The Rise Of Planned Borrowing Among Young Indians/ Experience-Led Spending Is Driving A New Wave of Personal Lending In India

* Personal lending in India is evolving rapidly, driven by AI-led underwriting and a new generation of borrowers who view credit as a financial tool rather than a last resort

Personal lending in India is undergoing a significant shift. Personal loans, once largely associated with emergencies or financial distress, are increasingly being used as planned financial tools to meet both aspirational and practical needs. This shift is particularly visible among younger consumers and affluent borrowers, who are becoming more comfortable using credit strategically without disrupting long-term investments.

According to Amit Pathak, Business Head – Personal Loans at Kotak Mahindra Bank, “The transformation is being driven by two parallel trends: changing borrower behaviour and the growing use of AI-led underwriting. As customer expectations shift toward faster, seamless and more flexible access to credit, banks are simultaneously investing in smarter risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities”.

A major driver of this transformation is the growing comfort with experience-led borrowing. Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and first-time earners, are increasingly willing to use credit for discretionary spending such as travel, weddings, lifestyle purchases and other milestone experiences. Unlike previous generations, which often viewed debt with caution, younger borrowers see credit as an enabler that helps them align present aspirations with future earning potential. At the same time, the rise in planned borrowing is being accompanied by a stronger culture of responsible credit behaviour, with consumers placing greater emphasis on repayment discipline, maintaining healthy credit scores and borrowing within their means.

What stands out is that this rising credit appetite is not necessarily translating into weaker repayment behaviour. Growing financial literacy, awareness of credit scores and better understanding of repayment discipline are contributing to more responsible borrowing. Borrowers today are more conscious of maintaining healthy credit behaviour and avoiding practices such as excessive loan stacking.

At the same time, banks are transforming how credit is assessed and delivered through AI and machine learning-led underwriting models. As lending journeys become increasingly digital, AI is playing a critical role in enabling faster, more accurate and more secure decision-making. These models are being built and deployed within regulatory frameworks, with human oversight continuing to play an important role in the decision-making process. Banks are not relying solely on AI outputs to make lending decisions. Models are typically tested on smaller cohorts, with results monitored and refined over time before wider deployment. This helps improve the accuracy of underwriting models while also strengthening fraud detection and reducing risks linked to cyber threats or misuse of credentials.

AI is also enhancing credit underwriting by allowing lenders to analyse significantly larger volumes of customer data in shorter timeframes. This enables more granular risk assessment, sharper default prediction and better pricing decisions. Improved risk detection ultimately benefits both banks and borrowers by reducing non-performing assets and supporting more efficient credit delivery.

Another emerging trend is the use of personal credit lines by affluent customers as a liquidity management tool. Instead of liquidating investments during short-term cash requirements, many are using flexible credit products to preserve compounding returns while maintaining access to immediate liquidity. This reflects a broader shift in mindset where credit is increasingly being viewed beyond a sign of financial stress, as a tool for smarter financial planning.

South Bengaluru Housing Market Stays Resilient As JP Nagar Projects Sell Out

* Amberstone’s Elanza, Illumina and The Ninth see strong buyer response amid continued demand across mature South Bengaluru

Amberstone Group, a Bengaluru-based residential developer focused on scientifically crafted living and quality homes since 2023, has recorded strong buyer response across its JP Nagar portfolio, with Elanza, Illumina and The Ninth reaching sell-out status.

The sales come at a time when South Bengaluru continues to account for a significant share of the city’s residential activity. According to Knight Frank India’s H1 2026 residential market report, Bengaluru South accounted for 36% of Bengaluru’s residential launches and 34% of sales during the first half of the year, the highest share among the city’s major residential markets.

Yashwant Kumar, Managing Director, Amberstone Group, said: “The response across our JP Nagar developments reflects the strength that South Bengaluru continues to demonstrate as a residential market. The region’s share of launches and sales shows that mature southern markets remain an important choice for homebuyers. For us, the response to Elanza, Illumina and The Ninth is a strong indication of the demand for homes in well-developed locations.”

JP Nagar has long-established social infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, retail, and easy access to employment hubs, the kind of groundwork that takes years to build and that buyers notice.

Kiran Kumar, Managing Director, Amberstone Group, said: “At Amberstone, our approach has always been to look closely at what makes a home work well for everyday life. Our philosophy of Scientifically Crafted Living brings together practical considerations such as space, natural light, ventilation, privacy and functionality. The response across our developments gives us confidence that these fundamentals continue to matter to homebuyers.”

The upcoming Pink Line is expected to strengthen connectivity across several southern neighbourhoods, including JP Nagar. Colliers India has identified JP Nagar among the residential markets that could benefit from the expansion of Bengaluru’s metro network, with improved connectivity expected to support residential demand and property values over the coming years.

The sell-out of the three JP Nagar developments adds to Amberstone’s residential presence in Bengaluru as the company continues to build its portfolio across mature and emerging markets.

With a portfolio spanning residential markets across Bengaluru, Amberstone is currently developing projects including Vectra off Sarjapur Main Road and Ventara Residences on Sarjapur Road, while also expanding its presence through upcoming developments across the city.

About Amberstone Group

Amberstone Group is a Bengaluru-based real estate developer with a legacy dating back to 2023, focused on creating thoughtfully designed homes through its philosophy of “Scientifically Crafted Living.” The company combines considered planning, efficient use of space, natural light, ventilation and privacy to create homes designed around contemporary lifestyles. With a growing residential portfolio across Bengaluru, Amberstone continues to develop projects in mature and emerging neighbourhoods, with a focus on quality, design and long-term livability. 

US Wants India By Its Side On The Moon, Says Ambassador Gor At Bengaluru Space Expo 2026

* Sergio Gor says the US-India space relationship was moving beyond traditional cooperation towards joint development, financing and innovation

The United States wants India to join its efforts to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Monday.

"NASA has officially invited ISRO to join us in the Moon Base Program. Make no mistake, we're going back to the Moon, and we want India by our side on the lunar surface," Gor said at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2026.

Gor said the US-India space relationship was moving beyond traditional cooperation towards joint development, financing and innovation.

"A few weeks ago, at the 9th US-India Civil Space Joint Working Group, right here in Bengaluru, we saw profound transformation taking place," he said. “Those discussions affirmed that our partnership is no longer just about cooperation. It is about co-creation.”

The two countries were increasingly co-designing instruments, co-funding startups and working together on technologies, he said, adding that space had become an important driver of the global economy rather than simply a matter of national prestige.

The US would also expand commercial services in Bengaluru to create a direct commercial corridor between American companies and Indian innovators, Gor said.

He encouraged Indian space startups to pursue opportunities in the US market, saying American investors were watching the country's growing private space sector.

India's space-sector reforms had triggered a "commercial awakening", Gor said, citing companies including Pixxel, GalaxEye, Digantara, Bellatrix Aerospace, Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos as examples of companies developing capabilities in Earth observation, space situational awareness and launch technology.

The ambassador also mentioned cooperation between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, on the NISAR satellite, saying its radar data had been used to assist emergency responders following a devastating earthquake in Venezuela.

NISAR, a joint NASA-ISRO Earth observation mission, uses radar technology to collect data through cloud cover and darkness.

Gor also pointed to the Axiom-4 mission, during which Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla travelled to the International Space Station last year. The mission included five joint scientific investigations, while the two countries were now examining docking standards, interoperability and astronaut training, he said.

The United States and India were also working together on global rules governing space, including space traffic coordination and discussions around the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference, Gor said.

"Trust creates capability. Capability creates ambition. And ambition takes us beyond the stratosphere," he said.

The remarks come as India seeks to expand its private space industry and build a larger role in the global commercial space economy, while the United States is strengthening partnerships with allies and strategic partners for its next phase of lunar exploration.

RR Kabel Marks Five Years Of Strengthening Its Commercial Lighting Business Through Arraystorm

* Delivering intelligent, energy-efficient designer lighting for India's evolving commercial, industrial and infrastructure landscape

RR Kabel, one of India's leading manufacturers of wires, cables and electrical solutions, marked five years of strengthening its commercial lighting business through Arraystorm, reaffirming the Company's long-term commitment to delivering intelligent, energy-efficient lighting solutions for commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects across India.

Arraystorm by RR Kabel offers integrated lighting solutions across offices, warehouses, factories, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, retail spaces, hospitality projects and outdoor infrastructure. The portfolio includes commercial luminaires, architectural lighting, industrial high bays, warehouse lighting, cleanroom fixtures, outdoor lighting and specialised project solutions. It has also introduced India's first programmable DC Lighting Engine with DC Sensors and LMS Controls, enabling power and control through a single wire. This innovation delivers enhanced safety by eliminating electrical shocks and reducing lighting-related fire risks, while enabling up to 40% lower copper usage, remote maintenance and fully dimmable lighting controls.

Supporting these capabilities, RR Kabel established a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru in 2024, featuring an in-house laboratory for testing B2B products and expanding its manufacturing capacity fivefold to meet the growing demand across segments.

Over the past five years, RR Kabel has steadily expanded Arraystorm's footprint, strengthening its manufacturing capabilities, research expertise and intelligent lighting technologies to build a strong foundation in the commercial lighting segment. During this period, the Company expanded its operations from a presence limited to South India to establishing a pan-India sales network, with teams based in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Kolkata, serving customers across the country.

The portfolio has also evolved from an indoor commercial lighting range to a comprehensive offering spanning industrial, healthcare, education, retail, landscape and façade lighting solutions, all developed by RR Kabel's in-house design team.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Pradyoth Varma, COO - Arraystorm Lighting Division, RR Kabel, said, "The past few years have been instrumental in strengthening our commercial lighting business and expanding our ability to serve India's evolving infrastructure landscape. Through Arraystorm, we have combined engineering excellence, innovation and manufacturing capabilities to build a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent lighting solutions that address the needs of commercial, industrial and institutional customers. As infrastructure development, industrial growth and sustainability continue to shape India's growth story, we remain focused on investing in innovation and delivering future-ready lighting solutions that create long-term value for our customers and partners."  

Whirlpool Unveils The Luxuriem Range Of Premium 4-Door Refrigerators Powered By 360° Triple Cooling Technology

* Introducing the breakthrough 360° Triple Cooling Technology, sophisticated design and a thoughtfully engineered 4-Door format for modern Indian homes.

Whirlpool of India Limited, one of India's leading home appliance manufacturers, today announced the launch of Luxuriem, its premium 4-Door refrigerator range. Designed for the discerning, modern Indian consumer who seeks the perfect balance of sophisticated aesthetics, intelligent capability and intuitive everyday usability, the flagship 654L refrigerator introduces Whirlpool's most advanced refrigeration platform yet.

Bringing together the gold standard of food preservation, an architecturally superior format and a repertoire of industry and India-first innovations, the Luxuriem range of 4 door refrigerators has been meticulously engineered to address the evolving needs of premium Indian households. From breakthrough cooling technology and intelligent storage flexibility to luxurious finishes and thoughtfully crafted interiors, every element has been designed to deliver an elevated ownership experience while redefining the future of premium refrigeration.

Commenting on the launch, Nakul Tewari, Vice President – Marketing, Whirlpool of India, said: “ As we met existing users of large capacity refrigerators, some pain points emerged with respect to the current available products in the market - not enough space to keep large and wide utensils which are intrinsic to Indian cooking, a convertible solution which is inefficient and a fruit/vegetable stocking zone which requires constant bending. We realised that most of the available large capacity refrigerators in the country today are not designed for the Indian cooking and storage habits.

The Whirlpool Luxuriem range of 4 door refrigerators addresses all these consumer concerns by amalgamating a thoughtfully engineered product format that combines superior preservation, greater storage flexibility, sophisticated design and cutting edge technology, redefining what consumers can expect from premium refrigeration."

The Gold Standard of Preservation with 360° Triple Cooling Technology

At the heart of the Luxuriem range of 4 door refrigerators, is Whirlpool's 360° Triple Cooling Technology an advanced triple evaporator architecture featuring three independent evaporators, three dedicated cooling systems and three dedicated airflows across the refrigerator, convertible and freezer compartments.

Engineered as the ultimate expression of food preservation, the technology creates three completely independent cooling environments that maintain precise temperature and humidity levels for every compartment while ensuring zero odour transfer across fresh food, frozen food and convertible storage. By delivering dedicated cooling environments for different food categories, the Luxuriem range of 4 door refrigerators preserves taste, texture and quality while helping fruits and vegetables remain fresher and crisper for longer.

Complementing this is India's Fastest Convertible, enabling the convertible compartment to transform from freezer to refrigerator mode in under 30 minutes, while continuing to retain dedicated freezer space. This flexibility allows consumers to adapt their storage based on changing needs, whether creating additional refrigerator space for party platters and beverages when hosting guests, accommodating larger quantities of fresh produce after a grocery run, or reallocating space based on seasonal requirements while still retaining freezer space to store ice-cubes and desserts. The under-30-minute conversion makes this flexibility truly practical for last-minute needs, allowing consumers to respond to sudden guests or changing plans without having to wait several hours for the compartment to reach the desired temperature. Combined with 100+ customisable storage modes, Luxuriem makes it possible to configure refrigerator space around the household's needs, when they need it.

The 4-Door Format: Designed for the Way Modern India Lives

The Luxuriem range has been purposefully designed around a 4-Door architecture, representing the next evolution of premium refrigeration.

Unlike conventional side-by-side refrigerators, the thoughtfully engineered 4-Door format is designed around the distinct storage needs of Indian kitchens, where everyday cooking often involves multiple dishes, larger vessels, serving platters and bulk grocery storage. The wider refrigerator section comfortably accommodates larger cookware and serving dishes, while grand wide-access shelves provide greater usable space and easier access. The format also makes it simpler to organise different food categories separately, bringing greater flexibility and convenience to everyday Indian households.

The ergonomically positioned zero-bending crisper drawers provide easier access to fruits and vegetables, while dedicated storage zones enable consumers to separate fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods and everyday essentials more efficiently.

The four-door architecture also helps reduce cooling loss, allowing users to open only the required compartment instead of exposing the entire refrigerator cavity to ambient air, helping maintain optimal preservation conditions while improving everyday usability.

Where Luxury Meets Contemporary Design

Indian homes have seen the interiors undergo a massive transformation - they have become more contemporary. This modernization is just not restricted to the living space but also seen in the kitchens. The Luxuriem range of 4 door refrigerators has been meticulously crafted to complement the modern interiors.

The range introduces India's First Glass & Metal Dual Finish (Duo Noir), creating a bold yet elegant expression through the seamless fusion of premium materials. Complementing the exterior is India's First Obsidian Interiors, enhanced by Quad Theatre Lighting, which elevates both visibility and the overall ownership experience with a refined, premium ambience.

Available across premium finishes including Duo Noir, Nero Quartz, Dark Quantum, Rhodium Steel and Cosmos Black (subject to model availability), Luxuriem has been designed to integrate seamlessly into sophisticated, design-led kitchens.

Thoughtfully engineered for everyday convenience

Beyond preservation and aesthetics, the Luxuriem range of 4 door refrigerators incorporates a host of thoughtful innovations designed around the way Indian households cook, store and organise food, from managing larger vessels and serving dishes to accommodating diverse food categories and changing storage needs.

Its fully interchangeable shelves, trays and storage components allow consumers to configure storage based on changing household requirements, providing exceptional flexibility throughout the year.

Additional convenience features including soft-close drawers, larger doors bins, bins in freezers to store masalas, nuts, spices and dedicated freezer lighting further enhancing accessibility and organisation while creating a more intuitive storage experience.

The range also has other unique features like Metal Cooling, Beverage Rack and iCare Expert, which enables remote diagnosis over a call for quicker, one-visit resolution. Together, these features bring intelligent functionality and refined usability to support the evolving needs of Indian households.

Availability

The Whirlpool Luxuriem, a range of 4 door refrigerators, is available in a spacious 654L capacity with a 3-Star BEE Energy Rating, at a starting price of INR 98,000, across leading retail stores and online platforms across India.

About Whirlpool India:

Whirlpool of India Limited (WOIL), headquartered in Gurugram, is one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of major home appliances in the country. It operates three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at Faridabad, Puducherry and Pune - each featuring infrastructure that attests to WOIL's commitment to providing its consumers with the best in class solutions. Additional company information is available at https://india.whirlpool.in

Additional information about the company can be found on X, Facebook & Instagram @whirlpool_india 

Axis Bank Launches ‘ARISE Homecoming’ To Connect Globally Educated Indian Talent With Opportunities In India

* The hiring initiative creates a dedicated pathway for Indian students and early-career professionals abroad to build careers back home

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today announced the launch of ARISE Homecoming, an initiative designed for globally educated Indian talent seeking career opportunities in India.

The programme is open to Indian students pursuing or recently completing education at overseas universities, and professionals with up to two years of international work experience. Extending Axis Bank’s hiring philosophy beyond geographies, the programme welcomes candidates across degrees, disciplines and institutions, with emphasis on skills, potential and role fit.

About 12.54 lakh Indian students were enrolled in overseas higher education institutions in 2025, representing a significant pool of talent with global exposure and diverse perspectives. As India continues to emerge as a leading growth market, the programme enables this talent to participate in the country’s next phase of economic and industry transformation.

Commenting on the launch, Rajkamal Vempati, Group Head – Human Resources, Axis Bank, said:

“Careers today are increasingly shaped by choice, purpose and the opportunity to create impact. Through ARISE Homecoming, we are creating a pathway for globally educated Indian talent to build fulfilling careers at Axis Bank. As banking and financial services continue to evolve, this talent can learn, lead and grow alongside the industry.”

ARISE Homecoming will enable candidates to explore opportunities across business, technology, digital, strategy, wealth, governance and other functions, based on the Bank’s requirements.

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. It has 6,275 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 12,796 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 31st March 2026. Axis Virtual Centres are present across eight locations with 1,591 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 31st March 2026. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

For further information on Axis Bank, please refer to the website: https://www.axis.bank.in/

Kenstar Launches India’s Widest Range Of Air Fryers, Bringing Smarter

*  Healthier And More Versatile Cooking To Modern Kitchens

* Powered by advanced 360-degree heating technology, versatile cooking capabilities and modern designs, the new range brings chef-style cooking into everyday kitchens

Kenstar, one of India’s leading home appliance brands, has announced the launch of its new Air Fryer Range, offering consumers more choices across capacities, designs and cooking features. The new range is designed to meet the changing needs of modern Indian households by combining healthier cooking, convenience, versatility and contemporary design.

The portfolio includes compact air fryers for everyday use, dual-basket models for cooking two dishes at the same time, all glass air fryers and high-capacity Air Fryer Ovens for larger families and cooking needs. With this wide range, consumers can choose an air fryer based on their family size, kitchen space, cooking requirements and even gifting needs.

Commenting on the launch of India’s widest range of Air Fryers, Mr. Sunil Jain, CEO, Kenstar, said, “Indian kitchens are evolving, and consumers today are looking for appliances that offer greater convenience, versatility and healthier ways to enjoy the food they love. At Kenstar, our focus has always been on creating meaningful innovations that make everyday living easier and more enjoyable. Our new Air Fryer Range brings together advanced 360-degree Turbo Air Technology, multifunctional cooking, enhanced visibility and contemporary design across a diverse portfolio, giving consumers the freedom to choose a solution that best fits their needs. With this range, we aim to make air frying a more versatile and convenient part of everyday cooking while continuing to deliver the performance and reliability that consumers expect from Kenstar.”

The new range comes with advanced technologies such as DuoCore Intelli Heating Technology, which helps distribute heat evenly for better browning and crisping, and Turbo Air Technology, which supports uniform cooking and perfect crunch.

The range also supports low-oil cooking, helping consumers prepare crispy and tasty food with less oil. Select models come with smart preset menus and multiple cooking modes such as reheat, grill, toast, crispy fry, tandoor, dehydrate and bake, making the appliances useful for much more than regular air frying.

The 45+ SKU portfolio includes the Star Chef Air Fryer cum Oven, Duo Feast Double Basket, Pure View All Glass, Daily Cook and Celebration Gifting Series. These models are available in different capacities to suit different family sizes and kitchen requirements.

The Daily Cook Series is designed for everyday convenience and comes from 4.5L to 12L, while Celebration Series is suitable for smaller households, special occasions and festive gifting. The Pure View Series comes with a crystal-clear cooking chamber and a high-grade borosilicate glass bowl, allowing users to easily view food while it cooks.

Kenstar’s Duo Feast Series offers dual-basket cooking, allowing users to cook mains and sides together without mixing flavours. For larger cooking needs, the Star Chef Series Air Fryer Oven offers more cooking space and also supports multiple cooking levels and accessories for baking, grilling and air frying.

Across multiple models, features such as digital touch controls, smart preset menus, viewing windows, cool-touch handles and easy-to-clean components make cooking simpler and more convenient. The complete Air Fryer range also comes with a 2-year warranty and RoHS, ISI and ISO certified, giving customers greater peace of mind with every purchase.

Kenstar already has a strong portfolio of 100+ SKUs in Small Home Appliances, including mixer grinders, cooktops, irons and other products. With the launch of its widest Air Fryer range, the brand has further strengthened its presence in the Small Home Appliances category.

The Air Fryers are manufactured at Kenstar’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Aurangabad and are available across retail outlets, Flipkart, Amazon, quick-commerce platforms and modern trade outlets.

With this launch, Kenstar continues to build on its legacy of over 30 years of excellence and millions of homes served, offering products that combine innovation, performance, reliability and thoughtful design.

About Kenstar

Kenstar creates products that enhance the quality of life in today’s ‘always on’ connected lifestyle. Over more than 30 years, Kenstar products continue to delight families in 30+ countries across the globe. Their range today features an extensive array of air coolers, small home appliances, large appliances and heating solutions.

Awarded as ‘The Most Trusted Brand Of India’, the Kenstar badge is recognised for high-quality products, superior aesthetics and solid durability. They are chosen for the seamless way they fit into modern lifestyle and its needs.