22, Jan 2026
Vergo Makes National Debut on Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz, Flags the Productivity Cost of Poor Seating in India
New Delhi, Jan 22: Ergonomic furniture startup Vergo made its national television debut on Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz, the reality show featuring India’s most disruptive startups, by drawing attention to one of the most overlooked workplace health challenges—prolonged sitting and poor seating ergonomics.
During the episode, Vergo highlighted the hidden costs associated with traditional office seating. Studies cited revealed that over 56% of Indian office workers sit for more than eight hours daily, while musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impact nearly 72% of IT professionals, leading to absenteeism rates almost three times higher than in ergonomically optimised workplaces. Research further indicates that Indian businesses lose over ₹8,500 crore annually due to productivity losses linked to poor seating, while poor sleep alone costs organisations ₹2.1 lakh per employee per year. For every 100 employees using suboptimal seating, losses can reach ₹28 lakh annually due to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare expenses.
The founder explained that most conventional chairs are designed around static postures, restricting natural spinal movement and causing back, neck, and shoulder discomfort within minutes. According to studies, 68% of office workers report lower back pain, 52% experience neck pain, and 45% suffer shoulder pain—largely attributed to rigid backrests and fixed lumbar support that prevent essential micro-movements.
Vergo’s approach centres on adaptive seating that responds to individual body movement rather than forcing the user to adapt to the chair. Active seating solutions that support dynamic posture have been shown to improve body engagement and reduce attention-task errors by 20%. However, 77% of Indian offices continue to rely on static seating. The brand showcased three key solutions: adjustable ergonomic chairs, active stools that encourage movement, and dynamic chairs using springs or elastomers to absorb and return force—making extended sitting healthier and more productive.
Harsh Wadhwani, Founder, Vergo, said,
“People tend to normalise discomfort because the damage occurs gradually. Once individuals experience seating that supports natural movement, their expectations shift permanently. Our mission is to make ergonomics preventive rather than reactive. Chairs are not merely furniture—they are tools for health, productivity, and long-term well-being.”
The episode also addressed the broader challenge of ergonomic adoption in India. Despite 68% of employees reporting musculoskeletal pain and more than half sitting over eight hours daily, workplace seating remains underinvested due to cost sensitivity and limited awareness. Research shows that organisations save ₹289 in healthcare costs and ₹241 in absenteeism for every rupee invested in workplace wellness, demonstrating a strong return on investment.
Vergo challenged the misconception that ergonomics is a luxury, illustrating how poor seating contributes to stress, fatigue, and reduced efficiency. The founder explained how design innovations—such as a 120-degree anterior hip tilt, split-seat pans, elastomer lumbar ribs, and dynamic armrests and footrests—can reduce gluteal pressure by up to 30%, support natural spinal alignment, and promote healthy micro-movements.
Vergo’s appearance on IdeaBaaz resonate strongly with viewers, reflecting a growing shift among younger professionals who increasingly view ergonomic seating as a long-term investment in health, comfort, and productivity.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Jan 2026
MentorCloud Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Amritkaal Mentors Movement inspired by Viksit Bharat
Gurugram, India, Jan 22: MentorCloud, the world’s leading Human+AI mentoring and coaching platform, today celebrated the first anniversary of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement, a nationwide initiative aimed at democratizing access to career and life mentorship for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India.
Conceptualised by Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder & CEO, MentorCloud, the movement draws inspiration from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Amritkaal Mentors was formally launched on 12 January 2025, marking Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary, celebrated nationally as National Youth Day—a fitting tribute to youth empowerment and nation-building.
Over the past year, seasoned mentors from India and the United States, spanning disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, AI, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, Manufacturing, Public Policy, Finance, and Human Resources, have delivered impactful sessions to thousands of students from 1,340 degree and engineering colleges across the country. More than 85% of participating students rated the sessions as extremely relevant and valuable, with 1,482 students receiving certificates of attendance, strengthening their employability and interview readiness.
“Equipping students with the right vocabulary and confidence to articulate their skills during job interviews is one of the core objectives of this movement,” said Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement and Founder & CEO of MentorCloud.
Distinguished Speakers and Topics
The first year of Amritkaal Mentors featured an impressive lineup of thought leaders and practitioners, including Sadhguru (Founder, Isha Foundation); Dr. Velumani Arokiaswamy (Founder, Thyrocare); Navi Radjou (Author and Frugal Innovation Expert); MR Rangaswami (Founder, Indiaspora); Ramesh Vaswani (Serial Entrepreneur, IIT Madras); Sanjeev Sharan (CHRO – Director HR, ZTE); Geetha Murthy (Ex-HR Head, Collins Aerospace); Geetha Kannan (Ex-HR Head, Infosys), among several others from industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem.
These mentors delivered engaging, hour-long sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Career Mapping, Interview Skills, Personal Finance, Mental Health, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Skills for Employability, India as Vishwa Guru, and crafting a 100-year life journey.
“Amritkaal Mentors showcases the true democratization of mentoring and knowledge-sharing by ensuring every aspiring Indian youth has access to the wisdom of global experts,” Dr. Gundlapalli added. “By breaking jargon and sharing real-life experiences, the movement is helping ignite the potential of our youth to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by or before 2047.”
Sharing their experience, Sanjeev Sharan, CHRO – Director HR, ZTE, said,
“Amritkaal Mentors is a powerful initiative democratizing knowledge by connecting learners with experienced mentors. I was honoured to be part of the movement as a launching mentor.”
Geetha Murthy, former HR Head at Collins Aerospace, added,
“I am honoured to contribute to the Amritkaal Mentors talk series by addressing mental health and hustle culture, in support of India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”
Voices from the Student Community
Students across institutions highlighted the practical impact of the sessions. One participant shared,
“The session offered valuable perspectives on robotics, automation, and future career opportunities. It was both insightful and inspiring. I am grateful to the Amritkaal Mentors initiative for creating such meaningful learning experiences.”
Tilak M. K., a student from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, added,
“It was an insightful webinar on wealth creation, long-term value thinking, and aligning skills with market needs. I’m grateful to Amritkaal Mentors and MentorCloud for enabling such impactful learning.”
Looking Ahead
As the movement enters its second year, MentorCloud, along with key partners Pod.ai, Become.Team, and Verbinden.ai, plans to significantly scale the initiative. The goal is to onboard 100+ experienced mentors from leading organizations and academic institutions and reach over 10,000 students across Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities and towns.
MentorCloud extends its sincere gratitude to all mentors, students, and partners who contributed to making the first year of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement a resounding success.
22, Jan 2026
Lifelong and FindYourFit bring back Wellness Carnival to Delhi, Championing holistic health with Milind Soman
New Delhi, Jan 22: Lifelong, one of India’s leading consumer lifestyle and fitness brands, has partnered with FindYourFit to bring back the seventh edition of The Wellness Carnival, a one-day celebration of holistic health and well-being, scheduled for January 31, 2026, at Sunder Nursery, Delhi, headlined by fitness icon Milind Soman. The collaboration reflects Lifelong’s continued focus on promoting active, balanced and wellness-led lifestyles across India.
Curated as an immersive wellness experience, The Wellness Carnival will bring together fitness, mental well-being and community engagement through a diverse lineup of activities. As part of the Carnival, Milind Soman will lead a 5 km community run, followed by an interactive session on how running and movement can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life, reinforcing the belief that fitness should be accessible, inclusive and sustainable. The event is expected to witness participation from over 2000 wellness enthusiasts, fitness professionals and families from across the city.
Himanshu Mehta, Head of D2C Marketing, Lifelong Online, said,
“The Wellness Carnival reflects what Lifelong stands for, making fitness and well-being simple, inclusive and sustainable. We’re proud to support a platform that inspires healthier choices through movement, mindfulness and community.”
Shivalika Bhasin, Brand Partnerships Manager at Lifelong Online and spokesperson for FindYourFit, said,
“At Lifelong, we’ve always believed that wellness is not a destination, it’s a way of life shaped by everyday choices. The Lifelong Wellness Carnival beautifully brings together movement, mindfulness and community in a format that feels inclusive and accessible and easy for everyone. Through our association, we want to support people and initiatives that inspire healthier choices, mindful living and make well-being a shared, joyful experience.”
Arushi Lohani, Co- Founder at FindYourFit added,
“With each edition, The Wellness Carnival continues to evolve as a space where people can explore wellness beyond workouts. Our collaboration with Lifelong and the presence of voices like Milind Soman help us make holistic well-being more approachable and relevant for today’s urban communities.”
Milind Soman added,
“Fitness doesn’t need to be complicated or extreme. It’s about consistency, enjoying movement and finding what works for you. Platforms like The Wellness Carnival, supported by Lifelong, help make wellness more approachable and inclusive for everyone.”
The Wellness Carnival will feature a wide range of experiences including yoga, Pilates, box flow, strength training workshops, animal flow, breathwork and journaling sessions, alongside wellness workshops, fireside chats and a curated Wellness Bazaar. Designed for participants across age groups and fitness levels, the Carnival aims to redefine how wellness is experienced in a social and engaging setting.
Through this association, Lifelong continues to extend its commitment beyond products by supporting platforms that inspire healthier choices, mindful living and community-led wellness experiences.
22, Jan 2026
Knauf India CEO Calls for Budget 2026 Push on Sustainable, Low-Carbon Construction
By: Mr. Sumit Bidani, CEO, Knauf, India
“While the continued focus on infrastructure is welcome, the Union Budget 2026 must now look beyond ‘what’ we build to ‘how’ we build. To meet India’s urban housing and commercial demands, we need to transition from labor-heavy, resource-intensive traditional methods to modern, dry-construction technologies. We expect the government to incentivize circularity in construction – specifically rewarding the use of recyclable materials like gypsum that minimize waste and reduce the ’embodied carbon’ of our cities. By providing fiscal support for energy-efficient building systems and prioritizing ‘Value over Lowest Cost’ in public procurement, the Budget can accelerate India’s path to a Net-Zero built environment while ensuring faster, world-class project delivery.”
22, Jan 2026
Fibe Extends Consumer Credit to E-commerce, Partners with Flipkart
Pune, Jan 22: Fibe, has forayed into the consumer lending space for e-commerce through a strategic partnership with Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace. Through this integration, Fibe’s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution is now live on Flipkart, enabling its customers to access a convenient checkout finance option.
As India’s digital commerce ecosystem continues to evolve, affordability remains a key driver of online purchase behaviour. Through this partnership, Fibe is extending its credit solutions to e-commerce to solve this. The integration of BNPL directly at checkout is designed to provide digitally savvy shoppers with financial flexibility. With Flipkart’s scale and deep reach across customer segments, the partnership brings Fibe’s credit solutions to a wider base of online shoppers.
Whether it is upgrading gadgets, buying gifts for loved ones, or finally making a long-awaited big-ticket purchase, Fibe’s credit offering ensures a smooth shopping experience. It enables users to convert their purchases into simple repayment plans
“This partnership allows us to integrate our consumer financing offering into an e-commerce checkout experience. Working with Flipkart aligns with our focus on building technology-led credit solutions for everyday use cases,” said Akshay Mehrotra, MD & Group CEO, Fibe.
Commenting on the partnership, Nishant Kurup, Vice President, Fintech, Flipkart Group, said,
“Flipkart is committed to expanding access to convenient and affordable purchase options for customers across India. Our partnership with Fibe enhances the financing choices available at checkout, supporting shoppers, including mobile-first and value-conscious customers, in planning their purchases with confidence. By integrating flexible credit solutions into the payment journey, we continue to simplify online shopping.”
Fibe has been offering BNPL solutions across essential use cases such as healthcare and education/upskilling and is now extending this capability to the e-commerce space as part of its broader consumer financing offerings.
This collaboration will allow eligible users to avail credit approval during checkout, with minimal documentation and no hidden charges. Eligible consumers will be able to convert cart value of up to ₹1 lac into EMIs and repay over tenures ranging from 3 to 12 months. The credit journey is 100% digital offering eligible users a seamless checkout experience.
With this integration, Fibe continues to deepen its distribution across digital channels.
22, Jan 2026
Soft Power Dressing: Why Modern Men Are Choosing Pastels Over Power Blacks
Jaipur: For decades, black has been the undisputed symbol of power in menswear. Sharp, commanding, and authoritative, it dominated wardrobes built around formality and control. Today, however, modern masculinity is being redefined. In its place, a quieter form of confidence is emerging. One that favours subtlety over severity and expression over rigidity. This evolution has given rise to soft power dressing, where pastels are becoming the new markers of strength.
At the centre of this shift is a growing understanding that confidence no longer needs to be loud. Modern men are gravitating towards colours that communicate ease, clarity, and self-assurance. Pastels, once considered delicate or unconventional in menswear, are now being embraced as symbols of assured style.
“Power today is not about intimidation. It is about presence,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Pleyne.
“When a man is comfortable in softer colours, it shows confidence without effort.”
The Psychology of Pastels
Colour plays a powerful role in how clothing is perceived. While darker tones project authority, softer shades communicate approachability and emotional intelligence. Pastels offer balance. They retain sophistication while allowing room for individuality.
This shift reflects broader cultural changes. As workplaces become more flexible and lifestyles more fluid, menswear is adapting to reflect personal identity rather than hierarchy. Pastels fit naturally into this narrative. They feel modern, thoughtful, and relevant across settings.
Pleyne embraces this change by incorporating refined pastel tones into its contemporary menswear range. Designed with clean structure and thoughtful detailing, the garments allow colour to enhance the silhouette rather than dominate it.
Redefining Masculinity Through Colour
Soft power dressing challenges long-held assumptions about masculinity. Strength is no longer measured by how imposing a look appears, but by how comfortably it reflects the wearer.
“Menswear is becoming more human,” Chirag explains.
“Men are no longer dressing to fit a mould. They are dressed to express who they are.”
By pairing pastel palettes with structured tailoring and textured fabrics such as corduroy, Pleyne ensures that softness never compromises strength. The result is clothing that feels balanced and intentional, appealing to men who value clarity in design.
Where Subtlety Meets Craft
Pleyne’s current collection reflects this philosophy across a premium menswear range. The focus remains on wearable luxury, where fabric choice, contrast detailing, and refined stitching elevate everyday dressing.
Rather than relying on bold graphics or heavy branding, the designs allow colour and texture to speak. Pastels are used with restraint, creating garments that feel composed and versatile. They transition seamlessly from casual environments to more elevated settings.
This approach reinforces the idea that modern power dressing does not rely on extremes. It exists in nuance and precision.
The Future of Power Dressing
As menswear continues to evolve, the dominance of black is giving way to a broader colour conversation. Pastels are no longer a seasonal experiment. They are becoming a permanent part of the modern wardrobe.
Soft power dressing represents a mindset shift. One where confidence is internal, style is intentional, and clothing becomes an extension of personality rather than performance.
“At Pleyne, we believe that real power is quiet,” Chirag concludes.
“It is reflected in choices that feel natural, considered, and true to the individual.”
In embracing pastels, modern men are not abandoning strength. They are redefining it. And in doing so, they are shaping a new, more nuanced language of menswear.
22, Jan 2026
ZEISS India CFO Calls for Duty Rationalisation to Boost High-Value Manufacturing
By:- Dhaval Radia, Chief Financial Officer, ZEISS India
As we look ahead to the upcoming Union Budget, there is strong expectation around further rationalisation of customs duties, particularly for the core growth sectors such as healthcare and high-end and precision manufacturing. Addressing inverted duty structures and ensuring a more predictable import framework and simplified governance framework will be critical for improving cost competitiveness and long-term investment planning and predictability.
Equally important is continued progress on ease of doing business through fewer licenses, permits, and discretionary approvals for non-sensitive, technology-intensive imports. For advanced manufacturing, speed, certainty, and regulatory simplicity matter as much as incentives. A Budget that enables seamless access to global components, faster clearances, and stable policy signals will go a long way in strengthening India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for high-value, technology-led manufacturing.
Clear policy support for Global Capability Centres focused on high – value work such as Engineering, Digital Computing, Deep Tech, AI, Finance Transformation, and R&D – including rationalised transfer pricing rates and governance, simplified compliance, radically improving physical infrastructure specifically in GCC hotspots, and targeted incentives. Progress on the proposed India – EU free trade agreement, particularly with Germany, would be a strong enabler for technology-led manufacturing, smoother trade flows, and deeper industrial collaboration.
22, Jan 2026
Equity Infusion of Rs.5000 crore in SIDBI by Government of India
Today, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has accorded approval for an equity infusion of INR 5,000 crore in three tranches (`3,000 crore in FY2026, `1,000 crore each in FY27 and FY28), aimed at significantly enhancing the flow of affordable and timely credit to India’s vast Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
In the recent years, SIDBI has expanded its operations rapidly and its balance sheet as on September 30, 2025 crossed `5.8 lakh crore. SIDBI has opened 65 branches in the last two FYs and its present branch network is 161 branches covering 195 identified major MSME clusters by MoMSME, GoI.
The equity infusion is expected to significantly scale up SIDBI’s ability to serve MSMEs across the country by further reaching out to all major MSME clusters. The equity support will be leveraged by the Bank to scale its business further through expansion of its branch network, introduction of more innovative digital products for working capital, invoice discounting, specialized products for defence sector, machinery loans, etc., SIDBI shall also scale up its efforts in ecosystem development. Further, theme-based refinance support, co-lending with NBFCs and RRBs, equity support at incubation and Pre-IPO stage as well as anchor investments will also be scaled up.
Shri Manoj Mittal, CMD, SIDBI stated that
“I would like to sincerely thank the Government of India for reposing its trust in SIDBI. I am confident that SIDBI shall play a significant role in empowering the MSME sector as truly identified as a growth engine of the nation to achieve the goals under Viksit Bharat, 2047”.
The Bank would also enhance formalization process of Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) and support ecosystem development through energy efficient and cluster interventions in the form of financing as well as outreach programs with industry associations.
22, Jan 2026
PNB Housing Finance’s Q3FY26 results reporting an increase in Net profit by 7.7Percent YoY to INR 520 crore.
New Delhi, Jan 22: PNB Housing Finance Limited today announced its Consolidated Unaudited Financial Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, following approval by its Board of Directors.
Key Highlights – Q3 FY26
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Retail Loan Asset grew 16% YoY to 81,931 crore, accounting for 99.7% of the total loan asset.
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Affordable and Emerging Markets (AEM) segment grew 31% YoY, contributing 39% to the retail loan book.
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Total disbursements increased 16% YoY and 4% QoQ to 6,217 crore.
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AEM segment disbursements stood at 2,935 crore, contributing nearly 50% of total retail disbursements.
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Gross NPA improved to 1.04% as of December 31, 2025, from 1.19% a year ago.
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Return on Assets (ROA) stood at 2.40% (annualised) for Q3 FY26.
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Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) remained strong at 29.46%, with Tier I at 28.92%.
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Recoveries from the written-off pool amounted to 49 crore during the quarter.
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The Company has provided for an estimated impact of 6 crore under the new labour code within employee benefit expenses.
Financial Performance – Q3 FY26
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Net Profit rose 7.7% YoY to 520 crore.
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Pre-Provision Operating Profit (PPOP) increased 8.4% YoY to 628 crore; excluding the labour code impact, PPOP grew 9.4% YoY to 634 crore.
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Net Interest Income (NII) grew 10.9% YoY to 772 crore.
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Net Interest Margin (NIM) stood at 3.63%.
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Credit cost remained negative at (-19 bps), supported by recoveries.
Performance – 9M FY26
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Net Profit increased 18.0% YoY to 1,635 crore.
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NII rose 13.9% YoY to 2,296 crore.
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ROA improved to 2.57% (annualised); ROE stood at 12.31%.
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Credit cost remained benign at (-33 bps).
Business Growth
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Loan Asset grew 14.3% YoY to 82,203 crore.
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Retail loans expanded 15.9% YoY, led by:
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Affordable loans: up 86.0% YoY to 7,140 crore
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Emerging Markets: up 20.3% YoY to 24,998 crore
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Prime segment: up 8.1% YoY to 49,793 crore
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Corporate loan book reduced sharply to 272 crore, down 78.1% YoY.
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Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at 86,048 crore, up 12.0% YoY.
Distribution Network
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358 branches across India:
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198 Affordable Housing branches
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85 Emerging Markets branches
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75 Prime segment branches
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Asset Quality
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Net NPA at 0.68% as of December 31, 2025.
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Corporate GNPA remains NIL since June 30, 2024.
Management Commentary
Commenting on the performance, Mr. Ajai Shukla, Managing Director & CEO, said:
“Our focus remains firmly on strengthening the retail franchise with a sharper emphasis on the Affordable and Emerging Markets segment. We continue to improve asset quality while sustaining profitability through responsible lending practices. Customer experience remains central to our strategy, supported by technology-led solutions that enhance transparency and turnaround times.
Through operational excellence and digital enablement, we are building a more agile, resilient, and future-ready organization. PNB Housing Finance remains committed to enabling homeownership across India and delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”
22, Jan 2026
Nirala World to Develop 2 Lakh Sq. Ft. of Office Space in Sector 154, Noida Expressway
The total development cost of Nirala 154 is estimated at 80 crore, reflecting the group’s commitment to creating a state-of-the-art office destination. Scheduled for completion on January 2028 Nirala 154 is poised to become a landmark address offering modern workplaces designed for efficiency, sustainability
Suresh Garg, CMD of Nirala World, said, ‘This will be our second commercial project in the Noida–Greater Noida region, marking another milestone in our expansion strategy. The project is being developed on a pure leasing model, which ensures long-term value creation for both the company and our stakeholders. Once operational, it is expected to generate a lease rental value of approximately ₹ 1.5 to 2 crore monthly, reaffirming our confidence in the region’s real estate growth potential. With this initiative, Nirala World aims to offer world-class commercial spaces designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Nirala World features two residential projects: Nirala Estate, a fully delivered development with 4,050 units across 25 acres in Greater Noida West, The project has 2-4 BHK apartments and amenities like a 40,000 sq. ft. clubhouse. Nirala Trio, Sector-2, Greater Noida west under construction on 3.4 acres land with 378 units of 3 BHK and 3 BHK + Servent room homes. Trio will be completed till this year end. The group’s commercial project, Nirala Gateway, offers retail, offices, and studios on 2.5 acres. The group also plans to launch another commercial project Nirala Diadem in sector 10 Greater Noida West.
Nirala World also holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications, recognising its quality management, environmental sustainability, and occupational health & safety standards.
