Guwahati, January 20, 2025: In a remarkable achievement, Assam’s favourite Purabi Dairy has recorded sales of over 2 lakh litres of milk and milk products per day during this Magh Bihu.

The record achievement marks a significant milestone in the dairy’s journey, reflecting the growing trust and preference of consumers for Purabi products. This surge in sales during Magh Bihu highlights the brand’s strong market presence and its ability to meet the heightened festive demand.

The dairy cooperative on Friday said that it achieved 35% higher sales volume as compared to last year’s Magh Bihu. The curd sales grew by a whopping 70% this year, underscoring the trust of the people of Assam. In the same period, cream sales also increased by 40% as compared to last year.

“We are happy to note that the people of the state love our products which are in fact made from milk produced by the farmers of Assam. This success reflects our consistent efforts in ensuring quality and expanding distribution networks,” said Mr. SM Hussain, Marketing Head, WAMUL.

Purabi Milk Booth inaugurated near Ganesh Mandir

On Friday, the dairy cooperative further strengthened their sales network by setting up a Purabi Milk Booth near Ganesh Mandir in Ganeshguri, Guwahati. The milk booth was inaugurated by Assamese actors Moloya Goswami, Sagarika Goswami and Debajit Mazumdar, director Achinta Sankar and director Atualananda Barman in presence of Sameer Kumar Parida, Managing Director, WAMUL and Satya Brata Bose, Managing Director, North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL). Franchisee of the booth Bhabarnab Jyoti Barman was also present on the occasion.

Speaking about the new booth, Mr. Sameer Kr Parida, Managing Director of WAMUL, said, “We are delighted to inaugurate the fifth Purabi Milk Booth in Guwahati today. The growing popularity of Purabi Dairy, not only in Guwahati but across Assam, has encouraged us to expand further. We plan to establish 10 more booths across Guwahati, ensuring our milk and milk products are more accessible to our valued customers.”

Parida further added, “What sets us apart is the freshness and quality of our products, sourced directly from farmers across Assam. This commitment to quality has been validated by our consumers, especially during Magh Bihu this year, when our milk and milk product sales reached an unprecedented 2 lakh litres per day. We remain confident in our growth trajectory and are dedicated to contributing to the vision of our Honourable Chief Minister and supporting the aspirations of farmers across Assam”.

WAMUL, which owns the cooperative brand Purabi, set up the milk booth under the World Bank funded APART Project of Government of Assam.

The booth, introduced under the Company Owned Franchisee Operated (COFO) model, will enable citizens to procure fresh milk and dairy products, including lassi, flavoured milk, ice-cream, curd, fresh cream, ghee, paneer, etc.

Mr. Satya Brata Bose, Managing Director of NEDFL, said, “Purabi products have always been warmly embraced by the people of Assam. Our newest offering, Purabi Flavoured Milk, was launched towards the end of summer last year as part of a strategic plan to ensure its availability across all our distribution points. While we anticipated positive reception, the overwhelming love and demand for this product have exceeded our expectations. Currently available at over 2,500 sales points, Purabi Flavoured Milk has achieved remarkable repeat sales, even during the winter months. With its extended shelf life, we are now poised to expand beyond state boundaries, leveraging our robust distribution network to bring this product to a wider audience.”

He further added, “We are deeply appreciative of the extensive support from the Government of Assam. The Honourable Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved the establishment of dairies in Jorhat and Dibrugarh, with plans to extend similar facilities to Silchar and Dhemaji. These initiatives will position the Purabi brand to handle 10 lakh litres of milk annually within the next seven years. The Assam Dairy Development Plan, approved by the Government, will play a crucial role in advancing cooperative dairy models. Under the guidance of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), WAMUL and EAMUL are already making significant strides, and plans are underway to establish a similar cooperative milk union for the Barak Valley. This development will not only strengthen the cooperative framework but also benefit over 1.75 lakh farmers across Assam, fostering sustainable growth in the dairy sector.”

Introduction of the prefabricated Purabi Milk Booths at various locations under APART Project was a strategic initiative to not only improve availability of Purabi milk and milk products and brand building but also presenting a unique business opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Similar booths were successfully installed at strategic locations like Janata Bhawan, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), opposite Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden, and Indian Oil petrol pump at Khanapara. The dairy cooperative also opened two Purabi Parlours at Purabi Dairy premises in Panjabari and at the Purabi premises in Changsari, opposite AIIMS.

Combining modern aesthetics with operational efficiency, these booths are presently introduced under the Company Owned Franchisee Operated (COFO) model. Purabi looks forward to encouraging more and more entrepreneurs to set up such booths under such models. Such booths shall be set up not only in Guwahati but all across Assam.

Hyderabad, January 2025: Chowrangee, a new-age platform for arts and culture for the city of Hyderabad, has announced its inaugural event Raag-o-Rang, a mesmerizing evening of music and drama to be held on January 24, at 6 pm, at Shilpakala Vedika in Hi-Tech City.

Performing at the event will be Sounak Chattopadhyay, an acclaimed and popular Hindustani vocalist known for his remarkable ability to fuse the most ancient traditions of Indian classical music with modern music genres such as Bollywood, Ghazals and Rabindranath Tagore. His repertoire for the evening will include a special tribute to Mohammad Rafi on the occasion of his birth centenary.

The evening also brings to Hyderabad, for the very first time, Arpita Chatterjee, a celebrated theatre personality who will act as Gauhar Jaan in the multi-lingual solo musical My Name is Jaan. More than a century ago, the courtesan Gauhar Jaan became a sensation as the first Indian musician to be recorded on a gramophone. The immense popularity of her recordings made her a multi-millionaire; however, her life was anything but easy. Later at the instance of Mahatma Gandhi, Gauhar Jaan raised and contributed funds for India’s freedom struggle.

Raag-o-Rang Event Details:

Date: Friday, January 24, 2025, 6 pm sharp

Venue: Shilpakala Vedika, Hitech City

Bengaluru, 20 January 2025:  Myntra Beauty, one of India’s leading online beauty destinations, has launched its new campaign, “Discover the ‘U’ in Beauty,” featuring Bollywood actor and brand ambassador Anushka Sharma. This campaign champions curated beauty solutions, empowering individuals to find what truly works for them through Myntra Beauty’s innovative technology-led tools and top-notch selection. The campaign encompasses two key films, one focusing on makeup and the other on skincare, both emphasizing the importance of choosing products that suit specific needs and preferences.

The campaign highlights Myntra Beauty’s commitment to simplifying the beauty discovery journey. Recognizing that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all, Myntra Beauty provides the resources and expertise to help customers navigate the vast world of beauty products and find their perfect match. Whether it’s finding the right shade of foundation or science-backed product for specific skin concerns, Myntra Beauty offers a shopping experience fit for every individual.

The first film focuses on makeup and addresses the common challenge of finding products that truly complement individual features. What’s trending or looks great on someone might not be the best fit for everyone. Myntra Beauty helps users navigate this by offering a vast selection of 60k makeup products across 500+ brands, including a wide range of D2C brands, combined with the Virtual Try-On (VTO) tool. Powered by cutting-edge technology, Myntra’s VTO tool offers a unique virtual beauty experience. With 30 trending looks for every occasion—from parties to weddings—users can effortlessly discover their perfect style, setting Myntra Beauty Beauty apart and simplifying the search for the perfect makeup products.

The second film shifts the focus to skincare, emphasizing the importance of choosing products based on specific skin concerns. The film is a humorous montage of women in different settings—a college play greenroom, an aerial yoga class, a bustling café—each playfully highlighting their unique skincare woes. One woman in the greenroom declares her frizzy hair has “main character energy,” while another, hanging upside down at yoga, laments that her skin “ghosts every moisturizer.” In the café, a woman chuckles that her fine lines are “writing their own story.” Just as with makeup, skincare doesn’t have a universal solution, and these scenes underscore that point. Anushka then enters the scene, overhearing these playful complaints and introducing the women to Myntra Beauty. She explains that Myntra Beauty “gets it,” emphasizing Myntra’s curated recommendations. The women, intrigued, gather around as Anushka demonstrates the app. Myntra Beauty celebrates individual skin needs with a vibrant selection of 40k skincare products across 1000+ brands designed for a wide range of concerns.

Myntra Beauty boasts an extensive selection of over 100,000 products, including names like M.A.C, Estee Lauder, Lakme, L’Oreal, Laura Mercier, among others. Myntra beauty also offers over 250+ made-in-india brands like Minimalist, Mcaffeine, The Derma Co, Foxtale and more.

Bollywood actor and Brand ambassador for Myntra Beauty, Anushka Sharma said, “I’m happy to be partnering with Myntra Beauty on this campaign. Discovering your personal style is key in beauty, and there’s no single formula that works for everyone. Myntra Beauty’s innovative tools, like the VTO and its wide selection of skincare products for everyone, are making this journey of self-discovery easier and more accessible than ever, allowing you to experiment and find your perfect match.”

Abhishek Gour, Director, Brand Digital Marketing at Myntra, said “We’re thrilled to have Anushka Sharma on board for this exciting campaign. Her elegance and relatability perfectly align with Myntra Beauty’s vision. With the launch of 30 new curated looks on our VTO tool, and a wide range of curated products we’re taking a significant step towards making shopping more personalized and convenient, helping customers make informed beauty choices. We believe this innovation and selection will revolutionize the way our customers discover and shop for beauty products.”

Ira G, Chief Creative Officer, Toaster India, said “Has beauty become a beast? An overwhelming number of choices coupled with confusion over what’s right for you makes it such. With Myntra’s Virtual Try-on and wide selections on the platform you get to experiment with over 2000 brands but buy only what looks good on you.”

Kolkata, January 13, 2025: In a thought-provoking session exploring the depths of astrology, experts Shalini Modi and Dr. Ridhi Bahl illuminated the audience at Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2025. Moderated by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, author and astrologer Shalini Modi shared her journey and personal experiences, including marriage predictions that came true with uncanny accuracy. “The house of marriage or spouse, is also the house partnership. The strength of this house determines the success in marriage and business partnership. Therefore, when marriage is predicted, it includes living in with someone or even finding a partner.,” Shalini added to the topic.

Dr. Bahl, with her rich lineage of astrologers and nearly two decades of professional experience, highlighted the complexity and depth of astrology. “Astrology is wonderful guide which can provide significant insights about personal, professional & financial fronts.”, she said. The session delved into the age-old debate of destiny versus free will, shedding light on astrology’s role as a guide rather than a predetermined script. Dr. Ridhi emphasized, Shalini Modi echoed this sentiment, recounting how astrology had provided meaningful insights to those around her.

The conversation also tackled how astrology evolves with changing times, addressing modern aspects like career decisions and medical treatments. Dr. Ridhi emphasized the importance of adaptability in astrological interpretations, highlighting how classical texts might not address modern concepts like divorce. Today, however, astrologers help couples navigate challenges by suggesting solutions such as medical interventions or adoption. Shalini concluded by noting that astrology’s enduring appeal lies not only in what is written in the stars but in how we interpret and apply it to our lives.

 Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

As the Union Budget 2025-26 approaches, to be announced in February 2024, the real estate sector is pinning high hopes on the Modi 3.0 regime. Amid declining real estate activity in the second half of CY 2024, the sector anticipates government measures to revive overall consumption.

While tax reliefs and other incentives are standard expectations, the government is likely to maintain its focus on building robust infrastructure across the country. Though infrastructure development may not provide immediate relief to end-users, it remains a key driver for long-term growth in the real estate market.

The upcoming Budget is expected to emphasize maintaining economic stability and fostering growth, especially in light of the uninspiring GDP numbers from the past two quarters. Stimulus measures for SMEs, MSMEs, job creation, and skilling initiatives are anticipated to further propel economic activity.

Revive Affordable Housing

For the real estate sector, key expectations include industry status recognition and a revival of the affordable housing segment. Once a promising sector, affordable housing—homes priced under INR 40 lakh—has struggled post-pandemic, with demand and supply shrinking significantly. According to ANAROCK data, the sales share of affordable housing fell to a mere 18% in 2024 from over 38% in 2019. Similarly, its share of total housing supply in the top seven cities dropped to 16% in 2024 from nearly 40% in 2019.

This stark decline highlights the urgent need for intervention. Affordable housing requires focused attention and targeted benefits, which have been lacking in the past two years. Tax breaks to boost supply and enable buyers are crucial, but the challenges go deeper. A critical issue remains the lack of urban land, particularly in areas where affordable housing is most needed.

To address this, the government could release centrally controlled land—managed by agencies like the Indian Railways, Port Trusts, and the Department of Heavy Industries—for affordable housing projects. Additionally, the following measures are essential:

1. Reintroduce the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme under PMAY
   The scheme for EWS/LIG households, which expired in 2022, should be reinstated to incentivize first-time buyers of affordable homes. It could also extend to loans for new construction or adding essential features like rooms, kitchens, or toilets to existing properties. Under PMAY (Rural), subsidies could help convert ‘kaccha’ homes into ‘pucca’ ones, provided eligibility criteria are met.
2. Restore the 100% Tax Holiday for Developers
   The tax holiday under Section 80-IBA of the Finance Act, 2016, was a major incentive that boosted affordable housing supply. Reintroducing this benefit could be transformative, offering substantial tax breaks to developers focused on affordable housing projects.
3. Revise Affordable Housing Criteria
   Current definitions of affordable housing, based on size, price, and buyer income, require urgent revision. While the size criterion (60 sq. m. carpet area) is reasonable, the price cap of INR 45 lakh is unrealistic in high-cost cities like Mumbai. The cap should be raised to at least INR 85 lakh in Mumbai and INR 60-65 lakh in other metro cities to reflect market realities. Such revisions would enable more properties to qualify as affordable housing, granting buyers access to lower GST rates (1% without ITC) and other subsidies.

CY 2024 saw a slowdown in real estate due to general and state elections, with housing sales in the top seven cities declining by 4% to approximately 4.46 lakh units and new launches dropping by 7% to around 4.13 lakh units, as per ANAROCK research. However, with appropriate boosters for affordable housing, CY 2025 could bring a revival, helping the residential segment regain its 2023 highs in sales and launches.

Mumbai, 17th December 2024: Piramal Realty proudly announces two key milestones for its iconic project Piramal Aranya in Byculla – the delivery of its first two towers in South Mumbai, Avyan and Arav. The delivery of these two iconic towers with over 700 residences has set a new benchmark for luxury living in South Mumbai.

Tower Avyan features 2-4 bed luxury residences while Arav tower offers a range of 2-5 bed homes, seamlessly blending privacy with a vibrant community living experience. Furthermore, Arav being the tallest tower of Byculla with 72 habitable floors and rising 282 meters above the ground stands as a testament to modern architectural sophistication. Designed by Studio HBA London, Arav Tower’s stunning double-height lobby sets a new standard for contemporary design and elegance. Residents of both the towers will enjoy expansive views of the eastern harbour and 60 acres of the lush Rani Baug botanical gardens underscoring Piramal Realty’s commitment to providing serene, high-quality living spaces.

“The completion of Avyan and Arav, two architectural masterpieces reshaping South Mumbai’s skyline, represents a proud milestone for Piramal Realty. Recognizing the demand for premium residences in Byculla, we designed living spaces that combine unmatched luxury with open spaces, breath-taking views, and excellent connectivity. From the tallest tower in Byculla, residents can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of South Mumbai. The overwhelming response to both towers reaffirms our vision of delivering a luxurious living experience in Byculla,” said Mr. Abhijeet Maheshwari, CEO of Piramal Realty.

The connectivity enhancements around South Mumbai have only added to Aranya’s appeal. Additionally, the 21.8 km Atal Setu sea bridge, located just ten minutes from Piramal Aranya, significantly cuts travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to a mere 20 minutes. Infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Road Extension, Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor, and Eastern Freeway are further enhancing Byculla’s connectivity, transforming it into a prime lifestyle destination. These advancements enable residents of Piramal Aranya to effortlessly commute to key locations like Nariman Point, Mahalaxmi Racecourse in South Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai.

Piramal Aranya has been meticulously built with renowned global partners, including ‘L&T’ for construction & ‘HBA’ and ‘Make Architects’ from London for interior design and architecture. The project features over 100,000 sq. ft. of resort-style amenities where residents enjoy double-height lobbies, rooftop observatory decks, state-of-the-art fitness centres with Technogym equipment, multi-sport courts and tranquil libraries. The towers’ facade takes inspiration from Byculla’s architectural heritage, honouring the area’s legacy while setting new architectural standards. Thoughtfully designed L-shaped windows and dual-aspect apartments capture these panoramas, offering residents an exceptional connection to nature and city life.

Keeping nature at the core of its design, Aranya which translates to ‘Forests’ in Sanskrit, was conceptualised to create homes in complete harmony with nature. Aranya seamlessly converges modern architecture with Byculla’s unique locale while co-existing with its natural elements.