Key Highlights of Q1FY26

• 31% YoY growth in GWP while the industry grew at 9 %

• 9% YoY growth in Net Profit

• Solvency ratio at 3.35 as on 30^th June 2025

• 31% YoY growth in the Motor segment

• 5% increase in recruitment of Financial Advisors during the quarter

Shriram General Insurance Company (SGI) delivered a strong performance in Q1 FY26, driven by sustained momentum in its motor insurance portfolio. The company recorded a 31% year-on-year increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), reaching Rs. 960 crore, up from Rs. 733 crore in Q1 FY25-well ahead of the general insurance industry’s average growth rate of 9%.

Net profit for the quarter rose by 9%, climbing to Rs. 125 crore from Rs. 114 crore in the same period last year. Additionally, investment income grew by 7%, supported by consistent returns from financial instruments.

Mr. Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO, Shriram General Insurance

Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO of Shriram General Insurance Company, said, “It’s been a strong start to the year. Our Q1 performance reflects the strength of our core segments and the growing trust of our customers. We issued 15.41 lakh policies during the first quarter of FY26, a 20% increase from 12.82 lakh policies in the same period last year.“

“While the motor segment continues to be a consistent performer, we’re also seeing promising growth in the recently launched health insurance products. We’re optimistic that this momentum will carry forward in the years ahead. With such a strong start to the year, we’re excited about the potential to deliver standout results in the upcoming quarters,” he noted.

The company’s solvency ratio stood at 3.35 as of June 2025, well above the regulatory requirement of 1.5 . SGI had 68 lakh active policies at the end of Q1FY26 compared to 63 Lakh a year ago.

The company’s drive to onboard Financial Advisors gained further momentum with 4777 new Financial Advisors recruited during the quarter. SGI’s total Financial Advisor strength stands at 93,769 with plans to scale this up to 2,00,000 by fiscal year 2029-30.

Segment wise GWP (in Rs. Cr)

About Shriram General Insurance Company

Shriram General Insurance Company (SGIC), jointly owned by Shriram Group and Sanlam Group, South Africa offers a complete range of general insurance products, ranging from motor, home and personal accidents and health in the retail space and customized products like fire, engineering, and marine insurance in the corporate space. Shriram General Insurance manages assets worth Rs 13377 crore across with 68 lakh live policies. The company has 279 branches in 26 states and an employee strength of 4156 across India, as of June 2025.

 

About Shriram Group

Shriram Group is India’s leading financial conglomerate with a dominant presence in retail financing, life insurance, general insurance, chit fund, stock broking, asset management, distribution of financial products, and wealth advisory services. The Group focuses on serving the underserved and is driven by its financial inclusion agenda of bringing finance to low-income families and small businesses. As of March 2025, Shriram Group has an overall customer base of over 3.3 crore, a marketing force of 1,74,000, manpower strength of over 1,16,500 across 4,650 branches and manages an AUM of Rs 3.37 lakh crore.

The definition of luxury housing in India is no longer what it used to be. As more households move up the income ladder, buyers are bringing sharper expectations to the table. Besides, the pandemic was a major turning point. It made space, wellness, and privacy non-negotiable. Today’s luxury home is as much about comfort and calm as it is about status. It’s where aspiration meets everyday utility; and that shift is what’s driving the next wave of growth.

Rising India’s luxury housing segment

According to a joint report by CBRE-ASSOCHAM, India’s luxury housing segment witnessed an 85% year-on-year (YoY) growth in the first half of 2025, with nearly 7,000 high-end residential units sold across the top seven cities. Leading the luxury surge, Delhi-NCR clocked sales of approximately 4,000 luxury units during January-June 2025, contributing 57% share to the total luxury segment. The region also recorded a threefold increase in sales compared to the same period last year, the report said.

With rising disposable incomes, the appetite for premium homes has grown wider. NRIs are returning with global benchmarks, professionals are upgrading their lifestyle; there’s a clear shift toward real estate that delivers both comfort and capital appreciation. For many, a luxury home is no longer a milestone purchase-it’s a strategic one.

Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, says, “The concept of luxury has gone beyond mere possessions. With more disposable income and clearer expectations, buyers seek homes where they can experience comfort, convenience, and a certain ease in everyday living. In NCR, micro-markets like Noida-Greater Noida Expressway are seeing massive traction due to their superior infrastructure, proximity to business hubs, and access to prime facilities, aligning with what buyers look for. At Gulshan, we curate residences that are aspirational yet rooted in practicality; where every detail, from layout to location, enhances quality of life.”

Data from JLL showed, India’s housing market is witnessing a decisive tilt toward premium homes, with properties priced above Rs 1 crore accounting for 62% of all residential sales during the first half of 2025. These homes are being snapped up not just in Delhi or Mumbai, but in tier 2 cities too. For this new class of affluent buyers, luxury housing is where aspiration meets asset-building.

Saurabh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, says, “In Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway’s rise as a premium residential zone is no accident. With its strategic location connecting Delhi and Gurugram, infrastructure upgrades, and proximity to IGI Airport, this stretch has become a magnet for luxury homebuyers. As developers, we’ve noticed an increasing shift towards smart, secure, and amenity-rich homes in this corridor. What’s especially driving the market now is a new wave of millennial buyers with rising disposable incomes, who want more than just shelter. They’re seeking larger homes, spacious layouts, and modern amenities that match their lifestyle. This shift is pushing the demand for premium, future-ready homes, and we believe Gururgam will sustain its real estate market where homes meet these aspirations.”

Dr. Vishesh Rawat, VP & Head of Marketing, Sales & CRM, M2K Group, says, “In sectors like Sector 104 along the Dwarka Expressway, we’re seeing a very distinct kind of luxury demand, which is quiet, thoughtful, and deeply lifestyle-driven. Affluent buyers here want homes that feel like a retreat but still stay connected to the city’s pulse. But what’s equally driving interest is the investment potential. With soaring property prices, strong sales momentum, and non-stop infrastructure development, this corridor is anticipated to deliver impressive ROI in the coming years. Hence, we foresee that luxury, for this segment, is about balance not excess.”

Vikas Dua, Founder and Director, Chintamanis Group, says, “Gurugram continues to lead NCR’s luxury housing evolution, driven by a clientele with high disposable income that values brand legacy, prime addresses, and architectural statement. Branded residences, especially along corridors like the Dwarka Expressway, are being viewed as generational assets. The demand here is as much emotional as it is financial, turning Gurugram’s billionaire belt a proven destination for enduring value.”

Simultaneously, Tier-2 cities like Dehradun, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Indore, and Lucknow have become the new luxury hubs. As per MagicBricks, the average capital appreciation across Tier-II cities stands at 17.6%, outpacing the national capital’s 11.10%. Driven by NRI investments, second-home aspirations, and retirement planning, luxury is now becoming a nationwide aspiration rooted in quality living and future-readiness.

Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group, says, “The appetite for luxury homes in Tier 2 cities like Dehradun is unprecedented. With increased reverse migration, buyers are looking for elevated living without the chaos of metros. They demand panoramic views, green architecture, and modern amenities bundled into a lifestyle offering. Thus, the aspirational curve has shifted upward, and Tier 2 luxury now competes with metro-grade sophistication.”

Therefore, the future of luxury housing in India lies in its ability to evolve with the buyer. With disposable incomes rising and lifestyles becoming more global in taste, developers who focus on detail, design, and experience will be the ones leading the next chapter of India’s luxury housing story.

In a heartwarming display of creativity and determination, 10-year-old Ryaan Rana, a Class 5 student at DPS Gurgaon, has officially become a published author with his debut book, “Davidson and the Bermuda Triangle Madness.” The book is now live on Bribooks, a platform that celebrates young storytellers and their vivid imaginations.

10-Year-Old Ryaan Rana Becomes a Published Author with His Debut Adventure Book

“Davidson and the Bermuda Triangle Madness” is a fun, fast-paced adventure starring a boy named Davidson – inspired by Ryaan himself – who faces a hilariously disastrous day. From kitchen chaos to school slip-ups, things spiral out of control until his sister Athena surprises him with a trip to the Bermuda Triangle. What follows is a whirlwind of strange events, laugh-out-loud moments, and a thrilling mystery that flips everything upside down. With its humor, curiosity, and a big dose of imagination, the story reflects the boundless creativity of childhood.

Aditi Misra, Principal of DPS Gurgaon, shared her appreciation, “As an educator, it is my constant wish and effort to get children to read! Not only does it keep them away from screens, but it builds vocabulary, enhances creative thinking, and improves communication. When children like Ryaan go a step further and begin writing stories, my joy knows no bounds. Story writing requires high-level skill, and I am proud that Ryaan has this! Congratulations to his parents and teachers. I wish him every success in his writing journey. Bless you, Ryaan!“

Ryaan has also been awarded the Gold Star Young Author Certificate by Bribooks, a prestigious recognition for promising young writers.

“I got inspired by the adventures I dream about, the books and shows I love, and my passion for writing,” says Ryaan. “One day I had this funny idea about a totally chaotic day – and what if it ended with a trip to the Bermuda Triangle That’s how the story began!“

What started as a wild idea blossomed into a full-fledged adventure. “Writing this book was like going on a journey with my own characters,” he adds.

Ryaan’s parents shared their pride in a heartfelt note:”Ryaan, your imagination is your superpower. We’re so proud to see you turn your dreams into a story that will inspire so many others!“

His journey is a shining example of how today’s young minds are using creativity not just to dream – but to build, publish, and inspire. With access to digital tools, platforms, and supportive communities, children like Ryaan are exploring storytelling, design, coding, and art like never before.

As Ryaan takes his first steps into the literary world, his story is already igniting imaginations and encouraging other young dreamers to write freely, think big, and believe in their own voices.

• Venttup is a pioneering B2B engineering services startup that is building a global network of scalable manufacturing capacities with India at its epicentre.

• The report highlights emergence of MaaS companies that have built a wide network of MSMEs to provide manufacturing solutions at scale

• The report also points out the bottlenecks slowing the growth of the manufacturing sector. These include infrastructural deficits, need for streamlined regulations, required focus on enhanced skill development, a more robust R&D network

• The whitepaper emphasises that if India has to become self-reliant and Viksit Bharat by 2047, then focus on growing manufacturing is a must

• Report also states that India is fast emerging as aircraft components manufacturing hub with a potential to reach a market size of $29.5 billion by 2033

• Recommendations: Develop co-located suppliers corridors, significant investments in talent development for skilled manufacturing like precision machining, semiconductors and more, revamp ITIs, accelerate adoption of Industries 4.0 tech

Venttup, a pioneering B2B manufacturing startup focused on driving indigenisation & new part development across industries has launched a whitepaper titled ‘Building India’s manufacturing momentum,’ at the Kerala Innovation Festival.

Mr. Joseph Martin (CEO, Geojit‒CUSAT Sustainability Centre); Jayaraman Chillayil (MD, Equinoct); Dr. Abhilash Sukumarapillai (Dir, ACARR); Sandeep Nair & Joseph Panakkal (Co‒founders, Venttup); Sridhar Radhakrishnan (Steering Committee, ASHA‒Kisan Swaraj)

The whitepaper was launched by the Venttup team during the Kerala Innovation Festival in Kochi, in the presence of distinguished industry leaders, policymakers, professors, and mentors. The first copy of the whitepaper was ceremoniously handed over to esteemed guests, including Ms. Mamatha Venkatesh, Head of Start-up India; Dr. Lida Jacob IAS; Mr. Sridhar Radhakrishnan, Steering Committee Member of ASHA-Kisan Swaraj; Mr. Suresh Krishna, Co-Founder & CEO of the Yunus Foundation; Mr. Joseph Martin, CEO , Geojit-CUSAT Centre for Sustainability Studies; Mr. Jayaraman Chillayil, Managing Director of Equinoct; and Dr. Abhilash Sukumarapillai, Director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research.

Venttup, founded by industry veterans with extensive experience at Hitachi Energy, Siemens Energy, L&T, and Kalpataru Power, Sandeep Nair (Co-founder & CEO), M. Wasim Ankli (Co-founder & COO), and Joseph Panakkal (Co-founder & CMO), the whitepaper examines a substantive body of work, and has inputs from industry experts and founders in the manufacturing trenches to validate the findings.

Venttup is built on the principles of localization and sustainability. It assists large and medium enterprises in outsourcing their engineering needs by leveraging India’s manufacturing expertise to develop high-quality, locally sourced components – from prototype to mass production. Venttup offers localized production of critical engineering solutions and highly customized, complex mechanical, electrical, and electronic components across the Energy, EV, Aerospace, and Defense sectors, driving India’s manufacturing industry toward self-reliance and sustainable growth. The company is building a unified platform for global buyers to source high-quality, reliable, and sustainable components from India.

Commenting on the launch of whitepaper, Sanddep Nair, Co-founder & CEO, Venttup says, “India’s manufacturing ecosystem is dotted with millions of MSMEs who are the backbone of this sector. However, due to their lack of skills in end to end project management, cash flow limitations, R&D and lack of understanding the latest tech capabilities, the growth of this sector has remained slow. The govt has been rolling out pro manufacturing policies but there is an urgent need for the private sector to partner with the govt and other key stakeholders to build India into a global manufacturing hub across high growth industries. With this whitepaper, we have attempted to highlight the strength areas where India has the leverage, manpower and the know-how to grow into a strong manufacturing destination for global buyers and provided recommendations on how this shift can be accelerated with the help of technology.”

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says, “We have been big believers in India’s talent and capabilities to transform itself into a manufacturing destination for the world. Our investments in Venttup and engineering driven startups is a testament to our strong belief in India’s emergence as a strong alternative to China in manufacturing. We strongly advocate that there is a need for developing manufacturing clusters within India as we take strategic steps to spotlight the prowess of India’s manufacturing landscape. The key findings of the whitepaper include, emergence of MaaS companies, increasing preference of global aeronautical companies to establish manufacturing base in India and China + 1 strategy that is driving the smart manufacturing wave by integrating MSMEs into the ecosystem at a scalable level.”

Manufacturing as a Service
The advent of cloud manufacturing or MaaS has the potential to bring global buyers to Indian MSMEs. Currently, MSMEs contribute 45% of the countrys exports. However, most of the MSME led manufacturing establishments employ minimal workforce and use obsolete machinery, they lack project management, lack of tech integration in workflows lead to losing out on valuable projects and limits MSMEs capabilities to focus on strategic issues. At times, capacity remains under-utilised leading to limited order pipeline. On the other hand, global buyers lack the expertise and network to source from the vast MSMEs. MaaS companies are filling this gap by becoming a much needed bridge between global buyers and Indian MSMEs.

India becoming an emerging hub for aircraft components
India is set to become a global hub for aircraft components manufacturing with a market size of $29.5 billion by 2033. Driven by govt initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, many SMEs are looking to invest in skilled manufacturing such as precision engineering, composite materials and semiconductors design and manufacturing. Global majors like Airbus and Boeing have announced partnerships with Mahindra and Tata to set up manufacturing operations in India. Indian PM Narendra Modi has presented a strong pitch to position India as a global hub for MRO with an aim to become a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030.

Conducive policy environment

India is taking all the right steps to accelerate the manufacturing sector’s growth. Pro manufacturing policies like PLI have played a role in incentivising domestic manufacturing and have made India an attractive destination for global manufacturing giants. This shift is also a part of the global de-risking strategy of China + 1 post the pandemic.

Recommendations

India is in the right place at the right time to build itself into a position of strength in manufacturing. Given the country’s prowess in tech led services and adoption of tech in every aspect, India with its demographic dividend has an edge in presenting itself as a hub for intelligent manufacturing, IoT, robotics, advances in AI and Quantum Computing. This will lead to India becoming a knowledge enabled manufacturing industry where innovation will be the key differentiator.

Supplier ecosystem and strategic manufacturing corridor: India must focus on building sector specific industrial clusters that support end to end manufacturing for high growth industries like Energy, EV, semiconductors and precision engineering. These clusters should encourage co-location of suppliers, logistics providers and manufacturers.

Workforce development: India must revamp its ITIs, modernising curriculum to align with current and future industry demands. Structured apprenticeship programs, PPP should be encouraged to establish CoE focused on critical skill development areas like robotics, CNC operations and smart manufacturing technologies.

Acceleration adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies: This can be achieved by offering targeted subsidies and tax incentives to encourage MSMEs to invest in automation, data analytics and digital tools. India also needs to strengthen its R&D ecosystem. Currently, India spends mere 0.7% of its GDP in R&D while China spends 2.4%. With the help of ongoing govt policy push, PPP, and adoption of smart manufacturing, this investment should grow for India to truly claim its global position of top tier manufacturing hub for the World.

To read the full whitepaper, click here.

Linkedin page link: www.linkedin.com/company/venttup-ventures-private-limited.

For concerned parents seeking clarity about their children’s future, and for graduates carrying ambitious dreams, Kingdom College, Bengaluru, announces a transformative opportunity that redefines the link between education and employment.

Kingdom College. Raja Rajeswari Nagara, Bangalore

Graduates from any stream – BA, B. Com, BSc, Engineering – now have access to a structured and secure pathway to success through the newly launched MBA PRO program. Designed for those aspiring to pursue a master’s degree with tangible outcomes, this program goes beyond traditional education models.

Mr. Deepak Shinde – Founder, Kingdom College launching revolutionary MBA Program with on spot job offer

While most institutions focus solely on academics and offer vague promises of placements, Kingdom College breaks the norm by offering a job appointment letter with a Rs. 5 Lakh annual salary from leading companies on the very day of admission. For detailed information visit www.mbapro.in

Key Highlights of MBA PRO:

• Rs. 5 Lakh CTC Job Offer Letter handed at admission

• Education loan available from leading bank

• Rs. 10,000 Monthly Internship Stipend from Day 1

• Two Years of Practical Industry Exposure integrated with academic learning

• Mentorship by India’s Top Life Coach – Mr. Deepak, the visionary behind The Inspiration, who empowers students with unshakable self-confidence.

MBA PRO ensures both qualification and corporate experience are gained simultaneously, making students truly career-ready by the time they complete their course.

With a rich legacy of nurturing thousands of talents over the decades, Kingdom College has become a name synonymous with success. The achievements of its alumni stand as a testament to the institution’s impact.

In an era where consumer products come with warranties, Kingdom College sets a new precedent in education – introducing the concept of “Job Guarantee” as a milestone of trust.

This bold and valuable initiative calls for the support of the media fraternity to amplify its reach, ensuring that aspiring students across the state are made aware and can benefit from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya Foundation (MKB), established on May 10, 2019, by noted philanthropist and social activist Mohit Kamboj, has announced three transformative social initiatives aimed at bringing meaningful change to Indian society. Guided by the philosophy of Bharatiya, which stands for unity, dignity, and empowerment, the Foundation remains committed to eliminating social discrimination and uplifting communities that have been historically marginalized.

Mohit Kamboj, Founder of Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya Foundation, actively driving social initiatives focused on community welfare and inclusive growth

The newly launched initiatives focus on three key areas: empowering the transgender community, ensuring dignity for the unclaimed deceased, and restoring culturally significant temples across the country.

As part of its Transgender Upliftment initiative, the Foundation is launching postgraduate education opportunities, skill development programs, and incubation support to prepare individuals for meaningful participation in the workforce. Complemented by dignity-led awareness campaigns, the initiative is designed to promote true inclusion and economic self-reliance for the transgender community, one of the most underserved and marginalized groups in the country.

In a deeply humanitarian gesture, the Foundation’s Dignified Dead Bodies initiative ensures that unclaimed or neglected deceased individuals are given respectful last rites. With this effort, the MKB Foundation strengthens its belief that every human life, regardless of status, identity, or circumstance, deserves dignity, even in death. To implement this initiative effectively, the Foundation is collaborating with municipal corporations, the police department, and trusted NGOs across cities.

With its third initiative, the Foundation is working to restore temples of spiritual and cultural significance. This effort not only aims to preserve India’s rich heritage but also to promote communal harmony and reawaken pride in shared traditions.

Speaking about the social initiatives, Mr. Mohit Kamboj, Founder of Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya Foundation, said, “True nation‒building begins when every citizen feels seen, respected, and empowered, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. These initiatives move us beyond short‒term aid toward lasting pathways for inclusion, dignified livelihoods, and cultural pride. By enabling the transgender community to gain skills and earn meaningful work, honouring the unclaimed deceased with respectful last rites, and restoring our ancient temples so heritage can inspire future generations, we are embedding dignity, equality, and cultural confidence at the heart of India’s progress.”

With a relentless focus on grassroots impact and community transformation, the Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya Foundation continues to serve as a beacon of hope, driving positive change across India.

About Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya Foundation
The Mohit Kamboj Foundation (MKB), founded on May 10, 2019, by philanthropist and social activist Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya, is committed to creating lasting social impact across India. Inspired by the spirit of Bharatiya, the Foundation promotes equality, dignity, and unity by empowering the transgender community, offering respectful last rites for unclaimed deceased individuals, and restoring culturally significant temples, preserving heritage while fostering inclusion and pride.

For further details, please visit mkbfoundation.in.

Instagram www.instagram.com/mkb_foundation/

Facebook: shorturl.at/almUu

McDonalds India (West & South), operated by Westlife Foodworld, witnessed unprecedented demand following the launch of its innovative Protein Plus Slice, with multiple outlets selling out of the new item on the very first day. The brand served more than 32,000 slices within 24 hours of launch, delivering approximately 160,000 grams of plant-based protein to customers across West and South India.

Hon’ble FDA Min of Maharashtra, Shri Yogesh Kadam, Director – CSIR-CFTRI, along with the CEO and the MD of Westlife Foodworld at the launch event of McDonalds Protein Plus Slice

The response was immediate and overwhelming, with customers eagerly customizing their favorite burgers with the protein enhancement. Mumbai led the region with over 11,000 slices sold, while Pune and Ahmedabad each surpassed 3,000 slices. Strong performance was also observed in Bengaluru and Chennai, with each exceeding 1,500 slices.

The New Protein Plus Slice co-developed by CSIR-CFTRI

The newly launched Protein Plus Range, features a first-of-its-kind 100% vegetarian, plant-based protein slice that adds 5 grams of protein to any burger. For the first time in the QSR industry, McDonalds is revolutionizing how people eat by allowing customers to add one, two, or even three slices to their favourite burgers, empowering them with greater nutritional choice without compromising taste.

The launch event was inaugurated by Shri Yogesh Kadam, Honble Minister of State for FDA, Government of Maharashtra, who emphasized the growing need for safer and nutritious food choices that meet the needs of todays consumers.

Developed in collaboration with the prestigious CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, the Protein Plus Slice contains no artificial colours or flavours and is free from onion and garlic, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Akshay Jatia, Chief Executive Officer, Westlife Foodworld said, “At McDonald’s India, we have always believed in giving our customers more choice, and this time, we are giving them the power to personalize their protein intake. The Protein Plus Range allows them to enjoy their favourite McDonald’s burgers without compromising on their protein needs or the taste. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to our ‘Real Food, Real Good’ philosophy, bringing together flavour, nutrition, and food science. We are grateful to CSIR-CFTRI for partnering with us to bring this forward-thinking product to life. Together, we remain committed to crafting menu items that are both wholesome and delicious, combining locally available ingredients in a way where great taste and nutrition go hand in hand.”

Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI said, “Building on our earlier success with the Multi-Millet Bun, we are excited to continue our partnership with McDonald’s India to advance nutritional innovation in the QSR space. The Protein Plus slice is an outcome of science-backed formulation and a shared vision to elevate everyday meals through nutrition. This partnership showcases how industry and scientific institutions can come together to bring meaningful nutritional upgrades to mainstream eating.”

This remarkable market response reinforces McDonalds Indias commitment to its Real Food, Real Good philosophy and demonstrates the brands leadership in menu innovation that genuinely addresses evolving consumer preferences.

Customers across West and South can now savour their favourite burgers with the added nutritional goodness of protein, whether dining in, picking up via Drive-Thru, or ordering from the comfort of their homes through the McDelivery app.

For more infromation, please visit: mcdonaldsblog.in

When it comes to investing, everyone wants two things – to grow their money and to keep it safe. But very often, one comes at the cost of the other. If you want growth, you may have to take some risk. If you want stability, you may miss out on good returns.

Invest in Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund NFO

What if you could get both
Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Company (AMC) has launched Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund with this exact idea in mind; to give investors the benefit of both worlds. The NFO of this scheme began today, i.e. 28th July 2025 and will last until 11th August 2025.

What is an Equity Savings Fund
An Equity Savings Fund is a type of hybrid mutual fund. It invests in three kinds of assets:

• Equity (shares of companies) – for growth potential

• Debt (like bonds or fixed-income instruments) – for relative stability

• Arbitrage (low-risk trading strategies) – for relatively steady returns with less risk

By mixing all three in one fund, it aims to balance the need for potential growth with the need for relative stability.

Why Consider Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund
Here are the main benefits of this fund, explained in simple terms:

1. Growth and stability – Together in one fund
Most investors struggle to choose between growth and stability. With this fund, you don’t have to pick just one.

• The equity part gives your money the chance to potentially grow when markets do well.

• The debt part adds relative stability and helps reduce risk when markets are down.

• The arbitrage part makes use of small price differences in the market, offering low-risk returns.

This three-way structure helps smoothen your investment journey. You are not completely at the mercy of market ups and downs.

2. Tax Advantage
One big advantage of this fund is the tax treatment.

Since it is treated as an equity fund for tax purposes, the long-term capital gains (for investments held more than 1 year) are taxed at 12.5% (beyond Rs.1.25 lakh of gains). This is often better than the tax on traditional debt investments, which can go as high as 20% for long term capital gains.

This makes the Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund a more tax-efficient option for long-term investors compared to many other debt-oriented options.

3. No Lock-in Period
Another helpful feature is that your money is not locked in. You can redeem (withdraw) your investment whenever you need it. There might be an exit load (a small fee if you exit early), but you are not tied in for years like in some other investment options.

This gives you the flexibility to access your money when you need it most.

How Does the Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund Work
Let’s look at how each part of the fund helps in different market situations:

Equity exposure: Ride the good times
When markets go up, equity investments usually do well. The equity portion of this fund helps your money grow potentially during such times. Even though it’s not 100% equity, you can still benefit from the rise in the market.

Debt exposure: Handle the tough times
Markets don’t always go up. When they are falling or flat, the debt part of the fund helps mitigate risk. It aims to mitigate the impact on your capital and give you relatively steady returns.

Arbitrage exposure: Make use of market gaps
The fund also uses arbitrage – a strategy where fund managers try to earn from the price difference of the same stock in different markets. It’s usually low-risk and adds a relatively steady income layer to the portfolio, even when markets are volatile.

Who should invest in this fund
The Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund is suited for:

• First-time investors who want some equity exposure but with lower risk

• Conservative investors who are looking for relatively better post-tax returns than debt

• Investors with short to medium-term goals who want flexibility and relative stability

• Anyone who wants to avoid high market volatility but still wants growth

It’s not as aggressive as pure equity funds, but it’s also not as passive as only fixed-income investments. Think of it as a middle path – one that gives you potential growth when markets do well and relative stability when they don’t.

Conclusion
In today’s unpredictable markets, finding balance is key. The Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund is built to do just that. Whether youre starting your investment journey or looking to add balance to your portfolio, an SIP investment in this fund can offer a simple yet effective way to move forward.

As always, speak to your financial advisor to see if this fund suits your goals. But if youre looking for a mix of growth, stability, and tax planning – this could be the fund for you.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

EUME, India’s boldest and most design-forward travel gear brand, has launched its flagship retail experience at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru. The opening marks a defining chapter in the brand’s journey from digital-first disruptor to immersive lifestyle destination.

Naina Parekh, Pranay Parekh, Sanjay Parekh, Maanvi Parekh At EUME Store, in Phoenix Mall Of Asia, Bangalore

More than a store, this space brings to life what has long been missing in the travel gear category in India a premium, high-design experience that blends iconic silhouettes with meaningful utility. Every inch of the space from product displays to the walls is laced with EUME’s visual identity, including its monogram imprint, setting the tone for a new era of retail sophistication in the category.

Fashion show by EUME showcasing the premium luggage collection

“We built this store to give our community a space where they could feel the EUME philosophy come alive,” said Naina Parekh, Co-Founder, EUME. “This isn’t just a place to shop it’s a place to feel, explore, and experience travel gear through a bold, elevated lens.”

A City on the Move, A Brand That Moves with it

Bengaluru, with its vibrant and future-forward culture, was the natural first choice for EUME’s offline debut. The city has been one of the brand’s most engaged markets; its audiences resonate deeply with EUME’s signature mix of global-inspired design and everyday functionality.

To build anticipation for the launch, EUME rolled out a transparent mobile showroom and attention-grabbing truck gallery featuring the brand’s standout collections. Driving through hubs like Bellandur, Manyata Tech Park, EGL, and CV Raman Nagar, the installation turned heads and drew a crowd, offering a rare, on-the-go preview of the brand’s bold personality and product craftsmanship.

Elevated Interiors. Embossed Identity.

The store interior captures EUME’s design philosophy clean, powerful, and immersive. A predominantly white canvas, fluid metallic curves, and a statement EUME monogram that runs through the store’s architecture create an atmosphere of understated boldness. From the monograms etched onto walls to the sleek product display islands, every corner expresses the brand’s unapologetic commitment to detail.

This is not a transactional space. It’s a world built for discovery one that invites customers to linger, engage, and connect with the essence of #makingmoves.

Classic Design. Built to Last. Made to Move.

At the heart of the store is EUME’s complete design-driven product range, bestselling backpacks, trolleys, laptop bags, and the now-iconic EUME Trunk. The collection also features India’s first zipperless 100% aluminium cabin luggage, reinforcing EUME’s position as the first mover in this high-luxury segment long popular internationally, but rarely done with this level of boldness by an Indian startup.

Each piece is crafted with timeless silhouettes, striking proportions, and well-defined interiors built for maximum utility. These aren’t seasonal accessories, they are enduring companions made to travel with confidence and style.

“We’re not about being the first,” said Parekh. “We’re about being the only Indian startup bold enough to take on trunks and aluminium luggage at a luxury level. That’s what defines us.“

A Global Standard of Experience-Now in India

With this launch, EUME redefines premium luggage retail in India. As part of the opening celebration on July 26th, the brand hosted a fashion-forward ramp show right inside Phoenix Mall of Asia. Models strutted down the runway with EUME trunks, trolleys, and backpacks offering a first-of-its-kind fashion-meets-luggage showcase that turned travel gear into a bold style statement.

This isn’t just the first time a luggage brand did something this immersive; its the first time a premium Indian brand made travel gear feel aspirational, experiential, and culture-worthy. The attention it garnered from audiences and social media was immediate and electric.

The Bengaluru flagship is only the beginning. With launches planned in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and curated pop-ups across cultural festivals and lifestyle destinations, EUME is expanding its world of design and functionality across India.

The EUME Way: #makingmoves

EUME’s DNA is clear, bold design, expressive form, and function that goes the distance. Each collection makes a statement without shouting. It’s for those who don’t follow trends-they travel through them.

“This store is just the start,” Parekh concludes. “We’re not just building a brand. We’re building a movement #makingmoves, with confidence, with clarity, and always, with purpose.”

About EUME

EUME is India’s boldest premium travel gear brand, designing classic, high-impact products that merge expressive aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. From the heritage-inspired EUME Trunk to India’s first aluminium cabin luggage, every piece is crafted to move with you and make a statement while doing it.

Hong Kong
Celebrations will break out across Hong Kong on 15 August as the city marks the first birthday of the city’s much-loved giant panda twins -big sister Jia Jia and little brother De De. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) continues to lead the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in rolling out a series of promotions to coincide with the celebrations and transform Hong Kong into one giant birthday party. The HKTB has enlisted a roster of global friends, including famous twin influencers and the iconic LABUBU and its creator, Kasing Lung, to shower the pandas with birthday wishes from around the world. In an exclusive collaboration with Kasing Lung, the HKTB has created a Panda Twins birthday special edition of LABUBU that visitors to Ocean Park Hong Kong (Ocean Park) can win throughout August.

Hong Kong’s famous Panda twin cubs Jia Jia and De De enjoying their play time

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said, “Thanks to the meticulous care of the Mainland giant panda experts and the Ocean Park’s animal care team, the Hong Kong-born panda cubs, Jia Jia and De De, have grown exponentially. They have brought joy to the public and sparked a citywide panda craze. I sincerely invite everyone in Hong Kong and visitors from around the world to celebrate the one-year-old birthday of Jia Jia and De De. I would also like to thank Mr Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong artist, for designing a special edition of LABUBU to commemorate the first birthday of the twin cubs. This allows us to leverage a globally recognised IP to promote Hong Kong and panda tourism worldwide.”

Global Twin Power: Influencers from Around the World Send Birthday Wishes

A lineup of international twin influencers has been brought together by the HKTB to celebrate the occasion, including the Stokes Twins from the United States (190 million followers), the Rybka Twins from Australia (24 million followers), and the Shake Twins from South Korea (3.2 million followers), as well as hugely popular child influencer Wang Xiaomai from Mainland (26 million followers) and renowned panda photographer Kojiro Mizuo from Japan. These internationally acclaimed influencers will deliver heartfelt birthday messages in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Korean to mark the first birthday of the giant panda twins.

August Lucky Draw: Win the Birthday-edition LABUBU to Celebrate Panda’s Birthday

Throughout August, the CSTB, the HKTB, and Ocean Park are hosting a “LABUBU x Panda Twins Lucky Draw”. The promotion is the HKTB’s first collaboration with Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung – creator of the hugely popular LABUBU – who has designed an exclusive birthday edition. Standing 18 centimetres tall, the special edition LABUBU wears a birthday hat and is covered in sprinkle green and a transparent gradient finish inspired by bamboo. LABUBU has heart motifs in its eyes as it cradles miniature versions of Jia Jia and De De.

The artist declared, “I am delighted to collaborate with the HKTB and design this Panda Twins birthday special edition of LABUBU to share Hong Kong’s joyful energy with fans worldwide, and to play a part in promoting our city.”

A lucky draw for the special edition LABUBU will be held throughout August. All locals and visitors can pre-register on the event website. From 1 August to 31 August, they can participate in the lucky draw when visiting the Park for a chance to win one of approximately 300 birthday gift boxes containing the birthday-edition LABUBU and a commemorative birthday card. Additional gift boxes will be available during the birthday celebrations from 15 to 17 August. For more details, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/panda.html

Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 60184 – 60369 (Only applicable to lucky draw).

Jazzie Sillona (@jazziesillona), a popular content creator based in Hong Kong, has also produced a Hong Kong Travel Vlog following LABUBU and the panda twins to Victoria Harbour, Ocean Park, and other city landmarks. The clip will be uploaded to HKTB’s social media channels. (Reference link: youtube.com/shorts/hXpTCdzoy48)

Panda Fever Takes Over: Street Signs Get A Panda-Themed Makeover

From late July, the CSTB and HKTB will transform Hong Kong’s tourism hotspots with panda-themed street signs in 32 streets in batches, each featuring customised designs that blend photos of the twin pandas with symbols of local cuisine, cultural elements, and landmarks. Seven signs will feature unique, site-specific artwork. The sign on First Street in Sai Ying Pun, for example, will show the twins in party hats with their birthday cake, while the sign in Fire Dragon Path in Causeway Bay will feature the twins joining the historic Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. In addition, HKTB will install new panda-themed decorations at the Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. Approximately 40 different Ocean Park panda-themed souvenirs will also be available for visitors who wish to take home a memento of the celebrations.

On the twins’ birthday – 15 August – HKTB, Ocean Park, and MTR Corporation will jointly present the livestreams of the giant pandas’ birthday party. Commuters will be able to watch a 30-minute interactive live broadcast of the celebrations at Ocean Park on the giant screens in Hong Kong, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations at a designated time.

“Hong Kong Summer Viva“: A City-wide Fiesta with Deals Galore

The birthday celebrations coincide with the HKTB’s “Hong Kong Summer Viva” campaign, which targets both locals and visitors and features over 260 special offers from theme parks, hotels, restaurants, and retailers. You can browse all the deals on a dedicated page on the Discover Hong Kong website (www.discoverhongkong.com/hk-eng/what-s-new/events/summer-viva.html).

Members of the media can download the photos from the following links

Photos
assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItemscategoryId=2098&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.