September 2026

Festive lighting has become an integral part of bringing homes to life during celebrations, adding colour, warmth and character to festive decor. Recognising its growing role in enhancing the joy and beauty of celebrations, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited has introduced its new Galaxy Festive Lights Range, offering decorative lighting solutions for different festive settings and occasions.   Crompton Festive Lighting Today, consumers view festive lighting as an essential part of celebrations and home décor, looking beyond basic illumination for solutions that are aesthetically appealing, energy-efficient and easy to install and that enhance the festive atmosphere. As festive décor becomes a way to express personal style, make homes stand out and create memorable experiences, the Galaxy Festive Lights Range brings together a wide choice of high-quality festive lighting solutions with attractive and stylish designs, vibrant illumination, reliable performance and ease of use, offering options for different décor styles and festive occasions. Crompton’s Galaxy Festive Lights Range brings together a diverse selection of products with distinctive designs and lighting effects for different festive settings: Leaf: Designed with a leaf-inspired form, the Leaf adds a natural decorative touch to festive decor. Its warm 3000K illumination complements traditional elements such as torans, flowers and diyas, making it well suited to entrances, windows and indoor corners. With 180 LEDs, 5W power, a 4-metre length and 8 lighting modes, it offers a warm and versatile decorative glow. Snowball: With its spherical design and RGB illumination, the Snowball brings a playful and colourful element to festive decor. Its 10-metre length makes it suitable for balconies, railings, windows and other larger spaces, while its 50 LEDs and multiple lighting modes offer flexibility in creating different lighting effects. Diamond: Featuring a distinctive diamond-inspired design, the Diamond adds a contemporary, statement-making touch to festive decor. Its RGB illumination and 10-metre length make it suitable for creating vibrant borders and displays across balconies, entrances and other prominent areas, while its 50 LEDs and multiple lighting modes allow for varied lighting effects. Pixel: With its versatile format, the Pixel can be used across windows, shelves, balconies, furniture and other areas of the home to add colour and character to festive decor. Available in 10 metre and 15 metre variants with 48 LEDs and 72 LEDs respectively, it comes in colour options including Warm White, Blue, Green, Red, Pink and Colour. It allows consumers to coordinate their lighting with different festive décor themes. Sparkle: Designed with a flexible copper wire, Sparkle can be shaped around decorative elements to create intricate illuminated accents. Its 10-metre length, 300 LEDs per metre and 8 function modes make it suitable for highlighting décor details, plants and corners. Available in Warm White and Multicolour, it offers both softer and more vibrant lighting options.   Across the range, the Galaxy Festive Lights are designed for ease of use, reliable performance and energy-efficient illumination, featuring durable plugs and BIS-compliant input wires. The lights come with pins compatible with Indian sockets and jointers, while high-quality LEDs provide bright illumination and the quality and reliability expected from a trusted lighting brand. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shaleen Nayak, Business Head – Lighting, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “Festive lighting is no longer just about illuminating a space; it has become an important part of the celebration itself. Consumers are looking at lighting as a way to add character to their homes and create an atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the occasion. With the Galaxy Festive Lights Range, we are bringing Crompton’s expertise in lighting to this space with a range that combines design, performance and reliability, giving consumers greater confidence as they light up their celebrations.” The Crompton Galaxy Festive Lights Range will be available through Crompton-authorised retail outlets across India and leading e-commerce platforms. The price range of the products is as follows:   Product Wattage Length MRP Galaxy Diamond 8W 10m  2,499 Galaxy Snowball 7W 10m  1,799 Galaxy Leaf 5W 4m  1,999 Galaxy Sparkle 3W 10m 999 Galaxy Pixel 3W 10m 799                     With its wide range of attractive designs, vibrant illumination and versatile formats, the Galaxy Festive Lights Range gives consumers more ways to transform their homes and spaces, bring their festive décor to life and create memorable celebrations with family and guests. About Crompton With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy. The company’s consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers eligible customers loan amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, with repayment tenures from 12 to 108 months and interest rates from 10% to 30.5% per annum. Customers can use the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan EMI Calculator to estimate how the selected loan amount, interest rate, and tenure may affect their monthly repayment.   Bajaj Finance Personal Loan   The calculator helps borrowers compare different repayment scenarios before applying. A longer tenure may reduce the monthly EMI but can increase the total interest payable. A shorter tenure may increase the monthly EMI while potentially reducing the overall interest cost.   Flexible loan amounts and tenures support varied borrowing requirements The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan provides access to amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh. This gives customers the flexibility to align the loan amount with their actual funding requirement instead of borrowing more than necessary.   Repayment tenure ranges from 12 months to 108 months. This allows customers to choose a repayment period that better suits their monthly budget and repayment capacity.   The applicable interest rate directly affects both the EMI and total interest payable. A higher rate can increase the monthly repayment and overall borrowing cost, while a lower rate can reduce the repayment burden, subject to the applicable loan offer.   Customers should therefore assess the loan amount, interest rate, and tenure together before deciding on a repayment structure.   How do Bajaj Finance Personal Loan rates affect EMI? The applicable interest rate directly affects the estimated EMI and total interest payable. The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30.5% per annum. Borrowers can enter the applicable rate in the EMI calculator to estimate the repayment for a proposed loan amount and tenure.   A higher interest rate can increase both the monthly EMI and the total interest cost. Borrowers should therefore consider the applicable rate along with the loan amount and repayment period. The final interest rate offered to an applicant is subject to the lender’s assessment, eligibility and applicable terms.   How does the loan amount affect monthly repayment? A higher loan amount generally results in a higher EMI when the interest rate and tenure remain unchanged. Borrowers can use the personal loan EMI calculator to compare different loan amounts before deciding how much to borrow.   Borrowing only the amount required can also help borrowers assess the repayment commitment against their income and existing financial obligations.   How does tenure change the EMI and total interest? A longer tenure spreads the repayment across more months. This can reduce the monthly EMI, but interest may be payable over a longer period. A shorter tenure can result in a higher monthly EMI. However, it may reduce the total period over which interest is charged.   Borrowers should therefore compare the monthly EMI with the total repayment amount when selecting a tenure.   How can the personal loan EMI calculator help plan repayments? The personal loan EMI calculator provides an estimated monthly instalment based on the loan amount, interest rate and repayment tenure entered by the borrower.   Borrowers can adjust these inputs to compare different repayment options. For example, they can check how changing the tenure affects the monthly EMI for the same loan amount.   This comparison can help borrowers assess whether the estimated repayment fits within their monthly budget. The calculator result is an estimate and should not be treated as the final repayment obligation.   What factors affect Bajaj Finance Personal Loan eligibility? The stated eligibility criteria include Indian nationality, an age of 21 to 80 years* and employment with a public-sector organisation, private-sector organisation or multinational company. Applicants can be salaried or self-employed.   A CIBIL Score of 650 or higher is also among the stated criteria. The applicant must be 80 years or younger at the end of the loan tenure.   Meeting the stated criteria does not guarantee approval. Borrowers can use the personal loan eligibility calculator to estimate the loan amount they may be eligible for based on the information provided.   However, the final loan offer remains subject to eligibility assessment, document verification and applicable terms.   What are the available personal loan variants? Bajaj Finance offers three personal loan variants: Term Loan, Flexi Dropline Loan and Flexi Hybrid Loan. Each variant has a different repayment structure and Flexi facility.   Term Loan: The full sanctioned loan amount is disbursed at once. You repay it through fixed EMIs covering principal and interest. No Flexi facility charges apply. Flexi Dropline Loan: You can withdraw from the sanctioned loan limit as required. Fixed EMIs cover the principal and interest on the withdrawn amount, subject to applicable terms and charges. Flexi Hybrid Loan: The initial tenure has interest-only EMIs on the withdrawn amount. The subsequent tenure has EMIs covering both principal and interest, subject to applicable terms and charges.   The choice of loan variant depends on the required borrowing pattern, repayment structure and applicable charges.   How can borrowers apply for the personal loan? Borrowers can start the application process online through the Bajaj Finance website.   The process generally involves: Check loan eligibility – Customers can visit the personal loan page on the Bajaj Finance website, enter the loan amount needed, select the repayment period, and click on “CHECK LOAN OFFER” to check loan eligibility. Enter personal details – Customers need to provide personal, financial, and employment details to receive a personalised loan offer. Review loan offer – Customers can check their offer details and adjust the loan amount or repayment tenure, if required. Complete KYC verification – The loan applicant can verify their identity and bank details to proceed with their application. Speak to a loan specialist – Once the loan application is submitted, an executive will contact the applicant with the next steps. The application remains subject to eligibility and successful verification.   The stated disbursal timeline is within 24 hours*, subject

FuelBuddy, a global leader in technology-led doorstep fuel delivery and fuel management with operations spanning India, the UAE and Africa, today announced the appointment of Vinamra Shastri as a Non-Executive Director on its Board. The appointment underscores FuelBuddy’s continued commitment to robust corporate governance, strategic oversight and world-class board processes as the Company accelerates its next phase of growth across markets.   Vinamra Shastri, appointed Non-Executive Director, FuelBuddy   Vinamra brings over 25 years of experience at global professional services firms, having held several leadership roles in both global and Indian settings. Currently, he is a Market Leader at Grant Thornton India, and also advises and serves on the boards of several reputed companies across diverse sectors, including hospitality, leasing, real estate, healthcare, e-commerce, manufacturing, fintech, media, and sports. He also mentors start-ups and growth-stage companies globally and manages a Category II SEBI-registered fund. Vinamra is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). He also serves as President of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation, carrying forward the Shastri family’s legacy of public service.   Speaking on the appointment, Adnan Kidwai, Co-Founder of FuelBuddy, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Vinamra to the FuelBuddy Board. As we scale our technology-led fuel management platform across India, the UAE and Africa, his two decades of experience in corporate governance, strategy and board advisory will be invaluable in sharpening our oversight and guiding our next phase of growth. His track record of building consulting practices from the ground up and advising companies across diverse sectors makes him an ideal addition to our Board at this stage of our journey.”   Commenting on his appointment, Vinamra Shastri said, “FuelBuddy is solving a problem that has sat untouched at the heart of the fuel supply chain for decades: pilferage, spillage, and the absence of real visibility; and doing it with the kind of technology-led rigour that changes an industry, not just a company. That’s what drew me to this board. Over the past two decades, I’ve had a ringside view of what separates companies that scale sustainably from those that don’t: it comes down to governance discipline and strategic clarity long before the growth curve demands it. I look forward to bringing that lens to FuelBuddy’s board as it expands across India, the UAE and Africa, and to working with the Board and the leadership team as they build what I believe will be a category-defining company.”   About FuelBuddy Founded in 2017 by serial entrepreneur S.K. Narvar and backed by prominent investors including Ravi Jaipuria of RJ Corp, Naveen Jindal of Jindal Steel Ltd, and Nilesh Ved of Apparel Group, FuelBuddy is a global leader in doorstep fuel delivery, dedicated to delivering the right quality and quantity of fuel at the touch of a button. The Company has built an end-to-end, technology-led fuel management platform, powered by industry-first IoT- and cloud-enabled products that give customers full visibility and control over their fuelling needs. What began as a mobile fuel-delivery service has grown into a full-scale energy distribution business, solving long-standing industry challenges such as pilferage, theft, spillage and inconsistent monitoring of fuel consumption. In 2021, FuelBuddy strengthened its presence in South India with the acquisition of Bangalore-based on-demand fuel delivery start-up MyPetrolPump.   Today, FuelBuddy serves over 100,000 customers across India, the UAE, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Nigeria, and has delivered more than 1 billion litres of fuel to marquee clients including Varun Beverages (PepsiCo), JSPL, Coca-Cola, Amazon, DLF, Infosys, Apparel Group, Lal’s Group, Landmark Group, ArcelorMittal, Emirates Transport, Shobha Realty, Avis, Vulcan Minerals, Wonderfuel Group and Hitachi.

Starting something new often brings excitement, whether you’re moving into a new home, starting a business, getting married, beginning a new venture, or taking an important step in life. In India, many families traditionally look beyond practical considerations when planning such milestones and also consult astrology to identify a favourable time for the occasion.   Connect with Neo Astro’s Astrologers When Planning New Beginnings This is where shubh muhurat becomes relevant for people who follow Vedic astrology. A Muhurat refers to an auspicious period selected for beginning an important activity, based on factors such as Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana and planetary positions. Rather than selecting a date simply because it is convenient, the practice aims to begin an important activity during a period considered favourable according to the Hindu calendar and astrological principles. With more people turning to digital platforms for astrology guidance, accessing an astrologer to understand the right Muhurat has also become more convenient. Why Muhurat Matters for New Beginnings In Vedic astrology, timing is considered an important part of planning significant events. A suitable Muhurat is traditionally selected after considering the nature of the activity as well as the Panchang and relevant planetary influences. For example, the considerations for a housewarming ceremony may differ from those used for a wedding, business inauguration, vehicle purchase or starting a new professional venture. This is why simply searching for a common auspicious date may not always provide the complete picture. Astrologers can consider the purpose of the event along with other relevant factors before suggesting a suitable time. For families planning important milestones in the remaining months of the year, understanding the Shubh Muhurat 2026 calendar can therefore be an important first step. Not Every Auspicious Date Is the Same for Everyone One of the common misconceptions around Muhurat is that an auspicious date automatically works equally well for every individual. In traditional Vedic astrology, however, personal birth details can also play a role in selecting a suitable time. An astrologer may look at an individual’s Kundli, planetary placements and relevant Dashas while providing guidance. The nature of the event can also influence which factors receive greater importance. This personalized approach is particularly relevant when the occasion has long-term significance. Instead of relying only on a general calendar, individuals can seek guidance based on their own circumstances and the purpose behind their new beginning. Digital Astrology Makes Expert Guidance More Accessible The way people consult astrologers has changed considerably with the growth of digital platforms. Individuals no longer necessarily need to visit an astrologer’s office to discuss their Kundli or ask questions about an upcoming event. A Jyotish app can provide access to astrology services from a smartphone, making it easier for users to connect with astrologers, share their birth details and seek guidance when planning important occasions. Neo Astro is among the digital astrology platforms bringing this experience online. The platform connects users with experienced astrologers who can provide guidance across areas including Kundli, marriage, career, relationships, Muhurat and other aspects of Vedic astrology. Neo Astro Helps Users Plan Important Milestones For someone planning a new beginning, choosing an auspicious date can involve more than looking at a list of dates online. Questions around the most suitable day, time and astrological considerations can vary depending on the activity and the individual’s birth details. Through Neo Astro, users can connect with astrologers and discuss their specific requirements. This allows them to seek personalized guidance rather than relying solely on generalized astrology content. Whether someone is planning a Griha Pravesh, starting a new business, purchasing a vehicle, planning a wedding or beginning another important chapter, consulting an astrologer can help them understand the traditional astrological considerations associated with the occasion. Planning Ahead for Shubh Muhurat 2026 As the year progresses, many people will be preparing for important personal and professional milestones. Festive periods and specific Panchang dates often see increased interest in auspicious timings, making it useful to plan in advance. However, Muhurat selection is not simply about finding the first date marked as auspicious on a calendar. Location, Panchang calculations, the type of ceremony and individual birth details can all influence the final recommendation. For this reason, people searching online for Shubh Muhurat 2026 can use general calendars as a starting point while consulting an astrologer when they need guidance specific to their circumstances. A New Beginning Starts With the Right Intention Choosing an auspicious Muhurat is ultimately rooted in the traditional belief that the timing of a beginning can hold significance for the journey that follows. For many Indian families, following these traditions is less about predicting the future and more about starting an important occasion with preparation, positivity and a sense of purpose. As astrology becomes increasingly accessible through digital platforms, consulting an astrologer for such decisions is also becoming more convenient. Neo Astro’s digital platform offers users an opportunity to connect with astrologers and seek personalized guidance for important milestones. For those preparing to begin a new chapter in 2026, understanding the relevant Muhurat and discussing the occasion with an experienced astrologer can help bring greater clarity to the planning process.  

As luxury residential and hospitality development continues across the Middle East, architects, interior designers and homeowners are increasingly looking beyond conventional furniture catalogues for pieces created specifically for their spaces.   Knock on Wood, an Indian design-led furniture and manufacturing company, is building its presence in the region after successfully executing bespoke furniture projects across some of Dubai’s premium residential destinations, including Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, The Meadows and Culture Village.   Handcrafted Luxury Four-Poster Bed with Intricate Fretwork in Teak Wood   The company is now looking to work with architects, interior designers, developers, hospitality companies, furniture retailers and private clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt.   Custom Furniture for Designs that are not Easy to make Knock on Wood’s strength lies particularly in translating ambitious design ideas into finished furniture.   From complex curves and unusual proportions to combinations of solid wood, metal, stone, veneers and specialised finishes, the company works on pieces that often require considerable development, engineering and prototyping before they reach production.   Bespoke Sculptural Wooden Bathtub with Fine Inlay Work   This allows architects and interior designers to approach Knock on Wood not simply with a product requirement, but with a design intent, reference, drawing or concept that needs to be developed into a manufacturable piece.   Artisanal Double Bath Vanity with Inlay and Brass Accents   “Some of our most interesting projects begin with a designer or client asking us whether something difficult can actually be made,” said Aarti Aggarwal, Principal Designer, Knock on Wood. “Our role is to retain the design intent while finding the right combination of engineering, materials, craftsmanship and finishing to bring it to life.”   A Bespoke Alternative For The Middle East’s Luxury Market European, and particularly Italian, furniture has long influenced the premium interiors market in the Middle East. Knock on Wood has found an interesting space between high-end design expectations and the flexibility required for genuinely customised projects.   Clients have frequently compared the detailing and finish of Knock on Wood pieces with premium Italian furniture. At the same time, its India-based design and manufacturing capabilities allow the company to develop customised pieces at comparatively competitive costs.   Importantly, the proposition is not about reproducing mass-market furniture at a lower price. It is about giving designers and clients greater freedom to customise dimensions, materials, finishes and detailing around an individual project.   The Royal Collection: Handcrafted Statement Cabinets   Proven Through Premium Dubai Residences Knock on Wood has already executed customised furniture for residences across Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, The Meadows and Culture Village.   These projects have involved furniture designed around individual residences rather than standard products being adapted to fit them.   The company’s portfolio includes: Statement and occasional furniture Dining tables and chairs Sofas and lounge furniture Beds and bedroom furniture Consoles and sideboards Custom cabinetry and storage Wood, metal and stone combinations Bespoke pieces developed from architects’ and designers’ concepts   Versatile Bespoke Furniture for Every Luxury Aesthetic   From Private Villas To Hotels And Hospitality The same design and manufacturing capabilities extend to hospitality and larger project requirements.   Knock on Wood has experience developing furniture for premium hospitality, commercial and institutional environments, including guest-room furniture, restaurant and dining furniture, lounge and public-area furniture, vanities, tables, consoles and customised pieces.   For hotels, developers and project designers, the company can work from design development and prototyping through manufacturing and supply, allowing multiple furniture requirements to be coordinated through one manufacturing partner.   The company has also supplied furniture to retailers in the UAE, providing experience in understanding the quality, packaging and supply requirements associated with the Middle East market.   Designed in India. Made for Exceptional Interiors. Behind Knock on Wood is an integrated approach combining design, product development, engineering and manufacturing.   For architects and designers, this can be particularly useful when a project calls for something beyond standard catalogue furniture.   Whether the starting point is a drawing, reference image, mood board or an entirely new concept, the Knock on Wood team can evaluate the requirement, recommend materials and construction methods, develop prototypes where necessary and manufacture the finished furniture.   The company is currently exploring residential, hospitality, retail and commercial projects across: UAE | Saudi Arabia | Qatar | Kuwait | Oman | Bahrain | Egypt   Discuss A Project Architects, interior designers, developers, hospitality companies, furniture retailers and homeowners looking for a manufacturing partner for an upcoming Middle East project can share their requirement, drawings or references with the Knock on Wood team.   For project discussions and enquiries: Mansi Knock on Wood mansi@m.knockonwoodexports.com Call/Whatsapp – +91-9041122188   About Knock on Wood Knock on Wood is an Indian design-led furniture company specialising in premium bespoke furniture and customised interior solutions. Combining design, craftsmanship, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, the company works across residential, hospitality, commercial and retail projects in India and international markets.   Its furniture is developed across solid wood and combinations of wood, metal, stone, veneers and other materials, with particular expertise in technically demanding customised products. For more information, please visit www.knockonwood.in.

EazyDiner, India’s leading restaurant discovery, table booking and restaurant payments platform, hosted the Delhi edition of the EazyDiner Foodie Awards on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at The LaLiT, New Delhi. The evening recognised the restaurants, cafes, hotels and hospitality leaders who shape how Delhi NCR eats out.   Prakhar Kapoor, Co-Founder & Head Marketing; Kapil Chopra Founder, EazyDiner & The Postcard Hotel; Sachin Pabreja, Co-Founder & CEO; Ahana P Clayton, Co-Founder & COO   The EazyDiner Foodie Awards are a people’s choice honour. Over 850 restaurants were nominated across 102 categories, and the winners were decided by the votes of EazyDiner users. More than 3 lakh diners voted this year. Chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, F&B entrepreneurs and food lovers from across the region came together for the night.   Highlights from the EazyDiner Foodie Awards, Delhi NCR Edition, featuring Founder Kapil Chopra, industry leaders and cricketer Yuvraj Singh felicitating the winners   Often called the Oscars of Indian dining, the EazyDiner Foodie Awards recognise every part of eating out, from hotel restaurants, buffets and Sunday brunches to cafes, bakeries, microbreweries, and neighbourhood favourites. Honouring the people behind Delhi’s hospitality The evening’s leadership honours were presented by Kapil Chopra, Founder, EazyDiner; Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia and Country Corporate Officer, Mastercard; and Yuvraj Singh, Indian cricketer and World Champion. The honourees were:   Deeksha Suri, Executive Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, was named Hospitality Trailblazer of the Year. She took the group into cities such as Ayodhya and Vrindavan and built one of hospitality’s most credible inclusion programmes, opening careers to the LGBTQIA+ community, acid attack survivors and neurodivergent talent. Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts, received Hospitality Leader of the Year for growing a single Delhi property into a design-led luxury portfolio across India and the UK. Bibhor Srivastava, Managing Director, ITP Media India, the home of Hotelier India, was honoured as The Voice of Hospitality for giving Indian hospitality a platform to meet, share and grow. Natwar Nagar, Founder, The People Network and The Job Plus, received the award for Leadership in Hospitality Workforce Development, having trained and placed thousands of young people in hospitality careers. Abhimanyu Lodha, General Manager, The Lodhi, New Delhi, was named General Manager of the Year. He has steered The Lodhi to a Michelin Key and back-to-back FHRAI General Manager of the Year honours. Atul Tiwari, Director of Operations, The Leela Palace New Delhi, was named F&B Head of the Year. A former Indian Sommelier Champion, he joined the hotel’s pre-opening team in 2010 and rose from restaurant manager at MEGU to lead F&B. Chef Manish Sharma, Executive Chef, The Oberoi, New Delhi, was named Chef of the Year. With close to two decades at Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, he pairs classical technique with a contemporary touch while mentoring the next generation of chefs. Shafquat Ali, Publisher of Hospitality Horizon and CEO, Trikaya Media Group, received Editorial Excellence in Hospitality Journalism for three decades of telling the stories of Indian hospitality across India and the Gulf.   The night’s headline honours ITC Maurya, New Delhi was named Food & Beverage Hotel of the Year. For over four decades it has been Delhi’s address of choice for visiting heads of state, and it is home to Bukhara, Dum Pukht and Avartana.   Restaurant Opening of the Year went to Nisaba, Chef Manish Mehrotra’s first independent restaurant, set within the Humayun’s Tomb Museum Complex, and to Raga, a homecoming for chef Gaggan Anand, bringing his distinctive approach to Indian food to Delhi after years of international acclaim in Bangkok. The LaLiT was named Most Inclusive Hotel Chain in India.   Delhi’s legacy names had their moment too. Haldiram’s received The Legacy of Indian Dining, Bikanervala was named The Pride of Indian Dining, Punjab Grill took The Nation’s Favourite Indian Dining Brand, and Connaught Place institutions Kwality and United Coffee House were named The Legacy Legend of the City. Among the hotel dining winners, Kheer at Roseate House, New Delhi was named The Best Indian Restaurant in a Hotel, where regional Indian cooking is served with a lighter, contemporary hand in one of the capital’s quietest luxury dining rooms. Farmers Basket at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity took The Best Sunday Brunch, a long, unhurried afternoon of live counters and global spreads that has become a weekend fixture for Aerocity regulars. And MEGU at The Leela Palace, New Delhi won The Best Japanese Restaurant in a Hotel, bringing precise sushi, robata and Japanese fine dining to a room built around its signature Buddha and bell.   A word from EazyDiner Speaking at the awards, Kapil Chopra, Founder, EazyDiner, said, “The EazyDiner Foodie Awards belong to Delhi’s diners. Every winner tonight was chosen by the people who book the tables, bring their families and keep coming back. This year’s nominees show how much range the city has, from Kwality and United Coffee House to legendary chains like Haldiram’s and Punjab Grill that everyone is talking about. To every chef, restaurateur and hotelier here tonight, thank you for giving Delhi so many reasons to dine out.“   Partners The EazyDiner Foodie Awards 2026, Delhi edition, was made possible by Hospitality Partner The LaLiT, New Delhi; Associate Partners UNOX, BMW Bird Automotive and Byufuel; and Experience Partners Johnnie Walker, Grover Vineyards, Bad Monkey and Lion Brewery. EazyDiner Foodie Awards 2026, Delhi NCR: the winners Leadership and special honours Hospitality Trailblazer of the Year: Deeksha Suri, Executive Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Hospitality Leader of the Year: Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts The Voice of Hospitality: Bibhor Srivastava, Managing Director, ITP Media India Leadership in Hospitality Workforce Development: Natwar Nagar, Founder, The People Network & The Job Plus General Manager of the Year: Abhimanyu Lodha, General Manager, The Lodhi, New Delhi F&B Head of the Year: Atul Tiwari, Director of Operations, The Leela Palace New Delhi Chef of the Year: Chef Manish Sharma, Executive Chef, The Oberoi, New Delhi Editorial Excellence in Hospitality Journalism: Shafquat Ali,

Most warehouse problems don’t start on the floor. They start with a storage setup that was never quite right for the space or the operation running inside it. Aisles that are too tight, vertical space going completely unused, pickers spending extra minutes locating a single pallet, it adds up fast. And fixing it later, once the operation is already running at full pace, costs a lot more than getting it right the first time.   METSTO Enhances Warehouse Storage Systems with Advanced Racking Solutions for Better Space Utilization, Improved Efficiency, and Smarter Industrial Storage Management   METSTO, short for Metal Storage Systems, has spent years building storage infrastructure for warehouses across India. Recently, the company widened its warehouse storage systems range to include more advanced racking options, ones that came directly out of feedback from clients dealing with real storage headaches.   The range now includes selective pallet racking, drive-in systems, push-back racking, and multi-tier shelving. Each serves a different kind of operation. Selective racking suits businesses with a large product variety that need constant access to every SKU. Drive-in systems work better where you’re storing the same product in bulk, and rotation isn’t the priority. Push-back racking sits somewhere between good density, without locking you into a strict last-in-first-out workflow. All of it is made from high-tensile steel, checked before dispatching, and installed by people who’ve done this across dozens of facilities.   The process doesn’t start with a product catalogue. METSTO’s team visits the site, looks at the floor layout, understands what’s being stored and how it moves, and then works out what configuration actually makes sense. That’s where a lot of providers fall short; they send a quote without ever really understanding the operation. Getting that part right is usually the difference between a racking system that works and one that just occupies space.   Support doesn’t stop after installation either. Clients have access to the team for adjustments, expansions, or issues that come up as the warehouse grows or changes.   From manufacturing to E-commerce, cold storage, as well as third-party logistics are the busiest industries, and are the major industries that rely on well-organized warehouses. Warehouse storage systems need to keep up with that pace without becoming a liability. That’s the problem METSTO is focused on solving.   Full product details and consultation options are available at www.metalstoragesystems.com/warehouse-storage-systems.php.   About METSTO Metal Storage Systems (METSTO) is an India-based manufacturer and supplier of industrial racking and warehouse storage systems, serving clients across multiple sectors with storage solutions built around practical, on-ground needs.

OneCrest Infra, a Gurugram-based real estate developer, has acquired 8 acres of land along NH-44 in Sonipat, Haryana, through an outright purchase. Situated on the same side of the road, barely 1 km before the landmark Amrik Sukhdev at Murthal, the site is strategically positioned at the heart of Murthal’s food and hospitality hub.   OneCrest Infra acquires 8 Acres of land on NH-44 in Murthal, Sonipat; Plans International-Style Destination Shopping Village   The proposed development is planned as a large-format, open-air destination bringing together premium retail, specialty and global F&B, family entertainment, experiential leisure and hospitality under one integrated development.   Murthal has developed into a recognised highway dining and leisure destination, supported by its location on NH-44 and its appeal among visitors from Delhi-NCR as well as travellers heading towards Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. OneCrest Infra plans to build on this established consumer movement by creating a destination where people can shop, dine, spend leisure time and stay, rather than simply stop for a meal before continuing their journey.   Vaarun Virmaani, Founder & Chairman, OneCrest Infra, said, “Murthal has developed a unique consumer ecosystem where travellers on NH-44 increasingly choose to stop, relax, and make the journey itself part of the experience. We see a clear opportunity to build on this momentum by introducing a curated destination combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. Internationally, walkable shopping villages outside major metros are established, highly successful formats, and we want to bring that benchmark to the NCR corridor. Murthal offers the exact location, connectivity, and consumer density required for a project of this scale.”   Designed as an open-air shopping and lifestyle destination, the project is expected to feature pedestrian-friendly shopping avenues, landscaped spaces, curated dining zones and experiential areas for families and visitors. A premium hotel is also planned as part of the development, adding a hospitality component to the destination.   The project is being developed under OneCrest Infra’s build-to-lease model, allowing the company to retain ownership and undertake long-term management and curation of the asset. The format is expected to provide brands with dedicated store formats and visibility along the NH-44 frontage while allowing the overall retail and F&B mix to be curated as a single destination.   The location also stands to benefit from future improvements in regional connectivity. The proposed Delhi–Panipat–Karnal Namo Bharat (RRTS) corridor is also expected to improve regional connectivity. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) identifies Murthal as part of the Delhi–Panipat–Karnal corridor, which is currently under developmental stage.   With the land acquisition now completed, OneCrest Infra has initiated the master planning, architectural design and environmental processes for the project. The company will subsequently begin discussions with potential retail, F&B, entertainment and hospitality brands as the project design takes shape.   The proposed destination is expected to add a new dimension to Murthal’s commercial and leisure ecosystem and create a differentiated retail format along the NH-44 corridor.   About OneCrest Infra OneCrest Infra is a real estate development company focused on commercial, retail, lifestyle and healthcare developments across key areas in North India. The company follows a long-term build-to-lease approach and has a portfolio of ongoing commercial developments across Gurugram, Delhi and Faridabad, along with a 368-bed multi-specialty hospital project in Ludhiana, Punjab. For more information, please visit onecrest.in.

Kapiva, one of India’s most trusted science-backed Ayurvedic brands, has partnered with Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 through its flagship Dia Free Juice for a special 12-week initiative aimed at bringing greater awareness around blood sugar health into Indian households.   The 12-week ‘Sawaal Diabetes Ka, Jawaab Sehat Ka’ segment uses KBC’s question-led format to make health awareness more engaging and accessible At the heart of the partnership is the weekly segment “Sawaal Diabetes Ka, Jawaab Sehat Ka,” beginning September 22. Through KBC’s familiar question-and-answer format, Kapiva aims to make conversations around diabetes awareness and everyday blood sugar health more accessible and engaging for families across India. Viewers will get a chance to win cash prizes, goodies and exclusive discounts from Kapiva. The ICMR-INDIAB national study revealed that 101 million people in India are living with diabetes, underscoring the need for greater awareness around blood sugar health, lifestyle choices and regular health management. For more than two decades, KBC has turned questioning and curiosity into a part of Indian popular culture, bringing generations of families together around the same screen. With legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, a familiar voice across several major public-awareness initiatives over the years, the platform offers Kapiva an opportunity to take an important health conversation to audiences in a format they already know and engage with. Ameve Sharma, Founder & CEO, Kapiva, said, “Dia Free has become one of Kapiva’s most trusted products because it addresses a health concern that affects millions of Indian families. But building a product is only one part of the responsibility. Creating greater awareness and encouraging people to engage more actively with their health is equally important. KBC gives us a unique opportunity to bring that conversation into millions of homes through a format Indians already know, trust and participate in. Through ‘Sawaal Diabetes Ka, Jawaab Sehat Ka’, we hope to make conversations around blood sugar health more accessible and part of everyday family discussions.”    The partnership was enabled by Prachar Communications. Commenting on the integration, Rakshit Jain, Director, Prachar Communications, said, “The strength of this partnership lies in the intersection of relevance, reach and engagement. KBC has been part of Indian households for generations, while diabetes and blood sugar health are conversations that increasingly need to happen within those very households. By integrating the message into a format that Indians already actively participate in, Kapiva is creating an opportunity to make health awareness less clinical and far more conversational. A 12-week association also gives us the ability to build sustained attention and keep the conversation alive across television, digital and social platforms.” Trusted by 10 lakh+ consumers, Kapiva Dia Free Juice is a herbal wellness formulation of 11 standardised traditional herbs including karela, jamun, gudmar and more in an easy daily format that supports healthy blood sugar levels as part of a balanced lifestyle. Backed by Kapiva’s dedicated R&D team of scientists and researchers, the product has undergone product-specific clinical evaluation and multiple layers of quality and safety testing. It is intended to complement, not replace, prescribed medication or medical advice.   About Kapiva Kapiva is one of India’s most trusted, science-backed Ayurvedic brands, rooted in authentic Ayurveda and strengthened by modern science. Backed by a dedicated R&D vertical of scientists and researchers, Kapiva develops formulations using standardised herbs, high-quality ingredients and multiple layers of quality and safety testing. Its portfolio spans categories including men’s health, lifestyle, daily wellness, beauty & personal care and more, with products designed to fit easily into modern lifestyles. Kapiva continues to make Ayurveda more relevant, credible and accessible while staying true to its traditional foundations. The brand has a strong offline presence across 60,000+ stores in India and has expanded globally through wholly owned subsidiaries in the USA, UK and Middle East. Website: www.kapiva.in

boltt is bringing the boltt Evo to Flipkart’s Big Billion Days at an Early Bird price of INR 8,999. The offer goes live at 12:00 AM midnight on September 24, 2026, exclusively on Flipkart, giving consumers the opportunity to get the smartphone at one of its most competitive price points.   boltt Evo Early Bird Sale   boltt Evo is powered by the UNISOC T7250 octa-core processor and comes with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. For photography, it features a 50MP AI main camera, 2MP macro lens and 8MP front camera with Real Tone, supported by AI Portrait Mode, AI Night Mode and AI Selfie Enhancement.   It also packs a 6.79-inch 120Hz display and a 6000mAh battery, bringing together performance, smooth visuals and extended usage for everyday multitasking, entertainment and connectivity.   The boltt Evo will be available at the following prices during the sale: 4GB + 64GB | INR 8,999 6GB + 128GB | INR 9,999   With the highest rating, best specifications and best price in its segment, the boltt Evo brings together performance, features and value this Big Billion Days.   The boltt Evo is available exclusively on Flipkart as part of the Big Billion Days Early Bird sale from 12:00 AM midnight on September 24, 2026.   Buy now on Flipkart- www.flipkart.com/boltt-evo-coming-soon-ads-store   About boltt boltt is a homegrown smartphone brand from the house of Fire-Boltt, built on the trust of over 4 crore users. Created for India’s evolving digital lifestyle, the brand brings together deep consumer insight and a consumer-first approach to design and innovation. boltt is focused on delivering dependable, relevant smartphone experiences tailored for modern India.   About Fire-Boltt Fire-Boltt is India’s No. 1 smartwatch brand and one of the country’s leading homegrown consumer technology companies. With a growing ecosystem of connected devices and more than 4 crore users, Fire-Boltt is committed to creating innovative technology products that are accessible, relevant, and designed for Indian consumers.