Thursday, April 23, 2026

Rethinking Urban Living: Pushkalam Developers Introduces A Community Designed Around Everyday Life

* Launches ‘Pushkalam Heritage’ - a Vaastu-led residential experience in East Bengaluru centred on light, space, and community living.

At a time when urban housing is increasingly shaped by density and standardisation, Bengaluru-based Pushkalam Developers is taking a more considered approach to residential design, focusing on how homes function in everyday life.

With its debut project, Pushkalam Heritage (RERA No.: PR280324/006744), the company is introducing a Vaastu-led residential development in East Bengaluru that places equal emphasis on usability, openness, and community. Spread across 2.64 acres, the project comprises 296 homes across two towers and is designed as a low-density environment that prioritises space, light, and long-term livability.

Located off Old Madras Road, the project sits within one of East Bengaluru’s emerging growth corridors, offering connectivity to Whitefield, ITPL, and key employment hubs, while remaining relatively removed from the congestion of core city zones. The development brings together traditional planning principles with contemporary urban needs, with a clear focus on reducing everyday friction - through efficient layouts, better ventilation, and spaces that are designed to be actively used rather than simply added on.

The project offers predominantly 3BHK homes ranging from 1,440 sq. ft. to 1,890 sq. ft., along with a limited number of 2BHK units. Each home is designed with large, usable balconies, efficient layouts, and minimal dead space - focusing on how spaces are used in everyday life rather than simply maximising saleable area.

A defining element of the project is the Grand East Pavilion, a 25,000 sq. ft. integrated space for sports, community activities, and shared experiences. Located along the eastern edge, it is designed to receive the morning sun, shaping daily routines around movement, interaction, and a sense of openness.

Nearly 70% of the development is dedicated to open spaces, complemented by amenities such as sports courts, a swimming pool, co-working areas, landscaped zones, and community spaces. These are positioned not as standalone features, but as extensions of daily life - encouraging interaction, recreation, and balance.

Commenting on the launch, Sri Harsha M, Director, Pushkalam Developers, said, “A home is not just where we live, it shapes how we live, every single day. Yet, much of urban housing today has become increasingly transactional, with a focus on adding features rather than understanding how spaces actually work. We see this as an opportunity to shift the conversation. Our approach is to simplify living - through better layouts, natural ventilation, and thoughtful planning that reduces everyday friction. For us, the true measure of a home lies in how it supports comfort, clarity, and balance over time. The goal is to create spaces that do not just look good on day one but continue to feel right for years to come.”

Pushkalam Developers, founded in 2024, has hands-on experience across the entire construction process—from materials to final execution. The company takes a practical, execution-focused approach, with Vaastu considered as part of the overall planning rather than an add-on feature. With its first residential project, Pushkalam Heritage, the company is focusing on quality, attention to detail, and long-term usability, instead of rapid expansion. The project is expected to be completed by March 2028.  

Coca-Cola India’s First-Ever Activation At BLR Airport Blends Digital Convenience With Refreshment

Coca-Cola India and Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) have come together for the first time to create an engaging, experiential activity for passenger experience at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport). The collaboration brings together two category leaders, Coca-Cola, India’s leading beverage company, and BLR Airport, one of the country's fastest-growing airports with a shared belief that travel should feel rewarding.

The partnership brings forward a simple but powerful idea that a moment of genuine refreshment, delivered at just the right time, is exactly what a traveler needs. Passengers travelling through both terminals who join Pulse - BLR Airport's official app, all-in-one digital travel platform, are rewarded with a complimentary chilled Coca-Cola, redeemable at a dedicated Coke® Zone. The mechanism is frictionless by design: spot the QR code on in-terminal digital screens, scan, enroll, and walk away with something cold in hand.

This initiative thoughtfully engages consumers where they are mid-journey, on their phones, navigating the airport, creating a more engaging experience. Anchoring the Coke® Zone is a bold, “can”-shaped installation that serves as a high-visibility landmark across the terminals. The activation is further amplified through Coca-Cola's presence on BIAL's in-terminal digital screens and wider airport media touchpoints, ensuring every traveller, at every stage of their journey, is part of the moment.

Abhishek Gupta, Vice President, Customer Development, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia said, “Airports today are among the most engaging consumer spaces, where travelers interact with multiple touchpoints throughout their journey. Our partnership with BIAL is a deliberate step into that space, combining the digital infrastructure they've built with the brand trust we've earned, to create something that's genuinely useful for commuters.”

Devayani DV, Assistant Vice President, Performance Marketing and Advertising, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru said, “At BLR Airport, our focus is on designing experiences that genuinely add value to a passenger’s journey. This partnership with Coca-Cola reflects our shared belief that even small moments of delight can make travel more rewarding. By integrating this initiative seamlessly with the Pulse App, we’re leveraging digital innovation to offer passengers something meaningful, timely, and refreshing as they move through the airport”

With BLR Airport welcoming millions of passengers annually, this collaboration represents a significant step in Coca-Cola India's travel retail strategy, bringing the brand closer to consumers at one of the country's fastest-growing aviation hubs.

About Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rimzim, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes’ range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of over six million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities, and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About BIAL:

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), closed CY 2025 with strong performance across key metrics. The airport became the first in South India to serve over 43.82 million passengers, earning a place in the ACI Large Airport category, and processed 520,985 metric tonnes of cargo. As South India’s busiest airport and the third largest in the country, BLR reached a significant milestone in February 2025, surpassing 350 million cumulative passengers since its opening. In terms of Cargo, BLR Airport continues to be the No. 1 Airport for processing perishable cargo in India for the fourth consecutive year. BIAL’s growth is powered by Fairfax India Holdings Corporation, its majority private promoter. Through significant investment, Fairfax plays a key role in accelerating the airport’s development and transformation.  

Memories Of China, Taj MG Road Bengaluru Brings Alive A Legacy On A Plate, One Timeless Dish At A Time

* Celebrating 40 Years of Bengaluru’s Iconic Dining Destination, with Chinese Culinary Maestro Chef Luo at the Helm

An enduring icon in Bengaluru’s fine dining landscape, Memories of China at Taj MG Road Bengaluru is where timeless elegance meets culinary authenticity. Nestled in the heart of the city, the restaurant has long been synonymous with sophisticated dining, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of quiet exclusivity that continues to draw discerning patrons from across Bengaluru.

Celebrating 40 remarkable years, Memories of China stands as a testament to enduring excellence and the art of authentic Chinese cuisine. For generations of diners, it has remained a destination where heritage recipes, elevated hospitality, and refined experiences come together seamlessly.

At the helm of this celebrated culinary institution is Chef Jinhong Luo (Chef Lou), Master Chinese Chef at Taj MG Road Bengaluru, whose expertise and passion continue to shape the restaurant’s legacy. With 26 years of culinary experience spanning China, India, and Nigeria, Chef Lou brings unparalleled depth of knowledge and craftsmanship to the table. Specializing in Schezwan, Cantonese, and Hunan cuisine, he combines a deep understanding of Chinese culinary traditions with thoughtful innovation tailored to evolving palates.

Chef Lou’s commitment to authenticity is reflected not only in technique, but also in his meticulous sourcing of ingredients and mastery of diverse Asian cooking methods — from precise knife skills to a nuanced understanding of regional flavours and textures. Under his stewardship, the menu remains true to its roots while being elevated with finesse.

From delicately handcrafted dim sums and flavourful stir-fries to signature preparations such as Peking Duck, Crispy Lamb, and indulgent seafood delicacies, every dish at Memories of China is rooted in tradition and presented with contemporary elegance — offering guests an immersive dining experience and a true legacy on a plate.

For many Bangaloreans, Memories of China has been more than a restaurant; it is a cherished institution woven into the city’s cultural and social fabric. From intimate celebrations and family gatherings to milestone occasions, it continues to be the destination of choice for those who seek exceptional flavours, timeless ambience, and an exclusive dining experience shaped by authenticity and enduring charm.

Timeless, iconic, and deeply connected to Bengaluru’s dining legacy, Memories of China continues to define the essence of luxury dining in the city.

Restaurant Timings:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM  

BitDelta India Launches Institutional-Grade Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) Infrastructure For The World's Largest Crypto Market

* FIU-IND registered VDA SP with Fireblocks MPC custody and AAA-rated security architecture enters India

BitDelta India, a security-first and user-centric virtual digital asset trading platform, today announced its official launch in India. Registered as a Virtual Digital Asset Service Provider (VDASP) with the Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND), the company enters the market with a clear focus on enabling more secure, disciplined, and reliable participation.

India represents one of the largest and fastest-growing virtual digital asset markets globally, with an estimated 119 million registered users and a growing share of participation emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. As the market evolves, there is a visible shift from access-driven adoption to trust-led participation, with users increasingly prioritising platform reliability, security, and governance.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vikaas M Sachdeva, Chief Executive Officer - BitDelta India, said “India’s virtual digital asset market is moving into a more mature phase, where participation will increasingly be shaped by trust, structure, and long-term reliability. BitDelta India has been built for this shift, with a security-first architecture, disciplined infrastructure, and a compliance-led approach designed to enable users to engage with greater confidence over time.”

The exchange offers a unified, INR-native trading environment across spot and derivatives markets, powered by a high-performance, ultra-low latency matching engine designed to maintain stability during periods of market volatility. It supports API-based access for advanced users, structured onboarding for new participants, and 24/7 customer support focused on resolution and continuity.

At the core of BitDelta India is a multi-layered security architecture designed to meet institutional standards of asset protection and operational resilience. The platform integrates Fireblocks-powered MPC custody, cold storage infrastructure, multi-level authorisation controls, and real-time risk monitoring. Its security framework has been independently validated with an AAA rating by Hacken, along with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications, and globally aligned penetration testing.

Present in India for the launch, Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou, Group CEO – BitDelta, said, “Every financial category that matures concentrates trust around platforms that demonstrate dependability before conditions are favourable. India is entering that phase with one of the strongest participation foundations globally. As expectations shift from access to accountability, decisions around custody, security, transparency and governance become critical. BitDelta India has been built with that discipline at its core, combining institutional-grade infrastructure with globally benchmarked custody systems to support long-term, reliable participation in digital asset markets.”

Operating as an independently structured, India-focused entity, BitDelta India leverages BitDelta’s global digital asset expertise, enterprise-grade technology, and institutional-grade security infrastructure, while aligning its compliance and user experience with local market requirements.

With its India launch, BitDelta India is focused on building for the long term, with an approach that evolves in response to changing user expectations and market dynamics. The company aims to expand platform capabilities and enable more consistent, secure, and confident engagement with virtual digital assets. 

PNB Joins Hands With Kiwi To Expand Credit On UPI For 180 Million Customers

* Cashback on online transactions from 0.5% upto 1.5%

Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s leading public sector banks, announced a strategic partnership with Kiwi, a leading Credit on UPI platform, to introduce credit-enabled UPI payments to its 180 million customers.

As part of the collaboration, the bank launched the PNB Kiwi Credit Card on the RuPay network. The card offers fully digital onboarding, seamless UPI integration, and competitive rewards such as cashback on online transactions from 0.5% upto 1.5%, delivering a frictionless credit experience to users.

Speaking on the partnership, PNB Executive Director Shri Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra said, "India is witnessing a rapid shift towards digital payments, led by the growth of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). With over 10,000 branches—60% in semi-urban and rural regions—we are well positioned to extend formal credit to underserved segments. As RuPay credit cards gain momentum, our partnership with Kiwi marks a key step in enhancing financial flexibility and supporting everyday spending needs".

"This partnership reflects the trust of the one of nation's leading public sector bank in our journey to transform the way customers experience credit," said Siddharth Mehta, Co-founder, Kiwi. "Together, we aim to deliver a secure, flexible, and inclusive credit experience that strengthens access to formal credit nationwide."  

Amazon India To Invest Over INR 2800 Crore (~USD 300M) To Advance Associate Safety And Wellbeing Across Pan-India Operations Network

* Amazon to expand associate wellbeing programs, including further investment in Project Ashray, enhance medical and accident insurance, and enable access to government social security benefits for tens of thousands of associates and over 200,000 community members

* Amazon to extend its core and quick commerce network to enable safer, faster and more reliable deliveries across India in minutes, hours, and days

* This is part of the company’s broader plan to invest more than $35 billion in India by 2030, focusing on business expansion as well as three strategic pillars: AI-driven digitization, export growth, and job creation

Amazon India today announced that it plans to invest over INR 2800 crore (~USD 300M) to further strengthen associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing measures while strengthening one of India’s safest, fastest and most reliable operations network. This investment is part of the company’s broader plan to invest more than $35 billion in India by 2030, focusing on business expansion as well as three strategic pillars: AI-driven digitization, export growth, and job creation. Amazon will continue to expand both its core and quick commerce footprint to continue serving customers across India in minutes, hours, and days. This investment builds on the company’s INR 2000 crore (~USD 233M) investment in 2025, which enabled the launch of 17 new fulfillment centers, six sortation centers, and 75 last-mile delivery stations across India. In 2025, Amazon also launched its quick commerce offering, Amazon Now, and has since scaled it to over 300 micro-fulfillment centers across key cities to enable safer, faster deliveries.

“Since launching Amazon.in in 2013, we have built one of India’s safest, fastest, and most reliable operations networks, serving customers across every serviceable pin code in the country. At the heart of this network are our people, and we remain committed to raising the bar on associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing. This year, we are investing over INR 2800 crore (~USD 300 million) to further strengthen these efforts, while continuing to scale our operations network and advance the technology that enables faster, safer, and more reliable deliveries for customers. Our initiatives also align with national priorities such as Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, helping expand access to healthcare and financial inclusion for our associates,” said Abhinav Singh, VP - Operations, Amazon India and Australia.

Strengthening associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing

Amazon’s programs and initiatives for associates working across the network have long been aligned with several of the standards notified under the Labour Codes. This latest investment will further strengthen efforts focused on healthcare and financial security for tens of thousands of associates and partners. The efforts in 2026 include scaling Project Ashray to provide accessible rest facilities for delivery associates, expanding health and wellness programs such as Sushruta - a wide-ranging health and wellness program for long-haul truck drivers and their family members, along with new initiatives, while enabling access to preventive healthcare through nationwide medical camps. The company is also enhancing medical and accident insurance, while extending financial inclusion and social security access through the Samriddhi program by enabling enrolment in schemes like Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for Amazon associates and community members. In addition, Amazon continues to support education for associates’ children through the Pratidhi scholarship and mentorship program, reinforcing its commitment to holistic well-being across its operations network.

Investing in infrastructure and technology to strengthen operations

Amazon will invest in expanding and upgrading its pan-India operations network—including fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery stations—to increase capacity and improve delivery speeds for customers in tier 2 and 3 cities across India. These investments will also support sellers and small businesses and contribute to local economic growth. The company also plans to more than double Amazon Now's footprint in the cities it currently operates in and to more cities across India. These investments will enable Amazon to serve customers across a wide range of delivery speeds - from minutes to hours to days, based on their needs.

Amazon's industry-leading facilities are climate controlled and built with advanced engineering systems to improve energy efficiency, enhance workplace safety, and support a more inclusive environment. The company continues to invest in cooling solutions such as enhanced ventilation, fans, spot coolers, access to cold water and hydrating beverages, safety and accessibility features for people with disabilities, and improved rest areas.

Amazon will invest in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to make its operations network safer and more efficient. This includes deploying tools to improve on-road safety through alerts for Delivery Service Partners and delivery associates on unsafe driving behaviors, and prompts for rest breaks, as well as using AI models to assess route complexity and enable more equitable workload distribution. It also includes enhancements to the Driver app with better navigation for unstructured addresses, improved earnings transparency, and simplified workflows.

Know more about Amazon’s initiatives for associates in 2026:

Expanding rest facilities for delivery associates – Amazon will expand Project Ashray, its network of air-conditioned rest stops, beyond the current 100 locations in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, among others. These facilities provide comfortable seating, clean washrooms, drinking water, charging stations, and first-aid support, serving over 150,000 delivery associates every month, including those outside Amazon’s network.

Expanding health and wellness support for associates and drivers – Programs such as Sushruta, a wide-ranging health and wellness program for long-haul truck drivers and their family members, will continue to expand alongside a new wellness program focused on mental health and ergonomic care.

Providing access to preventive healthcare – Amazon will offer free health check-ups through nationwide medical camps, extending access to preventive care and building on its 2025 efforts, which included comprehensive health and wellbeing programs for tens of thousands of associates and partners. These ongoing camps provide preventive health screenings (eye, dental, BMI, and physician consultations), hydration guidance, and early detection support.

Enhancing insurance coverage and wellness support – Amazon plans to strengthen medical and accident insurance for delivery associates working with Delivery Service Partners through upgraded Group Mediclaim and Group Personal Accident policies, with an integrated wellness package among the most comprehensive in the sector.

Enabling access to financial and social security benefits – Through Samriddhi, Amazon will enable tens of thousands of associates and more than 200,000 community members to access government benefits such as e-Shram cards, health insurance, pension programs, and educational assistance across states including Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, among others.

Supporting education for associates’ children – Under the Pratidhi program, Amazon will provide scholarships to children of associates from Class 3 to Class 12, including children with disabilities, along with mentorship from Amazon leaders. In 2025 alone, 5000 scholarships were awarded to associates' children.

About Amazon: Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's most customer-centric company, Earth's best employer, and Earth's safest place to work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Godrej Industries Announces New Purpose And Brand Identity; Sets ₹5,00,000 Crore Ambition By 2031

* Crafting tomorrow since 1897” becomes unifying purpose

Godrej Industries Group today announced a new purpose and brand identity, marking a defining moment in the Group’s evolution as it aligns its identity, strategy, and ambition for its next phase of growth. Rooted in the strength of a 129-year legacy and the energy of a Group just two years old in its new form, the new purpose and identity reaffirm both where the Group comes from and where it is going, bringing sharper strategic coherence across its diverse portfolio spanning consumer products, real estate, financial services, agriculture, and chemicals. The announcement was made at a media gathering at Godrej One, the Group’s headquarters in Mumbai.

At the heart of the refresh is a new Group purpose: “Crafting tomorrow since 1897.” It captures both the Group’s heritage and its ambition to build businesses that combine innovation with responsibility to create enduring value. This purpose was inspired by the Godrej Group’s Founder, Ardeshir Godrej, whose life embodied the power of always holding innovation and values together. The Group reiterated three core values—Inspire Trust, Create Delight, and Be Bold—that will continue to guide leadership and decision-making across the organization.

Pirojsha Godrej, Chairperson Designate, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Crafting tomorrow since 1897 reflects the belief that values and results must go hand in hand. As we scale, this philosophy will continue to guide how we build businesses that are both successful and responsible.”

The Group has demonstrated a strong growth track record, compounding both sales and net profits at over 20% CAGR over the past five years. It has outlined clear ambitions for the next phase of growth, including >15% annual sales growth and >20% EPS growth as a Group. It also expects each business to deliver >18% return on equity at steady state. The Group intends to expand from three (Consumer Products, Properties, and Agrovet) to five publicly listed platforms. These actions are expected to result in a combined market capitalization of ₹5,00,000 crore over the next five years.

The Group’s growth strategy is anchored in its long-standing belief that strong financial performance must go hand in hand with positive outcomes for society and the environment. In 2025, Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Properties were both ranked number one globally in their respective categories on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Sustainability Indices. Building on this foundation, the Group has outlined ambitions including net-zero operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2035 and a planet-positive supply chain by 2047. The Group also aims to achieve 40% representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities across the Group over the next five years, a goal which has already been achieved by Godrej Properties and the Group’s corporate center. Additionally, in 2025, the Godrej Foundation, which owns 15% of the Godrej Industries Group, created a cash corpus that will enable it to increase its annual philanthropic spend by 5X over previous levels.

Alongside its new purpose, the Group unveiled a new brand identity crafted by DISCO, the Group’s in-house design team. The brand identity is designed to create a more unified and future-facing corporate brand system, introducing a new visual language, bespoke typography (GI Sans), a proprietary sonic identity, and a signature fragrance—creating a cohesive, multi-sensory expression across digital, physical and experiential touchpoints.

Tanya Dubash, Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Industries, said, “This refreshed brand identity reflects both who we are and where we are going. It reinforces the strength of the Godrej brand while creating a more contemporary and unified expression of our ambitions for tomorrow. It enables each of our businesses to connect more powerfully to a shared purpose while remaining true to their distinct roles.”

About Godrej Industries

At the Godrej Industries Group, we serve over 1.1 billion people globally through a diverse portfolio of businesses, united by our purpose of Crafting tomorrow. With sales of USD 6.1 billion in FY25 and a market capitalization of about USD 20 billion as of 31 March 2026, we operate across FMCG, real estate, financial services, agriculture, and chemicals.

We are the leading player in India across several business categories, including residential real estate, animal feed, crude palm oil, oleochemicals, household insecticides, hair colour, and air care.

We are committed to building a more sustainable future through our Good & Green programme, with ambitions of net-zero operations by 2035 and responsible supply chains by 2047. In 2025, Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Properties were both ranked number one globally in their respective categories on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Sustainability Indices.

For more information, please visit: www.godrejindustries.com    

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