Cricket has evolved significantly over the years, and so has the way fans connect with the sport and its players. From match-day interactions to daily engagement through social media, athletes today have more opportunities to connect with audiences beyond the boundary. In an exclusive conversation with Parimatch Sports, former Australian cricketer David Warner reflects on the changing relationship between athletes and fans, his special connection with Indian audiences, and the importance of creating authentic moments that resonate.

David Warner on Cricket, Fans and the Power of Genuine Connection

Speaking about how fan engagement has changed during his career, Warner said that the relationship between athletes and fans has moved far beyond the cricket ground.

“When I started, most of your interaction with fans happened at the ground. You’d play the match, maybe sign a few autographs afterwards, and that was pretty much it. Today, it’s completely different. Fans follow your journey every day through social media, interviews, short videos and everything happening away from the game.”

According to Warner, this evolution has also given athletes an opportunity to show more of their personality. While performances remain important, audiences increasingly want to understand the person behind the player.

“People still care about performances, but they also want to understand the person behind them. An honest connection can last much longer than any result on the scoreboard.”

Building a Connection with Indian Fans
Warner has developed a strong connection with Indian cricket fans, extending beyond his performances on the field. He believes that respecting the culture while engaging with its entertainment and humour played an important role in building that relationship.

“I think the biggest thing was showing respect for the culture and not being afraid to have some fun. Cricket means so much in India, but so does entertainment. The music, the films and the humour are all part of everyday life.” He explained that his social media videos and participation in popular trends came from genuine enjoyment rather than a planned strategy.

“Fans can tell when something feels natural, and I think that’s why they connected with it. Whether it’s through cricket, a funny video or simply sharing a moment with fans.”

Creating Moments That Stay With Fans
For Warner, memorable sporting moments are ultimately about creating an emotional connection with audiences. Whether through humour, an unexpected moment, or a compelling story, a moment’s impact is reflected in how long people keep talking about and sharing it. “The best sports moments create an emotional connection. Sometimes it’s a great story, sometimes it’s humour, sometimes it’s something completely unexpected. If people are still talking about it or sharing it a week later, that’s usually a sign you’ve done something right.”

This philosophy also influences the projects he chooses to associate with outside cricket. Warner said authenticity and enjoyment remain important considerations when taking on brand collaborations. “For me, it’s pretty simple. I want it to feel authentic and enjoyable. If it feels like something fans will genuinely have fun with, I’m interested. I don’t want to be standing in front of a camera just holding a product. I’d rather be part of something with a bit of personality.”

A Cricket-Inspired Connection with India
One such collaboration was Warner’s recent limited-edition T-shirt with Parimatch Sports. The design featured lotus flowers, sacred animals and a cricketer woven together in a single illustration. Warner said the concept immediately resonated with him, particularly because it brought together elements of Indian culture and the passion surrounding cricket.

“I loved how it captured the culture and passion around cricket in India in a way that felt personal to me. It represented the connection between cricket, India and the fans.”

Life Beyond the Cricket Field
As his career has evolved, Warner has also placed greater importance on life away from cricket. Time away from the sport has allowed him to spend more time with his family and focus on himself beyond his identity as a cricketer. “For me, it’s about getting the best out of myself in every part of life. Cricket is a huge part of who I am, but it’s not the only part.”

Warner’s reflections highlight the changing nature of sports fandom, where audiences increasingly value authenticity, personality and genuine interaction alongside sporting performance. In an environment where fans engage with athletes throughout the year, the moments that feel real can often become the ones that stay with them the longest.

Wibmo, a PayU company and full-stack PayTech provider, has won the Chartis RiskTech100® Disruptor Award for Workflow, Agentic AI and Low-Code/No-Code innovation, recognizing its work in agentic fraud and risk intelligence through Wibmo Agentic Risk Intelligence Assistant (ARIA) and its broader fraud and risk management ecosystem.

Chartis Disruptor Award presented to Wibmo for Workflow, Agentic AI and Low-Code/No-Code innovation under the Chartis RiskTech100® 2027

The award is part of the new Disruptor categories introduced for the Chartis RiskTech100® 2027. The category recognizes disruptive firms that are transforming business processes across the risk technology landscape. Wibmo was recognized for bringing together intelligent workflows, agentic risk intelligence, and configurable low-code/no-code capabilities to help transform fraud and risk operations.

The recognition reflects Wibmo’s work across its fraud and risk management ecosystem, including Wibmo Agentic Risk Intelligence Assistant (ARIA). ARIA is designed to support fraud, AML, risk analysis and dispute operations through specialized AI agents that gather relevant signals, summarize investigations, identify patterns, draft evidence-backed findings and recommend next actions.

The platform is built around a human-led operating model. Agents support investigation and drafting, while final decisions remain with authorized human teams. Its governance approach includes maker-checker controls, evidence-linked recommendations, audit-ready decision trails and simulation-gated actions for appropriate use cases.

Wibmo’s approach brings together the stages of risk operations in a connected workflow – from gathering transaction, customer and merchant signals to drafting a verdict, recommending action and supporting remediation. This helps risk teams move from fragmented, analyst-intensive processes towards more structured, explainable and scalable case operations.

The recognition also reflects Wibmo’s flexible workflow capabilities. Its fraud and risk management platform supports configurable DIY rules, case and queue management flows, BPMN-based tailored workflows, role-based controls and low-code/no-code configuration. These capabilities enable client partners to adapt business processes, risk strategies and investigation workflows as their requirements evolve, without relying on extensive technical intervention for every change.

Philip Mackenzie, Research Principal at Chartis, said, “Wibmo continues to expand its position in the payments risk landscape, building on its established strengths in authentication and payment security. Investments in risk-based authentication and agentic AI have reflected its focus on transaction-level intelligence and, together with its increasingly deep portfolio of anti-fraud capabilities, led to its Disruptor Award in the Workflow, Agentic AI and Low-Code/No-Code category and its award for Regional Leadership and Excellence in South Asia.”

Commenting on the recognition, Shailesh Paul, CEO, Wibmo, said, “We are delighted to be chosen as the Chartis Disruptor Award winner for Workflow, Agentic AI and Low-Code/No-Code innovation. This recognizes Wibmo’s work in agentic fraud and risk intelligence and our broader FRM capabilities. Risk operations are evolving from static, manual processes to intelligent, configurable, and governed workflows. Through Wibmo’s Agentic Risk Intelligence Assistant (ARIA) solution, we are helping our clients bring together agentic intelligence, explainable recommendations, configurable controls, and human decision-making. This recognition reflects our commitment to helping financial institutions strengthen fraud operations while retaining accountability, transparency and control.”

The award reinforces Wibmo’s focus on helping banks, fintechs, issuers, acquirers and payment aggregators strengthen fraud and risk operations across payment environments. By combining intelligent investigation, configurable workflows and governed automation, Wibmo is supporting the transformation of risk operations across the payments ecosystem.
 

About Wibmo
Wibmo, a PayU company, operates across entities in India, the US, and Indonesia. As a global full-stack PayTech company and industry leader in payment security and digital payments in emerging markets, Wibmo stands out for its innovation and impact.

In addition to being India’s largest authentication service provider in one of the leading digital payment markets globally, Wibmo offers comprehensive fraud and risk management solutions, digital financial services, prepaid solutions, and a broad range of merchant-acquiring services.

For more information, visit: wibmo.com

About Chartis Research
Chartis Research is an independent research and advisory firm that provides market intelligence, analysis and benchmarking on risk, compliance, governance and financial technology. Its reports and vendor assessments deliver actionable insights to help institutions evaluate solutions, manage risk, and make strategic technology and vendor selection choices.

For Media queries please write to: press@payu.in

Bodhtree Consulting Limited has officially changed its name to Datakosa Limited, marking an important milestone in the company’s evolution and the start of a new phase focused on emerging technologies, international markets, and sustainable, technology-led growth.

The name change has been formally registered with the Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs. While the company carries forward the experience and foundation built over the years, the Datakosa identity reflects its evolving strategic direction and its ambition to build a globally oriented technology organisation with capabilities across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data, Cloud and digital transformation.

The Datakosa identity reflects the company’s evolution toward a technology organisation built around intelligence, security, data and digital innovation, while carrying forward the experience and customer relationships developed under the Bodhtree name.

The company is now entering an accelerated phase of business development, with a particular strategic focus on strengthening its presence in the Australian and United States markets.

Accelerating International Market Development

Datakosa sees significant opportunities in Australia and the United States, where enterprises are increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence, automation, data-driven technologies and advanced Cyber Security solutions.

Australia is an important market in the company’s international strategy, with Datakosa working to develop stronger customer relationships, technology partnerships, and business opportunities. At the same time, the company intends to progressively expand its focus on the United States, one of the world’s largest markets for enterprise technology, AI and Cyber Security services.

The company believes that India’s strong technology talent ecosystem, combined with its developing capabilities and international market opportunities, provides a sound foundation for building a globally competitive technology business.

AI and Cybersecurity as Strategic Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence is expected to remain a key focus area for Datakosa. The company is working to develop AI-enabled solutions and technology services that help enterprises improve productivity, automate business processes, enhance decision-making, and derive greater value from their data.

The company’s focus areas include Generative AI, AI-powered Business Intelligence, intelligent automation, enterprise AI applications, data analytics, and large language model-based solutions.

Cybersecurity is another important strategic area for the company. As enterprises increasingly operate across cloud, hybrid and distributed digital environments, the need for stronger security capabilities continues to expand. Datakosa intends to strengthen its capabilities and partnerships in this segment and meet enterprises’ evolving technology and security requirements.

“The transition from Bodhtree Consulting Limited to Datakosa Limited marks an important new chapter for the company. We value the foundation and experience built over the years, while the new identity reflects the direction in which we are building the organisation.”

Prashanth Mitta, CEO of Datakosa, said, “Our focus is clear: to develop meaningful capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity and to increasingly participate in global technology markets.”

He further added, “Australia and the United States are important markets in our international strategy. We are approaching these markets with a long-term perspective, emphasising customer relationships, technology partnerships, talent, and delivery capabilities. We are confident about the opportunities ahead, while remaining conscious that sustainable growth is built through consistent execution, customer trust and strong technology capabilities.”

Management also expressed appreciation to the company’s shareholders and investors for the confidence placed in the company’s strategic direction. The resolutions placed before shareholders received 99% support, reflecting strong shareholder approval for the initiatives presented by the company.

“We are deeply appreciative of the confidence placed in the company by our shareholders. The support received for the resolutions is encouraging and, more importantly, gives us an added sense of responsibility as we enter this next phase. We see this support as an expression of confidence in the direction of the company, and our responsibility now is to translate that confidence into disciplined execution, stronger capabilities and sustainable business growth.”

Building for the Long Term

Datakosa’s growth strategy will focus on strengthening its technology talent, solution development capabilities, international sales and business-development functions while progressively expanding its ecosystem of technology partners and customers.

The company recognises that the global technology landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by AI adoption, Cybersecurity requirements, cloud migration, automation, and increasing dependence on data-driven decision-making.

We see the Datakosa identity as a reflection of our forward direction. There is considerable work ahead, but we believe the foundation we are building provides a strong platform to pursue these opportunities in a focused and measured manner. Our objective is to build a technology organisation from India that earns the confidence of global customers through capability, reliability and execution.

Datakosa remains focused on creating long-term value for its customers, employees, partners and shareholders through innovation, responsible expansion and disciplined execution.

Datakosa enters this new phase with a clear ambition: to build a globally relevant technology organisation from India, with Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity forming key pillars of its international growth strategy.

About Datakosa

Datakosa Limited, formerly known as Bodhtree Consulting Limited, is a technology-focused company pursuing opportunities across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data, Cloud and digital technology services. The company is focused on strengthening its technology capabilities and expanding its international presence, with particular strategic emphasis on Australia and the United States.

Website: www.datakosa.ai

Starting something new often brings excitement, whether you’re moving into a new home, starting a business, getting married, beginning a new venture, or taking an important step in life. In India, many families traditionally look beyond practical considerations when planning such milestones and also consult astrology to identify a favourable time for the occasion.

Connect with Neo Astro’s Astrologers When Planning New Beginnings

This is where shubh muhurat becomes relevant for people who follow Vedic astrology. A Muhurat refers to an auspicious period selected for beginning an important activity, based on factors such as Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana and planetary positions. Rather than selecting a date simply because it is convenient, the practice aims to begin an important activity during a period considered favourable according to the Hindu calendar and astrological principles.

With more people turning to digital platforms for astrology guidance, accessing an astrologer to understand the right Muhurat has also become more convenient.

Why Muhurat Matters for New Beginnings
In Vedic astrology, timing is considered an important part of planning significant events. A suitable Muhurat is traditionally selected after considering the nature of the activity as well as the Panchang and relevant planetary influences.

For example, the considerations for a housewarming ceremony may differ from those used for a wedding, business inauguration, vehicle purchase or starting a new professional venture. This is why simply searching for a common auspicious date may not always provide the complete picture.

Astrologers can consider the purpose of the event along with other relevant factors before suggesting a suitable time.

For families planning important milestones in the remaining months of the year, understanding the Shubh Muhurat 2026 calendar can therefore be an important first step.

Not Every Auspicious Date Is the Same for Everyone
One of the common misconceptions around Muhurat is that an auspicious date automatically works equally well for every individual. In traditional Vedic astrology, however, personal birth details can also play a role in selecting a suitable time.

An astrologer may look at an individual’s Kundli, planetary placements and relevant Dashas while providing guidance. The nature of the event can also influence which factors receive greater importance.

This personalized approach is particularly relevant when the occasion has long-term significance. Instead of relying only on a general calendar, individuals can seek guidance based on their own circumstances and the purpose behind their new beginning.

Digital Astrology Makes Expert Guidance More Accessible
The way people consult astrologers has changed considerably with the growth of digital platforms. Individuals no longer necessarily need to visit an astrologer’s office to discuss their Kundli or ask questions about an upcoming event.

A Jyotish app can provide access to astrology services from a smartphone, making it easier for users to connect with astrologers, share their birth details and seek guidance when planning important occasions.

Neo Astro is among the digital astrology platforms bringing this experience online. The platform connects users with experienced astrologers who can provide guidance across areas including Kundli, marriage, career, relationships, Muhurat and other aspects of Vedic astrology.

Neo Astro Helps Users Plan Important Milestones
For someone planning a new beginning, choosing an auspicious date can involve more than looking at a list of dates online. Questions around the most suitable day, time and astrological considerations can vary depending on the activity and the individual’s birth details.
Through Neo Astro, users can connect with astrologers and discuss their specific requirements. This allows them to seek personalized guidance rather than relying solely on generalized astrology content.

Whether someone is planning a Griha Pravesh, starting a new business, purchasing a vehicle, planning a wedding or beginning another important chapter, consulting an astrologer can help them understand the traditional astrological considerations associated with the occasion.

Planning Ahead for Shubh Muhurat 2026
As the year progresses, many people will be preparing for important personal and professional milestones. Festive periods and specific Panchang dates often see increased interest in auspicious timings, making it useful to plan in advance.

However, Muhurat selection is not simply about finding the first date marked as auspicious on a calendar. Location, Panchang calculations, the type of ceremony and individual birth details can all influence the final recommendation.

For this reason, people searching online for Shubh Muhurat 2026 can use general calendars as a starting point while consulting an astrologer when they need guidance specific to their circumstances.

A New Beginning Starts With the Right Intention
Choosing an auspicious Muhurat is ultimately rooted in the traditional belief that the timing of a beginning can hold significance for the journey that follows. For many Indian families, following these traditions is less about predicting the future and more about starting an important occasion with preparation, positivity and a sense of purpose.

As astrology becomes increasingly accessible through digital platforms, consulting an astrologer for such decisions is also becoming more convenient. Neo Astro’s digital platform offers users an opportunity to connect with astrologers and seek personalized guidance for important milestones.

For those preparing to begin a new chapter in 2026, understanding the relevant Muhurat and discussing the occasion with an experienced astrologer can help bring greater clarity to the planning process.

As luxury residential and hospitality development continues across the Middle East, architects, interior designers and homeowners are increasingly looking beyond conventional furniture catalogues for pieces created specifically for their spaces.

Knock on Wood, an Indian design-led furniture and manufacturing company, is building its presence in the region after successfully executing bespoke furniture projects across some of Dubai’s premium residential destinations, including Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, The Meadows and Culture Village.

Handcrafted Luxury Four-Poster Bed with Intricate Fretwork in Teak Wood
 

The company is now looking to work with architects, interior designers, developers, hospitality companies, furniture retailers and private clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt.

Custom Furniture for Designs that are not Easy to make

Knock on Wood’s strength lies particularly in translating ambitious design ideas into finished furniture.

From complex curves and unusual proportions to combinations of solid wood, metal, stone, veneers and specialised finishes, the company works on pieces that often require considerable development, engineering and prototyping before they reach production.

Bespoke Sculptural Wooden Bathtub with Fine Inlay Work
 

This allows architects and interior designers to approach Knock on Wood not simply with a product requirement, but with a design intent, reference, drawing or concept that needs to be developed into a manufacturable piece.

Artisanal Double Bath Vanity with Inlay and Brass Accents
 

“Some of our most interesting projects begin with a designer or client asking us whether something difficult can actually be made,” said Aarti Aggarwal, Principal Designer, Knock on Wood. “Our role is to retain the design intent while finding the right combination of engineering, materials, craftsmanship and finishing to bring it to life.”

A Bespoke Alternative For The Middle East’s Luxury Market

European, and particularly Italian, furniture has long influenced the premium interiors market in the Middle East. Knock on Wood has found an interesting space between high-end design expectations and the flexibility required for genuinely customised projects.

Clients have frequently compared the detailing and finish of Knock on Wood pieces with premium Italian furniture. At the same time, its India-based design and manufacturing capabilities allow the company to develop customised pieces at comparatively competitive costs.

Importantly, the proposition is not about reproducing mass-market furniture at a lower price. It is about giving designers and clients greater freedom to customise dimensions, materials, finishes and detailing around an individual project.

The Royal Collection: Handcrafted Statement Cabinets
 

Proven Through Premium Dubai Residences

Knock on Wood has already executed customised furniture for residences across Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, The Meadows and Culture Village.

These projects have involved furniture designed around individual residences rather than standard products being adapted to fit them.

The company’s portfolio includes:

• Statement and occasional furniture

• Dining tables and chairs

• Sofas and lounge furniture

• Beds and bedroom furniture

• Consoles and sideboards

• Custom cabinetry and storage

• Wood, metal and stone combinations

• Bespoke pieces developed from architects’ and designers’ concepts

Versatile Bespoke Furniture for Every Luxury Aesthetic
 

From Private Villas To Hotels And Hospitality

The same design and manufacturing capabilities extend to hospitality and larger project requirements.

Knock on Wood has experience developing furniture for premium hospitality, commercial and institutional environments, including guest-room furniture, restaurant and dining furniture, lounge and public-area furniture, vanities, tables, consoles and customised pieces.

For hotels, developers and project designers, the company can work from design development and prototyping through manufacturing and supply, allowing multiple furniture requirements to be coordinated through one manufacturing partner.

The company has also supplied furniture to retailers in the UAE, providing experience in understanding the quality, packaging and supply requirements associated with the Middle East market.

Designed in India. Made for Exceptional Interiors.

Behind Knock on Wood is an integrated approach combining design, product development, engineering and manufacturing.

For architects and designers, this can be particularly useful when a project calls for something beyond standard catalogue furniture.

Whether the starting point is a drawing, reference image, mood board or an entirely new concept, the Knock on Wood team can evaluate the requirement, recommend materials and construction methods, develop prototypes where necessary and manufacture the finished furniture.

The company is currently exploring residential, hospitality, retail and commercial projects across:

UAE | Saudi Arabia | Qatar | Kuwait | Oman | Bahrain | Egypt

Discuss A Project

Architects, interior designers, developers, hospitality companies, furniture retailers and homeowners looking for a manufacturing partner for an upcoming Middle East project can share their requirement, drawings or references with the Knock on Wood team.

For project discussions and enquiries:

Mansi
Knock on Wood
mansi@m.knockonwoodexports.com
Call/Whatsapp – +91-9041122188
 

About Knock on Wood

Knock on Wood is an Indian design-led furniture company specialising in premium bespoke furniture and customised interior solutions. Combining design, craftsmanship, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, the company works across residential, hospitality, commercial and retail projects in India and international markets.

Its furniture is developed across solid wood and combinations of wood, metal, stone, veneers and other materials, with particular expertise in technically demanding customised products.

For more information, please visit www.knockonwood.in.

FuelBuddy, a global leader in technology-led doorstep fuel delivery and fuel management with operations spanning India, the UAE and Africa, today announced the appointment of Vinamra Shastri as a Non-Executive Director on its Board. The appointment underscores FuelBuddy’s continued commitment to robust corporate governance, strategic oversight and world-class board processes as the Company accelerates its next phase of growth across markets.

 

Vinamra Shastri, appointed Non-Executive Director, FuelBuddy

 

Vinamra brings over 25 years of experience at global professional services firms, having held several leadership roles in both global and Indian settings. Currently, he is a Market Leader at Grant Thornton India, and also advises and serves on the boards of several reputed companies across diverse sectors, including hospitality, leasing, real estate, healthcare, e-commerce, manufacturing, fintech, media, and sports. He also mentors start-ups and growth-stage companies globally and manages a Category II SEBI-registered fund. Vinamra is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). He also serves as President of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation, carrying forward the Shastri family’s legacy of public service.

 

Speaking on the appointment, Adnan Kidwai, Co-Founder of FuelBuddy, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Vinamra to the FuelBuddy Board. As we scale our technology-led fuel management platform across India, the UAE and Africa, his two decades of experience in corporate governance, strategy and board advisory will be invaluable in sharpening our oversight and guiding our next phase of growth. His track record of building consulting practices from the ground up and advising companies across diverse sectors makes him an ideal addition to our Board at this stage of our journey.”

 

Commenting on his appointment, Vinamra Shastri said, “FuelBuddy is solving a problem that has sat untouched at the heart of the fuel supply chain for decades: pilferage, spillage, and the absence of real visibility; and doing it with the kind of technology-led rigour that changes an industry, not just a company. That’s what drew me to this board. Over the past two decades, I’ve had a ringside view of what separates companies that scale sustainably from those that don’t: it comes down to governance discipline and strategic clarity long before the growth curve demands it. I look forward to bringing that lens to FuelBuddy’s board as it expands across India, the UAE and Africa, and to working with the Board and the leadership team as they build what I believe will be a category-defining company.”

 

About FuelBuddy

Founded in 2017 by serial entrepreneur S.K. Narvar and backed by prominent investors including Ravi Jaipuria of RJ Corp, Naveen Jindal of Jindal Steel Ltd, and Nilesh Ved of Apparel Group, FuelBuddy is a global leader in doorstep fuel delivery, dedicated to delivering the right quality and quantity of fuel at the touch of a button. The Company has built an end-to-end, technology-led fuel management platform, powered by industry-first IoT- and cloud-enabled products that give customers full visibility and control over their fuelling needs. What began as a mobile fuel-delivery service has grown into a full-scale energy distribution business, solving long-standing industry challenges such as pilferage, theft, spillage and inconsistent monitoring of fuel consumption. In 2021, FuelBuddy strengthened its presence in South India with the acquisition of Bangalore-based on-demand fuel delivery start-up MyPetrolPump.

Today, FuelBuddy serves over 100,000 customers across India, the UAE, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Nigeria, and has delivered more than 1 billion litres of fuel to marquee clients including Varun Beverages (PepsiCo), JSPL, Coca-Cola, Amazon, DLF, Infosys, Apparel Group, Lal’s Group, Landmark Group, ArcelorMittal, Emirates Transport, Shobha Realty, Avis, Vulcan Minerals, Wonderfuel Group and Hitachi.

Festive lighting has become an integral part of bringing homes to life during celebrations, adding colour, warmth and character to festive decor. Recognising its growing role in enhancing the joy and beauty of celebrations, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited has introduced its new Galaxy Festive Lights Range, offering decorative lighting solutions for different festive settings and occasions.

Crompton Festive Lighting

Today, consumers view festive lighting as an essential part of celebrations and home décor, looking beyond basic illumination for solutions that are aesthetically appealing, energy-efficient and easy to install and that enhance the festive atmosphere. As festive décor becomes a way to express personal style, make homes stand out and create memorable experiences, the Galaxy Festive Lights Range brings together a wide choice of high-quality festive lighting solutions with attractive and stylish designs, vibrant illumination, reliable performance and ease of use, offering options for different décor styles and festive occasions.

Crompton’s Galaxy Festive Lights Range brings together a diverse selection of products with distinctive designs and lighting effects for different festive settings:

• Leaf: Designed with a leaf-inspired form, the Leaf adds a natural decorative touch to festive decor. Its warm 3000K illumination complements traditional elements such as torans, flowers and diyas, making it well suited to entrances, windows and indoor corners. With 180 LEDs, 5W power, a 4-metre length and 8 lighting modes, it offers a warm and versatile decorative glow.

• Snowball: With its spherical design and RGB illumination, the Snowball brings a playful and colourful element to festive decor. Its 10-metre length makes it suitable for balconies, railings, windows and other larger spaces, while its 50 LEDs and multiple lighting modes offer flexibility in creating different lighting effects.

• Diamond: Featuring a distinctive diamond-inspired design, the Diamond adds a contemporary, statement-making touch to festive decor. Its RGB illumination and 10-metre length make it suitable for creating vibrant borders and displays across balconies, entrances and other prominent areas, while its 50 LEDs and multiple lighting modes allow for varied lighting effects.

• Pixel: With its versatile format, the Pixel can be used across windows, shelves, balconies, furniture and other areas of the home to add colour and character to festive decor. Available in 10 metre and 15 metre variants with 48 LEDs and 72 LEDs respectively, it comes in colour options including Warm White, Blue, Green, Red, Pink and Colour. It allows consumers to coordinate their lighting with different festive décor themes.

• Sparkle: Designed with a flexible copper wire, Sparkle can be shaped around decorative elements to create intricate illuminated accents. Its 10-metre length, 300 LEDs per metre and 8 function modes make it suitable for highlighting décor details, plants and corners. Available in Warm White and Multicolour, it offers both softer and more vibrant lighting options.

Across the range, the Galaxy Festive Lights are designed for ease of use, reliable performance and energy-efficient illumination, featuring durable plugs and BIS-compliant input wires. The lights come with pins compatible with Indian sockets and jointers, while high-quality LEDs provide bright illumination and the quality and reliability expected from a trusted lighting brand.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shaleen Nayak, Business Head – Lighting, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “Festive lighting is no longer just about illuminating a space; it has become an important part of the celebration itself. Consumers are looking at lighting as a way to add character to their homes and create an atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the occasion. With the Galaxy Festive Lights Range, we are bringing Crompton’s expertise in lighting to this space with a range that combines design, performance and reliability, giving consumers greater confidence as they light up their celebrations.”

The Crompton Galaxy Festive Lights Range will be available through Crompton-authorised retail outlets across India and leading e-commerce platforms.

The price range of the products is as follows:

With its wide range of attractive designs, vibrant illumination and versatile formats, the Galaxy Festive Lights Range gives consumers more ways to transform their homes and spaces, bring their festive décor to life and create memorable celebrations with family and guests.

About Crompton
With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy.

The company’s consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company’s storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India’s Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers eligible customers loan amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, with repayment tenures from 12 to 108 months and interest rates from 10% to 30.5% per annum. Customers can use the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan EMI Calculator to estimate how the selected loan amount, interest rate, and tenure may affect their monthly repayment.
 

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan
 

The calculator helps borrowers compare different repayment scenarios before applying. A longer tenure may reduce the monthly EMI but can increase the total interest payable. A shorter tenure may increase the monthly EMI while potentially reducing the overall interest cost.
 

Flexible loan amounts and tenures support varied borrowing requirements

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan provides access to amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh. This gives customers the flexibility to align the loan amount with their actual funding requirement instead of borrowing more than necessary.
 

Repayment tenure ranges from 12 months to 108 months. This allows customers to choose a repayment period that better suits their monthly budget and repayment capacity.
 

The applicable interest rate directly affects both the EMI and total interest payable. A higher rate can increase the monthly repayment and overall borrowing cost, while a lower rate can reduce the repayment burden, subject to the applicable loan offer.
 

Customers should therefore assess the loan amount, interest rate, and tenure together before deciding on a repayment structure.
 

How do Bajaj Finance Personal Loan rates affect EMI?

The applicable interest rate directly affects the estimated EMI and total interest payable. The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30.5% per annum. Borrowers can enter the applicable rate in the EMI calculator to estimate the repayment for a proposed loan amount and tenure.
 

A higher interest rate can increase both the monthly EMI and the total interest cost. Borrowers should therefore consider the applicable rate along with the loan amount and repayment period. The final interest rate offered to an applicant is subject to the lender’s assessment, eligibility and applicable terms.
 

How does the loan amount affect monthly repayment?

A higher loan amount generally results in a higher EMI when the interest rate and tenure remain unchanged. Borrowers can use the personal loan EMI calculator to compare different loan amounts before deciding how much to borrow.
 

Borrowing only the amount required can also help borrowers assess the repayment commitment against their income and existing financial obligations.
 

How does tenure change the EMI and total interest?

A longer tenure spreads the repayment across more months. This can reduce the monthly EMI, but interest may be payable over a longer period. A shorter tenure can result in a higher monthly EMI. However, it may reduce the total period over which interest is charged.
 

Borrowers should therefore compare the monthly EMI with the total repayment amount when selecting a tenure.
 

How can the personal loan EMI calculator help plan repayments?

The personal loan EMI calculator provides an estimated monthly instalment based on the loan amount, interest rate and repayment tenure entered by the borrower.
 

Borrowers can adjust these inputs to compare different repayment options. For example, they can check how changing the tenure affects the monthly EMI for the same loan amount.
 

This comparison can help borrowers assess whether the estimated repayment fits within their monthly budget. The calculator result is an estimate and should not be treated as the final repayment obligation.
 

What factors affect Bajaj Finance Personal Loan eligibility?

The stated eligibility criteria include Indian nationality, an age of 21 to 80 years* and employment with a public-sector organisation, private-sector organisation or multinational company. Applicants can be salaried or self-employed.
 

A CIBIL Score of 650 or higher is also among the stated criteria. The applicant must be 80 years or younger at the end of the loan tenure.
 

Meeting the stated criteria does not guarantee approval. Borrowers can use the personal loan eligibility calculator to estimate the loan amount they may be eligible for based on the information provided.
 

However, the final loan offer remains subject to eligibility assessment, document verification and applicable terms.
 

What are the available personal loan variants?

Bajaj Finance offers three personal loan variants: Term Loan, Flexi Dropline Loan and Flexi Hybrid Loan. Each variant has a different repayment structure and Flexi facility.
 

• Term Loan: The full sanctioned loan amount is disbursed at once. You repay it through fixed EMIs covering principal and interest. No Flexi facility charges apply.

• Flexi Dropline Loan: You can withdraw from the sanctioned loan limit as required. Fixed EMIs cover the principal and interest on the withdrawn amount, subject to applicable terms and charges.

• Flexi Hybrid Loan: The initial tenure has interest-only EMIs on the withdrawn amount. The subsequent tenure has EMIs covering both principal and interest, subject to applicable terms and charges.
   

The choice of loan variant depends on the required borrowing pattern, repayment structure and applicable charges.
 

How can borrowers apply for the personal loan?

Borrowers can start the application process online through the Bajaj Finance website.
 

The process generally involves:

1. Check loan eligibility – Customers can visit the personal loan page on the Bajaj Finance website, enter the loan amount needed, select the repayment period, and click on “CHECK LOAN OFFER” to check loan eligibility.

2. Enter personal details – Customers need to provide personal, financial, and employment details to receive a personalised loan offer.

3. Review loan offer – Customers can check their offer details and adjust the loan amount or repayment tenure, if required.

4. Complete KYC verification – The loan applicant can verify their identity and bank details to proceed with their application.

5. Speak to a loan specialist – Once the loan application is submitted, an executive will contact the applicant with the next steps.

The application remains subject to eligibility and successful verification.
 

The stated disbursal timeline is within 24 hours*, subject to successful document verification and applicable terms. The 24-hour* timeline should not be treated as a guaranteed disbursal period. The actual timing depends on completion of the required verification and other applicable conditions.
 

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan supports planned borrowing and repayment assessment

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan combines loan amounts from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh with repayment tenures of 12 to 108 months and interest rates ranging from 10% to 30.5% per annum.
 

Customers can use the personal loan EMI calculator to compare repayment scenarios before applying and assess how the selected loan amount, interest rate, and tenure may affect monthly repayments.
 

The final loan amount, applicable interest rate, and repayment terms remain subject to eligibility assessment, verification, and applicable terms.
 

*Terms and conditions apply.
 

*Disbursal within 24 hours is subject to successful document verification and applicable terms.
 

About Bajaj Finance Ltd.

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL serves over 124.43 million customers through a diversified portfolio comprising consumer loans, SME finance, commercial lending, rural lending, fixed deposits and payments, offered through Web, App and at 4,000+ locations. As a FinAI company, BFL is focused on continuous innovation through smart use of technology, data and analytics to drive seamless, simplified and personalized experiences for its customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BBB/Stable and a short-term rating of A-2 by S&P Global ratings. It has been assigned a ‘Baa3 Corporate Family Rating’ with Stable outlook from Moody’s Rating.

Anant National University has appointed renowned architect, interior designer, design educator and institutional leader Jabeen Zacharias as a Professor of Practice. With over four decades of professional experience, Zacharias brings to Anant a distinctive combination of design practice, education, advocacy and institutional leadership.

Architect and Design Educator Jabeen Zacharias Joins Anant National University as Professor of Practice

As Chief Architect of Jabeen Zacharias Architects, she has led more than 300 successful projects across hospitality, institutional, corporate, museum, cultural and residential sectors. She has also contributed extensively to design education in India through teaching, advocacy and leadership roles across academic and professional institutions, including the College of Engineering Trivandrum, the IIID Education Council and the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID).

She has been associated with the Asia Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA), the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) and the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), where she was the first woman to chair the Kerala Chapter. She currently serves as Director, Vision & Strategy at the Global Village Foundation, further extending her engagement across education, human settlements, ecology, culture and civic initiatives.

At Anant, Zacharias will bring her extensive professional experience and industry perspective into the academic environment, strengthening the connection between design education and professional practice. Her engagement will span experiential and interdisciplinary learning, design advocacy, mentorship and professional networks, creating opportunities for students to learn from real-world practice and engage with the broader social, cultural and environmental contexts of design.

Her appointment strengthens Anant’s commitment to creating a wholesome learning ecosystem where students engage with leading practitioners who have shaped the profession through sustained work, exemplary leadership and powerful impact. 

As design education evolves beyond technical training towards contextual, ethical and purpose-driven problem-solving, her multidimensional engagements will play a key role in preparing students to respond thoughtfully to the complex realities of our world.

About Anant National University
Anant National University is India’s premier design university, preparing students to face the complex challenges of both the contemporary and emergent worlds. Guided by its brand philosophy, “Come, Create the New”, Anant encourages learners to move beyond conventional ways of thinking and imagining, designing and pursuing more inclusive, sustainable and future-ready possibilities instead.

The University offers multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across design, architecture, climate action and visual arts. Anant’s inventive academic approach combines rigorous learning, studio-based practice, emerging technologies, sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, research, entrepreneurship and hands-on community experiences.

Anant has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. It has also received a ‘5-Star Rating’ in Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category under the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023–24. These recognitions reflect Anant’s continuing commitment to build a world-class institution rooted in creativity, contextual understanding, innovation and purpose.

About Anant National University
At Anant National University, education begins with a simple belief: the future will not be inherited. It will be purposefully designed.

Guided by the philosophy: Come, Create the New, Anant brings together learners who are curious about the world as it is, but also ambitious about what it could become. The University encourages students to look beyond conventional answers and engage with the complex challenges of our times: Ranging from climate and sustainability to cities, communities, systems and technologies.

Anant offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across design, architecture, climate action and visual arts. Its approach combines academic rigour with studio-based learning, emerging technologies, research, entrepreneurship, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and hands-on engagement with communities. The goal is not only to build practical skills but also to train diligent professionals who can connect disciplines, understand context and create meaningful change.

Recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, Anant received a 5-Star Rating in Architecture and a 4-Star Rating in the University category under the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reflect Anant’s abiding commitment to build an innovating institution where creativity, sustainability, innovation and purpose come together to help shape a more thoughtful and resilient future.

Anarock, one of India’s leading real estate services companies, today announced the acquisition of a 51% stake in DSP Design Associates, a multidisciplinary architecture, master planning, and interior design practice. This deal brings together real estate advisory & transaction capabilities of Anarock Group with over three decades of design legacy of DSP, which we believe positions the combined entity to offer clients an integrated, end-to-end real estate & design proposition across India and select overseas markets.

DSP Design Associates, over the years has built a strong presence across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, NCR, and Hyderabad, supported by 320+ professionals in India. The firm has delivered over 1,000 projects across geographies and is ranked 42nd-largest architectural practice globally on the WA100 2026 list, and 5th-largest interior design firm on International Giants List 2026.

DSP will continue to be led by its founding leadership with overarching guidance from Anarock, ensuring continuity in brand, management, client relationships and design excellence culture following the transaction.

Anuj Puri, Founder & Chairman, Anarock Group

“DSP’s design pedigree and blue-chip client base make it a natural extension of the Anarock real estate ecosystem. It is a logical fit for and furtherance of our Project Management & Engineering Services (PMES) and advisory business lines and allows us to scale faster while staying true to and amplifying scope of services we offer to our clients. Together, we can offer developers and corporates a seamless journey from site selection and transactions to design and build, unlocking significant value across the asset lifecycle,” said Anuj Puri, Founder & Chairman, Anarock Group.

Bimal Desai, Co-Founder and Principal, DSP Design Associates

“This partnership allows us to scale higher and faster while staying true to the design philosophy and client relationships we have built over decades. While the foundation we have built remains unchanged, Anarock now gives us the platform to expand across new geographies and service lines,” said Bimal Desai, Co-Founder and Principal, DSP Design Associates.

DSP’s practice spans three core capabilities – master planning, architecture, and interior design & design-build services across commercial IT parks, mixed-use developments, residential, retail and hospitality sectors, with over 125 million sft of ongoing projects. On the commercial side, the firm has worked with CapitaLand, Mapletree, Sattva, Tata Realty, Bagmane Developers & Purvankara, to name a few. On residential and mixed-use projects, DSP has worked with leading developers including Adani Realty, L&T Realty, Emaar and Piramal Realty, among others.

The firm’s interior design arm has worked with 50 Fortune 500 companies, offering both design consultancy and design-and-build services through a curated contractor panel, with marquee clients spread across global technology, financial and professional services, and life-sciences organisations.

About Anarock

Anarock is one of the leading independent real estate services companies operating across India and the Middle East. Established in 2017, Anarock draws upon a legacy of over three decades of real estate expertise and advises clients across various property sectors including residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, land, industrial and flexible workspaces.

With a team of over 2,300 professionals as of March 31, 2026, Anarock delivers integrated real estate solutions spanning investment banking, bespoke research, strategic advisory and valuations, project management and engineering services and enterprise community management. Backed by predictive AI/ML models and generative AI tools, CRM infrastructure and deep and long-standing relationships with developers, corporate occupiers, investors and government bodies, the Company combines market intelligence, technology and disciplined execution which we believe creates long-term value across the real estate lifecycle.

For more information, please visit www.anarock.com

About DSP Design Associates

DSP Design Associates is an Indian-born global architecture, master planning and interior design practice with over three decades of cumulative experience and 360-degree capability spanning architecture, interior design, design-and-build, master planning and smart building advisory. Operating across Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad, the firm serves commercial, corporate, residential, and hospitality clients globally and holds a 49% stake in Education Design International (EDI), a company specialising & focusing on educational institutions designs globally.

For more information, please visit www.dspdesign.co