These signings bring the category-disrupting brand to Asia Pacific, accelerating Hilton’s growth in the mid-market segment

* These signings bring the category-disrupting brand to Asia Pacific, accelerating Hilton’s growth in the mid-market segment

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Olive Hospitality today announced the signing of their first 10 Spark by Hilton hotels in India, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s India mid-market growth journey. The signings advance the strategic agreement signed in 2024 to sign and open 150 Spark by Hilton franchised hotels across the country.

Set to open across key business and leisure corridors including Bengaluru, Goa, Jaipur, Nashik, Mathura, Pune, Rajkot and Hyderabad, the expansion reflects Hilton’s strategy to deepen its presence beyond metros into the country’s next wave of growth cities, where rising mobility, infrastructure investment and expanding commercial hubs are driving sustained demand for reliable, branded accommodation at accessible price points.

Clarence Tan, senior vice president, development, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “These signings demonstrate our belief in India’s hugely untapped mid-market segment and allow us a great opportunity to bring a wider network of new owners and guests into the Hilton ecosystem. We are targeting a mix of metro and non-metro locations to debut these hotels that will provide a new level of hospitality to India’s emerging domestic traveler”.

Spark by Hilton hotels in India will be characterized by thoughtful simplicity and reliable service. The public spaces will feature multi-functional seating from communal tables to rocking chairs, offering plenty of options for guests to enjoy breakfast, socialize or work throughout the day. Spark by Hilton will add value to the guest experience by offering a complimentary breakfast featuring local items so guests can fuel up before hitting the road. The brand will also offer a 24-hour retail market for on-the-go travelers.

Andrew Ling, regional head, focused service and all-suites brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “Spark by Hilton was created to bring the hallmark reliability of Hilton to a new generation of travelers who value quality, comfort and consistency at an accessible price point. As the brand takes root in India, our focus is on delivering the core Spark experience of thoughtful simplicity and elevated essentials, while adapting meaningfully to local preferences.”

Kahraman Yigit, Co-founder & CEO, Olive Hospitality, said, “What makes India unique is the diversity of its markets, and the need for a model that can scale across them without losing consistency. Crossing 10 signings is an important milestone and sets the tone for the pace of growth we are building together. With these first signings, we are building a pipeline designed for speed, reliability and long-term owner value. Our approach is centred on enabling efficient conversions, allowing owners to enter the branded ecosystem seamlessly while delivering a high-quality experience for guests from day one.”

These signings reinforce Hilton’s growing momentum in India’s midscale segment. The partnership with Olive Hospitality builds on Hilton’s broader expansion, including strategic agreements with NILE Hospitality for 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels and Royal Orchid Hotels for a further 125 Hampton hotels. Together, these agreements and Hilton’s existing pipeline put the company on track to exceed 400 trading hotels in India in the coming years.

Spark by Hilton hotels participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 27 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including flexible points and money payment options, exclusive member discounts and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the Hilton Honors mobile app, including digital check-in, room selection and Digital Key.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 27 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 143 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 243 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Spark by Hilton

Spark by Hilton is a premium economy hotel brand at the intersection of value and consistency. Spark provides a reliable and comfortable stay with friendly service for every guest, all at an accessible price. With over 220 open locations, Spark hotels provide a welcoming sense of arrival with colorful accent walls and inspiring artwork. The public spaces provide multi-functional seating, from communal tables to rocking chairs, and guest rooms are comfortable and relaxing with simple, streamlined furniture. In the morning, breakfast is available to help you start your day. Spark’s groundbreaking impact on the hotel industry is credited with Hilton’s recognition as one of Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies. Experience a positive stay at Spark by Hilton by booking at sparkbyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Spark by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/spark.

About Olive Hospitality

Introduced in 2019, Olive Hospitality is the hospitality platform of Embassy Group, one of India’s leading real estate developers. Olive is a multi-brand, tech-enabled operating platform with integrated capabilities across hotel management, design, and technology. Its portfolio spans 126 hotels across 22 cities in India, comprising 5,079 keys, of which 2,334 keys are operational. The platform’s rapid expansion reflects its growing presence across both established and emerging markets. Its brand portfolio includes Olive Hotel, Spark by Hilton, and Open Hotels, catering to the evolving needs of India’s premium economy segment. With a vision to organise and institutionalise the accommodation market in India and beyond, Olive aims to build India’s largest hospitality company through a scalable, asset-light model.

Funskool Launches “Blazetrix” – Made-In-India Vehicle Toy Range

Funskool India Ltd., one of the country’s leading toy manufacturers, has launched “Blazetrix”, a new range of Made-in-India vehicle toys marking their entry into this popular segment. Under the Blazetrix range, the first line up of toys is based on the construction theme and has three distinct vehicles: Buzz Claw, Core Crush, and Iron Hook. These are primarily designed to encourage children to engage in active, immersive play.

Blazetrix combines action-driven designs with interactive features, enabling children to build, race, and experiment with different play formats, thereby enhancing motor skill development, social interaction, and creativity. The new range of toys also comes with a storyline and attractive packaging designed to keep children engaged in imagination and exploration.

Designed and manufactured in India, the collection underscores Funskool’s focus on local production while adhering to global standards of safety, durability, and product quality. The range offered at attractive prices and packaging is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern families who seek meaningful and engaging play options for children.

Commenting on the latest launch, K.A. Shabir, CEO, Funskool India, said: “With the launch of Blazetrix, we are not just introducing a new product line; we are building a play ecosystem that encourages movement and hands-on experience. The launch reflects our broader goal to reintroduce children to dynamic playing tools that encourage play and learn.”

The launch signals Funskool’s foray into newer categories based on the needs and requirements of the current generation, with locally designed offerings.

The newly launched products are very affordably priced and are available for purchase at Rs. 549/- only, the perfect gifting option.  

Raise Financial Services Announces Acquisition Of Stratzy To Expand Into Algorithmic Trading & Investing Capabilities

* Stratzy is India’s leading exchange registered algo-trading platform with over 100+ approved algorithms across Equity, Indices, F&O and Commodities

* Stratzy to operate independently as an 100% subsidiary of Raise and serve algo traders through integrations & partnerships across multiple broking platforms

* Post acquisition, Raise to invest in Stratzy and enable expanding of product offerings, enhancing technology infrastructure and improving user experience to drive the next phase of growth.

Raise Financial Services today announced that it has acquired India’s leading algorithmic investing and trading platform - Stratzy in a cash & stock deal. Raise Financial is one of the emerging players in the capital markets ecosystem that runs and operates platforms like Dhan (India’s fastest growing Stock Trading platform), Fuzz AI, Upsurge, Filter Coffee and now Stratzy.

Strazy is India’s leading exchange registered algorithmic trading platform with over 100+ approved multi-asset algorithms across Equity, Indices, F&O and Commodities. The platform simplifies algorithmic trading by enabling users to invest & trade in curated, ready-to-deploy strategies. The company aims to expand its platform & product offerings that empower users to participate in markets with its disciplined approach of algo-trading that are built & driven by a mix of Quant, AI and System driven approaches.

Raise owns and operates Dhan (www.dhan.co), one of India’s fastest growing stock trading & investing platforms which had introduced its Trading & Data APIs via DhanHQ in 2022. DhanHQ has now become a platform of choice for API based traders, followed by launch of its market-place for Algos which also hosts popular algos from Stratzy.

The latest acquisition aligns with Raise’s continued focus to expand in the capital markets ecosystem with technology-led solutions for its customers. Earlier this year, the company launched its trading terminal DEXT T3 to strengthen its presence in the active trader ecosystem and also launched its small-language model Artham that powers its AI platform AskFuzz.ai built for finance and capital market enthusiasts. With the addition of Stratzy, Raise is not only expanding its algorithmic trading capabilities but also introducing a managed and curated algo investing layer for its users on Dhan, making sophisticated, rule-based strategies more accessible to a wider set of traders and investors.

Post acquisition, Stratzy, its founders, leadership and team will continue to operate independently and expand its platform & product offerings and serve algo traders through integrations & partnerships across multiple broking platforms.

Stratzy joins Raise’s growing portfolio of capital markets products and will focus on scaling its platform by expanding its algorithmic strategies, strengthening execution infrastructure, and improving the overall user experience.

“Algorithmic trading framework in India is now very well defined by exchange and is expected to see higher levels of adoption by retail traders in coming years. Stratzy’s strength in algorithmic strategies and execution aligns closely with our vision of building a tech-first platform that empowers users with structured, system-driven approaches to the markets. We are excited to welcome Mohit, Gaurav, and the entire Stratzy team to Raise,” said Pravin Jadhav, Founder & CEO of Raise Financial Services.

Mohit Bhandari, Co-Founder and CEO, Stratzy, said, “Stratzy was built with the vision of making algorithmic trading accessible to everyday investors & traders. Being part of Raise Financial Services gives us access to scale, technology, infrastructure, and ecosystem to accelerate towards that mission.”

Gaurav Sangle, Co-Founder and CTO, Stratzy, added, “Our focus has always been on building robust, scalable systems that can handle the complexities of algorithmic trading while keeping the experience simple for users. With Raise’s backing, we can significantly enhance our technology stack, execution capabilities, and product depth to serve users better.”

About Raise Financial Services

Raise Financial Services (raiseholding.co) is a technology-led financial services platform focused on enabling wider participation in India’s growth through the capital markets. As a new generation of financially aware Indians seeks high-quality, efficient investing experiences, Raise is building modern products designed for both active traders and long-term investors, with a strong emphasis on innovation, performance, and user experience.

Raise was founded in January 2021 by Startup Leader and Serial Entrepreneur - Pravin Jadhav, along with Alok Pandey, Jay Prakash Gupta, and Raunak Rathi.

Raise Fintech Ventures is backed by Hornbill Capital, MUFG, BEENEXT and 3one4 Capital along with the best technology entrepreneurs and leaders from the Indian startup ecosystem.

About Stratzy

Stratzy is India’s leading algorithmic investing & trading platform focused on making systematic strategies and market insights more accessible to a wider set of investors. By combining research-backed algos with automation and intuitive design, Stratzy enables users to discover, execute, and manage strategies with ease, helping them navigate markets with a more structured, data-driven approach. The platform has with over 100+ approved algorithms across Equity, Indices, F&O and Commodities.  

Shimmer Returns: Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru Relaunches Its Iconic Bar As A Refined After-Hours Destination

Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru announces the relaunch of Shimmer, its iconic bar, now reimagined as a sophisticated after-hours destination that captures the pulse of the city’s ever-evolving nightlife.

Re-emerging with a renewed identity, Shimmer blends contemporary design, immersive ambience, and a dynamic social energy to create a multi-sensory experience. The space unfolds in kinetic layers—glowing interiors, atmospheric lighting, and a seamless transition from early evening elegance to late-night vibrancy—offering guests an environment that is both elevated and inviting.

Deeply rooted in Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan spirit, Shimmer’s beverage philosophy is expressive yet precise. The newly curated cocktail program focuses on balanced, nuanced flavour profiles crafted with creativity and finesse. Complementing this is a thoughtfully assembled selection of premium spirits, fine whiskies, classic cocktails, wines, and craft beers—catering to both the discerning connoisseur and the curious explorer.

The culinary offering has also been refreshed to reflect a global yet approachable sensibility. Designed around sharing and spontaneity, the menu features elevated bar plates that encourage conversation and connection. Guests can indulge in dishes such as Chicken Karaage, Robatayaki skewers, and Guac n Crunch 2.0, alongside bold, flavour-forward options like Korean Gochugaru Sliders.

Seafood takes center stage with Harbour Style Prawns, while dishes like Lamb Kofta Pops, Firecracker Chicken Bruschetta, and refined dim sum selections add an international dimension. Paying homage to regional flavours, signatures such as Kodagu Pepper Chicken and Ghee Roast Paneer bring a contemporary interpretation to South Indian cuisine.

The experience concludes on a sweet note with indulgent desserts, including Smokie Salted Caramel Brownie, Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake, and playful ice cream creations that blend nostalgia with modern refinement.

Commenting on the relaunch, Saji Thachery, General Manager, Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru, said:
“Shimmer has always been a much-loved part of our hospitality offering, and with this relaunch, we wanted to reimagine it for a new generation of guests. The idea was to create a space that reflects Bengaluru’s evolving social and nightlife culture—where design, music, food, and beverages come together effortlessly. The new Shimmer is more immersive, more expressive, and truly aligned with the city’s vibrant after-hours energy.”

With its renewed identity, Shimmer at Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru re-establishes itself as a contemporary social hub; an address where flavor, form, and feeling converge and where the city's spirit comes alive after dark.

ADNIC Secures Regulatory Approval To Establish Branch In India, Marking Key Milestone In International Expansion

* ADNIC receives licence to operate in GIFT City, India

* Milestone reflects continued international expansion and commitment to high-growth markets

* India branch will build on existing cross-border reinsurance operations and strengthen UAE–India economic ties

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), one of the leading regional multi-line insurance providers for both corporates and individuals, has received the licence to undertake reinsurance business from GIFT City, India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat, effective 1 April 2026.

The approval marks a key corporate milestone in ADNIC’s international expansion strategy, building on its existing cross-border reinsurance business in India and following its recent entry into the Saudi Arabia market.

The India branch is expected to support ADNIC’s long-term growth by diversifying revenue streams and enhancing service capabilities for clients across high-growth markets. It will also contribute to strengthening economic ties between the UAE and India, in line with the two countries’ shared ambition to expand bilateral trade and investment.

The approval reflects the resilience of the UAE’s business environment, with companies continuing to advance their strategic priorities and expand into global markets despite evolving regional developments. ADNIC’s entry into India highlights its commitment to long-term growth and reinforces its position as a regional insurer with an expanding international footprint.

Charalampos Mylonas, Chief Executive Officer of ADNIC, said: “Receiving the licence to operate in GIFT City represents an important milestone in ADNIC’s international growth journey. It reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting clients and partners in India, while further strengthening UAE–India economic ties. As we continue to expand our global footprint, our focus remains on delivering reliable, tailored insurance solutions and maintaining operational resilience in a rapidly evolving market environment.”

ADNIC Group provides insurance and reinsurance coverage worldwide and currently maintains physical offices across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, with its India branch set to further expand its international network.  

Shyam Metalics Expands Pakuria Operations With Addition Of Two Annealing Furnaces ( 25 MT & 30 MT)

* And Commissioning Of 2300 Mm Vertical Foil Separator (LGSS)

Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited, one of India’s leading integrated metal producers, has expanded its production capabilities at its Pakuria facility with the addition of new equipment as part of its ongoing focus on improving operations and meeting growing demand.

The Company has successfully commissioned and commenced commercial production from two new Annealing Furnaces. One plant is of 25 MT p.a. while other one is of 30 MT p.a. capacity. It will help to streamline the annealing process and improve production efficiency. These furnaces are expected to support better consistency in output and overall product quality.

Alongside this, Shyam Metalics has commissioned a 2300 mm Vertical Foil Separator (LGSS). This equipment enables accurate separation of Ultra-Light Gauge (ULG) and Light Gauge (LG) foil, covering a thickness range of 6 to 15 microns. This addition will help the Company to cater the customers with more specialised requirements and with greater precision.

Together, these upgrades will improve process control and strengthen manufacturing capabilities at the Pakuria unit, while supporting the Company’s efforts to expand its value-added product offerings.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited, said, "We are continuously working on strengthening our operations through targeted upgrades and better processes. The additions at Pakuria will help us improve efficiency and deliver more consistent, high-quality products to our customers. As demand evolves, we are focused on building the right capabilities to respond quickly and effectively."

These additions are part of Shyam Metalics’ broader plan to steadily enhance its manufacturing strength and stay aligned with market needs.  

HDFC Securities' "The Big Review 2026": Comprehensive Market Analysis Amid Geopolitical Headwinds And Market Correction

HDFC Securities has rolled out the latest edition of “The Big Review”, a deep dive into the Indian economy and capital markets, offering strategic insights for Fiscal Year 2027. The report analyses big-picture macro trends, sector-by-sector outlooks, and evolving market dynamics, while factoring in the latest geopolitical developments and ongoing market correction.

Macroeconomic Outlook

India’s economy remains resilient despite persistent global uncertainty. Real GDP is projected to grow at approximately 6.5% for FY26–FY27, while nominal GDP could expand by 10–11%. The government continues to prioritise infrastructure spending, with capital expenditure expected to account for 32% of total expenditure in FY27. Inflation is projected to moderate to around 4.5%, alongside a targeted fiscal deficit of 4.3%.

Currency and External Pressures

The Indian rupee remains under pressure, largely due to weak foreign direct investment inflows, which have stood at $6 billion so far this year compared to historical levels of $38–44 billion. Foreign portfolio investors withdrew $18 billion in FY26, while ongoing trade deficits continue to exert pressure. These factors indicate a depreciation cycle that began in 2022 and remains in play.

Earnings and Valuation Dynamics

The broader market anticipates earnings growth of approximately 10%, though sectoral performance is expected to remain uneven. Banks, consumer discretionary, metals, and telecom sectors may witness modest improvement, while energy could face contraction. Despite recent corrections, midcap and small-cap valuations remain elevated, with median declines of 31.9% for the Midcap 100 and 39.3% for the Smallcap 100. The Nifty 50’s trailing P/E ratio has moderated to 18.2, aligning with historical accumulation zones.

Sector Strategy for FY27

The report advocates a “Growth at Reasonable Price” (GARP) strategy, focusing on undervalued growth opportunities. Industrials, infrastructure, consumer discretionary, and real estate sectors are preferred, while cement, chemicals, and oil & gas remain underweight. The firm’s model portfolio has outperformed benchmarks, with HDFC’s Premium Basket delivering a 2.3% return compared to the benchmark’s -8.1% performance.

Retail Market Participation

Retail participation remains strong. Demat accounts have risen to 222.37 million, with 1.48 crore active equity traders recorded in February 2026. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) inflows into mutual funds exceed ₹30,000 crore annually. IPO activity remained robust in FY26, with 153 issues raising ₹2,01,442 crore. Notably, nearly 38% of investors are below the age of 30.

Recovery Opportunities

The report identifies 10 stocks across sectors, including aviation, consumer paints, and electronic manufacturing, that could benefit from a recovery if geopolitical tensions ease. Historically, markets have rebounded sharply after geopolitical shocks, with average gains of 16–17% within one month and 37–38% over six months.

Investment Perspective

The report concludes that Indian markets are approaching a correction trough. With valuations moderating across segments, selective opportunities are emerging for long-term investors. While foreign investor sentiment remains cautious, sustained domestic institutional participation and improving valuation comfort present a constructive entry point for investors focused on quality growth at reasonable prices.