Entrepreneur Abhishek Middha has announced the launch of Middha Ventures, the investment arm of Middha Global, marking a formal entry into India’s early-stage startup ecosystem. 

Based in Mumbai, Middha Ventures will operate as a family office focused on backing high-potential startups across consumer and emerging sectors, combining patient capital with hands-on strategic support.
 

Abhishek Middha- Founder Middha Ventures

Signaling immediate deal momentum, the firm has announced investments in two early-stage startups- Ruskle and Fitreak.
 

Middha Ventures invested in Ruskle, valuing the company at INR 14 crore. Ruskle is India’s first flavored rusk brand, reimagining a traditional $600 million category with innovative flavors targeted at younger consumers.
 

What stood out during the pitch was the brand’s experiential approach, the founders invited the audience to taste the product before presenting, creating an immediate and memorable connection.
 

“They were very intentional in how they built conviction, letting the product speak before the narrative.That kind of clarity, paired with fast execution, is what we look for in early-stage founders,” said Abhishek Middha. “They built belief before they built the story.”
 

In a separate transaction, Middha Ventures led a round of INR 70 lacs in Fitreak, an emerging fitness and wellness marketplace.
 

Fitreak Founders – Dipti Gupta and Arth Gupta

Fitreak is building a curated, integrated marketplace for fitness, nutrition, and wellness products, addressing fragmentation and trust gaps in the category through curated commerce, AI-led recommendations, and expert-backed content.
 

The investment reflects Middha’s conviction in strong founder-led execution. Middha ventures believe the Fitreak founder returned with rapid validation after initial feedback, onboarding notable brands within weeks and demonstrating clear market demand.
 

“The clarity of thought and bias toward execution stood out. I am not just backing the idea, but a founder willing to build,” Middha added.
 

The launch of Middha Ventures, alongside these investments, signals a clear strategy to back founders who combine strong product thinking with differentiated go-to-market approaches.
 

“India is entering a powerful decade of entrepreneurship. We want to partner with founders who are not just building products, but creating experiences and redefining categories,” Middha said.
 

Industry observers note that this move reflects a broader trend of traditional business families entering the startup ecosystem through structured investment platforms, bringing long-term capital and operational expertise to early-stage companies.
 

About Abhishek Middha

Abhishek Middha is an entrepreneur-turned-investor who has spent over a decade and a half building businesses in global trade and logistics. As Managing Director of Middha Global and CEO of QShip Worldwide, he has worked closely with international markets, supply chains, and real-world execution challenges.
 

He now supports early-stage founders through Middha Ventures, by backing people first those driven by conviction, consistency, and the ability to build through uncertainty. Abhishek invests with a long-term lens, shaped by the lessons, setbacks, and discipline of building businesses from the ground up.

VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has announced the inauguration of its newest 3S dealership in Bengaluru, marking its 50th retail outlet in India. This milestone reflects strong progress in the company’s rapid expansion across India and reinforces its commitment to bringing premium electric mobility experiences closer to Indian consumers. 

Tapan Ghosh (right) and Raaj Sekar, Dealer Principal of PPS Motors LLP, at the grand opening ceremony

The newly inaugurated VinFast showroom, developed by dealer group PPS Motors LLP under the leadership of Mr. Raaj Sekar, is strategically located on Hosur Road in the Electronic City area of Bengaluru. Built in accordance with VinFast’s global retail standards, the facility spans over 11,500 sq ft, seamlessly integrating both showroom and service areas. 

At its core is a 2,500 sq ft showroom, designed with a modern and premium aesthetic to deliver a vivid and immersive brand experience. Here, VinFast’s dedicated teams ensure seamless customer engagement across sales and after-sales services. 

As part of its ambitious roadmap, VinFast aims to establish 75 dealerships by the end of the year across more than 60 cities in India. This expansion strategy will not only focus on metro cities and major urban hubs but also extend to emerging markets, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making premium electric mobility accessible across the country. 

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “We have attained a key milestone with 50 showrooms established nationwide, reflecting our accelerated expansion and resolute commitment to strengthening our brand presence across the country. The opening of our flagship 3S facility in Bengaluru builds on this progress, delivering integrated excellence in sales, service, and spare parts to meet customer needs effectively. This rapid growth underscores VinFast’s pivotal role in advancing India’s electric vehicle ecosystem.” 

As it accelerates operations in India, VinFast is building a comprehensive EV ecosystem across manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, and a circular battery value chain, in collaboration with banks and partners, to deliver a seamless ownership experience and advance green mobility. Its premium electric SUVs, the VF 6 and VF 7, have secured 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, meeting the highest safety standards in India, and are supported by roadside assistance and three years of free maintenance, with industry-leading warranty coverage of up to ten years or 200,000 kilometres depending on the model. 

VinFast is driving EV adoption through customer-focused initiatives that lower barriers and strengthen ownership confidence. Its Value Assured programme addresses resale concerns by offering customers a predefined return value after several years of use. This is complemented by extended free charging on the V-Green network until March 31, 2029, providing up to three years of zero-fuel-cost benefits. Vingroup, VinFast’s parent company, is also introducing the “Trade Gas for Electric” initiative, offering an additional 3% discount until March 31, 2026, to encourage the shift from internal combustion vehicles to electric mobility. 

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses. 

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

WAE Ltd., India’s leading carbon neutral water infra company, proudly announced its association with Radisson and Louvre Hotels Group as a preferred partner for in-situ water glass bottling plants for the Indian Subcontinent, marking a significant step forward in enabling more sustainable and responsible hospitality operations.
 

WAE is privileged to be associated with Radisson and Louvre Hotels Group as preferred OEM for sustainable drinking water
 

This association reflects a growing shift within the hospitality sector: from traditional bottled water supply chains towards smarter, more elegant, and environmentally responsible water solutions. By enabling premium-quality water to be purified, bottled, and served on-site in glass bottles, WAE’s in-situ bottling systems help reduce plastic dependency, cut transportation-linked emissions, and support the larger journey towards carbon-neutral water.

At a time when luxury hospitality is being redefined by both guest experience and environmental stewardship, this move underscores a new standard – where refinement and responsibility go hand in hand.

Commenting on the association, A Vikram Joshe, Managing Director, WAE, said, “Hospitality is one of the world’s most visible expressions of care, and the future of care must include care for the planet. Our association with Radisson and Louvre Hotels Group is a meaningful milestone in that journey. With in-situ glass bottling solutions, hotels can move towards carbon-neutral water in a manner that is operationally efficient, environmentally responsible, and fully aligned with the expectations of modern guests. We believe the next chapter of premium hospitality will be defined not by excess, but by intelligence, elegance, and sustainable intent.”

WAE’s in-situ water glass bottling plants are designed to help hospitality brands transform water from a logistical burden into a statement of responsible luxury. By integrating purification, bottling, and presentation within the property itself, the solution supports both sustainability goals and a more elevated brand experience.

This association with two globally respected hospitality groups reinforces WAE’s commitment to shaping the future of water solutions for hotels that seek to combine operational excellence with environmental leadership.

About WAE
WAE is a leading OBM providing carbon-neutral water and wastewater reuse infrastructure in the Indian subcontinent, with science, sustainability and innovation at the core of its business philosophy. The company manufactures products and delivers integrated solutions and services that support responsible resource use, operational excellence and future-ready infrastructure across sectors.

As Ayodhya prepares to welcome millions of devotees for Ram Navami celebrations, Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has illuminated eight of the city’s most sacred heritage sites. The initiative brings advanced lighting solutions to key spiritual heritage landmarks, enhancing the experience for pilgrims visiting the holy city during one of its most significant festivals.
 

Stone in Jalpadevi Mandir
 

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, continues to draw devotees from across India and around the world each year. As the city comes alive with spiritual celebrations, the newly illuminated landmarks by Signify will enhance the sacred atmosphere, making the pilgrimage experience more immersive and memorable for devotees.
 

The project covers several historically and spiritually significant locations central to Ayodhya’s landscape. Nageshwar Nath Temple, one of Ayodhya’s oldest shrines, stands as a symbol of deep-rooted faith and timeless devotion, has been illuminated to enhance the spiritual ambience for devotees. The initiative also includes the illumination of Dashrath Samadhi, the sacred memorial of Maharaj Dashrath, father of Shri Ram.
 

The lighting initiative further extends to Prachin Bharat Mandir in Nandigram, symbolizing Bharat’s devotion during Shri Ram’s exile, and Hanuman-Bharat Milap Mandir, commemorating the revered meeting between Hanuman and Bharat described in the Ramayana. Vandijalpa Devi Temple, an ancient Shakti Peeth and Kuldevi shrine of the Raghu Kul lineage and Ram Gulaila Mandir, part of the Ram Janmabhoomi darshan and parikrama circuit, have also been illuminated, enhancing the experience for pilgrims and visitors.
 

Nageshwar Nath Temple
 

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Strategy and Marketing, Signify, Greater India said, “Ayodhya stands as a timeless center of faith and cultural heritage, deeply admired by millions across India and the world. Through this initiative, we have leveraged lighting not just as infrastructure, but as a medium to highlight the divine and spiritual essence of some of its most significant sites, creating a more immersive experience after sunset. At Signify, we are committed to bringing the best of innovations to our customers and believe that lighting can play a meaningful role in celebrating our country’s heritage while transforming how people engage with culturally important spaces.”
 

Krishan Kumar Singh, I.A.S, Chief Development Officer of Ayodhya added, “Ayodhya is undergoing a transformative phase, with an enhanced focus on infrastructure and enriching the experience for devotees and visitors. The illumination of these sacred sites under Jagmag Ayodhya, is an important step in showcasing the city’s spiritual heritage while elevating its visual and cultural landscape. Signify’s continued efforts in Ayodhya have positively impacted millions of lives across healthcare and rural development, further strengthening the city’s overall ecosystem. Lighting up scared heritage site initiatives enhance the overall ambience positioning Ayodhya as a globally significant spiritual and cultural destination helping pilgrims experience the heritage in a new light.”
 

With these landmarks illuminated around Ram Navami, Ayodhya’s sacred sites are set to welcome devotees in a vibrant and spiritually enriched setting, as the city prepares one of its most significant celebrations.
 

About Signify
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We proudly bring to market the world’s best lighting brands, from Signify, Philips, Philips Hue, Signify Interact, Philips Dynalite, Color Kinetics and many more. Our advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. In 2025, we had sales of EUR 5.8 billion, approximately 27,000 employees, and a presence in over 70 markets. We are in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating. News and updates from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

Leading pump manufacturing associations — Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA), Southern India Engineering Manufacturers Association (SIEMA) and Rajkot Engineering Association (REA) — have welcomed the timely steps taken by the Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to maintain stability and normalcy in the country amid the current geopolitical uncertainties.

K.V. Karthik, President, Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA)

To help industry manage the present global volatility, the associations have suggested targeted policy support measures, including a special working capital credit line, temporary relaxation in MSME payment norms, enhancement of working capital borrowing limits and waiver of safeguard duties on critical raw materials.

However, the associations expressed serious concern over the unprecedented rise in raw material prices over the past six months, which is placing severe stress on the MSME-driven pump manufacturing sector.

Over the past year, copper prices have increased by more than 50%, rising from about ₹800–850 per kg to ₹1,200 per kg. Copper alone accounts for 25–30% of the material cost in several categories of pumps. At the same time, sharp increases in aluminium, steel, cast iron, polymers, cables and other key inputs have resulted in overall manufacturing cost escalation exceeding 20%, significantly eroding industry margins.

Industry leaders cautioned that continued absorption of raw material inflation could push many pump manufacturers — particularly MSMEs — into an existential crisis. To partly absorb these abnormal cost increases, manufacturers have already initiated a phased price revision of around 10% with reference to October 2025 price levels, to be implemented before 31 March 2026. Given the continuing volatility in metal prices and supply uncertainties, the situation now warrants a further minimum price increase of 7.5 -10% effective from April 2026.

The associations also reiterated that water pumps are primary agricultural machinery, essential for irrigation, groundwater management and rural livelihoods. In view of this, the industry has urged the Government to reduce GST on water pumps from 18% to 5%, to support farmers, sustain organised manufacturing and promote energy-efficient technologies.

For Further information, please visit  www.ipma.world.

P.F. Chang’s, the globally celebrated culinary brand known for its elevated Pan-Asian cuisine and immersive dining experience, opens its first restaurant in Mohali at HLP Gallerria. Marking its debut in the Tricity region, the launch is in line with the brand’s strategic expansion plans in North India and the next chapter of its growth journey in the country.

P.F. Chang’s debuts in Mohali at HLP Gallerria, marking its entry into the Tricity and expanding its North India presence with elevated American Pan-Asian cuisine, famous across the globe

Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s has spent over three decades honoring the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking, bringing high-heat technique, scratch preparation and layered Asian flavors to more than 300 restaurants across 20+ countries. With Mohali, the brand extends this global legacy to a new audience that appreciates bold flavors and contemporary Asian food served with honor. 

With seven restaurants already operating across Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, the Mohali restaurant is P.F. Chang’s eighth restaurant in India, extending the brand’s presence beyond established metro strongholds into high-potential Northern markets.

Ramit Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman & Director, Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd, said: “At P.F. Chang’s, we have built a loyal following in India by staying true to our culinary roots while evolving with the modern Indian diner. Mohali today is one of North India’s most happening food destinations, with guests who are eager to experiment. Our entry here today is therefore perfectly timed to fit into this vibrant food culture by offering bold, new flavors and globally benchmarked experiences.”

Taylor Viersen, VP, Global Brand Development, P.F.Chang’s, stated: “Expanding into the Tricity market is a proud milestone in our strategic growth across India, a market that remains a top priority for P.F. Chang’s. We look forward to delivering our signature bold flavors, world-class standards, and ‘wok-first’ culinary heritage to Mohali.”

At the heart of the experience lies the brand’s signature 700-degree wok fire, designed to preserve texture, flavor intensity and nutritional value. Guests can savor iconic American Pan-Asian dishes such as Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp and Kung Pao Chicken, alongside an expansive menu curated for Indian diners, including vegetarian and Jain selections. Guest favorites like the Great Wall of Chocolate, the always ordered Orange Chicken and the Lo Mein are also sure to attract new fans. All dishes are served completely MSG-free, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and purposeful cooking. Recognizing Punjab’s affinity for robust, comforting flavors, the menu also highlights chicken-forward classics that showcase the brand’s layered approach to spice, heat and texture.

Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head- Restaurants, said: “Our cuisine is built on technique and precision. High-heat wok cooking, fresh ingredients and sauces prepared from scratch every day are fundamental to what we do. Alongside globally loved classics, the Mohali menu introduces locally crafted expressions inspired by the P.F. Chang’s culinary legacy, including dishes such as Hunan Chili Chicken, Ring of Fire Shrimp and Crispy Lotus Root, each bringing bold flavor, balance and the signature wok-fired intensity the brand is known for.”

In addition to its culinary offerings, P.F. Chang’s is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience characterized by attentive service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Mohali outpost will feature stylish interiors, making it an ideal setting for family gatherings, celebrations and casual dining.

As P.F. Chang’s continues its measured expansion into key Northern markets, the focus remains clear: tradition, embrace innovation and deliver bold Asian flavors served with purpose.

About P.F. Chang’s

Website: pfchangs.in

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pfchangsindia/?hl=en

Founded in 1993 by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang, P.F. Chang’s created a modern Asian dining experience within a premium casual format. The brand’s culinary foundation lies in traditional wok cooking and scratch preparation, with dishes cooked over high heat to retain texture and flavor balance.

P.F. Chang’s operates more than 300 restaurants across 20+ countries and positions itself as a destination for social dining and shared meals.

In India, P.F. Chang’s currently operates seven outlets:

Mumbai — Lower Parel (Lodha), Khar, Andheri, Borivali (Sky City Mall)
Delhi-NCR — DLF Mall of India (Noida), Ambience Mall (Vasant Kunj), CyberHub (Gurugram)

Fact Sheet

Where: Ground Floor, West Court HLP Gallerria, Sector 62, Mohali.
Timings: Dine in operational hours – 12 to 11 pm

• West India’s Ready for Life Index score stands at 59, at par with the All-India average, though has a relatively wider gap in Intent vs. Action, as compared to All India

• The region shows the highest ownership of term insurance, reflecting strong protection awareness

• Consumers in the West region maintain the most diversified financial portfolios across zones, with high ownership of health insurance, mutual funds, and equities

• The findings highlight an opportunity to initiate retirement planning earlier and strengthen emergency preparedness

HDFC Life has launched regional findings related to the West region of India, based on insights from its ‘Ready for Life Index’ (RLI) study. 

Mr. Vineet Arora, Executive Director and Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life

The Ready for Life Index 2025 is a proprietary research initiative by HDFC Life, conducted in partnership with Ipsos India. Based on 1,836 face-to-face interviews with working men and women aged 25–55 years across metros, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities, the study evaluates India’s life readiness across four key pillars — Financial Planning, Emergency Preparedness, Health & Well-being, and Retirement Strategy.

The index aims to bridge the gap between perception and preparedness, encouraging a shift from short-term saving to structured, long-term financial planning.

The findings of West region reflect national readiness values, with key regional competencies existing in diversified investment and protection awareness. West India shows an index score of 59 in the Ready for Life Index, which is equal to the average for the whole country. West India, however, has an opportunity gap of 29 points in the context of perceived versus actual action, which highlights high financial confidence with an opportunity for greater readiness in areas like retirement planning.

Emergency preparedness in West India presents a mixed picture. This region has a near-equal number of people with and without an emergency corpus.  Among those who have built a corpus, access and adequacy are relatively stronger; over two in five respondents can access their emergency funds within 48 hours, while nearly half indicate that their savings could sustain expenses for more than four months. These findings indicate the need for stronger emergency preparedness planning through proper procedures, which can also lead to a shift toward healthier practices.

Children’s education and funding are priorities for the West region along with highest ownership of Term insurance 

Financial planning priorities in the West remain well in line with national trends, with children’s education remaining the number one savings priority. Worth mentioning is that funding or scaling up business remains one of the primary goals.

• Consumers in West India have the most diversified financial portfolios among the various regions, with high ownership levels for health insurance, mutual funds, and stocks.

• The region also reports the highest ownership of term insurance, underlining strong awareness of protection needs. 

• Key triggers for buying term insurance include protection of the family’s future, high cover affordability, and life-stage changes like marriage or parenthood. 

• Medical underwriting concerns, lack of benefit awareness, and discomfort with mortality contemplation continue to guide decision-making and point to further needs for engagement and education.

Retirement Planning needs focus

In terms of retirement planning the West region reflects a stronger focus on short-term goals, with nearly two-thirds of respondents indicating that they have not yet started planning for retirement. However, among those who have planned, there is greater realism around long-term needs.

• A significant proportion recognises the need for a retirement corpus of up to ₹3 crore, and more than half believe their savings could last for over 20 years. 

• The region also reflects better awareness of increasing medical costs, anchored by a strong focus on health insurance as part of retirement strategy.

Vineet Arora – Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life, elaborated more on the insights for the West Zone, “The study highlights that for the West region of India, financial readiness, diversification, and awareness of risk solutions – all are in balance. In the HDFC Life Ready for Life Index, there is an opportunity to leverage these strengths by encouraging more people to begin retirement savings and emergency preparation earlier. With evolving financial needs, awareness to action will be crucial in developing financial resilience.”