Lifestyle
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Swift lead top-selling models in India’s digital new car market, dominating the hatchback segment: CarLelo

(a Capri Loans Venture)
As online sales increase, CarLelo has recorded a five-fold jump in inquiries for new cars
● Millennials and Gen Z have been driving the purchase of new cars digitally
National, 07 February 2024: With the continuous growing demand for hatchbacks, CarLelo (a Capri Loans Venture), a leading online new-car retailing platform, has released its latest report highlighting Maruti Suzuki Swift and Baleno as the premier choices in India’s burgeoning digital new car market. The data reveals that during the last quarter of 2023, the company experienced a surge with 6,227 inquiries for the Maruti Suzuki Swift and 2,421 for Baleno.
CarLelo’s report has highlighted that both Maruti models have captivated the growing demand of online new-car buyers nationwide, generating an unprecedented increase in bookings and inquiries. The company has recently recorded a significant 300% increase in bookings of new cars in CY2023. This remarkable growth highlights the popularity of Maruti models among consumers seeking to purchase new cars online. Having an online user base of over 5 lakhs, month on month, the company has seen a persistent and strong interest in Maruti vehicles throughout the year.
In line with its commitment to innovation, Maruti Suzuki continues to push boundaries with technologies being offered in its product offerings. Both Swift and Baleno models stand as prime examples of this dedication, offering customers a blend of advanced features and unparalleled convenience.
Since its inception in 2005, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has seen an overall sales figure of one million units, showcasing its dominance in the market. In 2023 alone, the model sold a remarkable 73,090 units, further solidifying its position as a top choice among consumers. From its strong brand recall, exceptional cost-effectiveness, and the convenience of an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), the Swift delivers on various fronts. Despite automatic variants typically garnering less attention in this category, the Swift stands out with its impressive mileage figure of 22 kmpl, a factor that attracts many consumers. Its well-rounded exterior design, featuring LED lights and an aggressive stance, has contributed significantly to its popularity among car enthusiasts. The 7-inch Smart Play Studio system offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity alongside sporty instrument dials, fabric upholstery, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel are key highlights of the cabin.
For those seeking a slightly more premium alternative in the hatchback segment, there is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Introduced back in 2015, the product has sold 2 million units to date. According to a recent report by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), premium hatchbacks experienced a notable surge of 18 to 20 percent in CY23. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno, positioned as a premium offering, epitomizes elegance for customers seeking a heightened driving experience. The Baleno’s exterior design seamlessly blends sophistication and allure, capturing attention with its sharp front-end profile and curvaceous tailgate, making it an instant eye-catcher on the road. Setting new benchmarks in its segment, the Baleno boasts several first-in-segment features, including a Heads-Up Display (HUD), a 360-degree camera, Smart Play Pro Plus, Next-Gen Suzuki Connect, and more, enhancing convenience for occupants. Being a Nexa product, the Baleno elevates the overall ownership experience to a higher echelon, particularly in terms of after-sales service and customer satisfaction. Combined with its strong brand value, reliability, and on-road performance facilitated by the 1.2-liter K Series Dual Jet petrol engine, the Baleno delivers a comprehensive and rewarding driving experience.
Gaurav Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of CarLelo (a Capri Loans Venture), stated, “We have noticed an increasing trend of people booking new Maruti Suzuki cars online. Tier-1 cities are at the forefront of this shift, highlighting the inclination of urban dwellers to use the Internet for a new car purchase. Therefore, we remain committed to redefining and improving the new car buying process, ensuring a straightforward, hassle-free experience for our customers. We aim to bridge the gap for car buyers via technology. We have also discovered that India’s younger generation has transitioned to online car buying, dedicating their time for online research and exploration before finalizing their car choice. This evolving pattern isn’t merely a shift in habits; instead, it’s a direct outcome of the continuous availability of high-quality, aspirational cars.”
To align with the growing interest in these premium hatchbacks, CarLelo continues to enhance its platform to meet evolving consumer needs. The platform has experienced a five-fold surge in new car inquiries, largely fueled by Millennials and Gen Z, who show a strong preference for digital car purchases.
The company also offers an array of new car options across different segments such as Subcompact SUVs, Compact SUVs, MPVs, Sedans, and more, along with a streamlined online purchasing system.
About CarLelo:
CarLelo (a Capri Loans Venture) is an online platform that is revolutionizing the new car buying experience through its seamless and hassle-free methods. It is India’s first multi-brand virtual car showroom, where buyers find the best new car deals. The brand strongly believes that buying a new car is a unique escapade that does not happen every day. Accordingly, its vision is to provide a complete bespoke experience to customers, all from the comfort of their homes. Buyers can visit the website, select the desired brand and choose a model based on variant, colour, features and mileage. While doing this from a large curated catalog of brands and models, the customer is directly connected to a relevant dealer based near his or her location without physically needing to visit a dealership. Moreover, customers can avail of the best offers and deals on their new cars by connecting with multiple dealers. For those seeking to finance their dream car, the company offers the best low-interest rate and minimum paperwork. Today, CarLelo has grown into a leading online marketplace for buying new cars.
Lifestyle
GKB Opticals Expands Delhi Presence with Two New Lifestyle-Focused Stores in Moti Nagar and Greenpark

The retail chain is eyeing 100-store milestone by June 2026
New Delhi, April 21st, 2026 – Strengthening its footprint in National Capital region, GKB has innaugrated two new retail Stores in Motinagar, and Greenpark marking another step in the expansion strategy of the brand. With a legacy spanning over six decades, the luxury eyewear retailer, GKB is now moving towards its target of crossing 100 stores across India by mid-2026.
The newly launched stores introduce GKB’s ‘lifestyle-first’ retail concept that redefines the traditional optical retail experience to deliver more immersive , design led retail experience. Both the new stores provide a comfortable and contemporary ambience, owing to an uncluttered design that provides a superior shopping experience. The design also mirrors the brand’s commitment to crafting spaces that are not only functional but also beautifully designed.
One of the primary aspects is the focus on advanced vision care, where customers can benefit from complete eye testing services conducted by qualified and trained optometrists, which will provide precise lens recommendations for customers’ needs, whether for blue light protection, digital fatigue, or progressive vision needs.
Speaking on this expansion, Priyanka Gupta, Director, GKB Opticals said, “Our aim is to focus on strategic growth rather than aggressive expansion always. After achieving this landmark of 90+ stores across the nation, we are all set to achieve the landmark of over 100 stores by this June, focusing on the right locations that match the premium credentials of the brand.”
Adding another layer of service and convenience for customers, GKB Opticals’ sales staff is available for personalized styling services, where they will help customers select eyewear that not only suits their face type but also meets their lifestyle needs.
Lifestyle
Subodh BhaveStarrer ‘Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj’ Set for April 24, 2026 Release; TeaserSparks Spiritual Fervour

The much-anticipated biopic Shree BabaNeeb Karori Maharaj starring Subodh Bhave in the titular role is all set to hittheatres on April 24, 2026. The makers recently unveiled the teaser, offeringaudiences a glimpse into the divine life and spiritual journey of the reveredsaint, generating strong buzz across platforms.
Directed by Sharad Singh Thakur, thefilm promises a deeply emotional and spiritually enriching cinematicexperience. The teaser reflects a blend of devotion, mysticism, and powerfulstorytelling, with Subodh Bhave delivering a compelling transformation into therole of the legendary spiritual figure.
The film boasts a strong ensemble castincluding Hiten Tejwani, Samikssha Bhatnagar, Aniruddh Dave, Hemant Pandey,Rajesh Sharma, Milind Guna, Smita Tambe, Gourishankar, Aaartii Naagpal, GarimaAgarwal along with Mohit Gupta, Varsha Manikchand, and Hardeep Kaur in pivotalroles. DOP by Karthik Mallur.
Produced by Balram Garg, Balvir Singh,Sharad Singh Thakur, Khadag Singh Gaur, and Neelam Singh, the film is presentedby Anisha Films International in association with PC Jeweller, BSR FilmProductions, and Advance Technology. The All-India distribution is beinghandled by First Film Studios LLP.
The teaser hints at a visually richnarrative that captures the miracles, teachings, and timeless influence of BabaNeeb Karori Maharaj, aiming to resonate with audiences across generations. Withits devotional essence and cinematic scale, the film is poised to make asignificant impact at the box office.
With a powerful story, notableperformances, and spiritual depth, Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj is gearing upto be one of the most talked-about releases of 2026.
Lifestyle
Bajaj Dhuniverse Crowns 19-Year-Old Ratnika Shrivastava Winner of Season 1

When Effort Gets a Stage, India Moves Forward
Mumbai, April 10, 2026: Bajaj Finserv’s digital-first music discovery platform, Bajaj Dhuniverse, has crowned 19-year-old Mumbai-based singer Ratnika Shrivastava as the winnerof its inaugural season, rising above an impressive 64,000 entries from across India. Unanimously chosen by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, her victory marks a breakout moment signalling the arrival of a powerful new voice on the national stage.
As part of her win, Ratnika steps into the spotlight with a significant opportunity: an independent album with Zee Music Company, a high-profile collaboration with Shankar–Ehsaan–Loyfor an exclusive release on Spotify, and co-create the Bajaj Anthem, transforming her victory into a defining leap from discovery to a sustained career in music.
Commenting on the milestone, Manav Mianwal, President – Digital Platforms, Bajaj Finserv, said: “Bajaj Dhuniverse was built to recognise sustained effort and bring forwardtalent that shows discipline, resolve and consistency. This season reinforced a simple truth: potential exists widely in India, but access does not. When effort is given a stage, the country gets a stage. This is how India moves forward. Platforms like BajajDhuniverse are our way of making that possible.”
Shankar Mahadevan said, “Ratnika has a voice that connects instantly and carries both vulnerability and power. From the very first time we heard her, we knew she was somethingspecial. She truly represents the spirit of what Bajaj Dhuniverse set out to find.”
Ehsaan Noorani added, “What struck me about Ratnika was her command over her craft and her ability to bring genuine emotion to her performance. In a competition of this scaleand calibre, that is what ultimately sets a winner apart.”
Loy Mendonsa said, “Bajaj Dhuniverse has given us immense satisfaction and working with a talent like Ratnika on Bajaj’s sonic identity is something I am genuinely excitedabout. She has the rare quality of making you feel every note. I look forward to what we will create together.”
For generations in India, the circumstances you were born into frequently defined the limits of your ambition. Talent existed everywhere, but stages were few and opportunitieswere uneven. Thousands of voices never found a platform, not for lack of effort but for lack of access.
Bajaj Dhuniverse was created to change that. Built as a digital‑first, nationally accessible music discovery platform by Bajaj Finserv, this platform is anchored in a simplebelief: when merit is given room to rise, progress follows and in turn India advances.
The search began on November 7, 2025, as an open call with no barriers of geography, background, or age, reinforcing the platform’s inclusive approach. By thetime entries closed on January 8, 2026, Bajaj Dhuniverse had received over 64,000 submissions without television amplification or high-decibel mass media campaigns quickly establishing itself as one of India’s largest digital-only music talent searches. Arigorous, multi-stage evaluation process narrowed the pool to the top 100 contestants, followed by mentorship and a competitive finale featuring 10 finalists and a wildcard entrant, culminating in a widely viewed live event on March 31, 2026,drawing over 5.3 lakh views.
Bajaj Dhuniverse reflects Bajaj FinServ’s broader commitment to enable aspiration through equitable access. The initiative stands as one more step in Bajaj Finserv’s long‑standingcommitment to inclusive growth, where technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier Made in India. Made for India. Made by Bajaj.
Watch:Bajaj Dhuniverse on Youtube
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