On World Sleep Day, Godrej Redefines Comfort for Modern Indian Homes with Expansion of Premium Mattress Range

New Delhi, 12th March 2025: Interio, a leading home and office furniture brand of Godrej Enterprises Group, has plans to significantly expand its mattress category to address the changing needs of contemporary Indian homes. The leading furniture solutions brand will appoint 10 new mattress distributors and 150+ retailers across India to capitalize on increasing disposable incomes and growing aspirations for wellness-focused living spaces.

Dev Sarkar, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business, Interio said, “As India’s mattress market is projected to reach USD 3.48 billion by 2030, we’re witnessing a significant shift in consumer preferences. Today’s Indian homes are evolving into multifunctional spaces where quality rest has become non-negotiable. The industry trends showcase growing demand for orthopaedic mattresses that alleviate joint and back pain, as well as memory foam products that provide optimal support and comfort. The distinct trend toward thicker mattresses, with 5-inch and 6-inch variants now outpacing the historically popular 4-inch models, reflects how modern Indian families are prioritizing enhanced comfort and support. Additionally, we are seeing increased interest in temperature-regulating technologies, particularly important in India’s diverse climate conditions. At Interio, we are committed to addressing these evolving needs through innovation, while continuing to enhance our sustainable and personalized sleep solutions.”

INTERIO

The leading furniture solutions brand will be focusing on enhancing their portfolio of mattresses across all price ranges and diversifying into related categories like sofa beds, mattress beds, bases, and accessories for optimal posture support. With a strong focus on wellbeing, Interio offers a comprehensive range of innovative sleep solutions, featuring advanced foam compositions, ergonomic designs and specialized technologies such as the 3D Silver Mesh® for optimal breathability and temperature regulation, as well as Pressure Neutralising Zones® that provide versatile support tailored to individual body weights. In FY26, Interio will focus on the premium mattress range comprising of Superlatx, Mist Pro, and the Orthomatic Range.

Interio:

Interio is India’s leading premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design, manufacturing and retail.

Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in the furniture category and awarded with 34 India Design Mark Awards till date, INTERIO aims to transform spaces with its thoughtfully designed furniture to create brighter homes and offices with products that have the highest design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and technology. With consistent pursuit of excellence and a special focus on health and ergonomics, GODREJ INTERIO’s product portfolio comprises of a wide range of solutions

Today, Godrej designs and manufactures furniture for office spaces, homes, educational institutes, healthcare facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture, the company offers Audio Visual and 360 Degree Turnkey solutions. Each of our product ranges revolves around comfort and aesthetics while delivering well-designed, long lasting and functional furniture solutions. In short, Godrej Interio helps the consumers to make every space the perfect setting for their myriad moods and moments.

Currently present in over 450 cities with 450 exclusive showrooms and 520 dealer outlets, is one of the largest divisions of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, one of India’s largest engineering and customer product groups.

Interio has 7 manufacturing facilities situated at Mumbai, Khalapur, Haridwar, Shirwal, and Bhagwanpur. INTERIO is widely known for its comprehensive sustainability certifications for its products in the furniture category.

Indian Aviation Leasing Sector Eyes Robust Growth at GIFT City IFSC

March 12,2025:The latest report by KPMG in India, titled ‘Aviation Leasing and Financing Ecosystem at GIFT IFSC, India’ , highlights a transformative phase in India’s aviation leasing market, driven by robust economic growth and a strategic push towards becoming a global aviation hub. Key data points underscore the nation’s economic resilience and the burgeoning opportunities within the aviation and leasing sectors:

  • Aviation Recovery: Post-COVID-19, air passenger traffic not only rebounded to nearly 96% of pre-pandemic levels by FY23 but exceeded these levels in FY24, with 376 million passengers recorded.
  • Market Expansion: Currently ranked as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, India is set to witness a significant increase in its aircraft fleet – projected to reach approximately 2,100–2,200 aircraft by FY44.
  • Investment Outlook: With commercial airlines expected to require an investment of USD 210–255 billion over the next two decades, the shift towards leasing is emerging as a financially prudent strategy.
  • IFSC Advantage: The GIFT City IFSC, India’s first operational international financial services centre, offers competitive tax benefits, regulatory ease, and innovative financial products that are catalyzing the growth of aircraft leasing. With over 33 aircraft lessors registered and more than 60 aircrafts and similar number of engines have been leased as of January 2025, the ecosystem is rapidly evolving to support future expansion.

Sunil Badala, Partner, National Head of Tax, KPMG in India said, “The IFSC at GIFT City is a strategic initiative by the government to create a global financial hub. The IFSC offers robust regulatory framework and tax incentives for aircraft leasing and financing. Aircraft leasing ecosystem at Gift IFSC fosters an environment where innovative leasing solutions can thrive, driving sustainable economic growth.”

Commenting on the report, Girish Nair, Partner and National Head – Aviation and Global Lead Airports, KPMG in India, stated, “Our analysis strongly recommends that both global and local lessors tap into the unique opportunities at GIFT City IFSC. With a confluence of favorable tax incentives and a robust regulatory framework, this platform is not only setting new benchmarks in aircraft leasing but also paving the way for a more modern, asset-light approach that can propel the aviation sector into a sustainable future.”

A Grand Fusion of Dance & Theatre: Dr. Sonal Mansingh’s Vision for Social Awareness

New Delhi,12 March 2025: Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, India’s best-known cultural icon, is set to present the Delhi premiere of her latest dance-theatre production, Bhava-Ganga, on March 18, 2025, at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Presented by Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth (Centre for Indian Classical Dances), founded by Dr. Sonal MansinghBhava-Ganga is an artistic confluence of history, culture, and contemporary relevance, seamlessly weaving narratives that resonate across time. Through this visually stunning and thought-provoking production, Dr. Mansingh highlights pressing societal issues such as social equality and women empowerment —a theme deeply intertwined with the timeless essence of Maa Ganga.

Speaking about the production, Dr. Sonal Mansingh remarked, “Ganga is not just a river; she is the lifeline of our civilization, witness to the rise and fall of empires, and symbol of purity and strength.”

Dr. Mansingh has consistently used her choreographies as a powerful medium to reflect on social realities. Her past productions have explored themes on women’s rights, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage, making Bhava-Ganga yet another masterpiece that blends tradition with contemporary discourse, Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi.

Through evocative storytelling, spellbinding music, and intricate dance movements, Bhava-Ganga takes the audience on a journey across time—from the legend of Bhagirath’s penance to bringing Ganga to Mother EarthPrabhu Shri Ram’s encounter with the Kevat (boatman), and the divine presence of Ganga in Kashi as witness to Mahadev begging for alms from Devi Annapurna. These narratives serve as allegories, drawing powerful parallels with contemporary discourse on justice, equality, and environmental consciousness.

The production features the Repertory Group of the Centre for Indian Classical Danes (CICD), a dynamic ensemble of artists trained under Dr. Mansingh’s expert guidance, bringing her visionary choreography to life with their enthralling performance.

CBM India Marks Women’s Day with a Growth-Focused Eye Health Campaign

Hyderabad, March 12, 2025 – CBM India has organized a free eye screening camp on the occasion of International Women’s Day, under their ongoing Inclusive Eye Care Services in Hyderabad’ project. The camp aimed at providing critical eye care services to marginalized communities and has reached around 200 people, including approximately 160 women, in Rasoolpura, Hyderabad.

Supported by a CSR initiative by Movate, over the past three years, the project has been instrumental in promoting inclusive eye care. For the first two years, it focused exclusively on trans women’s vision care through eye screening camps. From 2024-25, the scope was expanded to include members of other marginalized communities. The program now brings diverse groups together in the same space, promoting interaction, inclusion, and community understanding while continuing to provide vital eye care support.

The project has made significant strides in advancing inclusive eye health. As it approaches its three-year mark in March 2025, it is on track to reach over 3,200 people, distribute more than 1,500 spectacles, conduct 30 eye surgeries, and provide 770 ration kits.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, of CBM India, said, “Vision care is a fundamental right, and through this initiative, we aim to ensure that people from marginalized communities have access to quality eye care, irrespective of gender identity or socioeconomic status. Good vision is essential not just for daily activities but also for education, employment, and overall well-being.

Mr. Anish Phillip, EVP, and Chief People Officer, Movate, remarked, “Diversity, equality, and inclusivity are values deeply etched in Movate’s corporate conscience. We have organized health assessment drives, eye screening camps, and surgery if needed. Looking ahead, we plan to organize more camps and expand our initiatives.”

The eye screening camp is a continuation of CBM India’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. The shift towards integrated community participation marks a progressive step in reducing social marginalization while ensuring equitable healthcare access.

Swiggy’s new SNACC App Now Delivering across Bengaluru in 10 minutes

Bengaluru, March 12, 2025: Swiggy, India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today shared that its ‘SNACC’ app now delivers to a majority of locations across Bengaluru. The newly launched app by Swiggy offers a range of high quality food and beverages with quick discovery, quick checkout and fast delivery. The app caters to a variety of needs of users- coffee, tea and cold beverages, snacks (like samosa, fries, sandwiches etc.), all day breakfast (like Poha, omelet, bun maska etc.), healthy food (The Whole Truth protein shakes, salads etc.), homestyle meals. bakes, snacks (like sandwiches, rolls etc.).

Launched in January in Bengaluru, Swiggy has designed the SNACC app to reduce the time spent discovering and finding your preferred food and quick bites, both frequently ordered categories, to conveniently deliver high quality food in 10 minutes.

SNACC app witnessed a record sale on Sunday when the big Champions Trophy final was scheduled to take place. It saw a 2.5 x increase in sales as compared to previous Sunday. SNACC was truly the favourite match time companion for Bengaluru. The top items ordered on the app include Maggi, Sandwiches, Samosa, Fries, and Chicken Popcorn. Cold Coffee, Vietnamese Iced Kaapi and Adrak Chai were the preferred beverages ordered.

Commenting on the expansion, Satheesh Raman, Business Head, SNACC, shared “We understand that waiting to order that one coffee or that quick bite while going through several layers of the app when one just needs a break can get tiresome. With SNACC, we are trying to address this. You can just fire up the app, find your choice right up on the homepage, and it will be at your doorstep in 10 minutes. In today’s day and age, everyone wants easy, quick, non-cumbersome fixes and solutions and thus, we are providing that with the expansion of SNACC across the majority of locations in Bengaluru. The response since the launch of the app in January has been encouraging. After revolutionizing food delivery and quick commerce, we aim to further make life more convenient for users through SNACC.”

Pune’s Real Estate Market Booms in 2025, Luxury Housing Demand Surges

Pune’s residential real estate market has entered 2025 on a strong growth trajectory, building on the momentum of previous years. The city’s growing status as a corporate hub continues to increase housing demand. Affordability, better infrastructure development, and improved connectivity remain key factors influencing homebuying decisions.

Pune’s overall residential market saw significant growth in 2024. The average housing price reached a historic high of ₹6,590 per square foot, reflecting an 11% annual increase. This price appreciation was accompanied by record home sales of 90,127 units during the year, as reported by Gera Developments.

ark

Commenting on this Mr Shashank Vashishtha, Managing Director, Exp Realty India said, “The Pune real estate market has consistently demonstrated its resilience and potential, and the latest Gera report is a testament to its meteoric rise. An 11% surge in housing prices in 2024, reaching an all-time high, signifies not only the growing demand but also Pune’s evolving stature as a premier real estate hub in India. This growth trajectory is fueled by the city’s unique blend of affordability, robust infrastructure development, and a thriving job market. Pune’s ability to strike a fine balance between residential and commercial real estate growth further enhances its appeal, especially for those seeking long-term, sustainable returns. As one of the most vibrant and dynamic real estate markets in the country, Pune is poised to shape the future of urban living in India, solidifying its position as a top choice for real estate investment.”

Traditionally known for attracting value-conscious buyers, the city is now witnessing an unprecedented demand for luxury residences priced at Rs 3-4 crore and above. The surge in luxury housing demand is fueled by Pune’s diverse economic base, which includes technology, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. These industries have expanded the buyer pool beyond high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and non-resident Indians (NRIs), drawing in a new generation of affluent homebuyers.

Unlike in the past, when luxury developments were concentrated in Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, and Baner, premium housing projects are now emerging in areas like NIBM Road in Kondhwa and the IT hub of Hinjawadi. The ongoing expansion of the Pune Metro and the development of the Pune Ring Road have further boosted demand in these locations.

According to a CBRE report, Pune recorded the sale of 825 luxury apartments in 2024, more than doubling the 400 units sold in 2023. However, new supply has not kept pace with this demand, with only 295 units launched in 2024 compared to 390 units in 2023. Developers are responding cautiously, strategically planning their future projects to capitalize on the sustained appetite for high-end residences.

One of the standout projects in Pune’s luxury real estate segment is The Ark by Tribeca Developers. As the only officially licensed partner of Trump Towers in India, Tribeca has cemented its presence in the premium housing market. The Ark, featuring six meticulously designed towers, has gained significant traction, with its final tower, Cullinan, achieving 40% sales within just 30 days. A defining highlight of The Ark is its 2.75-acre rooftop terrace, the largest in India, which offers over 25 world-class amenities. These include a half-Olympic-size infinity pool, a 10,000 sq. ft. children’s play area, indoor and outdoor gyms, a Zen Garden, a sky bar, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.

Girish Kamble, CEO – West, Tribeca Developers “At Tribeca, our experience in Pune has taught us that the city’s demand for high-quality housing continues to evolve in tandem with its growing urban infrastructure and thriving corporate ecosystem. In early 2024, we witnessed this firsthand when we launched the final tower of our luxury project, The Ark, selling 40% of the inventory within just a few weeks. Pune’s real estate market has shown remarkable resilience, with average housing prices reaching an all-time high in 2024, reflecting a double-digit growth. Over the past five years, the city has consistently demonstrated a 40% price appreciation and a robust absorption of over 85,000 homes annually. This performance firmly establishes Pune as a preferred destination for discerning homebuyers seeking both value and quality.”

Further expanding its footprint in Pune, Tribeca recently announced a partnership with Serianee Corrp to develop a landmark mixed-use project in Lullanagar. Spanning 3 acres, this ambitious development will feature two iconic towers along with premium retail spaces, covering a total development area of 8 lakh square feet and targeting estimated net sales exceeding INR 1,000 crores.

Cornitos’ Growth in Gourmet Snacking Shines at AAHAR 2025

March 12, 2025:  Cornitos, a favorite snack brand in India, made a flavor-filled impression at AAHAR 2025, one of Asia’s largest food and hospitality trade shows. With the aim of delivering bold, innovative, and high-quality snacking, Cornitos featured CRUSTIES with its newly launched flavors, along with its Gourmet Nachos, Combo Packs, On-the-Go Snacks, Roasted Nuts & Kernels, Mexican Delight Kits, Salsa Dips, and Taco Shells, reinforcing its commitment to revolutionizing the snacking experience for the guest at the event.  With eye-catching packaging that reflected its commitment to quality and innovation, Cornitos’ vibrant stand drew in visitors, offering them a first-hand taste of its diverse and exciting snack selection.
Sharing the experience, Manoj Singh, Head of Marketing, Cornitos shared, “AAHAR has always been an incredible platform for engaging with consumers and industry peers. It provided us with the perfect opportunity to showcase our innovative product range, including the newly launched Crusties flavors, and gather valuable feedback. The enthusiasm from food lovers and professionals alike encourages us to keep pushing the boundaries of snacking.” 
Cornitos introduced its latest Crusties in Korean Chilli, Fiery Peri Peri, and Sour Cream & Onion flavors, along with the indulgent Classic Cheese Balls and Honey Chilli Potato Balls, delighting guests with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch.  Elevating the experience, live culinary demonstrations by expert chefs showcased the versatility of Cornitos’ products through Nachos, Salsa, Tacos, and Wraps. Among the standout creations, the Cottage Cheese Loaded Nachos, Tangy Veggie Wrap, and Chickpea Chipotle Tacos received glowing appreciation for their vibrant flavors and delicious combinations.

Crossword Projects Expands Presence Across Metros and Tier 2 Cities

Mumbai, March 12th, 2025: For over three decades, Crossword Bookstores, India’s largest and most recognized bookstore chain, has been at the heart of India’s reading culture, creating spaces where book lovers can browse, discover, and connect. The beloved brand continues its strong growth trajectory with a strategic expansion plan across key cities. With 120 stores across 40 cities, the brand has seen significant financial growth, reporting a current revenue of ₹275 crore, marking a substantial increase over the past year. Looking ahead, Crossword projects ₹400 crore in revenue for the next financial year, driven by a 30%+ growth rate, as it expands its presence across metros and Tier 2 cities.

BOOKSTORE

As the world of books continues to evolve, Crossword is embarking on an exciting new chapter—one that strengthens its presence across India while opening doors to fresh possibilities beyond. The demand for curated bookstore experiences remains stronger than ever, and Crossword is responding with strategic expansion in key cities. As part of this aggressive growth strategy, Crossword will increase its footprint to over 150 stores by the end of 2025. With a commitment to fostering this enthusiasm, Crossword has launched new stores in Jamshedpur this month, with Delhi, Chennai, Siliguri and Hyderabad next in line.

More than just a bookstore, Crossword has been a cultural hub—bringing readers, authors, and literary communities together. Over the years, it has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated authors, including Yuval Noah Harari, Ruskin Bond, David Walliams, Amish Tripathi, Twinkle Khanna Sudha Murty, Devdutt Pattanaik, and Durjoy Datta, among many others. From author interactions and book launches to reviving the prestigious Crossword Book Awards last year, it continues to champion literature and storytelling. The response from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has been extraordinary, reaffirming that the love for books runs deep across India. Even in the digital age, Crossword thrives by offering something irreplaceable—the joy of discovering books in an immersive, community-driven space.

“Crossword is entering a transformative phase, where our focus is not just on growth but on redefining the bookstore experience. We are investing in strategic expansion, innovation, and community-driven experiences that keep books at the centre of India’s cultural fabric. Our goal is to reach 300 stores over the next five years, making Crossword an even more accessible and immersive destination for book lovers.” says Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores.

As the brand grows, new horizons are emerging. While focused on strengthening its footprint in India, Crossword is also exploring opportunities beyond national borders, setting the stage for an exciting new phase in its journey. With a rich legacy and an ambitious vision for the future, Crossword is poised to redefine the bookstore experience for a wider audience, ensuring that its passion for books reaches readers wherever they are!

Elista’s Growth Strategy in Storage Solutions Gains Momentum with Sanjay Kumar’s Appointment

New Delhi, March 12, 2025 – Elista, a leading Indian consumer electronics brand known for diverse range of innovative technology products, is now expanding its portfolio by venturing into storage solutions. To spearhead this new category, Elista has appointed Mr. Sanjay Kumar as Director (Sales) – Storage Solutions, marking a significant milestone in its journey of innovation and growth.

With over 27 years of experience in the IT flash storage industry, Mr. Kumar is a seasoned professional with expertise in product sales, business strategy, and market expansion. He has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and launching innovative products in highly competitive markets. Prior to joining Elista, Mr. Kumar held leadership roles at esteemed organizations like OSCOO, Moser Baer and Beetel, where he drove growth and strengthened market presence. As Director (Sales), he will drive the growth of Elista’s upcoming product category while supporting the company’s global expansion goals.

Mr.-Sanjay-Kumar-Director-Sales-Elista

Welcoming Mr. Kumar to the team, Mr. Pawan Kumar, CEO of Elista, said: “We are pleased to have Sanjay Kumar join us as we expand into the storage solutions category. His extensive experience and strategic approach will be pivotal in establishing this segment as a vital part of our diverse portfolio. The storage solutions market is evolving rapidly, and with Sanjay’s leadership, we aim to deliver innovative, high-quality products that address both consumer and business needs. His insights will also help us strengthen our presence in key markets and align with Elista’s long-term vision of growth and excellence.”

 Elista, part of the TeknoDome Group, has rapidly evolved since its inception in 2020, growing from a startup into a global brand present in over 18 countries. With plans to expand to 35 countries within two years and a revenue target of Rs 1,500 crore by 2026, Elista remains committed to delivering innovative, affordable products to diverse markets worldwide.

The addition of the storage solutions category reflects Elista’s focus on addressing the growing demand for high-performance, reliable products. This new segment will enhance Elista’s portfolio, positioning the brand to meet evolving consumer needs while capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.

Somany Ceramics Earns Great Place to Work Certification, Reinforcing Its Commitment to Workplace Excellence

New Delhi, 12 March, 2025 Somany Ceramics, a leader in the ceramics and bathware industry, has been officially recognised as a Great Place to Work® Certified™ organisation in India for the period February, 2025 to 2026. This prestigious certification underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to fostering a workplace culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and excellence.

somany

With a history of over 50 years, Somany is driven by innovation and excellence and people are the driving force behind its success. Somany Ceramics has built a work environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully. With a strong emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning, Somany Ceramics ensures that every team member thrives both professionally and personally.

Mr. Abhishek Somany, Managing Director & CEO, Somany Ceramics, on this occasion said “This certification is a testimony to our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence—where every individual thrives, and innovation flourishes. I am happy that our employee participation stood at 97% and overall rating were at 93% which is a testimony of a culture of excellence and inclusivity.”

Somany Ceramics has implemented extensive policies that promote a healthy and supportive work culture. These programs aim to develop talent, promote innovation, and provide a sense of value, belongingness and motivation among employees. Furthermore, the organisation has developed structured reward schemes to honour performances, enhancing a culture of collaboration, honesty, and leadership.

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, dedicated to helping organisations build environment where employees can thrive. The certification process is the most sought-after recognition worldwide, leveraging proprietary research and methodologies to assess employee experiences across 150 countries, setting the global benchmark for workplace excellence.