The updated compact SUV introduces new colours, more than 20 safety features, a turbocharged engine option, and segment-leading practicality aimed at India’s urban buyers
Category: Business
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New Renault Kiger Arrives in India with 35 Enhancements, Competitive Pricing, and Youth-Oriented Styling
Renault India has unveiled the new Kiger, a refreshed edition of its popular compact SUV designed for the country’s most competitive automotive segment. With more than 35 enhancements, including design tweaks, upgraded safety, and convenience features, the launch reflects Renault’s ambition to keep the Kiger relevant for young, style-conscious, and value-driven buyers.
Safety and technology focus
Performance and practicality
Renault’s strategy in India
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Steer Opens Mumbai Office at Dextrus to Support India’s Infrastructure and Sustainability Goals
The global consultancy adds a second India base in Lower Parel, with Head of India Vaibhav Gupta highlighting opportunities in transport, energy transition, and financial due diligence
Global consultancy Steer has expanded its Asia-Pacific footprint by opening a new office in Mumbai, located at the Dextrus workspace in Lower Parel. This is the firm’s second base in India after Delhi, reflecting its growing involvement in projects tied to infrastructure, urban development, and clean energy.
Founded in the United Kingdom, Steer advises governments, investors, and corporations on major projects in transport, mobility, energy transition, climate finance, and economic development. With India accelerating investment in metro systems, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure, the consultancy has been scaling its presence to meet local demand.Vaibhav Gupta, Head of India at Steer, said the decision to establish a Mumbai office was shaped by the city’s position as a financial and business hub. “Mumbai is where capital meets infrastructure. Having a base here allows us to work more closely with clients who are shaping the country’s next phase of growth, whether that is in low-carbon transport, financing renewable energy, or conducting commercial due diligence for investors,” he explained.
The Mumbai team will focus on advisory work spanning urban transport planning, infrastructure financing, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and strategy for net-zero commitments. The office will also serve as a link between India and Steer’s wider Asia-Pacific operations, including teams in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia.Steer has been active in India for more than a decade, contributing to metro planning, airport strategy, financial structuring for renewable projects, and advisory mandates for private equity firms. The consultancy has also engaged with state governments and multilateral institutions on policies that address mobility, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development.
The new Mumbai office positions Steer closer to its clients in financial services, infrastructure development, and sustainability-driven sectors, aligning with the firm’s broader strategy of being embedded in high-growth markets.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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City Lifts India Marks 40 Years in Vertical Mobility with Roadmap for Tier-II and Tier-III Expansion
Founded in 1985 by V. Rajagopalan, the company celebrates its Foundation Day with campaign #LiftingTheCities and plans for AI- and IoT-driven maintenance, modern equipment, and stronger developer networks
Four decades after its founding, City Lifts India Limited has marked its 40th Foundation Day by outlining the next phase of growth in India’s elevator and escalator sector. Established in 1985 by entrepreneur V. Rajagopalan, the company has grown from a single-office manufacturer into a nationwide provider of vertical and horizontal mobility solutions.
At the anniversary event, the company launched its new advocacy campaign #LiftingTheCities, positioning it as a platform to engage customers, partners, and developers while reinforcing its focus on safety and reliability.Legacy of four decades
Since inception, City Lifts has combined product innovation with strong after-sales support. The company has been among the first in India to bring in gearless traction systems, machine-room-less (MRL) designs, and intelligent dispatch systems that improve energy efficiency and optimise space. Safety has been a core feature across offerings, with emergency brakes, backup power systems, and staff safety training built into operations.
Quality has been assured through in-house controls and adherence to industry-standard testing protocols. Over the years, the company has also tied up with global technology providers, including KOYO (China), Nidec, and Samjung Tech, to integrate advanced features into its elevators, escalators, auto walks, and parking solutions.Next decade plans
Looking ahead, Director Navin Rajagopalan said the company is targeting deeper penetration into Tier-II and Tier-III markets, alongside scaling up portfolios for escalators and elevators. Plans include deploying equipment with IoT integration, predictive maintenance powered by AI, and expanded training programmes for employees.
City Lifts is also eyeing participation in large-scale infrastructure projects such as metro stations and airports, aiming to extend its developer network and increase visibility in high-demand segments.Rajagopalan added that the 40th year is a moment to balance reflection with ambition: “This journey reflects our founder’s vision and the trust of our team and customers. As we look ahead, our goal is to combine technology, customer service, and strong partnerships to remain a leader in India’s vertical mobility industry.”
With the sector poised for demand from real estate growth and infrastructure investments, City Lifts India is preparing to enter its fifth decade with a blend of legacy, innovation, and expansion.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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From First Associate to Equity Partner: Vertices Partners Expands Its Leadership Team with Three Senior Lawyers
Vishal Mehta, Vikrant Anand, and Rajat Agarwal join the equity table as the firm marks internal career progressions across Mumbai and NCR offices
In a move that highlights internal career growth and long-term commitment to talent, Vertices Partners has added three senior lawyers to its equity partnership. Vishal Mehta, Vikrant Anand, and Rajat Agarwal have each been admitted as equity partners, reflecting years of contribution across multiple practice areas.
Vishal Mehta, who joined as the firm’s first associate, now becomes part of its senior leadership. Over the years, he has been closely involved in guiding top-tier transactions and building client confidence in the firm’s deal practice.Vikrant Anand has been a key figure in the NCR practice, handling cross-border and domestic transactions. Alongside client delivery, he has been active in shaping the Gurugram office and supporting wider growth efforts.
Rajat Agarwal has led the firm’s litigation, dispute resolution, and investigations advisory mandates. He is also recognised as the main contact for the firm’s litigation work in the Legal500 directory, and has been central to its Banking & Finance practice.Managing Partner Vinayak Burman described the development as a recognition of individual journeys within the firm, noting that the three lawyers have contributed significantly to its culture, client delivery, and practice expansion since its inception.
Alongside the equity additions, Vertices Partners has also confirmed a round of associate promotions in the Mumbai and NCR offices, part of its approach to defining clear career progression pathways.Founded in 2016, Vertices Partners operates across Mumbai, Gurugram, and Bengaluru with a full-service offering that covers private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution, banking and finance, intellectual property, real estate, and media and technology. Since inception, the firm has sought to combine sectoral expertise with a people-first culture, positioning itself as a next-generation player in India’s legal market.
At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Royal Orchid Hotels Q1 FY26 Results: Standalone Income at ₹48.45 Cr, PAT Rises to ₹4.43 Cr
The hospitality group posted consolidated income of ₹82.80 crore for the quarter, while highlighting new resort openings and a pipeline of 2,500 additional keys over the next nine months
Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), which runs more than 118 properties across India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, has reported its financial performance for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Financials at a glance
Standalone income for Q1 FY26 stood at ₹48.45 crore under INDAS. EBITDA was reported at ₹13.62 crore, and profit after tax reached ₹4.43 crore, translating to an EPS of ₹1.62. Compared with the previous quarter, EBITDA improved from ₹12.40 crore to ₹13.62 crore and PAT moved from ₹3.85 crore to ₹4.43 crore. On a year-on-year basis, PAT rose from ₹3.62 crore in Q1 FY25 to ₹4.43 crore in Q1 FY26.
Under the without INDAS view, income was ₹48.23 crore, EBITDA was ₹6.86 crore, PAT came in at ₹4.00 crore, and EPS was ₹1.46.Consolidated income for the quarter was reported at ₹82.80 crore.
Commentary and outlook:
Chairman and Managing Director Chander K. Baljee said the results demonstrate both operational consistency and stakeholder trust. He cited the recent opening of Regenta Bharti Resort in Pune and Regenta Waterfront Resort in Dapoli as part of the company’s strategy to build presence in high potential markets.Baljee noted that with over 2,500 additional rooms scheduled to come on stream in the next nine months, Royal Orchid Hotels is positioned to strengthen its portfolio and capture demand in emerging locations. He added that the group remains committed to guest experience, innovation, and long-term value creation.
At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Kia India’s Carens Clavis and Clavis EV Cross 21,000 Bookings, Signalling a Shift in Mass Premium Mobility
With over 20,000 orders for the ICE variant and 1,000 for the EV in just four months, Kia strengthens its family first, safety driven, and tech forward positioning in India’s competitive auto market
Kia India has reported more than 21,000 bookings for its Carens Clavis and Carens Clavis EV models in less than four months, underscoring the brand’s growing appeal in India’s mass premium segment. The milestone includes over 20,000 orders for the petrol powered Clavis and more than 1,000 for the Clavis EV, which is Kia’s first Made in India electric vehicle.
For Kia, the strong response validates its strategy of blending comfort, safety, and technology across internal combustion and electric platforms. Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer at Kia India, said the demand reflects customer trust. “This strong demand is a testament to the confidence our customers have in Kia and reinforces our commitment to delivering innovation, safety, and comfort.”The Carens Clavis has been positioned as a versatile family car that merges SUV strength with MPV practicality. It features flexible seating with sliding, reclining, and one touch electric tumble seats, along with a segment first Boss Mode for third row access. The cabin integrates dual 12.3 inch panoramic displays, Bose sound, ambient lighting, dual dashcam, and an innovative switch system for climate and infotainment control.
The Carens Clavis EV extends this philosophy into the electric space. Offered with two battery options, a 51.4 kWh pack with a 490 km certified range and a 42 kWh pack with a 404 km range, the seven seater EV also delivers rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in 39 minutes via a 100 kW DC charger. It is powered by a 171 PS motor with 255 Nm torque, offering daily flexibility as well as long distance usability. The EV mirrors the ICE model’s premium design with a 67.62 cm dual panoramic display and 90 connected car features.Safety has been a central focus in both variants. The line up comes with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with over 20 autonomous features and a passive safety suite that includes six airbags, electronic stability control, a 360 degree camera, and rear occupant alerts.
The booking momentum positions Kia as a strong competitor in India’s evolving mobility landscape, where family focused ICE buyers and eco conscious EV adopters are seeking the same blend of safety and innovation.About Kia India
Kia entered the Indian market in 2017 and began operations in 2019 with a manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, that produces up to 300,000 units annually. Since then, the company has launched nine models including the Seltos, Sonet, Carnival, EV6, and EV9. With more than 1.2 million domestic sales and over 3.6 lakh exports, Kia India continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading connected car brands in the country.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Escape Plan and HRX Rethink Travel Gear, Turning Performance into a Carry-On Culture
With Hrithik Roshan’s design philosophy meeting Escape Plan’s rapid ₹100 Cr scale, the new collection is built for travellers who want utility, style, and speed in equal measure
Travel gear is rarely discussed in the same breath as performance wear, but Escape Plan and HRX are betting on the fact that it should be. In a collaboration that brings together Hrithik Roshan’s homegrown fitness label and one of India’s fastest-scaling travel platforms, the two brands have created a co-branded collection aimed at a generation that sees travel as a daily rhythm rather than an occasional break.
Escape Plan, launched just months ago, has already hit an annualised run rate of ₹100 crore, with more than a fifth of its business coming from offline stores. Its appeal lies in combining functional design with a tech-enabled retail experience, creating products that fit seamlessly into how modern Indians move. The HRX partnership takes that ethos into luggage and travel essentials, adding a performance-driven design language to an already utility-focused category.For Hrithik Roshan, the connection is instinctive. “With HRX, our mission has always been to fuse purpose with performance,” he says. “The right travel gear can change the way you move, and creating this collection with Escape Plan felt like a natural extension of what we stand for.”
The HRX x Escape Plan line spans luggage, organisers, and accessories, each piece intended to balance durability with design. The goal is not just to sell travel products, but to embed them into an active lifestyle-one that moves easily between airports, gyms, and city streets.Abhinav Pathak, CEO and Co-founder of Escape Plan, sees the partnership as a strategic move in a category poised for reinvention. “This is about redefining travel essentials for a new generation of consumers. HRX brings a cultural resonance and design ethos that fits perfectly with our vision,” he says. “We see this as the beginning of a category-defining journey in travel gear.”
Afsar Zaidi, Co-founder of HRX, calls the collaboration a meeting of sensibilities. “It was more than just their products, it was the clarity of vision, the design sensibility, and the sense that this is something different,” he notes.Available through Escape Plan’s own and partner retail platforms, as well as select offline locations, the collection is positioned as an everyday upgrade for travellers who value agility as much as aesthetics. And while the products themselves are designed for movement, the strategy is firmly about building a lifestyle ecosystem, where utility and aspiration share the same carry-on.
About Escape Plan
Founded by Abhinav Pathak and Abhinav Zutshi, Escape Plan is a travel and accessories platform backed by Jungle Ventures and Fireside Ventures. The brand blends technology, design, and consumer insight to create products that fit the pace of modern travel.
About HRX
Founded by Hrithik Roshan and Exceed Entertainment, HRX is a fitness and lifestyle brand built on the philosophy of helping individuals become the best versions of themselves.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Shree Cement Delivers 95% Profit Growth in Q1 FY26, Ramps Up Capacity and Green Power
Shree Cement reports ₹619 crore profit in Q1 FY26, up 95 percent year-on-year, driven by pricing, premium product mix, and operational discipline across India and UAE
Shree Cement, India’s third-largest cement group by installed capacity, has reported a consolidated profit after tax of ₹619 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, marking a 95 percent increase over the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Operating profit (EBITDA) stood at ₹1,229 crore, up by 34 percent year-on-year, while total revenue rose marginally to ₹4,948 crore from ₹4,835 crore.
The company attributed its improved performance to disciplined cost control, higher realisations, and a growing share of premium products, which reached 17.7 percent of trade sales in Q1, up from 15.6 percent in Q4 FY25. Cement sales volumes reached 89.5 lakh tonnes during the quarter.Union Cement Company, Shree Cement’s UAE-based subsidiary, continued to deliver strong results. Revenue grew by 19 percent year-on-year to AED 181.19 million, while EBITDA rose sharply from AED 9.02 million to AED 44.86 million, up 397 percent. The company has announced plans to expand cement capacity by 3.0 million tonnes per annum in the UAE with an investment of AED 110 million.
The company reported that 65.65 percent of its total electricity consumption in Q1 FY26 came from renewable sources, supported by its 586 MW green power portfolio. During the quarter, it used 0.15 lakh tonnes of agro waste and 0.53 lakh tonnes of hazardous waste as alternative fuel sources, contributing to a fossil fuel offset of over 83 billion kilocalories and reducing carbon emissions.Shree Cement has also maintained zero liquid discharge across all its manufacturing locations, with its water positivity index improving to over eight times. The NABL accreditation awarded to its Raipur lab further strengthens its quality standards, with international recognition of its testing protocols.
Shree Cement was recently awarded the “Most Sustainable Company in the Cement Sector” at the Business Today India Sustainability Awards 2025. It also received the State-Level Bhamashah Award 2025 from the Government of Rajasthan for its continued contributions to community education, with its Ras unit winning for the tenth consecutive year.The company has expanded its ready-mix concrete footprint from 15 to 21 operational plants since the beginning of FY26 and plans to scale to 50 plants by the end of the fiscal year. Ongoing cement capacity expansion projects in Jaitaran, Rajasthan, and Kodla, Karnataka will raise the company’s installed capacity to 68.8 MTPA upon completion, with a goal of reaching 80 MTPA by 2028.
With projections of 6 to 7 percent industry growth in FY26, supported by government infrastructure spending and strong housing demand, Shree Cement remains optimistic about the operating environment. The company reaffirmed its focus on premiumisation, green transition, and operational discipline as key levers to drive sustainable profitability.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Google Cloud, AWS, AccelByte, GameRefinery, AppMagic & Lysto Join KRAFTON India’s KIGI Program
The global technology platforms now partner with KRAFTON India to deliver cloud, backend, analytics, and playtesting infrastructure for early-stage game studios in India
KRAFTON India has formalized collaborations with a group of global technology and analytics platforms to support studios participating in its KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) initiative. These collaborators include Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AccelByte, GameRefinery, AppMagic, and Lysto.
Through this initiative, KIGI-backed gaming startups will now receive access to cloud credits, infrastructure, backend platforms, feature analytics, playtesting services, and startup-specific technical support to help them build, test, and scale games more efficiently.Google Cloud provides infrastructure credits, office hours, startup support managers, and one-year access to Google Workspace Business Plus for new signups. AWS offers a scalable suite of cloud tools including computing, storage, and deployment support.
AccelByte offers backend integration with cross-platform play, data storage, monetization, matchmaking, and other features vital to modern game development, removing the need for internal LiveOps or server teams.
GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, brings mobile game feature-level analytics across over 100,000 games, helping studios benchmark engagement, revenue strategies, and update impact. AppMagic complements this with competitive market data and intelligence, supporting planning and user acquisition decisions.
Lysto offers global player research and playtesting support, with structured testing for concepts, live titles, and prototypes. Their panel of over 1 million gamers allows targeted feedback across geographies and demographics.Anuj Sahani, Head of KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator, said: “We’re proud to provide our KIGI startups access to some of the world’s most advanced tools and platforms through these partnerships. These collaborations will dramatically reduce development cycles, improve scalability, and empower founders to focus more on creative innovation rather than operational hurdles.”
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, added: “KIGI reflects our long-term commitment to building India as a global gaming hub. These tools elevate the technical foundation of each startup and fuel their ambition to think bigger, build faster, and reach wider audiences.”
Launched in 2023, the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator offers mentorship, product development guidance, grants between $50,000 and $150,000, and access to global resources. KIGI has supported startups from cities including Madurai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
With these collaborations, KIGI aims to help Indian gaming startups build globally competitive, high-quality games with fewer technical and financial barriers.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Mrs. Tina Ambani Inaugurates RoboGynIndia 2025 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
The 4th annual conference of the Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons convenes in Mumbai, spotlighting the convergence of surgical robotics and women’s health innovation
Mrs. Tina Ambani, Chairperson of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute, inaugurated RoboGynIndia 2025, the 4th Annual Conference of the Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons, held at the hospital in Mumbai.
Delivering her remarks at the event, Mrs. Ambani said, “Robotics has proven to be a gamechanger in the field of gynaecology. And the confluence of future-ready technology and medical expertise is yielding incredible breakthroughs. That’s why conferences like RoboGynIndia are so important.”Mrs. Sonali Bendre Behl, present as Guest of Honour, reflected on her personal journey with cancer and her connection with Kokilaben Hospital. “Kokilaben hospital gave me a second life, and I’m forever grateful. The care and confidence they provide extends beyond the patient, it touches the entire family. I’m inspired to see how technology and compassion come together here to transform lives.”
The conference also welcomed Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, as Special Invitee.
RoboGynIndia 2025 brought together professionals committed to advancing gynecological care through robotic-assisted technologies. The platform was hosted at Kokilaben Hospital, which has consistently positioned itself as a center for advanced medical procedures and integrated care delivery.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.