Nippon Paint India, one of the country’s fastest-growing paint and coatings companies, and part of the NIPSEA Group and a subsidiary of Nippon Paint Holdings, Japan, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Titus as President – Decorative Business, effective December 1, 2025. In this role, Mr. Mark will spearhead the growth, strategy, and execution of the decorative coatings business across India, reporting directly to Mr. Sharad Malhotra, Managing Director, Nippon Paint India Group.

Nippon Paint India announces Mr. Mark Titus as the President of its Indian Decorative Business Operations

Mr. Mark succeeds Mr. Mahesh S. Anand and takes the helm at a time when India is a key growth market for the company. With its youthful population and strong demand for home renovation and infrastructure development, the Indian decorative paints market presents significant opportunities for Nippon Paint India.

With over two decades of experience, Mark Titus is a seasoned marketing and business leader with a strong background across diverse industries including FMCG, beverages, and the paints and waterproofing sector. His exposure to fast-moving consumer categories has equipped him with deep expertise in brand strategy, consumer insights, and impactful market execution. At Nippon Paint India, he has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s decorative business by expanding market presence, driving category leadership through differentiated offerings, and enhancing digital engagement across channels. Known for his strategic acumen, collaborative leadership, and focus on talent development, Mark has fostered a culture of efficiency and empowerment that consistently delivers strong results in a highly competitive market. Widely recognized as a disruptive marketer and brand builder, he continues to apply cross-industry learnings to accelerate brand growth, strengthen market leadership, and drive innovative business outcomes.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sharad Malhotra, Managing Director, Nippon Paint India Group, said, “We are delighted to appoint Mr. Mark Titus to this key leadership role. Mark has been pivotal in shaping the brand’s decorative business trajectory through his strong leadership and ability to translate market insights into impactful growth strategies. He will play a vital role in driving Nippon Paint’s journey of sustainable and profitable expansion, strengthening our brand presence, innovation, and market footprint in India.”

On assuming his new role, Mr. Mark Titus said, “I’m truly privileged to take on the responsibility of leading Nippon Paint India’s decorative division at this defining moment. With India emerging as a dynamic market for interiors, refurbishments, and new developments, my focus will be on working closely with our teams, channel partners, and consumers to enhance our portfolio, create meaningful brand experiences, and drive long-term value for all stakeholders.”

In his capacity as President – Decorative Business, Mark Titus will lead the decorative business strategy across product, channel, digital, and brand platforms in India. He will focus on driving innovation, strengthening partner networks, and enhancing the value chain through sustainable and efficient practices. By leveraging Nippon Paint’s global technologies and market expertise, Mark aims to deliver distinctive value and accelerate growth in the decorative segment.

With this leadership transition, Nippon Paint India reaffirms its commitment to being a growth leader in the domestic decorative paints industry continuously investing in innovation, consumer engagement, and market-relevant solutions, while fostering a sustainable and inclusive business ecosystem across India.

Today, BFA Global, Caribou, and MSC – organizations whose work spans more than 150 countries – announced the launch of the Alliance for Inclusive AI, an open coalition committed to ensuring that the next wave of artificial intelligence (AI) expands opportunity. By 2030, the Alliance aims to deliver responsible, practical AI solutions to 100 million people and mobilize US$100 million in blended finance.
 

Alliance for Inclusive AI
 

AI is set to reshape economies and public systems, yet new divisions are emerging: between countries that can afford the necessary technology and those that cannot; between enterprises able to adopt AI tools and those left out; and between people who can access these tools and those who cannot. Without leadership from emerging markets, AI will be built on assumptions that fail to reflect how most of the world lives and works.
 

Ajay Banga, World Bank Group President, cautioned that “Big AI will create a bigger disparity between the developed world and the developing world at the start. On the other hand, ‘small AI’ – local models delivered on local devices – is going to be amazingly productive.”
 

The Alliance is an open, collaborative, practitioner-led effort to bring inclusive AI into the workflows of financial inclusion, agriculture, climate resilience, and digital public services across the Global South.
 

Prateek Shrivastava, MD of BFA Global, said, “Only by joining forces to mobilize resources, we can bring meaningful AI infrastructure and solutions to hundreds of millions of people globally.”
 

Jessica Osborn, CEO of Caribou, said, “AI will reshape how people earn, learn, and access services. It will only deliver real impact when marginalized communities shape it. This Alliance ensures local actors build and use AI in ways that reflect their realities.”
 

Working at the intersection of global development and AI innovation, the Alliance’s work is organized around six pillars:

1. Create foundational AI infrastructure tailored to emerging markets.
2. Deliver practical, small-AI solutions that cater to the needs of the underserved.
3. Partner with universities to develop local talent for responsible AI.
4. Develop operational tools that work in low-resource, low-connectivity environments.
5. Support governments, DFIs, regulators, and regional bodies to design and implement inclusive AI strategies.
6. Create shared repositories of datasets, case studies, and toolkits.

Technology providers, DFIs, investors, governments, research institutions, and civil society organizations are invited to join.
 

Graham Wright, Co-Chair and GMD, MSC, warned, “Countries that lack digital infrastructure, skilled workforces, and supportive policy frameworks may find themselves further marginalized.”
 

BFA Global is a global impact innovation firm that combines research, advisory, venture building, and investment expertise to build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for underserved people and the planet. We partner with leading public, private, and philanthropic organizations to catalyze innovation ecosystems for impact across emerging markets.
 

Caribou is a global digital development consultancy that helps foundations, companies, and governments design and deliver responsible, inclusive digital systems. With expertise in data governance, digital identity, youth employment, and responsible technology, Caribou strengthens the policies, programs, and ecosystems that shape equitable digital futures.
 

MSC is a global inclusion consulting firm that works with governments, providers, and innovators to enable social, financial, and economic inclusion for everyone in the digital age. Its local teams in 70+ countries bring practical expertise across finance, technology, agriculture, and social protection. We help clients seize the digital opportunity, address the mass market, and future-proof operations.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, continues its commitment to inclusive sports by sponsoring the 2^nd edition of the Ability Sports League (ASL) T20. The tournament will be held from 9^th to 13^th December 2025 at KSCA’s Alur Cricket Ground, Bengaluru.

Mr. Arjun Ranga hands over the sponsorship cheque for ASL T20 2025, strengthening Cycle Pure Agarbathi’s support for inclusive sports

As a principal partner, Cycle Pure Agarbathi has extended sponsorship support for this edition of the league. Building on last year’s contribution where the brand provided professional-grade cricket kits and equipment, this year, Cycle Pure’s contribution focuses entirely on financial sponsorship to strengthen the league’s operations and ensure a seamless experience for participating athletes.

The Ability Sports League T20, organised by Kshamata Innovation Foundation and Divyaang Myithri Sports Academy, is India’s primer wheelchair cricket league. Since its inception in 2018, the league has empowered over 600 wheelchair athletes with a platform to showcase their talent, resilience, and sporting spirit.

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “We are proud to continue our association with the Ability Sports League. Our sponsorship this season reflects our commitment to building inclusive platforms that celebrate the determination and excellence of differently-abled athletes. Through ASL, we are not only promoting wheelchair cricket but also building a stronger, more inclusive sporting culture in India.”

Ms. Kshama Rangan, Director, Kshamata Innovation Foundation, organiser of Ability Sports League T20, said, “We are grateful for Cycle Pure Agarbathi’s continued support, which has been instrumental in sustaining and growing the Ability Sports League. This financial sponsorship ensures that our athletes can focus entirely on their game, while we provide them with a seamless and professional tournament experience. Together, we wish to establish a roadmap to create equal opportunities, recognition and career for wheelchair athletes in the Nation’s favourite game.”

This edition, Take Sports ASL T20 2025 will feature six-city based teams – Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow – with athletes representing 16 States from across India. This pan-India participation underscores the league’s growing stature as a national platform for wheelchair cricket, bringing together talent, resilience, and sporting spirit from diverse corners of the country.

Macroman M Series & Macrowoman W Series from the house of Rupa and Company Limited, a name synonymous with quality, innovation, fashion and style, proudly announces the launch of its newest Socks Collection: Socks Sutra. 

SocksSutra

Wearing Socks Sutra, adds a extra spring to your step/stride, and confidence begins at your lively feet. Socks made by Socks Sutra are an epitome of comfort, sensuality, boldness, fashion & style, with cutting-edge craftsmanship.

Socks Sutra is a collection that redefines what socks can be. Socks Sutra with over 100 stunning ‘design’ styles, blends flair, function and irresistible appeal perfectly capturing the signature statement, “100 ways to sexy feet”. Socks Sutra is for Gen Z, millennials, and each of us who is young at heart, the collection, celebrates individuality and self-expression at every step. From work to workouts, parties to wellness, and everything in between, the range offers a curated selection for both men and women, making it one of the most inclusive socks collections in the market today.

More Than Just Socks ; A New Language of Style

In a market flooded with ‘deja vu’, Socks Sutra stands distinctly apart. Each pair is thoughtfully crafted using breathable fabrics, bold aesthetics and modern construction, ensuring all-day comfort while elevating the sensuality and boldness of each stride. The designs are intentionally youthful, energetic, and expressive—perfect for a generation that treats style as a daily language.

From classic everyday wear to specialized support socks featuring gentle compression, moisture-management technology, single-toe separation and eco-friendly bamboo fabrics, Socks Sutra by Macroman M Series & Macrowoman W Series brings together innovation, indulgence, and personality in equal measure.

Mr. Vikash Agarwal, Director at Rupa and Company Limited, says, “Socks Sutra is built on the belief that great socks are the foundation of feeling sexy and youthfulness. This collection is all about expressing personality, enhancing comfort, and transforming everyday footwear into a style statement.”

A Style for Every Mood, A Fit for Every Persona

Whether it’s the invisible pair that slips effortlessly under stilettos, the athletic sock engineered for performance, or the chic everyday option that makes routine feel luxurious, Socks Sutra offers a perfect match for every outfit, every mood, and every lifestyle.

With meticulous detailing and trend-forward designs, Socks Sutra promises to add that essential “sutra”- the formula for undeniable style and confidence to daily life.

The exclusive Socks sutra collection from Macroman M Series & Macrowoman W Series is now available online at www.macroworld.in and on Amazon, Flipkart.

Provogue India, the Lifestyle Partner of the Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2025, announced the launch of MYN by Provogue, India’s first design-it-yourself luggage platform. The innovative initiative empowers travellers to personalise their luggage with unique designs, themes, and artwork allowing them to express their identity, passions, and personal style wherever they go.

HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, Princess Gauravi Kumari and Pravin Prabhakar (CEO, Provogue) at the launch of MYN by Provogue heritage collection

As part of this launch, Provogue also introduced the MYN Heritage Limited Edition Collection, co-created with the Jaigarh Heritage Festival. The collection draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s royal artistry and cultural motifs, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The collection was introduced in the esteemed presence of HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur and other key dignitaries. The collection received immense appreciation from HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh describing it as “a beautiful collection.”

Through this collaboration, Provogue aims to bring a fresh cultural narrative to the travel lifestyle space offering modern travellers the opportunity to carry a piece of India’s regal heritage with them. This launch represents a significant step in travel fashion, where personal expression meets innovative, design-led craftsmanship.

Speaking on the occasion, Pravin Prabhakar, CEO, Provogue India, said, “Provogue, in collaboration with the Jaigarh Heritage Festival, is proud to introduce the Limited Edition MYN Jaigarh Heritage Collection, a curation that brings Rajasthan’s cultural richness into the modern travel lifestyle. Today’s travellers seek more than functionality; they look for travel gear that mirrors their personal style and individuality. Under the new management, our vision is to lead the evolution of travel by making it a seamless blend of style, functionality, and self-expression and this launch is a meaningful step forward on that journey.”

About Provogue

Provogue is a leading travel lifestyle brand with a strong legacy of over 28 years in India’s fashion industry. Rooted in a rich fashion legacy, the brand brings a style-driven approach to travel gear for today’s style-conscious consumers. Its portfolio includes premium luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories that seamlessly combine contemporary style with durable functionality. With innovation at its core and fashion in its DNA, Provogue continues to redefine modern travel empowering people to move with confidence and individuality.

Kukatpally has rapidly emerged as one of the most compelling investment destinations in the city, powered by strong appreciation, rising rental demand, and increasing interest in premium gated communities in Kukatpally. Over the past year, the micro-market has outperformed several established neighbourhoods, reflecting the larger momentum across the real estate Kukatpally Hyderabad corridor.

ASBL Landmark at Kukatpally Y Junction

In terms of pure investment performance, Kukatpally continues to deliver exceptional numbers. Property prices have grown by an impressive 7 to 8 percent in the last quarter alone, while year-on-year appreciation for apartments stood at 18.4 percent between July and September 2025. The long-term trajectory has been equally strong, with overall property values in the region rising by nearly 35 to 40 percent over the past five years. Rental yields currently range between 3 to 5 percent annually, backed by a thriving tenant market made up of working professionals, students, and families seeking well-connected and amenity-rich living spaces. Rents have shown a consistent upward climb as well, rising from INR 23,000-25,000 in 2021 to 55,000-70,000 in 2025, with the average annual rental growth over the past three years touching an impressive 23.3 percent. If this pattern continues, projections suggest monthly rents in Kukatpally may exceed 77,000 by 2026 and 95,000 by 2027, making it one of the most lucrative pockets in Hyderabad for rental-led investments.

Beyond its investment appeal, Kukatpally has evolved into Hyderabad’s lifestyle capital. Often regarded as the heart of the city, the neighbourhood offers an unparalleled mix of retail, education, healthcare, entertainment, and day-to-day convenience. With more than 40 schools, 45+ hospitals, 10+ colleges, five major malls, and over two thousand restaurants, Kukatpally stands out as a self-sustained ecosystem where everything is just minutes away. This dense social infrastructure, combined with modern residential demand, is one of the primary reasons families and professionals increasingly prefer apartments in Kukatpally and premium gated communities in Kukatpally, making the location a natural magnet for end users and investors alike.

Connectivity has always been Kukatpally’s strongest advantage, and upcoming infrastructure projects are set to take it even further. GHMC has already initiated a 180-crore plan to construct twin three-lane flyovers at the Kukatpally Y Junction, one of the busiest intersections in the city, along with a proposed vehicle underpass aimed at easing congestion and enabling smoother traffic movement. The metro network continues to be a major asset, with the metro station Kukatpally and surrounding stations serving as some of the busiest transit hubs in Hyderabad.

Amid this rising demand for high-quality living, ASBL has introduced ASBL Landmark, a premium residential gated community located at the strategic Kukatpally Y Junction. Spread across 6.6 acres, the project offers well-designed 3 and 3.5 BHK homes that combine lifestyle, comfort, and connectivity in a prime location. ASBL Landmark is just 100 steps from the Balanagar Metro Station Kukatpally, placing it among the most metro-connected residential projects in the city. The development also stands next to Lakeshore Mall, which is set to become Hyderabad’s largest mall, surpassing even Sarath City Mall in scale and retail depth. With every major IT hub accessible within thirty minutes and the airport under an hour away, the project offers unmatched convenience for working professionals and families looking to upgrade their lifestyle within Kukatpally. Backed by strong local trust, ASBL Landmark recorded  INR 500 crore sales at the launch day and carries the positioning of being “Built for the People Who Built Kukatpally.” RERA-approved (TG RERA No: P02200008770), the project reflects Kukatpally’s growing appetite for premium housing and next-generation urban communities. It is also giving upto 1 lakh rupees to its customers every month till March 2027 under rental income offer.

For many working families, the strain of EMIs begins long before they move into their home. Monthly payments during the construction phase often stretch budgets, disrupt savings and add stress to an already demanding stage of life. ASBL Landmark addresses this worry with a structured financial model that eases the transition. A four percent down payment, or about ten lakh rupees, begins the booking. From there, buyers receive a monthly reimbursement of upto 1 lakh rupees until March 2027, effectively covering fifteen months of EMIs. It turns a typically stressful period into one that feels manageable and financially steady.

As Kukatpally continues to blend investment potential with day-to-day lifestyle advantages, its appeal in the broader real estate Kukatpally Hyderabad market is only set to grow further. The combination of rising capital values, robust rental demand, unparalleled social infrastructure, and transformative public projects positions Kukatpally as one of the most promising real estate destinations in the city. Whether for long-term appreciation, rental income, or high-quality urban living, Kukatpally remains one of the strongest bets for Hyderabad’s next decade of growth.

Careervira AI has claimed a position among the world’s top 10 Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) and Human Capital Management (HCM) platform, providing enterprise-grade AI-powered workforce development capabilities to mid-market organizations across India, Southeast Asia, the UK, the US, and beyond. The platform is transforming enterprise learning technology by democratizing sophisticated, AI-driven solutions at a fraction of traditional costs.​

Careervira AI: Agentic AI Platform for Learning and Talent Development

A Top 10 Global LXP and HCM Platform Built on Google-Scale Principles

Careervira AI has earned its elite ranking by filling a critical market gap: offering mid-market organizations and employees access to world-class learning technology previously available only to Fortune 500 enterprises. “At Google and YouTube, I witnessed firsthand how technology and scale can transform entire industries,” says Vijay Singh, Founder and former Head of Product Sales for YouTube across India and Southeast Asia. “Our guiding belief—’You Can Be Everything That You Want To Be’—drives everything we build at Careervira AI. We’re bringing that same Google-quality engineering and global scale to HRTech, democratizing access for the mid-market.“​

The platform offers over 125K+ courses from 20+ global providers and 1,000+ expert instructors on its platform, guaranteeing organizations worldwide have access to best-in-class training resources.​

January 2026: Vira AI Launch with 15+ Specialized Agents for Learning and Talent Development

Careervira AI will unveil Vira AI in January 2026 a purpose-built, HR-focused locally trained Large Language Model (LLM) with 15+ specialized agents automating the full spectrum of learning and talent workflows. The multi-agent system achieves 70%–80% automation across skill intelligence, career orchestration, learning curation, and compliance tracking, saving L&D managers over 10 hours weekly.​

The Most Affordable Enterprise LXP and HCM Platform

At approximately $2 to $10 per user per month, Careervira AI delivers up to 70% cost reduction compared with legacy systems, making it the most affordable best-in-class LXP available today. “We practice what we call ‘frugal engineering’—building radically affordable technology without sacrificing power or intelligence,” Singh explains. With zero-code configuration and seamless HRMS integrations, implementation drops from 6–12 months to just four weeks.​

Industries Driving Adoption

IT/ITES, BFSI and funded startups companies across India and Southeast Asia are leveraging Careervira AI’s stack-specific learning paths for 150+ tech stacks. BFSI organizations are deploying compliance automation capabilities, while internet enterprises use AI-powered career pathing to reduce attrition and accelerate onboarding. With presence across key global markets Careervira AI is the platform of choice for organizations navigating rapid transformation.​

About Careervira AI

Founded in 2020 by Vijay Singh, former Google executive and Head of Product Sales for YouTube across India and Southeast Asia, backed by USD 2.5Mn in seed funding by global HR and Tech Leaders, the company serves 148 countries for its B2C platform and connecting professionals and enterprises through its AI-powered LXP and LMS marketplace across US, Canada, UK, SEA and India.​