Author: Neel Achary

India a Strategic Market, Says Samsung’s JB Park, as New Foldables Delight Customers

Bengaluru, India – August 5, 2025: Samsung’s seventh generation foldable smartphones – Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 FE – have seen unprecedented demand in India and are stocked out in select markets, the company said. Samsung had received over 2.1 lakh pre-orders for Galaxy Z Fold7, ZFlip7 and Z Flip7 FE in the first 48 hours since their launch on July 9, 2025.

In the backdrop of the stellar sales, Samsung Southwest Asia President and CEO JB Park said India is a key strategic market with immense potential and a key pillar in Samsung’s global future.

“Samsung remains optimistic about India’s growth trajectory, driven by government initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and a robust digital ecosystem. Samsung continues to invest in innovation, manufacturing, and local value addition, aligning with India’s vision of a self-reliant economy,” Park said.

The new foldable smartphones – Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy ZFlip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – are being manufactured at Samsung’s Noida factory. Indian engineers working at Samsung’s R&D facility in Bengaluru have played an important role in the development of the new foldables, the company said.

“Samsung’s long-term commitment to India remains unwavering, as we see the country as a cornerstone of our global strategy. With 2 manufacturing plants, 3 R&D centers, and one design center, Samsung India plays a crucial role in catering to both local demand and global markets,” Park added.

On Samsung’s evolution journey with foldables, Park said the concept is to make devices smaller.

“When we had a 5-inch smartphone, we thought it was the biggest and most immersive. Now, the screen size has gone to 6.9-inch and it’s becoming bigger and bigger. Some smartphones don’t go into your pocket and they are hard to hold. So, we started thinking about how we can make it into a small form factor. That’s when we flipped it or folded it. I think it’s a trend that other brands are following,” Park said.

Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 come with larger displays and are the best mobile devices for experiencing artificial intelligence features, Park said.

All-New Suzuki Avenis – A Bold, Sporty Scooter Now Comes in New Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black Colour

Gurugram, 5 August 2025: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, today announced the launch of a vibrant new dual-tone colour to its sporty 125cc scooter – Suzuki Avenis. Built for the Next Generation of Riders, the new Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black colour elevates the visual appeal of the scooter, making it even more dynamic and eye-catching.

The newly introduced Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black colour joins the existing Avenis colour palette which includes Glossy Sparkle Black / Pearl Glacier White, Glossy Sparkle Black / Pearl Mira Red, and Glossy Sparkle Black.

Commenting on this latest offering, Mr. Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we focus on offering products that reflect the evolving preferences of riders. The new colour on the Avenis adds a bold twist to its sporty personality and gives our young customers another exciting way to express their style on the streets. With this addition, we continue to enhance the appeal of Avenis while keeping the excitement alive.”

 The Suzuki Avenis is powered by a 124.3cc, all aluminium, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that is BS6 OBD-2B compliant, delivering 8.7 PS @ 6,750 rpm and 10 Nm @ 5,500 rpm, with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It comes equipped with a sporty design featuring body mount bright LED headlamps and sporty LED tail lamps, edgy graphics, split grab rails, and a digital instrument console. The scooter also offers everyday convenience through a front box with USB socket, external hinge-type fuel cap, long and comfortable and sporty step seat, and 21.8L large under-seat storage. Further, the Avenis features a telescopic front suspension, Combined Brake System, large 12-inch front tyre, and a side stand interlock system.

With Standard Edition priced at INR 91,400/- (ex-showroom Delhi) and the Ride Connect Edition at INR 93,200/- (ex-showroom Delhi), the Suzuki Avenis in its dual-tone avatar is now available across Suzuki’s authorized two-wheeler dealerships in India.

To further enhance the buying experience, customers can ride home the Suzuki Avenis in their favourite colour with loan options of up to 100%^* and no hypothecation^*, making ownership more accessible and hassle-free. As part of the Suzuki Riding Fest, customers are also invited to visit their nearest Suzuki dealership, take a test ride and stand a chance to win attractive gifts on the purchase of a new Suzuki two-wheeler^**

Paytm Makes Raksha Bandhan Gifting Seamless with 6 Meaningful Options

This Raksha Bandhan, move beyond traditional gifting. Celebrate the bond of trust and love by choosing gifts that offer lasting value. With Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, empower sisters with meaningful options such as financial security, memorable experiences and long-term value to make this occasion truly impactful.

Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate Rakhi with Paytm:

UPI transfer with a personal message

Gifting holds its value, irrespective of distance. With Paytm UPI, transfer money instantly in a secure and reliable manner. Add a personalised message to create a more meaningful and timely gifting experience.

Paytm Gift Cards: Freedom to choose

When it comes to gifting, flexibility matters. Paytm Gift Cards empower recipients to choose from a wide network of top brands, fashion retailers, food outlets, and entertainment platforms. A seamless solution that caters to diverse preferences, all in one convenient offering.

Buy Digital Gold

Celebrate Rakhi with a gift that blends emotional warmth and long-term value, Digital Gold on the Paytm app. Starting from just ₹51, investments can be made daily, weekly, or monthly, offering flexibility and ease. This option enables secure purchase, storage, and sale of 24K gold anytime. Whether celebrating together or from afar, it’s a timeless gesture that reflects the enduring strength of sibling bonds.

Book travel tickets or gift a Travel Pass

Treat a sister with the break she deserves by booking her flight, train, or bus tickets seamlessly through the Paytm app. For added flexibility, choose the Paytm Travel Pass, a digital travel voucher that allows her to decide when and where to travel. The Paytm Travel Pass offers discounts of up to ₹1000 on domestic flight bookings and remains valid for one year. It also eliminates convenience fees, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective travel experience. A smart, meaningful gift that blends flexibility, savings, and convenience — perfect for making her next trip truly special.

Gift a Staycation or Vacation

Elevate the gifting experience for sisters by booking a relaxing hotel stay through the Paytm app. Whether it’s a solo retreat, a weekend getaway with friends, or a family holiday, a hotel booking offers a thoughtful and memorable alternative to traditional gifts.

 Protect Her Health with Insurance

Safeguard her well-being with Paytm’s comprehensive health insurance plans. Starting at just ₹499 per month, these plans offer valuable benefits including maternity cover, annual health checkups, doctor-on-call services, and more. A practical, forward-looking gift that prioritises her health and peace of mind.

Pay Bills or Recharge for Her

Make her day easier with simple, thoughtful actions. Use the Paytm app to recharge her mobile plan, pay utility bills, or renew her OTT subscriptions. These everyday gestures reflect care and consideration, turning convenience into a meaningful gift.

Enter the World of Gloss with Kérastase’s Gloss Absolu

Mumbai, India , 5th August 2025: Kérastase, India’s leading luxury haircare brand, proudly announces the arrival of the much-awaited Gloss Absolu at an exclusive event in Mumbai, : attended by beauty insiders and hair enthusiasts. Specially formulated with powerful ingredients like Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Wild Rose Oil, Gloss Absolu harnesses the power of cutting-edge science with a Hydra-Glazing technology to tame frizz, and deliver long-lasting smoothness and glossy hair.

The new Gloss Absolu range transforms dull, lacklustre locks into hair that is luminously healthy without weighing hair down. Embrace the beauty of radiant hair with Gloss Absolu!

“At Kérastase, we’ve been at the forefront of building luxury haircare in India for 20 years now and we’re humbled by our growing consumer demand in both salons and through our online channels. In a market like India where frizz is one of the top consumer concerns for hair, there couldn’t be a better time for us to launch Gloss Absolu.” shares Anjali Pai, General Manager at Kérastase India. “We’re excited to present our most innovative and versatile range yet, thoughtfully crafted for the modern woman.”

The Gloss Absolu Experience

At the Mumbai launch event, the brand welcomes guests to the “Live Your Life In Gloss” experience – a vibrant, multi-sensory world designed to showcase the transformative power of Gloss Absolu and its hero product – Glaze Drops.

The Event Featured:

• An exclusive interaction with Celebrity Hair Expert, Yianni Tsapatori
• A Glossy Hair Bar where Kérastase experts demonstrated the product and style guests’ hair
• A personalization charm station
• An immersive product experience zone

“I’m always looking for products that deliver high-performance results without compromising on the feel — and the new Kérastase Gloss Absolu range does exactly that,” said Yianni Tsapatori, Celebrity Hair Expert. “It gives my clients four days of frizz-free, glossy, bouncy hair that looks as good on day four as it does on day one. The texture is so lightweight, the hydration is instant, and the scent… absolutely divine. Whether I’m prepping hair for a red carpet or a campaign shoot, this range has become a must-have in my kit.”

Key Features of the Gloss Absolu Range:

•  4 Days Anti-Frizz*
•  2x Glossier Hair**
• Ultimate Glaze & Smoothness Without Hair Weighing Down.
•  Mesmerizing Scent

*Instrumental Test after application of Bain+ Fondant + Oil
**Instrumental Test Non-Conditioning Shampoo + Oil vs. Soiled Greasy Hair

Gloss Absolu: Enrched with The Power Trio

• HYALURONIC ACID : A skincare staple that’s naturally found in the body, Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and binds over 1000 times its own weight in water, helping to plump and hydrate.
• GLYCOLIC ACID :A naturally occurring fruit acid with excellent exfoliating properties, Glycolic Acid is able to penetrate deep into the cuticle for a powerful, clarifying effect.
• WILD ROSE IN OIL : Sensorial, feminine and the dreamy scent of love, Wild Rose in Oil
  Gloss Absolu is now available at Kérastase salons across India and online at www.kerastase.in.

Jewellery Gifting for Sister This Raksha Bandhan: Celebrate with Mirari

5th August 2025: Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the deep and special bond between brothers and sisters, a relationship built on love, care, laughter, and countless shared memories. It’s a day to pause, tie a thread of protection, and show how much you mean to each other.

This Rakhi, say it with something truly meaningful. Mirari, a luxury fine jewellery brand by designer Mira Gulati, brings you a beautiful selection of pieces that are perfect to gift your sister or to surprise your brother with something thoughtful.

From the elegant Radiant Fusion Bracelet and Fifth Avenue Sphire Malachite Bracelet to the graceful Arch of Light Earrings and Twin Spire Lapis Necklace, each piece tells a story of love and connection. The Empire Glace Bands are timeless and versatile, perfect to wear every day as a reminder of the bond you share.

Let your Raksha Bandhan gift be more than just a present, let it be a symbol of all the moments you’ve grown through together and the lifelong bond you celebrate.

Chalet Hotels Limited Reports Q1 FY26 Results

Mumbai, 5th August 2025: Chalet Hotels Limited announces its results for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026 ending June 30, 2025.

Key Highlights for Q1FY26:

The core business i.e. excluding residential

o    Revenue stood at INR 4.7 bn, 27% higher than Q1 FY25

o    EBITDA stood at INR 2.1 bn, 37% higher than Q1 FY25

o    EBITDA margins expanded by 3.3 % to 44.4%.

• 7% YoY room inventory growth led by the successful project expansions.
• 95 flats handed over to flat owners at the residential project at Koramangala Bengaluru.
• Certified as a Great Place To Work® in India, 6^th time in a row.

Consolidated Performance for Q1 FY26

INR Million

*Not annualized. Basic EPS

**Following the withdrawal of indexation benefits under the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024, the Holding Company reversed deferred tax assets of ₹2,021.72 million in Q2 FY25, with a one-time impact on profit and loss.

Segmental Performance for Q1 FY26

  INR Million

Development Pipeline Updates:

• Marriott Whitefield, Bengaluru: Commissioned 121 additional rooms in May this year.
• The Dukes Retreat, Khandala: Completed renovation and additions of 44 keys and a banquet during the quarter which were operationalized on 4^th July 2025 taking the inventory to 117 keys. Final phase of 30 rooms on track for completion, taking total inventory to 147 rooms.
• The Taj at Delhi Airport: Construction progressing steadily; on track for completion in H1 FY27.
• Varca Beachfront Resort, Goa: Development progressing as scheduled, with delivery expected in FY28.
• Cignus II, Powai: Second commercial tower at The Westin Powai Lake advancing on schedule; slated for completion in FY27.

Speaking on the financial results, Dr. Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited, “Despite the geopolitical headwinds across India and West Asia, we’ve once again delivered a strong quarterly performance — a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to disciplined execution, guest-centricity, and long-term value creation. I’m immensely proud of how Chalet Hotels continues to demonstrate both resilience and purpose in an ever-evolving environment.

Over the past two years, we’ve also been thoughtfully preparing for the future of leadership at Chalet. In alignment with a well-crafted succession plan developed in collaboration with the Board, I had communicated my intent not to seek an extension of my current term, which concludes on January 31, 2026. It gives me great pleasure to share that Mr. Shwetank Singh will take over as Managing Director & CEO effective February 1, 2026.

This transition is the outcome of a meticulous and collaborative process aimed at preserving our strategic direction while infusing fresh perspective and energy. I look forward to working closely with Shwetank over the coming months to ensure a seamless handover and continued momentum for the organisation and its people.”

VST Tillers Tractors Limited Unveils Innovative FENTM Tractor Series: Power Meets Frugal Innovation

Bengaluru, India, 5 August 2025: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, a pioneer in compact agricultural machinery in India, proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated FENTM Tractor Series, a revolutionary range of fuel-efficient, high-torque compact tractors designed for the evolving needs of modern farmers.

FENTM, which stands for Fuel Efficient and Torque Max, represents a bold leap forward in compact farming. Merging advanced engineering with VST’s renowned FRUGAL Innovation principles, the series delivers unmatched performance, agility, and durability, all within a compact footprint.

The company announced that the FENTM series will feature 5 fuel efficient powerful tractor models including 180 FENTM, 224 FENTM, 225 FENTM, 270 FENTM &929 FENTM. Ranging from 18.5 to 29 HP with 2 Wheel Drive and 4 Wheel drive options, the new models deliver unparalleled productivity, comfort, and long-term value.

Positioned as compact farming solutions built for productivity, comfort, and long-term value, the FENTM series engineered for versatility across terrains and tasks, each model provides the right balance of power, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency for small to mid-sized farms.

Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd said, “the launch of the FENTM Tractor series marks a significant stride in our mission to deliver compact yet powerful solutions tailored for today’s progressive farmers. Built on our FRUGAL engineering philosophy, the FENTM range offers maximum torque with minimum fuel consumption, all while ensuring comfort, durability, and performance in every field condition. This series is a true testament to VST’s commitment to smart innovation and farmer-first design”.

“As India strides toward a future of smart and sustainable agriculture, the tractor industry stands at the forefront of this evolution. With the fusion of technology, precision, and farmer-centric innovation, we are not just building machines, we are shaping the future of farming for generations to come. The FENTM series tractors built with the strength of innovation and the spirit of Bharat, will be a partner in progress for Indian farming community, We’re proud to launch a product that empowers our farmers and drives India’s agricultural future forward.” he added

Core Features Powering the FENTM Advantage include:

· Torque Max: Superior pulling power at lower RPM

· CC Max: High-capacity engine for improved load handling

· Speed Max: Rapid field coverage for greater productivity

· Turn Max: Shortest turning radius in its class for precision in tight spaces.

· Compact Max: Smart design with minimal wheelbase, best combination of weight and power.

· Flow Max: Enhanced cooling for optimized temperature and fuel economy.

· Comfort Max: Ergonomic seating and controls for fatigue-free operation.

· Performance Max: Consistent output across varied farming applications.

With the launch of the FENTM Tractor series, VST Tillers Tractors reaffirms its commitment to empowering farmers through innovation, efficiency, and farmer-centric design. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to drive the future of sustainable and smart farming.

About VST Tillers Tractors Ltd.

Established in 1967 by the VST Group of companies, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd has been at the forefront of driving farm mechanization and empowering Indian farmers for over 56 years. With a strong focus on research and development, the company offers a wide range of products including power tillers, compact tractors, engines, transmissions, power reapers, and precision components. VST Tractors are not only dominant in the Indian market but also exported to European, Asian, and African markets, meeting the latest EU standards.

With a commitment to continuous innovation and growth—driven by strategic initiatives, new business prospects, global ventures, and brand initiatives, the VST team aspires to achieve 2X growth in its Tractor Business Segment.

TreeHouse Hotels Unveils LinkD, a Boutique Brand for Independent Hoteliers

04 August 2025: TreeHouse Hotels is pleased to announce the launch of TreeHouse- LinkD, a new boutique collection brand designed to provide hotel owners with a flexible, future-ready platform based on cooperation, innovation, and long-term success while connecting independent, design-forward hotels with discerning modern travellers.

TreeHouse-LinkD, a special offering in TreeHouse Hotels’ expanding portfolio, is designed for independent hoteliers who want to maintain the distinctive character of their establishment while obtaining the legitimacy, operational assistance, and market access of a reputable hospitality brand. Offering a smooth fusion of uniqueness and brand-backed confidence, the brand will select a number of independently spirited hotels in urban and leisure destinations across India and South Asia.

Owner empowerment and flexibility are the cornerstones of TreeHouse-LinkD Hotel Collection with minimal investment and where Owners get to keep their own brand identity too. It enables properties to maintain their distinct charm while taking advantage of TreeHouse’s Hotels & Resorts reliable operational framework and devoted clientele. Partner hotels will benefit from increased market visibility, data-driven pricing strategies, and higher occupancy rates thanks to access to a strong technology stack, centralized revenue management systems, and a wide distribution network.

“We are excited to launch TreeHouse-LinkD – a brand built for the future of boutique hospitality in India. As we engage with potential partners across the country, we see a strong desire for brand-backed independence with Owners wanting to keep their own brand identity too – and TreeHouse-LinkD is our answer to that,”— Jayant Singh, Managing Partner, TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts

Unlike traditional models, TreeHouse-LinkD places more emphasis on strategic cooperation than control, in contrast to conventional models. While receiving carefully chosen assistance in areas like marketing, training, and business development, owners retain control over their operations, design, and visitor experience. In order to ensure mutual growth and a shared commitment to success, the brand’s variable fee structure is specifically tailored to reflect the operational realities of independent hotels and supports hotel owners during down-turns creating a win-win model.