16, Jan 2026
Equirus sole advisor to Kalpataru Projects on Vindhyachal Expressway sale to Actis

Mumbai, Jan 16: Mid-market specialist investment banking firm Equirus Capital today announced the successful completion of the 100% stake sale of Vindhyachal Expressway, an 89-km, four-lane operational highway asset of Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), to leading global private equity investor Actis. Equirus acted as the sole financial advisor to Kalpataru Projects on the transaction.

The divestment marks the 11th successful road M&A transaction advised by Equirus, further reinforcing its leadership in infrastructure monetisation and capital recycling mandates, particularly for mid-market companies. The transaction highlights Equirus’ deep expertise in yield-oriented infrastructure assets, with a strong track record in road sector advisory.

“This transaction underscores our differentiated capabilities in yield-oriented infrastructure assets and road M&A, where value creation is driven by cash-flow durability, risk allocation, and long-term return optimisation. Leveraging deep sector expertise and rigorous process management, we led the transaction end-to-end — from structuring and asset positioning to negotiations and closure,” said Vijay Agrawal, Managing Director and Sector Lead – Infrastructure and Real Estate, Equirus Capital.

As per Kalpataru Projects’ disclosure to stock exchanges, the transaction values the Vindhyachal Expressway asset at an estimated enterprise value of approximately ₹775 crore, subject to closing adjustments. The company also confirmed that “All necessary approvals and conditions precedent for the transaction have been successfully completed,” with the sale expected to be finalised before the long stop date of January 31, 2026.

Brokerages tracking Kalpataru Projects have viewed the transaction positively, noting,

“The divestment is financially positive for KPIL, as the asset contributes just ~0.43% of FY24 consolidated revenue while unlocking meaningful capital. The proceeds can strengthen the balance sheet and support redeployment into core EPC segments and growth opportunities, improving capital efficiency without impacting operating scale.”

“This is another example of a win-win deal that we have been able to seal providing Kalpataru Power with strategic capital recycling while giving Actis ownership of a high-quality, stable-yield road asset aligned with its long-term investment strategy,” Mr. Agrawal added.

Vindhyachal Expressway operates under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) concession with a residual concession period of over 20 years. As of March 31, 2024, the asset reported revenue of ₹85.07 crore and a net worth of ₹144.55 crore. The project stretch is located on NH-7 from Rewa to the Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh border, with traffic largely driven by inter-state commercial vehicle movement.

According to credit rating agency Crisil that rates VEPL Rs 284 crore of bank loans, “Commercial vehicles form a sizeable portion of traffic on the project stretch,” adding that the concession agreement allows for extension of the concession period by up to 20% in case of traffic shortfall, subject to approvals. Crisil further noted that traffic grew at a 6% CAGR between FY2018 and FY2024, while toll collections increased 12.7% year-on-year to ₹70.6 crore in the first nine months of FY2025, supported by inflation-linked toll hikes. The asset is also undergoing major maintenance, with ₹109 crore planned over FY2025–FY2026.

16, Jan 2026
Fintech Must Be Treated as Core Financial Infrastructure in Budget 2026

Finance and Fintech sector 

By:  S. Anand, Founder & CEO of PaySprint, a fintech venture

“As India approaches Union Budget 2026, fintech must now be recognised as core financial infrastructure rather than a peripheral startup category. Digital rails such as payments, verification, and API-led banking today power MSMEs, merchants, and financial inclusion at population scale. The next phase of growth will depend on how strongly the budget prioritises resilience, security, and interoperability across this infrastructure.

A key expectation from Budget 2026 is policy and investment support for AI-led compliance, verification, and fraud prevention. As transaction volumes continue to rise, fintech infrastructure providers play a critical role in enabling secure onboarding, real-time risk assessment, and regulatory adherence. Encouraging India-first, explainable AI for regulated use cases will strengthen trust and scalability across the ecosystem.

Equally important is regulatory clarity and harmonisation. Fintechs operating across banking, payments, and verification need predictable compliance pathways and coordinated guidance from regulators. Simplifying compliance for startups while maintaining strong governance will help innovation and accountability grow together.

Finally, Budget 2026 should continue backing fintech models that expand financial access for MSMEs and underserved regions through low-friction digital onboarding and automation. With the right focus on infrastructure, compliance, and inclusion, India can consolidate its position as a global leader in fintech and regulatory technology”

Infrastructure & Commercial Design & Build 

By: Sammeer Pakvasa, Managing Director & CEO, Eleganz Interiors Limited.

“As we approach the Union Budget 2026–27, the focus for industries connected to India’s built environment must shift decisively from intent to execution. Over the past few years, strong momentum in commercial real estate, infrastructure, and workplace development has been driven by urbanisation, private sector investment, and government-led capital expenditure. The upcoming Budget presents an opportunity to consolidate this momentum through greater policy predictability, operational efficiency, and long-term capacity building.

For project-driven sectors such as interiors and general contracting, the most impactful outcomes are those that reduce execution-level friction. Faster approvals, clearer compliance frameworks, and deeper digitisation across regulatory processes can significantly improve delivery timelines and cost certainty, while strengthening ease of doing business. Continuity in infrastructure and urban development spending remains critical, particularly across commercial districts and transit-oriented development, given its strong multiplier effect across the value chain. Workforce development also deserves sharper focus, with industry-linked skilling, safety, and certification frameworks playing a key role in improving productivity and quality.

Sustainability and technology adoption must continue moving from intent to implementation. Incentives for green materials, lifecycle-based procurement, BIM, and advanced project management tools will accelerate responsible, efficient execution. For working-capital-intensive businesses, stability through clear tax structures and reduced compliance complexity remains essential. At Eleganz Interiors, our execution experience reinforces how policy clarity, skilled manpower, and disciplined systems translate into resilient, future-ready commercial environments aligned with India’s growth priorities.”

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism,  Homestays & Alternative Accommodation 

By: Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director & Co-Founder, EkoStay, a homestay venture

“With travel preferences in India undergoing a clear shift, the lead up to Union Budget 2026 27 places renewed attention on the hospitality sector, especially homestays and alternative accommodation. As travellers increasingly seek private, experience driven stays, this segment has emerged as a significant contributor to tourism growth, local employment, and the strengthening of regional economies. A key expectation from this Budget is formal recognition and standardisation of the homestay and vacation rental ecosystem. Clear classification, uniform guidelines across states, and simplified licensing would reduce operational ambiguity and support organised growth.

Tax rationalisation is another priority. Hospitality operates on thin margins while managing high fixed costs. A more balanced GST structure and smoother input credit mechanisms would allow operators to reinvest in quality, safety, and service consistency. Continued investment in tourism infrastructure, regional connectivity, and destination promotion is equally critical, especially for unlocking Tier II and Tier III markets.

At EkoStay, we believe Budget 2026 can strengthen this ecosystem by enabling sustainable expansion, formalisation, and long-term policy stability for experience-driven travel in India.”

Healthcare sector

By- Nivedita Basu, Founder & Chief Vision Officer, Global Cancer Care 

“As the Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, India’s healthcare system finds itself at a defining moment where growing intent must be matched with sustained, people-centric action. Public health spending has steadily increased and is estimated at around 1.9 per cent of GDP, yet it continues to fall short of the National Health Policy target of 2.5 per cent. This shortfall is critical in a system where out-of-pocket expenditure remains high and illness can still push families into financial distress.

The Union Budget 2025–26 took a positive step with a near 10 percent increase in health allocations, but rising disease burden and demographic shifts call for sharper focus on prevention and early intervention. From a cancer care perspective, late detection remains one of India’s most expensive healthcare failures. India records over 1.4 million new cancer cases annually, with a large proportion detected at advanced stages. Global evidence consistently shows that early detection significantly improves survival outcomes while reducing long-term treatment costs.

Budget 2026 should therefore prioritise preventive screening programmes, subsidised diagnostics, and patient navigation systems that enable timely action. Expanding access beyond Tier I cities through diagnostics, oncology services, tele-health, and workforce development is equally important. Rationalising tax and regulatory structures for diagnostics and medical devices would further improve affordability and innovation.

Healthcare must be treated as foundational to productivity, dignity, and economic resilience. Sustained investment in prevention, early detection, and accessible care will save lives while reducing the invisible economic burden on Indian families.”

HealthTech & Health sector

By: Apurv Modi, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Abhay Group

“Union Budget 2026 27 arrives at a defining moment for India’s healthcare journey when technology is no longer a support function but a system level enabler of access quality and efficiency. HealthTech today sits at the intersection of public health economic growth and digital governance. The upcoming budget has the opportunity to move the sector from momentum to maturity.

India has seen widespread adoption of teleconsultations e pharmacies home diagnostics and digital health records. However much of this progress remains fragmented. Budget 2026 27 should prioritise the shift from standalone pilots to interoperable platforms that work seamlessly across states providers and populations. Focused investment in digital infrastructure for Tier 2 Tier 3 and rural India including connectivity cloud capacity and last mile delivery will ensure technology translates into outcomes.

MSMEs form the backbone of HealthTech innovation yet face regulatory complexity, capital constraints and delayed approvals. Simplified compliance, faster validation pathways, affordable working capital and clear GST treatment for digital health solutions can significantly accelerate innovation without demanding subsidies.

India is now ready for the next phase of digital public health. Interoperable health data standards secure exchanges incentives for identified research data and stronger cybersecurity will enable early detection, smarter policy and preventive care. With the right policy push HealthTech can evolve from convenience to national capability and position India as a global innovation hub for the decade ahead.”

Advertising & Marketing , Creative Services, Services Economy 

By- Siddharth Jalan, Founder, SquidJC, a boutique marketing lab

“India’s services economy is entering a phase where growth alone is no longer the differentiator. As Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, the focus is shifting toward how much long term value the sector can create and retain. Across advertising and marketing, Indian firms today operate at the centre of business thinking. In fashion, consumer goods, BFSI, and education, agencies have moved from execution to shaping how brands are understood, trusted, and remembered. This shift matters because brands increasingly decide who competes globally and who falls behind.

In fashion and consumer businesses, brand strength drives pricing power and export readiness. In BFSI, communication builds confidence at scale as products become more digital. In education, credibility influences partnerships, mobility, and long term value. Creative services quietly shape outcomes though policy rarely reflects this. The budget must offer clarity through predictable taxation, simpler compliance, and smoother cross border operations. Agencies are talent and IP led firms where friction slows growth. IP creation is rising as brands invest in platforms, data, and AI tools. Clear IP rules would drive investment. Talent remains central. Applied skilling and AI education would strengthen the pipeline. Tax rationalisation would free capital for reinvestment. Budget support here matters. At SquidJC, we work with brands across fashion, consumer goods, BFSI, and education that are building for long-term relevance, both in India and globally. Union Budget 2026–27 has the opportunity to support this shift by backing clarity, capability, and ownership. A budget that understands the role of brands, IP, and creative services strengthens India’s position as a serious, value-led exporter of services.”

IoT & Power 

By:  Building India’s Next-Generation Digital Energy Infrastructure by Teppo Hemiä, Founder & CEO, Wirepas

“As India enters the next phase of its energy transition, Union Budget 2026–27 has an opportunity to strengthen how the country builds and operates its digital power infrastructure. While electrification and renewable integration have made strong progress, the focus must now shift to intelligence, resilience, and operational efficiency across the grid.

One of the most critical areas is power distribution, where the rapid rollout of smart meters, rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and distributed energy resources is increasing grid complexity. Budget support that accelerates Advanced Metering Infrastructure beyond billing use cases, toward grid operations, power quality monitoring, and demand-side flexibility, will unlock far greater value from existing investments.

Equally important is grid-edge intelligence enabled by interoperable, standards-based IoT connectivity. Supporting scalable, cost-efficient connectivity options and long-term lifecycle-efficient infrastructure will help utilities adapt to evolving requirements without repeated asset replacement. A forward-looking Budget can ensure India’s energy infrastructure is not only large-scale, but future-ready and resilient.”

Jewellery Sector

By- Anand Lukhi, Founder & CEO, Lukson, on budget expectations.

India’s gems and jewellery industry is entering a new phase of transformation, shaped by shifting consumer values, sustainability priorities, and technological advancement. As Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, the sector finds itself at a pivotal moment, particularly with the growing adoption of lab grown diamonds. 

Budget 2026–27 should recognise lab-grown diamonds as a strategic sunrise segment, with continued rationalisation of duties on raw materials and equipment, and targeted incentives for advanced manufacturing. Such measures can lower entry barriers for MSMEs and accelerate ethical, future-ready diamond production.

Given the sector’s strong MSME backbone, simplified GST compliance, faster refunds for export units, and improved access to affordable credit would meaningfully strengthen cash flows and scalability. Equally important is investment in design-led skilling and technology adoption, ensuring India moves up the value chain from volume-driven exports to high-value branded jewellery. A balanced policy focus on manufacturing, sustainability, exports, and consumer trust can position India as a global leader in next-generation jewellery innovation.”

16, Jan 2026
NIVEA Makes Its Lollapalooza India Debut With “Baddie But Softie” Campaign

Mumbai, Jan 16: NIVEA, one of India’s most trusted skincare brands*, is redefining how it connects with younger audiences by stepping into the world of music and live cultural experiences. With Gen Z seeing music as a powerful form of identity and self-expression, the brand is making its presence felt at Lollapalooza India 2026 – a cultural extravaganza, to build deeper, more relevant connections with the youth in an authentic, meaningful way.

Since the objective is to engage with the younger generation where they are present, music festivals rank right at the top- making Lollapalooza India the ideal platform to connect with the audience. NIVEA’s presence this year goes beyond mere visibility; it is rooted in meaningful engagement and cultural relevance.

The brand has introduced a personalised anthem, “Baddie But Softie,” designed to decode one’s music festival personality and turn it into a custom track. By answering a few simple questions about their festival vibe, users are identified as either a Softie or a Baddie. Based on their persona, users receive a song that reflects their unique festival identity. The idea celebrates the freedom to move between a softer, easy-going side and a bolder, more confident energy, with music and self-expression as the connecting thread.

Beyond the anthem, NIVEA has curated a range of engaging on-ground experiences- from dedicated booth and picture-worthy moments to a relaxation zone and immersive product interactions. The hero product on-ground will be NIVEA Soft UV, a moisturiser that offers both hydration and SPF protection, making it an ideal companion for outdoor music festival settings, alongside a host of other brand offerings. This year at Lollapalooza India, NIVEA offers something for every music lover, culture enthusiast, and NIVEA loyalist.

Geetika Mehta, Managing Director, NIVEA India, said,

 “Music is the moment in India right now, and young people are driving it. They express themselves through music, discover culture through it, and spend their time where the music is. NIVEA wants to meet them there. While our legacy of trust remains strong, staying relevant to young India is key. With NIVEA Soft UV, we’re showing up in a way that feels fresh and culturally in sync. Our presence at Lollapalooza India reflects this. We want young consumers to choose NIVEA not only for its legacy, but because it fits their world today. At the festival, they’ll experience hyper personalisation, AI led interactions and standout photo moments designed for this music powered generation.”

Samradha Tibrewala, Head – Partnerships and Revenue, BookMyShow, said,

What resonates with younger audiences today is not brand messaging, but brand intent. When a leading brand like NIVEA chooses to step into a space like Lollapalooza India, it signals an understanding that culture is no longer something to observe from the sidelines – it’s something to participate in. Music festivals have become modern town squares for Gen Z, where identity, creativity and community converge. Collaborations like these underscore how live experiences are increasingly where brands earn relevance, not through visibility alone, but through presence that feels natural to the world audiences inhabit today.”

Set to take place on 24–25 January at Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai, Lollapalooza India 2026 promises an immersive cultural experience with NIVEA seamlessly woven into the festival experience.

16, Jan 2026
Malaysia Airlines Partners with Mumbai Indians, India’s Biggest Cricket Team, to Drive Growth in India and Beyond

Malaysia Airlines has entered a landmark partnership with Mumbai Indians, India’s most successful and widely followed cricket team, serving as both Associate Sponsor and Official Global Airline Partner. This collaboration is part of the airline’s broader strategy to accelerate sports-led brand and commercial growth in key global markets. The partnership underscores Malaysia Airlines’ long-term commitment to strengthening its presence in India, one of its most important growth markets.

Malaysia Airlines x Mumbai Indians 1

To mark the occasion, one hundred Wau Bulan kites were released at Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, in conjunction with Makar Sankranti, India’s annual kite flying festival, symbolising the coming together of cultures through sports and travel. Also making an appearance at the launch ceremony was Mumbai Indians’ Head Coach – Mahela Jayawardene, alongside representatives of the club.  

As one of the world’s most followed cricket teams, Mumbai Indians command a global fan base of over 55 million, providing Malaysia Airlines a strong platform to engage with audiences across India and beyond, extending its signature Malaysian Hospitality to a diverse global community.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, said,

India remains a cornerstone of our international network, and with 80 weekly flights connecting 10 key Indian cities, Malaysia Airlines serves as a vital bridge between India and the world. This partnership with the Mumbai Indians is a strategic commercial investment; it allows us to tap into an immense, highly engaged audience to drive brand preference and loyalty in a competitive market. By combining the excitement of world-class cricket with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality, we are not only creating unique experiences but also stimulating tourism and trade flows between our two nations. 

This collaboration is about more than visibility – it is about reinforcing Malaysia’s position as the preferred gateway to Asia and ensuring that our economic and cultural ties continue to flourish, one journey at a time.” 

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said,

“Mumbai Indians is proud to partner with Malaysia Airlines, a brand that shares our commitment to excellence, global reach and meaningful fan engagement. With millions of fans in India and around the world, this collaboration allows us to connect our community to new travel experiences while celebrating the shared passion for sport, culture and hospitality. Together, we look forward to creating memorable moments for fans, both on matchdays and beyond.”

Through this partnership, Malaysia Airlines will reinforce its position as the preferred carrier for Indian travellers while offering Mumbai Indians fans exclusive touchpoints that combine the thrill of cricket with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality. Planned activations include on-ground fan engagements, co-branded experiences, exclusive merchandise and selected player-led appearances, designed to connect cricket fans with Malaysia Airlines beyond match days.

As part of its commitment to driving inbound travel, Malaysia Airlines will continue to promote its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, allowing eligible international travellers transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 to explore an additional Malaysian destination with no additional fare (excluding taxes). Travellers can choose from eight domestic destinations, offering greater access to Malaysia’s cultural, natural and heritage attractions within a single itinerary. As Malaysia’s national carrier, the airline will also continue supporting Visit Malaysia 2026, working with government and industry partners to enhance connectivity and position Malaysia as a must-visit destination for travellers across India, Southeast Asia and beyond.

16, Jan 2026
IndiGo and Nobero Join Hands; Make Shopping More Rewarding for Travelers

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, and Nobero, the traveller brand from the house of TMRW, today announced a strategic partnership under the IndiGo BluChip loyalty program, unlocking more value for customers across lifestyle shopping and travel.

This first-of-its-kind collaboration allows IndiGo BluChip members to earn 1 IndiGo BluChip for every ₹100 spent on any Nobero product. By seamlessly connecting fashion and travel, the partnership transforms everyday apparel purchases into flight rewards, offering customers greater convenience and tangible benefits.

Designed to enhance the travel experience both on the ground and in the air, the partnership brings together Nobero’s apparel designed for the Modern Traveller who is always on the go, and IndiGo BluChip’s rapidly expanding loyalty ecosystem. Customers can now enjoy a rewarding journey that begins with their wardrobe and extends to IndiGo’s extensive flight network.

The partnership is valid for three years, effective immediately, reinforcing IndiGo’s commitment to building meaningful alliances that enrich customer experiences.

 Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital and Information Officer, IndiGo, said: 

At IndiGo, we are committed to creating a compelling value proposition that aligns with our customers’ expectations, while recognizing and rewarding their continued loyalty. We are thrilled to partner with Nobero and are confident that this collaboration will enrich our customers’ shopping and travel experiences with meaningful, easy-to-redeem benefits.

 Says Karthik Venkat and Bala Satish, Co-Founders, Nobero,

“Our vision has always been to elevate the modern traveller’s journey. Partnering with IndiGo BluChip allows us to extend that value even further by rewarding customers not just with exceptional products but also with meaningful loyalty benefits. This collaboration marks a significant step in building an enriched travel lifestyle community.”

 Why This Partnership Matters

  • Seamless Value: Customers earn IndiGo BluChips with every purchase on the Nobero website
  • Strengthened Travel Lifestyle: Aligns with Nobero’s mission of creating products designed for modern, on-the-move consumers.

Customers can start earning IndiGo BluChips immediately by shopping at Nobero’s official website. IndiGo Bluchips will automatically be credited to their registered IndiGo BluChip accounts after purchase validation.

16, Jan 2026
Hansgrohe India Highlights Luxury, Sustainability, and Quality in Budget 2026 Outlook
Abdulkader Bengali, Managing Director, Hansgrohe India
By:  Abdulkader Bengali, MD, Hansgrohe India
“As India prepares for Budget 2026‑27, the macroeconomic outlook remains resilient, with strong growth fundamentals and rising aspirations across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. A growing middle class is increasingly seeking luxury residential and hospitality experiences- spaces that are not only premium and well‑designed but also efficient and sustainable, reflecting evolving lifestyles and global exposure.
This shift calls for policy frameworks that strengthen infrastructure, urban planning, and housing ecosystems, ensuring access to high‑quality living while maintaining affordability and long‑term value. Encouraging responsible construction practices, skill development, and quality‑led execution can elevate standards across both luxury residential and hospitality segments.
With consistent policy support, a sharper focus on durability, sustainability, and user experience will enhance India’s living environments and hospitality offerings, driving inclusive growth while reinforcing the country’s building ecosystem for the future.”
16, Jan 2026
Waaree Renewable Technologies Reports Record Q3 and 9MFY26 Results, Strengthens Solar EPC Leadership

New Delhi, Jan 16:  Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited, the EPC arm of the Waaree Group and a leading player in India’s solar EPC space, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025. The company continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum, supported by an expanding footprint in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and data centres, as well as a robust order pipeline.

Q3FY26 Financial Highlights (Consolidated):

  • Revenue from Operations: Rs. 851.06 crore, up 136.18% YoY from Rs. 360.35 crore in Q3FY25

  • EBITDA: Rs. 158.80 crore, up 120.79% YoY from Rs. 71.92 crore in Q3FY25

  • PAT: Rs. 120.19 crore, up 124.74% YoY from Rs. 53.48 crore in Q3FY25

  • EBITDA Margin: 18.66%

  • PAT Margin: 14.12%

9MFY26 Financial Highlights (Consolidated):

  • Revenue: Rs. 2,229.03 crore, up 98.81% YoY from Rs. 1,121.17 crore in 9MFY25

  • EBITDA: Rs. 434.28 crore, up 135.29% YoY from Rs. 184.57 crore in 9MFY25

  • PAT: Rs. 322.93 crore, up 138.92% YoY from Rs. 135.16 crore in 9MFY25

  • EBITDA Margin: 19.48%

  • PAT Margin: 14.49%

Operational Highlights:

  • Unexecuted order book: 2.92 GWp, to be executed over the next 12–15 months

  • Bidding pipeline: ~29 GWp

  • Recent Orders:

    • 217.5 MWp Ground-Mounted Solar Power Project (Q3FY26)

    • 39.8 MWp Ground-Mounted Solar Power Project (Q3FY26)

Strategic Initiatives:

  • The Board of Directors has approved a capex budget for setting up a 120 MWp Solar Power Park in Buldhana, Maharashtra

Commenting on the performance, a company spokesperson said:

“Waaree Renewable Technologies continues to demonstrate robust growth in both revenue and profitability, driven by strong execution and a diversified portfolio in solar EPC, BESS, and data centres. Our unexecuted order book and healthy bidding pipeline underscore our leadership position and our ability to sustain growth momentum in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.”

16, Jan 2026
Punjab & Sind Bank Launches “PSB Rail Coach SB Salary Account” Exclusively for Employees of Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala
Kapurthala, Jan 16: Punjab & Sind Bank, a leading public sector bank has announced the launch of the “PSB Rail Coach SB Salary Account” designed exclusively for the permanent employees of the Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. This specialised salary account offers an array of financial and insurance benefits aimed at supporting the unique requirements of employees engaged in India’s rail coach manufacturing sector.
The PSB Rail Coach SB Salary Account provides comprehensive protection, convenience, and value-added benefits, ensuring financial security for employees and their families. The account offers Personal Accident Cover/Permanent Total Disability Cover of up to ₹100 lakh and Group Term Life Insurance Cover of ₹11 lakh, providing extensive risk coverage in case of any unforeseen events.
Additionally, the account includes a Free Child Education Benefit under Personal Accident Cover of up to INR 24 lakh, helping secure the educational future of dependents. Customers can also avail an overdraft facility of up to two months of net salary, offering immediate liquidity during financial emergencies.
To further enhance value, the PSB Rail Coach SB Salary Account provides a waiver on locker rent charges of up to 100%, making safe custody of valuables more economical for account holders.
With the introduction of this product, Punjab & Sind Bank reiterates its commitment to designing customised banking solutions for diverse workforce segments across the country, promoting financial inclusion and security for employees serving in critical national infrastructure sectors.
AD Ports Group Signs AED 840 Million Land Sale Agreement with Danube Properties
16, Jan 2026
AD Ports Group Signs AED 840 Million Land Sale Agreement with Danube Properties

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Jan 16: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, has signed a land sale agreement with Danube Properties for the development of a major residential and mixed-use project within KEZAD Town Centre, a strategically located district forming part of KEZAD Abu Dhabi.

 

The transaction covers approximately one million square metres of freehold land and is valued at around AED 840 million. It represents the second land sale completed within the KEZAD Town Centre masterplan, following the earlier landmark transaction conducted with Mira Developments last October.

The agreement supports AD Ports Group’s land monetisation strategy and the phased acceleration of the Town Centre development, which spans a total area of approximately 16 square kilometres. The project is designed to establish a vibrant, well-connected residential and lifestyle destination within close proximity to KEZAD’s industrial and business clusters, supporting long-term growth and workforce sustainability.

The proceeds from the transaction will be collected over a period of four years, with a 10% downpayment, and will support the Group’s efforts to continue to deleverage its Balance Sheet, enhancing its liquidity position and financial flexibility.

The agreement further demonstrates the sustained value appreciation of KEZAD Town Centre land, underpinned by strong market demand.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “Our land sale agreement with Danube Properties marks another significant milestone in the development of KEZAD Town Centre and underscores the strength of our long-term master planning approach. Achieving a higher land value in this second transaction reflects growing market confidence in the Town Centre vision and its role in creating integrated, liveable communities that support Abu Dhabi’s economic growth, in line with the wise vision of our leadership.”

He added: “By accelerating land monetisation and attracting established developers with strong delivery track records, we are unlocking hidden value from our landbank in Abu Dhabi, while ensuring that development remains fully aligned with infrastructure readiness, planning standards, and the evolving needs of our communities.”

Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube Group, said: “We are proud to partner with AD Ports Group on this important development within KEZAD Town Centre. The location, scale, and long-term vision of the project align strongly with our commitment to delivering high-quality residential and mixed-use communities. This agreement provides a solid foundation for a development that will meet market demand and contribute meaningfully to the growth of this emerging destination.”

Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group, is one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers and the pioneer of the region’s groundbreaking 1% payment plan. Established by Rizwan Sajan in 1993, the company has launched 40 projects to date, with 20 successfully delivered and the remainder in advanced stages of construction.

Known for offering fully furnished apartments complemented by more than 40 lifestyle amenities, Danube Properties has earned a strong reputation for delivering projects ahead of schedule, backed by exceptional build quality and customer trust. With innovation, accessibility, and reliability at its core, the company continues to redefine modern urban living across the region.

The KEZAD Town Centre development is planned as a multi-phase district combining residential, commercial, and lifestyle components, supported by primary infrastructure, utilities, and connectivity delivered in line with approved masterplans. The project is expected to play a central role in shaping a new urban destination adjacent to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest economic and industrial hubs.

16, Jan 2026
Abhishek Gupta takes charge as CTO at Stashfin to accelerate AI-Driven Growth, redefining the next phase of scale and transformation

Stashfin, India’s leading digital lending and full-stack financial services platform, has announced the appointment of Abhishek Gupta as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In his new role, Abhishek will lead the company’s end-to-end technology strategy and execution, cloud infrastructure, data and AI capabilities, cybersecurity, and product-led innovation, as Stashfin accelerates its next phase of scale and transformation.

Abhishek (1)

Abhishek brings with him several years of experience in building and scaling large, consumer-facing technology platforms across high-growth digital businesses. Prior to joining Stashfin, he also held senior technology leadership roles including Vice President at Zupee, CTO at Creditas Solutions, Associate Director of Technology at the ibibo Group, and Manager – Technology at Times Internet. His career spans building resilient platforms, driving AI adoption, and leading high-performing engineering organisations at scale. His mandate includes advancing cloud-native architecture, strengthening platform reliability, improving performance, and driving cost efficiency across the technology stack, ensuring that Stashfin’s systems scale seamlessly with growing customer and transaction volumes.

A central pillar of his role is leading AI-led transformation across engineering, product and business operations. Under his leadership, AI is being embedded deeply into how products are built and how teams operate, moving beyond experimentation to deliver measurable, real-world impact. This includes AI-assisted and automated code generation, reviews, and quality checks to improve developer productivity and accelerate time-to-market; automated CRM and customer communication workflows that enable intelligent routing, personalised engagement, and faster issue resolution; and AI-powered collections and operations enablement, where data-driven insights optimise outreach timing, channels, and customer interactions.

Commenting on his appointment, Abhishek Gupta, Chief Technology Officer, Stashfin, said,

 “At Stashfin, the focus is on leveraging advanced technology at scale securely alongside the business while improving efficiency and customer experience. We are investing in cloud-native systems, strong data foundations, and applied AI across engineering and operations, from AI-assisted development and automated CRM workflows to intelligent operations such as smart collections. By combining AI-led innovation with a security-first approach, we aim to accelerate time-to-market, reduce manual effort, and deliver reliable, trusted, and personalized digital experiences at scale.”

Tushar Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Stashfin, further highlighted, 

“As Stashfin continues to grow, technology, data, and AI are central to how we scale responsibly and sustainably. Abhishek brings a strong combination of platform thinking, execution excellence, and AI-first leadership. His experience in building large, resilient digital systems will be critical as we strengthen our technology foundations, accelerate innovation, and deliver long-term value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Abhishek’s role and focus also spans across application security, cloud security, data protection, and governance, ensuring that Stashfin’s technology platforms remain secure, compliant, and resilient as the business grows. In parallel, he also works closely with product, business, and operations leaders to drive product-led innovation, aligning technology execution directly with business outcomes. By building strong data foundations and scalable AI, enabling faster decision-making and consistent customer experiences at scale.