Category business

New Delhi, Oct 14, 2025: In a major step towards expanding India’s digital payments footprint globally, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the overseas arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTT DATA Japan to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Japan.

This strategic partnership aims to streamline digital transactions for Indian travellers visiting Japan by enabling them to use their familiar UPI apps to make payments at a wide range of Japanese merchant outlets. The move is set to significantly enhance convenience and ease of spending abroad, offering seamless QR-code-based payments at checkout counters.

With the collaboration, both entities will work together to integrate UPI into merchant ecosystems acquired by NTT DATA across Japan. This means Indian tourists will be able to make quick, secure payments without needing international cards or cash conversion.

The partnership is especially timely, as tourism between India and Japan is seeing a sharp rise. Between January and August 2025, over 208,000 Indian visitors travelled to Japan — a 36% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights the growing need for easier, more accessible payment methods for Indian tourists.

By introducing UPI in Japan, Indian travellers will enjoy faster checkouts, greater transparency, and reduced dependence on foreign exchange, while Japanese merchants benefit from increased footfall and enhanced customer experience.

This initiative also aligns with India’s broader vision of positioning UPI as a globally trusted digital payment platform. In recent years, UPI has expanded its presence in countries like the UAE, Singapore, France, and Sri Lanka — bringing with it a seamless, secure, and efficient way to transact.

For Japan, which has traditionally relied on card-based systems, the adoption of UPI signals a growing openness to QR-based and mobile-first payment methods. It also opens new opportunities for local businesses to cater to a tech-savvy Indian customer base.

As digital travel experiences become the new norm, this collaboration between NIPL and NTT DATA marks a milestone in cross-border payment integration, setting the stage for a future where Indian travellers can use UPI as easily abroad as they do at home.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data for September 2025 (Provisional), showing that the annual inflation rate stood at 0.13 percent compared to September 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the WPI declined by 0.19 percent, reflecting continued moderation in wholesale price pressures, said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI in a press statement issued here today.

The low overall inflation in September was primarily driven by declines in food and primary article prices, even as manufactured product prices showed a mild increase. In the Primary Articles category, prices fell largely due to lower prices of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and non-food articles such as fibres and oilseeds, which is also reflected in CPI for September 2025, he said.

He added the moderation in wholesale prices was mainly due to lower food and energy costs, a strong agricultural output, and stable commodity prices globally. Improved supply-side conditions following a good monsoon, alongside government interventions to check retail prices of essential commodities, also contributed to the decline.

However, the manufactured goods sector continued to witness moderate price rises due to elevated input costs, particularly for raw materials like metals and chemicals, and steady domestic demand in industrial sectors such as cement, steel, and consumer durables, he said.

International crude oil prices showed mild volatility during the month, but remained range-bound, preventing a significant pass-through to domestic fuel inflation. Meanwhile, favourable currency movements and easing global commodity prices (particularly in edible oils and industrial inputs) further reduced cost pressures on producers, he said.

Looking ahead, wholesale inflation is expected to remain benign in the coming months, supported by adequate food supply, stable global commodity prices, and government measures to control inflation in key sectors. The harvest of kharif crops and the expected arrival of rabi produce in the next quarter are likely to keep food inflation contained, says Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI.

Mumbai, October  14th 2025: Edge by Titan has unveiled a compelling new campaign for the Edge Ultraslim  its slimmest watch ever, measuring just 3.3 mm  rooted in the belief that true mastery is never rushed. More than a campaign, it is an artistic meditation on time, celebrating creation unbound by urgency.

The campaign film follows a master artisan immersed in his craft  each gesture deliberate, each detail shaped with unwavering patience. In this world, time is not a measure of haste but a quiet companion, reminding us that greatness is born not in speed, but in devotion and vision. The result is a masterpiece  the Edge Ultraslim, a triumph of precision engineering and sculptural design that redefines how time is experienced, savoured, and felt.

Powered by the 1.15 mm Calibre Edge T9081, one of the world’s thinnest quartz movements, and marked by its single-hand floating disc, the Edge Ultraslim moves in ten-minute intervals, inviting wearers to embrace time as a continuum of lived moments rather than seconds to be chased.

“The Edge Ultraslim is more than a watch  it is a meditation on time,” said Ms. Kalpana Rangamani, CSMO, Premium & Luxury Watches. “This campaign captures its spirit perfectly, showing that mastery is not about racing against the clock, but rising above it  because time obeys the maker’s will.”

For the unveiling, guests were transported into a multisensory world where design, philosophy, and art converged. The experience was inspired by the four elements  Wind, Water, Earth, and Sky  each space conceived as a sensory reflection of time in motion.

Wind whispered through kinetic sculptures, moving with unseen precision. Water shimmered in mirrored reflections, rippling like moments passing. Earth grounded the experience with tactile textures and craftsmanship, echoing the human touch at the heart of every Edge creation. Finally, Sky opened into light and fluid movement  the purest expression of freedom, where time seemed to expand and still simultaneously.

The journey culminated in a mesmerizing reveal  the Edge Ultraslim emerging from darkness into light, its impossibly thin silhouette gleaming with quiet authority. On the wrist, it felt nearly weightless yet exuded a profound sense of permanence and poise.

Through this orchestration of design and emotion, guests did not merely witness time  they felt its stillness and flow. The installation embodied the Edge Ultraslim’s core philosophy: time is not pressure, but possibility.

Bengaluru, 13th October 2025: Orion Malls is ushering in Deepawali with dazzling celebration and extraordinary décor across all the of its malls including, Orion Mall at Brigade Gateway, Orion Uptown Mall, and Orion Avenue Mall, to usher in the festive season with elegant and immersive experiences. Visitors will be greeted by dazzling entrance facade lighting, vibrant neon railings, and large stunning lanterns that illuminate every corner with celebratory warmth. At Orion Mall at Brigade Gateway, the showstopper is a breathtaking 30 feet lotus. The lotus also features a walkthrough tunnel offering a serene, immersive experience. In order to enhance the festive charm, the area around the lake sparkle with tree lighting and floating swans in the lake, creating a magical Diwali atmosphere that invites families and visitors to celebrate light, beauty, and joy of togetherness.

“Diwali is a festival of light, celebration, and togetherness, and at Orion Malls our aim is to inspire, connect and enrich the community experience. Our endeavour is to curate that spirit in every detail, from the spectacular installations to the interactive experiences. Our aim is to create spaces that not only delight the eye but also engage the heart. The campus lighting, the floating installations, the lotus installation and the creative workshops are all part of a larger vision to make Orion Malls a destination where tradition meets innovation, and where every visitor feels a sense of joy and belonging” said Sunil Munshi, COO Retail, Brigade Group.

Further enriching the festivities, Orion Avenue Mall and Orion Uptown Mall will host a series of engaging DIY workshops: on 11th October, guests can explore MDF décor, candle holder crafting, and card making; on 12th, create lotus wall hangings, simple diya décor, and centre table holders; on 18th, enjoy sessions on wall hangings, candle décor designs, and terracotta diya painting; and on 19th October, dive into paper décor, keychain making, and designer tea candle creation.

Bengaluru, 13th October 2025 : Hydrogen Innovation Pvt Ltd aced the Bangalore Chapter Finals of the TiE Women Global Pitch Competition 2025, which brought together some of the most promising women-led startups from across the region. The event showcased ventures across diverse sectors, underscoring the spirit of innovation and resilience in women entrepreneurship.

This is part of TiE Global, a Silicon Valley-based startup incubator and a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. The organisation has a massive footprint in India with close to 30 chapters across the country.

Hydrogen Innovation Pvt. Ltd represented by Director Ramyasri D. S., who won the Bangalore Finals, will go on to represent the Bangalore Chapter of TiE at the TiE Global Summit, scheduled to take place in Jaipur, January 2026, where they will compete with winners from other chapters across the globe. At the global finale, the top three teams will have the opportunity to bag equity-free cash prizes of USD 50,000, further propelling their entrepreneurial journey. Resilience AI (RAISPL and RAI Inc), represented by Samhita, emerged as the first runner-up, while Intelekt AI, represented by Sudeshna Mukhopadhyay, secured the second runner-up position in the competition.

Speaking on the occasion, Ritu Sharma, Executive Director of TiE Bangalore, said, “TiE Women is about building pathways for women founders to scale with confidence, capital, and community. This year’s finalists from Bengaluru are pushing boundaries across sectors from green hydrogen to AI and sustainability and reflect the true spirit of entrepreneurial leadership.”

The startups were evaluated by an esteemed jury on key parameters including idea, team strength, competitive advantage, go-to-market strategy, product-market fit, financial strategy, and operational viability.

The jury panel comprised Joslin Jose, Vice President, PeerCapital; Joohi Smita Sinha, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India; and Antra Bhargava, Founder, The Dhurthi Collective. TiE Women Bangalore received 136 applications from across the region. From this, 10 inspiring founders were selected for the finale, representing diverse domains including clean energy, AI, sustainability, healthtech, childcare, and consumer brands. Through a structured chapter-level program, participants benefited from mentorship, investor connects, learning sessions, and the opportunity to pitch before an eminent jury panel.

The finals showcased some of India’s most innovative women-led enterprises like Anubhuti Agarwal, RareReach; Laxmi Sri Pandrala, Kaml Health Pvt. Ltd; Naina Padaki, TrueAssist Technology Pvt. Ltd; Neethi Bhat, SuperNan Childcare Solutions Pvt. Ltd; Sahar Mansoor, Bare Necessities Zero Waste Solutions Pvt. Ltd; Shivi Maheshwari, Lionesspride Consumer Pvt. Ltd; and Sulekha Dey, Things Alive Solutions Pvt. Ltd (IIoT & Smart Agriculture).

Beyond the finale, TiE Bangalore remains committed to supporting all ten finalists through continued mentorship, investor introductions, and access to TiE’s extensive market networks. The chapter also nurtures an active community of 114 women entrepreneurs, fostering peer learning, collaboration, and growth opportunities through its dedicated Women Entrepreneurs Group.

Pune, 13th October 2025 : DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad invites guests on a culinary journey that bridges the best of Indian and Chinese cuisines with “The Great Wall of Flavours”, an exclusive food pop-up at its all-day dining restaurant, 3 Spices, from 6th to 16th October 2025, during dinner hours. The menu, served on an à la carte basis, reimagines popular Indo-Chinese favorites with a modern twist, offering an experience that is both nostalgic and novel.

Curated by the hotel’s expert culinary team, the special menu features a vibrant selection of dishes — from Asian Chaat with Schezwan Dressing to Kung Pao Prawns with Curry Leaves, Mapo Tofu with Indian Spices, and Chilli Basil Fish Curry. To end on a sweet note, desserts such as Jasmine Tea Panna Cotta with Jaggery Drizzle and Chili-Gulkand Ice Cream promise a truly distinctive finish.

Speaking about the concept, Chef Rakesh Jadhav, Executive Sous Chef, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, said, “The Great Wall of Flavours celebrates the timeless appeal of Indo-Chinese cuisine that resonates deeply with Indian palates. We wanted to showcase familiar flavors through refined presentations, combining the zest of street-style favorites with the finesse of fine dining. Every dish on this menu reflects that harmony.”

With its inviting ambience and signature Hilton hospitality, 3 Spices sets the perfect stage for an evening filled with flavour, comfort, and culinary discovery.

What: The Great Wall of Flavours food pop-up

Where: 3 Spices, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad

When: 6th to 16th October 2025, 07:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Price: A la Carte

New Delhi, October 13, 2025: Three accomplished Chartered Accountants and business advisors, CA (Dr.) Akash Gupta, CA (Dr.) Mohit Sharma and CA Sumit Gupta launched their co-authored book “Dubai Decoded: A Complete Guide for Indian Entrepreneurs & Global Investors” today at Crown Plaza, Greater Noida, New Delhi. It was successfully launched by the TS Branding Solutions team, founded by Sushmit, Co-founder Tusharika, and Jayesh.

The book serves as a comprehensive playbook for Indian MSMEs and global investors, offering actionable insights into Dubai’s regulatory frameworks, tax structures, compliance norms, and real-world case studies. It aims to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to explore international opportunities, especially in Dubai, a rapidly emerging global hub for trade and investment.

Unveiling the book, the authors emphasized that Dubai Decoded is designed as a practical reference guide for business leaders, policy enthusiasts, and professionals who aspire to expand their global footprint.

Speaking at the launch, CA (Dr.) Akash Gupta said, “Entrepreneurship is not just commerce, but a driver of societal and national progress. Through this book, we aim to provide Indian entrepreneurs with the right tools and insights to unlock opportunities in Dubai and beyond.”

The event witnessed an impressive turnout of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, influencers, and media representatives. The highlights of the day included the official book unveiling, author address, engaging panel discussions on global entrepreneurship, media interactions, and book signing sessions.

Distinguished guests present at the launch included:

Sagar Sinha, YouTuber & Finance Educator Influencer

Gaurav Bajaj, Founder – Best Property Deals

Nishant Garg, Founder – Maiden Forgings Limited

Varun Sethi, Founder – Scobee Pet Foods

Ashish Aggrawal, Founder – Franchise Batao

Ashwini Pandey, Founder – Balaji LNS

Ankit Jain, Sales Watch

Mahesh Gautam, Formerly at Ghaziabad Development Authority

Shatakshi Singh, NLP Coach

The co-authors bring together extensive expertise in taxation, audit, compliance, and international business advisory. Their collective knowledge ensures that the book bridges the gap between technical complexity and practical business application.

Dubai Decoded is now available across major platforms in India and will soon be accessible to global readers.

About the Authors

CA (Dr.) Akash Gupta – Partner at GNAP & Co., seasoned business advisor with over 12 years of experience in taxation, audits, and global business consultancy.

CA (Dr.) Mohit Sharma – Dr. Mohit Sharma, a Chartered Accountant with over 13 years of experience, is the founder-partner of G G M S & Co., specialising in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, AML, internal audit, and taxation

CA Sumit Gupta – Dr. Sumit Gupta is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience, co-founder of SNMR Solutions, and a specialist in finance, accounting, U.S. tax advisory, ERP systems and GST matters.

Together, the authors have worked extensively with MSMEs, corporates, and global investors, bringing deep insights into cross-border business dynamics and opportunities.

KIKO Milano Unveils Flagship Store in Noida and Launches Limited-Edition Golden Oasis Collection & Fragrance Line in India

Noida, 13th October 2025: KIKO Milano, Italy’s No. 1 professional makeup brand, has opened the doors to its stunning new flagship store at DLF Mall of India, Noida. This new opening marks an exciting milestone in KIKO Milano’s India journey, adding to its much-loved stores at Vegas Mall, Dwarka and DLF Avenue, Saket. Spread across 888 sq. ft., the store isn’t just a retail space – it’s a celebration of beauty and creativity, designed to give makeup lovers an immersive brand experience.

To mark the festive season, KIKO Milano introduced its limited-edition Golden Oasis Collection, a radiant lineup inspired by the brilliance of festive lights and the joy of celebration. The collection brings together luminous, warm-toned makeup essentials with luxurious textures and high-performance formulations, designed to deliver a glowing, statement look for every occasion.

Adding to the excitement, KIKO Milano also announced its foray into the fragrance category in India – a move that marks a bold extension of the brand’s beauty universe. Now available both in-store and Tira.com, each fragrance is meticulously crafted in the tradition of fine Italian perfumery, blending artistry with sophistication to deliver unique scent stories that resonate with modern lifestyles.

Brand Spokesperson Quote:

“We’re amped to launch our new flagship store in DLF Mall of India and celebrate this special moment with the launch of our limited edition festive collection and our very first fragrance line in India. For us, it’s about creating more spaces where beauty lovers can really experience the world of KIKO Milano, by exploring new collections, finding their signature looks and celebrating their individuality. We’re confident that our new launches will strike a chord with our Indian customers and make their celebrations even more special.”

This flagship marks the next step in KIKO Milano’s India journey, strengthening its connection with beauty enthusiasts who seek premium yet accessible makeup. As the brand continues to grow its presence across key markets, it remains focused on offering Indian consumers not just products, but experiences that celebrate individuality, creativity, and the artistry of beauty.

Guwahati, Assam| 13th Oct, 2025: India, the “Spice Bowl of the World,” is set to host the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) from 13 to 17 October 2025 at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati. Organized by the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, this global meeting reaffirms India’s leadership in setting international standards for spices and culinary herbs.

Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam will inaugurate the CCSCH 8 on 13th October 2025. The session will bring together international delegates, policymakers, scientists, and trade experts from Codex member countries to deliberate on global standards that ensure the safety, quality, and fair trade of spices and herbs. Around 140 delegates from 38 countries are expected to attend the session.

Hosting CCSCH8 in Guwahati highlights India’s commitment to strengthening Codex initiatives and promoting spice diversity from the North-eastern region—home to unique indigenous varieties. Assam, known for its breathtaking landscapes, world-renowned tea gardens, and rich cultural heritage, provides a fitting backdrop for this global gathering.

As the host, India continues to play a pivotal role in developing Codex standards for spices and culinary herbs, ensuring consumer protection and facilitating fair international trade.

India, 11th october 2025: Diwali is the season of lights, sweets, and scrumptious home-cooked meals. Amidst the excitement of decorating your home and preparing for celebrations, cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming. This festive season, KAFF makes it effortless with appliances designed to simplify your kitchen tasks while adding a modern touch to your culinary space. From quick snacks to elaborate festive meals, here are the top four KAFF appliances that every kitchen should have this Diwali.

1. KAFF Coffee Machine  Brew Joy This Diwali

Diwali celebrations are incomplete without a perfect cup of coffee shared with loved ones. KAFF’s Coffee Machine lets you brew café-style beverages effortlessly at home from rich espressos to frothy cappuccinos. Designed for precision and convenience, it ensures every cup is aromatic and full-bodied. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet festive morning, this coffee machine adds warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your celebrations.

2. KAFF Convection Oven  Perfect for Baking and Roasting

Be it baking delectable cakes or roasting marinated vegetables for your Diwali celebration, the KAFF Convection Oven is an essential addition to your kitchen. Its state-of-the-art heating technology provides uniform cooking, while multiple preset modes make it convenient to cook a range of dishes. From classic mithai to gourmet breads, this oven is your one-stop solution for festive baking and roasting.

3. KAFF Induction Cooktop  Fast and Energy-Efficient Cooking

The KAFF Induction Cooktop is made with speed, precision, and safety in mind. With its super-speedy heating technology, you can prepare complex Diwali dishes in record time, and the temperature control guarantees flawless consistency. Lightweight, portable, and energy-saving, this device is perfect for small kitchens or when additional cooking space is required for festive gatherings.

This Diwali, KAFF appliances make it easier than ever to create delicious, festive meals with minimal hassle. Upgrade your kitchen and enjoy a celebration filled with taste, convenience, and joy!