Category Archives: Business

Amazon India celebrates MSME Day 2025 with the return of Karigar Mela featuring artisans from across India

Chandigarh, June 20, 2025: As part of its ongoing efforts to enable micro and small businesses, Amazon India will host the fourth edition of its Karigar Mela storefront on June 21 and 21, ahead of MSME Day 2025. Since its launch in 2021, Karigar Mela has become an online storefront for India’s artisans to showcase their handcrafted products, helping preserve traditional crafts while expanding their access to millions of customers through e-commerce.

Participation in Karigar Mela has grown threefold since its launch, with the 2025 edition set to feature over thousands of artisans from across India. The storefront will offer customers a curated selection of handcrafted products that highlight India’s cultural and creative diversity. Categories such as furniture, women’s ethnic wear, and home decor continue to see strong traction, driven by potentially growing demand for handmade and regionally sourced products. With increased participation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, this year’s edition further expands market access for local artisans and brings a broader range of regional crafts to customers nationwide.

On this occasion, Mr. Gaurav Bhatnagar, Director, Sales, Amazon India, said, “Karigar Mela reflects our continued efforts to enable small businesses and artisans across India to participate in and benefit from e-commerce. By supporting the revival of traditional crafts and improving access to markets, we are providing an opportunity to artisans scale their businesses sustainably. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem and creating long-term value for customers and sellers alike.”

Launched in 2017, the Amazon Karigar program enables small businesses and specialized micro-entrepreneurs like weavers, artisans, and artisans to benefit from e-commerce, grow their businesses, and, in many cases, revive some dying art forms from the country. Today, Amazon Karigar impacts over 1.8 MM (18 lakh) artisans with a selection of over 200K (2 lakh) unique handmade products across handloom, handicraft, hand-processed beauty & gourmet products, including 470+ unique arts and crafts from across the country.

Bajaj Markets Joins ONDC network; Brings 16 million+ Traffic to the network

Mumbai/Pune, June 19, 2025: Bajaj Markets, one of India’s largest digital marketplaces for financial products and services, and a part of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., today announced its integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), making the network accessible to its customers on Bajaj Markets App and Web.

This integration makes Bajaj Markets a buyer network participant on ONDC Network. Customers on Bajaj Markets App and Web can now seamlessly shop for electronics and appliances on ONDC Network, in addition to financial products and services on the Bajaj Markets platform.

Ashish Panchal, Managing Director and CEO, Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited, said, “With 90+ partners and 140+ financial products and services available on our platform, Bajaj Markets continues to witness steady growth in app and website traffic. This integration connects consumers of Bajaj Markets with sellers on the ONDC network. It allows our 16 million+ traffic to access ONDC’s decentralized network, offering a wide selection of premium electronics and appliances, along with flexible financing options. This integration marks a significant step in leveraging India’s Digital Public Infrastructure to accelerate digital commerce and transform customer experience.”

Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO, ONDC, said, “Bajaj Markets joining the ONDC Network marks a significant step in redefining how financial services and commerce intersect. As a front-runner in the financial sector, Bajaj Markets is poised to unlock new opportunities by combining deep credit expertise with seamless digital commerce – empowering consumers to make smarter purchases, access flexible financing, and build stronger financial journeys. This integration reflects the transformative potential of open networks in enabling businesses to engage, learn, and co-create value.”

Bajaj Markets started with an aim to bring consumers of financial services and providers on a single platform, making it not only convenient for customers to compare, choose and buy, but also transact digitally. It has today grown to become one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial products and services from leading banks and NBFCs.

The integration with ONDC Network enables Bajaj Markets to seamlessly offer over 1.5 lakh SKUs of premium electronics and appliances at comparable prices.

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square reintroduces concept of celebrating India’s culinary diversity

New Delhi: DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square is thrilled to announce the return of the dining concept, ‘Chefs of Hilton’ – a culinary journey that brings to life the long-lost recipe that evokes nostalgia. This celebration of regional dishes has been created to transport guests through the country’s most iconic culinary heritage.

Themed “Curated with Care, Timeless Flavours Rediscovered,” the concept features 18 specially created dishes, plated and presented in a thali format. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, Chefs of Hilton brings together India’s most beloved regional dishes.

Executive Chef Bishan Negi leads this initiative with passion and creativity, drawing on his extensive experience with global hospitality brands. Under his guidance, chefs of DoubleTree By Hilton Baani Square are presenting dishes that are native, original and flavourful.

“At DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square, we see our kitchen as more than a space for cooking, it is an arena of artistry, where our chefs are not just culinarians but creators too. Chefs of Hilton is a concept designed to celebrate our culinary artists and give our guests a chance to experience Indian culture through cuisine,” said Chef Bishan Negi.

Some of the vegetarians delicacies being offered include Dalma with Masala Puri – a wholesome lentil-vegetable stew from Odisha, elevated by the golden magic of masala puris; Ghugni with Luchi – a Kolkata street-side classic – spicy yellow peas bubbling with flavour, paired with soft, puffed luchis that melt in your mouth; Besan ke Gatte with Khoba Roti – Rajasthan’s gram flour dumplings in tangy curry, served with hand-pinched Khoba roti that looks as royal as it tastes and Bombay Tawa Pulao with Kheera Pudina Raita – spiced rice seared on a hot tawa, cooled down with a chilled cucumber-mint raita that’s pure refreshment.

Non vegetarians can relish Bihar’s best-kept secret – Champaran Mutton with Moti Roti (slow-cooked mutton sealed with mustard oil and spice, paired with thick roti to scoop up every last drop of that magic); Katla Macher Jhol with Garam Bhaat (a homely Bengali fish curry where big river fish meets mustard and magic and served with hot steamed rice) and Andhra Royyala Vepudu with Malabar Parantha (bold, spiced prawns stir-fried served with flaky charm of a South Indian paratha).

The thalis have been thoughtfully priced with vegetarian offerings as well.

SEBI Reforms Boost Flexibility and Attractiveness of REITs and InvITs

By-Mr. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE

“SEBI’s latest announcements will provide the impetus needed to make REITs and InvITs more attractive, transparent, and operationally efficient. A relaxation of the earlier provision, making it mandatory to onward distribute 100% inflows from SPV to Holdco, will allow more operational flexibility and improved cash flow management for REITs and InvITs, potentially optimising distributions and making the structures more attractive to sponsors and managers. Additionally, SEBI has aligned the timeline for submitting various reports with the schedule for financial results. This streamlines compliance and reduces redundant delays for REITs and InvITs. These amendments will make REITs and InvITs more accessible, trusted, and future ready. We anticipate a surge of domestic and global capital into the sector, which is essential for funding India’s vast real estate and infrastructure development needs.”

Increase Industry and manufacturing contribution to GDP our top priority: Hemant Sharma

Bhubaneswar: The 2nd Edition of the Odisha Manufacturing Conclave 2025, organized by the ASSOCHAM Odisha State Council, successfully commenced today at a city hotel. This year’s conclave, themed “AI-Driven Manufacturing: Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainable Growth,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technology pioneers, and academia to discuss Odisha’s roadmap for becoming a future-ready manufacturing hub.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industry, Govt of Odisha, Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted that Manufacturing currently contributes 36% to Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while the combined contribution of industry and manufacturing stands at 53%. He emphasized that there is significant potential to further enhance this share, and this remains a top priority for the state government. “Our policies have been strategically designed to drive this growth, and we are witnessing a rapid inflow of investments. Many investment proposals have not only been received but have also been successfully grounded,” he said.

Reflecting on Odisha’s industrial transformation over the past few decades, Sharma noted the role of technological advancements in optimizing resource use. “For instance, the land required for establishing aluminium plants with double the production capacity has now been reduced to almost half, thanks to improved technology,” he explained. He further added that the state government is actively supporting industries with a steady supply of skilled manpower and comprehensive infrastructure to help them flourish.

Shri Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Dept, Govt of Odisha unveiled ASSOCHAM study paper in partnership with Primus Partners

The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM, who lauded the Government’s visionary approach and called for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to enable smart and sustainable manufacturing in Odisha.

“AI is no longer an emerging trend; it is now a defining catalyst of modern manufacturing. Odisha must now transition from being resource-rich to becoming data-rich and digitally intelligent,” said Mr. Mohanty.

The conclave also witnessed the release of the ASSOCHAM-Primus Knowledge Report, providing critical insights on AI adoption and manufacturing best practices.

Mr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India remarked, “India and the UK share a rich history of industrialisation and innovation. We now stand at the cusp of a new era, shaped by digital transformation, green technologies, resilient supply chains and the rising importance of critical minerals. With Odisha aspiring to become a major manufacturing hub, it naturally aligns as a strategic partner for the UK. Together, we can drive industrial innovation while upholding the principles of sustainability. Today, the UK is at the forefront of smart factory automation, advanced industrial engineering, and sustainable supply chain practices all underpinned by the latest advances in AI”.

Two key plenary sessions held. On Enabling a Competitive Manufacturing Ecosystem – Policy & Tech Integration session, Eminent speakers discussed how Odisha can leverage policy frameworks and cutting-edge technologies to build a future-ready manufacturing sector. Similarly, AI for Sustainable Manufacturing – Innovations & Best Practices session,
Industry experts explored how artificial intelligence can foster sustainable growth and unlock new opportunities across sectors. The conclave concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to make Odisha a national leader in AI-powered, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing.

The event was attended by senior officials, industry stalwarts, technology leaders, international representatives. Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director – East & Northeast, ASSOCHAM proposed vote of thanks.

Other dignitaries spoke at the event were Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha, Shri. Sashi Sekhar Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Manufacturing Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Mining & Steel Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr Prashant Hota, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha CSR & Sustainability Council & Mr. Bharat Dureja, Senior Adviser, Primus Partners India.

Zigly Expands Footprint with Two New Experience Centres in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, June 19, 2025: Zigly, India’s first tech-enabled omni-channel pet care brand has announced its entry in Gujarat market with the grand unveiling of two new stores in the capital city – Ahmedabad. These mark Zigly’s 33rd and 34th stores nationwide, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering specialized, holistic pet care to pet parents across India.

Located at Ground Floor, Shop No. 5, Shilp Epitome, Sindhu Bhavan Road, and Showroom No. 6, Iconic Shyamal, Shyamal Crossroad, the new Zigly Experience Centres in Ahmedabad are designed to offer a comprehensive and elevated experience for pets and their parents. These stores feature state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, a dedicated grooming spa, and a curated selection of premium pet products creating a one-stop destination for all pet care needs.

Zigly’s new Experience Centres in Ahmedabad offer a comprehensive range of specialised veterinary care services designed to meet the diverse needs of pets. Both centres are equipped with a full-service OPD for routine check-ups and consultations, as well as a dedicated IPD to provide continuous monitoring and care for pets requiring hospitalisation. They feature in-house veterinary consultations, diagnostic & pathology services and vaccination facilities to ensure preventive care. Furthermore, these two centres also provide a fully functional operating theatre for advanced surgical procedures, all managed by a team of highly trained veterinary professionals and supported by cutting-edge medical infrastructure.

Speaking on the brand’s foray into this new market, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First, said, “The launch of not one, but two Zigly Experience Centres in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone in our mission to redefine pet care across India. As we expand our footprint in Gujarat, we’re proud to introduce our holistic and trusted pet care ecosystem to one of the fastest-growing cities for pet lovers. We look forward to serving Ahmedabad’s vibrant pet parent community with the best in pet wellness, grooming, and retail.”

The launch of Zigly’s two new stores in Ahmedabad marks another step forward in its mission to revolutionize pet care, enabling pet parents to give their furry companions the very best in love, wellness, and quality experiences.

Apcolite All Protek Sets New Gold Standard with Lotus Effect Tech

Asian Paints’ Apcolite All Protek redefines the Gold Standard in Interior Paints with Breakthrough ‘Lotus Effect Technology’

Hyderabad, June 19, 2025: In homes that are constantly alive with activity, the demand for interiors that blend elegance with endurance has never been greater. As Indian lifestyles evolve, so do the expectations from the spaces we live in, and no one understands this better than Asian Paints. With decades of experience shaping the aspirations of Indian homes, the country’s foremost name in paints and décor now unveils its latest breakthrough, Apcolite All Protek powered by Lotus Effect Technology. This cutting-edge premium interior emulsion represents a bold leap in innovation, offering superior stain repellency, flame retardance, and refined aesthetics — all engineered for modern living.

For over eight decades, Asian Paints has consistently set the benchmark for the industry — not just in colour, but in technology, aesthetics, and performance. From pioneering integration of Graphene for lamination protection in Ultima Protek, to introducing Teflon-based stain resistance in Royale, the brand has led with a series of category-first innovations that have redefined what paint can do. Apcolite All Protek, powered by the advanced Lotus Effect Technology, is the latest chapter in this legacy of breakthroughs — reaffirming Asian Paints’ position as the definitive gold standard in paints and coatings.

Inspired by the natural self-cleaning properties of the lotus leaf, Lotus Effect Technology forms a protective shield that repels common household stains before they can even settle. From coffee to sauces and crayons, this next-gen formulation ensures walls stay pristine with minimal effort making it the ideal solution for contemporary Indian homes that are active and full of life. The paint also comes with flame-retardant properties, a refreshing fragrance, and is available in both Matt and Shyne finishes. With a 6-year performance warranty, it represents the highest standards of durability and care.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd. said, “At Asian Paints, we spend a lot of time understanding how homes are evolving, and our innovations reflect what today’s consumers truly need from their spaces. Today’s households are dynamic—full of celebrations, children, pets and everyday activities that leave their mark. With Apcolite All Protek and its Lotus Effect Technology, we’ve created a solution that responds to this reality. It takes the stress out of keeping walls clean with best-in-class stain repellency. It’s a step towards smarter, more seamless living, where homes reflect elegance and endure daily wear with ease.”

The launch is accompanied by a new ad film starring Virat Kohli, the brand’s ambassador, who brings the product’s promise to life with charm and energy. Conceptualized by McCann Worldgroup, the ad takes viewers into a playful yet relatable setting, where Kohli’s beautifully done-up home is put to the test by a mischievous child armed with juice, milkshakes and more. In every instance, Apcolite All Protek rises to the challenge effortlessly repelling every stain. The film captures the product’s power in a light-hearted narrative that resonates with modern families navigating playful, unpredictable moments with style.

Mr. Prasoon Joshi – Chief Creative Officer & CEO McCann Worldgroup India, and Chairman McCann Worldgroup APAC said “Innovation and performance define Asian Paints, and Apcolite All Protek exemplifies that spirit. With its revolutionary ‘Lotus Effect Technology,’ it prevents stains before they even stick, which is a true shift in the stain ‘removal’ category. Bringing this innovative feature to life visually needed a fresh approach, and with Virat Kohli leading the charge, this campaign delivers both charm and impact.”

With this launch, Asian Paints redefines expectations in the super-premium interior paint category yet again demonstrating that when it comes to paints and décor, the brand is not just participating in the industry but shaping its future.

Beacon Unveils Surge in UPI Usage as NRIs Shift from Traditional Banking to Real-Time Payments

Mumbai, 19th June25: Beacon, a leading cross-border fintech platform serving the Indian diaspora in Canada, has released key insights on significant trends in Unified Payments Interface (UPI) usage among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Canada. The findings highlight a fundamental shift in how NRIs manage cross-border payments and financial obligations in India.

Beacon’s analysis reveals that since UPI has become second nature to users in India, NRIs, especially recent immigrants, carry this behavioral expectation with them as they seek the same speed and ease to send money home or manage expenses. Even older NRIs now accustomed to using UPI because recipients, including family, landlords, or service providers, ask for UPI IDs, not account numbers. This shift represents a significant transformation in transaction patterns, with users moving away from traditional lump-sum remittances toward smaller, more frequent transactions. It allows for better cash flow management and ongoing support rather than large, infrequent transfers, enabling NRIs to stay more engaged with financial responsibilities back home.

Aditya Mhatre, Co-founder of Beacon, commented, “Having migrated from India to Canada myself, I understand firsthand the challenges of managing finances across borders. What we are seeing today with UPI adoption among NRIs shows that there is a clear generational shift toward financial autonomy and digital-first behavior. Our platform enables this transformation by bridging CAD-to-INR payments through UPI infrastructure, eliminating the friction that traditional banking has imposed on the global Indian community.”

Beacon’s research shows that over 70% of Indian students in Canada now prefer mobile-first fintech platforms to manage cross-border transactions. Indian students and NRIs represent one of the most financially active, digitally native segments in Canada, demanding flexibility, speed, and control over their money both locally and across borders. The Indian diaspora in Canada continues to grow rapidly, with Indian Canadians numbering over 1.85 million, representing 5.1% of the population. New permanent residents from India have surged from approximately 33,000 in 2013 to 140,000 in 2023, which is a remarkable 326% increase. In 2024 alone, India accounted for approximately 23.4% of new Canadian citizens, totaling about 87,800 individuals.

Canada’s contribution to India’s remittance market has grown substantially, reaching around $4 billion in 2024. This growth occurs within the broader context of India remaining the top recipient of global remittances in 2024, receiving approximately $129.4 billion. UPI infrastructure processed over 172 billion transactions in 2024, marking a 46% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores UPI’s role as a trusted, real-time payment method for everyday needs, offering NRIs a seamless and familiar experience that bridges their life abroad with financial commitments in India.

Beacon’s insights reveal that NRIs most commonly use UPI for family support, rent payments to landlords, utility bills, school and tuition fees, medical expenses, and service payments including caretakers, drivers, and local consultants. The platform enables users in Canada to pay over 21,000 Indian bills directly in CAD, a first-of-its-kind global solution made possible through partnerships with Yes Bank and Bharat BillPay. Growing numbers of NRIs are moving away from traditional NRE/NRO accounts, which come with challenges such as documentation requirements, minimum balances, tax confusion, and poor digital interfaces. NRIs today want fast, transparent, mobile-first tools, with UPI via platforms like Beacon often representing their first fintech-led alternative designed specifically for their needs.

Beacon bridges CAD-to-INR payments by layering a compliant foreign exchange engine over UPI infrastructure. The platform allows users in Canada to send money directly to any UPI ID in India instantly, securely, and in INR, eliminating the need for maintaining NRE/NRO accounts or dealing with delays and high fees of traditional remittance players. The solution is built with full regulatory alignment across both countries, registered with FINTRAC and compliant with Canadian AML and KYC standards, while working within RBI and NPCI frameworks in India.

Based on adoption patterns in similar corridors like the UK, Singapore, and UAE, Beacon projects that short-term UPI usage could capture 5-10% of Canada to India remittances, driven by digital-first student cohorts, with mid-term projections suggesting expansion to 20-30%, mirroring Singapore and UK’s early adoption curves. The trend reflects a generational shift toward financial autonomy, digital-first behavior, and reduced reliance on traditional banking structures, with Beacon positioning itself as a financial bridge purpose-built for the Indian diaspora to manage money across borders effortlessly.

Technogym Expands to India, Launches First Boutique in Bangalore

Technogym, an Italian brand, has set the global benchmark in fitness and wellness since its inception in 1983. From a garage to the world, founder Nerio Alessandri began creating innovative equipment in his family garage. Today, the brand is the preferred choice for elite athletes, world-class fitness centres, and discerning wellness enthusiasts worldwide, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched quality.

Marking a significant milestone, Technogym has made its grand entry into the Indian market, offering cutting-edge fitness solutions to a rapidly growing health-conscious audience. With a core philosophy of “exercise as medicine,” the brand combines artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and ergonomic design to create a comprehensive wellness experience. Technogym’s products go beyond traditional fitness equipment, enhancing training, recovery, and overall well-being. With over forty years of expertise in human movement, the brand designs equipment that optimizes muscle activation while preserving biomechanics, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Whether for luxury home gyms or commercial fitness centres, Technogym’s solutions cater to all levels, from elite athletes to beginners or those with specific health needs, transforming India’s fitness landscape with innovation and precision.

The launch of Technogym’s first boutique in Bangalore is more than just a retail expansion—it’s a gateway to next-level fitness. This state-of-the-art space offers an immersive experience where visitors can explore the brand’s most advanced training solutions, featuring some of its most iconic products, all manufactured in Italy. Among the highlights is the Technogym Run, a high-performance, silent treadmill designed for multi surface training, combining running and strength workouts.  Also featured is the Technogym Bench, offering a comprehensive library of training content for a versatile fitness experience. Its adaptive running surface enhances comfort and efficiency for users of all levels. The Technogym Ride, designed by cycling champions, features a 22” immersive screen and integrates with top training apps, delivering a professional-grade cycling experience that’s perfect for both home and commercial settings.

With its strategic expansion into India, Technogym is introducing a new paradigm in fitness—one that seamlessly combines design excellence, cutting-edge technology, and a deep understanding of human movement. The Bangalore boutique is just the beginning, setting the stage for Technogym’s vision to become the preferred fitness and wellness solution across the country.

Technogym’s relentless pursuit of innovation and design excellence has earned it prestigious accolades such as the iF Design Award, Good Design Award, and Red Dot Design Award, celebrating its unique ability to blend visionary design with superior functionality. Beyond its award-winning creations, Technogym stands as the trusted partner of leading football and Formula 1 teams, elevating athletic performance through tailored training solutions. As the Official Supplier to 9 Olympic Games, including the Paris Olympics in 2024 & Paralympics 2024, the brand further solidifies its global leadership in fitness and wellness, delivering unparalleled expertise and redefining standards for athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a professional athlete, or an industry expert, Technogym invites you to experience the future of wellness. Through its legacy of innovation and commitment to redefining fitness, Technogym is set to inspire a healthier, more active India—one breakthrough at a time.

Fed keeps rate steady amid Global Uncertainty, Tariff Pause: A right step in the right direction: PHDCCI

The Federal Open Market Committee’s decision to maintain the federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.5% is appreciable, given the persisting geopolitical volatilities, trade uncertainties, and the US administration’s decision on a 90-day tariff pause, said Mr Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued today.

Hemant Jain

The US is witnessing an expansion of economic activity, with the unemployment rate at low levels. Uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished but remains elevated, said Mr Jain.

The Federal Reserve’s current stance on interest rates is commendable in light of the heightened uncertainty regarding the economic outlook; it strongly supports maximum employment and aims to return inflation to its 2% target, he said.

Looking ahead, we anticipate the Fed will continue to assess the impact of new information on the economic outlook and be ready to adjust monetary policy as necessary if risks arise, Mr. Jain said.