The Ideathon witnessed participation from 38 fintechs, techfins, and technology innovators who submitted solutions aligned with real-world business use cases identified by HDB Financial Services. Moreover, the program aimed to uncover scalable, technology-driven approaches capable of enhancing accessibility, improving service delivery, and boosting operational agility across India’s financial ecosystem.

Subsequently, the Ideathon shortlisted 10 high-potential teams, who worked closely with mentors from HDB Financial Services and AWS over several weeks. During this phase, participants leveraged AWS’s cloud infrastructure, data capabilities, and generative AI tools to design solutions tailored to real operational challenges within HDB’s business environment.

The final stage featured Shark Tank-style presentations, where innovators showcased how emerging technologies can address long-standing inefficiencies and unlock new opportunities in financial services. Following a rigorous evaluation process, Noventiq emerged as the winner for its Agentic AI solution. Meanwhile, Nugget by Zomato and Ganit Business Solutions Pvt Ltd secured the runner-up positions with their scalable, technology-driven offerings.

Commenting on the successful conclusion, G Ramesh said, “Through this Ideathon, we have seen how startups can build enterprise-scale solutions that improve operational efficiency while also supporting financial inclusion across India. The collaboration demonstrates the potential of combining innovation with the scale and reach of established financial institutions.”

Looking ahead, the selected winners will enter a pilot phase with HDB Financial Services, opening pathways for potential long-term commercial partnerships. These pilots will focus on integrating the solutions into HDB’s extensive pan-India network of over 1,700 branches. As a result, customers can expect faster, more seamless, and highly personalised financial services, including improved access to affordable credit, reduced turnaround times, and enhanced overall service experience.

The company has issued 74.18 lakh stock options, including 64.13 lakh options allocated to eligible employees under the Foodie Bay ESOP 2014, Zomato ESOP 2021, and Zomato ESOP 2024 schemes. Based on the current share price of Rs 224.7, the total value of the newly granted ESOPs stands at around Rs 167 crore. Notably, Eternal had carried out a similar ESOP grant in October last year, when it issued 64.13 lakh options under multiple schemes.

Each stock option is convertible into one fully paid-up equity share with a face value of Rs 1. Under the ESOP 2014 and ESOP 2021 schemes, employees can exercise their options within 10 years from the date of vesting or 12 years from the date of listing, whichever is later. Meanwhile, under the ESOP 2024 scheme, employees can exercise their options within 10 years from the date of vesting.

According to the latest shareholding pattern, employee trusts collectively hold 54.56 crore ESOP options, which account for approximately 6% of the company’s total capital structure. This significant allocation underscores the company’s long-term commitment to employee ownership and wealth creation.

On the financial front, Eternal reported strong performance in Q3 FY26, with revenue from operations reaching Rs 16,315 crore. However, the company posted a net profit of Rs 102 crore during the same period, reflecting a stable earnings trajectory.

As of the latest trading session on the National Stock Exchange, Eternal’s shares were priced at Rs 224.7, giving the company a market capitalisation of Rs 2,16,891 crore.

Eternal’s latest ESOP grant, therefore, reinforces its strategy to align employee interests with long-term business growth. Moreover, by continuing to offer equity-based incentives alongside steady financial performance, the company remains well-positioned to sustain momentum in India’s highly competitive foodtech and digital services landscape.

Moreover, this nod under the Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Rules removes a major regulatory barrier for the deal involving Encora US Holdco Inc. and Encora Holdings Ltd.

Building on its prior announcement, Coforge entered a share subscription and share purchase agreement with the target entities, Encora Holdco Ltd. and AI Altius Parent (Cayman) Ltd.

Previously, the company obtained several clearances, including U.S. approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act; shareholder nod through postal ballot for preferential allotment and debt funding; and competition approvals in places like Australia.

Now, with RBI approval secured, “the remaining approvals are in advanced stages,” Coforge stated in its filing.

Thus, this milestone accelerates Coforge’s global expansion through the Encora acquisition, thereby strengthening its position in the tech services landscape amid rising M&A activity.

Think about it. Really think about it. It is a question that sounds deceptively straightforward until you actually try to answer it. Because the truth is that the ownership of influence has become genuinely contested, and the rules are being rewritten in real time.

Getting to the bottom of this rabbit hole might not be as easy as you think, but the inaugural edition of the Team Marksmen network’s Marketing and Communication Excellence Awards brought together 80+ senior leaders, including corporate communication heads, industry experts, and decision-makers, to discuss the evolving nature of influence in today’s digitally driven and decentralised ecosystem.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Sharad Gupta, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Team Marksmen Network, who highlighted the growing significance of purposeful influence in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. In his remarks, he emphasised that influence today is shaped not only by brands but also by leadership voices, digital platforms, and evolving audience expectations.

A key highlight of the conference was a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Who Owns Influence Today – Brands, Leaders, or Algorithms?” which examined how influence has evolved in a world where digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and leadership narratives play a defining role in shaping public perception.

The panel featured distinguished industry leaders including Honeydeep Singh Sabharwal, Chief Operating Officer & CMO, Pando.ai; Priti Gandhi, Head of Communications, TKIL; Natasha Kedia, Head – Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals; and Samina Khalid, Head – Corporate Communications, Thermax Limited. The discussion was moderated by Karan Karayi, Editor-in-Chief, Team Marksmen Network, who guided the conversation on key themes such as the shifting ownership of influence in a fragmented media ecosystem, the growing impact of algorithms on perception, the role of leadership credibility in building trust, and the importance of balancing AI-driven communication scale with authenticity and ethical responsibility.

Adding further depth to the conference, Mohit Shrivastava, AVP – Research & Consulting at Coherent Market Insights, shared insights into the evaluation framework and research methodology used to identify influential leaders and organisations, highlighting the parameters used to assess leadership credibility and communication impact.

The conference also featured a special address by the Chief Guest, Shri Subhash Desai, Former Minister of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, who spoke about the importance of responsible leadership, trust, and purposeful communication in shaping meaningful influence across governance and business. He also felicitated the distinguished leaders, acknowledging their contributions to driving impactful and responsible communication.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where 35 leaders were felicitated for their excellence in corporate communications, leadership influence, and industry impact. Those recognised in this celebration par excellence included:

The Marketing and Communication Excellence Awards recognised something specific: not the loudest campaigns, not the biggest budgets, but the leaders and organisations that have built influence that lasts. Influence grounded in trust, credibility, and a genuine commitment to impact, whose ripple effects will be felt far and wide.

The following leaders were felicitated under the respective categories:

Leaders in Focus – Marketing

* Amit Garg, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

* Anchit Chandra, Muthoot Fincorp Limited

* Bansri Rajadnye, Galderma

* Divya Batra, Haldiram’s

* Honeydeep Singh Sabharwal, Pando.ai

* Jiteen Aggarwal, Hettich India

* Khyati Shah, Welspun World

* Priti Vinchhi, Leap India

* Priyankka Sethhi, Haier Appliances

* Rajashakher Intha, Cyble

* Ranjan Dhar, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India)

* Reema Wadhwani, Uniphore

* Ruchi Mohan, IBM India Pvt. Ltd.

* Salman Hamdulay, NTT Data Global Data Centers

* Shreyashi Keshri, McCain

* Sumit Puri, Tata CLiQ

* Stuti Anand, NiCE (India & ME)

* Vinod Philip, Lumina Datamatics

Rising Star – Marketing

* Aakash Mishra, Donear Group

* Abhijit Rajkumar Bakhtiani, GM Modular

* Harsh Gulati, Fenesta

* Pooja Rawal, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India)

* Prabhsharan Kaur, SKF India

* Sonam Shetty, NTT Global Data

Leaders in Focus – Corporate Communications & PR

* Apoorva Saigal, Piaggio

* Joeleen Gomez, Ramboll India

* Meena Iyer, Tata CLiQ

* Priti Gandhi, TKIL Industries

* Shirley C. Dsilva, Lenovo India

* Jaikishin Chhaproo, ITC Limited

* Madiha Vahid, Piramal Pharma

* Natasha Kedia, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd

* Samina Khalid, Thermax Limited

* Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Colgate Palmolive

* Shree Das, Britannia

The event commenced with a welcome address by Rajesh Khubchandani, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Team Marksmen Network, who highlighted the growing importance of trust and perception in shaping brand leadership in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.

A key highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Reputation, Relevance & Reinvention – The New Rules of Consumer Perception,” which explored how brands can remain relevant in an era defined by changing consumer expectations and an increasing demand for authenticity.

The panel featured distinguished marketing leaders, including Prashant Sukhwani, VP Marketing, Burger King; Abhishek Kumar Srivastava, Vice President Marketing (CMO), Piramal Consumer Healthcare; Deepak Oram, SVP – Growth Marketing & Martech, HDFC Bank; and Gaurangi Desai Mehra, Director – Marketing & Communications, APAR Industries. The discussion was moderated by Amiya Swarup, Partner – Marketing Consulting, Ernst & Young, who guided the conversation on key themes such as the role of culture and communities in shaping brand reputation, the rise of purpose-driven consumer behaviour, and strategies for managing perception amid disruption and increasing consumer scepticism.

Adding further depth, Mohit Shrivastava, AVP—Research & Consulting, Coherent Market Insights, presented insights into the evaluation framework and research methodology used to identify the Most Trusted Brands of India, outlining the analytical parameters used to assess brand trust and consumer perception.

The event also featured a special address by the Chief Guest, Shri Kripashankar Singh, Former Minister of State for Home Affairs of Maharashtra and Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who emphasised the importance of trust, credibility, and responsible leadership in both governance and business. He also felicitated the winning organisations, recognising their commitment to building strong and enduring consumer relationships.

The evening culminated with the felicitation ceremony, where a clutch of eminent brands were felicitated for their excellence in fostering consumer trust through innovation, transparency, and consistent value delivery. Those recognised included:

The event successfully brought together industry leaders and experts to share meaningful insights on the evolving landscape of consumer perception, reinforcing the growing importance of trust, authenticity, and purpose in building enduring brands.

The evening honoured the following brands as the Most Trusted Brands of India 2026:

* APAR Cable Solutions

* Appliances Business, Godrej Enterprises Group

* ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel

* Avaada

* BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED

* BirlaNu Leakproof Pipes

* Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

* Bright Outdoor

* Burger King

* CooperVision India

* DURASHINE® By Tata Steel Colors

* EaseMyTrip

* Everest Food Products Pvt. Ltd.

* Fenesta

* Google Cloud

* Greenpanel Industries Limited

* Haier Appliances India

* HDFC Bank

* HETTICH

* Independence

* Insolation Energy Limited (INA Solar)

* i-pill daily

* JAIRAJ GROUP

* Jio-bp

* Johnson’s Baby

* KALLIYATH TMT

* Kissht

* Konica Minolta Business Solution India Pvt. Ltd.

* Lacto Calamine

* Laljee Godhoo & Co.

* Luminous Power Technologies

* Meenakshi Udyog (India) Pvt. Ltd.

* Mold-Tek Packaging Limited

* Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.

* Neelam Stainless Steel

* Nova

* OMRON Healthcare India

* OneAssist Consumer Solutions

* OSEL Devices Limited

* Shalimar Paints Ltd.

* Škoda India

* Tata CLiQ Luxury

* TenderCuts Farm-Fresh Meats & Fresh Fish

* UltraTech Cement

* UNITED INDIA INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

* V.P. Bedekar & Sons Pvt. Ltd.

* Wagh Bakri Tea

* WONDERCHEF HOME APPLIANCES

Importantly, the deal represents KKR’s first climate transition investment in India under its Global Climate Transition strategy, which has already backed eight investments worldwide, including recent deployments in Australia. As part of the transaction, KKR will acquire a majority stake in Allfleet while also taking a minority stake in PMI Electro, thereby aligning its interests across both operations and manufacturing.

“Transport electrification is a critical pillar of the energy transition, and India—with its scale, urbanization, trends, and decarbonization ambitions—represents one of the most significant opportunities for the sector globally,” said Neil Arora, partner and head of KKR’s Climate Transition strategy for Asia Pacific.

Founded in 2017, PMI Electro manufactures electric commercial vehicles, including 7-metre, 9-metre, and 12-metre buses, as well as electric school buses. To date, the company has deployed more than 3,000 buses across over 30 Indian cities, demonstrating its growing footprint in the clean mobility segment.

Subsequently, PMI launched Allfleet nearly five years later as an electric bus operating platform designed to develop, own, and manage large-scale public transport fleets through its subsidiaries. The company now plans to deploy more than 5,000 e-buses under long-term concession and service agreements with state transport authorities in key cities, further accelerating adoption.

Moreover, Allfleet integrates electric vehicles, advanced fleet management systems, and on-ground execution capabilities within a concession-led model. This structure ensures operational continuity and performance throughout the lifecycle of public transport assets, making it a scalable and efficient solution.

As India continues to push toward decarbonization and cleaner urban mobility, scaling reliable electric public transport infrastructure has become increasingly critical. “The differentiated combination of Allfleet’s proven, scalable platform and PMI’s manufacturing and service expertise stands out as a full-service solution in this market. We look forward to supporting Allfleet’s next phase of growth by working together with PMI and leveraging KKR’s global operational expertise and experience investing across climate transition,” Arora said.

In addition, KKR’s investment will enable Allfleet to expand its operations and collaborate more effectively with public transport authorities to grow e-bus fleets. This, in turn, will deliver cleaner, more reliable commuting solutions for Indian cities. The integrated platform now offers end-to-end capabilities, spanning manufacturing, ownership, operations, and lifecycle support through its partnership with PMI Electro.

“As our cities grow and mobility needs evolve, clean, efficient, and accessible public transport will play a central role in shaping a more sustainable future. Alongside KKR, the company will continue to focus on responsible scale-up and expanding its presence across Indian cities,” said Aanchal Jain, chief executive, PMI Electro, and director, Allfleet.

Over the years, KKR has significantly expanded its climate investment portfolio. Since 2010, the firm has committed more than $44 billion toward climate and environmental sustainability initiatives, including investments in Zenobē, CleanPeak, and Avantus.

The companies expect to close the transaction by mid-2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals, thereby marking another milestone in India’s transition toward sustainable transportation.

KKR’s strategic investment in PMI Electro and Allfleet underscores the growing momentum behind electric mobility in India. By combining capital, technology, and operational expertise, the partnership is well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of electric buses and contribute meaningfully to the country’s decarbonization goals while transforming public transportation infrastructure.

As part of the agreement, Unacademy co-founder Gaurav Munjal will continue to lead the company as CEO, where he will focus on expanding the platform’s online education offerings and global presence.

“Unacademy and upGrad have signed a term sheet for upGrad to acquire Unacademy in a 100 percent share swap deal. Neither side will disclose the valuation until closing, when the papers are filed and the transaction becomes public. I will be staying back as Co-Founder and CEO of Unacademy—with the goal to build great online products for learners in India and globally,” Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, upGrad Co-Founder Ronnie Screwvala confirmed that the agreement includes a break fee clause, which would apply if the acquisition does not reach completion.

In addition, Munjal highlighted that Unacademy currently holds cash reserves of more than USD 100 million. He also explained that the company has recently restructured its operations, consolidating company-operated learning centers while partnering with franchise operators to improve efficiency.

Furthermore, Munjal pointed to the growing traction of Airlearn, the company’s global product, which is steadily gaining popularity in international markets such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

“Unacademy helped invent the Modern EdTech Playbook. Along the way we lost some focus and market share, and the sector itself has not seen enough real product innovation in recent years. AI will fundamentally reshape education, and EdTech may become one of its biggest beneficiaries,” Munjal said, adding that the partnership with upGrad will allow the entity to “build great products from K12 to forever learning.”

The proposed acquisition of Unacademy by upGrad marks a major milestone in India’s evolving online education industry. By combining resources, technology, and market reach, the two companies aim to strengthen their position in both domestic and international markets.

The partnership expects to accelerate product innovation, AI-driven learning solutions, and global expansion while enabling the combined entity to build a comprehensive learning ecosystem—from K12 education to lifelong learning opportunities.

Vehicle Info provides users with multiple vehicle-related services through a single digital platform. Consequently, the application allows vehicle owners to access important vehicle information conveniently online.

The app enables users to check vehicle registration details while also allowing them to view and pay traffic challans. In addition, the platform helps users verify insurance validity, track vehicle service history, and access other essential automotive data through one interface.

Meanwhile, the acquisition aligns with CARS24’s broader strategy to expand beyond vehicle transactions. The Gurgaon-based company therefore plans to develop a full-stack digital platform that supports vehicle ownership throughout its lifecycle.

CARS24 co-founder and CEO Vikram Chopra stated that Vehicle Info will continue operating as a standalone application with its existing team. However, he emphasised that both teams will collaborate closely to pursue a shared long-term vision.

He said, “Work together on a shared vision: solving vehicle ownership, not just vehicle transactions.”

Chirag Pipaliya, Co-founder at Vasundhara Infotech, said, “Joining hands with CARS24 gives the platform an opportunity to scale that vision further and integrate it into a larger ecosystem that supports users throughout the lifecycle of vehicle ownership.”

As a result, the partnership aims to enhance the digital experience for vehicle owners by integrating automotive utilities with marketplace services. Furthermore, the collaboration will enable the platform to reach a wider user base while strengthening the connected mobility ecosystem.

CARS24 continues to expand its capabilities beyond buying and selling cars. Through the acquisition of Vehicle Info, the company moves closer to building a comprehensive digital platform that simplifies vehicle ownership, improves access to automotive services, and supports users at every stage of their vehicle journey.

According to the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024, nearly 81% of purchase decisions in India are influenced by perception, while digital platforms now impact close to 90% of urban consumer purchase journeys. Research from Kantar BrandZ further highlights that brands strong in meaning, difference, and salience deliver three times stronger brand power and greater pricing advantage, reinforcing the growing importance of trust-led brand building.

Against this backdrop, Team Marksmen Network will host the 6th Annual Edition of Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 on 13 March 2026 at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. The platform will bring together senior brand leaders, marketing strategists, and industry thinkers to explore how organisations can build credibility, shape perception, and sustain consumer trust in an increasingly dynamic environment.

The evening will open with a Power Keynote by Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, who will speak on “The Perception Advantage: Turning Meaning Into Market Leadership,” offering insights on how brands can translate emotional connection, cultural relevance, and consumer understanding into competitive advantage.

The event will also feature a panel discussion titled “Reputation, Relevance & Reinvention – The New Rules of Consumer Perception,” bringing together leading marketing leaders including Kapil Grover, CMO, Restaurant Brands Asia; Abhishek Kumar Srivastava, Vice President Marketing (CMO), Piramal Consumer Health; Deepak Oram, SVP – Growth Marketing & Martech, HDFC Bank; and Gaurangi Desai Mehra, Director – Marketing & Communications, APAR Industries. The discussion will be moderated by Amiya Swarup, Partner – Marketing Consulting, EY, and will explore how brands can navigate culture, community influence, and rising consumer expectations while maintaining authenticity.

A special address will be delivered by Shri Kripashankar Singh, Former Minister of State for Home Affairs, Maharashtra and Vice President of BJP, who will share perspectives on leadership, trust, and the evolving relationship between organisations and society.

A key highlight of the evening will be the felicitation of organisations recognised as the Most Trusted Brands of India 2026, celebrating companies that have demonstrated sustained commitment to credibility, consumer trust, and responsible brand leadership.

The platform is supported by Business Standard as the Media Partner and India Today as the Telecast Partner, ensuring strong national visibility and industry reach.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve and trust becomes the defining currency of brand success, Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 aims to bring together leaders who are shaping perception with clarity, credibility, and purpose, reinforcing trust as the ultimate measure of brand excellence in India’s rapidly expanding consumer economy.

Flipkart, the Walmart-owned e-commerce giant, launched its quick commerce service, Minutes, in August 2024. Since then, the company has aggressively scaled its infrastructure to capture a larger share of India’s fast-growing instant delivery market.

Sources indicate the company has been adding roughly 100 dark stores per month this year, and it plans to reach around 1,200 stores by June, up from 750–800 currently. Meanwhile, Minutes already operates in 70–75 cities; however, the company aims to expand its presence to 220–250 cities by June, which highlights its aggressive growth strategy.

At the same time, Amazon has also accelerated the rollout of its Amazon Now quick commerce service since December. Consequently, Amazon Now is expected to reach approximately 500 dark stores in the near future as the company strengthens its last-mile delivery capabilities in India.

Meanwhile, Reliance JioMart is pursuing a different strategy to compete in the quick commerce market. Instead of building new dark stores, the company is leveraging its existing retail network to fulfill orders more efficiently. As a result, the company currently handles nearly 1.6 million orders daily, which brings it close to Blinkit’s 2 million daily orders and places it ahead of Swiggy Instamart and Zepto in daily order volume.

By utilizing its established supply chain strength—particularly in fruits and vegetables—Reliance claims contribution-margin positivity. In other words, the company earns money on each order after accounting for direct operational costs.

Meanwhile, other quick commerce players are actively seeking significant funding to sustain competition and growth. Swiggy and Zepto, for instance, are pursuing ₹215,000 crore from public markets as they prepare to scale operations while improving financial sustainability.

At the same time, quick commerce platforms are expanding beyond grocery deliveries to capture higher-margin product categories. Flipkart Minutes, for example, has started delivering mobiles and electronics within 15–20 minutes, which signals a major shift in the sector’s product mix.

Moreover, non-grocery items now contribute nearly 20% of average sales across quick commerce platforms. Because these products often carry higher margins, they offer companies a stronger path toward profitability.

Therefore, analysts believe that expanding into electronics and other high-value products could significantly improve margins while enabling platforms to scale their operations more efficiently in India’s competitive quick commerce landscape.

Flipkart and Amazon are aggressively scaling their dark-store infrastructure to dominate India’s rapidly evolving quick commerce market. Meanwhile, competitors are focusing on profitability, funding, and diversified product offerings. As companies expand into high-margin categories like electronics and strengthen supply chains, the sector will likely witness even fiercer competition and faster innovation in the coming years.