6, Aug 2026
Digital Savings Gets a Boost as PhonePe Launches FD Booking Facility
New Delhi, Aug 6: Digital payments platform PhonePe has expanded its financial services portfolio by launching fixed deposit (FD) distribution on its app, allowing users to compare and book deposits from partner banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) through a fully digital process.
The new feature enables customers to explore multiple fixed deposit options, compare interest rates and investment periods, and complete the booking process without paperwork. The move aims to make traditional savings products more accessible and convenient for digital users.
Along with fixed deposits, PhonePe has introduced a Daily Recurring Deposit (RD) facility in partnership with Shivalik Small Finance Bank, allowing users to build savings through daily investments starting from ₹100.
The Daily RD product is designed to encourage small and regular savings by allowing users to automate daily contributions through UPI Autopay. Customers can invest between ₹100 and ₹1,000 per day based on their financial goals.
PhonePe said users will have flexibility with the Daily RD option, including the ability to withdraw funds after seven days and manage their UPI mandate according to their requirements. A grace period for missed investments has also been introduced to provide additional convenience.
Under the FD facility, customers can manage deposits from multiple partner institutions through a single platform. Deposits placed with eligible partner banks will receive insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) framework, subject to applicable guidelines.
Users can access the FD and Daily RD services through the “Mutual Funds & Deposit” section on the PhonePe application. The process includes selecting a financial institution, choosing the deposit amount and tenure, completing digital verification and making payments through online payment options.
The launch reflects the growing shift towards digital financial services in India, where consumers are increasingly adopting online platforms for savings, investments and personal finance management.
With the introduction of digital fixed deposits and small-ticket savings solutions, PhonePe aims to strengthen its role in expanding access to financial products and encouraging a culture of convenient digital savings.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
6, Aug 2026
Skorecard Marketing Unveils Strategic Communications and Growth Advisory Services in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Aug 6: As Hyderabad strengthens its position as one of India’s business destinations, Skorecard Marketing has officially launched with a mission to help organisations navigate growth through strategic communications, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement and market intelligence through an integrated approach that brings together diverse strategic capabilities to address evolving business needs.
The city’s transformation has been fuelled by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres , alongside sustained growth in real estate, life sciences and allied industries. Together, these sectors have attracted global investments, generated employment and strengthened Hyderabad’s reputation as a centre for innovation and enterprise.
As businesses scale, they face challenges that extend beyond operations. Building credibility, communicating innovation, strengthening stakeholder relationships and establishing a distinct market position have become essential for long-term growth. Skorecard Marketing has been established to address these evolving needs by providing integrated communications and strategic advisory services to organisations operating in high-growth sectors.
Skorecard Marketing offers expertise in strategic communications, corporate reputation management, thought leadership, market positioning and growth advisory, helping businesses engage the audiences that matter most, including customers, investors, policymakers, partners and employees.
“Hyderabad’s economic growth is being shaped by a diverse set of industries that are transforming the city into a global business hub. As organisations grow, they need more than operational excellence – they need a clear market position, a strong reputation and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Our role is to help businesses communicate their vision with clarity and build lasting influence in their respective sectors,” said Anurag Kumar, Managing Partner, Skorecard Marketing.
Speaking on the launch, Murli Muktapuram, Managing Partner, Skorecard Marketing, said,
“Today’s businesses require far more than visibility; they need trust, credibility and a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders. At Skorecard Marketing, we combine market intelligence with strategic communications to help organisations strengthen their reputation, establish thought leadership and create long-term business value. Our focus is to become a trusted growth partner for companies contributing to Hyderabad’s evolving economy.”
Ms. Mukta Kumar, Managing Partner, Skorecard Marketing, added
“Today’s business leaders recognise that reputation is built through consistent, strategic communication. Hyderabad’s dynamic business landscape demands partners who understand both industry nuances and the evolving expectations of stakeholders. Skorecard brings together deep communications expertise with market insight to help organisations build influence, navigate change, and create lasting brand value”.
With Hyderabad continuing to attract investment across technology, life sciences, real estate and other emerging industries, Skorecard Marketing partners with organisations seeking to strengthen their market presence, build stakeholder confidence and support sustainable business growth.
6, Aug 2026
LTM Collaborates with Chainguard to Strengthen Software Supply Chain Security through BlueVerse RightLogic
Mumbai, Aug 06: LTM, the Business Creativity partner to the world’s largest enterprises, today announced a strategic collaboration with Chainguard, the trusted source for open source, to strengthen software supply chain security through BlueVerse™ RightLogic, LTM‘s cybersecurity assessment and risk assurance framework. The collaboration enables organizations to strengthen security while maintaining the speed and agility required for AI-enabled software development.
With BlueVerse RightLogic, LTM combines AI-powered cyber risk assessment with a growing ecosystem of technology partners to help enterprises identify, assess, and remediate cyber exposure while accelerating AI adoption. Chainguard strengthens the BlueVerse™ RightLogic ecosystem by helping enterprises secure open-source components from the outset, complementing LTM‘s cybersecurity services to close the gap between AI-speed discovery and enterprise-speed remediation.
As AI adoption accelerates, complex software supply chains and growing reliance on open-source components have made software supply chain security a strategic priority. With vulnerabilities now discovered and exploited at machine speed, organizations need trusted ways to manage open-source risk without slowing innovation.
Together, LTM and Chainguard will help enterprises:
- Strengthen software supply chain security across modern application environments.
- Improve visibility into open-source software risk
- Enhance cyber resilience by addressing software supply chain exposure
- Build secure foundations for AI and digital transformation initiatives.
“Organizations today are looking beyond vulnerability management to building trusted software supply chains. Through our collaboration with Chainguard, we’re helping clients secure open-source software, reduce software supply chain risk and build resilient foundations for AI-driven innovation,” said Krishnan Iyer, Chief Growth Officer, LTM.
“Enterprises everywhere are accelerating how fast they build and ship software with AI, but few are slowing down to inspect the open-source powering it. The only real fix is making sure the components going into that software are trustworthy from the start. Through Chainguard’s partnership with LTM, we’re helping organizations move at AI speed with confidence in their entire software supply chain,” said Dan Lorenc, CEO and Co-founder, Chainguard.
The collaboration with Chainguard represents an important milestone in the continued expansion of the BlueVerse™ RightLogic ecosystem. By bringing together leading cybersecurity technology partners with LTM‘s consulting, implementation and managed security services, BlueVerse™ RightLogic enables enterprises to take a holistic approach to identifying, prioritizing and addressing cyber risks across AI, applications, infrastructure, identities and software supply chains.
Click here to learn more to know more about LTM x Chainguard partnership.
6, Aug 2026
ServHub Unveils Proven Hub Logistics to Power Last-Mile Delivery Across the UAE
New division to create up to 2,000 structured jobs by 2028, bringing riders into proper employment and clear career paths
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aug 06 — ServHub, a leading facilities management service provider in the GCC, today announced the launch of its new business division, Proven Hub Logistics, a worker-centric last-mile delivery business that extends the company’s core operational strengths into the heart of the region’s fast-growing quick-commerce and e-commerce sector.
Proven Hub Logistics is built on the same accommodation network, recruitment pipelines, and worker management infrastructure as Servhub. The initial focus will be on quick-commerce and e-commerce last-mile delivery and will span everyday essentials, consumer electronics, groceries, and general retail across platforms including the likes of Amazon, Noon, Keeta, and more. It will launch in Dubai, and expand progressively across the other emirates and, ultimately, the wider GCC. The new division has already secured its first commercial partnership with a leading UAE delivery platform and expects to create approximately 750 structured, contract-based jobs by the first quarter of 2027, rising to 2,000 by the mid of 2028.
The Middle East’s e-commerce market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.56% from 2026 to 2034 and be worth USD 13,319 billion by 2034 from USD 2,794 billion in 2026. The United Arab Emirates courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market size is estimated to reach USD 2.06 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.90% from 2026 to 2031. These growth projections are propelled by rising e-commerce penetration, a young and digitally native population, and high smartphone adoption in the region. As demand for faster, more reliable deliveries continues to rise, success in this sector will increasingly depend on operational resilience, workforce stability, and strict regulatory compliance.
Commenting on the launch, Saboor Ahmad, CEO of ServHub said: “The UAE’s delivery economy is growing faster than almost anywhere in the world, and that growth depends entirely on the people who carry every order to the customer’s door. This expansion marks a strategic evolution for ServHub, from a workforce accommodation provider to a vertically integrated workforce solutions company. By owning the employment and deployment of the riders we house, we aim to establish a deeper, more durable value proposition for our residents and a new engine of growth for the business. It also positions us as a critical infrastructure partner for the UAE’s fast-growing logistics sector, with a model built to scale across the GCC.”
Proven Hub Logistics fields a structured, company-employed rider fleet supported by dedicated team leaders, senior team leaders, camp wardens, and rider trainers. Every rider is housed, trained, visa-sponsored, and health-insured before their first delivery, an investment that translates directly into lower absenteeism, higher productivity, and more reliable service for platform partners. Customers will continue to order through the apps they already use, while Proven Hub Logistics focuses on the operational layer rather than serving as a consumer-facing platform. Its technology investments are centred on rider management, fleet performance, and delivery quality, the operational capabilities that ensure orders are delivered on time and in excellent condition.
Additionally, the business model is founded on a commitment to full UAE Labour Law adherence, with employment contracts, proper wage structures, mandatory insurance, and documented frameworks embedded as core business principles and not an afterthought. And while Dubai marks the starting point, the operational model has been deliberately designed to replicate across the GCC.
6, Aug 2026
Researchers demonstrate first fully solution-processed solid-state polariton laser
University of Turku, Finland | Aug 06: Researchers have demonstrated a solid-state organic laser microcavity fabricated entirely by solution processing. The device operates in the strong light–matter coupling regime, where light and matter form hybrid states called polaritons. This makes the platform not only a new type of solution-processed laser but also a powerful way to study nonlinear polariton interactions.
Solid-state lasers are used in many modern technologies, from telecommunications and sensing to medical diagnostics and data storage. However, their fabrication often requires complex and energy-intensive manufacturing methods. This new work shows that organic laser devices can be made in a much simpler way, by coating each layer from a liquid solution rather than depositing it in vacuum.
“Our main result is that we can make a complete solid-state laser microcavity using only solution processing. This is important because it shows that simple and scalable fabrication can still produce the high optical quality needed for advanced laser physics,” says Associate Professor Konstantinos Daskalakis from the University of Turku in Finland.
In the new device, both the mirrors that trap light and the organic light-emitting layer were fabricated by spin coating. The high quality of the microcavity allowed the researchers to reach the strong light–matter interaction regime, where light and molecules mix together and form hybrid states called polaritons.
These polaritons allow the device to operate as a polariton laser. In simple terms, this means that the laser-like emission is produced through the collective behaviour of light and matter together, rather than by light alone.
“The exciting part is that we are not only making a simple solution-processed structure but also a working solid-state polariton laser. This gives researchers a much more accessible way to study these devices,” says Postdoctoral Researcher Hassan Ali Qureshi.
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Turku also revealed an unusual behaviour when the laser was driven strongly. Instead of emitting only from the centre of the excited area, the light redistributed outward and formed a ring-like pattern. This effect was reversible and could be controlled by changing the optical design of the cavity.
“For us, this was very interesting because we could see the effect of polariton interactions as a visible, macroscopic change in the emitted light. By tuning the cavity, we can control how strongly this redistribution appears. This gives us a practical knob for studying nonlinear polariton behaviour,” says Senior Researcher Henri Lyyra.
The researchers believe that the new platform can make organic laser and polariton research more accessible. In the longer term, it may support the development of low-cost photonic devices and help progress toward future organic lasers that are electrically driven.
The study was carried out at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Turku in Finland, with collaboration from the University of Eastern Finland.
The results have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
|
|
6, Aug 2026
Bajaj Electricals Foundation’s ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project Wins CSR Times Award
India, Aug 6: Bajaj Electricals Foundation, the CSR arm of Bajaj Electricals Limited, has been recognised with the Silver Award in the Clean Energy category at the CSR Times Awards 2026 for its flagship ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project. The award was presented at the 13th National CSR & ESG Summit, held on 4 August 2026 in New Delhi by the Managing Director of CSR Times, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Juan Rolando Angulo Monsalve, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to India & Air Marshal Shri VPS Rana, PVSM, VSM, Jury Member, CSR Times. The recognition celebrates the Foundation’s efforts to restore nature through sustainable cooking practices by improving rural health, reducing indoor air pollution, lowering dependence on firewood, empowering women and contributing to climate action.
Over the years, Bajaj Electricals Foundation has distributed 14,000 improved cookstoves across Karauli and Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan and Jawhar and Vikramgad in Maharashtra, positively impacting over 70,000 lives. By replacing traditional biomass cookstoves with cleaner, fuel-efficient alternatives, the initiative has helped create healthier kitchens, reduce firewood consumption, improve household well-being and save valuable time for women, while contributing to forest conservation. The project’s impact has also been independently validated through a third-party assessment of 8,000 cookstoves distributed in Rajasthan, which estimated a carbon mitigation potential of approximately 222,711 tCO₂e over five years, reinforcing the initiative’s contribution to environmental sustainability.
Commenting on the recognition, Pooja Bajaj, Executive Director – CSR & ESG, Whole-time Director, Bajaj Electricals Limited, said,
“This recognition is a proud milestone for Bajaj Electricals Foundation and reinforces our belief that sustainability creates the greatest impact when it addresses everyday challenges while protecting the environment. The Improved Cookstove Project is a simple yet powerful example of how thoughtful interventions can transform lives—creating healthier homes, empowering women, reducing pressure on forest resources and contributing to climate action. As we have strengthened our focus on environmental sustainability over the past two years, we have remained committed to investing in initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. We are encouraged by the independently validated impact of this project and will continue to build scalable solutions that create long-term value for communities and the planet. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our CSR team, led by Shreya Sudhir, along with our NGO and implementation partners. Their passion, commitment and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life and creating meaningful, measurable impact on the ground.”
Guided by a focused approach to environmental sustainability, Bajaj Electricals Foundation continues to invest in high-impact interventions that create measurable and lasting change. The Improved Cookstove Project reflects this commitment by combining community development with nature restoration through sustainable cooking practices. The initiative contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty , Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality , Affordable and Clean Energy , Decent Work and Economic Growth , Climate Action and Life on Land , reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.
6, Aug 2026
Novotel Bhubaneswar Janpath Appoints Neelabh Sahay as General Manager
Aug 6: A seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of experience across luxury hotels and internationally renowned brands, Neelabh brings a proven track record in hotel operations, commercial strategy, pre-opening excellence, and people leadership. An alumnus of The Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development, he began his career with The Oberoi Hotels, where he developed a strong foundation in luxury hospitality and culinary excellence. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions with The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, Trident Nariman Point, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, and most recently served as Director of Operations at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.
Neelabh’s career is distinguished by a remarkable progression from culinary leadership to executive hotel management. Recognised as one of the youngest Executive Chefs at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to build high-performing teams, drive operational excellence, elevate guest satisfaction, and deliver strong commercial results. His achievements include leading award-winning culinary initiatives, successfully managing large-scale hospitality operations, and receiving the BW Hotelier Executive Chef of the Year – Eastern Region for his outstanding contribution to the industry.
As General Manager, Neelabh will oversee the pre-opening strategy and overall operations of Novotel Bhubaneswar Janpath. His mandate includes establishing robust operational systems, cultivating a culture of excellence, driving commercial performance, and delivering the contemporary, guest-centric experiences synonymous with the Novotel brand.
Commenting on his appointment, Neelabh Sahay, General Manager, Novotel Bhubaneswar Janpath, said:
“It is an honour to lead Novotel Bhubaneswar Janpath as we prepare to introduce the hotel to the city. My vision is to establish the property as Bhubaneswar’s preferred destination for business, MICE and leisure travellers by delivering thoughtful hospitality, exceptional service, and meaningful guest experiences. Equally important is creating an environment where our teams feel inspired, empowered, and equipped to excel, because outstanding hospitality begins with engaged people. I look forward to working closely with our teams, partners, hotel ownership, and Accor to create lasting value while contributing to the continued growth of Bhubaneswar’s evolving hospitality landscape.”
Drawing on the service philosophies of globally respected hospitality brands including The Oberoi, Trident and Accor, Neelabh’s leadership style is defined by operational rigour, strategic thinking, innovation, and a people-first approach. He is passionate about nurturing talent, fostering a culture of excellence, and delivering sustainable business growth. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring emerging technologies shaping the future of hospitality.
Under Neelabh’s leadership, Novotel Bhubaneswar Janpath is poised to make a strong market debut, bringing the brand’s signature blend of contemporary comfort, intuitive service, and world-class hospitality to Bhubaneswar while setting new benchmarks for business, MICE, and leisure travel in the region.
6, Aug 2026
Global independent tyre network sets its sights on LATAM region
Aug 06 – Following this year’s World Endurance Championship round in São Paulo, Point S International, official sponsor of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies confirmed that the race weekend has reinforced its strategic ambitions to accelerate its expansion across Latin America (LATAM).
Point S International currently maintains a global footprint spanning 54 countries, representing more than 3,150 independent tyre businesses and in excess of 7,000 points of sale. Building on its established presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, the network has stated its ambition to achieve significant long-term growth throughout LATAM.
Point S International CEO, Fabien Bouquet, explained: “When we look at the positive future trajectory of our network, the LATAM region represents an exceptionally strong strategic opportunity.
“Brazil in particular is one of the world’s largest automotive markets, and we recognise both the opportunity and the importance of working alongside experienced local partners to establish a network that supports independent tyre dealers, garages, and motorists for years to come.”
Point S first entered the Brazilian market in 2022. What began with flagship sites in São Paulo, Recife, and Vitória has since evolved into a growing national network, and Bouquet believes the market is now ready for a major expansion of the brand.
“The LATAM market offers enormous, untapped potential for the independent sector. With a car parc of well over 100 million vehicles across the region and a growing appetite among motorists for professional, multi-brand service, the conditions are right for a network like ours to make a real difference. Our success across Europe, North America, and Asia has shown what independent businesses can achieve when they combine local expertise with global scale, and we see no reason why that story cannot be repeated across Latin America.”
The WEC race at the Interlagos Circuit served as a powerful commercial platform to drive regional momentum. Beyond the trackside action, the event brought together prospective partners from across LATAM to experience Point S first-hand. Delegation members visited local points of sale, met with international suppliers, and engaged directly with the Brazilian Master Franchisee to exchange operational best practices.
Point S International’s expansion strategy in the region will mirror the proven business model that has driven its global growth: partnering with established local operators who retain their commercial independence while gaining access to global supplier agreements, private label products, training programmes, and international marketing support.
With the Team Peugeot TotalEnergies partnership continuing to showcase the Point S brand to millions of motorsport fans across the region this season, the network’s message to Latin America’s independent tyre dealers is clear: the world’s largest independent network is open for business in LATAM, and there has never been a better time to join.
Supporters of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies do not have to wait very long before their next taste of the action. The Lone Star Le Mans is scheduled to take place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September, with Point S’s partner taking to the track at Circuit of The Americas in the hope of securing a podium.
6, Aug 2026
Zain Omantel International wins Sustainable Stand Construction Award at Oman Sustainability Week 2026.
6, Aug 2026
NIVEA India launches its next-generation Serum-Infused Gel Moisturiser
Mumbai, Aug 6: NIVEA, India’s most trusted skincare brand, expands its skincare innovation portfolio with the launch of the all-new NIVEA Soft Gel, a next-generation hybrid moisturiser designed to deliver intense hydration with a lightweight sensorial experience. Bridging the gap between skincare efficacy and everyday comfort, this breakthrough formula combines the freshness of a gel with the potency of a serum offering a new standard in hydration-led skincare.
This product features an advanced serum-infused gel technology, a key differentiator that elevates it beyond conventional moisturisers. The ultra-light, fast-absorbing formula penetrates up to 10 layers deep into the skin, delivering up to 100 hours of hydration while maintaining a non-sticky, breathable finish. Designed for modern skincare users seeking high performance without heaviness, the formula leaves skin feeling instantly refreshed and visibly healthier.
Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, the formulation works synergistically to boost hydration and improve overall skin quality. Hyaluronic Acid helps replenish and lock in moisture, enhancing skin’s hydration levels and leaving it feeling soft, supple and revitalised. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, helping improve texture and resilience for healthier-looking skin over time.
Together, these powerful actives deliver visibly plump and bouncy-looking skin, making the NIVEA Soft Serum Infused Gel an ideal choice for consumers looking for lightweight yet effective hydration solutions. Its airy texture glides effortlessly onto the skin, absorbing quickly to provide long-lasting hydration making it perfect for everyday use across seasons.
Commenting on the launch, Geetika Mehta, Managing Director, NIVEA India, said:
“At NIVEA, innovation is driven by reimagining our most iconic products to meet evolving skincare needs. The NIVEA Soft journey – from the OG moisturiser known for hydration, to NIVEA Soft UV offering the dual benefit of hydration and sun protection, and now to NIVEA Soft Gel reflects this commitment. With this launch, we introduce a next-generation, serum-infused gel format that brings together advanced skincare science and a sensorially elevated experience, setting a new benchmark for lightweight hydration.”
With this launch, NIVEA continues to strengthen its position in the hydration skincare segment by offering innovative formats that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The NIVEA Soft Gel is designed to simplify skincare routines while delivering powerful hydration and skin-enhancing benefits in one effortless step.
The product is now available across retail outlets and e-commerce platforms across India.
