Blog

Datta Infra Appoints Kapil Sharma as Head, Corporate Affairs

Gurugram, 5th August, 2025: Datta Power Infra Private Limited (Datta Infra), a rapidly growing company in India’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, has appointed Mr. Kapil Sharma as its new Head – Corporate Affairs, effective Aug 2025. With over 15 years of experience across Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), he brings a strong combination of technical expertise, regulatory insight, and policy engagement across the wind, solar, and hybrid energy sectors.

In this strategic leadership role, Kapil will oversee the corporate affairs function, driving regulatory strategy, policy advocacy, project approvals, and institutional engagement with government agencies, utilities, and industry bodies. His focus will be on enabling regulatory clarity, facilitating seamless project execution, and strengthening Datta Infra’s position within India’s evolving renewable energy ecosystem.

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Varchasvi Gagal, Managing Director and CEO of Datta Infra, said: “We are delighted to have Kapil join us at a transformative moment—not just for Datta Infra, but for India’s clean energy ambitions. His sharp regulatory acumen and long-standing experience with institutional frameworks will strengthen our ability to navigate complexity, build trust, and unlock speed. As we scale our capabilities and deepen our impact, Kapil’s leadership will be vital in aligning our projects with national energy goals.”

Speaking about his new role, Kapil Sharma, Head – Corporate Affairs, Datta Infra, said:
“This is an inflection point for India’s energy story. As the country has already surpassed its 500 GW renewable energy target five years ahead of its 2030 deadline and with a net-zero emissions goal by 2070, the need for streamlined approvals, transparent policy mechanisms, and collaborative institutional engagement has never been greater. I’m excited to contribute to Datta Infra’s mission by fostering regulatory resilience and building lasting partnerships that advance our clean energy goals.”

Kapil has worked with leading renewable energy companies, including Brookfield Renewable, Skeiron Renewable, Continuum Energy, and Ecoren Energy, managing Business Development, Regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement across multiple states. He began his career at Suzlon Energy, gaining hands-on experience in wind turbine commissioning, grid connectivity, and compliance.

Kapil holds an MBA in Power Management from the National Power Training Institute (Ministry of Power) and a B.E. in Electronics & Communication from the University of Rajasthan. His academic foundation and extensive industry experience position him to drive impactful renewable initiatives and strengthen Datta Infra’s leadership in the sector.

RCI and Sterling Resorts Announce Enhanced Partnership, Expanding Access to Premier Indian Holiday Experiences

National, 05 August 2025: Resorts & Condominiums International, a leading provider of holiday exchange services, and Sterling Resorts, one of India’s leading hospitality premier holiday experience providers, today announced an enhanced partnership that will significantly expand access to Sterling’s exceptional resorts for RCI members. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to delivering unique, memorable holidays tailored to today’s Indian and international travelers.

The strengthened affiliation will allow RCI members to access Sterling’s world-class resorts, renowned for their warm hospitality, unique destinations, and exceptional service. This includes three new resort affiliations in Pench, Coorg, and Udaipur, further diversifying the holiday options available to RCI members. These new additions complement Sterling’s existing award-winning properties, such as the Green Award winner in Sterling Munnar and the Gold Crown Property Sterling Yercaud.

The newly affiliated Sterling resorts are:

• Sterling Padam, Pench: A luxury resort located just 5.4 km from Pench National Park’s Turiya gate, offering superior comfort. Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s famous ‘Land of The Jungle Book,’ the resort is an ideal gateway for thrilling safaris and nature exploration. With world-class amenities including a swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurant, and private pool villas, it promises the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Sterling Brookstone, Coorg: A tranquil retreat nestled in the lush Western Ghats of Karnataka, just outside Madikeri. Surrounded by coffee plantations and fragrant orchards, the property features rooms offering tranquility and comfort in the heart of Coorg. With serene natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere, it is the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation amidst captivating scenery.
• Sterling Aravalli, Udaipur: A new resort on the peaceful outskirts of Udaipur, offering stunning views of the Aravalli Hills. The resort features elegant architecture inspired by Udaipur’s royal heritage, including beautifully crafted jharokas that frame the breathtaking landscape. With spacious banquet halls and a vast Peacock Lawn, it is an ideal venue for a regal stay and dream destination weddings.

In addition to these new affiliations, RCI members can continue to enjoy Sterling’s acclaimed properties:

• Sterling Munnar: A Green Award-winning resort overlooking Chinnakanal Lake, offers nature lovers and birdwatchers a serene retreat on tea-covered slopes. Featuring a spa, multi-cuisine restaurant, and numerous indoor and outdoor activities, the resort blends comfort with scenic beauty. Nestled amidst plantations and exotic birdlife, Sterling Munnar is ideal for a memorable holiday in one of India’s top tourist destinations.
• Sterling Yercaud: A Gold Crown property set atop the stunning Shevaroy Hills, offering breathtaking views of the emerald-green valley and Salem’s city lights. With rooms overlooking coffee plantations and lush scenery, the resort is a perfect base for exploring Yercaud’s lakes, gardens, and local attractions. Guests can enjoy customized treks, nature walks, and cycling tours, making it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and adventure.

Lucas Ramos, Senior Director, Travel & Membership – Asia, Pacific & India at RCI said, “Sterling Resorts stands as one of India’s premier holiday experiences, known for its warm hospitality, unique destinations, and exceptional service. At RCI, we’re proud to count Sterling as a longstanding affiliate partner. Together, we create memorable getaways for our members by offering access to some of India’s most sought-after locations—from the serene hills of Coorg to Udaipur, the vibrant city of lakes. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality vacations tailored to the needs of today’s Indian and international travellers.”

This partnership allows RCI members to exchange their timeshare weeks or points for stays at these newly affiliated Sterling Resorts, providing them with even more diverse and premier vacation options within India.

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Funskool’s latest DIY Kits, Toys and Games

New Delhi, August 05, 2025: Funskool India Ltd, India’s largest toy manufacturer, has launched a new range of exciting toys and games exclusively to make this Rakshabandhan extra special. The star of the season is the Funskool Handycrafts DIY Wrist Band Kit which gives children the joy of crafting something special from the heart. Funskool’s DIY Wrist Band Kit is a keepsake, a memory-maker and a celebration of the sibling bond in its most creative form.

Packed with 170 vibrant beads, pre-cut wooden dials, paint pens, cute stickers and elastic cords, the kit empowers children to design and customise beautiful wristbands for their brothers, sisters, cousins or even best friends!

While sharing his heartfelt wishes for Raksha Bandhan, Mr.K.A.Shabir, CEO, Funskool India Ltd, said, “As pioneers in the toy industry, Funskool is committed to bringing out new products for festive occasions to meet the expectations of our customers.  We blend creativity with safety and ensure our products adhere to international standards. With innovative design, Funskool products are engaging and give way to a great learning experience for children. We have over a dozen eye-catching toys launched ahead of Raksha Bandhan which were carefully curated to suit the interests of children while also nurturing their creative and cognitive skills. These products will build essential skills like vocabulary, logic, recognition and understanding.”

The special range of arts & crafts products for Raksha Bandhan 2025 also include:

 Finger Painting Space Explorer contains 2 finger paints and 3 ‘glow in the dark’ finger paints. It also has 5 design sheets, 5 activity sheets, display frame, double-sided adhesive tapes and paint palette.  Children can enjoy painting without a brush and immerse in a colour fest!

DIY Cross Stitch Kit with 6 pre-cut foam shapes with holes, 6 colourful yarns, 2 kid safe plastic needles, beads, transparent elastic cords and hooks can be used to style danglers. Kids will love this product where they can stitch, style and show off their danglers.

Additionally, we also have the following gifting options:

 Wood’e Race Car, Wood’e Buggy, Wood’e Truck are ‘zero emissions, 100% Giggles’ products crafted from wood which are ready to roll wherever tiny hands take them.  These are perfectly sized for little hands and big imaginations.

Jumbo Joy box are packed with colourful dough and endless possibilities.  Kids can mould over 21 animals, stamp letters and numbers and build their own learning zoo.

2 in 1 Snakes & Ladder and Ludo combo with 2 ever popular games now in a value box, priced at an affordable Rs.499, includes two separate game boards.

Build N Play – Helicopter Activity set has 6 chunky parts where kids can build their very own chopper.   This hands-on, build it yourself play boosts motor skills and imagination.

Shape Sorter Gear Box comes in two colours – orange and pink.  This is a fun-filled activity cube that helps toddlers explore shapes, textures and movement.

Combo Puzzle Sets – Three products – Value for money – 2 in 1 Combo Spell & Rhyme, 2 in 1 Combo Genders & Opposites and 2 in 1 Combo Animal Homes & Sounds – have been launched and these are designed to engage young minds through fun and hands-on play.

The price of these products range between Rs 499 and Rs 999 and are available in all leading toy stores and E-commerce sites.

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.”