Air pollution continues to be a significant public health challenge in India, impacting both rural and urban communities. A recent report by Climate Trends highlights widespread elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the most harmful types of air pollution, across the country. This data highlights that air pollution is not limited to urban areas but is, instead, a nationwide concern.

An average Indian spent 59 minutes to travel 20 kms one way to work last year in key metro cities, compared with 51 minutes to cover 17 kms before the pandemic, said the report, ‘2023 On Wheels: How India Moved In Sync’, by office commute platform MoveInSync. In response to this growing challenge, automotive manufacturers have started integrating sophisticated air purification technologies into their latest models. Here are list of popular models with integrated air purifiers.

MG Hector – The MG Hector stands out with its striking design and cutting-edge features, led by an advanced in-built PM 2.5 Air Purifier and Ionizer system for a consistently fresh cabin environment. The SUV boasts a 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD Portrait infotainment screen, complemented by innovative features like a Digital Bluetooth key with sharing function, wireless charging, and ventilated front seats. Safety and intelligence merge with Traffic Jam Assist among 11 ADAS features, while the i-SMART technology offers over 75 connected car features. Adding to its premium appeal, the Hector delivers exceptional value as the best-priced SUV with a panoramic sunroof in India.

Hyundai Venue – The Hyundai Venue, a compact SUV renowned for its feature-rich variants, offers three fuel-efficient engines and five gearbox options. It has the signature Hyundai quality, attractive design, and space to comfortably seat four occupants. It is equipped with HEPA filter technology; this urban SUV effectively cleanses the cabin air of harmful particles. The new Hyundai VENUE is designed to keep you connected to both your car, and the world around you. Between the Alexa and the 60+ feature-loaded Bluelink, you’ve got everything you need to make your drives exciting.

Kia Sonet – The new Kia Sonet along with a bold design comes equipped with pure air purifiers with virus and bacteria protection that sharpens the sense of comfort. It has a digital cluster of 10.25 inches (26.03 cm) along with a 360 degree camera with blind view monitor in cluster. Additionally, the new sonet is built with 15 safety features including ADAS Level 1 with 10 autonomous features.

Nissan Magnite – The Nissan Magnite offers an elegant Design with two engine options: a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 72 horsepower, which feels slow, and a more powerful and smooth 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 100 horsepower. Nissan offers the Magnite sub-compact SUV with an automatic PM 2.5 air purifier as a part of the optional Tech Pack which is reserved for the top-end XV Premium. Moreover, the new Nissan Magnite is packed with 55+ Active and Passive Safety Features (40+Standard) to ensure the highest standards of safety for you and your loved ones.

MG Gloster – The MG Gloster redefines premium SUV standards with its advanced dual-zone air purification system, featuring PM 2.5 filtration that ensures pristine air quality throughout its spacious cabin. This seven-seater marvel combines cutting-edge technology with luxury, offering seven driving modes, advanced driver assistance, and over 75 connected car features through i-SMART integration. The Gloster delivers premium amenities including a 20.32 cm Multi-Information System, leather seating, 64-color ambient lighting, and over 30 safety features. Every detail, from its best-in-class interior space to the sophisticated air management system, reinforces its position as a comprehensive luxury SUV package.

These vehicles represent a significant step forward in automotive technology, where the focus has expanded beyond traditional parameters like performance and comfort to include passenger health and wellness. As air quality concerns continue to grow in urban areas, these built-in air purification systems offer a valuable feature for health-conscious consumers, making the daily commute not just a journey from point A to B, but a breath of fresh air in an increasingly polluted world.

Bangalore, April 23, 2025: This World Book Day, Amazon India is advancing its “Make India Read More“ mission – a comprehensive effort to nurture India‘s reading culture through democratized access, innovative discovery and community engagement. This commitment builds on Amazon‘s ongoing work in expanding book accessibility to readers across the country.

Recent trends for Amazon India have demonstrated a growing appetite for books nationwide, with double-digit growth in both new customers and category sales. Tier 2 cities are notably driving this expansion, bringing new book customers at twice the growth rate seen in metros. To support this demand, the company has significantly expanded its same-day delivery capabilities, now reaching twice as many customers in top 20 cities compared to last year.

“Books are at the heart of Amazon’s identity, and our commitment to India‘s readers is deeper than ever,” said Rajarshi Guin, Director, Books & Toys, Amazon India. “From curating literature that reflects India‘s cultural and educational diversity, to investing in fast delivery and discovery, our focus is to make reading more rewarding, and more accessible. Whether it’s a young reader in a metro or a student in a Tier-3 town, we want to bring the right book to every doorstep.”

With a catalog of over 20 million titles across 14+ Indian languages, Amazon delivers books to 100% of India‘s serviceable pin codes. The category is witnessing strong double-digit growth in genres such as literary fiction, self-help, business, and children’s books, while regional language books in Malayalam and Tamil have doubled in demand year-over-year. Educational content remains strong with government exam preparation materials growing by over 30%, and specialized materials for engineering and law seeing growth of over 50% compared to last year.

To enhance discovery and customer experience, Amazon‘s monthly Book Bazaar is set to complete its 5th anniversary this year with 60 editions offering 300+ curated reading lists and deals on 30,000+ books across genres and languages. The company blends personalized algorithmic recommendations with trusted editorial curation through flagship initiatives like the Author of the Month, Amazon Book Talk series, and specialized destinations such as the Matrabhasha store for regional language titles. These efforts are further strengthened by Amazon’s partnership with over 30 national and international bestselling authors including Khaled Hosseini, Jeffrey Archer, Robin Sharma, Sudha Murthy, and Chetan Bhagat to provide authors a platform to connect with their readers.

In support of this mission, Amazon has launched a nationwide book donation drive in partnership with the National Book Trust (NBT) and NCERT. Over the next 12 weeks, thousands of books will be distributed to Anganwadis, government schools, and grassroots organizations

“National Book Trust is delighted to collaborate with Amazon India on the ‘Make India Read More‘ initiative,” Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of making books accessible to all. By combining NBT’s grassroots presence with Amazon‘s digital outreach, we aim to bring the transformative power of reading to every corner of the country.”

“NCERT is proud to support the Book Donation Drive with Amazon,” Aman Sharma, Secretary, NCERT said. “Through this initiative, 25,000 NCERT textbooks will be donated to underprivileged communities, promoting literacy and celebrating the joy of reading, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy.”

When a legacy travel brand famous for innovations meets a visionary designer renowned for reshaping Indian couture—something iconic is bound to happen. Manish Malhotra x Samsonite is more than a collaboration — it’s a landmark moment that reimagines what luxury luggage can look and feel like. And Social Beat brought this collaboration to lifewith a campaign that felt just as elevated, stylish, and statement-making as the collection itself. 

The idea was simple: don’t just launch a bag—launch something rare, desirable, and bound in legacy.

The pre-buzz kicked off with subtle sightings of Manish Malhotra himself carrying the bag. No big reveal, no overt branding—just intrigue. This was followed by a curated wave of influencers who seamlessly seeded the collection into their worlds, helping the bag quietly (but powerfully) claim its place as the accessory of the season.

At the centre of the launch is a hero film that brings to life the idea of elegance meeting exclusivity. It showcases how everyone walks their own path in their own unique style, projecting the bag as an extension of their distinct self. Clean silhouettes and sharp frames mirrored the bag’s sleek elegance, while grunge-laced interiors brought in a raw edge. Esoteric by intent, the film carried Manish Malhotra’s refined aesthetic without ever spelling it out. A quiet, confident storytelling that lets the product do all the talking.

Anushree Tainwala, Executive Director at Samsonite South Asia, shared: “This collaboration was a milestone for Samsonite—a fusion of our legacy of innovation with Manish Malhotra’s timeless design sensibility. The campaign was crafted to reflect the sophistication of the collection while introducing a bold, fashion-forward chapter in the Samsonite journey.”

Ashish Tambe, National Creative Director at Social Beat, added: “The campaign had to evoke the emotion of owning a statement. The creative had to tick all the boxes that a launch must—from a brand and product lens—but at the same time, move beyond the tactical and create an aura of a fashion-first international traveller.”

Vikas Chawla, Co-founder of Social Beat, said: “Collaborating on this unique launch combines our capabilities across creative, films, media and technology. The goal was to build a campaign that did justice to the grandeur of the Manish Malhotra x Samsonite collaboration, and our team brought that vision to life across platforms with creativity, passion, and precision.”

The campaign unfolded as a full-fledged 360° digital experience — with a social media content strategy built around Manish Malhotra, influencer marketing to amplify reach, and sharp media planning & buying to drive results. Bold hoardings and luxe in-store setups brought the buzz offline, creating a seamless blend of digital and physical presence.

With striking visuals, a bold film, and a sharp digital rollout, the campaign did more than drop a collection—it redefined what luggage can be. Because when icons come together, travel doesn’t follow trends. It sets them.

India, April 23rd, 2025: The Body Shop India unveiled its Disruptive Pricing strategy in India across 12 of its most-loved product formats. With prices starting at new, more inviting entry points, this move is designed to welcome even more customers into the world of The Body Shop. The new strategy reflects the brand’s commitment to delighting and responding to the Indian consumer preferences and staying ahead in the beauty landscape.

Rahul Shanker, Group CEO, Quest Retail, said: “This is a long-view strategy—rooted in our values and backed by real customer insight. For over two decades, Indian customers have loved us for what we stand for. In order to remain truly inclusive, we must address accessibility in a more meaningful and sustained way. Our ambition is to democratize ethical beauty for the next generation—channel agnostic, gender-agnostic, values-driven, and deeply conscious of what they consume.”

To support the launch, The Body Shop India has rolled out its “More Love for Less” campaign that spotlights the love, joy and excitement of customers across age-groups to the newly accessible, fresh price points. With a Digital 1^st approach, the central theme of “More Love for Less”, is shot with the creative direction that reflects the diversity of the Indian consumers. The campaign celebrates the unfiltered joy of customers. It reflects how consumers are embracing the change: catching trends, stocking up, gifting generously, and rediscovering rituals they love. The storytelling is emotionally resonant, with protagonists across age-groups joining the narrative. By offering the same rich ingredients and trusted formulations at better prices, The Body Shop is showing that it cares.

With this strategic shift, The Body Shop is unlocking meaningful access to products that customers already love and trust. This is not a seasonal or reactive move—it is a long-term recalibration of The Body Shop’s approach an omni-channel level. By lowering the entry threshold while retaining its ethical sourcing, quality benchmarks, and brand ethos, The Body Shop is building a stronger foundation for sustained growth and loyalty in India’s dynamic & competitive beauty landscape.”

Max Factor is an iconic international beauty brand known for its Hollywood heritage and makeup artistry, is now in Kolkata. Beauty enthusiasts in the City of Joy can now experience the transformative power of Max Factor’s professional grade cosmetics.

With over a century of innovation and a legacy rooted in creating looks for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Max Factor brings a curated selection of makeup to Kolkata, designed to empower Indian consumers with flawless finishes and camera-ready confidence. 

“At Max Factor, we’ve always believed that makeup is not just a tool for transforming how you look, but also how you feel,Our exclusive presence at Shoppers Stop in Kolkata reflects our commitment to making professional-quality beauty accessible to everyday Indian consumers said Medhavi Nain, Head of Marketing, International Brands, House of Beauty.”

Customers in Kolkata can now discover Max Factor‘s coveted range of foundations, primers, lipsticks, mascaras, and more each formulated to complement a variety of Indian skin tones and deliver enduring performance from day to night.

This April, Riwaz at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore invites you to journey into a realm of simmering aromas, glowing embers, and treasured heirloom recipes with The Royal Awadhi Feast—a regal culinary collaboration that celebrates the timeless splendour of Lucknow’s Nawabi kitchens.

Riwaz, known for its quiet elegance and deep reverence for India’s culinary heritage, becomes the setting for an experience that transcends mere dining. Here, tradition isn’t just remembered, it is revived, honoured, and reimagined. At the heart of this experience are two chefs, Chef Asif Qureshi, from the storied kitchens of JW Marriott Juhu, heir to the royal Qureshi lineage and a guardian of time-honoured Awadhi techniques; and Chef Imran Arif, the in-house force behind Riwaz’s signature expressions of Indian cuisine. Together, they conjure a menu that’s less of a meal and more of a memory; slow-cooked, spice-layered, and steeped in legacy.

The à la carte menu is a lavish tapestry of choices, from the smokiness of Bhatti Ki Kalmi and the tenderness of Jhinga Nisha, to the subtle richness of Mahi Qalya and the depth of Gosht Ki Nihari. Each dish whispers of royal courts and bustling bawarchi khana, where food was a symbol of love, power, and artistry. For vegetarians, jewels like Sarson Broccoli, Purvanchal Ka Saag, and Aloo Bukhara Kofta ensure the experience is no less indulgent.

For those who wish to surrender fully to the chef’s vision, the set menu offers a more intimate encounter — a curated journey through carefully selected classics. Think Dahi Akhrot ke Kebab, Noor Mahal Biryani, Dal-e-Saffron, and Nadru Subz ke Shammi , each course building on the next in harmony, each bite a story in itself, culminating in the sweet final note of Balai ka Tukda.

India, April 22nd, 2025: Tyger Capital, India’s leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has joined hands with Credgenics, the leading provider of SaaS-based collections and debt resolution technology solutions worldwide. This technology collaboration marks a significant stride towards reshaping the debt collections landscape, leveraging Credgenics‘ comprehensive suite of solutions to streamline and optimize Tyger Capital‘s loan collections management process.

At Tyger Capital, Credgenics‘ AI powered SaaS based platform will help adopt a data-insights backed personalized approach for communications with borrowers across multiple digital channels including WhatsApp, SMS, and emails.  With Credgenics CG Collect, the mobile app for field collection teams, the last mile operations will be digitized to unlock higher productivity and operational efficiency. 

Commenting on the partnership, Rajaram Manian B, Chief Risk Officer of Tyger Capital said, “We are excited to leverage Credgenics technology solutions in collections as we are committed to deliver unparalleled financial services powered by cutting-edge technologies and customer-centric approaches. This collaboration aligns with our mantra ‘Customer first’ and our focus on providing exceptional service to our customers while optimizing our operations through innovation and digital transformation.”

Credgenics technology platform will optimize field team operations, enable seamless collection transaction reconciliations, provide digitized customer visit management, and provide real-time tracking capabilities. Credgenics Billzy payments platform will facilitate borrowers to make digital loan payments swiftly, securely, and conveniently. Adoption of cutting-edge solutions from Credgenics promises higher response rates, accelerated debt resolutions, and reduced operational costs, positioning Tyger Capital at the forefront of customer service excellence.

Rishabh Goel, Co-Founder and CEO of Credgenics, said, “Our engagement with Tyger Capital is an extremely valuable addition to our customer base from the NBFC segment. We are confident that Credgenics‘ comprehensive solutions will tremendously enhance the collection management process at Tyger Capital. With our focus on continual innovation, enhanced customer experience and strict adherence to regulatory compliance, we aim to deliver significant business value at Tyger Capital.”

The collaboration between Credgenics and Tyger Capital is set to drive a transformative shift in collection management and debt resolution by leveraging cutting-edge technologies. This strategic partnership will enable both companies to deliver enhanced value to their customers while driving sustainable growth and profitability.

Amethyst presents ‘Kusubana’ by Translate. Kusubana is the essence, that they are weaving into your summers this year! This edit brings fresh takes on Ikats and playful twists on their iconic styles. The Ikats in this drop are contemporary, a confident stride into new horizons. With breathable cotton and functional, effortless designs, each piece easily adapts to your summer wardrobe from 11am to 7.30pm from April 24th to 30th, 2025 at Amethyst, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai. 

Collection Note:

• Petals kissed by the breath of the season,
• Hues that tickle the heart with innocent joy,
• The quiet longing for comfort on warm summer afternoons,

Kusubana is our vision of summers under the cherry blossoms—where worries melt away and we become one with nature. It evokes the nostalgia of simpler times: the hum of insects, the laughter over board games, mouths stained with popsicles, and quiet conversations over tea. In this collection, we capture the essence of summer, offering something for everyone to love.

By – Sudeep George, Chief Business Head, TeamLease HRTech

India is an emerging global business hub. A driving factor behind this transformation is its demographic dividend, where about 65% of its population is under 35. However, nearly 51.25% of youth are deemed employable, and over 7.85 million non-farm jobs are expected to be created by 2044 in industries across key sectors. This rapid surge in employment will not only create opportunities for the innovative and entrepreneurial young workforce but also increase stakes in administrative, operational, and strategic functions for the Human Resource teams across enterprises, companies, and startups across sectors.

Human Resource functions vary from talent management to screening, onboarding, workflow management, performance management, and employee engagement. In the absence of smart HR technology, HR managers may grapple with maintaining productivity, engagement, retention, and performance, which are crucial to business success.

The advantage of implementing HR tech software in companies is inexplicable. HR technology enables HR professionals to reduce time spent on manual tasks through automation, improve accuracy through data-driven information, upgrade compliance policies, and support teams through integrated software, regardless of geography and roles.

With digital transformation taking centre stage across industries in India, HR professionals can take proactive steps to ensure that HR tech tools become an integral part of their function to avert any business risks, talent drain, or operational slowdown. With the HR Tech market poised to reach 2.3 million by 2033, HR teams across Manufacturing, Hospitality, Retail, Healthcare, & Education can seamlessly drive impact and visualise tangible results in the below-mentioned three key areas.

• Operational efficiency

1. Streamlining and automating tedious tasks: HR software eliminates repetitive administrative tasks like attendance management, leave tracking, and data maintenance through automation. This not only saves time but also cuts down HR operational costs by up to 40%, allowing teams to redirect focus towards strategic priorities.

2. Facilitating efficient recruitment and onboarding: Modern HR platforms simplify hiring through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), reducing time-to-hire by as much as 75%. Seamless digital onboarding ensures new hires are productive from day one, improving efficiency and employee experience.

• Workplace culture and employee experience

3. Enhancing communication and collaboration: Effective communication is key to creating a successful organisation. Built-in communication tools support company-wide messaging, internal chat, and collaborative platforms, improving real-time coordination and reducing email clutter. The result is smoother workflows and stronger team alignment.

4. Improving employee engagement and performance management: HR software enables continuous feedback, goal tracking, and engagement surveys. Tech-led sentiment analysis has been shown to boost satisfaction scores by 20%, while continuous performance tracking leads to sustained productivity improvements. A survey found that 66% of companies using a continuous performance management model were able to implement year-round productivity enhancements.

• Strategic decision-making

5. Facilitating efficient recruitment and onboarding: Hiring and onboarding new employees can be resource-intensive. However, modern HR software significantly streamlines this. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) help manage job postings, screen applications, and track candidates efficiently. Industry reports show that tech-enabled ATS platforms can reduce time per hire by up to 75%. Once hired, onboarding is managed digitally, providing new employees with all the necessary information and documentation.

6. Providing data-driven insights for better decision-making: Advanced analytics dashboards within HR software provide actionable insights on workforce trends, turnover, and training outcomes. This empowers leaders with data-backed decisions, driving long-term productivity and organisational growth.

By thoughtfully embracing the potential of modern HR software, Indian businesses—whether established enterprises or ambitious startups—can drive meaningful improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. In an increasingly competitive landscape, the real advantage lies in equipping both people and processes with the right tools. After all, empowering your workforce begins with empowering your HR function—and that’s where transformation truly begins.

Mumbai, 22^nd April 2025: Listed entity Arkade Developers Limited, a prominent luxury real estate developer in Mumbai, announced its operational performance for the fourth quarter ended on 31^st March 2025 and FY 2024-25.

Operational Performance:

A) Pre–Sales –
During FY25, Arkade Developers achieved robust pre–sales of INR 773 crores, marking a 19.8% increase from INR 645 crores. This growth reflects the continued demand for the residential portfolio of Arkade in the Mumbai region.

B) Collections –
Collections for the year stood at INR 716 crores, up by 21.8% when compared to the previous year, driven by strong execution and sustained customer confidence.

C) Area Sold –
Arkade sold 249,000 sq. ft. in FY25, compared to 203,000 sq ft in FY24, recording a 22.7% YoY growth. This unprecedented growth reflects improved project uptake and velocity.

Quarterly Performance – Q4 FY25 –

• Pre–Sales: INR 217 crores, up 10.6% YoY
• Collections: INR 238 crores, up 35.2% YoY
• Area Sold: 70,000 sq ft up 9.4% YoY

FY24–25 Achievements: 

• Launched three projects in the Mumbai – Arkade Rare (Bhandup), Arkade Views & Arkade Vistas (Goregoan)
• Received 4 OC’s ahead of the RERA schedule – Arkade Crown, Arkade Aspire, Arkade Aura and Arkade Prime
• 650+ possessions – a testament to timely delivery
• Cumulatively acquired 15.5 acres of land parcel in western suburbs with a projected GDV of INR 8590 crores