25, Sep 2025
Winpe Welcomes Sheffield Haworth as Knowledge Partner for ProClub Mentorship Program

New Delhi, 25 September 2025: Winpe, a leading platform advocating gender diversity in investing, has announced Sheffield Haworth as the Knowledge Partner for its flagship Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program, aiming to help expand the careers of high-potential women in private equity, venture capital, and their portfolio companies.

Winpe ProClub is a year-long, one-on-one mentorship initiative that pairs women professionals with senior leaders from top private equity and venture capital firms. With five cohorts completed and the sixth underway, Winpe ProClub has mentored 59 women professionals through 29 senior leaders across 46 leading firms. Nearly 76% of participants have reported tangible career progression, underscoring the program’s ability to create impact across the investing ecosystem.

Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe, said, “At Winpe, our mission has always been to create real, lasting pathways for women to lead. We are pleased to welcome Sheffield Haworth as a strategic partner in our journey to transform the investing landscape as we position more women for roles of influence in private equity and venture capital. We look forward to working together in developing an ecosystem where diversity is intrinsic, anticipated, and celebrated.”

“At Sheffield Haworth, we are deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the investing industry. Partnering with Winpe allows us to bring our expertise and advisory experience to a program that is truly shaping the future. Together, we will create pathways for talented women to thrive as leaders,” said Avaneesh Raghuvanshi, Head, Financial Services and Private Equity Practice – India, Sheffield Haworth. Through this partnership, Sheffield Haworth brings its global reach and leadership expertise to help guide the next generation of women leaders in finance.

ProClub stands out as a mentorship platform that builds lasting trust and adapts to the changing careers of its mentees. The program offers valuable insights into growth strategies, helps enhance influence in key decision-making groups, and boosts confidence to tackle challenging career shifts. Since its inception in October 2020, Winpe ProClub has built a strong ecosystem of women founders and investment professionals and secured mentorship from senior partners, board directors, CXOs, and heads of investments at leading Indian and global firms. The initiative redefines support for women aiming at leadership roles across the investment ecosystem through high-impact, long-term mentorship, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem integration. Notable women leaders like Anshul Jain, (Managing Director, Lighthouse Advisors), Gurnoor Kaur (SVP, TA Associates) and Vineeta Singh (CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics) are from past cohorts and have benefited from the program at crucial points in their careers.

25, Sep 2025
Q3 2025 – Housing Sales Volume Declines Year-on-Year in Top 7 Cities, While Total Sales Value Shows Significant Growth

 Mumbai, 25 September 2025: Despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, residential demand in India has remained reasonably resilient, supported by rising incomes, urbanisation, and aspirational homeownership sentiment. However, the sector faces headwinds in affordability, costs, and uneven demand across markets.

Q3 2025

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “ANAROCK data shows as 9% annual housing sales decline in the top 7 cities, clocking in at approx. 97,080 units in Q3 2025 against 1,07,060 units in Q3 2024. However, sales continued to outstrip new supply in the quarter, reflecting continued market health.”

Notably, despite a dip in overall sales volume, the total sales value in the period rose by 14% – from approx. INR 1.33 lakh Cr in Q3 2024 to approx. INR 1.52 lakh Cr in Q3 2025. This suggests high volume sales in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments.

“Among the top 7 cities, MMR recorded the highest sales of approx. 30,260 units, followed by Pune with approx. 16,620 units,” says Puri. “Cumulatively, the two western cities accounted for 48% of the total sales in the top 7 cities in Q3 2025. All top cities individually recorded a dip in yearly housing sales – except Chennai and Kolkata, which witnessed 33% and 4% yearly jumps, respectively.”

These cities saw a marginal 3% increase in new housing supply, with approx. 96,690 units launched in Q3 2025 against 93,750 units in the corresponding period in 2024. Nevertheless, the fact that sales remained higher than launches indicates that the demand-supply equation remains robust.

City-wise, MMR topped new supply with approx. 29,565 units launched in the quarter, followed by Pune with approx. 19,375 units. Interestingly, while the other cities saw new supply decline annually, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai saw it increase by a whopping 56% and 38%, respectively.

In terms of budget segments, the >INR 1.5 Cr luxury housing category witnessed the highest new supply of 38%, followed by the premium (INR 80 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr) segment with a 24% share. The mid-segment (INR 40–80 lakh) contributed a 23% share of the total new supply in the quarter, while the affordable segment’s share was the lowest at 16%.

Available housing inventory saw only a marginal yearly decline in the top 7 cities – from approx. 5,64,415 lakh units by Q3 2024-end to approx. 5,61,756 lakh units by Q3 2025-end.

Average residential prices in these cities collectively saw single-digit growth of 9% in Q3 2025 against Q3 2024. At 24%, NCR recorded the highest annual growth, followed by Bengaluru with a 10% increase.

Interestingly, despite the monsoons and the perceived inauspicious ‘shraad’ period, housing sales in Q3 rose 1% quarterly. Overall, the housing market is so far reasonably steady in 2025, with expectations for a festive boost ahead for which developers have several projects lined up.

“The impact, if any, of the new H1-B visa norms announced by the US on Indian residential market bears close monitoring. While housing affordability remains a challenge across cities for many buyers, price growth has tapered down moderately compared to the previous few years, when we saw double-digit yearly growth in the top 7 cities,” says Puri.

New Supply Overview

The top 7 cities saw approx. 96,690 units launched in Q3 2025, against 93,750 units in Q3 2024 – a 3% annual increase. On a quarterly basis, there was a 2% drop. In Q2 2025, approx. 98,630 units were launched across the top 7 cities.

The key cities contributing to new supply in Q3 2025 were MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), Pune, Bengaluru and NCR (National Capital Region) which together accounted for 78% of the total addition.

  • MMR saw approx. 29,565 units launched in Q3 2025 – similar on a yearly basis and a 5% quarterly increase. Over 35% of the new supply during the quarter was added in the affordable segment priced <INR 40 lakh.
  • Pune added approx. 19,375 units in Q3 2025, witnessing a huge yearly jump of 56% and a 36% quarterly supply increase. Over 74% of the new supply was added in the mid and upper-mid-segment (INR 40 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr)
  • Bengaluru added approx. 15,190 units in Q3 2025 – a yearly decline of 5% and a 1% quarterly drop. Approx. 79% of the new supply was added in the INR 80 lakh – INR 2.5 Cr budget segment.
  • NCR saw a 11% yearly drop in new launches, with approx. 12,645 units added in Q3 2025. On a quarterly basis, the market saw a 33% decline compared to Q2 2025. A massive 70% of the new supply in the quarter was added in the luxury segment (>INR 1.5 Cr)
  • Hyderabad added approx. 8,630 units in Q3 2025 compared to 13,890 units in Q3 2024 – a 38% yearly decline and a 22% quarterly drop in new launches. A whopping 87% of the new supply was added in the premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury segments (priced upward of INR 80 lakh)
  • Chennai added approx. 6,395 units in Q3 2025, seeing an 38% yearly rise decline but a 25% quarterly decline. Over 93% of the new supply was added in the mid, upper-mid and luxury segment priced within INR 40 lakh – INR 2.5 Cr.
  • Kolkata added approx. 4,890 units in Q3 2025, a whopping 56% annual increase and a significant 95% rise over the previous quarter. Approx. 75% of the new supply was added in the mid and upper mid segments priced within INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr.

Housing Sales Overview

 Approx. 97,080 units were sold in Q3 2025 – a yearly decline of 9% and a quarterly increase of 1%.  NCR, MMR, Bengaluru, and Pune together accounted for 78% of the sales in the quarter.

  • MMR recorded the highest sales among the top 7 cities in Q3 2025, with approx. 30,260 units sold – a quarterly decrease of 3% and a 16% yearly drop
  • Pune saw approx. 16,620 units sold in Q3 2025, a decrease of 13% over Q3 2024 and an 8% quarterly increase over Q2 2025
  • NCR saw approx. 13,920 units sold in Q3 2025, a decline of 11% over last year and of 2% on a quarterly basis
  • Bengaluru sold approx. 14,835 units in Q3 2025, a quarterly and yearly decline of 2% and 1%, respectively
  • Hyderabad saw approx. 11,305 units sold in Q3 2025, decreasing by 11% over Q3 2024 and increasing marginally by 2% over Q2 2025
  • Kolkata saw approx. 4,130 units sold in Q3 2025, increasing by 17% over the previous quarter and by 4% over the corresponding quarter in 2024
  • Chennai saw approx. 6,010 units sold during the quarter – increasing by 6% quarterly and by significant 33% annually

Unsold Inventory

 Unsold inventory across the top 7 cities collectively saw only a marginal annual decline, standing at approx. 5,61,756 units by Q3 2025-end. In the previous quarter, inventory remained steady at approx. 5,62,148 units.

25, Sep 2025
India’s First CXO Pickleball League in Mumbai

Mumbai, September 25, 2025: Gravate Sports (grv8), co-founded by RJ Anmol and Puneet Goyal, has announced the launch of India’s first-ever CXO Pickleball League, set to take place on September 27, 2025, at the exclusive sea-facing courts of Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The league aims to bring together top executives and corporate leaders for a unique fusion of executive wellness, networking, and competitive sport.

First CXO Pickleball League in Mumbai

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports globally, is quickly gaining traction in India. The market is expected to expand from INR 500 crore in 2027 to INR1,500 crore by 2031. This sport is rapidly embraced in corporate circles for being easy to learn, low-impact, and a powerful platform for fitness and networking. For CXOs juggling demanding schedules, pickleball offers the ideal blend of recreation and relationship-building—often compared to golf for business networking but far more accessible and inclusive.

The CXO Pickleball League invites corporates across sectors—including finance, fintech, technology, media, lifestyle, and consumer brands—to nominate teams of up to three members, including at least one senior leader. Participants have been trained by AIPA-certified coaches through flexible clinics ahead of a spirited tournament at Taj Lands End.

Adding star power to the launch, Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal will headline the event with a special exhibition match against renowned business leader Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani.

“It’s wonderful to see sports becoming an integral part of corporate life. Pickleball is an excellent way for people to stay active and connected. I’m excited to be part of this unique initiative and encourage more professionals to embrace a healthier, sport-driven lifestyle,” said Saina Nehwal.

RJ Anmol, Co-Founder of Gravate Sports, shared, “Gravate Sports is dedicated to creating premium sporting experiences that bring leaders together beyond boardrooms. Pickleball fits perfectly with India’s CXO community—promoting wellness, camaraderie, and strategic networking. Having Saina Nehwal join us for the launch sets the tone for a thriving corporate sports culture in India.”

The event will conclude with a curated sundowner and gourmet dining experience, designed to foster meaningful networking among participating CXOs and industry peers.

With the launch of the CXO Pickleball League, Gravate Sports aims to pioneer a new era of corporate sporting leagues in India—building a vibrant ecosystem where sport fuels professional success and personal growth.

The CXO Pickleball League debuts on September 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

25, Sep 2025
Japan IT Week Autumn 2025 to Feature MEET Korea and Global IT Exhibitors

TOKYO, JAPAN, 25th september 2025: — Japan IT Week Autumn 2025, the country’s leading exhibition for IT and Digital Transformation (DX), is set to open its doors from October 22 to 24, at Makuhari Messe, Japan. The three-day event, organised by RX Japan, will bring together a global audience of industry professionals to explore the latest in IT, digital transformation, digital marketing, and e-commerce solutions.

Japan IT Week_1

Building on the Momentum of Spring 2025

The upcoming Autumn edition builds on the strong results of Japan IT Week Spring 2025, which welcomed 57,802 visitors and hosted 1,033 exhibitors, including 296 international companies from 38 countries. These figures underscore the event’s role as a global hub for IT innovation and cross-border partnerships.

Special Initiative: MEET KOREA

A highlight of the Autumn 2025 edition will be MEET KOREA, a special initiative commemorating the 60th anniversary of Japan–Korea diplomatic relations. Through a series of sub-events, MEET KOREA aims to support Korean companies entering the Japanese market and foster deeper collaboration in IT between the two countries.

“We’re excited to introduce MEET Korea this year,” stated Mr. Kenji Okabe, Japan IT Week Show Director. “It’s a great opportunity for Japanese and Korean companies to connect, share ideas, and build partnerships that drive the future of IT. We believe it will add tremendous value to the show and the industry as a whole.”

MEET Korea will feature a variety of engaging programs and opportunities, including networking programs that connect Japanese and Korean businesses; showcases of Korean IT solutions for the Japanese market; special conferences that highlight Korea’s latest IT trends; matchmaking counters inside the venue for direct business connections; and a stamp rally and other engaging programs that allow visitors to experience Korea’s advanced technologies and services firsthand.

A World-Class Exhibitor Lineup

Japan IT Week Autumn 2025 will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, from established tech giants to emerging innovators. While the final list will be announced closer to the event, attendees can expect to see leading names such as Fujitsu, SAP Japan, KEYENCE, NEC, Nikon, Uber Japan, and more.

Four Specialised Shows Under One Roof

Japan IT Week Autumn 2025 will once again be part of four co-located trade shows, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of digital transformation trends and solutions:

  • Japan IT Week – System development, IoT, cybersecurity, and IT talent solutions 
  • Japan DX Week – Digital transformation, AI, and business automation 
  • Sales & Digital Marketing Week – Marketing and sales technology innovations 
  • E-commerce & Store Week – Solutions for e-commerce, logistics, and retail operations

In addition to this comprehensive showcase, these concurrent events will also be hosting a series of conference sessions and lecture programs—accessible to both exhibitors and visitors across the four shows and their respective specialised sub-shows.

Be Part of Japan’s Leading IT and DX (digital transformation) Event

Japan IT Week Autumn 2025 invites both industry professionals to take part in the three-day exhibition. Exhibitors can connect with decision-makers, explore new markets, and showcase their innovations on a global stage, while visitors will gain firsthand access to the latest technologies, expert insights, and valuable networking opportunities.

25, Sep 2025
Kareena Kapoor Khan Joins Hands with KT Kids for a Never-Seen-Before Kids’ Haircare Revolution

Mumbai,25th September 2025: In a landmark move set to shake up the Indian kids’ care segment, KT Kids, the children’s haircare care brand, has signed Kareena Kapoor Khan as its brand ambassador. The association promises to be a blockbuster collaboration, blending the glamour and credibility of one of India’s most admired icons with the playfulness of SpongeBob SquarePants in a category that is both much-needed and never before seen in India. 

Kareena Kapoor Khan Joins Hands with KT Kids for Haircare Revolution

KT Kids has rapidly established itself as a trusted name for safe, clinically-tested haircare solutions & more designed specifically for children. The brand brings premium quality into kids’ daily routines while making the experience fun and engaging. Its standout SpongeBob SquarePants line of shampoos, serums, protein creams add an element of joy, colour, and international character appeal to personal care, creating a category unlike anything parents and kids have seen before.  

Sharing her excitement, Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “I am delighted to be associated with KT Kids, a brand that truly understands the needs of children and parents today. As a mother, I know how important, safe and effective products are for kids, and KT Kids’ haircare range delivers just that – with a fun twist that kids absolutely love with the haircare range being age specific for boys and girls. I am excited to be part of this journey. “

This unique partnership brings together the global charm of SpongeBob SquarePants with the influence, style, and relatability of Kareena Kapoor Khan, making KT Kids the first brand in India to combine global entertainment icons with Bollywood star power in the children’s haircare space. The campaign is designed to resonate with both parents and children, turning everyday routines into moments of joy and confidence.

Speaking on the association, Dhruv Sayani, Founder, KT Kids said, “With Kareena Kapoor Khan as our brand ambassador, KT Kids is taking a bold leap towards redefining the future of kids’ hair care in India. Together with our SpongeBob SquarePants line, we are building a movement that goes beyond grooming – it’s about creating trust, fun, and aspiration for every child.” 

With this never-before-seen collaboration, KT Kids is set to revolutionize kids’ haircare in India, blending safety, science, and star power to create a new benchmark in the industry. You can get your KT Kids product on www.ktkids.in and you can follow the page on ktkids_official on Instagram and get your kids care solution today!

25, Sep 2025
Ace Blend Brings Ancient Energy Into the Fast Lane with TruBlk Shilajit Sticks

Mumbai, 25th September 2025Ace Blend, India’s next-gen nutrition brand backed by Fireside Ventures, today announced the launch of TruBlk™ Shilajit Sticks, a portable vitality booster that reimagines one of the world’s oldest performance tonics through the lens of modern science. Long celebrated as the “Destroyer of Weakness” for its ability to enhance stamina, energy and resilience, Shilajit today comes with problems: it can be impure, inconsistent, contaminated, and low in essential trace minerals.

Ace Blend Shilajit Sticks 2 But at the core of each 8-gram stick is 400mg of a pure and patented form, TruBlk™ Shilajit Resin, standardized for fulvic acid and trace minerals to support energy production, testosterone and cellular repair. This formula goes further with 120 mg Cordyceps Militaris Extract, clinically proven to improve stamina and energy levels, and 7.48 g Organic Honey, which provides quick, snackable energy and improved nutrient absorption. Together, they form a natural, non-caffeine performance edge that fuels endurance, energy and resilience on-the-go.

What differentiates TruBlk™ is its Patented TruBlk™ Extraction Technology, which enhances absorption, ensures purity and removes contaminants for unmatched consistency and safety. This helps Shilajit Sticks stand apart as a standardized format in a saturated market. Additionally, the choice of single, pre-measured daily servings eliminates any guesswork and mess of resins or powders. Currently undergoing clinical trials, this formulation underscores Ace Blend’s commitment to validated, safe and long-term performance nutrition.

“Consumers today are looking for more than just quick energy or stimulants. They crave science-backed nutrition that naturally fuels real results,” said Shivam Hingorani, Founder of Ace BlendWith TruBlk™ Shilajit Sticks, we’ve combined centuries-old wisdom with modern science to create a formulation that delivers measurable endurance, sustained energy, and resilience, all in a convenient, on-the-go stick. Every ingredient from the patented Shilajit, to our Cordyceps extract and organic honey from Indian forests, has been carefully selected for its efficacy and absorption. Our goal is to help people perform at their best and maintain vitality throughout the day. These sticks make it simple while juggling the demands of modern life.

Users can rip, slurp, and fuel higher energy, endurance and resilience with just 1 stick a day.

With this launch, Ace Blend further cements its position as a science-forward, lifestyle-driven brand reshaping India’s wellness and nutraceutical market with precise formulations built for real results.

25, Sep 2025
Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy Delivers 6th Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial Oration at ASCI

Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy, IPS (Retd) delivers the Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial 6th Oration “Revisiting the Criminal Justice System at Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, September 25, 2025: The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, hosted the Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial 6th Oration today at its Bella Vista Campus, Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad. The annual lecture, endowed by the Prof. S. Venugopala Rao Memorial Charitable Trust, featured a keynote address by Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy, IPS (Retd), former Head of AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) and Founder Director of the AP State Police Academy, on the theme “Revisiting the Criminal Justice System.”

The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr. N. Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), Director General, ASCI, followed by the inaugural address from Shri K. Padmanabhaiah, IAS (Retd), Chairman, ASCI.

Key Highlights of the Oration by Shri Anjaneya Reddy

• Sri Anjaneya Reddy emphasized the four pillars of the criminal justice system—the police, prosecutors, judiciary, and correctional administration—pointing out that correctional administration remains the most neglected dimension.
• He traced the historical backdrop of India’s criminal laws, originating in the colonial era, and highlighted the urgency of revising them significantly after independence.
• The oration examined recent reforms in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including modernization of offenses, introduction of community service as punishment, and enhanced use of technology in evidence collection and investigations.
• While commending the progressive changes, he criticized the persistence of outdated colonial features, such as the irrational classification of cognizable and non-cognizable offenses, and noted the lack of authority for investigators to secure witness signatures—resulting in frequent retractions.
• He stressed the importance of victim compensation and witness protection schemes, urging state governments to establish well-funded, practical mechanisms in collaboration with legal services authorities.
• Drawing attention to the backlog of cases, he pointed out that nearly 359 million criminal cases remain pending across Indian courts.
• He underlined that a responsive criminal justice system needs accountability, transparency, and innovations to regain the trust of citizens.

Programme Conclusion

The session concluded with a memento presentation to Sri C. Anjaneya Reddy by Shri Padmanabhaiah, Chairman, ASCI, followed by a vote of thanks from representatives of the Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial Charitable Trust. Participants hailed the oration as a timely reflection on long-overdue reforms in India’s justice system.

25, Sep 2025
Bangla ZEE5 Launches ‘AmarBhashaAmarGolpo’ Brand Film Celebrating the Many Stories of Durga Pujo

Kolkata, 25th September 2025: Bangla ZEE5 unveils its Durga Pujo campaign, AmarBhashaAmarGolpo’, an integrated festive campaign designed to make Pujo entertainment more inclusive, accessible and deeply connected to Bangla audiences. The campaign is accompanied by a brand film that brings together many stories of the season, uniting in a shared spirit of joy during Durga Pujo — from a little girl sketching the goddess’ eyes, to a female priest leading a ceremony, an electrician balancing work and fatherhood, and even an unexpected festive meet-cute.

AmarBhashaAmarGolpo

At the heart of the initiative is the Pujo Special Offer, giving subscribers the chance to enjoy the platform at a festive price. With the coupon code PUJO59, the monthly Bangla plan is available at just 59 instead of the regular 99, making it easier for families to come together and enjoy their favourite Bengali stories this season. 

Adding to the celebrations, from 22 September to 2 October, a curated line-up of popular TV shows including Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, Jowar Bhata, SIT, Kone Dekha Aalo, will be available at no cost on Bangla ZEE5, creating a festive window for family viewing. To further immerse audiences in the spirit of the season, the platform is also livestreaming rituals from top Pujo pandals, alongside 35–40 VOD specials, ensuring that the sacred rituals and ceremonies can be experienced from the comfort of home

Speaking on the campaign, Rusa Banerjee, Business Head, Bangla ZEE5, said, “Durga Pujo is not just a festival; it is the heartbeat of Bengal, a celebration that brings people together across generations and communities. With ‘#AmarBhashaAmarGolpo,’ we wanted to capture this living heartbeat and carry it into every home. Our brand film and campaign echo the spirit of inclusion and togetherness, showing how Pujo is experienced in many different ways yet unites in one joyous spirit. From the PUJO59 festive offer and free TV shows to live pandal streams and community activations, every element has been designed to bring audiences closer to the essence of Pujo with Bangla ZEE5.”

Adding to this, Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer, ZEE5 and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said, “In a vibrant market like Bengal, Durga Pujo is when the state celebrates its culture in its richest form – through stories, music, pandal hopping, and shared moments. With ‘#AmarBhashaAmarGolpo,’ we’ve created a campaign that feels like home. It speaks to the very core of Pujo; its emotion of togetherness, nostalgia, and newness all at once. This is our commitment to the market to stay rooted in its culture even as we reimagine stories for a digital-first generation.”

Adding to this, Bangla ZEE5 premiered Mahalaya — Jago Maa Jago Durga, a program that is traditionally appointment viewing, and made it available on-demand. The special garnered an overwhelming response, driving a significant jump in subscriptions and allowing audiences to relive the moment at their own convenience.

Extending the campaign beyond digital screens, Bangla ZEE5 is rolling out outdoor branding across the city through banners and cab wraps. The creatives spotlight Mrigaya – The Hunt, a multi-starrer box office blockbuster and Bangla ZEE5’s big Pujo offering, alongside a line-up of other titles paired with quirky, colloquial Pujo liners that capture the local idiom and festive spirit. Featured shows include the upcoming Bangla ZEE5 original series Ganoshotru, as well as popular titles Abar Proloy, Bibhishon and Bohurupi, offering audiences a mix of nostalgia and newness this season.

To deepen its cultural connection, Bangla ZEE5 is also engaging with 50 residential complexes where Durga Pujo celebrations are hosted. Through RWA partnerships, the campaign will bring on-site screenings, festive activities and the PUJO59 offer directly to apartment Pujos and neighbourhood gatherings, turning the digital platform into a physical presence in community spaces.

25, Sep 2025
Festive season to add up to 2 Lakh jobs; Tier-2 cities surge as Q-Commerce drives gig role growth

INDIA, 25th Sept 2025: India’s festive economy has traditionally been a major driver of consumer spending, and 2025 is marking a structural transformation in how seasonal demand is shaping employment models. The festival season, starting earlier this year, is expected to generate up to 2 lakh jobs across key sectors like retail, e-commerce, logistics, and consumer services.

Hiring during the festive period is up significantly compared to last year. Quick commerce and third-party logistics are leading the surge, supported by investments in supply chain and last-mile delivery. Of the projected new jobs, 70% are expected to be gig roles, while 30% are permanent, suggesting a blended workforce model.

This reflects a broader workforce transformation—not just a seasonal spike.

Several large Q-commerce and e-commerce players are projected to retain 26% of this expanded workforce beyond the festive window.

This marks a shift from prior years, when most gig roles were phased out post-season.

The gig workforce is now seen as a strategic asset in India’s evolving employment landscape.

Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are becoming active growth hubs. Locations like Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Indore, Surat, and Nagpur are expected to see strong increases in hiring.

These cities are emerging as micro-fulfilment hubs for retail and e-commerce.

Last year, Tier 2 cities accounted for nearly half of all gig hiring, and that share is expected to grow in FY26.

Another defining shift is greater gender diversity in the festive workforce. The gig economy—especially in customer service, delivery, grooming, and food—is seeing a notable rise in female participation.

More women are joining gig roles due to flexible hours, digital onboarding, and hyperlocal opportunities.

Hiring is moving toward greater gender parity, especially in urban and semi-urban clusters.

Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, notes:

“Over 35% of businesses are now rethinking festive hiring as part of their long-term talent strategy.”

Companies are:

  • Investing in pre-festive skilling

  • Revisiting diversity goals

  • Using seasonal demand as a testbed for agile workforce models

“Real growth is shifting to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—where talent is available, costs are lower, and attrition is minimal.”

Looking Ahead: From Seasonal to Sustainable

As this momentum continues, the priority must be:

  • Investing in tech-led skilling

  • Extending workforce protections to gig roles

  • Ensuring seasonal work leads to long-term inclusion

The celebration may be seasonal, but its impact on employment is now year-round.

25, Sep 2025
Industry & Policy Leaders Converge at FICCI’s 15th India Climate Policy & Business Conclave

Hyderabad, 25th September 2025: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), under the aegis of its Centre for Sustainability Leadership, successfully organized the 15th India Climate Policy and Business Conclave focused on climate policy and carbon market space. The conclave was organized in partnership with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India and Ministry of Environment, Japan.

FICCI’s 15th India Climate Policy and Business Conclave

The conclave brought together policymakers, business leaders, experts, and international stakeholders to deliberate on aligning climate policy with India’s net zero and growth priorities.

The Conclave provided a high-level platform to discuss pressing issues such as carbon markets, climate finance clean energy transition, climate technology, and pathways for low-carbon industrial growth. It featured keynote addresses by senior government leaders, panel discussions with global climate experts, and insights from industry captains committed to advancing India’s climate ambitions.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr Rambabu Paravastu, Co-Chair of the FICCI Environment & Climate Change Committee, providing a comprehensive context for the conclave. He began by acknowledging India’s historical leadership in climate action, specifically highlighting the country’s role in the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), where it was a leader in project activation. Dr. Paravastu commended Japan’s leadership in the intervening years between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement by pioneering the JCM, a mechanism that foresaw and was designed for Article 6. He expressed gratitude for Japan’s persistence, which has now paved the way for India to sign similar bilateral agreements with other countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Sweden. 

He stressed that while India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are ambitious and must be met independently, mechanisms like Article 6 are crucial for bridging the viability gap for high-cost projects, attracting foreign investment and technology. 

Mr. Kohei Kiname, Principal Manager for JCM projects and International Market Mechanism, Global Environmental Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan delivered a theme address and presentation on the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM). He began by highlighting a key question: whether economic growth and climate action can be pursued simultaneously. He emphasized that climate change presents a significant opportunity for new business and investment and acknowledged JCM is a carbon market tool under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, where Japan collaborates with partner countries on decarbonization projects. These projects involve investment, technology transfer, and capacity building, and generate credits that can be used to achieve each country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

Mr. Meela Jayadev, Co-Chairman of FICCI’s Telangana State Council, praised the state’s leadership in environmental action through pioneering programs in afforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable water management. Mr. Jayadev emphasized on the conclave’s critical role in aligning business innovation with policy frameworks to drive sustainable growth and position India as a climate leader. He concluded by urging participants to engage with open minds and bold ideas to collectively build a resilient and sustainable future for India.

Eminent voices at the Conclave include Mr. Ashok Lavasa, Former Secretary, MoEFCC, delivering the Keynote Address and Shri Navin Mittal, IAS, Principal Secretary – Energy Department, Government of Telangana, presenting the Valedictory Address. The event will feature an impressive roster of industry leaders and experts, including Mr Kazuhisa Koakutsu, the Director of the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership Centre; Mr Umamaheswaran Krishnan, Article 6 & Carbon Pricing Specialist, RCC Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, UNFCCC;  and representatives from Mahindra Group, Aditya Birla Group, Deloitte, Nature Conservancy India, Hindalco, and the International Finance Corporation, among others.

The conclave highlighted:

  • India’s roadmap under the Paris Agreement and Net Zero commitments.
  • Opportunities in Article 6 mechanisms and international carbon markets.
  • Role of finance and investment in accelerating clean energy and climate innovation.
  • Business perspectives on climate resilience, sustainable supply chains, and technology adoption.