29th March 2025 – Popeyes®, the globally loved fried chicken brand, has opened its third store in Hyderabad at Inorbit Mall, one of the city’s most popular shopping and dining destinations.

Operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd., Popeyes® is known for serving juicy fried chicken that’s marinated for 12 hours and hand-battered to perfection — bringing the authentic taste of Cajun-flavoured chicken to food lovers across India. This signature preparation delivers a crispy, flavorful chicken that has earned the brand fans around the world.

The new store offers some of Popeyes®’ best-selling menu items — including the legendary Chicken Sandwich, signature fried chicken and the spicy hot & messy chicken. The brand recently launched a range of flavored wings available in six bold international flavors which have become a rage amongst guests and are amongst the bestsellers now. The menu also comprises a range of delicious vegetarian burgers for the vegetarian guests. Every dish is freshly prepared, ensuring great taste and consistent quality with every order.

Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President and Business Head, Popeyes India, said: “We’re excited to partner with Inorbit for the launch of this Popeyes store in the heart of the bustling business district – Cyberabad, and bringing the Popeyes brand closer to our GenZ and millenial consumers.

With a presence in over 31 countries, Popeyes® stands for bold Cajun flavors, authentic recipes, and freshly prepared juicy and crunchy fried chicken. As the brand continues to grow across India, it remains committed to delivering a great experience — whether customers choose to dine in, take away, or order online.

March 29, 2025—The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) hosted its inaugural Entrepreneur Summit 2025, a forum designed to facilitate critical discourse between Fashion Business Management (FBM) students and industry leaders. Featuring leaders from startups to established brands, the event brought together leading entrepreneurs, including Ashish Dev Kapur, Founder of Whisky Samba, The Wine Company and Antares; Kunaal Kumar, Managing Director of Modern Bazaar; Shivam Sahi, Co-Founder & COO of Blue Tokai; Vandy Mehra, Director of Study By Janak and Mohit Jain, Founder & CEO of Miraggio.

Moderated by (Prof.) Dr. Sunita Gupta Konwar, Course Leader of Fashion Business Management, the summit was themed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset – Skills, Strategies & Survival.” At the heart of the summit were discussions on building an entrepreneurial mindset, strategic thinking and business resilience. Through firsthand accounts, students gained insights into the challenges and triumphs that shape an entrepreneur. Their insights provided students with a deeper understanding of the realities of entrepreneurship, reinforcing that success is rarely linear and that every challenge presents a learning opportunity.

Dr. Jitin Chadha, Founder & CEO, IIAD, opened the summit by reaffirming IIAD’s commitment to encouraging innovation and exploration. “Entrepreneurship is not merely about launching businesses—it is about creating futures. The ability to transform an idea into reality requires vision, perseverance and adaptability.” He reflected on his own entrepreneurial journey, noting that building IIAD came with its share of challenges.

The discussion commenced with Kunaal Kumar, Managing Director of Modern Bazaar, sharing his transition from an engineering background into multi-category retail chain, underscoring the importance of passion in entrepreneurship. “Your gut instinct and dedication to what you do will define your success,” he noted.

Shivam Sahi, Co-Founder of Blue Tokai, spoke about India’s specialty coffee sector and the opportunity to build a premium coffee culture domestically. “India produces high-quality coffee, yet most of it was exported. The challenge was to shift consumer perception and create a space for premium coffee consumption within the country.”

Ashish Dev Kapur, Founder of Whisky Samba, The Wine Company and Antares (Goa), reflected on his unconventional journey. He shared how his transition from budget ventures to experiential concepts was driven by recognising gaps in the market. “If you have a pressing need, you see, in the market, there’s a genuine gap that you can fill,” he explained. He also emphasized trusting the process, learning from mistakes and building a vision that serves a real need.

Vandy Mehra, Director of Study By Janak, spoke about overcoming challenges within a conservative family structure to carve a niche in the industry. She recounted, “I started with just 1,000 square feet within the store. Today, at 16,000 square feet, the women’s segment has set itself apart. It has been a fulfilling journey of staying true to my vision.”

Mohit Jain, Founder & CEO of Miraggio, highlighted the perception gap between Indian and global brands, stating, “Brand experience is everything—from social media to retail and packaging. We focused on creating a strong brand identity, even though I came from a non-fashion background.”

The panelists also discussed the evolving dynamics of failure and the necessity of adaptation. Ashish Dev Kapur, Founder of Whisky Samba, The Wine Company, and Antares, emphasized the importance of choosing a niche where consumer awareness already exists, noting that entering a market where some level of education has already taken place can make a significant difference. He also underscored financial discipline in entrepreneurship, stating, “Top line is vanity. Bottom line is sanity, but cash flow is reality.”

Vandy Mehra, Director of Study by Janak, spoke about the brand’s ability to stay relevant while preserving its legacy. She emphasized that constant evolution in fashion sensibilities, combined with a strong business ethos, has kept Study by Janak at the forefront. “We are very clear about our identity as an occasion-wear brand and have no intention of diversifying into everyday fashion,” she noted.

The summit concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students posed questions on business sustainability, brand differentiation and market entry strategies. Ashish Dev Kapur acknowledged IIAD’s efforts, stating, “The exposure and efforts here are commendable. You’re helping students see the real world before they enter it.”

The FBM programme at IIAD equips students with a comprehensive understanding of business strategy, brand positioning, supply chain management and consumer engagement in the fashion sector. Events like the Entrepreneur Summit 2025 serve as crucial platforms for bridging academic learning with real-world industry experiences. These interactions allow students to absorb practical knowledge from seasoned professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of the business landscape while fostering the confidence to innovate and lead.

March 29, 2025: VI- John Healthcare India has made its mark in the Asia Book of Records for achieving the “Maximum Participation in a Digital Pledge for Personal Grooming in Maha Kumbh.” This accomplishment is part of their recent initiative at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where the brand organized a free grooming initiative, ‘Grooming Ka Mahakumbh,’ bringing together an impressive 10,410 participants who took the ‘Grooming Pratigya,’ pledging to make personal grooming a nationwide movement.

The brand stationed several “Grooming Rath” at the Maha Kumbh, offering VI-John’s grooming services to help devotees feel fresh and confident. As part of this hygiene initiative, thousands of devotees took the ‘Grooming Pratigya,’ pledging to prioritize personal grooming and hygiene. Over an impressive 45 days, and with the largest digital pledge for personal grooming in Asia, Vi John proved that self-care is not just a personal journey but a powerful one.

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Harshit Kochhar, Managing Director at VI-John Healthcare India, said, “This record-breaking event is a testament to our commitment to ‘Grooming India.’ Seeing thousands come together to embrace personal grooming as a way of life reinforces our mission to instill confidence and self-respect in individuals nationwide.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ashutosh Chaudharie, General Manager Marketing, VI John  Healthcare India, shared, “Grooming Ka Mahakumbh” was our ambitious campaign at Mahakumbh, which saw a record turnout. We offered free grooming services to a vast majority of devotees and educated them about the importance of grooming. To record it and to get a stronger commitment, we asked them to take “Grooming Pratigya” and share with them a Grooming Pratigya certificate on the spot, thereby making it a memorable experience for them.”

A special felicitation ceremony took place at VI-John’s corporate office on March 12, 2025, where the official record handover was conducted with distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, and key stakeholders. With this landmark recognition, VI-John Healthcare India further cements its position as a trailblazer in the personal grooming industry, continuing to set new benchmarks for quality, innovation, and consumer awareness.

March 29,2025:This Navratri, Khoya Mithai presents a cherished selection of artisanal sweets, blending tradition with purity. Renowned for its handcrafted delicacies, Khoya infuses every bite with authenticity and artistry, ensuring your festive celebrations are as joyous as they are delicious.

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasanta Navratri, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and symbolizes renewal and growth. Celebrated with great enthusiasm in Northern India, this springtime festival spans nine days of devotion and ends with Ram Navami. It is a time to honour traditions, rejoice in togetherness, and embrace the victory of good over evil, making it the perfect occasion to indulge in Khoya Mithai’s sacred offerings.

The collection begins with the rich and velvety Misri Mawa, a delicacy crafted with milk, sugar, and raw coconut flakes, slow-cooked to perfection and garnished with whole misri (rock sugar) and roasted pistachio flakes for a melt-in-mouth richness. The aromatic Kesar Barfi offers saffron-infused opulence with its golden hue, blending khoya, sugar, and ghee, and garnished with saffron strands and pistachio flakes. Completing the trio is the iconic Bikaneri Barfi, a Rajasthani classic known for its dense, creamy texture and delicate flavours of khoya, sugar, ghee, and green cardamom, topped with roasted pistachio flakes and silver varq.

The Date & Nut Barfi combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of almonds, cashews, and pistachios, ingrained with cardamom and lightly sweetened with honey for a wholesome, nutrient-rich treat. Complementing this is the Rose Coconut Barfi, a delicate blend of rose and coconut flavours crafted with desiccated coconut, khoya, sugar, and rose water, topped with pink khoya enhanced by beetroot extract and garnished with dried rose petals. Together, these artisanal barfis epitomise tradition and craftsmanship, perfect for elevating your Navratri celebrations.

Khoya has thoughtfully curated vrat-friendly snacks and desserts to honor Navratri’s fasting traditions. The crispy and golden Potato Wafers, made from premium Chipsona potatoes and seasoned with Sendha Namak, pair perfectly with the timeless Salted Makhana, roasted in pure ghee and lightly seasoned for a naturally light, crunchy texture.

Also, presenting the vrat-friendly desserts for a perfect harmony of tradition and appeasement to Navratri fasting. The creamy Sabudana Kheer, made with tapioca pearls, milk, and green cardamom powder, is a comforting and energy-boosting treat, beloved for its soothing texture. The aromatic Sweet Potato Halwa, slow-cooked with desi ghee, powdered sugar, and saffron, delights with its rich, nutty flavour and garnish of blanched almonds and pistachios. For a modern take, the Apple Samak Phirni, prepared with Samak rice (barnyard millet) and suffused with the natural Kashmiri Red Apples, offers a fruity sweetness, enriched by turmeric’s golden shade and garnished with roasted pistachios and saffron strands.

“At Khoya, festivals are about creating moments that matter, celebrating with loved ones, sharing traditions, and cherishing joy. We’ve put our hearts into every mithai and snack, making sure they complement the holy spirit of Navratri,” says Sid Mathur, Founder and Director of Khoya Mithai.

Every offering of Khoya’s Navratri collection is crafted using the finest natural ingredients, with no artificial colours or preservatives, staying true to their ethos of purity and goodness.

Whether you’re gathering with family or sending a token of love to someone special, Khoya Mithai’s festive range is a beautiful way to honour the soul of Navratri.

Let this be a season of taste, custom, and togetherness with Khoya Mithai.

Sid Sriram says: “This collaboration with Warner Music India marks an important new chapter in my musical journey. From the very beginning, my relationship with music has been about understanding and drawing from my roots, and using this as a way to boundlessly imagine new musical futures. It’s deeply meaningful that our first release under this partnership is “Sivanar”. My mother and guru, Latha Sriram taught me this song when I was 10. It’s been a part of me for so long; beginning this next phase of my artistry with “Sivanar” feels auspicious. Beyond my own music, this partnership with Warner Music India will allow us to create and nurture a space for new and innovative sounds. Together, we aim to discover and cultivate exceptional talent, bringing fresh and unique musical voices to the world.”

 Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner Music India & SAARC, added: “Sid Sriram is one of the most transformative voices of our time. His ability to seamlessly blend classical depth with contemporary appeal is unparalleled. At Warner Music India, we’re excited to partner with Sid to leverage his global potential and to explore new avenues across live experiences, brand collaborations, and business ventures that bring his fans together in more meaningful ways.”

By Mr. Jash Panchamia, Management, Suraksha Smart City

In recent years Vasai has made its mark on MMRs real estate map. With government support and a growing need, the city has undergone a dynamic resurrection and emerged as a thriving hub for retail investments and urban development. Once considered a distant suburb, Vasai is now referred to as the gateway to Mumbai. Being at the forefront of change, the emergence of a new Vasai is driven by a burgeoning retail sector that is reshaping its identity. The arrival of flagship stores, entertainment venues, and a plethora of dining options has turned Vasai into a vibrant epicentre of social and economic activity, drawing businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

The retail business space has proven to be a catalyst creating more than just shopping destinations. It has managed to create a social and cultural hub that enriches community life. The carefully curated blend of retail, dining, and leisure options is attracting a diverse demographic while boosting the local economy. This retail-driven developments have also elevated Vasai’s real estate appeal, making it a choice of interest for homebuyers and investors seeking value and higher returns on investment.

Vasai’s growing appeal comes with the added benefit of its strategic location on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, with dual connectivity to the central and western railway lines. Vasai Road station serves as a vital link for daily commuters, ensuring seamless access to Mumbai and its key business districts. The area’s connectivity is set to receive a significant boost with a wave of upcoming infrastructure projects, including the Virar-Alibaug Corridor, Bhayander-Vasai Sea Link, and Metro Line 13, which will link Mira-Bhayander and Vasai, reducing travel time across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These developments, coupled with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train and the Vasai-Diva-Panvel Railway Line Extension, will transform Vasai into an accessibility powerhouse.

Infrastructure development does not end there. The upcoming Vadhavan Port project aims to establish Vasai as a logistics and maritime hub, while the Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme addresses critical water needs. Additionally, proximity to Thane, where 34 mega infrastructure projects are in progress, is set to foster economic growth through retail developments and job creation, further backing real estate growth in the region. The retail markets taking shape in Vasai makes it an appealing residential and commercial destination, with budget-friendly real estate developments available for everyone.

In Vasai East’s evolving urban landscape, retail developments are characterised through the creation of pedestrian-friendly pathways and easy access to public transportation, like the suburban rail system, reshaping the region into a well-rounded urban environment. These developments are closely tied to the real estate market, as the presence of bustling retail hubs drives demand for both residential and commercial properties. The emergence of mixed-use projects incorporate retail, residential, and office spaces has ensured that communities that offer convenience, quality of life, and a sense of belonging come into being.

The coming together of retail and real estate in Vasai highlights a shared growth trajectory. Retail districts also act as urban magnets, encouraging population growth and increasing housing demand. This, in turn, augments further retail expansion, launching a cycle of growth with benefits to every stakeholder. The addition of quality social infrastructure—schools, hospitals, shopping and recreational spaces— has further enhanced Vasai’s reputation as the land that offers a high standard of living.

Looking forward, Vasai is set a benchmark by creating a sustainable and economically vibrant city based on integrating retail into its urban framework. Its strategic focus on infrastructure, retail, and housing positions Vasai as a model for blending tradition with modernity, showcasing how cities can leverage retail to boost urban appeal and quality of life.

“India has a remarkable opportunity to be an early manufacturing hub of Next Gen materials for the global fashion industry as well as for its designers and brands to set the pace for sustainability,” noted Canopy Founder and Executive Director, Nicole Rycroft. “Next Gen materials are the future of fashion. They build supply chain resiliency, deliver performance, and show that being stylish doesn’t have to cost the Earth.”

“It’s not just about creating sustainable fashion — it’s about building communities, projects, and systems that make responsibility the foundation of the industry,” remarked Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani, at the panel.

Speaking on the association, Jaspreet Chandhok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited said, “Over the past decade, what began as Sustainable Fashion Day has grown into a comprehensive commitment that shapes every aspect of our industry — from the rich legacy of Indian textiles to pioneering new materials like innovative fibers and agri-waste solutions. At Reliance Brands, I believe in honoring our heritage while driving innovation, and our collaboration with Canopy stands as a true testament to that vision — bringing together designers, thought leaders, and brands to create a future where fashion and nature thrive together.” 

March 29, 2025 – BI Luxury, the developers of Trident Residences in Delhi in association with The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, proudly announce their acquisition of the iconic luxury tableware brand Thomas Goode India, and the grand opening of their latest venture. Bringing the esteemed British purveyor of luxury tableware, home accents and gifting to the heart of India, the flagship store is located at the prestigious Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Thomas Goode, brings its unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship to India, catering to the growing demand for bespoke luxury and opulent gifting, particularly within the thriving Indian wedding industry. Thomas Goode, the original creators of table scaping, has a history of serving royalty, including Indian royalty like the Maharaja of Baroda and the Maharaja of Kotah, and collaborating with iconic figures like Tsar Nicholas II and Catherine the Great. The brand’s creations, including a dinner service for the wedding of HRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana, exemplify its commitment to timeless elegance. Sir Elton John, a minority shareholder of Thomas Goode UK and global ambassador, further strengthens the brand’s global appeal.

Thomas Goode’s bespoke services allow clients to create personalized tableware, dinnerware, and crockery, reflecting individual style and commemorating special occasions. From custom-designed crystal vases to bespoke monogrammed fine bone-china tableware, each creation is meticulously crafted to become a cherished heirloom. These pieces hold significant value within the Indian wedding industry, where opulent gifting and the creation of lasting legacies are highly valued.

“The opening of our flagship store in New Delhi marks a new chapter for Thomas Goode and for luxury retail in India,” says Angelique Dhama, Director of Thomas Goode India. “We are committed to serving the discerning tastes of Indian clientele who appreciate the storytelling and heritage behind each piece, particularly those seeking to create a lasting legacy and invest in heirloom worthy pieces.”

This New Delhi location offers a curated experience, showcasing exquisite collections of fine china, silverware, and crystal from world-renowned brands, including exclusive collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana and Haviland. More than just a retail space, the store is designed to immerse customers in the world of Thomas Goode, where heritage meets contemporary luxury.

“Thomas Goode’s designs beautifully blend history and luxury, and we are confident they will resonate deeply with the Indian audience,” says Shashank Bhagat, Chairman, Thomas Goode India. “This new store provides a tailored experience, reflecting India’s rich traditions and the increasing desire for personalized luxury, especially within the context of the vibrant wedding market.”

The New Delhi store offers an unparalleled luxury shopping experience, showcasing curated collections of tableware, crystal, and silverware. Whether adorning your home or seeking an extraordinary gift for a wedding or special celebration, Thomas Goode offers an unmatched level of sophistication, heritage, and craftsmanship.

March 29, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company introduces Claridges Collection, a curated set of boutique luxury hotels blending elegance with rich historical charm. Designed for those who appreciate life’s finer things, every detail at Claridges is a celebration of refined luxury and timeless privilege.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “With India’s growing economic prominence, the income pyramid is witnessing a structural shift and the demand for luxury product and services is at an all -time high led by significant expansion of households in the high-net worth bracket.  This presents a market opportunity to extend hospitality offerings in the luxury segment as consumers are seeking differentiated experiences.”

He added, “Claridges Collection resonates with those well-versed in the nuances of global luxury and seek evolved and bespoke experiences. Positioned at the heart of key gateway cities across the world, these hotels serve as the epicenter of cultural and social prominence, offering a refined sanctuary for discerning travelers. The Claridges Collection portfolio will commence with The Claridges, New Delhi and will include the historic Connemera, Chennai and post a comprehensive renovation, Blue Diamond, Pune.”

March 29^th, 2025: In a record-breaking opening weekend, the 18^th edition of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed unprecedented viewership across JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. With a cumulative watch time of 4,956 crore minutes, JioStar Network has set new benchmarks, delivering an unparalleled cricketing experience across TV and digital platforms.

On JioHotstar, digital viewership of the first 3 matches was 40% higher than last season, fueled by a 54% surge in CTV consumption. With 137 crore views, peak concurrency of 3.4 crore, and a staggering 2,186 crore minutes of watch time from just the first 3 matches of IPL 2025, JioHotstar continues to set new benchmarks, capturing the pulse of the nation like never before.

Furthermore, on television, as per BARC data, the opening weekend of TATA IPL 2025 set new records, drawing over 25.3 crore viewers and clocking an unprecedented 2,770 crore minutes of watch time – a 22% surge from last year. The average TVR for the first three matches was up by 39% compared to the previous season.

Charting the future of Sports, Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports, JioStar said: “The record-breaking viewership across digital and TV platforms over the opening weekend of TATA IPL 2025 reaffirms the tournament’s unmatched popularity bolstered significantly by the wide reach of our platforms and our commitment to creating deeper fan connections, in turn redefining how India experiences sports. With cumulative watch time of 4,956 crore minutes, this season has begun on an extraordinary note. As the tournament unfolds, we look forward to continuing to deliver an inclusive, intuitive and interactive IPL experience by serving every fan with a suite of customized viewing options, creating unmissable moments, unforgettable stories, and a truly immersive IPL.”

Speaking further on the record-breaking start to the season, Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar, said, “IPL 2025 is setting a new benchmark for how India engages with live sports and entertainment at an unmatched scale. The opening weekend showcased the power of innovation in creating richer, more interactive experiences, allowing fans to connect with the game like never before. At the same time, our partners are tapping into one of the most engaged audiences ever, driving deeper and more meaningful connections. As we continue to expand IPL’s reach, bringing the game to newer audiences, we move closer to our ambition of lighting up a billion screens and making this season a historic moment in how sports and entertainment are experienced in India.”

For advertisers and audiences alike, the record-breaking viewership underscores TATA IPL’s unparalleled scale, engagement, and impact. With an expanding roster of 30+ marquee brand partners, including My11Circle, Campa Energy, PhonePe, Amazon Prime, SBI, Thums Up, Google Pay, Dream11, Rapido, Parle, Danube, Mutual Funds Sahi Hai, Asian Paints, Carat Lane and Arun Ice Cream, JioStar is the most coveted destination for brands seeking high-impact reach. While linear TV continues to be a powerful platform for advertisers to engage audiences, JioHotstar is redefining the way brands connect with consumers in the digital era through enhanced targeting, personalized ad formats, and deeper audience insights.

 A New Era of Immersive Cricket Entertainment

JioStar, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2025, has redefined the viewing experience with an unprecedented, multi-dimensional presentation of the tournament. With 25+ feeds in 12 languages across both Star Sports Network and JioHotstar, powered by over 170 experts, fans are immersed in the game like never before. JioHotstar’s deep integration of interactive features – live chats, polls, predictions, and virtual watch parties—transforms passive viewing into an engaging, community-driven experience. Enhancing this further, the MaxView feature offers an expanded, edge-to-edge display, ensuring fans catch every detail with unparalleled clarity. Anchored by the narrative ‘Yahaan Sab Possible Hai’ and amplified through social media, creators, and immersive on-ground activations, this hyper-personalized approach has set a new industry benchmark, ensuring every fan experiences the IPL in their own unique way.

The 18th season of TATA IPL will see the return of digital-exclusive and popular Hangout feed, featuring quirky match commentary by new-age creators and stand-up comics. Catering to younger audiences and families, an innovative entertainment feed, Motu Patlu Presents Super Funday, ensures that IPL 2025 is a complete entertainment package for all age groups.

In its commitment to enhancing the viewing experience, the network is introducing a second-screen engagement feature, allowing fans to stay connected to every key moment of the game. While watching the action live on TV, viewers who miss a crucial play can simply scan a QR code to instantly access the highlight on JioHotstar, ensuring an uninterrupted and immersive cricket experience.

After delivering an outstanding ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, JioStar’s opening act of TATA IPL 2025 sets the tone for their promise of delivering the biggest IPL ever – one where infinite possibilities come to life.