PUNE: India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC), India’s first mortgage guarantee company, has announced a strategic partnership with Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL), India’s largest non-deposit taking HFC, offering the full suite of mortgage products to expand responsible access to home loans for underserved and first-time homebuyers across India.

The collaboration combines IMGC’s expertise in credit risk protection with BHFL’s strong distribution and last-mile lending capabilities to extend formal housing finance to borrowers often excluded due to limited credit histories or informal income profiles.

India’s affordable housing segment continues to face a sizeable credit gap, particularly among self-employed individuals and informal workers. Through this partnership, Bajaj Housing Finance will leverage mortgage guarantee-backed solutions to expand access to home loans — including through Sambhav Loans, its affordable housing offering designed specifically for customers with informal income profiles or limited credit history — while maintaining the risk discipline that underpins responsible lending. The partnership will also enable IMGC to deepen its presence in the affordable housing space, supporting the development of a more inclusive housing finance ecosystem and helping bridge the significant housing credit gap across India.

Speaking on the partnership, Mahesh Misra, MD and CEO, IMGC, said: “This partnership with Bajaj Housing Finance is a step forward in expanding access to housing finance for underserved segments. Mortgage guarantees play a key role in enabling lenders to extend credit with confidence, while maintaining strong risk discipline. With mortgage penetration in India still relatively low compared to global benchmarks, the opportunity to scale responsible lending remains significant, and risk-sharing solutions like mortgage guarantees are critical to unlocking it responsibly.”

India’s total outstanding housing credit stood at ₹43 trillion as of February 2026, yet mortgage penetration remains low at around 11-12% of GDP — compared with over 50% in several developed markets, highlighting the significant opportunity to deepen housing finance access across the country. EY estimates a 25% CAGR in India’s affordable housing segment between 2022 and 2027, with ten states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, accounting for over three-quarters of national demand.

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Phase 4 stands out as the only tower in Ashiana Malhar offering a distinctive combination of mountain-facing views, East and West Vastu-oriented homes, and uninterrupted views of approximately 3.12 acres of open greens. Spread across 14 floors with eight units per core, the tower has been designed to deliver a balanced mix of privacy, natural light, and community living. The residences feature upgraded tiles and modern specifications in the kitchens and bathrooms, further elevating the development’s premium appeal.

The newly launched inventory includes both 2 BHK and 3 BHK configurations, with prices starting at ₹83.26 lakh for 2 BHK homes and ₹1.246 crore for 3 BHK homes. Early buyers can also avail registration benefits of up to ₹5 lakh. With only 110 units available in this tower, Ashiana Housing is positioning Phase 4 as a limited opportunity within the township, aimed at discerning homebuyers seeking both lifestyle quality and long-term value.

Commenting on the launch, Ankur Gupta, Joint Managing Director, Ashiana Housing Ltd., said, “Phase 4 at Ashiana Malhar reflects our continued focus on creating thoughtfully designed premium homes within well-planned communities. With its mountain views, Vastu-oriented layouts, and upgraded specifications, this tower offers a compelling lifestyle proposition for homebuyers in Pune. The strong response to earlier phases gives us confidence that this limited inventory will resonate well with discerning customers.”

Adding further, Col. Sunil Vidyadhar Damle, Vice President, Ashiana Housing, said, “Phase 4 has been strategically positioned as the most preferred tower within the township. From its premium placement and uninterrupted green views to enhanced specifications, every element has been curated to deliver superior everyday living. With only 110 homes available, this phase offers a rare opportunity for buyers looking to secure the best-located residences within Ashiana Malhar.”

Ashiana Malhar is being developed as a joint venture project, with revenue to be shared with the development partner in accordance with the agreed terms. The total estimated project cost is approximately ₹750–800 crore and is being funded through internal accruals. Construction progress across the township continues as planned, with Phase 1 already delivered, Phase 2 scheduled for November 2026, Phase 3 for June 2027, Phase 4 targeted for September 2029, and Phase 5 to be announced.

The project has witnessed strong sales momentum so far, driven by positive homebuyer response to the premium home concept in Pune. The recent launch of the clubhouse at Ashiana Malhar has further strengthened customer confidence and preference for the project, reinforcing Ashiana Housing’s reputation for customer-first development, construction quality, and long-term livability.

With the launch of Phase 4, Ashiana Housing aims to further strengthen Ashiana Malhar’s positioning as a high-trust, amenity-rich residential destination offering both exclusivity and enduring value. Ashiana Housing Unveils Phase 4 of Ashiana Malhar

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PUNE: The book was launched at Sky Lounge, Amanora Future Towers, Pune, on 12^th April 2026, at the hands of Chief Guest Mahesh Sonavane, Cybersecurity Leader & CXO Advisor, and Guest of Honour, Shailendra Marathe, CEO-CFOAXIS, in the presence of several guests and friends.

Published by White Falcon Publishing, The Legacy marks the thirteenth book by the bestselling author known for his thought-provoking storytelling and gripping narratives across genres, including corporate drama, espionage thrillers, and philosophical fiction.

“The Legacy highlights how boardrooms can be as ruthless as battlefields, and how family bonds – often assumed to be unbreakable – can become fragile when confronted with power, ego, and unresolved history”, said Suhas Inamdar.

A Story of Power, Secrets, and Succession

The Legacy is a compelling corporate drama set against the backdrop of India’s high-stakes business world. The novel revolves around Vikram Malhotra, a respected industrialist who has built a global business empire through decades of disciplined leadership and ethical values.

As he prepares to pass the torch to the next generation, Vikram believes that his sons – Dharam, a strategic financial expert, and Parth, an innovative technology-driven thinker – will together lead the Malhotra Group into a prosperous future.

However, beneath the surface of success lies a buried secret from Vikram’s past – a secret capable of destroying both his personal life and his carefully built reputation.

When a figure from that past suddenly reappears, long-forgotten truths resurface, triggering a chain of events that shakes the foundations of the Malhotra family and their corporate empire.

Themes That Reflect Modern Corporate Reality

At its core, The Legacy is not just a family saga – it is a profound exploration of inheritance, responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas of leadership.

Through intense personal conflicts and boardroom battles, the novel examines critical questions:

• What truly defines a legacy – wealth, reputation, or values?
• Can power and family coexist without conflict?
• How do secrets from the past shape the future of individuals and institutions?

The story moves seamlessly between corporate negotiations, family dynamics, and emotional reckonings, presenting readers with a gripping narrative that mirrors real-world struggles faced by business families across generations.

“Reaching a milestone of thirteen books is not just an achievement – it is a testament to discipline, imagination, and a deep commitment to storytelling. In an age dominated by digital distractions, such dedication to the written word is truly inspiring”, said
Mahesh Sonavane, Cyber Security Leader and CXO Advisor.

“As an author myself, I can understand how difficult it is to write fiction stories. And to know that Suhas Inamdar has written thirteen fiction novels in different genres is truly commendable. In today’s era of instant content, writing and reading a book is an act of patience and depth. This book stands as a reminder that meaningful stories still have a place – and a strong audience”, expressed Shailendra Marathe, CEO, CFOAxis.

A Mature and Thought-Provoking Narrative

Known for weaving human emotions with larger social and professional contexts, Suhas Inamdar once again delivers a narrative that challenges readers to reflect on ambition, loyalty, and moral choices.

The Legacy is now available through major online bookstores and selected retail outlets and can be ordered online via Amazon and Flipkart. The 240-page book is priced at Rs. 325/-.

About the Author

An engineer by qualification, an author by passion, and a YouTuber by hobby, Suhas Inamdar, a Puneite, has his own consultancy firm, which is into Facilities Management, having worked earlier in Dubai for 15 years.

Suhas Inamdar is an established author whose work spans motivational writing, corporate fiction, and geopolitical thrillers. His earlier works have been widely appreciated for their engaging storytelling and philosophical undertones.

With The Legacy, Inamdar continues his tradition of crafting stories that combine entertainment with deeper reflections on human nature and leadership.

To learn more about the author and the novel, please visit www.suhasinamdar.com or follow Suhas Inamdar on Instagram @suhasinamdar

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PUNE: In a significant step towards building a drug-free future through youth participation and institutional collaboration, Pune Police will organise the No Drugs Volunteer campaign at Dr. P. A. Inamdar University, Azam Campus, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.

The initiative, being held in association with Lashkar Police Station, Awami Mahaz and Padmapani Foundation, is designed to address the growing concern of drug abuse among young people through awareness, prevention and community engagement. More importantly, by hosting the programme at a university campus, the organisers are placing students at the heart of a wider social movement aimed at protecting Pune’s youth from the dangers of addiction.

The programme will be held under the chairmanship of Mrs. Abeda Inamdar, President, Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar will directly interact with students during the session. Senior officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjankumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioners of Police Rajlakshmi Shivankar and Nikhil Pingale, along with Rahul Dumbale of Padmapani Foundation, will also be present.

The No Drugs Volunteer campaign is intended to build a strong network of young volunteers who can become awareness ambassadors in their communities and educational spaces. The initiative aims to sensitise youth in the 15 to 30 age group about the physical, psychological, and social consequences of drug abuse, while encouraging informed dialogue around prevention, rehabilitation, and the role of society in early intervention.

Mrs. Abeda Inamdar, President, Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune, said, “A university is not only a place of academic learning, but also a space where responsible citizenship is shaped. If we want to secure the future of our society, we must empower young minds with awareness, courage, and clarity. Through this initiative, we want students to understand that saying no to drugs is not just a personal choice, but a social responsibility.”

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “The fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. It requires trust, awareness and active participation from the community, especially the youth. Through the No Drugs Volunteer initiative, our vision is to create a people-supported movement in which students become partners in prevention and ambassadors of a healthier, safer and drug-free Pune.”

With the participation of senior police leadership, educational authorities, and community organisations, the programme is expected to send out a strong message that the battle against drugs must begin with awareness, vigilance, and collective resolve

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BENGALURU: Swiggy Limited, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has announced the launch of Swiggy Dineout’s widely popular Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF) 2026. Launched with Bhuvan Bam as the official ambassador for GIRF 2026, integrating the much-loved universe of BB Ki Vines into India’s biggest dining festival.

Following the phenomenal success of last year’s editions, GIRF 2026 returns bigger, better, and louder with a simple, powerful promise: Bill Half. Party Full. Starting 15 February 2026, diners can enjoy up to 50 percent off at 40,000+ top restaurants in 60+ cities in India. The offers are available across categories, including cafes, pubs, bars, luxury dining, and family restaurants for two full months. Diners can not only unlock up to 50 percent off on their food bill, but also get an additional 10% instant discount across all HDFC Bank cards and avail 10% back as Dinecash on every order when booking via Dineout.

Leading this year’s cultural moment is Bhuvan Bam, who brings the iconic world of BB Ki Vines into the heart of GIRF 2026. The campaign integrates beloved characters, including Babloo, Babli, Sameer, and Bhuvan, each representing relatable diner archetypes India instantly recognises.

In the flagship film, the BB Ki Vines universe takes on a familiar dining anxiety. Babloo worries about discount caps and fine print. Sameer confidently explains the scale of GIRF. The insight is simple but powerful. When the bill is half, hesitation disappears. Celebrations get bigger. Group plans become spontaneous. The vibe changes.

Commenting on the launch, Dhruvish Thakkar, AVP Marketing and Revenue, Swiggy Dineout, said, “GIRF is one of India’s largest dining movements. Our focus every year is to make dining out more rewarding, more accessible, and more frequent for consumers, while unlocking sustained incremental footfalls and revenue growth for our restaurant partners. With Bhuvan and the BB Ki Vines universe, we are tapping into characters that India deeply relates to. Babloo, Babli, and Sameer represent real diner mindsets we see on the platform every day, from the bill-conscious planner to the value maximiser to the spontaneous celebration starter.”

The GIRF 2026 theme, ‘Bill Half. Party Full.’ captures the core emotional insight behind dining out. Dining out is a joy. The Bill is the only brake. Take that away, and the celebration scales. From the established dining capitals of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai to emerging culinary hotspots like Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Udaipur, GIRF 2026 ensures that every foodie across 60+ cities gets to celebrate their way.

The campaign will roll out across digital, social, and creator ecosystems as well as in-app storytelling formats, with deep integration of BB Ki Vines characters across performance marketing, platform creatives, and cultural moments.

Beyond discounts, GIRF 2026 introduces high-energy activations including limited-time Crazzzy Deals of the Day, complimentary cocktails and mocktails at select partner bars, and extended happy hours across participating venues.

This year’s edition features participation from leading brands such as Cafe Coffee Day, Barista, Good Flippin Burgers, Punjab Grill, YouMee, Krishnapatnam, Biergarten, Ironhill, and several other popular dining destinations.

Link of the film- https://www.instagram.com/p/DU0Nc8ViB1q/

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PUNE: From 10 February to 9 March 2026, India’s public walls will once again become spaces of dialogue, creativity, and shared imagination as Wall Art India returns for its 5th edition, marking a new milestone in one of the country’s most ambitious urban art initiatives.

Led by the Alliance Française network in India, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in India and the Institut Français, Wall Art India has, since 2021, transformed city walls into open-air galleries — free and accessible to all, deeply rooted in local neighbourhoods, and designed to remain part of the urban landscape long after the festival ends.

A month-long artistic journey across India

Spanning 15 cities across the country, the festival brings together 4 internationally recognised artists: two women and two men, three from France (including one from Réunion) and one Indian artist, for a month-long artistic journey shaped by exchange, participation, and shared creation.

• Khatra (India), a Baroda-trained artist, is known for his bold, meditative murals that blend typography, abstraction, and the raw textures of urban space.
• Kashink (France) is a major figure in international street art, whose vibrant, feminist works challenge social norms and celebrate freedom of identity.
• Kesadi (France) draws on his graffiti background to create poetic compositions inspired by everyday scenes and lived urban realities.
• Dey MKO (France / Réunion) develops large-scale murals marked by an intense palette and powerful symbolism, exploring women’s strength, resilience, and collective narratives.

Working closely with local communities, students, NGOs, and neighbourhood youth, the artists will create monumental murals that turn public space into a shared creative ground. Each artwork becomes a meeting point between artists and residents, between India and France, between individual stories and collective memory.

Artist Tours

Kesadi

Pune: 14 Feb – 17 Feb 2026

Venue: Aksharnandan School

Bahirat Wadi, Shivaji Co-operative Housing Society

2026 Theme: Women, Horizons & New Voices in Urban Art

The 2026 edition places women’s creativity and emerging urban voices at the centre of the project. Through murals, workshops, and public encounters, the festival celebrates diversity, resilience, and innovation, while exploring new artistic formats and reinforcing its commitment to inclusion and community participation.

The Grand Finale, to be held in Bangalore on 8 March 2026, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, will bring three artists together for a monumental collaborative mural, marking the culmination of a month of shared creation and cross-cultural dialogue.

Art for all, impact for cities

Since its launch, Wall Art India has:

• Created more than 40 murals across India and Sri Lanka, most of which remain visible today
• Reached over 12,000 on-site visitors during its last edition alone
• Generated strong national and international media coverage, contributing to the cultural visibility of host cities

By taking contemporary art beyond traditional institutions, Wall Art India reflects the vitality of India’s cities and affirms the role of art as a tool for inclusion, dialogue, and urban transformation.

Strong partnerships supporting creativity

The 2026 edition is made possible thanks to the continued support of partners committed to creativity and public engagement, including JSW, whose contribution supports mural production across the country, and, for the first year, Apollo Tyres, joining the project to champion public art, innovation, and community connection.

A shared vision for India’s urban future

In a country where cities are young, fast-changing, and deeply creative, Wall Art India resonates strongly with India’s own street-art movements while offering a meaningful international perspective. More than a festival, it is a national cultural movement — one that places public space, youth, and imagination at the heart of the conversation.

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The event follows the successful launch of “Chad Connection 2030” in Abu Dhabi a few months ago, which signaled IsDB’s commitment to support development projects aligned with Chad’s National Development Plan.

Chad’s Prime Minister Allamaye Halina attended the January 26 event in N’Djamena, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation.

Dr. Issa Faye led the IsDB Group delegation, representing IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser. Cabinet ministers, senior officials, and representatives from regional financial institutions and private companies also participated.

The event aimed to deepen cooperation and align IsDB Group support with Chad’s National Development Plan.

H.E. Allamaye Halina, Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad, stated: “Chad is entering a phase where translating vision into concrete projects is essential. The Islamic Development Bank Group is a trusted partner in this effort, particularly in strengthening financial implementation, capacity building, and mobilising investment that delivers tangible impact for our population.“

H.E. Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation of the Republic of Chad, stressed the following: “Our priority is to boost trade through coherence between public policy, effective financing mechanisms,s and private sector mobilisation. The IsDB plays a key role in supporting this approach, notably through project structuring, risk mitigation instruments, and blended financing solutions”.

Dr. Issa Faye, IsDB Director General for Global Practices and Partnerships, and Group Head of Delegation, stated: “The IsDB Group’s commitment to Chad is focused on delivering integrated solutions that combine financing and technical assistance. During the country engagement dialogue, the IsDB team, in conjunction with relevant authorities, will explore all available solutions from both public and private sector sources to ensure that the co-created development solutions are holistic. Through closer coordination with national authorities and local stakeholders, we aim to accelerate project delivery, building resilience and supporting high-impact initiatives aligned with  Chad Connection 2030. particularly in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.”

One of the main features of the program was a panel discussion on Chad’s development priorities and the role of IsDB Group, aimed at formulating practical avenues of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships to support Chad’s path towards sustainable and inclusive development.

A series of bilateral (B2B and B2G) meetings was held amongst representatives of the IsDB Group, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank Group. Inspiring success stories implemented in Chad in partnership with local entrepreneurs, as well as local and international institutions, were presented

The event also highlighted the activities, services, and initiatives of IsDB Group institutions, including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

The day concluded with a reaffirmation of the Islamic Development Bank Group’s commitment to continue working with the Chadian government and the country’s private sector to further build strategic partnerships, expand investment opportunities, and enhance the business environment, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in Chad.

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• This channel, priced at Rs. 59 now, will be accessible across all Airtel set-top boxes

Pune(S.N): Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced the launch of the “Airtel Cartoon Network Classics,” an exclusive value-added service available on Airtel Digital TV in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery. The new channel brings together some of the most iconic animated franchises from Cartoon Network, creating a dedicated destination for timeless storytelling and family-friendly entertainment.

Airtel Cartoon Network Classics brings back a beloved lineup of timeless favorites such as Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Johnny Bravo, and several other classics. Curated for audiences who grew up with these much-loved and timeless shows, the channel will also allow families to introduce new generations to the animated stories that became part of the cultural zeitgeist of the ’90s and 2000s while continuing to resonate today.

Commenting on the launch, Pushpinder Singh Gujral, DTH-Business Head, Airtel, said, “Airtel Cartoon Network Classics adds a unique entertainment layer to our portfolio and offers customers a chance to reconnect with iconic stories and characters that are loved even today. We are pleased to make this channel available to all our DTH & IPTV users and look forward to bringing more such experiences to our customers.”

Priced at ₹59 per month and available on Channel 445 in both English and Hindi, the ad-free channel can be accessed across both connected set-top boxes, such as Xstream and IPTV, as well as non-connected HD and SD boxes, enabling uninterrupted viewing without the need for any additional equipment.

Talking about the collaboration, Arjun Nohwar, Managing Director, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “Cartoon Network Classics celebrates the enduring legacy of characters and stories that have entertained audiences worldwide for generations. At Warner Bros. Discovery, our focus is on keeping these stories accessible and relevant for today’s audiences. Through our collaboration with Airtel, we are pleased to bring these iconic favourites to Indian screens in a new and accessible format, enabling fans to reconnect with cherished childhood memories while introducing a new generation to the original cartoons that helped shape global pop culture.”

The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery adds to Airtel’s increasing array of value-added entertainment services, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality, distinctive, and family-friendly content. By introducing Cartoon Network Classics as an exclusive offering, Airtel is expanding its content leadership and deepening interaction with viewers of all ages.

Customers can activate Airtel Cartoon Network Classics through a set-top box, missed call, or through the Airtel Thanks app. With multiple easy-to-use options, subscribers can begin enjoying their favorite classic cartoons within seconds, without any complex steps or waiting times.

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The showcase reflects Gulf’s expanding motorsport presence and its global partnership with Trackhouse MotoGP Team, which made its MotoGP debut in 2024. From the 2025 season, the iconic Gulf logo will feature on Trackhouse’s RS-GP25 bikes.

Ravi Chawla, MD & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. shares, “India Bike Week is a true celebration of motorcycling, and our third consecutive year with IBW deepens our bond with this passionate community. This year, we’ve scaled up with more immersive experiences, hands-on showcases, and a stronger motorsport connect. This year, we’ve elevated our presence with a stronger global motorsport connection through our partnership with Trackhouse MotoGP Team. Showcasing a MotoGP race bike in India for the first time gives fans a close look at the precision and advanced technology at the pinnacle of racing and underscores that machines built for such performance demand equally high standards of care.”

The display highlighted Gulf’s motorsport heritage and its focus on supporting high-performance machines with technology and care worthy of the world’s most demanding racing environments.

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