Archives 2026

Bengaluru, Jan 29: Australia is set to significantly deepen its engagement with Karnataka, positioning the state as a strategic hub for bilateral collaboration across education, technology and business.

Addressing delegates at an interactive session on Tariff-Free Access for Indian Exporters under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), Mr. Vik Singh, Consul (Commercial) and Trade & Investment Commissioner, South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, highlighted the growing momentum in Australia–India relations, with Karnataka emerging as a central pillar of this expanding partnership. The session was organised by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC) under the aegis of its International Business Expert Committee, in association with World Trade Center Bengaluru.

Education and technology remain priority sectors in the bilateral relationship. In a major development, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced plans to establish a branch campus in Bengaluru, with discussions already underway with the Government of Karnataka. The campus is expected to become operational next year.

“As one of the world’s leading universities, UNSW’s decision to establish a presence in Bengaluru reflects the confidence Australian institutions have in Karnataka’s talent ecosystem and innovation potential,” said Mr. Singh. “The campus will play a key role in strengthening academic collaboration, research partnerships and technology exchange between Australia and India.”

Ranked among the world’s top universities, UNSW’s proposed Bengaluru campus is expected to contribute significantly to advanced education, joint research initiatives and industry-linked innovation, further reinforcing Karnataka’s position as a global education and knowledge hub. The initiative marks an important milestone in Australia’s long-term engagement with India and underscores Karnataka’s growing stature as a preferred destination for international universities and global investors.

“Karnataka has emerged as one of Australia’s most important partners in India, driven by strong synergies in education, innovation and enterprise,” Mr. Singh added. “This is reflected not only in growing trade and investment flows, but also in Australia’s decision to establish one of its largest consular presences in India here, second only to the High Commission in New Delhi.”

India–Australia ECTA: A Landmark Development

Highlighting the trade dimension, Mr. K Ravi, Senior Vice President, BCIC, said, “The implementation of tariff-free access for Indian exporters under the India–Australia ECTA is a landmark development that will significantly enhance India’s export competitiveness. With 100 percent of Australian tariff lines moving to zero duty from January 1, 2026, this historic step unlocks new opportunities across key sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and agriculture—accelerating MSME-led growth, boosting employment and expanding India’s export footprint.”

He added that BCIC will play a key role in supporting exporters by driving industry preparedness, facilitating buyer–seller engagements and ensuring that MSMEs are well-equipped to leverage the agreement, further strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The deepening relationship is further underscored by the launch of a direct Sydney–Bengaluru flight by Qantas, significantly improving connectivity and accelerating business, academic and people-to-people exchanges between the two regions.

Mr. Singh also outlined the major sectors poised to benefit from deeper Australia–India engagement. Clean energy stands out, supported by Australia’s net-zero targets and rising renewable investments. Education and skills development continue to enable greater student mobility, academic collaboration and joint research. Agribusiness is gaining momentum through improved market access, food processing opportunities and agri-technology cooperation, while tourism is emerging as a high-growth sector driven by rising outbound travel from India. Overall, the services sector—particularly IT, professional services and education—is expected to be the most significant long-term beneficiary of the partnership.

Jan 29:Despite significantly higher-than-expected US import tariffs, the Indian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, expanding 8.2% year-on-year in the July–September quarter, supported by strong consumer spending, according to ACCA’s latest Global Economic Outlook.

In contrast, the global economy is expected to grow at a steady but unspectacular pace in 2026, aided by easier monetary policy, fiscal stimulus in key economies, and the continued artificial intelligence (AI) boom. However, the outlook remains clouded by downside risks amid a volatile and unpredictable global environment.

India is set to benefit further from robust consumer demand, low inflation, GST cuts, monetary easing, and strong government-led infrastructure investment, while the services sector is expected to remain a key growth driver, supported in part by exports. Recent labour market and bankruptcy law reforms could enhance the economy’s longer-term performance. A potential trade agreement with the US and continued low global oil prices would provide additional upside, while domestic food price movements remain a key risk to monitor.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA, said:

“It’s extremely encouraging to see the Indian economy remain resilient despite the sharp increase in US import tariffs, supported by strong consumer spending. Our report indicates that India is likely to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy in 2026, with recent reforms offering the potential to strengthen its long-term performance.”

The third edition of ACCA’s annual outlook finds that global growth in 2025 was stronger than expected despite major trade disruptions and policy uncertainty. This resilience is expected to carry into 2026, with global GDP projected to expand by around 3%, broadly in line with last year, although risks remain tilted to the downside.

Former IMF Chief Economist Ken Rogoff, interviewed for the report, described the global economy as “solid but not exciting,” while warning that current financial markets may not fully reflect the scale of uncertainty. He cautioned about the risk of a significant stock market correction over the next three years, even as markets may rise further in the near term.

“Populist policies work until they don’t,” Rogoff noted, warning of potential negative consequences for the US economy emerging in 2027 and 2028.

Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Economist at ACCA and author of the report, said:

“Under a central scenario, the global economy should continue to expand steadily in 2026, supported by looser monetary policy, fiscal easing, and the ongoing AI boom. The US is likely to be the fastest-growing G7 economy, but this remains a fragile backdrop amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, renewed trade tensions, and concerns over threats to the Federal Reserve’s independence.”

The report highlights three key themes likely to shape the global economic outlook in 2026:

• Developments in AI: Evidence that AI investment is boosting productivity could ease concerns of an AI-led market bubble; failure to deliver such gains may heighten correction risks.

• Advanced economy bond markets: A sharp rise in government bond yields could strain economies and raise debt-servicing costs, driven by debt sustainability concerns, political instability, or monetary tightening in Japan.

• Global trade dynamics: The ongoing impact of higher US tariffs and the risk of renewed trade tensions warrant close monitoring.

Business leaders contributing to the report also highlighted AI adoption, geopolitics, trade, the green transition, and cybersecurity as defining issues for 2026.

Ashworth added:

“In an increasingly volatile and rapidly changing world, understanding the interaction between economic, geopolitical, political, and technological forces will be critical for businesses and policymakers alike.”

The 2026 Global Economic Outlook offers in-depth analysis and strategic insights for finance leaders navigating an uncertain global landscape. The full report is available for download.

Mumbai, Jan 29: Travel is no longer aesthetic-only. It’s time to swap screens for stories, hashtags for handshakes, and curated feeds for lived experiences. This February, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of global discovery as The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF), India’s premier consumer travel showcase, returns with its 4th edition on 7th & 8th February 2026 at Jio World Drive, BKC. Running from 3 PM to 10 PM, TGTF brings together destinations, travel brands, industry experts, and experience-led audiences under one dynamic roof, redefining how Indian travellers discover and plan their holidays.

“TGTF was created as a space where travel conversations could move beyond brochures and algorithms,” says Lubaina Sheerazi, Co-founder, The Gypsy Travel Network. “Over the years, we’ve seen Indian travellers become more curious, more informed, and far more intentional. This edition reflects that shift, bringing together destinations and brands that offer depth, authenticity, and experiences people genuinely want to engage with before they travel.”

Bringing the World to Mumbai

As India’s appetite for immersive, experience-led travel continues to surge, TGTF has evolved into a platform that brings global cultures, conversations, and journeys directly to Indian audiences.

This year’s edition features powerful destination-led storytelling and immersive showcases, including:

• Amazing Thailand, presented in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, spotlighting culture-rich cities, island escapes, wellness journeys, festivals, and emerging sustainable routes.
• Visit Sapporo, Japan’s northern wonderland, Hokkaido, offering a window into snow-laden landscapes, world-class produce, hot springs, and seasonal adventures that redefine experiential travel.
• Magical Kenya, unveiling vibrant coastline, bustling cities, and experiences beyond iconic safaris and unforgettable wildlife encounters that continue to top global bucket lists.

June Chepkemei, CEO, Kenya Tourism Board, said,

“Kenya and India share a natural affinity rooted in connectivity, cultural appreciation, and a mutual understanding of quality travel experiences.” Chepkemei also stated. “Our presence in Mumbai allows us to meet Indian travellers where they are making crucial decisions about their next international journey, presenting Kenya’s full spectrum of offerings in ways that inspire genuine interest and action.”

TGTF 2026 also features a curated selection of lifestyle and hospitality partners like Club Med, CGH Earth, HomeExchange, and Rare India whose offerings reflect contemporary travel sensibilities, where design, storytelling, and utility come together in ways best experienced on the ground. The event will also feature many local and global culinary experiences, fireside chats with food voices we love and trust, and conversations with TV’s favourite Chef Vicky Ratnani and the trusted authority on India’s street food, Rocky Singh.

Across two high-energy evenings, attendees can:

• Tune into Travel Talks led by industry insiders and seasoned travellers
• Participate in hands-on workshops covering itinerary design, smart planning, and real-world travel hacks
• Explore immersive installations and destination-led experiences
• Sample global flavours, unlock festival-exclusive deals, and connect with a community that truly gets travel

Whether you’re planning your next big escape, looking for fresh inspiration, or simply craving discovery beyond the algorithm, The Gypsy Travel Festival is where travel stops being a scroll and starts becoming a story.

New Delhi, Jan 29: NICMAR, India’s premier and dedicated institution for Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project Management education  has received an overwhelming nationwide response to its flagship Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge, with participation from more than 500 colleges across the country. The initiative aims to encourage undergraduate students to solve real-world infrastructure challenges has now evolved into one of India’s largest student-led innovation movements focused on the built environment.

Supported by the All India Council for Technical Education , the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge offers prizes worth INR 30 lakh. Designed as a structured, multi-stage and multi-city programme, the challenge ensures wide grassroots participation while systematically identifying and nurturing promising ideas at a national level. Over 500 participating colleges are currently conducting their college-level rounds, each independently hosting evaluations to select one winning team. These rounds will conclude by 31st January, after which selected teams will advance to the next phase of the competition.

College-level winners will progress to city-level cohort rounds, where teams from peer institutions will compete regionally. City rounds are being hosted across 11 key venues including Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Winners from the city rounds will move on to the Regional Rounds, followed by the National Grand Finale, where finalists will present their ideas before industry experts, academicians and thought leaders.

The Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge has also drawn participation from several leading and well-recognised institutions, underlining its academic relevance and national significance. Participating institutions include IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, along with NIT Calicut, NIT Hamirpur, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Meghalaya, and hundreds of other engineering, architecture and planning institutions across metro cities and emerging education hubs.

Commenting on the scale and impact of the initiative, Gaurav Bajpai, Director, Marketing, NICMAR, said, 

“The response to Bharat Nav Nirmaan Challenge has been truly overwhelming. With participation from more than 500 colleges and students engaging across multiple cities and stages, the initiative has evolved into a genuine national movement. It clearly reflects the aspiration of India’s youth to contribute meaningfully to the country’s infrastructure and development journey. Bharat Nav Nirmaan is not just a competition-it is a platform where ideas meet opportunity, and young innovators begin shaping the future of the nation.”

The initiative is anchored in the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 is encouraging final-year and pre-final-year undergraduate students in civil engineering, architecture, core engineering and allied disciplines to move beyond classroom learning and engage with practical, future-ready solutions for India’s infrastructure needs. Student teams are developing ideas across key focus areas such as sustainable infrastructure, urbanisation, mobility, housing, energy efficiency, water management and resilient cities.

Mumbai, Jan 29: Fynd, AI native retail technology company backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, today released its Republic Day Report 2026, offering a data-led view into how India’s e-commerce landscape is evolving during one of the country’s most significant national sale events.

The Republic Day sale period in 2026 recorded 157.4K orders with a gross sales value of ₹298.2 million. While overall volumes were slightly moderated compared to 2025, the data indicates a more measured, value-conscious consumer mindset, signalling a shift away from impulse-led discount shopping toward trust, relevance, and convenience-driven purchases.

Drawing insights from leading marketplaces including Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon, AJIO, and Nykaa, the report analyses shopping behaviour across apparel, footwear, and ethnic wear categories, revealing a maturing e-commerce market where how and when India shops is changing as meaningfully as what it buys.

Key Insights:

• Marketplace leadership holds: Myntra led Republic Day shopping with over 45% of marketplace order share, followed by Flipkart and Amazon, reaffirming marketplaces as the default discovery channel
• Prepaid trust strengthens: Digital payments crossed 53% of total transactions during the sale period, signalling rising consumer confidence in prepaid modes even during high-volume events
• Discounting stays aggressive, but segmented: Fashion-led platforms offered average discounts of 50–60%, while premium and luxury platforms maintained tighter discount strategies under 40%
• Monday outperformed weekends: Contrary to conventional sales patterns, Monday recorded the highest order volumes during the Republic Day sale period
• Late evenings dominate: Order activity peaked around 10 PM, highlighting post-work, leisure-driven browsing as the primary conversion window
• Omnichannel fulfilment balances out: Store-based fulfilment matched warehouse dispatches in 2026, with store leading 50.8% compared to 49.2% by warehouse, reflecting improved store readiness and smarter inventory routing
• Clear category platform affinities: Casual wear category was led by Myntra and Flipkart, ethnic wear was overwhelmingly Myntra-led, while footwear demand was distributed across multiple marketplaces
• Non-metro demand leads: Tier 2 and 3 cities together accounted for over 60% of total Republic Day orders, reinforcing the continued expansion of e-commerce beyond metro.

“This Republic Day, Indian ecommerce proved it’s evolving not just in scale, but in intelligence. Brands are no longer just participating in sales; they are optimizing them. From using stores to fulfill more orders to narrowing discount bands and engaging late-night shoppers, we are seeing a smarter, more agile playbook emerge. With deep omnichannel expertise, Fynd’s platform enables brands to seamlessly unify online and offline operations, bringing data, inventory, and customer experiences together in one intelligent layer,” said Ragini Varma, Chief Business Officer, India, Fynd”, said Ragini Varma, Chief Business Officer – India, Fynd.

While Republic Day is a shorter shopping window compared to festive seasons, the findings mirror broader structural shifts in Indian e-commerce from weekday-led demand and prepaid trust to omnichannel readiness and tighter platform-category alignment, signalling a market that is growing smarter, not just larger.

Mr. Darshan Govindaraju, Executive Director at Vaishnavi Group

The upcoming Budget is a key opportunity to deepen buyer confidence and strengthen the housing ecosystem. A sustained push on urban infrastructure, access to long-term capital, and ease-of-doing-business reforms will be critical for stable, long-term growth in real estate. Policy measures that support homebuyers and improve sector liquidity can meaningfully accelerate India’s urban development agenda.

Mr. Madhusudan G, CMD at Sumadhura Group

As we look ahead to Budget 2026, the real estate sector is seeking not blanket measures, but thoughtful, targeted policies that reflect a maturing and increasingly segmented market. Moreover, it is important to revisit the ₹45 lakh affordable housing cap on a city-specific basis so that incentives reach genuine first-time buyers. Long-pending structural reforms such as a time-bound single-window clearance system to streamline project approvals and the formal recognition of real estate as an industry are also crucial.

Ramji Subramaniam, Managing Director, Sowparnika Projects

One of the key interventions that we urge the government to consider is extending the 1% GST benefit for affordable housing to homes priced up to INR 65-75 lakh, from the current INR 45 lakh threshold. With land prices in cities rising by 50-75% in recent years and construction costs escalating due to higher raw material prices and a persistent shortage of skilled labour, such a move would reflect current market realities. It would offer relief to first-time homebuyers while allowing developers to focus on making housing accessible for all.

“Gadchiroli is rich in natural resources, yet communities here face increasing challenges from climate change, declining forest cover, and erratic rainfall. With over 32 years of experience across Maharashtra, WOTR considers Gadchiroli a key focus area. Our collaboration with the Hindustan Unilever Foundation will drive meaningful change and foster sustainable development in the region.”

“Empowering communities in Gadchiroli is more than a programme, it is a transformational commitment to inclusive growth, resilience, and dignity. By combining sustainable water solutions with diversified livelihood opportunities, we aim to nurture a future where every drop counts and villages thrive.”

Astrotalk reported a strong financial performance in FY25, led by higher user engagement, an increase in paid consultations, and better monetisation across its app-led services in India’s major urban markets.

Total income rose 85% year-on-year to INR 1,214 crores in FY25, compared with INR 656 crores in FY24. Revenue from operations stood at INR 1,176 crores, indicating continued demand across core astrology consultation services. Tier-I cities accounted for the majority of platform activity, aided by higher usage frequency, improved conversion metrics, and stronger repeat behaviour.

To manage higher volumes and maintain service quality at scale, the company sustained investments across marketing, technology infrastructure, operations, and customer experience. Total expenses increased to INR 1,129 crores in FY25 from INR 542 crores in FY24. The increase largely reflected talent acquisition across technology and operations, undertaken as part of organisational expansion and long-term capability development.

Additionally, FY25 expenses included a one-time exceptional employee-related expense of around INR 120 crores, a majority of which was non-cash. Reported profitability was also affected by a non-cash mark-to-market technical adjustment of approximately INR 80 crores on CCPS instruments, with no cash outflow. This was due to IndAS adoption by the company.

Consequently, adjusted for one time impact of exceptional employee benefit expense and non-cash expense on account of CCPS valuation, PBT for FY25 was INR 285 Crores as against PBT of INR 127 Crores in FY24 registering an increase of approximately 125% demonstrating efficiency in operations at scale.

Commenting on the results, Anmol Jain, Co-founder & CBO, Astrotalk, said,

“FY25 represented a year of steady and consistent revenue momentum for Astrotalk, underpinned by deeper engagement, higher repeat usage, and enhanced monetisation across our app-led services, particularly in urban markets. As volumes increased, we made measured investments in our technology platform and team expansion to ensure service reliability, quicker turnaround times, and a seamless customer experience. These investments were undertaken with a long-term perspective and position us well to improve operating efficiencies and support sustainable growth.”

User engagement increased by 27% year-on-year, with the platform recording higher repeat usage and deeper interaction across services, reinforcing the strength of its app-led model in India’s major cities. As part of its revenue diversification strategy, Astrotalk Store, the company’s e-commerce vertical, generated over INR 140 crores in CY25, within a year of its launch, supported by growing demand for astrology-linked products.

Astrotalk is backed by New York-based venture capital firm Left Lane Capital and Indian growth-stage investor Elev8 Venture Partners. The company last raised approximately INR 117 crores at a pre-money valuation of INR 2,400 crores in June 2024 in a bunch of primary and secondary transactions.

Say Hello to ‘Hello Mallows’, the Single-origin Chocolate Coated & Gelatine-Free Marshmallows Packed With Unique Flavo

Mumbai, Jan 29: Who said marshmallows can’t be for everyone? Hello Mallows, a new gourmet brand, is redefining this classic treat with a modern twist—soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows that are 100% vegetarian, gluten-free, and gelatine-free, crafted with premium ingredients and unique flavour combinations. Designed to delight both kids and adults, Hello Mallows offers an indulgent yet wholesome snacking experience perfect for gifting, savouring, or sharing.

Hello Mallows introduces two signature categories:

• Classic Mallows: Soft marshmallows coated in single-origin dark chocolate with flavour pairings like Dark Chocolate & Flaked Sea Salt and Dulce de Leche & Flaked Sea Salt, finished with a delicate sprinkle of Maldon Sea Salt.

• Caramel-Filled Mallows: A pillowy marshmallow dome with a gooey caramel centre, enrobed in single-origin dark chocolate and creamy dulce de leche, available in Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel and Dulce de Leche & Salted Caramel.

“Our vision is simple,” says Sumeet Wadke, Director, Bright Treats Pvt Ltd. “We want to make indulgence more inclusive and imaginative. Over the next three years, we aim to position Hello Mallows as India’s leading gourmet marshmallow brand, experimenting with new fillings, textures, and flavours that go beyond the expected—reinventing comfort food for a generation that loves to explore taste.”

Looking ahead, Hello Mallows plans to expand its omni-channel presence across modern trade, D2C platforms, and strategic B2B partnerships with cafés, gourmet stores, and e-commerce platforms. With seasonal launches, new flavour innovations, gifting formats, and plans for international exports, Hello Mallows is set to bring its signature indulgence to more corners of India and beyond—because joy, like marshmallows, is best shared across cities, cultures, and celebrations.

New Delhi, Jan 29: Awsum, a new-age functional bakery brand, has secured a Rs 1 crore investment on Shark Tank India Season 5 from Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, and Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO of OYO, at a Rs 75 crore valuation. The partnership marks a major milestone in Awsum’s mission to build India’s first “Better Bakes” category—everyday cakes and brownies made with wholesome, functional ingredients.

Founded by Pranav Sharma, Awsum is redefining the Rs 11,000+ crore packaged cake market by replacing refined flour, white sugar, and heavily processed ingredients with traditional Indian staples such as atta (whole wheat), gur (jaggery), and honey. Its 100% eggless portfolio is enriched with Ayurvedic ingredients like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Ginseng, offering indulgence alongside functional benefits that support focus, immunity, and overall wellness.

“For decades, consumers have had to choose between taste and health. With Awsum, we’re levelling that playing field,” said Pranav Sharma, Founder, Awsum. “Today’s young India reads labels, cares about ingredients, and wants mindful choices without compromising on flavour. Our goal is to make better-for-you baking mainstream, not premium or niche. Partnering with Namita and Ritesh accelerates that mission and helps us bring wholesome indulgence to every shelf across the country.”

Awsum strategically partnered with Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal for their complementary expertise across health, wellness, and large-scale consumer businesses. The collaboration combines health-focused consumer brand insights with proven experience in nationwide distribution networks, positioning Awsum to accelerate retail expansion and strengthen brand reach.

The fresh capital will be used to:

• Expand distribution across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities

• Deepen presence in retail and quick-commerce platforms

• Strengthen manufacturing capacity to meet rising demand

• Introduce new functional SKUs under the Better Bakes portfolio

• Invest in supply chain and technology infrastructure for consistent freshness, quality, and scale

Awsum has already achieved over Rs 3.4 crore in monthly revenue, with a growing presence across leading quick-commerce platforms and modern retail outlets. Operating from an in-house manufacturing facility in Noida, the company maintains tight control over production, enabling faster innovation cycles and just-in-time manufacturing that ensures freshness while minimizing inventory waste.

The brand’s portfolio includes brownies and cakes in contemporary flavours such as Orange Pistachio, Lemon Blueberry, Banana Walnut, and Carrot Cake, all packaged in ready-to-eat formats for on-the-go consumption. Awsum is steadily trending toward profitability while championing the functional, better-for-you bakery segment in India.