30, Dec 2025
Thermals vs “Just One More Layer”: The warmth myth, explained
Chandigarh, Dec 30:- When winter sets in, the first instinct is often to reach for “just one more layer.” A sweater over a tee, a jacket on top, and maybe even a scarf thrown in for good measure. It seems practical, but it does not always keep the body truly warm. What matters is not the number of layers, but the type of layers chosen.
Thermals work in a way regular clothing cannot. They hug the skin, trap a thin layer of heat, and manage moisture so the body stays dry. Extra layers only add bulk, and when they hold sweat, they can leave a person feeling chilled instead of snug. Let’s see why thermals make a bigger difference than simply adding “one more layer.”
Heat retention begins at the base layer
On cold mornings when one steps out for a quick walk, a commute, or even a grocery run, the first layer decides how warm and relaxed the body stays. Adding thermal-wear like the ultra warmth full sleeve thermal top by Jockey as the base layer changes how winter dressing feels. Made with soft touch microfiber elastane stretch fleece it holds in body heat without adding weight. StayWarm Technology keeps the temperature balanced from within, while StayFresh Treatment helps control odour through long hours. With colours like skin, black, and classic white, it blends easily under any winter outfit and makes layering smoother than relying on “just one more layer.”
The smarter winter bottom
Stacking layers below the waist can feel reassuring at first, but once the day gets moving, those extra layers often trap sweat and make the body feel colder. This is why bulky winter bottoms may work briefly but fall short during real life movements like brisk walks, metro rides, or rushing between meetings. The ultra warmth thermal leggings offer a smarter alternative. Designed to sit close to the skin, the microfiber elastane stretch fleece helps create steady insulation without feeling heavy or tight. The leggings allow easy movement and pair well with other winter layers, making them a versatile essential for the season.
All-day warmth needs balance, not bulk
During a busy winter day, the body needs steady insulation without feeling closed off. A good thermal ensures this by keeping heat close while allowing natural air flow. The extra warmth full sleeve thermal set is designed for full-day comfort. The super combed cotton rich fabric feels gentle on the skin, and the StayWarm Technology maintains consistent insulation without feeling stuffy. With StayFresh anti-microbial properties that helps control odour, a concealed waistband and colors like charcoal melange and black, this set keeps the body cozy and fresh through long hours without depending on multiple layers.
In the end, winter dressing is less about piling on layers and more about choosing the right ones. Thermals create a foundation that works with the body rather than against it, letting every layer above perform its job. They keep movement effortless, daily routines simple, and long outings manageable, proving that a smarter base layer makes all the difference in navigating the season with ease and confidence.
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- By Neel Achary
30, Dec 2025
Business Barons 2025: Leaders Driving a Year of Promise and Execution
New Delhi, Dec 30:- As we close the year 2025, it is evident that the business environment in India has been a reflection of continuity, growth, and promising outlook. This is made evident by the successes achieved by sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, energy, education, healthcare, and others.
Indian real estate managed to maintain uninterrupted momentum throughout 2025 and was sustained by capital inflows worth approximately USD 6-7 billion. Against this backdrop, Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, ACE Group, emerged as one of the sector’s most execution-driven leaders. He said, “For ACE Group, 2025 has indeed been a strong year, marked by several milestones achieved through precision, planning and disciplined execution across the choicest range of high-end projects. As the premium housing market continues to evolve, our focus remains firmly on refined design, thoughtful living environments and timely delivery of future-ready homes with enduring value.”
From the developer’s standpoint, the year reflected continuity in demand and a clear preference for well-planned projects. Mr. Arjunpreet Singh Sahni, Executive Director, Solitaire Group said,
“The real estate market has shown steady momentum through 2025 supported by firm buyer confidence and continued demand for well-planned developments. Our priority has been delivering projects that meet the expectations of today’s homebuyers. As we move into the New Year, we will continue to build projects keeping current buyer expectations in mind.”
From the real estate advisory space, Mr. Vijay Jain, Managing Director, Star Estate, distinguished himself with a pulse on hanging buyer behaviour. He noted,
“Residential sales remained strong across leading cities with well-thought out decisions from buyers during 2025. We saw greater emphasis on location quality, developer credibility and long-term value. This has reinforced the role of organised advisory, where transparency, market data and structured guidance play a critical role.”
The renewable energy sector also made significant headway in 2025 with India’s installed renewable capacity moving close to 200 GW. Highlighting the sector’s evolving maturity, Mr. Sanjay Garg, Director, Shweta Solar Pvt. Ltd observed,
“India’s solar sector did consistently well in 2025, with customers becoming increasingly informed about performance, efficiency and long-term returns. This has pushed the industry to raise execution and service standards across the board.”
Reflecting leadership in distributed and rooftop solar adoption, Mr. Vinod Sharma, Director, Joint Solar concurred, “The steady rise in rooftop and distributed solar adoption shows how energy decisions are driving the growth. Beyond installation, customers are now focusing on durability, maintenance support and long-term savings, which are shaping the next phase of growth.”
From the grid automation space, Mr. Sanjay Verma, Executive Director, Sharika Enterprises Limited noted,
“With the rapid scaling of renewable capacity under India’s energy transition agenda, grid operators in 2025 have significantly accelerated investments in advanced grid monitoring, protection, and automation solutions. The growing penetration of intermittent generation sources is driving utilities and large energy consumers to prioritise grid resilience, real-time visibility, and intelligent control architectures to ensure system reliability, stability, and regulatory compliance.”
Education and healthcare continued to hold their fort through 2025. Mr. Utkarsh Gupta, Managing Director, Ramagya Group, a young and dynamic leader driving a more integrated education approach, shared,
“At Ramagya, the year witnessed a sharper focus on emotional well-being, values and real-world skills, alongside academics. This inclusive approach is reshaping how institutions prepare students for the future.”
Ms. Poonam Sharma, Chairperson, Accurate Group of Institutions, who has been steering the institution’s focus on industry-linked higher education, added,
“In 2025, our effort at Accurate has been to ensure that classroom learning is supported by exposure, confidence-building and regular interaction with the real world. As we step into the next academic year, the emphasis will stay on keeping our programmes relevant to industry expectations, while helping students build practical skills and the confidence required to transition smoothly into professional roles.”
Ms. Sneha Rathor Khandelwal, CEO, Sanfort Group of Schools, one of the early education sector’s leading women voices said,
“2025 marked a milestone for Sanfort with the successful rollout of India’s first IB preschool chain. As we move into 2026, our focus remains on measured expansion, deeper academic integration and maintaining consistent learning standards across centres. Our franchising model continues to play a pivotal role in this journey and it has grown commendably this year. We look forward to expanding it further in the coming year.”
Mr. Arvind Kumar, CEO of Abante Integrated Management Services, one of India’s fastest-growing integrated asset management firms said,
“2025 has been a year of steady execution for us, with a clear focus on strengthening project delivery, operational discipline and on-ground coordination across assignments. As we move into 2026, the emphasis will be on scaling selectively, improving efficiency across the value chain and taking on more complex, integrated projects that demand both technical depth and execution reliability.”
Representing the technology distribution segment, Mr. Manoj Gupta, Managing Director, Fortune Marketing Pvt. Ltd, a seasoned industry professional shared, “India’s electronics and IT distribution ecosystem emphasised the importance of scale, reach and operational discipline in 2025.Building stronger channel networks and improving supply responsiveness became fundamental to supporting technology adoption.”
In the pharmaceutical space, companies used the year to sharpen portfolios and strengthen partner networks. Mr. Sumit Arora, Director, Alniche Lifesciences said, “Over the past year, our focus remained on strengthening our product portfolio and ensuring consistency in quality across markets. As we move into the New Year, we are looking at expanding our reach and building deeper relationships with our partners.”
Healthcare delivery also progressed steadily. Dr. Richa Rai, CEO, Heritage Hospitals, a forward-looking healthcare leader driving patient-centric care stated, “2025 was a year of consolidation for hospital-led healthcare. Investments in diagnostics, specialised services and digital systems helped improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.”
Consumer-facing and technology-led businesses reported stable demand. Mr. Aman Choudhary, Executive Director Marketing, Anmol Industries Limited observed,
“India’s packaged food market maintained its uninterrupted growth in 2025, supported by daily consumption, and deeper market penetration. Strengthening distribution reach, ensuring affordability and maintaining consistent quality were the focus areas. Anmol continues to focus on building trust through reliability and value as we move into 2026.”
Retail and lifestyle brands, particularly in fashion and consumer categories, continued to grow through 2025. Devo, a men’s premium occasion wear brand and a Siyaram’s initiative, expanded its presence across key markets during the year. Commenting on this, Mr. Gaurav Poddar, Executive Director, Siyaram’s said, “In 2025, Devo strengthened its retail presence with flagship openings across key North Indian cities including Prayagraj, Lucknow, Jalandhar, Delhi and Dehradun, taking our premium occasion wear to more than a dozen markets. The year was centred on refining craftsmanship, elevating design detail and creating in-store experiences that reflect evolving consumer tastes. Going forward, our priority remains on deepening our footprint in culturally strong markets while balancing tradition, modern elegance and consistent quality.”
Taken together, 2025 had been a year of good buyer sentiment with continuous performance of business. As 2026 beckons, business leaders across industries seem to be pretty determined to scale higher growth, cement trust-building and create long-term value.
30, Dec 2025
Nykaa Beauty Rewind 2025: What India Loved, Layered and Lived In
Mumbai, Dec 30: If beauty in 2025 had a headline, it would read: India flirted hard and swiped right on what worked.
This wasnʼt a year of blind loyalty or long-term commitment. It was the year of curious, confident experimentation. Consumers chased what was viral, sampled what was trending, and moved fast, but only the products that truly delivered earned repeat screen time in their routines.
Ingredient lists were scanned like subtitles. Reviews mattered. Reels influenced carts. And routines evolved in real time.
With a community of over 45 million beauty lovers across 19,000+ pincodes, Nykaaʼs Best of 2025 doesnʼt just decode what sold, it captures the beauty zeitgeist of India in 2025: what people flirted with, fell for, and folded into everyday life.
Because in 2025, beauty behaved less like a long marriage, and more like dating apps on a good day: fast, curious, trend-led, and brutally honest.
Some Categories Didnʼt Just Trend. They Went Monumental.
- The Pout Power: We sold 1,750 lipsticks every hour. Whether it was a swipe of the M.A.C MACximal Matte in Mehr or the cult-favorite Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk, somewhere in India, a pout was being perfected every two seconds.
- Infrastructure for the Eyes: Stack all the kajals sold in 2025 and youʼd build 575 Burj Khalifas. Clearly, a sharp wing isnʼt a phase; itʼs infrastructure.
- Base Camp: The volume of foundation sold could paint 250 football fields. From the high-coverage NARS Natural Radiant Longwear to the “skin-first” Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer, India is committed to the base like never before.
- The Pink City: Blush sales hit such heights this year that if they were paint, Jaipur wouldnʼt need a refresh for the next century. (Yes, Kay Beautyʼs Velvet Crème Blush deserves a mention.)
- Reviews as the final word: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (Dry to Normal Skin with Niacinamide) won without breaking a sweat. With 1.3 lakh+ ratings and a stellar 4.5-star rating, it officially became Indiaʼs most-reviewed beauty product on Nykaa, proof that sometimes, the quiet classics win the loudest applause.
- Brand Topper: Dot G Key didnʼt just sit pretty on vanities this year, it lived rent-free in peopleʼs search histories. In fact, “Dot & Key Face Moisturiserˮ emerged as the fastest-growing beauty search keyword on Nykaa in 2025, clocking 63% growth. From ceramides to sunscreen, the brandʼs barrier-first, no-fuss philosophy struck a chord with a generation that wants skincare to work hard and feel good doing it. Cute packaging helped, but performance sealed the deal.
Some people shop. Some people commit.
A shopper from Nagpur placed Nykaaʼs single highest-value order of 2025, ₹4 lakhs in one go, 91 products, no browsing, no second thoughts.
Was it a wedding? A launch? A glow-up era? We donʼt know. But we do know the face was going to be camera-ready for anything.
Moral of the story? When India loves beauty, it loves it wholeheartedly.
Skin First, Always: The Barrier Era
In 2025, “glow” was the result, but “barrier health” was the requirement. Consumers stopped chasing miracles and started playing the long game with ceramides and peptides.
Forever Status: Icons like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facewash proved they never go out of style. India is clearing the shelves at warp speed, with 19 cleansers finding a new bathroom mirror every single minute.
Moisture Mania: Nykaa sold 25 moisturisers a minute, making hydration the most consistent step in beauty routines. Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Cetaphil Moisturising Cream topped the charts in this category. So by the time you finish this paragraph, 50 more routines just got a hydration upgrade.
Serums: The Power Move
If moisturisers were the foundation, serums were the intentional “main character.”
The Glow-Getter: Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum For Face For Glowing Skin became the ultimate bright spot in Indiaʼs vanity, leading the charge for radiant, even-toned skin.
Ingredient Literacy: India memorized percentages like passwords. From The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to targeted peptides, these were the go-to solutions for consumers who know their molecules from their marketing.
K-Beauty – From Discovery to Discipline: Not a Trend. A Habit.
2025 marked the year K-beauty completed its transition from curiosity to core routine.
Trust over Hype: Products like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen didnʼt just go viral, they stayed, were repurchased, and relied upon.
Lips as Self-Care: Glossy finishes, lip oils, nourishing balms, and creamy textures officially dethroned old-school mattes. Cult favourites like LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm became the sweet spot where self-care met self-expression, making lips the main character of the beauty routine.
The Glass Skin Standard: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence remained a staple, aligning perfectly with Indiaʼs growing preference for barrier care and skin longevity. K-beauty wasnʼt being explored anymore. It was being trusted.
Fragrance: Building an Aura Wardrobe
India stopped looking for “the one” signature scent and started building wardrobes. 5 fragrances were sold every minute.
Main Character Energy: From the luxury of DIOR Sauvage to the sweet comfort of Plum Bodylovinʼ Vanilla Caramello EDP, scents became a daily personality trait.
Makeup, But Make It Intelligent: The Era of the Multitasker
Heavy glam took a backseat this year, not because makeup disappeared, but because it evolved. Consumers leaned into skin tints, breathable bases, and formulas that worked overtime. Makeup didnʼt want attention; it wanted performance.
Tint-Meets-Treatment: Products like Smashbox Halo Tinted Moisturizer and LʼOreal Paris Infallible 24H Tinted Serum led the movement.
Lips, but Smarter: Liquid lipsticks became the statement piece of 2025, long-wear, no-transfer formulas ruled the day. Standouts included LʼOreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick and Nykaa Matte To Last! Transferproof Liquid Lipstick that color and performance can coexist effortlessly.
Enduring Icons: Meanwhile, classics like Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer reminded everyone that cult status isn’t a trend; it’s a legacy.
In 2025, makeup didnʼt shout. It showed up and did the job.
The Ritual Upgrade: Bath, Body & Hair
Body care moved from “functional hygiene” to “intentional ritual,” with Bath & Body Kits surging by 93%.
The Shower Scene: It wasn’t just a wash; it was a treatment with Chemist At Playʼs Exfoliating Body Wash (4% Lactic Acid) and the comforting Dove Relaxing Care
Shea Butter & Vanilla.
Scalp is the New Skin: Haircare got serious. Through the last year, over 1 crore rosemary-based products were sold. WishCare Hair Growth Serum moved at a rate of one unit every minute, proving India is officially over the “quick fix” and into the “thick fix.”
The Gloss Factor: LʼOréal Professionnel Absolut Repair and LʼOréal Paris Hyaluron Moisture shampoos kept the frizz at bay for 72 hours at a time.
Nykaa Now: For the “I Need It Yesterdayˮ Generation
Imagine this, youʼre halfway through packing for a holiday when you realize your face wash is bone dry. One shopper in Bangalore found herself in this exact “pre-flight panic.” Realizing she was flying to Delhi that same night, she didn’t think a restock was possible. She ordered her favorite cleanser via Nykaa Now while still at her office desk. The result? The package didn’t just meet her at home; it beat her there. Thatʼs not just delivery; thatʼs a travel hack.
When “Instant” Actually Means Instant:
The 6-Minute Flex: In Hyderabad, someone restocked their full barrier-repair kit, Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum and CeraVe Moisturizer, while a Bella Vita Perfume Set landed in Delhi… all in 6 minutes. Thatʼs faster than deciding what to watch on Netflix.
The “Everything Everywhere All At Once” Order: While most people use us for quick fixes, Chennai went for the “full vanity overhaul.” Our largest basket of the year featured 96 products in a single order, a makeup-heavy haul of Nykaa Cosmetics, Lakme and Neutrogena that proved our assortment is as deep as our delivery is fast.
Whether it’s one serum or ninety-six lipsticks, Nykaa Now is making sure the only thing you waited for in 2025 was your nails to dry.
The Big Picture: Smarter, Softer, More Intentional
Beauty in 2025 wasnʼt about chasing whatʼs next, it was about building routines that last. Beauty in 2025 wasnʼt about chasing whatʼs next, it was about moving fast, choosing smart, and switching without guilt.
Indian consumers explored freely, followed trends unapologetically, and built routines that evolved with them. From barrier-first skincare to intelligent makeup, indulgent body care and mood-led fragrances, beauty became deeply personal, and joyfully flexible.
And as always, Nykaa remained the space where curiosity met with credibility, trends met trust, and discovery happens at the speed of now. Shop these favourites on www.nykaa.com or at a Nykaa store near you.
30, Dec 2025
ICAI Conducts Convocation Across 15 Locations; Inducts Nearly 20,000 New Chartered Accountants
30, Dec 2025
Airtel Launches Exclusive Cartoon Network Classics for Enhanced Entertainment
Pune, Dec 30:- Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced the launch of the “Airtel Cartoon Network Classics” an exclusive value-added service available on Airtel Digital TV in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery. The new channel brings together some of the most iconic animated franchises from Cartoon Network, creating a dedicated destination for timeless storytelling and family-friendly entertainment.
Airtel Cartoon Network Classics brings back a beloved lineup of timeless favorites such as Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Johnny Bravo and several other classics. Curated for audiences who grew up with these much loved and timeless shows, the channel will also allow families to introduce new generations to the animated stories that became part of the cultural zeitgeist of the ’90s and 2000s while continuing to resonate today.
Commenting on the launch, Pushpinder Singh Gujral, DTH-Business Head, Airtel said;
“Airtel Cartoon Network Classics adds a unique entertainment layer to our portfolio and offers customers a chance to reconnect with iconic stories and characters that are loved even today. We are pleased to make this channel available to all our DTH & IPTV users and look forward to bringing more such experiences to our customers.”
Priced at INR 59 per month and available on Channel 445 in both English and Hindi language, the ad-free channel can be accessed across both connected set-top boxes such as Xstream and IPTV, as well as non-connected HD and SD boxes, enabling uninterrupted viewing without the need for any additional equipment.
Talking about the collaboration, Arjun Nohwar, Managing Director, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said;
“Cartoon Network Classics celebrates the enduring legacy of characters and stories that have entertained audiences worldwide for generations. At Warner Bros. Discovery, our focus is on keeping these stories accessible and relevant for today’s audiences. Through our collaboration with Airtel, we are pleased to bring these iconic favourites to Indian screens in a new and accessible format, enabling fans to reconnect with cherished childhood memories while introducing a new generation to the original cartoons that helped shape global pop culture.”
The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery adds to Airtel’s increasing array of value-added entertainment services, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality, distinctive, and family-friendly content. By introducing Cartoon Network Classics as an exclusive offering, Airtel is expanding its content leadership and deepening interaction with viewers of all ages.
Customers can activate Airtel Cartoon Network Classics through set-top box, missed call, through the Airtel Thanks app. With multiple easy-to-use options, subscribers can begin enjoying their favorite classic cartoons within seconds, without any complex steps or waiting times.
30, Dec 2025
Mastek Strengthens its Board with the Appointment of Google Tech Leader Marc Berson
Mumbai, India; Dec 30: Mastek Inc, a step-down subsidiary of Mastek Limited (NSE: MASTEK; BSE: 523704), a global leader in AI-first, digital engineering and cloud transformation, announced the appointment of Marc Berson to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026.
Based in the United States, Marc currently serves as the Head of Google Internal Systems (CIO). His appointment signals Mastek’s commitment to deepening its North American footprint and integrating world-class Silicon Valley expertise into its strategic oversight.
Marc is a distinguished figure in the global CIO community. His career spans leadership roles at Gilead Sciences, HP, IBM, and Philips, where he spearheaded massive enterprise transformations. He was recognized by Inspire CIO as both a Super Global ORBIE Award Finalist in 2023 and Winner in 2024. His expertise bridges the gap between complex processes, systems, and cutting-edge digital innovation, making him a pivotal asset for Mastek’s “Lead with AI” roadmap.
Umang Nahata, CEO of Mastek, added,
“Marc brings a rare combination of deep technology insight and practitioner-led experience in navigating the complexities of global scale. His counsel will be invaluable as we solidify Mastek’s position to lead with AI as the preferred partner for delivering best-in-class ROI to clients. By integrating his Silicon Valley perspective, we are better positioned to accelerate our mission of driving high-impact, AI-driven business outcomes for the modern enterprise.”
Marc Berson added,
“I am pleased to join the Mastek Board as the company accelerates its global growth and innovation agenda, having led large-scale technology transformations at organizations like Google, I see a clear alignment between Mastek’s AI-first strategy and the evolving needs of the modern enterprise. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help shape a future-ready roadmap that delivers lasting value for all stakeholders.”
Marc holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from Penn State University and a Master’s in Project Management from George Washington University.
30, Dec 2025
Shivoham Shiva Temple Welcomes Devotees for Divine New Year 2026 Celebrations
Bengaluru, Dec 30:- As the world prepares to bid farewell to 2025 in grand celebration and welcome the promise of a new year, the iconic Shivoham Shiva Temple in Bengaluru warmly invites devotees and spiritual seekers to mark this transition in a soulful way. Devotees can join the Jeevan Sangeet Sandhya on the evening of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10:45 PM to midnight, welcome the New Year 2026 with Spiritual life-transforming music and visit the temple for the New Year special rituals and ceremonies for the full day on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The Shivoham Shiva Temple has become an annual destination for people seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for a prosperous year. Large crowds are expected to continue, with even more visitors likely on January 1, 2026. The temple offers a sacred space for reflection, devotion and a renewed commitment to Spirituality.
Founded in 1995 by the spiritual leader and philanthropist AiR Atman in Ravi, Shivoham Shiva Temple is famous for its striking 65-foot statue of Lord Shiva in a meditative pose with the holy Ganga flowing from his matted locks against a Mount Kailash backdrop. The temple also has a 32-foot statue of Lord Ganesha, a 25-foot Shiv Linga at the entrance and unique recreations of sacred pilgrimages like the Paanch Dham Yatra and the Barah Jyotirlinga Yatra all set within its peaceful grounds on Old Airport Road. In 2025, two new iconic Yatras were inaugurated. One recreated the journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine situated in the Trikuta Mountains in the Himalayas, and the second one aimed at Enlightening everyone with the Truth of Sanatana Dharma the beginningless and endless faith, the ancient way of life.
On New Year’s Day, guests can engage in a range of unique Abhishek rituals, Aarti, Bhajans, meditative activities or anything else that contributes to inner peace and Enlightenment. The temple’s philosophy of ‘Shivoham’, Realizing the Truth that we each have God within us, serves as an impetus for worshippers to go beyond just performing rituals and begin their journey with the aim of achieving Self-Realization, God-Realization and Liberation or Moksha.
AiR Atman in Ravi, the visionary founder of the temple, shared, ‘As we enter into this New Year, we celebrate Lord Shiva as the essence of the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth; thus, creating room for the new while dissolving the old. Lord Shiva at Shivoham Shiva Temple gives us a chance to awaken his limitless potential through sacred rituals to illuminate the heart. Let 2026 be the year when we awaken to the profound truth that we are all Divine manifestation, Eternal Souls and a part of the Supreme Immortal Power, SIP.’
The Shivoham Shiva Temple offers its doors to all people, regardless of their beliefs or heritage every day. Located at 97, HAL Old Airport Road, Murugeshpalya, Bengaluru, the temple is a place of trust, optimism and humanitarian works that uses the revenues from its visitors to operate homeless shelters across Bengaluru.
Devotees and seekers can visit the temple on the evening of 31st December 2025, 10.45 pm onwards and the full day of January 1, 2026, for an unforgettable spiritual start to the New Year 2026. Experience the divine grace of Lord Shiva and make 2026 a year of Enlightenment and SatChitAnanda Eternal Bliss in Truth Consciousness.
30, Dec 2025
From Franchises to Fresh Formats, Amazon MX Player Powered India’s Streaming in 2025
Mumbai, Dec 30:- In a year where Indian OTT viewing shifted from mindless scrolling to intentional, high-stakes selection, Amazon MX Player emerged as the ultimate destination for stories that truly matter. Viewers gravitated towards shows that felt familiar yet bold, rooted yet entertaining. By blending the raw grit of unscripted reality with star-studded original dramas, Amazon MX Player became the engine that made India stream, offering a slate that moved seamlessly across power, ambition, friendship, and fear, all within a free-to-watch ecosystem.
The year kicked off with StreamNext, where Amazon MX Player outlined an ambitious roadmap of 100 titles, including 40 Hindi Originals, streaming for FREE. Strong, long-running franchises continued to anchor viewership, led by Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 starring Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala, the show shattered streaming myths by attracting over 250 million viewers, consistently dominating the Ormax Media charts as India’s most-watched series. The strength of the scripted slate was further bolstered by returning giants like Half CA Season 2 starring Ahsaas Channa, Hunter Season 2 with the powerhouse duo of Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff, Jamnapaar Season 2, and Gutar Gu Season 3. These titles didn’t just bring back familiar faces; they delivered the high-intensity drama and emotional vulnerability that contemporary viewers crave. The service proved its versatility with Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, a psychological thriller inspired by real events that relied on atmospheric investigation rather than spectacle, starring Karan Tacker and Kalki Koechlin.
Reality programming became a primary driver of excitement in 2025, evolving into idea-led formats that captured the national imagination. Rise and Fall, hosted by the unfiltered Ashneer Grover, featuring faces like Pawan Singh, Arjun Bijlani, Kiku Sharda, Dhanashree Verma and more, became a breakout social experiment on power dynamics, amassing a staggering 500 million views and ranking among the Top 2 reality shows in India as per Ormax ratings. Performance-led shows also hit new peaks, with Hip Hop India Season 2 featuring Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, which emerged as the country’s 1 reality show between Jan-Jun 2025 as per Ormax trending for 11 consecutive weeks, while competitive formats like Battleground and I-
Newer originals like First Copy and Aukaat Ke Bahar, featuring Munawar Faruqui and Elvish Yadav respectively, brought fresh takes to the service with creator-led shows, while youth-focused narratives like Lafangey and Gamerlog
This scale of storytelling attracted a roster of premium sponsors, including Samsung, boAt, Lux Cozi, Haier, and Sprite, reinforcing the service’s position as a preferred destination for brands aiming to connect with India’s streaming audiences. By the end of 2025, Amazon MX Player’s growth was undeniable, crossing 1.4 billion app downloads and reaching 250 million monthly active users. Now widely available across Prime Video, Fire TV, and the Amazon Shopping App, the service concludes the year not just as a streaming service, but as a cultural staple that prioritizes consistency and stories that feel close to home.
30, Dec 2025
Freyr Energy Launches India’s First Intelligent Self-Cleaning Solar Technology and Advanced Hybrid Systems
Dec 30: Freyr Energy, India’s leading residential solar solutions providers, announced the launch of India’s first intelligent self-cleaning solar systems and next-generation hybrid solar solutions. These new offerings solve two of the biggest problems faced by home solar users—dust on solar panels and frequent power cuts.
Dust can reduce solar power generation by up to 30% if panels are not cleaned regularly. The company’s groundbreaking Intelligent Self-Cleaning Solar System employs advanced sensor-based technology with water-efficient cleaning mechanisms that automatically maintain optimal panel efficiency. This first-of-its-kind innovation in India boosts energy production while eliminating manual maintenance requirements and reducing water consumption by 90% compared to traditional cleaning methods. For several home owners across India where dust levels are high, this technology transforms solar from a maintenance-intensive investment to a truly hassle-free energy solution.
Complementing this innovation, Freyr Energy’s next-generation Hybrid Solar Systems seamlessly integrate on-grid functionality with battery storage, ensuring uninterrupted power supply even during grid failures. These systems enable intelligent energy management, allowing users to store surplus power for peak demand periods while significantly reducing electricity bills and grid dependency.
“States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala represent a pivotal market in India’s solar revolution,” said Saurabh Marda, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Freyr Energy. “Freyr Energy’s intelligent self-cleaning technology is a game-changer in the face of a deepening crisis, shaped by dust-heavy streets, and weather patterns that trap pollutants. Combined with our hybrid systems, we’re not just solving existing challenges—we’re making solar more accessible and profitable than ever before. With a payback period of just 3-4 years, a stronger policy push and awareness about government subsidies in the country, there has never been a better time to go solar in these states.”
Residents switching to solar can benefit from combined central and state government subsidies. While Uttar Pradesh provides subsidy up to ₹1 lakh – the highest in the country, Madhya Pradesh offers a substantial subsidy up to ₹78,000. In addition to the central government’s PM Surya Ghar Yojana subsidies, the Kerala government is supporting residents through state-led assistance for net metering arrangements under the Soura programme making solar adoption more affordable than ever. This substantial financial support across states, coupled with Freyr Energy’s innovative technology, ensures a rapid payback period of just 3-4 years and free electricity for the next 20+ years.
Freyr Energy has emerged as the leading solar provider in the Telugu states, recording the highest number of installations across the region.
With over 12,500 installations nationwide and 120+ MW of installed capacity, Freyr Energy is strategically positioned to support Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh’s renewable energy ambitions and contribute to India’s target of 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030.
The company has already witnessed significant traction across its several operational cities in Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi), Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur, Indore, Bhopal, Sagar,Ujjain,Katni,Rewa,Satna,Gwalior), Maharashtra(Nagpur, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Solapur), Kerala (Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad), Telangana (Hyderabad, Khammam, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda, Sangareddy) and Andhra Pradesh (Vishakapatnam, Rajahmundry, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Eluru, Srikakulam, Ongole, Nellore, Kurnool, Chittor, Kadapa, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Vizianagaram) —with demand for rooftop and hybrid solar systems surging, driven by increasing electricity costs, dust-related maintenance concerns, and Freyr Energy’s comprehensive after-sales support backed by flexible financing options through leading financial institutions. Freyr has 10 solar experience centres empowering 7 lack customers across India.
29, Dec 2025
Pune & PCMC Housing Markets – 2025 and 2026
By Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces
The Pune residential real estate market in 2025 tells a mixed story, as below the city’s strong fundamentals was a lot of stress. The city went from a period of rapid growth to a more stable, selective market, with affordability and changing buyer demographics becoming more defining characteristics in the year.
The Highs: Strong registration in the face of uncertainty
At first glance, 2025 saw many transactions. Pune had its best property registration run in four years, with over 1.70 lakh transactions from January to November, only slightly higher than in the same time period in 2024. The holiday season was critical because in September alone, registrations jumped by over 22% from the previous year. By November, the city had been going strong with over 14,200 registrations.
But despite the overall strength, there was a big decline in actual unit sales. According to property consultants ANAROCK, Pune’s housing sales for the whole year of 2025 fell 20% from 81,090 units in 2024 to 65,135 units. This was the second-largest drop among major cities, after Mumbai’s 18% drop.
This difference between registration volumes and unit sales shows what really happened – the market moved more towards luxury, with higher-value transactions making up most of registrations. Buyers in Pune’s affordable segment either put off buying or got off the market for now. For a market which was once defined by rational, affordable housing prices, this is worrisome.
Central Pune and PCMC
Central Pune, which includes PMC, PCMC, and Haveli Taluka in terms of municipal boundaries, remained the city’s real estate engine and contributed over 60% of all housing transactions in 2025. This is mainly due to this corridor’s proximity to the city’s IT job hubs and well-established social infrastructure.
Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) specifically benefited from micro-market tailwinds. Prices in the area rose over 10% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. This increase was slightly faster than Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s 8.7% growth, which was driven by new corridors in Moshi, Punawale, and Wakad.
The rental yields of PCMC remained powerful, and Ravet currently had the highest annual returns of 4.3% among emerging zones, which is much higher than Mumbai’s 2.5% benchmark.
This rental performance continues to pull yield-focused investors who see PCMC as the right bet to earn excellent risk-adjusted returns. Properties in Ravet and Nigdi are currently priced in the Rs. 6,500–9,000 per square foot range, making them attractive for first-time and mid-range end-users who cannot afford western corridors like Baner (priced between Rs. 9,000–13,000/sqft) and Kharadi (Rs. 9,500–14,500/sqft).
The Lows: High Property Prices = More Unsold Inventory
In 2025, there was a significant decline in affordability in Pune. To illustrate – a 60 lakh flat that cost 40 lakh in 2020 now costs Rs. 12,000–18,000 more per month in EMI, even with small rate cuts.
Sales in the under-Rs. 50 lakh range fell sharply, with some areas seeing drops of 5–30% year-on-year. The problem of unsold inventory got worse – by the middle of 2025, Pune had more than 75,000 unsold units, and the inventory overhang was well over 10 months (the longest since 2020). By the end of the year, there were over 77,800 units lying unsold in the primary market.
This excess supply has tied up developer capital and threatens to impact pricing negatively in 2026.
Sectoral & Geopolitical Challenges
Even though India’s economy was mostly protected from global commodity shocks and financial instability, 2025 was still a tough year for sectors that depend on jobs. The technology industry, which is Pune’s main source of demand, saw significant layoffs and hiring freezes, especially in the second and third quarters.
Geopolitical tensions affected supply chains and investor sentiment, and tariff uncertainties unsettled NRI investment flows. It is worth noting that NRI demand has historically helped Pune’s real estate market – and its overall economy – during downturns.
The combined effect resulted in homebuyers becoming increasingly hesitant in the middle segment, which is precisely where most developers had concentrated their supply. Luxury did well, but it still accounts for less than 20% of Pune’s annual housing sales. In other words, 80% of the market requires stronger demand signals in 2026.
2026 Outlook: Good for End-users, Neutral for Investors
All leading real estate consultants agree that the housing industry’s future currently looks more like stabilisation than recovery. Prices are expected to rise at a slower rate of 5–10% per year. This is healthy by historical standards of inflation, but it also means that in most areas, investors will not see the kind of 10-15% appreciation seen from 2020 to 2024.
This is not a bad thing. It will help increase affordability as people’s salaries and investment growth catch up with housing prices, something that has been overdue for the last 2–3 years. However, if slower price increases become the norm in 2026 and possibly beyond, there will be exceptions. Infrastructure delivery will be the major differentiator for areas and projects.
For example, the delayed completion of the Pune Metro Phase 1 is expected to happen in mid-to-late 2026. This can cause prices in 500-meter corridors to go up by 15–20%. The Ring Road will open up areas on the outskirts, so impacted areas will see prices appreciate by 20–25% as redevelopment nodes form at important intersections. Likewise, the Purandar Airport project will transform the southern corridor of Pune.
As of the end of 2025, affordability is definitely still a problem in Pune. The market movement towards the mid-premium and luxury housing segments is driving many buyers either to the outskirts or off the market. Developers need to change the supply mix in their projects and make sure that “price discovery” remains rational and aligned with actual demand.
