy of using thoughtfully chosen, natural ingredients backed by proven efficacy. Being associated with a brand that addresses real consumer needs with effective, ingredient-led solutions makes this campaign feel authentic and meaningful to me.”

Snigdha Anand, SVP & Brand Head – Marketing, Mamaearth, added,

“With this campaign, our intent was to tell a story that feels familiar and easy to recognise, without over-dramatizing the concern. By placing hair fall in a moment of closeness and public visibility, the narrative remains honest while clearly establishing the product’s role. Welcoming Sreeleela as the new face of Mamaearth’s hair care category is a strategic step in strengthening our relevance with a younger, evolving consumer base, while continuing to focus on effective, ingredient-led hair care solutions.”

The campaign is rolled out across digital and social platforms, bringing ingredient-led hair care into everyday conversations through relatable storytelling. With Sreeleela at the forefront, Mamaearth continues to build a modern, trust-led narrative around hair fall, confidence, and solutions powered by nature.

Santosh Agarwal, CFO & Executive Director, Alpha Corp Development Limited, said,

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% provides much-needed stability and clarity for the real estate sector at a time when predictable financing costs are crucial. This pause by the Monetary Policy Committee reinforces confidence among homebuyers and investors alike, as it sustains current borrowing costs and supports affordability. Stable interest rates enable developers to plan project timelines more efficiently, optimise pricing strategies, and continue delivering quality housing without sudden cost pressures. With economic growth prospects remaining solid and inflation under control, this status quo fosters a conducive environment for sustained demand in residential and commercial realty. We welcome this continuity, which underpins long-term investment and supports the sector’s positive momentum.”

Ashish Sharma, AVP Operations, Brahma Group, says,

“The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% and continue with a neutral policy stance provides much-needed stability for the real estate sector. A predictable interest rate environment is crucial for sustaining momentum in housing demand and enabling developers to plan long-term investments with greater confidence. The RBI’s calibrated approach reflects a careful balance between managing inflation and supporting economic growth. For homebuyers, steady policy rates help preserve affordability, while for developers, they ensure consistency in project financing and execution. Overall, this policy continuity is expected to reinforce market confidence and support the sector’s contribution to economic development in the coming quarters.”

Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, said,

“We welcome the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a ‘neutral’ stance, as it reinforces macro-economic stability and enhances confidence across financial markets. This policy continuity provides crucial predictability for both homebuyers and developers, helping sustain demand in the housing and commercial real estate sectors. With stable lending rates, buyers can plan around consistent EMIs, and developers can manage capital costs and project financing more efficiently. In an environment where affordability and financing clarity are key, this steady approach supports robust decision-making and long-term planning. We remain optimistic that the real estate sector will continue to experience sustained demand, steady growth, and long-term value creation.”

Vyom Agarwal, President, ACE – Action Construction Equipment Ltd.said,

“The MPC’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% provides stability for capital-intensive sectors like construction and infrastructure, supporting credit flow and long-term investment. This aligns strongly with Union Budget 2026, which has reinforced its focus on infrastructure through higher capex of ₹12.2 lakh crore and an enhanced Construction and Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of high-value, advanced equipment. Additionally, structural developments such as the India–EU FTA and the proposed US deal are significant positives for Indian manufacturing, improving competitiveness versus key markets like China and strengthening the China-plus-one opportunity. Together, these measures create a supportive framework for companies like ACE to scale innovation, expand capacity, and contribute meaningfully to India’s infrastructure growth,”

Feb 6: Cupid may be working overtime, but Nykaa is doing the heavy lifting this February. The much-loved Nykaa Pink Love Sale is back from 6th to 15th February, going live 11 AM onwards, and it’s bringing the biggest deals and the smallest prices of the season. With up to 60% off across makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances, luxury beauty and tools, plus irresistible free gifts and season-stealing offers, this is beauty shopping at its most extra.

At the heart of the sale is Nykaa’s playful campaign theme, “Big Deals, Small Prices”, where discounts are so good, you’ll find yourself getting big beauty favourites at prices that feel delightfully small. The campaign film stars Brand Icon Sharvari, alongside Sheeba Chaddha, as her mom, bringing back their much-loved, laugh-out-loud mother–daughter banter. Set in a vibrant, larger-than-life beauty wonderland splashed with signature Nykaa pink, the film blends humour, heart and unbelievable prices, proving that every great beauty buy deserves a mom-approved nod.

Top Deals on Luxury Beauty

Luxury lovers are in for a serious treat. Lancôme is offering up to 20% off along with complimentary gifts and free minis, while YSL, Prada and Giorgio Armani are extending flat discounts with luxury vials on all orders. Jo Malone London is bringing luxury gifts across purchases, and Estée Lauder and Clinique are rolling out attractive offers with buy-more-save-more deals. Makeup icons like Charlotte Tilbury are offering up to 20% off on bestsellers, while NARS, MILK Makeup and M.A.C are serving up to 30% off with exciting bundle offers.

Free Gifts on Orders

Because one great product is never enough. Nykaa Cosmetics is offering up to 50% off with free gifts on qualifying orders, while Kay Beauty brings up to 35% off with complimentary surprises. Skincare favourites like Dot & Key are offering up to 30% off with free gifts, Foxtale is running up to 40% off with a free gift on orders above ₹449, and Plum is offering a minimum 20% off with free gifts worth ₹899. CeraVe adds to the excitement with free minis on all orders, The Derma Co ups the value with extra savings on multi-product buys, while haircare heroes Kérastase, Olaplex and Schwarzkopf Professional are spoiling shoppers with free gifts and minis across select orders and sale days.

Season’s Hottest Offers

From everyday staples to cult favourites, the season’s hottest deals are ready to be carted. Maybelline New York, Lakmé and L’Oréal Paris are offering discounts of up to 50% off, while Neutrogena brings up to 40% off with gift-with-purchase offers. Bath and body favourites like Bath & Body Works are serving up bestsellers starting at ₹899, and Victoria’s Secret is turning up the heat with flat 50% off on select collections. Haircare brands such as L’Oréal Professionnel, WishCare and Bare Anatomy round out the sale with attractive discounts, tiered savings and free gifts.

For beauty lovers who live for a good surprise, there’s plenty to get excited about. Nykaa will be dropping playful, limited-time flash deals throughout the sale, think up to 50% off luxe beauty when you least expect it, flat 20% off on Clinique and K-beauty favourite Beauty of Joseon, flat 25% off on NYX Professional Makeup for instant makeup bag upgrades, and a B1G1 treat on Foxtale’s skincare must-haves. These quick-drop deals won’t hang around for long, so keep an eye out, your next beauty crush might just pop up mid-scroll.

Making Valentine’s gifting effortless, Nykaa is also introducing pre-packed, Nykaa-exclusive gift boxes, thoughtfully curated and perfect for the season. Shoppers can choose between a Limited Edition Korean Beauty Box, featuring some of the most-loved K-beauty essentials, and a Self-Care Box packed with indulgent bath and body favourites. Both gift boxes will be available at special discounted prices, making them an easy, no-fuss gifting pick this Valentine’s Day.

Taking the Valentine’s celebration offline, Nykaa is introducing the Nykaa Love Post Office at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Mumbai, an immersive, post-office-inspired pop-up where visitors can pen handwritten love notes and pair them with beauty gifts for their loved ones. Starting from February 6th to 15th, the experience celebrates every kind of love and brings Nykaa’s Valentine’s thoughts to life.  Visitors to the pop-up can unlock exclusive offers such as additional savings of up to 20%, free gifts on orders above ₹3,499, and curated gift sets across value tiers ranging from ₹999 to ₹2,999.

Adding to the excitement, Nykaa Play, Nykaa’s interactive, in-app shopping destination, will be buzzing throughout the sale with daily live streams & win blockbuster giveaways, claim daily exclusive coupons via the  ‘Play & Win’ Gamezonest Shoppers can also tune in to the ‘Beauty Hotline aka Ask Nykaa Anything ’!’ liveshow segment streaming daily from 7th to 16th February, featuring top beauty creators, Nykaa army & industry experts.

Mumbai, Feb 06: As India gears up for the excitement of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2026, Shoppers Stop, India’s premium fashion, lifestyle, and gifting destination, has announced the launch of Style Innings, a high-energy, cricket-themed retail campaign running from 29th January to 8th March 2026 across its stores nationwide.

The campaign brings together the thrill of cricket and the joy of shopping, inviting customers to play their ‘Style Innings’ with engaging gamified experiences. Through the “Shop and Win” initiative, customers can earn shopping vouchers of ₹750 on spends of ₹7,500 or ₹1,500 on spends of ₹15,000.

Shoppers also have the chance to win premium rewards via ‘Play a Shot and Win’ for shopping of ₹7,500, including:

• BMW Bikes

• Adidas fan merchandise

• Easydiner Prime memberships

• Fashion tees from Fratini and Life

• ₹500 off on Shoppers Stop brands (on shopping of ₹3,500)

• 1,000 bonus loyalty points

• Free beauty makeovers

• Flat 40% off on Arcelia

• Exclusive app and HomeStop offers

The bumper prize includes PVR Inox couple tickets for the IND vs PAK live screening in select cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Noida, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Cyberabad.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Jiten Mahendra, Customer Care Associate and CMO, Shoppers Stop, said:

“At Shoppers Stop, we believe every great innings deserves a great reward. Style Innings is our way of letting customers play their winning shots, whether they’re cheering for Team India or refreshing their wardrobes. With exciting prizes, gamified experiences, and the thrill of the World Cup in the air, we’re ensuring that this season, everyone who walks into our stores walks out a champion.”

Through Style Innings, Shoppers Stop aims to boost customer engagement, drive footfalls across stores and digital platforms, and reinforce its premium retail positioning, ensuring that every shopper enjoys a rewarding experience during the World Cup season.

Hyderabad, Feb 06: define kitchen ventilation with superior performance, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. This new range combines advanced BLDC motor technology with contemporary design to elevate the modern Indian cooking experience.

Powered by Torque Jet Suction Technology, the chimneys deliver up to 1400 m³/hr suction capacity, effectively removing smoke, grease, and odours, even during heavy cooking. The high-performance BLDC motor ensures silent operation, consuming significantly less energy while offering 10 speed levels, including a Turbo mode operating at up to 1600 RPM for intensive suction.

For convenience and easy maintenance, the Premia BLDC chimneys feature a filter-less design with heat auto-clean technology, a high-capacity oil collector, gesture and touch controls with a vibrant colour display, LED illumination, and an ultra-slim body with a black powder-coated finish. Each unit comes with free expert installation, a premium installation kit worth ₹2,249, and a lifetime warranty on the BLDC motor.

The range is available in two configurations:

• Premia BLDC 60 cm: Ideal for compact and mid-sized kitchens – MRP INR 30,900, Suggested Price INR16,995

• Premia BLDC 90 cm: For larger kitchens – MRP INR 32,720, Suggested Price INR17,995

With the launch of the Premia BLDC Chimney range, TTK Prestige strengthens its portfolio of technology-driven, energy-efficient kitchen appliances, delivering performance, convenience, and premium aesthetics for modern Indian homes.

The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% has reinforced stability and confidence across the real estate sector. Industry leaders believe that a steady interest rate environment, coupled with the continued transmission of earlier rate cuts and the government’s increased public capital expenditure, is supporting resilient residential demand. For homebuyers, this policy clarity encourages long-term purchase decisions, while for the sector as a whole, it strengthens the outlook for sustained growth, employment generation, and urban development.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said,

“The RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate steady at 5.25% offers stability for interest-rate–sensitive sectors like real estate in the current macroeconomic environment. With inflation remaining at manageable levels and the benefits of earlier rate cuts continuing to flow through to homebuyers in the form of improved affordability, residential demand has remained resilient. The Union government’s decision to raise public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore in FY27, as announced in the Union Budget 2026, further strengthens the growth outlook through infrastructure-led development.

Supported by stable monetary policy and sustained public spending, the real estate sector will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, employment generation, and urban development across the country.”

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said,

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% reinforces policy stability and provides a supportive backdrop for the residential real estate market. While a rate cut would have lowered borrowing costs, a steady interest rate environment enables homebuyers to take long-term purchase decisions with greater confidence and predictability. This is particularly relevant for the premium housing segment, where buyers place stronger emphasis on product quality, location, and long-term value creation rather than short-term rate movements.”

Vikas Bhasin, Managing Director, Saya Group, said,

“The RBI’s decision to maintain the status quo on policy rates is a positive and reassuring signal for the housing sector. Stability in interest rates plays a crucial role in homebuyer decision-making, as it reduces uncertainty and builds confidence among both end-users and investors. With home loan rates currently hovering around an affordable and comfortable level of approximately 7.5%, and expected to remain below 8% for an extended period, borrowing conditions remain supportive for residential purchases.”

Mr. Raoul Kapoor, Co CEO, Andromeda Sales and Distribution, said,

“The RBI’s decision to maintain a status quo on policy rates is largely in line with expectations, especially after the cumulative rate cut of 125 basis points in 2025. The transmission of these cuts is still playing out, with several banks yet to fully pass on the benefit to borrowers.

A cumulative reduction of 125 basis points over a 20-year loan tenure translates into an EMI reduction of approximately ₹80 per lakh per month, significantly improving affordability and enhancing borrowing capacity for big-ticket purchases such as homes.”

Mumbai, Feb 6: Shemaroo Entertainment is set to premiere its latest original web series, Dil Dhokha aur Desire, exclusively on ShemarooMe from 12th February 2026. Starring Akanksha Chamola, Kunwar Amar, and Ali Hasan, the series marks a significant step in Shemaroo’s strategy to strengthen its OTT platform through original storytelling.

Dil Dhokha aur Desire delves into a complex narrative of romance, power, and betrayal. The story follows Malini (Akanksha Chamola), Shuarya (Kunwar Amar), and Pratap (Ali Hasan), whose intertwined lives spiral into a volatile triangle of attraction, control, and dangerous choices. Exploring love as both redemption and destruction, the series caters to audiences seeking emotionally charged and layered storytelling.

Saurabh Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer, Digital Business – Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., commented,

“Originals give us the ability to define our voice more clearly. They allow the platform to shape viewing behaviour with greater intent, encouraging repeat engagement, sharper audience profiling, and long-term brand recall. Our focus remains on delivering compelling narratives that enhance viewer engagement and strengthen ShemarooMe’s position in the OTT ecosystem.”

Dil Dhokha aur Desire is part of ShemarooMe’s broader strategy to transition from content curation to creation, building distinctive, platform-led IPs that resonate with contemporary audiences. With a strong ensemble cast and a gripping storyline, the series is expected to capture viewer attention during the Valentine’s season and beyond.