Category business

Gurugram,  Dec 22:CARS24, India’s leading autotech platform, today announced the elevation of Divanshu Saxena as Chief Business Officer  of CARS24 Financial Services Private Limited, the company’s NBFC arm.

In his new role, Divanshu will lead the strategy, growth, and execution of CARS24’s financial services business. His mandate includes scaling lending operations while strengthening profitability, risk discipline, and institutional robustness, as CARS24 continues to build a resilient and sustainable financial services platform.

Divanshu currently heads the consumer financing business for LOANS24 by CARS24 and has played a key role in building one of the company’s strongest and most profitable verticals. Under his leadership, the lending business has recorded strong growth in finance penetration, healthy returns, and an increasing contribution from non-retail lending, while maintaining disciplined unit economics and portfolio quality.

Known for his first-principles approach to problem-solving, Divanshu brings a rare combination of strategic clarity and execution rigour. His ability to simplify complexity, challenge assumptions, and build scalable systems has helped position CFSPL  as a fast-growing, profitable, and resilient financial services business, competing effectively with established banks and NBFCs.

Commenting on the elevation, Ruchit Agarwal, Co-Founder & Group CFO, CARS24, said;
“Divanshu has played a pivotal role in building CARS24 Financial Services into a strong and institutionally sound business. His disciplined approach to growth, deep understanding of lending economics, and consistent execution have laid a solid foundation for scale. We are proud to elevate leaders from within, and as CBO, Divanshu will be central to shaping the next phase of growth for LOANS24.”

Sharing his thoughts, Divanshu Saxena said;
“Building LOANS24 has been about creating a lending business that balances speed with discipline and growth with resilience. As CBO, my focus will be on scaling responsibly, strengthening our fundamentals, and continuing to build a financial services platform that earns long-term trust from customers and partners.”

Prior to joining CARS24, Divanshu worked as a Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group  where he was part of the Financial Services and Industrial Goods practice. He is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta, where he graduated with Institute Rank 3 and a Silver Medal, and Shri Ram College of Commerce University of Delhi, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce with merit.

With this elevation, Divanshu further strengthens CARS24’s leadership bench as the company continues to scale its financial services platform and deepen its presence across vehicle financing in India.

PHDCCI welcomes India-New Zealand Free Trade deal

By:– Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

“We welcome the conclusion of the India–New Zealand Free Trade deal as a partnership aligned with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The deal delivers 100% zero-duty market access for Indian exports, and a framework that supports students, professionals, MSMEs, and labour-intensive sectors. Commitments on investment, regulatory cooperation, and duty-free inputs will enhance competitiveness, integrate Indian industry into global value chains across all sectors,”

By:– Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI

India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement represents a next-generation deal combining trade liberalisation with talent mobility, investment, and productivity-led cooperation. This comes with well-standardized agricultural safeguards and technology-focused partnerships protecting farmer interests while raising productivity. The Agreement provides policy certainty and lowers input costs for manufacturing, creating a vision for long-term economic resilience.”

India,  Dec 22:- Jajabor Brand Consultancy, an integrated communications agency, today released its year-end wrap report titled “The Jajabor Marketing Report: How India Inc Communicated in 2025” a comprehensive, sector-wise analysis capturing the defining shifts that shaped India’s business, technology, media, and communications ecosystem in 2025, and the implications for 2026.

Positioned as a forward-looking decode rather than a retrospective, the report highlights how 2025 became a reset year where visibility gave way to credibility, announcements were replaced by evidence, and communications evolved into a strategic growth and risk management function.

Drawing on data, media behaviour, policy developments, and on-ground industry signals, the report provides deep insights across technology, venture capital, fintech, creator economy, direct-to-consumer brands, policy communication, crisis and reputation management, and social and digital platforms.

Key insights from the report include:

• AI adoption matures: AI moved from hype to hard infrastructure, reshaping productivity, information delivery, and misinformation management.

• PR drives revenue and trust: Earned media, thought leadership, and data-led storytelling now directly influence credibility, search, and conversions.

• Creator economy evolves: Narratives shift from follower counts to sustainable monetisation, ownership, and compliance-led professionalism.

• Founder-Influencers rise: Founders increasingly leverage personal brands to enhance transparency and customer engagement.

• Policy communication becomes essential: Advocacy evolved from confrontational to collaborative, evidence-based engagement, especially amid regulatory developments like DPDPA and online gaming.

• Crisis response compresses: Brands must prioritise preparedness, speed, and proof as response windows shorten.

• Digital fragmentation: Platform-specific strategies are now critical, replacing one-size-fits-all approaches.

Upasna Dash, Founder & CEO, Jajabor Brand Consultancy, commented;
“2025 has been a truly defining and dynamic year for communications, shaped by multiple forces creating a seismic shift in the industry. AI is no longer at the cusp of adoption it is actively reshaping how information is delivered and how productivity and responses are optimised. At the same time, audiences are sharper, making trust and credibility the true differentiators for brands. As we enter 2026, brands must not just adopt change but operationalise it with clarity, credibility, and purpose in an increasingly AI-driven environment.”

The report also offers a 2026 outlook, highlighting the need for brands to prepare for AI-first communications, tighter regulatory scrutiny, creator accountability, zero-click discovery, and rising expectations around transparency and trust.

Designed for business leaders, founders, communication heads, policymakers, and investors, “The Jajabor Marketing Report: How India Inc Communicated in 2025” serves as both a strategic reference for understanding 2025 and a practical guide for navigating the next phase of India’s rapidly evolving media and business landscape.

New Delhi, Dec 22: Arur Footwear Limited  backed by Bazel International, has formally adopted a new corporate identity as part of a structural shift to operate as a pure-play footwear company, marking a clear departure from its earlier, multi-sector positioning. 

The name change reflects a strategic decision to concentrate capital, leadership bandwidth and operating metrics exclusively on footwear manufacturing, and Brand and product development, rather than pursue diversification under a broader “Industries” umbrella. The company has aligned its organisational structure, investment priorities and reporting framework around footwear as a single core business.

Over the last 12 months, Arur has undertaken internal changes aimed at supporting this transition, including launching their own D2C brand, reorganisation of its manufacturing and design teams, forming industry connections and tighter performance tracking linked to footwear-specific outcomes such as throughput, quality consistency and development lead times.

“Dropping ‘Industries’ from our name is not cosmetic. It reflects how we are now allocating capital, measuring performance and holding leadership accountable,” said Pankaj Dawar, Managing Director, Arur Footwear Limited. “For decades, we operated largely as a behind-the-scenes manufacturer for established brands. The transition to Arur Footwear signals our intent to operate as a focused, transparent footwear business with clearer governance and sharper execution.” 

Arur Footwear Limited plans to report progress against these metrics more consistently to investors, lenders and partners as it builds a more modern, design-aware manufacturing platform in India’s footwear value chain.

This Christmas, Marriott Bonvoy brought the magic of the festive season to Mumbai International Airport, Terminal 2, with a heartwarming activation designed to surprise and delight arriving passengers. The immersive experience transformed the arrivals conveyor belt area into a moment of joy, gifting and emotional connection during the peak holiday travel period.

As passengers arrived, they were welcomed by a dedicated airline conveyor belt featuring personalized Christmas hampers, each thoughtfully tagged with the traveler’s seat number – adding an authentic and meaningful personal touch.

Brand ushers guided guests through the experience, while a live Christmas choir and Santa meet-and-greet filled the space with festive cheer, turning a typically routine arrival into an uplifting celebration.

The activation reflects Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to celebrating the spirit of giving and creating emotionally resonant experiences that extend beyond hotel stays. By reimagining an everyday travel touchpoint, the brand reinforced its belief that hospitality isn’t limited to destinations – it’s present throughout the journey.

Sharing her experience of the activation, Namrata Seth, Actor and Digital Content Creator said, “I was completely delighted by the surprise that awaited me at the airport. Watching beautifully curated Christmas hampers arrive on the conveyor belt felt joyful and festive in the most unexpected way. Marriott Bonvoy truly transformed a routine arrival into a celebratory moment, bringing in the spirit of Christmas the moment you land from your travels.”

As part of the festive season, Marriott Bonvoy’s Celebrate Christmas with Marriott Bonvoy collection features a curated range of handcrafted Christmas offerings, including festive cakes, cookies, hampers and interactive DIY treats. Thoughtfully created by Marriott’s culinary teams across India, the collection is designed for gifting, sharing and celebrating the warmth of the season – bringing the same spirit of care and craftsmanship seen at the airport experience into homes and celebrations.

The Christmas collection is available across participating Marriott hotels in India throughout the festive season.

With this distinctive airport activation, Marriott Bonvoy continues to elevate consumer engagement by meeting travelers where they are – transforming routine moments into heartfelt memories and reaffirming its role as a brand that celebrates journeys as much as destinations.

As the Holiday season sets in, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) is all set to turn travel into a celebration with the return of the12th edition of its much-loved Season of Smiles campaign. From December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, the airport transforms into a Festive Gateway of Joy, where every corner feels warm, welcoming, and wonderfully Christmassy.

Across Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and The Quad, travellers and visitors can experience a festive lineup featuring Christmas Markets, Tree Lighting ceremonies, Carol performances, Santa Parades, Cake-Mixing celebrations, Wishing Trees, Live Concerts, Pop-up Cinema screenings, and a New Year’s Eve Gala to ring in 2026 in style.

Whether you’re flying, picking up a loved one, dining, or simply pausing between journeys — there’s something to make every moment feel magical, memorable, and full of holiday cheer.

Attached is the full event calendar, with dates and experiences to help you discover what’s happening at BLR Airport throughout the Season of Smiles festivities.

Mumbai, Dec 22: Vijay Sales, India’s premier electronics omnichannel retail chain, is back with the most exciting tech event of 2025  the IICF Consumer Expo, Vijay Sales is all set to host Mumbai’s largest electronics exhibition at MMRDA Grounds in BKC from December 23, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

The 14-day electronics shopping festival spans across a massive 60,000 sq. ft. area, featuring 100 top brands across categories. The event is designed to be an immersive experience where the joyous holiday spirit drives consumers to explore the largest display of electronics under one roof.

Visitors can witness exciting product launches, live demonstrations, and exclusive offers from trusted global and domestic tech leaders like Apple, Samsung, LG, Sony, OnePlus, boAt, Haier, Whirlpool, Asus, Hitachi, Godrej, IFB, Morphy Richards, Philips, Wonderchef, AO Smith, and many more. From the latest smartphones and AI-enabled gadgets to premium home appliances and smart kitchen solutions, there is something to fascinate everyone.

With every major brand carving out its own dedicated experience zone, this exhibition is an opportunity for shoppers to experience cutting-edge technology firsthand before making a purchase.

Speaking about the exhibition, Mr. Nilesh Gupta, Director from Vijay Sales, said;

“This exhibition is a celebration of innovation, a showcase of possibilities, and an opportunity for our valued customers to indulge in the joy of discovering new gadgets. We have curated this event to let them experience and connect with the latest launches and diverse offerings from the best-in-tech brands. As we bid farewell to 2025, we, at Vijay Sales, invite everyone to join us in this tech extravaganza and witness the future of electronics firsthand.”

Shoppers can also look forward to exclusive instant bank discounts and cashbacks on their purchases, ensuring that they get the best value for their money during this festive season. The MyVS loyalty program helps buyers maximize savings, rewarding 0.75% loyalty points on shopping at their stores. Every point earned is worth a rupee at the time of redemption.

To make this years’ experience even more rewarding, Vijay Sales is offering exclusive added benefits to all guests visiting the exhibition. Visitors will be greeted with a INR 1,000 flight and a INR 1,000 hotel voucher from ixigo, giving their travel plans a flying start. Furthermore, guests will be rewarded with INR 250 worth of MyVS Rewards loyalty points just by scanning the QR code displayed at the exhibition.

Guests transacting using paper finance options will receive free gifts from Bajaj Finserv, IDFC Bank and HDB Finance. Additionally, purchases of INR 25,000 and above made via brand EMI or brand full swipe using credit or debit cards through Paytm POS will be eligible for a Paytm Flight Voucher or Movie Voucher worth up to INR 1,000.

So, don’t miss out on the chance to grab the best gadgets at special event prices at the Electronics Exhibition 2025. Save the dates and prepare to explore the biggest, boldest tech display the city has ever seen!

Current Instant Discount Offers from Top Banks;

HDFC Bank Credit Card holders can avail an instant discount on EMI transactions meeting the minimum purchase requirement. American Express Credit Card holders can enjoy an instant discount on EMI transactions above the eligible threshold. ICICI Bank Card holders can avail instant discounts on Credit and Debit Card EMI transactions, as well as on Credit Card non-EMI transactions above the qualifying purchase value. HSBC Bank Card holders can avail instant discounts on Credit Card EMI transactions throughout the week, and additional discounts on Credit and Debit Card non-EMI transactions during weekends. RBL Bank Credit Card holders can enjoy instant discounts on eligible EMI transactions. OneCard Credit Card holders can avail instant discounts on qualifying EMI transactions. IDFC First Bank Credit Card holders receive a percentage-based instant discount on EMI transactions above the minimum purchase value. AU Small Finance Bank Credit Card holders can enjoy a percentage-based instant discount on non-EMI transactions and a flat instant discount on higher-value non-EMI transactions on Sundays only. Yes Bank Credit Card holders can avail a percentage-based instant discount on eligible EMI transactions. BOBCARD holders can enjoy a percentage-based instant discount on EMI transactions meeting the eligibility criteria. PNB Bank Credit Card holders receive a percentage-based instant discount on EMI transactions at stores and exhibitions only. DBS Bank Credit Card holders can avail a percentage-based instant discount on EMI transactions and an instant discount on non-EMI transactions above the qualifying purchase value.

New Delhi, Dec 22: The eight-day Sahakar Haat 2025, supported by NABARD, successfully concluded today at the Emporia Complex, Connaught Place, with a vibrant valedictory ceremony that celebrated India’s rich handicraft traditions and the spirit of rural entrepreneurship.

The closing ceremony event organized on 19 December 2025, was graced by Sh. Krishna Kumar Singh, IAS, Registrar Cooperative Societies, Govt. NCT of Delhi. He emphasised that the cooperative in Delhi has taken up few new initiatives in association with NABARD to strengthen cooperative sector in Delhi. He congratulated NABARD for successfully conducted a dedicated Exhibition showing cooperative products of India. 

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Nabin Kumar Roy, General Manager/Officer-in-Charge, NABARD, New Delhi Regional Office, emphasized NABARD’s continuous efforts in empowering rural artisans, promoting GI-based livelihoods, and fostering entrepreneurship at the grassroots. He informed that the event was organized as a part of celebrations of ‘International year of Cooperative 2025’. 

The exhibition was themed “From Cooperation to Business With NABARD”, showcasing vibrant contribution of cooperatives.  During the closing ceremony, artisans from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat shared heartfelt experiences, expressing gratitude NABARD for the opportunity to showcase their products on such a grand platform. For many, it was their first exposure to direct retail interaction, helping them understand fair pricing and the benefits of eliminating intermediaries through direct market linkages. 

Organised from 13-20 December, the ‘NABARD Sahakar Haat’ brought together over 100 artisans from more than 15 states, presenting a vibrant display to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and Geographical Indication (GI) products on a single platform. The success of NABARD Sahakar Haat 2025 stands as a testament to NABARD’s commitment to preserving India’s artisanal heritage while promoting inclusive, sustainable livelihoods.