Category business

Mumbai, Dec 29:- Soulflower  India’s first farm-to-face brand, has been recognized by ET Edge as one of the ‘Best Brands Of The Year’ at the ET Now Best Brands Conclave, held recently in the city. The accolade recognises brands that demonstrate exceptional innovation, market impact and influence across India’s dynamic business landscape. Soulflower stood out for its pioneering farm-to-face practice, preservative-free formulations and data-backed approach to natural beauty; setting new benchmarks for transparency and efficacy. The brand stood alongside industry leaders including Tata Trusts, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever  and Groww, among others affirming its position as a credible and influential brand shaping the future of the beauty and personal care sector.

“A few years ago we were recognised as one of the Emerging Brands on the very same platform and today, we are being recognised among the Best Brands. This is a testament to our journey of building a brand grounded in trust, efficacy and purpose. The award reflects the passion of our team and the support of our customers. For over two decades, Soulflower has championed natural, clinically validated solutions that resonate with today’s informed and conscious consumers. This recognition inspires us to continue innovating without compromise,” says Ms Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower.

Soulflower’s focus on scientifically backed formulations, clinical validation and eco-responsible practices has set new benchmarks in India’s clean beauty ecosystem. Special ingredients cared for at every step and sealed with love. This is the brand’s farm-to-face promise; total transparency, from seed to skin.

“Soulflower is committed to reaching millions of conscious consumers, elevating clean beauty standards and crafting honest, effective products made with care. Every step we take is rooted in trust and transparency. Being named among India’s Best Brands reaffirms that these are not just values, but true business strengths. Being recognized for the trust we’ve built through this commitment is truly meaningful to us,” concludes Ms Tuli.

Mumbai, Dec 29:-Leadership hiring across India’s BFSI sector is entering a consolidation phase, with institutions signalling a clear shift towards stability, risk management and governance as they prepare for 2026, as per a survey conducted by Venator Search Partners, a retained executive search firm.

The leadership mix in 2025 sends a clear message for the year ahead, with Chief Risk Officers emerging as the most sought-after function outside the CEO role. When combined with Chief Compliance Officers and Chief Financial Officers, control functions represented 22.4 percent of the total leadership replacement cohort. This concentration indicates that nearly one quarter of senior leadership bandwidth is focused on safeguarding asset quality, capital adequacy and regulatory compliance, a trend expected to continue through 2026.

Venator Search Partners came out with the findings after tracking 76 leadership movements at MD and CEO plus other CXO levels across 16 large NBFCs and HFCs during 2024 and 2025. Of these organisations, 6 were NBFCs and 10 were HFCs, including 9 listed and 7 unlisted companies, representing a significant share of India’s retail and wholesale credit ecosystem.

One of the most significant developments in 2025 has been the noticeable turnover at the top management level. The data shows multiple transitions of Managing Directors (MDs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), emphasizing how the role has become increasingly demanding. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, pressure on unsecured portfolios, and rising expectations from boards have collectively raised the standards for leadership performance. This trend reflects the broader corporate environment in India, which recorded 141 CEO exits in FY25, compared to 119 in FY24, reinforcing the perception that leadership tenures are becoming shorter and more results-oriented.

Hiring strategies across BFSI institutions show a careful balance between continuity and change. 55.3 percent of leadership roles were filled through internal promotions, while 44.7 percent were external hires, indicating confidence in internal talent pipelines alongside selective external hiring. Notably, 6 of the 16 organisations relied entirely on internal promotions, while 2 organisations adopted a 100 percent external hiring approach, pointing to strategic resets rather than routine succession.

When institutions did look outside, they stayed close to familiar ground. 58.8 percent of all external hires came from the banking sector, while 29.4 percent were sourced from other NBFCs or HFCs. This underscores the premium placed on regulatory understanding and credit experience, particularly as asset quality concerns remain top of mind.

Beyond control roles, business leadership hiring reflects a recalibration of priorities. Business Heads and Product Heads accounted for 26.7 percent of leadership movements, signalling a shift away from growth-led expansion towards portfolio resilience. These leaders are increasingly tasked with improving loan mix, strengthening secured lending and protecting margins amid elevated funding costs.

Operational efficiency has also moved up the agenda. People and Operations roles represented 24.4 percent of leadership appointments, highlighting a transition from large-scale hiring to productivity and cost optimisation. Operations teams are being reshaped around digital processes, while HR leadership is focusing on specialised skills in underwriting discipline, fraud management and digital collections.

Women made up just 14.5 percent of leadership moves (11 of 76 appointments), despite a 100 percent step-up rate, underscoring strong merit-based progression but limited senior-level representation.

Professional diversity also remains constrained. 87.8 percent of leaders came from financial services, including 39.2 percent from banking and 33.8 percent from NBFC or HFC backgrounds, while only 12.2 percent were drawn from non-financial sectors, reinforcing the sector’s preference for domain familiarity over cross-industry hires.

Commenting on the outlook, Deepraditya Datta, Founder of Venator Search Partners, said;

 “Leadership hiring today reflects a sector that is prioritising discipline over disruption. Boards are signalling that resilience, judgement and regulatory comfort will define leadership success over the next cycle.”

As BFSI institutions move into 2026, the leadership signals from 2025 suggest a continued emphasis on risk-anchored decision making, with growth roles likely to gain prominence only after asset quality stabilisation takes firmer hold.

Valapad, Kerala, Dec 29: Manappuram Group  announced the appointment of Mr Buvanesh Tharashankar as Group Chief Financial Officer (Group CFO). He will provide strategic financial leadership across all Manappuram Group companies and work closely with the Board and senior management to strengthen financial governance, capital efficiency, and long-term value creation.

Mr Buvanesh Tharashankar

The appointment underscores Manappuram Group’s continued focus on building a strong, future-ready leadership team to support its Manappuram 2.0 strategy and sustained growth ambitions.

Mr Tharashankar is a Chartered Accountant with over three decades of experience across leading banking and financial services institutions in India and overseas. He is widely recognised for his expertise in financial strategy and planning, capital and balance sheet management, regulatory interface, governance, investor engagement, and business analytics.

Prior to joining Manappuram Group, Mr Tharashankar served as Chief Financial Officer at RBL Bank Ltd, where he headed the core finance function, including regulatory reporting, statutory audits, taxation, procurement, and payables. Before that, he was Chief Financial Officer at Jana Small Finance Bank, leading capital planning, investor relations, regulatory reporting, and statutory audits, along with oversight of treasury back-office and governance functions.

Earlier in his career, he held several senior leadership roles at Citibank in India and the Middle East, including Cluster Controller for the India Subcontinent and Lead CFO roles overseas. His work at Citi spanned capital management, ICAAP, balance sheet optimisation, SOX 404 compliance, Basel II implementation, financial planning and analysis, and large-scale re-engineering initiatives that delivered significant cost efficiencies and improved returns on equity.

Across his career, Mr Tharashankar has been known for partnering closely with business teams to drive disciplined growth, strengthen internal controls, enhance organisational resilience, and align financial strategy with long-term business objectives.

In his role as Group CFO, Mr Tharashankar will oversee the Group’s finance function, including financial strategy, accounting, treasury, taxation, regulatory engagement, and investor relations. He will play a key role in supporting Manappuram Group’s strategic priorities while ensuring robust financial discipline, governance, and compliance standards.

Leadership Remarks

Commenting on the appointment, Mr V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Manappuram Finance Ltd, said:
“I am pleased to welcome Mr Buvanesh Tharashankar as our new Group Chief Financial Officer. Buvanesh brings with him deep and diverse experience across leading banking and financial services institutions, along with strong capabilities in financial strategy, capital management, governance, and regulatory engagement. As we progress on our Manappuram 2.0 strategy, his leadership will be critical in strengthening financial governance, enhancing capital efficiency, and enabling sustainable value creation across the Group. I look forward to working closely with him as we pursue our long-term vision.”

As Mumbai and Bengaluru gear up to bid farewell to the year gone by, New Year’s Eve is all about choosing spaces that promise great food, memorable atmospheres, and experiences worth staying up for. From immersive cocktail destinations and cosy chef-driven kitchens to vibrant cafes and global dining spaces, here’s a curated look at some standout restaurants and bars setting the tone for a memorable year-end celebration.

World of Palates
Located at CR2 Mall, Nariman Point, World of Palates offers a refreshing take on New Year’s Eve dining through its all-vegetarian, globally inspired menu. Known for blending international flavours with comforting Indian undertones, the space is warm, inviting, and ideal for diners seeking a flavour-forward yet relaxed celebration. With inventive dishes, nostalgic desserts, and a thoughtfully designed ambience, it’s a fitting choice for those who prefer a quieter, food-led countdown to the new year.

KOA Cafe & Bar
With outlets in Vashi and Thane, KOA Cafe & Bar brings its signature bohemian charm, artistic decor, and free-spirited energy to New Year’s Eve. Known for its soulful vibe and globally influenced menu, KOA offers an atmosphere that feels celebratory yet unpretentious. The space is designed for long conversations, shared plates, and an easy flow from dinner to late-night gatherings making it ideal for groups looking to ease into the new year with warmth and creativity.

Zane’s Cafe
A favourite among pet parents and comfort-food lovers, Zane’s Cafe offers a cosy, laid-back setting that’s perfect for a slower, more intimate New Year’s Eve. Known for its winter-friendly dishes, indulgent desserts, and signature hot chocolate experiences, the cafe creates a welcoming environment where guests can unwind, linger, and enjoy familiar flavours. It’s an ideal spot for those who prefer a calm, comforting way to welcome the year ahead – pets included.

One Floor Down
For those who believe New Year’s Eve deserves great drinks and bold flavours, One Floor Down delivers with its craft-driven cocktail program and playful nightlife energy. Known for inventive mixology and thoughtfully curated food pairings, the bar blends seasonal ingredients with modern techniques to create an experience that’s festive without being overdone. It’s a natural pick for guests looking to celebrate the night with strong pours, creative plates, and a lively atmosphere.

The Reservoire
An iconic name in Bengaluru’s cocktail scene, The Reservoire offers a grand yet refined New Year’s Eve setting across its Koramangala and Indiranagar locations. With expansive, art-driven spaces, a globally inspired kitchen, and a bar program known for technical excellence, the venue is designed for immersive celebrations. Whether it’s an elegant dinner or a spirited evening with friends, The Reservoire provides the scale and sophistication that make ringing in the new year feel truly special.

Helen’s Place
Intimate, soulful, and deeply personal, Helen’s Place offers a New Year’s Eve experience rooted in warmth and connection. With limited seating, candlelit charm, and a menu that celebrates refined comfort cooking, the space feels more like a dinner party than a restaurant. Known for its thoughtful dishes and carefully crafted cocktails, Helen’s Place is perfect for guests who value quiet luxury, meaningful conversations, and a gentle transition into the new year.

As the countdown begins, these restaurants and bars stand out not just for what’s on the plate or in the glass, but for the kind of moments they create. Whether you’re looking for high-energy cocktails, intimate dinners, or comforting flavours to end the year on a high note, these destinations promise New Year’s Eve celebrations that feel memorable, thoughtful, and well worth the toast.

By:–  Akhil Mittal, Senior Fund Manager, Fixed Income, Tata Asset Management

” The RBI’s December policy decision was the key driver for debt markets, with the rate cut coming broadly in line with expectations.OMO purchase announcements supported the bond market, but continued pressure on the rupee kept short-term yields volatile. As we move into January, markets will focus on how the RBI manages currency stability and liquidity, along with any signals on further OMO purchases and cues from the Union Budget. Over the medium term, with inflation remaining benign and liquidity conditions expected to stay comfortable, we expect yields to stabilise and gradually move lower over the next few quarters. In this environment, short-duration funds up to one year are well placed, while longer-duration and gilt funds continue to offer value for investors with a medium-to-long-term perspective who can navigate near-term volatility.”

Dec 27:- INOX Air Products  India’s leading industrial, electronic & specialty gas leader, has flagged off India’s first LNG-fuelled cryogenic tanker approved by Petroleum & Safety Organization a part of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  Ministry of Commerce. Making use of a June 2025 amendment by DPIIT in the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels  Rules, 2016, INOXAP became India’s first ever industrial gas manufacturer to achieve the unique distinction. The policy amendment highlights the Government’s vision of building usage of LNG as a transport fuel.

The tanker was flagged off by Sh P Seeniraj, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, PESO Vadodara Circle. The cryogenic tanker would be fuelled by LNG through a 450 Litre Kryopower LNG Fuel tank, manufactured by INOX India Ltd, India’s largest cryogenic equipment manufacturer. As a result, the vehicle would cut CO₂ emissions by up to 25%, reduce particulates by 95%, and offer a quieter and more efficient operational performance, besides opening up a cleaner pathway for long-term cost optimization.

Speaking on this milestone, Siddharth Jain, Director  INOX Group, said;

“INOXAP is spearheading a clean-energy shift in India’s industrial gases sector by flagging off the nation’s first LNG-fuelled cryogenic tanker a transformative step that redefines sustainable logistics while strengthening supply chains for critical industries. We are grateful to DPIIT for enabling this through an extremely progressive policy amendment and PESO for necessary assistance and statutory approvals. This milestone exemplifies the powerful convergence of forward-looking policy, indigenous engineering excellence, and sustainable innovation. It sets a new benchmark in global engineering leadership while delivering scalable, green solutions to power India’s manufacturing ecosystem. INOXCVA’s LNG fuel tanks are already the most widely deployed in this space, and this achievement is a matter of pride that underscores the strength of synergy within the INOX Group.”

Inspired by the Make in India spirit, this achievement also stands as a true Made-in-Gujarat milestone, reflecting the state’s robust industrial and manufacturing ecosystem. Both the cryogenic tanker and the LNG fuel tank have been indigenously designed and manufactured at INOXCVA’s facilities in Gujarat. The industrial gases transported by this vehicle will be produced within the state by INOXAP and will primarily serve customers across Gujarat, reinforcing a highly localized, efficient, and resilient supply chain. This milestone has been enabled by the proactive and progressive support of relevant Gujarat State Government departments, depicting the state’s strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and industrial growth.

Panaji; Dec 27: In a significant step towards positioning Goa as a premium Wellness Tourism Hub, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa.

The MoU was signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, along with Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Director, Department of Tourism; Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Principal, Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre; Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President Goa council of Ayurvedic and other allied Indian systems of medicine; ⁠Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director( AYUSH) DHS Govt of Goa; ⁠Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President; and ⁠Dr Joy Periera- Officiating Registrar .

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism in Goa through the development of customised wellness packages and coordinated marketing initiatives across digital platforms and national and international forums. The collaboration also envisages the development of wellness tourism infrastructure, including Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, creation of AYUSH information cells, development of promotional materials, and capacity-building through training, research, and knowledge exchange.

Speaking about the partnership, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, said, “Wellness tourism is an important pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. This collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems and structured tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating long-term value for local institutions and communities.”

Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Ashok Naik, said, “The signing of this MoU provides a structured framework for collaboration in the area of wellness tourism. It will enable coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, while supporting the development of wellness-related initiatives aligned with the State’s tourism objectives.”

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a broad framework for collaboration and will facilitate coordinated efforts in the promotion and development of wellness tourism in Goa. The partnership is expected to support knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the creation of structured wellness offerings aligned with the State’s tourism objectives.

Mumbai, Dec 26:  2025 was a standout year for travel in India, shaped by a packed calendar of cultural events, concerts, and large-scale religious gatherings, along with easier visa norms that sustained travel intent through the year. ixigo, India’s leading AI-based travel platform, revealed its “The Great Indian Travel Index 2025”, capturing how India travelled across flights, trains, and buses. The data reveals strong YoY momentum in 2025, with overall searches for flight up by 45%, train growing by 20%, and bus rising by 42% as compared to 2024.

OTT-Inspired Travel Fuels a Northeast Boom

India’s binge-worthy OTT hits are doing more than driving viewership – they’re putting the Northeast firmly on the travel map. Popular shows like The Family Man (Season 3), Paatal Lok (Season 2) and Delhi Crime (Season 3) showcased the region’s lush landscapes, layered cultures and raw, unfiltered settings, sparking fresh curiosity around lesser-explored destinations. This on-screen spotlight translated into real-world travel demand in 2025, with ixigo witnessing strong YoY growth in flight bookings to key Northeastern cities: Dimapur (+77%), Agartala (+48%), Guwahati and Imphal (+44% each), and Itanagar (+42%).

Mindful Miles: How Gen Z Fuelled India’s Spiritual Travel Boom

In 2025, spiritual travel was at the centre of India’s travel story, powered by Gen Z’s growing interest in meaning-led journeys and landmark gatherings such as the Maha Kumbh. The event triggered a sharp surge in travel to Prayagraj, with Gen Z bus bookings climbing almost 20x year-on-year. Reflecting the demand peak, the most expensive domestic flight booked on ixigo in 2025 was a Mumbai-Prayagraj ticket priced at ₹92,644 during the Kumbh period.

Pilgrimage destinations witnessed strong YoY growth in flight bookings, led by Varanasi (+134%) and Tirupati (+102%), followed by Prayagraj (+80%), Ayodhya (+54%), Shirdi (+26%), and Amritsar (+24%). Bus travel amplified this trend, with bookings rising sharply to Varanasi (+111%), Mathura (+99%), Ayodhya (+86%), Rishikesh (+81%), Haridwar (+73%), Amritsar (+61%), and Gaya (+55%). Train bookings also grew steadily to destinations such as Rishikesh (+43%), Prayagraj (+35%), Gaya (+28%), Dwarka (+26%), Mathura (+26%), and Ujjain (+25%).

Hello Japan, Annyeong Korea: East Asia Takes Centre Stage in 2025

Indian travellers expanded their horizons in 2025, with a clear shift towards newer international destinations. East and Southeast Asia emerged as standout favourites, led by Japan (+63%), South Korea (+61%), Vietnam (+57%), and Thailand (+53%), reflecting growing interest in culture-rich, experience-led travel. Traditional favourites continued to hold steady, with Sri Lanka (+42%) and Indonesia (+36%) remaining popular choices.

Beyond Asia, the Middle East and other emerging destinations also saw strong momentum, driven by Oman (+71%), Kenya (+65%), Kazakhstan (+54%), the UAE (+52%), Uzbekistan (+49%), and Qatar (+45%), signalling Indians’ increasing appetite for offbeat global getaways.

Leisure Travel Diversifies: Hills Took the Lead, Coasts Stayed in Play

Hill destinations remained popular in 2025, with Dehradun (+64%) and Srinagar (+58%) leading on flights, Srinagar doubling YoY on ixigo trains & ConfirmTkt, and Dehradun (+99%), Shimla (+29%), and Manali (+17%) on AbhiBus. Coastal getaways followed closely, driving YoY demand on ixigo flights led by Port Blair (+81%), Coimbatore (+47%), and Goa (+27%). 

One of the interesting behavioural shifts in 2025 was the reimagining of the monsoon season, not as a travel lull, but as a leisure opportunity. Monsoon travel demand grew 35-40% YoY across modes, driven by nature-led and short-haul getaways. Destinations such as Lonavala, Munnar, Mahabaleshwar and Udaipur saw strong traction, while Port Blair and Goa continued to attract travellers looking to combine off-season pricing with fewer crowds.

Speaking on the findings, Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, and Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO, ixigo, said, “What truly stood out in The Great Indian Travel Index 2025 was the scale and diversity of travel demand across the country. Faith-led travel emerged as a powerful driver, with destinations like Varanasi alone witnessing nearly 147 million visits in 2025. At the same time, rising disposable incomes and better connectivity are helping expand the travel ecosystem beyond existing travellers. Over 50% of new flight bookers coming from our NBU app users are first-time flyers, allowing us to continue adding new travellers to the market.

We’re also seeing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities increasingly shape India’s travel narrative. Cities such as Rishikesh, Indore, Nagpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Assam are driving strong demand across flights, trains, and buses, with several metro-to-emerging city bus routes experiencing YoY growth of nearly 80%. Together, these trends reflect how travel in India is deeply rooted in culture, belief, and aspiration, cutting across age groups, geographies, and travel modes.”