Archives 2026

New Delhi, Jan 13: Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) has rolled out its global CSR initiative, Light Up the Future, in and around its manufacturing facility in Jhajjar district. Under the programme, Panasonic has distributed 400 solar lanterns across the nearby villages of Jahangirpur, Shura, and Kaloi, aimed at improving access to clean, reliable lighting for communities with limited electricity infrastructure.

The initiative was formally launched at the Senior Secondary School in Jahangirpur, bringing together village leaders, students, and representatives from Panasonic Life Solutions India. The event marked Panasonic’s continued engagement with communities around its manufacturing operations and underscored the company’s focus on creating long-term social impact through sustainable interventions.

Speaking at the programme ceremony, Tadashi Chiba, MD and CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said,

“Guided by our founder Konosuke Matsushita’s philosophy that business must contribute meaningfully to society, Panasonic has always believed that access to essential resources is the foundation of strong and resilient communities. Through our global ‘Light Up the Future’ initiative—which began in 2009 and has reached communities across more than 30 countries, we are proud to bring sustainable lighting solutions to underserved regions. We hope these solar lanterns become a source of opportunity, supporting children’s education, strengthening households, and enabling safer, more productive lives after sunset.”

Commenting on the initiative, Anju Malhotra, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said,

“Community welfare remains central to Panasonic’s efforts in India. The initiative is designed to address everyday energy challenges in rural areas. The solar lanterns are expected to deliver a meaningful impact by optimizing time for education and entrepreneurial activities among youth, enhancing household safety, and enabling productive activities after sunset. We appreciate the cooperation and participation of local village representatives and residents in making this initiative successful.”

Light Up the Future” is Panasonic’s global CSR programme, implemented with on-ground support from Eco Roots Foundation (NGO partner), focused on delivering clean, sustainable lighting solutions to underserved regions. Through continued investments in education, skill development, healthcare, and renewable energy, Panasonic remains committed to driving social progress and strengthening rural communities across its areas of operation.

New Delhi, Jan 13: Edgistify, a leading e-commerce and quick-commerce warehousing and fulfilment platform, has raised $1.4 million in its latest funding round to accelerate growth and strengthen its AI-led fulfilment orchestration capabilities through its proprietary platform, EdgeOS.

The round was led by Dubai-based venture capital firm NB Ventures and global supply chain veteran Rajesh Ranavat, with participation from Prateek Maheshwari (Co-founder, PhysicsWallah), Vivek Gaur (CGO, PhysicsWallah), Vikram Tandon (Former CHRO, Adani Group), along with other strategic angel investors.

Founded by Umang Shukla, Antim Suman, and Kamal Kishore Kumawat, Edgistify was built to address a fundamental gap in India’s fast-scaling commerce ecosystem—while demand has grown rapidly, fulfilment infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. The company focuses on helping high-growth brands navigate fulfilment complexity across marketplaces, quick commerce, D2C, and B2B channels.

Today’s brands face challenges such as purchase order errors, fragmented multi-channel operations, inconsistent city-wise execution, and unpredictable replenishments. Each channel brings its own SLAs, packaging norms, ASN requirements, and reconciliation processes. Edgistify’s strength lies in absorbing this complexity through customised fulfilment models rather than forcing brands into rigid, standardised setups.

Commenting on the investment, Rajesh Ranavat, mentor and investor, said,

“This funding is a strong endorsement of Edgistify’s vision to build a modern fulfilment backbone for India’s evolving commerce ecosystem. Fulfilment will define the next decade of brand growth, and Edgistify’s blend of technology, operational discipline, and market understanding positions it well to scale sustainably.”

With this funding, Edgistify plans to onboard more high-growth brands, deepen its fulfilment network across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and further enhance AI-driven orchestration through EdgeOS—a unified platform that integrates WMS, OMS, FMS, last-mile operations, and internal intelligence into a single real-time execution layer.

“We’re building a fulfilment partner brands can trust at scale,” said Umang Shukla, Co-founder & CEO, Edgistify. “This round strengthens our ability to help brands grow without chaos. Fulfilment needs to be fast, intelligent, and predictable, and that’s exactly what we’re focused on delivering.”

Antim Suman, Co-founder & COO, added,

“Indian logistics is still heavily manual. Our goal is to standardise reliability across warehouses and cities so execution feels as consistent as manufacturing. This funding helps us deepen that execution engine.”

Kamal Kishore Kumawat, Co-founder & CTO, said,

“India has world-class demand but outdated fulfilment infrastructure. With EdgeOS, we’re enabling real-time visibility, AI-driven decision-making, and predictive insights so brands operate with confidence instead of guesswork.”

As Indian commerce continues to expand rapidly, Edgistify is positioning itself as a long-term fulfilment orchestration partner—focused not just on storage and dispatch, but on enabling predictable, scalable growth for brands across channels and geographies.

Mumbai, Jan 13:  Social worker Sneha Jagasia has been a consistent source of support for underprivileged families, women, and children across Mumbai. What began as small acts of kindness 14 years ago has blossomed into an impactful and deeply rooted community welfare initiative, carried out today through her non-profit organization, the Stree Shakti Foundation.

Inspired by her belief that “har stree mei ek shakti hoti hai”, Sneha continues to strengthen and build a community where instant help, compassion, support, and hope reach those who need them the most.

A Decade of Support That Speaks Through Untold Stories

Over the years, Sneha’s work has grown privately and powerfully,

• Ration kits have been provided to struggling families to help them get through tough times

• 20–25 children have been supported with their school fees, ensuring that their education continues seamlessly

• 500+ books have been distributed to students to nurture their potential for learning and education

• Medical aid has been provided to individuals unable to afford medicines or hospital bills

• Over 700–800 people have been supported through Sneha’s social work initiatives

A Journey Rooted in Empathy

While the metrics speak to the scale, the true impact is rooted in the stories. Sneha’s journey is rooted in simplicity. She noticed people in distress and chose to help in various circumstances. A family receives basic groceries during a crisis, a child returns to school, elderly patients receive regular treatment, and women rebuild their confidence and are empowered every step of their individual journeys. She does her work without seeking recognition, focusing only on delivering help with dignity. For her, social work is not a project; it is a promise. A promise to show up for the less fortunate, and for the women who often feel unseen or unheard.

“Service isn’t about doing something big, it’s about showing up when someone needs you the most,” Sneha shares, reflecting her humble yet powerful philosophy.

Determined to Commit to the Cause

As Sneha expands her reach, her focus remains clear:

• Strengthen education support for more children

• Provide more vulnerable families with medical and ration assistance

• Build empowerment opportunities for women

• Increase community awareness and engagement programs

Through Stree Shakti Foundation, Sneha aims to uplift as many lives as possible with compassion, reliability, and respect.

Mumbai,  Jan 13: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has been recognised for its leadership in technology and innovation at the prestigious Indian Banks’ Association’s (IBA) 21^st Annual Banking Technology Awards 2024-25, winning honours across five award categories among Large Banks, including four wins and one Special Mention. Bank of Baroda was adjudged the Winner in four categories – Best AI & ML Adoption, Best Fintech & DPI Adoption, Best IT Risk Management and Best Tech Talent. In addition, the Bank received a Special Mention in the Best Technology Bank category.

Speaking on the achievement, Dr Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said,

“Bank of Baroda is honoured to receive these coveted awards from the IBA, which reflect our continued focus on innovation, robust risk management, and building a strong tech team. We will continue investing in advanced future-ready capabilities to deliver a seamless and secure banking experience for our customers and create lasting stakeholder value.”

These recognitions reinforce Bank of Baroda’s focus on technology-led innovation and customer-centric banking.

1 in 5 Employees Struggle to Adapt to Workplace Change Across Pharma, Biotech, and Healthcare shows Great Place To Work Report

“India’s pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotech sectors are scaling significantly, with workplace culture emerging as a key driver of trust, innovation, and performance. Our recent study reveals that in the Biotechnology industry, employees with access to training and development report 33% higher innovation opportunities at work, strengthening the link between learning and innovation success. Confidence in leadership has a measurable impact on workforce stability in the pharmaceutical sector. Our research indicates that one in two employees tends to stay longer when they have confidence in their leadership. In the healthcare sector, teams that experience psychological safety have 58% more employees who report a healthy work-life balance, keeping employees engaged. Collectively, the findings prove that a highly trusted culture elevates employee performance and business outcomes. To sustain future growth, leaders need to ensure continuous training and development, encourage meaningful collaboration, and demonstrate agility to sustain growth in high-pressure environments.”, said Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work® India.

1. Alcon Laboratories India Private Limited
2. Apitoria Pharma Private Limited,
3. Aragen Life Sciences Limited,
4. Biogen,
5. Brinton Pharmaceuticals Limited,
6. Cipla Limited,
7. CK Birla Healthcare – A CKA Birla Group Company,
8. Dr. B. Lal Clinical Laboratory Private Limited,
9. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited,
10. Fermenta Biotech Limited,
11. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited,
12. HCL Healthcare,
13. INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.,
14. Kids Clinic India Limited (Cloudnine),
15. Laurus Labs Limited,
16. Max Healthcare Institute Limited,
17. Medtronic Engineering And Innovation Center Private Limited,
18. Novartis Healthcare Private Limited,
19. R1 RCM Global Private Limited,
20. Rukmani Birla Hospital – A Part of CK Birla Hospitals,
21. Sagility India Limited,
22. Sentiss Pharma Private Limited,
23. Sigachi Industries Limited,
24. Stryker India,
25. Thermo Fisher Scientific India

New Delhi, Jan 13: According to Magicbricks’ latest PropIndex report for the October–November–December (OND) 2025 quarter, India’s residential real estate market entered a phase of measured moderation, with housing demand declining by 8.7% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) even as supply rebounded by 3.4% QoQ across key cities. Residential prices rose by 1.5% QoQ and 16.9% year-on-year (YoY) during the quarter—the slowest pace of appreciation recorded in the past two years indicating a shift towards more stable, value-led market conditions amid seasonal and policy-related recalibration.

“The moderation witnessed during OND 2025 reflects a phase of market recalibration rather than any weakening of underlying fundamentals,” said Sudir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks “Demand softness during the quarter was largely seasonal and policy-driven, while the rebound in supply indicates that developers are increasingly aligning new launches with affordability thresholds and end-user demand. The slower pace of price appreciation suggests a shift towards more sustainable, value-led growth, particularly across mid and upper-mid segments, which continue to demonstrate the strongest absorption visibility.”

The moderation in demand aligns with festive-season spending patterns and ongoing monetary policy transitions, as homebuyers adopted a wait-and-watch approach amid evolving interest rate expectations. At the same time, the rebound in supply indicates cautious confidence among developers, particularly in price brackets where affordability and demand depth remain strong.

After two quarters of relative stability, housing supply gained momentum during OND 2025, with pan-India listings rising 3.4% QoQ and remaining marginally positive on an annual basis. Greater Noida (+9.6%), Gurugram (+6.6%), Thane (+5.1%) and Noida (+4.8%) emerged as key contributors to new supply additions. The revival was largely concentrated in the mid and upper-mid segments, as developers increasingly aligned new launches with end-user affordability thresholds.

A closer look at supply composition reveals a strategic recalibration across markets. In the National Capital Region, mid and upper-mid segment supply rose sharply in Greater Noida and Gurugram (both +27.3%) and Noida (+13.4%), while luxury supply showed signs of moderation. Gurugram recorded a 32.5% increase in homes priced up to INR 3 crore, compared to a 14.2% rise in the luxury segment above INR 5 crore. Mumbai mirrored a similar trend, with supply up to INR 5 crore increasing by 10.2%, even as listings above INR 9 crore declined by 8.5% QoQ.

Bengaluru remained the only major market to witness consistent expansion in luxury housing, supported by demand across established micro-markets such as Whitefield, Koramangala, Indiranagar, JP Nagar and Bellary Road. In contrast, Hyderabad saw a stronger push towards mid-segment housing, with supply up to INR 2.5 crore rising by 15.4%, compared to a 9.5% increase in homes priced above INR 5 crore.

Select cities are also emerging as new premium-growth pockets. Chennai and Kolkata recorded an increase of 19.2% and 11.9%, respectively, in supply above INR 3 crore, while Pune (+28.9%) and Thane (+33.1%) saw notable traction at higher price points. This trend is being supported by infrastructure-led development, including metro expansions, improved urban connectivity, and large-scale logistics and employment corridors.

Pricing trends during the quarter reinforced the narrative of market stability. While residential values continued to rise, the pace of appreciation moderated significantly, indicating a transition towards more rational price discovery. Faster supply additions relative to demand are reshaping market dynamics, with selective inventory absorption and cost-side pressures supporting price resilience, particularly in well-connected micro-markets.

Looking ahead to 2026, market momentum is expected to be influenced by interest rate clarity, infrastructure execution, and continued alignment of new supply with affordability thresholds. A potential downward movement in lending rates could help convert deferred demand into transactions, supporting absorption levels and maintaining pricing stability across key residential markets.

Magicbricks is India’s No.1 property site

As the largest platform for buyers and sellers of property to connect in a transparent manner, Magicbricks has monthly traffic exceeding 2 crores and an active base of over 15 lakh property listings. Magicbricks has metamorphosed into a full stack service provider for all real estate needs, with services including home loans, interiors, and expert advice.

With 17+ years of experience and deep research-based knowledge, Magicbricks also presents a repertoire of insight-driven platforms like MBTV—India’s leading online real estate YouTube channel—and other proprietary tools so that home buyers can access all information related to price trends, forecasts, and locality reviews.

Rebel Foods, the world’s largest internet restaurant company and the master franchise holder for Wendy’s® in India, today announced the opening of two new Wendy’s dine-in restaurants in Gujarat, located in Ahmedabad and Anand. The launches further strengthen Wendy’s footprint in the state, which continues to emerge as a key growth market for organised QSR brands.

Designed to serve both dine-in and takeaway customers, the new restaurants feature modern, welcoming spaces that reflect Wendy’s bold, flavour-forward brand experience. With these additions, Wendy’s brings America’s Most Loved Burgers® closer to consumers across Gujarat.

Customers at the new outlets can enjoy Wendy’s globally loved Frosty® dessert, along with a diverse menu inspired by flavours from around the world. Offering one of the widest flavour ranges in India’s gourmet QSR segment, the menu features burgers inspired by Argentina’s Chimichurri, Louisiana’s Cajun, Korea’s fiery Buldak, American BBQ, India’s Tandoori, and Mexico’s Nachoburg, delivering a truly global burger experience under one brand.

Commenting on the expansion, Ankush Grover, Co-founder & Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said:

“Gujarat continues to be a strong growth market for us, driven by a young consumer base and rising demand for global food experiences. The launch of dine-in restaurants in Ahmedabad and Anand reflects our commitment to expanding Wendy’s presence in the state while offering formats that align with evolving consumer preferences.”

As Wendy’s continues to scale across India, the brand remains focused on Gen Z and Millennial consumers seeking bold flavours, authenticity, and globally relevant dining experiences. Through flavour-led innovation, contemporary store formats, and strong cultural resonance, Wendy’s is well positioned to expand across both urban centres and emerging markets.

Rebel Foods is steadily growing Wendy’s presence in India through a hybrid model of conventional restaurants and cloud kitchens, leveraging its technology-driven operating platform. In just over five years since entering the Indian market, Wendy’s has expanded to 200+ locations nationwide, consolidating its footprint across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

 IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, today announced the launch of its New Year sale ‘Sail into 2026’, offering customers attractive all-inclusive one-way fares across select domestic and international sectors, along with exclusive discounts on popular ancillary services. The sale will be open for bookings from 13 January 2026 to 16 January 2026, for travel between 20 January 2026 and 30 April 2026. The offer is valid on bookings made at least seven days prior to departure and is available across all booking channels.

Under the ‘Sail into 2026’ sale, customers can avail all-inclusive one-way domestic fares starting from ₹1,499 and international fares from ₹4,499 and IndiGoStretch fares on select domestic routes starting from ₹9,999*.

In addition to special fares, IndiGo is offering attractive discounts on select ancillary services during the sale period. Customers can enjoy up to 70% off on select 6E Add-ons, including Fast Forward services, up to 50% off on pre-paid excess baggage, and up to 15% off on standard seat selection for select domestic and international sectors. Emergency XL (extra legroom) seats are available starting at ₹500 on select domestic sectors. Further, infants aged 0–24 months can travel for just ₹1 on domestic sectors, when bookings are made through IndiGo’s direct channels.

Noida, Jan 13: Strengthening its footprint in North India while continuing its national expansion, DesignCafe, India’s leading home interiors brand, has launched a new Experience Centre in Noida, marking its 21st store in India. With a growing presence across key cities, DesignCafe continues to scale it’s pan-India footprint by adding six more Experience Centres in the coming months.

Spread across 2,700 sq. ft., the Noida Experience Centre is designed to show how interiors come together in real homes. It includes a fully designed three-bedroom apartment, along with modular kitchens, wardrobes, bedrooms, and living spaces. The centre also showcases four kitchen formats and DesignCafe’s unique space-saving design solutions, aimed at improving everyday living.

Beyond modular design experience zones, the Noida Experience Centre brings a more premium, material-led experience to the forefront, shaped by a detailed study of the region. The space is curated to reflect the refined sensibilities of Noida and the wider NCR, so homeowners can experience the difference across finishes, tones, and styling cues, not just view them on a screen. With a fully designed three-bedroom apartment and multiple design directions under one roof, the experience is intentionally 360-degree: immersive, highly personalised, and versatile enough to suit distinct tastes, from understated sophistication to bold statements.

The new centre marks a focused expansion within the National Capital Region, with Noida’s growing residential developments and rising demand for organised, modular interiors, making it an important market for the brand. DesignCafe noted that the homeowners in Noida are increasingly looking for functional, personalised design solutions delivered through a transparent, end-to-end process.

Founded by award-winning architect co-founders Gita Ramanan and Shezaan Bhojani, DesignCafe has built its growth around a design-led, technology-enabled approach focused on delivering personalised, high-quality interior solutions for modern Indian homeowners.

Commenting on the expansion, Gita Ramanan, Co-founder & CEO, DesignCafe, said,

“When we started DesignCafe, our goal was simple – to make personalised, high-quality home interiors easier to access and easier to trust. Noida is a fast-evolving market, with homeowners who care deeply about functionality, finish, and the feeling of a well-made home. With this Experience Centre, we’re bringing a more immersive way to explore design, backed by transparent processes, strong technology, and craftsmanship you can see and feel.”

Shezaan Bhojani, Co-founder & CEO, DesignCafe, added,

“We’re excited to open our new Experience Centre in Noida, bringing DesignCafe closer to homeowners across NCR.  Noida has always stood out as a region where homeowners want the best for their home in terms of design and product. We are glad to launch a centre that brings the best in global design and materials to the Noida market.” 

The company’s manufacturing operations are supported by a 65,000 sq. ft. facility equipped with precision German machinery. Each project goes through multiple quality checks, uses materials sourced from established partners, and is backed by long-term warranty coverage, with a focus on durability and efficient use of space.

DesignCafe currently works with 11 franchise partners across India, a network that supports local entrepreneurs through access to DesignCafe’s technology platforms, training, and operational support, while enabling the brand to scale its presence consistently. The new Noida Experience Centre is now open to visitors and offers homeowners an opportunity to explore interior solutions and engage with the brand’s trusted and admired design process.

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, announced the signing of Regenta Place Udaipur, a 43-key property located at Nakoda Nagar, Udaipur.

The hotel will be operated under a hotel management agreement, aligning with ROHL’s asset-light growth strategy and strengthening its presence in Rajasthan’s most sought-after leisure and wedding destinations. Designed to cater to both leisure and social-event demand, the property will combine contemporary accommodation with expansive banqueting and outdoor event spaces.

Regenta Place Udaipur will feature a 7,000 sq. ft. indoor banquet hall complemented by a sprawling 30,000 sq. ft. landscaped lawn, positioning it as an ideal venue for weddings, destination celebrations, and large-scale social gatherings.

The property is being developed by Mokkshi Hospitality & Services, owned by Mr. Amit Jain, and is strategically located to offer convenient access to Udaipur’s key city attractions and wedding circuits.

The hotel is expected to open by March 2026, adding a versatile hospitality address to the City of Lakes under the Regenta Place brand.

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Ltd., said

“Udaipur remains a high-potential market for leisure and destination weddings. The signing of Regenta Place Udaipur strengthens our portfolio in Rajasthan and reflects our focus on strategically located properties with strong social and events-led demand.”

Speaking on the association, Mr. Amit Jain, Owner, Mokkshi Hospitality & Services, said,

“We are delighted to partner with Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels for Regenta Place Udaipur. Their brand strength and operational expertise give us confidence in creating a successful hospitality destination that caters to leisure travellers and large-scale celebrations alike.”