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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

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.

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.

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

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.

The INR 170-Cr Shiksha Next EdTech and AI initiative brings together EdTech supply, evidence, and government demand under one roof, a model not previously attempted at this scale in Indian education 11 EdTech and AI solutions, serving children in the 4-10 age group have now been selected across two of ShikshaNext’s pillars i.e. EdTech ScaleX and the EdTech Accelerator   ShikshaNext, the 3-year, INR 170-crore multi-donor initiative aimed at improving learning outcomes for children across India by leveraging EdTech and AI, today announced the next phase of its journey with the selection of 11 solutions across its EdTech ScaleX and EdTech Accelerator pillars.   A teacher demonstrates an EdTech app to her students, part of ShikshaNext’s  market-shaping push to bring proven digital tools into Indian classrooms   The announcement moves the ShikshaNext initiative from vision to execution, aiming to bring evidence-backed and emerging EdTech and AI solutions closer to classrooms and state government systems by 2029. ShikshaNext is anchored by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Reliance Foundation, and Gates Foundation as Founding Strategic Partners, with Central Square Foundation as the Managing Partner. The Initiative is also supported by Anthropic as a Supporting Partner.   This Initiative further brings together three interconnected pillars, each addressing a different stage of the EdTech innovation pipeline: EdTech ScaleX focuses on improving learning outcomes at scale by taking proven solutions into government systems and enabling their effective adoption; the EdTech Accelerator strengthens the pipeline of promising solutions as they are being built, tested and refined; and the EdTech and AI Innovation Hub tackles some of the unsolved problem statements that could shape the next generation of technology and AI-led education solutions.   Underpinning these three pillars is a sustained commitment to rigorous evidence generation: this involves not just building proof that a solution works, but also understanding how it performs in real government systems, what makes implementation effective for students, parents and teachers, and what it takes to translate promising solutions into sustained impact at scale.   Five solutions have been selected under EdTech ScaleX, serving children in the 4-10 age group: Chimple by Sutara Learning: Teacher-directed, at-home gamified mobile learning solution; validated by a randomised controlled trial (RCT) by Prof. Kartini Shastry, Wellesley College and Prof. Sheetal Sekhri, University of Virginia (2024) Rocket Learning: Playful, WhatsApp-based home-learning; validated by a J-PAL RCT (2023) Top Parent by Nudged: Pan-India, parent-facing solution for at-home learning; validated by a quasi-experimental study under the guidance of Prof. Tarun Jain, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (2026) Prakashak by ThinkZone: WhatsApp-based at-home learning programme validated by a quasi-experimental study under the guidance of Prof. Tarun Jain, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (2026) Youth Impact: Phone-based remedial Math learning; validated by a five-country RCT by Dr Noam Angrist et al. (2025) Through its portfolio of five solutions, EdTech ScaleX will aim to improve learning outcomes at scale by targeting 8 million+ students.   Six solutions have been selected under the EdTech Accelerator, serving children in the 4-10 age group: Darsel: 1:1 personalised WhatsApp chatbot for math practice at-home Eedi: AI native WhatsApp based socratic personal tutor for math remediation at-home TARA ORF by Prosical Language Technologies: Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) assessment, analysis, and student remediation at-home PadhAI by Pratham Education Foundation: Offline ORF assessment, analysis, and student remediation at-home Vowels of the People Association (VOPA): ORF assessment, analysis and student remediation for both literacy and numeracy skills at-home VallamAI by Madhi Foundation: AI-powered teacher-support tool for assessments, coaching, and lesson planning Through the EdTech Accelerator, these six solutions will work on building the evidence and capabilities needed to translate promising innovations into solutions that can ultimately scale.   Together, these 11 solutions will forge a new pathway for EdTech and AI-enabled learning in India, strengthening learning outcomes for millions of children and building the evidence that turns bold ideas into lasting impact at scale.   Ishmeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Central Square Foundation, said, “Selecting these 11 solutions is where ShikshaNext’s ambition starts to become tangible. Five of them are already backed by independent evidence and are ready to work with governments at scale; the other six are building the next generation of AI-enabled solutions for India’s classrooms. Bringing proven, scale-ready solutions together with emerging AI innovations and generating the evidence needed to move both forward is what makes this more than a portfolio of grants. It is a pathway designed to help early stage innovations to travel to institutional state adoption and integration into the governance mechanism.”   Prachi Jain Windlass, Head of India, The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, said, “Technology matters when it helps children learn better and opens pathways to future opportunity. Used effectively, technology and data can help educators understand student progress and act quickly when additional support is needed. ShikshaNext brings evidence, innovation, and government adoption together so proven EdTech can benefit more children, while the next generation of AI-enabled solutions is tested and strengthened responsibly.”   B Srinivasan, Executive Lead, Reliance Foundation said, “Reliance Foundation’s vision is simple yet profound that every child in India should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their dreams. The rapid expansion of digital connectivity and 5G over the past decade has unlocked unprecedented possibilities to deliver quality education to every corner of our country.   We have seen that when philanthropy, government, educators, and innovators come together with shared purpose, technology in education moves beyond promising pilots to achieving measurable learning outcomes at scale. ShikshaNext represents the next step in this journey – a collaborative platform to generate rigorous evidence, strengthen partnerships, and harness the power of AI responsibly and inclusively.   Our commitment is to ensure that the next generation of AI-enabled solutions is not only innovative, but equitable – designed to serve every child, everywhere, and to truly transform India’s educational future.”   Benjamin Piper, Director, Global Education, Gates Foundation, said, “The EdTech Accelerator solutions in particular reflect where we think the real opportunity with generative AI lies – not replacing good pedagogy,

Unified Voice Communication Pvt. Ltd., a Chennai-headquartered enterprise communications company, has received two recognitions during September 2026 for its work across enterprise voice, connectivity and unified communications.   Unified Voice Earns Two Prestigious 2026 Awards for Enterprise Communication Excellence   Earlier this month, Unified Voice received the “Best Enterprise Voice & Connectivity Solutions Provider 2026” award at the 18th BPO Innovation Summit & Awards 2026, organised by UBS Forums in Bengaluru.   The recognition highlighted the company’s work in providing integrated voice and connectivity infrastructure for BPOs, contact centres and enterprises with business-critical communication requirements. Mr. Shivaji Rajan, Director – Sales, received the first award on behalf of Unified Voice Communication Pvt. Ltd.   Unified Voice subsequently received a Certificate of Excellence for “Innovation in Voice & Unified Communications” at the Times Business Awards Chennai 2026, held at Hilton Chennai on September 17, 2026.   Mrs. Gayathri Patel, Director of Unified Voice Communication Pvt. Ltd., accepted the recognition on behalf of the company. It was presented by Hon’ble Thiru B. Rajkumar, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, and actor Ms. Shriya Saran.   The two recognitions reflect Unified Voice’s continued focus on helping organisations establish reliable, scalable and secure communication environments.   Unified Voice’s enterprise portfolio includes SIP trunking, Cloud and IP PBX, contact-centre solutions, unified communications, AI-powered call intelligence, managed voice services and high-availability data connectivity.   The company supports these solutions with consultation, local implementation assistance, 24×7 network monitoring and managed technical support. Its teams assess each customer’s operational requirements, call volumes, usage patterns, business-continuity needs and infrastructure before recommending an appropriate solution.   Commenting on the recognitions, Mrs. Gayathri Patel, Director of Unified Voice Communication Pvt. Ltd., said, “These recognitions reflect the collective efforts of our staff, customers and partners. At Unified Voice, innovation means more than introducing new technology. It means understanding each customer’s operating environment and delivering voice, unified communications and connectivity solutions that remain reliable, scalable and commercially practical. We will continue investing in our customers and growing alongside them.”   Unified Voice serves more than 5,000 customers across BPO, healthcare, IT and IT-enabled services, contact-centre and enterprise sectors. Its solutions are designed to support organisations where communication quality, service availability, regulatory compliance and operational continuity are essential.   The company follows a consultative and customer-focused service model, supported by direct engagement, transparent commercial terms, local implementation and round-the-clock technical assistance.   The two recognitions represent important milestones in Unified Voice’s continuing journey of delivering dependable enterprise communications infrastructure.   Unified Voice thanked UBS Forums and the organisers of the Times Business Awards Chennai 2026 for creating platforms that recognise businesses and bring together entrepreneurs, industry leaders and technology professionals.   About Unified Voice Communication Pvt. Ltd. Unified Voice Communication Pvt. Ltd. is an enterprise communication and connectivity solutions provider headquartered in Chennai, India.   The company offers enterprise SIP trunking, Cloud PBX, IP PBX, unified communications, contact-centre solutions, AI-powered call intelligence, managed communication services and mission-critical data connectivity.   Unified Voice supports BPOs, healthcare organisations, IT and IT-enabled services companies, contact centres and enterprises through scalable infrastructure, transparent commercial models, local implementation assistance and 24×7 technical support.

Eleven of India’s leading companies today launched the Karuna Ethics Alliance (KEA), India’s first industry-led alliance dedicated to improving animal welfare across food supply chains through common standards, collaborative action and practical implementation.   Dignitaries at the launch of Karuna Ethics Alliance   The first cohort of the 11 founding members—Tata Consumer Products, Reliance Retail, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Enam Investments, HDFC Asset Management Company, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company, Sodexo India and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts—have come together around a shared commitment to improve animal welfare while helping build more responsible, resilient and future-ready food systems.   Animal welfare is increasingly becoming part of the broader conversation around responsible food systems. Consumers are seeking greater transparency about how food is produced, investors are paying closer attention to supply chain risks, and businesses are recognising that the welfare of animals has implications for food safety, responsible sourcing, operational resilience and long-term value creation. KEA has been established to help Indian companies respond collectively through practical, science-informed solutions designed for the Indian context.   The Alliance’s founding members have committed to working together to develop practical animal welfare standards, strengthen implementation across supply chains, establish credible assurance and certification mechanisms, commission India-specific research, and create a platform for companies to share knowledge and accelerate good practices.   Speaking at the launch, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shared, “Every meal begins long before it reaches the kitchen. Understanding how food is produced, including the welfare of animals, is becoming an important part of responsible food systems. I am delighted to support an initiative that brings businesses together to drive meaningful and lasting improvements.”   Sunil Dsouza, CEO & MD, Tata Consumer Products shared, “Large-scale change in food systems requires collaboration across the value chain. KEA provides an important platform for businesses to come together, build common standards and collectively raise the bar for responsible sourcing and animal welfare in India.”   Navneet Munot, MD and CEO, HDFC AMC shares, “Responsible businesses increasingly recognise that sustainability and long-term value creation extend across supply chains. Collaborative initiatives such as KEA demonstrate how industry can proactively come together to address emerging expectations while strengthening resilience and governance.”   KEA is an initiative of the India Karuna Collaborative (IKC), a coalition of more than 55 non-profits and CSO’s and over 100+ leaders working to reduce animal suffering through systems-level collaboration. Formally incorporated as the Karuna Alliance for Ethical Value Chains (KAEVC), a Section 8 not-for-profit company, the Alliance brings together businesses, financial institutions, researchers and technical experts to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that improve animal welfare across India’s food supply chains.   The Alliance’s work will focus on developing science-informed standards adapted to the Indian context, supporting companies in implementing better animal welfare practices, strengthening credible assurance mechanisms, generating India-specific evidence, and fostering pre-competitive collaboration that enables businesses to learn from one another and accelerate progress.   Sonal Jain, CEO, KEA shared ‘At the heart of this Alliance is a simple belief—that better lives for animals and better food systems go hand in hand. KEA brings businesses together to turn that belief into practical action by developing common standards, sharing knowledge and building solutions that work for India.”   The launch brought together senior leaders from business, finance, hospitality and civil society, including Amarjeet Singh, Nilesh Shah, Dr. Indu Bhushan and Shailesh Haribhakti, to discuss the evolving role of animal welfare in responsible business and the opportunity for Indian companies to demonstrate global leadership in building more ethical and resilient food systems.   About the Karuna Ethics Alliance (KEA) The Karuna Ethics Alliance (KEA) is India’s first industry-led alliance dedicated to advancing animal welfare across food supply chains. Established as a Section 8 not-for-profit company, KEA works with businesses, financial institutions, researchers and technical experts to develop practical standards, strengthen implementation, promote credible assurance mechanisms and accelerate the adoption of responsible animal welfare practices across India’s food system. KEA is an initiative of the India Karuna Collaborative (IKC).