8, Oct 2025
Budget-Friendly OnePlus Products to Gift this Festive Season

India ,8th october 2025:As the festive season lights up with Dhanteras, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj, it’s time to honor traditions while embracing the joy of giving. What better way to celebrate than by gifting technology that beautifully blends style, innovation, and utility? With more people seeking premium yet practical choices, OnePlus presents a thoughtfully curated range from smartphones and audio devices to tablets—perfect for every kind of user. Whether for gamers, music lovers, binge-watchers, or multitaskers, these OnePlus picks go beyond gadgets; they’re meaningful gifts designed to enrich festive moments and create lasting memories.

OnePlus Nord 5

Surprise your loved ones with the OnePlus Nord 5, a smartphone that delivers a flagship-like experience without compromise. With its vivid display, ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, and advanced camera system, it’s ideal for gamers, binge-watchers, and photography enthusiasts. The Nord 5 perfectly balances performance and style, making it a thoughtful gift this festive season.

OnePlus Nord CE5

For those looking for a more accessible yet equally impressive option, the OnePlus Nord CE5 is a perfect choice. Featuring a sleek design, smooth performance powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, and long-lasting battery life, it’s an ideal companion for everyday multitaskers and entertainment lovers. It’s where elegant design meets reliable functionality perfect for festive gifting.

OnePlus Pad Lite

Gift smart this festive season with the OnePlus Pad Lite, an affordable tablet that blends productivity with fun. With its expansive 11-inch display, split-screen mode, and long-lasting battery, it’s perfect for students, parents, or kids alike. Whether for studying by day or streaming by night, the Pad Lite ensures uninterrupted performance and all-round entertainment, making it a complete gift for the season.

OnePlus Pad 3

Make celebrations grander with the OnePlus Pad 3 the ultimate festive second screen. Its large display, smooth refresh rate, and powerful performance make it perfect for watching festive specials, cricket matches, or even virtual card parties. Lightweight and portable, it doubles as a productivity partner for students and professionals on the go, offering the ideal blend of work and entertainment.

OnePlus Nord Buds 3r

For those who value comfort and style, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r make a thoughtful festive gift. With a sleek design, seamless connectivity, and crystal-clear sound quality, they’re built for all-day use. Whether for long calls, immersive music sessions, or festive binge-watching, the Nord Buds 3r deliver an exceptional audio experience wrapped in everyday elegance.

8, Oct 2025
NIT Team Wins First Place in IIMCIP-TIC Smart Dustbin Challenge

Kolkata, 8th October 2025: Team Alpha Entity from Narula Institute of Technology (NiT), a JIS Group educational initiative emerged as the winner of the prestigious Smart Dustbin Challenge organised by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP-TIC). The team clinched the top spot for their one-of-a-kind innovation, a smart dustbin equipped with advanced sensors for automated waste segregation, marking a proud moment for both the students and the institution.

Winner NiT_Team Alpha

The winning project stands out for its innovative & intelligent system that can automatically identify and segregate metal, wet and dry waste. By leveraging sensor-based technology, the innovation significantly enhances the efficiency of waste management ingeniously, minimizing manual labor and exposure to hazardous materials besides promoting better recycling practices.

The Smart Dustbin Challenge, organised by IIMCIP-TIC, was aimed at encouraging creative and practical solutions in the realm of waste management and sustainability. The initiative provided a platform for young innovators to translate their technical knowledge into meaningful real-world applications, driving progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Team Alpha Entity, led by Anirban Saha (Final Year), included members Ankita Debnath (2nd Year), Anuja Mondal (2nd Year), and Prachi Shaw (3rd Year) all students of Electronics and Computer Science. The team’s efforts were guided by Dr. Bikas Mondal, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Computer Science, and Mrs. Sanghamitra Layek, Assistant Professor, Electronics and Computer Science, Narula Institute of Technology.

Speaking on the achievement, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said, “This accomplishment truly embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines JIS Group. Our students consistently push the boundaries of creativity and technical expertise, developing sustainable solutions with meaningful real-world impact. We are immensely proud of Team Alpha Entity for bringing this well-deserved recognition to the institution.”

8, Oct 2025
Team MRF Tyres clinches the FIA ERC 2025 Team Championship in Croatia

Cais, Joona and Tempestini secure a decisive team effort in the last round of the season, sealing the third crown for MRF Tyres after 2022 and 2023.

Team MRF Tyres

October 8th, 2025: Team MRF Tyres secured the prestigious FIA European Rally Championship team title during the Croatia Rally. This victory marked a remarkable milestone for the team, which is from India’s No 1 tyre manufacturer, MRF Tyres. The season was highly competitive and intense, culminating in a dramatic finale that was decided only in the final round, underscoring the team’s resilience and skill throughout the championship.

Following victories in 2022 and 2023, the ERC championship has been reclaimed by Team MRF Tyres, a testament to the collective effort and dedication of their drivers and co-drivers. Throughout this period, the team demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience, successfully representing their colors across various European events. The team’s success is attributed to a diverse roster of talented individuals from multiple countries, each contributing their skills and determination to achieve outstanding results.

The Team MRF Tyres lineup included Erik Cais and Igor Bagigal from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, respectively. Miklós Csomós, alongside Attila Nagy and Krisztián Kertészfrom Hungary; Callum Devinewith Niall Burns from Ireland. Chris Ingram from Great Britain paired with Alexander Kihurani from USA, Lauri Joona and Kristian Temonen from Finland, along with Roope Korhonenand Anssii Viinikka, also from Finland. Benjamin Korholafrom Finland, and the Norwegian duo Frank-Tore Larsen and Lars-Håkon Lundgreen, Stéphane Lefebvre with Andy Malfoy from France, Max McRae paired with Cameron Fair from Great Britain, and Mārtiņš Sesks with Renārs Francis from Latvia, and Jan Solans and Rodrigo Sanjuan from Spain, along with Simone Tempestini and Sergiu Itu from Romania, completed the diverse and talented roster.

Their collective effort underscores the importance of teamwork, strategic planning, and international collaboration in achieving success in competitive motorsport. The team’s ability to unify drivers from different backgrounds and harness their collective talent has been instrumental in reclaiming the crown and setting a high standard for future competitions.

The season was marked by strong performances, with team victories in Hungary and Poland and a one-two finish in Sweden, supported by consistent results on both tarmac and gravel. At the Croatia Rally, the final round of the series, the crews gave everything they had to secure the decisive points.

Team MRF Tyres

The event itself was a demanding challenge. The route was already tough and technical, and heavy rain on the final day made conditions even more complicated. Still, all three Team MRF Tyres crews finished inside the overall top ten, showing determination, resilience and strength from the technical package.

The best result came from Lauri Joona and Kristian Temonen (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2), who finished sixth overall. Making their debut on MRF Tyres, the Finnish crew drove a clean rally without mistakes, focusing on rhythm and consistency. They completed all ten special stages without issues, a strategy that paid off.

“It’s a big thanks to Team MRF Tyres. We had the chance to take on a really tricky rally, and we experienced everything you can face on a tarmac event. It was a big learning weekend and I’m happy to have contributed to earning the points that secured the Teams’ Title. Thanks to everyone involved,” Joona said.

Erik Cais and Igor Bacigál, also debuting on MRF Tyres with the Hyundai i20 N Rally2, finished seventh overall. The driver from Zlín showed the pace to fight for the podium, but setbacks on both legs cost him time. Despite this, Cais kept pushing to the end and played a key role in the final outcome.

“I am really happy with the Team title. Thanks to MRF Tyres we did a great job with strong support, and I am proud to be part of this. This was a really tough rally that brought many ups and downs. What matters most is the final result – a real team success,” Cais said.

Simone Tempestini and Sergiu Itu (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) also placed in the top ten with tenth overall. The Romanian had to cope with issues that limited his ambitions but recovered positions in the heavy rain of the final day. He also came close to winning the Power Stage, missing the podium by only six tenths.

“For sure it was not our year. Sometimes we made mistakes, sometimes we were really fast, but we missed a bit of luck. A big thank you to our partners, MRF Tyres, the team and all the people who follow us every rally. Even if this was not our best event, I am happy to have contributed to the success. Let’s move on to the next one” Tempestini said.

2025 FIA European Rally Championship – Teams Championship

1. Team MRF Tyres pt. 208;

2. M-Sport Ford World Rally Team pt. 206;

3. TRT Rally Team pt. 133;

4. Kowax DST Racing pt. 120;

5. J2X Rally Team pt. 82;

6. Proformance Service KFT – Team Staff House pt. 66;

7. Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy pt. 55;

8. MRF Tyres Dealer Team pt. 37;

9. ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team im ADAC e.V. pt. 34;

10. F.P.F. Sport pt. 30

2025 FIA European Rally Championship – Drivers Championship

1. Miko Marczyk (Škoda) pt. 154;

2. Jon Armstrong (Ford) pt. 148;

3. Andrea Mabellini (Škoda) pt. 131;

4. Mads Østberg (Citroën) pt. 104;

5. Roope Korhonen (Toyota) pt. 60;

6. Isak Reiersen (Škoda) pt. 60;

7. Romet Jürgenson (Ford) pt. 50;

8. Mille Johansson (Škoda) pt. 49;

9. Simone Tempestini (Škoda) pt. 36;

10. Mārtiņš Sesks (Škoda) pt. 35

8, Oct 2025
BharatPe Launches BharatPeX: AI-Guided, In-App UPI-First Online PAPG

India, 8th October 2025: BharatPe, India’s leading fintech company, today unveiled BharatPeX, its new PAPG-online brand that brings an ‘X-factor’ to how enterprises run payments. It combines a modern online payment gateway (Cards, Net Banking, UPI) with an implementation-first model that helps clients ship in-app UPI experiences faster, keep customer data within their own apps, and materially lift success rates.

BharatPe X logo

With technology and artificial intelligence at its core, the service comes bundled with BharatPeX.AI, which empowers enterprises with expertise on tap. The AI assistant provides clients with 24/7, consistent guidance on features, eligibility, and go-live steps across BharatPeX, NPCI, and partner banks. It also provides journey prototypes (e.g., UPI Autopay, UPI Circle, UPI International) and can generate sample code that teams can reuse.

Sandeep Indurkar, CEO  Payments, BharatPe, said, “Most enterprises want world-class payment systems but are wary of compliance, bank coordination, and long development cycles. With BharatPeX, we remove that friction. We don’t stop at an API—we deploy a specialist team and an AI-driven virtual assistant so our clients can enable UPI Plug-in or even scale to becoming TPAP-enabled—owning the user journey, the data, and the outcomes, which in turn lets them offer a seamless collections service and payment experience to their customers.” The company has already begun onboarding e-commerce, fintech, and enterprise clients in phases.

Designed to power growth at scale, BharatPeX combines collections, payouts, and enterprise-grade support into a single, secure platform, simplifying payments while multiplying impact. It promises outcome-oriented enablement, higher success rates, reduced go-to-market time, and data ownership for the merchant.

What makes BharatPeX different:

1) Payments expertise, not just a gateway: A dedicated (Product/Tech/Relationship) squad partners with each client to design, integrate, and scale collections and payouts. The team navigates NPCI processes and partner banks, simplifying onboarding and cutting implementation effort to roughly one-third of typical cycles.

2) In-app UPI at the core: While UPI already drives a large share of ecommerce transactions, most merchants still have to divert users to third party apps, losing visibility and control. BharatPeX helps clients run in-app UPI flows (via UPI Plug-in or TPAP), boosting success rates and ensuring customer data stays with the client.

3) Built for eCommerce, fintech, and enterprises: From checkout orchestration to complex payout needs, BharatPeX is designed for scale and governed by a compliance-first approach aligned to applicable RBI/NPCI guidelines.

With BharatPeX, BharatPe positions itself as the go-to partner for enterprises navigating the fast-evolving digital economy, reinforcing India’s place at the global forefront of payments innovation.

BharatPe is the only fintech company in India with an NBFC license (Trillion Loans), a stake in a Small Finance Bank (Unity SFB), and an Online Payment Aggregator license.

Why should merchants adopt BharatPeX?

  • Command the user experience: Keep users in-app; reduce drop-offs and dependency on third-party apps
  • Own the data: Maintain visibility on key customer markers to drive retention and LTV
  • Ship faster: Cut integration effort to ~1/3rd with guided implementation and sample code
  • Scale confidently: A single partner to handle tech, bank coordination, and compliance nuances
  • Go beyond payments: Identify revenue opportunities tied to better payment experiences and customer delight
8, Oct 2025
Race to the Finale: Nayandeep and Aarush Clash as Alliances Shift in the Tower

MUMBAI, India, October 8, 2025: The game in the Rise and Fall Tower is at a critical stage where alliances are shifting by the minute, and every contestant is strategizing to save themselves. The latest episode saw high drama, with nominations putting the spotlight on the workers and rulers alike. The workers nominated Akriti, Aaditya, and Nayandeep, while Kiku was chosen by the rulers, setting the stage for tense confrontations.

Nayandeep

As the day unfolded, tensions flared between Nayandeep and Aarush. What started as Aarush’s usual teasing quickly triggered Nayandeep, who snapped: “Haa, tere taraf hai, kyunki bekar mai you are triggering me for no reason.” Aarush, ever the provocateur, fired back: “Kya hogya, nominate hi to hua hai. Hum tereko yahi samjha rahe the, hum yaha 30 din se hai, ek game se nahi hota.” The heated back-and-forth highlighted not just their contrasting approaches to the game, but also the intense pressure and high stakes in the Tower.

Nayandeep voiced his frustration further:“Aree, nominate hua hu theek hai, baar baar aake mere kaano ke aage bolne ki zarurat nahi hai ki tu eliminate ho jayega.” Aarush, standing his ground, reminded him: “Dusre task mai to tu behosh hogya, tu task karne layak hai nahi… Dekh raha hai kaun 10 logo se rishte bana ke good books me aane ka try kar raha hai.” Nayandeep countered, “Mai aisa hi hoon, mai bahar bhi aisa hi hu,” to which Aarush humorously added, “Pata hai mereko, tabhi teko mithi churi kehte hai.”

Amid the intense strategizing, the Tower also prepared for a monumental change: the crowning of a new Ultimate Ruler, who would not only hold ultimate power but also secure a ticket to the finale. With Arjun’s tenure as Ultimate Ruler coming to an end, every decision carried weight, alliances were tested, and every move could make or break the contestants’ paths to victory.

As the episode concluded, the tension, strategy, and emotional stakes left everyone on edge, highlighting that in Rise and Fall, it’s not just about who rises or falls, but who plays the game smartest under pressure.

In the game of Rise and Fall this week, the house is split between Workers and Rulers, with Aarush Bhola, Aaditya Narayan, Kiku Sharda, Akriti Negi and Nayandeep Rakshiit hustling as Workers, while Manisha Rani, Arjun Bijlani, Bali, Dhanashree Verma and Arbaz Patel, hold the throne as Rulers. Watch daily new episodes of Rise and Fall for free, on Amazon MX Player at 12 PM and on Sony Entertainment Television at 10:30 PM.

8, Oct 2025
HP Govt, Crack Academy Launch Phase II of 100 Ratan Scholarship Test

HP Government & Crack Academy to Conduct Phase II of Statewide Scholarship Test under “Mere Sheher Ke 100 Ratan” Program on October 9

India, 8th october 2025: Himachal Pradesh, 8th October 2025: The Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Crack Academy, is set to conduct the second phase of the “Mere Sheher Ke 100 Ratan” Scholarship Program on October 9, 2025. The test will be held across all Government and Government-aided colleges of the State, with the participation of leading universities, including Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi.

HP Government & Crack Academy to Conduct Phase II of Statewide Scholarship Test-2

This initiative is being implemented under an MoU between Crack Academy and the Government of Himachal Pradesh, aimed at empowering meritorious and deserving students through free and subsidized coaching for national-level competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, Defence, Judiciary, JEE, and NEET, along with skill development programs. Selected students will also receive individual career counselling to guide them on suitable academic and career paths.

Following the successful completion of the first phase in May 2025, which covered over 2,500 Government and private schools across the State for students of Classes 6 to 12, the program now extends to higher education institutions in its second phase.

Under this initiative, 100 students from each Vidhan Sabha Constituency will receive 100% free coaching. Of these, 75 students have already been selected from the first phase, while the remaining 25 students will be shortlisted through the upcoming test. Additionally, 75% and 50% scholarships will be awarded to other deserving candidates. To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, only students enrolled in Government or Government-aided colleges with a family income below ₹12 lakh per annum are eligible for this phase.

Speaking about the program, Neeraj Kansal, CEO & Founder of Crack Academy, said, “The Mere Sheher Ke 100 Ratan initiative is a heartfelt commitment to nurture the academic potential of Himachal’s youth. Through this program, we aim to empower deserving students from every corner of the State with access to national-level coaching, mentorship, and guidance. Our vision is to ensure that talent, not geography or financial constraint, defines a student’s success. We are proud to work with the Government of Himachal Pradesh in building a stronger future for our young achievers.”

With an 18-year legacy, Crack Academy has helped over 5,000 students successfully clear various government exams, including more than 1,000 selections in UPSC alone. The Academy has also set up 50+ centers across Himachal Pradesh to deliver high-quality coaching through top educators from Delhi, ensuring that students in smaller towns receive the same opportunities as those in metropolitan cities.

This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Himachal Pradesh’s representation in national-level examinations, helping more students from the State secure success in highly competitive domains.

8, Oct 2025
Hoopr Boosts Emerging Artists’ Earnings, Disburses INR4.5 Crore to 1,500 Musicians

India, 8th October 2025: Hoopr, India’s first music licensing platform, has announced that it has paid over INR4.5 crore in payouts to more than 1,500 artists across 20+ genres, through its platform, over the past three years. This milestone marks an industry first in micro-sync licensing payouts, underscoring Hoopr’s commitment to building a transparent, scalable, and sustainable ecosystem that empowers music creators and ensures fair compensation for their work.

Hoopr_Founders

With this milestone, Hoopr has established itself as a powerful revenue engine for musicians who operate behind the scenes such as music producers, composers, and background score creators who often remain outside the spotlight of traditional music monetization.

While conventional revenue streams like streaming, live performances, and royalties tend to favor established artists and major labels, Hoopr has opened up a new monetization frontier for mid-tier and emerging talent. Through its transparent licensing model, every time a brand or creator licenses a track from Hoopr, the artist earns directly, making it one of the most inclusive and sustainable income opportunities in India’s evolving music landscape.

Hoopr’s current roster includes known and emerging producers and music composers such as Nilesh Dahanukar (Special 26, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, OMG: Oh My God!), Aditya Kudalkar (Konkani short film Gathan), Divya Limbasia (The Family Man), Sayan Chakraborty, Devashish Korani (Yeh Chahiye, Ruaa Ruaa), among many others.

Over the last three years, Hoopr has built a strong platform which is being used by 30,000+ creators, including popular names such as Ashish Vidyarthi, Chef Ranveer Brar, Flying Beast, and has partnered with 175+ brands including ITC, Himalaya, Myntra, Meesho, Marico, UltraTech and many more.

Hoopr’s model ensures that every time a brand or creator licenses a track, the respective artist earns between 50–65% of the revenue. Artists on Hoopr benefit from two key revenue channels  direct licensing income when their music is used, and royalty payments facilitated through Hoopr’s strategic partnership with IPRS.

An inspiring example is Trivarg Arandhara (Triv), an emerging independent artist from a small town in Assam, who earned from a single micro-licensing deal on Hoopr an amount equivalent to what he would have made from a whopping 4.8 lakh streams on conventional platforms like Spotify or YouTube.

Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-founder & CEO of Hoopr, said: “This milestone goes beyond the payouts—it represents a shift towards sustainable income for artists across India. We firmly believe that licensing is the future of creator monetization, and ₹4.5 crore in payouts is only the beginning. As the adoption of licensed music accelerates, we expect artist earnings to rise exponentially. By FY2028, our goal is to surpass ₹100 crore in cumulative payouts, driven by expansion into new genres and languages, deeper collaborations with global and regional labels, and the increasing use of licensed music by brands, agencies, and content creators.”

Meghna Mittal, Co-founder & CRO of Hoopr, added: “Transparency and trust have been core to Hoopr’s DNA from the very beginning. Our tech-enabled backend ensures that artists are paid promptly whenever their music is used. By combining a seamless, automated licensing experience for both artists and brands, we’re raising the bar for fairness and accountability in the Indian music economy. This is only the beginning — we’re building an inclusive ecosystem where every artist can thrive, and brands can effortlessly access culturally resonant music.”

As India’s music ecosystem matures, a new era is taking shape—one built on transparency, shared growth, and the belief that fair licensing can power a more creative and sustainable future

8, Oct 2025
Maharashtra’s GCC Policy 2025 Poised to Drive 4 Lakh Jobs, Expand Innovation Hubs Beyond Mumbai and Pune

BY: Yogesh Singh, Partner- Corporate Practice, Trilegal.

 “The Maharashtra Global Capability Centre Policy-2025 is a timely and forward-looking blueprint for India’s next growth decade. By targeting 400 new GCCs and creating 4 lakh high-skilled jobs, it directly supports India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047 and the vision of a INR 30 trillion innovation-led economy. What makes the policy particularly significant is its inclusive geographical design.  It deliberately extends the GCC story beyond Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru to cities like Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The policy will connect local talent and regional infrastructure with global enterprise demand, bridging the urban-rural opportunity divide. This also aligns with the Union Government’s broader push to empower emerging cities, as reflected at the time of budget discussions. Equally noteworthy is sectoral depth of the policy; prioritizing industries such as aerospace and defence, life sciences, automotive, renewable energy, logistics, IT/ITES, and textiles, promoting specialised GCC clusters that leverage Maharashtra’s diverse industrial base and research capabilities. Maharashtra is positioning itself as a global centre for innovation, analytics, and digital transformation. The combination of fiscal incentives, infrastructure readiness, and policy convergence is likely to make Maharashtra a future-ready GCC destination.”

8, Oct 2025
Visa to Showcase the Future of Commerce at Global Fintech Fest 2025

Bengaluru, October 8th, 2025: Visa, a global leader in digital payments, will be a key participant at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, demonstrating how it is leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in payments to build a smarter and more inclusive financial ecosystem. The event is scheduled from October 7–9 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Visitors can engage with Visa at booths L2 and M2 to experience the next generation of payment innovations.

Visa-Logo

At the GFF, Visa will demonstrate how it is shaping the future of commerce by uniting its global expertise with local partnerships, announcing a series of new products and solutions with leading banks and fintechs. The focus will be on tangible innovations in intelligent commerce through Agentic AI, technologies enabling frictionless transactions and advanced AI for payment security. Attendees can experience this directly via live demonstrations of seamless transit solutions and the launch of a new white paper, “Automation to Autonomy: How Agentic AI is Revolutionizing Payments,” which explores the future of personalized, secure retail.

As India’s digital economy continues its rapid expansion, with digital transactions surging by 42% in the last fiscal year alone, the need for trusted and intelligent payment solutions has never been more critical. Visa is at the forefront of this transformation, developing innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers and businesses.

“India is a global leader in fintech innovation, and agentic AI is the key to unlocking the next phase of growth in digital payments,” said Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head of Products, Visa India and South Asia. “At Global Fintech Fest 2025, we are excited to showcase how Visa is harnessing the power of Agentic AI to create more personalized, intuitive, and secure payment experiences. Our focus is on building a digital ecosystem that empowers consumers and businesses, fostering a more inclusive and intelligent financial future for all.”

Join Visa at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 to witness firsthand how the company is shaping the future of payments and contributing to a smarter, more inclusive digital India.

8, Oct 2025
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel Drive Corporate Networking through Golf

Mumbai, October 8th, 2025: India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for business travel spending, ranked fourth globally and projected to reach USD 1.57 trillion by end-2025, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Parallelly, golf is gaining prominence as a strategic pillar within the global tourism agenda, with destinations like Japan, South Korea, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam leveraging the sport to enhance destination appeal, attract premium travellers and drive high-value tourism growth.

Thomas Cook India & SOTC Golf photo-1

Tapping into this powerful convergence of business travel and golf, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, proudly participated as team owners at the 3rd edition of the prestigious DLF Corporate Golf League 2025 at the DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurugram. As an extension of this ownership, the companies hosted an exclusive evening An Evening Under the Stars bringing together senior corporate leaders and marquee clients across industries, creating a powerful platform for networking, insight-sharing and future-focused collaboration that extend beyond boardrooms.

Guests were treated to curated experiences featuring gourmet cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and engaging dialogue – all set against the timeless backdrop of the iconic DLF Golf & Country Club fairway, blending sport and strategic conversations in a truly memorable evening.

Mr. Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head – Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC Travel, said: “India’s corporate travel sector is growing at an exceptional pace, driven by the increasing globalization of Indian enterprises and the rising demand for meaningful engagement platforms. We are proud to be industry leaders in this dynamic space, consistently delivering innovative, future-ready solutions for our clients. Our participation as team owners in the DLF Corporate Golf League reflects our vision to move beyond traditional business interactions and create experiences that foster strategic dialogue, strengthen relationships, and inspire collaboration in unique and impactful ways. With this, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of corporate travel in India by bringing together leaders in settings that spark ideas, partnerships and long-term growth.”

Mr. Pawan Agarwal – CFO, Swatch Group India, said “Thank you to the Thomas Cook Group for hosting An Evening Under the Stars. It was a wonderful evening marked by warm hospitality, meaningful networking, and seamless organization. We were truly delighted to be part of such a thoughtfully curated event.”

Mr. Rajesh Mendiratta – ZS Associates said, “It was a privilege to be part of An Evening Under the Stars. The evening brought together inspiring conversations, valuable learnings, and wonderful connections. 

My heartfelt thanks to the team for their gracious invitation and for hosting such a memorable gathering. Congratulations to the team on becoming the proud sponsor of the Golf Team—wishing you continued success and many more milestones ahead.”