Brands
India levels up as PUACL 2026 returns with $20,000 prize
NATIONAL: India is getting ready to catch ’em all, this time on the esports stage. The Pokémon Company has unveiled the 2026 Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League India League, a $20,000 online showdown that will decide which home-grown squad earns its ticket to the global finals in Yokohama’s Buntai Arena next year.
Executed by Skyesports, one of India’s leading esports operators, the league brings together ten of the country’s strongest organisations, including S8UL, GodLike Esports, Team Tamilas, Revenant XSpark and True Rippers. With Pokémon Unite’s competitive scene booming in the region, the tournament attempts to give Indian teams a clear route from local stardom to international contention.
The season begins with a five-day group stage running from late November to mid-January, followed by the King of the Hill playoffs on 31 January. The winner takes home the India League title, a share of the $20,000 prize pool and, more importantly, India’s lone berth at the PUACL 2026 offline finals in Japan, which will feature a far larger pot and teams from across Asia.
Skyesports founder and chief executive Shiva Nandy, said the league reflects the “strong and passionate competitive community” that has grown around the title in India. He added that the event gives players “a clear path to compete at the highest level in Asia,” while highlighting the quality of talent emerging from the domestic ecosystem.
The entire season will stream live on official Pokémon Unite and Skyesports channels, offering fans a ringside seat as established contenders and rising hopefuls jostle for supremacy. Last year’s champions, GodLike Esports, made it to the finals in Japan but were knocked out in the group stage. They will be eager to reclaim the crown and script a stronger international run in 2026.
With reputations, bragging rights and a shot at global glory on the line, India’s Pokémon Unite season promises high stakes, high drama and, if fans are lucky, a few super-effective surprises.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
