Group 108, a prominent name in the real estate sector, showcased its strong presence at MAPIC India 2026, held on 29th and 30th September at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event brought together leading retailers, developers, investors, brands, and industry stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of Retail Real Estate in India.

Group 108’s team at MAPIC India 2026, Mumbai, showcasing its vision for experience-led retail and commercial destinations across NCR

Group 108 drew industry attention with its forward-looking commercial developments, Grandthum and One FNG, which reflect the growing demand for well-planned, experience-led retail and commercial destinations in the NCR. Grandthum, located in Greater Noida West, and One FNG, situated along the Noida Expressway, are designed to bring together retail spaces, lifestyle experiences and business opportunities within strategically positioned developments.

The company’s participation at MAPIC India 2026 provided an opportunity to engage with leading retail brands, investors and industry stakeholders, while exploring emerging opportunities across India’s evolving retail ecosystem.

Commenting on the company’s participation, Mr. Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, said, “MAPIC India continues to be an important platform for meaningful conversations and collaborations across the retail and real estate ecosystem. Our participation this year reflects our commitment to creating commercially vibrant destinations that respond to the evolving expectations of brands, businesses and consumers. We look forward to building stronger partnerships and contributing to the next phase of retail growth in India.”

As MAPIC India 2026 concludes, Group 108 continues to focus on developing high-quality commercial destinations that combine strategic location, contemporary design and evolving retail and business needs.

About Group 108
Group 108 is a real estate development company focused on creating high-quality commercial developments that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The company is developing commercial and IT/ITeS spaces with an emphasis on design, functionality and global standards. With a focus on quality, transparency and long-term value creation, Group 108 aims to contribute to the growth of emerging commercial destinations.

Apollo Knowledge and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) have come together to work on healthcare research, education and workforce development. The two signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in the presence of Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, and Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani.
 

Collaboration will cover joint research, Work Integrated Learning, and specialised healthcare
 

The collaboration brings together the clinical environment of the Apollo network and BITS Pilani’s strengths in engineering, technology and data science. Clinicians and BITS Pilani researchers will explore joint research on clinical and healthcare problems, with specific areas to be identified as the collaboration develops.
 

The two institutions will collaborate to develop Work Integrated Learning programmes for healthcare professionals. These programmes allow doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare managers to earn a qualification while continuing in their jobs. Potential areas include healthcare logistics and supply chain, pharmacy, and hospital finance, with the curriculum built around the work these professionals actually do.
 

The partners will also explore technology learning for students, built around the role each student is training for. This would extend to learners at The Apollo University, at the medical and nursing colleges in the Apollo network, and at Apollo Healthcare Academy’s partner institutions.
 

Specialised programmes in allied health and healthcare technology are a further area the two institutions will explore, combining BITS Pilani’s competency centres with clinical training in Apollo hospitals.
 

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Healthcare is entering an extraordinary era, where technology is opening new possibilities and widening the horizons of diagnosis, treatment and care. Yet the future of healthcare will be shaped not by technology alone, but by our ability to bring high tech and high touch together, combining innovation with the human connection that lies at the heart of healing. This landmark partnership brings together two pioneering institutions, Apollo Hospitals and BITS Pilani, each with a legacy of transforming its field and a shared belief in the power of knowledge to shape the future. Together, we can enable healthcare professionals to learn while they continue to care, build capabilities for a rapidly changing world, and advance research rooted in the challenges clinicians encounter every day. In doing so, we hope to nurture a generation of healthcare professionals ready not only for the future of healthcare, but ready to shape it.”
 

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “Healthcare is one of the areas where good engineering makes a direct difference to people’s lives. The collaboration creates opportunities to work with Apollo’s clinical ecosystem and with a large base of healthcare professionals and students. We bring the technology, data science and a proven model of teaching people who are already working. We expect this collaboration to produce both research and trained professionals.”
 

About Apollo Knowledge
Apollo Knowledge is a higher education, skilling and workforce development group backed by the promoters of Apollo Hospitals, working across medicine, nursing, allied health, technology and management. Its institutions include The Apollo University, Apollo Institute of Medical Science and Research, Apollo Nursing Colleges, Apollo Healthcare Academy, Medvarsity and Global Workforce Development. More than 10,000 students are on campus today, undergoing clinical training in the hospitals. More than 5,000 healthcare professionals have been placed in roles in India and abroad, including over 400 radiographers who joined the National Health Service in the United Kingdom in the last three years.
 

About BITS Pilani
The Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is a leading private deemed-to-be university in India, founded in 1964 under the patronage of the Birla family. It was among the first six institutions in India to be declared an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India. BITS Pilani operates campuses at Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Dubai. Its Work Integrated Learning Programmes division has offered degree programmes for working professionals since 1979. More than 1,36,000 professionals have graduated through these programmes, and over 50,000 are currently enrolled across India and more than 32 countries. Over 350 companies work with BITS Pilani for workforce development.

For many men, losing weight and exercising regularly may not be enough to reduce an enlarged or prominent chest. While excess body fat can contribute to chest fullness, it is not always the only reason.

Chennai Plastic Surgery Advances Gynecomastia Care with Chest Sculpting Techniques

What appears to be excess fat may also include enlarged breast tissue, loose skin or a combination of these factors. This condition is commonly known as gynecomastia.

Understanding What Causes Chest Enlargement
Gynecomastia is a condition in which male breast tissue becomes enlarged. It can occur due to hormonal changes, certain medications, anabolic steroid use, weight fluctuations or other underlying factors.

In some men, both excess fat and glandular breast tissue contribute to the appearance of the chest. This is why simply losing weight or spending more time at the gym may not always produce the desired change.

Dr. Karthik Ramasamy, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon and Founder of Chennai Plastic Surgery, explains, “Gynecomastia correction is not simply about removing the gland or excess fat. The aim is to understand what is contributing to the chest enlargement, whether it is glandular tissue, fat, loose skin or a combination of these factors, and then address each component appropriately. This is where the concept of Chest Sculpt comes in, with the focus shifting from simply removing the excess to creating a chest that is natural, balanced and proportionate to the individual.”

It Is Not Just About Removing the Gland
The management of gynecomastia has evolved beyond simply removing enlarged breast tissue. The aim is to understand the individual anatomy and create a chest that looks natural and proportionate to the rest of the body.

A comprehensive assessment looks at several factors, including the amount of excess fat, the size and position of the glandular tissue, skin elasticity, the position of the nipple and areola, and the overall contour of the chest.

Depending on these factors, treatment may involve liposuction to reduce excess fat, surgical removal of glandular tissue, or a combination of both. In more advanced cases, where there is significant loose skin, additional procedures may be considered to improve the overall chest contour and reposition the nipple-areola complex when necessary.

This personalised approach is important because two men with a similar-looking enlarged chest may have very different underlying anatomy and may therefore require different treatment approaches.

A Shift Towards “Chest Sculpting”
This broader approach is reflected in the concept of Chest Sculpt at Chennai Plastic Surgery, where gynecomastia correction is approached as complete male chest contouring rather than simply the removal of breast tissue.

The focus is on assessing the different components contributing to chest enlargement and planning the procedure according to the individual’s anatomy, degree of enlargement and skin quality.

The same philosophy forms the basis of the Chest Sculpt training programme, which focuses on helping plastic surgeons understand the assessment, planning and surgical management of different patterns and grades of gynecomastia.

For selected higher-grade cases, postoperative techniques may also play a role. One such technique is the NAC Lifting Plaster Technique, developed by Dr. Karthik Ramasamy, which may be used to support the nipple-areola complex during the healing process.

When Should Men Seek Medical Advice?
Men who continue to have an enlarged chest despite weight loss may consider getting it medically evaluated. Medical assessment is particularly important when the enlargement is new, painful, significantly asymmetrical, associated with a firm lump or accompanied by nipple discharge.

The first step is to understand what is causing the chest fullness—is it excess fat, glandular tissue, loose skin or a combination of these factors?

For men considering treatment, the goal should not simply be a flatter chest. A carefully planned procedure aims to create a chest contour that is balanced and appropriate to the individual’s overall body.

Looking Beyond “Removing the Excess”
As awareness about gynecomastia increases, the focus is moving towards understanding why chest enlargement persists and how different aspects of the anatomy can be addressed.

For men who continue to have chest fullness despite weight loss and exercise, seeking a medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

The goal of treatment is not simply to remove what appears to be excess tissue, but to understand the individual anatomy and develop an approach that supports a natural, well-defined chest contour.

About Chennai Plastic Surgery
Chennai Plastic Surgery is a specialised cosmetic and aesthetic surgery centre in Chennai, offering a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures for men and women.

The centre has expertise in gynecomastia surgery, male chest reduction and chest sculpting, rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction, body contouring, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), mommy makeover, facelift, eyelid surgery and other cosmetic surgical procedures.

Chennai Plastic Surgery also offers non-surgical aesthetic treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, facial contouring, anti-ageing treatments, skin rejuvenation and other minimally invasive aesthetic procedures.

Led by Dr. Karthik Ramasamy, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, the centre focuses on personalised treatment planning, natural-looking results and procedures tailored to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. Chennai Plastic Surgery is also actively involved in surgical education and professional training through specialised workshops, fellowships and academic programmes.

Chandigarh: Education must move beyond degrees to identifying talent, building skills and creating opportunities for every child, said Mahipal Dhanda, Cabinet Minister, School & Higher Education, Government of Haryana, while addressing the CII Chandigarh Education Summit 2026.

L-R: Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh; CII Chandigarh Education Summit Chairman Reekrit Serai; Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhandha; CII Chd Director Sumanpreet Singh

Calling for greater collaboration between schools, universities, industry and society, Dhanda said India’s youth must be equipped with the skills and capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat. He invited education and industry leaders to share their ideas and work alongside the government in strengthening the education ecosystem and preparing young people for the opportunities of the future.

“The future is something we build together. The Greater Chandigarh region has all the ingredients to become a model for connecting education, skills and industry. By bringing government, academia and businesses together, we can equip young people with the skills, creativity and adaptability needed for tomorrow. The UK is proud to be a long-term partner in this journey,” said Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh.

Emphasising the importance of decisions being taken today, Reekrit Serai, Chairman, CII Chandigarh Education Summit 2026 and Managing Director, Satluj Group of Schools, said, “The future is not something our children will one day enter. It is something we are building for them—in our classrooms, our institutions and in the decisions we make today.”

Highlighting the region’s potential, Serai added, “Greater Chandigarh has the ingredients to emerge as a major education and knowledge hub. Panchkula, in particular, has the potential to become a higher-education destination, attracting leading Indian and international universities, including British institutions. Education must ultimately prepare young people not simply for the jobs of today, but to think, adapt, create and lead in the world of tomorrow.”

Vivek Verma, Chairman, CII Chandigarh UT and Managing Director, Spray Engineering Devices Ltd, highlighted the growing impact of technology on education. “The education ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies and changing industry requirements. Technology can enable personalised learning, improve access and create new approaches to teaching and assessment, but it must remain an enabler and not a replacement for the human element of education,” he said.

The discussions at the Summit focused on strengthening the school-to-skills-to-industry connect, promoting experiential and vocational learning, enhancing teacher development, integrating emerging technologies and creating greater industry exposure for young learners.

The Summit also brought together perspectives from both the academic and institutional ecosystems, enabling stakeholders to examine how schools, higher-education institutions, policymakers and industry can collectively respond to rapidly changing workforce and societal requirements.

Stakeholders underlined the need for closer collaboration between government, academia and industry to ensure that education remains aligned with evolving workforce requirements while continuing to nurture the broader intellectual, social and human capabilities of young people.

The dialogue reaffirmed CII Chandigarh’s commitment to facilitating industry-led engagement on education and supporting the development of a future-ready, inclusive and skills-oriented education ecosystem.

The Art of Living – Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (AOL-SSIAST) has been honoured with the AIASA National Award 2026, Institution of Excellence Award 2025, recognising its contribution to sustainable agriculture, Natural Farming and farmer empowerment.

Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL- SSIAST, receiving the AIASA National Award 2026, Institution of Excellence Award 2025, at ORP-5

The award was conferred during the inaugural session of the 5th International Conference on Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems (ORP-5) held on 21 September 2026. The award was presented by Dr. Satyapal Singh, Former Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Sahadeva Singh, Chief Policy Advisor, All India Agricultural Students Association (AIASA) and Chairman, Organizing Committee, and Prof. Y.V. Singh, Organizing Secretary, ORP-5.

For AOL-SSIAST, the recognition comes as an affirmation of years of grassroots work focused on making sustainable and Natural Farming practices accessible to farmers.

Taking Natural Farming from knowledge to the field

Founded in 2009 under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, AOL-SSIAST works to revive farming practices that are rooted in traditional knowledge while integrating practical approaches for today’s agricultural challenges. Its Natural Farming programmes focus on reducing dependence on synthetic inputs, improving soil health, strengthening biodiversity and helping farmers develop self-reliant farming systems.

The scale of this work has grown significantly. According to AOL-SSIAST’s current impact figures, more than 3.5 million farmers across 24 states have been trained in Natural Farming, while 5,56,157 acres have been converted to climate-resilient agriculture. The organisation has also developed a network of 2,300+ Natural Farming trainers and trained 1,15,000+ farmers in suicide-prone districts.

The emphasis is not only on classroom training. AOL-SSIAST’s approach includes practical field exposure, farmer-led demonstrations, model farms, seasonal guidance and community-based learning. This enables farmers to learn how to prepare and use farm-based inputs and apply Natural Farming practices throughout the crop cycle.

Supporting farmers through practical, sustainable solutions

AOL-SSIAST’s work is built around the idea that agriculture must be economically viable for farmers while remaining in harmony with nature. Its programmes promote self-sustaining inputs, traditional crop wisdom, indigenous knowledge and community participation.

Independent impact assessment has also documented outcomes from earlier Natural Farming programmes. Data covering 2018 to 2020 and externally assured by KPMG recorded improvements in profit of 52% in Jalna, 47% in Kolhapur and 27% in Latur, alongside reductions in fertiliser costs of 72%, 64% and 45% respectively in the three districts studied.

This field experience continues through initiatives such as AOL-SSIAST’s model farms. The Rewa Model Farm in Madhya Pradesh, for example, was developed as a live demonstration and training centre where farmers can see Natural Farming practices being implemented on the ground.

Beyond the farm

AOL-SSIAST’s vision of sustainable agriculture extends beyond cultivation. Its work includes indigenous seed conservation, afforestation, ecosystem restoration and environmental initiatives, recognising that healthy agriculture depends on healthy ecosystems.

Across its wider environmental work, the organisation reports 100 million+ trees planted globally, along with 38.7 lakh Lakshmi Taru saplings and 2.5 lakh seed balls created and dispersed for ecological restoration.

These initiatives reflect a broader approach to rural development, one where farmers are not simply recipients of agricultural technology but are empowered as custodians of soil, seeds, water and biodiversity.

A recognition of collective effort

The AIASA National Award 2026, Institution of Excellence Award 2025 is therefore not only a recognition of an institution. It represents the collective efforts of farmers, trainers, volunteers, agricultural experts and communities who have contributed to taking Natural Farming from training centres into fields and villages.

As AOL-SSIAST continues this work, the focus remains clear, revive the soil, empower the farmer and build an agricultural future where people and nature can thrive together.

About The Art of Living – SSIAST

As a flagship initiative of The Art of Living, AOL–SSIAST is committed to reviving natural farming practices, conserving indigenous seeds, restoring ecosystems, and empowering farmers with knowledge, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods. Its current programmes have reached millions of farmers and span communities across India.

Web: ssiast.artofliving.org        Email: executiveoffice@projects.artofliving.org                    Phone: +91 9036 254 532

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Eugenix Hair Sciences, one of India’s leading specialised hair restoration institutions, today announced its entry into Bengaluru with the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art centre by Karnataka Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar. The launch marks a significant milestone for Eugenix as it expands its footprint to the Karnataka capital, bringing advanced clinical infrastructure, experienced doctors and a doctor-led approach to hair restoration under one roof.

Karnataka CM Shri D.K. Shivakumar with Eugenix Co-Founders Dr. Pradeep Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal alongside Dr. Ajay Dharam Singh and Mohammed Azharuddin, at Eugenix Bengaluru

Located at Featherlite Vantage, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, the multi-floor centre spans close to 7,000 sq. ft. and is equipped with six operation theatres. The Bengaluru centre is Eugenix’s fifth in the country, following its facilities in Gurugram, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, and brings its specialised services closer to patients across Bengaluru and the wider Karnataka region.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar said, “Inspite of my demanding schedule, I wanted to be here today to personally congratulate Dr. Pradeep and Dr. Arika for bringing Eugenix to Bengaluru. Karnataka has always dreamed big starting from being the Silicon Valley of India, we led India in IT, aerospace and biotechnology, hospitality and also specialised healthcare as part of that legacy. I was happy to hear how Eugenix emphasises medical tourism, bringing world-class, doctor-led expertise to our city and giving patients from across India and beyond a reason to choose Bengaluru. I extend my warmest welcome to Eugenix, and wish Dr. Pradeep, Dr. Arika and their entire team the very best as they continue to grow this institution.”

The Bengaluru launch is a defining moment in Eugenix’s journey, one that began over 15 years ago in a small basement clinic in Rishikesh and has since grown into an institution serving patients from across India and overseas. The new centre also responds to a long-standing need among the city’s patients, many of whom previously had to travel to Eugenix’s other locations for treatment.

Dr. Pradeep Sethi, Co-Founder of Eugenix Hair Sciences and an AIIMS New Delhi alumnus, said, “Having the Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurate our Bengaluru centre makes this a deeply meaningful milestone for us. We started two decades ago in a small basement in Rishikesh, with a simple belief that hair restoration deserved the same seriousness, precision and individual attention as any other specialised medical field. Bengaluru is a city that represents ambition and innovation, and we are proud to bring our institution here. The infrastructure may be new, but our responsibility to every patient remains the same.”

Dr. Arika Bansal, Co-Founder of Eugenix Hair Sciences and an AIIMS New Delhi alumna, added, “Expansion is meaningful only when it lets us serve people better. This expansion in Bengaluru brings our clinical expertise closer to patients who’ve long travelled to our other centres. We want every person who walks into Eugenix to feel heard and understood not just as a patient, but as an individual with their own story.”

Adding a touch of artistry to the occasion, Padma Shri awardee and celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a specially curated sand-art installation to commemorate Eugenix’s arrival in Bengaluru. The event also brought together a distinguished gathering of celebrities and prominent personalities, including Mohammed Azharuddin (Hon’ble Minister of Minorities Welfare & Public Enterprises – Telangana), Dr. Ajaydharam Singh ( Minister for Irrigation, Science & Technology-Karnataka) and more, further adding weight to the significance of the launch.

At the heart of Eugenix’s practice is its doctor-led model, where surgeons personally oversee every critical stage of the process from diagnosis and treatment planning to hairline design, donor mapping, recipient-site creation and surgical supervision. This blend of surgical precision and individualised planning ensures that each patient’s treatment is built around their unique needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

With the opening of its Bengaluru centre, Eugenix brings over 15 years of clinical experience and specialised infrastructure to the city, extending its trusted, doctor-led approach to a new community of patients while staying rooted in the principles that have defined the institution since its earliest days.

About Eugenix Hair Sciences
Eugenix Hair Sciences is one of India’s leading hair transplant clinic chains, with centres in Gurugram, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, and Bengaluru. Founded by Dr. Pradeep Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal, both alumni of AIIMS, New Delhi and Fellows of the ISHRS, Eugenix has performed more than 22,000 procedures over 15 years for patients from across the world. The clinic’s signature Direct Hair Transplantation (DHT) technique was introduced through peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2013, indexed on PubMed. The Eugenix Gurugram centre is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), Certificate No. DE-2026-0004.

Five SUVs alone account for nearly two in every five used SUVs sold through one of India’s largest organised resale platforms. The Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Mahindra XUV500 together take 39% of sales, and the Creta alone accounts for 9.7%, the largest share of any single model.
 

Best-Selling Used SUVs in India
 

India’s SUV segment has been on an upward run in the new car market for years now, and that shift has followed through into resale. Buyers who once settled for a hatchback are increasingly willing to stretch their budget for the extra ground clearance, road presence, and cabin space an SUV offers, even second-hand. What’s notable is how few models actually capture most of that demand. The same five names keep showing up near the top of used SUV sales, and each one got there for a slightly different reason.

These figures come from Cars24’s internal transaction data, covering the best-selling used SUVs. Within that dataset, Mahindra holds the largest brand-level share of the used SUV market at 20%, ahead of Hyundai at 15.5% and Tata at 12.7%. Maruti Suzuki, Ford, and Kia round out the rest at 10.7%, 9.2%, and 7.2%, respectively. Manual transmissions still dominate across the board, too, with automatics accounting for 25.4% of used SUV sales overall.
 

Which used SUVs sell the most, and why?
 

Hyundai Creta

Topping the individual model list is the Hyundai Creta at 9.7%, the single largest share of any used SUV. Its spacious cabin, long feature list, and Hyundai’s strong resale reputation have made it a default choice for families moving up from a hatchback or sedan. It’s also offered with petrol, diesel, and turbo-petrol engines, one of the widest engine choices on this list. Three in four used Cretas sold in 2026 were manual variants.
 

Ford EcoSport

Just behind it, at 8.7%, is the Ford EcoSport, a car Ford stopped selling new in India in 2021. Its compact footprint and above-average ground clearance made it an early favourite for city driving, and that reputation has outlasted the brand’s exit from the country. Anyone specifically hunting for a used Ford EcoSport will find manual variants make up the vast majority of listings, at 84.5% of all EcoSport sales in 2026.
 

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon holds 7.5%, helped along by Tata’s expanding dealer network and the Nexon’s reputation for safety and ground clearance. At 209 mm, it has one of the taller stances in this segment, which matters to buyers dealing with poor roads or frequent speed breakers. Tata has also grown its service footprint nationwide in recent years. Manual variants still lead here too, at 70.3% of used Nexon sales.
 

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Maruti’s dealer reach, and the model’s reputation for low running costs help explain why the Vitara Brezza takes 6.7% of used SUV sales. It’s a compact SUV in the truest sense, one of the easiest on this list to park and manoeuvre in dense traffic, which is part of its appeal for buyers who want SUV looks without SUV bulk. Manual variants make up an even larger share here than with the Creta or EcoSport: 89% of used Vitara Brezza buyers in 2026 chose a manual gearbox over the automatic.
 

Mahindra XUV500

Rounding out the list at 6.4% is the Mahindra XUV500, a model Mahindra discontinued in 2021 in favour of the XUV700. Its continued presence here, years after being replaced, says something about how differently the used market values a proven, spacious seven-seater compared to buyers shopping new. Manual variants dominate here too, accounting for 87.9% of used XUV500 sales.
 

What do these five SUVs have in common?

Looked at together, four of the five here are compact to mid-size SUVs built around low running costs rather than outright luxury, and even the XUV500, the largest of the group, has built its reputation on being tough and easy to live with rather than plush. Manual transmissions dominate every single model on this list, which says as much about price sensitivity as it does about buyer preference. None of these five is the newest option in their categories, and that’s arguably the point: buyers here are backing models that have already proven themselves over years of real-world use.

Campus Activewear, one of India’s leading sports and athleisure brands, has unveiled its first reimagined store in Roop Nagar, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of its physical retail experience for the new age consumers. Inaugurated by Head Coach, Indian cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, the new-format store brings together Campus Activewear’s expanding product portfolio with a contemporary, immersive and lifestyle-led retail environment.

From L to R: Mr Gautam Gambhir; Uplaksh Tewary, COO, Campus Activewear; Gaurav Sharma, CMO, Campus Activewear

Spread across 1,640 sq. ft., the Roop Nagar store is the first Campus Activewear store to showcase the brand’s redesigned retail concept, reflecting its evolving proposition and changing consumer expectations. The new format moves beyond conventional product display to create a more curated and engaging environment, with dedicated spaces designed around discovery, styling, interaction and product exploration.

The store takes cues from a modern, minimalist design language, bringing Campus Activewear’s energetic identity into an urban, contemporary setting. From a striking window display and curated product hotspots to styling boards, lifestyle imagery and tactile flooring, the space is designed to make discovery feel more intuitive. Lace customisation and a dedicated photo-op add interactive moments to the experience, while distinct zones create a clear flow across the store.

The assortment brings together lifestyle and sneakers, running, walking, ÉLAN, women’s and kids’ footwear, alongside apparel, accessories, bags, slippers and sandals. Together, the portfolio reflects Campus Activewear’s expanding proposition across sport, fashion and everyday lifestyle, giving consumers a broader range of products to explore within a single retail environment.

Commenting on the launch, Mr.Gautam Gambhir said, “Sport teaches you to keep moving, adapt and push forward, and I see that same spirit in the way Campus Activewear is evolving. The new Roop Nagar store is a reflection of that journey, bringing a fresh perspective to how consumers experience the brand. It is exciting to see a homegrown brand continue to grow while staying connected to the changing aspirations of young India.”

Nikhil Aggarwal, CEO, Campus Activewear said, “The Indian sports and athleisure market is at an exciting STAGE, with consumers increasingly seeking products and brands that fit seamlessly into their everyday lives. For Campus Activewear, this presents an opportunity to build on our scale and strengthen our relevance across a much broader consumer landscape. Our focus is on investing for long-term growth, expanding our presence across markets and continuing to build capabilities that allow us to serve an evolving consumer. As we enter this next phase, we remain committed to building a strong, enduring homegrown brand with the ambition to shape the future of sports and lifestyle retail in India.”

With 311 exclusive stores across India, including 41 stores across Delhi NCR, Campus Activewear continues to strengthen its presence across major tier 1 and tier 2 cities in India. Delhi NCR remains a key growth market for the brand, with strong consumer spending potential and the capacity to support a footprint of 60+ stores in the coming years. The Roop Nagar launch further strengthens Campus Activewear’s presence in the region as it continues to expand its retail network and bring its evolving proposition closer to consumers.

The launch will also see Campus Activewear take its ‘Move Your Way’ philosophy to students through a shoe truck activation near Roop Nagar and North Campus, Delhi for two weeks featuring engaging fitness challenges and open talent activities, with coupons and merchandise for winners.

The Campus Activewear Roop Nagar store is now open, inviting consumers to experience the brand’s first reimagined retail concept and explore its latest offerings across footwear, apparel and accessories. With the new format bringing together lifestyle and sneakers, running, walking, ÉLAN, women’s and kids’ footwear, apparel and accessories, the store reflects Campus Activewear’s continued expansion into a broader lifestyle proposition while creating a more engaging and contemporary shopping experience for consumers.

Store Name: Campus Activewear – Roop Nagar, New Delhi

Opening Date: 22 September 2026

Store Size: 1,640 sq. ft.

Address: 4/11, Roop Nagar, New Delhi – 110007

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Launch Offer: Free gift on purchases of Rs. 2,499 and above, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

As part of the store launch, shoppers can avail of a free gift on purchases of Rs. 2,499 and above, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

About Campus Activewear Ltd.

Campus Activewear Limited (NSE: CAMPUS, BSE: 543523) is one of India’s largest sports and athleisure footwear brands by value and volume. Introduced in 2005, Campus offers a diverse portfolio of footwear for the entire family, combining style, comfort and accessibility across multiple price points. With an estimated 17% market share in the Indian branded sports and athleisure footwear market, the company is backed by strong in-house manufacturing capabilities, an integrated supply chain, a robust omnichannel distribution network spanning over 30,000 retailers across 800 districts, 300+ exclusive brand outlets, and a growing e-commerce presence across leading marketplaces and its own website. Through its focus on innovation, design, and consumer-centric product development, Campus continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s most trusted and accessible footwear brands. For additional information and financial results, please visit campusshoes.com.

• One kilometre into the sky – fischer builds the world’s tallest building

• fischer is currently supplying steel and chemical products and is overseeing the construction of the iconic Jeddah Tower – World’s Tallest Building in Saudi Arabia

With a spectacular height of over one kilometre, the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia will eclipse all previous human constructions once completed. In addition to its impressive dimensions, German precision is also evident in what will be the world’s tallest building: fischer products ensure that Jeddah Tower grows safely into the sky.

fischer partners with Jeddah Tower

Where ancient trade routes meet a modern megacity, Saudi Arabia’s new landmark is rising. Jeddah – once a modest port – has catapulted itself into a vibrant metropolis in just five decades. Today, the city is a melting pot of tradition and technology, bazaar and business, past and vision. Nothing makes this clearer than the city’s great tower, which is currently under construction: Jeddah Tower will cost more than one and a half billion euros and is scheduled for completion in 2028. Its proximity to the Red Sea will make it a gigantic beacon for a region that is currently reinventing itself. And right in the middle of it all: the fischer Group of Companies.

The fastening pioneer from the northern Black Forest is supplying steel and chemical products for the mega-project. fischer experts are on site and will accompany those involved in the construction until the project is successfully completed.

The Jeddah Tower is one of a series of record-breaking buildings in the world that feature fischer solutions. These include: the ‘Ain Dubai’, the world’s tallest observation wheel; the Burj Khalifa, at 828 metres the current leader among the world’s skyscrapers; Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum with its striking architecture – and many other landmarks in the region.

Osama Farhat, General Manager Sales KSA at fischer said “Being selected for the Jeddah Tower is a testament to our engineering excellence and our commitment to the region. Our chemical and steel anchors were chosen not just for their load-bearing capacity, but for their proven reliability in extreme conditions. We provide the safety and precision that a project of this height demands, ensuring that our solutions meet the rigorous standards required for the world’s tallest building.”

“Jeddah Tower is a landmark achievement that reflects the trust placed in fischer solutions for the world’s most demanding construction projects. Being part of the world’s tallest building is a proud moment for the fischer Group and reinforces our commitment to delivering global engineering excellence and proven reliability to customers in India,” says Mayank Kalra, Managing Director, fischer India.

Online: www.fischer.in/en-in

Contact: fischer Building Materials India Private Limited 

Ward No. 76, Unit 101, First Level, New No. 3, Old No. 4, Prestige Sigma, Vittal Mallya Rd, Richmond Town, Bengaluru- 560001, Karnataka

Bangalore Watch Company, an Indian luxury watch brand has announced the raise of a 1.4M USD seed round from a group of its own customers, comprising of family office principals and HNIs from India and overseas. The brand plans to use these funds to expand into the burgeoning independent watch scene globally.

Bangalore Watch Company

Founded in 2018 by tech-executives turned entrepreneurs Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj, BWC has been building high-quality mechanical watches in India, exporting them to over 30 countries. With a focus on modern-Indian themes like Aviation, Space, Cricket, and the Outdoors the brand emphasizes on Swiss-quality watchmaking, with Indian narratives that can be presented to a global audience without the stereotype of the usual grammar of watch designs from India.

Recently, the brand has been in the spotlight for making the only Indian-made watch to be qualified in a spaceflight, making watches using fighter-plane aluminum, and most recently, capturing carbon from the atmosphere for its watch dials. The brand has received global acclaim by participating in Dubai Watch Week 2025, Geneva Watch Days 2026, and have been listed for the GPHG Awards (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) three times in a row.

“The independent watch industry has shown that great watch brands can come from anywhere. Brands like MING and Christopher Ward have built global communities by having a clear point of view. We believe India can be part of that global independent watch story, with a distinctly modern Indian perspective,” says Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company.

Operating with a single flagship boutique in Bangalore, the brand sells watches priced between 150,000 INR and 300,000 INR. The business boasts a 30% repeat purchase rate, and a concierge style service model that has allowed them to sell limited-edition watches without the usual retail footprint. With an annual production capacity of 1500 watches, the brand intends to quadruple this in the next three-five-year timeline.

“India is at an exciting point in its journey, with the world paying greater attention to what is being built here. We want to be part of that story, while also taking an Indian brand to a global audience. We have always believed that a world-class watch brand can be built from Bangalore, and the opportunity now is to take that belief, and the watches we have built around modern India, to collectors around the world,” added Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of the brand.

The timing of this fundraise is interesting as India becomes one of the fastest growing importers of Swiss luxury watches, with the average selling price of watches in India steadily growing into the premium category as disposable incomes rise.

As the brand looks to build its presence internationally, the approach will remain deliberately focused. The brand currently operates from a single flagship boutique in Bengaluru and does not plan to build a large retail network across India. Instead, it wants to take the same considered approach to its global expansion, with two to three strategic overseas locations in key markets and, potentially, one more location in India. The aim is not to be everywhere, but to be present in the markets where there is already a strong community of collectors and a genuine interest in the brand.

About Bangalore Watch Company

Founded in 2018, Bangalore Watch Company creates high-quality mechanical watches that tell stories of a 21st-century India. Drawing inspiration from Aviation, Cricket, Space, and the Great Outdoors, each collection captures modern Indian narratives that go far beyond stereotypes.

With several firsts to its name including watches made from recovered fighter planes and aircraft carrier materials, India’s first watch qualified for Spaceflight, and a proprietary Cerasteel material that is a fusion of Steel and Ceramic, the brand blends storytelling with technical innovation and contemporary design. Recognised by leading global publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Hodinkee for its originality and craftsmanship, Bangalore Watch Company stands at the forefront of modern Indian watchmaking.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj who left their tech careers overseas to pursue a passion for modern Indian storytelling, the brand has built a quiet but enthusiastic following with customers in over 30 countries.