11, Aug 2026
MENA Fintech Association Names Victor L. Philippe Chatenay and Haifa Al Obaid as Co Chairs of Its Saudi Arabia Chapter
Appointments bring together senior banking, digital assets and strategic finance expertise to advance fintech innovation and collaboration across the Kingdom
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA | Aug 11 — The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) today announced the appointment of Victor L. Philippe Chatenay and Haifa Al Obaid as Co Chairs of its Saudi Arabia Chapter. The appointments reflect MFTA’s continued commitment to strengthening the fintech ecosystem in the Kingdom, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 financial sector development goals, and fostering closer collaboration between regulators, financial institutions and fintech innovators.
As Co Chairs, Chatenay and Al Obaid will lead the Saudi Chapter’s strategic direction, working to expand MFTA’s local membership base, convene industry dialogue, and support initiatives that accelerate the growth of digital finance, payments and emerging financial infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.
“We are delighted to welcome Victor and Haifa as Co Chairs of our Saudi Arabia Chapter,” said Nameer Khan, Chair of the MENA Fintech Association. “Their combined experience across banking, regulation, digital assets and strategic finance gives our Saudi Chapter exceptional leadership at a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s fintech sector.”
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- By Neel Achary
11, Aug 2026
Rohde & Schwarz installs millimeter wave security scanners at Airports of Thailand (AOT) Airports
Aug 11: Rohde & Schwarz QPS201 security scanners with advanced imaging technology (AIT) will be installed at the checkpoints at Airports of Thailand (AOT) Airports, including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, a major hub in Asia with 60 million passengers a year.
Caption: Faster security clearance and better passenger experience with the QPS201 scanners at Thailand’s airports.
Rohde & Schwarz, a world leader in AI-based millimeter wave screening technology, won an award to supply ECAC and TSA certified QPS201 AIT security scanners to passenger security screening checkpoints across 5 Airports of Thailand (AOT) managed Airports, including Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi airport – a single huge terminal serving both domestic and international passengers.
The QPS201 scanner model brings together advanced detection capabilities with efficient, intuitive procedures designed to benefit both passengers and staff. Using innovative millimeter wave technology and AI-based algorithms, the scanners meet regulatory requirements for identifying prohibited items while keeping false alarm rates low. The technology helps ensure that security measures remain both effective and user-friendly, improving the overall passenger experience. Passengers spend only a short time with a hands-down scan pose inside the security scanner, while any potential threats on their body are shown on a standardized digital avatar without revealing personal attributes. The system requires only milliseconds per scan and its open design and pose makes security screening easy and accessible for travellers.
The QPS201 achieved TSA qualification, approving it for use in US passenger security screening checkpoints and has achieved certification to TSA and European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) highest standards. There are more than 2,000 systems deployed in airports world-wide.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) appreciated the performance and accuracy of the QPS201 which provided faster security clearance and better passenger experience whilst enhancing security screening.
11, Aug 2026
Making Smart Use of Property Payment Plans
– Akash Pharande, Managing Director, Pharande Spaces
For many homebuyers, the main consideration while buying a home is not just its price but the timing of the payment. This is why property payment plans exist. They aren’t just sales or promotional tools – at their best, they give homebuyers a financial structure that allows them to align property acquisition with their actual income flow, savings, borrowing capacity, and their stage-of-life priorities.
Given their importance, payment plans should be studied – and understood – very seriously. In most real estate-related conversations, especially from the developer’s side, they are often packaged with catchy terms like ‘easy payment,’ ‘flexi plan,’ or ‘pay later.’ These terms may be partially true, but do NOT deliver the full meaning, impact, and ramifications.
Good payment plans do a lot more than just defer cash outflow – they have a bearing on actual affordability and management of liquidity and can be great tools to buy a property with superior foresight and discipline.
Understanding the True Value of a Payment Plan
The primary value of payment plans is the financial flexibility they can offer. Rather than needing the entire purchase price up front, a developer can permit a customer to pay in stages linked to time, construction progress, or possession. This makes it possible for homebuyers to match their financial obligation to the developer with their salary cycles or business income, as well as home loan disbursements or the sale of an existing property.
If you are an end-user – meaning you are buying a home for your personal use, not as an investment – a good payment plan can allow you to make a less stressful and more structured purchase decision. If you are an investor – meaning you are buying the home to rent it out and/or hold it till you can make a profit on its resale – such a plan can improve your capital allocation, since it negates a sizeable and immediate cash outflow.
Especially for under-construction projects, the right payment plan lets both types of buyers manage their cash prudently while the property is still being built.
Buyers tend to have varying financial profiles; some may be able to make a larger down payment to secure better commercial terms, while others may prioritize liquidity and prefer a lower initial capital spend even if the total payment schedule increases. In that sense, a payment plan becomes not just a method of paying but a method of planning.
Debunking Common Myths About Payment Plans
– One of the most common myths is that every payment plan results in higher affordability. Actually, a payment plan can reduce the burden of timing, but that has little bearing on the total cost of acquisition. It is important to compare the complete cost under each option, and this includes stamp duty and registration charges; applicable taxes, including GST on under-construction properties; maintenance deposits; the costs involved in the home loan; penalties; and often many other not-so-obvious cost components.
– A second myth is that possession-linked or deferred payment plans are completely devoid of risk. While they can lower the near-term financial strain, they do not eliminate all risks – including those pertaining to project delays, approvals, and financing. It is very important to remember that no payment plan, no matter how good it is, will ever replace the need for due diligence.
– A third myth is that the safest payment plans are always linked to phases of construction. They can definitely be more balanced than time-linked payment plans, but only if there are clearly defined construction milestones in place. If the stages are vague or loosely worded, disputes may arise over whether an instalment is actually due or not.
– A fourth misconception worth mentioning is that since the bank is happy to fund a project, there is nothing else left for the buyer to verify. Actually, a lender’s assessment and due diligence by the buyer are far from the same thing – you still need to examine the title, check whether all approvals have been secured, determine the actual carpet area of your unit, and review every aspect related to project specifications, payment obligations, and contract clauses.
Different Types of Property Payment Plans
The commonest payment structure is the down-payment plan, under which you make a hefty down payment, and the remaining amount must be paid according to a short schedule or when you take possession of the unit. This often comes with some financial incentives, but the heavy early burden on the buyer is obvious.
Then there are construction-linked plans where you make payments according to the progress the project makes on the ground. Many buyers prefer this model for under-construction units, since there is a logical link between payment disbursal and verifiable on-site development.
On the other hand, a time-linked payment plan follows a fixed calendar schedule and has nothing to do with construction progress. While this payment plan is predictable, it can become problematic if there is a slowdown in project execution, as payments will still be required regardless of progress.
Possession-linked payment plans often call for a lower initial payment and a larger amount as possession nears. Such a plan can be suitable for homebuyers who want to preserve liquidity during construction. However, they need to make considerable advance preparations for the larger obligation in the future.
The much-touted ‘flexi plans’ are a combination of several payment structures. The buyer may only have to make a moderate up front payment and the remaining payments in later tranches. They are specifically designed to appeal to a wider buyer base and can be genuinely beneficial as long as they are transparently structured.
There can also be loan-linked or subvention-style payment plans where the payment schedule is coordinated with bank finance. Such plans call for particular high levels of caution, since you need to fully understand exactly who bears the interest burden and for how long and under what circumstances.
Precautions Buyers Must Take Before Opting In
– Legal & Regulatory Verification
Buyers must verify that the project has a proper registration under the applicable state RERA and must review the project details disclosed on that authority’s website carefully. RERA specifically stipulates that a promoter is generally not permitted to market or sell a project if it falls under its ambit if it has not been duly registered, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
In some cases, the project’s plot size may be small enough to exempt it from RERA registration. In such a case, buyers must understand their rights under other applicable laws, such as MOFA in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, 1963, is a state law that regulates the construction, sale, management, and transfer of flats in the state of Maharashtra and protects buyers from various kinds of frauds by developers. It also mandates clear project disclosures and governs the formation of housing societies and conveyance deeds.
– Everything in Writing
Secondly, buyers must not make any substantial payments solely based on verbal assurances or booking forms. The law specifies that no promoter can accept more than 10% of the cost of an apartment, plot, or building as an advance or application fee if there is no written agreement for sale in place.
You must also ask for a complete payment breakup in writing. The base price is only a part of the story – other charges can impact the real cost of acquisition very meaningfully.
– Check The Plan for Actual Affordability
The affordability of any payment plan must be fully stress-tested – you must completely understand if you can sustain paying the instalments even if interest rates increase or the project is delayed, in which case you will have to pay rent for longer than you initially thought. A payment plan may pass the ‘wind tunnel’ test – meaning it may make sense on paper and under normal circumstances – but will it remain comfortable if the market changes for any reason?
– Don’t Wing It Legally
Always have an independent legal professional thoroughly check the sales agreement. Payment plans are designed to look good on paper, but what matters most is what is written into the contract – including default clauses, delay provisions, refund terms, and escalation conditions.
To conclude, I will repeat that a property payment plan is not so much a promotional offer as it is a risk-and-cash-flow management arrangement. If the plan is beneficial in your particular case, it can certainly improve your property buying experience. But it can only work well if you understand everything it implies – including in terms of payment schedules, the total cost, and all the underlying legal commitments.
About the author:
Akash Pharande is Managing Director of Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region.
11, Aug 2026
Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet Launches Major School Leadership Programme and Career Talks Initiative
Hyderabad, Aug 11: Reinforcing its century-old legacy of nurturing future-ready leaders, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet has launched a comprehensive Leadership Programme that places leadership development at the heart of every student’s educational journey. Designed to cultivate confidence, resilience, empathy, critical thinking and decision-making from an early age, the programme reaches over 3,500 students across all grades and curricula, making it one of the most extensive school-based leadership initiatives in the world.
As part of the programme’s launch, the school organised the second edition of The HPS Dialogues – Career Talks, bringing together accomplished industry professionals, entrepreneurs and HPS alumni to engage with more than 300 students across the ICSE, ISC and Cambridge curricula. The initiative marked the beginning of a broader leadership journey that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences, enabling students to make informed decisions about their future while developing the qualities required to lead with purpose.
Leadership has always been central to HPS’s philosophy of education. Introduced during the school’s centenary year, when leadership emerged as the defining theme, the newly launched. Through a structured, age-appropriate curriculum, students participate in four leadership modules each academic year, amounting to nearly 12 hours of dedicated leadership learning annually. By graduation, every student will have completed 48 unique leadership modules, each designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication, collaboration, innovation, global citizenship and ethical leadership.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Skand Bali, Principal, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, said,
“Leadership is not a skill that begins in adulthood; it is cultivated through experiences, opportunities and reflection from an early age. At HPS, we believe every child has the potential to lead, whether in a classroom, a community or on the global stage. Our Leadership Programme has been designed to nurture that potential systematically, helping students develop the confidence, empathy and character to navigate an increasingly complex world. The HPS Dialogues Career Talks is a natural extension of this vision, allowing students to learn directly from those who have transformed ideas into impact.”
The programme follows a carefully scaffolded progression across all grades. Younger students begin by developing self-awareness and teamwork before progressing to communication, problem-solving, adaptability and innovation. Senior students explore strategic leadership, global citizenship and legacy-building, ensuring leadership development evolves alongside their intellectual and emotional growth. Leveraging the school’s expansive campus as a dynamic learning environment, the programme encourages students to think independently, communicate effectively and take initiative in authentic situations.
The HPS Dialogues – Career Talks embodies this experiential philosophy by bringing professionals directly into the school environment. Organised by the Office of College & Career Guidance in partnership with the Oyster team, the two-day event introduced students to diverse careers spanning hospitality, biotechnology, finance, entrepreneurship, fine arts, healthcare entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, robotics, media ventures and public leadership.
For Grade 10 students, the sessions offered an early understanding of emerging and traditional professions, while Grades 11 and 12 engaged in deeper conversations around industries that are rapidly transforming the global economy. More importantly, students were encouraged to connect their academic learning with practical career pathways, replacing uncertainty with informed exploration.
A defining feature of the initiative was the participation of HPS alumni, who returned to their alma mater to share personal journeys, professional challenges and lessons from the workplace. Their presence transformed the sessions into meaningful conversations across generations, giving students authentic perspectives that extend far beyond textbooks and examinations.
The Career Talks initiative is part of the broader HPS World is My Oyster programme, an alumni-led platform founded on the belief that students understand careers best by experiencing them first-hand. Launched in 2024, its flagship initiative, Take Your First Dip, enables students from Classes 9 to 12 to shadow HPS alumni in workplaces across multiple industries. In its inaugural year alone, the programme placed 110 students across 120 internships hosted by 25 alumni-led organisations representing 11 career streams, including healthcare, aviation, aerospace, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, entrepreneurship and technology.
Together, Career Talks and Take Your First Dip create a comprehensive career exploration ecosystem, beginning with conversations that spark curiosity and extending into immersive workplace experiences that build clarity, confidence and informed career choices.
Looking ahead, HPS Begumpet plans to expand the initiative through cluster-based career sessions, expert panel discussions and a structured alumni mentorship programme that will foster sustained engagement between students and graduates of the institution.
By seamlessly integrating leadership education, career awareness and experiential learning, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet continues to redefine holistic education. As it enters its next century, the institution remains committed to preparing students not only to excel academically but also to become thoughtful, compassionate and capable leaders ready to shape the future.
11, Aug 2026
The Ellinikon Sports Park Opens to All as Europe’s Largest Urban Regeneration Project Accelerates Toward Completion
ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ellinikon, Europe’s largest urban regeneration project and spearheaded by LAMDA Development, has reached a major milestone with the opening of The Ellinikon Sports Park, the project’s first large-scale public sports and wellness destination. The debut marks a significant step in transforming the former Athens International Airport into a next-generation coastal city, while construction continues at pace across residential neighborhoods, landmark retail destinations, and the iconic Riviera Tower.
Spanning 287,000 square meters, The Ellinikon Sports Park has been designed as an open, accessible destination designed for high-performance and recreational athletes alike, as well as families, tourists, and all Athenians, reinforcing sport, wellness, and public space as defining elements of the project’s vision for a 15-minute city. The park features a completed track and field complex, football pitches, and throwing field, alongside free-play courts for tennis and basketball, athletes’ dorms, flexible recreation areas, and 115,000 square meters of expansive landscaped and open green space.
The Sports Park already demonstrated its ability to host world-class events earlier this year when it welcomed thousands of spectators for the EKO Super Special Stage of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship Acropolis Rally, offering an early glimpse of the international competitions, community programming, and public events the venue will accommodate.
Odisseas Athanasiou, CEO of LAMDA Development, stated: “The delivery of the first phase of the Sports Park to the public marks an important and highly symbolic milestone for The Ellinikon. This is the moment when The Ellinikon truly opens its doors to the public, giving citizens the opportunity to experience first-hand the first tangible elements of the new way of life taking shape within Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. For all of us, this is a major step in a journey that began years ago, driven by vision, perseverance, and a deep belief in our goal.”
As the Sports Park opens its doors, construction continues to accelerate across every district of The Ellinikon, with residential neighborhoods expanding, landmark retail destinations advancing toward completion, and Riviera Tower reaching its final height.
Residential Neighborhoods Continue to Expand
The Ellinikon’s residential portfolio continues to grow with the recent launch of The Courtyards, the newest offering within the Little Athens neighborhood. Designed by acclaimed Greek practice AUDO Architects, the development comprises 324 contemporary residences across 11 buildings, featuring one- to four-bedroom homes inspired by modern Mediterranean living. Select penthouses include expansive rooftop terraces, while 35 ground-floor residences offer private gardens with either a swimming pool or jacuzzi. All homes include underground parking and dedicated storage.
Construction is advancing across The Ellinikon’s residential projects, with the first properties expected to be delivered in early 2027, followed by the phased delivery of additional residences throughout 2027. Marking another important milestone, the first fully completed showcase residence at Promenade Heights in Little Athens has now been unveiled, offering the inaugural finished home experience within The Ellinikon and providing a first glimpse of the quality, design, and craftsmanship that will define the community.
Landmark Retail Destinations Advance
Construction also continues on Riviera Galleria, a premium retail and dining destination designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Spanning 23,000 square meters, it aspires to bring together a curated mix of international and Greek fashion, lifestyle, and dining concepts, from daytime to evening. Its undulating architectural canopy is inspired by the movement of water. Scheduled for construction completion in early 2027, Riviera Galleria has already signed Heads of Terms representing 76 percent of its gross leasable area.
Elsewhere within The Ellinikon, construction is now underway on The Ellinikon Mall, designed by internationally acclaimed architectural office Aedas. Set to become Greece’s largest and most advanced retail destination and one of Southern Europe’s premier shopping, entertainment, and leisure destinations, the project recently marked the start of construction following community engagement sessions that outlined implementation timelines, environmental monitoring measures, and traffic management plans. Spanning 100,000 square meters of gross leasable area, the mall will combine indoor and outdoor environments through a sustainable, hybrid design that seamlessly integrates retail, dining, entertainment, and green public space. Signed Heads of Terms have already reached 70 percent of the mall’s total gross leasable area, reflecting strong retailer demand ahead of its anticipated completion in 2029.
The opening of The Ellinikon Sports Park, alongside the structural completion of Riviera Tower, construction completion of Riviera Galleria, the commencement of construction on The Ellinikon Mall, the continued advancement of residential neighborhoods, and the launch of LAMDA Labs, demonstrates the accelerating realization of one of the world’s most ambitious mixed-use developments.
For more information about The Ellinikon, please visit https://theellinikon.com.gr/
For more information about LAMDA Development, please visit https://www.lamdadev.com
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11, Aug 2026
Xinhua Silk Road: Culture ignites vitality, high-quality development in E. China’s Quanzhou
BEIJING, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In Quanzhou, a city famed as the maritime emporium during the Song and Yuan dynasties, cultural diversity and fruitful preservation and inheritance have paved the way for vibrant and high-quality urban development.
For years, the city home to multiple world- and national-level intangible cultural heritages (ICH) has been engaged in holistic protection, systemic inheritance and innovative revitalization of local historical and cultural heritages.
With concrete efforts, Quanzhou managed to preserve the original appearance of historical and cultural relics.
For instance, the renovated Dacheng Hall of Confucius Temple there reserves the original style and the recovered historical and cultural streets well balance the needs of daily life and landscape protection.
Such pragmatic preservation practices together with the establishment of protection centers of various levels help the city craft a “living ancient city” and a basket of model zones for stellar cultural relics protection.
In the ancient-style alleys and streets there, cultural heritage is brought into everyday lives of locals, who are free to immerse themselves in the slow-paced but elegant melody of Quanzhou Nanyin, dramas of lifelike puppets, or the engaging beauty of floral wreaths from Xunpu Village.
When a well-planned public culture regime functions smoothly, exquisite cultural works flourish in Quanzhou where cultural and art teams and talents gather for cultural communication activities and diverse performances.
Currently, rich cultural heritages-driven cultural industry has grown as a competitive engine propelling high-quality development of the city.
In Anxi County, Tieguanyin represents not only a popular tea, but also a burgeoning sector encompassing tea manors, cultural study tours and homestays.
In Yongchun County, potential of traditional incense-making culture was unlocked through incense product R&D, incense therapy-based wellness, creative incense cultural products production, and related sales at home and abroad.
In Dehua County, white porcelains have walked into modern home furnishings market, artistic collections, and creative fashion products sector and became a sensation amid the trending China-chic.
Last year, output value of Anxi’s tea industry, Yongchun’s incense industrial chains and Dehua’s ceramic industrial clusters reached 46.05 billion yuan, 13.5 billion yuan and 76 billion yuan respectively.
In Quanzhou, other ICHs such as stone carvings from Hui’an County are also being explored to contribute to the clustering of local cultural industries with distinctive characteristics.
Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/351667.html
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11, Aug 2026
GI Products Get a Major Market Push as MSME Ministry and DPIIT Join Hands
New Delhi, Aug 11: India’s traditional and region-specific products are set to get a wider market reach as the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) join hands to turn Geographical Indication (GI) products into stronger commercial opportunities for local producers.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 5 at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, creating a joint framework to improve the commercialisation, quality and market access of GI products.
The initiative is aimed at helping artisans, weavers, traditional producers and small businesses take their products beyond local markets and connect with customers and buyers across India and overseas.
A GI tag gives legal recognition to products whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are closely linked to a particular geographical region. But for many producers, recognition is only the first step. Reaching larger markets, building a customer base and securing better commercial opportunities can remain difficult.
The new partnership seeks to bridge that gap by combining GI protection with enterprise development, digital commerce and organised marketing.
Under the agreement, GI producer groups and authorised users will be supported in accessing the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under a dedicated “Bharat GI” banner.
For small producers, this can create new avenues to showcase and sell their products beyond their immediate regions. Greater digital visibility can also help traditional products reach younger consumers, institutional buyers, retailers and potential exporters.
The two organisations will also work to strengthen the link between GI products and the One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem. Dedicated GI pavilions at national and international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meetings will provide additional opportunities for producers to meet large buyers and explore new markets.
The focus will not be limited to marketing. The partnership will also support capacity building, quality standardisation and digital enablement, helping producer collectives become better prepared to compete in organised and premium markets.
For artisans and traditional producers, stronger demand can translate into better income opportunities and more sustainable livelihoods. It can also encourage communities to preserve skills and production traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The initiative brings together DPIIT’s role in GI registration and intellectual property protection with the MSME Ministry’s work in enterprise development, traditional industries and artisan support.
The broader aim is to ensure that India’s regional identity becomes an economic strength for the communities that create these products. By connecting traditional goods with digital platforms, government procurement and global markets, the partnership seeks to give local producers a stronger place in the modern economy.
The initiative also supports the broader goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, while strengthening India’s GI ecosystem and creating a more direct link between the country’s rich cultural heritage and new commercial opportunities.
11, Aug 2026
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Launches ‘The Viral Parivar’, a Digital-First Micro-Drama Series Bringing Financial Preparedness into Everyday Conversations
The humorous digital micro-drama series highlights why financial preparedness is essential in a rapidly changing world
NEW DELHI, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (“Canara HSBC Life Insurance”) has launched The Viral Parivar, a digital micro-drama series that captures the everyday realities of India’s middle-class families as they navigate the opportunities and uncertainties of an increasingly digital-first world. Through relatable humour, family-centric storytelling and socially relevant themes, the campaign explores concerns around social media influence, digital scams, impact of AI on jobs and evolving financial priorities of modern Indian families.
As part of its broader marketing approach, Canara HSBC Life Insurance is leveraging content formats and platforms that resonate with today’s consumers. Recognising the popularity of short-form video content, the brand is using storytelling-led digital content to encourage conversations around financial wellness and preparedness in a way that feels relevant and accessible. Short-form formats such as Reels enable the brand to engage audiences through everyday stories and cultural moments that naturally lend themselves to sharing and discussion.
The Viral Parivar is anchored on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube shorts, which have become important spaces for self-expression, community engagement and cultural conversations. For younger, digitally native audiences, content often resonates most when it reflects their everyday experiences, aspirations and challenges. Through relatable characters, familiar situations and bite-sized narratives, the series seeks to make conversations around financial protection and long-term planning more relevant and relatable.
Through this initiative, Canara HSBC Life Insurance continues to strengthen its commitment to helping customers safeguard their financial future and fulfil the promises they make to their loved ones. The campaign reflects the company’s philosophy of being a ‘Promises Ka Partner‘, empowering families with the confidence that comes from long-term financial protection in an ever-changing world.
The campaign is now live across Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s Instagram, Facebook and YouTube channels.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbvSqIVvWE-/?igsh=MWZleHNrMGkwcTlldA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19KjvHNBN8/
- YouTube: AI vs Human | The Viral Parivar Episode 1 | Canara HSBC Life Insurance
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11, Aug 2026
Madden NYC Launches in India
Steve Madden’s accessible fashion brand launches on 11th August 2026, introducing trend-driven women’s footwear inspired by the energy of New York City.
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Madden NYC, the accessible fashion brand from Steve Madden, will make its India debut on 11th August 2026, launching with a women’s footwear collection available online and at select retailers across the country. Inspired by the energy of New York City, the brand offers fashion-forward footwear for shoppers who embrace personal style on their own terms.
Designed for consumers who express their personal style with confidence, Madden NYC celebrates individuality through fashion-forward, easy-to-wear styles for every mood, moment and occasion.
The debut collection includes everything from everyday sneakers and effortless slides to statement heels and elevated essentials. Featuring metallic finishes, woven textures, denim details, animal prints and playful pops of color, Madden NYC delivers fashion-forward style at an accessible price point of ₹5,000-₹7,000.
“The Indian fashion consumer is increasingly looking for brands that combine global relevance with accessible style. Madden NYC fills an exciting whitespace in the market with its fashion-forward aesthetic, strong value proposition and broad appeal. We are confident the brand will resonate with a new generation of consumers and establish a strong presence across both digital and physical retail in India,” Sumeet Yadav, Head – Reliance Brands Limited.
“India has become one of the most exciting fashion markets in the world, and we’re thrilled to introduce Madden NYC to consumers looking for accessible, trend-driven style,” says Ian Funk, President of International at Steve Madden. “We’re excited to partner with Reliance to bring a brand inspired by the energy of New York City to a new generation of consumers. This launch marks an important milestone in our continued international growth, and we look forward to building the brand together.”
Madden NYC launches digital-first via https://stevemadden.in/sections/madden-nyc, with the collection also available at select retail destinations across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata and other cities. The launch builds on Steve Madden’s growing retail footprint in India with 35 current exclusive stores across 16 cities, bringing the brand’s trend-driven aesthetic to more consumers than ever.
This debut marks the first phase of Madden NYC in India, with new product drops, additional categories and consumer activations to follow later this year.
About Reliance Brands Limited (RBL)
Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. (RRVL), was established in 2007 with a mandate to launch, scale, and nurture global fashion and lifestyle brands in India across the luxury to premium spectrum. Its portfolio today includes some of the world’s most iconic names such as Armani Exchange, Balenciaga, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali, Coach, Diesel, EA7, Elan Cafe, Emporio Armani, Ferragamo, Gas, Giorgio Armani, Hamleys, Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, Iconix, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, La Martina, Lenscrafters, Maje, Max&Co., Michael Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pret A Manger, Sandro, Stella McCartney, Steve Madden, Superdry, Tiffany & Co., Tod’s, Tory Burch, Tumi, Valentino, Versace, Villeroy & Boch, West Elm, Zegna, and more.
RBL currently operates over 1,855 doors across India, including standalone stores and shop-in-shops. In addition to building international brand partnerships, the company has invested in leading Indian designer labels and made key global acquisitions, including Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy retailer, now operating across 12 countries with over 175 stores globally.
About Steve Madden
Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear, accessories and apparel. In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Kurt Geiger London®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Carvela®, Blondo® and ATM®, Steve Madden licenses footwear, handbags and other accessory categories for the Anne Klein® brand. Steve Madden also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers and independent stores. Steve Madden also directly operates brick-and-mortar retail stores and e-commerce websites. In addition, Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products in the apparel, accessory and home categories.
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11, Aug 2026
Piramal Realty Delivers The Royal Polo Pavilion, a 30,000 sq. ft. Polo-Inspired Clubhouse at Piramal Mahalaxmi
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Piramal Realty, the real estate development arm of the Piramal Group, has delivered The Royal Polo Pavilion, a 30,000 sq. ft. resident’s clubhouse at Piramal Mahalaxmi. Designed by globally renowned British design studio Conran and Partners, the three-level clubhouse overlooks the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse and Arabian Sea. The delivery of the Royal Polo Pavilion further reinforces Piramal Realty’s design-led, delivery-focused philosophy, reflected in over 5,800 delivered homes across 24 towers spanning over ~9.3 Mn sq. ft., of Area.
More than a resident’s clubhouse, the Royal Polo Pavilion was envisioned as a place that belongs to Mahalaxmi – a space inspired by the character, history and enduring spirit of one of Mumbai’s most iconic neighborhoods.
The Royal Polo Pavilion draws inspiration from the enduring legacy of polo, a sport deeply rooted in the history of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Over the decades, the sport has become synonymous with the Racecourse’s identity, reflecting a timeless tradition built on grace, discipline, teamwork, precision and sportsmanship. This legacy is the foundation for the clubhouse’s design vision.
Commenting on the delivery, Abhijeet Maheshwari, CEO, Piramal Realty, said:
“For us, design is not just about architecture or interiors; it is about storytelling. For the Royal Polo Pavilion, our inspiration came not from global trends but from the neighbourhood itself. The Racecourse, the heritage of polo, the Gulmohar trees motif representing the tree lined South Mumbai, carefully commissioned artworks with Piramal Art Foundation and thoughtfully crafted interiors all became part of a larger narrative. Every detail was intentionally designed to celebrate the character of Mahalaxmi, creating a clubhouse that feels deeply connected to its setting while offering a contemporary lifestyle for our residents.”
As residents explore the clubhouse, every space tells part of this story. Echoing the spirit of polo, The Chukker, (Gym), takes its name from the sports periods of play in a polo match, while the Colt & Filly club (Kids play area) reflects the curiosity and energy of the young residents. Every space has been thoughtfully named to celebrate the traditions and timeless legacy of polo.
The clubhouse also features a private theatre, resident’s lounge, banquet hall, spa, yoga studio, indoor games room, squash court and multipurpose court, bringing together a range of experiences that enrich everyday living.
The interior design draws from the elegance and heritage of polo, translating its spirit through a carefully curated palette of materials and finishes. Warm timber, natural stone, handcrafted textiles and subtle equestrian references come together to create interiors that feel both timeless and deeply connected to their surroundings. Thoughtfully curated artworks, developed in collaboration with the Piramal Art Foundation, complete the overall design narrative. Together, these elements create interiors inspired by the rich traditions of polo.
With the delivery of the Royal Polo Pavilion, Piramal Realty continues to bring its design-led, delivery-focused philosophy to life, creating thoughtfully designed destinations where architecture, community and curated experiences come together to enrich everyday living.
About Piramal Realty
Founded in 2012, Piramal Realty, the real estate development arm of Piramal Group is one of India’s leading developers with ~12 Mn sq. ft. of residential real estate under development in and around Mumbai. Piramal Realty aims to set a gold standard in design, quality, safety, and customer centricity in both residential and commercial real estate. Piramal Realty’s innovative developments not only capture a cutting-edge and contemporary ethos but also aim to adopt a more intuitive interpretation of luxury. This distinctive approach celebrates the harmonious integration of nature, greenery, spaciousness, natural light, ventilation and the inherent connection with biophilia encapsulating the essence of community living.
Official Website: https://www.piramalrealty.com/
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