Axis Bank Partners With FHRAI To Strengthen Banking Support For India’s Hospitality Sector

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), one of the country’s apex hospitality industry bodies.

The MoU, signed in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations, enables Axis Bank to engage more closely with FHRAI’s extensive member base across the country, strengthening collaboration with hospitality businesses across segments and geographies.

Under the partnership, Axis Bank will offer a suite of banking and transaction solutions designed to address the specific needs of businesses across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem. These include a specialized current account proposition with transaction banking benefits such as concessions on POS rentals, cash management services, and payment solution setup fees. Additionally, FHRAI members may get access to customised financial offerings, subject to eligibility and business requirements.

Commenting on the partnership, Vijay Shetty, President & Head – Commercial Banking Group, Axis Bank, said, "The hospitality sector continues to witness sustained underlying demand, driven by rising income levels, domestic travel, government focus, and improving infrastructure. At Axis Bank, we are deepening our focus on this sector through a more ecosystem-led approach. Our partnership with FHRAI is a step towards engaging more meaningfully with the industry and delivering relevant, sector-aligned financial solutions. Axis Bank and FHRAI also look forward to exploring opportunities for engagements through future FHRAI engagements, with a focus on mutual value creation.”

Speaking on the development, Mr. Sreekesh P, Executive Vice President & Regional Branch Banking Head North 3 said, “The hospitality ecosystem, particularly across Uttar Pradesh, presents a diverse and dynamic opportunity spanning hotels, banquet operators, caterers, and allied segments. Through this collaboration with FHRAI, we see an opportunity to strengthen our on-ground engagement with businesses and build deeper relationships by driving consistent engagement with the sector.”

Sharing his perspective on the partnership, Mr. Surendra Jaiswal, President, FHRAI, said: “We are pleased to partner with Axis Bank in strengthening engagement between the banking and hospitality sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, access to relevant and sector-aligned financial solutions will be important for our members. This collaboration is expected to facilitate greater awareness, access, and engagement opportunities for hospitality businesses across the country.”

As part of this engagement, Axis Bank also participated in FHRAI’s Wedding & MICE Tourism Conclave at Lucknow, where it showcased its sector focused capabilities through a targeted presentation and on ground presence.

With this MoU, Axis Bank reiterates its commitment to supporting the hospitality sector through a comprehensive suite of banking solutions, including term loans and working capital support, structured financing, and dedicated relationship management. The collaboration aims to deepen ecosystem engagement and enable the delivery of solutions aligned with sector needs, particularly for smaller establishments navigating cost fluctuations and scaling opportunities.

About FHRAI:

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body and the unified voice of the Indian hospitality industry, representing over 1,00,000 hotels and 5,00,000 restaurants across the country. Established in 1955, FHRAI has played a pivotal role in promoting and protecting the interests of the hospitality sector and has consistently partnered with both the central and state governments in advancing tourism development and strengthening the industry’s contribution to the national economy.

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 6,110 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 12,838 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 31st December 2025. The Bank’s Axis Virtual Centre is present across eight centres with 1,582 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 31st December 2025. 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 more information, visit the website: https://www.axis.bank.in/   

Godrej Properties Achieves Its Highest Ever Bookings, Collections, Operating Cash Flow, & Business Development In FY2026

Key Highlights:

GPL is India’s largest residential developer by booking value for the third consecutive financial year*

Booking value grew 16% to INR 34,171 crore in FY2026 and has grown at a 3-Year CAGR of 41%. This is the highest booking value ever reported by an Indian real estate developer in a financial year.*

Collections grew by 17% to INR 19,965 crore in FY2026 and has grown at a 3-year CAGR of 30%. This is the highest collections ever reported by an Indian real estate developer in a financial year.*

· Direct construction spend increased by 62% in FY2026.

Operating Cash flow increased by 5% to INR 7,830 crore in FY2026 and has grown at a 3-year CAGR of 30%.

Added INR 42,100 crore of future sales potential through portfolio additions in FY2026, achieving over 200% of guidance and delivering YoY growth of 59%

Delivered projects aggregating 12.1 million sq. ft. in FY2026 achieving 121% of guidance.

(*Basis the results announced till date)

Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) (scrip id: GODREJPROP), a leading national real estate developer, announced key operational updates for Q4 and FY2026.

· Godrej Properties delivers its highest ever quarterly and full year bookings.

o FY2026 booking value grew 16% YoY to INR 34,171 crore. This was achieved through the sale of 17,515 units with a total area of 27 million sq. ft., a YoY volume growth of 5%. This is the highest ever full year booking value and volume announced by any listed real estate developer in India to date.

o GPL has achieved 105% of its annual guidance for booking value for FY2026.

o Booking value has grown at a CAGR of 41% in the past 3 years.

o The company’s sales were well diversified geographically, with key contributions from major residential markets: MMR (INR 10,313 crore), Bengaluru (INR 8,802 crore), NCR (INR 7,410 crore), Pune (INR 3,659 crore), Hyderabad (INR 2,360 crore) and Others (INR 1,627 crore).

o 2 zones of GPL i.e. South Zone (Bengaluru, Hyderabad & Chennai) and Mumbai Zone (Mumbai & Indore) crossed INR 11,000 crores booking value for the first time.

o This performance was driven by a broad and diversified portfolio, with 11 individual projects across 6 cities each generating booking value of more than INR 1,000 crore during the year.

o Q4FY2026 booking value was the highest quarterly bookings ever by GPL equaling the previous best ever quarter in Q4 FY 2025 and growing 21% QoQ to INR 10,163 crores. This was achieved through the sale of 4,791 units with a total area of 7.26 million sq. ft.

o This is the 5th consecutive quarter in which GPL has delivered more than INR 7,000 crores of booking value and 11th consecutive quarter in which GPL has delivered more than INR 5,000 crore of booking value.

o FY2026 is the 9th consecutive year in which GPL has delivered growth in booking value.

· Highest ever quarterly and full year collections & Operating cash flow (OCF)

o Q4FY2026 collections stood at INR 7,947 crore representing a YoY growth of 14% over its previous best ever quarter and QoQ growth of 86%. This is the highest ever quarterly collections reported by any real estate developer in India to date.

o FY2026 collections stood at INR 19,965 crore representing a YoY growth of 17%. This is the highest annual collections reported by any listed real estate developer in India to date

o GPL has achieved 95% of its annual guidance for collections for FY2026.

o Collections have grown at a CAGR of 30% in the last 3 years.

o Direct construction spend increased by 62% in FY2026.

o Q4FY2026 OCF stood at INR 4,631 crore representing a YoY growth of 14% over the previous best ever quarter and a QoQ growth of 336%. FY2026 OCF stood at INR 7,830 crore representing a YoY growth of 5%.

o OCF has grown at a CAGR of 30% in the last 3 years.

o Free cash flow (FCF) of INR 626 crores was generated in Q4FY2026, a 5% increase YoY.

· Best-ever year for business development

o GPL has added 18 new projects in FY2026 with a total estimated saleable area of approximately 33.32 million sq. ft. and total estimated booking value potential of ~INR 42,100 crore.

o This includes 6 new projects with a total estimated saleable area of approximately 11 million sq. ft. and an expected booking value of INR 17,450 crore added in Q4FY2026.

o This was GPL’s best ever year for business development, with expected booking value added more than double the initial guidance of adding INR 20,000 crore of booking value potential.

· Strong deliveries in Q4FY2026

o GPL has delivered 12.1 million sq. ft. of projects in FY2026 across 9 cities representing an achievement of 121% of its annual guidance for deliveries in FY2026. This includes 7.4 million sq. ft. of deliveries across 8 cities in Q4FY2026.

· Stake increase by promoters in GPL and in holding company GIL in FY2026

o Promoters have utilized the entire creeping acquisition limit by investing INR 2,674 crore to acquire a 5.0% stake in GPL in FY2026 at an average price 21% higher than the FY2026 financial year-end stock price. This included 4.5% stake acquired in Q4FY2026.

o Promoters also utilized entire creeping acquisition limit in GPL’s holding company, Godrej Industries Limited (GIL) by investing INR 1,896 crore to acquire a 5.0% stake in FY2026.

Commenting on the performance, Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said: “GPL’s well rounded performance in FY2026 underscores the strength of demand for well-designed, high-quality homes in India’s major metropolitan markets. Our business development additions with a future booking value potential of over INR 42,000 crore in FY2026 will ensure that we continue to have a strong launch pipeline in the years ahead and the combined operating cash flow of over INR 15,000 crore we have generated in the past two financial years enables us to invest for growth while continuing to strengthen our balance sheet. We remain focused on building on this momentum in FY2027 through excellence in design, construction quality, timely delivery, sustainability, and innovation.”

About Godrej Properties Limited:

Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Industries Group philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate sector. Each Godrej Properties development combines a 129-year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting-edge design, technology, and sustainability. In FY2025 & FY2026, Godrej Properties retained its position as India’s largest developer by the value of residential sales achieved. The company continues to remain deeply focused on sustainable development. In 2010, GPL committed that all of its developments would be third-party certified green buildings. In 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ranked GPL #1 globally amongst listed residential developers for its sustainability and governance practices, and as of December 31st, 2025, GPL was also ranked #1 globally in the Real Estate and Management sector on the S&P Global’s Dow Jones best in class indices. In recent years, Godrej Properties has received over 500 awards and recognitions, including Developer of the Year at the GRI India Awards, the Porter Prize, The Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the Brand Trust Report, Builder of the Year at the CNBCAwaaz Real Estate Awards, and The Economic Times Best Real Estate Brand.   

Soi & Sake Brings Golden Dragon To Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru

A landmark of Chinese cuisine from Taj Coromandel presents its signature legacy through an exclusive pop-up at Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru

An iconic name in Chinese cuisine, Golden Dragon from Chennai arrives in Bengaluru for an exclusive three-day pop-up at Soi & Sake, Taj Bangalore. Bringing with it over four decades of culinary legacy, the experience showcases authentic Sichuan and Cantonese flavours, helmed by the master chefs from Chennai.

Blending timeless techniques with Soi & Sake’s contemporary setting, the pop-up presents a refined, high-energy dining experience centred around the essence of wok hei and classic flavour profiles.

Menu Highlights:

A Legacy of Spice: Showcasing the signature wok hei (breath of the wok), with ingredients such as Shaoxing wine, mala chilli oil, and fermented black beans

Signature Starters: Wok-smoked La Su Chicken with bird’s eye chilli and the classic Golden Dragon Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Seafood Specialties: Typhoon Shelter Prawns with roasted garlic and Hot Smoked Fish with green chilli and mint

Distinctive Broths: West Lake Lamb Soup with shiitake mushrooms, a refined Cantonese preparation

Venue: Soi & Sake

Dates: 16th – 18th April

Timings:
Lunch: 12:30 hrs – 15:30 hrs
Dinner: 18:30 hrs – 23:00 hrs

Pricing:
Vegetarian Set Menu: INR 4000 + taxes
Non-Vegetarian Set Menu: INR 5000 + taxes
À la carte available

Join us for an exclusive dining experience at Soi & Sake. For reservations, please call: +91 9148906663

BirlaNu Aerocon Unveils ‘The Elements Collection’: Where Structural Integrity Meets Timeless Elegance

BirlaNu, a global leader in innovative and sustainable home and building solutions, today announced launch of “The Elements Collection”. This curated range of designer cement boards under the BirlaNu Aerocon portfolio marks a significant evolution in architectural surfaces, bridging the gap between uncompromising performance and high-order aesthetics. Inspired by the primal forces of Earth, Water, and Air, the Elements Collection is a response to the evolving aspirations of the modern design community. In an era where "every home is a castle," BirlaNu recognizes that the surfaces defining our spaces must do more than endure; they must inspire.

A Collaboration in Vision

The development of the Elements Collection was guided by an extensive immersive with over 200 leading architects and interior designers. This collaborative process ensured that each pattern resonates with a "nature-positive" philosophy – offering textures that feel organic and eternal rather than merely decorative

The Language of Nature

The collection features nine distinct design expressions, each a study in structured elegance. From the fluid motion of Waves and Dew to the grounded strength of Boles and Slate, the range—including Pebbles, Petals, Roots, Vines, and Pine —allows for a modular approach to design. These variants are crafted to be used as singular statements or in bespoke combinations, offering a "world of possibilities" for feature walls, ceilings, and sophisticated cladding.

Performance as a Silent Promise

While the Elements Collection appeals to the aesthetic sensibilities of influencers and connoisseurs, it remains rooted in the "engineering excellence" that defines BirlaNu Aerocon. These designer boards offer:

Sophisticated Versatility: Seamlessly integrating into residential, commercial, and institutional masterworks.

Resilient Beauty: Termite, water, and fire resistance, ensuring that the "stories that last" are built on foundations of safety and durability.

Sustainable Innovation: Reflecting BirlaNu’s commitment to "shaping a new, sustainable world" through eco-friendly manufacturing and long-lasting quality.

"At BirlaNu, we believe that innovation is a celebration of human aspiration," says Y Srinivasa Rao, Chief Business Officer of Walls at BirlaNu. "The Elements Collection is more than a product range; it is an invitation to architects and homeowners to treat every surface as a canvas. By blending the strength of Aerocon with the poetry of the natural world, we are empowering our partners to create spaces that are as enduring as they are beautiful".

From Classrooms To Careers: Samsung Innovation Campus Certifies 5,000 Youth In Tamil Nadu For An AI-Driven Future

* Provided training in high-demand courses such as, AI, Coding, IoT and Big Data, designed to enhance employability

* Tamil Nadu accounts for 25% of 20,000 youth certified across India

Among the 5,000 youth in Tamil Nadu, 71% are women participants

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that 5,000 students in Tamil Nadu have been trained and certified under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme, reinforcing its commitment to building a future-ready workforce and supporting the state’s growing electronics and innovation ecosystem.

SIC equips students with industry-relevant, future-tech skills across high-demand domains — Artificial Intelligence (2,200), Coding and Programming (1,700), Big Data (600) and Internet of Things (500) — enabling them to transition more effectively from education to employment. In addition, it focuses on soft skills to boost employability, combining technical training with modules on problem-solving, communication and workplace readiness.

Tamil Nadu accounts for nearly one-fourth of the 20,000 youth trained across India under the programme, underlining the state’s importance as a key hub for technology, manufacturing and skilled talent development. Notably, 71% of the participants in Tamil Nadu are women, reflecting strong progress in expanding access to technology education and enabling more women to participate in the digital economy.

Training and certification were conducted in collaboration with leading institutions across the state, including University of Madras, Anna University, Queen Mary’s College (Chennai), Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Engineering (Chennai), and KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (Coimbatore).

“India’s growth story is being shaped by its young, skilled workforce, with Tamil Nadu playing a leading role in this transformation. As technology reshapes industries, the need for a future-ready workforce is more critical than ever. Building digital skills at scale, while ensuring inclusion, will be key to sustaining India’s growth momentum. As Samsung completes 30 years in India, we are enabling youth to develop capabilities aligned with the evolving needs of the global economy through Samsung Innovation Campus,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head of CSR and Corporate Communications, Samsung Southwest Asia.

The programme continues to expand its reach, training and certifying 20,000 youth across the country. Nationally, SIC has witnessed around 48% women participation, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to building an inclusive and equitable technology ecosystem. The programme is implemented in collaboration with ESSCI and the TSSC through accredited training partners.

SIC, together with initiatives such as Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST, is helping strengthen India’s digital skilling ecosystem—empowering young innovators to learn, build, and shape the future through technology. Marking 30 years in India, Samsung continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion.

Godrej Enterprises Group Contributes To India’s Civil Nuclear Journey With Critical Components For India’s First Fast Breeder Reactor

* This milestone strengthens India’s three-stage nuclear programme and advances energy self-reliance through indigenous engineering

India has taken a significant step forward in its civil nuclear programme with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieving criticality, marking progress into the next stage of its three-stage nuclear energy roadmap focused on long-term energy security and efficient fuel utilisation. The Precision Engineering business of Godrej Enterprises Group has contributed to this milestone by manufacturing and supplying the Large Rotating Plug (LRP), Small Rotating Plug (SRP), and the Sodium Pump Shaft.

These components combine large-scale fabrication with high-precision engineering. The rotating plugs, measuring up to 8 metres in diameter with a combined weight of nearly 120 tonnes, are designed to rotate 360 degrees and align with exact precision to enable fuel insertion into the reactor core. The 10-metre-long sodium pump shaft operates at over 500 RPM in a liquid sodium environment, requiring stringent control over balance, material integrity, and operational reliability. These components were designed and manufactured in India without any prior domestic reference, making this a first-time-right achievement for a first-of-its-kind application.

The execution of these systems involved overcoming multiple engineering challenges, including the development of specialised bearing systems, surface treatment processes for friction control, and gear systems designed to operate under stringent conditions, including seismic requirements. These solutions were developed and manufactured indigenously, reflecting strong in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The components are supplied to The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) a wholly owned Enterprise of Government of India.

The PFBR achieving criticality marks the culmination of a 22-year effort and a key step in India’s three-stage nuclear programme. Fast breeder reactors enable a closed fuel cycle by using plutonium from PHWRs and producing more fissile material, while also unlocking thorium utilisation. Typically, four PHWRs can fuel one fast breeder reactor. India currently operates 19 PHWRs, with 10 more 700 MWe units sanctioned. With ~846,000 tonnes of thorium reserves, this stage is critical to scaling domestic, low-carbon, and self-sustaining energy.

Godrej Enterprises Group continues to support India’s strategic and industrial capabilities through advanced engineering, delivering high-precision solutions across sectors that are critical to national development.

Celebrating Baisakhi With Timeless Flavours At Tamarind, Taj Bangalore

Marking the spirit of abundance and gratitude, Tamarind at Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru presents an elevated Baisakhi celebration that seamlessly blends cultural authenticity with refined luxury. Rooted in the essence of the harvest festival, the experience is thoughtfully curated around the theme of the “Golden Harvest”—a tribute to Punjab’s fertile fields and the joyous spirit of the season.

At the heart of the experience is a specially curated “Farm-to-Fine” set menu, celebrating the richness of Punjabi cuisine with a refined touch. Guests are welcomed with the “Lassi & Libations” selection, featuring Kesar Lassis and Masala Chaas, as the restaurant sets the mood with saffron accents, marigolds, and rustic wheat-inspired décor that evoke a warm, sunlit harvest setting.

The menu brings together regional favourites such as Amritsari Tawa Macchi, Lahori Chicken Tikka, Mutton Burra Kebabs, Patiala Murgh, and Mutton Rara, alongside comforting classics like Amritsari Chole and Sarson ka Saag, paired with Makke di Roti, Amritsari Kulche, and Phulkari Pulao, and rounded off with traditional Pinni Laddus—offering a wholesome and immersive festive experience.

Details
Venue: Tamarind, Taj Bangalore
Dates: 11th – 14th April 2026
Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: INR 3000 + taxes (Veg) || INR 3500+ taxes (Non-Veg) || À la carte selections available

Join us at Tamarind as we celebrate the season of abundance. For reservation, call: +91 9148906663.