India, 23rd June 2025: As India’s retail market surges toward $1.3 trillion, brands face a critical challenge, hiring quality frontline talent at scale. To address this, Channelplay which manages recruitment for market leaders including Apple, Microsoft, and Nykaa, has introduced an AI-driven solution that is reshaping the retail talent landscape.

In an economy where 10 million entry-level retail and sales positions need to be filled annually, Channelplay’s AI-powered system is processing over 25,000 applications monthly with 80% accuracy in candidate-job matching—numbers that were previously unimaginable in India’s fragmented hiring landscape.

“We’re not experimenting with AI, we’re operationalizing it,” said Sundeep Holani, Co- Founder and Co- CEO of Channelplay. “Our goal is simple: to make hiring faster, more accurate, and more candidate-friendly, at scale.”

Channelplay’s GenAI recruitment engine addresses critical bottlenecks across a five-step hiring flow: — from sourcing to screening to final selection.

Smart Job Prioritization: An AI-driven ranking model helps recruiters focus only on roles where the candidate pipeline needs attention, optimizing human effort and reducing wasted bandwidth.

Hyper-Relevant Candidate Matching: The system pairs candidates with opportunities based on their skill rating, salary expectations, and location preferences, resulting in 2.5x higher job application-to-selection ratios compared to traditional sourcing methods.

AI-Powered Screening: Dynamically generated screening questions enable recruiters to assess candidates in under two minutes, with AI determining job fit based on responses and historical data.

Intelligent Reassignment: Candidates not selected for one role are automatically matched to the next best-fit position, ensuring maximum placement efficiency while reducing third-party job portal costs.

Channelplay Jobs App: The company’s dedicated mobile application serves as the central hub where AI-curated job opportunities are presented to candidates based on their profiles. The app eliminates the traditional job search frustration by showing only highly relevant positions that match the applicant’s skills, location, and salary expectations.

“We’re not using AI to replace humans, but to amplify decision-making across the funnel,” adds Gaurav Arora as Senior Product Manager. “This is about building a recruitment system where the right person always finds the right job — faster, fairer, and smarter.”

With its foundational AI systems already in place, Channelplay is now focusing on the next phase of its evolution by building tools that further redefine the hiring experience. These include WhatsApp‑based AI voice screening bots, predictive demand models that help clients open the right roles at the right time, and AI‑driven upskilling recommendations tailored to candidates who weren’t selected, ensuring every interaction adds long‑term value to both talent and employers.

Channelplay aims to have 80% of its hiring workflow augmented by AI by the end of 2025, delivering unmatched speed and precision while preserving the human touch where it matters most.

Embassy Developments Limited
Inks Joint Development Pact for ~17.9 Acres of Land in Whitefield, Bengaluru;
Boosts Existing Residential Pipeline with an Estimated GDV of ~₹1,600 Cr

Mumbai/Bengaluru – June 23, 2025: Embassy Developments Ltd. (‘EDL’), one of India’s leading real estate developers, today announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for ~17.9‑acres land parcel in Whitefield, Bengaluru. The planned development will comprise a premium residential community with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of ~₹1,600 Cr.

Nestled off Whitefield Main Road, the project will enjoy access to Whitefield’s robust social and physical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, banks, tech parks, and malls. Connectivity is set to improve further with the upcoming Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), and the recently launched Metro Purple Line.

The development will span ~1.6 msf of saleable area and feature ~1,000 thoughtfully designed apartments for young professionals, including 2, 2.5, and 3 BHK configurations. Launch is targeted for FY2027, aimed at catering to strong demand from IT and ITeS professionals in the region.

Aditya Virwani, Managing Director, Embassy Developments Limited., said, “Whitefield continues to be a strategic focus for us. As a predominantly end-user-driven micro-market, it has shown greater resilience supported by sustained demand from Bengaluru’s professional workforce and ongoing infrastructure growth. While we have a secured launch pipeline of 10 projects for FY2026 with an expected GDV of over ₹22,000 crore, this deal reinforces our commitment to building a robust future pipeline and we are actively exploring new opportunities across key markets.”

World Bathing Day is the perfect moment to pause, unwind, and embrace the transformative power of a good bath. Drawing inspiration from Japanese bathing culture, renowned for its harmony between nature and self-care this ritual is more than cleansing; it’s a moment of deep nourishment. To bring that same serenity home, here are three luxurious ingredients to add to your bathing routine that combine Japanese influence with modern skincare science.

1. Hokkaido Milk : Japan’s Moisture Miracle

From the snowy fields of northern Japan, Hokkaido milk is a beloved skincare treasure known for its rich, creamy texture and intense hydration. It hydrates deeply with 1/3 skin moisturizers, providing deep hydration and ensuring the skin feels happy and well-moisturized. The rich lather gently cleanses while the mood-uplifting fragrance transforms your bath into a refreshing, feel-good ritual, perfect for a calming and indulgent experience.

ITC Fiama brand ambassador Sara Ali Khan said, “Great skin is not just about looking good, but feeling confident in your own skin. I always choose products that are gentle yet effective, and the Fiama Japanese Hokkaido Milk Bar with Blueberry has become a staple in my routine. It hydrates deeply with 1/3 skin moisturizers, providing deep hydration and ensuring my skin feels happy and moisturized. It also contains Vitamin F, which supports skin health, and a mood-uplifting fragrance, adding a refreshing sensory experience to my skincare routine.”

2. Berry Trio: Nature’s Antioxidant Super blend

Goji berry, acai berry, and blueberry three powerful berries packed with skin-loving antioxidants come together to create a rejuvenating bathing experience. Known for their ability to reduce dullness and restore skin vitality, this berry blend energizes tired skin and helps maintain a healthy glow.

• Goji Berry: Traditionally used in Asian wellness rituals, it helps firm and tone the skin.
• Acai Berry: Rich in omega fatty acids, it nourishes and improves skin texture.
• Blueberry: Bursting with vitamins A and C, it revives dull skin and promotes radiance.

3. Vitamin F: The Skin Barrier Guardian

Vitamin F is not classified as a conventional vitamin. Rather, it refers to a class of important fatty acids that your body is unable to create on its own, mainly linoleic acid (Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3). These fatty acids are essential for strong, healthy skin. In Japanese-inspired bathing rituals, maintaining balance and protecting the skin is key, and Vitamin F delivers just that.

Hyderabad, 23 June 2025: Stahl, India’s fastest growing cookware brand, proudly introduces the Blacksmith Signature range of cast iron tawas, a collection designed for perfecting everyday staples. Thoughtfully designed for timeless yet modern Indian kitchens, this precision-engineered range comprises of dosa and roti tawas with each tawa designed to handle a variety of cooking styles with consistent performance.

The Blacksmith Signature collection is an extension of Stahl’s pioneering Blacksmith cast iron range, which introduced India’s first lightweight cast iron cookware line. The Blacksmith Signature collection bridges the gap between traditional cooking methods and the evolving needs of modern kitchens, enabling home cooks to prepare meals more efficiently, quickly, and with greater ease.

Precision matters in everyday cooking, and the Blacksmith Signature tawas are built to deliver just that. Crafted for home cooks who value precision and authenticity, this range marries traditional craftsmanship without compromising on modern demands. Each tawa is pre-seasoned with 100% natural corn oil, free from synthetic coatings or chemicals. With exceptional heat retention that ensures even cooking, naturally heat-resistant and ergonomic beechwood handles for durability and comfort, the Blacksmith Signature range delivers a seamless cooking experience from stovetop to table, while being fully compatible across gas, induction, and other cooktops.

The range features two roti tawas (26 cm and 28 cm) and two dosa tawas (28 cm and 30 cm), thoughtfully sized to suit a variety of cooking styles and preferences. With a clean, minimal aesthetic and a robust, performance-focused build, these tawas are crafted to withstand daily use while elevating the cooking experience. Be it for the perfectly crisp dosas, or the gloriously puffed phulkas, the Blacksmith Signature cast iron tawas are the hallmark of craftsmanship that shows how tradition can be perfected for today.

Speaking about the range, Mr. Dhruv Agarwal, Director & CEO, Stahl said, “At Stahl, we’ve always strived to combine traditional values with modern innovation, and the Blacksmith Signature range of tawas is a true reflection of that. Cast iron has been a trusted material in Indian kitchens, and with this collection, we’ve perfected it for today’s cooks: safe, natural, easy to use, and built to last. From its clean aesthetic to its uncompromising performance, every detail of the range is designed to support everyday cooking with ease and authenticity. We remain committed to developing high-quality cookware that not only meets functional needs but also connects deeply with the rituals of traditional homes.”

The Blacksmith Signature cast iron tawas are starting from INR 2,880 and are available in retail stores, on Stahl’s D2C website, and on the leading e-commerce marketplace Amazon.

At its heart, this collection is about more than just cookware; it is about helping home cooks uphold a quiet promise: that the food served at the table will always reflect care, effort, and a touch of pride. Stahl understands this deeply and reaffirms its commitment to those who believe that getting the little things right makes the difference.

Swamiraj Constructions Rebrands as ‘House of Swamiraj’, Announces Rs 210 Cr Projects in Thane and Ambernath

Mumbai, 20th June 2025: In a defining moment that marks its evolution from a reputed builder to a future-focused lifestyle brand, Swamiraj Constructions has officially announced its rebranding as House of Swamiraj. With a legacy spanning two decades and over 1,700 satisfied homeowners across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the company is now stepping into a new era that fuses its time-tested values with a progressive approach to community-led, wellness-driven living.

The rebranding was officially launched through a digital campaign titled #BeyondDimensions. Rolled out in three phases: teaser, engagement, and launch, the campaign highlighted the company’s renewed focus on designing homes that are not only functional but also emotionally connected to the people who live in them.

At the heart of the rebranding lies a transformative vision: to go beyond the developer role and become a curator of experiences that foster belonging legacy, and lifestyle enrichment. The shift from “Swamiraj Constructions” to “House of Swamiraj” signifies more than a name change. It reflects a strategic repositioning that puts emotional intelligence, sustainable living, and design innovation at the core of every project.

“Changing our name to House of Swamiraj is not just about a new look. It’s about staying true to who we are while preparing for what’s next. For over 18 years, families have trusted us to build their homes, and that trust is the foundation we are building on. With this new chapter, we are focusing even more on thoughtful design, stronger communities, and meaningful living. The name may be new, but our purpose remains the same, and that is to create homes that truly improve lives,” said Jason Samuel, Director, House of Swamiraj.

To mark this remarkable transformation, House of Swamiraj is set to launch three significant residential developments. Two of these developments are located off Pokhran Road No. 1, Thane (West) — one being a thoughtfully designed affordable 2BHK lifestyle community, and the other offering a mix of 1BHK and 2BHK residences, with a combined investment of ₹160 crore.

The third is a premium residential tower in Ambernath (West), with a project value of ₹50 crore, aimed at redefining modern living in emerging locations.

Alongside these, a new development is planned in Vartak Nagar, Thane, aligning with the brand’s ambitious goal to achieve a turnover of Rs 2,000 crore while maintaining its commitment to affordability, innovation, and community-centric growth.

With its new identity, House of Swamiraj aims to transcend conventional construction by building homes that resonate emotionally and function intuitively. The long-term vision includes expanding into emerging urban hubs across Maharashtra, delivering over 12,000 homes, and achieving a sales milestone of Rs 10,000 crore. The brand aspires to establish itself among Maharashtra’s top five lifestyle-centric developers, championing future-ready living with wellness amenities, sustainability, and smart home innovations embedded into every project.

As House of Swamiraj ushers in this new chapter, it promises not just spaces to live in but places to thrive, reaffirming its belief that a house is not just built with walls but with purpose, emotion, and vision.

Bhubaneswar: The 2nd Edition of the Odisha Manufacturing Conclave 2025, organized by the ASSOCHAM Odisha State Council, successfully commenced today at a city hotel. This year’s conclave, themed “AI-Driven Manufacturing: Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainable Growth,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technology pioneers, and academia to discuss Odisha’s roadmap for becoming a future-ready manufacturing hub.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industry, Govt of Odisha, Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted that Manufacturing currently contributes 36% to Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while the combined contribution of industry and manufacturing stands at 53%. He emphasized that there is significant potential to further enhance this share, and this remains a top priority for the state government. “Our policies have been strategically designed to drive this growth, and we are witnessing a rapid inflow of investments. Many investment proposals have not only been received but have also been successfully grounded,” he said.

Reflecting on Odisha’s industrial transformation over the past few decades, Sharma noted the role of technological advancements in optimizing resource use. “For instance, the land required for establishing aluminium plants with double the production capacity has now been reduced to almost half, thanks to improved technology,” he explained. He further added that the state government is actively supporting industries with a steady supply of skilled manpower and comprehensive infrastructure to help them flourish.

Shri Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Dept, Govt of Odisha unveiled ASSOCHAM study paper in partnership with Primus Partners

The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM, who lauded the Government’s visionary approach and called for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to enable smart and sustainable manufacturing in Odisha.

“AI is no longer an emerging trend; it is now a defining catalyst of modern manufacturing. Odisha must now transition from being resource-rich to becoming data-rich and digitally intelligent,” said Mr. Mohanty.

The conclave also witnessed the release of the ASSOCHAM-Primus Knowledge Report, providing critical insights on AI adoption and manufacturing best practices.

Mr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India remarked, “India and the UK share a rich history of industrialisation and innovation. We now stand at the cusp of a new era, shaped by digital transformation, green technologies, resilient supply chains and the rising importance of critical minerals. With Odisha aspiring to become a major manufacturing hub, it naturally aligns as a strategic partner for the UK. Together, we can drive industrial innovation while upholding the principles of sustainability. Today, the UK is at the forefront of smart factory automation, advanced industrial engineering, and sustainable supply chain practices all underpinned by the latest advances in AI”.

Two key plenary sessions held. On Enabling a Competitive Manufacturing Ecosystem – Policy & Tech Integration session, Eminent speakers discussed how Odisha can leverage policy frameworks and cutting-edge technologies to build a future-ready manufacturing sector. Similarly, AI for Sustainable Manufacturing – Innovations & Best Practices session,
Industry experts explored how artificial intelligence can foster sustainable growth and unlock new opportunities across sectors. The conclave concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to make Odisha a national leader in AI-powered, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing.

The event was attended by senior officials, industry stalwarts, technology leaders, international representatives. Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director – East & Northeast, ASSOCHAM proposed vote of thanks.

Other dignitaries spoke at the event were Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha, Shri. Sashi Sekhar Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Manufacturing Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Mining & Steel Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr Prashant Hota, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha CSR & Sustainability Council & Mr. Bharat Dureja, Senior Adviser, Primus Partners India.

New Delhi, June 2025: Grant Thornton Bharat , released its latest edition of India Real Estate Report FY 2025–26, highlighting continued momentum in India’s real estate sector across residential, commercial, and industrial verticals. The report reveals strong investor interest, emerging asset classes, and growing adoption of technology and sustainability practices.

Key Highlights:

– Residential Resurgence: Home sales across India’s top cities rose ~77% since FY 2019, with increasing preference for mid-to-premium homes. While affordable housing saw a slight dip in Q1 2025, overall inventory is reducing, indicating long-term demand stability.
– Commercial Real Estate on the Rise: Office leasing hit record levels in FY 2025, driven by demand from global capability centers, IT/ITeS, and flexible workspaces. Tier-2 cities are emerging as new hubs.
– Industrial & Warehousing Growth: The logistics and warehousing sector continues to expand, supported by ‘Make in India’, GST reforms, and the National Logistics Policy.
– Capital Flows & Deals: India recorded 99 real estate transactions worth USD 6.99 billion in FY 2024–25. Private equity led with USD 3.15 billion, while public markets raised nearly USD 3 billion through IPOs and QIPs.
– Technology & ESG Disruption: AI, blockchain, smart buildings, and green construction are reshaping how assets are developed and operated. Real estate tokenisation and SM-REITs are emerging as new investment vehicles.

The sector faces rising construction costs, regulatory delays, and the need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences such as wellness-centric and integrated living. However, the report forecasts sustained growth in premium housing, commercial office spaces, logistics infrastructure, and alternative investments, driven by digital innovation, urban decentralisation, and investor appetite.

Developer Spotlight: Sobha Ltd.’s Bengaluru flagship, Sobha Dream Acres, is leading innovation in sustainable construction and efficient housing delivery, with plans to expand into Mumbai’s luxury market. “India’s real estate story is being rewritten—digitally, sustainably, and inclusively. The future is decentralized, tech-enabled, and investor-friendly,” said the Shabala Shinde, Partner and Real Estate Industry leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.

Chandigarh, 10^th June 2025: The Wealth Company Asset Management Private Limited, part of the Pantomath Group, has launched Bharat Bhoomi Fund—a ₹1000 crore Category II AIF with a ₹1000 crore green shoe option—under its fifth Bharat Value Fund series. The Fund brings private equity-style rigor to India’s growing real estate sector, with a focused approach on execution-ready projects across high-opportunity corridors and core cities.

Bharat Bhoomi Fund marks a thoughtful expansion of The Wealth Company’s investment canvas—rooted in the same value-driven philosophy that defines the rest of its approach. Building on the strong foundation and credibility of the Bharat Value Fund series—trusted and backed by quality investors such as Sovereign Fund of Funds and prominent Family Offices—this fund provides a natural way to broaden exposure to real assets. Offering visibility and collateral backing, real estate forms a resilient foundation alongside equity and private market investments—demonstrating lasting value across market cycles.

For The Wealth Company, real estate is not a new direction, it’s a natural progression aligned with the need to diversify portfolios. The asset class aligns perfectly with the focus on tangible value, risk-managed returns, and disciplined capital deployment. The Fund is built to bridge the gap between developer mindset and investor expectations, applying hallmark underwriting and governance frameworks to a physical asset class, supported by expert operators and executional control.

The Fund will follow a diversified capital allocation strategy—investing in data centers, warehousing, hospitality, and renewable parks, sectors aligned with India’s evolving infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainability priorities. Investor demand for these new economic assets is growing, driven by the country’s digital and green energy transitions. These segments go beyond traditional real estate—they represent economic infrastructure, reflecting the fund’s strategic focus. Alongside this, investments will target mid-to-premium residential, retail, plotted villas, and mixed-use developments across high-growth cities such as Mumbai (MMR), NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The fund will also focus on infrastructure-led corridors and plotted developments benefiting from upcoming connectivity and urban expansion.

The Fund is led by Rakesh Kumar, whose experience spans over 50,000 real estate transactions and senior leadership roles at Shell, Walmart, and Reliance, along with Bhavya Bagrecha, who has executed over ₹2,500 crore in institutional real estate investments and introduced India’s first REIT-style structure under SEBI’s VCF regulations. The team is further strengthened by Peter Sharp, former head of Walmart’s Asia real estate operations, who joins as an advisor with over 35 years of global experience.

The Fund’s approach is designed to identify projects with clear land titles, regulatory readiness, and early exit visibility. It will target ready-to-launch assets that can move swiftly from investment to value creation. With a robust pipeline of approximately 1200 acres across six projects, Bharat Bhoomi Fund is well-positioned to deploy capital with speed, prudence and precision.

Madhu Lunawat, Founder and Director of The Wealth Company Asset Management, stated, “As capital becomes more thoughtful, the demand for real assets with real outcomes has never been higher. Bharat Bhoomi Fund allows meeting that demand with discipline, data, and domain expertise. The Wealth Company’s investment ethos is now extending confidently into India’s real estate space—with conviction and clarity.”

As the Indian real estate market matures, Bharat Bhoomi Fund arrives with timing, leadership, and structure —opening the door to a new standard in real estate investing.

Chandigarh, June 7, 2025: As part of its ongoing sustainability journey, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, reiterates its commitment to environmental stewardship by advancing impactful waste management and plastic reduction initiatives on World Environment Day. Aligning with the United Nations’ theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ IHCL continues to lead in sustainable practices through its ESG+ framework of Paathya.

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, stated, “At IHCL, sustainability is integral to our business strategy and purpose. We recognise the urgency of the global plastic crisis and are committed to being part of the solution. Through Paathya, we are driving systemic change by eliminating single-use plastics and investing in long-term waste management solutions. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains on creating lasting impact within our hotels and across our communities.”

IHCL has made significant strides in eliminating single-use plastics across its operations. Key initiatives include installing in-house glass water bottling plants across 64 hotels, introducing 500 ml and 250 ml water bottles in banquets and spas, and incorporating biodegradable materials for bathroom amenities. Transitioning to carbon-neutral bamboo key cards made from renewable resources, IHCL eliminated 623 tonnes plastic. Waste segregation at source is implemented across all hotels, with waste streams being tracked and recycled through authorized channels. To manage organic waste, 101 hotels have installed organic waste composter or biogas systems, collectively preventing over 8,119 tonnes of organic waste from reaching landfills.

The partnership with United Way Mumbai to implement a comprehensive community waste management program led to the collection of over 1,12,000 kilograms of waste in six months, with more than 41,500 kilograms directed for recycling. Through this partnership, interactive sessions are conducted across Mumbai’s colleges raising awareness on marine pollution, mangrove conservation, and practical waste management strategies. Other community initiatives include the adoption of Mahim Reti Bunder and Mahim Causeway in Mumbai for a multifaceted approach to waste management.