Category Archives: Business

Hyatt Regency Pune Hosts Independence Day Brunch at Pune 14

Pune, India, 12th August 2025: Hyatt Regency Pune invites guests to commemorate the 79th Independence Day of India with a spectacular Independence Day Themed Brunch at Pune 14, the hotel’s signature all-day dining destination. This special celebration will be hosted on Friday, 15th August and Sunday, 17th August 2025, offering guests two opportunities to indulge in a vibrant feast of flavours inspired by the colours and spirit of the nation.

Guests can look forward to a lavish buffet featuring regional Indian favourites, live cooking stations, tricolour-inspired desserts, and an array of global specialties, all prepared by the hotel’s talented culinary team. To complement the dining experience, Pune 14 will be adorned with patriotic décor, live music, and a warm festive ambience perfect for families and friends to gather.

Highlights include:

• A grand buffet spread celebrating India’s culinary diversity
• Tricolour-themed desserts and artisanal sweets
• Live music performances enhancing the festive spirit
• Special activities for children and family-friendly entertainment

Event Details:

1.  Friday, 15th August & Sunday, 17th August 2025
2.  12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
3.  Pune 14, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences

Speaking on the occasion, Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Pune, said:
“Independence Day is a time to reflect on our nation’s journey and celebrate the spirit of unity. Our Independence Day Brunch at Pune 14 brings together the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine with the warmth of togetherness, making it a memorable experience for our guests.”

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Celebrates the Graduation of the Leela Leadership Development Programme – Class of 2025

New Delhi, August 12, 2025: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 of its prestigious Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP) at a grand ceremony hosted at The Leela Palace New Delhi. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of an intensive 15-month journey for 40 management trainees, now appointed as Assistant Managers across The Leela.

The event was graced by distinguished guests including Mr. Amitabh Kant, Ex-Sherpa G20, India and Former CEO, NITI Aayog, as Guest of Honour, alongside Mr. Manish Malhotra, India’s leading Fashion Designer, Couturier, Entrepreneur and Filmmaker; Mr. Dipak Deva, Managing Director, Travel Corporation India Ltd. (TCI); Mr. Mukesh Butani, Co-founder, BMR Legal & Independent Director, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts; and Ms. Louise Kennedy, International Fashion Designer based in London and Dublin. Proud family members of the graduates joined industry stalwarts and senior leaders of The Leela to honour the new cohort of luxury leaders.

Launched in May 2022 in partnership with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) in alliance with Les Roches, Leela Leadership Development Programme is a world-class management training programme designed to identify, nurture, and fast-track the finest talent in hospitality into senior leadership roles. The curriculum blends functional expertise, leadership development, and luxury consumer insights through immersive classroom sessions, cross-functional exposure and on-the-job training, all anchored in Atithi Devo Bhava-Guest is God, The Leela’s guiding ethos.

“At The Leela, we believe that people are our greatest asset, and the Leela Leadership Development Programme is where we shape the leaders who will define the future of luxury hospitality. Talent is the cornerstone of our leadership in this industry, and investing in that talent is both a responsibility and a privilege. This career-defining journey blends global best practices with the soul of Indian hospitality, building a leadership pipeline that is diverse, future-ready and deeply rooted in our ethos. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2025 and look forward to seeing them make their mark as they carry forward The Leela’s rich legacy.” — Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

Diversity continues to be a defining strength of the programme, with over 40% of the graduating batch being women and participants representing varied academic backgrounds and specialisations. The Class of 2025 brings together graduates across Rooms, Food & Beverage, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Culinary streams, reflecting the depth and breadth of leadership talent being cultivated.

Ms. Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President & Head – Human Resources, added: “The Leela Leadership Development Programme is a strategic talent initiative that enables us to build a robust leadership pipeline internally, ensuring we have the right people in the right roles at the right time. By providing a clear and accelerated career pathway, we are not only attracting top talent from the industry but also ensuring their long-term growth within The Leela.”

The Leela Leadership Development Programme has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most coveted management training programmes in Indian hospitality, with graduates fast-tracked to managerial roles and a clear trajectory toward General Manager and senior leadership positions within 12–13 years.

Applications for the Class of 2027 will soon open, welcoming both internal and external candidates with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, at least one year’s experience in a luxury hotel, excellent communication skills, and demonstrated leadership potential to embark on this transformative career journey with The Leela.

Sri Lanka’s Premium Tea Brand Tea Avenue Makes Grand India Debut in Collaboration with FranGlobal

New Delhi, 12th August 2025 : In a major step forward for premium lifestyle and beverage experiences, Tea Avenue, Sri Lanka’s most beloved homegrown tea café chain, is all set to mark its India entry in collaboration with FranGlobal, the international business arm of Franchise India Group. This strategic alliance heralds a new chapter in cross-border brand expansion and reflects the ever-growing appetite for curated global tea experiences among Indian consumers.

The De Silva family, in tea since 1936, launched Tea Avenue to carry forward its heritage through a vibrant, contemporary cafe culture. With over four generations of tea mastery, the brand has evolved into an immersive lifestyle destination that celebrates tea in its purest and most innovative forms. Now, with its entry into India- one of the world’s largest tea-loving nations- Tea Avenue is poised to resonate deeply with discerning Indian palates.

“India has a deep, cultural love affair with tea, and Tea Avenue is more than just a café- it’s a sensorial journey steeped in heritage,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group. “This partnership is about delivering authenticity, innovation, and creating modern tea experiences that feel personal and premium. We are excited to bring this globally admired brand to the Indian market at a time when consumer demand for artisanal and high-quality F&B formats is at an all-time high.”

With this collaboration, Tea Avenue has ambitious plans to open multiple outlets across India’s metropolitan cities in the next 12 to 18 months, beginning with Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Operating under a Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) model. The brand offers a flexible franchise format—from full cafes and mini cafés to hotel tea corners and kiosks—designed to suit different investor goals and locations.

“India has always been a dream destination for us,” said Sajeev De Silva, Founder, Tea Avenue. “There’s a unique emotional and cultural alignment between Sri Lanka and India when it comes to tea. With FranGlobal’s expertise and reach, we are confident that our brand will find a second home here and build lasting connections with Indian tea lovers.”

The brand also introduces retail products such as elegant tea tins, assortment boxes, and gift sets, allowing customers to take home a piece of Tea Avenue’s heritage.

This Indo-Lankan partnership arrives at a time when global café culture is shifting toward experience-driven, quality-first models, and Tea Avenue is set to redefine how India enjoys its favourite beverage- whether through sit-down café moments or quick sips at bustling kiosks.

With a vision of launching over 200 outlets globally by 2035, this collaboration is just the beginning. Tea Avenue and FranGlobal are brewing a revolution in India’s premium tea space- one aromatic cup at a time.

This Independence Day, Glen Appliances Pledges to Make 2 Lakh Indian Kitchens Smoke-Free by the End of 2025

August 12, 2025, New Delhi, India: A smoke-free kitchen is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for a healthy home. Ahead of Independence Day, Glen Appliances, one of India’s leading kitchen appliance brands, is leading this cause through a national awareness drive that educates consumers on the health benefits of using chimneys. Through a mix of online and offline activations, including a collaboration with micro-influencers, Glen aims to spark conversations around indoor air quality and inspire Indian households to invest in cleaner, safer cooking spaces.

As part of this initiative, Glen has pledged to make 2 lakh Indian kitchens smoke-free by the end of 2025. To support this goal, the brand is offering up to 60% off on its advanced, energy-efficient BLDC chimney range that is designed to combine powerful smoke extraction with up to 50% lower power consumption and quieter operation.

The National Family Health Survey reveals that most Indian households still cook in enclosed or semi-ventilated spaces, allowing smoke and harmful particles to accumulate indoors. While nearly 60% have transitioned to cleaner fuels such as LPG, biogas, or electricity, health risks remain due to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter.  Some studies show that prolonged exposure to these pollutants can irritate the respiratory system, worsen asthma, and increase the risk of severe illnesses, including lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Indoor air pollution caused by cooking smoke is one of the most overlooked health hazards in India. Glen’s BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) chimneys are engineered to reduce smoke, odour, and airborne grease more effectively than conventional chimneys, offering a long-lasting solution for healthier homes.

“Since 1999, we have been addressing an invisible health hazard that’s present in nearly every Indian kitchen,” said Rintu Dasgupta, Chief Operating Officer, Glen Appliances. “This Independence Day, we are not just celebrating freedom, we are advocating for freedom from smoke. Our goal is to create healthier homes with smarter appliances.”

The Independence Day campaign will run nationwide through Glen’s 150+ retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and social media channels, supported by educational content, expert tips, and exclusive product offers.

Beyond chimneys, Glen’s extensive range of kitchen solutions – including cooktops, built-in ovens, hobs, water purifiers, and small appliances is designed for modern Indian households. As a proudly Indian brand, Glen continues to innovate with sustainability at the core, from energy-efficient designs to eco-conscious packaging and manufacturing practices.

HPCL Launches “POWER FILL AADI”Campaign in the temple city of madurai to Reward Loyal Customers

Madurai, 12th August 2025: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has announced the launch of its exciting campaign in collaboration with Suzuki, aimed at rewarding loyal customers during the festive season. The campaign, promoted at select outlets, offers customers an opportunity to win exciting prizes such as a Suzuki Gixxer bike, smartphones, and other attractive gifts.

Speaking at the occasion, an official from HPCL stated, “Such campaign initiatives are frequently undertaken to reward our loyal customers by giving them free gifts on fuelling. Through these campaigns, we aim not only to express our gratitude to our existing customers but also to enroll new customers into the HPCL family.”

As part of the campaign, customers need to fill POWER95 Petrol participate and stand a chance to avail from a wide range of prizes. The campaign is designed to enhance customer engagement and make every visit to HPCL outlets a rewarding experience.

HPCL continues to innovate and bring value-added services to its customers, ensuring that every festive season is celebrated with joy and special rewards.

Toscano Celebrates Independence Day with a Festive Brunch

India, 12th August 2025: This Independence Day, Toscano Restaurants invites you to indulge in a vibrant culinary celebration that brings together the rich flavors of India and Italy. Available exclusively on August 15 at Toscano Miraya Rose in Bangalore and Toscano Koregaon Park in Pune, the special brunch promises a spread as diverse and delightful as the day it honors.

The Independence Day Brunch Menu features an array of live stations and indulgent treats from Toscano’s Signature Bread Station and Indian Starters & Chaat Live Counter to the Pasta Live Counter, Mezze Dips, and warming Zuppa. Guests can savor a colorful variety of antipasti, enjoy the carving station for non-vegetarian delights, and sample pizzas passed around in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

For mains, diners can explore the best of both worlds with Italian specialties and Indian classics, each available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations. The celebration ends on a sweet note with Assorted Indian Breads and a delectable selection of Indian and Italian desserts.

“This brunch is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of togetherness and the joy of sharing flavors across cultures,” says Toscano’s Head Chef. “It’s our way of honoring the day with dishes that bring comfort, connection, and culinary excitement.”

Recode Studios Strengthens Presence in Gujarat with Strategic Retail Expansion

12th August 2025 : Recode Studios, India’s fast-growing beauty and skincare brand,is all on an aggressive expansion plan in Gujarat. The brand just opened two new stores in Ahmedabad and Surat to bring international quality products to the people of Gujarat. While Surat got its first store, this will be second Recode store in Ahmedabad. The first Ahmedabad store was opened in March and the brand saw the opportunity to open another store to cater the customers better.

The Surat and Ahmedabad openings reinforces the brand’s retail growth plan across Tier I Tier II and metro cities’. The opening is consistent with Recode Studios’ larger mission to provide research-led, quality, and value-for-money beauty solutions to consumers pan-India. Recode Studios, India’s fast-growing beauty and skincare brand, is excited to launch its new store in Surat, Gujarat. Located at Shop No. G-38, Ascon Plaza, Near Bulkabhavan School, Adajan, Surat – 395009, and the other store located at Shop No. GF-6, Sargam Apartment, Opp Chandan Farm, Nr Satyam Status Satellite Road, Jodhpur Ahemdabad, 380015, the stores mark a strategic foray into one of Gujarat’s trend-conscious and beauty-conscious consumer groups.

Designed to offer a luxury and interactive retailing experience, the store has the company’s entire range of best-selling makeup and skincare products under one roof. Designed specifically to focus on Recode’s philosophy of affordability, inclusivity, and innovation in order to give world-class beauty solutions to all, not just the elite class, the store offers an end-to-end product experience with hands-on and experiential involvement.

Mr. Rahul Sachdeva, Co-Founder of Recode Studios, said, “Gujarat has always been a state that celebrates beauty, individuality, and self-expression. With this new store, we’re creating more than just a retail space; we’re building a community hub where customers can explore, experience, and engage with our brand firsthand. This marks an important milestone in our retail journey, and there’s much more to come.”

The store is a stunningly edited environment in which consumers are able to discover, learn about, and purchase Recode’s clean beauty and performance products. With each Recode store, the Surat and Ahmedabad stores are the physical manifestation of the brand’s desire to forge genuine relationships with consumers through the combination of globally quality products and a personal, local touch.

With this rollout, Recode Studios is yet again positioning itself as a popular next-generation Indian beauty company that sits at the nexus of world standards and local sensitivities. By foraying into physical stores in city limits like Surat and Ahmedabad, Recode is not just developing awareness but also consumer trust through direct experience and service.

Share.Market (PhonePe Wealth) decodes mutual fund investing trends of GenZ on International Youth Day

Bengaluru 11^th Aug 2025 : This International Youth Day, Share.Market, PhonePe’s wealth management platform, highlights the growing participation of India’s young investors in Mutual Funds. A recent analysis of over 6 lakh mutual fund investors between August 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025 reveals that approximately 48% of the mutual fund investor base is in the age bracket of 18 to 30 years, indicating a strong mindset shift of youth towards investing and long-term wealth creation.

The data spotlights that nearly 95% of Gen Zs begin their investment journey in mutual funds through Equity. This reflects a clear appetite for high risk-reward investment options over short-term savings options. Moreover, the young investors are showing a strong preference for disciplined and consistent investing behaviour.

This trend is evident in how they are choosing to begin and sustain their mutual fund journey:

• Maharashtra (16%), Uttar Pradesh (11%), and Karnataka (8%) lead in youth investor participation, reflecting widespread adoption across regions.
• Approximately, 81% of the young investors come from B30 (Beyond Top 30) cities such as Jodhpur, Raipur, Vishakhapatnam, Gorakhpur, Mysore, Jamshedpur and Kolhapur, indicating increased financial inclusion and awareness.
• As a commitment to long term wealth creation and savings, 92% invest on a monthly basis through SIPs with an average transaction value of approximately Rs. 1000 which is 18% lower than above 30 age group.
• Approximately 21% of the young investors opted for at least one lumpsum investment with an average transaction value of nearly Rs. 8000 that is 30% lower than the investors over 30 years.
• Diversified equity fund categories such as Value / contra and Flexicap are among the most preferred categories for these under-30 investors, with 70% of them owning a fund from at least one of these categories. Midcap and small cap are the other popular categories among these investors.

Commenting on the trend, Nilesh D Naik, Head of Investment Products at Share.Market (PhonePe Wealth) said, “It is inspiring to see India’s youth take charge of their financial well-being so early in life. Inculcating a healthy investing habit will improve their long-term investment journey and help them become confident investors over time. Their inclination towards consistently investing in SIPs and diversified fund choices shows a level of maturity and financial literacy that is promising for the future. At Share.Market (PhonePe Wealth), we are committed to empowering young investors with the tools, education, and insights they need to make informed and impactful investing decisions.”

This data reaffirms Share.Market’s mission to democratise investing and make wealth creation accessible to all, especially the next generation of investors who are shaping India’s financial future, one SIP at a time.

Zithara.AI Unveils India’s only AI-First Retail Operating System for Jewellers

Hyderabad, 11th August 2025 – Zithara.AI, India’s fastest-growing AI-native customer engagement and data platform, launched the country’s only unified, end-to-end AI-powered retail operating system designed specifically for jewellery retailers navigating the crossroads of heritage and high technology.

“We are unveiling a full-stack retail system comprising the AI Agentic Framework, Mobile AI Toolkits, Ziri – the AI-Powered Data Intelligence Agent, and the newly launched Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server, all integrated into a single, composable infrastructure. This system doesn’t ask retailers to abandon tradition, but it empowers them to scale it with intelligence. With us, every associate becomes more empowered, every customer interaction more meaningful, and every store more responsive. Intelligence isn’t buried in reports—it’s embedded into day-to-day operations,” said Varun Kashyap, Co-Founder, Zithara.AI.

 The Key Innovations introduced by Zithara.AI while making a unified AI-powered retail operating system for the jewellery industry are as follows:

MCP – Model Context Protocol Server

India’s first of its kind, the MCP Server serves as the foundational infrastructure for live retail intelligence. It interprets behavioural signals, integrates data from across channels, and enables context-aware actions across sales, marketing, service, and loyalty. Retailers can plug in their Large Language Models (LLMs) and run them alongside Zithara’s CRM and CDP, allowing for a tailored AI stack that fits each retailer’s logic and customer DNA.

AI Agentic Framework

Sitting atop MCP, this layer orchestrates personalised engagement by monitoring customer behaviour in real time across physical stores, websites, WhatsApp, and campaigns. It automates what were previously manual CRM tasks, such as nudging lapsed customers, following up on bridal collections, or re-engaging high-value buyers—all done autonomously at scale.

Mobile AI Toolkits for Store Teams

Zithara equips store associates with mobile-native tools to schedule appointments, capture walk-ins, send campaign messages, and manage loyalty interactions—all context-aware and connected to real-time customer data. This empowers in-store teams to deliver premium, insight-led service without relying on memory or spreadsheets.

Ziri – AI-Powered Data Intelligence Agent

Ziri is a mobile-first business intelligence tool for CXOs and multi-store operators, offering real-time, AI-generated reports on conversion trends, store performance, and campaign impact—powered by live CRM and transaction data. No dashboards. No data pulls. Just clarity of the decision taken.

The retailers who have leveraged Zithara.AI’s platform have witnessed a 3× increase in repeat purchases, a 60% uplift in customer lifetime value, and real-time reactivation of dormant leads via WhatsApp automation so far. Now, with the advent of Zithara.AI’s full-stack retail system, it is bound to have more impactful outcomes.

According to Sri Devi Reddy, Co-Founder, Zithara.AI, “We believe AI should amplify human intuition, not replace it. Zithara’s unified stack enables jewellery businesses to preserve the craft of relationship-building while enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and scale through AI. This is not just CRM, not just automation; this is intelligent retail. It is built from the ground up for Indian jewellers ready to lead with legacy and scale with AI.”

Fairmont Udaipur Palace Announces Vishrut Gupta as General Manager of this magnificent new destination

Udaipur, 11 August’2025 – Fairmont Udaipur Palace is delighted to announce the appointment of Vishrut Gupta as General Manager of this magnificent new palace in the Aravalli Hills. With over two decades of distinguished experience in luxury hospitality, Vishrut brings to the role a rare blend of strategic foresight, emotional intelligence, and a deep-rooted passion for culturally immersive guest experiences. His thoughtful leadership and commitment to excellence position him perfectly to helm this new-age palace and shape it into one of India’s most iconic luxury destinations.

As the driving force behind the pre-opening and launch of this iconic destination, Vishrut is focused on building Fairmont Udaipur as India’s definitive modern palace for celebration, connection, and enchantment. His leadership philosophy is anchored in empathy, precision, and purpose—values that resonate through every aspect of the guest journey.

At Fairmont Udaipur, Vishrut steers operations across four foundational pillars: deeply authentic local cultural integration, an uncompromising service ethic, an empowered and purpose-driven colleague culture, and agile commercial strategy tailored to serve an evolving market. Each of these pillars supports his vision of creating a palace that doesn’t just impress—but moves, uplifts, and lingers in memory.

What defines Vishrut’s approach is a quiet, deliberate elegance. Under his guidance, Fairmont Udaipur Palace is being shaped into an environment where every interaction holds meaning, and every moment—no matter how small—is delivered with care. From curated arrival rituals to intuitive in-room personalization, he is committed to building an experience that is detail-rich, emotionally resonant, and seamlessly orchestrated. He leads a handpicked team of hospitality experts—each selected for their finesse, creativity, and sensitivity to celebration, tradition, and guest expectations.

In a luxury market increasingly defined by personalization, authenticity and hospitality with soul, Vishrut positions Fairmont Udaipur Palace as a destination where grandeur meets the discerning eye of modern global travelers. His emphasis on sustainable practices, technology-driven service personalization, and experiential innovation ensures that the guest journey is not only luxurious—but meaningful and memorable.

Whether it’s crafting dramatic arrivals with Willy Jeeps and rose-petal canopies, offering signature rituals like the 56-dish Royal Thaal, or transforming moments into memories through immersive experiences like bedtime folktales, sound healing, or wild nature trail breakfasts—Vishrut’s vision is to spark wonder. A sense of timeless enchantment that leaves every guest not only satisfied, but spellbound.

As Fairmont Udaipur Palace begins its journey as one of India’s one of India’s most luxurious destinations, Vishrut Gupta stands at the helm with a deep belief in thoughtful leadership, an unwavering pursuit of excellence, and a quiet conviction that the most impactful kind of luxury is that which stays with you—long after the stay ends.