13, Aug 2025
Instamart Expands Home and Lifestyle with ‘Home Stop’ by Shoppers Stop in Key Metros
August 13, 2025: Strengthening its growing household and lifestyle portfolio, Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, has partnered with Home Stop by Shoppers Stop, offering premium crockery, serveware, home décor, and furnishings. With this collaboration, Instamart becomes the first quick commerce platform to offer over 100 curated Home Stop products for discerning online shoppers. The platform will enable 10-minute delivery of a wide range of products across stores in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon.
The launch features a curated range of products spanning linen and furnishings, home décor, dinnerware, serveware, and kitchen storage. Offerings include artisanal candle holders, modern serveware, Buddha figurines, jharokha t-light holders, and other items designed to enhance everyday living.
Sharing insights on quick commerce’s expanding role beyond groceries and essentials, Manender Kaushik, AVP & Category Head – Instamart, shared, “Since the launch of the Home & Lifestyle category on Instamart, we’ve witnessed robust growth in the segment. This signals that quick commerce has evolved from a simple grocery delivery service into a more sophisticated marketplace encompassing larger and diverse categories. Traditionally, home and furnishings were planned purchases; however, today, the needs of Indian online shoppers are rapidly evolving. By closely understanding consumer preferences, we have prioritized expanding our assortment of lifestyle products. Our partnership with Home Stop marks a significant step towards making curated home décor and furnishings accessible to shoppers within minutes.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Kavindra Mishra, MD & CEO, Shoppers Stop, said: “Home Stop offers a curated selection of contemporary, classic, and innovative home solutions that blend quality, style, and value. It’s a one-stop destination for everything from bed and bath to living, dining, and kitchen, thoughtfully curated to help our customers build homes that truly reflect their personality. This partnership with Instamart marks a significant step in making the Home Stop experience instantly accessible through the power of quick commerce, allowing us to meet our customers at their doorstep, quickly and effortlessly. Together, we’re reimagining how modern India discovers and shops for premium home living.”
Instamart’s entry into the home and lifestyle segment started with essentials such as pillows, blankets, and décor accents, which quickly gained popularity. In 2023, items like blankets ranked among the most searched on the platform. Since then, the lifestyle range has expanded considerably, now offering thousands of curated products across home décor, furnishings, serveware, and storage.
Instamart is now live across 127+ cities, offering lightning-fast 10-minute delivery and an expanded assortment through new megapods that stock up to 50,000 SKUs. The platform also recently introduced Maxxsaver, a feature designed to unlock maximum savings and support more planned, affordable purchases for users across India.
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- By Neel Achary
13, Aug 2025
Saint-Gobain Begins Construction of New Float Glass and Insulation Lines in Chennai
Saint-Gobain today announced the commencement of construction of its 7th float glass line and 5th mineral wool insulation line in Oragadam,Chennai. This expansion marks a significant milestone, reinforcing the Group’s strategic commitment to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and grow in the Indian market.
The new float glass facility will have a production capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day, significantly boosting Saint-Gobain’s ability to meet the growing demand for high value-added glass in the construction market. Aligned with Saint-Gobain’s global sustainability goals, the new float line is designed to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact, while integrating advanced digital capabilities for operational excellence and superior product quality.
Following the acquisition of Rockwool India (Rockinsul) and UP Twiga (Twigainsul), Saint-Gobain has rapidly expanded its insulation business in India. The 5th mineral wool insulation plant will be its largest investment in Asia-Pacific, with a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes. This near net-zero carbon facility will serve the growing insulation needs in building construction across India and feature the latest digital and engineering innovations to deliver superior insulation solutions for the growing Indian market.
Speaking on the occasion, Sreedhar N., Senior Vice-President and CEO – Asia Pacific and India, said, “Saint-Gobain is uniquely positioned to serve the Indian construction market with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that are both light and sustainable. Our commitment to local manufacturing, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated R&D centre, empowers us to adapt our solutions to the evolving needs of our customers. The two new investments, leveraging advanced engineering and industry 4.0 technologies, will further enhance our ability to deliver high-performance and differentiated solutions to our customers, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to innovation and excellence.”
The Oragadam site is poised to become Saint-Gobain’s largest multi-business manufacturing hub that will house facilities for float glass, mineral wool insulation, gypsum plasterboards, plasters and acoustic ceilings.
13, Aug 2025
Rashi Peripherals Expands Enterprise Portfolio with Advanced Solutions
August 13, 2025, Mumbai: Rashi Peripherals Limited , among the leading national distribution partners for global technology brands in India, has announced authorization to distribute the complete range of Dell Technologies’ solutions across metro and non-metro markets in India.
Under this new relationship, RP Tech will offer a portfolio of Dell Technology solutions including client, server, storage and networking. This collaboration is aligned with RP Tech’s vision to address the dynamic technology needs and AI demands of enterprises across segments such as enterprise, data center, government, and small and medium businesses (SMBs).
Through its robust nationwide partner network, RP Tech will streamline access to Dell Technologies’ commercial solutions and drive deeper market penetration across India. With its team of Business Development Managers (BDMs) and presales professionals, the company is focused on expanding outreach through targeted engagement with end customers and new channel partners.
Rajesh Goenka, CEO, Rashi Peripherals Limited, said, “Our collaboration with Dell Technologies is a strategic milestone in RP Tech’s continued journey of growth and diversification. Over the years, we have consistently expanded our portfolio to align with evolving enterprise needs, and this relationship strengthens our ability to deliver end-to-end commercial solutions across sectors. With our pan-India presence, deep channel engagement, and expanding customer base, we are confident in our ability to drive meaningful growth for Dell’s commercial business in India while reinforcing our position as a leading ICT distribution player.”
The addition of Dell Technologies’ solutions complements RP Tech’s existing offerings and supports its long-term roadmap of building a comprehensive technology distribution platform for Indian enterprises. RP Tech will also invest in regional enablement programs, partner training, and market development initiatives to ensure seamless access and service support.
13, Aug 2025
AU Small Finance Bank strengthens Business Banking footprint in Delhi-NCR with new branches in Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, and Gurgaon
New Delhi, August 13, 2025: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank, has transformed branches in key strategic locations into dedicated Business Banking Branches, including three in the Delhi-NCR region Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, and Sohna Road (Gurgaon). This initiative reflects the Bank’s deepened focus on SMEs and service-led enterprises, helping meet their evolving financial needs through personalized and digital-first services.
Each of these locations is a recognized commercial hotspot – Karol Bagh for its textile and retail trade, Chandni Chowk for its heritage markets, and Sohna Road in Gurgaon for its growing base of startups and SMEs making them ideal for AU SFB’s relationship-centric business banking model.
The Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk and Sohna Road branches were inaugurated by Mr. Rao Narbir Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Cooperation, Haryana; Mr. Kunal Kohli, President, BJP (Cultural Cell); Mr. Dharam Pal Arora, President, Karol Bagh Wholesale Shoes Market Association; Mr. Rajesh Arora, President, Delhi Scooter Market Association; Mr. Brijesh Goyal, Chairman, Chamber of Trade & Industry, Delhi; Mr. Mukesh Sachdeva, Chairman, Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association, along with senior officials from AU SFB.
These branches are designed to be a one-stop shop for comprehensive business banking services, enabling efficient and speedy financial management, including loans, credit lines, business accounts, trade services, payments and collections services, investment advice, payroll and vendor management services. The Bank’s dedicated relationship managers will provide personalized support to every customer, fostering business growth and development.
Key offerings at AU SFB’s Business Banking branches include:
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- Current Accounts
- Payments and Collections Solutions
- Trade & Forex Solutions
- Business Lending & Working Capital Finance
- Digital Banking
- Supply Chain & Vendor Financing
- Relationship Management & Advisory Services
Mr. Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director & Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “With the launch of our Business Banking Branches in Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, and Sohna Road, we’re strengthening our commitment to Delhi-NCR’s thriving SME ecosystem. These key commercial hubs deserve tailored financial solutions backed by deep relationships and digital efficiency and that’s exactly what AU stands for. Our goal is to empower every business with the tools and support they need to grow confidently.”
With over 2,505 banking touchpoints across India, AU SFB continues to expand its presence in Delhi-NCR, offering inclusive, flexible, and business-centric banking solutions.
13, Aug 2025
Artemis Hospitals Unveils OPTIC, to Revolutionize Precision Eye Care
Gurugram, August 13, 2025: Artemis Hospitals unveils the Ocular Profiling & Technology-Based Investigation Clinic (OPTIC) at its Sector 51 campus. This is the first clinic of its kind in the region that will revolutionize how eye disorders are identified. The aim of OPTIC, with some of the best imaging systems in the world, is to identify, track, and treat eye disorders with unparalleled speed and accuracy.
“Our goal is to provide the best medical care possible to the community, and OPTIC is a big step toward that goal. We are bringing together some of the best diagnostic tools from around the world in one place, which will help us make diagnoses faster and more accurately and plan treatments more effectively.” Dr. Devlina Chakravarty, Managing Director of Artemis Hospitals, said.
OPTIC, which stands for the Ocular Profiling & Technology-based Investigation Clinic, is a specialized eye care clinic that can quickly and accurately diagnose a wide range of eye problems. It has everything you need with the latest tools, such as OCT, OCTA, IDRA Dry Eye Workstation, Pentacam, ARGOS Biometry, and Digital Slit Lamp Systems, all in one space. These technologies provide a wealth of detail in images and data that help doctors detect disease sooner and more accurately to avoid complications, and, in some cases, before any symptoms appear.
Early detection is critical to preventing irreversible vision loss with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, corneal diseases, cataracts, and retinal diseases. With the ability to conduct highly accurate measurements and obtain very high quality images, a customized treatment can be provided to optimize both short and long term outcomes. By providing this advanced level of care in Gurugram and surrounding communities, OPTIC effectively eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances to access world class eye care diagnostics and see the best eye care sooner.
Dr. Vishal Arora, Head of Ophthalmology at Artemis Hospitals, said, “With OPTIC, we have built a place that transforms what it means to be precise in ophthalmology. These tools let us give world class care in our own regions, saving patients time and improving long term outcomes. They help us find diseases early and make treatment plans that are very specific to each patient.”
The launch of OPTIC is another step forward for Artemis Hospitals in their goal of providing advanced, patient-centered healthcare to the community and raising the standard for eye care in the area.
13, Aug 2025
Celebrate Freedom on the Move with Cornitos Travel-Friendly Snacks
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Singh, Head of Marketing at Cornitos, said, “This Independence Day long weekend gives us the right opportunity to mix travel with celebration. Our Tray Packs and Gourmet Nachos are designed to offer both taste and health, making them the perfect companion for your holiday plans. We want our consumers to enjoy every bite, wherever their journey takes them.”
13, Aug 2025
Namo Bharat Corridor: DB RRTS Partners with Würth to Strengthen Sustainable Depot Maintenance
13th August 2025, Ghaziabad – In a significant step towards enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, DB RRTS Operations India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn International Operations (DB IO), has partnered with Würth Industrial Services India to upgrade depot-level maintenance practices for the Namo Bharat corridor – India’s first semi-high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
This Indo-German collaboration introduces advanced, eco-friendly solutions aimed at reducing waste, optimising supply chain efficiency, and improving workplace safety. A key highlight of the partnership is the adoption of Würth’s REFILLO mat aerosol refill system at the Duhai depot, making DB RRTS the first rail operator in India to implement this innovative technology. The system is designed to minimise hazardous waste and reduce packaging material, aligning with global best practices for sustainable industrial operations.
In addition to the REFILLO®mat system, Würth will equip DB RRTS with automated inventory management tools, modular storage solutions for enhanced supply chain coordination processes. These measures aim to ensure streamlined material handling and efficient maintenance operations. The launch event also featured the Würth “System Bus” – a mobile showroom designed for on-site product demonstrations, enabling stakeholders to experience the technology firsthand.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Niko Warbanoff, CEO, DB E.C.O. Group & DB International Operations, emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership:
“This collaboration with Würth is not just about tools—it’s about building smarter, sustainable systems for future-ready railways. It reflects our shared German legacy of engineering excellence and commitment to India’s Make-in-India and sustainability goals. Therefore, I am very happy and proud about the partnership with Würth.”
The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Mr. Rahul Gupta, Managing Director, Würth Industrial Services India; Mr. Praveen Goyal, CEO, DB RRTS; Mr. Michael Kortüm, COO, DB RRTS; and Mr. Anil Kumar Agarwal, CMO, DB RRTS, along with other senior officials from both DB RRTS and Würth.
The Namo Bharat corridor represents a transformative shift in regional transportation, offering faster, greener, and more efficient mobility solutions. With this partnership, DB RRTS aims to set new benchmarks in sustainable rail operations, demonstrating that modern infrastructure can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility.
13, Aug 2025
Noida Gets a New Flavour Hub: SGF India Launches at Assotech Business Cresterra with 20% Opening Day Discount
New Delhi, 13th August 2025: SGF (Spice Grill Flame) India, one of India’s fastest-growing quick service and casual dining restaurant chains, has announced the launch of its newest outlet in Assotech Business Cresterra, Sector 135, Noida, marking another milestone in its expansion strategy.
To celebrate this milestone, the brand is offering an exclusive inaugural discount of 20% on all orders on the launch day. The new Noida outlet will bring the brand’s signature menu that ranges from flavour-packed North Indian foods to the corporate professionals, residents, and food lovers in the bustling Sector 135 area.
SGF India’s broader vision is to reach 200+ outlets by 2026, driven by its strong franchise network and demand for vegetarian alternatives in the fast-food segment.
Noida has always been a key market for us, and opening at Assotech Business Cresterra allows us to cater to a vibrant mix of working professionals and the local residents. We are excited to welcome guests with our signature taste, quality, and service, said Kewal Ahuja, Founder & CEO of SGF India.
SGF India’s expansion reflects its commitment to making vegetarian dining accessible, affordable, and enjoyable across India. The brand looks forward to becoming a go-to choice for customers in Noida, delivering convenience without compromising taste or quality.
Outlet Address: SGF India – Assotech Business Cresterra Park, Sector 135, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Launch Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Inaugural Offer: 20% off on all orders
13, Aug 2025
Walplast Reports Double-Digit Growth for HomeSure MasterTouch WaterLock Within First Year of Launch
Mumbai, 13th August, 2025: Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., a leading player in India’s building and construction materials industry, has reported an impressive double-digit growth for its recently launched HomeSure MasterTouch WaterLock, an advanced waterproofing coating solution. Launched a year back, the product has already made significant inroads across the construction and infrastructure sectors, demonstrating Walplast’s ability to identify and deliver on-site needs with precision.
HomeSure MasterTouch WaterLock is an elastomeric, UV-resistant, acrylic polymer-based coating designed for waterproofing horizontal and vertical surfaces. Reinforced with acrylic polymers and synthetic fibers, the product cures to form a seamless membrane that offers long-lasting protection and performance. Tested against international standards including ASTM D 412, EN 1015-12, IS 2645, and internal protocols, it has been engineered to meet modern construction demands with efficiency and durability.
This single-pack solution can be applied directly to vertical and horizontal surfaces (roofs, terraces, parapets, sunshades, and external walls), making it suitable for both new construction and repair work. Key features include resistance to up to 5 bars of positive hydrostatic pressure, high crack-bridging capability, excellent flexibility, and strong adhesion to masonry substrates. Its ease of application and re-coating make it an ideal solution for builders, contractors, and project managers seeking time-saving, reliable waterproofing systems. Walplast offers up to 6 years of warranty for HomeSure MasterTouch WaterLock, further underlining the product’s quality and reliability.
Commenting on the growth, Kaushal Mehta, Managing Director, Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., said, “The outstanding performance of HomeSure MasterTouch WaterLock in just its first year shows our commitment to solving real-world site challenges. This product was developed to address the increasing need for dependable waterproofing systems in India’s diverse climate conditions. Its rapid market acceptance validates both the performance and the trust that professionals place in the HomeSure range. We are confident that HomeSure MasterTouch WaterLock will continue to set benchmarks in waterproofing protection.”
Aniruddha Sinha, Sr. Vice President, Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., added, “Customers today are looking for solutions that not only deliver performance but also offer peace of mind. With HomeSure MasterTouch WaterLock, we have combined ease of use, robust technical capabilities, and a warranty of up to 6 years to ensure long-term satisfaction. Its traction across markets reflects the trust we have built among applicators and developers alike.”
Walplast has progressively grown its HomeSure brand across core markets such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, supported by a strong network of 800+ distributors, 6000+ dealers, and 65,000+ influencers. The expansion of its waterproofing portfolio strengthens its position as a comprehensive solutions provider in the building materials space, offering products spanning Wall Putty, Tile Adhesives, Gypsum-based products, Construction Chemicals, Admixtures, Paints, and AAC blocks.
13, Aug 2025
Fern Hotels & Resorts Powers Significant Expansion of ‘Series by Marriott’
Bengaluru, 13th August 2025: The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is proud to announce strong response to its newest venture ‘Series by Marriott’ an exclusive brand collaboration with Marriott International. Since its launch, the strategic collaboration has witnessed an exceptional response from the Indian hospitality sector, with more than ten new independent hotel owners signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in the first month alone.
In addition to the new signings, most of the hotel owners have expressed their confidence in the brand’s vision and are working towards transitioning their current properties and affiliating to the Series by Marriott brand. This rapid uptake signals strong faith in the combined strength of The Fern’s sustainability-driven ethos and Marriott’s world-class standards of excellence.
The brand’s momentum was further reinforced at The Fern Day, celebrated during the prestigious Global Design & Development Confluence 2025, hosted by Marriott International in collaboration with Hotelier India. A major highlight of the event was the reveal of the Mock-Up Room, a model room showcasing The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott design philosophy. With a focus on sustainability and eco-conscious design elements, the room received overwhelming appreciation from developers, hoteliers and industry leaders alike.
Sharing his thoughts on this significant achievement Rajeev Menon – President, Asia Pacific Excluding China, Marriott International said- “With most of the Fern Hotels across India set to join Marriott International’s portfolio, it is a powerful testament to the trust in Marriott’s brand strength, distribution network, and world-class standards. This also marks a significant leap for our company’s growth story in India, a nation that is set to be Marriott’s third largest market globally. Series by Marriott’s launch across India will underscore our growth strategy outside getaway cities and further highlight our ability to deliver value to owners and exceptional experiences to guests. Our collaboration with The Fern Hotels & Resorts is off to a fabulous start, and we are excited about the opportunities this will unlock in the years ahead”
Adding his thoughts, Mr Rahul Chaudhary – Managing Director & CEO, CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Holdings said – “Our vision is to expand to 500 hotels in the next 5 years and we are already seeing strong momentum towards that goal after our collaboration with Marriott International. This alliance brings together the best of global hospitality, excellence and The Fern’s deep rooted sustainability focus, creating a growth platform that benefits our guests, partners and communities”
Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “The response we’ve received for The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott has surpassed all expectations. It is heartening to see such alignment between our commitment to sustainable hospitality and the industry’s growing appetite for innovation, comfort and responsible design. We’re excited to grow this collaboration and expand our footprint across India.”
With a surge in interest and a pipeline of new collaborations already in motion, The Fern Hotels & Resorts is optimistic about the future as more hotels carry The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott flag. As the brand moves forward, it remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences.
