Experience The Grandeur Of Nizami Daawats At Vivanta Whitefield

Inspired by the legendary royal kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad, The Grand Tradition of Nizami Daawats is a curated culinary experience that pays homage to a cuisine celebrated for its grandeur, indulgence, and closely guarded secrets. Nizami daawats were once famed for their lavish spreads—where hundreds of dishes were presented, spices were used with finesse, and food was elevated to an art form.

Drawing from iconic recipes once prepared by royal khansamas, the menu brings together a refined selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian classics. Highlights include Paneer Tikka Piyazi, Badami Paneer Korma, Bagara Baingan, Murgh Ki Chaap, and the indulgent Gosht Dum Biryani, accompanied by traditional Pudina ki Roomali. The experience concludes with the timeless dessert Gily Firdous, offering a sweet finale rooted in royal tradition.

Thoughtfully crafted for the modern palate yet deeply anchored in heritage, this Nizami daawat promises a regal dining journey that celebrates the richness, elegance, and timeless flavours of Hyderabad’s royal cuisine.

Venue: Terracotta
Hotel: Vivanta Bengaluru Whitefield
Dates: 20 January – 30 January
Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Price: ₹1,950 + taxes
For reservations, please contact: +91 73491 41123

PNB Announces Robust Q3 Results: Profit Jumps 12% YoY To ₹5,190 Crore

Punjab National Bank (PNB) Profit rose 11.6% YoY to ₹5,189.79 crore. Operating profit before provisions and contingencies rose 13.8% YoY to ₹7,570.32 crore compared to ₹6,651.62 crore in the same quarter last year.

PNB Q3 results: Government-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) on January 19, reported an 11.6% year-on-year (YoY) rise in its consolidated net profit for the December quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY26) at ₹5,189.79 crore. In the same quarter last year, the public sector lender's profit was ₹4,648.60 crore.

Operating profit before provisions and contingencies for the quarter under review stood at ₹7,570.32 crore compared to ₹6,651.62 crore in the same quarter last year, thus rising 13.8% YoY.
PNB standalone Q3 results: Key highlights

Net profit jumped 13.1% YoY to ₹5,100 crore, and operating profit rose by 13% YoY to ₹7,481 crore.

Net interest income (NII) in Q3FY26 was ₹10,533 crore, down 4.5% from ₹11,032 crore in Q3FY25.

Gross NPA declined by 90 bps YoY to 3.19%, while net NPA declined by 9 bps YoY to 0.32%.

Slippage ratio also dropped by 2 bps YoY to 0.67%.

Return on assets (RoA) improved to 1.06% in Q3 from 1.03% in the same quarter last year.

Provision coverage ratio (including TWO) improved by 22 bps YoY to 96.99% from 96.77% as on December 2024.

CD ratio stood at 74.2% as of December 2025, as against 72.6% in December 2024.

Global deposits rose 8.5% YoY to ₹16,60,290 crore, while global advances climbed by 10.9% YoY to ₹12,31,238 crore.

Retail advances grew 7.4% YoY to ₹2,81,988 crore, while MSME advances jumped 18.1% YoY to ₹1,88,209 crore.

Corporate and others advanced grew by 8.9% YoY to ₹5,04,967 crore.

Indofast Energy And Nexus Select Malls Launch First-Ever Battery Swapping Stations At Shopping Malls

· Stations inaugurated at Nexus Shantiniketan and Nexus Whitefield, Bengaluru; rollout planned across major Indian cities

Indofast Energy, India’s leading battery-swapping solutions provider, has partnered with Nexus Select Malls, India’s first Retail REIT, to launch the first battery swapping stations inside shopping malls, marking a significant milestone in integrating sustainable mobility with everyday urban infrastructure.

The partnership debuts with the inauguration of Quick Interchange Stations (QIS) at two locations, Nexus Shantiniketan and Nexus Whitefield in Bengaluru, making this the first battery swapping infrastructure introduced at Nexus Select Malls. The initiative will be scaled across key cities including Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad and Pune.

By embedding battery swapping within high-footfall retail destinations, the collaboration enables faster, more accessible EV energy solutions for commuters, gig workers, delivery partners and fleet operators, while seamlessly integrating clean mobility into daily consumer journeys.

Speaking on the partnership, Anant Badjatya, CEO, Indofast Energy, said “Our collaboration with Nexus Select Malls represents a paradigm shift in how urban infrastructure can support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. By integrating our state-of-the-art battery swapping technology directly into high-footfall retail destinations, we are not just providing convenience; we are creating an ecosystem where electric mobility becomes an effortless and integral part of daily life for millions of shoppers and commuters, and especially the thriving last-mile delivery ecosystem. We are incredibly proud to be Nexus Select Malls’ first battery swapping partner and look forward to a successful, rapid expansion across their extensive network. This partnership underscores our commitment to making battery swapping the default choice for urban transportation and accelerating India’s transition to sustainable mobility.”

Indofast Energy’s automated battery swapping technology enables EV users to replace depleted batteries within minutes, eliminating long charging times and range anxiety. The solution supports multiple vehicle types on a common battery platform, making it particularly impactful for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers operating in dense urban environments.

Nilesh Singh, Sr.VP, ESG & Business Excellence, Nexus Select Mall said “As India’s first Retail REIT, Nexus Select Malls is committed to reimagining malls as future-ready urban ecosystems. Introducing battery swapping stations for the first time across our portfolio is a meaningful step in embedding sustainability into everyday consumer spaces. This initiative supports cleaner last-mile mobility while making greener choices visible, accessible and practical for millions of visitors who engage with our malls every day.”

The collaboration reinforces Indofast Energy’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model by integrating EV infrastructure into everyday consumer touchpoints and aligns with the company’s ambition to deploy 10,000 battery swapping stations across 40+ Indian cities over the next three years, accelerating India’s transition to sustainable urban mobility.

ABOUT INDOFAST ENERGY

Indofast Energy is a pioneering force in India’s electric mobility ecosystem, transforming EV adoption through its innovative Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. A 50:50 joint venture between IndianOil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and SUN Mobility, Indofast Energy is building one of the world’s largest battery-swapping networks. With 1,200+ swap stations across 22 cities handling 2.4 million+ battery swaps per month, the company is enabling fast, affordable and scalable electric mobility across vehicle segments.

For more information: https://indofastenergy.com/about

ABOUT NEXUS MALLS

Nexus Select Trust is India’s first listed Retail REIT and the largest owner of Grade A retail real estate in the country. The Trust owns and operates a diversified portfolio of well-located shopping malls across India’s key urban consumption centres. Through its malls, Nexus Select Trust creates vibrant community hubs that integrate shopping, dining, entertainment and social experiences, while consistently enhancing asset quality, sustainability performance and long-term value for stakeholders.

Bengaluru Runs For Earth: MAHE Bengaluru To Host Sustainability Themed Marathon On January 25

* Inaugural MAHETHON 2026 Set to Unite Thousands of Runners as ‘Bengaluru’s Biggest Running Festival’s

* Event Features Multiple Categories, including Half Marathon (21.1K), 10K, 5K, and 3K Fun Run

* AIMS-Certified Route Carries ‘Run Green. Breathe Free’ Theme Promoting Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Lifestyles

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, Bengaluru Campus, is set to host the first-ever MAHETHON 2026. Branded as “Bengaluru’s biggest running festival,” this flagship sporting event will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The run will start and finish at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus in Yelahanka and will follow an AIMS-certified route, ensuring international measurement standards.

MAHETHON 2026, powered by Axis Bank, brings together fitness, sustainability, and community spirit. Designed as an inclusive platform, it welcomes runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants. Celebrating the theme “Run Green. Breathe Free” and the tagline “Bengaluru Runs for Earth,” the event highlights MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable practices. It showcases the campus’s green initiatives, including biodiversity conservation and sustainable mobility, while encouraging participants to embrace healthier, eco-friendly lifestyles.

Elaborating on the vision behind this flagship event, Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MLHS, MAHE Manipal, and MAHE Bengaluru Campus, said, “MAHETHON 2026 is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that reflects our collective spirit of resilience and progress. We see this marathon as a bridge connecting the academic community with the vibrant energy of Bengaluru. By bringing together thousands of runners under the banner of health, sustainability, and ecology, we are taking a meaningful step toward building a fitter, more conscious, and ecologically aware society.”

Further reinforcing its pan-India commitment to health and sustainability, MAHE, Manipal, will host the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon on Sunday, 08 February 2026, at KMC Greens, Manipal. Recognised as one of India’s largest student-organised community fitness events, Manipal Marathon, together with Mahethon, underscores MAHE’s nationwide efforts to promote fitness as a shared social responsibility.

Race Categories and Highlights: MAHETHON 2026 features multiple race categories and highlights to suit all age groups and fitness levels:

Half Marathon (21.1K): The flagship race for endurance runners.

10K Run & 10K Forces Run: Open to the general public and armed/police forces.

5K Run: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts.

3K Fun Run: Designed for children and beginners to enjoy running.

“MAHETHON 2026 promises to be a celebration of community, camaraderie, and well-being, ensuring every participant enjoys a safe, supported, and seamless race-day experience,” said Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, who is spearheading the event.

Registration Information: MAHE Bengaluru Campus invites students, corporate professionals, and fitness enthusiasts from across the city to register. To register visit https://www.mahethon.in/

Beyond Mumbai 3.0: Why Nagpur Offers Early-Cycle Real Estate Arbitrage

Indian real estate investors are facing a familiar dilemma. Capital continues to flow into corridors that feel safe, and visible, often because they have already demonstrated how powerful infrastructure led growth can be.

For example, micro markets such as Panvel, Ulwe, Dronagiri, Khopoli, Karjat, and Alibaug have seen sharp price appreciation, driven by transformative infrastructure like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Atal Setu. Prices across several of these corridors have risen between 35% and 70% in a short span. Panvel apartments are up nearly 25% in three years, while Ulwe has recorded 9.6% year on year growth, with land prices across Ulwe, Panvel, Taloja, and Kharghar climbing 50% to 60% over the same period.

This is how strong growth phases typically unfold. Capital moves early into markets where infrastructure visibility is rising, price discovery accelerates, and returns are front loaded. Liquidity improves, participation broadens, and these corridors become reference points for what successful real estate cycles look like.

And right now, Nagpur is entering the phase that defined the early growth story of these Mumbai region corridors.

According to the Colliers Emerging Investment Opportunities in India 2025 report, Nagpur ranks as India’s #1 emerging city among 30 tier-II cities, evaluated across physical infrastructure, social infrastructure, economic growth, demographics, and real estate dynamics. More importantly, it sits in Wave 1 of its growth cycle – right before large-scale construction, before consensus participation, and before pricing fully absorbs what is already in motion.

Here is what is underway. Over ₹4.5 lakh crore of investments are shaping Nagpur’s transformation, anchored by more than ₹3 lakh crore of central and state government commitments to the Vidarbha region. A further ₹2 lakh crore is being deployed into expressways, airport expansion, rail upgrades, and urban mobility.

Connectivity is already altering Nagpur’s economic role. The 701 km Samruddhi Mahamarg is fully operational, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur to around 8 hours. Expressway and rail upgrades are integrating the city into national logistics networks, while airport expansion is aligning industrial zones with domestic and global routes. Crucially, this compression of distance is still being absorbed by the market.

What further differentiates Nagpur is the breadth of demand creation. Industrial investments exceeding ₹71,500 crore, led by groups such as Adani, Reliance Industries, and JSW, are underway, with close to 3 lakh direct and indirect jobs projected over the next 5 years. This creates end-use demand for housing and commercial space, reducing reliance on purely investor-led price movement.

The upcoming Nagpur International Business and Financial Centre, with an investment outlay of over ₹11,500 crore, reinforces this early-cycle positioning. Inspired by BKC and GIFT City, the IBFC is currently at a planning and land-acquisition stage. Historically, this pre-construction window is where long-term value creation begins, before visibility turns into crowding.

Comparisons with other growth markets underline the arbitrage. In Ahmedabad’s Shela micro market, entry prices have already crossed ₹6,500 per sq ft, with growth expected to stabilise. In Noida, future upside is constrained by income levels, slowing velocity. In contrast, Nagpur is seeing employment, enterprise formation, and connectivity move ahead of pricing.

“In every real estate cycle, the strongest returns come from timing, not familiarity,” says Samujjwal Ghosh, CEO, The House of Abhinandan Lodha. “Many investors today are paying peak prices for comfort in late-stage markets. Nagpur offers a different equation, where infrastructure and economic drivers are already in motion, but prices have not fully caught up yet. Land is the clearest way to capture that early cycle upside, and this is the phase where entering early matters most.”

Past cycles support this timing argument. Early plotted developments in Nagpur have already delivered 3.7x appreciation over the last decade. Looking ahead, land values along Samruddhi-influenced corridors are projected to rise up to 5.2x during the 2025 to 2035 cycle, assuming planned infrastructure execution.

In real estate, timing often matters more than consensus. And right now, Nagpur is where timing still works in the investor’s favour.

Tata AIA Life Makes Long-Term Savings Easier With Premium Offset And Guaranteed Income Options

Saving for the future is something most people want to do—but sticking to a long-term savings plan can often feel difficult. Rising household expenses, changing priorities, and the pressure of paying premiums year after year can make long-term commitments hard to sustain. To make saving simpler and more affordable, Tata AIA Life Insurance has enhanced its long-term savings plan, Fortune Guarantee Supreme*, with features that ease the financial burden while offering guaranteed returns.

Sharing the Responsibility of Saving with the ‘Premium Offset’ feature
At the heart of this enhancement is Tata AIA’s unique ‘Premium Offset’ proposition. Under this feature, customers pay premiums only for the first six years of a 12-year premium-paying term, and can choose to offset the remaining six premiums with the income benefit offered by Tata AIA. This offset structure allows customers to stay invested for the long term without the pressure of paying premiums throughout the entire term. By reducing the out-of-pocket commitment, the plan lowers the barrier to disciplined saving—especially in an environment where costs and taxes often make long-term financial commitments feel overwhelming.

Commenting on the enhancement, Sujeet Kothare, Chief of Products, Marketing, Corporate Communications & Business Mid Office, Tata AIA Life Insurance, said:
“Many consumers want to save for the long term but hesitate because the commitment often feels heavy and difficult to sustain—especially with rising costs and taxes. With the strengthened Fortune Guarantee Supreme, we are changing this experience by sharing the responsibility of saving with our customers. The premium offset proposition, combined with guaranteed income options, is designed to make disciplined saving simpler, more predictable, and easier to sustain over time.”

Clarity, Certainty, and Confidence with the ‘Power of 6’
Fortune Guarantee Supreme also offers customers the option to receive a guaranteed income and other guaranteed benefits with an attractive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) upwards of 6%, subject to policy terms and conditions. This feature, known as the ‘Power of 6’, is designed for individuals seeking certainty and regular income in the future—whether to support post-retirement needs, long-term family goals, or financial stability during later life stages.

The “Power of 6” variant strengthens the company’s focus on dependable long-term solutions by offering customers an attractive guaranteed of 6% IRR. Built for individuals planning for life goals such as children’s education, retirement, and income security, the variant combines assured returns with life insurance protection to deliver greater confidence in financial planning.

Designed for Long-Term Security
As an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan, Fortune Guarantee Supreme provides guaranteed benefits along with life cover throughout the policy term—ensuring continuity and financial protection even in unforeseen circumstances. Eligible premiums continue to qualify for tax benefits under Section 80C, while maturity and death benefits are exempt under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, subject to prevailing tax laws.

With these enhancements, Tata AIA Life Insurance aims to help consumers move beyond hesitation and cost-related concerns—empowering them to commit to long-term savings with greater ease, confidence, and clarity.

* Fortune Guarantee Supreme: UIN110N163V12

About Tata AIA Life

Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (Tata AIA) is a joint venture Company formed by Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA). Tata AIA Life combines Tata’s pre-eminent leadership position in India and AIA’s presence as the largest, independent listed pan-Asian life insurance group in the world, spanning 18 markets in the Asia Pacific region.

Tata AIA reported a total Premium Income of INR 31,484 crore for FY25, up 23% from FY24. The Company continues to rank among the Top 3 Private Insurers in Individual Weighted New Business Premium (IWNBP) with an IWNBP income of INR 8,511 crore. The Company also achieved industry-leading Persistency performance (based on premiums), ranking #1 in four out of five cohorts.

About the Tata Group

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals.

The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust’.

In 2023-24, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was more than $165 billion. These companies collectively employ over 1 million people.

Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 26 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of more than $365 billion as on March 31, 2024.

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets –wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(3), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(4), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$305 billion as of 31 December 2024.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.

Simplifying GST For Small Sellers: Trust As The Foundation

* GST simplification for small sellers among key considerations ahead of Union Budget 2026

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, industry bodies, entrepreneurs and policy stakeholders have set expectations around further simplification of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) alongside other tax measures to strengthen ease of doing business, improve liquidity for small enterprises and support sustained economic growth, particularly for entities operating across states and e-commerce platforms. Calls for enhanced tax clarity, faster credit flows, and reduced compliance barriers are gaining prominence in pre-budget consultations with the Ministry of Finance.

Despite GST 2.0’s rollout last year and ongoing digitization efforts, small and medium enterprises continue to face complex compliance requirements that affect their operational efficiency and working capital. Compliance for multi-state operations still involves separate registrations, multiple state-wise filings, and repeated audits, processes that increase administrative burden, especially for micro and small sellers. Input Tax Credit (ITC) accumulation due to inverted duty structures and procedural refund delays are cited as persistent stress points affecting cash flows. Such challenges are frequently highlighted in industry pre-budget representations as areas where targeted reform could materially support growth and competitiveness.

Against this backdrop, speaking at GST Samvaad 2.0, Dr. Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), emphasised the need for the next phase of GST reforms to build on trust and system maturity.

“GST was envisioned as One Nation, One Tax to enable ease of doing business, especially for small traders and entrepreneurs. While rate rationalisation and digitisation have improved, the compliance burden continues to be disproportionately high for small sellers. Today, they are burdened with multiple registrations, duplicated audits, and working capital locked in accumulated input credits despite operating within a fully digitized tax ecosystem. If states can trust one another to collect and transfer tax revenues across borders, the same principle should apply to compliant businesses. Simplifying registrations, harmonizing audits, and enabling faster resolution of accumulated credits are essential to ensure GST genuinely supports growth while safeguarding revenue integrity.”

For businesses operating across states, GST compliance continues to involve multiple registrations, parallel audits, and working capital pressures arising from accumulated input tax credits—particularly in sectors affected by inverted duty structures, where higher taxes on inputs lead to credits remaining unutilised and constrain cash flows needed for day-to-day operations and expansion. E-commerce sellers and micro-entrepreneurs also face practical challenges due to continued reliance on physical documentation, despite the availability of digital alternatives.

Given the economic significance of small and medium enterprises, which contribute nearly 30% of GDP and employ over 11 crore people, policymakers have an opportunity to pursue calibrated, trust-led GST reforms that simplify compliance, improve liquidity, and support inclusive growth as the tax framework continues to evolve.