11, Dec 2025
Santé Spa Cuisine Rolls Out Its New Winter Menu
Mumbai, Dec 11: Known for its focus on clean, ingredient-driven cooking and contemporary vegetarian plates, Santé Spa Cuisine continues to champion wholesome, flavour-forward dining in the city. Staying true to its ethos of mindful eating and seasonal freshness, the restaurant now introduces its new winter menu crafted to bring warmth, balance, and creativity to the table.
Santé’s refreshed lineup brings together comforting winter flavours and the brand’s signature clean-eating philosophy. Menu highlights include the Quinoa ‘Biryani’, the aromatic Burmese Khaukswe Bowl, the rustic Woodland Ragi Pizza, and the truffle-kissed Baked Mac ‘N Cheese each dish blending nourishment with modern, flavour-rich profiles.
The special Winter Nourishments selection adds a seasonal touch with warm, hearty offerings such as the Hot Ginger & Cider Tea, Sarson Da Saag with Charkoni Missi, and the Stir-Fried Ponkh Dazzler. For a contemporary dessert moment, the Roasted Black Sesame & Walnut Halwa paired with fresh strawberry gelato brings a comforting yet elevated finish.
Complementing the food, the updated Brews & Bites menu features hand-pulled coffees, slow-brewed teas, artisanal matcha drinks, and a new range of house-baked croissants. Thoughtfully crafted and seasonally inspired, Santé’s winter menu blends warmth, wellness, and flavour in every dish.
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- By Neel Achary
11, Dec 2025
Arth by Emcure and Jai Vakeel Foundation host one-of-a-kind event honouring contributors to disability inclusion, with Aamir Khan as Chief Guest
Mumbai, Dec 11: Arth by Emcure, in collaboration with Jai Vakeel Foundation, hosted “Inclusion Ke Sitaare” at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to recognise individuals and organisations supporting inclusion through education, employment, representation and community participation for neurodivergent and intellectually disabled individuals.
Actor Aamir Khan attended as Chief Guest and spoke about the role of families, caregivers and educators in building acceptance, encouraging more people to support inclusion in everyday life. The event was led by Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and founder of Arth by Emcure, and Archana Chandra, CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation, who emphasised that true inclusion comes when every person feels valued, accepted and able to participate equally in society.
Awards were presented to contributors from across India who have taken meaningful steps to remove barriers and build inclusive environments. The honours included recognition for Akshar School for inclusive education, Sol’s Arc for expanding inclusive employment opportunities, Astha for enabling accessible public services, and Buddy Up Network for responsible and positive media representation. Dr. Smita Mahobia was also acknowledged for her individual efforts in guiding families and creating supportive pathways.
The awardees were selected by a jury comprising Dr. Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India, Shilpi Kapoor, Founder of BarrierBreak, Arman Ali, former Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, Kanchan Pamnani, Advocate and Solicitor, and R. S. Prasanna, Film Director. The jury reviewed eligible nominations and deliberated to identify those advancing meaningful inclusion in their communities.
A performance by a children’s group that included children with intellectual disabilities opened the evening, reflecting the confidence and joy that participation brings.
According to a 2022 systematic review published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, the estimated prevalence of intellectual disability in India is around 2 percent, indicating that millions of individuals require sustained inclusion and support across education and community environments (Source: PMC National Library of Medicine). A 2024 workforce inclusion report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) notes that persons with disabilities in India have a labour force participation rate of approximately 36 percent, much lower than the general population.
Organisers said such gaps highlight why recognition of inclusive practices can encourage more schools, workplaces and civic systems to support people with intellectual disabilities in everyday life.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Thapar said, “Inclusion is meaningful when every child and adult can participate with confidence and support”. Ms. Chandra added that, “acknowledging supporters and advocates helps families feel encouraged and recognised in their efforts”.
Families, educators and supporters attended the ceremony, united in the belief that every person deserves the right to belong and be included in society.
11, Dec 2025
Mauritius President Inaugurates Dr Agarwal’s New Corneal & Pinhole Eye Facility
President of Mauritius Inaugurates Dr Agarwals Eye Hospitals Corneal Transplant & Pinhole Pupilloplasty Facility, Marking the Group’s Expansion into Mauritius
Chennai, Dec 11: Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, one of India’s prominent eye-care groups, has expanded its international presence with the launch of a Specialised Corneal Transplant & Pinhole Pupilloplasty Centre at Ebene, Mauritius. Inaugurated by His Excellency Mr Dharambeer Gokhool G.C.S.K., President of the Republic of Mauritius, the facility marks an important step in strengthening India–Mauritius healthcare collaboration and improving access to advanced corneal care in the region.
With the launch of this centre, a range of advanced corneal procedures developed and refined in India, including PDEK (Pre-Descemet’s Endothelial Keratoplasty), CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segment) and Pinhole Pupilloplasty will now be accessible to patients in Mauritius and neighbouring African nations. These specialised techniques, pioneered by surgeons at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, reflect India’s growing contribution to global ophthalmic innovation.
Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency Mr Dharambeer Gokhool G.C.S.K., President of the Republic of Mauritius, said,
“The launch of this specialised eye care centre reflects the growing collaboration between Mauritius and India in the healthcare sector. It will enhance access to advanced ophthalmic care for patients in Mauritius and the wider region.”
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Amar Agarwal, Chairman, Dr Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals, said,
“This launch reinforces our long-standing vision to take India’s ophthalmic innovations to the world. Our presence in Mauritius is not just an expansion it is a commitment to collaborate, share knowledge, and make modern eye care accessible globally. We are deeply honoured that His Excellency, the President of Mauritius, inaugurated this facility, showing strong belief in innovation-led healthcare.”
Dr. Ashar Agarwal, Chief Business Officer, added,
“Mauritius offers a strong ecosystem for advancing healthcare delivery. Through this specialised centre, we aim to build clinical capacity, enable skill transfer, and strengthen regional access to advanced ophthalmic care. This initiative aligns with our broader mission of addressing avoidable blindness globally.”
The Mauritius centre further strengthens Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital’s international presence. The group operates over 250 centres across India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, serving more than 2 million patients annually. Over the years, the hospital has developed and introduced widely recognised techniques such as Glued IOL, PDEK, SFTP, and CAIRS, reflecting India’s growing contribution to ophthalmic innovation.
11, Dec 2025
India’s Flex Space Market to Surpass 100 Million Sq Ft by 2027, Driven by Enterprise and GCC Demand
Bengaluru, Dec 11: India’s flex space market is poised for a decisive growth phase over the next 2-3 years, with flex stock across the top seven cities expected to surpass 100 million square feet by 2027, up from 72.3 million square feet in 2025, according to Colliers’ latest report “Flex India: Pioneering the Future of Work.” The share of flex spaces in the overall office stock is also set to strengthen, with flex penetration likely to rise from 8.5% in 2025 to 10.5% by 2027, supported by sustained operator expansion. This growth will be further fueled by strong enterprise demand, with average annual seat uptake projected to increase 25% over the next two years to around 200,000 seats, compared to 160,000 seats seen during 2024 and 2025.
“India’s flex market is entering a pivotal era of expansion, with Grade A stock set to surpass 100 million square feet by 2027, growing annually by nearly 20% across the top 7 cities. As domestic enterprises and global firms, especially Global Capability Centers (GCCs) deepen their flex adoption, operators are responding by curating next-generation, customized workspaces adept with advanced PropTech and sustainable features. The flex market momentum is further being bolstered by growing number of operators raising capital through IPOs, signaling strong investor confidence. Overall, the next phase of India’s flex market will be driven by the growth of technology firms, the expansion of GCCs, changing expectations of occupiers and increasing appetite of institutional investors.”, says Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, Colliers India.
Bengaluru accounts for 31% of total flex stock, while Pune stands out with highest flex penetration of 11.5%
Bengaluru leads with more than 22 million square feet of operational flex space, followed by Delhi NCR with 12.5 million square feet, together comprising nearly half of India’s total flex stock. In terms of flex space adoption, Pune stands out prominently with highest flex space penetration of 11.5%, driven by sustained demand from technology and BFSI firms, along with start-ups. Meanwhile, Chennai has emerged as one of the fastest-growing flex markets in the country, recording an impressive 5.6X growth in flex stock since 2021.
Scalable, tech-enabled and customized solutions along with GCC specific services drive flex space growth
Scalability, customization and tech integration have emerged as key occupier priorities in workplace decisions. In response, flex operators are increasingly offering fully managed workspaces with tech support, value-added services, option to customize it according to occupier preferences etc. Additionally, with rising demand from GCCs, flex operators are offering “GCC-as-a-Service” model to global firms, assisting them in identifying optimal locations, obtaining regulatory approvals and delivering workspaces aligned with global standards. Also, operators are prioritizing ESG-focused design and preferring to expand their green-certified portfolio. Interestingly, in the last 2-3 years, around 70% of the flex space uptake was concentrated in green-certified developments, underscoring the pragmatic approach toward sustainability.
Technology and BFSI firms account for 60-65% of enterprise demand; engineering & manufacturing and consulting firms to increase their flex portfolio
Enterprise occupiers continue to dominate India’s flex market, accounting for nearly 70% of the total flex seat demand. Average annual enterprise seat uptake has grown notably, from around 50,000 seats in 2021 to nearly 160,000 seats in 2024 and 2025, led primarily by technology and BFSI firms – these sectors cumulatively contribute around 60% of the current enterprise demand. This strong trajectory is set to continue further, with annual enterprise seat uptake expected to reach ~200,000 seats during 2026 and 2027, marking a 25% increase over the preceding two-year period. While technology and BFSI occupiers will remain the most prominent demand drivers, sectors such as engineering & manufacturing and consulting are expected to contribute more meaningfully, accounting for 10-15% of enterprise seat uptake each.
GCCs to account for half of the flex space demand as their India footprint deepens across major cities
A defining shift in recent years has been the rapid rise of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as prominent occupiers of flex space in the country. During 2025, GCCs continue to drive 40–45% of the approximate 160,000 enterprise seat uptake across the country, and their share is expected to further rise over the next two years as they scale and diversify their India operations.
“GCCs have become one of the most prominent demand drivers of flex space, accounting for 40-45% of the enterprise seat uptake. As they expand into higher-value functions such as R&D, engineering, analytics and artificial intelligence, flex operators are responding with specialized value-added offerings including onboarding support, compliance-ready infrastructure, fully managed services and rapid deployment models. With PropTech-led efficiencies, enterprise-grade solutions and sustainability features becoming core to flex portfolios, GCCs are expected to deepen their flex adoption, contributing to nearly half of total enterprise demand over the next two years.” says Vimal Nadar, National Director & Head of Research, Colliers India.
SBDs emerge as core flex space hubs across Tier I cities; Tier II city expansion to accelerate
India’s flex market continues to be dominated by Tier I cities, which account for the majority of operator expansions and enterprise activity. Within these cities, Secondary Business Districts (SBDs) remain the preferred micro-markets, contributing to over half of the Grade A flex space uptake in the last 5 years. Their proximity to large talent clusters, availability of high-quality commercial developments, improving infrastructure-led-connectivity and relatively lower real estate costs have made them favorable for operators and occupiers alike.
At the same time, several operators are aggressively expanding into Tier II locations such as Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram etc. With average seat rentals 30–35% lower than Tier I cities, the price arbitrage in these smaller markets offer compelling reasons for occupiers to prefer flex spaces while adopting hub-and-spoke as well as distributed workforce models. Driven by the anticipated traction in these emerging locations, Tier II cities can witness steady expansion of flex operators, and account for 10–15% of the country’s flex stock by 2027.
11, Dec 2025
Wishes and Blessings Holds National Dialogue on Humanity in the Digital Era
New Delhi, Dec 11:Wishes and Blessings, a Delhi-based NGO committed to inclusive social development, marked World Human Rights Day by hosting a national dialogue on “Reimagining Humanity in the Digital Age” at the Triveni Kala Sangam Auditorium, New Delhi, in collaboration with The Logical Indian. The event brought together leading voices from academia, media, research, digital rights, and the social sector to discuss how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are reshaping human behavior, social interactions, and society’s understanding of humanity.
The panel featured Abhishek Mazumdar (Co-Founder, The Logical Indian), Akanksha Ahluwalia (Lead, Media, Action & Awareness Programme, Digital Empowerment Foundation), Dr Geetanjali Chopra (Founder & President, Wishes and Blessings), Dr Pavan Duggal (Advocate, Supreme Court), and Dr Rakhi Tripathi (Professor & Area Chair, FORE School of Management). The session was moderated by Rishabh Gulati, Editor-in-Chief, NewsX.
Panelists engaged in thought-provoking discussions on digital ethics, privacy, human agency, and the balance between technological efficiency and emotional connection. The dialogue highlighted how the digital era, accelerated by COVID-19, has enabled communities to reconnect, expanded internet access to underserved areas, and significantly impacted society.
The event drew enthusiastic participation from students, young professionals, and youth delegates, whose questions added depth and highlighted generational perspectives on digital transformation.
WB Ambassador of Humanity Awards 2025
Following the panel discussion, Wishes and Blessings, in association with The Logical Indian, hosted the WB Ambassador of Humanity Awards 2025, celebrating individuals demonstrating extraordinary commitment to community upliftment.
The selection process included:
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Stage One: Screening of national submissions for eligibility and impact.
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Stage Two: Shortlisted candidates participated in one-on-one discussions to assess depth, sustainability, and authenticity.
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Stage Three: Independent jury review by Dr Shylashri Shankar, Dr Indu Prakash Singh, Al Arafat Sherfuddeen, and Dr Geetanjali Chopra.
Award recipients included:
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Ms Anitha: Supporting underprivileged communities through education and social awareness.
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Ms Diksha Chourasia: Contributions to child protection, women’s health, rural development, and youth empowerment.
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Dr Manish Jain: Empowering the transgender community via dignified employment and inclusion initiatives at Kineer Services.
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Ms Geet: Founder of Next Nebula, using AI and AR/VR to make science education globally accessible.
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Mrs Neetu Luthra: Leadership in education and underprivileged student development.
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Ms Padmajaraje Gaekwad: ‘Heart To Feet’ initiative, distributing over 8,000 pairs of footwear to vulnerable populations.
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Ms Portia Patatunda: Improving educational access for children in remote Himalayan regions via Rewa Buddhist Model School and Planet Spiti Foundation.
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Mr Raj Aryan: Founder of The Better Society Foundation, empowering youth to serve communities.
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Dr Tejas Singhal: Community oral healthcare initiatives, including free dental services and oral cancer awareness.
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Mr Yuvraj Pradhan: Environmental leadership, planting lakhs of trees and mobilizing youth for awareness campaigns.
Dr Geetanjali Chopra said, “Each recipient exemplifies unwavering commitment to humanity. Their grassroots efforts show that compassion, courage, and community spirit remain the foundation of meaningful social transformation.”
Event Impact and Legacy
The dialogue and awards reinforced the organization’s dedication to fostering informed discussion on social challenges and recognizing changemakers committed to dignity, equity, and service.
For over a decade, Wishes and Blessings has advanced inclusive development through flagship initiatives like Open Pathshala, The Daily Meals Programme, Street to School, Sponsor a Child, SAHAS (Skill Development), WB Rasoi (Community Kitchen), and Mann ka Tilak (old-age homes). To date, the NGO has:
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Served over one crore meals
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Educated more than 2,300 children
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Impacted over 9 million lives across eight states
This milestone event exemplifies the NGO’s commitment to building an equitable and empowered society, highlighting the transformative potential of both technology and human initiative.
11, Dec 2025
Leaders Unite to Advance Safe Schools, Says MCD Mayor
“Leaders Standing Together Will Make Safe Schools a Reality,” Says Shri Raja Iqbal Singh, Mayor, MCD, at National Summit on Safe Schools Leadership
New Delhi, Dec 11: The National Summit on Safe Schools Leadership, convened by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), united top policymakers, school principals educators, safety experts, and community leaders to address the critical issue of child safety in India’s schools. The summit emphasized that the safety, security, and well-being of over 26 crore school-going children is a national priority tied to India’s vision for 2047.
Shri Raja Iqbal Singh, Mayor, MCD, underscored the importance of collaboration among government entities, school management, and community leaders to overcome challenges such as leadership vacancies. He said, “If leaders like us stand with you, whether it is the Delhi Government, Delhi Municipal Corporation, or any public school, then it will be easy for you to work.” Highlighting teachers as powerful role models, Shri Singh stressed protecting children physically, emotionally, and digitally. Reflecting on tragic events including the Goa accident that claimed 25 lives, he called for fostering mental resilience and cultural values in children to build a safer and stronger society.
Shri Rajendra Singh, Member & Head of Department (HoD), National Disaster Management Authority, emphasized that school safety transcends drills to include structural integrity, health, psychosocial support, cybersecurity, and transportation. He highlighted NDMA’s efforts such as the Delhi school safety program covering 2,082 schools in its initial phase, aiming to extend to over 5,000 schools across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Shri Singh stressed a collaborative approach, involving “education, health, urban development, local authorities, and community volunteers,” calling safety a constitutional mandate echoed by the Supreme Court. He underlined the critical role of community-led initiatives like the ABDA Mitra program, which has trained 1 lakh volunteers to promote resilience at the grassroots.
Shri Vivek Shrivastava, IPS, Former Director, Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, applauded PHDCCI’s expanded safety focus that includes fire prevention, mental health, cyber safety, and road safety education, advocating for these as integral parts of the school curriculum. He flagged emerging challenges from artificial intelligence, citing a US study showing over one-third of teenagers face psychological risks linked to AI, emphasizing that “safety must be ingrained into the spirit of every institution.” Shri Shrivastava called for public-private partnerships to promote safety literacy and foster student-led safety clubs.
Prof. Sridhar Srivastava, Professor, Educational Survey Division (ESD) & Dean (Coordination), NCERT, highlighted the alignment of school safety with the holistic aims of education under the National Education Policy 2020, ranging from rational thought and mental well-being to cultural pride and economic participation. He stressed creating safe, inclusive environments where children develop at their own pace without undue performance pressure. Prof. Srivastava praised NCERT’s UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathize, Empower, Develop) and helpline services that support children and teachers in building mental health resilience.
Shri Devendra Gill, Executive Director, DMRC, shared powerful anecdotes contrasting personal experiences of safety culture abroad with challenges faced by safety volunteers in India. He lamented difficulties in engaging schools despite the availability of trained volunteers and resources, underscoring the urgency to value life above all. Shri Gill emphasized the devastating cost of school tragedies in India and worldwide, emphasizing that “a stable table has six legs,” including community preparedness, infrastructure safety, emergency response, technology, and accessible leadership, to ensure resilient schools.
Dr. Usha Ram, Senior Educationist, framed schools as second homes where safety is foundational for nurturing trust, confidence, and growth. She broadened the concept of safe schools beyond infrastructure to emotional, mental, and digital safety. Urging leadership steeped in empathy and accountability, Dr. Ram urged the summit to drive measurable change so every child feels secure, valued, and empowered to dream freely.
Shri Hemant Sapra, Chair, Safety & Fire Taskforce, PHDCCI, outlined urgency of embedding safety habits from childhood safety awareness from early childhood, noting, “In developed nations, children inherently learn how to protect themselves calmly and confidently.” He highlighted the cultural challenge in India, where fatalism often replaces proactive safety measures, advocating for embedding safety habits early to transform the nation into a safer place for all.
Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, reiterated the summit’s three-legged approach, safe infrastructure, mental well-being, and transportation safety, as essential pillars that support child safety. He shared startling statistics from different reports: over 30% of Indian schools lack basic safety infrastructure; 1 in 7 children faces mental health challenges; and 6 to 8% of child deaths occur in school transport-related incidents. Dr. Singh described the summit as a call to action to implement innovative safety technologies and trauma-informed learning environments.
Shri Rupesh Pandey, Senior Secretary, PHDCCI, spoke candidly from a parent’s perspective, expressing gratitude for the partnership with MCD leadership and education departments that shaped the summit. He reflected on the vital role of schools in nation-building and urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders. Shri Pandey affirmed that this summit is a beginning step toward sustained engagement, emphasizing that “we are building a nation through the safety and education of our children.”
The National Summit on Safe Schools Leadership reinforced a collective vision: India’s children deserve learning environments that are secure, inclusive, and nurturing- physically, emotionally, and digitally. Through unified action by governments, schools, families, and communities, the summit laid pathways to translate policies into practice, turning safe schools into a cornerstone of India’s development journey.
11, Dec 2025
DailyObjects Launches ‘The Playground’ Design Experience at Jio World Drive
Mumbai, Dec 11: DailyObjects, India’s leading design-driven lifestyle brand, opens The DailyObjects Playground at Jio World Drive, BKC, an immersive, free-flowing exhibit that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while maintaining a distinctive identity. Situated just steps from Apple’s flagship BKC store, the space transcends the idea of a traditional kiosk, inviting visitors to drift, explore, and play instinctively.
Rooted in the brand’s design-first philosophy, the Playground celebrates flow, continuity, and quiet expressiveness. Its elliptical, open-loop form and thoughtfully placed glass partitions work together to create an experience without boundaries and one that merges seamlessly with its surroundings and encourages natural, intuitive movement. With no sharp edges or abrupt breaks, the space guides visitors gently, inviting them to “Follow the Flow” through an environment shaped by curiosity.
Inside, soft, deliberate design cues and intuitive pathways lead visitors organically through the exhibit, while a track-inspired floor palette, defined by symmetry, geometry, and playful rhythm, encourages moments of pause and reflection. The result is a setting of openness and effortless flow, a clear expression of DailyObjects’ values of ease, clarity, and a quiet delight in everyday living.An intentionally seamless structure ensures the objects remain the heroes. Positioned within a clean, uninterrupted field of vision, DailyObjects’ latest products including the flagship launches Stack, Loop, Pop, and the brand’s newest watchbands invite exploration the way one would discover objects in a thoughtfully designed and curated play environment.
“At DailyObjects, design is not just what you see; it’s an experience,” said Pankaj Garg, Founder, DailyObjects. “The Playground, our signature experiential space format, brings that to life, offering an immersive environment where visitors engage with our products, forging a deeper, multi-sensory connection and lasting affinity with the brand.”
Located within Mumbai’s most prominent retail hub, the Jio World Drive exhibit also marks the brand’s third retail presence in the city, deepening DailyObjects’ connection with its Mumbai audience. Its placement strategically beside the Apple Store, underscores the brand’s long-standing synergy with the Apple ecosystem, where DailyObjects’ products naturally extend and elevate the design language of the devices people use every day.
“Mumbai has always been an important market for us,” the brand noted. “The Playground allows us to meet our customers where they are, offering them a real, tactile encounter with DailyObjects’ design-led products.”
11, Dec 2025
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel Unveil Winter Travel Trends 2025
Mumbai, December 12, 2025: Winter travel is witnessing growing interest from Indian travellers showcasing a mix of winter adventures, cultural/festive celebrations and exceptional experiences. Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, announced their Winter travel trends 2025, unveiling evolving traveller preferences for the winter/end-of-year season.
A notable highlight this year is the extension of winter holiday travel timelines – till March—providing travellers with an expanded window to explore winter destinations and experiences. Alongside Europe’s alpine routes, Northern Lights and iconic Christmas markets, Indians are showing strong interest in global cultural calendars including the Rio Carnival in February and snow festivals across Japan, South Korea and China in January–February. This evolution reflects how diverse traveller segments—from families and couples to millennials, Gen Z and professionals—are making travel a year-round pursuit, with winter 2025 offering a rich blend of adventure, culture, wellness and luxury. We are also witnessing a growing interest towards closer-to-home destinations with easy visa/visa-free processes and improved connectivity.
Key Winter travel trends
· Soft adventure & Outdoor winter activities: Skiing, snowshoeing, Tobogganing/sledding, snowmobiling, husky/reindeer safaris across Europe’s Alpine regions of Switzerland, France, Austria and Germany, witnessing Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Russia’s Murmansk
· Direct connectivity, no-visa or easy visas and attractive pricing inspiring travel to short haul destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Morocco and long haul favourites like Australia, New Zealand
· India and Indian subcontinent’s Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, North East and Sri Lanka
· Winter wellness experiences like thermotherapy and cold plunges, ice bathing in Sweden’s Uppsala and Fjällnora; Norway’s Tjuvholmen and Svalbard, renowned Swiss spa town of Bad Zurzach, Japanese onsen, Korean jjimjilbang, mineral mud baths in New Zealand & Vietnam, wellness retreats in Bali & Thailand; Himalayan spa retreats and Ayurvedic centers in Kerala
· Distinctive stays: eco-friendly glamping in geodesic domes amidst the Swiss Alps; stargazing through glass igloos in Lapland; châteaux/palaces in France, Italy and Austria; traditional mountain lodges in Scandinavia/Georgia; wooden cabins in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, havelis and luxury tents in Rajasthan
· Event/Cultural calendars: Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in South Korea, Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík, Amsterdam Light Festival, New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations in Sydney Australia, USA’s Las Vegas, San Francisco and California; Christmas markets/ winter wonderland in Europe’s Switzerland, France, Austria, UK and Scandinavia; Rann Utsav in Gujarat, Hornbill festival in Nagaland, Bikaner Camel Festival in Rajasthan
· Wildlife safaris are gaining interest: reverse migration season in Kenya and South Africa; wildlife spotting and trekking in Australia and New Zealand; India’s national parks and sanctuaries like Ranthambore National Park, Periyar National Park and Kaziranga National Park opening up for the winter season
· Cruises continue to be the flavor of the season: domestic and international sailings – Resort World Cruise sailings in Singapore, Disney Cruise Line in Australia & New Zealand, MSC sailings in Dubai-Abu Dhabi; river cruising in Egypt
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Winter travel is shaping up as a season of discovery for Indian travellers. With the introduction of new air routes, improved direct connectivity and attractive early-booker pricing, we are seeing strong demand across diverse segments—from multigenerational families and couples to millennials and working professionals. While Europe’s alpine adventures and Scandinavia’s Northern Lights remain timeless favourites, there is rising interest in closer-to-home destinations across South East Asia, Central Asia and India, driven by easy visa access and direct/improved connectivity. From a domestic front, Andamans, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa and North East continue to be the top destinations. What excites us most is the appetite for unique experiences—whether it’s winter wellness in Japan and Scandinavia, distinctive stays from igloos to palaces, vibrant cultural festivals, or wildlife safaris and luxury cruises in Antarctica.”
Mr. S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel, said, “Travel is increasingly becoming a year-round pursuit, and Winter 2025 reflects this evolution with a rich blend of adventure, culture and wellness. Europe’s winter wonderland and iconic Christmas markets continue to inspire festive travel, while unique experiences like witnessing the Aurora Borealis across Scandinavia and Russia are gaining traction. Cruising too has emerged as a strong favourite—whether international sailings across Singapore, Australia and Abu Dhabi, or river cruises in Egypt. This growing appetite underscores how Indian travellers are seeking distinctive experiences across destinations and formats, making winter travel more diverse and dynamic than ever. What’s especially encouraging is the rising interest from India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, along with strong growth in the MICE segment, signaling a broader shift in travel aspirations across the country.”
10, Dec 2025
JIMS Rohini Successfully Concludes ICAMP 2025 to Drive Innovation in Management Education
New Delhi, Dec 10: The International Conference on Advances in Management Practices (ICAMP 2025) was successfully organized at Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini, bringing together distinguished academicians, researchers, and industry leaders from across the country.
The objective of ICAMP 2025 was to provide a multidisciplinary platform for scholars and practitioners to share contemporary research, explore innovative management practices, and discuss emerging trends influencing the global business landscape, particularly in domains such as Marketing, Finance, HRM, Operations, Business Analytics, and General Management. The conference began with delegate registration and kit distribution, followed by a formal Inaugural Session, which set an engaging academic tone for the day. Dr. Himanshu Goel, Convener of ICAMP 2025, welcomed participants and highlighted the conference vision, saying,
“ICAMP 2025 was designed to bring together the brightest minds to explore transformative ideas that redefine management thought and practice in today’s dynamic environment.” Delivering the Inaugural Address, Dr. Pooja Jain, Director, JIMS, emphasized the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and collaborative research.
She noted, “Conferences like ICAMP serve as catalysts for intellectual growth, enabling scholars and practitioners to collaborate and contribute to the future of management education and industry.”The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Anuja Mathur, HOD, SSCBS, Delhi University, who remarked,“It is encouraging to witness such an enthusiastic gathering of scholars who are shaping contemporary discourse through impactful research.”The event featured insights from the Guest of Honor, Mr. Sunando Bhattacharya, Chief Revenue Officer, Yotta, who stated, “The convergence of technology and management is reshaping business landscapes, and platforms like ICAMP enable crucial dialogue between academia and industry.”
The Chief Guest, Ms. Anuradha Sastry, Director at PwC India, delivered the keynote address, adding,“In an era driven by data and digital acceleration, the role of innovative management practices has never been more critical”. The inaugural segment also saw the formal release of the Abstract Booklet, followed by a Vote of Thanks from Dr. Shrajal Gupta, Co-Convener, who acknowledged the contributions of all attendees and said,“ICAMP 2025 is a testament to our vision of nurturing quality research and fostering collaboration across disciplines.”
Following the inaugural function, ICAMP 2025 hosted a high-impact Panel Discussion on “Role of AI in Management”, moderated by Mr. Rajeev Narang, SME Growth Consultant and TEDx Speaker. The panel featured Dr. Chandan Prasad (IIM Bodhgaya), Ms. Tanya Sarin (EY), and Prof. (Dr.) Reetesh Kumar Singh (Delhi School of Economics), who collectively explored the implications of AI for organizational efficiency, decision-making, and ethical governance.
Mr. Narang highlighted,“AI is not just a tool—it is a strategic enabler reshaping decision-making and organizational competitiveness.”Post the networking lunch, the conference progressed into nine parallel Research Sharing Sessions, chaired by eminent academicians from IIM Bodhgaya, IIT Roorkee, IMT Ghaziabad, IIM Raipur, FMS Delhi, SGGSCC, and senior JIMS faculty members. Research scholars presented their work across diverse tracks, fostering academic dialogue and constructive feedback.
The event concluded with the Valedictory Session, marking the successful culmination of ICAMP 2025. The conference reaffirmed JIMS Rohini’s commitment to promoting contemporary research and strengthening the industry–academia interface.
10, Dec 2025
Zell Education Wins ‘Best Placement & Career Support’ at World Education Summit 2025
Zell Education, India’s leading professional training and upskilling platform, has been honoured with the Certificate of Recognition for ‘Best Placement & Career Support Initiative in Professional Education’ at the 34th World Education Summit 2025, held in Chennai on 1st November 2025.
The award, presented by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu and ICT Academy, acknowledges Zell Education’s outstanding contribution to bridging the gap between education and employability. It also highlights the organisation’s continued commitment to building job-ready talent through industry-driven curriculum, expert-led training, and an expansive placement ecosystem.
Over the past decade, Zell Education has empowered thousands of learners with globally recognised certifications in finance and accounting while consistently driving stronger placement outcomes through personalized career support, mock interviews, soft skills training, and corporate hiring partnerships.
Speaking about the recognition, Pratham Barot, Co-Founder & CEO, Zell Education, said,
“This award is a proud milestone for us. It reaffirms our mission to make high-quality professional education accessible, practical, and outcome-driven. Our placement and career support initiatives are designed to ensure that every learner not only gains knowledge but also secures the right opportunities to build a successful career.”
The honour comes as Zell Education celebrates its 10-year milestone, marking a decade of shaping future-ready finance and business professionals.
