March 27, 2025, Mumbai – The highly anticipated TiEcon Mumbai 2025 Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit, centred around the theme “Dhanda First,” brought together a stellar lineup of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. The event served as a dynamic platform for attendees to gain deep insights into business strategies, industry trends, and innovative ideas, all while emphasizing the core tenets of sustainable and ethical entrepreneurship.

The ‘Dhanda First’ Philosophy: A Guiding Mantra for Entrepreneurs

The theme “Dhanda First” underscored the significance of prioritizing business fundamentals, adaptability, customer-centricity, and ethical decision-making in today’s fast-evolving economic landscape. As businesses navigate challenges ranging from technological disruption to financial sustainability, this approach encourages entrepreneurs to focus on long-term growth, resilience, and innovation.

Speaking at the summit, Ranu Vohra, President, TiE Mumbai and Co- founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Avendus emphasized Mumbai’s pivotal role in India’s startup ecosystem and its blend of financial expertise, technological prowess, and entrepreneurial spirit. He said “Mumbai is uniquely positioned to drive job creation, economic expansion, and innovation, contributing to India’s goal of achieving Vikshit Bharat by 2047. It is necessity for startups to focus on solving pressing societal challenges and leveraging Mumbai’s strength in physical resources, extensive infrastructure and human capital to propel the country’s startup ecosystem forward.”

Dr Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, President-Elect, TiE Mumbai and Co-Founder, Venture Catalysts & 100Unicorns, remarked that India has the potential to produce global tech giants like Google and OpenAI but requires substantial capital infusion to realize this vision. “While India has witnessed a surge in retail and institutional investments, with family offices and investors contributing around $1 B to startups, India needs at least $5 billion in early-stage funding annually to achieve its goal of creating 1,000 unicorns. This can be achieved by encouraging large-ticket investors from family offices and the stock market to invest in early-stage startups, a goal that TiE Mumbai aims to support.”

Key Takeaways & Insights from TiEcon Mumbai 2025:

• Compassionate capitalism fosters motivated employees and sustainable growth by ensuring fair wages, recognition, and a strong corporate culture.
• AI should be assistive, not disruptive, meaning it should enhance human productivity rather than replace jobs.
• Investment in AI components such as liquid coolant manufacturing and chip logistics presents lucrative opportunities, particularly as the demand for data centers and AI-driven computation grows.
• Navi Mumbai is emerging as India’s data center capital, attracting global tech investments due to its robust infrastructure and strategic location.
• Ease of doing business will be a key accelerator for India’s growth story, requiring streamlined regulations, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and greater access to funding.
• India is on the cusp of the Free Intelligence Era, with AI playing a transformative role in education, healthcare, and governance, enabling widespread automation and decision-making improvements.
• Quick commerce and D2C brands are exploding in India’s retail ecosystem, fuelled by increasing internet penetration, evolving consumer preferences, and advanced logistics solutions.
• Strong governance, focus, and perseverance are crucial for entrepreneurial success, ensuring businesses navigate market fluctuations and regulatory challenges effectively.
• Building a MOAT (competitive advantage) by selecting the right audience is key, as companies that deeply understand their customers will sustain long-term market leadership.

The summit featured an array of engaging keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, where renowned speakers shared their wisdom on leadership, market dynamics, and investment strategies.

N R Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys championed the principle of “compassionate capitalism,” urging businesses to treat employees with dignity and minimize wage disparities. He emphasized that employees seek recognition, appreciation, and respect beyond just monetary rewards. Highlighting Infosys’ share distribution model, he demonstrated how businesses can foster a motivated workforce, contribute to national development, and alleviate poverty through innovation and job creation. On Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mr Murthy stated that AI involves two fundamental principles: machine learning, which enables large-scale correlation for predictive analysis, and deep learning, which mimics human brain functions to handle unsupervised algorithms. “Unsupervised algorithms which use deep learning and neural networks are the ones that have much greater potential to do things that will mimic human beings better and better,” he said. He added that AI should be deployed in an assistive manner to enhance productivity without replacing human capabilities.

Atul Nishar, Founder, Hexaware Technologies Ltd & Chairman, Techpro Ventures and Azent Overseas Education captivated the audience with a poetic tribute to the stock market, encapsulating its highs, lows, and unpredictability. His session offered a balanced market outlook, forecasting an optimistic rebound in the near future while acknowledging the cyclical nature of financial markets.

The Chief Guest, Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI lauded the ‘Dhanda First’ theme for its clarity, impact, and ability to shape India’s entrepreneurial narrative. He emphasized Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a catalyst for inclusive growth, calling for increased investments in deep-tech sectors like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. He highlighted the three pillars of startup success—Passion, Persistence, and Partnership, urging stakeholders to support long-term investments that drive India’s vision of becoming a $35 trillion economy by 2047.

Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO, OYO shared OYO’s extraordinary turnaround story, transitioning from a ₹1,000 crore net loss in FY21-22 to a ₹240 crore profit in FY24, with projections of ₹1,100 crore in FY25. He attributed this recovery to customer proximity, adaptability, and resilience. His insights reinforced the importance of perseverance and a profitability-driven approach for entrepreneurs.

T V Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital laid out a visionary roadmap to position India as a dominant digital power. He proposed a $1 billion annual investment in AI, Machine Learning, robotics, genomics, and biotech, calling for stronger coalitions between academia, industry, and government. His focus was on nurturing deep-tech startups, fostering innovation, and attracting global collaborations.

Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Ltd stressed that growth is essential to excite stakeholders and must be ingrained in an organization’s DNA. He emphasized that businesses must balance sustainability and profitability while focusing on both topline and bottom-line growth. His key takeaway: dedicated resources and a focused approach are essential for scaling international operations.

Shaleen Sinha, Head, Growth Tech India, Boston Consulting Group underscored India’s economic trajectory, citing key growth drivers such as Quick Commerce, Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands, and fintech innovations. He projected that India’s GDP would double in the next seven years, with AI applications alone valued at $1 trillion.

Trivikraman Thampy, Co-Founder & Co- CEO, Games24x7 stated “We are witnessing a fundamental shift in the way businesses operate. Technologies like AI and data science have evolved from being enablers to becoming the very backbone of operational efficiency and personalised innovation. As India moves towards a trillion-dollar digital economy goal, the strategic adoption of AI and data-driven decision-making will be pivotal in propelling the next generation of startups and solidifying India’s position as a global technology leader.”

Speaking about his product, technology and quality focused brand, Tarun Mehta, CEO, Ather Energy stated “Customers don’t buy commodities, they put a lot of trust on brand and quality. There is an enormous power of word of mouth and all that comes down to the quality a product has.”

Commenting on the current geopolitical scene, Amrit Acharya, CEO Zetwerk stressed “As an entrepreneur, when you start a business, you don’t think of hedging and diversification. Bust over a period, diversification is a good trait to have. In addition to being an expert in manufacturing, we also need to become an expert un geopolitics for our business long term.”

The TiEcon Mumbai 2025 Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit successfully reinforced the ‘Dhanda First’ mindset, fostering critical discussions on business fundamentals, strategic investments, and leadership. As India continues its journey toward global economic prominence, events like these play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and driving innovation-led growth

India, March 27th, 2025– Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), launched their 2025 jersey through the groundbreaking ‘In the Knight Sky’ campaign conceptualised by ting—an ode to their three IPL championship wins. The campaign blended nostalgia, innovation, and fan engagement, setting a new benchmark in sports marketing with over 57 million impressions, 4 million engagements, and 137K+ shares.
The campaign teased fans with cryptic clues, leading to the grand reveal on March 3 (3/3)—a symbolic nod to KKR’s three stars. As a first in sports history, KKR purchased and named three real stars—Korbo, Lorbo, and Jeetbo—eternally marking their championship legacy in the sky.

Binda Dey, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Knight Riders Sports, shared, “From the jersey design to the campaign and its launch, our vision was clear—to celebrate our third championship, create a milestone moment, and thank our fans by celebrating with them. With ting, our digital agency’s expertise, we brought that spirit to life in a way that truly connected with fans.”

The jersey reveal video, crafted by ting Studios, was a visual spectacle shot across Mumbai and Kolkata. It even featured Parzaan Dastur recreating his iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai star-counting scene—this time declaring that only three stars matter: Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo. An explainer video detailed the jersey’s design elements, including the first-ever gold IPL patch—a badge of KKR’s championship legacy.

The campaign’s grand finale? The announcement of Ajinkya Rahane as KKR’s new captain at 3:33 PM on 3/3, perfectly aligning with the campaign’s theme.

Sudarshan Anand Kumar, Co-founder, ting, reflected, “If KKR’s association was the sweetest start to the year for ting, the three-starred jersey launch was the cherry on top. When a client gives you freedom (read: lemons), you have to make the most of it (read: lemonade). This jersey is special, and we couldn’t be prouder to launch it for KKR. Tying it to the spirit of the City of Joy, the iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai scene, and ultimately purchasing and naming three stars in the Gemini constellation—Korbo, Lorbo, and Jeetbo—was a beautiful way to deepen fan connections. This was an opportunity we’ll always cherish, and we look forward to creating many more memorable moments with KKR, this season and beyond. Wishing KKR x ting a fantastic IPL season filled with great wins and unforgettable stories!”

Akaash Ampili, Creative Director at ting, added, “At ting, we’re passionate about crafting campaigns that spark magic and leave a lasting impression. ‘In the Knight Sky’ celebrates KKR’s legacy and the number three in a way that only KKR could. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and creativity.”

The campaign ignited a wave of fan-driven content, proving that this was more than just a jersey launch—it was a celebration of KKR’s legacy, passion, and unbreakable bond with their fans.

Wearing the three stars on our crest is pure goosebumps—a legacy shining bright in the (K)night sky.

March 27,2025:India’s first Global Multicast News Hub – Live Times, has achieved a significant milestone by crossing 500 million views in just 200 days. This exceptional feat highlights the strong trust of citizens who turn to Live Times for fact-based, accurate, and authentic journalism. The channel’s rapid rise reflects the growing demand for truth-driven news in the country. In a short span, Live Times has not only captured the hearts of its audience, but has also solidified its position as a go-to news destination, reinforcing its commitment to delivering factual, unfiltered, and authentic news & information.

In addition to achieving 500 million views, Live Times has also made significant strides in the Delhi market, securing a Gross Rating Point (GRP) of 2.3 and an Average Time Spent (ATS) of 16 minutes in Week 06. These figures highlight the channel’s growing influence and the increasing appetite among audiences for credible and fact-driven reporting. Notably, with an average time spent of over 12 minutes across various viewer segments and exceeding 16 minutes, Live Times continues to engage its audiences deeply and meaningfully.

This milestone reflects Live Times’ as a emerging credible source of News & information from India. As the channel continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission to bring forth the truth to its users & viewers and keep contributing towards strengthening of core democratic values.

Mr. Dilip Kumar Singh, Founder of Live Times, expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed the channel’s mission, stating,

“Feeling more humbled, with such a large number of viewers placing their trust with Live Times. These numbers are huge encouragement to Our mission of delivering truth. This achievement belongs to our viewers alone. At Live Times, we stand committed to provide authentic and impactful news and information that continues to empowers citizens.”

Live Times is available across multiple platforms, ensuring that audiences can access credible news anytime, anywhere. Viewers can tune in on Tata Play (Channel 539), DishTV (Channel 665), Airtel Digital TV (Channel 385), Jio TV (Channel 3069), and Sikka Cable TV (Channel 319), making it easily accessible across various digital and cable networks.

27th March 2025 – Big Assets Infra, an All-in-One real estate portfolio management company, is reinforcing its position as a trusted investment consultant by forging strategic partnerships with top developers. With a strong presence in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR, Dubai, and Goa, both residential and commercial segments, the company is committed to unlocking high-value investment opportunities for buyers, investors, and businesses.

Since its rebranding in July 2021, Big Assets Infra has witnessed remarkable growth, building a robust network of leading real estate developers. Backed by a team of 70 in-house professionals and over 100 freelancers, the firm offers end-to-end solutions that simplify real estate investment and portfolio management.

As a Premium Channel Partner with top developers like DLF, Godrej, Elan, M3M, Sobha, and Omaxe, we ensure lucrative opportunities for investors. With a sales target of INR 480 crores for 2024-2025, Big Assets Infra continues to expand its footprint, focusing on both emerging and established markets. The company specializes in investment advisory, market insights, and strategic real estate solutions, helping investors maximize returns with minimal risk.

As part of its growth strategy, Big Assets Infra is actively enhancing brand positioning, media outreach, and client engagement initiatives. By leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies and targeted PR campaigns, the firm is set to strengthen its presence in India’s dynamic real estate sector.

“We aim to provide investors with unmatched opportunities by fostering strong industry partnerships and data-driven insights. Our goal is to make real estate investment more accessible, transparent, and profitable for all,” said Mr. Raman Nagpal, Founder and Director, of Big Assets Infra.

With a diversified portfolio that includes premium residential and high-growth commercial properties, Big Assets Infra is well-positioned to cater to a broad spectrum of investors. As Gurgaon and other key markets continue to evolve, the firm remains committed to delivering value-driven investment solutions that align with the changing demands of the real estate industry.

 Sharing his thoughts on the company’s decision, Ronak Maniar, Managing Director and Founder of St. Fox said, “India’s tech landscape is evolving rapidly, and we’re committed to building a team that can drive innovation and excellence,”. He added, “This hiring initiative not only supports our growth, it also reinforces our commitment to developing top talent in India’s technology sector.”  

Thanking the senior leadership for the award, Chetan Sharma, Director of sales operation, St. Fox stated, “Winning ‘The Mufasa Award’ is more than just recognition- it is a reminder of the unwavering spirit that fuels us every day”.

March 27, 2025:India’s agriculture sector is going through a major transformation, driven by the growing need for higher yields, climate-resilient farming, and eco-friendly solutions. With the country’s population rising and food demand increasing, farmers are under constant pressure to boost productivity while protecting the environment. To address these challenges, the integration of advanced agrochemicals, biotechnology, and precision farming is becoming more crucial than ever.

Agrochemical companies are at the forefront of this shift, developing innovative pest control solutions, herbicides, and fertilizers that not only protect crops but also help farmers maximize output. From bio-based formulations to AI-driven precision farming, these companies are using cutting-edge science and technology to tackle pressing issues like pest infestations, unpredictable weather patterns, and soil degradation.

As India moves toward a more sustainable and tech-driven approach to farming, these five agrochemical leaders are playing a key role in shaping the future of Indian agriculture in 2025 and beyond.

1. Insecticides India Ltd: Strengthening Indigenous Crop Protection

Insecticides India Ltd (IIL) is a leading agrochemical company committed to providing innovative, high-quality crop protection solutions. With a strong emphasis on Make-in-India manufacturing, the company has built a diverse portfolio of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and biological products tailored to Indian farming needs. IIL stands out because of its strong focus on research and innovation. With an in-house R&D team constantly developing proprietary formulations, the company ensures that farmers have affordable, effective, and safe solutions to protect their crops. Beyond just manufacturing, IIL is deeply invested in upskilling farmers, conducting training programs and awareness initiatives to promote the responsible and safe use of agrochemicals. By bridging the gap between technology and grassroots farming, IIL is playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s agricultural future.

2. Bayer Crop Science Ltd: Global Expertise with a Local Focus

Bayer Crop Science brings decades of global agricultural expertise to India, offering a wide range of crop protection chemicals, hybrid seeds, and digital farming solutions. The company is known for its integrated pest management programs and cutting-edge seed technologies, helping farmers increase their yields while minimizing their environmental footprint.

What sets Bayer apart is its commitment to sustainable farming. Through its farmer training initiatives, the company works directly with cultivators, introducing them to modern agricultural techniques that enhance efficiency and reduce costs. By merging global research with local farming needs, Bayer continues to be a major force in shaping Indian agriculture.

3. PI Industries: Pioneering Research-Driven Agrochemicals

PI Industries stands out because of its strong focus on research-based and high-tech agrochemical solutions. The company is recognized for its custom synthesis and contract research model, which allows it to develop specialty chemicals catering to the specific needs of Indian farmers. With a commitment to introducing innovative and patented products, PI Industries ensures farmers have access to cutting-edge crop protection solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

4. Dhanuka Agritech Limited: Empowering Farmers with Technology

Dhanuka Agritech differentiates itself with a strong emphasis on farmer education and outreach programs, ensuring that modern agrochemical solutions reach even the most remote agricultural communities. The company offers a broad spectrum of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators, enabling farmers to optimize crop health and yield. With a vast distribution network and digital advisory services, Dhanuka plays a key role in spreading awareness about best farming practices and efficient pesticide usage.

5. Rallis India Ltd: A Tata Enterprise Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

As a trusted name under the Tata Group, Rallis India has built its legacy on sustainability and reliability. With a diverse range of crop protection products, fertilizers, and hybrid seeds, the company is committed to helping farmers achieve higher productivity while maintaining soil health.

What makes Rallis unique is its long-term approach to sustainability. The company actively invests in bio-based agrochemicals, organic fertilizers, and integrated pest management systems to promote environment-friendly farming. Through farmer training programs and strong community engagement, Rallis ensures that modern agricultural advancements reach small and marginal farmers, bridging the gap between innovation and traditional farming practices.

These five agrochemical companies are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian farming. By developing innovative and sustainable solutions, they are helping farmers tackle everyday challenges, from pest control to soil health management. As India embraces modern agricultural practices, these companies will continue to be key partners in enhancing productivity, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security for generations to come.

March 27, 2025: The Diadem Miss and Mrs Maharashtra 2025 Grand Finale was nothing short of extraordinary! The event brought together the brightest stars from across Maharashtra for a thrilling celebration of beauty, strength, and unparalleled talent. It was an evening filled with breathtaking performances, inspiring stories, and moments that left the audience on the edge of their seats. For months, the contestants have poured their heart and soul into perfecting their craft, training tirelessly at the stunning in Mumbai. Their dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout the year culminated in this one magnificent night. The stage was set for these exceptional women to show the world what they’re made of, and they didn’t disappoint.

What followed was a dazzling display of empowered women—each one bringing her unique spirit, talent, and passion to the stage, competing not just for the title but for the chance to inspire others across the nation. The atmosphere in the auditorium was absolutely electric, with every contestant showcasing not only their beauty but their intelligence, courage, and fierce determination to succeed.

 Amisha Chaudhary, the dynamic Pageant Director, could barely contain her excitement and pride as she addressed the evening. “This has been an unforgettable journey for all of us. Every single contestant has worked tirelessly to get to this stage, and tonight, they’ve shown the world their true potential. I’m bursting with pride for what they’ve accomplished and what they will continue to achieve. This is just the beginning!” she exclaimed.

The competition was judged by a truly remarkable panel of experts—each one a powerhouse in their own right—ensuring the best contestants were crowned. The esteemed jury included: Ketki Raut – Former Miss Maharashtra 2023, Pallavi Rawat – Mrs Maharashtra & Mrs India Legacy Second Runner-up 2024, Prerna Kumari – Mrs India Legacy 2024 First Runner-up, Priya Kaith – Mrs India Legacy 2024, Sonal Kaushal – Celebrity Voice Artist

With the jury’s expert eye, the winners were selected from among these incredible women who made history on that stage. The much-awaited moment arrived, and the winners of Diadem Miss Maharashtra 2025 and Mrs Maharashtra 2025 were finally revealed to thunderous applause: Miss Maharashtra 2025: Second Runner-up: NIVYA NAYAK, First Runner-up: SUSMITA SARPE, Winner: DIYA BASU. Mrs Maharashtra 2025: Second Runner-up: ANSHU YADAV, First Runner-up: DR. DARSHANA BHISE, Winner: DR. RUPALI HAZARI GANGURDE

But this was not just a competition—Diadem Miss and Mrs Maharashtra 2025 was a grand celebration of the sheer power and potential of women. Each contestant proved that beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s about strength, resilience, passion, and the drive to make a difference in the world. The night was a testament to the fact that these women are not just future leaders; they are already changing the world with their voices, their actions, and their inspiring journeys. The Diadem Miss and Mrs Maharashtra pageant continues to break boundaries, inspire millions, and provide an unparalleled platform for women to shine. This year’s grand finale wasn’t just a show—it was an unforgettable moment in time that will leave an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.

March 27, 2025: In an important step towards accelerating solar adoption in the country, Luminous Power Technologies, India’s leading solar energy solutions company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India’s largest national bank, the State Bank of India (SBI) to expand its access to solar financing for citizens all over India. By partnering with SBI, India’s largest lender with an extensive distribution network of over 22000 branches, Luminous aims to streamline the consumer journey from financing to installation, ensuring a hassle-free transition to solar energy.

Luminous alliance with SBI will be a long-standing partnership spanning over next two decades. As part of the partnership, Luminous has been onboarded by SBI as its recommended partner in its dedicated portal for solar loans. Furthermore, the partnership extends across various financing subcategories, including solar solution finance and supply chain finance, ensuring accessible and tailored financial solutions for diverse energy needs. Covering all segments MSME, corporate, institutional, commercial and industrial, the collaboration strengthens financial support for sustainable energy adoption.

Under the agreement, loans of up to ₹10 crore will be made available to eligible Customers across all sectors, eliminating financial barriers to solar adoption. Customers will also benefit from reduction in loan processing fees and enjoy a special rate of interest on the loaned amount, making it the most competitive financing option in the market. The loans disbursed will be for a duration ranging up to 10 years, and interest rates will be charged based on the customer credit profile, with the maximum loan value that can be availed being ₹10Cr.

Speaking about the partnership, Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD, Luminous Power Technologies, said, “We are excited to partner with the State Bank of India in facilitating solar financing and end-to-end solar installation and service support to consumers across commercial and industrial verticals. Last year, we had identified solar financing as a key gap area in our nationwide survey, the Solar Spectrum of India. Acting on the insight, this collaboration will empower people to transition to sustainable solar energy solutions, marking a crucial step in bridging the gap between solar aspirations and affordability. By integrating financing seamlessly into the solar journey, we are enabling more individuals and businesses to adopt clean energy with ease and confidence.”

Amit Shukla, Head, Energy Solutions Business, Luminous Power Technologies added, “Partnering with State Bank of India supports our vision to contribute significantly towards India’s solar adoption. SBI is a trusted name with an extensive reach and deep-rooted presence across every corner of the country. Their robust banking solutions coupled with our end-to-end solar solutions and wide customer base will empower more consumers to seamlessly adopt solar energy in their homes and enterprises. This strategic collaboration reflects our commitment to making clean energy more accessible and affordable, helping customers transition to a sustainable future with greater ease and confidence.”

With a strong nationwide presence Luminous has built a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing solar products, installation, annual maintenance, financing, and insurance solutions. By leveraging SBI’s extensive distribution network, this partnership will simplify and accelerate the consumer journey, ensuring a seamless transition from financing to solar installation.

Customers can opt for Luminous from SBI’s recommended partners’ at the bank branches or through online platform. Luminous’ digital platform offers 100% project management, from site assessment to financing and annual maintenance contracts (AMC). Whether consumers prefer an in-person consultation or an entirely digital experience.

Beyond this strategic partnership with SBI, Luminous has also collaborated with 15 other leading loan service providers, including SBI, SIDBI, ICICI, HDFC, IDFC, YES BANK, CREDITFAIR, ECOFY, EFL, ANNAPURNA, UGRO CAPITAL, BAJAJ FINSERV, SIEMENS

FINANCIAL SERVICES, AEREM, FUSION MICROFINANCE, ensuring the widest financing coverage across customer and industry segments, geographies, and operational scopes. This initiative aligns with Luminous’ core philosophy of keeping the customer at the heart of its operations, reinforcing its commitment to democratizing solar energy access in India.

March 27, 2025:Real estate for centuries has focused around the metro cities in India, especially the MMR and NCR regions. But with the advent of infrastructure and the change and shift of buyer’s preference, from concentrating in a particular metropolitan to exploring beyond just the address, many real estate hotspots have emerged. One of the hotspots among others is Alibaug, especially in the eyes of investors due to the scenic perplexity, the beach, and the oceanic serenity.

Contemporary industry research, including by MagicBricks, points to a substantial increase in demand for property in Alibaug owing to its strategic positioning and prospects for high-end development. This trend is not just apparent in residential property sales but also in the expansion of the second home market as investors are increasingly scouting for holiday homes and investment properties that offer luxury as well as long-term value appreciation.

Alibaug’s investment possibilities are also maturing at a fast clip as land buying has picked up in the last year. With investors homing in on this new market, prospective buyers are being served a wide range of possibilities that include plot investments and ready-to-move-in homes. Infrastructure development in the town and connectivity enhancements also boost the potential of the town as a real estate destination.

Mohit Malhotra, Founder & CEO, Neoliv, said, “Alibaug is no longer just a weekend escape, it is fast emerging as Mumbai’s answer to the Hamptons. Enhanced connectivity through the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and Ro-Ro ferry services has transformed this coastal town into a high-demand real estate destination. What was once a quiet retreat is now a thriving hotspot for luxury living and investment. The region is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand, driven by ultra-luxury villas, premium plotted developments, and second homes. With its serene landscapes, pristine beaches, and close proximity to Mumbai, Alibaug is attracting high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and investors looking for long-term value appreciation.”

He further added, “As the preference for open spaces, sustainable living, and private residences grows, Alibaug is becoming the go-to destination for those seeking an escape from the city’s hustle while still staying well-connected. With infrastructure development on the rise and property values steadily appreciating, the town is poised to be the next big real estate goldmine, offering both lifestyle appeal and strong investment potential.”

The rising interest of HNIs and celebrities highlights the attraction of Alibaug as a developing status symbol. A picturesque blend of natural beauty, solitude, and modern facilities is attracting high-net-worth investors, with many seeing the region as the ideal merger of a Pacific lifestyle and rewarding investment opportunities.

All in all, Alibaug’s enticing recipe of investment prospects, celebrity endorsement, emerging second home market, and positive land-buying trends all collectively portend a promising future. For investors hunting for a market with considerable upside potential, Alibaug is emerging from the waves as an irresistible island of opportunity on India’s real estate horizon.

MARCH 27, 2025 – New research from technology innovators Amadeus explores what travelers are looking for from a trip and how technology can make those ambitions come true. The report – Travel Dreams – draws on input from 6,000 travelers from the US, China, India, the UK, France, and Germany to understand how they choose where to visit, how they want to book, and what factors most impact a trip once they are on the road.

The study finds that the channels now driving travel are changing too. Social media ads and travel influences have risen the most in influence in the last five years, while newspapers, in-person travel agents and TV ads are all seeing fluctuations in importance as a source of inspiration for a travelers’ next destination.  In India, 50% of travelers are likely to be inspired by travel influencers, significantly higher than other countries—27% in the US, 21% in the UK, 16% in Germany, and just 11% in France.

Two-thirds of hotel guests (63%) are willing to pay extra for features such as a specific view or floor, to have an Xbox in their room or to have local attractions added to their package. While in India, travelers would pay on average 16% above the standard average daily rate to get the view they want. The research shows these features could add around 12% to the average daily rate (ADR) charged by the hotel, which could increase revenues by over $5,300 per room*, per year, for an average mid-range hotel chain looking to sell these extra features.

Leisure travelers crave the personal touch from hotels, with 50% of travelers saying that receiving a personalized service and welcome would be top of the list in achieving their ideal hotel experience. Over half of the guests (52%) said they would be willing to share personal data in return for tailored deals (with fewer people, 40%, open to doing so for a reduced price). Nearly half (48%) of all leisure guests shared a preference for a traditional check-in desk, with a person to talk them through the hotel amenities.  Over half of people from India (53%) say that future trips would be improved with enhanced wellness offerings, such as on-site spas, fitness programs, and mental health retreats.

Business travelers are looking for more technology in their pursuit of efficiency, with 71% of business travelers interested in a form of online or self-service check-in. In India nearly a third (30%) of travelers prefer an online check-in process in advance with keyless access to their room. Nearly a quarter (22%) of business travelers want the option of paying with crypto currency or a digital wallet in the future – suggesting the payments landscape may also be shifting.

Lack of insurance is costing travelers real money. The global travelers surveyed said the average amount they think they have lost due to not having travel insurance stands at an average of US$1,210 per person – a sizeable sum. The average Indian traveler said that they have lost over US$1,000 due to not having travel insurance. While for the average Chinese traveler specifically, they put this figure at over $2,500 per person.

Travelers want to embrace virtual reality and artificial intelligence.  82% of business travelers and 66% of leisure travelers said they would like to explore a destination before arrival with a virtual tour. Among Indian travelers, 85% would like to access to virtual reality to explore a destination ahead of their visit​. Half of all travelers said they would now turn to AI to tell them about the best places for dinner at their destination. 18% of travelers said they would even ask an AI assistant to write a review on their behalf about a hotel or dinner they had experienced on their trip.

Commenting on the findings, Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, President, Hospitality, Amadeus, says: “From the moment travelers begin thinking about their trip to the time they return home, our mission is to empower the industry to be able to provide exceptional experiences at every step of the journey.

“Projects of this kind show how diverse people’s needs are, depending on key factors such as the purpose of their trip, their age or where they are from. By combining this knowledge with innovative new technology, hoteliers, destinations, mobility and travel protection, providers have real opportunities to drive profitable demand, create personalized trips for guests and connect the dots across the end-to-end experience for people. Working in lockstep with our customers, together we are transforming travel.

Methodology

 Findings for Travel Dreams are based on input from 6,000 travelers around the world. Collaborating with Opinium Research, researchers questioned a combination of business and leisure travelers in six key markets – USA, China, Germany, UK, France and India – to deepen understanding of the end-to-end travel experience.

To deliver an industry perspective on the key topics covered in the report, interviews were conducted with executives from Amadeus, Flemings Hotels, Lexis Hotels, The Trans Hotel Group, Marcus Hotels, Geronimo Hospitality Group, Core Hospitality, Hegg Companies, Europcar, ProColombia and AXA Partners.