Evolve Green Energies, the flagship company of Evolve Energy Group, has announced plans to build a 3 GW portfolio of owned renewable energy assets by 2030, marking a strategic expansion into long-term clean power generation and asset ownership.

L – R: Rajesh V. Shah, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Karan Singh, CEO, Asset Division, Evolve Energy Group, Mr Ravinder Pareek, Group Head of Finance

The roadmap builds on the Group’s capabilities across solar manufacturing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and operations and maintenance (O&M). By integrating these capabilities with asset ownership, Evolve aims to strengthen control over project execution, optimise costs and build a portfolio of contracted electricity revenues over an expected asset life of 25 years.

Commenting on the roadmap, Rajesh V. Shah, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Evolve Energy Group, said, “Every megawatt we commission is a 25-year annuity. We manufacture it, build it, own it and run it. That integration is our moat. Every year builds on the last. Three gigawatts by 2030 is how we turn fifteen years of execution into decades of predictable, compounding value.”

“With approximately 130 MW of capacity expected to become operational during the current financial year, and a portion already supplying power to industrial customers, our focus is on translating the 3 GW roadmap into a portfolio of well-executed, high-performing renewable energy assets. By bringing together Evolve’s manufacturing, EPC and operations capabilities, we aim to maintain greater control over project timelines, quality and lifecycle performance while delivering reliable clean power to our customers,” said Karan Singh, CEO, Asset Division, Evolve Energy Group.

Structured Debt Funding to Support Project Pipeline

Evolve is raising structured debt for a pipeline of more than 300 MW of projects under development. The broader 3 GW roadmap is expected to be financed through a combination of project debt, strategic equity and a future public listing. The Group’s financing relationships include Tata Capital, IREDA, Aseem Infrastructure Finance and YES Bank.

“Our financing approach is to align capital with the development and operating lifecycle of each project. As we raise structured debt for the pipeline of more than 300 MW, our priority is to balance growth with financial discipline and build a funding framework that supports the Group’s long-term asset ownership strategy,” said Ravinder Pareek, Group Head of Finance, Evolve Energy Group.

Once fully operational, the planned portfolio is expected to generate more than 4 billion units of clean electricity annually and over 100 billion units across its projected lifetime. According to the company’s estimates, the portfolio could also help avoid approximately 3 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

An Integrated Platform for Growth

Founded in 2011, Evolve Energy Group expects to cross Rs. 700 crore in revenue during the current financial year. With more than 350 employees and operations across over 15 states, the Group serves commercial, industrial and residential customers.

Its businesses span five key areas:

• Manufacturing: Solar modules, inverters, mounting structures and electrical panels under the EVVO brand.

• EPC: Delivery of rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects.

• Renewable energy asset ownership: Development, ownership and operation of solar power projects as an independent power producer (IPP).

• Operations and maintenance: Services supporting the long-term performance of solar installations.

• Residential solar: Solutions offered through Evolve Green Homes.

According to CRISIL, Evolve Green Energies ranks among the leading solar companies nationally in both the rooftop EPC and rooftop OPEX developer categories. Its customer portfolio includes JK Lakshmi, Hitachi Energy, LG, Wheels India, Subros, Caplin Point and Shyam Metallics, among others.

Evolve to Showcase “The Whole Chain” at REI Expo 2026

Evolve will showcase its integrated capabilities at REI Expo 2026 through its pavilion, “The Whole Chain”. The showcase will highlight the Group’s capabilities across manufacturing, project execution, asset ownership and lifecycle maintenance, demonstrating how its integrated business model supports its long-term growth strategy.

About Evolve Energy Group

Headquartered in Chennai, Evolve Energy Group is an integrated solar energy platform spanning manufacturing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), renewable energy asset ownership, and operations and maintenance (O&M). Founded in 2011, the Group serves commercial, industrial and residential customers across multiple Indian states, with residential solar solutions offered through Evolve Green Homes.

Meenakshi (India) Limited (BSE: 544831, Symbol: MEEIND; Calcutta Stock Exchange: 23128) today announced that its Board of Directors has fixed Friday, October 30, 2026 as the record date for the sub-division of the Company’s equity shares. Under the sub-division, each equity share of face value Rs. 10 will be split into two equity shares of face value Rs. 5 each, fully paid-up.
 

Mr. Ashutosh Goenka, Chairman & Managing Director, Meenakshi India Limited
 

Background: recent BSE listing
BSE approved the Company’s direct listing on the Main Board effective July 22, 2026, and trading began on July 28, 2026. The stock opened at Rs. 281.99, and the Company remains listed on the Calcutta Stock Exchange. The listing was a direct listing and not an IPO.
 

Rationale
The sub-division is intended to make the Company’s equity shares more liquid and affordable, encouraging greater participation from retail investors and widening the Company’s shareholder base. The Board believes that the sub-division is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
 

What it means for shareholders

• More shares: Every shareholder on the record date will hold two shares for each share held before. For example, 100 shares of Rs. 10 face value become 200 shares of Rs. 5 face value.

• Lower face value: Face value per share moves from Rs. 10 to Rs. 5.

• Same ownership: Shareholders’ proportionate ownership in the Company is unchanged.
  ​

Key dates

Further details on implementation will be communicated through the stock exchanges as required.
 

Management Comment
Commenting on the development, Mr. Ashutosh Goenka, Chairman & Managing Director, Meenakshi India Limited, said, “Meenakshi India has built a strong base of investors who share our long-term vision. This stock split is a step towards making our shares more accessible to a wider set of investors, especially retail shareholders. We believe it will improve liquidity in the stock and let more investors take part in the Company’s growth journey.”
 

About Meenakshi (India) Limited

Meenakshi (India) Limited (CIN: L74300TN1987PLC014678) is an apparel manufacturer and exporter headquartered in Chennai and listed on BSE and the Calcutta Stock Exchange. The Company is committed to delivering value to its shareholders and to transparent communication with the investment community.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.milgroup.in.
 

Investor Contact
Kanchan Rathi
Company Secretary & Compliance Officer
Meenakshi (India) Limited
New No. 29/16, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai – 600 014
Phone: +91-44-4263 6795 / +91-44-2858 2862
Email: investor.relations@milgroup.in
 

This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities. It is based on the Company’s regulatory intimation dated September 30, 2026.

Hong Kong

Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), the annual flagship event “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival” will take place for four consecutive days from 29 October (Thursday) to 1 November (Sunday) at the Central Harbourfront Event Space and Tamar Park under the theme “Taste the World’s Best”. The excitement extends far beyond the four days. To amplify the benefits of the mega event and sustain the festive momentum, HKTB will roll out “Hong Kong Gourmet Month” throughout November, along with exclusive ticket stub offers, to attract more visitors to Hong Kong and drive tourism spending.

Visitors can explore over 340 booths, with guided tours and expert-led tastings offering new ways to discover global flavours and food pairings

Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of HKTB, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our lead sponsor, American Express, as well as EcoCeres, Cathay, and all our sponsors, partners including Henderson Land Development and Maxim’s Group, exhibitors, and the food and beverage industry for their steadfast support. Together, we have built this internationally renowned flagship event for Hong Kong – the ‘Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival’. This year, in addition to presenting the strongest-ever line-up for the Festival, HKTB will launch ‘Hong Kong Gourmet Month’ in November. Starting from late October, a series of drinking and dining experiences will run throughout the month, giving both locals and visitors the opportunity to ‘Taste the World’s Best’. From world-class drinks and top-rated cuisine to creative ‘Only in Hong Kong’ culinary delights and a host of limited-time experiences, everyone can immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s vibrant dining scene day and night. Through these initiatives, we aim to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more, creating additional business opportunities for the trade.”

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Elevated in Scale and Experience 

Featuring More Exceptional Flavours from Around the World

This year’s Festival returns on an even grander scale, with more than 340 booths, an increase of over 10% from last year, and the event footprint extending to Tamar Park. The Festival brings together fine drinks and delicacies from around 31 countries and regions, pavilions from numerous countries and regions, including Australia, Canada and South Korea, which are making their debut. From rare drinks of world-renowned regions to top culinary masterpieces crafted by international celebrity chefs, award-winning restaurants and star-rated hotels, visitors can savour the world’s best flavours under the starlit sky of Victoria Harbour. For the first time, the Festival will introduce a series of limited-edition, expert-led guided tours and tasting experiences, enabling guests to easily learn about characteristics of the drinks and food pairings with it. In addition, on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Festival will extend its opening hours until 1am for the first time, allowing visitors to raise a glass and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.

Highlight 1: Savour World-Class Drinks and Cuisine 

• Grand Wine Pavilion: A Gathering of Rare and Prestigious Drinks

The “Grand Wine Pavilion” will feature rare and prestigious drinks from the world’s foremost regions, curating an extraordinary tasting experience for guests. These offer gastronomy lovers the chance to savour the remarkable charm of this classic. Additionally, from the world-famous Burgundy region come an array of rare and sought-after Burgundian gems, including a highly coveted one prized by collectors. Visitors can appreciate the distinctive terroirs and charms of France’s two most revered regions in one location.
 

The Pavilion will also present exceptional labels from Spain, Italy, Chile and other renowned regions, featuring collector-grade and rare large-format drinks to broaden visitors’ tasting horizons. 
 

• Star-Studded Gourmet Offerings Assemble Culinary Masters

1. “AMEX GOURMET CLUB” Leads the Feast with 15 Stars and 5 Diamonds

Sponsored by American Express, the “AMEX GOURMET CLUB” will bring together a line-up of the city’s Michelin-starred, Black Pearl-awarded and acclaimed dining establishments, with a combined total of 15 Michelin stars and 5 Black Pearl Diamonds. Guests can savour celebrated signature dishes from multiple star-rated establishments in one place, as the club brings Hong Kong’s finest dining to the Victoria Harbourfront.
 

2. 26 Luxury Hotels Present Limited-Edition Culinary Delights

This year, Hotel Boulevard will gather a total of 26 prestigious hotels at the Central Harbourfront, each serving up its signature dishes, including Hong Kong-style satay from Kowloon Shangri-La and signature Pandan Cake with Coconut Ice Cream from The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong. Visitors can savour signature treats from the city’s top hotels without having to travel all over the city.
 

The Marriott Bonvoy will join forces with 14 of its Hong Kong hotels for its largest-ever presence at the Festival. Celebrity chefs and mixologists will team up to create artisanal dishes, limited-edition cocktails and dining experiences that offer a creative take on Hong Kong’s diverse food culture.
 

3. “Tasting Room” Presents Limited 10-Hand Collaborative Feast

Under the theme “Taste of Time,” the “Tasting Room” will bring together five leading chefs from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas to present an all-new, 10-hand collaborative banquet. Through a multi-course menu, the chefs will interpret stories of time and taste, creating a limited-edition dining experience found only at the Festival.
 

The Festival will also feature “CHOI. x VOON,” a four-hand collaborative lunch by Culinary Class Wars star chef Choi Hyun-seok and acclaimed Singaporean chef Edward Voon, along with the “Cheesy & Cheers” brunch and the “Eat & Beat HK Remix” party, offering vibrant social gathering experiences tailored for diverse tastes. 

Highlight 2: Creative “Only in Hong Kong” Flavours Make Their Debut

This year’s Festival will also present a series of distinctively local “Only in Hong Kong” flavours, reinventing classic Hong Kong tastes through unexpected combinations. Highlights include cross-generational collaborations between local brands. One example pairs traditional soy milk with creative contemporary dessert techniques to craft a rich, aromatic Black Sesame Soy Milk Pudding Tart. Infusing traditional local flavours with new-generation creativity, this creation showcases the vibrant fusion of old and new in Hong Kong’s culinary culture.
 

A host of playful, limited-edition offerings will also debut, including Popping Salted Lemon 7-Up cocktails in four fruity flavours, with popping candy for added fun; Bella Spritz, featuring milk foam dusted with salted fish powder; Handcrafted Chocolates; and Golden Lemon with Coriander Craft Sake. These offerings weave familiar, beloved Hong Kong flavours into contemporary culinary and mixology concepts. As tradition and modern trends spark fresh inspiration, they create flavours that can truly be savoured “Only in Hong Kong”.
 

Marking the 50th anniversary of Henderson Land Development and the 70th anniversary of Maxim’s Group, both conglomerates, deeply rooted in Hong Kong, will leverage this international festival stage. Gathering their subsidiary and partner dining brands, they will present limited-edition anniversary gourmet treats. Through beverages and food, they will share stories of growing hand in hand with Hong Kong, illustrating the enduring vitality of the city’s dining culture, where heritage and innovation thrive side by side.
 

Highlight 3: Discover Exclusive and Extraordinary Experiences

Inaugural Walk Tours

This year, the Festival will introduce guided walk tours for the first time, featuring three distinctive themed routes. “Route 1: The Cabernet Empire: A Global Journey” takes participants from Bordeaux in France, and Chile to Shangri-La in China. Paired with a selection of richly flavoured meat delicacies, the drinks reveal how the same grape variety expresses its own character in different terroirs. “Route 2: The Heritage Legends: Classic Terroirs” focuses on Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France, Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy, and Germany. Paired with distinctive Hong Kong-style savoury bites, the drinks reveal the timeless charm of these Old World classics. The playful “Route 3: Beyond the Rules – An Unexpected Gastronomy Pairing Tour” breaks with convention where beverages are paired with creative Hong Kong-style snacks. Participants can learn as they sip, picking up pairing techniques with ease while discovering delightful flavour surprises. Interested guests can register on-site at the designated “Wine Walk Booth”.
 

The Festival will also host more than 20 masterclasses and expert tasting sessions. Experts and industry representatives will share professional insights and captivating stories behind each drink from a range of perspectives, from regional characteristics, aromas and palate to techniques and wine styles. Whether guests are beginners looking to pick up the basics with ease or seasoned enthusiasts seeking to explore distinctive labels and inventive pairings in depth, they can tailor their experience by selecting the Walk routes or expert tastings that suit their interests and tastes. Interested guests can register on-site at the “Grand Wine Pavilion”.
 

Sunset Party: Savour Limited-Edition Rare Drinks

The Festival will host a “Sunset Party” at 5:45pm on 29 and 30 October, inviting guests to raise a glass against the breathtaking panorama of Victoria Harbour. Festival-goers can register on-site and gather at the Main Stage to enjoy complimentary tastings of limited-edition drinks in the glow of the setting sun, exchanging tasting notes and insights with fellow gastronomy lovers.
 

Non-Alcoholic Experiences Cater for Diverse Needs

In addition, the Coffee Village, located in Tamar Park near the Admiralty entrance, will serve specialty coffees and other distinctive non-alcoholic beverages, catering for different palates.
 

New Sustainability Initiative: Turning Waste into Energy

This year’s Festival also introduces a sustainability initiative. HKTB is partnering with EcoCeres, a renewable fuels technology company incubated in Hong Kong and the world’s second largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer, to bring the “From Plate to Plane” concept to life. For the first time, used cooking oil will be collected on-site during the Festival and converted into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), giving participants an opportunity to learn about and take part in the recycling of food resources while enjoying the event.
 

“Hong Kong Gourmet Month” Takes the Baton in November with Ticket Stub Offers to Extend Tourism Spending

Immediately following the Festival, HKTB will roll out “Hong Kong Gourmet Month”, joining hands with restaurants and bars across the city to present limited-edition gourmet dishes, unique experiences and dining discounts throughout November. This initiative aims to attract visitors, driving spending across the food and beverage sectors. Festival-goers can also present their ticket stubs to enjoy exclusive offers at selected restaurants, retailers and business associations, including special privileges offered by the T-Central Strategic Development Association. In addition, HKTB will launch a “Hong Kong Late-Night Dining Guide”, highlighting the city’s vibrant after-dark dining hotspots. The guide allows visitors to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s dynamic food and drink scene round the clock, encouraging them to stay longer and spend more.
 

Details on participating restaurants and bars, limited-edition menus, ticket stub offers, redemption methods and other activities will be announced in due course.

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Ticketing and Opening Arrangements

Visitors with eligible American Express Cardmembers can enjoy exclusive priority booking on Trip.com and discount offers on Grand Wine Pass. Tasting Passes, Grand Wine Passes and tickets for the Tasting Room’s “Taste of Time” banquet and other dining events will be available for public purchase from 12 October. Trip.com ticketing website: hk.trip.com/w/winendinehk

“Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival” Opening Hours

The “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival” will open from 7.30 pm to midnight on 29 October (Thursday), with the last entry 30 minutes before closing. On 30 October (Friday), the festival will run from 1 pm to 1 am, with the last entry 60 minutes before closing. On 31 October (Saturday), it will be open from 1 pm to midnight, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing. The festival will also be open from 1 pm to midnight on 1 November (Sunday), with the last entry 30 minutes before closing.
 

For more details, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/wine-dine-festival.html

Members of the media can download the press release and photos from the following links:

Press release: www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/hktb/newsroom/press-releases.html

Photos: assetlibrary.hktb.com

RTB Consumer Brands Private Limited, the company behind Pour’d Cocktails, has won two honours at the Spiritz Achievers’ Awards 2026. It was named Alcobev Startup of the Year, and it won Product Launch of the Year for Pour’d Picante and Mojito. Winners in the Excellence Awards categories were chosen through a blind tasting followed by jury deliberation.

On stage Founders of Pour’d Cocktails (RTB Consumer Brands) accepting the honour

The recognition reflects a wider shift in India’s alcobev industry. A growing number of homegrown startups are challenging a market long dominated by established brands and conventional formats. They are introducing new products built around how younger, urban consumers actually socialise. Ready-to-serve cocktails are one of the clearest examples. IWSR projects that India’s ready-to-drink segment will grow at a compound annual rate of about 6% through 2034, ahead of several traditional beverage alcohol categories (Beverage Daily, September 2026).

Consumer tastes are also moving. Flavoured spirits, botanical gins and cocktail-led drinking have gained ground as Indian drinkers explore beyond straight pours and familiar mixers. Many are looking for variety, discovery and experiences they once found only at bars. Until recently, cocktails meant going out or mixing drinks at home. Ready-to-serve formats offer a third option: a pre-mixed, bottled cocktail, ready to pour over ice or top up with soda, cola or water. Several international and domestic brands have entered the space over the past year. Analysts, including Euromonitor, note that state-level taxation and regulation still limit how quickly the category can scale.

“Indian drinkers today are more curious and more experimental than ever. You can see it in the rise of flavoured spirits and in how quickly cocktail culture has grown beyond bars,” said Sahith Sethuraman, Co-founder, RTB Consumer Brands. “We build all our cocktails to taste the way they would at a good bar, every single time, and winning a blind tasting tells us that consistency comes through in the glass. It’s also encouraging to see Indian startups being recognised for bringing new formats to a category that hasn’t changed much in decades. There’s a lot of room to grow from here.”

Recently founded, Pour’d set out to make bar-style cocktails available beyond bars and restaurants. Its range removes the preparation involved in making cocktails at home while keeping the character of classic recipes.

About Pour’d

Pour’d is a ready-to-drink cocktail brand from RTB Consumer Brands Private Limited that brings bar-quality cocktails home. Three friends who share a love of great cocktails and good company founded it. The brand makes full-strength, balanced bottled cocktails with premium spirits, built on quality, consistency and convenience.

SPR City, Chennai’s integrated township in Perambur, has announced an upcoming price revision for its premium residential offerings across the Highliving District and SPR Sky Towers, following strong demand from homebuyers. Prices will increase by Rs. 5 lakh for 2 BHK residences, Rs. 10 lakh for 3 BHK residences and Rs. 15 lakh for 4 BHK residences.
 

With 75% of Sky Towers and 95% of Highliving District sold, prices rise after Vijayadashami

The revision comes amid sustained buyer interest, limited inventory and rising land and construction costs. With 75% of Sky Towers sold and 95% of the Highliving District sold out, the price revision reflects strong demand for premium residences and the increasing cost of development.
 

The revised pricing also accounts for inflationary pressures and the rising cost of land across Chennai. Periodic price revisions are necessary to support the long-term financial sustainability of the project while maintaining its planned quality and scale.
 

SPR City offers an integrated township experience, bringing together residential communities, retail destinations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, landscaped spaces and lifestyle amenities within one urban ecosystem.
 

Pricing will be reviewed periodically based on market conditions, construction costs, inflation and future project requirements. Further revisions may be considered in the coming months, depending on the evolution of these factors.
 

For prospective buyers, the period before the revised prices take effect after Vijayadashami offers an opportunity to purchase at current prices. With limited inventory remaining, particularly in the Highliving District, buyers looking to secure their preferred configuration at existing prices are encouraged to act promptly.
 

The upcoming revision reflects SPR City’s commitment to balancing strong customer demand with the evolving costs of developing a large-scale integrated township in Chennai.
 

About SPR City

SPR City is an integrated township in Perambur, Chennai, envisioned around the philosophy of Work, Live, Play, Learn and Commune. The development brings together residential communities, retail destinations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, landscaped spaces and lifestyle amenities to create a comprehensive urban living destination.
 

For more information, please contact us @ 81000 81000 or visit our website www.sprindia.com.

• Mars conducted an extensive global research programme on pet adoption across 14 markets, alongside a Censuswide survey of 2000 adults aged 18 and above across India.

• Mars launches a new online Adoption Hub, giving prospective and current pet parents practical, expert guidance on the most common barriers and responsible pet ownership, so they can navigate the adoption journey with confidence.

• Mars expands 2026 Global Adoption Weekend to over 30 countries, supporting more local shelters than ever before. 

Key findings: What India really thinks about pet adoption

• 56% of Indians surveyed have had a shelter or rescue adoption experience, compared with 42% globally.

• 69% of 25–34-year-olds have adopted, making younger Indians the strongest adoption cohort; 23% of this age group say they are ready to adopt today.

• 44% say housing rules have prevented them from getting a pet: more than double the 20% global figure.

• 54% of working Indians say their work arrangement makes them more likely to adopt, versus just 34% globally; this rises to 66% among 25–34-year-olds.

• 89% of adopters in India change their pet’s food after adoption, compared with 71% globally; almost half switch immediately rather than transitioning gradually.

• 44% of Indian pet owners trust a veterinarian most for feeding advice, compared with 57% globally, highlighting an opportunity to strengthen access to trusted veterinary guidance, particularly during the crucial period after adoption. 

Mars Global Adoption Survey reveals that uncertainty about an animal’s background and a lack of expert advice can deter prospective pet adopters, highlighting a critical need for guidance throughout the adoption journey.

Mars Global Adoption Weekend drive across India

Launched ahead of the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend, the study builds on findings from the 2023 Mars State of Pet Homelessness survey, which estimated that 69.3 million pets in India are homeless. The latest survey takes a closer look at the barriers that may prevent people from adopting pets and explores how to address these challenges so more pets can find loving homes and stay with their families for life. 

A survey of 2,000 people in India found encouraging potential for pet adoption: 25% of current pet parents who did not adopt said they would consider adoption in the future with the right guidance and support.

Navigating the Rescue Reality with Confidence
Among those considering adoption, the most common concerns stem from the unknown, including undiscovered medical history (34%), behavioral background (23%) and household compatibility (27%).

The study also highlights an opportunity for greater nutrition expertise and guidance. With 89% of adopters in India changing their pet’s diet after leaving the shelter, expert support can play an important role in helping pet parents navigate the transition and ensure their pets receive appropriate, complete and balanced nutrition in a safe and informed way.  

According to Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition, India, said “Every pet deserves to be safe, healthy, and loved. Adoption is one of the most powerful ways we can help give animals that future. Our research shows encouraging momentum for adoption in India, with 56% of respondents having had a shelter or rescue adoption experience, compared with 42% globally. But creating a better world for pets goes beyond finding them homes; it requires sustained action across animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the communities in which pets and people live. At Mars, we are working across this ecosystem through animal birth control, vaccination, and community education programmes. This also includes supporting Humane World for Animals’ National ABC Training Centre in Lucknow through the Mars Impact Fund. Our efforts also include Adoption Weekend initiatives, feeding programmes in partnership with leading NGOs, and our Better Cities for Pets work in Bengaluru.  Through Mars Global Adoption Weekend, we want to build on this initiative by bringing more prospective pet parents and animals together, while helping adopters access the information and support they need to make adoption a confident, lifelong commitment.”

Clearing the Path to Responsible Adoption 
To help clear the path to pet adoption, the company launches a new online Mars Adoption Hub that offers expert-backed advice, drawing on the Waltham Petcare Science Institute’s extensive knowledge and practical resources for pre- and post-adoption support.

When the right support is in place, the reward of adopting a pet is clear: Pet parents cite seeing an adopted pet become relaxed and comfortable in their home (40%) and feeling like part of the family (43%) as the most fulfilling milestones of adoption.

Geeta Seshamani, Vice President, Friendicoes, said, “As more people open their homes to pets, it is important that adoption remains at the heart of the conversation. We were delighted to collaborate with Mars to encourage more people and families to consider adopting rescued pets and to understand the responsibility that comes with welcoming a pet into their lives. Through initiatives like these, we hope to create greater awareness around responsible pet parenting and help more animals find loving homes.” 

Veterinarian and Pet Nutrition & Health Science Expert – Esther Bijsmans, DVM, PhD Mars Pet Nutrition comments: “Adopting a pet is an exciting and rewarding experience, but practical guidance is key to building confidence and helping pets and their owners thrive together. 

“When welcoming home a new pet, we encourage pet parents to follow the 3-3-3 rule: the first three days are about helping a new pet feel safe, the first three weeks are about establishing routines, learning the household dynamic and building trust; and by three months, most pets will have begun to settle in. Patience and bond-building play a central role.

“Nutrition also plays a vital role in a pet’s overall well-being. A common mistake is switching food too quickly. Instead, gradually transition to a new diet over 7–10 days to support healthy digestion and help pets adjust comfortably.” 

Global Impact, Local Action
Building on the incredible success of last year, the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend expanded to over 30 countries, supporting shelters around the world, helping more pets find homes.

As part of Mars Global Adoption Weekend, a worldwide initiative to help pets find loving homes, adoption drives are being held across eight Indian cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Ranchi and Hyderabad. In partnership with trusted local shelters and rescue organisations, including Friendicoes, Street Dogs of Ranchi, Humane Animal Society, Ubasti Cat Café, Help in Suffering and YODA, these drives connect prospective adopters with pets ready for adoption and provide expert guidance throughout the process. 
Ready to adopt? Visit the Mars Adoption Hub to find participating shelters in India during Global Adoption Weekend and access resources to help you prepare for life with your new pet.

References: 
Global: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 26,002 General Consumers across the UK, USA, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, India, Poland, Philippines, Canada, Italy, and Japan (18+). The data was collected between 16.07.2026 – 29.07.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

India: ¹The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 General Consumers across India (18+). The data was collected between 16.07.2026 – 23.07.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India has recorded consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 975 Crore, up 33% Year-on-Year (YoY) for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026 (Q2FY27). During the quarter, LTF achieved a milestone of highest-ever consolidated book of Rs. 1,36,635 Crore, up 28% YoY.  The retail book size during the quarter reached Rs. 1,34,600 Crore, up 29% YoY. The Company has recorded robust retail disbursement of Rs. 24,027 Crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, up 27% YoY, reflecting continued business momentum. Improving asset quality, lowering credit costs, and higher Return on Assets reinforce the Company’s focus on profitable, risk-calibrated growth. Concurrently, the Company has accelerated technology deployment to evolve into an AI-native lender.

Highlights of L&T Finance Ltd.’s financial performance in Q2FY27

L&T Finance continues to advance its Lakshya 2031 ambition of becoming a risk-first, technology-first and AI-native retail financial services institution. The Company is embedding intelligence across customer acquisition, underwriting, portfolio management, servicing and cross-selling.

In Q2FY27, the Company’s flagship PLANET app reinforced its status as a core digital engine for the Company – surpassing 2.7 crore downloads. The application now services 94% of the total service requests generated by its customers, and has driven collections of Rs. 2,168 Crore during the quarter, coupled with a business generating of Rs. 5,934 Crore in business.

Further strengthening its rural reach, PLANET app introduced a dedicated rural interface with a clear, intuitive and clutter-free UI, offering multilingual capabilities, including Hindi. This enables rural customers to navigate the app more easily, access services in a familiar language and complete transactions with greater convenience and confidence.

The Company’s Partner PLANET app has emerged as a dedicated digital platform designed to strengthen engagement with its dealer network by bringing key business information, retail performance insights and operational services onto a single interface. The platform enables dealers to access business metrics, monitor retail performance, manage Trade Advance requirements and track operational requests, enhancing transparency, convenience, and efficiency across the dealer ecosystem.

Commenting on the financial results Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF, said, “Q2FY27 has been yet another strong quarter for L&T Finance with strong delivery across all business parameters, laying a solid foundation for our Lakshya 2031 journey with a sustained business momentum. These outcomes reflect the strength of our diversified retail franchise, the discipline of our execution and our continued focus on delivering sustainable, risk-calibrated growth. Despite uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment, inflation pressures, and seasonal headwinds, our resilient business model enabled us to navigate these macro dynamics effectively while expanding key focus verticals like Gold Finance, Micro Loan Against Property, Personal Loans, and Two-Wheeler Finance. Our approach will continue to be guided by disciplined underwriting, strengthened risk guardrails, granular portfolio monitoring and a strong collections framework. We believe that responsible growth and superior portfolio quality must go hand in hand.

As we progress on our Lakshya 2031 journey, we remain focused on strengthening our granular distribution channels, expanding our branch footprint and enhancing our digital acquisition capabilities. Our investments in artificial intelligence, particularly through our AI-powered credit administration and portfolio management frameworks are expected to further enhance credit decision-making, identify early warning signals and drive greater operational efficiency. These capabilities will help us build a more agile, scalable and resilient organisation.

Our priority remains to sustain profitable growth, improve returns and strengthen the quality of our franchise. We are confident that our investments in technology, distribution and risk management will help us navigate evolving market conditions while progressing towards our long-term strategic ambitions.”

Key Highlights:

Building a diversified retail franchise:

Retail disbursements for Q2FY27 stand at Rs. 24,027 Crore vs. Rs. 18,883 Crore in Q2FY26, a growth of 27% YoY. The Retail Book size for Q2FY27 stands at Rs. 1,34,600 Crore vs. Rs. 1,04,607 Crore in Q2FY26, registering a growth of 29% YoY. Growth was driven by all business segments across rural and urban geographies with a focus on high yielding loan products.

Rural Business Finance:

• Book size up 22% YoY to Rs. 33,465 Crore vs. Rs. 27,460 Crore in the quarter ended September 30, 2025 (Q2FY26)

• Quarterly disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, at Rs. 6,356 Crore vs. Rs. 6,316 Crore, up 1% YoY

Farmer Finance:

• Book size up 9% YoY to Rs. 17,397 Crore vs. Rs. 15,943 Crore in Q2FY26

• Quarterly disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, at Rs. 1,643 Crore vs. Rs. 1,654 Crore, down 1% YoY

Two-wheeler Finance:

• Book size up 24% YoY to Rs. 16,158 Crore vs. Rs. 13,013 Crore in Q2FY26

• Quarterly disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, at Rs. 3,170 Crore vs. Rs. 2,512 Crore, up 26% YoY

Personal Loans:

• Book size up 72% YoY to Rs. 18,664 Crore vs. Rs. 10,878 Crore in Q2FY26

• Quarterly disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, at Rs. 4,233 Crore vs. Rs. 2,918 Crore, up 45% YoY

• Partnered with Pine Labs to introduce Agentic Commerce and Payments on L&T Finance PLANET App

Housing Loans and Loan Against Property (LAP):

• Book size up 20% YoY to Rs. 32,846 Crore vs. Rs. 27,407 Crore in Q2FY26

• Quarterly disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, at Rs. 2,926 Crore vs. Rs. 2,713 Crore, up 8% YoY

SME Finance:

• Book size up 27% YoY to Rs. 9,495 Crore vs. Rs. 7,465 Crore in Q2FY26

• Quarterly disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, at Rs. 1,820 Crore vs. Rs. 1,468 Crore, up 24% YoY

Gold Finance:

• Book size up 242% YoY to Rs. 5,043 Crore vs. Rs. 1,475 Crore in Q2FY26

• Quarterly disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, at Rs. 3,237 Crore vs. Rs. 983 Crore, up 229% YoY

• Launched an integrated marketing campaign featuring brand ambassador Jasprit Bumrah under the tagline “Koi Bhi Sapna Hold Mat Karo, L&T Finance Gold Loan Karo,” covering key markets across eight states and one union territory, and reaching consumers through approximately 150 LTF branches

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’ — the highest credit rating — by four leading domestic rating agencies. LTF is also rated by International Rating Agencies. S&P Global Ratings has affirmed LTF with long-term Issuer Credit Rating at “BBB/Stable” and short-term issuer credit rating at “A-2”. Fitch Ratings has affirmed LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project – “Digital Sakhi”- which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on transforming into a Risk-first, Technology-first, AI-native Retail financial services institution as part of the Lakshya 2031 plan. The Company has over 3 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

World Food Day is observed annually on October 16, marking the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. World Animal Day is celebrated on October 4 every year in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, as conceived by Heinrich Zimmermann. The first week of October is celebrated as Wildlife Week in India. On these multiple occasions concerning wild animals, domestic animals, and farm animals, World Animal Protection renews calls for humane treatment for animals that are suffering in factory farms and in captivity for entertainment. These include the elephants that are routinely abused for rides in Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
 

Elephants in Haathi Gaon in Jaipur in Rajasthan Photograph Credit : Shubhobroto Ghosh

“As the global community observes World Food Day on October 16, 2026, under the guiding theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” attention turns intensely toward building truly sustainable food and agricultural systems. In India, achieving comprehensive food security requires looking far beyond food availability to address the profound confluence of agriculture, animal welfare, and ecosystem conservation. True food security cannot exist in isolation from how we treat sentient creatures and the fragile natural networks that sustain all life on Earth,” says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India.
 

Livestock farming for food is also linked to the destruction of pristine forests, and World Animal Protection has been promoting plant-based diets for a more responsible and environmentally friendly footprint. Proper labelling of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and vegan products also goes a long way toward making consumers aware of their impact on the planet. The recently concluded BRICS Summit in India declaration mentions zoonotic diseases and includes cooperation on zoonotic threats and global health security, as well as biodiversity conservation, conservation of rare species and big cats, and sustainable livestock development. The government of India has very kindly informed World Animal Protection that animal welfare and wildlife trade will be addressed in future BRICS gatherings, where appropriate.
 

The government of India is positive toward embracing the concept of One Health, which encompasses animal welfare, human health, and environmental protection. Factory farming exacerbates the risk of zoonoses and the risks of epidemics. In the wake of coronavirus, it has become an imperative to treat animals humanely in all situations and to make systemic changes to animal rearing processes that are utilised to produce meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. World Animal Protection has welcomed the second Anti-Microbial Resistance Plan of the Government of India to address the damage to animal welfare, harm to human health, and the destruction of the environment that accompanies the irresponsible use of antibiotics in the chicken and livestock rearing industries. World Animal Protection continues to engage with various stakeholders on both wildlife and food systems to eliminate cruelty to animals.
 

Engaging with important stakeholders on the occasion of World Animal Day and Wildlife Week, World Animal Protection conducted a sensitisation programme with over two hundred and fifty students, parents, and teachers during an NGO gathering organised by the Cambridge School, Srinivaspuri on the occasion of the Parent-Teacher meeting. The occasion was a very fruitful one that resulted in many memorable interactions that brought to light many instances of animal abuse in food, fashion, and wildlife in entertainment. Several individuals expressed their interest in finding humane alternatives to cruel animal products like fur, leather, feathers, and silk, and also resolved not to patronise animal abuse in the wildlife entertainment sector by avoiding elephant rides and refusing to attend close-contact sessions with big cats in captive tiger venues in countries like Thailand.
 

As part of the ongoing corporate engagement, five tour companies, UnBound Expeditions, Going Wild Tours, Hetalbon Resort , North East Travels and Wild Paw Adventures have taken the wildlife friendly pledge of World Animal Protection and do not offer elephant rides in their itineraries. Engagement continues on developing humane food systems with relevant government and non government agencies as well.
 

Highlighting the importance of keeping wild spaces in India and free from the impacts of factory farming needs robust research and investigation. In this regard it is notable to read the book, ‘Rewilding India: The CWS Story’ written by Deepa Padmanaban and edited by Dr. Krithi K. Karanth. There is considerable work to do in India to determine how rearing animals for food impacts our wild spaces and this book gives us food for thought on the importance of wild areas in India and beyond.
 

Today we are witnessing unprecedented cases of wildlife trade all over the world, and India has become a hotbed of wild animal seizures that point to a growing demand for non-native exotic pets. World Animal Protection is also grateful to influencers like Bhagyashree and Koneenica Banerjee for promoting compassion to animals in all walks of life. Our campaign for humane treatment of all sentient beings continues in all possible ways.
 

For more information, please contact

Contact Person: Mr. Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection in India

Email: gajenderksharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in

Mobile Phone: +91 9313333283

Ai+ Smartphone is strengthening its customer-first approach by incorporating real user feedback into product and service improvements. Drawing insights from customer reviews, everyday device usage and after-sales interactions, the brand is addressing concerns related to camera stability, connectivity and performance through software updates, enhanced testing and more responsive customer support. This approach reflects Ai+ Smartphone’s commitment to building not just for its users, but with them.

Real Feedback, Real Improvement, A better Ai+ Experience

Across its smartphone portfolio, customers have appreciated Ai+Smartphone for its design, camera capabilities, battery life, performance and value for money. The Nova 2 Neo 5G has received positive feedback for its battery performance and accessibility, while the Nova 2 Power 5G has been appreciated for its overall experience and dual-tone design, particularly the Blue Fusion colour. The Nova 2 Ultra 5G has been recognised for its photography experience, performance and AMOLED display. Similarly, the Nova 2 5G and Nova 2 Pro 5G have received encouraging responses for their overall experience and value, while the Ai+ Pulse 2 has been appreciated for its battery, display and design.

Beyond positive reviews, Ai+Smartphone is actively using customer feedback to identify and address areas for improvement. Concerns related to camera stability, connectivity and device performance have been shared with product and technical teams, informing targeted over-the-air (OTA) updates and product refinements. The Nova 2 Ultra 5G, for instance, has received software updates aimed at improving camera stability. These insights are also being considered during product reviews and pre-launch testing to strengthen the experience offered by future devices.

Ai+ Smartphone has also made independent pre-launch evaluations an integral part of its product development approach through Project Open Review, inviting external feedback on its devices before they reach consumers. As of now we have over thousand registrations, from reviewers, creators, journalists, tech enthusiasts and, for the first time, ethical hackers to independently evaluate our devices. The initiative enables the brand to gather honest, unscripted feedback and incorporate necessary refinements into its products ahead of launch, reinforcing its commitment to Trust through Transparency.

Commenting on the approach, Archi Gogoi, Head of Brand, Marketing & Growth at Ai+ Smartphone, said, “At Ai+ Smartphone, we believe that building better technology starts with listening to the people who use it. Customer feedback helps us understand what we are getting right and where we need to improve. Whether through software updates, stronger product testing or more responsive after-sales support, our focus is on translating these insights into meaningful action. As we grow, we want our customers to know that their voices play an important role in shaping the Ai+ experience.”

The brand is also strengthening its after-sales operations through daily feedback collection, improved case tracking and closer coordination between customer support and technical teams. Dedicated teams conduct pre-launch testing to identify potential concerns, while software-related issues identified through customer interactions are being addressed. Where spare parts availability affects repair timelines, handset replacements are arranged wherever required and feasible to minimise customer inconvenience.

To make customer support more responsive and personalised, Ai+ Smartphone has strengthened its social media feedback and escalation process. Dedicated teams regularly monitor customer messages, comments and mentions, ensuring concerns are reviewed, prioritised and coordinated with Customer Service for timely action. The process focuses on proactive engagement, structured follow-ups and tracking cases through to resolution, helping deliver a more consistent and accountable customer experience. Ai+ Smartphone currently aims to resolve most service concerns within three to four days, depending on the nature of the issue and spare parts availability.

Ai+ Smartphone also plans to introduce customer experience videos following service resolution to better understand customer satisfaction and identify opportunities for improvement. Alongside product reviews and service feedback, these insights will help the brand refine its support processes, improve turnaround times and incorporate customer learnings into future product and service decisions.

As Ai+ Smartphone continues to expand its portfolio, customer feedback will remain central to how the brand evolves. By connecting real-world experiences with product development, software enhancements and after-sales improvements, Ai+ Smartphone is reinforcing its commitment to building technology not just for its users, but with them.

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

Tamchy Special Financial Investment Territory (SFIT) has ranked first in Asia-Pacific and second globally in the Rising Star category of fDi Intelligence’s Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2026, becoming the first financial hub from Central Asia to win.

Tamchy SFIT Named Asia-Pacific’s Top Rising Star in fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2026 

The judging panel highly praised Tamchy SFIT’s long-term strategy for attracting residents across its priority sectors. The judges also highlighted the jurisdiction’s extensive package of business incentives, including a zero corporate income tax rate for 49 years and unrestricted profit repatriation.

fDi Intelligence is the Financial Times’ specialist division for foreign direct investment (FDI). Its annual Global Free Zones of the Year Awards benchmark free zones around the world across a number of key categories.

The Rising Star category, in particular, recognises the strongest newly established zones, judged on their potential, early evidence of investor interest and the strategic advantages they offer investors.

Ayaz Baetov, First Deputy Chairman of Tamchy SFIT’s Management Council, welcomed the recognition as a significant milestone for the project.

“Being ranked first in Asia-Pacific and second globally so early in Tamchy SFIT’s development is an important international endorsement of our vision. We are creating a next-generation financial jurisdiction that combines the certainty of established international legal practices with the speed, flexibility and digital infrastructure that global businesses increasingly expect,” Baetov said.

Established by law in July 2025, Tamchy SFIT was formally inaugurated by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on 3 July 2026, less than a year later. Built from the ground up, the jurisdiction operates on the principles of English common law, with its own financial regulator, an International Dispute Resolution Centre and a single-window digital registrar. A special tax regime guarantees a 0% rate on profits, dividends, capital gains and VAT for 49 years, and allows 100% foreign ownership. The model is designed to accommodate a wide range of businesses, from funds, family offices and holding companies to international trading firms, fintech businesses and other innovation-driven enterprises.

The 6,000-hectare territory on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul is being developed as an integrated ecosystem that brings together business, living and wellness. A Grade A business centre is already operational, offering modern office spaces and meeting facilities. Issyk-Kul International Airport is within walking distance of the business district. Five more buildings, including a second business centre for residents and two office buildings, are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The first residents that registered at Tamchy SFIT at its launch included companies from Switzerland, South Korea, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates. More than 30 further companies are currently completing registration, fully benefitting from the digital one-stop-shop system.

About Tamchy SFIT

Tamchy Special Financial Investment Territory (SFIT) is a new international financial jurisdiction on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul in the Kyrgyz Republic, inaugurated in July 2026. Built on the principles of English common law, with its own financial regulator, an independent court and a digital one-stop shop, it offers a special tax regime for 49 years and 100% foreign ownership. Positioned at the intersection of the five EAEU economies and the Eurasian corridor, Tamchy SFIT aims to host around 4,000 resident companies and create more than 10,000 jobs by 2035.