3, Jun 2025
BSE under the aegis of SEBI launches ‘BSE Nivesh Mitra’ – A Free Learning App for Aspiring Investors
National, June 03, 2025: BSE Ltd., Asia’s oldest stock exchange, today announced the launch of ‘BSE Nivesh Mitra’, a free investment learning app developed under the aegis of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Developed by BSE, the app operates independently ensuring that learning remains objective, unbiased, and purely educational, free from promotional or investment advisory motives. Designed as a simulation-based learning platform, the app offers a safe and informative environment for new and aspiring investors to better understand how to navigate equity and mutual fund markets, using virtual currency for investment. It is available to the public and does not require a trading account or prior investment experience.
The launch event was held at the BSE premises in the presence of Shri Shashi Kumar Valsakumar, Executive Director, SEBI, along with BSE MD & CEO Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy and other officials from SEBI and BSE.
Built with a clear focus on investor awareness and education, BSE Nivesh Mitra allows users to simulate market participation in equity and mutual funds using actual historical data, as per SEBI guidelines.
Other key features of BSE Nivesh Mitra include:
Step-by-step guidance on how to enter the securities market, including videos on e-KYC, demat, and trading account opening
A personalised risk profiler with indicative asset allocation
A user-friendly dashboard to place simulated orders, monitor holdings, and add or reset virtual funds
A growing library of educational videos explaining mutual funds, asset classes, and market mechanisms
“Investor education is a key mandate for SEBI and this app forms part of a broader mission to build a financially informed population and promote responsible investing. With BSE Nivesh Mitra, we now have a practical tool that is free and accessible to all that introduces new investors to the realities of market participation without the attached risk.” said Shri Shashi Kumar Valsakumar, Executive Director, SEBI.
Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD & CEO, BSE, said: “Investor awareness and education are prime areas of focus for BSE, and BSE Nivesh Mitra is setting a benchmark on how exchanges can play a proactive role in investor education. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to navigate financial markets, the app is a contribution from the exchange in creation of a more inclusive and robust investment ecosystem”.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
3, Jun 2025
TechGig Launches ‘Leaders’ Circle’ to Bridge the Gap Between India’s Developer Community and Tech Industry Visionaries
NEW DELHI, India – June 03, 2025 – TechGig, India’s largest technology community platform, launched Leaders’ Circle, an exclusive and invite-only initiative that connects the country’s 5.5 million developers directly with top technology executives, CTOs, and industry visionaries for unprecedented access to business insights and career guidance.
The program addresses a critical gap: while India has exceptional technical talent, many developers plateau in their careers due to limited exposure to business strategy and executive decision-making. Leaders’ Circle creates direct pathways between developers and the industry leaders who shape hiring decisions, technology roadmaps, and innovation strategies.
Leaders’ Circle democratizes access to insights that drive career advancement – showing developers how their code impacts business outcomes and what executives prioritize when building teams.
The initiative operates through monthly interactive webinars with prominent CXOs, live Q&A sessions for direct developer engagement, real-world case studies demonstrating how technical decisions drive business results, and structured mentorship opportunities with senior executives. Participants learn strategic technology planning, business value communication, leadership development, and career advancement strategies beyond traditional coding roles.
In the coming months, Leaders’ Circle will feature exciting sessions and discussions focused on areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, startup technology building, and leadership development—offering valuable insights for developers at all levels.
Leaders’ Circle reflects TechGig’s commitment to empowering India’s developer community beyond technical skills. By facilitating direct connections between developers and decision-makers, the program strengthens India’s position as a global technology hub by ensuring its talent possesses both technical depth and strategic business insight.
The program is open to all developers, from recent graduates to experienced professionals seeking senior roles, and features leaders across fintech, e-commerce, healthcare tech, AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technology startups.
3, Jun 2025
Sumeet Bhatia Joins Savills India as MD to Lead Capital Markets Services Growth
Gurugram, 3rd June 2025: Savills India, a leading global real estate advisory firm, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Sumeet Bhatia as Managing Director, Capital Markets Services, effective today. Based in Pune, Sumeet will spearhead the growth and strategy of the Capital Markets vertical, a core business focus for Savills, both globally and in India.
This leadership move reflects Savills’ continued commitment to excellence and its focused investment in building a future-ready, high-performing organisation. India remains one of Savills’ fastest-growing markets globally, and this appointment underscores the firm’s long-term vision to scale and deepen its presence in the country’s dynamic real estate sector.
Sumeet Bhatia joins Savills as Managing Director, Capital Markets Services, bringing with him more than 23 years of industry experience, including nearly two decades in real estate. Based in Pune, Sumeet has led some of the region’s most significant transactions across the office, industrial, and capital markets. He is known for his sharp strategic thinking and strong focus on client needs. During his time at Cushman & Wakefield, he was instrumental in building the Pune operations into a 350+ member team. With deep-rooted relationships among global occupiers and investors, and a proven track record in landmark funding and land deals, Sumeet is set to play a key role in shaping the next chapter of growth for Savills’ Capital Markets business in India.
Savills Capital Markets Services offers comprehensive support across the real estate investment spectrum – from private equity and structured finance to asset monetisation, acquisitions, joint ventures, and offshore fundraising. With this appointment, Savills is doubling down on its long-term vision to strengthen and grow its Capital Markets footprint in India.
“Capital Markets plays a key role in our global growth plans, and India is central to that journey. Sumeet brings with him the kind of leadership, experience, and trusted relationships that can truly make a difference. We’re excited to have him lead this vertical and are confident that, with him at the helm, we’ll take our Capital Markets business in India to the next level.” said Anurag Mathur, CEO, Savills India.
“I am thrilled to be joining Savills India at such a dynamic time for capital markets. What drew me to the company is its strong global platform and genuine commitment to putting clients first – values that resonate deeply with me. I’m looking forward to working with a talented team and creating meaningful impact for our clients and partners.” said Sumeet Bhatia, Managing Director, Capital Markets Services, Savills India.
Sumeet’s appointment highlights Savills India’s ongoing dedication to growing and strengthening its Capital Markets Services business. He will be focused on creating a forward-thinking platform that meets the evolving needs of investors and taps into new market opportunities.
3, Jun 2025
PMI Elevates Sustainability Through Project Management, Embedding Resource Efficiency and Responsible Practices on World Environment Day
By- Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, PMI
“Project management plays a crucial role in championing sustainability by embedding resource efficiency and waste reduction into every stage of execution. On this World Environment Day, we recognize the power of project leaders in shaping eco-conscious strategies that drive lasting impact. Lean methodologies help streamline processes, minimizing excess and ensuring materials serve a meaningful purpose. Sustainable procurement prioritizes responsible sourcing, reinforcing resilient and ethical supply chains. Smarter energy use reduces environmental strain while enhancing operational effectiveness.
At PMI, we recognize the importance of structured approaches to sustainability, and we have committed to strengthening our project management methodologies to embed these principles further. Sustainability is no longer an isolated initiative—it is a business imperative, woven into the way we plan, execute, and deliver results. As industries evolve, we are committed to balancing innovation with responsibility, leading the shift toward a more sustainable future for businesses, communities, and the planet.”
3, Jun 2025
HCG Suchirayu Hospital & HCG NMR Cancer Centre Hubli, collaborates with KLE Institute of Technology to Raise Tobacco Awareness among Students
Hubli, 3rd June 2025 — In observance of ‘World No Tobacco Day’, HCG Suchirayu Hospital along with HCG NMR Cancer Centre, Hubli, organized a special awareness talk session in collaboration with the KLE Institute of Technology. HCG had also organized a unique awareness campaign titled, “Tobacco turns You into the Walking Dead”, by setting up photo booths and a thematic backdrop of Zombies that visually represented the message. The HCG event aimed at educating young minds on the severe health consequences of tobacco use and encourage generation to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Held at the KLE Institute of Technology campus in Hubli, the awareness session witnessed the participation of over 80 students and faculty members. The event featured engaging talks by medical experts including Dr. Govind Desai, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, and Dr. Adarsh Hegde, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG NMR Cancer Centre. The session was graced by Dr. S.C. Sajjan, Head of the Department, Mechanical Engineering at KLE Institute of Technology, Mr. Shivaprakash M.V, Associate Professor, Mechanical Department, KLE Institute of Technology and Ms. Rekha Harvi, Office Superintendent at KLE Institute of Technology, who emphasized the importance of preventive health education among youth.
Dr. Govind Desai, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, commented: “It’s alarming how often young people start smoking due to peer pressure or as a coping mechanism for stress, never fully understanding the long-term price they may pay. What begins as a casual habit can rapidly develop into a lifelong addiction. The scientific evidence linking tobacco to cancers of the lung, throat, bladder, and more, is irrefutable. Early awareness, especially from parents and educators, can make a huge difference. HCG favours the stance that we need to talk to our children about these dangers before they light their first cigarette.”
Dr. Adarsh Hegde, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG NMR Cancer Centre: “Most cancers caused by tobacco are entirely preventable. Reaching out to the youth through educational institutions allows us to reshape mindsets before harmful habits take root. It’s never too early to talk about cancer prevention.”
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students engaged actively with the HCG doctors, asking insightful questions about the health risks of tobacco use and ways to support a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Through this initiative, HCG Suchirayu Hospital & HCG NMR Cancer Centre reinforced its commitment to community engagement and preventive healthcare by highlighting the devastating impact of tobacco on the lungs, oral cavity, and overall systemic health.
HCG Suchirayu Hospital – Hubli
In North Karnataka, HCG Suchirayu Hospital is in the heart of Hubli. We strive to improve the health of the community and the world by setting a standard of excellence. HCG Suchirayu Hospital is a multispecialty hospital in Hubli committed to providing the safest, most effective, and most compassionate care to our patients. The hospital has an excellent team of well-experienced healthcare professionals, committed to providing effective treatment and services for the patients. When it comes to healthcare, we believe we offer lifetime support, ensuring good health. The 250 bedded multispecialty hospital in Hubli houses state-of-the-art technology, high-end diagnostic facilities comprehensive facilities and best-in-class healthcare services.
3, Jun 2025
CRIF High Mark enhances CIBR to reflect wider business credit assessment capabilities
Mumbai, 3rd June 2025: CRIF High Mark, a leading provider of credit solutions, rebrands its flagship credit assessment tool, CRIF India MSME Rank (CIMR), to CRIF India Business Rank (CIBR). This move reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying its offerings and expanding the tool’s applicability across a wider spectrum of businesses.
Originally developed to assess the creditworthiness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the evolved CIBR retains its core strengths while better reflecting its utility in evaluating a wider array of businesses. The change aligns with CRIF India’s broader mission to deliver integrated credit insights across commercial domains.
Speaking on the enhancement of the tool Ramkumar Gunasekaran, Director of Sales at CRIF High Mark said “Enabling credit flow to MSMEs is not a distribution issue but essentially a risk assessment challenge. Credit Institutions are often challenged with risk assessment of these MSMEs due to unavailability of rich and relevant data due to their less formal nature of business. CRIF India MSME Rank (CIMR) is a behavioural risk indicator designed to predict the probability of default of entities with less that INR 50 Crs aggregate credit exposure. Now, with the evolution of CRIF India MSME Rank (CIMR) into CRIF India Business Rank (CIBR), we are expanding the tool’s relevance to a broader array of businesses that extends beyond MSMEs, while maintaining its core focus on creditworthiness and risk differentiation. Banks and NBFCs can effectively implement CIBR in various use cases including but not limited to application evaluation, borrower selection, process differentiation, pricing strategy, line assignment, renewals, early warning signals, customer retention and collections. CIBR is the most comprehensive tool for risk separation of businesses with any size of credit exposure”
Key Features of CRIF India Business Rank (CIBR):
CIBR draws on CRIF’s commercial credit data and scoring expertise to provide lenders with a robust evaluation of an entity’s creditworthiness. Notable features include:
- 13-Tranche Rank Framework: CIBR offers 13 distinct ranks, enabling lenders to differentiate credit risk with greater precision across various business profiles
- 36-Month Observation Window: Ensures stability and robustness in credit behaviour monitoring across a reasonable business cycle, allowing it to account for seasonality. This is combined with a 12-month forward looking performance outlook
- Advanced Analytics Engine: Leverages a powerful analytics engine, incorporating advanced indicators and classifiers to enhance the precision of credit risk assessments
- Objective and Data-Driven: CIBR is a behavioural model that can support lenders in objective risk categorization of businesses and enable to manage large scale processing.
- Early Warning Capabilities: Enables identification of potential delinquency risks, helping lenders mitigate defaults proactively
- Wide Lender Adoption: Over 100 financial institutions already leverage this tool to streamline MSME and business loan evaluations
CIBR Structure: A Robust Foundation for Business Risk Assessment
CIBR gives each business a rank from 1 to 13, with a corresponding risk classification. CRIF leverages its commercial credit data and performs risk assessment basis repayment behaviour, credit acceleration, utilization of credit and credit vintage of borrowers among many. Lenders also get the granularity of Commercial Risk Score from 300 to 900 along with the rank, which enables sharper risk differentiation and helps them make faster and more confident loan decisions, especially when evaluating small and growing businesses.
3, Jun 2025
Fortune Foods announces 25 winners of the ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’, felicitates them at a Meet & Greet event
3rd June 2025, National: Fortune Foods, the flagship brand of AWL Agri Business Limited (formerly Adani Wilmar Limited), continued its 25-year celebration with a special Meet & Greet event for the Top 25 winners of its inaugural ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’ digital campaign, launched on 10th February this year. The campaign received an overwhelming response, with over 50,000 registrations from aspiring culinary content creators across India. At the felicitation event held in Ahmedabad, the top 25 winners were honoured and awarded content collaboration opportunities worth up to ₹2 lakhs per winner with Fortune Foods.
The ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’ offered participants expert-led training, essential tools, and a platform to showcase their culinary talent. They also received the opportunity to gain valuable insights from renowned food influencers, like Meghna Kamdar of Meghna’s Food Magic—a Forbes Top 100 Digital Star with over 5 million followers, Vinayak Grover, the creative mind behind Lost and Hungry Studios, and Nimisha Rao, Influencer Manager at Influencer.in.
Following a multi-stage evaluation process spanning nearly four months, the brand initially shortlisted the top 250 culinary creators after their first assignment. All the assignments were judged by an esteemed panel, including MasterChef winners and contestants. The criteria for judging entries ranged from recipe creativity and storytelling potential to advanced skills like video editing, plating aesthetics, and use of animation. Subsequent rounds that followed then narrowed down the field to Top 25 participants, who were felicitated at the Meet & Greet event.
The grand finale was an engaging celebration that kicked off with fun games and activities. A special Plating Demo was also conducted Meghna Kamdar, sharing industry-level knowledge. The highlight of the evening was a fireside chat titled, ‘The Ingredients of a Great Food Content Creator’. The chat featured Meghna Kamdar, who represented the Influencers side, Mukesh Mishra, Joint President, Sales & Marketing AWL Agri Business Limited from the brand side and Sunil Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat from the digital agency’s side bringing different perspective to the table and enlightening the audience with their thoughts.
The experts highlighted how the media landscape has shifted from traditional channels like TV and print to dynamic, digital-first platforms where authentic storytelling and real-time engagement matter most. They discussed the importance of understanding each viewer’s journey, crafting content that feels genuine, and leveraging influencers to build trust.
A significant part of the conversation focused on Fortune’s commitment to staying ahead of these trends. The brand is not just adapting to the new digital ecosystem—it’s actively shaping it. Fortune initiated this campaign with a clear vision: to build a thriving community of food enthusiasts by providing them a platform to hone their skills and grow in today’s content-driven world. This initiative is designed to support creators at all levels with mentorship across the board—from plating and scripting to video editing and animation—empowering them to tell compelling stories that connect deeply with micro-audiences.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mukesh Mishra, Joint President, Sales & Marketing, AWL Agri Business Limited said, “At Fortune, we’ve always believed that creator partnerships should go beyond simple promotions—they should serve as meaningful tools for education, empowerment, and community-building. This belief came to life through the ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’, launched as part of our 25-year celebration. As we mark this milestone, we wanted to do something that not only honored our journey as a trusted household brand but also reflected our commitment to nurturing talent across India.”
“The inspiration behind the Masterclass was simple yet powerful: we saw the immense untapped culinary talent across the country—especially among homemakers and food enthusiasts—who just needed the right guidance and support to thrive in the digital space. Through this initiative, we set out to provide them with the skills, mentorship, and confidence to become compelling digital creators. It’s been incredible to witness their transformation—watching them grow, experiment fearlessly, and develop their own authentic storytelling voices that resonate with audiences nationwide. We’re proud to stand behind this next generation of culinary storytellers and can’t wait to see how they continue to celebrate the joy of cooking with Fortune.” he added.
Commenting on achievement Harshika Lalwani from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh said, “When I signed up for the Fortune Influencer Masterclass, I was just following a quiet passion — something for myself, for once. As a homemaker, I’ve always poured myself into my family, putting everyone else first. My dreams… they were always in the background. But then I was selected among the Top 25 winners — and everything changed. I’ll never forget the moment my family found out. “We’re proud of you,” they said. Not just for the win, but for the person I had become. And in that moment, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time — seen. Respected. Valued. This wasn’t just a competition for me. I stood taller — not because they looked up to me, but because I finally looked up to myself.”
3, Jun 2025
Specta Quartz’s new ad with Gauri Khan questions the unseen risks of beautiful kitchen surfaces
Jaipur, 3rd June 2025: Specta, an Indian luxury brand specialising in engineered quartz surfaces, has launched a striking new ad campaign. Featuring brand ambassador Gauri Khan, it aims to urge Indian homeowners to contemplate whether their beautiful kitchen surfaces are truly safe and hygienic.
In the campaign film, Gauri Khan — one of India’s most celebrated interior designers — presents a sharp dilemma faced by the conscious Indian homeowner: the trade-off between aesthetic appeal and surface hygiene. She voices a powerful duality as she says, “The designer in me prefers beauty; the mother in me prefers safety.” This relatable conflict sits at the heart of the ad, which challenges the long-held belief that visual elegance must come at the cost of hygiene or functionality.
The film makes a strong case for Specta’s surfaces, which not only come in globally-inspired designs, but are also NSF-certified and non-porous — making them germ-free, toxin-free and safe for direct food contact. These qualities make them particularly suited to Indian kitchens, where surfaces need to balance durability with hygiene and ease of maintenance.
Speaking about the campaign, Ankit Jain, Founder of Specta Quartz Surfaces, said, “With this campaign, we wanted to start an honest conversation. Kitchen countertops are among the most used and abused surfaces in any home, and yet the conversation around their hygiene is rare. Gauri represents both creative finesse and everyday practicality, and her voice adds credibility to our mission of redefining surface choices for the modern Indian home.”
The campaign builds on Specta’s ongoing collaboration with Gauri Khan, including the launch of the ‘Gauri Picks’ collection showcased at Architectural Digest’s AD Design Show 2024. It reflects the brand’s continued focus on influencing the evolving language of premium interior design in India — where aesthetics, safety, and performance are no longer separate conversations.
3, Jun 2025
EFC Awarded with Two More PSK Projects in Hyderabad after PSK, Ahmedabad under the Rate Contract
Pune, June 3, 2025 – EFC is pleased to announce significant progress under its ongoing Rate Contract for Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs). Having nearly completed the first PSK project in Ahmedabad, EFC has now been awarded two additional PSK projects in Hyderabad, marking a major step forward in our continued partnership with this prestigious initiative.
This development reinforces EFC’s proven capabilities in delivering large-scale, integrated interior design and turnkey solutions, as demonstrated through the successful execution of the Ahmedabad project.
The scope of work includes comprehensive interior turnkey fit-outs, carried out under a design and build model. EFC’s ability to deliver end-to-end infrastructure solutions with precision, innovation, and attention to detail continues to set us apart.
Mr. Umesh Sahay, Managing Director of EFC (I) Limited, said “We are proud to be entrusted with additional Passport Seva Kendra projects in Hyderabad under our existing Rate Contract. The near completion of the Ahmedabad PSK is a testament to our team’s commitment and execution excellence. We remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions on time and with consistency.”
This expanded engagement highlights EFC’s growing presence in mission-critical infrastructure projects and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for integrated design and build services across India.
3, Jun 2025
96% of Indians Plan to Travel the Same or More This Summer, as Quieter Escapes and Off-Season Travel Top Travel Wishlists, Reveals Skyscanner
India, 3 June, 2025: Leading global travel app Skyscanner, today released its Smarter Summer Report, revealing how Indians are travelling with a ‘maximiser’ mindset this season, opting for smarter, savvier and more experience-rich adventures than ever before. With a whopping 96% of Indians planning to take the same or more trips than last year and 95% citing maximising summer vacations as their top priority in 2025, Indians are now putting thought into every detail. They are curating itineraries while staying flexible with their travel dates or considering alternative options to beat the crowds, all to make their money go further and make the most of their journeys.
In their quest for more meaningful experiences, Indian travellers are expanding their horizons. 58% plan to explore places they haven’t considered before, and 51% want to tick off multiple spots in one trip, showing a clear shift towards exploration and memorable getaways.
Calm and crowd-free
This shift in preferences is also reflected in their choice of destinations – over half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer quieter, less-crowded locations over the usual tourist hotspots.
It’s not just about where they go, it’s also about when — the shoulder season is gaining popularity among Indian travellers, with 1 in 2 open to travelling during these periods to avoid crowds and surge pricing. Together, these choices reflect a move away from the frenzy of peak season tourism and towards a summer experience that is more intentional.
The Value-First Summer Planner
Indian travellers are planning their summer getaways with a sharper focus on value and flexibility. 62% are actively seeking budget-friendly stays, while 56% are using travel comparison tools like Skyscanner to scout the best deals across flights, hotels, and car hires. Flexibility is key, with 84% open to moving their travel dates, and 47% willing to fly on less popular days to unlock greater savings.
Solving the Summer Planning Puzzle
Interestingly, even with clear travel goals and preferences, nearly half (49%) of Indian travellers have yet to book their summer holidays and are actively exploring options. The main reason? 38% are still undecided on where to go, highlighting a need for destination inspiration and guidance. This is where Skyscanner’s Smarter Summer Report steps in – offering practical insights to help travellers maximise their summer, from identifying the cheapest weeks to fly and sharing smart planning tips to highlighting alternative destinations that offer better value and fewer crowds. For wanderers who cherish that perfect in-between window when the heat starts to ease and the crowds thin out, Skyscanner’s curated lists — the Top 10 Cheapest and Popular Alternative Destinations, along with the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Summer 2025 — offer that sweet spot for savvy Indian travellers seeking adventure without the splurge. (Refer to Appendix)
Sharing his views on the 2025 Indian summer travel trends, Mohit Joshi, Travel and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said, “Summer is a popular time for Indian travellers to take a well-earned break and explore new places. What’s different this year is how intentional people are about planning. They want to get the most value from their trips, but many are still unsure about when and where to go and how to plan it all, within their budget. In fact, 77% believe weekends are the most expensive time to fly, but that is not always true, and 44% don’t realise that some weeks are significantly cheaper than others. That’s why we created the Smarter Summer Report to help travellers cut through the noise and make confident decisions.
According to our data, Sunday is the cheapest day to fly, and the week of 25 August is the most budget-friendly of the season. To make the most of their summer adventures, a pro tip for travellers would be to see which month is the cheapest by hitting the ‘flexible dates’ option when searching on the Skyscanner app, to see not only the cheapest month but also the day with the lowest price per month to travel to the destination. For those seeking to pack more experiences into their summer holidays, Skyscanner’s multi-city search tool allows users to search up to six routes simultaneously when planning their journey, perfect for experiencing multiple destinations in a single trip. Our goal is to empower travellers with clarity, flexibility, and smarter tools so they can enjoy their holidays without making a huge dent in their bank balance.”
Climb, Chill, Explore
Skyscanner’s summer data also shows that 50% of Indian travellers are actively seeking destinations with cooler climates this summer, a trend that’s pushing hill towns, mountains, and high-altitude getaways into sharper focus. In response to this growing trend, Skyscanner partnered with The Land of Wanderlust, one of India’s leading backpacking collectives, to curate the ‘Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide’ for Indian travellers, which will serve as a handbook for them when taking off on their mountain adventures this season.
Sherwin Rebello, Founder, The Land of Wanderlust, adds, “We’re seeing a growing number of travellers choosing the mountains not just to escape the heat, but to embrace a slower, more meaningful way of exploring. From spontaneous backpackers to digital nomads, more people are looking for flexible, experience-led travel that fits their lifestyle. Social media still plays a big role in inspiring trips, especially for younger travellers who often join after seeing friends or creators visit a destination.
But it’s not just Gen Z. We’ve also seen an increase in private group requests often from young families or older couples who want the comfort of travelling at their own pace while staying in local homestays. Digital nomads, on the other hand, are choosing quieter towns with reliable networks so they can work while still soaking in the mountain air. Whether it’s a weekend escape, a remote work setup, or a slow-travel holiday, there’s a clear shift towards intentional, immersive journeys across age groups.”
Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide
To help travellers make the most of their adventures this summer, The Land of Wanderlust shares their top tips for a seamless backpacking experience:
Double the Bags, Double the Freedom: Bring two. A 50L main backpack that fits it all without breaking your back, and a smaller daypack — perfect for short hikes when you want to travel light and leave the bulk behind.
Scrapes Happen. Be Ready: A compact first aid kit can go a long way. Toss in essentials like band-aids, antiseptic, and blister patches because mountain trails don’t come with medical booths.
Pack Warm, Climb High: From icy winds to surprise drizzles, mountain weather is anything but predictable. Jackets, thermals, and sturdy trekking shoes will keep you warm, dry, and trail ready.
Stay Fresh, Stay Respectful: A compact toiletries kit is essential not just for your comfort, but to ensure you leave the environment as clean as you found it. Pack smart, travel responsibly.
Sun Strong? Shade Stronger: The higher you go, the harsher the sun. Sunscreen and sunglasses aren’t optional; they’re survival gear for your skin and eyes.
Power That Lasts the Climb: A power bank is your lifeline. Whether it’s maps, music, or just capturing that summit shot — don’t let your devices tap out before you do.
