Marriott International Celebrates 700th Hotel In Asia Pacific Excluding China With Opening Of Legacy Mekong, Can Tho In Vietnam

The milestone reinforces Marriott’s thoughtful growth strategy across the region as it expands beyond gateway cities into emerging destinations

Marriott International, Inc. today announced a landmark moment in its regional growth journey with the Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection joining its portfolio, marking the company’s 700th property in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC). The milestone underscores Marriott’s continued momentum across the region, reflecting its strategic focus on expanding thoughtfully into diverse destinations beyond traditional gateway cities.

Situated on a private islet along the Hau River, Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection introduces the brand’s signature storytelling hospitality to the heart of Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta. The property joins Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection as the second Autograph Collection hotel in Vietnam. Each offers experiences that are “Exactly Like Nothing Else,” blending authentic cultural expression with distinctive design and heartfelt service.

“Introducing our 700th property in APEC is a proud moment that reflects the trust our owners, partners, and guests place in Marriott,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Vietnam continues to be one of our most exciting growth markets, and the opening of the Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection highlights our commitment to thoughtfully expanding our presence beyond major cities, introducing travelers to new destinations that are rich in culture, character, and opportunity.”

A Growing Presence Across Vietnam and the Region

With 30 open properties across Vietnam and a robust development pipeline of over 50 projects, Marriott continues to strengthen its presence across the country, spanning from major urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to emerging leisure destinations such as Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and Ha Giang. Vietnam is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s most dynamic travel markets, welcoming over 17 million international visitors in the first 10 months of 2025, up more than 21% year on year, with strong inbound growth from key regional markets including China, South Korea, and ASEAN neighbors. This momentum positions Vietnam as a rising hub for both leisure and business travel within Asia Pacific.

This opening also marks another step in Marriott’s long-term growth strategy in APEC, where the company now operates 700 properties across 27 brands in 22 countries, with 400 more properties in the development pipeline. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy platform with nearly 260 million members globally, travelers can connect seamlessly to a world of rewards, experiences, and destinations across the region, underscoring Marriott’s commitment to offering more choice and deeper engagement in one of the fastest-growing travel regions in the world.

Introducing a Storied Outpost in the Heart of Mekong Delta

Surrounded by eight hectares of tropical gardens on Au Islet, Legacy Mekong, Can Tho immerses guests in the natural beauty and enduring rhythms of the Mekong Delta, known as the “Rice Basket of Vietnam, a three-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the property captures the essence of riverside living through designs inspired by mangroves, banyan trees, and fruit orchards. Guests are welcomed with bracelets woven by palm leaves, herbal infusions, and traditional blessings before retreating to one of the 86 elegantly designed bungalows and private pool villas, each offering views of the river, lake, or garden.

Legacy Mekong, Can Tho spotlights an enchanting yet underexplored region of Vietnam, offering experience-seeking travelers authentic adventures, organic cuisine, and cultural traditions. Dining celebrates the Mekong’s rich culinary heritage, from locally sourced Vietnamese favorites to “Breakfast with a Story” - a dish paired with the tale of its origin.

Autograph Collection Hotels are inspired by a clear vision and story that makes each property individual, unique, and exactly like nothing else. Multi-sensory wellness offerings including a hydrotherapy spa, yoga and Pilates studio, and meditation pavilion offer indulgence for travelers while families will appreciate the engaging children’s club, while the courtyard pool, gong rituals, and herbal refreshments add to the sense of calm and connection. Keeping the storytelling alive, guests depart with a symbolic linen pouch of seeds and an invitation to “carry the Mekong home.”

For more information and reservations, visit: www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/vcalm-legacy-mekong-can-tho-autograph-collection-can-tho/overview.

Godrej Capital’s Aarohi Reaches ₹1,116 Crore In First-Year Bookings; Karnataka Emerges As The Largest Customer Market

· Aarohi has built an INR 552 crore asset base and onboarded over 1,600 customers within its first year, including 424 women from Karnataka, contributing 26% of the overall customer base.

· The Company is on track to on-board over 10,000 customers by 2028 under the initiative, strengthening women’s financial participation and empowerment.

Godrej Capital, a subsidiary of Godrej Industries, announced that its women-focused lending initiative, Aarohi, has crossed INR 1,116 crore in total loan bookings within its first year. Since launch in November 2024, Aarohi has built an INR 552 crore asset base and onboarded over 1,600 women customers across India. Karnataka has emerged as the largest contributor to Aarohi’s customer base, accounting for 26% of total onboarding, with 424 women borrowers across key cities including Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Mysore.

According to National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), only 3% of loans availed by women nationally are for business purposes, highlighting limited flow of credit towards their entrepreneurial needs. Aarohi, an initiative by Godrej Capital focuses on creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem for women through tailored credit offerings, skill-building initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration. By enabling women across the four C’s - as customers, channel partners, colleagues, and through CSR initiatives, Aarohi aims to deepen their participation and drive broader economic impact.

Speaking on this milestone, Manish Shah, MD and CEO, Godrej Capital, said “For India to unlock its full economic potential, our credit systems must be more inclusive, equitable, and intentionally designed for women. Despite their pivotal role in driving growth, women continue to face structural barriers across the financial ecosystem. Aarohi aims to bridge this gap by offering fair financial access, capability-building support, and a platform that strengthens their long-term economic participation. When women progress, businesses grow and communities thrive, Aarohi embodies our commitment to driving that momentum.”

Godrej Housing Finance Ltd (GHFL)., a subsidiary of Godrej Capital, contributed 56% of total bookings, driven by over INR 600 crore from Prime Home Loans, while Godrej Finance Ltd (GFL)., also a subsidiary, of Godrej Capital, accounted for the remaining 44%, supported by over INR 220 crore from Prime LAP.

Aarohi’s traction spans diverse customer profiles. Salaried customers under Prime Home Loans constitute 36% of the customer base and account for 50% of the booking value. Women entrepreneurs make up 55% of the portfolio across Business Loan and LAP products.

After Karnataka, Maharashtra emerges as the second largest contributors followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana emerging as the next largest contributors.

Over the next two financial years, Godrej Capital aims to strengthen Aarohi’s impact by increasing penetration from 10% in FY26 to 16 % in FY27 and 22 % in FY28, with a target of onboarding more than 10,000 customers by FY28.

About Godrej Capital

Godrej Capital is the financial services arm of the Godrej Industries Group. It is a subsidiary of Godrej Industries and is the holding company for Godrej Housing Finance Limited & Godrej Finance Limited. Godrej Housing Finance Limited (GHFL) extends housing loans, and the Affordable Housing vertical is housed with GHFL. With a digital-first approach and a keen focus on customer-centric product innovation, both the subsidiaries of Godrej Capital offers Home Loans, Loans Against Property, and secured and unsecured Loans for Businesses. It is positioned to diversify into other customer segments and products.

GHFL and GFL collectively referred as “Company”. The Company is focused on building a long-term, sustainable retail financial services business in India, anchored on the Godrej Group's 128-year legacy of trust and excellence. Godrej Capital focuses on learning and development across its employee base and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a guiding principle. Godrej Capital has been certified as a Great Place to Work and was recognised by the Economic Times as the Best Organization for Women in 2023.

Godrej Capital currently has over 86 branches across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Air India Express Takes Off From Nagpur With New Twice-Daily Services To Bengaluru

The new Nagpur–Bengaluru service enables access to the vast Air India Express network, offering convenient one-stop connectivity to around 30 domestic and seven international destinations.

Strengthening its presence further in Maharashtra, Air India Express, India’s first international value airline, inaugurated its operations from Nagpur. The airline now operates twice-daily flights between Nagpur and Bengaluru, its largest hub, enhancing connectivity and offering greater convenience to travellers.

The inaugural flight from Nagpur took off at 10:00 hrs and landed in Bengaluru at 12:05 hrs, while the first flight from Bengaluru to Nagpur departed at 07:25 hrs and arrived at 09:30 hrs. To commemorate the occasion, a special ceremony was held at Nagpur’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, where the first guests received a celebratory boarding pass.

Speaking about the launch, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “With the commencement of our operations from Nagpur today, alongside our upcoming launch from the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, we are further strengthening our presence across Maharashtra. These additions reinforce our focus on enhancing connectivity between non-metro cities and our major hubs, particularly Bengaluru, which continues to grow as our key domestic hub. This expanded network enables guests to enjoy seamless one-stop access across India, the Gulf, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. As we scale our network, we look forward to welcoming more travellers to ‘Xplore More, and Xpress More’ with Air India Express.”

From Nagpur, the airline offers one-stop connectivity to 29 domestic destinations and seven international destinations. Across Maharashtra, Air India Express operates over 130 weekly direct flights from Mumbai and over 90 weekly direct flights from Pune. The airline will also begin direct flights from Navi Mumbai to Bengaluru and Delhi from 25th December 2025.

Bengaluru continues to serve as an important hub for the airline, with over 530 weekly direct flights, including services to recently launched destinations such as Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. The airline has also recently introduced direct flights from Bengaluru to Bangkok, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh.

In addition to rapidly expanding its domestic network, Air India Express also announced a significant cultural milestone today - as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, the airline is proud to be associated with one of India’s most iconic cultural events, which begins today and runs until 10 December 2025. To promote tourism to the region, the airline is offering a 15% discount on flights to and from Dimapur for travel until 15 December 2025, using the promo code HORNBILL on it’s website and mobile app. The airline has set up a Hornbill themed photobooth for travellers arriving at Dimapur Airport and a community art canvas inspired by traditional motifs at the Kisama Heritage Village festival site. Guests and social media fans and followers are invited to participate in a contest to win free flights by uploading destination photographs on Instagram, Facebook, or X, tagging @airindiax and using #XploreMore.

The airline recently unveiled its latest brand campaign ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, encouraging travellers to immerse themselves in local culture and discover new experiences. The airline also unveiled the new cabin experience on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft recently. The upgraded cabin features seats with superior padding, wider armrests, and best-in-class legroom ranging from 29 to 38 inches. Each seat is equipped with in-seat USB charging ports, the cabins have ovens installed to serve hot ‘Gourmair’ meals, refreshed interiors with brand-new carpets, and advanced Boeing Sky Interior mood lighting, creating a modern, warm, and welcoming ambience that reflects the airline’s commitment to a comfortable and memorable flying experience.

The airline’s ‘Tales of India’ initiative celebrates the country’s artistic and cultural diversity through tail arts inspired by regional traditions and crafts. The initiative brings to life over 50 indigenous arts from 25 states, featuring on each of the airline’s new aircraft, including iconic Warli painting, exquisite Himroo and Paithani weaves from Maharashtra.

About Air India Express

Air India Express is A Tata Enterprise, operating over 500 daily flights that connect 45 domestic and 16 international destinations. The airline has a fleet of 115 modern aircraft, comprising 75 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s. As India’s most vibrant and inclusive airline, Air India Express embodies the spirit and confidence of India - warm, expressive, and proudly authentic. Encouraging travellers to ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, the airline transforms flying into an experience that is personal and memorable.

With thoughtfully curated touches - from ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, comfortable seats, and refreshed interiors to exclusive loyalty benefits and seamless digital journeys - Air India Express blends smart technology with heartfelt Indian hospitality, helping guests travel their way and feel at home wherever they go.

International Conference On Integrative Approaches To Obesity And Metabolic Syndrome Held At IISc Bengaluru

International Conference on Integrative Approaches to Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome organized by CCRAS–Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru, in collaboration with the IISc and NIMHANS was inaugurated on 1st December 2025 at IISc Bengaluru.

The event was organized to commemorate 57th foundation day of CCRAS. The conference brought together leading experts from Ayurveda, modern medicine, and allied scientific disciplines to deliberate on emerging challenges in the management of metabolic disorders. Renowned national and international speakers participated, reflecting the Government of India’s continued emphasis on evidence-based integrative healthcare. The programme was inaugurated by Dr.BN Gangadhar, Former Chairman, NMC & National Ayush Chair, Professor Emeritus Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS. Prof. Navakanta Bhat, Dean, CeNSE, IISc, and Dr.Koustubha Upadhyaya, Advisor (Ay.) Ministry of Ayush, were other Guests of honor. Dr. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, noted that the deliberations, to be continued on 1st and 2nd December 2025 are expected to provide insights into bridging traditional Ayurveda knowledge with contemporary biomedical research for strengthening future frameworks for integrative care and translational research. Dr.Srikanth .

N, Deputy Director General CCRAS gave a bird’s eye view of the conference and the journey of CCRAS. Dr.Sulochana Bhat, Organising Secretary & Incharge, CARI, expressed that scientific interactions, workshops, and discussions are expected to pave the way for new models of integrative care, translational research, and informed health policy. This event included the felicitation of former CCRAS employees, launching of Incubation centre at CARI, Bengaluru, launch of 10 books, one journal special issue and one scheme flyer, along with launch of Kulgeet which marks a significant milestone in journey of CCRAS.

This program includes Plenary Sessions by invited speakers along with Parallel sessions with the presentations from scientists, academicians and PG, PhD on 1 st -2 nd Dec 2025 , Symposium on “Translational Science and Integrative Medicine Approaches to Management of Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity and Dyslipidemia” and a Workshop on Nanotechnology & Molecular Biology on 2nd Dec. And a Pre Conference Virtual Scientific deliberations were held from 25 th to 27 th Nov 2025.

The event witnessed about 700 delegates. The deliberations include 2 keynote and 14 plenary session talks. About 267 oral scientific paper presentations and 95 virtual paper presentations, 55 poster presentations and 15 poster presentations.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Records 5.91 Lakh Unit Sales In November 2025

Registered 25% year-on-year growth in total sales over last year.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) reported total sales of 5,91,136 units in November 2025. This includes 5,33,645 units in domestic sales and 57,491 units in exports.

HMSI registered a 25% year-on-year (YOY) growth compared to November 2024.

For the Year-to-Date (YTD) period of FY26 (April–November 2025), HMSI recorded total sales of 42,32,748 units, comprising 38,12,096 units sold domestically and 4,20,652 units exported.

HMSI’s Key Highlights of November 2025:

Road Safety: HMSI continued its commitment towards road safety by organizing awareness campaigns across various cities nationwide including Nagpur, Nashik, Khammam, Dwarka, Bokaro, Haldwani, Karnal, Bahadurgarh, Bikaner, Cooch Behar, Shajapur, Theni and Belgaum. These campaigns encouraged responsible road behaviour through interactive learning.

HMSI also celebrated Children’s Month with a vibrant Kids Carnival across all its manufacturing facilities, 10 Traffic Training Parks (TTPs) and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDECs). The initiative, themed “Safety Explorers: Journey Through Traffic Land,” aimed to make road safety learning engaging and fun for children while promoting safe habits from an early age.

Additionally, HMSI held a Road Safety Convention in Coimbatore and Varanasi encouraging principals and teachers to build road safety awareness among children from an early age.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Marking a significant step in advancing inclusive skill development, HIF announced the launch of Kaushal Vikas Kendra for Persons with Disabilities in partnership with Sarthak Educational Trust in Bengaluru, focussing on empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through structured vocational training and career-oriented interventions.

Honda India Foundation (HIF) announced the launch of a Career Progression Program for General Duty Assistants (GDAs) trained under its flagship CSR initiative, Project Pragati. It aims to help healthcare workers move into specialized technical roles through structured training and assured employment at Amrita Hospital.

HIF also announced the launch of Sports Talent Nurturing Program in collaboration with Manav Rachna Sports Academy (MRSA), Faridabad to identify and nurture young talent from underprivileged backgrounds by providing access to professional coaching, scientific training and exposure in Badminton and Table Tennis.

SWREL Announces Marquee Orders Worth ~INR 1,381 Cr From Adani Green Energy

Key Highlights

Signs a 5-year Strategic Partnership Framework Agreement
Three Solar Power Projects at Khavda, Gujarat
Involves BOS package for supply of goods and onsite services
5-year Strategic Partnership Framework Agreement with Adani Green for their future India RE rollout

Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited (SWREL) (BSE Scrip Code: 542760; NSE Symbol: SWSOLAR), a leading renewable EPC Company, is proud to announce that the company has signed a 5-year Strategic Partnership Framework Agreement, and received its first PO from Adani Green Energy Limited – currently India’s largest and fastest growing RE developer.

This prestigious order is for a Balance of System (BOS) package for three Solar Power Projects at one of the World’s largest RE projects at Khavda Renewable Energy Park, Gujarat. This order involves supply of goods and onsite services with total order valued at approximately INR 1,381 crore excluding taxes.

SWREL is currently executing ~6 GW in the Khavda region with ~5 GW scheduled to be completed in this fiscal. With this project of 1 GW, SWREL continues to maintain a dominant position in the Gujarat region.

Speaking about this development, Mr. Chandra Kishore Thakur, Global CEO, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Group said, “We are delighted to announce a strategic 5-year partnership framework agreement with Adani Green, and also our largest domestic EPC order this fiscal. This partnership between India’s largest RE developer, and one of India’s biggest solar EPC players further strengthens our EPC leadership in the fast growing Indian Solar market. This order is a testament to the trust our clients place in our engineering excellence, execution capabilities, and ability to deliver large GW projects with a fast turnaround.

With this order win, SWREL has now achieved more than INR 6,450 crore of order inflows this fiscal, and our pipeline continues to remain robust.”

Odysse Electric Vehicles Clocks 1,036 Units In November 2025

Reports 292% year-on-year growth, powered by rising demand for its latest electric two-wheelers

Odysse Electric Vehicles, one of India’s fastest-growing premium electric vehicle manufacturers, reported an impressive 292% year-on-year growth in November 2025. The company sold 1,036 units in November 2025, a significant rise from 264 units recorded in November 2024.

This remarkable sales momentum underscores Odysse Electric’s strengthened retail presence, rapidly growing customer base, and the increasing demand for its new-generation smart electric scooters and bikes. With its distribution network now spanning close to 300 PIN codes across India, Odysse continues to expand accessibility for customers seeking reliable, future-ready EV solutions.

Odysse Electric’s recently launched models – Racer Neo, Snap, HyFy, and the high-speed Odysse SUN – have become significant growth drivers. Built for performance, convenience, and smart mobility, these models have gained widespread approval among value-conscious, tech-savvy, and environmentally aware riders. Positive customer feedback, repeat purchases, and strong word-of-mouth recommendations continue to drive sales across key markets.

A surge in festive sentiment and attractive promotions across retail outlets, combined with easy financing options and enhanced after-sales service, further contributed to the strong November performance. The brand is also witnessing increased dealership interest, higher test-ride volumes, and a notable rise in walk-ins across its pan-India footprint.

Nemin Vora, Founder and CEO of Odysse Electric Vehicles, said, “This extraordinary growth in November reflects the trust and enthusiasm customers are showing in Odysse’s latest range of EVs. Our expansion across new markets, coupled with refined product offerings, has significantly boosted our reach and acceptance. We remain committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and innovative EV solutions that support India’s shift towards cleaner mobility.”

Driven by sustained demand and a robust product lineup, Odysse Electric is focused on further strengthening its dealer network, expanding service capabilities, and accelerating its innovation roadmap to meet evolving customer needs in India’s rapidly growing EV ecosystem.

Established in 2020, Odysse Electric is at the forefront of reshaping India's electric vehicle landscape. Odysse Electric offers one of the largest product portfolios, comprising 7 models: 2 low-speed scooters, 2 high-speed scooters, a delivery scooter targeted to the B2B segment, an EV sport bike, and a commuter bike for daily users.

The product range includes: -

Low Speed – Hyfy, Racer Neo, E2Go Lite, E2go+ and E2GO Graphene (electric scooter with portable battery, USB charging, digital speedometer and keyless entry)

High-Speed Electric scooter SNAP (AIS 156 approved smart Portable Battery, waterproof motor, Distance to Empty & CAN enabled display also available in BaaS Option)

High Speed Electric scooter SUN, HAWK Li (India’s first electric scooter with cruise control & Music system along with portable battery)

Electric scooter TROT 2.0 for last-mile delivery (Loading capacity of 250 kgs and IoT)

Electric bike EVOQIS & Evoqis Lite (with four drive modes, keyless entry, anti-theft lock, and motor cut-off switch)

Electric motorcycle Vader (with 7” Touchscreen Android Display, AIS-156 approved battery, five drive modes, Robust build).