May 8, National: goSTOPS, India’s leading youth travel hostel brand, is all set to add an exciting chapter to its travel story. With the launch of its brand-new literary IP, goREADS, the experiential hostel chain is giving young travellers and avid bookworms a fresh way to connect – through books, conversations, and shared experiences. It is designed to bring together readers, writers, and wanderers under one roof (or, well, hostel!).
Kicking off with events in Bengaluru and Goa on May 10, goREADS will feature interactive bookish hangouts where authors across genres, languages, and lived experiences vibe with readers over book talks, creative sessions, workshops, Q&As, and more, all in the social, design-first spaces – goSTOPS is renowned for. Whether you’re a city-dweller looking to meet your literary idol or a traveller craving a plot twist in your itinerary, goREADS promises an experience that’s meaningful, memorable, and creatively inspiring.

The first leg of goREADS brings two powerful voices to the fore. At its tech-powered hostel in HSR , Bengaluru, goSTOPS will host Shinie Antony, prolific author and founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival, for a freewheeling discussion about her books — including Can’t, Eden Abandoned and Hell Hath No Fury — and her experience curating one of the country’s most respected literary events. This scintillating and insightful session will be moderated by esteemed journalist and literature enthusiast, Monika Monalisa.

Meanwhile, in Goa, writer Michelle Mendonça Bambawale will take over goSTOPS Vagator with a discussion on her book Becoming Goan, with renowned journalist Sneha Vakharia. This will be followed by a candid Q&A session. Her talk will delve into the deeply personal journey of moving to Goa during the COVID-19 pandemic, rediscovering her ancestry, and finding her place in a city that often plays muse to many.

Sharing her thoughts on the launch of this new literary IP, Pallavi Agarwal, Founder & CEO at goSTOPS, said, “At goSTOPS, we’ve always believed that travel is much more than just ticking off destinations. It’s about discovery, connection, and stories you carry home with you. With goREADS, we’re doubling down on our mission to make travel meaningful. We are creating spaces where backpackers and bibliophiles come together, and where ideas, like memories, are shared long after checkout. This is the kind of community-driven experience that we believe the young traveller is hungry for — something real and refreshingly different.”

Shinie Antony, author and founder, Bangalore Literature Festival, noted, “Stories are a form of travel, taking our soul from point A to point B. The journey may be emotional, intellectual or physical, but ultimately all travel is spiritual.”

Michelle Mendonça Bambawale, author, added, “Travel is a transformative experience, and for me, moving to Goa amidst the pandemic was one such event. Through the inaugural goREADS event, I hope to inspire young travellers to read more, write, and document their journeys as they explore new destinations, since good storytelling can only happen when there’s a personal touch to stories.”

goREADS is designed to evolve as a series of year-round literary events that champion diverse voices and encourage authentic expression, be it through spontaneous readings, creative workshops, or literary collabs. By tapping into the storytelling power of literature, goSTOPS is building yet another touchpoint for travellers and communities to engage beyond the usual. It’s what the brand has always done best — turn hostels into hubs for community spirit, creativity, and discovery.

Bangalore, India, May 08, 2025 – Elgi Equipments Limited , a global leader in air compressor manufacturing, inaugurated its new corporate office on Richmond Road, Ashok Nagar, Bangalore. The six-level, purpose-built facility reflects ELGi’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

Re-designed from the ground up, the office promotes a dynamic and engaging work environment while incorporating eco-conscious features such as energy-efficient LED lighting, an energy-efficient transformer, and future plans for rooftop solar panels. The inauguration ceremony was led by ELGi’s senior leadership in the presence of enthusiastic employees, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards global compressed air excellence and innovation. 

Hyderabad, Wednesday, May 07, 2025: At the recently held WAVES Summit 2025 at Mumbai, a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC– set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India), marking a significant milestone in promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth in India’s rapidly evolving gaming and esports ecosystem.

This strategic partnership is designed to enhance cooperation between the GDAI and SEPC, across key industry dimensions including investment facilitation, international promotion, industry engagement, skill development, and global market access.

As part of the MoU, GDAI and SEPC have committed to promote bilateral investment opportunities, joint ventures, and business delegations to stimulate economic and technological collaboration; build a consortium of companies to amplify India’s gaming and esports export capabilities; foster technological advancement in areas such as AR/VR, gamification, AI, metaverse, animation, and visual effects; drive skill development and training initiatives to strengthen India’s talent pipeline and industry readiness amongst other goals to showcase India’s potential in video gaming, esports, and related emerging technologies.

Speaking about the MoU, Dr. Abhay Kumar Sinha, Director General, SEPC,  “This partnership is a key step towards boosting India’s services exports in the high-growth gaming and esports sector. By aligning with GDAI, we aim to unlock global market opportunities and strengthen India’s position as a leading exporter of creative and digital services.”

Sharing his views on the association with SEPC, Mr. Sridhar Muppidi, Chairperson,  GDAI, said, “This MoU is a major step toward positioning India as a global player in the gaming and esports sector. By working together, GDAI and SEPC aim to unlock new economic opportunities and help Indian developers, designers, and entrepreneurs reach new heights.”

Sridhar further added, “This partnership also reflects the government’s growing interest to recognise gaming and esports not just as entertainment avenues but as significant contributors to India‘s digital economy and export potential.”

The MoU further encourages cooperation in software development, internet technologies, data analytics, and immersive technologies to empower start-ups, creators, and enterprises.

New Delhi, May 07, 2025 – Manifest, the first company to successfully bring U.S. private equity real estate on-chain in a scalable and liquid format, today announced Indian investors can now participate in the $35 trillion U.S. home equity market through its innovative $USH tokenized real estate vehicle.

This breakthrough platform removes traditional barriers such as high entry costs, complex paperwork, and slow processing times—making U.S. real estate more accessible, transparent, and efficient for investors across India.

Through its innovative $USH tokenized real estate vehicle, Manifest is redefining global real estate investing—enabling Indian individuals and institutions to make legal, compliant, and institutional-grade property investments in the U.S. in under 30 seconds.

“American real estate is among the most stable and high-performing asset classes in history, and international investor demand is already tens of billions of dollars a year,” said Nathaniel Sokoll-Ward, CEO and Co-Founder of Manifest.

“But traditional investing has been hamstrung by high transaction costs, operational burdens, and geographic restrictions. By combining the global reach of Bitcoin with the native utility of stablecoins, Manifest is changing the game for real estate investors looking to enter the American property market,” Sokoll-Ward added.

Previous attempts at real estate tokenization didn’t solve the primary barriers to scaling real estate investment, or make the most exciting opportunities accessible to global investors. The solution is real estate investment that scales like software. As stablecoins scale by tapping into the unlimited supply of US treasuries, Manifest scales by unlocking $35 trillion in US home equity – without operational overhead or legal risk.

Manifest promises to redefine and win at real estate tokenization with $USH, an on-chain vehicle backed by Home Equity Investments (HEIs). Traditional real estate investments require high capital commitments and long holding periods, but $USH enables seamless, on-chain access to institutional-grade real estate with the liquidity and efficiency of stablecoins.

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.