27, Mar 2025
Quote on L2: Empuraan from Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO-Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd

By- Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO- Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd
“The excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan is truly extraordinary. With 1.23 lakh tickets sold for opening day and 2.35 lakh for the weekend, the film is well on its way to setting a new record, likely surpassing the ₹8.5 crore opening-day benchmark for a Malayalam film. The franchise holds a special place in the hearts of audiences, and the response to this sequel reflects not just anticipation, but an emotional investment built over time.
The scale of Empuraan’s release across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi speaks to its wider appeal. Fans have been counting down to this moment, engaging deeply with every update, making this more than just a film release—it’s a cinematic event. Theatres across key markets are witnessing tremendous enthusiasm, and the energy surrounding the film is only growing as we approach its debut.
The numbers tell a compelling story, but what stands out even more is the passion of moviegoers who are eager to experience Empuraan on the big screen. The theatrical fervor we are witnessing underscores the power of storytelling and the deep-rooted connection audiences share with this franchise.”
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- By Team
27, Mar 2025
Q1 2025 Sees Housing Sales Dip 28percentage Y-o-Y in 7 Cities, Launches Decline 10percentage
Mumbai, 27 March 2025: Skyrocketing residential prices coupled with geopolitical headwinds have slowed the Indian housing market’s bull-run in Q1 2025. Latest ANAROCK data finds that the year’s first quarter saw sales drop 28% across the top 7 cities against the same period in 2024. Approx. 93,280 units were sold in Q1 2025 in the top 7 cities, in sharp contrast to all-time high sales of over 1.30 lakh units in Q1 2024.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “MMR and Pune accounted for 51% of the total sales, with MMR seeing a 26% yearly drop and Pune a decline of over 30%. At 49%, Hyderabad saw the highest annual drop in sales, while Bengaluru had the lowest decline at 16%.”
New launches across the top 7 cities remained above the one lakh mark but saw a 10% yearly decline – from approx. 1,10,865 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 1,00,020 units in Q1 2025.
“Notably, MMR and Bengaluru saw the maximum new supply in Q1 2025, accounting for 52% of the total new launches across the top 7 cities,” adds Puri. “While MMR saw new supply drop by 9% annually, Bengaluru saw new supply increase by 27% in this period. NCR, Bengaluru and Kolkata saw supply rise by 53%, 27% and 26%, respectively, while the other cities recorded supply declines – with Hyderabad recording the highest 55% yearly decrease.”
Though new launches stayed above the 1 lakh mark in Q1 2024, unsold inventory dropped by 4% annually – from approx. 5,80,890 units by Q1 2024-end to approx. 5,59,810 units by Q1 2025-end. Among the top cities, Pune saw the highest decline of 16% in its available stock in Q1 2025. In contrast, Bengaluru saw its unsold stock rise by a significant 28% – to approx. 58,660 units – by Q1 2025-end.
“India’s overall economic scenario remains positive, with GDP growth rate pegged to be the highest globally and inflation also under control,” says Puri. “However, rising housing prices and global headwinds like ongoing geopolitical tensions and a weak global economy, has taken their toll on India’s residential market activity. These factors cascaded down into the housing market in Q1 2025.”
New Launch Overview
The top 7 cities saw approx. 1,00,020 units launched in Q1 2025, against approx. 1,10,865 units in Q1 2024 – a 10% decline. The key cities contributing to new launches in Q1 2025 were the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Bengaluru, Pune, and the National Capital Region, which together accounted for 80% of the quarter’s supply addition.
- MMR saw approx. 30,755 units launched in Q1 2025 – a decline of approx. 9% over Q1 2024. Over 56% of the new supply was in the sub-INR 80 lakh budget segment.
- Bengaluru added approx. 20,855 units in Q1 2025 – a yearly rise of 27%. Approx. 53% of the new supply was in the luxury segment priced > INR 1.5 Cr.
- Pune added approx. 16,860 new units in Q1 2025 compared to approx. 18,770 units in Q1 2024, marking a 10% drop. Approx. 79% of the new supply was in the mid and premium segments (INR 40 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr.)
- NCR saw new supply increase by a massive 53% over Q1 2024, with approx. 11,120 units launched in Q1 2025 against approx. 7,270 units in Q1 2024. Notably, 70% of the new supply was in the ultra-luxury segment (priced >INR 2.5 Cr.).
- Hyderabad added approx. 10,275 units in Q1 2025 – a yearly decline of 55% over the same period in 2024 when approx. 22,960 units were launched. Over 70% of the new supply was in the luxury & ultra-luxury segments (priced >INR 1.5 Cr).
- Chennai added approx. 4,755 units in Q1 2025, marking a 35% decline. At least 81% of the new supply was in the mid and premium segments (priced within INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr)
- Kolkata added approx. 5,400 units in Q1 2025, a 26% rise over Q1 2024. Approx. 59% of the new supply was in the affordable and the mid segments (priced up to INR 80 lakh.)
|
City wise New Supply (In Units) and Y-o-Y % change |
|||
|
Cities Name |
Q1-2025 |
Q1-2024 |
% Change (Q1-2024 Vs Q1-2025) |
|
NCR |
11,120 |
7,270 |
53% |
|
MMR |
30,755 |
33,800 |
-9% |
|
Bangalore |
20,855 |
16,485 |
27% |
|
Pune |
16,860 |
18,770 |
-10% |
|
Hyderabad |
10,275 |
22,960 |
-55% |
|
Chennai |
4,755 |
7,290 |
-35% |
|
Kolkata |
5,400 |
4,290 |
26% |
|
Total |
1,00,020 |
1,10,865 |
-10% |
Approx. 93,280 units were sold in Q1 2025 – a 26% decrease over Q1 2024. NCR, MMR, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad together accounted for 91% of sales in the quarter.
- MMR saw the highest housing sales with approx. 31,610 units in Q1 2025, decreasing by 26% over Q1 2024 when approx. 42,920 units were sold
- Pune saw approx. 16,100 units sold in Q1 2025, decreasing by 30% over Q1 2024 when approx. 22,990 units were sold
- Bengaluru saw approx. 15,000 units sold in Q1 2025 – a 16% decline of against Q1 2024 when approx. 17,790 units were sold
- NCR saw a 20% decline in sales – from approx. 15,650 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 12,520 units in Q1 2025
- Hyderabad saw approx. 10,100 units sold in Q1 2025, a 49% decline over Q1 2024 when approx. 19,660 units were sold
- Chennai saw approx. 4,050 units sold in Q1 2025 – a 26% decline over Q1 2024 when approx. 5,510 units were sold
- Kolkata also saw sales decline by 31% – from approx. 5,650 units in Q1 2024 to approx. 3,900 units in Q1 2025.
|
City wise Absorption (In Units) and Y-o-Y % change |
|||
|
Cities Name |
Q1-2025 |
Q1-2024 |
% Change (Q1-2024 Vs Q1-2025) |
|
NCR |
12,520 |
15,650 |
-20% |
|
MMR |
31,610 |
42,920 |
-26% |
|
Bangalore |
15,000 |
17,790 |
-16% |
|
Pune |
16,100 |
22,990 |
-30% |
|
Hyderabad |
10,100 |
19,660 |
-49% |
|
Chennai |
4,050 |
5,510 |
-26% |
|
Kolkata |
3,900 |
5,650 |
-31% |
|
Total |
93,280 |
1,30,170 |
-28% |
Price Movement
Average residential property prices across the top 7 cities saw a significant jump in the last one year – ranging between 10-34% in Q1 2025 – when compared to Q1 2024. This was primarily due to steep new supply additions in the luxury and ultra-luxury segment, and overall strong demand. NCR and Bengaluru recorded the highest annual price jump of over 34% and 20%, respectively.
Unsold Inventory
Despite a supply of over one lakh new units in the top 7 cities in Q1 2025, overall available inventory dropped by 4% in Q1 2025 when compared to Q1 2024. The total available inventory in the top 7 cities as of Q1 2025-end stands at approx. 5.60 lakh units. At 16%, Pune saw the highest reduction in unsold inventory in Q1 2025 when compared to Q1 2024.
27, Mar 2025
CK Birla Hospital Gurugram Honors Women with a Unique Bikathon and Wellness Celebration

Commemorating International Women’s month, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, successfully hosted a grand Bike Rally and Wellness Event, celebrating the spirit and strength of women while promoting health and wellness in the society. The event, saw enthusiastic participation from Harley-Davidson riders, fitness enthusiasts, and the common public, making it a remarkable success.
The bikathon commenced with a vibrant flag-off ceremony at the Harley-Davidson Showroom, Hero Honda Chowk. Riders gathered for a brief introduction before embarking on a rally towards CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. The roaring engines of Harley-Davidson motorcycles signified a powerful message of empowerment and unity, as the bikers rode in solidarity to honor women.
Upon arrival at CK Birla Hospital, the bikers were greeted with cheers and applause from the gathered attendees. The morning wellness activities had already set an energetic tone, with a Zumba and Yoga session engaging all the participants, as all the bikers also joined hands for an electrifying fitness experience.
Speaking about the event, Mr Vipul Jain, CEO Hospitals CK Birla Group, said “This bikathon and wellness event was a tribute to the unwavering spirit of women and a reminder of the importance of health, fitness, and social involvement. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and participation, which made this celebration truly special.”
These invigorating sessions promoted health and well-being, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to holistic wellness. All the Harley-Davidson riders were honored for their contributions to women’s empowerment and service.
This Bike Rally and Wellness Event highlighted CK Birla Hospital’s dedication to nurturing overall well-being and promoting an active lifestyle. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, the event successfully championed the values of empowerment, unity, and wellness, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
27, Mar 2025
TTK Prestige Redefines Kettles with the New Digi Kettle Collection
Hyderabad, 27th March 2025 – TTK Prestige, a household name in innovative kitchen appliances, proudly introduces its latest Digi Kettle Range, designed to redefine the way you brew tea, coffee, and instant meals. Packed with smart technology, modern aesthetics, and advanced safety features, this new collection ensures precision heating, effortless usability, and maximum convenience.
The Prestige Digi Kettle 2.0L stands out with its Live Temperature Display, which allows users to monitor heating in real time. Equipped with four preset temperature modes and a Keep Warm function, it guarantees the perfect brew every time. The 360° Swivel Base ensures easy, cordless pouring from any angle, enhancing ease of use. Designed with safety in mind, it features Automatic Power Cut-Off to prevent overheating and Dry Heat Protection to avoid operation without water. The stainless steel inner body ensures durability and purity, while the single-touch lid locking system adds an extra layer of convenience.

Expanding its range, TTK Prestige also introduces the Prestige Glass Kettle 1.8L and the Prestige Cool Touch Kettle 1.5L, catering to diverse consumer needs. The Prestige Glass Kettle 1.8L seamlessly blends style and functionality with its sleek glass body, blue LED indicator, and metallic rose gold finish. Designed for enhanced safety and efficiency, it features Auto Cut-Off, Dry Heat Protection, and a Concealed Heating Element. The Prestige Cool Touch Kettle 1.5L, available in black and white, is a stylish and secure choice with a cool-touch exterior that makes it safe to handle even while boiling. It is equipped with Auto Cut-Off, Dry Heat Protection, and a concealed heating element, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
27, Mar 2025
PRONGO by PLUSS Advanced Technologies Sets New Standard for Temperature-Controlled Packaging
India, March 27, 2025 – PLUSS Advanced Technologies Ltd. has introduced PRONGO®, a new line of temperature-controlled packaging and boxes designed to maintain a stable temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius for frozen and temperature-sensitive food products. This innovation aims to address challenges in the transportation of chocolates, ice creams, dairy products, and other frozen goods like fish, particularly in high-temperature conditions exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
PRONGO® utilizes Phase Change Material (PCM) technology to regulate temperature without relying on dry ice or other conventional cooling methods. This approach helps preserve the taste, texture, and quality of products while eliminating potential safety risks associated with dry ice.

Samit Jain, Managing Director of PLUSS Advanced Technologies, stated, “Our focus at PLUSS is to develop solutions that address everyday challenges. Among the various products we have developed, PRONGO® is specifically designed to preserve the quality and freshness of temperature-sensitive items during transport, minimising the risk of melting, freezer burn, and temperature fluctuations that could impact the consumer experience.”
PRONGO® functions as a thermal battery, regulating heat absorption to stabilize temperatures during transit. This helps ensure that frozen and temperature-sensitive products stay in optimal condition without exposure to extreme temperature variations, preserving their quality until they reach consumers.
27, Mar 2025
Blockchain Education Gets a Boost with Binance Academy and University of Oulu Partnership
March 27, 2025: Binance Academy, the education platform of Binance, has joined forces with Finland’s University of Oulu to launch a course on “Blockchain for Business Sustainability.” This collaboration brings together Binance Academy’s expertise in crypto and blockchain education with the University of Oulu’s strong academic foundation in business and technology.
Revolutionizing Sustainability Through Blockchain
Developed in partnership with Dr. Teck Ming (Terence) Tan, Associate Professor of Marketing at Oulu Business School and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki, this free, self-paced course addresses the rising demand for sustainability-focused blockchain education. It consists of 12 modules covering key topics such as supply chain transparency, renewable energy adoption, and eco-friendly business strategies. Quizzes at the end of each week help reinforce learning, and participants who complete the course will receive a co-branded certificate from Binance Academy and the University of Oulu.
“We designed this course to clarify what blockchain can truly achieve in sustainability,” said Professor Tan. “By focusing on five key areas – supply chain management, circular economy, renewable energy, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting, and incentivization – we hope to showcase how blockchain technology can drive real impact.”
He emphasized that blockchain’s decentralized nature opens new possibilities for sustainable business practices. “It has been an inspiring journey to partner with Binance Academy and share insights on blockchain’s role in shaping a greener future,” he added.
Bringing Transformative Ideas to Life
Bringing this vision to life, Binance Academy worked closely with Professor Tan to develop the course, offering its expertise in educational design and blockchain resources. Through this collaboration, the course integrates academic research with real-world applications, making complex blockchain concepts accessible to learners of all backgrounds.
Stephen McAllister, Binance Academy Team Lead, highlighted the significance of education in driving blockchain adoption. “Education is key to helping individuals navigate the evolving digital economy,” he said.
McAllister emphasized that the partnership with the University of Oulu makes blockchain education more accessible and applicable to real-world challenges. “This free course will give learners the knowledge to see how blockchain can drive sustainability, helping industries become more transparent, efficient, and environmentally responsible,” he noted.
A Vision in Motion
This partnership aligns with Binance Academy’s vision of making blockchain education accessible, practical, and impactful for learners worldwide. It builds on past collaborations with leading European universities, such as the Prague University of Economics and Business, the European Business University of Luxembourg, and the European School of Management (ESCP), to offer accredited Web3 courses.
Additionally, Binance Academy’s Learn and Earn and Student Ambassador Program further enhance the learning experience, offering lifelong learners hands-on opportunities to learn and actively engage with the blockchain community. By expanding educational initiatives like these, Binance Academy bridges the gap between blockchain technology and real-world applications, empowering the next generation to drive innovation in a more transparent and sustainable digital economy.
27, Mar 2025
Honeywell and Verizon Drive Energy Grid Innovation with Cutting-Edge 5G Connectivity
INDIA, March 27, 2025 – Honeywell and Verizon Business today announced that Honeywell smart meters will now include Verizon 5G connectivity to allow both utilities and end users to remotely access essential data, better manage energy usage and resources, and streamline operations to help alleviate strain on the grid.
The Verizon-connected Honeywell smart meters provide utility companies with a highly reliable and secure cellular network capable of sending information about energy usage, grid conditions and equipment performance. This information can be fed into utility management platforms such as Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities to deliver heightened operational visibility that will support energy insights, provide near real-time “bottoms up” forecast of energy demand, and help improve grid reliability and resiliency.
“Put simply: secure, reliable connectivity in smart meters makes it easier to monitor the usage of resources and the performance of utility equipment. That means we can reduce waste, unburden our grids, and generally take time and cost out of the utility management process,” said TJ Fox, Senior Vice President of Industrial IoT and Automotive at Verizon Business. “With massive changes on the horizon for utilities, connected capabilities are going to be critical for managing evolving demands for energy and minimizing outages or unforeseen maintenance events.”
“By leveraging the power of AI, Cloud and 5G, we are driving the shift to autonomy for utilities and fundamentally changing the way energy distribution is managed by offering real time connectivity,” said Amol Motivala, President of Honeywell Smart Energy. “Through Verizon 5G connectivity, we are reimagining the utility ecosystem with cellular connected smart meters that provide the needed insights to help improve grid performance and customer satisfaction.”
“With the growth of IoT solutions for utilities, there’s a clear trend toward using cellular-connected intelligence to monitor the grid for operational efficiency, health, resiliency, energy usage and overall performance,” said John Marcus, Senior Principal Analyst, GlobalData. “This is especially important as charging infrastructure and energy-management innovations continue to proliferate and are poised for rapid growth. Cellular connectivity, with its inherent security and reliability, is one of the most effective ways to enable the intelligence that can help unburden the grid and more efficiently, intelligently manage energy resources.”
The Verizon-connected Honeywell smart meters also support remote upgradability of new functionality and applications, extending the useful life of the investment and reducing the need for a technician to visit in person. With remote connectivity, customers can also anticipate fewer service interruptions and more reliable utilities.
27, Mar 2025
PingCAP Focuses on Driving Database Innovation in India at TiDB User Day 2025
Bengaluru, India – March 27, 2025 – PingCAP, powering open-source distributed SQL database TiDB, reaffirmed its commitment to driving database innovation in India by hosting the inaugural TiDB User Day India 2025 in Bengaluru on 26th March 2025. As India becomes one of the fastest-growing markets for TiDB, the event served as a forum to honour the contribution of TiDB in India. The event brought together technology leaders, database professionals, and industry innovators to explore real-world use cases, best practices, and the future of distributed databases in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. By recognizing the role of its users and partners, TiDB aims to further empower Indian enterprises with scalable and innovative solutions to accelerate digital transformation in the country.

The event highlighted TiDB’s growing adoption in India and its impact on powering next-generation applications. The summit featured insightful keynotes and panel discussions led by experts from Flipkart, Databricks, ElasticRun, Mydbops, and other leading organizations, covering topics such as scaling databases, performance optimization, and AI-driven innovations. Attendees engaged in deep-dive technical sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on the evolving role of TiDB in modern data infrastructure. Demonstrations included a live TiDB Performance Tuning session for high concurrency workloads, coupled with special recognition of the open-source community members who actively contribute to TiDB’s development and innovation. Awards were presented to community members for their significant contributions, exceptional knowledge, and passion. Over 200 attendees participated in person, reflecting the event’s broad reach and the growing interest among TiDB customers and community members.
Commenting on the event, Bhanu Jamwal, Head of India Business at TiDB, stated, “India’s rapid digital transformation is driving an unprecedented surge in data. Businesses need future-proof database solutions that can scale effortlessly while supporting real-time decision-making. TiDB’s distributed architecture and HTAP capabilities position it as a game-changer for companies looking to modernize their data infrastructure. As part of our long-term vision for India, we are targeting a 5x revenue increase over the next three years, driven by expanding our local team, deepening partnerships with cloud providers like AWS and Google Cloud, and strengthening community engagement through workshops, training sessions, and hackathons.”
Adding to this, Sunny Bains, Chief Architect at TiDB, said, “With the growing integration of RAG in AI applications to enhance accuracy, vector search has become a critical component. Traditional databases often fall short in supporting RAG-based applications. TiDB offers a unified system that seamlessly combines vector search capabilities with relational database features, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple databases. At TiDB User Day, we demonstrated how enterprises can leverage TiDB’s vector search capabilities to optimize AI performance.“
“TiDB has proven to be the missing piece in the scaling puzzle. This event provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the product while allowing us to connect with other TiDB users to exchange insights on how distributed SQL can address the evolving data needs,” added Ajit Pendse, Director, Technology, ElasticRun.
“TiDB User Day was a great experience—getting to hear from experts and fellow users about real-world challenges and solutions was really insightful. The hands-on sessions gave me a lot of ideas to take back to my team. It’s always great to connect with the community and learn from each other,” said Raj Suvariya, Software Engineer, Stripe
As India accelerates towards a $1 trillion digital economy, TiDB remains committed to empowering businesses with cutting-edge distributed SQL technology. Through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and continuous innovation, TiDB is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s data infrastructure, enabling enterprises to build for scale, optimize performance, and drive digital transformation.
27, Mar 2025
Legrand India Earns Renewed European and International Gender Equality Certification
Mumbai, March 27, 2025: Group Legrand India, has been awarded the renewed Gender Equality and Diversity European and International Standard (GEEIS) Certification in recognition of the Organization’s policies and initiatives promoting diversity, equity and workplace inclusion. The certification was granted by Bureau Veritas, a recognized certifying body for GEEIS-DIVERSITY. Group Legrand India received its first certification in 2023 and has renewed it once again, meeting the parameters defined by the certification body.
The GEEIS-DIVERSITY certification is based on a rigorous assessment of a company’s policies, practices and culture in promoting equality and diversity and recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive work environment. For Group Legrand, inclusion is built around five focal areas: gender diversity, inclusivity towards people with disabilities, intergenerational collaboration, inclusion of LGBTQ+ people origin or background, whether social, cultural or ethno-racial diversity of background.
“We are delighted to receive the renewed GEEIS-DIVERSITY certification for India, which reaffirms our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in our workplace,” said Tony Berland, CEO and Managing Director of Group Legrand India. “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of our People philosophy and a significant pillar in our CSR Roadmap. We believe that this is critical for business success and social progress, and we are committed to creating a work environment where everyone can reach their full potential.”
Commenting on the certification, Nisha Samuel, VP-HR, Group Legrand India said “We have taken conscious and targeted actions like addressing gender imbalances, promoting intergenerational mentorship, enhancing accessibility for employees with disabilities, celebrating cultural diversity, and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through inclusive policies.”
Group Legrand India has implemented several initiatives to promote diversity at the workplace, including a diversity and inclusion policy that promotes equal opportunities for all employees, a flexible work arrangement policy that allows employees to balance their personal and professional commitments, a gender-neutral parental leave policy, insurance policy for live-in partners, and various people development initiatives to help build a stronger diverse leadership and talent pipeline. We have two active ERGs dedicated for Diversity i.e. Ellegrand and Legrand Rainbow network.
27, Mar 2025
Fate and Destiny Collide in the New Season of Idhayam
Chennai, 27th March 2025: ZEE Tamil, one of the leading Tamil television channels in Tamil Nadu, is all set to captivate audiences with the second season of its popular show, Idhayam. Known for its unique storyline and compelling characters, Idhayam has won the hearts of viewers across Tamil Nadu. The new season will telecast from Monday, 24th March at 2 PM, On Zee Tamil.
Idhayam saw Richard and Janani Ashok Kumar playing the lead roles. The story ended with Aadhi leaving for America, determined to erase all memories of Bharathi. With the new season premiering today, the drama takes a fresh turn with exciting new developments.

Pallavi Gowda will now play the role of Bharathi, replacing Janani. Pallavi has previously worked alongside Richard in a Telugu serial, making her a familiar face to the audience. Additionally, actress Pareena will be joining the cast as Aadhi’s close friend.
The new season follows Aadhi’s life in America, where he meets his friend and eventually falls in love. The couple gets engaged and returns to India for their wedding after 5 years. Meanwhile, Bharathi continues to live in Chennai with her two children.
As Aadhi reaches Chennai for his wedding, will he come face-to-face with Bharathi? Will old memories resurface? Can separated hearts reunite? The upcoming season promises unexpected twists and emotional moments, keeping the audience engaged.