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Crossword Plays Cupid with Blind Date Book Romance
Wrapped mysteries tempt readers till 28 Feb in Valentine’s bookstore twist.
MUMBAI: Swipe left on dating apps, Crossword Bookstore has a far more reliable matchmaker in store this February. Who needs algorithms when a wrapped surprise can spark the perfect connection? For Valentine’s 2026, the popular Indian book chain has rolled out “Blind Date with a Book” across all its outlets, running until 28 February.
The concept is delightfully old-school with a modern wink, no peeking at covers, no author names, no plot spoilers. Shoppers pick from neatly wrapped bundles, guided only by cheeky clue cards that tease the mood, genre and emotional vibe waiting inside. Think “slow-burn romance with a side of mystery” or “heart-racing adventure that’ll keep you up all night”. The rest is left to chemistry and a healthy dose of trust.
It’s part gamble, part thrill exactly the kind of leap that makes the best stories (and perhaps the best relationships) memorable.
To sweeten the deal, Crossword has layered on a curated Valentine’s gifting edit, think elegant hardbacks, quirky journals, literary-themed mugs and other thoughtful extras perfect for pairing with that mystery read.
The promotion turns a routine bookstore browse into something playful and a little romantic, inviting even casual browsers to embrace the unknown. In an age of endless scrolling and predictable plots, there’s something refreshingly bold about handing over control to a wrapped book and hoping for sparks.
Whether you walk out with your next favourite novel or just a good story to tell, Blind Date with a Book proves one thing: sometimes the most exciting endings start with not knowing what’s coming next.
So this Valentine’s season, skip the apps and head to the shelves your next great love story might already be waiting, beautifully disguised in paper and ribbon.
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Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
