Bharti AXA Life Insurance and Equitas Small Finance Bank Announce Strategic Bancassurance Partnership

Mumbai, Feb 3: Bharti AXA Life Insurance, a subsidiary of Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (Bharti Group Company), has entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank. The partnership marks a significant step toward deepening life insurance penetration across India, especially within semi-urban and rural markets.

Through this partnership, Bharti AXA Life Insurance will offer its range of protection, savings and retirement plans to customers of Equitas Small Finance Bank, enabling financial security and long-term wealth planning for individuals and families across India. Customers can access these solutions seamlessly through Equitas SFB’s robust network spanning over 1,042 banking outlets across 18 states and Union Territories, with a strong footprint in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Nitin Mehta, Chief Distribution Officer – Partnership Distribution and Head Marketing, Bharti AXA Life Insurance, said:

“Equitas Small Finance Bank has built a strong and differentiated franchise with a proven track record in serving underbanked, semi-urban, and rural communities through its wide branch network and digital capabilities. We are pleased to partner with the Bank, as this collaboration will further strengthen our partnership distribution footprint and enable us to reach customers at scale through its extensive phygital presence. The partnership aligns with our objective of simplifying insurance and making it more accessible, while also supporting IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Murali Vaidyanathan, Senior President & Country Head – Liabilities, Wealth Management and Digital Banking, Equitas Small Finance Bank, said:

 “Enhancing the quality and breadth of services we offer to our customers remains a key priority for us, and this partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance is a step in that direction. Through this collaboration, we are strengthening our product portfolio by providing customers access to a comprehensive range of life insurance solutions that complement their banking needs and long-term financial planning requirements.”

By combining Equitas Small Finance Bank’s distribution strength with Bharti AXA Life Insurance’s life insurance expertise, the partnership aims to drive wider adoption of life insurance and strengthen long-term financial preparedness among customers.

JS Auto Cast, a Bharat Forge subsidiary, secures Rs 300 Crores investment from Premji Invest

Pune, India, Feb 03: JS Auto Cast Foundry India Private Limited (JSA), a 100% wholly owned step-down subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited and a leading supplier of critical ferrous castings for industrial and automotive applications, has successfully raised equity of Rs. 300 crores from Premji Invest (PI) through a primary infusion into the company. Post the infusion, Premji Invest will hold a 23% stake in JSA on a fully diluted basis.

The capital will be utilised to accelerate JSA’s growth by expanding its casting capacity, investing in medium casting capabilities, and consolidating the industry through strategic acquisitions.

Commenting on the partnership, Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge, said:

“Since acquiring JSA in 2022, the company has delivered excellent financial performance, with topline, exports and profitability growing at a CAGR of 17%, 24% and 25% respectively, while also enhancing its product mix and customer base. We are delighted to partner with Premji Invest, a renowned and highly respected investor, in the next phase of JSA’s growth journey.”

Manoj Jaiswal, Partner, Premji Invest, who leads the firm’s Industrials and Buyout investments, said:

“We are excited to partner with Bharat Forge, a premier engineering and manufacturing conglomerate in the country. Collaborating with leading conglomerates on their growth and consolidation journey is one of our strategic pillars. Through our investment in JSA, we look forward to jointly building a leading ferrous casting platform in the country.”

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions. PwC Investment Banking acted as the sole financial advisor to Bharat Forge Limited.

Ajitesh Korupolu: Driving Tech-Led Innovation in Indian Real Estate

By:- Ajitesh Korupolu, Founder and CEO, ASBL

Mr. Ajitesh Korupolu, an Indian real estate leader and visionary entrepreneur, wields his expertise to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth in the industry. As the Founder and CEO of ASBL, he has transformed the company from a promising startup into a market leader in Hyderabad. With over a decade of experience, he has carved a niche by revolutionizing construction and project management through robust technological backend systems. 

Under Mr. Ajitesh’s leadership, ASBL has successfully planned over 8million sq. ft. of residential projects, with annual sales rising from Rs. 1,250 crores in 2022 to Rs. 2,200 crores in 2023. He embodies the epitome of real estate innovation, blending astute business acumen with a compassionate heart, and has reshaped the real estate landscape in Hyderabad by combining tradition with cutting-edge technology and design principles. He approaches the construction and design industry with a highly scientific perspective. His pivotal move of introducing ‘Inncircles Arena’, a digital twin software, has reduced construction time by 25% and is now being adopted globally. Committed to formalizing the real estate sector, he is driven to bring multi-level improvements for seamless management and efficiency. 

Mr. Korupolu has consistently advocated for happiness-centric urban developments that prioritize the well-being of residents through community spaces, mixed-use areas, walkability, and nature-integrated designs. 

Mr. Ajitesh embodies a rare fusion Economics degree with a Minor in Mathematics and Philosophy from Purdue University, USA and strategic advisory acumen, he gained knowledge and a global perspective on business and real estate. His professional journey in real estate was a natural continuation of his family’s legacy, but Ajitesh was determined to introduce innovative technologies to the industry. This led to his pioneering work in the adoption of digital twin technology in construction management. Recognizing the untapped opportunities to enhance efficiency, he embarked on a mission to redefine the industry through the strategic implementation of cutting-edge technology. He became the first to introduce the concept of digital twins in Hyderabad—a technology that creates a virtual replica of a physical structure through Building Information Modeling (BIM). Understanding the transformative potential of this technology, Ajitesh set out to bridge the gap between systems, operations, and human resources in the construction process. Committed to formalizing the real estate sector, he is driven to bring multi-level improvements for seamless management and efficiency. 

Saurabh Mukherjea Sees Union Budget 2026 as Structurally Positive, Urges Fiscal Discipline

Saurabh Mukherjea, Co-Founder & CIO, Marcellus Investment Managers

“The Union Budget 2026–27 is directionally positive for India’s long-term economic health, even though markets have reacted nervously in the short term. The increase in Securities Transaction Tax on F&O trading is a necessary corrective. Over the past few years, speculative derivatives trading activity has destroyed large amounts of household capital, and this move should help redirect savings towards consumption and productive investment. Equally important is the government’s decision to set up a high-level committee to review the banking and financial system, which could accelerate PSU bank privatisation and unlock greater participation from global and domestic private capital.

The key concern, however, is the rise in capital expenditure at a time when tax revenues are undershooting. Funding higher capex through increased borrowing risks tightening financial conditions by pushing up bond yields and the economy’s cost of capital. Overall, the Budget takes important structural steps in the right direction, but its effectiveness will ultimately depend on maintaining fiscal discipline while pursuing growth.”

Leela Ambience Gurugram Unveils Eco-Friendly Forest View Dining

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Launches Forest View Deck: An Elevated Sustainable Dining Experience Overlooking a 1,000-Acre Forest

Gurugram, Feb 02: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, synonymous with luxury and refinement, unveils Forest View Deck, a unique farm-to-fork dining destination rooted in sustainability and mindful indulgence. Nestled poolside with private cabana-style seating, the deck offers panoramic views of a sprawling 1,000-acre forest, providing guests a tranquil escape where they can unwind and dine amidst nature.

At the heart of Forest View Deck’s culinary philosophy is a commitment to season-led menus and responsibly sourced ingredients, drawn from the hotel’s own Leela Farm and The Green House. The 3.5-acre organic Leela Farm cultivates vegetables, fruits, and select dairy products without chemical intervention, while the hydroponic glasshouse at the deck grows nutrient-rich lettuces, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs using eco-friendly, soil-free methods. Together, these initiatives ensure fresh, high-quality ingredients while minimizing environmental impact.

Abhishek Gupta, Executive Chef at The Leela Ambience Gurugram, shares:

“At Forest View Deck, our cuisine begins with the season and ends with responsibility. From root to fruit, we celebrate Indian produce through sustainable, zero-waste gastronomy. Everything grown in our farm and glasshouse shapes a menu that honours nature, supports farmers, and shows that flavour and care must always go hand in hand.”

The dining experience emphasizes connection to nature and ingredients, with a menu that evolves across the four seasons to highlight produce at its peak. Complementing the food is a beverage selection that mirrors the same focus on freshness, balance, and seasonality.

Designed as an open-air retreat, Forest View Deck blends comfort with the surrounding landscape, offering a space for guests to slow down, savour thoughtfully prepared food, and enjoy a truly immersive culinary journey.

Budget 2026 Boosts Opportunities for Coworking and Managed Office Spaces

Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace 

“The coworking and managed office space industry will be well positioned to tap into a multi-million-dollar opportunity from the initiatives announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2026. By providing premium office spaces across cities in an affordable and flexible manner, especially for focused segments such as MSMEs, emerging economic hubs in smaller cities, and the revival of over 200 legacy industrial sectors, the shared workspace industry will become a key ally in driving this transformation.”

JSW MG Motor India Teases the Arrival of India’s first D+ SUV, MG MAJESTOR

JSW MG Motor India has released the official teaser of India’s first D+ SUV – MG MAJESTOR scheduled for its grand unveil on 12^th February. The MG MAJESTOR is set to establish new benchmarks in design and performance.

With its longest, widest, and tallest dimensions, the MG MAJESTOR will redefine the regular D segment and will mark its presence in the new D+ Segment. Designed to deliver unstoppable performance across urban and rugged terrains, it redefines excellence in SUV capability.

The teaser showcases the SUV’s commanding design language, highlighted by the Majestic Matrix Combination Grille, complemented by sharp Falcon-type Daytime Running Lamps and contemporary split-style headlamps, lending it a bold road presence.

Stay tuned as the MG MAJESTOR makes its majestic debut on 12^th February.Post Copy for Influencers:
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Dr. A. Sakthivel: Budget 2026 Empowers Indian Textiles with Modernization, Skilling, and Global Competitiveness

Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel, Made-Ups, and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC)

“Union Budget 2026–27 is a landmark, ‘Yuva Shakti’-driven roadmap that places the Indian textile and apparel ecosystem at the center of our journey toward Viksit Bharat. On behalf of the Apparel, Made-Ups, and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC), I congratulate PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ji for a visionary strategy that directly addresses the needs of our labor-intensive sector.

The package demonstrates strong intent to modernize the sector, strengthen livelihoods, and enhance India’s competitiveness in domestic and global markets. Key highlights include:

End-to-End Sector Focus: The National Fibre Mission, covering natural, man-made, and specialty fibres, will enhance raw material security, reduce import dependence, and improve cotton yields through the Mission for Cotton Productivity. This will promote extra-long staple varieties, raise farmer incomes, and ensure quality inputs for industry.

Support for Traditional and Cluster-Based Textiles: Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative and the National Handloom and Handicrafts Programme will strengthen khadi, handloom, and handicrafts through improved market access, value addition, and cluster modernization—sustaining employment and local economies.

Skilling and Modernization: Samarth 2.0 and allied skilling programs will equip workers with modern manufacturing and design skills, fostering productivity gains and adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Sustainability and Scale: The Textile Eco Initiative and new Mega Textile Parks will promote environmentally sustainable production, improve compliance and traceability, and create integrated hubs for investment and exports.

Trade and MSME Support: Measures such as customs duty exemptions on key textile machinery, targeted tariff rationalization, enhanced MSME credit support, BharatTradeNet, and the Export Promotion Mission will lower costs and boost export competitiveness.”

Ravi Narayanan: Budget 2026 Strengthens NBFCs and Promotes Inclusive Financial Growth

Mr. Ravi Narayanan, MD & CEO, SMFG India Credit

“The Union Budget 2026 presents a clear and constructive roadmap for strengthening India’s financial architecture, with a balanced emphasis on stability, inclusion, and long-term growth. The government’s decision to constitute a High-Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat is a forward-looking step that recognises the evolving and complementary role of NBFCs in deepening credit penetration and supporting India’s development priorities.

For the NBFC sector, the Budget sends a strong signal of policy continuity and confidence. The focus on improving credit transmission, leveraging technology, and enhancing efficiency across the financial system will enable NBFCs to scale responsibly while continuing to serve underserved and emerging customer segments. The proposed SME Growth Fund is a timely and meaningful intervention, as it will provide patient capital to small and medium enterprises, fostering innovation, productivity, and sustainable job creation.

Equally encouraging is the intent to undertake a comprehensive review of the FEMA framework for non-debt investments. Simpler, more predictable regulations will improve ease of doing business and facilitate access to long-term global capital—an important enabler for NBFCs to support India’s investment-led growth.

Overall, Budget 2026 reinforces a clear vision for a resilient, well-regulated, and inclusive NBFC ecosystem—one that empowers individuals and enterprises with affordable, relevant financial solutions and plays a critical role in advancing India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”

Biopharma Leaders Welcome Biopharma SHAKTI Boost to Strengthen India’s Global Capabilities

Shreehas Tambe, CEO & MD, Biocon Biologics

“Biopharma SHAKTI with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore is a well-timed and much-needed step, especially when seen alongside the earlier ₹1 lakh crore commitment announced in November 2025, to research, development and innovation. Together, these measures clearly signal the government’s intent to strengthen Bharat’s biopharmaceutical capabilities and catalyse innovation-led growth. The acknowledgement that non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders are now the dominant healthcare challenge is important, as is the focus on complex therapies of biologics through affordable biosimilars as the new standards of care. Encouraging investment in advanced manufacturing, building global scale, and strengthening regulatory capacity through a dedicated scientific review cadre at CDSCO are all critical to meeting global benchmarks. Equally transformative is the emphasis on academic research, skill development, training and clinical infrastructure through new and upgraded NIPERs and accredited trial sites. These steps reinforce Atmanirbhar Bharat while positioning India as a credible global biopharma hub delivering affordable, high-quality complex therapies at scale. At Biocon we are fully ready to support India’s march to be a leader in biopharma.”

Mr. Ashok Nair, Managing Director, RPG Life Sciences

“Biopharma Shakti is a strong and timely signal that India wants to scale up capabilities in biosimilars and compete more confidently in global markets. The Budget proposes an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years to build the ecosystem for domestic production of biologics and biosimilars.

What makes this announcement practical, not just aspirational, is the focus on enabling infrastructure – a biopharma‑focused network with three new NIPERs, upgrades to seven existing NIPERs, a network of 1,000+ accredited clinical trial sites, and strengthening the CDSCO to meet global standards and improve approval timelines.

For RPG Life Sciences, the value will come from improved ecosystem readiness, especially clinical‑trial output and predictable regulatory timelines. These enablers can potentially accelerate market entry and expand patient access, subject to effective and timely implementation.”