Category Archives: Business

Blue Tokai Coffee Expands with New Outlet at World Street by Omaxe, Faridabad

Faridabad, December 27, 2024: Blue Tokai Coffee continues to grow its footprint with the opening of a new outlet at World Street by Omaxe in Faridabad. Spread across a 1,300 sq. ft. area, Blue Tokai Café invites coffee enthusiasts to experience India’s finest artisanal brews, further cementing World Street’s status as a leading lifestyle destination.

Since its founding in 2013, Blue Tokai has been a pioneer in India’s specialty coffee scene, known for roasting high-quality Indian coffee beans to perfection. The new Blue Tokai Café at World Street offers a spacious, modern ambiance where patrons can savor a wide range of freshly brewed, artisanal coffees, each capturing the unique flavors of Indian beans.

Mr. Jatin Goel, Executive Director of Omaxe Group, expressed his excitement “We are pleased to welcome Blue Tokai Café to World Street by Omaxe. This location offers an ideal setting for coffee lovers in Faridabad to enjoy artisanal coffee and create memorable experiences. The addition of Blue Tokai further enhances World Street’s offerings, and we look forward to introducing more culinary options to the region.”

Joining Blue Tokai at World Street are other notable openings, including Bluestone Jewellery. These new additions enrich World Street’s shopping and lifestyle experience, providing visitors with a diverse selection of premium products and services.

5 Fintech Platforms That Will Transform the InsurTech Sector in 2025

The InsurTech sector is witnessing a revolution, with fintech platforms driving innovation to simplify processes, enhance accessibility, and cater to underserved segments. These platforms are leveraging cutting-edge technology to make insurance more accessible, affordable, and efficient. Here are five fintech platforms poised to reshape the InsurTech landscape in 2025:

1. Finhaat
Finhaat is a trailblazing financial product delivery platform designed for the emerging middle class and lower-income groups, particularly in rural, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities. Recognizing the challenges these communities face, such as limited access to affordable financial products and high transaction costs, Finhaat has created a transformative solution. A B2B insurance distribution and servicing platform catering to NBFCs, MFIs, BC networks, cooperatives, NGOs, and more. A SaaS-based digital platform that enables partner institutions to implement and service customers efficiently.

Finhaat’s tech-driven approach aims to democratize insurance, empowering underserved communities with financial security and easy access to insurance products.

2.Zopper
Zopper combines innovation with insurance expertise, delivering tailored end-to-end solutions to its partners. By collaborating with leading insurance providers, Zopper builds APIs that simplify insurance distribution and enhance ecosystem accessibility. Presence in over 1,200 cities with a team of 800+ professionals. Customized solutions designed to expand insurance reach and transform businesses.

With over a decade of experience, Zopper continues to lead the way in integrating insurance into digital ecosystems, transforming how people access financial protection.

3. Bimaplan
Bimaplan is on a mission to provide affordable insurance to India’s underserved population, focusing on the next billion Indians. Leveraging India’s growing mobile penetration and evolving digital infrastructure, Bimaplan creates contextual life and health insurance products for vulnerable households.Backed by global technology investors, fintech founders, and insurance industry veterans.

Bimaplan aims to bring financial security to those who need it most, making insurance simple, accessible, and affordable.

4. Riskcovry
Riskcovry is redefining insurance distribution in India with its “Insurance-in-a-Box” model. The platform provides comprehensive infrastructure for enabling any insurance product from any insurer across various channels. Serves diverse partners, from banks and NBFCs to alternative distributors like retail and fintech startups. Accelerates digital insurance distribution journeys for partners.

By creating a seamless insurance infrastructure, Riskcovry empowers businesses to integrate insurance into their offerings effortlessly, driving growth in alternative distribution channels.

5. Turtlemint
Turtlemint is simplifying insurance for the masses by demystifying complex jargon and providing intuitive tools to guide users in making the right insurance choices. An entirely digital process from search to purchase, completed within minutes. Support for users through chat, phone, and in-person assistance for purchases and claims. Products include car insurance, bike insurance, health insurance, and term life insurance.

Turtlemint’s customer-centric approach makes buying and managing insurance hassle-free, enabling greater adoption among individuals and families.

These five platforms are at the forefront of innovation in the InsurTech sector. By addressing accessibility, affordability, and usability, they are not only transforming the way insurance is distributed but also empowering businesses and individuals to achieve financial security. As they continue to evolve, their impact on the insurance landscape in 2025 is bound to be transformative.

DigiHaat’s Pre-Beta App goes live on Google Play and App Store

New Delhi, 27 December 2024: DigiHaat, an initiative of Nirmit Bharat – a fully owned subsidiary of the Open Network for Digital Commerce, has officially launched its Pre-Beta app on Google Play and the App Store with limited users. The app provides access to over 2.5 crore SKUs across eight diverse categories: Grocery, Food Delivery, Fashion, Electronics & Appliances, Home Décor, Beauty, Health & Wellness, offering a wide range of products for every need. Through The Amazing India property on the app, DigiHaat is connecting the nation’s artisanal legacy by offering a curated collection of handcrafted products, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of Indian artisans and highlighting the cultural diversity of the country.

Available PAN India, the app connects customers to the richness of India’s diverse marketplaces, bringing together 7.7 lakh sellers and service providers.

DigiHaat undertook two initiatives during the development of the app to make the app interface simpler for online shopping and less overwhelming for first-time users. Insights from DigiHaat’s national hackathon are being incorporated into user-friendly features that address trust and usability concerns. Additionally, a nationwide Logo Design competition by DigiHaatand MyGov drew 400+ entries from 700+ participants, PAN India, with high engagement across all social media platforms. This initiative, combined with insights from its national hackathon, reflects DigiHaat’s commitment to integrating creativity and user-centric solutions from the country’s brightest minds.

As the DigiHaat App goes live, Spokesperson, said, “DigiHaat initiative is all about fostering a digital ecosystem that understands and caters to the needs of every Indian. By incorporating the hackathon learnings and MyGov initiative, we’re bringing the creative energy of India’s brightest minds into our platform. Our hackathon learnings have ensured that the app is intuitive and secure, making digital shopping accessible to first-time users and seasoned shoppers alike”.

NCR Real Estate Shines in 2024: New Launches Up 44%, Prices Soar 30%

GURGAON: The Delhi-NCR real estate market demonstrated exceptional growth in 2024, emerging as a standout performer despite a 4% year-on-year dip in housing sales across India’s top seven cities. As per ANAROCK’s year-end report, NCR saw a remarkable 44% increase in new housing launches, the highest among major regions, contributing significantly to the 4,12,520 units launched nationwide.

NCR also recorded a staggering 30% rise in property prices, the steepest hike among all regions, reflecting robust buyer demand. This price growth outpaced the average 21% increase seen across other top cities, underscoring NCR’s pivotal role in driving India’s real estate momentum.

Commenting on this trend, Surinder Singh of GLS Group, stated, “The 44% surge in new launches highlights developers’ confidence in the NCR market, fueled by rising demand and favorable infrastructure developments. NCR’s growth story is attracting both end-users and investors.”

India’s top cities collectively saw housing sales worth ₹5.68 lakh crore in 2024, a 16% jump from the previous year. While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) retained its leadership in sales, followed by Pune, NCR stood out for its significant price growth and fresh supply additions.

The report also emphasized that NCR, along with Bengaluru and Chennai, was among the few regions to witness a rise in new supply. Unsold inventory in NCR declined by 8%, reflecting healthier demand-supply dynamics and increased absorption rates.

“Rapid urbanization and an influx of job opportunities have significantly boosted housing demand in NCR,” noted Singh. “This demand is driving price appreciation, making it one of the most lucrative markets for both developers and buyers.”

While MMR and Bengaluru accounted for nearly half of the new supply in 2024, NCR’s performance was notable due to its 44% growth in launches, signaling heightened developer and buyer interest.

Backed by infrastructure upgrades and economic recovery, NCR continues to strengthen its position as a prime real estate hub, setting benchmarks for growth and becoming a key contributor to India’s housing market momentum.

LifeCell Takes A Leap In Revolutionizing Their Customer Experience With Kapture CX

Bangalore, December 2024: LifeCell International, founded in 2004 in Chennai, is India’s premier healthcare services provider, leveraging advanced technologies such as stem cells & genomics towards addressing the country’s current & future health needs. LifeCell’s Community Banking Program offers the world’s largest repository of ready-to-use access to over 70,000+ matching stem cell units for Indian origin patients seeking a transplant. Moreover, LifeCell intends to make its products and services accessible and affordable to as many people as possible so that the benefit of such technologies isn’t restricted to a select few. Committed to improving health outcomes by providing preventive & definitive diagnoses, LifeCell is working relentlessly to help every child & family live their healthiest lives.

LifeCell has recently integrated with Kapture CX, a leading provider of customer experience solutions to enhance its customer support operations across all channels and optimize its omnichannel ticketing management system.

LifeCell has also launched skincare brand ‘AreoVeda’ which is especially crafted for pregnant women, new moms, and newborns, that shatters existing norms through its uncompromising standards of purity, potency, and safety. It also provides special health investigations for patients seeking discreet self-service offerings from the comfort of their homes through mail-order test kits. The multitude of business units and the customers thereof creates a strong need to integrate Kapture CX to support Lifecell in managing customer interactions across key channels including calls, social media, email, website forms, and more.

As part of the integration, Kapture CX aims to provide a single, unified platform for all customer tickets, eliminating the need to toggle between multiple systems. Kapture integrates with their order management systems and logistics providers to ensure seamless access to critical customer data for faster, more accurate resolutions.

Delighted with the partnership, Mr Pawan, CTO at LifeCell said, “Integrating Kapture CX into our customer support system will significantly contribute to LifeCell’s journey in providing seamless, efficient, and proactive service. We look forward to centralizing our customer data and improved agent productivity whilst emphasising consumers’ responsiveness and the high-quality care they deserve. We look forward to its positive impact on both our customer relationships and business growth.”

Elated with the implementation, Gaurav Juneja, CRO of Kapture CX said, “We are thrilled to partner with LifeCell. This collaboration exemplifies how our tech-first approach and AI-driven systems can transform customer engagement, ensuring that LifeCell continues to lead the way in innovation while enhancing overall customer satisfaction.”

As part of the partnership, the Kapture CX enables proactive customer support, such as addressing abandoned carts to improve revenue generation and lead conversions. Additionally, it includes outbound call support to empower agents to initiate conversations when necessary, enhancing customer outreach and engagement.

Since the integration, LifeCell has been enhancing its visibility into critical customer inquiries through a centralized platform. Moreover, it improves agent efficiency by consolidating workflows into one streamlined system.

Kapture CX has a proven track record in implementing proactive customer support strategies. Their long-term expertise in the healthcare vertical combined with LifeCell’s dedication to better customer experiences will help in fostering loyalty and contributing to the company’s overall revenue growth.

The integration aligns with LifeCell’s growing business needs and expanding global presence. The platform’s adaptability ensures that the company continues to grow while its customer service capabilities remain agile and capable of meeting the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.

Tanishq Diamonds New Campaign Honours the Modern Woman’s Brilliance and Sparkle

26 December 2024: Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata, has launched its latest diamond-themed TVC titled ‘Tanishq Diamonds Celebrates Your Sparkle.’ Conceptualized by Lowe Lintas, this film is an ode to the timeless elegance, rarity, and versatility of Tanishq’s natural diamonds, designed to inspire women to embrace their inner radiance with confidence and grace.

The campaign delves into the relationship between a woman and her jewellery, portraying diamonds as more than just adornments. Each Tanishq diamond is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, celebrated for its sparkle and best light performance, making every piece a symbol of prestige and timeless beauty. The film echoes Tanishq’s commitment to offering diamond jewellery that perfectly blends craftsmanship and artistic brilliance, ensuring that Tanishq’s diamonds celebrate her sparkle. Whether marking milestones or adding a touch of glamour to everyday moments, Tanishq diamonds are crafted to make women feel truly extraordinary.

The film opens with the protagonist Sapna Pabbi getting decked in unique Tanishq diamond jewels. As she steps out for an evening soiree, her diamond jewellery becomes her closest ally dazzling in a captivating play of light that enhances her charm in every frame. As she goes through the night, exuding self-assurance and radiance, the Tanishq diamonds act as a magnet for admiration and curiosity, symbolizing her individuality, strength, and journey. The film reinstates that diamonds add sparkle to the wearer’s personality—a marker of her taste, accomplishments, and self-expression. Adding to the surprise element, the film is also set against the Iconic Bollywood song – “Aaj Main Upar”, which originally featured the celebrated actress Manisha Koirala, who graces this film with her timeless elegance. In a heartfelt moment, she sings a line to the protagonist, passing on inspiration, confidence, and self-assuredness to today’s women. This beautifully crafted exchange celebrates the rarity of women embracing their unique sparkle, with Tanishq’s diamonds honouring their prestige, individuality, and influence, alongside the enduring grace and brilliance of Manisha Koirala, an icon of admiration and resilience.

Speaking on the launch of the film, Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Tanishq, shared, “Our latest film for natural diamonds is an extension of one of our core beliefs at Tanishq that diamonds are rare and forever. Our natural diamonds symbolize the strength, grace, and aspirations that define women. Through this campaign, we celebrate their journeys, helping them to shine brighter and embrace their inner radiance. “Celebrates your sparkle” is not a tagline; it’s an emotion. Like always, Tanishq diamonds are at the forefront, lighting up any room and the woman who adorns it. The film beautifully captures how women are not shying away from the spotlight and roping in the iconic Manisha Koirala encapsulates this essence of feminine grace and individuality seamlessly.”

Speaking about the campaign, Arpan Bhattacharyya, Head of Creative, Lowe Lintas, added, “We wanted to capture what it feels like when someone’s presence brightens up the world around them. Because that’s exactly what the Tanishq woman has always done. And it’s also what the most beautiful diamond jewellery does for the people it adorns. A breath-taking product, an effervescent personality that evokes joy, an evergreen song that lifts spirits, and a delightful cameo from an icon – it seemed like a marriage made in heaven and just the perfect way in which to celebrate the sparkle of Tanishq Diamonds.

Real estate sector is the second largest employer in India, after agriculture, employing 18% of the country’s workforce- A Dynamic Leap Towards 2025

New Delhi, 26 Dec. 24

India’s real estate sector is evolving rapidly, poised to cement its position as a trillion-dollar market by 2030. Riding on the wave of robust government policies, market innovations, and sustainability-driven trends, the sector has transformed into a key pillar of the nation’s economic framework. The past few years have witnessed remarkable strides in residential, commercial, and infrastructural development, setting the stage for a landmark 2025. The real estate sector is the second largest employer in India, after agriculture, employing 18% of the country’s workforce. contribution to India’s GDP is expected to increase from 7.3% to 13% by 2025 and 15.5% by 2047.

“The past year has been pivotal for real estate,” says Vivek Sinha, Director of Sales and Marketing, KDMG Group. “Advancements in technology, sustainability, and housing affordability have redefined the sector, while hybrid work models are revolutionizing commercial spaces. Programs like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have democratized housing, making it accessible to a broader demographic.”

Urban Giants and Emerging Hotspots

Urban centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR—including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad—continue to lead real estate demand. These cities blend economic vibrancy with infrastructural growth, making them prime zones for both residential and commercial development. Emerging areas like Manesar, currently under discussion to be declared a district, and regions like New Gurugram and Dwarka Expressway, are rapidly transforming into real estate hotspots.

“Urban infrastructure improvements in these regions have significantly enhanced connectivity, making them magnets for investment,” highlights Vikas Aggarwal, COO of Worldwide Realty. “The real estate values here are set to rise sharply as these areas integrate into the broader metropolitan framework.”

Technology and Sustainability -The Twin Drivers

The real estate sector is increasingly embracing smart technologies and sustainable practices. Smart homes with AI-driven features and eco-conscious construction are becoming industry benchmarks. Simultaneously, the rise of co-working spaces and flexible office models reflects the sector’s adaptability to evolving work trends.

“The future of real estate lies in blending sustainability with technology,” adds Aggarwal. “This dual focus ensures resilience and aligns the sector with global standards while meeting domestic demands.”

The Rise of Tier 2 and 3 Cities

As urbanization accelerates, Tier 2 and 3 cities are emerging as the next growth hubs for real estate. Government initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and PMAY have funneled investments into infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and regional airports. These enhancements improve connectivity, making these cities more accessible and appealing to residents and investors alike.

“Urban infrastructure is a key trend driving real estate in Tier 2 and 3 cities,” notes Mohit Mittal, CEO of MORES. “These regions offer relatively affordable property prices, ongoing value appreciation, and long-term capital gains, making them lucrative for both homebuyers and investors.”

A recent report by PropEquity revealed an 11% rise in housing sales across the top 30 Tier 2 cities, with nearly 2.08 lakh units sold in FY 2023-24. Consumer preferences are also shifting towards luxury living, with premium amenities increasingly in demand.

A Landmark 2025

Looking ahead, India’s real estate sector is set to focus on enhancing urban infrastructure, leveraging digital innovations, and scaling sustainable practices. With urbanization expected to reach 50% by 2050, Tier 2 and 3 cities will become the focal point of growth. The sector’s GDP contribution, projected to rise from 7.3% to 13% by 2025, underscores its critical role in India’s economic trajectory.

As India’s skylines transform, so does its real estate narrative—one of resilience, adaptability, and promise. The coming years herald an exciting era for the sector, ensuring it remains the cornerstone of the nation’s progress.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group infuses Rs 3,000 crore into SMFG India Credit via rights issue

Mumbai, Dec 26, 2024: Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) has reinforced its commitment to the Indian market with another ?3,000 crore equity infusion in SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Credit Co. Ltd.) (SMICC) via a rights issue. This investment also includes ?300 crore directed towards its wholly-owned subsidiary, SMFG India Home Finance Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Home Finance Co. Ltd.) (SMFG Grihashakti).

As of September 30, 2024, SMICC’s Asset Under Management (AUM) stood at ?49,800 crore, showcasing a year-on-year growth of 25.1%. SMFG in April 2024 had infused ?1,300 crore in SMICC via rights issue and with this latest capital infusion of ?3,000 crore, SMICC has received the highest-ever fund infusion of ?4,300 crore for any financial year since inception. This strategic investment reflects SMFG’s unwavering focus on supporting SMICC’s growth trajectory and enhancing financial inclusion across the Nation.

Post this infusion, SMICC’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is expected to strengthen further, reinforcing the company’s robust financial foundation.

On this landmark infusion, Mr. Pankaj Malik, Chief Financial Officer, SMFG India Credit said, “This fund infusion demonstrates the confidence that SMFG places in the growth potential of the Indian market and SMFG India Credit’s vision. The enhanced capital base not only allows us to scale our business operations but also solidifies our ability to serve a diverse customer base with innovative financial solutions. As we continue to expand, our focus remains steadfast on driving financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities across the country.”

How India Swiggy’d 2024: Swiggy Instamart Edition

India’s love for convenience and quick deliveries soared in 2024, with consumers expanding their orders beyond groceries to include everything from makeup and toys to vacuum cleaners. As the year winds down, join us for a quick look at what India wants delivered in 10 minutes — from everyday essentials to last-minute needs and festive trends that had consumers hitting “add to cart” in 2024.

In its fourth edition, How India Swiggy’d 2024—Quick Commerce Edition dives into the evolving preferences for products delivered in 10 minutes on Swiggy Instamart.

Here are the top trends on Swiggy Instamart:

Opening with the biggest purchases of 2024:

• The big spenders hailed from Delhi and Dehradun, splurging over ₹20 lakhs each on Swiggy Instamart this year! So,
• what’s filling up their carts? Atta, milk, and oil – looks like they were gearing up for a full-on kitchen takeover.
• Across the country, the top 5 must-haves were—milk, curd, dosa batter, chips, and soft drinks. Want some fun stats?
• Here’s a milky fact: 1 in every 15 orders had a packet of milk.
• 1 in every 5 orders had either a fruit or a vegetable.
• A pet’s best friend: meanwhile, a pet-lover from Mumbai spent over ₹15,00,000 this year on pet supplies, primarily dog and cat food.
• Techno-crat alert! A Chennai user splurged ₹1,25,454 on electronics, electricals and home appliances this year, picking up nearly 85 items. The top choices? gaming earphones, smartwatches, an induction cooker, a sandwich maker, a hair straightener, a table fan and a toaster among other things.
• Not an aam aadmi: we all love mangos but someone from Hyderabad led the mango frenzy by spending ₹35,000 on mangoes in May.

 What do we want in 10 minutes and when? In India, the answer changes with the time of day…

• Mornings kick off with a splash of milk, as the nation powers through the day with the holy trinity of milk, veggies, and eggs, fueling everything from early risers to the busiest of bees. From 4 AM to 7 AM, it’s all about getting ready for the day ahead.
• But when the clock strikes 10 PM? It’s a whole different vibe—ice cream, cold drinks, and chips make their grand entrance between 10 PM to 4 AM.
• Between 8-9 PM, is when India ordered the most sanitary pads. In November, with the changing season, India ordered the most pain relief.

 Some of this year’s most memorable purchases came through the festive season:

Sona kitna sona hai… said an Amdavadi, as he set the gold standard on Dhanteras, spending a staggering ₹8,32,032 on gold coins. The rest of India took Diwali ki safai seriously, spending over ₹45,00,000 on brooms the same day.
Meanwhile, Delhi splurged ₹4,60,000 on poker chips this Diwali. All we can say is, well played Delhi!
Swiggy Instamart delivered close to 8,00,000 rakhis on Raksha Bandhan, with a user in Mumbai ordering 31 rakhis in a single order.
The day also saw 2,85,000 deliveries under ‘order for others,’ and 273 chocolates ordered per minute. Love was in the air and in the carts too. At its peak on February 14, 307 roses per minute were ordered, making romance Instamart’s best-selling emotion of the day.

 What are Indian cities buying on quick commerce?

In 2024, Bengaluru became the ‘Poo bani Parvati’ of India, leading spends in both puja essentials and party supplies. Alongside Mumbai, the city fiercely vied for the title of party capital, ordering 1.8 times more wine and shot glasses, particularly during Diwali celebrations.
The city also went on a brushing spree this year, snapping up a mind-blowing 2,72,731 toothbrushes—talk about a clean sweep.
Mumbai truly lived up to its “Maximum City” reputation, splurging a staggering ₹8,20,360 on tonic water on a single day.
Not one to be left behind, a single user from Goa spent nearly ₹35,000 on tonic water this year.
Dekho baarish ho rahi hai, or not? August might have been the wettest month of 2024, but October 15 saw the maximum orders for umbrellas on a single day at 83% more than August.
Mumbai ordered the most umbrellas and raincoats in 2024.
India cried the most khushi ke aansoo on December 1 when it ordered 4500 kgs of onions just between 7-8 pm on December
Mumbai staked its claim on the most ‘kandas’ followed by Hyderabad and Delhi.
Dilliwalas have taken their love for instant noodles to a whole new level, spending around ₹60 crores—on the beloved noodle snack.
Not just poker chips, the capital also topped the charts for maximum orders of potato chips and instant noodles showcasing its snack-loving culture.
But when it comes to personal chip obsession, over 43 snack lovers splurged more than ₹75,000 on chips this year! The top chip fanatics are crunching away in Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, and Kolkata.
Vizag went big on playtime, with a user spending ₹27,742 on toys this year.
Fun but make it quick:

Under-ki baat: leading the pack, (????) Bengaluru ordered as much underwear as Hyderabad and Mumbai combined.
Proving that it’s always better to plan, 1 in every 140 orders comprises a sexual wellness product. The top spender on condoms for the year hailed from Bengaluru.
Going Incognito: When the clock inches towards midnight, the carts go wild! The peak time for stealthy orders was between 10-11 PM. Stealth items of choice: Masala-flavoured chips, Kurkure, and—wait for it—flavoured condoms! The secret shopping hotspots? Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Delivery in 89 seconds: The fastest delivery of the year happened in Kochi, in just 89 seconds for a basket that included nendran bananas and red amaranthus. The distance covered was 180 mts.
The cheapest order of the year came in at a mere ₹3—a pencil sharpener, purchased by a user in Hyderabad at 8:15 pm. Guess there was no escaping homework that day!
Responsible shoppers: Hyderabad and Bengaluru embraced the “Deliver Without Bag” option, proving that convenience and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand.
International shoppers: Canada had the highest number of international logins to place orders for loved ones in India, followed by the United States, Kuwait, and Singapore. So, what are they ordering? milk, dosa batter, and water to begin with.
These insights are based on data collected from January 1 to December 1, 2024, from Swiggy Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform. Offering a wide range of products, from electronics and beauty to fashion and home essentials, Swiggy Instamart is operational in 54 cities across India.

Launch and Jersey Unveil of 1st Edition of Golden Pagoda Marathon 2025

In the crystalline embrace of Delhi’s winter, the Press Club of India came alive with excitement as Namsai Marathon 2025- the 1st edition of the Golden Pagoda Marathon 2025 was announced. Scheduled for Sunday, 9th February 2025, Golden Pagoda Marathon is India’s most scenic run inviting runners and travelers alike to experience the enchanting charm of Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh. The announcement was followed by unveiling the official jersey for the event in the esteemed presence of Shri Ninong Ering, Honourable MLA, and Shri Abu Tayeng, IAS, Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs.

This year’s theme, “Marathon & Namsai Tourism”, underscores the region’s pristine landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. The race’s start and finish lines are set the against the backdrop of the iconic Golden Pagoda, an exquisite symbol of Thai-inspired architecture and Namsai’s cultural legacy, making it an unparalleled fusion of endurance, scenic beauty, and spiritual connection. From traditional performances and local delicacies to eco-conscious practices, every aspect of the event is designed to showcase the region’s unique identity.

The Golden Pagoda Marathon offers runners a flat course with an ideal single-loop full marathon route, perfect for Indian and international participants alike. With an average temperature of around 20°C on race day, the event promises optimal running conditions. All participants will receive an official dri-fit race t-shirt, finisher medal, and comprehensive route support featuring hydration, energy drinks, and snacks.

The Namsai Marathon 2025 offers a total prize pool of INR 36 lakhs and will be conducted in the following categories:

Speaking at the launch, Shri Ninong Ering, Honourable MLA said, “The event will transcend the boundaries of being a mere marathon—it will serve as a living ode to the tribal wisdom, awe-inspiring landscapes, and time-honoured traditions of Arunachal Pradesh. By incorporating traditional tribal performances, local cuisine, and eco-conscious practices, the event is set to reflect the soul of the region.”

Shri Abu Tayeng, IAS, Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs, remarked during the launch, “The Namsai Marathon 2025 is a true representation of Arunachal Pradesh’s spirit. It weaves together adventure, culture, and sustainability, offering participants an experience that resonates deeply with the ethos of our land. This initiative will undoubtedly place Namsai on the global map, inspiring visitors to discover its uncharted beauty and cultural richness.”

Namsai reveals itself as a verdant paradise of natural beauty and a rich tapestry of tribal traditions that define Arunanchal Pradesh. From traditional performances and local delicacies to eco-conscious practices, every aspect of this event is designed to showcase the region’s unique identity. Further, the marathon is part of a larger mission to elevate Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism landscape. By emphasizing adventure sports like Kayaking and Bamboo Rafting, the event is attracting thrill-seekers from across India and beyond, positioning the Namsai as a hub for eco-tourism and sustainable travel.