7, Feb 2025
PG Electroplast Limited announces Q3FY25 Results

Delhi (India), February 07, 2025: PG Electroplast Ltd. (PGEL), one of the pioneers and leaders in the Electronic Manufacturing Services and Plastic Molding, announced its results for the quarter ended Dec. 31 st, 2024, as approved by its Board of Directors.

 “The Product business is demonstrating impeccable execution, propelling the company forward with remarkable momentum. Growth leadership in focus area of RACs and washing machines, remains strong, and the company is actively investing in new capabilities to enhance its strategic edge. The Capability and Capacity matrix is expected to reach new highs due to ongoing innovations, new product developments, and the commissioning of additional capacity across various product categories. The company has established itself as a preferred partner for Room AC and washing machine solutions in India, serving major brands as its clients. The successful completion of the fundraising in the previous quarter has bolstered the company’s balance sheet, positioning it favorably within the sector to seize emerging opportunities. The management expresses confidence and dedication to achieving industry-leading growth alongside superior return ratios in the years ahead.” said Mr. Anurag Gupta, Chairman.

 Key Financial Highlights:
Quarter ended Sept. 31 st Dec., FY2025
• Operating Revenues for the quarter were INR 967.69 crores – a growth of 81.9% YoY.
• Quarterly EBITDA stood at INR 92.37 crores versus Rs 47.00 crores in 3QFY2024 – a growth of 96.5%.
• Quarterly Net profit stood at INR 40.14 crores versus INR 19.24 crores in 3QFY2024 – a growth of 108.7%.

 Nine-month ended Dec. 31, FY2025.
• Net Sales for the period were INR 2959.67 crores – growth of 77.2% YoY.
• EBITDA stood at INR 287.44 crores versus INR 154.96 crores in 9MFY2024 – a growth of 85.5%.
• Net Profits stood at INR 144.53 crores versus INR 65.43 crores in 9MFY2024 – growth of 120.9%.

 Other Highlights
3QFY2025 was a robust quarter for PG Electroplast with all business segments growing rapidly:
• Consolidated Revenues at INR 968 crores was boosted by with Product business sales of INR 663 Crores. PGEL’s 100% subsidiary, PG Technoplast clocked INR 620 crores in revenue in 3QFY2025.
• The company maintained good momentum in RAC due to channel filling in anticipation of strong summer season and clocked industry leading growth of 179.5% for 3QFY2025.
• The Washing Machine business also posted industry leading growth at 64.5% during the quarter. The company is in the process of further Investment in developing new platforms for Room ACs & Washing Machines. During the year, the company is further enhancing capacity across Room AC, Washing Machines, and Coolers.
• The Product business contributed 68.5% of the total revenues in 3QFY2025. The Product business grew 140.7% YoY for the quarter. The order book and visibility for all product businesses remain robust and the company is on track to scale the business significantly in FY2025.
• Electronics ex-TV business in PG Electroplast contributed 7.0% of the total revenues and grew by 15.6X in 3QFY2025.
• The Sales of TV business in Goodworth in 9MFY2025 stood at INR 436.56 crores as compared to INR 253.63 crores in PGEL in 9MFY2024, a growth of 72.1%.
• Capital efficiency of business is robust and the company’s RoCE was 23.5% and RoE was 11.9% for the Trailing 12 months, ending Dec. 2024. Net fixed Asset turns for the company stood at 5.34x.
• The company plans to further invest in enhancing capacities and building capabilities for future growth.

 Future Outlook
Management sees increased opportunities in the existing and new clients based on the current business environment. With new capacities and capabilities, the company is uniquely positioned in the consumer durables & plastics space in India. In coming years, the company aspires:

 • To have Industry-leading growth in Revenues.
• Gradual improvement in margins due to operational efficiencies and operating leverage.
• Best-in-class capital efficiency resulting from improved cash flows & balance sheet optimization.

 Specific guidance for FY2025
• PGEL Revenues guidance is now revised upwards to INR 4,550 crores, which will be a growth of 65.7% over FY2024 consolidated Revenues (despite the shift of TV business to Goodworth Electronics). Net profit guidance is also revised upwards and now stands at INR 280 crores which will be a growth of 104.5% over the FY2024 Net profit of INR 137.0 crores.
• The Revenue guidance for Goodworth Electronics is Rs 550 crores in FY2025, Implying Group Revenues of INR 5100 crores.
• The growth in product business i.e., Washing Machines, Room Air Conditioners, and Air Coolers is expected to be ~98% to INR 3,300 crores from INR 1668 crores in FY2024.
• Capex for FY2025 stands INR 370-380 crores and the Company is commissioning 2 new green field facilities in North India and further expanding Supa facilities.

7, Feb 2025
Padma Vibhushan Dr. R.A. Mashelkar Envisions “More from Less” for a Developed India by 2047

National, 07th February 2025: Orchestrating the reunion of familiar faces and the creation of new connections, IIHMR University hosted its much-awaited annual alumni meet “Ekatva 2025” at the Jaipur Campus. The meet was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, FRS, Reliance Innovation Leadership Centre & Former Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

ektava

 As the time came, all the eyes were glued to the stage to listen to Padma Vibhushan Awardee Dr. R. A. Mashelkar’s, keynote address on “Game-Changing Disruptive Innovation for NextGen Diagnostics”. Captivating the audience with his eye-opening address he shared, ”We are looking at the second quarter of this century and are talking about Viksit Bharat 2047. And it is you all young people who will achieve it. So, what is important is making more from less for more people. This means making high technology for poor people. India needs affordable excellence paradigm to solve healthcare challenges. I do not support ‘Jugaad’, instead, I’m taking about game-changing disruptive innovation. We as a nation need to focus on moving from ‘Best Practise’ to the ‘Next Practise’.”

 Welcoming all the dignitaries and the former students, Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University proudly shared, “It’s a great day for me and IIHMR University that we are celebrating the success of 40 years of IIHMR. We are all very proud of our alumni since they have made significant contributions to the health sector. In addition, our alumni always guide us regarding the type of research that is pertinent to the industry and for nation-building. Our institute has grown remarkably and I can confirm that in the coming years, we will evolve more.”

 The highlight of the event was the eye-opening examples of disruptive healthcare innovations including AI-powered diagnostic tools for respiratory health, patient monitoring, metabolic screening, and maternal health. Witnessing the transformative impact of these technologies sparked a drive to push the boundaries of innovation, encouraging them to explore new frontiers in healthcare solutions. The session instilled a vision of leveraging technology to bridge critical gaps in healthcare delivery, motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to develop cost-effective, scalable, and impactful solutions.

 The rendezvous witnessed a heavy footfall of 150+ Alumni, providing an opportunity for them to reconnect, relive their cherished memories, and celebrate the institution’s legacy of excellence in healthcare management education and research. The event also featured a group photograph session, symbolizing the unity and continued association of the university’s alumni.

 As the night unfolded, musical vibes echoed through the air and the stage came alive with cultural expressions, filling the gathering with soulful tunes that resonated with the spirit of the event. Transitioning seamlessly into the later hours, the dinner encapsulated the essence of a lively celebration, giving the students and alumni to network further on an inter-personal level.

7, Feb 2025
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Moves Forward with Universal Banking License Application

Bengaluru, 06 February 2025: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan), one of the leading small finance banks has announced today the submission of the application for Universal Banking licence to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

This step aligns with the Bank’s long-term vision to strengthen its offerings and its position in the sector. The Bank has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance and a commitment to financial inclusion, serving a diverse aspiring customer base. Ujjivan is prepared to join the ranks of universal banks, considered a very significant milestone in its evolution, subject to RBI granting its approval to its application.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sanjeev Nautiyal, MD & CEO, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank said, “Following the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), we have submitted our application today and are seeking the regulator’s approval for the voluntary transition from a Small Finance Bank to a Universal Bank. The Bank has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance and a commitment to financial inclusion, serving a diverse customer base across the country. Securing the Universal Banking licence, if approved, will strengthen Ujjivan’s efforts to provide holistic financial services to its customers and empower all aspiring Indians with a wider range of banking solutions.”

The Bank recently announced its Q3 FY2025 results showcasing positive growth momentum across its business segments. The diversification of loan book has seen accelerated results, with the secured segment contributing to 39% to the overall loan book. With an inclusive approach to Micro Banking, the Bank recently reduced its interest rates for the Group and Individual Loan and now has one of the lowest interest rates among Small Finance Banks. This has been possible due to its performance and efficient management of microfinance stress through better asset quality.

7, Feb 2025
FedEx Pioneers National Cybersecurity Initiative to Safeguard India’s Growing Digital Ecosystem

February 7, 2025, Mumbai: In response to the surge in courier scams across India, Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”), the world’s largest express transportation company, has collaborated with local police, Cyber Security Cells, and United Way Mumbai, to launch a nationwide Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Program.

“In 2024, India reported losses over INR 1.7 billion in cyber frauds. As cybercrime continues to escalate, raising awareness is our best defense,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, vice president of Marketing, Customer Experience, and Air Network, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx. “With this initiative, we aim to empower communities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and to foster an informed and secure digital environment throughout the nation.”

This proactive initiative aims to educate and empower over 10,000 individuals, with a focus on senior citizens, women, and adolescents, by promoting safe online practices and equipping them with the skills to recognize and prevent cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, digital payment scams, and social media fraud. As part of this comprehensive program, specialized training will also be provided to local law enforcement personnel, enabling them to better address and combat cybercrime, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure digital ecosystem for all.

“At United Way Mumbai, we believe that collaborative action is key to driving meaningful societal change. This partnership with FedEx, local police, Cyber Security Cells, NGOs, Colleges and communities reflects our shared commitment to equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. Together, we aim to build a resilient and empowered community, fostering a safer digital ecosystem for all.” – George Aikara, CEO, United Way Mumbai.

6, Feb 2025
Exicom Accelerates EVSE Growth, Well-Positioned for Robust Momentum in FY26

New Delhi, 6 February 2025 – Exicom, one of India’s leading EV charging and critical power solutions providers has announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Driven by Tritium acquisition, consolidated revenues grew 28% QoQ to ~INR 197 crore but continued to trail on YoY basis. Gross margins experienced a slight dip of 2.8% compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to a shift in the Critical Power customer mix and the depreciation of the rupee against the USD.

Expanding Infrastructure and Sales Momentum in EVSE Business

Following a temporary industry slowdown in the first half of FY25, Exicom’s EVSE business bounced back strongly this quarter. The company’s YoY #units and sales in India grew by ~77% and ~38% respectively, significantly outpacing the industry’s ~23% growth in four-wheeler EV #unit sales. Exicom’s consolidated EVSE revenue grew by an impressive ~120% YoY on the back of sales momentum in the US and Europe.

The market outlook remains strong, as evidenced by the unveiling of 26 new EV models at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in Jan 2025. Additionally, the industry is shifting towards high-power, ultra-fast charging, an area where Exicom is well-positioned to lead with its newly launched Harmony Boost solution. This cutting-edge system integrates smart energy storage and management with high-power public charging, delivering a consistent 400kWh fast-charging experience per plug.

The company strengthened its market presence in the DC segment and secured two major deals with leading Charge Point Operators along with two strong partnerships with ChargeZone and Mufin Green Infra to accelerate the deployment of high-power charging stations across India.

Exicom also achieved record-breaking home (AC) charger sales, further strengthening its leadership in the sector. Exicom’s total installed EV charger base has now surpassed 1.73 lakh units worldwide.

Exicom’s global expansion strategy, bolstered by its recent acquisition of Tritium, started to show early momentum. While the acquisition’s fixed cost weighed on the company’s consolidated financials, strategic efforts on operations and customer centricity yielded promising results with ~INR 44 crore ($5.1 Mn) in revenues during Tritium’s first quarter post-acquisition. Exicom also established a regional hub in the UK to cater to the European market through the Tritium brand of fast EV chargers.

Critical Power Business Secures Major Wins

A cyclical slowdown driven by consolidation and deferred capex in the telecom infrastructure segment led to a short-term decline in the Critical Power business revenues and margins in the current quarter. With the telecom infrastructure segment CAGR pegged at 8-10% over the next 3 years, the company expressed confidence in the business’s growth trajectory. Early signs of recovery were visible in a recently secured landmark order worth ~INR 1680 crore, for supplying DC power and energy storage solutions for the BharatNet project over the next 3 years.

Scaling Up for the Future

Following its highly successful IPO in March 2024, Exicom is executing an ambitious growth strategy by expanding production capacity and enhancing distribution channels. Its upcoming state-of-the-art EVSE manufacturing and R&D facility in Hyderabad will enable the company to scale production to 3X of the current annual capacity and develop globally benchmarked EV charging solutions tailored for India.

Commenting on Exicom’s growth trajectory, Anant Nahata, Managing Director, Exicom, said: “The world today needs both fast build of digital communication infrastructure and radical energy transition towards green mobility. Both of our core businesses – Critical Power and EV Charging are addressing these key shifts with a strong focus on R&D and technology innovation. Our partnerships with leading infrastructure players for power management and energy storage solutions are providing the much-needed energy stability for digital networks which are core to India’s success on digital infrastructure. At the same time, our high quality and reliable charging solutions are helping accelerate EV adoption in India and across the world. As we move forward, we will be keenly focused on scaling our global ambitions for the EVSE business and work towards becoming one of the top 5 DC fast charging players in the key markets of North America and Europe.”

6, Feb 2025
Strategic Collaboration Between UPES and Medical University of the Americas Announced

India, February 6, 2025 – The School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST) at UPES, a multi-disciplinary university in India, announced a strategic first-of-its-kind partnership with the Medical University of the Americas (MUA). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing medical education opportunities for aspiring doctors in India.

Under this partnership with MUA, UPES will offer an accelerated pathway into medical education with admissions to the prestigious 5-Year BSc/MD undergraduate program (1+2+2 years), with applications commencing in February 2025 for August 2025 intake. The program consists of one year at UPES, followed by two years of pre-clinical education at MUA’s campus on St. Kitts, Nevis Island, and two years of clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals in the U.S.

In the first year, students will be enrolled at the School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST) at UPES, in the Pre-Medical Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the first year, they will earn around 47 credits which can be transferred for progression to the MUA. Contingent on clearing all assessments and meeting MUA’s eligibility criteria, students will receive a USD 50,000 scholarship, distributed over 13 semesters at MUA. This special inaugural scholarship is available exclusively to students who complete the Pre-Medical Certificate at UPES. This fully residential, highly rigorous program will uphold the highest global standards of academic excellence, which require students to maintain a minimum 3 on a scale of 4 GPA to progress to MUA in the second year. The next 2 years of the program will cover the foundations of medical school education. Delivered at the MUA academic campus on the island of Nevis, students will study Basic Sciences over 5 semesters. Students then travel to the U.S. to complete five semesters of clinical rotations at teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centres that are affiliated with MUA.

Dr. Padma Venkat, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST), UPES and Diana Mockute, Chief Partnerships Officer, MUA

Founded over two-and-a-half decades ago, MUA is dedicated to providing high-quality medical education with a focus on small, interactive classes, individualised support, and a curriculum aligned with U.S. and Canadian medical schools. MUA is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). MUA also prepares its graduates to appear for USMLE®. The university has graduated over 1,800 doctors, many of whom are practicing medicine across the U.S., Canada, and other parts of the world. MUA graduates secure positions across various medical specialties in the U.S. and Canada, with a 98% residency placement rate (2020-2024), which means that after completing medical school, graduates successfully obtain hands-on training in hospitals to specialise in their chosen field of medicine, an essential step towards becoming a licensed doctor.

This partnership and others like it are essential currently, as the global demand for qualified doctors continues to rise, with a projected shortage of over 10 million physicians by 2030. India currently has one doctor for every 1,511 people, falling short of the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1000. Similarly, the United States faces an anticipated deficit of nearly 124,000 physicians by 2034 and Canada, a shortfall of nearly 78,000 physicians and general practitioners by 2031. The MUA-UPES partnership addresses this critical gap by offering students a structured, internationally recognized pathway to becoming global medical professional.

Speaking on the dire global need for doctors and medical professionals, Dr. Padma Venkat, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST), UPES, stated: “The demand for medical education in India far exceeds the available seats, leaving many academically bright students without opportunities to pursue their dream of becoming doctors. More than 2.3 million students appear for NEET annually to compete for just 91,900 MBBS seats, with an overall acceptance rate of less than 4%. As a result, more than 50,000 Indian students seek medical education abroad each year. Through this partnership with the MUA, the School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES will create opportunities by offering a world-class alternative for talented students. This partnership will give them access to high-quality medical education, global exposure, and a structured pathway to practice internationally while addressing the critical need for doctors in India.”

Diana Mockute, Chief Partnerships Officer, MUA, added: “We are delighted to partner with UPES to extend MUA’s internationally acclaimed Pre-Medical program to Indian students. This initiative reflects our shared vision of empowering the next generation of doctors and enhancing medical education accessibility while preparing students for successful careers in the global healthcare industry.”

6, Feb 2025
Make This Valentine’s Day Special: Trade Bouquets for Unforgettable Adventures

As Valentine’s Day approaches on February 14th, anticipation is rising for those hoping to spend romantic time with their loved ones to celebrate. Besides exchanging Valentine’s Day gifts like chocolates and perfumes, why not plan a trip with your partner if you’re looking to create special memories? For the wanderlust-struck romantics out there, the world’s most stunning flower festivals offer the perfect opportunity to keep the spirit of Valentine’s alive every season. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report, garden lovers are blooming like never before, with a whopping 90% of Indians sharing that they enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday.

Whether it’s cherry blossoms, sunflower fields, or lavender meadows, these breathtaking spots are ready to set the stage for your ultimate love story. And here’s the kicker: with Skyscanner’s tools like ‘Price Alerts’ and ‘Whole Month,’ your flower-filled fantasy doesn’t have to break the bank. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to let your love bloom all year round.

Skyscanner’s Travel and Destinations Expert, Mohit Joshi, says “Flower festivals offer a romantic and picturesque landscape for those celebrating love, so it is not a surprise to see this coming up as a trend for Indian travellers. Our insights show that more people are seeing the importance of creating core memories collectively, so what better way to do so than travel? A key tip to visiting such highly anticipated festivals, is to plan in advance as much as possible. It helps to get in before the crowd comes in, so do some research around when the flowers come to bloom, and try to visit at the start of it or near the end of the season. Another tip would be to have some flexibility to fly in a few days before your original travel date, because often that flexibility will allow you to find a better deal. Use the Skyscanner Month tool to have a bird’s eye view on when is the cheapest to fly to your destination.”

  • The Tulip Festival in Srinagar – A Rainbow You Can Walk Through
    When to Go: Late March to mid-April

Spring in Srinagar hits different, especially when the Tulip Festival turns the city into a technicolor dream. Picture fields bursting with tulips in every shade of red, yellow, and purple—it’s like nature’s love letter to you! And while you’re there, don’t miss a shikara ride on Dal Lake. Float across the tranquil waters, snap Insta-perfect shots, and soak in the snow-capped mountain vibes. Romantic getaway = sorted!

  • Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – Seoul’s Most Beautiful Season of Love
    When to Go: April 6–15, 2025

Japan’s cherry blossoms are iconic, but Seoul’s are equally breathtaking! The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is like stepping straight into a K-drama scene—cherry blossoms lining the Han River, creating the perfect dreamy backdrop for you and your bae. Stroll along Yunjung-ro Road to admire stunning flower installations or hop on an Eland Cruise for unique views of the blossoms. And you won’t be the only one – Skyscanner has observed 40% increase in YoY search for flights to Seoul during cherry blossoms season in March.

To make your adventure more affordable, you can mix & match your airlines and airports! You don’t have to stick to round-trip flights; flying out with one airline and back with another, or using different airports for your departure and return, can save you quite a bit of money. Here are some of the best deals for flying to Seoul:

  • International Flower Festival in Gangtok, Sikkim
    When to Go: April and May

Sikkim isn’t just about Himalayan views and monasteries. The International Flower Festival in Gangtok is a riot of colour, with over 1000 species of flowers on display. The vibe is festive and the flowers? Absolutely Instagrammable. Take a selfie with the dazzling array of flowers, and don’t forget to capture the beautiful mountain backdrop. Throw in a little Sikkimese traditional dress for that extra pop! Here are some great deals:

  • Flower Carpet in Brussels, Belgium – A Colourful Explosion of Love
    When to Go: Mid-August

Brussels isn’t just about its iconic chocolates and waffles; it’s also home to the stunning Flower Carpet festival. For one weekend every two years, the Grand-Place is transformed into a colorful tapestry made entirely of begonias. It’s an art form that literally takes your breath away. While you’re there, dive into the quirky vibes of the Atomium, explore the funky streets, or get lost in surreal art at the Magritte Museum. Check out these great deals, to make your romantic getaway extra special by enjoying both the flowers and everything else this vibrant city has to offer:

  • Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival – The Pink Paradise, You Never Knew You Needed
    When to Go: Mid-November

With over half (56%) of travellers buzzing to witness cherry blossoms in 2025, Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the top destinations to consider. Imagine walking through a forest of soft pink petals falling like confetti—this is India’s answer to Japan’s Sakura, with a laid-back mountain twist. Last year’s addition of a Japanese village brought even more cultural flair, blending local charm with international vibes.

It’s no surprise Shillong is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2025, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report. So, when you’re not soaking in the pink magic, go explore Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, and dive deeper into the Japanese charm with a tour of Lady Hydari Park, all just an hour from Shillong Airport.

  • The Valley of Flowers National Park – Nature’s Love Story in Uttarakhand
    When to Go: Early October

The Valley of Flowers is a real-life fairytale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Between June and October, the valley comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of flowers, including the rare Himalayan blue poppy, Brahma Kamal, and orchids – perfect for nature lovers looking to reconnect with the planet (and each other!). Interestingly, Skyscanner has noted a 21% YoY rise in searches for flights to Dehradun in October and a 28% increase in searches during the month as compared to September. Here are some incredible deals to help you explore this paradise:

Skyscanner makes it easy to find flights to some of the most breathtaking horticultural destinations worldwide. When it comes to accommodations, don’t just settle for the first hotel that pops up. Use Skyscanner’s interactive map to explore nearby options and you might just find a better stay just a street away. With Skyscanner’s hotel search, you can also uncover unique accommodations close to nature, such as treehouses or eco-lodges set amidst lush botanical landscapes.

6, Feb 2025
Tarun Tahiliani Brings His Iconic Leather Bags Collection to Myntra Luxe

Bengaluru, 6 February, 2025: Myntra Luxe has unveiled the newly launched Leather Bag collection from the famed Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani. This stunning collection, inspired by the designer’s ‘India Modern’ philosophy, blends rich heritage with contemporary elegance, making luxury accessible to Myntra’s premium base of 70 million fashion-conscious customers. The collection introduces six distinct styles of leather bags: a playful vanity bag, an all-encompassing tote, a statement trapeze bag, a chic sling, a functional shoulder bag, and the signature bangle potli.

This partnership marks the debut of ‘Tarun Tahiliani’ in the e-commerce marketplace, extending beyond its brand.com. With this launch, Tarun Tahiliani accelerates its multi-channel strategy, reaching over 19,000 pin codes through Myntra’s extensive nationwide network.

Inspired by the evolving spirit of modern Indian women, the collection features a range of meticulously handcrafted leather bags that showcase the brand’s commitment to the finest quality. Each piece caters to modern women’s unique needs and moods, from those seeking everyday elegance to those looking for a statement piece for a special occasion or a sophisticated evening event. The collection showcases exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and a seasonless appeal, all grounded in the brand’s signature India Modern aesthetic, making them both practical and stylish for every occasion. Designed as timeless companions, the bags feature the signature TT monogram, artisanal charms, and gold-plated hardware, with intricate jaali-inspired detailing—a nod to India’s rich artistry.

Speaking about the launch, Tarun Tahiliani said, “India was the original home of luxury. Over the years, the demand for luxury in India has surged. The rise in disposable incomes, exposure to global trends, and the unprecedented influence of travel and social media have been key drivers of the increasing demand for luxury, spanning not just metro cities but also the country’s hinterlands. Myntra Luxe is well poised to bring our signature leather bags line to customers seeking luxury in the deepest corners of the country while providing a top-notch shopping experience through technology and service. While we may have begun to establish a presence in our megacities, there exists a whole other world of luxury seekers, far from where we are, and I hope Myntra Luxe will help us reach them.”

Speaking on the launch, Nandita Sinha, CEO, Myntra, said, “Tarun Tahiliani is one of India’s most celebrated designers and we are thrilled to welcome his exquisite luxury leather bags collection to Myntra Luxe. The brand’s unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless designs perfectly align with our vision of bringing the finest in luxury to our discerning customers. Premiumisation has been on a steady rise with increasing aspiration for luxury among customers. It’s a great time for the Indian luxury landscape as designers and brands are investing in catering to their evolving choices. We are delighted that Myntra Luxe is at the forefront of making luxury accessible to India.”

6, Feb 2025
MakeMyTrip’s New ‘Loved by Devotees’ Service Simplifies Pilgrim Accommodation Choices

Gurugram, 6th February 2025: Spiritual travel in India is witnessing unprecedented growth, with pilgrimage destinations now accounting for over 10% of MakeMyTrip’s total room night bookings in Q3 FY25. Searches for religious destinations on the platform have surged by 46% in 2024 as compared to 2022, highlighting a growing preference among travellers for journeys that are deeply meaningful and spiritually enriching — distinct from leisure travel.

Rooted in faith and tradition, these pilgrimages often involve families with a higher percentage of elderly members, making it essential to find the perfect stay with facilities tailored to their needs. To simplify the identification of the stay, MakeMyTrip has introduced ‘Loved by Devotees’, a curated collection of 450+ hotels and homestays across 26 leading spiritual destinations. This initiative aims to take the guesswork out of planning spiritual journeys and ensure that travellers find stays that meet their specific needs for comfort, accessibility, and convenience.

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Speaking about the development, Ankit Khanna, Chief Product Officer – Hotel, Growth & Emerging Businesses, said, “Getting to India’s spiritual destinations is easier than ever with better roads, rail, and air connectivity. ‘Loved by Devotees’ ensures that the stay offers amenities that meet the specific needs of spiritual travelers. Developed using real traveler insights and technology, it helps travelers find the perfect stay. The goal is simple—to remove the stress of planning so devotees can focus on what truly matters—their faith and experience.”

The ‘Loved by Devotees’ feature evaluates properties based on six key criteria: proximity to the sacred place for worship, accessibility from transit points such as airports, railways, and bus stations, availability of pure vegetarian restaurants, parking facilities, travel desk support, and elderly-friendly amenities like wheelchair assistance, doctor-on-call, lifts, and first-aid kits. Additionally, only accommodations with a user rating of 3.5 or higher on MakeMyTrip are included, ensuring a high standard of quality and reliability.

The initiative currently covers 26 of India’s most sought-after spiritual destinations including Ajmer, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Deoghar, Dwarka, Guruvayur, Haridwar, Katra, Kukke Subramanya, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Mathura, Nathdwara, Prayagraj, Puri, Rameshwaram, Shirdi, Somnath, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Thrissur, Tirupati, Udupi, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Vrindavan.

6, Feb 2025
Kala Ghoda Festival Explores the Intersection of Art and AI in a Powerful Discussion

Delhi, February 2025 – The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is one of Mumbai’s most iconic cultural events, celebrating diverse forms of art, literature, music, and heritage. It provides a platform for artists and intellectuals to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful dialogues. This spirit of exploration was vividly reflected in an electrifying panel discussion titled “Arts in the Age of AI,” which delved into questions like: Can AI be truly creative? Does technology enhance or threaten artistic expression? These thought-provoking topics took center stage, sparking engaging debates and leaving the audience both inspired and intrigued.

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Moderated by Vibha Kagzi, Author, Founder & Chief Education Officer of ReachIvy.com, the panel featured renowned film producer Dheer Momaya, Indian author, journalist, and speaker Meghna Pant, celebrated sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee and Radio & Podcast Host and Producer Hrishi K. Together, they navigated the fascinating intersection of art and artificial intelligence, debating how AI is reshaping creativity across literature, music, filmmaking, and visual arts.

Meghna Pant reflected on AI’s role in literature, stating, “AI is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, we should embrace its potential and learn to coexist. It can enhance storytelling, but it’s no replacement for human creativity. AI can’t replicate the depth and emotional resonance that come from lived experiences.’

Dheer Momaya shared his insights on filmmaking, noting, “AI operates within predictable structures and patterns, making it easy to identify AI-generated content. Authentic storytelling transcends algorithms; it thrives on human nuance, emotion, and the subtle imperfections that make stories real and relatable.”

The session sparked intense discussions on AI’s role as a collaborator rather than a competitor in the creative world. Vibha Kagzi remarked, ‘AI is not here to replace human creativity but to challenge and expand it. It pushes us to think differently, to innovate, and to redefine what it means to be an artist in the digital age. The key is to harness AI’s potential while staying rooted in our unique human experiences.’

Addressing the impact on music, Purbayan Chatterjee commented, “The key with technology is to make it work for you, not the other way around. When artists understand how to harness AI effectively, it can enhance their creativity rather than hinder it. True artistry comes from the soul, and as long as musicians stay true to that, AI remains a valuable tool, not a substitute.”

Adding to this, Hrishi K,Radio & Podcast Host and Producer remarked, “‘AI can replicate voices, scripts, and even generate content, but it can never capture the authenticity that makes human conversations truly engaging. The magic of radio and podcasts lies in the unscripted moments—the laughter, the pauses, the raw emotions that connect with audiences on a personal level. AI can be a tool, the ability to resonate with listeners comes from genuine human experience.”

With her signature charm and intellectual depth, Vibha Kagzi steered the discussion towards real-world implications, engaging both panelists and the audience in a dynamic conversation. The energy in the room was appreciable, as attendees—ranging from art lovers and AI researchers to students and industry professionals—eagerly exchanged ideas, opinions, and even a few concerns about the future of creativity in a tech-driven world.