Category Archives: Business

AU Small Finance Bank partners with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India for two-wheeler financing

Mumbai, Feb 03: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), Indias largest Small Finance Bank and the first in over a decade to receive in‑principle approval to transition into a Universal Bank, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI). The collaboration will offer customers affordable and convenient financing options for purchasing Honda two-wheelers across India.

As a preferred financier for Honda two-wheelers, AU Small Finance Bank will provide STP-enabled, analytics-based faster credit decisioning supported by Account Aggregator, along with digitally enabled repayment solutions to deliver a smoother, simpler, and more convenient financing experience. The partnership also includes joint marketing and promotional efforts across HMSI dealerships and AU Small Finance Bank branches.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

This collaboration will help to fulfil the dream of customers across segments including the first-time two-wheeler buyers, by enabling quicker eligibility assessment with paperless process, making it easier to own their vehicle. Honda customers will benefit from competitive schemes, promotional offers, and pre-approved offers, along with end-to-end tech-enabled loan support from AU Small Finance Bank.

AU Small Finance Bank customers will also gain the ability to purchase Hondas trusted range of motorcycles and scooters, supported by the banks seamless system integration that enables online applications, real-time status tracking, and a frictionless financing experience. The tie-up further provides AU customers with direct access to HMSIs extensive dealership network across India.

Commenting on the occasion, Uttam Tibrewal, ED & Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Partnering with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India marks a significant milestone in AU Small Finance Banks journey of expanding mobility finance across the country. Honda is one of the most trusted and aspirational two‑wheeler brands in India, and this collaboration strengthens our commitment to enabling millions of customers with easier access to high‑quality mobility. As we progress toward becoming a Universal Bank, such partnerships reinforce our national distribution strength, customer‑first philosophy, and our ability to deliver transparent and innovative financial solutions at scale.”

Mr. Yogesh Mathur – Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Strengthening the financing ecosystem is central to HMSIs customer-centric approach. This collaboration with AU Small Finance Bank is aimed at enhancing the credit solutions offered to the customers at HMSI dealerships across India. It will simplify the purchase journey and enable us to offer customers affordable and convenient financing options, while creating trust and transparency at every stage of the buying experience.”

Through this integrated operational framework, both organizations aim to maximize the effectiveness of the partnership and deliver a consistent, efficient, and customer‑focused financing experience.

AWL Agri Business Ltd. (formerly Adani Wilmar Ltd.) Reports Q3 FY26 Financial Results

Q3 FY26 Performance

AWL Agri Business recorded robust revenue growth in Q3 FY26, supported by a 3% increase in volumes. Edible oils led the growth, while operational EBITDA and PAT remained resilient. On a last-twelve-month (LTM) basis, the company delivered record revenues and operational performance.

Distribution & GTM Strategy

• Direct reach expanded from ~600,000 outlets in March 2023 to 949,000 outlets as of December 2025

• Rural town coverage increased from 13,000 to over 60,000 towns

• 98 stock points nationwide, supported by micro-fulfilment centres for smaller-town distribution

Alternate Channels

• E-commerce, Q-commerce, and Modern Trade achieved strong volume growth in Q3 FY26

• Edible oils’ alternate channel share increased from ~5% to 9%; Food & FMCG from 11% to 25% over 15 quarters

• Q-commerce contributed ~30% of volumes within alternate channels

Other Channels

• HoReCa volumes grew 54% YoY; branded exports up 43% YoY, supported by global distribution networks

Project Updates & Capex

• Fully operational integrated food complex at Gohana expected to drive efficiencies and operational synergies

• New oleochemical facility planned in South India

New Product Development (NPD)

• Launch of Fortune Multi Grain Atta strengthens value-added offerings in staple foods

Segment Performance – Q3 FY26

Financial Summary – Q3 FY26

Comment from the MD & CEO
Mr. Shrikant Kanhere, MD & CEO, said:

“Despite a challenging macro environment, AWL Agri Business achieved steady volume growth, led by resilient performance in edible oils and a rebound in our Food & FMCG portfolio. We continue to enhance distribution reach, strengthen alternate channels, and focus on sustainable, profitable growth. Leveraging the Wilmar Group’s global network and our integrated operations, we remain confident in capturing emerging opportunities in India’s evolving food ecosystem.”

US Tariff Cut Boosts India’s Solar Exports: Saatvik CEO

Mr. Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy,

“The U.S. decision to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, along with the elimination of the additional punitive levy, represents a strategic turning point for the solar sector, rather than just a routine policy change.”

He noted that “India’s solar exports, which include solar cells and solar modules, have already reached billions of dollars, making the United States our most important foreign market.” The seven-percentage-point reduction in tariffs significantly enhances the cost-competitiveness of Indian-made solar cells and modules. This improvement will make projects more profitable for U.S. developers and create a substantial new demand for high-efficiency, Made-in-India products in the coming years.

“This change also strengthens the case for supply chains that are open and reliable. It alleviates long-standing concerns about Chinese producers circumventing tariffs and positions India as a credible and dependable alternative manufacturing base that aligns with U.S. trade and industrial objectives. For companies like Saatvik, this transforms the U.S. market from being high-risk to one full of opportunities, emphasizing the need to accelerate investments, upgrade technology, and establish long-term, bankable partnerships with American utilities and developers.”

Evocus enters into a strategic partnership contract with Sober & Co for its mixers

As part of the partnership, Evocus will take over distribution across all channels, offline retail, e-commerce, and on-trade, while Sober & Co. will continue to independently manage production and product development. The collaboration is designed to significantly strengthen Sober & Co’s market presence, which currently has about a 1000 retail touch points across India.

Through Evocus’s robust distribution network and deep market reach, Sober & Co. ‘s mixer range is expected to expand rapidly across key markets in India, making the brand more accessible to consumers nationwide.

Commenting on the partnership,  Clavell Santiago  VP – HoReCa Sales and Marketing, Evocus said,

“This partnership allows us to strengthen our basket offering and add greater value to our customers and partners. Sober & Co aligns strongly with our focus on clean-label, high-quality beverages, and we see a strong synergy between our portfolios.”

The association marks a strategic step for Evocus as it continues to identify and collaborate with brands that complement its positioning in the functional and premium beverage space.

Sharaan Kripalani, Founder/CEO of  Sober & Co added,

  “Partnering with Evocus enables us to scale faster and reach a wider audience across India, while allowing us to stay focused on product quality, product innovation, and operations.”

Evocus will be the exclusive distribution partner for the mixers offered by Sober & Co in India. While the company is evaluating similar opportunities, it continues to remain selective, working only with brands that share a strong strategic and portfolio fit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By:- Ajitesh Korupolu, Founder and CEO, ASBL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leela Ambience Gurugram Unveils Eco-Friendly Forest View Dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Budget 2026 Boosts Opportunities for Coworking and Managed Office Spaces

Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace 

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