Business - The Purbottar

19 Feb

L&T Finance doubles gold loan network to 260+ branches, expands presence across India

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L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) has expanded its gold loan operations nationwide, scaling its dedicated branch network to more than 260 locations within eight months of entering the segment. The company had initially entered the gold finance business through the acquisition of 130 branches in June 2025 and has since added another 130 branches, reflecting an aggressive retail expansion strategy. The Non-Banking Financial Company said the expansion spans the North, West, East, and South regions, with the gold loan business now present in 18 States and Union Territories. LTF has also marked its strategic entry into key markets including Assam, Karnataka,…

19 Feb

Thums Up leverages India–Pakistan T20 showdown with Hanumankind anthem activation

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Beverage major Thums Up transformed the high-voltage India–Pakistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter into a high-energy cultural spectacle, bringing its iconic “Aaj Kuch Toofani Karte Hain” philosophy alive inside a packed stadium. Hip-hop artist Hanumankind headlined the match-day entertainment, performing the brand’s latest anthem Taste the Thunder alongside select tracks, amplifying the electrifying atmosphere of the marquee clash. The performance featured signature static-glitch visuals across LED screens, a dramatic countdown, and coordinated lighting, smoke, and aerial choreography, culminating in a high-energy finale led by dance crew Kings United India. Hanumankind said performing during such a match was “incredible,” adding…

19 Feb

Mars appoints Manish Syag as India Pet Nutrition MD; Salil Murthy moves to global role

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Mars, Incorporated has announced the appointment of Manish Syag as Managing Director of its Pet Nutrition division in India, while the current Managing Director Salil Murthy has been elevated to Global Vice President, Enterprise Transformation, Mars Pet Nutrition, based in London. Syag, an alumnus of IIM Lucknow, brings over two decades of FMCG leadership experience, having held senior roles at Hindustan Unilever and GSK Consumer Healthcare. He joined Mars in 2024 as Chief Sales Officer and will now lead the company’s India Growth Agenda, focusing on expanding operational capabilities and strengthening leadership in the fast-growing pet food category. Mars’ portfolio…

18 Feb

Valeo to Invest $236.7 Million in India, Targets Threefold Sales Growth by 2028

nanika EditorBusiness

French automotive supplier Valeo has announced plans to invest over €200 million ($236.7 million) in India over the coming years, aiming to significantly expand its engineering and manufacturing footprint in the country. The announcement coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, which is expected to strengthen business ties and unlock new commercial agreements.Valeo said the fresh investment is designed to triple its India sales to around €700 million by 2028, positioning the country as a key pillar in its global growth and innovation roadmap. The company plans to enhance its engineering centers and scale up industrial operations to…

18 Feb

Sony LIV drops trailer of ‘Jazz City’, period musical drama set to stream from March 19

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Sony LIV has unveiled the official trailer of its upcoming original series Jazz City, scheduled to premiere on March 19. Set in Calcutta of 1971, the show captures the city’s old-world charm amid a period marked by political unrest, social awakening, and shifting identities. Revolving around the atmosphere of a jazz club, the series blends music, mystery, and emotional conflict, exploring themes of loyalty, resistance, and the price of silence. At the heart of the story is Jimmy, a man determined to remain distant from conflict until circumstances compel him to confront difficult choices where every decision carries consequences. The…

17 Feb

Croma launches summer sale with up to 71% discounts on ACs and premium TVs

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Tata Group’s omni-channel electronics retailer Croma has announced its Summer Sale 2026, offering discounts of up to 71% on air conditioners, large televisions, and seasonal electronics across stores nationwide until February 28. The sale includes exchange benefits, cashback offers, easy EMI options, and up to 10% additional discount for HDFC Tata Neu credit card users, subject to applicable terms. Cooling appliances dominate the campaign, with several inverter AC models available at reduced prices. The Lloyd Inverter AC (1.25T) starts at ₹26,990, while the LG Inverter AC (1.0T) is priced from ₹30,490 with additional cashback benefits. Croma’s own 1.5T inverter split…

17 Feb

Turkish Airlines unveils 500th aircraft ‘TK Family’, marks new expansion era

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Turkish Airlines unveiled its 500th aircraft, named “TK Family,” at a special ceremony at Istanbul Airport, marking a major milestone in the airline’s journey since its founding in 1933 with just five aircraft. The milestone aircraft features a unique livery designed with photographs of the airline’s 100,000 employees and retirees, symbolising unity and collective achievement. The unveiling ceremony saw participation from Turkish Airlines executives, employees, retirees, aviation industry representatives, and the children of martyrs representing all 81 provinces of Türkiye. The aircraft also performed a ceremonial flight under flight number TK500, tracing the number “500” in the sky to celebrate…

17 Feb

Thoughtful gifting trends drive demand for wellness options this Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day gifting trends are witnessing a shift from traditional items such as chocolates and flowers to more thoughtful, wellness-oriented choices, with California Almonds emerging as a preferred option that combines taste with everyday nutrition. Consumers are increasingly choosing gifts that reflect care, practicality, and long-term value, extending celebrations beyond romantic partners to friends, family, and self-care occasions. Nutrition experts highlight the growing role of almonds in daily routines, particularly as part of morning habits. Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare, noted that almonds, rich in protein and dietary fibre, can support better blood sugar response, fasting…

17 Feb

GST clarity sought as Bharat Taxi launch sparks debate on driver earnings

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The launch of the driver-owned, subscription-based ride-hailing platform Bharat Taxi has triggered fresh discussions on tax policy clarity, with driver groups urging the government to differentiate between SaaS-based mobility platforms and traditional commission-driven aggregators. Designed as a cooperative model, Bharat Taxi aims to provide auto and cab drivers greater control over pricing and earnings through a fixed membership subscription rather than trip-based commissions. The debate centres on the proposed 5 percent GST on ride fares under the subscription or SaaS model. Unlike conventional e-commerce aggregators that control pricing and collect payments, SaaS platforms merely provide digital access while fares are…

17 Feb

Commodity Rally Loses Steam as Analysts Warn of Further Price Pressure

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The recent surge in global commodity prices appears to have run its course, with analysts suggesting that most commodities may now trade sideways or remain under pressure in the coming months.Prices across a broad spectrum — from base metals such as copper, zinc and lead to precious metals like gold and silver — have declined sharply, slipping up to 21 per cent from their 52-week highs reached in late January 2026. Natural gas has been the worst hit, plunging nearly 62 per cent from $7.83 per MMBtu in late January to around $2.99. Brent crude has also fallen about 13…