Category Archives: Business

Indian Pet Wellness Brand Dogsee Chew to Debut at Cannes Film Festival 2026

Bengaluru, May 15: In a landmark moment for the global pet care industry, Dogsee Chew, one of India’s top pet care brands, is all set to make its debut at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival 2026, bringing the fast-growing pet wellness industry to one of the world’s most influential global platforms.

For Dogsee, Cannes is more than just a brand presence. It is a sign of the growing cultural and commercial significance of pet care around the world. As pets become ever more integral family members in modern times, the conversation around pet nutrition, wellness and conscious care giving has evolved into a global mainstream movement, one that is now shaping consumer behaviour, retail trends and wellness choices across markets.

Founded in 2015 by entrepreneurs and pet parents Sneh Sharma and Bhupendra Khanal, Dogsee Chew pioneered the Himalayan yak chew category globally by introducing natural Chhurpi-based dog treats sourced from the Himalayas. Today, the brand is present in over 30 countries and trusted by more than a million pet parents worldwide based on the belief that pets deserve cleaner, healthier and more natural nutrition. At the core of Dogsee’s portfolio are its Himalayan Yak Chews, 100% natural, preservative-free, rawhide-free, and high-protein treats crafted using ethically sourced yak and cow milk through a traditional Himalayan smoke-drying process. Over the years, the company has expanded into dental chews, training treats, functional flavoured variants, and wellness supplements under the Dogsee Activet Plus+ range.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to represent the pet wellness industry on a platform as iconic as Cannes Film Festival. For us, this is a great opportunity and a moment that reflects how pet care has evolved into a meaningful global conversation around wellness, nutrition, and conscious living. Bringing a Himalayan-born brand to this stage is truly special”, said Bhupendra Khanal and Sneh Sharma, Co-founders, Dogsee Chew.

Dogsee’s presence at Cannes signals a larger shift taking place across the pet industry. Once considered a niche category, pet wellness has emerged as one of the fastest-growing global consumer sectors, driven by rising awareness around animal health, premium nutrition, and holistic care. The brand’s debut at Cannes underscores how businesses for pets are now entering the mainstream cultural and business conversations, along with fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle.

As Dogsee continues to strengthen its footprint across India, the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the company aims to position Himalayan natural nutrition as the global benchmark in pet wellness while building one of the world’s most trusted pet care brands from the Himalayas. 

Duckworth Prestex Introduces Big Date Automatic

Group 108 highlights ONE FNG and Grandthum at PRC 2026

Mumbai, May 15 : At a time when retail is steadily moving beyond the predictable, Group 108 marked a commanding presence at the Phygital Retail Convention 2026, held on May 13–14 at the Jio Convention Center, Mumbai. The participation emerged as a layered reflection of the group’s larger retail philosophy, anchored through its flagship developments – ONE FNG and Grandthum.

As one of the country’s most influential retail platforms, PRC served as a convergence point for prominent retailers, franchise networks, developers, and consumer brands engaging in conversations around the future trajectory of physical and phygital commerce. The two-day convention brought together more than 3,000 attendees representing over 1,000 brands, alongside celebrated retail leaders, global brands, technology innovators, and industry experts. With over 30 conference sessions and an expansive exhibition extending across 100,000+ sq. ft., the event highlighted advancements across retail technology, retail design, commercial real estate, and customer experience solutions. Against this backdrop, Group 108’s showcase aligned strongly with the convention’s larger discourse around experience-led retail environments and evolving consumer engagement.

Rather than positioning retail as a static proposition, Group 108 presented a more progressive perspective where spatial planning, movement dynamics, and consumer behaviour converge to create enduring engagement. The discussions emerging during the convention reflected this transition, shifting distinctly beyond transactional thinking toward environments that actively influence how brands are perceived and experienced.

At the center of attention stood Grandthum, envisioned as a high-energy commercial destination rather than a conventional retail address. Its expansive high-street format, uninterrupted frontages, and fluid pedestrian movement were highlighted as defining elements capable of transforming footfall into meaningful consumer interaction.

Alongside this, ONE FNG introduced a distinct yet equally compelling narrative. The development showcased a retail ecosystem shaped around sustained engagement, premium audiences, and continuous consumer circulation, strengthening both visibility and long-term brand value.

Across the two-day engagement, Group 108’s presence evolved into a focal point for strategic industry conversations, attracting retailers, franchise operators, and expansion leaders evaluating the next evolution of physical retail.

Sharing his perspective, Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, said,

 “Retail is no longer defined by location alone; it is shaped by the experience it delivers. What we are building at Grandthum and ONE FNG is not just retail space, but environments that encourage engagement, strengthen brand presence, and create long-term value. PRC has been an important platform to engage with brands that share this forward-looking outlook.”

Group 108’s participation at PRC 2026 underscores a clear direction toward creating immersive retail environments aligned with evolving consumer and brand expectations.

Attracting young women to careers in construction

By Lara Pacillo

As Australia’s construction industry faces a critical skills shortage, new research from Adelaide University shows how the industry can better support women and therefore strengthen the future workforce.

In Australia, labour shortages are exacerbated by the underrepresentation of young women across various roles, particularly in blue-collar and trade sectors.

Women currently make up just 13 per cent of the construction workforce in Australia, with only around 3 per cent working in trades. At the same time, demand for infrastructure and housing continues to surge, with recent estimates pointing to a 61 per cent skills shortage across the sector.

An Australia-wide study, published in Construction Management and Economics, found that many young women are interested in careers in construction but feel the industry must adapt to better meet their needs.

Current support programs often address women as a single group, despite significant differences in motivations, priorities, and career goals.

“Our research suggests that young women would be willing to enter construction if workplace conditions improved,” explained Professor Nancy Arthur, Dean of Research at Adelaide University’s College of Business & Law, who was joined on the research team by Adelaide University’s Dr Lynette Washington, Dr Ali Ardeshiri and Professor Akshay Vij.

“We also found that salary alone is not enough. Workplace culture, flexibility, and career pathways often matter more.”

Many participants expressed interest in roles that emphasise collaboration, problem-solving, and career progression, challenging how construction jobs are traditionally designed and communicated.

Professor Arthur says the research points to several clear priorities for industry reform:

• Make workplaces safer and more inclusive
• Offer flexible work arrangements
• Create clear and visible career pathways
• Increase the visibility of female role models
• Tailor strategies to different groups, not a one-size-fits-all approach

“The issue is not motivation. It is mismatch,” said Dr Washington.

“Across all groups, there was a clear pattern in what women are after. More than a gender issue, it is a workforce, productivity, and economic sustainability issue.

“If the industry cannot attract and retain more women, it simply will not have the workforce needed to meet future demand.”

While the research supports prior studies identifying safety concerns, workplace culture, and gender bias as major barriers, the new study shows how much these factors matter and how they influence women’s career choices.

“We show that young women are not all the same. Some prioritise flexibility, others value career progression, others respond to financial incentives,” said Dr Ardeshiri.

“This helps explain why many past initiatives have struggled. They treated women as a single group.”

“Fixing construction industry barriers for women will fix construction for everyone,” Professor Arthur says.

“This is about equity, but also about unlocking a workforce the industry cannot afford to ignore.”

5 Digital Lending Apps That Let You Borrow For Education With Flexible Repayment Options 

With the rising cost of higher education, professional certifications, and career-focused upskilling continues to rise. Students and young professionals across India are increasingly seeking faster and more flexible financing solutions, while traditional education loans involve lengthy paperwork and repayment structures, digital lending platforms are emerging as a more accessible and convenient alternative for modern learners. Powered by fintech innovation, a new wave of lending apps is simplifying education financing through seamless digital applications, quicker approvals, minimal documentation, and flexible repayment options customized to evolving financial needs. These platforms are helping bridge financial gaps with greater ease, speed, and convenience.

Digital lenders like RupeeRedee, MoneyTap, Kredit-Bee, Navi, and Kissht are emerging as preferred lending platforms for students and young professionals by offering faster access to credit, simplified loan journeys, KYC Process and flexible repayment solutions.

RupeeRedee: Incepted in 2018, RupeeRedee is a tech-driven digital lending platform that provides personal loans within minutes. Leveraging technology and data sciences, it serves India’s underserved customers with smooth KYC processes and robust data protection. Customers can get small-ticket loans up to ₹25,000. With more than 1Cr installs on Google Play Store and 400K average website traffic, RupeeRedee operates through its captive NBFC, FincFriends Private Limited, offering short-term loans with diverse underwriting methods. Following the Fair Practice Code, it ensures a hassle-free consumer experience.

MoneyTap:  Incepted in 2015, MoneyTap is one of India’s early pioneers in app-based consumer credit, offering instant personal credit lines via fully digital and paperless process. Built to simplify short-term borrowing, the platform enables users to access funds up to ₹5 lakh with flexible repayment tenures and a unique “borrow-as-you-need” model.Backed by advanced data analytics and technology-led underwriting, MoneyTap partners with RBI-regulated banks and NBFCs to deliver quick approvals, seamless KYC, and accessible credit solutions for salaried professionals and emerging borrowers across India. With its customer-first approach and flexible credit ecosystem, the platform has emerged as a key player in India’s fast-growing digital lending space. 

Kredit-Bee: KreditBee is a platform that facilitates loan transactions between borrowers and personal loan providers such as NBFCs/Banks. All loan applications are approved and sanctioned by the NBFCs/Banks registered with the RBI. KreditBee takes pride in being inclusive as an Instant Loan provider, where users can apply for Personal Loans up to ₹ 4 lakhs as per the requirement. The documentation needed is minimal and the entire process starting from registration to disbursement takes an average of 10 minutes. The application process is completely online and on approval, the funds are immediately transferred to the bank account of the applicant. There are a number of unique Loan Offers available with simple repayment plans.

Navi: Incepted in 2018, Navi Finserv has rapidly emerged as a technology-first financial services platform simplifying access to credit through a completely digital ecosystem. Focused on speed, convenience, and accessibility, this platform offers instant personal loans with minimal paperwork, seamless KYC verification, and flexible repayment options tailored for modern borrowers. Backed by data-driven underwriting and a user-friendly mobile experience, Navi enables customers to access loans of up to ₹20 lakh with quick disbursals and transparent processes. With its strong digital infrastructure and customer-centric approach, the platform continues to strengthen financial inclusion by making formal credit more accessible to India’s evolving consumer base.  

Kissht: Listed on the BSE and NSE, Kissht, operated by OnEMI Technology Solutions, offers quick and accessible credit solutions through a completely digital process. The company has also strengthened its brand presence with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador. Known for its tech-driven underwriting and fast disbursal capabilities, Kissht provides instant personal loans of up to ₹5 lakh in as little as 5 minutes with minimal documentation and flexible repayment options. The platform also supports education-related financial needs through personal loans, while offering a wide range of other credit products across consumer and secured lending segments. Over the years, Kissht has built a strong customer base of 63+ million users by focusing on convenience, accessibility, and responsible lending practices. As digital borrowing continues to grow in India, platforms like Kissht are helping bridge the credit gap for consumers looking for faster and more seamless financial solutions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any digital lending platform. Loan approval, interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria may vary based on the lender’s policies and the borrower’s credit profile. Readers are advised to verify whether the lending app is registered with a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-regulated entity and carefully review all terms, charges, and repayment obligations before applying for a loan.

NSE Launches Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) to deepen India’s gold ecosystem

Bengaluru, May 14th 2026: The National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) announces the launch of Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) as a new segment. A transformative initiative designed to bring transparency, efficiency, and formalization to India’s massive, deeply tradition-rooted gold market. The milestone launch on May 04, 2026, is expected to bridge the age-old gap between physical gold and the financial markets by offering a regulated, secure, and technologically advanced platform for trading in the precious commodity.

EGRs are dematerialized securities that represent ownership of physical gold, which is securely stored in SEBI-accredited vaults and held electronically through depositories. Each EGR is fully backed by physical gold and is tradable on the exchange, seamlessly integrating gold into the formal financial system.

With this launch, NSE aims to create a robust and transparent ecosystem for gold trading, enabling efficient price discovery, improved market participation, and enhanced trust across stakeholders including jewellers, refiners, traders, and institutional investors.

NSE also witnessed the successful dematerialization of a gold bar (1000 grams) into an Electronic Gold Receipt, symbolising the seamless conversion of physical gold into a secure, tradable electronic instrument within the regulated ecosystem. This milestone underscores the operational readiness of the NSE EGR framework and its ability to facilitate efficient, transparent, and delivery-backed trading in gold.

Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), NSE, said:

“The introduction of Electronic Gold Receipts at NSE marks a pivotal evolution in how India interacts with its most cherished asset. By leveraging NSE’s robust technology and liquidity framework, we are democratizing access to gold, enabling investors across the nation to trade with unprecedented transparency and confidence. We believe that by creating a seamless, secure, and digital pathway for gold investment, we are positioning gold as a modern, integrated asset class within our capital markets, ultimately reducing dependence on fragmented benchmarks and fostering deeper financial inclusion.”

By facilitating electronic holding, assured quality, and seamless convertibility between physical and digital formats, EGRs empower investors to participate in the gold market even in smaller denominations, providing improved liquidity and flexibility comparable to other financial instruments held in demat form.

Kia India Brings ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ to Pune, Creating a Unique Experience for Young Creators at HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park

Pune, India, 14 May 2026: Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass-premium automakers, is set to bring an immersive cultural experience to Pune as part of its ongoing partnership with HYBE INDIA. Designed to celebrate creativity, self-expression, and youth culture, the initiative will come alive through the ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ at the Kia Engagement Zone at the HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park.

The HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park will take place on 16th – 17th May at Phoenix Marketcity, Liberty Square, Pune transforming the location into a vibrant hub of music, fandom, and interactive experiences. With entries starting 04:00 pm onwards, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with a range of interactive formats, including live experiences, participative activities, and curated engagements designed to bring together entertainment and innovation in a high-energy environment.

At the heart of this experience is the Kia Vibe Studio stationed at the Kia Engagement Zone, uniquely housed inside the 2026 Kia Syros. This in-car content creation setup enables visitors to record and instantly create high-quality, shareable performance videos, turning the vehicle into a space for creativity and self-expression. The 2026 Kia Syros strengthens its value-led, mass-premium positioning with a more distinctive SUV appeal with sporty and rugged design enhancements, wider variant choice, and improved accessibility to automatic transmissions, including diesel AT options. Reflecting Kia India’s youthful and progressive ethos, it builds on its core strengths of spacious interiors, five-star BNCAP safety, and enhanced feature distribution—blending everyday practicality with connected technology and comfort.

Following the Pop-Up Park, HYBE INDIA will conduct on-ground auditions on 17th May 2026 at Novotel Pune Nagar Road, Pune offering aspiring participants an opportunity to showcase their talent as part of its initiative to discover and launch India’s next global girl group. More information is available on HYBE INDIA [https://india.hybeaudition.com/en] website.

The Pune leg, following successful showcases in Guwahati and Mumbai, is part of a larger 10-city journey across India, creating a platform for emerging talent to step onto the world stage. Through such initiatives, Kia India continues to strengthen its connect with young audiences by going beyond mobility to engage with culture, creativity, and new-age aspirations.

With this activation, Kia India reinforces its position as a youthful and progressive brand, building meaningful cultural connections and engaging with a new generation driven by passion and ambition.

Senores Pharma Ends FY26 on High Note with Strong Financial Performance and Expansion Momentum

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, May 14, 2026 — Senores Pharmaceuticals Limited reported strong financial and operational performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026, driven by sustained growth across regulated markets, emerging markets and branded generics businesses.

The research-driven pharmaceutical company posted consolidated total income of ₹664 crore for FY26, marking a 62% year-on-year increase. EBITDA rose 96% to ₹200 crore, while profit after tax (PAT) climbed 108% to ₹122 crore.

For Q4 FY26, total income stood at ₹190 crore, up 58% year-on-year. EBITDA increased 144% to ₹62 crore, while quarterly PAT rose 105% to ₹37 crore, reflecting improved operating leverage and execution.

The company also reported improved operating cash flow generation, with FY26 cash flow from operations reaching ₹75 crore, supported by stronger EBITDA-to-cash conversion.

Regulated Markets Lead Growth

Senores said its regulated markets business remained the key growth driver during the year.

Revenue from regulated markets rose 74.6% year-on-year to ₹427.4 crore in FY26, while Q4 revenue from the segment grew 83% to ₹117.8 crore.

The company now holds 51 approved ANDAs covering 151 strengths, more than double the 26 approved ANDAs it had as of March 2025. More than 30 approved ANDAs are yet to be commercialized, while 27 ANDAs involving over 65 strengths remain under development.

Emerging Markets and Branded Generics Expand

The emerging markets business continued to record steady growth, with FY26 revenue increasing 19.7% year-on-year to ₹145 crore. Q4 revenue from the segment rose 25.8% to ₹45.9 crore. EBITDA margins for the segment stood at approximately 12% during FY26.

Meanwhile, the company’s India-focused branded generics business delivered significant expansion. FY26 revenue surged nearly 385% year-on-year to ₹40 crore, while Q4 revenue rose 132.4% to ₹9.4 crore. The company said its portfolio has received approvals from several leading specialty and multi-specialty hospitals.

Strategic Acquisitions and U.S. Expansion

During FY26, Senores completed several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its global platform and improving long-term scalability.

The company completed Phase 1 acquisition of a 75% stake in Apnar Pharmaceuticals, with the remaining 25% expected to be completed by Q2 FY27. Product rollouts from the facility began in Q4 FY26, and the company expects the facility to scale significantly over the next 12 to 18 months while improving margins and expanding CDMO-CMO opportunities.

Senores also signed an agreement to acquire a 51% membership interest in Zoraya Pharmaceuticals LLC in the United States. The platform is expected to support vertical integration and commercialization of the company’s ANDA portfolio in the U.S. market.

In April 2026, the company established Amerisyn, a 70% joint venture in the United States, enabling direct participation in pharmaceutical supply opportunities for federal, veterans and defense sectors.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the performance, Managing Director Swapnil Shah said the company delivered robust growth despite an uncertain operating environment, supported by operational discipline and consistent execution.

Shah noted that the company’s approved ANDA portfolio more than doubled during FY26 and said the combination of approved products, ongoing development pipeline, manufacturing expansion and U.S. commercialization initiatives positions Senores for sustained long-term growth.

Outlook

Senores said it will continue focusing on expanding its regulated market pipeline, strengthening vertical integration, scaling its branded generics portfolio and improving profitability in emerging markets.

The company added that continued investments in product development, manufacturing capacity and global commercialization platforms are expected to support growth momentum in the coming years.

Government and NABARD reviews Cooperatives in Delhi: NABARD hosts First HLC Meeting for FY 2026-27

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), New Delhi Regional Office convened the 1st Meeting of the High-Level Committee (HLC) of the Financial Year 2026-27 for monitoring the performance of the Short-Term Cooperative Credit Structure (STCCS) in. The meeting was chaired by Sri Pandurang K Pole, IAS, Secretary (Cooperation), GNCT of Delhi. The meeting was attended by Shri Eda Raja Babu, IAS, Special RCS, GNCTD, Sri Ashok Kumar, General Manager, RBI New Delhi, Sri Nabin Kumar Roy, CGM, NABARD, New Delhi RO and Shri Rajiv Kumar Kadyan, MD (Officiating), Delhi State Cooperative Bank (DStCB) and other Senior Officials from RBI, NABARD.

The HLC ensures continuous supervision, regulatory compliance, and improvement of the cooperative banking system in Delhi.

The Committee deliberated upon the financial performance of Delhi State Cooperative Bank Ltd., status of it’s compliance with Statutory and Regulatory provisions, review of status of it’s Internal Checks & Controls, strengthening Grievance Redressal Mechanisms, Governance and HR issues, technology upgradation & financial inclusion.

Chairing the meeting Shri Pandurang K Pole, IAS, Secretary (Cooperation), GNCT of Delhi, opined that Delhi State Cooperative Bank should diversify its activities and work on various digital modules to enhance the banking footprints of the bank. He also advised RCS office to extend adequate support to DStCB and NABARD.

The Committee reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing Delhi’s Rural Cooperative Banking framework by focusing on stronger governance, embracing modern technology, ensuring stricter financial discipline and driving reforms for better customer satisfaction.

Executive Chef Appointment | voco Amritsar appoints Sumit Kumar as Executive Chef

voco Amritsar appoints Sumit Kumar as Executive Chef A seasoned culinary expert, Sumit Kumar will drive innovation across dining and banqueting experiences

National, 14 May 2026: voco Amritsar has announced the appointment of Sumit Kumar as Executive Chef. In his new role, he will spearhead culinary strategy and operations across the hotel’s restaurants, in-room dining and banqueting spaces. Sumit will also be heading the menu development, kitchen standards, team training and guest dining experiences at voco Amritsar.

Chef Sumit brings over 16 years of international culinary experience, specialising in Italian and Progressive Indian cuisine. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including ITC Hotels, Hyatt, Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott International and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

His professional journey has also taken him across international destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, England and Japan, where he gained valuable exposure to diverse culinary traditions and global dining standards.

Speaking on the appointment, Manish Yadav, General Manager, voco Amritsar, said: “Culinary experiences play a vital role in shaping memorable guest stays, and at voco Amritsar, this remains a key focus. Chef Sumit’s global exposure, creativity, and leadership will further strengthen the hotel’s dining and banqueting offerings. The team is delighted to welcome him on board and looks forward to the innovation and excellence he will bring to the culinary experiences at voco Amritsar.

Commenting on his new role, Chef Sumit Kumar said: “I am excited to join voco Amritsar, a brand known for its warm hospitality and vibrant guest experiences. I look forward to working with the team to craft menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients, refined techniques and global flavours, while creating memorable dining experiences for our guests.”

Sumit is passionate about discovering new ingredients, exploring diverse cuisines, and immersing himself in culinary traditions from around the world. His culinary philosophy is guided by a strong focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for locally sourced produce. At voco Amritsar, Sumit Kumar will helm the kitchen brigade, curating distinctive dining experiences while bringing voco’s core philosophy of ‘reliably different’ to life through thoughtfully crafted gastronomic offerings.