All posts by Neel Achary

DriveX Expands Retail Network to Key Growth Corridors in Bengaluru and Chennai

Bengaluru, Aug 24: DriveX Mobility, a pre-owned two-wheeler platform, today announced the opening of three new stores in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Nagarbhavi in Bengaluru, and Navalur in Chennai. The new outlets strengthen DriveX’s retail footprint across strategically important markets, bringing a more organised and reliable pre-owned two-wheeler buying experience closer to customers in these rapidly growing corridors.

Located on Uttarahalli Main Road near JSS College, the RR Nagar outlet caters to customers across the rapidly developing neighbourhoods of South-West Bengaluru. The Nagarbhavi outlet, located near Bharat Petrol Pump in Vinayaka Layout, 2nd Stage, further strengthens DriveX’s presence in West Bengaluru, providing customers across Nagarbhavi and surrounding neighbourhoods with access to a curated range of quality-assured pre-owned two-wheelers.

The Navalur store, situated on Thazhambur Road, extends DriveX’s presence into Chennai’s southern corridor, a rapidly developing region supported by continued residential and commercial growth.

Across all three outlets, customers can explore a curated range of quality-assured pre-owned two-wheelers backed by DriveX’s standardised inspection and refurbishment processes. The stores also offer financing options, warranty coverage and after-sales support, bringing key elements of the ownership journey together under one roof and making the pre-owned two-wheeler purchase more convenient and transparent.

The new stores are part of DriveX’s broader retail expansion strategy, combining company-owned, company-operated and dealership-led outlets to build a wider network across key markets. The company is strategically expanding into markets where demand for reliable and quality pre-owned two-wheelers continues to grow. Through this expanding network, DriveX aims to make the purchase journey more accessible, transparent and dependable for customers.

Commenting on the openings, Devesh Taparia, CEO, DriveX, said,

“With our new stores in RR Nagar, Nagarbhavi and Navalur, we are bringing the DriveX experience to customers in important markets. We believe buying a pre-owned two-wheeler should be a confident decision, backed by clarity on the vehicle’s condition, value and ownership support. We aim to simplify this journey by combining quality-assured vehicles with transparent processes and the right support, helping customers make the right choice with confidence.”

The expansion comes as consumers increasingly evaluate pre-owned two-wheelers on factors beyond the initial purchase price, including vehicle condition, reliability, ownership costs and overall value. DriveX is addressing these evolving expectations through a structured retail experience that brings inspection, refurbishment, financing and after-sales service into a single ecosystem.

With this expansion, DriveX is strengthening its retail footprint while making quality-assured pre-owned two-wheelers easier to access and a more confident choice for customers.

Michael Kors Celebrates Raksha Bandhan with Athiya and Ahan Shetty’s Heartwarming Childhood Photo Recreation

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of memories as much as it is of traditions, and this year, Michael Kors brings that sentiment to life through ‘Present Perfect’, starring siblings Athiya Shetty and Ahan Shetty. At the heart of the campaign is a touching recreation of one of the duo’s cherished childhood photographs, a nostalgic tribute that captures how sibling bonds remain timeless, even as they grow up.

The campaign film revisits a treasured moment from Athiya and Ahan‘s childhood, seamlessly recreating the photograph to reflect the enduring warmth, familiarity and affection that define their relationship today. The recreation serves as an emotional reminder that while time changes many things, the connection between siblings remains constant.

Built around this heartfelt moment, Present Perfect celebrates the art of finding the perfect Raksha Bandhan gift. For Michael Kors, gifting is about more than the present itself—it’s about understanding someone’s personality, remembering what brings them joy and choosing something that feels thoughtfully personal. Just like recreating a treasured childhood memory, the perfect gift reflects how well siblings truly know one another.

The campaign showcases a curated selection of Michael Kors gifting options for the festive season, including handbags, small leather goods, fragrances, watches, sunglasses and ready-to-wear. Whether it’s a long-awaited wishlist item or an unexpected favourite, every piece is designed to make Raksha Bandhan gifting feel meaningful and memorable.

Extending the celebration beyond the campaign, Michael Kors stores feature curated Rakhi gift walls designed to inspire thoughtful gifting. In Mumbai and Delhi, the brand also introduces its interactive Wish Service, inviting shoppers to share what they would love to receive for Raksha Bandhan. Michael Kors store associates then help pass those wishes along to their siblings, adding a playful and personal twist to the gifting experience.

By recreating a cherished childhood photograph, Athiya and Ahan Shetty bring authenticity and emotion to Present Perfect, making nostalgia the heart of Michael Kors‘ Raksha Bandhan campaign. The film beautifully reminds us that while siblings may grow older, the memories they create together, and the thoughtfulness with which they celebrate one another, only become more meaningful over time.

Rakhi 2026: Thoughtful Tech Gifts to Make Your Sibling’s Day Special

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the special bond between siblings, and the right gift can make the occasion even more memorable. As technology becomes an integral part of everyday life, thoughtful tech gifts can combine utility, style and personal preferences. From smartphones and laptops to smartwatches, personal care gadgets and entertainment essentials, here are some tech gifting ideas to make your sibling feel special this Rakhi. Lotus Electronics offers a diverse range of electronics across these categories, making it easier to find a gift suited to different lifestyles and budgets.

For the Always-Connected Sibling: Mobile

For siblings who are always connected, a smartphone can be a practical and exciting gift. Whether they enjoy photography, gaming, social media, streaming or simply need a reliable device for everyday communication, a new smartphone can add value to their daily routine. From premium flagships to feature-packed mid-range devices, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets.

For the Ambitious Sibling: Laptop

For the sibling who is studying, working, creating content or building their career, a laptop can be a thoughtful upgrade. Modern laptops combine portability, performance and versatility, making them suitable for everything from productivity and online learning to entertainment and creative work. Depending on their requirements, you can choose between lightweight everyday laptops, premium notebooks, 2-in-1 devices or powerful performance-oriented models.

For the Fitness-Focused One: Smartwatch

A smartwatch makes for a thoughtful gift for siblings who enjoy fitness and an active lifestyle. Beyond tracking steps, workouts and daily activity, smartwatches can offer features such as heart-rate monitoring, notifications, calling, music controls and sleep tracking. It is a gift that combines technology with everyday wellness while also complementing their personal style.

For the Grooming-Conscious Sibling: Personal Care

For siblings who enjoy their grooming routine, personal care technology can be a practical and thoughtful choice. Trimmers, shavers, multi-grooming kits, hair stylers and other grooming devices can make everyday routines more convenient. These products are especially suited for siblings who appreciate functional gifts that they can use regularly.

For the Music & Movie Lover: Home Entertainment & Audio

For the sibling who loves music, movies and binge-watching, an audio or home entertainment upgrade can be a great Rakhi surprise. Wireless earbuds, headphones and portable speakers are ideal for personal listening, while soundbars and home entertainment systems can enhance movie and music experiences at home. It is a gift that can turn everyday entertainment into a more immersive experience.

Celebrate the Bond with a Gift They’ll Love

The best Rakhi gifts are those that reflect your sibling’s personality and interests. Whether they are a gadget enthusiast, fitness lover, professional, grooming aficionado or entertainment buff, there is a tech gift to match their lifestyle. With its wide range of electronics and technology products, Lotus Electronics offers plenty of options to make Rakhi 2026 a little more special while giving your sibling something they can genuinely enjoy and use.

Gold Prices Rise, Silver Falls Marginally Amid Global Uncertainty

New Delhi, Aug 24: Gold prices moved higher in the Indian market on Monday, while silver prices witnessed a marginal decline as investors remained cautious amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over the global economic outlook.

The price of 24-carat gold stood at around ₹1,63,385 per 10 grams, registering a rise of ₹1,096. Silver was quoted at approximately ₹2,46,207 per kg, down ₹392 from the previous level.

Internationally, spot gold gained 0.5% to around $4,627 per ounce, touching its highest level since May 15. The precious metal has remained firm in recent sessions, supported by a weaker US dollar and continued demand for safe-haven assets.

In Kolkata, 24-carat gold was priced at ₹1,63,130 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold stood at ₹1,49,536 per 10 grams. Silver was priced at around ₹2,46,390 per kg.

Gold prices in other major cities also remained firm. In New Delhi, 24-carat gold was quoted at ₹1,63,300 per 10 grams, while Mumbai recorded a rate of ₹1,63,580 per 10 grams.

Global market sentiment continues to be influenced by geopolitical developments, movements in the US dollar and expectations surrounding US monetary policy. Investors are also closely watching upcoming inflation data and comments from Federal Reserve officials for clues about the future direction of interest rates.

With uncertainty continuing across global markets, gold remains in focus as a safe-haven investment. Silver prices, meanwhile, could remain volatile as investors assess both global economic conditions and industrial demand.

Market participants are expected to closely monitor international developments and currency movements in the coming sessions, which could influence domestic gold and silver prices.

IDBI Bank Stock Rallies Nearly 10 percent as LIC Stake Sale Faces Fresh Regulatory Scrutiny

New Delhi: IDBI Bank shares turned sharply higher on Monday, with the stock gaining nearly 10% and touching an intraday high of ₹90.90 on the NSE, against its previous close of ₹82.24. The sudden buying interest came amid reports of fresh objections surrounding Life Insurance Corporation of India’s proposed stake sale in the bank.

The rally followed reports that the All-India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA) has sought regulatory intervention over the proposed transaction. The development has injected a new element of uncertainty into the strategic disinvestment process and prompted renewed market attention on the future ownership structure of IDBI Bank.

The association has reportedly raised concerns about the proposed sale and its potential implications for stakeholders. Its intervention brings employee and policyholder interests into the wider debate over the valuation and structure of LIC’s proposed exit from the lender.

The proposed IDBI Bank disinvestment has been closely watched by investors because it involves a significant change in the ownership and management structure of a major financial institution. The government and LIC together hold a substantial stake in the bank, making the transaction an important part of the broader public-sector bank divestment agenda.

For the stock market, the latest development has created a fresh trigger for IDBI Bank shares. Investors are now weighing the possibility that regulatory scrutiny could influence the timing, valuation or structure of the proposed transaction.

The sharp movement in the share price also highlights how sensitive IDBI Bank’s valuation remains to news related to the stake sale. Expectations surrounding a strategic investor and the eventual transaction price have been key factors shaping sentiment toward the stock.

The regulatory concerns come at a time when investors are already looking for greater clarity on the next stage of the disinvestment process. Any official communication from the government, LIC or relevant regulators could therefore have a significant impact on market sentiment.

At the same time, the day’s rally should not be viewed as confirmation of any change in the government’s disinvestment plan. The reported intervention represents a fresh development in the process, while the final outcome will depend on regulatory considerations and decisions by the stakeholders involved.

Market participants are likely to closely track further developments over the coming sessions, particularly any clarification regarding LIC’s proposed stake sale, valuation expectations and the potential transfer of management control.

The IDBI Bank rally therefore reflects more than a one-day surge in its share price. It signals that the proposed ownership transition remains a major market catalyst, with regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder concerns potentially playing an important role in determining the next phase of the bank’s strategic disinvestment.

India Adds 3 GW of Solar Open Access in Q2, Setting Quarterly Record

August 24: India added 3 GW of solar open access capacity in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, the highest quarterly addition on record and an increase of 10% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and 0.2% year-over-year (YoY), according to Mercom India’s newly released Q2 & 1H 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report.

In the first half (1H) of calendar year (CY) 2026, solar open access installations reached nearly 6 gigawatts (GW), up 42% year-over-year (YoY) compared to 4 GW in 1H 2025.

Installation activity during the first half was influenced by a combination of regulatory deadlines and changing market conditions. Developers accelerated procurement and commissioning ahead of the phased reduction in Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges waiver and the enforcement of sourcing requirements under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. Although the ALMM List-II requirements for open access projects were later deferred until the end of 2026, the relief came only after the original deadline had passed, by which time many developers had already advanced procurement and commissioning schedules.

“The record installations and a large pipeline demonstrate the strength of underlying demand from commercial and industrial consumers. However, rising project costs, transmission constraints, changing banking and open access regulations, and domestic sourcing requirements are putting pressure on project economics. The opportunity remains significant, but growth will increasingly depend on states providing predictable regulations and developers being able to deliver projects at tariffs that continue to offer meaningful savings to consumers,” said Priya Sanjay, Managing Director at Mercom India.

Rajasthan led solar open access capacity additions in Q2 2026, accounting for 25% of the total, while the top five states contributed 91% of quarterly installations.

Demand across these markets came from a broad base of C&I consumers, including automotive, cement, chemicals, electrical and electronics, FMCG, healthcare, IT and data centers, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, textiles, among other sectors.

As of June 2026, cumulative installed solar open access capacity stood at 36 GW. Karnataka remained the leading state with a 21% share, followed by Rajasthan and Maharashtra at 16% each. Together, the top five states accounted for 77% of cumulative capacity, reflecting the market’s continued concentration in states with strong industrial demand and established open access frameworks.

Despite the concentration of operating capacity, the development pipeline remains substantial. Rajasthan had the largest pipeline, followed closely by Maharashtra and Karnataka.

In the first two months of 2026, Karnataka emerged as the leading seller in the Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM), accounting for 35% of electricity sold. Punjab was the leading procurer from G-DAM, followed by Damodar Valley Corporation and Gujarat.

The volume traded in the Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM) on IEX was 67.2 MU in these two months.

The cleared volume of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) traded on the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) declined by 86% compared to Q1 2026. The sharp fall in REC trading followed elevated activity in Q1, when obligated entities stepped up purchases ahead of the financial year-end to meet Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirements.

The report tracks how these market and regulatory shifts are affecting project economics across 13 major states, with state-level analysis of retail tariffs, PPA prices, open access charges, installed capacity, and the development pipeline.

Key Highlights from Mercom’s Q2 & 1H 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report

• In Q2 2026, 3 GW of solar open access was added, an increase of 10% QoQ and 0.2% YoY

• Rajasthan was the leading state, accounting for 25% of solar capacity additions in Q2 2026

• The top five states accounted for 91% of the country’s total quarterly installations

• As of June 2026, cumulative installed solar open access capacity stood at 36 GW

• RECs traded in Q2 on IEX declined 86% QoQ

The Q2 & 1H 2026 Solar Open Access Market Report by Mercom India provides vital market data and insights. For the complete report, visit:

https://www.mercomindia.com/product/q2-2026-mercom-india–solar–open–access-market-report