New Delhi: The National Design Centre, with the support of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is set to host the Handloom Saree Festival from May 9 to 17, 2025 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. The festival will celebrate and promote the rich legacy of India’s traditional handloom weaves, with a special focus on the artistry and dedication of Indian weavers.

The festival will bring together over 75 handloom weavers, self-help groups (SHGs), cooperative societies, and producers from across the country. It will present a vibrant display of India’s diverse weaving traditions, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and purchase exquisite handwoven sarees directly from the weavers.

A wide variety of handloom sarees will be showcased and available for sale, including Tussar Silk, Kosa Silk, Patola, Chanderi, Kanchipuram, Bhujodi, Kota Doria, Bhagalpuri, Uppada Silk, Banarasi, Ikat, Pochampally, Venkatagiri, Mangalagiri, Kalamkari, Kuthampally, and Shantipur/Tangail, along with sarees featuring intricate hand embroidery and traditional block prints.

The primary goal of the festival is to boost sales of handloom sarees and provide national and international market linkages for weavers, SHGs, and cooperatives. By offering a direct platform to connect with exporters, buyers, wholesalers, and consumers, the event helps eliminate middlemen and ensures fair returns for the weaving community.

More than a celebration of heritage, the Handloom Saree Festival supports the government’s broader vision of empowering local weavers and promoting self-reliance in the handloom sector, reaffirming India’s cultural identity through its timeless weaves.

India, Bangalore, May 06, 2025: Talent500, India’s largest and most trusted platform by ANSR for premium GCC careers, has released its latest report, “Increment & Compensation Trends in GCCs,” providing a comprehensive analysis of how Global Capability Centers in India are evolving their compensation strategies. Drawing on proprietary insights from ANSR’s research, the report decodes how leading enterprises are approaching increments, pay structures, and talent investments to stay competitive in a rapidly transforming talent landscape.

As organizations embrace people-centric growth models, India’s GCCs are emerging as employers of choice, with a strong focus on career and leadership development, workplace culture, and personalized employee experiences.

 Key highlights from the report:

•  Salary Increments Remain Strong: GCCs are projecting an average salary hike of 9.9%, signalling continued focus on talent retention and capability building despite economic uncertainties.
• Declining Attrition Rates: Overall attrition has declined to 16.9%, with voluntary attrition at a record low of 12.6% in 2024, reflecting greater investment in career growth, culture, and employee experience.
• Evolving Incentive Strategies: Organizations are moving beyond traditional merit-based hikes, introducing special salary adjustments for in-demand skills, market alignment, and equity improvements.
• Rise of Long-Term Incentives (LTIs): To boost retention and loyalty, 71% of GCCs now offer Long-Term Incentives like Employee Stock Options (ESOPs), Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs), emphasizing long-term wealth creation for employees
• Future-Ready Rewards: Compensation models are undergoing a transformation to offer more personalized rewards, that combines competitive pay with flexible benefits, career growth opportunities, and employee wellness programs.
• Leveraging AI for Smarter Compensation Decisions: GCCs are increasingly leveraging AI and analytics to personalize rewards, conduct real-time pay equity audits, optimize benefits, and build agile, future-ready talent strategies

Commenting on the findings and insights of the survey, Mr. Vikram Ahuja, Co-Founder ANSR and CEO 1Wrk said, “As GCCs become core to enterprise strategy, the way they think about talent is continuously evolving — adapting to new business needs, technologies, and expectations. This year’s Compensation and Benefits Survey goes beyond the numbers to explore how GCCs are rethinking their people strategies — building teams that are ready for today and prepared for what’s ahead. In a world shaped by AI, shifting expectations, and rapid change, the GCCs that succeed will be the ones that treat talent as a true strategic advantage — combining agility, purpose, and a focus on future-ready leadership.”

 As GCCs in India accelerate their evolution from operational back-offices to global innovation powerhouses, Talent500’s report spotlights how organizations are building resilient, people-centric workplaces that prioritize agility, personalization, and long-term value creation.  With India projected to house over 2,400 GCCs and 4.5 million professionals by 2030, the survey offers a roadmap for GCCs to redefine their approach to human capital, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the global business ecosystem and attract top talent.

Mumbai, May 6, 2025: Assetz, Bengaluru’s leading real estate developer, has announced the launch of The Secret Lake, a luxury plotted development located on IVC Road, Devanahalli. Just a short 10-minute drive from the upcoming Foxconn Centre in KIADB Phase 3, Harrow International School and the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence. With an emphasis on human-centric planning, The Secret Lake brings together the calm of nature and the ease of urban access, crafted for those seeking both peace and proximity.

This project is where design meets intention. Developed in association with Equinox Global Shelters, an experienced player in plotted layouts, this project offers a majority of spacious plots ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 sq. ft., along with abundant open spaces and state-of-the-art amenities with a scope of future development. Over 20 acres are dedicated to open spaces—including 6.8 acres for amenities and clubhouse, and 4.8 acres for landscaped green spaces—all beside a pristine ~190-acre lake. Complementing its scenic location and thoughtfully laid out master plan, The Secret Lake boasts top-tier infrastructure, with special emphasis on sports amenities such as Padel Tennis, Pickleball and more. The roads with pedestrian pathways are lined with a three-tier avenue plantation, which transforms every street into a living, breathing boulevard. Every element of infrastructure here reflects an ideal blend of form and function.

The Secret Lake draws its name from the serene, almost hidden ~190-acre lake, making it a natural gem tucked away from the city’s noise, yet deeply connected to it, balancing city life and nature retreat.

Mr. Rohit Cariappa, Director – Head of Sales & CRM at Assetz Property Group, comments, “With the launch of The Secret Lake, we’ve moved beyond just selling plots to creating a holistic ecosystem. This plotted development isn’t just about owning land, it’s about being part of a community where every aspect of modern, healthy living has been carefully considered.”

Mr. Sunil Pareek, Executive Director at Assetz, added, “Besides high-rises and townships, plotted development is one among the segments in Assetz’s diversified portfolio. We’ve created value addition while serving our targeted customer segment with over 145 acres of plotted developments. Our plotted development projects are premium in nature, with top-grade infrastructure spends and are built to last for decades. Our locations and infrastructure is reflected in our average sale price, which is close to 7000 per square foot in FY25.”

New Delhi, 5 May 2025: The British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, and the Natural History Museum (NHM), London, announced the launch of the Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the British Council. Running from 2 May to 6 June 2025, the 60^th edition of the celebrated showcase features award-winning photographs capturing the beauty and fragility of the natural world. The exhibition was inaugurated by Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, UK Government marking the start of a month-long celebration of art, biodiversity, and conservation.

The British Council has long championed the arts as a powerful medium for fostering dialogue, creativity, and global collaboration. Hosting the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in India underscores its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and raising awareness about critical environmental issues. By bringing home this globally acclaimed showcase the British Council aims to engage diverse audiences – from young learners to educators and artists – in conversations about sustainability, biodiversity, and the role of creativity in driving positive change.

This exhibition is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Natural History Museum, helping to bring world-class British cultural institutions to global audiences and spark conversations around climate, conservation, and nature.

Speaking on the occasion, Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council said, “The Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire action. By hosting this showcase at the British Council, we aim to spark meaningful conversations about conservation and creativity, engaging young people we work with in the global movement to protect our planet’s biodiversity.”

Speaking on the annual exhibit’s 60^th edition being featured at the British Council, Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said, “We’re delighted to present Wildlife Photographer of the Year in New Delhi, India, with a showcase of our category winning images. These are photographs that not only encourage further wildlife conservation efforts, but that spark the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale.”

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in New Delhi features extraordinary category-winning images from photographers all over the world, capturing rare moments in nature and highlighting pressing conservation challenges. The month-long exhibit will also feature a variety of engaging events and activities, including a digital library wall and curated book display, a drawing session for children on the theme of ‘Wildlife Conservation’, a creative writing competition for children participating in the British Council’s Delhi Teaching Centre’s Summer School, screening of Ashwika Kapur’s documentary ‘Catapults to Cameras’, and a panel discussion with representatives from the Natural History Museum, London, and the British High Commission.

Bengaluru, May 06, 2025: Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle destinations, has achieved a significant milestone with its Ultimate Glam Clan program, surpassing 500K creator signups on the platform, since its launch in Sept ‘24. The program, which empowers everyday shoppers to become content creators, is redefining how users engage with fashion on the platform. Notably, Gen Z is leading this creator revolution, accounting for 67% of new signups in recent months, a testament to the program’s strong resonance with the next generation of trendsetters.

Since its launch, the Ultimate Glam Clan program has gained remarkable traction, empowering creators to share product reviews through high-quality images and videos while earning rewards. This program has not only boosted engagement but has also contributed to assisted shopping behaviour by providing users with relatable, authentic content.

Speaking on the milestone, Sunder Balasubramanian, Chief Marketing Officer, Myntra, said, “The growth of this program is a testament to the growing demand for authentic, user-generated content & feedback loops in the digital ecosystem.  At Myntra, we understand that today’s consumers, especially Gen–Z, prioritise authenticity when making purchasing decisions,and this program is our way of creating a platform that shares real, relatable experiences between fellow shoppers. This enhances  trust and the  connection customers feel when making purchases, making their shopping journey more personal.”

Measuring Success: Myntra measures the program’s success through key metrics, including signups, percentage of active creators, and the volume of user-generated posts. Key Metrics Highlighting the
Success of the Program:

• 500K Creators on Board: With over 500K signups,  And 67% of new signups in recent months were Gen–Z.
• Creator Earnings: Creators can earn up to ₹25,000 in Myntra credits every month, with the opportunity to earn more through exclusive challenges.  Myntra has rewarded creators with an average payout of ~ INR 900 per creator per month over the past 7 months . Top-performing shoppers have monetized their content to the tune of ~ 2L+ in just 7 months.
• Increased Engagement and Conversion: Users who engage with user-generated content (UGC) show higher engagement, with a 2% increase in engagement rate per user on the app.

The Ultimate Glam Clan operates on a tiered structure, offering creators the opportunity to progress from ‘Expert’ to ‘Trendsetter’. The progression is based on the number of posts, views, and orders received. Creators can start earning from the ‘Leader’ level and work their way up, unlocking higher rewards and more exposure as they reach ‘Trendsetter’ status.

The program’s incentivization model remains robust, with creators earning based on the number of posts and engagement metrics. With the recent launch of video posts, creators can now earn 2X their income compared to image posts, further enhancing the rewards for active participants.

Real-Time Analytics: Another key feature of the program is the Real-Time Analytics Dashboard, which provides creators with valuable insights into views, clicks, and reach. This tool allows creators to optimize their content, increase engagement, and connect more effectively with Myntra’s growing community of shoppers.

Andhra Pradesh, 5th May 2025: REHAU, a global leader in polymer-based solutions, has taken a significant step towards expanding its manufacturing footprint in India by acquiring 1.05 acres of industrial land in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The land, secured through a 99-year lease agreement near the RED Star Polymers plant, marks a strategic investment by REHAU India to support RED Star Polymers in scaling up its manufacturing capacity.

This development comes just months after REHAU‘s acquisition of a 51% stake in RED Star Polymers Pvt. Ltd., a company manufacturing PVC edgebands, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening its market presence in India.

The newly acquired land is strategically located adjacent to RED Star’s operational facility, enabling seamless synergies and long-term scalability. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri City on 25th April 2025, REHAU has underlined its confidence in India’s robust manufacturing ecosystem and its long-term vision to serve both domestic and export markets from this strategic base.

Dr Thomas Troeger, CEO, REHAU Interior Solutions, added, “Our decision to invest further in India reflects our confidence in the country’s long-term market potential. This expansion positions REHAU to meet growing demand while reinforcing our manufacturing excellence.”

Commenting on the expansion, Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President, REHAU India, said, “This land acquisition is a continuation of our commitment to scale manufacturing in India. Sri City’s world-class infrastructure and connectivity make it an ideal location for REHAU’s next phase of growth.”

Mr. Lakshmi Pacha, Vice President, REHAU India, remarked, “This is a great investment by REHAU India that directly supports RED Star Polymers’ growth trajectory. The proximity of the new land to our existing facility will significantly enhance our manufacturing capacity and operational efficiency, helping us meet increasing market demand”.

REHAU has been present in India for over 27 years and has consistently invested in local manufacturing capabilities. With the addition of this land near RED Star’s facility, REHAU is poised to enhance its capacity, workforce, and product portfolio tailored for the Indian market.

Gurugram: Trinity has officially announced a strategic partnership with Jaquar Group, a globally renowned brand in premium bathroom solutions. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks the beginning of a collaboration that will introduce Jaquar’s elite Artize Line to Sky Palazzo Residences, as well as future Trinity developments, further setting new benchmarks in luxury living. Jaquar’s Artize co-branded with Trinity will play a pivotal role in elevating Trinity’s developments to new heights of opulence and design excellence.

We foresee an exciting and transformative journey with Jaquar Group as we integrate their exceptional craftsmanship into Sky Palazzo Residences and our upcoming projects. This partnership embodies our vision of redefining luxury living through a seamless fusion of functionality, aesthetics, and innovation. With Jaquar’s unparalleled expertise, we are committed to delivering an extraordinary lifestyle experience to our residents. This collaboration further cements Trinity’s position as a pioneer in luxury real estate,” stated Adil Altaf, Managing Director, Trinity.

Sky Palazzo Residences, India’s first man-made beach residences, seamlessly blends Amalfi-style coastal elegance with contemporary architectural brilliance. Trinity’s unwavering vision to create an exceptional lifestyle experience is reinforced by this collaboration, ensuring that every detail embodies the essence of sophistication and comfort. With Jaquar’s cutting-edge designs, residents will enjoy an unmatched blend of functionality, aesthetic refinement, and luxurious indulgence.

This partnership will not only enhance Sky Palazzo Residences appeal but also set new industry standards for Trinity’s future projects, positioning them as iconic landmarks in modern residential development.

“We are delighted to partner with Trinity for the Sky Palazzo Residences project. Jaquar is synonymous with quality, design, and innovation, and we believe our premium range will seamlessly complement the sophisticated aesthetics of Sky Palazzo Residences. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of delivering the finest luxury living experiences,” said Mr. Rajesh Mehra, Promoter & Director, Jaquar Group.

Design lies at the heart of every decision we make at Trinity,” said Avinash Nagpal, Sr. Vice President – Projects, Trinity. “We believe that true luxury is not just about materials or finishes, but about thoughtful detailing and timeless aesthetics. Our partnership with Jaquar is the result of an extensive and deliberate selection process, and we are proud to co-create a bespoke, co-branded Artize line exclusively for Trinity developments. This ensures our projects, starting with Sky Palazzo Residences, deliver not only best-in-class functionality but also an unmistakable design signature that reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and elevated living.

Jaquar is a leading bathroom and lighting solutions brand, with a presence spanning over 55 countries, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. The company has reported a turnover exceeding Rs. 7,500 crores for the fiscal year 2024-25, solidifying its leadership in India’s premium bath segment in both value and consumer trust. Jaquar’s world-class manufacturing is driven by seven state-of-the-art facilities in India and one in South Korea, all equipped with cutting-edge technology and automation. These LEED Platinum-certified plants uphold the highest standards of sustainable production and precision engineering, ensuring superior quality and durability. Recognized by Nielsen as India’s most trusted bathroom brand, Jaquar continues to set industry benchmarks with its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.

Setting New Standards in Luxury, Innovation, and Sustainability

The Trinity–Jaquar partnership is more than just a collaboration—it is a commitment to redefining luxury living through precision, innovation, and sustainability. With an unwavering focus on quality and customer-centric design, this MoU will elevate the standards of premium residential spaces. Together, Trinity and Jaquar aim to establish a legacy of architectural brilliance and refined living, setting new global benchmarks for reliability, durability, and opulence. Along with enhancing Sky Palazzo Residences, this alliance will shape the future of luxury real estate development in India, ensuring that Trinity’s projects continue to be synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and world-class living.

India Sweet House, the brand known for its premium, traditionally crafted Indian mithai, has introduced a special limited edition sweet named ‘Suryavanshi’. Crafted to celebrate cricketing brilliance, this exclusive mithai is available for a limited time from May 1st to May 4th, 2025, across all India Sweet House outlets.

The Suryavanshi is more than just a sweet — it’s a tribute to the passion and legacy of cricket in India, symbolizing the spirit of sporting excellence. Priced attractively at ₹14 per piece, this delicacy features the signature craftsmanship of India Sweet House, blending rich flavours with timeless tradition.

With cricket fever gripping the nation, this timely launch adds a delicious reason for fans and families to celebrate. The Suryavanshi promises freshness for up to three days, making it perfect for gifting or indulging during match season.

• Availability: All India Sweet House outlets
• Offer Validity: May 1st – May 4th, 2025

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited has successfully declared the commercial operation of the final 60 MW capacity of its 150 MW Gujarat Solar PV Project, marking the full commissioning of the project in Limbdi, Gujarat. This solar venture was awarded under the GUVNL 500 MW Solar (Phase XII) tender.

The last segment of 60 MW commenced commercial operation on April 16, 2025. This follows the earlier commissioning of the first 60 MW on July 29, 2024, and the second 30 MW on December 11, 2024.

With this milestone, the entire 150 MW capacity of the Gujarat Solar PV Project is now operational, reinforcing NTPC REL’s commitment to advancing India’s renewable energy goals and supporting the nation’s clean energy transition.

Mumbai, 2 May 2025: Mumbai is set to witness a historic fitness spectacle as it hosts India’s first-ever HYROX race. The NESCO Center will transform into a fitness party-cum-battleground for fitness enthusiasts, with an incredible showing of 1650 participants. The field will also include enthusiastic HYROX lovers from 24 countries. All these athletes will converge tomorrow to test their mettle in this unique fitness challenge.

HYROX is a one-of-a-kind fitness race that combines the best of both worlds, challenging athletes with 8 gruelling 1 km runs alternating with 8 functional fitness workouts like SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. It’s a true test of endurance, strength, and willpower. 

“This is a monumental race for fitness in India. HYROX is more than just a race; it’s going to inspire and challenge individuals to embrace hybrid fitness encompassing both endurance and strength.  In the last 2 years itself, over 5,00,000 people across the world have taken part in HYROX races. The larger number of participants at the Mumbai race are a celebration of this rapidly growing community of hybrid athletes who are embracing this sport of fitness racing,” said Deepak Raj, Country Head – HYROX India.

HYROX Mumbai will host people of varying fitness levels in a range of race categories – HYROX Singles, Doubles, Relay and HYROX Pro. At 78 years, Virendra Sood from Pune will be the oldest competitor at HYORX Mumbai tomorrow.

“The love for this race we’ve seen from the Indian fitness community is truly inspiring. We’re excited to open the HYROX India series with Mumbai. We believe HYROX will not only challenge people physically but also ignite a fire within, encouraging them to redefine their boundaries and achieve new levels of fitness,” says Moritz Fürste, Co-Founder of HYROX and retired field hockey Olympian added.

Sports brand PUMA is the official apparel and footwear partner for all HYROX races worldwide from 2024 to 2027. Under the multi-year deal, besides working closely with the HYROX team to build the sport in India, PUMA has also developed a full range of HYROX apparel and footwear. At the event tomorrow, participants and fans in the country can look forward to choosing from cutting-edge HYROX gear, designed for both performance and style. 

The debut HYROX event in Mumbai will also witness PUMA athletes including Indian footballers Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Sahal Abdul Samad, national swimmer Srihari Nataraj, and track and field athlete Tejas Shirse as they test the new sport and challenge their individual fitness levels. 

Commenting on the occasion, Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India, said, “The ultimate sport of fitness racing is here, and PUMA is extremely excited to evolve India’s dynamic sporting ecosystem through our vital association with HYROX. For PUMA, sports is the centre of everything we do and community fitness experiences such as HYROX truly bring out the best in people. We will be backing athletes and enthusiasts with high-performance products designed exclusively to boost their speed, stability and endurance. As a leading sports brand, we continue to actively invest in the future of sport and we are confident that HYROX is going to be the next generation fitness experience for India.”

The HYROX fever doesn’t stop in Mumbai. Fitness enthusiasts in India can look forward to the upcoming HYROX Delhi race, promising another opportunity to be part of this global fitness phenomenon.