By: Vaibhav Sadhwani, Co-founder, Behind The Scene Weddings – Destination Wedding Consultants

Weddings have long been a reflection of cultural traditions and societal expectations. However, in recent years, Millennials and Gen Z couples have been reshaping the wedding industry by embracing destination weddings over traditional ones. This shift is driven by evolving values, changing financial priorities, and a desire for unique, memorable experiences. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize experiences over material possessions.

Millennials and Gen Z couples are redefining marriage norms. Many prefer to move away from traditional customs that may feel outdated or restrictive. A destination wedding provides a neutral and refreshing setting where both families can celebrate without the pressure of adhering to rigid cultural norms. This flexibility allows couples to create a wedding experience that feels more authentic and true to their values. Couples can exchange vows in picturesque locations such as tropical beaches, historic palaces, or scenic mountain resorts, creating unforgettable moments for themselves and their guests. However, there is much more to a destination wedding than just getting clicked at a picturesque location.

Covid gave rise to intimate weddings, and the trend caught on, where couples are now opting for destination weddings. Effectively, in the same budget one can host a big fat wedding in their city, one can host an intimate destination wedding. Contrary to popular belief, destination weddings can be more affordable than traditional ones. The cost of hosting a large wedding with multiple events, extravagant decorations, and a grand banquet can quickly escalate. In contrast, many resorts and wedding venues offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, food, decor, and entertainment. This streamlined approach helps couples manage expenses while enjoying a luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost.

In today’s digital age, weddings are not just about the couple; they are also about the visuals. With Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok influencing wedding trends, destination weddings provide a stunning backdrop for photos and videos. Exotic locations, breathtaking landscapes, and unique decor make for share-worthy moments that resonate with social media-savvy couples. Thus, couples scout for gorgeous destinations that also match their vibe. A couple who loves to indulge in luxury might opt for palaces of Rajasthan or Europe, while and adventure loving couple may opt for mountain wedding with trekking included as part of pre wedding fun activity.

Sustainability is a growing concern for younger generations, and destination weddings often offer eco-friendly options. Many resorts and venues are adopting sustainable practices, such as zero-waste weddings, organic catering, and eco-conscious decor. Couples can choose locations that align with their environmental values while minimizing the carbon footprint of their celebration.
Millennials and Gen Z are redefining weddings by prioritizing meaningful experiences, intimacy, and personalization. Destination weddings offer an ideal combination of adventure, affordability, and exclusivity, making them the preferred choice over traditional celebrations. As the wedding industry continues to evolve, destination weddings are expected to remain a dominant trend, shaping the way future generations celebrate love and commitment.

A destination wedding isn’t just special for the couple—it’s an incredible experience for the guests as well. Instead of a single-day event, guests get to enjoy a mini-vacation, explore a new place, and bond with other attendees. This creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere where everyone can unwind and celebrate together, making it a truly memorable wedding.

One of the biggest advantages of a destination wedding is the seamless transition into a honeymoon. Instead of planning a separate trip, couples can start their honeymoon immediately after the ceremony. Many destination wedding venues offer honeymoon packages, allowing newlyweds to extend their stay and relax in a beautiful setting without additional travel costs or stress.

Helmed by wedding planners, who has immense experience of organizing weddings at beautiful locations, and who are in touch with local vendors to curate experiences that are hyperlocal, yet go with the values of the guests, destination weddings are a stress-free affair. As the wedding planners make sure that they plan the event minutely, the couples get to enjoy their wedding, which is otherwise not possible.

Bengaluru 14^th March 2025: CREDAI Bengaluru Realty Expo 2025 was inaugurated by Smt. Joohi Smita Sinha, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Bengaluru Circle, along with Sri. Amar Mysore, President, CREDAI Bengaluru. The expo to be held from 14th to 16th March 2025 will feature a wide range of high-quality properties from leading developers, providing attendees with unparalleled opportunities to explore and invest in the real estate market. Attendees can expect to find the best investment opportunities across residential, commercial, and luxury segments. The Expo will also host officials from Banks and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), offering exciting loan deals and financial advice. Expert consultations will be available, providing one-on-one advice to help attendees make informed real estate decisions. In total 28 developers and 6 bankers are participating in CREDAI Expo 2025.

Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. Joohi Smita Sinha, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Bengaluru Circle, said, “Real Estate forms 65% of our portfolio at SBI. Bengaluru has an excellent builder community, and most projects are fully booked at the time of launch itself. I must appreciate the steps taken by CREDAI Bengaluru for putting together this expo to make homes easily available to people, with several top bankers and developers under one roof.”

Commenting on CREDAI Realty Expo 2025, Amar Mysore, President, CREDAI Bengaluru said, “Bangalore’s real estate market is thriving, with numerous opportunities available in various parts of the city. Currently, Bengaluru consumes around 65,000 units annually and we are hopeful that number will go up to 1,00,000 homes soon. the Emerging areas such as Sarjapur Road, Whitefield, Hebbal, and Devanahalli are witnessing significant growth due to their proximity to IT hubs, improved infrastructure, and connectivity. These areas are projected to see property value increases ranging from 8% to 12% annually, and are becoming hotspots for residential and commercial developments, offering promising investment prospects.  The CREDAI Bengaluru Realty Expo 2025 is our flagship event and an excellent platform for homebuyers and investors to interact directly with top developers, gain insights from industry experts, and take advantage of exclusive deals. This event is designed to make the property buying process more transparent and accessible, ensuring that attendees can make informed decisions.”

National, 14th March 2025: OPPO India will launch the OPPO F29 series, the Durable Champion, on 20th March 2025. The smartphone—built to withstand India’s most challenging environmental conditions—features a 360° Armour Body, extreme waterproofing, and carries certification for 14+ military-grade environmental tests.

The F29 series—as lightweight as 180g and just 7.55mm slim—is not only made in India but also tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) in India for IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings that certify it against the highest levels of dust and water ingress.

Damage-proof 360° Armour Body*

In keeping with the needs of the Indian workforce, the OPPO F29 series is engineered to endure unexpected drops and impacts with its 360° Armour Body. The Sponge Bionic Cushioning on the OPPO F29 series absorbs impact to minimise damage from falls while its elevated battery cover and side frame add an extra layer of protection. At the same time, the new Raised Corner Design Cover on the OPPO F29 series protects all four corners against damage.

The Lens Protection Ring on the smartphone, which is crafted out of strengthened glass, sits higher than the camera lens to prevent scratches on it. Also, the smartphone’s internal frame, which protects its motherboard, has been upgraded to aerospace-grade aluminum alloy; this increases structural integrity by 10% over its predecessor.

 All-round Durable Champion

OPPO—the most preferred brand for water and dust resistance*—has subjected its F29 series to 14 Military Standard (MIL-STD-810H-2022) tests that certify it against high temperature, low temperature, shock, rain, freezing water, sand, dust, salt mist, solar radiation, humidity, vibration, fluid contamination, mold, acceleration that tests for g-loads, and resistance.

Its IP66 rating certifies it against powerful water jets; ideal for users who work in wet conditions, from vendors to construction workers. The IP68 rating endorses it for submersion in 1.5metres of water for 30 minutes; this means it is built to survive accidental drops in water-filled potholes and kitchen sinks, while its IP69 rating implies it can endure high-pressure, high-temperature water jets up to 80°C, making it perfect for those working in industrial settings or extremely humid weather conditions.

The OPPO F29 series takes water resistance to the next level to offer enhanced protection against myriad types of liquids. The smartphone has been internally tested against heavy rain, in river water, hot springs, daily spills from juice, tea, milk, coffee, beer, household liquids such as steam, dishwater, detergent, and even exposure to ice water, cleaning foam, and muddy water. Furthermore, after submersion, the OPPO F29 Series emits a pulsating sound that drains trapped water within the speaker enclosure.

The OPPO F29 Pro will be available in two colors: Marble White, inspired by sunlight reflecting off pristine marble to offer a sophisticated yet rugged aesthetic, and Granite Black with its bold, textured black finish for cool sophistication.

The OPPO F29, on the other hand, will be available in a premium Solid Purple that exudes royal confidence, and a Glacier Blue colour inspired by a crisp, icy blue that is reminiscent of India’s serene mountain landscapes

Haryana, 14th March 2025: ZELIO E Mobility, a leading force in India’s electric two-wheeler market, has unveiled its latest model, the Little Gracy, a low-speed, non-RTO electric scooter designed to cater specifically to younger riders aged 10-18 years. This new offering marks a remarkable addition to the company’s portfolio, targeting a youthful demographic with a focus on safety and efficiency. Given that Little Gracy does not require a driving license, it is an ideal choice for students and young adults seeking a reliable, eco-friendly, and convenient mode of transportation.

The Little Gracy is available in three variants, with pricing starting at an affordable INR 49,500 (ex-showroom). The variants are differentiated by their battery options, offering varying ranges and charging times to cater to different customer preferences:

• 48V/32AH Lead Acid Battery: Priced at INR 49,500, offering a range of 55-60 km with a charging time of 7-8 hours.
• 60V/32AH Lead Acid Battery: Priced at INR 52,000, offering a range of 70 km with a charging time of 7-9 hours.
• 60V/30AH Li-Ion Battery: Priced at INR 58,000, offering a range of 70-75 km with a charging time of 8-9 hours.

Each model is equipped with a 48/60V BLDC motor, weighs 80 kg, and has a loading capacity of 150 kg. With a top speed of 25 km/h and electricity consumption at only 1.5 units per charge, Little Gracy provides an efficient and economical solution for short-distance travel. The scooter features modern conveniences such as a digital meter, USB port, keyless drive, center lock with an anti-theft alarm, reverse gear, parking switch, and an auto-repair switch. It also includes hydraulic suspension, drum brakes on both the front and rear, and is available in four attractive color combinations: Pink, Brown/Cream, White/Blue, and Yellow/Green.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Kunal Arya, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., said, “With the launch of Little Gracy, we are excited to introduce a product that is not only stylish and functional but also makes sustainable transportation accessible to younger riders. Our goal has always been to make electric mobility a part of everyday life in India, and Little Gracy brings us one step closer. It’s an eco-friendly, affordable, and license-free scooter that meets the specific needs of our younger audience while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

Little Gracy also comes with a two-year warranty covering the motor, controller, and frame, providing customers with peace of mind as they embrace the electric revolution.

Since its inception, ZELIO E Mobility has quickly become a frontrunner in India’s electric two-wheeler market. With over 200,000 satisfied customers and a network of 400+ dealerships nationwide, the brand is rapidly expanding its footprint. The company aims to have 1,000+ dealerships by the end of 2025, reaffirming its dedication to providing eco-friendly and affordable mobility solutions to customers nationwide.

 By Sanjay Agarwal, Senior Director, CareEdge Ratings

‘‘The mutual fund industry’s assets under management reduced by 4% m-o-m to Rs.64.53 lakh crore primarily due to MTM losses in the equity space. This asset price reduction comes on the backdrop of global uncertainties and macroeconomic factors which has caused the benchmark indices nifty 50 and BSE Sensex to decline by approximately 6%. However, investors continue to repose faith in the industry despite these turbulent times, net equity inflows have remained positive for the last 48 months, witnessing Rs 0.29 lakh crore net inflows in February 2025 with all equity categories registering net inflows for the month. Further, the net inflows declined by 26% as compared to January 2025. Additionally, during February 2025, 28 open-ended NFOs were floated which collectively mobilised Rs.0.04 lakh crore with sectoral/thematic funds accounting for 52% share. Meanwhile, debt mutual fund categories witnessed outflows barring the liquid fund, short duration fund, medium to long duration fund, corporate bond fund, banking and PSU fund, gilt fund with 10-year constant duration. While there was marginal net outflow in debt mutual fund category, overall AUM of the category remained steady at Rs.17.08 lakh crore for the month of February 2025 owing to MTM gains.’’

Mumbai, 14^th March, 2025: Primus Partners has released a comprehensive report titled “Seaweed Farming can touch a million lives”, highlighting the immense potential of seaweed farming to transform India’s coastal economy. The report projects that India’s seaweed sector, currently valued at ₹200 crore, could surge to ₹3,277 crore within the next decade, positively impacting 1.6 million lives and creating sustainable livelihoods for 4,00,000 families.

India’s vast coastline, spanning states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and regions such as Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, offers untapped opportunities for large-scale seaweed farming. With rising demand across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture, seaweed farming is poised to become a key driver of India’s blue economy.

However, despite its potential, India currently contributes less than 1% to global seaweed production. The report identifies key challenges, including inconsistent seed quality, logistical bottlenecks, and limited market linkages, which hinder the sector’s growth.

Key Insights from the Report:

 Economic Impact: Seaweed farming could generate significant revenue, with farmers earning up to ₹13.28 lakh per hectare annually from high-value species like Kappaphycus alvarezii.

Challenges for Buyers: Buyers face issues such as inconsistent supply, poor logistics, and lack of contract farming policies, leading to a reliance on imported seaweed.

Farmer Challenges: Coastal farmers struggle with low awareness of farming techniques, environmental risks, and weak market linkages, limiting their adoption of seaweed farming.

Government Initiatives 9o

The Indian government has taken several steps to promote seaweed farming, including budget allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and initiatives to provide Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and Mudra Loans to farmers. However, the report emphasizes the need for a concrete roadmap focusing on:

• Infrastructure Development: Establishing onshore and offshore seed banks, micropropagation facilities, and processing units near cultivation hubs.
• Policy Support: Streamlining land leasing and contract farming policies to ensure stable incomes for farmers and reliable supply chains for buyers.
• Market Access: Encouraging private investments through fiscal incentives and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to strengthen the seaweed value chain.

Expert Perspectives:

Dr. Stefan Kraan, Chief Scientific Officer of TSC-Purple Pvt. Ltd., Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, highlighted the extraordinary potential of Lakshadweep, where seaweed production per unit of seeds has reached up to 15X in some regions.

Mr. Abhiram Seth, Managing Director of Aquaagri Processing Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the need to resolve concerns around Kappaphycus, stating, “If the perception issue of Kappaphycus can be solved, seaweed farming can provide livelihood to a million lives.”

Ramakrishnan M, MD, Primus Partners, Author of this report, commented, “Seaweed farming represents a tidal shift in sustainable agriculture, promising not only to bolster India’s blue economy but to fundamentally transform coastal livelihoods. By embracing this untapped resource, we are paving a path towards economic resilience and environmental stewardship for millions.”

The report calls for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and coastal communities to unlock the full potential of seaweed farming. By addressing challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, India can position itself as a global leader in the seaweed industry, driving sustainable economic growth and empowering coastal communities.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – 14^th March 2025 – WIKA India, a leader in the world of measurement instrumentation technology, participated in the 13th International Integrated Energy Exhibition & Conferences, known as the Oil Gas & Power World Expo 2025. Organized by Chemtech, the event was scheduled from March 5 to 7, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai, India,

At this esteemed event, WIKA India exhibited its latest innovations in measurement technology tailored for the oil, gas, and power industries. WIKA has been a partner to the hydrogen industry for instrumentation-related solutions, with a proven track record, and is geared up to resolve any new challenges ahead. Whether the hydrogen is produced by conventional methods or based on renewable energies, these provide solutions for the entire value chain of the hydrogen industry. WIKA witnessed a huge number of visitors in their booth to discover its comprehensive range of products and solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability.

Gaurav Bawa, Senior Vice President, WIKA India, said, “The Oil Gas & Power World Expo 2025 serves as a pivotal platform to showcase innovative solutions driving energy transformation. At WIKA India, we are committed to enabling the oil, gas, and power sectors to make the best use of advanced and cutting-edge measurement technologies that enhance efficiency and safety. This event provided us an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and contribute to shaping a sustainable energy future. We look forward to sharing our expertise and forging meaningful partnerships with our customers.”