A new chapter in Thailand’s cultural and retail landscape is set to debut this April, as The Mall Group introduces “KUDTHAI 2026,” a curated showcase of Thai creativity, launching its first-ever pop-up in Bangkok’s rapidly emerging Songwat district during Songkran.

KUDTHAI 2026

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Presented in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative reflects a growing effort to spotlight Thailand’s cultural identity through contemporary retail and experiential tourism.

“KUDTHAI” — derived from the Thai word “Kud,” meaning “to carefully select” — brings together a refined selection of Thai brands, artisans, and culinary talents, highlighting craftsmanship, local wisdom, and modern design for both local and international audiences.

The inaugural “Song Wat KUDTHAI 2026,” taking place from April 9–12 at Lost in Songwat, marks the first time The Mall Group extends its retail experience beyond its flagship developments into one of Bangkok’s most talked-about neighborhoods. Once a historic trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, Songwat is now re-emerging as a vibrant cultural enclave attracting a new generation of creatives and global travelers.

Extending this experience into the city’s premier retail destinations, “KUDTHAI 2026” will also be held from April 8–19, 2026 across the EM District — Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere — creating a connected journey between Bangkok’s emerging cultural quarters and its established lifestyle hubs.

This multi-location approach reflects a broader shift in how visitors experience Bangkok — moving fluidly between heritage neighborhoods and contemporary retail environments.

While Songkran remains one of Thailand’s most globally recognized celebrations, “KUDTHAI 2026” offers an alternative lens — focusing on curated cultural discovery through design, gastronomy, and local creativity.

At the EM District, the “EM District Thai Hansa Maha Songkran: A Summer of Thai Celebration” from April 10–15, 2026 further enhances the experience with immersive installations, signature water attractions, and themed markets including THAI-POP MARKET at Emporium, THAI LOCAL MARKET at EmQuartier, and THAI-TAINMENT MARKET at Emsphere.

A highlight includes “Little Song Wat,” bringing culinary names from the historic Songwat community into the heart of the city, reinforcing the connection between Bangkok’s evolving cultural districts and its modern retail landscape.

Together, these activations position Bangkok as more than a festive destination during Songkran — but also as a city redefining how tradition is experienced through innovation, culture, and commerce.

For more information, please visit www.emdistrict.com

As we build up to the 2026 edition of the  Indian Premier League, we will have a look at key personnel changes and how the teams shape up ahead of the season. In this analytical preview, Eoin Morgan – Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, and David Warner – Key Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, two of the game’s most respected cricket minds – deliver a comprehensive breakdown of the makeup of the 10 IPL teams.

Evaluating the Potential of Cameron Green

Cameron Green will be carrying the ‘Big Money Tag’ in the upcoming IPL season

The Indian Premier League mini-auction once again brought out a 25+ Crore buy, and this time around, it was an Australian yet again as three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders splurged on Cameron Green in search of greater team balance and more firepower at the top.

The Australian all-rounder has looked completely out of form in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, as he scored only 24 runs in three matches and picked the solitary wicket of Ryan Burl. As many teams found out during the 2026 T20 World Cup, there is a big difference between the pitches on offer in India when compared to the playing surfaces in Sri Lanka, so it might be a completely different story when Green turns up at Kolkata.

With KKR deciding to part ways with INR 25.2 Crore for Green’s services, the Knight Riders would be hoping for returns like their last 25 Crore spending, which helped them acquire Mitchell Starc’s services, who helped the Knight Riders win the 2024 edition of the IPL.

Before the Impact Player rule came into play in the IPL, only all-rounders of the highest calibre who contributed in all three facets commanded huge bids in the auction. Since the playing team has been expanded to 12 players, we have seen fast bowlers and high-impact batters like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Heinrich Klassen also bag big amounts of money from a single IPL season.

As we move ahead and the IPL continues to grow, the landscape will continue to evolve, and we will see the players command even higher inflated fees, which would further increase the pressure on the players due to the ‘Big Money Label’.

David Warner gives an insight into carrying the Big Money Label
Australian players getting signed for huge amounts in the IPL is not a new phenomenon, as we have previously seen many of my teammates getting snapped up by franchises for exorbitant amounts to inject a winning mentality into the squad.

In the recent past, Sunrisers Hyderabad spent more than INR 20 Crores to acquire the services of Pat Cummins, who led them to the final with his excellent leadership, while Starc was paid almost INR 25 Crores, and he repaid the trust put in him by winning the league for KKR.

Last season, we saw two amazing talents in Pant and Venkatesh Iyer getting crushed under the ‘Big Money Label’ as both players failed to consistently deliver their best for their respective franchises in the middle-order.

In contrast, Shreyas did well enough for his side, both in terms of batting and leadership, and led Punjab Kings to the final in his maiden season as Punjab’s captain. The presence of a head coach like Ricky Ponting also further helps in managing such tags and keeping the non-cricketing side of things off the field.

As I also experienced in my time with the Sunrisers, it’s easier to focus on your batting and captaincy when there is less chatter around you about things that don’t matter on the field of play.

When I left the Sunrisers and joined Ponting’s Delhi Capitals in 2022, it helped me rediscover my form in the IPL, and I was able to play my shots fearlessly, without any fear of judgment from the fans or the team management, who decided to pay a huge amount to secure the player’s services.

Former Captain Eoin Morgan feels KKR look more balanced compared to last season
Last season, KKR fell short in defending their title due to multiple reasons, with their top-order failing to fire throughout the season, while the team also looked short on bowling options in the middle overs and especially the death overs.

The Knight Riders’ decision of not retaining dynamic batters Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer made the top-order very weak, as Quinton de Kock and Ajinkya Rahane couldn’t provide the team with the impetus at the top.

Moreover, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Andre Russell also failed to live up to their billing in the middle order, which they have tried to course correct in the mini-auction.

The signings of New Zealand’s opening pair, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, could easily solve the conundrum at the top for KKR, as the Kiwi duo is the opening pair with the highest aggregate score in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Cameron Green is the apparent heir to Andre Russell for the Knight Riders

Apart from Seifert and Allen, KKR have further bolstered their top order by bringing in Green, who would be complementing his trans-Tasmanian mates. With KKR legend Russell joining the coaching staff, Green will have to fill in the primary fast-bowling all-rounder role for the Knight Riders.

Known for his explosive and aggressive batting along with his useful death bowling skills, Russell would be direly missed by KKR, but the combination of two fast bowling all-rounders in Green and Harshit Rana could soften the blow, especially with Russell mentoring them from the sidelines in his new role as ‘Power Coach’.

Apart from Green’s useful fast bowling skills, the Kolkata-based franchise has also recruited Matheesha Pathirana, who will be adding the much-needed death bowling skillset once he returns to full fitness.

Bata India, India’s most trusted footwear brand, is set to launch its latest campaign, “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented,” bringing renewed focus to open footwear, an enduring staple in Indian wardrobes. Fronted by actor Taapsee Pannu, the campaign celebrates the category’s deep-rooted relevance in India while presenting a contemporary collection designed for modern women.

Everyday Essentials Reinvented

The collection focuses on open silhouettes, including flat and low-heeled sandals, peep-toes, woven straps and styles with adjustable buckles. Crafted using lightweight materials and supportive construction, the range is designed for long hours of wear while keeping the look fresh, minimal and easy to style. A palette of beige, brown, silver and black gives the collection a relaxed, modern sensibility, while subtle heel heights add stability without compromising comfort.

More than just a seasonal trend, open footwear continues to be a category deeply embedded in Indian consumer behaviour. From navigating daily commutes to transitioning into relaxed evening settings, sandals and open styles have consistently delivered on ease and adaptability. This sustained demand is reflected in scale, with Bata selling over 2 million pairs of open footwear in 2025, reinforcing its position as a category staple.

Speaking about the campaign, Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Bata India said, “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented reflects the way Bata is looking at modern footwear today – through the lens of comfort, utility and design that fits seamlessly into real life. With this collection, we are bringing together thoughtful construction and contemporary style to create footwear that feels relevant, easy to wear and dependable through the day.”

Adding to the campaign’s spirit, Taapsee Pannu added, “For me, comfort is essential when it comes to footwear. My days are often packed and constantly on the move, so I naturally gravitate towards styles that feel effortless to wear while still looking stylish. The open footwear from Bata’s Everyday Essentials collection fit seamlessly into my everyday routine.”

With “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented,” Bata positions open footwear not just as a category, but as an everyday constant, one that continues to evolve with the pace and preferences of modern India. With accessible pricing starting at ₹799, the collection aligns with Bata’s commitment to making well-crafted, everyday footwear widely available.

Campaign link: www.instagram.com/reel/DW8qHyFot5X/?igsh=MXNheXRlNzliY3c0NQ%3D%3D

About Bata India
For close to a century, Bata India has been a symbol of trust and quality for the Indian consumers, serving 250,000 customers every day in 2023. Throughout this journey, Bata has continuously evolved to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers to become the largest footwear retailer and manufacturer in the country. Its expansive retail network consists of 1900+ stores (Company Owned and Franchise). Augmented by thousands of Multi Brand Outlets and a robust omni-channel presence across D2C and marketplaces, Bata India sells close to 50 million pairs annually.

Bata India’s mission is to make global trends and premium fashion accessible to all consumers through its extensive retail network. It is redefining the intersection of fashion and comfort through its various brands – Bata Red Label for in trend global styles, Bata Comfit for technology enabled comfort in daily wear, athleisure brand Power for fitness sneakers and apparel, NorthStar for sneakers inspired by global youth trends, fashionable range of clogs and slip-ons under Floatz, kids brand Bubblegummers that has won the trust of parents while inspiring fun, and Hush Puppies the global brand that epitomises comfort and elegance to name a few. To explore the world of Bata, please visit www.bata.com

Superplum, the company behind India’s first modern farm-to-shelf fruit supply chain, has launched InstaTrace™ — a first-of-its-kind digital intelligence system that does something no other fruit brand in the world does: it lets consumers see everything.

Superplum InstaTrace™ QR Scanner

Every Superplum pack carries a unique QR code. One scan — no app download, no login — and families get the full, verifiable life story of their fruit: where it was grown, who grew it, how it was tested, and how it reached their home. In a market where consumers have been told to just “trust the label,” InstaTrace replaces blind faith with open data.

Here Are The Receipts.

India’s fruit industry is a $100 billion market with zero consumer-facing transparency. No brand lets you verify safety. No brand shows you the farm. No brand names the farmer. InstaTrace changes all of that.

When a consumer scans the QR code on a Superplum pack, they access a comprehensive intelligence report covering eight sections of verified data:

Pesticide Safety: Verified, Not Claimed

Every batch is tested at a NABL-accredited laboratory for pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and growth regulators. The actual lab report is linked directly in the scan. Consumers don’t read a marketing claim — they read the lab data. When the InstaTrace report says “Within Safe Limits,” that’s not a tagline. That’s a test result.

The Farmer: Named, Photographed, Rewardable

InstaTrace reveals the actual grower behind each pack — their name, photograph, years of farming experience, and a harvest calendar showing their growing season. For example, a scan of Superplum Papaya shows grower Daga Mahadu Karankal from Shindkheda, Maharashtra, farming for over a year with drip irrigation and high farm hygiene. Consumers can even pay the farmer a direct bonus through a secure portal — turning purchase into partnership.

The Farm: GPS-Pinpointed, Satellite-Mapped

Every InstaTrace report includes a precise satellite map of the source farm. This is how Superplum guarantees provenance. A Sindhura Mango scan shows the exact orchard in Muthalamada, Kerala — with plant age, irrigation type, disease incidence levels, and farm hygiene rating. For GI-tagged varieties, this is irrefutable proof of origin: not “Alphonso-style,” but actual, verified Alphonso from its rightful region.

The Journey: Tracked all the way

From the moment the fruit is hand-picked to the final quality check at the distribution centre, InstaTrace logs every step. Consumers see harvest time, sorting location, transport temperature, humidity levels, and the name of every quality inspector who handled their batch. A Papaya batch scan reveals it was harvested in Dhule at 9:30 AM, transported at 13°C with 51% humidity, and quality-checked in Noida — every checkpoint verified.

Hygienic Handling: Checked at Every Stage

The report confirms that procurement centres, transport vehicles, distribution centres, and packaging lines all passed hygiene checks before the batch moved through. This isn’t a blanket assurance — it’s a checkpoint-by-checkpoint verification trail.

Carbon Footprint: Measured, Not Marketed

For the first time in Indian fresh produce, consumers can view the calculated carbon emissions for their pack’s journey from farm to city. Sourced from the GHG Emission Factors Hub, this gives environmentally conscious families real data, not a green label.

See the reports in action: Papayas | Sindhura

Why There’s Nothing Like This. Anywhere.

InstaTrace is not a QR code that links to a marketing page. It is not a blockchain gimmick. It is a live, batch-specific intelligence report powered by Superplum’s proprietary FreshManager™ platform — a system built over five years of in-house R&D to manage India’s most complex fresh produce supply chain.

Globally, no fresh fruit brand combines all of these elements in a single consumer-facing scan: batch-level pesticide lab reports, named and photographed growers, GPS farm coordinates, timestamped cold-chain journey tracking, hygiene verification, and carbon footprint data. Leading international brands offer partial traceability — a regional certification here, an anti-counterfeit code there. InstaTrace goes further by declassifying the entire supply chain for every individual pack.

The Safe Fruit Movement

InstaTrace is the public-facing expression of Superplum’s broader mission: to make fruit safety visible and verifiable across India. Behind the QR code is a nationwide infrastructure of farm-level cold rooms, precision sorting and grading facilities, proprietary cold-chain transport (Fresherator™), automated ripening chambers, and state-of-the-art distribution centres — all digitally traced and connected through FreshManager™.

This modern supply chain enables Superplum to deliver what was previously impossible in India: high-quality, pesticide-tested, fully traceable fruit at scale — including delicate varieties like lychees, cherries, and ready-to-eat mangoes, delivered nationwide.

Don’t Guess. InstaTrace It!

About Superplum

Superplum is reimagining India’s fruit supply chain with a mission to make fruit safety visible and verifiable. Through its proprietary technology platform, custom-designed digital cold chain, and direct farmer relationships, Superplum delivers premium, traceable, and safe-to-eat fruit to consumers while ensuring fair returns for farmers. The company operates India’s first state-of-the-art modern fresh produce supply chain, serving consumers across multiple states through retail, quick-commerce, and e-commerce channels.

Website: www.superplum.com

As we build up to the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League, we will have a look at key personnel changes and how the teams shape up ahead of the season. In this analytical preview, Eoin Morgan – Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, and Jonty Rhodes- Key Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, two of the game’s most respected cricket minds – deliver a comprehensive breakdown of the Impact Player Rule in the IPL.

Jonty’s Impact Player Rant: The diminishing value of all-rounders in IPL

Jonty Rhodes: Key Cricket Analyst, Parimatch

The Indian Premier League took a different route in 2022 when the league’s stakeholders decided to introduce the ‘Impact Player’ rule in the cash-rich league, allowing all 10 franchises to field 12 players in each game instead of 11 players.

At that time, it was argued that the rule would bring in more opportunities for the fringe players and would unlock a new strategic side to the game of cricket, and thus add an extra enticing flavor for the watching fans as well.

Jonty Rhodes stresses on the value of all-rounders

The Impact Player rule has had its positives over the years, with a few more players getting a chance to impress their team management and the fans alike. But, since the advent of the Impact Player rule, we have seen more focus on players with specialized skills, while all-rounders have been pushed into the background.

While some all-rounders have been able to retain their places in the playing squad, their contribution has been limited to their stronger skill, thus not even allowing them a chance to sharpen their second skill, as the franchise is not benefitting from their secondary skills in that season or in that phase, which could define the franchise’s IPL season.

All-rounders like Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube, who have been regulars of the Indian T20I setup, have been either ignored by their franchises in terms of playing squad selection or have been limited to their primary skills, as Dube has only been seen batting for CSK, while their main five bowlers and one impact player complete the job with the ball in hand.

If a team already has six to seven specialized batters and they also have an option to bring in another batter as an Impact Player if the top order collapses or the middle order fails to do their job in the crucial overs, no franchise or team would even invest in the batting skills of their bowling all-rounders and their secondary skills will continue to get ignored by the national team as well.

Being an all-rounder used to be a very valuable skill, and its importance only grew with the surge in popularity of the T20 format but a rule which allows a certain batter to be replaced by a certain bowler, or vice-versa mid-game would definitely hurt the stocks of all-rounders who are trying to find a footing or are trying to better their overall game in all aspects.

Another negative impact of the ‘Impact Player’ rule is the artificial inflation of scores, as the teams batting first often go for the big hits from the first ball, citing the availability of an extra batter if needed in the middle overs or the death overs. Even the former T20 World Cup-winning captain for India, Rohit Sharma, has previously expressed his thoughts along similar lines, and these rules end up negatively impacting the national team’s T20 setup in the long run.

Also, certain batters who are already spending hours in nets practising their strokes will be encouraged to spend even lesser time focusing on their fielding, as they know that they will be replaced by the team once their batting contribution is done, and a certain bowler will be brought into the game in his place.

Eoin Morgan praises the tactical loophole of the 12th Man

Eoin Morgan: Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch

I have heard many people criticise the ‘Impact Player’ rule as it artificially inflates the team’s scores, but I feel that even if that’s happening, the score is getting inflated for both teams. So, if 160-170 is the average expected score, it would go up to 220 or 240 for both sides, offering more entertainment to the fans, and making the previously unachievable targets more realistic for the chasing team.

The presence of the ‘Impact Player’ rule also offers tactical flexibility, as we have seen in other sports when a certain player gets off the bench and impacts the game for their team. Similarly, a player that was not in the main playing XI could come into a situation he specialcises for and change the game by providing a favorable matchup for their side.

Over the last few years, many cricketing pundits, including me, have been vouching for a more balanced fight between bat and ball, and this rule allows a certain bowler to come into the game after the team management has witnessed or assessed that a specific kind of bowler could provide them with an added advantage to restrict the opposition batters.

I feel that for such a rule to be used internationally or in ICC tournaments like the World Cup, we might need two Impact Player substitutes to be allowed for both teams, which could start a cat-and-mouse game between the coaches of the two teams, further emphasising the importance of data-backed moves in the modern game.

Previously, teams that were stacked with all-rounders were easily the favorites but tactically savvy oppositions have now turned the game on its head by using the ‘Impact Player’ rule wisely to their advantage, thus neutralizing the benefit of having more all-rounders on the opposition side.

West Avenue Realty, an emerging new-age real estate developer, has raised an incredible Rs. 50 crore through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) in just three years from the day of starting business! This is a huge accomplishment for the company and indicates the strength of investor confidence in its business model, execution capabilities and growth plan!
 

Vaibhav Kanabar & Saumitra Bhatkhalkar from West Avenue Realty successfully raise 50 crores NCDs Within Three Years of Operations
 

At a time that the real estate market is experiencing a constant cautious market place for investors due to ongoing worldwide disputes, and as the most recent decline in the stock markets with only a handful of capital deployments, there have been substantial and strong commitments from investors in West Avenue Realty. This level of investment in West Avenue Realty illustrates that the investment community believes that West Avenue Realty has established a clear discipline in the execution of its investment thesis and a reliable track record of successful past investments.

Since inception, the focus of the organization has been to acquire projects at marque locations such as Khar, Juhu, Carter Road, Mahalaxmi, Dadar, Wadala and Panvel. These strategic acquisitions highlight West Avenue Realty’s ability to identify high-potential opportunities and execute efficiently on-ground.

The funds raised will be utilized to expand the Company’s project pipeline, grow its presence in key Mumbai markets and speed up the execution of current developments.

According to Mr. Vaibhav Kanabar of West Avenue Realty, “The milestone demonstrates the confidence that our investors have in our vision and our execution of our vision. As you know, there is a long period of time in this business to build credibility, so it is very satisfying that we accomplished this in three years, which is a very good indication that we are committed to growing responsibly and creating value.”

Mr Saumitra Bhatkhalkar from West Avenue Realty said, “As West Avenue Realty continues to expand its footprint, the company remains focused on delivering high-quality developments with designing standards being the core element of the deliverables.”

About West Avenue Realty
West Avenue Realty develops and builds high quality real estate for both residential and commercial purposes in Mumbai, India. Founded with a purpose of building quality and desirable homes and work areas that provide the highest level of quality of construction, aspirational design and intelligent use of space. West Avenue Realty was created to provide you with a development that not only meets your practical needs, but also enhances your quality of life and enhances your community. Our core belief is that we do not only create a place for people to live; we provide the backdrop for people’s most memorable times in their lives. Furthermore, West Avenue Realty operates with strict financial discipline in order to continue to grow, execute projects successfully and create value for its stakeholders through its financial performance.

Vingroup announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Maharashtra, establishing a collaborative framework to explore strategic investments across key sectors. The agreement marks a further step in Vingroup’s roadmap to expand its integrated multi-sector ecosystem in India, underscoring its long-term investment commitment and consistent development strategy in the country.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau (left), CEO of Vingroup Asia, and Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, at the signing ceremony

Under the MOU, Vingroup and the State of Maharashtra, acting through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra (DoI-GoM), will establish a broad collaborative framework to explore investments across multiple sectors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and broader Maharashtra, amounting to approximately USD 6.5 billion, including integrated urban townships, electric mobility solutions, renewable energy, and social and public infrastructure.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, along with senior officials from MMRDA and the Government of Maharashtra

In urban development, Vingroup will explore the development of integrated urban townships spanning approximately 1,000 hectares, comprising residential, commercial, education, healthcare, and integrated amenity components. The total estimated investment is around USD 5 billion, aimed at creating new growth centers in the vicinity of Mumbai, including emerging growth zones such as Mumbai 3.0.

In electric mobility, Vingroup, through GSM India, proposes to deploy a large-scale electric taxi fleet and mobility-as-a-service platform, targeting approximately 60,000 electric vehicles to serve Mumbai and broader Maharashtra. With an estimated investment of approximately USD 1.5 billion, the initiative is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs over the next three to five years, while accelerating the transition to greener mobility across the State.

In energy, Vingroup, through VinEnergo, will explore opportunities for large-scale renewable energy investments, in alignment with India’s energy transition roadmap and net-zero emissions targets.

In parallel, through its member companies such as Vinschool, Vinmec, and Vinpearl, Vingroup will explore the development of social and public infrastructure projects across education, healthcare, public electric bus transportation, and tourism services, contributing to the completion of its integrated ecosystem in the local market.

On the government side, the State of Maharashtra and MMRDA will support Vingroup in land identification, project planning, facilitation of statutory approvals, provision of connectivity infrastructure, and consideration of applicable incentives in accordance with prevailing regulations, to enable the exploration and implementation of the proposed investments.

The MOU with Maharashtra further strengthens Vingroup’s footprint in India, expanding its network of partnerships across key states and creating additional headroom for implementation in the next phase. The agreement also contributes to enhancing investment connectivity and infrastructure development in one of India’s most dynamic economic centers.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of Vingroup Asia, said, “The signing of this MOU with Maharashtra marks another step in the well-defined and long-term strategy of Vingroup in India. Following Telangana and Tamil Nadu, we are progressively expanding our presence in key economic hubs, with the goal of building a fully integrated multi-sector ecosystem spanning urban development, service infrastructure, electric mobility, and green energy. We look forward to partnering with forward-looking localities to deliver meaningful socio-economic value for communities.”

Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, “This MOU marks a landmark moment in Maharashtra’s development journey. The scale and scope of the proposed investments by Vingroup will significantly enhance our urban infrastructure, boost sustainable mobility, and create large-scale employment opportunities. Maharashtra remains committed to fostering a business-friendly ecosystem and welcomes global partners to participate in our growth story.”

With a population of over 130 million, Maharashtra is India’s largest state economy, contributing approximately 14% of the national GDP. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is being developed into a global economic hub, supported by a pipeline of large-scale urban and infrastructure projects.

Vingroup is Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, operating across six core pillars: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture, and Social Enterprises, with the vision “To create a better life for people.” Building on its proven capabilities and scale, the Group is expanding its presence across international markets, with India as a top strategic priority.

In India, Vingroup has established cooperation agreements with the States of Telangana and Tamil Nadu to facilitate the exploration of multi-sector investment opportunities. In parallel, VinFast, the Group’s global electric vehicle brand, is expanding its footprint through the development of a comprehensive EV ecosystem. This series of initiatives and partnerships reflects Vingroup’s structured, consistent, and long-term investment strategy, while also strengthening economic connectivity between Vietnam and India and laying the groundwork for large-scale collaborations in the future.

Baisakhi is a time for full tables, festive cooking, and the kind of hosting that pushes a refrigerator to its limits. For households still working with an older single door model — one that ices up, runs out of space, and needs manual defrosting — this festive season is the perfect moment to make the switch. A frost-free double door refrigerator cools more evenly, stores more, and keeps food fresher for longer. With separate compartments, an inverter compressor, and zero maintenance cooling, it is not just an upgrade — it is a long overdue necessity for any busy kitchen.

Make your refrigerator upgrade easy and budget-friendly with Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan

The good news is that upgrading does not have to mean paying for it all at once. Customers can visit the Easy EMI Loan page on the Bajaj Finserv website, browse refrigerators that suit their home, and get a loan approved online — all before they even step into a store. They can then head to the nearest partner store to complete the purchase and split the total cost into Easy EMIs that fit their monthly budget. Select models come with zero down payment — meaning the new refrigerator comes home today, with payments starting only next month.

Why a double door refrigerator is worth the upgrade
Double door refrigerators offer separate compartments for fresh and frozen food, frost-free cooling, and inverter compressors that adjust to actual cooling demand. This results in:

• No manual defrosting: Consistent temperatures are maintained automatically, keeping food fresher for longer.

• Lower electricity bills: Inverter compressors use up to 30–50% less energy compared to fixed-speed models.

• More storage flexibility: Select models offer convertible freezer-to-fridge modes — ideal for festive seasons when fresh food storage needs spike.

Best double door refrigerators to buy this Baisakhi
From compact models to feature-rich options, here are five of the best double door refrigerators available right now:

• Samsung 236 L Frost Free Double Door (RT28C3032GS)

  • Price: Rs. 23,190 | EMIs starting from: Rs. 1,450/month

  • Why it works: A compact, frost-free model ideal for small to mid-size families, with efficient cooling and a reliable inverter compressor for everyday use.

• LG 260 L 2 Star Frost Free Double Door (GL-N292DDSY)

  • Price: Rs. 28,999 | EMIs starting from: Rs. 1,542/month

  • Why it works: LG’s Smart Inverter Compressor delivers energy-efficient cooling with faster temperature recovery after the door is opened.

• Whirlpool 235 L 2 Star Frost Free Double Door (NEO DF278 PRM)

  • Price: Rs. 26,650 | EMIs starting from: Rs. 1,776/month

  • Why it works: Whirlpool’s MicroBlock technology actively prevents 99% of bacterial growth, keeping food fresher for longer between grocery runs.

• Haier 240 L 2 Star Frost Free Double Door (HRF-2902CSG)

  • Price: Rs. 30,990 | EMIs starting from: Rs. 2,208/month

  • Why it works: Features Twin Inverter Technology for quieter, more efficient operation and a large vegetable box designed for Indian kitchen needs.

• Godrej 272 L 2 Star Eon Crystal Double Door (RT EONCRYSTAL 310B)

  • Price: Rs. 39,511 | EMIs starting from: Rs. 2,343/month

  • Why it works: Godrej’s Nano Shield Technology provides over 95% disinfection on food surfaces, while Cool Balance Technology keeps vegetables fresh for up to 30 days.

Disclaimer: Prices and EMIs may vary by location, partner store, and applicable offers. Please verify the latest pricing before purchase.

Limited-time offers on refrigerators

• Flat Rs. 1,500 cashback on select in-store purchases.

With EMIs starting as low as Rs. 1,450 per month, bringing home a frost-free double door refrigerator this Baisakhi has never been easier or more affordable.
 

Terms and conditions apply. Check with your store for details.
 

How to buy a double door refrigerator with the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan
Upgrading to a new double door refrigerator this Baisakhi does not have to mean a large one-time payment. The Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan lets customers split the cost into pocket-friendly monthly instalments, ensuring they always get the best deal.

Here is how it works:

• Select the refrigerator online: Customers can browse models by capacity, star rating, and brand to pick the one that suits their kitchen and budget.

• Check eligibility: They can then head to the Easy EMI Loan page and complete a quick KYC process using a mobile number and PAN card.

• View the limit instantly: The approved loan amount is displayed immediately once verified.

• Visit a partner store: Customers can walk into the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store and get guidance from an in-store representative.

• Finalise the EMI plan: After picking a repayment tenure and completing minimal paperwork, the purchase is confirmed on the spot.

• Enjoy benefits: Customers will receive Rs.1,500 cashback on all in-store purchases, making the upgrade even more rewarding.

This Baisakhi, the right refrigerator is just a few easy steps away. With the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan, buying a refrigerator on EMI has never been simpler.

About Bajaj Finance Limited
Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in.