Archives August 2025

A recent survey by Scandalous Foods, India’s fast-growing B2B innovator in preservative-free Indian sweets, has revealed that 78% of urban Indians still turn to traditional mithai as their go-to festive gift. From barfis to laddoos, mithai boxes continue to dominate celebrations across the country, proving that nostalgia and cultural pride outweigh the growing appeal of artisanal chocolates, macarons, or luxury hampers, which account for just 22% of preferences.

The findings highlight that cultural tradition and nostalgia influence 35% of gifting choices, followed by taste preferences (20%). While factors like premium appeal (18%), attractive packaging (15%), and pricing (12%) do matter, it is the emotional connection of mithai that keeps it unmatched. For most Indians, festive gifting isn’t just about flavors or presentation—it’s about memories, heritage, and the joy of sharing something deeply familiar.

The survey also captures a generational shift among younger recipients under 35 years. While mithai still holds a majority at 58%, gourmet desserts are fast catching up with 42% preference, especially in compact and trendy formats such as jars, single-serve packs, and curated hampers. This signals that while modern gifting formats are gaining popularity, they coexist rather than replace the timeless appeal of mithai.

Sanket S., Co – Founder of Scandalous Foods, said, “Festivals in India have always been about more than just exchanging gifts—they are about preserving traditions, sharing emotions, and strengthening bonds. The survey findings reaffirm that mithai continues to carry a cultural weight that modern alternatives cannot replace. At the same time, today’s consumers are embracing new formats and experiences, creating a richer, more diverse gifting landscape. For Scandalous Foods, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity: to safeguard the heritage of Indian sweets while reimagining them in formats and presentations that resonate with contemporary tastes. The goal is to ensure that mithai remains timeless while staying relevant for generations to come.”

At the same time, gifting habits have clearly evolved into a more balanced mix over the past 3–5 years. Consumers are increasingly creating blended hampers that mix mithai with gourmet desserts, dry fruits, and even non-food options. Yet, when it comes to leaving a lasting impression, desi mithai continues to shine. Regional specialties—like petha from Agra, Mysore Pak from Chennai, or dodha from Delhi—carry authenticity and stories that no imported confection can replicate, making them a cherished part of festive traditions.

Finally, authenticity emerged as a defining factor, with a majority of respondents rating it as “very important” in their gifting choices. This reaffirms mithai’s place not just as a sweet treat but as an experience steeped in cultural value—ensuring that even as trends evolve, traditional Indian sweets remain at the heart of festive celebrations.

National, August 28, 2025: Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, in collaboration with Arthat Studio, one of India’s leading creators of anamorphic experiences, is bringing the spirit of Bappa’s arrival by showcasing a grand Ganpati idol created entirely from puja items. This one-of-a-kind, 8-ft-high, 10-ft-deep 3D anamorphic art installation, which is a large-scale artwork that creates a distorted image or sculpture, is on display at Inorbit Mall, Mumbai, from August 24 to September 4, 2025.

The immersive installation has been meticulously crafted using over 400 puja and festive essentials available on Instamart, including diyas, flowers, modaks, coconuts, fruits, and puja thalis. When viewed through a specially positioned lens on your phone, these puja items transform into a majestic Ganpati idol — symbolizing that everything required for Ganesh Chaturthi is just 10 minutes away with Instamart.

The artwork highlights how every detail of devotion and tradition can be made simple and accessible without compromise through Instamart’s wide festive assortment across categories. Ahead of the festive season, Instamart has expanded its festive assortment to include 25+ types of modaks, eco-friendly Ganesh idols, prasad blessed at Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir and Shri Siddhivinayak Chandicha Ganpati Mandir, along with a wide variety of puja essentials.

Speaking about the activation, Mayur Hola, VP – Brand Marketing at Instamart, said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is such a beautiful festival, the colours, the devotion, and the joy of seeing unique handcrafted idols come alive on the streets of Mumbai. It’s what makes this time of year so special. But while people love soaking that in, what they don’t love is running around for the little things. In today’s fast-paced world, festivals are when you want to pause, celebrate, and be with your loved ones. That’s really where Instamart steps in. Partnering with Arthat Studio gave us a chance to create something visually stunning, while also reminding people that Instamart is like their best bud during the festival — here to take care of all those small hassles, whether it’s fresh flowers or a last-minute forgotten puja essential.”

This installation is part of Instamart’s larger festive season focus, with the platform expanding its range of puja and festive essentials from Holi to Janmashtami and now Ganesh Chaturthi. Janmashtami saw demand surge for basuris, laddoo gopal idols, and poshaks, with near sellouts of white makkhan, panchamrit, and makhan mishri, while Raksha Bandhan recorded a 3.5× jump in orders, peaking at 1 lakh rakhis an hour. Building on this momentum, Instamart is widening its festive selection across Navratri, Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras, and Diwali — from flowers to fasting essentials, festive thalis, gold and silver coins, décor, sweets, electronics, and hyperlocal mithai.

The anamorphic installation, designed by Arthat Studio, reflects the growing trend of thematic Ganpatis, blending traditional puja elements with contemporary storytelling. By stepping into the experience, visitors will witness how small details, modaks, diyas, and coconuts come together to create the larger-than-life presence of Lord Ganesha, symbolising abundance and festivity. Located at Inorbit Mall, Mumbai, the installation will be open to visitors from 24^th August to 4th September, offering devotees and shoppers an opportunity to experience the spirit of the festival in a fresh, modern way.

New Delhi, August 27, 2025: The People Forum of India – National Bharat Sevak Samaj (NBSS) today announced its plans to expand grassroots initiatives in Rajasthan with a mission to uplift marginalised communities, empower women through skills, and improve access to education for children. This development follows a meeting held in Delhi between Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India, and Smt. Rinku Meena, Joint Resident Commissioner of the Rajasthan Government, at Bikaner House.

The discussions revolved around aligning the Forum’s work with ongoing programmes of the Rajasthan Government. Dr. Mallappa highlighted the need to strengthen skill development initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods and to enhance educational opportunities for children. He remarked that building local capacity is essential not only for economic progress but also for long-term community empowerment. “Our mission is to enable communities to stand on their own, while safeguarding their dignity and cultural identity,” he said.

Smt. Rinku Meena appreciated the Forum’s intent and highlighted the Rajasthan Government’s continuing commitment to expanding access to education and skill-building opportunities for disadvantaged groups. She noted that partnerships with organisations like the People Forum of India can provide vital support in ensuring that government programmes achieve deeper impact at the grassroots.

Both leaders acknowledged that while various schemes have created positive change, ground-level challenges such as limited educational resources in rural areas, barriers to women’s participation in skill-based livelihoods, and persistent socio-economic inequalities continue to affect communities. The discussion concluded with a shared resolve to explore practical joint programmes that can strengthen skill development and education initiatives in Rajasthan, ensuring long-term growth and opportunities for future generations.

New Delhi, August 26, 2025: Grehlakshmi, India’s No. 1 Hindi women’s magazine and the country’s largest community of housewives, successfully hosted the grand finale of Grehlakshmi Mrs. India 2025, a spectacular celebration of beauty, talent, and empowerment. The evening was graced by legendary beauty icon Shahnaz Husain, who not only inspired the participants with her presence but also had the honour of crowning the winners, Dr. Swetha Karlapudi in the Silver Category, Amrita Kaur Sokhi in the Gold Category, and Rekha Paladee in the Elite Category.

The runners-up included Arushi Mishra, Meenu Singh, and Shweta Verma in the Silver Category; Prajakta Vaibhav Bhoir in the Gold Category; and Anupama Singh and Babita Amrohi in the Elite Category.

The distinguished jury panel for the evening comprised eminent names from diverse fields: Pavleen Gujral (actor, anchor & wellness influencer), Aashna Malani (lifestyle influencer & digital marketer), Prachi Tehlan (actor & former Indian national sports captain), and Shyam Sharma (Managing Partner, Global Lawyers & Director, DDCA). Their expertise and guidance brought immense credibility to the competition.

The contestants were groomed under the expert mentorship of Anjana and Karl Mascarenhas, Directors of Diva Pageants, with dynamic choreography by Pooja Singh, ensuring that each finalist took the stage with confidence, elegance, and grace.

The four-day journey leading up to the finale was packed with grooming sessions, talent showcases, and empowering activities. The event also saw the presence of dignitaries and achievers such as Anjum Chopra (former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team), Neelam Pratap Rudy (amateur golfer & philanthropist), Piyu Sharma (boxer & wellness coach), Soumya Khurana (visionary entrepreneur & philanthropist), Rennie Joy (corporate lawyer & founder of Aalekh Foundation), along with previous winners of Grehlakshmi Mrs. India, who inspired the contestants with their stories.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Vandana Verma, Editor-in-Chief of Grehlakshmi Magazine, shared, “Grehlakshmi Mrs. India is not just about beauty — it is about identity, courage, and empowerment. Every woman who participated is a winner, and this journey marks the beginning of a lifetime of inspiration for them and for countless women watching. What began as a simple dream to celebrate the spirit, resilience, and brilliance of married women across India has now grown into a movement — a platform where women are not only celebrated for who they are, but also empowered to become who they aspire to be.”

She further added, “Over the last three seasons, we have seen countless Grehlakshmis transform their lives, their families, and even their communities — and that, for us, has been the greatest reward. Together, you are living proof that Grehlakshmi is more than just a magazine — it is a vibrant, breathing community of strong Indian women. Through this platform, we strive to give every woman the courage, visibility, and opportunities she deserves to pursue her dreams and inspire others to do the same.”

The event was powered by major brands including Sirona, Clovia, Voylla, Indus Valley, DailyHunt, Josh, Mila Beaute, Looks Salon, La Pink, 2.OH!, Sparsh, Shahnaz Husain, Blossom Kochhar, Ayouthveda, Bio Organic, Graphis Ads, The Posh Salon, and Red FM.

The finale was attended by eminent personalities, influencers, media representatives, families of the contestants, and special guests, all coming together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these remarkable women. As the curtain closed on yet another grand season, Grehlakshmi Mrs. India 2025 reaffirmed its position as a powerful platform that transforms lives, celebrates journeys, and redefines true beauty.

Kollam, 26 August 2025: Royaloak Furniture, India’s No 1 furniture brand expanded its store network again in Kerala with the inauguration of its new store in South Kerala’s Kollam. The grand opening ceremony was honoured by the esteemed presence of Mr. Vijai Subramaniam, Chairman, Royaloak Incorporation Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Mathan Subramaniam, Managing Director, Royaloak Incorporation Pvt. Ltd; Mr. N.K Premachandran, Hon’ble MP of Kollam Lok Sabha and Mr. M Noushad, Hon’ble MLA of Eravipuram.

This expansion emphasises Royaloak’s commitment to providing quality furniture solutions to the people of Kollam. The grand launch event also witnessed guests from the Royaloak team, including Mr. Kiran Chhabria, Franchise Head of Royaloak; Mr. Thammaiah Kotera, Head – Visual Merchandising & New Store Opening of Royaloak; Mr. Ranjith Kappatu, Regional Head – Tamilnadu & Kerala of Royaloak Furniture; Mr. Shajith, Franchise Manager of Royaloak and Franchise partners Mr. Rinson Mathew and Mrs. Jinu Joseph. The successful business expansion has ensured vast employment opportunities created by the brand over the years in the state and opened doors for future business expansion with multiple vendors and partners.

Covering an impressive 13,000 square feet, this store boasts an extensive array of furniture for every part of the home, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, study & office, outdoor, home decor, mattresses and more. Kollam’s residents can now discover a wide variety of both stylish, smart and functional furnishings in an affordable cost all conveniently located in their neighborhood.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Vijai Subramaniam, Chairman, Royaloak Furniture, said, “We are proud to open another store in Kerala, where we already have stores in different parts of the state and 200 stores nationwide. The new opening reflects our commitment to serving our customers better and our belief in the growing potential of this market. We look forward to continuing to provide quality products and exceptional service to our valued customers here. We are of the opinion that the people of Kollam would be keen to furnish their place with international products available at an affordable range. I extend my best wishes to the franchise owners as we eagerly anticipate serving customers and assisting them in finding, the ideal pieces to complete their dream homes.”

The store boasts a carefully curated and exclusive ‘Country Store,’ displaying the finest and most unique furniture selections from countries such as America, Italy, Malaysia, and India. Through its dedicated standalone stores, Royaloak aspires to elevate the aesthetic appeal of homes with its modern, luxurious and affordable furniture offerings. The brand has been fulfilling the lifestyle requirements of its expansive customer base, exceeding 10 million individuals. Royaloak has a presence across PAN India, including all the metro cities and the distinctive tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India. This has transformed Royaloak into a furniture brand, spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Nagaland with 200+ stores.

Mumbai, August 26: ANJ Group, one of India’s leading design and build firms, has appointed Dr Ashfaq Ul Ahad as its Chief People Officer (CPO). The appointment reflects ANJ’s commitment to building inspiring workplaces for its clients and a culture where people can thrive.

Dr Ul Ahad brings with him 25 years of experience, spanning across hospitality, banking, technology, telecom, logistics and education sectors. From leading HR at global organisations like ICICI Bank, GE, Hutchison and Syntel to shaping capability development for Delhivery’s 75,000-strong workforce, his career has been defined by building people-first cultures at scale. Beyond the corporate world, he has also co-founded Talent Edge Academy and CollegeDekho Academy, creating learning platforms that bridge the gap between education and employability for young professionals.

Speaking about his new role, Dr Ul Ahad said, “ANJ for me is a Blue Ocean, and I am joining at a time when the organisation is shaping the future of workspaces in India. ANJ’s manufacturing prowess, customer centricity, coupled with a people-first culture is all poised to move it from a challenger quadrant to a leader. I am tasked to make this happen while creating meaningful impact for our customers, employees and communities alike.”

At ANJ, he will be responsible for steering the company’s People & Culture agenda with a focus on nurturing leadership, strengthening employee engagement, driving organisational transformation and fostering a workplace that inspires creativity and innovation.

26th August 2025: Bappa’s arrival and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are incomplete without the irresistible charm of modaks, and just like every year, Conrad Pune is set to make your festive season even sweeter. From 25th August to 7th September, Pune Sugar Box invites guests to experience ‘Modak Bhog’, a specially curated collection of handcrafted delights that celebrate tradition, taste, festivities, and togetherness.

Carrying forward its legacy of curating festive indulgences, Conrad Pune has designed a menu that captures the very soul of Ganeshotsav. Each modak is lovingly crafted by Chef Ramakrushna Chaskar, Chef Krutika Gawas, and their team, blending authenticity with innovation. Guests can relish an exciting variety from the timeless coconut-jaggery ukadiche modak to indulgent chocolate-filled creations, rich dry fruit variations, and several chef-special surprises that are bound to become new festive favourites.

Whether you’re gifting or indulging, it’s the sweetest way to say Ganpati Bappa Morya. So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, let every bite be an offering of joy, devotion, and indulgence with Conrad Pune as Pune Sugar Box offers the perfect setting where festive charm meets warmth and elegance.

Event Details:

· Date: 25th August – 07th September 2025

· Venue: Pune Sugar Box, Conard Pune

ICAI Hosts Convocation Ceremony Across 15 Centers Pan India; Confers Membership to 13,737 Newly Qualified Chartered Accountants

Kolkata, 26 August 2025: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament, organized a grand Convocation Ceremony simultaneously across 15 locations in India to confer certificates of membership to newly qualified Chartered Accountants and felicitate rank holders.

The Convocation was held at New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ghaziabad, Ernakulam, Vijayawada, Ahmedabad, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Ludhiana. A total of 13,737 newly enrolled Chartered Accountants were awarded their membership certificates, marking the beginning of their professional journey.

The Convocation ceremonies commenced concurrently across all centers, with Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, Competition Commission of India (CCI), inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest from New Delhi. The New Delhi ceremony was led by CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI and CA. Prasanna Kumar D, Vice-President, ICAI, in the august presence of Central Council Members—CA. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, CA. (Dr) Sanjeev Kumar Singhal and CA. Hans Raj Chugh, along with CA. (Dr) Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary, ICAI.

While Addressing Newly Qualified Chartered Accountants from New Delhi, Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI, stated, “I congratulate all the newly graduating Chartered Accountants. This day marks a celebration of your hard work, sleepless nights and your unshakeable determination to succeed in one of the most difficult examinations in the country. ICAI is acknowledged for its excellence, ethics and influence and continues to play a pivotal role in nation-building by contributing to corporate governance, taxation, auditing standards, sustainability and digital financial systems. The CA qualification will open numerous opportunities for you, not only in your career but also in your personal growth. With the rapid adoption of technologies such as AI, blockchain, and algorithmic pricing, continuous learning will remain essential to ensure transparent, efficient, and sustainable growth.”

She further added, “Chartered Accountants play a vital role in translating principles into practice, ensuring that market practices remain transparent, ethical, and compliant with regulatory frameworks. The trust placed in their signature is immense, impacting clients, stakeholders, markets and public interest. As professionals, you are the custodians of independence, objectivity and integrity in every valuation and decision you make.”

On this occasion, CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI, congratulated the newly enrolled Chartered Accountants and said, “Receiving the membership certificate is a defining milestone that marks your transition from students to professionals. Indian Chartered Accountants are called partners in nation-building, and soon they will be recognized as partners in global building, strengthening India’s growth while reinforcing international financial systems. You are the future torch bearers of the profession and I urge you to embrace innovation, remain committed to lifelong learning and lead with integrity and values that will not only uphold the dignity of the profession but also enhance India’s credibility on the global stage.”

With over 65% of our population under the age of 35, the youth are not only the future of this nation, but also the present drivers of innovation, consumption and progress. With ICAI conferring membership to 13,737 newly qualified Chartered Accountants, this addition to the profession further strengthens India’s talent pool. As India moves towards becoming the third-largest economy, these young Chartered Accountants will be the greatest asset. Each of these new members holds the power to shape India’s destiny. As new professional avenues such as forensics, sustainability and artificial intelligence emerge, Chartered Accountants, who have closely witnessed the evolution of technology, will take the lead in these initiatives and contribute to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

While addressing the gathering, CA. Prasanna Kumar D, Vice-President, ICAI, said, “Chartered Accountants are not just service providers, they are strategic business solution providers driving the economy forward. The profession offers dynamic opportunities across practice, employment, entrepreneurship, taxation, audits, technology and ESG. Ethics is non-negotiable; integrity, transparency and sound judgment will form the foundation of trust in your work. I would request each one of you to carry forward the legacy of the profession with pride and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic growth story.”

The President ICAI also administered the oath to the newly inducted members. ICAI conducts convocation twice a year to award the Certificate of Membership to newly enrolled members, celebrating their entry into the CA fraternity. This prestigious event serves as a platform to unite young professionals under the esteemed Chartered Accountancy fraternity, fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection with both the profession and the Institute. Through rigorous training and a stringent examination process, only individuals who demonstrate outstanding knowledge, intelligence, dedication and proficiency are qualified to become Chartered Accountants.

Addressing the Convocation Ceremony, CA. Sanjib Sanghi, Council Member, ICAI, lauded the role of parents in shaping the success of the newly qualified Chartered Accountants. He stressed that their future must be built on trust, perseverance, resilience, and integrity. Highlighting the concept of NEST-Networking, Entrepreneurship, Skill, and Technology-he explained its importance in their professional journey.

CA. Ravi Kumar Patwa, Council Member, ICAI, noted that as India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the CA profession will gain prominence. Urging members to uphold ethics, pay their membership fees, and serve society, he remarked, “If hard work is your weapon, success will be your slave.”

Guest of Honour CA. (Dr.) Debashis Mitra acknowledged parents’ contribution to the success of the new professionals. Emphasizing that ICAI, set up under an Act of Parliament, safeguards the nation’s financial health, he urged CAs to be fearless and innovative like Garuda, ICAI’s mascot. Stressing the values of Independence, Excellence, and Integrity, he envisioned ICAI being lauded by the Prime Minister in 2027 as the guardian of India’s financial stability.

26th August, 2025, New Delhi: To empower HR and L&D leaders to build a skilled workforce ready to deliver from day one, Enthral.ai, a leading provider of a skilling platform powered by Agentic AI, has now launched a new set of AI Agents focused on building role-readiness. Targeted to address the biggest challenge in Learning and Development (L&D) today providing outcome-driven training—the role-ready AI agents supercharge the platform’s capability to create measurable workforce impact at scale.

While role readiness has always been a key L&D objective, rapid shifts in the world of work, driven by macroeconomic trends, industry dynamics, and tech acceleration, have made it a pressing priority for enterprises today. Enthral’s Agentic AI skilling platform, with its newly launched AI Agents for role-readiness, enables HR and L&D teams to instantly transform a job role into a performance-oriented learning journey.

With a simple input of a role, say Fraud Analyst or Retail Relationship Manager, the system generates a complete “show me, try me, test me” path where learners watch how it’s done, practice in safe environments through interactive role-plays and real-time AI coaching, and get tested with AI Proctoring. This performance is assessed, logged, and auditable, giving HR and L&D teams confidence that their teams are ready to perform before stepping out into real-world situations.

What makes the Role-Ready solution especially powerful is that it is both industry- and role-agnostic. Whether in BFSI, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, IT services, or for upskilling customer-facing teams, blue-collar workforce, frontline employees, the platform’s AI Agents ensure all learners are coached and evaluated against the exact demands of their role. Further, the platform’s easy integration with existing HR tech stacks, along with the ability to build and train custom agents for diverse roles and goals, represents the next wave of enterprise skilling. In this model, HR and L&D leaders don’t just deliver training, they become strategic enablers of ROI through faster onboarding, improved compliance, higher productivity, and consistent readiness across distributed teams.

“Enterprises need to move beyond static learning to adaptive role readiness. HR and L&D leaders don’t need more training, they require solutions that give them the confidence that their workforce can perform from day one, making upskilling not just an input, but a demonstrable business outcome,” said Sammir Inamdar, Co-founder and CEO, Enthral.

Globally, the Agentic AI market is projected to grow from USD 7.06 billion in 2025 to USD 93.20 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 44.6% during the forecast period. As enterprises shift from passive copilots to autonomous agents that drive measurable outcomes, Enthral’s role-ready agents bring this breakthrough to the skilling ecosystem, making workforce readiness not just faster, but smarter.

Mumbai, August 26: ANJ Group, one of India’s leading design and build firms, has appointed Dr Ashfaq Ul Ahad as its Chief People Officer (CPO). The appointment reflects ANJ’s commitment to building inspiring workplaces for its clients and a culture where people can thrive. 

Dr Ashfaq Ul Ahad, Chief People Officer, ANJ Group.

Dr Ul Ahad brings with him 25 years of experience, spanning across hospitality, banking, technology, telecom, logistics and education sectors. From leading HR at global organisations like ICICI Bank, GE, Hutchison and Syntel to shaping capability development for Delhivery’s 75,000-strong workforce, his career has been defined by building people-first cultures at scale. Beyond the corporate world, he has also co-founded Talent Edge Academy and CollegeDekho Academy, creating learning platforms that bridge the gap between education and employability for young professionals. 

Speaking about his new role, Dr Ul Ahad said, “ANJ for me is a Blue Ocean, and I am joining at a time when the organisation is shaping the future of workspaces in India. ANJ’s manufacturing prowess, customer centricity, coupled with a people-first culture is all poised to move it from a challenger quadrant to a leader. I am tasked to make this happen while creating meaningful impact for our customers, employees and communities alike.” 

At ANJ, he will be responsible for steering the company’s People & Culture agenda with a focus on nurturing leadership, strengthening employee engagement, driving organisational transformation and fostering a workplace that inspires creativity and innovation.