TEC Plans INR 180 Crore Investment for Nationwide Expansion
India, 12th March 2025: TEC (The Executive Centre), Asia’s largest premium flexible workspace provider with presence in 16 markets across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, plans to expand its footprint further in India. As part of their strategic expansion plan, TEC will invest over INR 180 crore in the first quarter of 2025 to establish new centres in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. This investment will expand TEC India’s portfolio by over 2.38 lakh square feet of office space.
In Mumbai, the company is investing over INR 124 crore to establish a new centre spanning 1.3 lakh square feet within the esteemed Prestige 101 complex in BKC. Concurrently, TEC is demonstrating its commitment to growth in Pune with an investment exceeding INR 26 crore to establish a new centre occupying 51,975 square feet at Mapletree in Kharadi. Furthermore, in Bengaluru, TEC is investing over INR 30 crore to secure 55,844 square feet of space at Helios Business Park on Outer Ring Road.
Speaking about the expansion, Manish Khedia, Managing Director, West India, South India & Sri Lanka, The Executive Centre said, “India remains one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for TEC. Our substantial investment in new centres across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune reflects our strong confidence in the Indian market and our commitment to offering flexible, premium workspace solutions. With an investment of over INR 180 crore, we will be adding close to a quarter million square feet of space across these three cities. This expansion is driven by robust office leasing growth, fueled by both domestic and international demand. According to a Knight Frank report, office space leasing in 2024 has seen a 21% year-on-year increase, reaching a total absorption of over 70 million square feet. The rising demand for flexible and agile workspaces, particularly in the IT and ITES sectors, continues to shape this trend. With 30 years of global expertise, TEC is well-positioned to provide modern, high-quality workspaces that enable businesses to scale and adapt efficiently, shaping the future of work in India.”
Built to global standards, the centres provide a diverse array of facilities promoting both productivity and work-life balance. These include private fitness centres, wellness rooms, nursing rooms, business lounges, barista bars, a library, private phone booths, video gaming zones, and collaborative areas.
Over the past three decades, TEC has firmly established itself as a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, delivering world-class facilities, unparalleled service, innovation, and quality. TEC has seen 30 years of sustainable expansion, consecutive profitability, and excellence.
TEC currently operates in 16 markets and 36 cities, serving a global community of over 51,000 members. In October 2024, TEC announced an investment of INR 125 crore to establish eight additional centres across Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, and New Delhi. The additional INR 180 crore investment underscores the company’s confidence in the Indian market.
Udaan Youth Club Hosts Glacier Preservation Quiz for World Water Day
Glaciers are melting, water resources are depleting, and climate change is accelerating. To mark World Water Day 2025, Udaan Youth Club is organizing an Online Awareness Quiz on Glacier Preservation. This initiative aims to inspire action, ignite awareness, and empower individuals—especially the youth—to take responsibility for preserving glaciers and conserving water. This is not just a quiz; it is a movement to create a generation of informed and responsible citizens who will contribute to safeguarding the planet’s water resources.
Ageas Federal Life Partners with Raj Kumari Foundation for Girls’ Health in Delhi
Delhi, March 12th, 2025: Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading player in the Indian life insurance industry partnered with the Raj Kumari Foundation to host a one-day workshop focused on cleanliness, nutrition, health, and empowerment. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about health and hygiene amongst adolescent girls in underserved and rural communities in Bhati Mines, Delhi.
The interactive workshops equipped young girls with invaluable knowledge on health, hygiene, education, and well-being. Additionally, carefully curated nutritional kits containing essential food items and comprehensive sanitation kits, including sanitary napkins and soaps, were distributed to support menstrual hygiene and overall wellness.
The event saw active participation from 100 girls from MSME families in the local community and was graced by Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, alongside representatives from Raj Kumari Foundation and other dignitaries reaffirming their collective commitment to social welfare.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO at Ageas Federal Life Insurance, emphasized, “At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, sustainability is at the heart of our business and enables us to drive growth and stimulate the transition to a more inclusive and sustainable world. Through this program, we aim to empower the girl child in our nation with essential knowledge on nutrition, hygiene, and menstrual health, critical factors for their overall development. By providing them with the necessary resources and awareness, we hope to foster a generation that is healthier, more confident, and self-reliant. Investing in their well-being today will have a far-reaching impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive society.
Ageas Federal Life Insurance reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through this initiative, focusing on improving the health, nutrition, and empowerment of young girls
STARS THAT MATTER India’s Restaurant Ratings Returns in 2025
India’s most credible and influential restaurant rating platform, Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings, is back—bigger, bolder, and more expansive than ever. After a game-changing inaugural edition in 2024 that set new industry benchmarks, the 2025 edition pushes the boundaries further, recognising excellence across an even broader culinary landscape.
This year, the Ultimate Star Revelation will take place in Bengaluru on 15 March 2025. Rankings now extend to four additional cities, ensuring a truly pan-India evaluation of the nation’s finest dining destinations.
The Ultimate Recognition: Unbiased, Unmatched, and Uncompromising
Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings stand apart as India’s only restaurant evaluation based purely on merit, free from external influence or sponsorships. The ratings remain confidential until officially announced at the revelation ceremony, ensuring absolute integrity and fairness.
In 2024, only three restaurants received the highest distinction of 5 Ultimate Stars:
- Farmlore, Bengaluru
- Avartana, Chennai
- Indian Accent, New Delhi
This elite recognition places them at the pinnacle of India’s dining scene, setting a benchmark for culinary excellence.
Vir Sanghvi, Chairman of Culinary Culture, underscores the significance of this initiative:
“At Culinary Culture, we have always pioneered initiatives that shape India’s F&B industry. From the first-ever awards for street food to India’s first chef ranking platform, our mission has remained the same—to celebrate excellence in a way that is honest, transparent, and free from bias. The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is another game-changing first for India, and we are thrilled to see its growing influence.”
Since its inception, Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings, supported by Lavazza, have set an unmatched benchmark in dining evaluation. The meticulously designed rating system ensures rigorous, anonymous inspections, offering a fresh, unbiased perspective on India’s top restaurants.
How the Ratings Work
The Culinary Culture Ultimate Restaurant Ratings follow a three-tier ranking system, awarding Ultimate Stars based on overall excellence:
3 Stars – Very Good
4 Stars – Excellent
5 Stars – The Ultimate
Unlike traditional restaurant awards—often influenced by sponsorships or advertising pressures—Culinary Culture’s rating system is built on integrity, evaluating restaurants anonymously through full-time referees. The stars are awarded based on a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, which includes nominations by Culinary Culture Academy members, anonymous screenings by Food Referees, in-depth debates, and a final distillation process to ensure only the most deserving restaurants receive recognition. The platform remains entirely independent and does not accept any fees from restaurants for nominations or inclusion.
What’s New in 2025?
- More cities, more diversity: The platform expands to four new cities—Hyderabad, Bhopal, Kochi, and Amritsar—capturing the rich depth and diversity of India’s evolving food landscape.
- Special awards honoring industry icons: This year, the ceremony will feature exclusive individual awards recognizing outstanding contributions in the industry. Categories include Iconic Restaurant, Restaurant Manager, Sustainability, Opening of the Year, and Mixologist of the Year.
- A grand celebration in Bengaluru: The highly anticipated Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony will bring together India’s top restaurateurs, chefs, and hospitality leaders, all flying in from across the country for this prestigious event.
- A greater impact on India’s dining scene: From 54 restaurants awarded stars last year, the 2025 edition will nearly double its coverage, recognizing almost 100 top restaurants, solidifying India’s position on the global gastronomic map.
“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from both the industry and consumers to last year’s ratings. Diners now recognize our plaques as a mark of excellence, reinforcing trust while also benefiting restaurants. Our ratings are dynamic—restaurants are re-evaluated anonymously and regularly, allowing them to gain or lose stars based on consistency and performance. We are grateful to our longstanding partners, Lavazza and Diageo, for making this platform possible,” says Raaj Sanghvi, CEO of Culinary Culture.
The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is proudly supported by Lavazza, Johnnie Walker, Veeba, Bisleri Vedica, and Newby Tea—brands that share its vision of uplifting and advancing India’s dynamic F&B industry.
TTK Prestige Revolutionizes Cooking with AirFlip Air Fryer & Grill
Hyderabad, 12th March 2025: TTK Prestige, India’s leading kitchen appliances brand, launches the AirFlip Two-in-One Air Fryer and Grill, a breakthrough appliance designed for modern kitchens. The AirFlip represents a significant advancement in kitchen technology, offering home cooks unprecedented versatility in a single device.
The AirFlip showcases several advanced features designed for modern cooking needs. The appliance comes with a high capacity 4.5L Glass air frying basket, offering a 360-degree view of the cooking process. The premium grill pan with glass lid for perfect grilling results, while the digital control panel provides 5 pre-set cooking modes for convenience. The device incorporates smoke-free heating technology for cleaner cooking and operates with a powerful 1500W heating element for quick and efficient results. Its innovative design features a rotating control interface that seamlessly switches between air frying and grilling modes, with the control panel automatically reorienting itself for intuitive operation.
The AirFlip’s dual functionality addresses the growing consumer demand for space-saving kitchen appliances that don’t compromise on performance. In air fryer mode, the 4.5L capacity allows families to prepare generous portions of healthy, oil-free dishes ranging from crispy snacks to complete meals. When switched to grill mode, the grill pan with its transparent lid enables perfect results for everything from vegetables to proteins, allowing home cooks to monitor their food without interrupting the cooking process.
TTK Prestige has positioned the AirFlip at an attractive price, making premium cooking technology accessible to more Indian households. The product comes with a comprehensive one-year warranty, reinforcing TTK Prestige’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The AirFlip is available at all leading retail outlets and e-commerce platforms, bringing the future of versatile cooking to Indian kitchens.
This latest innovation from TTK Prestige reflects the company’s deep understanding of Indian cooking needs and changing lifestyle preferences. Its versatile functionality, combined with the trusted TTK Prestige brand name, positions the AirFlip as a must-have appliance for modern Indian kitchens, offering the perfect balance of innovation, convenience, and value.
PNB Housing Finance Celebrates Women’s Journeys with ‘AchievHer 2.0’
PNB Housing Finance, one of India’s largest housing finance companies, launched the second edition of its inspirational series— ‘AchievHer 2.0’, reinforcing its commitment to diversity, empowerment, and inclusion. Building on the success of the previous edition, this initiative continues to throw the spotlight on the remarkable journeys of women within the organization, recognizing their resilience, dedication, and leadership across the organization.
‘AchievHer 2.0’ is an extension of the company’s ‘Aikyam’ initiative, a people-first initiative designed to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. Through a compelling video series, the campaign delves into the personal and professional journeys of its female employees, capturing special moments of their achievements, challenges, learnings and growth. PNB Housing Finance remains committed to creating a supportive and thriving workplace, where women are encouraged to break barriers and excel in their respective fields.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Girish Kousgi, MD & CEO, PNB Housing Finance, said, “The success of ‘AchievHer’ last year reaffirmed our belief in the power of storytelling. With ‘AchievHer 2.0,’ we are once again celebrating the inspiring journeys of our female employees, who embody determination and excellence. At PNB Housing Finance, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where every individual, irrespective of gender, can thrive and lead by example.”
Tech Mahindra Inks MoU with The Open University to Boost AI and Skills
New Delhi – March 12th, 2025: Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM), a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Open University (OU), the UK’s largest university to drive innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurship. This strategic collaboration aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology advancements and their real-world application, addressing global societal challenges like digital divide and sustainable urban development through research-driven solutions.
Through this collaboration, Tech Mahindra and OU will work together to advance research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR), Generative AI (GenAI), and High-Tech solutions, fostering responsible and ethical technology development. The collaboration will expand OU’s Open Societal Challenges program, addressing inequality, sustainability, and barriers to well-being, and the Open Business Creators initiative, fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial community for aspiring business owners. It will also focus on developing high-quality higher education programs in India.
Harshul Asnani, President and Head – Europe Business, Tech Mahindra, said, “Technology is a powerful enabler of change, and by collaborating with The Open University, we are taking a significant step towards driving meaningful innovation. This collaboration will help address some of the world’s most pressing societal challenges while equipping future talent with the skills needed for embrace emerging technologies. Our shared commitment to ethical and responsible AI development will set new benchmarks for industry-academia collaboration.”
The MoU also represents a major step in Tech Mahindra’s long-term commitment to innovation, social responsibility, and talent development. The collaboration will create opportunities for students and professionals to gain expertise in AI, digital twins, and large language models (LLMs), fostering a new generation of tech-driven entrepreneurs and industry-ready professionals.
Kevin Shakesheff, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, The Open University said, “The Open University has always been at the forefront of education, and this collaboration with Tech Mahindra aligns with our mission to provide accessible, high-quality learning opportunities that have a tangible global impact. By combining our research expertise with Tech Mahindra’s industry leadership, we will create solutions that drive innovation.”
The collaboration will also strengthen Tech Mahindra’s position as an employer of choice, offering professionals opportunities to work on next-generation technologies with a real-world impact. Additionally, the collaboration will establish OU as a technology-enabled education and research institution, boosting their research capacity on real-world challenges and expand its student base, particularly in India.
Lazy Never Felt Better Pepperfry Launches CLOUDDIO Campaign
Mumbai, March 12th, 2025: Pepperfry, India’s leading e-commerce furniture and home décor company, has launched its latest mattress brand, CLOUDDIO, with the new campaign ‘Lazy Knows What Lazy Wants.’ In a world obsessed with hustle culture, CLOUDDIO flips the script, celebrating those who embrace comfort, and rest unapologetically. Whether it’s hitting snooze guilt-free, turning the bed into a second home, or perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing, this campaign redefines relaxation. More than just a mattress, CLOUDDIO is designed for scrolling, snacking, binge-watching, and lounging—because true comfort lovers know exactly what they want, and now, they have it.
The campaign challenges the notion that laziness is a flaw, proving instead that it’s a lifestyle—one that demands the perfect mattress. CLOUDDIO is crafted for those who don’t just sleep but truly live in their beds. With premium comfort and expert-tested, it supports every lazy-day essential, from binge-watching marathons to midday naps. After all, embracing the lazy life isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about balance. Taking time to rest and recharge is essential for reducing stress, improving well-being, and boosting productivity when it actually matters. Because when it comes to relaxation, no one knows better than the pros of doing the bare minimum.
Hussaine Kesury, Chief Business Officer at Pepperfry, shared, “CLOUDDIO isn’t just a mattress; it’s a rebellion against hustle culture. With ‘Lazy Knows What Lazy Wants,’ we’re celebrating those who take their relaxation seriously and embrace the slow life without guilt. We believe comfort is more than just sleep—it’s about creating a space where you can truly unwind, recharge, and be yourself. CLOUDDIO is crafted for those who make their bed the coziest place on earth, and we’re proud to be their partner in ultimate relaxation.”
So go ahead, hit snooze again, stay in bed a little longer—CLOUDDIO has got your back.
Join the Movement. Because lazy isn’t a flaw, it’s a lifestyle.
Trend spotting; Magicbricks Poll: 58 Percentage Homebuyers Prefer Plots for first-time investments
New Delhi, March 12, 2025: Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform, has observed a growing preference for plotted developments among first-time investors, who are drawn to their higher appreciation potential and long-term capital returns. According to a recent poll conducted by Magicbricks surveying approximately 2,200 homebuyers, 58% of respondents preferred investing in plots, followed by commercial spaces (17.1%).
Platform insights from Q4 2024 (October-December) indicate that Bengaluru accounted for the highest demand for plots (36.5%), followed by Chennai (11.0%) and Lucknow (8.9%). Notably, Lucknow recorded the highest preference for plotted developments, with 42.66% of property buyers in the city opting for plots over other property types.
The platform further revealed that plots ranging between 1,000–2,000 sq. ft. commanded 46.76% of the total demand in Q4’2024, highlighting a preference for mid-sized land parcels. Additionally, 50.83% of investors preferred plots priced up to INR 50 lakh, reinforcing the growing interest in affordable land investments.
According to Magicbricks, the average price of plots in Hyderabad stood at INR 2,765 per sq. ft., with Shadnagar, Kadthal, and Sadashivpet emerging as the leading supply hubs. Lucknow (INR 2,836 per sq. ft.) and Chennai (INR 3,208 per sq. ft.) were also identified as affordable cities for plotted investments.
In contrast, Gurugram (INR 21,901 per sq. ft.) and Noida (INR 22,523 per sq. ft.) were positioned as premium markets for plotted developments. However, Greater Noida, with a relatively affordable average price of INR 7,654 per sq. ft., can potentially emerge as a promising investment destination within the NCR region.
With plotted developments witnessing strong investor interest and developers responding with integrated township projects, this segment is set to play a key role in shaping India’s evolving real estate landscape.
Lenskart Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Facility in Telangana
12 March 2025, Hyderabad/Gurugram: Lenskart, one of Asia’s leading eyewear companies has commenced work at its upcoming state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, Telangana. They celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony on 6th March, at the new site, in the presence of Honorable Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, in the state of Telangana. This milestone marks a significant step in Lenskart’s ongoing commitment to make high quality eyewear accessible globally. The MoU signed last year with the Government of Telangana mentions that the first phase of investment will span over the next few years, setting up the facility for commercial operations.
Poor vision is one of the major causes of disability globally. In India, more than half of the population is suffering from refractive errors. Further, majority of those affected by refractive errors in India currently see their errors go uncorrected due to low awareness, limited access and lack of affordable quality eye wear. The gap presents a significant growth opportunity for the eyewear industry in India, with similar trends playing out in many other countries as well.
Lenskart is designing the Telangana facility to have a high degree of automation, enabling strict adherence to their quality principles within their efficient supply chain network, and facilitating the provision of high-quality eyewear globally. Like their manufacturing unit in Bhiwadi, it is planned to be an integrated facility with capabilities across all aspects of the manufacturing process including frame, lens and eyewear manufacturing. This facility aims to further add onto their existing manufacturing capacity and cater to India and international geographies in Asia and Middle East.
Speaking about the ground-breaking ceremony, Peyush Bansal, CEO & Co-Founder stated:
“Today’s ground-breaking is an important moment for us at Lenskart, as we continue to power the future of eyewear globally through technology and innovation. Our focus remains on delivering world-class products and designs that enable our customers to expand their quality of life and express themselves through their eyewear. We believe that this facility will not only enable us to meet the growing demand for eyewear but also create new opportunities for the community at large. We look forward to working closely with local stakeholders, Government officials, and community leaders to ensure smooth and successful project completion.”