Category Archives: Business

The Oberoi Group Announces Second Edition of The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program

The Oberoi Group Announces Second Edition of The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program Following Resounding Success of Inaugural Year

New Delhi, 14 August, 2025 – Building on the success of its inaugural year, The Oberoi Group is delighted to announce the second edition of The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program. This pioneering initiative honours the legacy of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi and Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi as it creates the next generation of hospitality leaders through world-class education and international exposure.

Launched in 2024, the program received exceptional interest from hospitality professionals across India, reaffirming the Group’s position as a global icon in luxury hospitality. Inspired by the vision of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the father of the Indian hotel industry, and Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, who elevated Indian luxury hospitality to global acclaim, the program is designed to foster leadership in the industry and excellence in hospitality.

The Oberoi Group will once again offer two prestigious scholarships:

Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi – ‘Dare to Dream’ Scholarship: Open to hotel operations executives from hotels outside The Oberoi Group in India, this scholarship encourages hospitality professionals to aim high and pursue excellence in their careers, embodying Rai Bahadur’s belief in ambition and perseverance.

Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi – ‘Be the Best’ Scholarship: Available for hotel operations executives from The Oberoi Group in India and overseas, this scholarship inspires recipients to set new benchmarks in luxury and service, reflecting Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi’s commitment to perfection in guest experiences.

Each scholarship recipient will pursue a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality at École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland – one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality management schools. The two-year MBA combines virtual learning with a three-week immersive experience at the EHL campus in Lausanne each year, complemented by a Best Practice Tour at some of the world’s finest hotels.

First Edition Highlights

The inaugural edition in 2024 saw two outstanding hospitality professionals earn these coveted scholarships after a seven-stage selection process involving interviews, psychometric assessments, and personality evaluations.

Dare to Dream Scholarship: Ms. Kritika Sharma, Executive Housekeeper, Taj Westend, Bangalore
Be the Best Scholarship: Ms. Alisha Rampal, Hotel Manager, Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai

Both recipients are currently enrolled in the EHL MBA program, embarking on an extraordinary learning journey that combines academic excellence with international exposure.

Ms. Kritika Sharma, Taj West End, Bengaluru recipient of the Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi – ‘Dare to Dream’ Scholarship, said: “This has been a life-changing opportunity. It has given me the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to turn those dreams into reality. The program at École Hôtelière de Lausanne is not only expanding my knowledge of hospitality management but also broadening my perspective on global best practices. I am deeply grateful to The Oberoi group for investing in the growth of hospitality professionals across the industry.”

Ms. Alisha Rampal, Director – Food & Beverage, Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai, and recipient of the Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi – ‘Be the Best’ Scholarship, said, “The Oberoi Group Scholarship has been an inspiring journey of learning and self-discovery. The exposure to world-class education at École Hôtelière de Lausanne, coupled with the opportunity to engage with some of the finest minds in hospitality, has strengthened my resolve to deliver excellence in every aspect of guest experience. I am honoured to carry forward the values and vision of The Oberoi Group and am committed to applying this learning to elevate our industry’s standards.”

Mr. K.B. Kachru, President – Hotels Association of India, said, “ The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program is a transformative step towards shaping the future of hospitality in India. By empowering young talent with world-class education, The Oberoi Group is fostering innovation and excellence that will resonate across the industry. The Hotels Association of India fully endorses this inspiring initiative.”

Mr. Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, commented, “The inaugural edition of the Scholarship Program reinforced our belief in the importance of nurturing talent for the future of hospitality. We are proud to launch its second edition, carrying forward the legacy of our founders by supporting exceptional individuals to become world-class hoteliers.”

Mr. Vikram Oberoi, CEO – The Oberoi Group, further added, “Our founders believed in the transformative power of continuous learning and mentorship. Building on the success of the first edition, inspires us to continue investing in people who will shape the future of hospitality with a deep understanding of our business, innovation, leadership, and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences.”

The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program remains a testament to the Group’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality and its vision to cultivate leaders who will continue to raise the standards of hospitality worldwide.

Aptus Value Housing Finance Gets Back to Back Rating Upgrades from CARE and ICRA

Chennai, August 14, 2025: Aptus Value Housing Finance India Limited, a leading housing finance company, announced that ICRA Limited has upgraded the credit rating of the Company’s long-term bank facilities and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) to [ICRA] AA (Stable); from [ICRA] AA- (Stable).

Key Highlights:

· Upgraded Rating: Rating upgrade by ICRA, reflects Aptus’ strong capitalisation, healthy asset quality, prudent risk management, and consistent growth in assets under management. It also underscores the Company’s focus on leveraging its varied customer base through a well-balanced mix of housing finance and loan against property products.

· Facilities Covered:

1.  Long-Term Bank Facilities
2. Non-Convertible Debentures

Commenting on the rating upgrade, Mr. P. Balaji, Managing Director said, “The back-to-back rating upgrades from CARE Ratings and ICRA, reaffirm the strength of our business model, the quality of our portfolio, and the trust we have built with our customers and investors. We will continue to focus on sustainable growth while maintaining our strong asset quality and service standards.”

Tata Motors Enters the Dominican Republic with Versatile Range of Commercial Vehicles

Bengaluru, August 14, 2025: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and a global leader in mobility solutions, has officially entered the Dominican Republic market through a strategic partnership with Equimax, its authorised distributor. This launch marks a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ global expansion strategy and introduces a tailored portfolio of commercial vehicles designed to meet the evolving needs of the region’s logistics, infrastructure, and last-mile delivery sectors.

The product lineup includes the Tata Super Ace for agile last-mile delivery, the Tata Xenon pickup for rugged utility, the Ultra range of trucks (T.6, T.7, T.9) for smart intra-city logistics, and the LPT 613 tipper for construction and infrastructure applications. These vehicles are engineered to deliver superior performance, durability, and total cost of ownership—hallmarks of Tata Motors’ global reputation.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Asif Shamim, Head – International Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Dominican Republic presents a high-potential market aligned with Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles’ global growth ambitions. With its growing economy and infrastructure, our advanced commercial vehicle solutions are well-positioned to support national development goals. Backed by Equimax’s strong local presence, we aim to deliver unmatched value through reliable products, efficient service, and long-term customer support for meeting the aspirations of transporters and businesses in the country.”

Mr. Gabriel Tellerias, President, Equimax, added, “The introduction of Tata Motors’ globally trusted commercial vehicles marks an important milestone for the Dominican Republic’s transport and logistics sector. These vehicles have been carefully selected from Tata Motors’ expansive portfolio and reflect a clear understanding of local business needs. Our priority will be to ensure a superior ownership experience through Equimax’s strong commitment to exceptional after-sales service, offering customers timely support and long-term value. We value our partnership with Tata Motors and look forward to driving growth and progress together in the Dominican Republic.”

Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles are sold in over 40 countries worldwide, with a portfolio that spans sub-1-tonne mini-trucks to 60-tonne heavy-duty trucks and 9- to 71-seater passenger transport solutions. With over seven decades of experience in commercial mobility, the company continues to deliver on its promise of performance, durability, and total cost efficiency — built on a foundation of frugal engineering and global innovation.

Key Highlights of the Launch:

Segment-Centric, Application focused Vehicles:

• Super Ace: Ideal for FMCG, e-commerce, and food delivery
• Xenon: Available in single and double cabin, suited for cargo and utility
• Ultra Range: Built on a next-gen smart truck platform for urban logistics
• LPT 613: Designed for construction and infrastructure sectors

Customer-Centric Services:

Extended warranty of up to 5 years or 200,000 km on select models
Equimax’s strategically located service centers ensure easy access to genuine spares and timely maintenance

Why India’s Architects, Designers, and Luxury Clients Are Turning to Lumeil for Intelligent, Curated Lighting

13th August 2025: In the rarefied world of bespoke interiors — where a Hermès throw speaks volumes and the lines between art and utility blur — procurement has quietly undergone a revolution. The age of spreadsheets, late-night supplier calls, and sample-room chaos is over. Today’s most celebrated interior designers and luxury homeowners demand more than access; they demand elegance, efficiency, and an ecosystem that speaks their language.

Enter Lumeil — India’s definitive digital destination for premium decorative lighting. A brand born not just from a love of lighting, but from an understanding of the new-age design economy — intelligent, intuitive, and uncompromising.

With its meticulous curation, swift timelines, and quietly powerful tech backbone, Lumeil is rewriting what procurement looks like for India’s luxury design community.

Here is how:

1. Procurement but Make It Couture

What Net-a-Porter did for fashion, Lumeil is doing for lighting — bringing the boutique experience online without losing the soul. Gone are the days of generic B2B catalogues and fragmented sourcing.

Lumeil offers a curated vault of hand-selected designs — each chosen for its story, silhouette, and soul.
This is not mass retail. This is digital discovery for the discerning.

Designers can now specify with confidence, knowing every piece has been reviewed not just for quality, but for its relevance to a global luxury aesthetic — timeless, tasteful, and tailored.

2. One Platform. Many Possibilities. No Chaos.

For architects and studios managing multi-million-rupee projects across continents, time is not just money — it is brand equity. Lumeil’s platform integrates selection, coordination, and client approvals into one elegant interface.

Whether tagging a chandelier for a Mediterranean villa in Goa or shortlisting dimmable wall sconces for a penthouse in Mumbai, designers now work in a space that mirrors the elegance of their vision.

Live inventory visibility, premium supplier coordination, and personalized recommendations mean your time is spent designing — not chasing.

3. A Digital Concierge with a Designer’s Eye

What sets Lumeil apart is its understanding of who it serves. This is a brand that knows its clients fly first class, collect contemporary art, and treat interiors as legacy statements.

Behind every project dashboard is a team that blends tech fluency with impeccable design sensibility — offering advice, assistance, and alternatives that do not feel transactional, but tailored.

From supporting complex lighting schedules to ensuring white-glove delivery across India’s top postcodes, Lumeil offers the kind of proactive service usually reserved for haute couture maisons.

“We built Lumeil for the kind of clients and creators who do not compromise. Our goal is to offer a platform that is not just smart and seamless — but soulful. One where every product is a piece of art, and every order — personal.”
— Naman Jain, Co-Founder, Lumeil

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.

Saint-Gobain Begins Construction of New Float Glass and Insulation Lines in Chennai

Saint-Gobain today announced the commencement of construction of its 7^th float glass line and 5^th 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 5^th 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.

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:

• • 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.

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.”

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.

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