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.
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- By Neel Achary
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.
22, Jan 2026
VIT Bhopal Records Strong Placement Momentum for the 2026 Batch
Bhopal, Jan 22: Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Bhopal, a premier multidisciplinary institute in Madhya Pradesh, has recorded a remarkable placement season so far for the 2026 graduating batch, with outcomes at the halfway point reflecting sustained recruiter confidence and steady hiring momentum across sectors. With highest Cost to Company (CTC) package so far at ₹70 lakh per annum, the institute renews confidence among the young graduates, who are set to lead across domains.
The placement season officially started from July 2025 and will go on till May 2026. Out of 2,023 students who registered for placements, 874 students have received job offers so far, with results of many rounds yet to be announced. With nearly half the placement cycle still ahead, these numbers point to a robust trajectory for the remainder of the season.
The institute, standing at the foundational threshold of empowering the young generations with innovation and tech-enabled future-ready learning, has seen demands for diverse talents soaring high this season. With average CTC approximately at ₹5.2 lakh per annum, demand has increased across technology, core engineering, analytics, consulting, and allied domains.
Over 400 recruiters, including more than 20 first-timers, have participated so far in the recruitment process at VIT Bhopal. Top recruiters this season so far include Amazon, HP, CISCO, Deloitte, UBS, PWC, EY, Honeywell, Mindtree, Intel, MediaTek, Philips, Nokia, Volvo, Labcrop. This continued expansion of the recruiter base underscores the university’s growing industry engagement and the relevance of its academic and skill-focused training frameworks.
Commenting on the placement progress, a university spokesperson said, “The midway placement outcomes for the 2026 batch reaffirm the confidence that industry continues to place in our students. The diversity of recruiters and the quality of roles on offer reflect the emphasis we place on industry-aligned curriculum, experiential learning, and holistic student development. With a substantial part of the season still ahead, we remain optimistic about achieving even stronger outcomes.”
With the second half of the placement season underway, VIT Bhopal University expects further growth in the number of offers, recruiter participation, and overall placement performance. The core of VIT Bhopal’s placement outreach remains at enabling a strong youth leader ecosystem that can lead India across critical and evolving domains.
21, Jan 2026
The New Language of Menswear: When Patchwork Becomes Precision
Jaipur, Jan 21: Menswear is undergoing a quiet yet meaningful transformation. Moving beyond rigid norms of uniformity and restraint, today’s modern man is embracing clothing that reflects individuality, craftsmanship, and intent. At the centre of this evolution is a refined reinterpretation of patchwork — not as ornamentation, but as precision-driven design.
Leading this shift is Pleyne, a contemporary menswear brand known for its thoughtful approach to fabric, structure, and modern aesthetics. Rejecting loud or unstructured applications, Pleyne treats patchwork as a deliberate design language, where every panel, stitch, and contrast is carefully placed to enhance the garment’s form and function.
“Patchwork has often been misunderstood as something excessive or chaotic,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Pleyne. “For us, patchwork is about control and intent. It’s about knowing exactly where to add an element so it elevates the garment rather than overpowering it.”
Patchwork With Purpose
Traditionally associated with eclectic or vintage styles, patchwork has been redefined in modern menswear through restraint and balance. At Pleyne, contrast panels, refined stitching, and clean placement across collars, cuffs, plackets, and pockets create garments that are expressive yet composed. The result is subtle visual depth that reveals itself on closer inspection rather than demanding attention.
This philosophy mirrors a broader shift in menswear, where craftsmanship and thoughtful detailing are increasingly valued over surface-level trends. Men today seek garments that feel considered, versatile, and enduring.
“Modern menswear is becoming more intentional,” adds Chirag. “Patchwork allows us to introduce character while maintaining clarity and sophistication in design.”
Where Craft Meets Contemporary Design
Pleyne’s latest collection showcases this refined approach through premium fabrics such as textured corduroy, complemented by modern thread work and clean silhouettes. By blending heritage techniques with contemporary sensibilities, the brand delivers pieces that transition seamlessly from casual settings to elevated occasions.
Versatility remains central to the design process. Precision-led patchwork ensures that each garment remains timeless, resisting the fleeting nature of trend-driven fashion while offering individuality through detail.
Redefining Modern Masculinity
The rise of controlled patchwork also reflects a cultural shift in how masculinity is expressed through fashion. Texture, colour, and experimentation are no longer seen as departures from masculinity, but as extensions of confidence and self-awareness.
“Menswear today is less about following rules and more about understanding personal style,” says Chirag. “Our designs are meant to support that confidence. When done right, patchwork becomes a quiet expression of individuality.”
Designed for Longevity
In an era dominated by fast fashion, Pleyne remains committed to longevity. Each piece is designed to age gracefully, both in construction and style. Precision patchwork plays a key role in this philosophy, offering enduring visual interest that remains relevant season after season.
By redefining patchwork as a controlled, intentional craft, Pleyne contributes to a new chapter in menswear — one where detail matters, craftsmanship is visible, and clothing feels personal rather than performative.
