From city skylines to rural horizons, India’s waters are in distress – overwhelmed by sewage, choked by weeds and abandoned to years of neglect. Across cities, semi-urban settlements and rural landscapes, water bodies that once sustained communities are now struggling to breathe.

Against this backdrop, a decisive step was taken on 18 February 2026. An MoU was signed between Br Pragyachaitanya, Chairman of The Art of Living Social Projects, and Ms. Santhoshi Sushma Buddhiraju, CEO of Autocracy Machinery. The agreement sets in motion a nationwide effort to restore and rejuvenate lakes, ponds, rivulets and streams across India.
 

An MoU between The Art of Living Social Projects & Autocracy Machinery signals the launch of a nationwide mission to revive India’s water bodies
 

Responding to a Growing Need

The Art of Living Social Projects has received an overwhelming number of requests for lake and pond rejuvenation from across the country. In many inhabited areas – from expanding cities to small towns and villages – untreated sewage continues to flow into local water bodies. The consequences are stark: water turns dark and foul-smelling, oxygen levels plummet, fish perish, algal blooms spread unchecked, and once-thriving ecosystems slide into slow, suffocating decline.
 

The new partnership ensures that The Art of Living Social Projects can undertake scientifically designed restoration projects anywhere in India, supported by appropriate funding and technical capacity.
 

Autocracy Machinery in Action: Innovation on Water, Under Water and On Land

Autocracy Machinery, an emerging Indian start-up, brings specialised equipment designed to operate on water, under water and on land – enabling thorough, end-to-end restoration. From removing invasive weeds and decades of silt to clearing sludge and stabilising lake beds, the machinery tackles the visible damage head-on.
 

Mechanical cleaning is the critical first step. Years of pollutants and sediment must be cleared before a water body can recover.
 

Nature-Based Healing: Bio-remediation and Phyto-remediation

Following the physical cleaning process, The Art of Living Social Projects will introduce ecological restoration measures to ensure long-term sustainability.
 

Bio-remediation involves using beneficial microorganisms to naturally break down sewage, organic waste and harmful pollutants present in the water.
 

Phyto-remediation uses carefully selected aquatic plants to absorb toxins, heavy metals and excess nutrients, thereby restoring water quality in a natural and environmentally friendly manner.
 

Advanced Oxygenation through Nano Bubbles

To strengthen natural restoration methods, The Art of Living Social Projects will introduce nano bubble technology – an advanced system for water oxygenation and purification.
 

These ultra-fine oxygen bubbles, less than 200 nanometres in size, remain suspended in water instead of rising to the surface. Containing over 95% oxygen, they disperse evenly and release oxygen gradually, boosting dissolved oxygen levels, supporting beneficial microbes and accelerating the breakdown of pollutants.
 

The result is clearer water, healthier aquatic life and stronger ecosystem recovery.
 

By combining mechanical, biological and technological solutions, this approach shifts restoration from a one-time clean-up into lasting ecological renewal.
 

Reviving Communities Through Water

India’s lakes and ponds are not idle waters; they are living ecosystems, climate buffers and anchors of community life. When a water body comes back to life, the impact reaches far beyond its banks – groundwater recharge improves, biodiversity returns, health risks decline and livelihoods strengthen, as communities reclaim spaces that once shaped their identity. Their restoration is not just an environmental priority, but a social and ecological necessity.
 

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is deeply committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through large-scale water conservation initiatives, the organisation works to alleviate water scarcity, restore ecosystems and enhance the quality of life for communities across the country.
 

To learn more about the initiative or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India
 

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As India’s nutrition and wellness industry continues to grow rapidly, so does the confusion around diets, trends, and quick-fix health solutions. While awareness around nutrition is higher than ever, much of the industry still relies on generic meal plans and one-size-fits-all advice.

Indyte, a personalized nutrition and lifestyle brand, is addressing this gap by bringing nutrition back to its clinical roots—focused on individual needs, long-term health, and sustainable habits.

Dietitian Priyanka, founder of Indyte, sharing expert insights on personalized nutrition and sustainable wellness for a healthier lifestyle

Founded by Dietitian Priyanka, a clinical nutritionist practicing since 2012, Indyte is built on one clear belief: health cannot be standardized.

Strong Clinical Roots, Real-World Impact

Dietitian Priyanka’s clinical training includes a six-month intensive internship at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where nutrition is treated as a core medical discipline. She has worked with leading healthcare institutions such as Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, and Max Hospital, and served as a Diabetes Educator at the Delhi Diabetes Research Centre under renowned diabetologist Dr. Ashok Kumar Jhingan.

Early in her career, questioning generic diet charts became a defining moment. It highlighted the limitations of standardized nutrition advice and reinforced a simple truth—people respond differently to food, habits, and lifestyle changes.

That belief laid the foundation for what would later become Indyte.

Responding to Today’s Nutrition Trends in India

India’s nutrition industry today is heavily influenced by social media trends, restrictive diets, and calorie-focused plans. While these approaches may deliver short-term results, they often fail to address deeper health issues such as hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, stress-related weight gain, and lifestyle disorders.

Indyte takes a different route.

Instead of trends, the brand follows clinical science. Instead of templates, Indyte offers personalized nutrition plans designed around medical history, lifestyle, food preferences, and long-term health goals.

This approach has positioned Indyte as a credible voice in a crowded wellness market—especially for individuals seeking clarity, consistency, and sustainable results.

From a Modest Diet Clinic to a Global Brand

What started as Priyanka’s Diet Clinic grew steadily through word-of-mouth success stories. In 2023, it evolved into Indyte—a name derived from Individual + Diet + Lifestyle.

Today, Indyte is supported by a 15+ member team of expert dietitians and nutrition professionals, serving over 15,000 clients across 45+ countries, with a 90%+ client satisfaction rate.

Indyte’s promise is clear:

• No fad diets

• No shortcuts

• No generic solutions

Only structured, science-backed nutrition with continuous expert support.

Addressing PCOS, PCOD, and Hormonal Health Early

One of the most significant health concerns in India today is the growing prevalence of PCOS, PCOD, and hormonal imbalances, particularly among young women.

Unhealthy eating patterns, irregular routines, high stress levels, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyles have made hormonal disorders increasingly common. In many cases, treatment focuses only on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.

Indyte focuses on early intervention and long-term correction.

Through personalized nutrition plans, the brand helps address underlying issues such as insulin resistance, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle-related triggers. Rather than extreme diets, Indyte promotes realistic food choices, structured routines, and gradual habit changes that fit everyday Indian life.

The goal is not short-term weight loss, but hormonal balance, metabolic health, and improved quality of life.

Recognised Voice in Preventive Nutrition

Dietitian Priyanka is also the author of Nourish Flavours, a practical nutrition book that connects clinical science with everyday home food. Her work reflects Indyte’s belief that nutrition should be simple, sustainable, and easy to follow.

Her expert insights have been featured on Republic News India, where she spoke on hypertension and lifestyle diseases, and in Dainik Bhaskar (Chandigarh and national editions), reinforcing her role as a trusted voice in preventive health and nutrition.

Building Health for the Long Term

Indyte’s mission is to make nutrition personal, practical, and sustainable. The brand focuses on empowering individuals with knowledge, habits, and consistent expert guidance—rather than temporary solutions.

As lifestyle-related health concerns continue to rise in India, Indyte stands out as a nutrition brand focused on building health systems that last.

Health is built. Not prescribed.

About Indyte

Indyte is a global nutrition and lifestyle brand founded by clinical nutritionist Dietitian Priyanka. Built on strong clinical foundations, Indyte offers personalized, science-backed nutrition programs supported by continuous expert care. With 10+ years of clinical experience, 15,000+ clients served, and presence across 45+ countries, Indyte focuses on long-term, sustainable health transformations.

Cars24, India’s leading AutoTech platform, today announced the launch of India’s first Lifetime Warranty on cars, marking a significant shift in how long-term ownership protection is offered in the car market.

Cars24 introduces Lifetime Warranty with a Mother Promise at its heart, ensuring long-term reliability and worry-free ownership

While most used car warranties in India are limited to short durations, leaving buyers exposed to major mechanical costs over time, Cars24’s Lifetime Warranty introduces long-term protection for critical powertrain components, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, for up to 12 years from the date of vehicle registration or 1.5 lakh kilometers, whichever comes earlier. These are the systems that keep the car running and are also the most expensive to fix or replace when things go wrong.

Built for long-term ownership, the programme extends protection well beyond standard warranty periods, covering the kind of mechanical failures that usually show up only after years of use.

The Lifetime Warranty is available exclusively on Cars24 Certified vehicles and offers cashless repairs at Cars24-certified workshops across India, supported by a fully digital claim process, including vehicle pick-up and drop-off. To maintain coverage, vehicles must undergo periodic servicing at Cars24-certified workshops as per prescribed service intervals.

“At Cars24, we are deeply confident about the quality of the cars we sell,” said Himansu Ratnoo, CEO India, Cars24. “That confidence is what allows us to offer a Lifetime Warranty and stand by the most critical systems of the car for a much longer part of the ownership journey.”

“The intent is to remove long-term uncertainty for customers who plan to keep their cars for years, while taking responsibility for what truly matters in vehicle ownership,” he added.

Lifetime Warranty can be opted for at the time of purchase, giving customers added confidence from day one. The programme is now live pan-India, ensuring long-term peace of mind and ownership assurance wherever you are.

With this launch, Cars24 becomes the first platform in the Indian used car market to introduce a Lifetime Warranty programme focused on long-term mechanical protection.

About Cars24

Since its inception in 2015, Cars24 has been on a mission to simplify car ownership for everyone. Offering services such as buying, selling, loans, insurance, servicing and more, Cars24 is building an integrated automotive platform for Indian consumers. Through Cars24 Financial Services, the company also provides vehicle lending solutions.

WHISKAS® 1India’s most trusted cat-food brand and a pioneer globally, has unveiled a new campaign shining a light on the sensorial delight of WHISKAS® dry food with POCKETS™ that caters to cats’ natural inclination for sensory food.

WHISKAS® dry food with POCKETS™ that caters to cats’ natural inclination for sensory food

Designed to deliver what matters most to cats at mealtime – texture and crunch, the POCKETS™ in WHISKAS® dry food combine a crunchy outer shell with a soft, creamy center, delivering a bite that cats instinctively love. POCKETS™ have always been unique to WHISKAS® dry food, delivering a sensorial mealtime experience for cats.

WHISKAS^®️ with POCKETS^™️

YouTube Link: Brand Film link

To mark the campaign, the brand has unveiled an exciting film that captures the pet’s enjoyment from the Whiskas eating experience. The ASMR approach brings the sensorial joy of a cat’s mealtime to life. The film romanticizes an almost ritualistic ‘CRUNCH‘ & ‘LICK’ – leading to the elusive ‘PURR’ – the ultimate sign of cat satisfaction.  With the pet and the pet parent at the center of the story as always, WHISKAS® with POCKETS™ turns everyday feeding into contentment for cats, driven by taste.

Speaking on the launch, Ayesha Huda, Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Petcare India, said, “Mars brings 90s years legacy of pet food. We understand that Cats are physiologically very different, and hence the drivers of enjoyment during feeding are very unique to cats e.g. textural variety and crunch are much more important for cats. The pockets in WHISKAS® are designed to deliver this elevated sensorial experience to cats. WHISKAS®, being our flagship cat food brand, has always had POCKETS™, and our campaign is an effort to celebrate the quality of our food.”

Katie Griffiths, Global Brand VP, Whiskas, added, “At WHISKAS®, everything we do begins with understanding cats, their instincts, their preferences, and the way they experience food. This campaign is inspired by that insight, celebrating the textures, tastes, and sensorial delights that make everyday feeding more enjoyable, while continuing to deliver complete and balanced nutrition that cats need. It reflects our broader commitment to advancing cat nutrition through meaningful, pet-centred innovation, and to supporting a new generation of cat parents who are increasingly seeking both quality and enjoyment in what they feed their pets.”

Speaking about the creative strategy behind the campaign, Krishna Mani, Chief Creative Officer, BBDO India, said, “WHISKAS® With POCKETS™ brings together an irresistible contrast of textures: a satisfying crunch on the outside with a creamy, indulgent center that cats love from the very first bite.” He also added, “Through this campaign, we wanted to celebrate the emotion of cat parenthood. The true reward isn’t just in serving a meal. It’s in hearing that unmistakable, contented purr. That soft rumble is the ultimate seal of approval, a moment that tells every cat parent they’ve chosen something their feline friend genuinely loves.”

The brand WHISKAS is a 2global leader in packaged cat food. Developed by nutritionists and veterinarians at WALTHAM – world leading authority on pet nutrition and rooted in a deep understanding of pet parents’ lives, WHISKAS brand has always striven to make delicious and nutritionally complete cat food accessible to Indian pet parents.

WaveMaker, a leading application platform provider for enterprise-grade web and mobile applications, today announced the availability of its new agentic application generation system, designed to target a growing need for a standardized AI-powered development model for design-led, long-lived enterprise applications.

WaveMaker Agentic Platform delivers fast, safe, scalable enterprise app development with business guardrails, consistent execution, and long-term code reliability

This announcement also marks WaveMaker’s entry into the GenAI powered software development space with a carefully architected platform that empowers enterprise application development teams to deliver AI speed with predictable quality and controlled costs.

“Businesses and their custom application teams are under the twin pressures of quickly taking advantage of agentic AI while ensuring it delivers guaranteed outcomes at predictable costs,” said Vijay Prasanna Pullur, Co-founder and CEO at WaveMaker. “WaveMaker solves this challenge by enabling organizations to build design-first, architecture-first and standards-first applications for businesses minus the typical complexity and cost.”

“This launch is strong evidence of our aligned vision and purpose with our partner WaveMaker: enabling AI-native software development and building better applications faster for the AI era,” said Mikko Jarva, Head of Portfolio & Architecture in Nokia’s Network Monetization Platform unit. 

“Blue Yonder is using WaveMaker to support extensibility in areas of our supply chain solutions. This launch is part of our continued efforts to accelerate AI-enabled capabilities for customers,” said Nunzio Esposito, Chief Design Officer at Blue Yonder.

WaveMaker offers its new agentic application generation system as a hybrid integrated developer environment (IDE) that integrates agentic prompts with a visual canvas and code editor. Its unique two-pass code generation methodology preserves a standardized, structured application development pattern with an architecture-first approach to automating developer tasks with agents. When developers submit Figma design files and natural language prompts, the system generates a tech stack-agnostic application markup with architectural guardrails verified by developers before triggering markup-to-code generation via a deterministic engine. This preserves the speed and intuitive nature of AI-assisted development while ensuring enterprise-quality outcomes at lower, predictable LLM costs. 

WaveMaker is now accepting sign-ups for product trials at wavemaker.ai.

About WaveMaker
WaveMaker is headquartered in the Dallas metro area with global customers in regulated industries who have built and shipped applications in use by millions of consumers and business users. Modern application development teams choose WaveMaker as an agentic AI powered, no-compromise, full-stack productivity multiplier to deterministically generate beautifully designed, commercial-grade web and mobile applications that are performant and secure at scale. For businesses, WaveMaker delivers guaranteed architecture, accuracy and quality at predictable, low AI costs for complex, iterative and integrated application development.

For more information, visit www.wavemaker.com or follow @WaveMaker on Twitter and LinkedIn.

UHA, a global architecture and design studio, today announced the appointments of Gurvinder Singh Chowdhury and Ashwin Navelkar as Senior Associates, bolstering its senior team with nearly 60 years of combined Indian experience. The hirings mark a significant milestone in UHA’s growth with the company’s long-awaited establishment of a hub in the capital region.

From left to right: Gurvinder Singh Chowdhury and Ashwin Navelkar

Since its launch in India in 2012, UHA has delivered projects across the country, adding to the urban vocabularies of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow and Gurugram. With more than 25 projects currently on site in Delhi NCR, these new appointments point to UHA’s expanding footprint.

“We may be London-based, but our beginnings truly are in India, and this expansion of team and geography further validates our work and success here,” said Jonas Upton-Hansen, the firm’s Founding Partner. “We’ve worked with both Ashwin and Gurvinder over the years as partners, and their market expertise and networks are a boon to UHA. We’re very much set up for further success, and it says a lot about the work we’re doing that we’re attracting such prestigious talent.”

Along with the growth of its Mumbai team, UHA’s recent focus has been establishing a presence in the capital to reflect its growing collaborations in the region. UHA recently exhibited its pop-up pavilion, Pentad, at India Art Fair 2026, and has also designed Delhi’s tallest residential tower. Chowdhury, a graduate of SPA Delhi with more than 30 years’ experience working across the full value chain from design to delivery, will serve as Regional Director for Delhi NCR, bringing his technical rigour and timeless aesthetics to sectors including high-rise, residential, commercial and hospitality.

“What excites me most is UHA’s honest design ethos—sensitive to the Indian context while delivered to international standards. This resonates deeply with my belief that architecture must be guided by sensibility and sustainability, creating spaces that are human, inclusive, and future‑ready,” Chowdhury said.

Navelkar completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Sir JJ College of Architecture in Mumbai and has worked with top design firms including Bijoy Jain + Associates, KAPl & DPA-Mumbai, as well as with real estate firms like RNA Corp, Runwal and K Raheja on high-rise residential, hotels, commercial offices and IT parks. He will be joining the expanding Mumbai team.

“Having collaborated previously with UHA on projects across India, I know both the expertise and creativity they bring to projects,” Navelkar said, “And it brings me immense pleasure to have the opportunity to join the studio firm on this next journey of expansion.”

“It’s an exciting moment for the firm for us to appoint our first Delhi-based leader as it’s obviously a key market for us,” said Zachary Dominitz, UHA’s Head of India. “Gurvinder and Ashwin bring the wisdom and field experience only time can teach. Even more, they bring a commitment to mentorship that’s fundamental for growth. Our Mumbai team is exceptionally talented, and wonderfully driven, and adding the likes of these two gentlemen to the office will exponentially increase what we’re able to offer our clients in terms of skill, creativity and service. We’re thrilled.”

About UHA

UHA designs and delivers projects that vary in context, function, and scale, encompassing architecture, masterplanning, landscaping, environmental services and interior design. From concept design to turnkey challenges, we have projects on-site from London to Taipei, covering boutique residential towers and luxury villas to high-tech workspaces and educational institutions.

Our asynchronous approach means that somewhere we are always open. Distributed across seven time zones, our team of architects, designers, urbanists, visualisers, sustainability consultants, and project managers design and deliver projects around the clock. As office hours draw to a close in Tokyo, work continues in Mumbai and construction sites open in London. With multiple projects currently under construction across three continents, our multi-nodal studio provides a variety of services within an accelerated timeline.

For more information, visit www.uha.global

For press inquiries and interview requests, please write to mumbai@uh-architects.com

VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd., a leading digital transformation company, is proud to announce the successful deployment of a next-generation Microsoft D365 Business Central ERP system for Novelty Logistics, a global logistics provider with operations spanning Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar & India.

Official Go-live of Microsoft Business Central ERP at Novelty Logistics

The integration marks a significant advancement in Novelty Logistics’ digital transformation journey, enhancing operational efficiency, supply chain visibility, and customer service across the Gulf region. The Microsoft ERP system is designed to streamline processes, enable data-driven decision-making, and strengthen the company’s agility in a competitive market.

“We are thrilled to partner with Novelty Logistics on this transformative project. Our expertise in digital transformation enabled Novelty Logistics to take a significant leap in becoming a more agile and responsive organisation,” commented CA Pawan Kumar Rastogi, Director, VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd. “This integration also marks a milestone in our strategic expansion into the GCC region, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving growth across global markets.”

Mr Abdul Majeed, Managing Director at Novelty Logistics, stated, “Harnessing technology to fuel innovation and set new standards of excellence in logistics is the way forward in today’s era. With the new ERP system, we are empowered to deliver unmatched customer service and accelerate our expansion across the region with greater speed and confidence.”

Representing Novelty Logistics Group, Founder Partners Hani Hassan Ali Al-Ghamdi and Abdulla Al Harthi stated, “At Novelty Logistics, the idea of driving innovation and excellence has always been central. We continue to seek ways to deliver seamless transportation and logistics solutions and elevate customer satisfaction. The ERP integration is a strategic step in that direction, and we are excited about the positive impact it will bring to our operations and overall customer experience.”

Abdulla Al Harthi further emphasized, “We are elated to have achieved this milestone and appreciate the efforts of the VTS Infosoft team led by Rahul Agarwal- Practice Head. This is a significant step toward our goal of becoming a leading logistics provider in the Middle East & India.”

About Novelty Logistics

Novelty Logistics is a global transportation & logistics company with a strong presence across the Gulf region. With a focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence, Novelty Logistics continues to expand its footprint and deliver world-class logistics solutions.

Website: www.noveltylogistics.com.

About VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd

VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd is a trusted digital transformation partner specializing in ERP implementations, enterprise solutions, and technology-driven innovation. With expertise across industries, VTS Infosoft empowers organizations to achieve agility, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Website: vtsinfosoft.com.

As summer approaches, most Indian families are looking for a reliable way to escape the rising heat. With heatwaves becoming more frequent, owning a high‑performance AC from trusted brands like Voltas, Daikin, or LG has become an essential for staying comfortable at home. The latest 2026 models are designed to do more than just cool; whether it is the energy‑saving technology of Samsung or the heavy‑duty cooling of Blue Star, these units provide instant relief and keep rooms chilled even on the hottest days.

Make your air conditioner purchase more affordable with the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan

Buying a new air conditioner can feel like a big investment, but Bajaj Finserv makes it simple and affordable. With the Easy EMI Loan, customers can break down the cost into manageable monthly installments, choosing repayment tenures of up to 60 months. Many AC models are also available with zero down payment, making instant ownership possible. And with over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, upgrading to a reliable cooling solution this season is both convenient and budget‑friendly.

What’s on offer this summer

Beat the heat without burning a hole in the pocket. Bajaj Finserv offers exclusive deals on premier AC brands tailored to different needs—whether prioritising eco‑friendly energy savings, cutting‑edge smart features, or powerful, consistent performance, there is an ideal cooling solution for every space.

Voltas ACs

• Discounts: Up to 52% off

• Deal offered: 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC at Rs. 37,490

• Models covered: 2024 and 2025 range

• Ideal for: Families seeking maximum savings with trusted performance

Daikin ACs

• Discounts: 36% – 41% off

• Deal offered: 1.5 Ton 3 Star models starting at Rs. 34,490

• Known for: Japanese precision and durability

• Ideal for: Homeowners who value long‑lasting quality and quiet cooling

LG ACs

• Discounts: Up to 30% off

• Special feature: AI convertible cooling adapts to room occupancy

• Ideal for: Tech savvy users who want smart, customised cooling with options like the LG 1.5‑ton air conditioner.

Who can avail these offers

These EMI plans are available to Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card holders or those eligible for Easy EMI loan across India. Customers can check their pre‑approved loan eligibility by entering their mobile number online.

Disclaimer: The prices are subject to change and may vary by location or retailer. For the latest prices and offers, visit the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store.

Why buy a new AC from Bajaj Finserv this summer

Upgrading to a high‑performance air conditioner has never been easier or more affordable. With Bajaj Finserv’s Summer Sale offers, customers can bring home the latest AC models through Easy EMIs, zero down payment schemes, and exclusive seasonal discounts designed to fit every budget.

To help buyers save even more, Bajaj Finserv offers the Maha Bachat Savings Calculator — a smart tool that combines brand discounts, dealer offers, and EMI benefits. It helps customers plan purchases efficiently while lowering the overall cost of ownership.

• Browse online: Explore a wide range of ACs from top brands like Voltas, Daikin, and LG on Bajaj Mall. Compare features such as inverter technology, star ratings, and cooling capacity.

• Visit partner stores: Experience models in person at any of the 1.5 lakh+ Bajaj Finserv partner stores across 4,000 cities, with expert guidance available.

• Opt for Easy EMI Loan: Finance up to Rs. 5 lakh with flexible tenures ranging from 3 to 60 months. Many AC models come with zero down payment for instant ownership.

• Check eligibility online: Quickly verify pre‑approved loan limits by entering a mobile number and OTP.

• Use Insta EMI Network Card: Existing cardholders can convert purchases into EMIs instantly with a paperless checkout process.

With trusted brands offering powerful, energy‑efficient ACs at exclusive prices — and Bajaj Finserv making ownership simple and budget‑friendly — this is the perfect time for families to upgrade their home cooling setup.

Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), 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 is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million 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 BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings. 

To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in.

India’s growing startup ecosystem, booming sports leagues and expanding creative industries offer unprecedented opportunity but success, actor and investor Abhishek Bachchan said, ultimately rests on “authenticity and disciplined risk-taking”.

Abhishek Bachchan at ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026

Addressing the ET NOW Global Business Summit in New Delhi, Bachchan spoke about his journey from film star to entrepreneur and sports team owner, outlining a personal investment philosophy rooted less in trend-chasing and more in conviction.

“A lot of the products that interest me predominantly have something to do with the fact of whether I use them or not,” he said, describing how several of his investments began with everyday consumer experiences rather than boardroom strategy.

At a time when information overload and celebrity endorsements dominate marketing, Bachchan emphasized the importance of credibility. “Authenticity of storytelling and authenticity of intent is something that goes a long way,” he said. “It’ll be dishonest of me to try and sell a product if I don’t use it myself.”

On risk management, he offered a clear rule of thumb: “If you can’t afford it yourself, don’t get into it.”

“That’s the greatest assessment for risk for me,” he said. “Can I afford it? If I don’t, then the risk goes up exponentially.”

On artificial intelligence, Bachchan struck a cautious tone. “AI scares me,” he said candidly. While he sees benefits in areas such as animation and special effects, he warned that misuse could be disruptive in creative professions.

“There’s an imperfection to humanity, which is what we enjoy watching in film,” he said of fully AI-generated content. “Somewhere there’s no soul.”

Rather than trying to replicate Western or Korean storytelling formulas, he argued, Indian cinema should double down on its own identity. “The minute we compromise our Indianness, I think we lose out,” he said. Citing the global success of films like RRR, he added that being “unabashedly Indian” is what sets Indian cinema apart internationally.

If Bachchan spoke about authenticity in business and cinema, the summit’s next session explored authenticity of a different kind: the inner kind. From disciplined risk-taking to emotional resilience, the conversation shifted from boardrooms to ragas, examining how staying true to oneself matters just as much in personal well-being as it does in investment decisions.

India’s classical music tradition may be centuries old, but for sitarist Rishabh Rikhiram Sharam, it has become a personal tool for navigating modern mental health challenges.

Speaking at a live session at ET NOW Global Business Summit, that blended conversation with performance, Sharma reflected on how music helped him through a difficult period during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think music was very instrumental, no pun intended,” he quipped. “But I think it was a combination of therapy, music, and working out that really helped me get out of that phase that I was in during COVID.”

While he stops short of prescribing music as therapy, he is clear about its impact on his own life. “I feel like music has been keeping me and my mental health in check,” he added.

That personal journey has now evolved into a larger mission: creating immersive sitar-led experiences focused on mental well-being.

Audience feedback has reinforced his belief in music’s emotional power. “We receive so many testimonies and so many personal experiences like people having emotional releases at the shows,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens in that moment.”

Beyond performance, Rishabh is also exploring the science behind sound. He revealed that ongoing research is examining brainwaves and ECG responses to sitar music. The findings, however, will take time. “It’s still a work in progress. It’ll still be a couple of years before we can get real, actual data.”

Though devotional music now plays a larger role in his repertoire, he resists being boxed into a single genre. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m super hip-hop myself,” he said, adding that he listens to Kanye West and Playboi Carti. But he believes the growing youth interest in devotional music reflects broader shifts. “Gen Zs are drinking less. They are focusing more on health… I think this was a natural by-product.”

As the evening closed with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” and a live rendering of “Shiv Kailash,” Sharma left the audience not with spectacle, but with stillness: a reminder that in an age of noise, pause itself can be powerful.

“We are so overstimulated all the time,” he said, adding, “These experiences come like a pause for you.”

After recording sales of over Rs. 10,000 crore across its first two editions, the third edition of the Big Billion Property Sale will be held later this month, with a total inventory of Rs. 25,000 crore across Gurugram, Noida and Panipat.

Organised by M3M India and Smartworld Developers, the platform has evolved into a large-scale, transaction-focused real estate marketplace, bringing curated inventory, structured financial offerings and end-to-end support under one roof. This year, the event introduces an integrated Buy. Sell. Lease. Model, enabling customers to sell existing properties, upgrade to new assets or explore leasing opportunities across residential, retail and commercial categories.

The previous editions witnessed strong response and transaction momentum. The first edition featured Rs. 10,000 crore worth of inventory and recorded approximately Rs. 4,000 crore in sales in just three days. The second edition scaled up to Rs. 15,000 crore inventory and reported over Rs. 6,000 crore in sales, with more than 15,000 walk-ins during the event.

Customers also benefited from festival rewards such as international travel packages, smartphones, gold coins and bumper lucky draws, including luxury cars. The platform enabled buybacks worth Rs. 3,000 crore and premium payouts of Rs. 800 crore to existing customers. Pre-event engagement for the third edition has seen participation from over 4,200 channel partners through structured training and outreach programmes.

The third edition of the Big Billion Property Sale will showcase over 70 premium developments with a total inventory of Rs. 25,000 crore. Ticket sizes will range from Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 25 crore, spanning retail, residential apartments, service apartments, residential and industrial plots, along with food courts, multiplex formats and office towers.

“The Big Billion Property Sale was envisioned as more than a transactional event – it is a transformational platform for the real estate ecosystem. By bringing scale, transparency, and structured financial advantages together, we are enabling customers to upgrade lifestyles, optimize investments, and unlock value in their existing assets. The response to the first two editions validated the demand for such a platform. With Rs. 25,000 crore worth of inventory, dual-city presence, and the addition of Buy–Sell–Lease opportunities, this edition marks the evolution of the Big Billion Property Sale into India’s most powerful real estate marketplace.” said Robin Mangla, President – M3M India. 

Ashish Jerath, President Sales and Marketing, Smartworld Developers, said, “This edition has been planned at a significantly larger scale with three times the projects, momentum and reach, creating unmatched opportunities for end users and investors alike with this we are enabling confident and informed decisions. It’s what we call as Diwali of Real Estate market. The strong response during our pre-event partner engagement highlights the growing appetite for premium real estate opportunities.”

As part of the customer value proposition, the platform will enable existing property owners to explore opportunities to sell their assets at premiums of up to 60%, subject to market conditions and due diligence, while also offering structured payment plans starting at 20% for new purchases. Additional incentives, including early-payment benefits, will be available during the event.

The third edition marks a significant shift in the platform’s positioning, moving beyond a traditional property exhibition to a more integrated real estate ecosystem. Designed to be three times larger in scale, the event aims to provide a seamless experience for customers looking to sell, upgrade or invest through a single interface. The platform is also positioned as a strategic wealth transition opportunity, enabling investors and end users to rebalance portfolios and optimise asset allocation.