Category business

New Delhi, Dec 19: NEELGAGAN, India’s established stationery destination, continues to strengthen its presence across education, office and large-scale organisational markets through a broad portfolio of paper and plastic stationery products.

As education and work environments adapt to digital systems, the need for dependable stationery continues to coexist with these shifts. In response, NEELGAGAN has expanded its role from a traditional stationery brand to a comprehensive solutions provider focused on consistency and scale.

Its product portfolio spans notebooks, notepads, account books, ledgers and a wide range of office stationery, positioning the brand as a dependable partner for bulk and customised requirements. NEELGAGAN is among the few remaining national-scale players in key categories such as notepads and account books, segments that continue to play a critical role in education, administration and small business operations. In many organisations, paper-based documentation continues to run parallel to digital systems, making dependable stationery a non-negotiable part of daily operations.

While several stationery categories have fragmented or become increasingly regional over time, demand for structured record-keeping, daily writing and administrative documentation continues to sustain these core segments. NEELGAGAN’s strength lies in its ability to serve diverse use cases while maintaining consistent quality and supply. The brand’s wide SKU spread also enables organisations to meet multiple stationery requirements through a single, reliable partner.

Beyond retail, NEELGAGAN has developed strong capabilities in customised and large-volume stationery solutions. The company works closely with organisations to meet specific requirements related to size, binding, paper quality and format, enabling flexibility for specification-driven orders. These solutions are widely used across classrooms, examination centres, administrative offices and field operations, where standardisation and supply reliability are essential.

As learning formats and work environments evolve, demand for dependable stationery remains strong. NEELGAGAN continues to focus on understanding regional usage patterns and servicing these markets through an established distribution network.

Speaking on the brand’s positioning, Mr. PRANAV GUPTA, DIRECTOR – MARKETING, NEELGAGAN, said,

“Stationery is a fundamental requirement across education, offices and organised workplaces, and its importance is often underestimated. At Neelgagan, our focus has always been on consistency, availability and understanding how stationery is actually used across India. That approach continues to guide how we serve our partners and markets. Our role is to ensure that these everyday tools work reliably, quietly and consistently, wherever they are needed.”

Adding to this, Mr. KANAV GUPTA, DIRECTOR – SALES, NEELGAGAN, said,

 “Across markets, what we consistently hear from customers is the need for dependable supply and uniform quality. Whether it is a school, an office or a large organisation managing procurement at scale, predictability matters. Our focus has been on ensuring that partners can rely on Neelgagan not just for product range, but for consistency in availability and service.”

The company remains focused on business continuity, partner relationships and clear external communication, while strengthening its relevance in a changing stationery and learning landscape.

With a legacy spanning over seven decades, NEELGAGAN continues to build on its foundation of trust while aligning its portfolio and distribution to the evolving needs of education, administration and organised users. The emphasis is on staying close to how organisations actually function, rather than on chasing short-term category shifts.

Chennai, Dec 19:- Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited has entered into a strategic bancassurance alliance with Equitas Small Finance Bank  marking a significant step toward deepening life insurance penetration across India’s diverse markets.

This partnership underscores Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s commitment to making life insurance accessible for every segment of society. Through this collaboration, the company will offer its comprehensive portfolio of life protection, savings, annuity, child plans, and investment-linked solutions across Equitas SFB’s robust network of 994 banking outlets and 365 ATMs in 18 states and Union Territories, with a strong presence in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Soly Thomas, Chief Distribution Officer- Bancassurance, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, said

 “At Canara HSBC Life Insurance, we believe in forging partnerships that create meaningful impact. Our collaboration with Equitas Small Finance Bank is a strategic step toward expanding financial inclusion and delivering life insurance solutions that are simple, transparent, and trustworthy. Together, we aim to empower millions across India to plan for life’s uncertainties and build long-term financial security, reinforcing our commitment to being a true ‘Promises Ka Partner.’”

Sharing his views, Mr. Murali Vaidyanathan, Senior President & Country Head  Liabilities, Wealth Management & Digital Banking, Equitas Small Finance Bank said;

 “At Equitas, our mission has always been to enable financial inclusion through innovative and customer-centric solutions. Partnering with Canara HSBC Life Insurance allows us to offer our customers a holistic financial planning option, combining the trust of banking with the security of life insurance. With a wide range of protection-led offerings and the strength of our growing branch network, we are able to safeguard the lives and financial wellbeing of our customers more effectively. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to building sustainable, scalable solutions that help individuals and families achieve long-term financial resilience and peace of mind.”

By combining Equitas SFB’s extensive reach and phygital banking model with Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s trusted solutions, this alliance seeks to accelerate life insurance adoption across India’s diverse demographics. The partnership also aligns with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, reinforcing both organizations’ commitment to financial inclusion and holistic customer well-being.

Dec 19: Danube Group, one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, has officially entered a new business segment with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first-ever cricket-focused digital media platform under the leadership of vice chairman Mr. Anis Sajan, who is widely known in the region as “Mr. Cricket UAE.” 

With this strategic expansion, Danube Group steps beyond its established portfolio in real estate, retail, building materials, and hospitality, venturing into the rapidly growing digital sports media industry. The move reflects the group’s commitment to evolving with market trends and tapping into high-impact, consumer-driven sectors. The introduction of a global cricket media platform positions Danube as a forward-looking enterprise that extends its influence from physical industries into the dynamic world of digital content and sports entertainment. 

The official launch event was attended by cricket legends like Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, and Khurram Khan, along with other notable figures from the sports fraternity.

Anis Sajan, speaking at the launch event in Dubai, said “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media house, reflecting the nation’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the global sports economy. The platform will initially launch as a cricket-focused entity, leveraging the UAE’s strong connection with the sport and Sajan’s deep global network. As part of its long-term vision, the Group will expand into coverage of other major sports in future phases, eventually evolving into a comprehensive multi-sport digital platform.

The platform will deliver:

• Live and real-time cricket coverage
• Exclusive interviews with international players
• Premium digital video productions and studio shows
• Social-first short-form content
• Documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture
• Insights and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues

With the UAE already known for hosting major tournaments such as T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 matches, and numerous international fixtures, this launch adds a new dimension to the country’s sports footprint.

“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers.” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class cricket media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”

As Danube Group broadens its business horizon, the launch aligns with its long-term vision of diversification, innovation, and community engagement. The entry into digital sports media marks the beginning of a new vertical for the Group, one that merges technology, entertainment, and culture under a single umbrella. 

Sajan signed off by saying,

“Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business. Cricket mera pyaar hai, koi karobar nahi. Even though this is a new segment in the group, it comes straight from the heart.”

Dec 18:Sundaram Finance marked its strong presence at Excon 2025, South Asia’s largest construction equipment exhibition, held from December 9 to 13, 2025, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), under the theme “Empowering Those Who Build India.” The stall was inaugurated by Mr. Deepak Shetty, Managing Director of JCB, symbolising the industry’s collective commitment to driving India’s infrastructure growth.

Excon 2025, a five-day event that drew an impressive footfall of over 65,000 visitors, reaffirmed Sundaram Finance’s strong presence as a trusted partner in the nation’s infrastructure journey.

Speaking at the event, Mr Kulkarni M J, National Head – Material Handling and Construction Equipment, Sundaram Finance, said:“Excon 2025 reflects the dynamism of India’s infrastructure sector. At Sundaram Finance, we are proud to empower those who build the nation through innovative financial solutions.”

Adding a visionary perspective, Mr Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director – Sundaram Finance, stated:
“Our founding 71 years ago is in nation-building and our mission today is to support the dreams, ambitions and vision of our nation builders. We envision an India where infrastructure drives inclusive growth with speed and flexibility, and Sundaram Finance will continue to support India’s transformation with trust, technology, and unwavering commitment”

At Excon 2025, Sundaram Finance showcased its comprehensive range of financial products and solutions tailored to enable growth for contractors, builders, and equipment owners across the country.

India’s ascent as a manufacturing powerhouse is no longer an ambition whispered in policy chambers. It is a lived reality shaped by companies that have quietly built world-class capacity across factories, farms, laboratories, logistics corridors, and retail shelves from Dubai to Dallas.

This is the new India. Proud. Capable. Export ready. A nation’s bottling belief, packaging heritage, sealing quality, and shipping scale. The FMCG sector is the spearhead of this movement, proving that Indian-made products can command loyalty in global markets once dominated by Western majors.

1. Dabur India Ltd.

Born in 1884 from the vision of Dr SK Burman, Dabur began as a humble Ayurvedic pharmacy. Today, it stands as a ₹93,000-crore multinational and a global ambassador of Indian wellness culture. With a footprint across 120 countries, Dabur exports everything from Chyawanprash and Vatika hair care to Ayurvedic supplements like Ashwagandha. It is India’s finest example of how ancient science can scale modern global markets.

2. Hindustan Unilever Limited

Founded in 1933, HUL is the undisputed giant of Indian FMCG and one of India’s five most valuable public companies. Valued at roughly ₹5,70,000 crores, HUL holds the Government of India’s rare designation of Golden Super Star Trading House for its export excellence. Dove, Lakmé, Brooke Bond, Surf Excel, Vim: brands that shaped Indian households are now staples in markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

3. ITC Limited

What began in 1910 as the Imperial Tobacco Company is today a ₹5,10,000-crore conglomerate and a global distribution force. ITC is India’s largest exporter of agricultural commodities, including rice, wheat, and spices and has built export fame with Sunfeast, Bingo, Yippee, and Aashirvaad. Kitchens of India remain one of the most admired premium packaged Indian foods abroad.

4. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

The consumer goods arm of the storied Godrej Group, GCPL has built its empire across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Valued at approximately ₹1,17,000 crores, GCPL is one of the world’s largest insecticide manufacturers and a global leader in affordable hair and personal care solutions. Godrej No.1, Cinthol, and its hair colour lines continue to strengthen India’s soft-power edge.

5. Elitecon International Limited

Founded in 1987 and formerly Kashiram Jain & Company, Elitecon represents the new wave of export-driven Indian mid-caps rising with speed and precision. Governing a valuation of nearly ₹20,000 crores, Elitecon’s portfolio includes tobacco and edible oils. The company’s expansion reflects the evolving identity of Indian manufacturing enterprises beyond legacy companies.

6. Marico Limited

Built in 1990 and now valued near ₹96,000 crores, Marico has become synonymous with trust in beauty and wellness. Parachute Coconut Oil and Saffola remain iconic export champions across more than 25 countries. Marico’s quiet strength lies in simple, consistent manufacturing excellence and a razor-sharp brand architecture.

7. Haldiram’s

A story that began in 1937 inside a small Bikaner sweet shop is now a ₹85,000-crore food empire. Haldiram’s has taken India’s snacking culture global: Aloo Bhujia in New York, Khatta Meetha in Sydney, Gulab Jamun in Toronto. Ready-to-eat meals, traditional desserts, cookies, pickles, sherbets: nostalgia sealed in nitrogen.

8. Amul

The cooperative revolution that rewired rural India in 1946 is today a ₹90,000-crore dairy institution feeding the world. Amul is the exporting heart of Indian dairy excellence, shipping ghee, butter, milk powder, and cheese to the United States, Singapore, and the Middle East. It remains the world’s largest example of shared wealth creation in food agriculture.

9. Britannia Industries Ltd.

A bakery beginning in 1982 has become one of India’s most trusted food names with a valuation of ₹1,40,000 crores. Britannia exports to more than 60 countries, led by Good Day, Tiger, and Marie Gold. In many Indian diaspora homes abroad, Britannia tin boxes carry the memory of home.

These companies are more than balance sheets or branding triumphs. They are the architects of India’s manufacturing credibility. Their meteoric growth proves that India is not a low-cost workshop but a high-quality production hub for the world, scaling with technology. The world is discovering what India has always known. We do not just manufacture products. We manufacture pride.

And this is only the beginning.

Mumbai: As traffic congestion slows the city’s heartbeat, a new technological revolution is emerging from Wadala. Siddha-Sejal Group, in collaboration with drone logistics company Sky Air, has announced Mumbai’s first residential drone delivery service, which will commence in the “Siddha Sky” project in Wadala from April 2026.

This initiative is not only a symbol of technological advancement but also a significant step towards establishing Wadala as one of Mumbai’s most modern and smart residential areas. The New Face of Wadala: Wadala is no longer just a transit corridor. With high connectivity, modern infrastructure, and redevelopment projects, it has transformed into one of Mumbai’s fastest-growing real estate hubs.

The Siddha Sky project, already in the spotlight for India’s first 400-foot-high rooftop skywalk, is now set to establish a new standard with drone-based deliveries.

Why are Drone Deliveries Important? More than 100,000 last-mile deliveries are made daily in Mumbai. Traffic congestion, wasted time, and increasing pollution from diesel vehicles are making traditional delivery systems unsustainable. Drone technology offers a solution to these problems.

A distance of one kilometer can be covered in just 60 seconds. With a delivery range of 30 to 70 kilometers, this technology can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 percent. Traffic-free, fast, and contactless delivery makes it the mode of the future. A special ‘Sky-Pod’ will be installed in the Siddha Sky complex, where drones will safely drop off parcels.

Siddh Group’s director, Samyak Jain, said, “Innovation is only meaningful when it improves people’s lives. From a 400-foot-high skywalk to drone deliveries, we have tried to make the lifestyle of the future available today. This service will not only increase convenience but also reduce traffic and carbon footprint.” “Where traditional logistics are under pressure, drone technology offers a fast, safe, and environmentally friendly solution,” said Ankit Kumar, CEO and founder of Sky Air. “This is not just a convenience but an integral part of future urban living.” This initiative towards the future is the first glimpse of the future lifestyle in Mumbai’s skyscrapers.

Where height was once limited to the skyline, it has now become a symbol of smart innovation and sustainable urban development. Mumbai is now expanding beyond its streets and making its presence felt in the sky.

New Delhi,  Dec 18: Drishti Group has announced the expansion of its Board of Directors with the induction of two senior leaders, Vivek Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer, and Abhishek Singh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Both leaders formally joined the Board as the organization marked its 26th Foundation Day.

The expansion increases the strength of the Board to four members and reflects Drishti’s long-term commitment to institutionalizing stronger governance practices. The induction of Tiwari and Singh is expected to enhance strategic clarity, strengthen operational continuity, and support faster decision-making across the organization.

Dr Vikas Divyakirti, Managing Director of Drishti Group, said;

“This expansion of the Board reflects our commitment to sound governance and to recognizing the leadership that has guided Drishti’s remarkable journey. Vivek Tiwari and Abhishek Singh have shaped Drishti’s strategic direction and operational discipline. Their presence on the Board will strengthen our collective decision-making and long-term vision.”

As Drishti Group enters its twenty-seventh year, the organization continues to evolve into a professionally governed, future-ready institution with a focus on operational excellence, organizational resilience, and long-term growth.

Dec 18: Powerplay, India’s leading construction management platform, has achieved a major industry milestone with 40,000 construction companies now using its technology to streamline the on-site operations. This surge in adoption highlights a shifting mindset across India’s 700 billion construction sector, where digital tools are rapidly replacing slow, manual and paper-based project workflows.

Construction companies are increasingly embracing technology to enhance accountability and expedite project delivery, as the industry is projected to reach  1.4 trillion by 2030. The platform is gaining traction on the ground level, with more than 20,000 site engineers, contractors, and supervisors actively using it every day. They rely on it for smoother communication and making decisions much faster.

This push towards structured workflows closely mirrors recommendations outlined in a recent whitepaper by Khaitan & Co and SCL India, which calls for early detection of risks, real-time documentation, transparent communication and data-backed decision-making to reduce delay and disruption claims in construction projects. Legal and project advisory experts have increasingly pointed to poor documentation and ad-hoc processes as the root cause of disputes. These recommendations closely align with workflows already supported by Powerplay, helping projects adopt the paper’s suggested practices with greater ease.

For decades, construction teams across India were managing projects worth billions of dollars using nothing more than a pen and paper. Powerplay is completely changing that reality,” said Iesh Dixit, Co-Founder & CEO at Powerplay. “Reaching 40,000 companies on our platform is solid proof that even really fragmented markets, especially in the smaller, tier-2 and tier-3 cities are finally ready to build with discipline, transparency, and speed. This huge milestone reinforces our mission: to create the core operating system for how India builds its next trillion dollars of infrastructure”.

The platform’s standard operating procedure  framework has evolved from its experience working with over 40,000 construction companies across more than 85,000 projects. These learnings have been consolidated into a structured set of SOPs that function as a practical, ready-to-use playbook for construction teams. The platform currently offers over 50 SOP templates spanning key project stages, including planning, site execution, billing, quality control, and materials management. By providing standardised workflows, the SOP framework enables teams to establish more consistent and repeatable processes across projects. Internal usage data indicates that adoption of these SOPs has contributed to measurable operational improvements, including reductions in schedule overruns, lower material waste and rework, and improved managerial capacity across multiple sites.

A huge chunk of the platform’s growth is coming directly from India’s smaller cities  the tier-2 and tier-3 markets  which now make up nearly 40% of all active projects on the system. This  highlights the increasing demand for structured processes and reliable digital tools, even in regions that have historically struggled with disorganized workflows and poor visibility on the ground. By successfully tackling India’s unique construction challenges, everything from quickly changing labor teams to unpredictable site conditions, the company is effectively building a scalable operational blueprint for the entire industry.

Bengaluru, Dec  18:  Anytime Fitness, the world’s largest and India’s fastest-growing 24×7 fitness franchise, has officially entered the Karnataka market with the launch of its first club in Bengaluru’s vibrant neighbourhood, J.P. Nagar. The expansion marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to making world-class fitness accessible to all Indians.

Expressing his delight at the Karnataka entry, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India, said,

 “Bengaluru has always been a high-priority market for us. The city’s growing focus on wellness, corporate lifestyle demands and young demographic make it the perfect location for Anytime Fitness’ expansion. We are thrilled to partner with Ritik and Manisha, who truly embody the brand’s ethos of community-first fitness. This launch is the beginning of a much larger expansion plan for Karnataka.”

 On the grand opening, Mr. Ritik Nagar and Ms. Manisha Naaga, Franchise Owner of Anytime Fitness J.P. Nagar, Jointly said,

“Bringing Anytime Fitness to Bengaluru is not just a business milestone—it’s a personal mission to create a healthier, more active community. Our goal is to offer a safe, inclusive and motivating environment where people of all ages and fitness levels feel supported. With premium infrastructure and professional guidance, we aim to make fitness a sustainable part of everyday life for Bengaluru residents.”

The newly launched club is owned by franchise partners Mr. Ritik Nagar and Ms. Manisha Naaga, two passionate young entrepreneurs dedicated to raising the fitness standards in Bengaluru. The state-of-the-art facility brings Anytime Fitness’ global experience to the city, offering premium equipment, certified coaches, personalized training, and round-the-clock access.

The J.P. Nagar club features cutting-edge cardio and strength equipment, functional training zones, personal training, group sessions, and the brand’s globally trusted safety and hygiene protocols. Members gain the added advantage of access to any Anytime Fitness club worldwide, reflecting the brand’s commitment to convenience and community.

Since its India launch in 2013, Anytime Fitness has expanded to over 175 clubs nationwide. Beyond state-of-the-art facilities, the brand has nurtured a strong community culture through initiatives like FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, which bring together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active, healthier living. The brand continues to empower entrepreneurs while fostering wellness-driven communities. The new club in Science City, Ahmedabad, is another step toward the goal of reaching 500 clubs nationwide within five years.