Category Archives: Business

Make This Valentine’s Day Special: Trade Bouquets for Unforgettable Adventures

As Valentine’s Day approaches on February 14th, anticipation is rising for those hoping to spend romantic time with their loved ones to celebrate. Besides exchanging Valentine’s Day gifts like chocolates and perfumes, why not plan a trip with your partner if you’re looking to create special memories? For the wanderlust-struck romantics out there, the world’s most stunning flower festivals offer the perfect opportunity to keep the spirit of Valentine’s alive every season. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report, garden lovers are blooming like never before, with a whopping 90% of Indians sharing that they enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday.

Whether it’s cherry blossoms, sunflower fields, or lavender meadows, these breathtaking spots are ready to set the stage for your ultimate love story. And here’s the kicker: with Skyscanner’s tools like ‘Price Alerts’ and ‘Whole Month,’ your flower-filled fantasy doesn’t have to break the bank. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to let your love bloom all year round.

Skyscanner’s Travel and Destinations Expert, Mohit Joshi, says “Flower festivals offer a romantic and picturesque landscape for those celebrating love, so it is not a surprise to see this coming up as a trend for Indian travellers. Our insights show that more people are seeing the importance of creating core memories collectively, so what better way to do so than travel? A key tip to visiting such highly anticipated festivals, is to plan in advance as much as possible. It helps to get in before the crowd comes in, so do some research around when the flowers come to bloom, and try to visit at the start of it or near the end of the season. Another tip would be to have some flexibility to fly in a few days before your original travel date, because often that flexibility will allow you to find a better deal. Use the Skyscanner Month tool to have a bird’s eye view on when is the cheapest to fly to your destination.”

• The Tulip Festival in Srinagar – A Rainbow You Can Walk Through
  When to Go: Late March to mid-April

Spring in Srinagar hits different, especially when the Tulip Festival turns the city into a technicolor dream. Picture fields bursting with tulips in every shade of red, yellow, and purple—it’s like nature’s love letter to you! And while you’re there, don’t miss a shikara ride on Dal Lake. Float across the tranquil waters, snap Insta-perfect shots, and soak in the snow-capped mountain vibes. Romantic getaway = sorted!

• Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – Seoul’s Most Beautiful Season of Love
  When to Go: April 6–15, 2025

Japan’s cherry blossoms are iconic, but Seoul’s are equally breathtaking! The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is like stepping straight into a K-drama scene—cherry blossoms lining the Han River, creating the perfect dreamy backdrop for you and your bae. Stroll along Yunjung-ro Road to admire stunning flower installations or hop on an Eland Cruise for unique views of the blossoms. And you won’t be the only one – Skyscanner has observed 40% increase in YoY search for flights to Seoul during cherry blossoms season in March.

To make your adventure more affordable, you can mix & match your airlines and airports! You don’t have to stick to round-trip flights; flying out with one airline and back with another, or using different airports for your departure and return, can save you quite a bit of money. Here are some of the best deals for flying to Seoul:

• International Flower Festival in Gangtok, Sikkim
  When to Go: April and May

Sikkim isn’t just about Himalayan views and monasteries. The International Flower Festival in Gangtok is a riot of colour, with over 1000 species of flowers on display. The vibe is festive and the flowers? Absolutely Instagrammable. Take a selfie with the dazzling array of flowers, and don’t forget to capture the beautiful mountain backdrop. Throw in a little Sikkimese traditional dress for that extra pop! Here are some great deals:

• Flower Carpet in Brussels, Belgium – A Colourful Explosion of Love
  When to Go: Mid-August

Brussels isn’t just about its iconic chocolates and waffles; it’s also home to the stunning Flower Carpet festival. For one weekend every two years, the Grand-Place is transformed into a colorful tapestry made entirely of begonias. It’s an art form that literally takes your breath away. While you’re there, dive into the quirky vibes of the Atomium, explore the funky streets, or get lost in surreal art at the Magritte Museum. Check out these great deals, to make your romantic getaway extra special by enjoying both the flowers and everything else this vibrant city has to offer:

• Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival – The Pink Paradise, You Never Knew You Needed
  When to Go: Mid-November

With over half (56%) of travellers buzzing to witness cherry blossoms in 2025, Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the top destinations to consider. Imagine walking through a forest of soft pink petals falling like confetti—this is India’s answer to Japan’s Sakura, with a laid-back mountain twist. Last year’s addition of a Japanese village brought even more cultural flair, blending local charm with international vibes.

It’s no surprise Shillong is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2025, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report. So, when you’re not soaking in the pink magic, go explore Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, and dive deeper into the Japanese charm with a tour of Lady Hydari Park, all just an hour from Shillong Airport.

• The Valley of Flowers National Park – Nature’s Love Story in Uttarakhand
  When to Go: Early October

The Valley of Flowers is a real-life fairytale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Between June and October, the valley comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of flowers, including the rare Himalayan blue poppy, Brahma Kamal, and orchids – perfect for nature lovers looking to reconnect with the planet (and each other!). Interestingly, Skyscanner has noted a 21% YoY rise in searches for flights to Dehradun in October and a 28% increase in searches during the month as compared to September. Here are some incredible deals to help you explore this paradise:

Skyscanner makes it easy to find flights to some of the most breathtaking horticultural destinations worldwide. When it comes to accommodations, don’t just settle for the first hotel that pops up. Use Skyscanner’s interactive map to explore nearby options and you might just find a better stay just a street away. With Skyscanner’s hotel search, you can also uncover unique accommodations close to nature, such as treehouses or eco-lodges set amidst lush botanical landscapes.

Vinay Dahiya Appointed as Security Manager at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla

New Delhi, February 6, 2025 – Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vinay Dahiya as Security Manager. With over nine years of expertise in security management, risk assessment, fire & life safety, and asset protection, Vinay brings a sharp strategic vision and a proactive approach to safety and risk mitigation.

His career spans leadership roles at DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon, JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), The Westin Gurgaon, and Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road. This marks Vinay’s second tenure with IHG, having previously played a key role in strengthening security operations at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla itself.

To deepen his expertise in security and risk management, Vinay has pursued several professional certifications. He holds the Certified Security Professional (CSP) credential, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management (PGDDM) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Security Intelligence Management (PGDSIM). These qualifications have equipped him with advanced knowledge in handling security threats, crisis response, and intelligence-based risk mitigation strategies.

Recognized for his proactive leadership and crisis management skills, Vinay has successfully handled high-profile security operations, including VIP movements, large-scale event security, and emergency response planning. His ability to implement robust security frameworks while ensuring a seamless guest experience makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Ritesh Sharma, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, commented on the appointment:
“Security in hospitality is not just about vigilance—it’s about foresight, adaptability, and instilling confidence in every guest and team member. Vinay’s extensive experience, combined with his deep understanding of evolving security challenges, makes him the right leader to drive our safety initiatives forward.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Vinay Dahiya said:
“I am excited to take on this role at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla. Security is at the core of exceptional hospitality, and I look forward to working closely with the team to uphold the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.”

Beyond his professional expertise, Vinay is passionate about fitness, cars, and travel.

Brinda Dahal Shares Her Special Bond with Child Artists in Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya

Working with children always brings a different kind of joy, and actress Brinda Dahal, who plays Vaishnavi in Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo, is experiencing just that! After the show’s leap, two adorable child artists, Tiyanshika and Kiyara, joined the cast, and Brinda has already formed a beautiful connection with them.

Brinda shares her beautiful connection with these little stars, “I love spending time with kids, and on the set of Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya, I have formed a beautiful bond with the two little girls in our show Tiyanshika (Radha) and Kiyara (Shree). They are adorable, full of energy, and so talented! I naturally connect with children, and it’s been a joy to work with them. We’ve also made some fun trending reels together, which have been a blast! Their enthusiasm and innocence bring so much positivity to the set, making every moment even more special.”

The Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya actress further expresses how impressed she is with their talent and dedication, “What amazes me the most is how quickly they grasp everything. Whether it’s dialogues or scenes, they catch on so fast, and their confidence is truly inspiring. Watching them perform with so much ease and dedication at such a young age is heartwarming. They remind me that learning can be fun and that passion has no age.”

Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM, follows Vaishnavi, an orphan who draws strength and comfort from her unshakable faith in Chatti Maiyya, who acts as a motherly figure in her life. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Sneha Wagh, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit.

Page Industries Limited delivers 34.3 Percent PAT growth in Q3 FY25

Mumbai, 6th February 2025: Page Industries Limited, India’s leading apparel manufacturer, today announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31st, 2024

Key Financial Highlights for Q3 FY 25:

• · Sales volume grew 4.7% YoY, amounting to 57.8 million pieces
•  Revenue at Rs. 13,131 million, a 7.1% increase YoY
•  EBITDA was Rs. 3,025 million- growth of 33.6% YOY.
•  Profit After Tax (PAT) at Rs. 2,047 million, a 34.3% increase YOY

Key Financial Highlights for 9M FY25 :

•  Revenue at Rs. 38,368 million, growth of 7.3% YoY
•  EBITDA was Rs. 8,273 million, a growth of 19% YoY
•  PAT was Rs. 5,651 million, a growth of 22.6% YoY

Commenting on the results, Mr. V.S. Ganesh, Managing Director, Page Industries Limited said, “I am thrilled to announce that we have achieved strong profit growth, driven by consistent revenue increases and meticulous control over operating expenses. Our unwavering commitment to investing in top talent, product innovation, and digital transformation is propelling us towards our strategic goals. We are perfectly positioned to seize promising future growth opportunities, with modern retail and e-commerce continuing to serve as powerful growth engines.

Our focus on these areas not only strengthens our overall market position but also ensures we remain at the forefront of industry advancements.”

Outlook and Trends:

The Indian apparel retail sector confronts short-term headwinds due to dampened consumer sentiment. Nonetheless, long-term growth prospects remain robust, propelled by economic expansion, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes. Athleisure and innerwear are poised as pivotal growth drivers, complemented by the proliferation of organized retail and e-commerce.

Tarun Tahiliani Brings His Iconic Leather Bags Collection to Myntra Luxe

Bengaluru, 6 February, 2025: Myntra Luxe has unveiled the newly launched Leather Bag collection from the famed Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani. This stunning collection, inspired by the designer’s ‘India Modern’ philosophy, blends rich heritage with contemporary elegance, making luxury accessible to Myntra’s premium base of 70 million fashion-conscious customers. The collection introduces six distinct styles of leather bags: a playful vanity bag, an all-encompassing tote, a statement trapeze bag, a chic sling, a functional shoulder bag, and the signature bangle potli.

This partnership marks the debut of ‘Tarun Tahiliani’ in the e-commerce marketplace, extending beyond its brand.com. With this launch, Tarun Tahiliani accelerates its multi-channel strategy, reaching over 19,000 pin codes through Myntra’s extensive nationwide network.

Inspired by the evolving spirit of modern Indian women, the collection features a range of meticulously handcrafted leather bags that showcase the brand’s commitment to the finest quality. Each piece caters to modern women’s unique needs and moods, from those seeking everyday elegance to those looking for a statement piece for a special occasion or a sophisticated evening event. The collection showcases exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and a seasonless appeal, all grounded in the brand’s signature India Modern aesthetic, making them both practical and stylish for every occasion. Designed as timeless companions, the bags feature the signature TT monogram, artisanal charms, and gold-plated hardware, with intricate jaali-inspired detailing—a nod to India’s rich artistry.

Speaking about the launch, Tarun Tahiliani said, “India was the original home of luxury. Over the years, the demand for luxury in India has surged. The rise in disposable incomes, exposure to global trends, and the unprecedented influence of travel and social media have been key drivers of the increasing demand for luxury, spanning not just metro cities but also the country’s hinterlands. Myntra Luxe is well poised to bring our signature leather bags line to customers seeking luxury in the deepest corners of the country while providing a top-notch shopping experience through technology and service. While we may have begun to establish a presence in our megacities, there exists a whole other world of luxury seekers, far from where we are, and I hope Myntra Luxe will help us reach them.”

Speaking on the launch, Nandita Sinha, CEO, Myntra, said, “Tarun Tahiliani is one of India’s most celebrated designers and we are thrilled to welcome his exquisite luxury leather bags collection to Myntra Luxe. The brand’s unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless designs perfectly align with our vision of bringing the finest in luxury to our discerning customers. Premiumisation has been on a steady rise with increasing aspiration for luxury among customers. It’s a great time for the Indian luxury landscape as designers and brands are investing in catering to their evolving choices. We are delighted that Myntra Luxe is at the forefront of making luxury accessible to India.”

FADA Releases January’25 Vehicle Retail Data

6th February’25, Mumbai, INDIA: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for January’25.

January’25 Retails

FADA President, Mr. C S Vigneshwar, shared his perspective on the Auto Retail performance for January 2025:

“The Auto Retail sector kicked off 2025 on a promising note, aligning with FADA’s earlier survey projections that expected January to range from flat to moderately positive. Indeed, overall retail sales posted a robust 6.6% YoY growth, reinforcing the industry’s optimistic start. Our observations indicate that each vehicle category—2W, 3W, PV, Tractor, and CV—witnessed positive momentum, pointing toward sustained consumer confidence and steady market recovery.

Continuing from our last press release, where FADA’s dealer survey suggested a ‘flat to growth’ sentiment for January, the month closed with an overall growth of 6.6% on a YoY basis. All categories began the new calendar year on a solid footing, with 2W, 3W, PV, Tractor, and CV growing by 4%, 6.8%, 15.5%, 5%, and 8%, respectively on a YoY basis.

Two-wheeler sales saw a healthy 4.15% YoY and 27.39% MoM growth, with urban markets gaining a share from 41.6% in December to 43.7% in January. Urban sales also outpaced rural on a YoY basis, growing by 4.54% compared to 3.85%. Dealers cite new model launches, marriage season demand, and improved financing as key growth drivers. However, concerns about rising interest rates, rural liquidity challenges, and market uncertainty still linger.

Passenger Vehicle sales grew robustly by 15.53% YoY and 58.77% MoM, although some of that spike stems from December purchases registered in January for a “2025 model year” advantage. Urban markets inched up from 60.8% to 61.8% share but rural posted a higher YoY growth of 18.57% vs. urban’s 13.72%. Many dealers noted improved demand but also pointed to last year’s heavy discounting, which helped clear older models and shift registrations. Inventory levels have improved, dropping by around five days to 50–55 days, suggesting an improved supply-demand balance.

Commercial Vehicle sales increased by 8.22% YoY and surged 38.04% MoM, with urban markets climbing from 50.1% to 51.2% share and outpacing rural growth (9.51% vs. 6.89%). While higher freight rates and passenger carrier demand provided a boost, many dealers cited low cash flow, strict financing policies, and sluggish industries (like cement and coal) as major hurdles. Sentiments in rural regions remained notably subdued, compounded by limited new products. Overall, the sector shows cautious optimism but faces persistent headwinds.”

Near-Term Outlook

Riding on the momentum of a promising start to 2025, the Auto Retail sector enters February with cautious optimism. According to our latest survey, nearly half of dealers (46%) anticipate growth in the coming month, while 43% expect sales to stay flat and 11% foresee a dip. This blend of sentiments underscores the industry’s complex landscape—where bright spots are tempered by ongoing challenges.

On the positive side, dealers report that the continuing marriage season, fresh product launches and strategic promotional activities are likely to sustain customer footfalls. Furthermore, improved inventory management, better financing options from select lenders and backlogged orders in certain segments (such as commercial vehicles) add to the sense of guarded confidence. With supportive policies and a post-budget lift in consumer sentiment, many believe February could see a stable or slightly elevated sales curve.

At the same time, shorter working days, pockets of weak rural liquidity and inflationary pressures remain areas of concern, potentially limiting the extent of any upswing. Strict lending criteria, costlier vehicles and subdued demand in certain industrial sectors could weigh on overall performance.

Even so, India’s Auto Retail stands poised for modest gains if these headwinds ease. With nearly half of surveyed dealers still expecting an uptick, a collective sense of optimism prevails, suggesting that the industry is ready to ride out near-term challenges and look forward to brighter days ahead.

Key Findings from our Online Members Survey

Liquidity
Neutral 51.77%
Bad 25.89%
Good 22.34%

Sentiment
Neutral 53.55%
Good 24.47%
Bad 21.99%

Expectation from February’25
Growth 45.74%
Flat 42.91%
De-growth 11.35%

MakeMyTrip’s New ‘Loved by Devotees’ Service Simplifies Pilgrim Accommodation Choices

Gurugram, 6th February 2025: Spiritual travel in India is witnessing unprecedented growth, with pilgrimage destinations now accounting for over 10% of MakeMyTrip’s total room night bookings in Q3 FY25. Searches for religious destinations on the platform have surged by 46% in 2024 as compared to 2022, highlighting a growing preference among travellers for journeys that are deeply meaningful and spiritually enriching — distinct from leisure travel.

Rooted in faith and tradition, these pilgrimages often involve families with a higher percentage of elderly members, making it essential to find the perfect stay with facilities tailored to their needs. To simplify the identification of the stay, MakeMyTrip has introduced ‘Loved by Devotees’, a curated collection of 450+ hotels and homestays across 26 leading spiritual destinations. This initiative aims to take the guesswork out of planning spiritual journeys and ensure that travellers find stays that meet their specific needs for comfort, accessibility, and convenience.

Speaking about the development, Ankit Khanna, Chief Product Officer – Hotel, Growth & Emerging Businesses, said, “Getting to India’s spiritual destinations is easier than ever with better roads, rail, and air connectivity. ‘Loved by Devotees’ ensures that the stay offers amenities that meet the specific needs of spiritual travelers. Developed using real traveler insights and technology, it helps travelers find the perfect stay. The goal is simple—to remove the stress of planning so devotees can focus on what truly matters—their faith and experience.”

The ‘Loved by Devotees’ feature evaluates properties based on six key criteria: proximity to the sacred place for worship, accessibility from transit points such as airports, railways, and bus stations, availability of pure vegetarian restaurants, parking facilities, travel desk support, and elderly-friendly amenities like wheelchair assistance, doctor-on-call, lifts, and first-aid kits. Additionally, only accommodations with a user rating of 3.5 or higher on MakeMyTrip are included, ensuring a high standard of quality and reliability.

The initiative currently covers 26 of India’s most sought-after spiritual destinations including Ajmer, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Deoghar, Dwarka, Guruvayur, Haridwar, Katra, Kukke Subramanya, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Mathura, Nathdwara, Prayagraj, Puri, Rameshwaram, Shirdi, Somnath, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Thrissur, Tirupati, Udupi, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Vrindavan.

Ananta’s Newest Film Showcases Rajasthan’s Best-Kept Secret

Ajabgarh, Rajasthan, India 2025 – Rajasthan has been stealing the spotlight lately, but beyond the well-trodden path of Jaipur and Udaipur rallies a hidden marvel—Ajabgarh. With its majestic fort standing against the Aravalli skyline, this secluded paradise now finds its voice in an evocative brand film, unveiled by Ananta Hotels & Resorts in collaboration with PKFilms, and ConnektingDots.

More than just a visual journey, this film is an invitation—an invitation to witness the seamless blend of heritage, nature, and luxury that defines Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh. Through breathtaking cinematography, it transports viewers into a world where time slows down, where the echoes of Rajasthan’s royal past meet contemporary indulgence.

Set against the historic Ajabgarh Fort, this film brings to life are treat crafted for discerning travelers, destination wedding seekers, and experience-driven explorers. The architecture brilliance, the thepanoramicAravalliviews, and the sensory indulgence of there sort’s element-inspired villas—Fire, Earth, Water, and—are all masterfully captured through the lens of Nitish Kharbanda’sPKFilms, a name synonymous with storytelling that leaves a lasting impact.

ReimaginingAjabgarhThroughStorytelling

This cinematic reveal is part of an immersive pre-launch strategy by ConnektingDots, aimed at positioning Ananta Ajabgarh as Rajasthan’s next luxury landmark. By intertwining digital storytelling with experiential branding, this initiative ensures that

Ajabgar is no longer just a name on the map but a destination on every traveler’s wishlist.

“At AnantaHotels & Resorts, we have always been dedicated to curating spaces that offer more than just a stay—to experience. With Ajabgarh, we aimed to create a destination that is not only luxurious but also deeply connected to the soul of Rajasthan. This film, produced in collaboration with PK Films and Connecting Dots, beautifully captures that vision. We eagerly look forward to welcoming our guests to Ajabgarh, where every moment is designed to be truly unforgettable.”Shares Mr.MohitGoyal(Director,AnantaHotels & Resorts)

“Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh is a testament to our vision of crafting luxury experiences that seamlessly blend heritage with modernity. This brand film beautifully encapsulates the essenceofAjabgarh, bringing to life the serenity, cultural richness, and architectural splendor that define this destination. We are excited to invite travelers to discover the charm of Ajabgarh through this cinematic journey ,and experience the unparalleled hospitality that Anantast and for.”Expresses Mr.AshutoshGoyal (Director, Ananta Hotels & Resorts)

“Bringing Ananta Resorts & Spas’ latest addition in Ajabgarh to life through this film has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for us at PK Films. When I first wentthroughthecreativebrieffromConnektingDotsandthengotonacallto understand the passion and emotion behind it from the Goyals, I met Ashutosh. Thatconversationchangedeverything.Right from the way he spoke about the details to his clarity on how he wanted Ajabgarh’s essence to come through, it was truly inspiring. It wasn’t just about making a film, it was about telling a story that felt real, something people could connect with.That level of involvement and passion made it so much easier for us to create something that does justice to the vision. Working alongside Ananta Resorts & Spas and Connecting Dots has been an honor, and we can’twaitforpeople to experience Ajabgarh through this film, and in person.“Says, Mr.NitishKharbanda,FounderofPKFilms

“Having worked alongside Ananta Hotels & Resorts on several of their iconic properties, stepping into the creative realm for Ajabgarh was a thrilling challenge.Translating Mohit and Ashutosh’s vision into a compelling narrative was an excitingjourney built on trust and collaboration. Partnering with PK Films, whose expertise in tourism and hospitality storytelling is unparalleled, ensured that Ajabgarh’s essence was captured in every frame. We are excited to share this story and look forward to bringing more powerful narratives to life as we approach the opening in March.”added Ms.NehaKhilnani, Founder, and CEO of Connekting Dots

How the Pharma Sector is Poised for Growth in 2025

By – Prathamesh Masdekar, Research Analyst, StoxBox
The pharmaceutical sector has demonstrated notable improvement in recent quarters, driven by better performance in the US generics market, robust results in branded markets, and a moderation in raw material costs. These factors have collectively contributed to the healthy earnings of pharmaceutical companies despite global headwinds. As we advance, most pharma companies are expected to achieve 12-15% growth in 2025 amid a focus on new product launches, increased volume growth, and rising demand for generics and branded products. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies have strengthened their presence in chronic therapies, prioritized new product introductions, and explored new therapies to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

India is marking its rising position in pharmaceutical manufacturing by being the primary producer of generic drugs. During FY24, India’s pharmaceutical and drug exports were ~$27 bn, which made India one of the top global exporters. India’s Drug and pharmaceutical exports soared from $15 billion in 2013-14 to $27.85 billion in FY24. Ranking third globally in drug and pharmaceutical production by volume, India exports to ~200 countries. The top five destinations for these exports are the USA, Belgium, South Africa, the UK, and Brazil. With a 10-12% growth rate, India’s pharmaceutical sector is expected to reach $100 bn by 2025, fuelled by its robust domestic manufacturing base. During 2024-29, 15 blockbuster drugs (including biological products) will be off-patented, worth $112 billion, providing a tremendous growth opportunity for Indian pharmaceutical companies by another $10 billion. The patent on Revlimid expires in January 2026, and the pharma majors, which have seen strong growth on the back of this drug, are looking for other opportunities to keep their growth path.

The US Bio Secure Act is also poised to positively influence the Indian API CDMO industry as global pharmaceutical stakeholders increasingly seek alternatives to China. The Indian CDMO sector will likely thrive, bolstered by a robust capital expenditure cycle focused on capacity expansion, a strong USFDA compliance track record, sustained M&A activity, and investment in niche technologies. India’s unique positioning in the changing global API dynamics and continued strong presence in the US pharmaceutical market supply chain further strengthen this outlook. US Bio Secure Act will positively impact the Indian API CDMO industry with US$ 7 Bn accruing over the next five years as global pharmaceutical stakeholders look for alternatives to China. It is believed that China still commands around 30-34% of the global API/CDMO industry market share. Meanwhile, fruitful discussions by US firms with Indian peers will lead to investment in capability enhancement and capacity expansion that could range from two to three years to commercialize. Indian CDMO industry will likely remain in a sweet spot due to a strong capex cycle across the sector in capacity expansion as well as capability enhancement backed by a healthy balance sheet, proven capabilities of executing complex molecule development, strong USFDA compliance track record, sustained M&A activity and investment in niche technologies to gain foothold in complex projects for innovator clients and India’s unique positioning in the changing global API dynamics and continued strong presence in the US/regulated pharmaceutical market supply chain.

Overall, we expect domestic-focused pharma players to report 8-10% growth driven by an uptick in the chronic segment, higher MR productivity, new product launches and a focus on cost optimization. We expect pharma companies focusing on US business to grow strongly due to ongoing drug shortages, new product launches, and a shift towards specialty products and niche molecules. The sector is also likely to benefit from steady cash flows and low financial leverage, which will help maintain stable credit profiles, even as pharmaceutical companies pursue acquisitions in niche therapeutic areas.
Indian API Market Overview

The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival reaffirmed the power of unbiased discourse

Jaipur, February 6, 2025 – The Jaipur Literature Festival, presented by Vedanta in association with Maruti Suzuki, and powered by VIDA, concluded its 18th edition on a high note, bringing together writers, thinkers, and creative ideas from across the globe to celebrate the power of storytelling and unbiased discourse. Held at Hotel Clark’s Amer, this year’s Festival welcomed over 600 speakers, offering a series of insightful discussions, debates, and performances. The multi-faceted event served as a meeting point for both established and emerging voices in literature, as well as for those passionate about literature’s ability to inspire, challenge, and create a meaningful change in the world.

Highlights for the Day

In a house packed with lovers of literature and music, the legendary music producer Joe Boyd, who has worked with Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, and R.E.M, was in conversation with Caroline Eden to discuss his recent book ‘And the Roots of Rhythm Remain’. Boyd said, “What I’m writing about is the music that we in the so-called West know the best, but don’t know anything about. Everybody likes reggae, and Latin music, Brazilian samba, Argentine tango, eastern-European gypsy music, and Indian music. And so, the structure of the book is to take each of those styles, look at how they entered our world, and where they began.” The book evocatively explores the global influences and history behind popular Western music.

The distinguished descendants of Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, and Daniil Tolstoy, were also in conversation. Their discussion commenced with Gopalkrishna Gandhi recounting Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in London, which was marked by an unexpected turn of events following the assassination of Sir Curzon Wyllie. This incident subjected Gandhi to significant political and social scrutiny. Simultaneously, a letter by Leo Tolstoy, A Letter to a Hindu, was circulating in London, emphasizing that love, rather than hatred, was the key to overcoming British rule in India. The discussion brought together Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Daniil Tolstoy in a profound intergenerational exchange. As the session progressed, excerpts were read from A Letter to a Hindu, in which Tolstoy had drawn from ancient Tamil spiritual texts that continue to be revered today. The discussion concluded with reflections on how Tolstoy’s correspondence with Gandhi shaped the latter’s philosophy, ultimately inspiring the Satyagraha movement, which played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence.

Writer, playwright, and actor Manav Kaul’s heartfelt account of his journey as an author marked the beginning of the final day of the Jaipur Literature Festival with the session ‘A Bird On My Window Sill’. “You will find more of me in my writings than you will in my looks”, said Kaul as he proclaimed his love for books, solitude, and traveling solo. Kaul also spoke of the nostalgia that ‘chai’ brings and how it became an important part of his life, eventually playing a big part in his writings. Kaul emphasized the importance of real-life experiences as a driving force for his writing; one has to wait for the words to come to you and once they come to you, there is nothing more beautiful than that. “Me and my friend, Saleem, used to sit on the Hoshangabad railway station and watch the trains go by. Sitting there, we always used to wonder where these fast-paced trains were going, and where they were terminating. I wanted to see all those places, and even today I have that child-like curiosity to visit all those places and meet all the people.”

A much-loved session, ‘Empire: Udham Singh: The Man and the Myth’, between Anita Anand and William Dalrymple, who collaborate on one of present-day’s most popular podcasts ‘Empire’, brought their characteristic podcast-style banter to the Monday morning. Anand dramatically recounted the story of Udham Singh’s 20-year quest for justice after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. She described her family’s connection with the massacre and told the story of a moment when she visited the site with her children and realised it could just as easily have been them. That personal connection motivated her to bring the story to a broader audience. Her retelling spanned all the way from Singh watching hundreds die around him all the way to the fateful two bullets that ignited a legend. Dalrymple’s interjections shaped the story with humour, wit and flair that together kept the audience captivated until the final moment.

At the session, ‘Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Security’, Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee and Cheyenne Olivier were in conversation with Vir Sanghvi. Banerjee and Oliver explored how economics intrinsically connects with society, focusing specifically on food security. Oliver used the United States as a case study for what happens when food becomes a manner of piling ingredients rather than generating brilliance with constraint. Thoughtful restraint is key, both in cooking and in life at large, Banerjee said. Oliver and Banerjee also discussed how they used art and cartoons to bring larger economic principles to life. They tried to put themselves in the mind of a naïve reader to simplify complicated concepts to a modern audience. They also brought out the fact that most iconic foods in the world are actually the food of the masses – the pizza, the khichri or even chowmein.

Banerjee said, “Economics is intimately connected to the way we live our lives from every direction,” and followed it up with, “ I often thought about how to make economics more palatable. How do you get people to read economics without throwing jargon at them? I understood that writing about food would be a great way to connect the two…Great cuisine comes out of constraint, thinking about how you can make something out of very little… And that’s one great thing about Indian food, is that there’s so many delicious things made out of the most everyday ingredients.”

In ‘A Day in the Life of Abed Salama’, Nathan Thrall was in conversation with Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. Thrall’s book A Day in the Life of Abed Salama, narrates the gut-wrenching story of Salama, who loses his son in a bus crash. Through a story of personal loss, Thrall uncovers the larger reality of life under Israeli dominance. A close observer of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Thrall lives and reports from Jerusalem. Thrall’s book traces the real causality of the incident which took Salama’s son away. Thrall chose the primary storyline of the book as the fast-paced story of the bus crash to keep readers hooked to the book.

A packed session, ‘Jab We Met Imitaz Ali’ had Imtiaz Ali in conversation with Anupama Chopra. Ali shared his experience of twenty years as a filmmaker, producer and screenwriter. He spoke of the challenges that social media brings to you as an individual, how it can make a person sycophantic because it keeps giving you the feed that you want to see. Ali said, “Success is something that people enjoy or want, but I think failure can teach you a lot of things. Life is not only success and failure, life is also what your relationships are, what you are striving to do, etc. All those remain unaffected (by success or failure). What is important is to be able to be better at the work that you want to do.”

A discussion of Mir Taqi Mir must begin with ‘Aadab’, said Vidya Shah during her session with Ranjit Hoskote. For Hoskote, the first point of excitement was that Mir represented an old era of Urdu, where there was a fair deal of Khari Boli, Braj, and Deccani. He went on to discuss what constituted the universe of Mir’s language—from Persian to many other languages across the subcontinent in the 18th century. He urged that Persian should be regarded as an official language in India, as there is so much transfer from Persian in Marathi and many other Indian languages. Speaking about languages like Braj, which constitute Mir’s verses, he said, “They have been erroneously reduced to ‘dialects’, which is a nonsense word.” Speaking of the themes Mir wrote about, Hoskote read out couplets on love, philosophy, politics, and wit. With this book, Hoskote sought to bring to the world of English textuality an older order of poetry, where utterance and orality were more important than the written word.

At the concurrently held Jaipur BookMark, a premier publishing conclave, a Festival Directors’ Roundtable, that featured Irenosen Okojie, Alice Mong, Govind Deecee, Janhavi Prasada, Jenny Niven, Jessie Friedman, Juan Manuel Guimerans, Namita Gokhale, Nicola Tuxworth, Olga Drenda, and Subha Sanja Urs, Namita Gokhale brought a sense of practicality to the subject, addressing the consternations expressed by zealots and journalists alike. Okojie and Drenda stressed the importance of cultural representation. Guimerans and Urs elaborated on the intersections found between local culture and literary spheres. Prasada gave importance to the idea of festivals as a retreat from a world engulfed by tragedy.

The Festival also conferred the Vani Prakashan Award to acclaimed writer, translator and journalist Shanta Gokhale. The award recognised her remarkable contributions to the literary world. A distinguished writer and translator since 1960, she has authored novels, plays, short stories, film scripts, and numerous newspaper articles. Her translations include works by Vijay Tendulkar, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Satish Alekar, G. P. Deshpande, and Rajeev Naik from Marathi into English, as well as Gieve Patel’s Mr Behram and Jerry Pinto’s Em and the Big Hoom from English into Marathi.

The Festival’s much-anticipated Closing Debate, ‘Pacifism is for Losers,’ featured a panel comprising Mukulika Banerjee, Manpreet Vohra, Gideon Levy, Salil Tripathi, Yaroslav Trofimov, and Georgina Godwin, with Vir Sanghvi as the moderator and chair. It focused on the fractured world we inhabit and, in this age of conflict, whether war is the only option. During the debate, Trofimov said: “I agree that peaceful change is much preferable to violent solutions, but sometimes it’s impossible. I agree that pacifism is the weapon of the strong, unfortunately very many people facing adversity are not strong.”

In her opening remarks, Godwin said that “violence can bring about change but it comes at a terrible price. It infects a nation’s metabolism with a toxic residue. Violent revolutions often create a messianic leadership seldom leading to democracy.” Banerjee noted that “in the land of Gandhi, in the land of India, we think pacifism is a good thing because we associate it with that very imperfect English translation to mean non-violence and civil disobedience. These are words in English, but they don’t capture the spirit of that ideology, which is Satyagraha—it is not pacifism.” Levy stated: “My argument will best be framed by what Mahatma Gandhi said once that nonviolence is the weapon of the strong. And fortunately or unfortunately I represent a state which is the strong one.” The debate concluded with a discussion among the panelists in which Sanghvi asked them hard-hitting questions based on their opening remarks.

As this year’s Jaipur Literature Festival, presented by Vedanta, in association with Maruti Suzuki, and powered by VIDA comes to a close, we reflect on the lasting impact of the inspiring conversations, shared experiences, and new friendships forged at the Festival. With its unmatched diversity of thought, the Festival once again affirmed its place as the grand dame of all literature festivals. The next edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival which was announced today is set to start on 15 to 19 January, 2026.