Home Blog Page 183

Catalyst Brands Launches in India: Bengaluru Center to Support Six Powerhouse American Retail Brands

Catalyst Brands, formed from the merger of JCPenney and SPARC Group, has officially launched its India operations under the new name Catalyst Brands Business Services. This marks a bold new chapter for the company’s Bengaluru-based global capability center, positioning it at the heart of a portfolio that now includes six of America’s most recognized retail brands: JCPenney, Aropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica.

Catalyst Brands Business Services will now expand its capabilities to become a high-impact, cross-functional hub supporting the entire Catalyst Brands portfolio. With deep expertise in Information Technology, Stores and Payment Systems, Digital and eCommerce, Supply Chain, Finance, Merchandising, Marketing, and Data and Analytics, Catalyst Brands’ India team will play a central role in driving efficiency, innovation, and growth for over 60 million customers.

As Catalyst Brands, we bring together the rich heritage of six celebrated brands under a new vision for success that reflects our drive to spark innovation,” said Marc Rosen, Chief Executive Officer, Catalyst Brands. “Our customers are at the heart of our business, and the expertise of our Catalyst Brands Business Services team in India is key to helping us expand our global reach and deliver quality and value for our customers.”

With 800 associates and nearly a decade of operational excellence, the Bengaluru center has been instrumental in building global technology and enterprise systems for JCPenney. The impact of Catalyst Brands Business Services will be multiplied to enable faster collaboration and shape the future of a multi-brand retail ecosystem.

India is not just supporting Catalyst Brands, it is helping shape our future,” said Kevin Harper, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Catalyst Brands. “As we embark on a new chapter of growth at Catalyst Brands, our Bengaluru team will be key to streamlining operations, embedding standardization, and driving operational excellence across the board.”

The center will continue to operate from Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru, with planned growth in capabilities aligned to Catalyst’s long-term global strategy.

Over the past nine years, our Bengaluru center has proven itself as a strategic growth engine for JCPenney, and we are ready to capitalize on this momentum to take Catalyst Brands to the next level,” said Kaushik Das, Managing Director, Catalyst Brands Business Services Limited. “We will continue to invest in the talent, leadership, and spirit of innovation that we’ve come to rely on from our India-based associates as we begin building for the future.”

About Catalyst Brands
Catalyst Brands ignites America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all. Our portfolio features legendary department store JCPenney, as well as iconic specialty retail brands Aropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica.

Established in 2025, when JCPenney and the former SPARC Group combined, Catalyst Brands today operates 1,800 retail stores, shop-in-shops, and eCommerce platforms throughout the U.S. and Canada. It also serves leading wholesale accounts in North America and beyond.

For more information, visit catalystbrands.com.

Legals365 Shields Borrowers Amid India’s Debt Crisis, 3,000 Protected and Rs. 900 Crore Resolved

Debt has become a growing challenge in India, affecting families, small businesses, and large companies alike. Many are struggling with long repayment cycles and mounting pressure, which often disrupts stability and peace of mind. It is in this backdrop that Legals365, India’s leading debt resolution and borrower protection firm, has emerged as the strongest safeguard borrowers could hope for.

Legals365 Shields Borrowers Amid Indias Debt Crisis, 3,000 Protected and Rs. 900 Crore Resolved

Under the leadership of Advocate B.K. Singh, the Legals365 has grown into far more than a legal service provider. It is a nationwide movement that combines strategic brilliance with human empathy, ensuring that borrowers are not only legally protected but treated with the dignity they deserve.

“At Legals365, we believe no borrower should ever feel alone in front of a financial giant. Each settlement we secure is proof that persistence, empathy, and the right legal strategy can dismantle even the toughest debt battles,” said Advocate B.K. Singh, Founder of Legals365.

What sets Legals365 apart is its ability to dismantle the asymmetry on which financial institutions thrive. Banks often depend on dense documentation, intimidation, and legal complexities to overpower borrowers. But when Legals365 intervenes, the balance shifts decisively. Recovery agents retreat the moment a notice is issued, court threats collapse when RBI directives and borrower protections are invoked, and lender negotiations are carried out with persistence that banks cannot ignore.

The firm’s record reflects its stature. More than 3,000 clients, ranging from daily wage earners to established corporates, have been safeguarded. Over Rs. 900 crore in liabilities have been dismantled, reduced, or lawfully extinguished. From tier-1 cities to tier-2 towns, its presence is felt nationwide, with countless MSMEs and enterprises revived from the verge of collapse. Beyond the statistics lies the deeper reality of stability restored and peace reclaimed by those who once stood at the edge of financial ruin.

Borrowers trust Legals365 because its expertise spans every aspect of debt resolution. From cheque bounce defence under the NI Act, to shielding directors from liability, to contesting unfair ECS prosecutions under Section 25, the firm’s lawyers deliver results. In Debt Recovery Tribunals, where banks push for fast-track recoveries, Legals365 flips the pressure with technical precision. When homes and assets are threatened under the SARFAESI Act, the firm stands firm against unlawful seizures.

From debt counselling and structured negotiations to decisive interventions that end harassment calls, Legals365 delivers tangible relief. Whether representing corporates in NCLT and DRT proceedings or protecting individuals from criminalization, every service is rooted in strategy, speed, and empathy.

As India’s debt burden tightens its grip, hesitation can be perilous. Every moment of delay strengthens the banks’ position while narrowing borrowers’ options. The time to act is now. Legals365 stands ready to ensure that no family, entrepreneur, or corporate entity faces the weight of financial distress alone.

About Legals365
Legals365 is India’s leading debt resolution and borrower protection firm, committed to safeguarding individuals, MSMEs, and corporates against financial distress. Founded by Advocate B.K. Singh, the firm has resolved over Rs. 900 crore in liabilities and protected more than 3,000 borrowers nationwide. With expertise spanning debt restructuring, cheque bounce defence, SARFAESI matters, and representation before DRT and NCLT, Legals365 combines strategic legal acumen with empathy to restore stability and dignity to borrowers. As a trusted ally against financial institutions, Legals365 stands unyielding in its mission: ensuring no borrower faces debt alone.

India’s City Growth Set Stage for VinFast Advance

In a positive signal for the electric vehicle revolution, India’s public EV charging network has grown nearly fivefold since 2022. A lot of that growth is in its largest cities, where charging hubs are starting to become part of the urban landscape. While electric four-wheeler adoption remains in the single digits, the conditions in dense metro areas are shifting.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/32976_VinFast_Advance_image.jpg

India’s major cities are emerging as key hubs for EV adoption, with growing infrastructure and policies drawing global automakers such as VinFast

Policy support, shorter daily travel distances, and a young consumer base are creating an environment where demand could build quickly. Brands in Indian, both old and new, including the Vietnamese EV upstart VinFast, are gearing up to fully take advantage of this momentum.

Cities at the Center of EV Readiness
In the race for EV adoption, India’s cities play a leading role due to their unique characteristics.

In 2024, 37 percent of India’s people lived in cities- and this share is expected to rise- concentrating significant income, infrastructure, and vehicle demand, as well as higher levels of traffic pollution that must be addressed. At the same time, most urban commuters travel less than 35 kilometers a day, a distance that is well within the range of most EVs already on the market.

Local policies are starting to lock in long-term support. Delhi’s EV plan requires that one in five parking spaces in new residential buildings be equipped for a charger. That kind of mandate makes EVs more appealing to both early adopters and mass consumers, helping them see the vehicles as practical rather than merely aspirational.

Charging growth has been rapid. By April 2025, India had 26,367 public charging points, compared with about 5,000 in 2022. Many are installed in shopping malls, office complexes, and along highways, giving drivers options for both daily charging and longer trips.

A Policy Push Toward Electric
National regulators are working to improve the economics of owning an EV. One proposed change would exempt them from the 15-year “End of Life” rule, which currently forces older vehicles off the road. Extending an EV’s legal usable life could boost its resale value and make financing easier.

State governments add their own incentives. Delhi is proposing to once again remove road tax and registration fees for EVs. Maharashtra offers early purchase subsidies of up to ₹2 lakh for electric cars. Tamil Nadu provides capital subsidies to EV manufacturers to attract new factories. Financing reforms are also on the table. The government has reportedly met with banks to address their reluctance to finance EVs and their concerns over high interest rates, addressing a common hurdle for buyers.

Policy focus is not spread evenly. Initiatives from NITI Aayog and various states concentrate on cities and sectors most ready for adoption, such as fleet operators and corporate users. The aim is to build momentum where infrastructure and consumer interest already align.

A New Player Positions Itself
To ensure a seamless ownership experience, VinFast has signed agreements with multiple dealer partners to set up 32 dealerships across 27 cities, forming a robust 3S (Sales, Service, Spares) ecosystem, with a total of 35 expected by year’s end. The initial network will cover key urban and emerging EV markets, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune.

This urban push is part of VinFast’s broader strategy to build a full EV ecosystem in India-combining a nationwide dealership network, integrated after-sales and service centers, and battery recycling partnerships. The company has joined forces with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure to create a nationwide charging and service network with real-time charging access, AI-driven diagnostics, and integrated digital platforms.

Just early August, the Vietnamese automaker also opened its first overseas EV assembly plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Built on a 400-acre industrial site, the plant represents a USD 500 million commitment in its initial phase. Annual capacity is set at 50,000 vehicles, with the possibility to scale to 150,000. The first models built will be the premium VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs.

Construction took nearly half a year, faster than the company’s first plant in Vietnam. The facility currently assembles vehicles from imported components but will expand into local parts production. Plans include a supplier park and eventually full manufacturing on site.

The plant is expected to create 3,000 to 3,500 jobs, most filled by workers from nearby districts. Tamil Nadu’s port and airport access, combined with its skilled labor pool, were key factors in the site selection. VinFast also intends to use the factory as an export hub for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with orders already coming in from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mauritius.

India’s EV market is still in its early stages, but its largest cities are laying the groundwork for faster adoption. Automakers willing to invest now, build locally, and align with policy priorities could see the payoff in the years ahead. VinFast is placing its bet that it will be one of them.

Agentic AI with Human Oversight Can Play a Major Role in Smart Airport Security, Says Jaideep Mirchandani Group Chairman Sky One

In March this year, the Delhi International Airport introduced the Unified Total Airside Management (UTAM) system, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) – enabled platform designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of aviation operations. It helps in uniting airlines, ground handlers, and airport authorities on a collaborative platform, allowing them to monitor air fleet movements, ground service equipment, and vehicle activities in a more precise manner.

Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman, Sky One

Even as AI continues to gain widespread acceptance in aviation systems worldwide, the industry is also rapidly progressing towards agentic AI. While traditional AI tools mainly offer recommendations based on historical data and signals, agentic AI takes a more proactive role by not only making decisions but also executing them and monitoring outcomes in real time.

Airports like Singapores Changi Airport are exemplifying this shift, and exploring agentic AI to boost operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and reduce the need for human intervention. In India, the first AI-powered airport digital twin was recently launched at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. It includes features like intelligent crowd management, flow and queue analytics, real-time operational insights, and optimised backend operations such as smart traffic monitoring.

The adoption of agentic AI has helped in achieving new standards of customer experience, operational efficiency and making airlines more competitive. Those who adopt them faster will have a competitive edge. Most of these agents are designed to adapt to dynamic scenarios, can respond to passenger feedback and market fluctuations, which helps in revenue optimisation for the carrier while ensuring enhanced experience for the passenger,” says Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One.

With the ability to monitor live feeds from terminals, baggage scanners, and access points, agentic tools can detect unusual patterns and anomalies before incidents escalate. “These tools are capable of reading human behaviours by tracking signs such as excessive nervousness and erratic motion, providing an added intelligence layer and flagging potential threats that traditional security systems may overlook. AI agents predict passenger flows, queue congestion, and screening volume, allocating security personnel, adjusting checkpoint openings, and reallocating staff in real time for smoother operations,” adds Mr. Mirchandani.

The AI vision agents can monitor CCTV, detect threats, and alert security teams. They will also support predictive maintenance of aircraft, contributing to safety. However, even as AI agents gain wide acceptance, human supervision remains essential.

Even if every segment is fully automated, we cannot ignore the necessity of human touch. An AI agent cannot replace human perceptiveness, especially in areas requiring critical decision-making. Both AI agents and human resources, however, will co-exist, complementing each other. While AI tools can assist in various ways, the final resolution may come from humans, offering decisive input and support,” concludes Mr. Mirchandani.

Yeh Ballet Star Achintya Bose Launches Fundraiser via Impact Guru to Complete Final Year Education at CalArts in the USA

Impact Guru, India’s leading crowdfunding platform, has launched a campaign to support Achintya Bose, the acclaimed dancer-actor who rose to fame in Netflix’s Yeh Ballet, as he raises funds to complete his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).

The fundraiser, titled “I Don’t Have a Plan B,” originally targeted USD 80,114 (INR 68.9 lakh). Thanks to the kindness of donors, including those who contributed travel support and tickets, the goal has already been reduced significantly.

Achintya Bose

Now, only USD 14,000 (INR 12.27 lakh) remains to be raised to cover his tuition fees for the final semester. This brings the current campaign goal to USD 44,488 (INR 39.0 lakh), which will cover his stay and living expenses.

Your support is more critical than ever. Achintya must deposit his tuition fees within the stipulated time to retain his seat at CalArts and continue his F-1 visa status. Without this, the years of dedication, training, and accolades that have built his life purpose may face an abrupt halt. Every contribution – big or small – brings him closer to fulfilling his dream of graduating from CalArts and representing India on the global dance stage.

Achintya’s story is one of resilience and talent. Raised by a single mother, he trained at Danceworx while supporting himself, taking on roles in admissions and training. Under prima ballerina Cindy Jourdain and director Sooni Taraporevala, he developed into a promising ballet artist. His acceptance into CalArts marked a new milestone. Fast-tracking his BFA into three years with a stellar GPA of 3.9-4.0, Achintya has also received invitations to prestigious programs, including Amsterdam’s elite dance workshops and Boston Dance Theatre’s Summer Immersion Program.

“Every step of this journey has been a fight, but CalArts has given me the chance to dream bigger than I ever imagined,” said Achintya Bose. “I’m so close to finishing my degree, and with your support, I hope to represent India on the world stage. I am forever grateful to my well-wishers, donors, and Impact Guru – my many miracles – who have had my back throughout.”

“Achintya’s portrayal of ‘Asif’ in Yeh Ballet inspired many, but his real-life determination is even more remarkable,” said Piyush Jain, Co-founder and CEO at Impact Guru and CarePal Group. “This fundraiser is a chance for the community to rally behind a young artist who reflects India’s immense talent on the global stage. We urge everyone to donate and share Achintya’s story to help him finish his CalArts journey.”

His director, Sooni Taraporevala, calls him her “Miracle Boy,” a sentiment echoed by producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, who shared, “I think the world of Achintya. I have known him since his Yeh Ballet auditions and seen him surpass expectations – as an artist and as a human being. Over the years, he has honed his skills with grit and determination. I have no doubt that his tribe of supporters will only keep growing as he spreads his art worldwide.”

The fundraiser is live on Impact Guru’s platform. Supporters can contribute and share Achintya’s story at:
www.impactguru.com/fundraiser/help-achintya-bose

The Style Edit – Bollywood Fashionista Ananya Panday Hosts a ‘Fashion and Glow Up’ Experience, Only on Airbnb

Bollywood’s fashion icon Ananya Panday is all set to host an exclusive, one-of-a-kind fashion and glow up experience, the “Ananya’s Style Edit,” only on Airbnb. Designed to offer fashion enthusiasts, glam seekers and Ananyas biggest fans behind-the-scenes access to her signature style universe, this experience will be available to a maximum of four guests.

The Style Edit hosted by Bollywood fashionista Ananya Panday

Guests will get a chance to step inside a reimagined version of Ananya’s dream closet and vanity space, brought to life inside one of Delhi’s most stunning Airbnb homes. From her walk-in wardrobe to her vanity zone, the space has been completely transformed into a playful fashion playground.

Get styled in Ananyas favorite look, brought to life by her A-team

Joining Ananya is her expert A-team, offering guests the ultimate glow-up, where they’ll be styled by her go-to stylist, glammed up by her trusted beauty squad, and snapped by her go to photographer. Think major glow-up, big fashion energy, and total main character vibes.

I’m so excited to welcome guests into my world of glitz and glam through “Ananya’s Style Edit,” an Airbnb Originals curated and hosted by me. Fashion and self-expression are such a big part of who I am as an actor, and getting to share that in such a personal, hands-on way, with guests is truly special. I cant wait to meet the guests, swap stories, and create unforgettable memories together in this one-of-a-kind experience,” said host, Ananya Panday.

We’re excited to introduce Airbnb Originals in India with Ananya Panday, a Gen Z cultural icon. Originals is a series of extraordinary experiences hosted by the world’s most interesting people and designed exclusively for Airbnb – and Ananya’s Style Edit is a perfect example of that. Ananya’s unique sense of style and strong connection with young audiences across Bollywood-loving nations make this collaboration truly special. We’re proud to offer guests a chance to experience her glam world up close, in a way that’s intimate, immersive, and truly unforgettable,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India and Southeast Asia.

About Ananya’s Style Edit Experience
Curated and led by Ananya Panday with her A-team, this 4-hour experience hosted at an Airbnb in New Delhi will include:

  • Fashion Reboot: A personalized styling session with celebrity fashion stylist Ami Patel to recreate an Ananya-inspired look – complete with expert outfit guidance.

  • Slay & Spray: An opportunity to get glammed up by the duo behind Ananya’s iconic looks. Expect fabulous hair flips courtesy of her go-to hairstylist Aanchal Morwani and a beauty transformation that’s spotlight-ready, by her makeup artist Riddhima Sharma. (Warning: dramatic mirror moments ahead).

  • Pose & Shine: Feature in a high-energy fashion shoot with Ananya Panday, shot by ace photographer Rahul Jhangiani & team, who’s worked his magic on some of Bollywood’s biggest stars. He’ll capture your new look in a series of stunning, editorial-style portraits that belong on a billboard – or at least your Instagram grid.

  • Coffee with Ananya: To wrap up this unforgettable day, enjoy a relaxed coffee chat with Ananya herself. Hear her personal fashion stories, go-to beauty hacks, and confidence-boosting tips; straight from the heart.

  • Slay the Day Giveaway: Each guest will leave with a special goodie bag curated by Ananya, handpicked with her style essentials, along with a signed memento.

Note that this exclusive experience is not a competition, those making a booking must have an active Airbnb profile and have a history of positive reviews on the platform. All guests who request to book must be able to provide a government-issued ID.

About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

Sony India Launches a Professional XLR Shotgun Microphone

Sony India announces the launch of its latest professional audio innovation, the ECM-778, a high-resolution shotgun microphone designed for filmmakers, content creators, and studios seeking crystal-clear sound in a compact and lightweight form. Ideal for film, OTT, documentary, and studio productions, the ECM-778 adapts seamlessly to various audio recording environments. Despite its compact 176 mm length and 102 g weight, the ECM-778 delivers sharp directivity and precise sound capture thanks to its newly developed microphone capsule, brass acoustic tube and optimized electronic circuitry. These components ensure clear high frequencies, stable mid-lows, and consistent performance across varying distances and setups. It is designed for professional versatility, the microphone can be mounted on boom poles or cameras using the included holder and adapter, and it supports devices with XLR terminals. A built-in low-cut filter reduces unwanted bass noise, while included foam and fur wind screens optimize performance indoors or in windy outdoor conditions. The machined aluminium exterior enhances durability and reduces unwanted vibration and electrical noise, while the use of film capacitors and metal film resistors further improves audio fidelity and power stability.

ECM-778

Key Features of the ECM-778 Shotgun Microphone

Clear and Precise Sound Capture

  • Clear High Frequencies and Stable Mid-Low Range: The newly developed microphone capsule, precision-machined brass acoustic tube, and electronic circuit board work together to deliver clear high frequencies without unwanted resonance and stable mid-low frequencies. With high-resolution support capturing frequencies beyond the audible range of 20 kHz, it enables clear and spatially expansive audio recording of voices, ambient sounds, nature sounds, musical instruments, and more.

  • Sharp Directivity for Targeted Sound Capture: A precise acoustic tube design using sound wave interference effects consistently suppresses sound from the sides and rear across the entire frequency range. This characteristic achieves sharp forward directivity, clearly capturing desired sound while effectively reducing surrounding noise.

  • Consistent Sound Quality Across Various Recording Distances: The combination of a microphone capsule capable of capturing subtle sounds and high-frequency vibrations with a precision-machined brass acoustic tube delivers consistent sound quality across various recording environments, whether mounted on a boom pole, on-camera, or in studio setups with varying distances from subjects.

  • Circuit Design for Sound Quality and Noise Suppression: Film capacitors and metal film resistors are used in the signal path to achieve clear sound quality. Conductive polymer aluminium solid capacitors in the power circuit combine miniaturization with high capacity to ensure a stable power supply. Additionally, the machined aluminum exterior suppresses external vibrations and electrical noise, enabling high-precision audio recording.

Superior Portability through Compact and Lightweight Design
The microphone achieves a compact size of 176 mm in length by miniaturizing the acoustic tube and electronic circuit board while keeping high sound quality. Its design supports boom use with exceptional mobility, ideal for capturing clean audio in restricted environments. When mounted on top of cameras, it minimizes intrusion into the frame. Weighing just 102 g thanks to its machined aluminium exterior and compact design, it improves operability when attached to boom poles and stays easy to handle during extended use. When mounted on cameras with XLR terminals, it minimizes the burden on camera operation, enhancing mobility on set and accommodating various recording scenarios.

Reliability and Versatility for Various Environments

  • Low-Cut Switch to Reduce Unwanted Bass Noise: The built-in low-cut switch effectively reduces wind noise and vibration when activated, enabling clear and easy-to-hear audio recordings.

  • Two Types of Wind Screens Included: The foam-type wind screen is lightweight and easy to handle, suitable for indoor use or environments with minimal wind. The fur-type wind screen offers superior wind protection, ideal for outdoor use or windy conditions. Using the right wind screen for different environments ensures clear audio recording under various conditions.

  • Durability and Reliability: Designed with professional use environments in mind, it keeps reliable and stable performance under various conditions.

Price and Availability:

Model

Best Buy (in INR)

Availability Date

Microphone ECM-778

98,990/-

04th August 2025

The microphone is available across Sony retail stores – Sony Center and Sony Exclusive, www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores and other e-commerce portals in India.

About Sony India Pvt Ltd
Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

L&T Finance Ltd. Partners with Google Pay to Offer Personal Loans to its Eligible Users

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Limited, one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, has forged a partnership with Google Pay to offer Personal Loan products to its eligible users through its Google Pay platform. This partnership is in line with LTF’s product diversification strategy and makes credit more accessible for consumers in a fast, seamless, and digital manner.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/32967_LTF_and_Gpay.jpg

This partnership is in line with LTF’s product diversification strategy

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, L&T Finance Ltd., said, “The future of financial services is about creating powerful, customer-centric ecosystems. Through our collaboration with Google Pay, we are fundamentally enhancing our ability to serve the Indian consumer. We are embedding our financial products into high-engagement ecosystems, creating a distribution model that is not only efficient but also perfectly aligned with contemporary consumer expectations.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manish Kumar Gupta, Chief Executive – Urban Unsecured Assets, Payments & Digital Partnerships at L&T Finance Ltd., said, “Our partnership with Google Pay is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts of becoming a digitally native lender. At LTF, our focus is on leveraging technology to serve our customers needs. Google Pay’s wide user base in urban and rural alike would help in aligning with our Company’s Lakshya strategy of enhancing customer acquisition. We are confident that this synergy will help us strengthen our position in the Personal Loans landscape.”

In the financial year 2025 (FY25), LTF had announced partnerships with fintech platforms- PhonePe, CRED, and Amazon Pay.

LTF’s customer-focused approach and partnerships with customer acquisition channels have driven the growth of its Personal Loans business. Its book size grew a notable 41% year-on-year to Rs 9,383 Crore during the first quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q1FY26), while disbursements for the quarter reached Rs. 1,942 Crore, a growth of 65%. LTFs Personal Loans business is expected to continue growing, fuelled by various factors such as partnerships and collaborations, expansion into new geographies, and customer retention, among others.

This collaboration brings together LTF’s financial expertise with Google Pays extensive reach and user-friendly interface, enabling customers to access simple and reliable credit solutions tailored to their unique needs. The synergy is poised to not only enhance convenience but also play a pivotal role in advancing digital financial inclusion across India, empowering consumers to fulfil their financial aspirations with responsible credit.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ) formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., (LTFH) 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 for NBFCs – by four leading rating agencies. 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 womens 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 creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap – Lakshya 2026. The Company has over 2.6 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LnTFS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lntfinance/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance
X: https://x.com/LnTFinance

The Trust Factor: How Generational Builders Are Elevating Urban Luxury

India’s luxury housing market has moved from being an aspiration to an established way of urban living. However, one factor has consistently remained permanent-trust. Amid the noise of new entrants and aggressive launches, it is the legacy builders, with decades of credibility and delivery, who continue to command confidence. These generational developers have not just raised towers; they have shaped skylines, nurtured relationships, and raised the bar of luxury living in India. Their ability to combine reliability with reinvention has made them enduring pillars in a market where reputation is often the greatest currency.

Legacy builders continue to define luxury living in India – where trust is the true foundation

Prominent developers carry weight far beyond the projects they build. For generations of homebuyers, names like DLF and Omaxe have come to represent stability, transparency, and the assurance that promises made will be promises kept. Besides, NCR markets see strong players with a credible track record like County Group, Gaurs Group, and Gulshan Group have consistently delivered communities that blend luxury with liveability, sustaining the trust of countless buyers over the years. Known for their scale and commitment, these brands have always ensured quality and timely delivery. Their credibility is not built overnight; it is earned brick by brick, through consistent delivery and the ability to stand by customers across decades.

Besides, what sets generational developers apart is their ability to balance the weight of legacy with the pulse of change. They are not resting on past goodwill but are continuously evolving to meet the aspirations of a new generation of buyers. By integrating global design practices, sustainable architecture, digital innovations, and lifestyle-driven amenities, these companies are reshaping what luxury living means in India.

Legacy developers thrive at this intersection, where trust anchors innovation, creating homes that resonate with both tradition and tomorrow. Among the trusted names shaping urban luxury in NCR, Prateek Group stands out for its precision in execution and unwavering customer-first philosophy. Over the years, the group has carved a niche in an intensely competitive market by creating residences that balance timeless design with modern sustainability and everyday comfort. With Prateek Grand Begonia, the brand takes this vision a step further by drawing inspiration from the elegance and grandeur of contemporary architecture, celebrating its timeless beauty and regal charm. The project masterfully integrates classical elements and symmetrical layouts with contemporary luxury, embodying a rare blend of tradition and innovation. Similarly, Prateek Canary in Noida’s Sector-150 is a well-crafted living spaces that offer not just opulence but also long-term value. What truly differentiates Prateek is its ability to embody the essence of trust while remaining contemporary, delivering homes that are as reliable as they are aspirational. In many ways, it reflects the new face of legacy in Indian real estate-rooted in credibility yet constantly evolving with the times.

Moreover, in luxury housing, trust does not end at the point of sale-it grows over time through relationships. Legacy developers like these have mastered this by nurturing bonds that often span generations, with families returning to the same brand for their second or even third homes. This loyalty speaks volumes about the value of reliability in a market where choices are endless but certainty is rare.

Therefore, as India’s luxury housing market matures, it is clear that the true differentiator lies not only in design or amenities but in the enduring trust that generational builders command. By uniting legacy with innovation, these developers have transformed urban luxury into a promise of stability, aspiration, and long-term value. In an era where affluence seeks both pedigree and progress, trust has become the ultimate luxury-and it is the legacy builders who continue to define it.

Sunny Cooking Oil Film Celebrates the Mother-child Bond and Festive Togetherness this Ganesh Chaturthi

International Sunny Cooking Oil has launched a moving Ganesh Chaturthi film that pays tribute to the many ways India welcomes Bappa home. Titled “Letter to Bappa,” the three-minute film unfolds through the journey of a young girl traveling from city to village, experiencing the blissful emotions of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Sunny Cooking Oil – Conceptualized by AlphaX

The narrative culminates in the child writing a heartfelt note to Bappa. This letter becomes the emotional anchor, embodying how every family, in its own way, expresses devotion and love. The film seamlessly ties back to Sunny Oil’s proposition of Life Aapki, Recipe Aapki., highlighting how every celebration comes alive around the joy of food. From family feasts to festive spreads, Sunny becomes part of the shared tables where moments turn into memories, adding its touch of taste and care to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Milind Pingle, CEO – Consumer Products Division at Frigorifico Allana Pvt. Ltd., the makers of Sunny Oil, said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that brings families together, and food is at the centre of every celebration. With our film, we wanted to capture that spirit – the laughter, the togetherness, and the joy of sharing a meal. At Sunny, we believe great taste and good health go hand in hand, and this film is our way of celebrating that harmony during the festive season.”

Dorothy Rebello, Co-founder, AlphaX, added, “This film is personal, inspired by moments with my daughter during Ganesh Chaturthi. The way children see Bappa with wonder and unfiltered love became the heart of the story. We wanted to capture that honesty so the film feels human, relatable, and rooted in everyday celebrations.”

International Sunny Cooking Oil is an integral part of any festive celebration from fond memories of preparing modaks to nostalgic festive recipes or creating fond memories and family bonds over meals. The film shows how the brand belongs at the heart of everyday life and celebrations, closing on its enduring promise of Life Aapki, Recipe Aapki.

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi With Sunny Cooking Oil

To know more view the campaign here: Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi With Sunny Cooking Oil

Credits:
Sunny Oil
Milind Pingle, CEO-Consumer Products
Sayantan Bose, GM-Marketing
Manish Rohra, AGM-Marketing
Payal Vartak, Brand Manager

Alpha X Communications
Dorothy Rebello & Aditya Patil – Co-founders

Mud & Joy films
Ruchira Janwalikar & Waris Thakur – Executive Producers
Ishan Singh – Director

About International Sunny Cooking Oil
International Sunny Cooking Oil is the flagship brand of Frigorifico Allana Pvt. Ltd. (FAL), the Consumer Products Division of the reputed Mumbai-based Allana Group. Established in 1865, the Allana Group, is acknowledged as India’s leading manufacturer and exporter of high-quality processed Food products, with a legacy of excellence spanning several decades. The Ministry of Commerce, Government of India has recognized our Group as a “Five Star Export House“. The Group’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has made it a trusted name in the industry.

Frigorifico Allana Pvt. Ltd. (FAL) has state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Khopoli (near Mumbai) with in-house R&D facility for developing and manufacturing Oils & Fats of international quality standards. Sunny Oil, from the house of FAL, has multiple SKU offerings in the most preferred edible oil categories of Sunflower, Soyabean and Groundnut Oil. Sunny Oil enables the modern-day mothers to provide their children a balanced proportion of essential micronutrients with every meal, 3 times a day, making them strong from within. Since inception, sustained brand building initiatives and distribution efforts have strengthened the brand’s position to be among the top 5 brands in the Refined Oil Consumer Packs category in Maharashtra.