Archives December 2025

Pune, Dec 15: Lucira Jewelry, India’s modern design-first fine jewelry brand championing sustainable luxury, has opened its second experience store in Pune. The launch comes at a time when premium, contemporary brands are choosing Pune ahead of larger metros, driven by the city’s rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer behaviour, and its growing base of young, independent buyers.

Spread across ~2,000 sq.ft, the Pune store is Lucira’s largest retail space to date. Thoughtfully designed as an interactive experience destination, the space blends craftsmanship with personal expression  encouraging customers to explore, style, and personalise jewelry in a way that feels intuitive and inspiring. With dedicated styling counters, free-flowing layouts, and touch-and-feel zones, the store introduces a refreshing, modern jewelry-buying experience for Pune’s design-conscious shoppers.

Speaking on the launch, Rupesh Jain, Co-Founder, Lucira Jewelry, said;

“Pune has evolved into one of India’s most dynamic luxury markets, shaped by young professionals, creative consumers, and a migrant population that continues to influence modern buying habits. Our Pune flagship is designed to reflect this energy  a deeply customer-friendly space where jewelry becomes interactive, personal, and expressive. This store marks the next step in our vision of building meaningful, design-led jewelry experiences across India.”

The Pune store features several firsts for Lucira, each crafted to enhance the shopping experience. It houses a Kids’ Corner, making jewelry shopping more inclusive for families, and offers dedicated sections for 9KT jewelry, Platinum, Enamel pieces, and the brand-new Petalique collection. Customers will also find a wide selection of skin-safe, nickel-free jewelry crafted for everyday comfort along with statement designs for special occasions.

Pune’s upward consumption curve  supported by a nearly 40% surge in its migrant population and one of the highest increases in disposable income nationwide  makes it a natural market for Lucira’s expansion. The city’s appetite for modern design, sustainable choices, and new-age luxury formats aligns seamlessly with Lucira’s brand values.

The new Pune flagship will showcase Lucira’s full range of certified lab-grown diamond jewelry across solitaires, signature collections, occasion wear, and daily wear, with every piece carrying IGI/GIA/SGL certification and BIS Hallmark, supported by lifetime exchange and buyback guarantees for complete transparency. The launch marks a key step in Lucira’s omnichannel expansion, with the brand set to open multiple experience-led stores across major metropolitan markets by the end of FY2026, building on its strong retail and funding momentum.

JW Marriott Goa announces the appointment of Yojan Gandha Das as Director of Operations, drawing on over a decade of experience in hospitality.

Yojan began her journey in guest relations, where her intuitive guest-centric approach and natural leadership quickly set her apart. Her commitment to service excellence propelled her career progression, leading to key operational roles in the past, at leading hospitality chains including Accor, Taj Hotels and Marriott International. Demonstrating a consistent ability to streamline processes, elevate standards and drive results, Yojan has built a strong reputation for unwavering operational excellence.

Her dedication to excellence has earned her top honors in the Marriott International APEC Region in 2024, winning the Highest Guest Voice, Highest Maintenance and Highest Cleanliness Awards and achieving the Highest Marriott Bonvoy Occupancy in Q2 2024.

At JW Marriott Goa, she will oversee the hotel’s primary operational departments – Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage Service, Culinary and Spa, ensuring the continued delivery of JW Marriott’s renowned service excellence. Her extensive experience within Marriott International further strengthens her alignment with the brand’s values and operational standards.

In her new role, Yojan will champion initiatives that enhance JW Marriott Goa’s revenue performance and brand presence, while empowering the operations team to deliver exceptional guest journeys. Her strategic focus will include improving guest satisfaction indicators, driving Brand Standard Audit performance and enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.

A little-known fact is that Yojan is a former Mrs. India Worldwide 2018 finalist, a fine example of beauty and brains.  Passionate about travel, she and her husband share this passion, planning journeys to uncover new destinations and experiences around the globe.

New Delhi, Dec 15: Britannica Education hosted the National Celebration & Felicitation Ceremony of its flagship writing initiative, the Britannica Young Author Quest (Y.A.Q.) 2025, in Delhi on 13^th December 2025. Launched in September 2025, this first edition of the program engaged over 80, 000 students from 80+ schools across India, culminating in the recognition of the top 120 exceptional young finalists.

Britannica Y.A.Q. encourages students to express imagination, creativity, and empathy through original stories  helping them develop essential 21st-century skills such as literacy, communication, and critical thinking. The initiative empowers young minds to become confident communicators, reflective thinkers, and compassionate storytellers.

Finalists from grades 4 to 9 were recognized across three categories  Rising Quill, Creative Scriber, and Master Writer. These young authors were selected for demonstrating originality, clarity of thought, and purposeful storytelling shaped by compassion and creativity. Winners were felicitated with trophies, certificates, and prizes, including iPads, Lenovo Tablets, and Amazon Echo Dots.

The winners across categories included Ilyan Shamin (1st), Arham Kapasi (2nd), and Abhijith Kumar (3rd) in the Rising Quill category; Taijasi Santra (1st), Mihika Singal (2nd), and Anika Srivastava (3rd) in the Creative Scribes category; and Maya Davele (1st), Siddhi Tyagi (2nd), and Koshika Bishit (3rd) in the Master Writers category.

A stellar jury shortlisted the winners and champions of literature, including Ms. Angeline Chauhan, Instructional Mentor, Writer & Editor, Podcaster, Ms. Shabnam Dohutia, Executive Editor, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Ms. Pragya Pandita, Product & Academic Head, Britannica Education India. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Kiran Bedi, a former IPS Officer, Social Reformer, and Author, whose presence deeply inspired participating students, educators, and parents. In her address, she encouraged young authors to write with empathy, awareness, and responsibility, reinforcing the power of words as a tool for transformation and social impact.

Speaking about the success of the initiative, Utkarsh Mishra, Commercial Director, India & South Asia, Britannica Education, said,

 “The Young Author Quest embodies Britannica’s mission to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every learner. Seeing over 80,000 students use storytelling as a medium to express ideas, emotions, and purpose has been truly inspiring. This first edition reinforces our belief that when young minds are given the right platform, their voices can spark meaningful change. We are proud to celebrate these young authors and the educators who guided them and hope to scale up the initiative even further next year.”

The initiative brought together students and educators nationwide, fostering creative expression, strengthening writing proficiency, and deepening reflective thinking across participating schools. It nurtured students’ confidence by enabling them to see themselves as storytellers and potential published authors, while also encouraging purpose-driven narratives grounded in compassion, courage, and positive action.

The event hosted 24 finalists along with their parents, educators, school leaders from Delhi NCR, and the Britannica Education team. As the first edition of the program, launched in September 2025, the celebration marked a milestone in Britannica Education’s efforts to nurture young voices and promote purposeful storytelling across the country.

Dec 15:- Satyam School of Journalism & Mass Communication is set to host its flagship Annual Media Fest, IGNITE 2K25, on 19th December 2025, reaffirming its commitment to holistic media education and experiential learning. The institute has partnered with Media Maniacs Group as the official PR Partner to amplify student voices and extend the fest’s outreach to a wider academic and professional audience.

Themed “Virasat Uday: The Rise of Our Heritage,” IGNITE 2K25 is envisioned as a dynamic platform that blends India’s rich cultural legacy with contemporary media practices. The fest aims to provide students with hands-on exposure to real-world media environments while nurturing creativity, collaboration, and leadership key competencies for future media professionals.

The event is poised to bring together young media aspirants from across the region, offering a space where talent meets opportunity. IGNITE 2K25 will feature a diverse selection of engaging competitions, including RJ Hunt, Walk Off (Fashion Show), Click-O-Mania (Photography), Foot Loose (Group Dance), Step Up (Solo Dance), Halla Bol (Nukkad Natak), Saptak (Solo Singing), and Flickit (Mobile Filmmaking). With cash prizes for winners, participation certificates for all, and support from esteemed sponsors such as Uneek World, Revlon, Media Maniacs, and Supercharged, the fest promises a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and communication.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Alam, Dean, SSJMC, stated;

“IGNITE 2K25 reflects SSJMC’s vision of integrating education with creativity and cultural awareness. Through this fest, our students gain invaluable experiential learning that prepares them for the evolving media industry. The theme ‘Virasat Uday’ allows young minds to explore heritage through modern communication tools. Such academic-cultural platforms build confidence, professional discipline, and creative expression, which are essential for students pursuing careers in journalism and mass communication.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Surabhi Trivedi, Founder & CEO, Media Maniacs Group, stated, “We are honored to serve as the PR Partner for IGNITE 2K25. Supporting young media professionals aligns perfectly with our ethos of nurturing voices that will shape the future of communication.” She further shared, “This partnership is a celebration of creativity, cultural identity, and youth leadership, and we are thrilled to amplify the energy and vision of SSJMC’s students.”

IGNITE 2K25 stands ready to become a highlight in the academic media calendar, celebrating heritage with a contemporary lens. The partnership between Media Maniacs Group and SSJMC underscores a shared commitment to inspiring, elevating, and empowering the next generation of media innovators.

Bengaluru, Dec 15: Some restaurants open quietly. PHURR doesn’t. It glides in—light, confident, and beautifully loud, exactly the way Indiranagar likes it.

After becoming a constant “houseful” phenomenon in Jayanagar, PHURR Elevated Vegetarian Cuisine has officially opened its second outpost in Indiranagar, bringing with it the brand’s unmistakable blend of maximally designed spaces, decadent mocktails, standout vegetarian plates, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like you slipped into the VIP section without asking.

PHURR’s newest home carries forward everything the brand stands for: overwhelmed, comfortable, happy a dining experience that lifts you off the ground without ever losing its sense of comfort.

A Space Designed to Make You Feel Something

The Indiranagar location is PHURR turned up a notch visually expressive, playful, artistic, and unmistakably premium.

The kind of place where you pause mid-conversation just to take in a corner you somehow missed earlier.

Like Jayanagar, the space continues the brand’s warm, maximalist identity—bold yet elegant, lively yet thoughtful. It’s not a restaurant you sit in; it’s a restaurant you experience.

And yes, you still eat with your eyes first.

Vegetarian Food, Elevated Without Losing Its Soul

PHURR continues to champion what made it a citywide favorite: vegetarian cuisine that feels indulgent, exciting, and imaginative.

Expect returning icons like:

• Tender Coconut Fritters
• Andhra Chilli Broccoli with Pesto Hummus
• Vegetable Kofta with Banarasi Pukhtan Curry
• Bhindi 2 Way
• Phurrrrr (Lucknow Malaiyo)

And making its debut at the Indiranagar outpost:

• Finger Millet Nihari  a slow-comfort, richly layered showstopper that has already made pre-launch diners talk.

Everything is backed by the same rigorous training and consistency that allow PHURR to run at 100% occupancy, seven days a week, without compromising on experience one of the brand’s biggest flexes.

A Bar That Doesn’t Need Alcohol to Impress

PHURR’s mocktail-only bar is back—and the Indiranagar edition takes it even further.

Sip from their signature lineup:

• Humming Berry
• Penguin Potion
• Citrus Hermit
• Jack Sparrow 2.0

Alongside new playful additions from their beverage menu featuring cold-pressed juices, cheesecake-inspired blends, tropical spritzers, crafted botanicals, and “how-is-this-alcohol-free?” showpieces.

This is where the brand truly stands apart—a bar experience without alcohol, yet somehow more fun than most bars that serve it.

A Brand That’s Become a Community

PHURR’s journey from Jayanagar to Indiranagar was propelled by strong word-of-mouth, high-end content production, brand collaborations, and a unique identity built around their iconic bird a symbol of taking off, lightness, and joy.

The new branch deepens that ethos: A place for everyone seeking good food, good design, good energy, and a moment of effortless uplift.

PHURR Indiranagar marks the next step in the brand’s PAN-India expansion plan.

The message is clear: Elevated Vegetarian Cuisine is not a niche it’s the future.

Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mr Arun Mammen received the trophy at the prestigious annual event held this year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Tashkent (UZB), Dec 15 — The night of Friday, December 12th, marked a high-point for MRF Tyres as its Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Arun Mammen, stepped on stage at the FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent to collect the official Team Trophy after securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Team Title.

The FIA Awards Gala, the annual season-closing ceremony organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), brings together champions, teams and leading figures from every major branch of international motorsport to celebrate and formally recognise their achievements over the past season. It is the highest institutional moment of the sport’s global calendar, where world titles are officially awarded.

L To R – Mr. Manuel Avino, Vice President, FIA Europe handing over the 2025 ERC Teams Championship Trophy to Mr. Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, MRF Ltd

The 2025 ERC campaign saw Team MRF Tyres deliver consistently outstanding performances across diverse terrain, rally by rally. Thanks to strong results, strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination with crews and engineers, MRF Tyres secured the ERC Team Championship for the third time, following the titles achieved in 2022 and 2023. The result stands as a testament to tyre performance, reliability and to the overall strength of the programme.

At the gala, Mr. Arun Mammen, commented: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come”.

MRF Tyres extends warm congratulations to all drivers, co-drivers and team personnel who contributed to this achievement. The recognition at the FIA Awards Gala reinforces MRF Tyres’ commitment to excellence and confirms its position as a leading force in international motorsports.

Telangana attracts INR 15,000 crore investments across 31 tourism projects within months of launching new Tourism Policy: Valluru Kranthi, MD, TGTDC

Hyderabad, Dec 15: The Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with the Tourism Department of the Government of Telangana, the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), Incredible India, Ramoji Film City, Pragathi Resorts, and Summer Green Resorts, organised India’s first-ever conference on “Building the Weekend Tourism Economy” on Saturday at NITHM, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

The pioneering conference attended by resort owners, getaway destination promoters, tourism and hospitality professionals, academicians, and students—was inaugurated by Ms. Valluru Kranthi, Managing Director, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), in the presence of Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI; Mr. K.K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President; Mr. Srinivas Garimella, Vice President; Dr. G.B.K. Rao, CMD, Pragati Group; Mr. A.V. Rao, Vice President, Ramoji Film City; Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Director, Summer Green Resorts; Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu, Chairman; Mr. D. Ramchandram, Co-Chairman, FTCCI Tourism Committee; and Ms. Sangeetha, Director, FTCCI.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, said

“Weekend Tourism is one of the most promising segments for Telangana. “Nearly 2.5 million people employed across IT and Life Sciences sectors eagerly look for frequent short breaks to rejuvenate. Unlike the past, tourism is no longer a hobby—today it is a lifestyle,” he said. Referring to the state’s new tourism policy, he urged the industry to make full use of Telangana’s forward-looking incentives and to help build themed tourism experiences. Citing Pochampally as an example, he emphasized how destinations can be enriched through layered experiences involving crafts, cuisine, culture, and history. He also encouraged citizens to participate in FTCCI’s ongoing Traffic Junction Jewels Photo Contest and the Weekend Getaways Reel Contest.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Valluru Kranthi, MD, TGTDC, said the conference was timely and significant given the rising need for stress relief and mental wellness in post-pandemic life. “Nearly one million IT professionals in Hyderabad seek refreshing weekend breaks. Telangana must identify at least 150 potential weekend getaways and promote them effectively,” she said. Highlighting the success of the new Tourism Policy (2025–2030), she shared that the state attracted ₹15,000 crore investments across 31 projects within months of its launch on World Tourism Day. Telangana is developing nine tourism clusters initially, with a larger plan for 27 clusters, focusing on curated attractions and customized tourist packages.

Representing Ramoji Film City, Mr. A.V. Rao remarked, “Tourists trust tourists,” and highlighted how the Film City continues to drive tourism through innovative concepts such as newly introduced glamping experiences that appeal to weekend travelers.

The event witnessed the signing and exchange of an MoU between NITHM and Mr. Ravi Bura, aimed at training rural women in wedding planning and related services—an emerging sector within tourism.

The dignitaries also inaugurated the rejuvenated lake within the NITHM campus.

FTCCI President Mr. Ravi Kumar underscored the importance of positioning Hyderabad as the Weekend Tourism Capital of India. Echoing this, Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu and Mr. D. Ramchandram stated that while the Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit has encouraged weekend circuit identification near major metros, this conference marks India’s first structured national-level dialogue on the Weekend Tourism Economy. “Weekend Tourism is not just leisure—it is a new economic model. Our goal is to champion a 360° approach involving government, industry, academia, media, and influencers,” they said.

Mr. D. Ramchandram added that Hyderabad is surrounded by nearly 460 weekend getaways within a radius of 150–200 km, ranging from eco-retreats and adventure zones to heritage sites and farm stays. Telangana’s strategic location, excellent road network, and diversity of landscapes make it an ideal pilot state to build weekend tourism circuits that can be replicated nationwide.

The conference featured a high-impact lineup of speakers. Dr. Mani Pavitra, Founder of Creatorwerse and a leading digital mentor, spoke on “Reels to Real: How Screen Tourism Can Take Weekend Destinations to Places.” She was followed by Mr. Mir Khan, Founder, Deccan Terrain Heritage, who presented “Heritage This Weekend,” illustrating how Hyderabad’s rich heritage can be explored through short, meaningful weekend itineraries. Hospitality expert Ms. Anuhya Nallani Chakravartula delivered her talk titled “From Getaways to Growth Engines: Redefining Telangana’s Travel Future Through the Weekend Tourism Movement.”

A session by the Telangana Forest Development Corporation, led by Ms. K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager and Assistant Director, along with naturalist Mr. Akhil and consultant Mr. Suman, highlighted eco-tourism opportunities across Telangana’s forest and wildlife destinations.

Startup ecosystem leader and TEDx licensee Mr. Viiveck Verma shared insights in his talk, “Weekends: The New Tourism Currency,” exploring how micro-travel is shaping modern tourism behaviour.

The conference concluded with an engaging panel discussion titled “Unscripted Conversations on India’s Weekend Tourism Future,” moderated by Prof. Satya Kiran, Vice President, eThames College. The panel included Mr. Valmiki Harikishan, Advisor, FTCCI Tourism Committee, offering global perspectives; Ms. Dilnaz Baig, 74-year-old custodian of Hyderabadi Nizami cuisine, advocating for the preservation of traditional recipes; and Ms. Niveditha, COO, Experium, who explained how Experium is partnering with Hyderabad to help shape the city as India’s Weekend Capital.

The conference witnessed participation from over 150 delegates, including hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, corporate HR leaders, event planners, digital influencers, travel bloggers, government officials, and students.

Highlighting the broader impact, the FTCCI Tourism Committee said that building a Weekend Tourism Economy will create new growth engines by converting tourism into a year-round activity, strengthening rural economies, enabling wellness and mental health, preventing overcrowding at major tourist hubs, and promoting civic pride and content creation.

The conference also drew inspiration from global best practices, particularly micro-tourism and workation models seen in Japan, Spain, and Italy, which have led global recovery in the post-pandemic era. FTCCI’s initiative marks the first step in bringing such structured approaches to India.

“For urban citizens seeking wellness, family time, and rejuvenation, weekend travel is becoming a necessity. If Hyderabadis start exploring nearby destinations regularly, Telangana can build a thriving Weekend Tourism Economy that creates jobs, boosts rural incomes, strengthens infrastructure, and celebrates the state’s cultural and natural richness,” the FTCCI Tourism Committee stated.