Smartphones as Entertainment Hubs: Beyond Calls and Social Media

Final thoughts on smartphones as all-in-one entertainment devices

Fifteen years back, cell phones were looked at mostly as things for calls, messages, and easy searching. Now, they are the center of world fun. In 2025, more than 82% of web use comes from phone gadgets, by global tech write ups. Folks now depend on cell phones for films, music games, sports news and even money tasks. The change shows how these tiny tools have turned into strong lifestyle items.

Why mobile platforms dominate in global entertainment usage

Phones are the easiest way to get content. With just some taps, users can change from watching a live cricket game to playing a fun mobile game or seeing the new movie. Sites like CroreBet show this shift by giving fun that fits right into mobile lives. This change means that phones are not just for talking but doors to whole worlds of activity.

Entertainment categories that are thriving in mobile ecosystems

Various kinds of fun now stay in smartphones, often taking the place of old ways. The most liked groups include:

  • Lots of folks: More than 1.3 billion͏ people all over the world see Netflix; YouTube, or some other similar apps on their phones.
  • Mobile gaming: Global revenue surpassed $120 billion in 2024, with India and Southeast Asia as the fastest-growing markets.
  • Music apps: Spotify and similar services account for 75% of global music streaming time.
  • Sports and live updates: Instant match highlights, fantasy sports, and betting apps dominate in cricket and football markets.

This variety explains why users spend over 4.5 hours per day on average glued to their phones.

Case study: How Indian youth use smartphones for all-in-one fun

Consider Rohan, a 22-year-old student from Mumbai. He uses his smartphone to attend online classes in the morning, stream movies in the afternoon, and play cricket fantasy leagues at night. Instead of owning multiple devices, his phone provides everything he needs. Rohan spends around 35 hours per week on mobile entertainment, which reflects national statistics. In India, over 700 million smartphone users now treat their devices as complete lifestyle hubs.

Features that keep smartphones ahead of other entertainment devices

Phones have a lead since they mix many services in one tool. Things that help them stay on top are:

  • 5G link for easy, fast watching and playing game.
  • Big-quality screens giving movie-like watching on small screens.
  • Joined pay systems like UPI for fast online deals.
  • Extra reality (AR) parts make games into deep fun.
  • Handy fun, joy that moves with you anywhere.

These traits make phones unchangeable next to TVs, laptops or game systems.

Why smartphones will remain the future of entertainment

The coming step of͏ phone making will look at smart thinking and deep tech. AI-led custom choices already shapes music lists, game tips, and film ideas. At the same time AR and VR tools are being put into devices to let users feel shows, sports games, or even casino-like fun as if they are really there.

Final thoughts on smartphones as all-in-one entertainment devices

Phones have grown into full fun spots. They let folks watch films, play games, listen to tunes and chat in one spot. Many studies and real-life stories make clear that phones aren’t just extra – they are the main way of joy around the globe.

Photo by Adrienn:

The silver jubilee edition of FICCI FRAMES inaugurated in Mumbai

The silver jubilee edition of FICCI FRAMES inaugurated in Mumbai

As India’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry celebrates a quarter century of transformation, FICCI FRAMES 2025 was inaugurated at The Fairmont, Mumbai, on October 7–8, marking the landmark Silver Jubilee edition of the convention.

Themed “Framing 25 Years of Indian M&E: A Silver Jubilee of Vision, Voices & Creativity,” this year’s convention pays tribute to the power of imagination, innovation, and industry that has redefined India’s creative economy on the global stage.

The inaugural session set the tone for an inspiring journey, featuring some of the most distinguished names from government and industry, including Advocate Ashish Shelar, Minister of Culture Affairs, Government of Maharashtra; Mr. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Mr. Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI; Ms. Sandhya Devanathan, VP & Head – India and South East Asia, Meta; and Mr. Kevin Vaz, Chairman, FICCI M&E Committee and CEO – Entertainment, JioStar.

“The industry creates more than 8 million jobs directly and many more indirectly. When FICCI FRAMES started 25 years ago, the demand was for this sector to be recognized as an industry. Today, it is not just an industry but an entire ecosystem of dreams, bringing together art, technology, and above all, aspirations.” Said Mr. Jaju.

Over the past 25 years, FRAMES has mirrored the extraordinary journey of India’s media and entertainment sector, from being granted industry status to emerging as a global creative force. As we enter a new era, our collective focus must be on enabling sustainable growth through innovation, collaboration and light-touch regulation that empowers creativity. With business, technology and storytelling moving together, India’s M&E industry will not just grow, it will lead the world,” said Kevin Vaz, CEO – Entertainment, JioStar.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, this year’s FRAMES Ambassador, brought in a creative voice to the conversation, reflecting on the evolution of India’s cultural narrative and its growing global resonance.

“Today, Indian stories and talents are bringing us global recognition, With FICCI at the forefront, acting as a catalyst for change, We have more than a billion stories to tell and our time is now!”. Said Ayushmann.

The two-day silver jubilee event will feature a series of insightful discussions, panels, and keynotes from leaders across the M&E ecosystem, exploring opportunities, challenges, and the future roadmap of India’s entertainment industry.

Netflix Partners with IICT and FICCI to Build India’s Creative Tech Talent Pipeline

Mumbai, October 07, 2025: Netflix India announced a partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) and FICCI to support students in India’s AVGC-XR sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality). The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India at the 25th edition of FICCI Frames. This partnership will leverage Netflix’s creative excellence, IICT’s industry driven curriculum, and FICCI’s network to develop the next generation of creative-technology talent in India.

ficci

Netflix will support IICT in curriculum development and facilitate industry professionals to share real-world experience and best practices with IICT students. The collaboration will include workshops, masterclasses, and guest lectures—delivered directly or through partners—designed to mentor students, enhance the academic environment and equip students with future ready skills to thrive in the creative industry.

Under this MoU, Netflix will leverage the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity to offer scholarships to select students identified in collaboration with IICT. The Netflix Fund for Creative Equity is a dedicated effort to create opportunities for underrepresented talent in the media and entertainment sector.

To strengthen this partnership, Netflix will participate in three of IICT’s national councils: the R&D Council, the Academic Council, and the Industry Development Council, bringing together leading voices from academia, industry, and policy to help shape India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem.

Mahima Kaul, Director – Global Affairs, Netflix India, shares, “Building on our efforts to promote skill development and inclusive access in the media and entertainment sector, this collaboration with IICT and FICCI aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen India’s AVGC sector. By nurturing world-class talent, IICT aims to serve as a catalyst for India’s digital economy—empowering youth and enhancing the nation’s creative capabilities. Together, we aim to equip every aspiring creator with the tools and opportunities to drive innovation in entertainment.”

Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, shares “This collaboration with Netflix and FICCI marks a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and the creative industry. By providing our students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to global best practices, we are equipping the next generation of storytellers and technologists to thrive in India’s dynamic AVGC-XR ecosystem.”

Munjal Shroff, Chairman, FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, shares “The establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) as the National Centre of Excellence marks a transformative moment for India’s AVGC-XR sector. This MoU with IICT and Netflix underscores our commitment to building an industry-led ecosystem where academia, industry, and policy converge to unlock new opportunities. FICCI is proud to facilitate this collaboration, which will not only strengthen India’s position as a global hub for creative technologies but also nurture future-ready talent, drive innovation, and create pathways for sustainable growth in the sector.”

Battle for Glory Begins! Final Four Set for Cue Sports Premier League 2.0

Grand Finale on October 8 at Bowring Institute

 The Cue Sports Premier League 3

Bengaluru, 7th October 2025: The Cue Sports Premier League (CSPL) 2.0 has delivered another thrilling season of high-octane snooker action, bringing together an exceptional mix of International, National, State, and Club players in a unique competitive format.

The league, which commenced on October 2, featured eight dynamic teams vying for the coveted title. After an intense league stage filled with nail-biting finishes and remarkable performances, Hurricane Hawks, Bazooka Blizzards, Summer Tuskers, and Thunderstorm Titans have stormed into the knockout stage.

The Qualifier 1 match will see Hurricane Hawks face Bazooka Blizzards, while Summer Tuskers take on Thunderstorm Titans in the Eliminator – both scheduled for October 7.

 The Cue Sports Premier League(2)

While Lightning Legion, Cyclone Crusaders, Tornado Tigers, and Whirlwind Warriors missed out on qualification, they showcased tremendous grit and sportsmanship, contributing to a highly competitive and entertaining league stage.

Powering the passion behind the green baize, the Embassy Group once again leads as Title Sponsor, with Snooker Alley joining the fray as Co-Sponsor. Together, they fuel the growth of Cue Sports Premier League. Fans can catch every thrilling frame live on ClubLiv app, the Official Streaming Partner of CSPL 2.0.

 The Cue Sports Premier League

CSPL 2.0 has witnessed some spectacular snooker from world-class players such as Stephen Lee, Harvey Chandler, Kritsanut, Habib Sabah, Aditya Mehta, Paras Gupta, Kamal Chawla, Pankaj Advani, Hussain Khan, and Pushpinder Singh, among many others. Their performances have raised the standard of the tournament and provided fans with an unforgettable experience.

The excitement now builds toward the Grand Finale on October 8, to be held at the state-of-the-art Snooker Arena in the South Pavilion at Bowring Institute, followed by the Awards Ceremony at the Lotus Lawn.

CSPL continues to set new benchmarks in the cue sports landscape by providing a platform where talent meets opportunity — uniting players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to learn, compete, and inspire one another.

 

10 Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Indian Manufacturing

The Indian manufacturing sector is currently in the midst of a historic acceleration, transforming from a traditional industry into a cutting-edge global powerhouse. This industrial surge isn’t accidental; it’s the direct result of a new generation of visionary business leaders who are aggressively injecting capital, technology, and strategic thinking into production. These individuals are moving beyond simple assembly, focusing on high-value products, embracing sustainability, and building global supply chains that redefine the meaning of ‘Made in India’. This list highlights the 10 key visionaries of this revolution, leaders whose decisions today will determine India’s standing as a dominant industrial force on the world stage tomorrow.

Gautam Adani (Adani Group)
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, is a key architect of modern Indian infrastructure and manufacturing capacity. His vision directly fuels the ‘Make in India’ mission by focusing on large-scale, capital-intensive manufacturing. The group is rapidly expanding its footprint across logistics, ports, thermal power, and perhaps most visionarily, green energy manufacturing (solar panels, wind turbines, hydrogen). Adani’s strategic approach involves vertically integrating the supply chain, from mining raw materials to generating power and then building infrastructure to transport goods.

Anand Mahindra (Mahindra Group)
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, is leading one of India’s most diversified manufacturing enterprises, spanning automotive, farm equipment (world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume), and aerospace. His vision is defined by a commitment to innovation, design-led manufacturing, and technological disruption. Under his leadership, the group has become an aggressive adopter of electric mobility, launching a dedicated line of EVs and investing heavily in future-ready platforms. He also champions smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 adoption within their plants to enhance quality and efficiency.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon)
As the Executive Chairperson of Biocon and Biocon Biologics, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a visionary force who essentially pioneered modern biotechnology manufacturing in India. She built Biocon from a garage startup into a global biopharmaceuticals leader, focusing on affordable innovation in complex products like biosimilars and insulins. Her impact is twofold: establishing India’s competence in high-precision, regulated manufacturing that meets global quality benchmarks (FDA, EMA), and driving the core principle of access and affordability for critical medicines. She champions scaling up India’s R&D-led manufacturing capability, moving beyond generic drugs to proprietary and novel biological products, thereby positioning India as a “Pharmacy of the World” in a sustainable and technologically advanced manner.

Nikhil Nanda (JHS Svendgaard Laboratories Ltd.)
Nikhil Nanda, the Managing Director of JHS Svendgaard Laboratories Ltd., is a significant figure in India’s rapidly evolving FMCG contract manufacturing space, particularly in oral, personal, and hygiene care. Starting primarily as a toothbrush manufacturer, Nanda’s vision was to transform JHS into a comprehensive, end-to-end manufacturing partner for leading national and international brands. Under his leadership, the company diversified into high-volume production of toothpaste, mouthwash, and other FMCG categories, often as a key supplier for major Indian brands like Patanjali and Dabur. His strategic focus is on high-volume, high-quality contract manufacturing, including an export-oriented unit, which is vital for bolstering India’s consumer goods manufacturing base and expanding the country’s footprint in the global personal care market.

Salil Parekh (Infosys)
As the CEO and MD of Infosys, Salil Parekh is a visionary shaping the future of manufacturing not by producing goods, but by digitalizing the process. His contribution lies in leveraging Infosys’s global IT expertise to implement Industry 4.0 solutions for major global and Indian manufacturers. His vision involves using technologies like AI, IoT, cloud computing, and digital twins to create ‘smart factories’ that enable predictive maintenance, optimized supply chains, and superior product quality. Parekh is instrumental in repositioning Indian manufacturing as a digital-first, data-driven sector. By partnering with manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, and chemicals, he is directly accelerating India’s digital transformation journey, making its production processes globally competitive in the era of smart industry.

Sunil Vachani (Dixon Technologies)
Sunil Vachani, the Founder and Chairman of Dixon Technologies, is a key leader in India’s burgeoning Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) sector. His vision directly aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, focusing on making India a global hub for electronics manufacturing. Dixon is a giant in contract manufacturing for LED TVs, washing machines, mobile phones, and lighting products. Vachani’s strategy is to rapidly scale up capacity, adopt Industry 4.0 techniques, and maintain global quality standards to attract international brands away from traditional manufacturing destinations.

Jayant Davar (Sandhar Technologies)
Jayant Davar, the Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, and Managing Director of Sandhar Technologies, is a prominent name in the automotive components manufacturing space. His vision is focused on being a Tier-1 global supplier by excelling in diverse product lines, from door handles and locking systems to mirror assemblies and sheet metal components. Davar’s strategy involves heavy emphasis on global acquisitions and technology transfers to bring world-class manufacturing processes and R&D capabilities to India.

Sanjiv Puri (ITC Limited)
Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited, is driving the transformation of one of India’s most diversified conglomerates with a massive manufacturing footprint in FMCG, paperboards, and agri-business. His vision centers on ‘Triple Bottom Line’ performance, economic, environmental, and social. He is implementing a strategy of hyper-localization and sustainability in manufacturing, ensuring that ITC’s supply chains and production facilities are deeply integrated with local communities and operate with a lower carbon and water footprint. This commitment to responsible manufacturing, coupled with aggressive investment in digitalization and advanced analytics for supply chain optimization, is setting a key trend for India’s large-scale FMCG manufacturing to be both profitable and planet-friendly.

Baba N. Kalyani (Bharat Forge)
Baba N. Kalyani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, is a pioneer in India’s heavy engineering and defense manufacturing. His vision has transformed Bharat Forge from a local forging company into a global leader in forging and engineering, serving complex sectors like automotive, aerospace, and oil & gas worldwide. His key contribution is proving India’s capability in precision, high-stress component manufacturing. Kalyani has relentlessly pushed for advanced metallurgy, R&D, and adoption of state-of-the-art machinery to achieve global cost and quality leadership.

Pawan Munjal (Hero MotoCorp)
Pawan Munjal, the Chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, leads one of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers. His vision for Indian manufacturing is centered on global expansion and sustainable mobility. While dominating the mass-market internal combustion engine segment, Munjal has significantly accelerated Hero MotoCorp’s shift towards the future by investing in electric vehicles (EVs) under the brand VIDA. He is driving the modernization of the manufacturing process using digital technologies and automation to maintain cost leadership while improving quality. His strategy includes establishing manufacturing and assembly bases in international markets and building a global supply chain, thereby taking Indian-designed and engineered vehicles to the world and solidifying India’s position as a global automotive manufacturing center.

KFON Introduces High-Speed Internet to Anganwadis in Attappadi’s Tribal Villages

Palakkad, October 7, 2025: KFON has launched high-speed internet services in Anganwadis across the tribal villages of Attappadi, marking a major step towards digital inclusion in the region. The initiative covers around 50 Anganwadis in areas including Kuppan Colony, Pudoor, and Cheerakkadavu.

Representatives from Attappadi Cable Vision hand over a KFON Wi-Fi modem to the teacher at Chootra Anganwadi in Pudoor Grama Panchayat

As part of the project’s first phase, 31 Anganwadis have already been provided with KFON internet. The official launch of the project took place at Chootra Anganwadi in Pudoor Grama Panchayat, where representatives from Attappadi Cable Vision, KFON’s local partners, handed over a KFON Wi-Fi modem to the Anganwadi teacher. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower children and teachers in these remote areas with reliable internet access.

Through this initiative, KFON aims to provide high-speed internet to educational institutions in rural areas, enabling children to discover and engage with the digital world. The project also seeks to enhance opportunities for teachers to participate in online training programs and various government initiatives. The successful implementation of this project has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the district administration, local panchayats, and representatives from Cable Vision.

Providing internet access in Anganwadis which offer a range of services such as nutrition, health check-ups, immunizations, and pre-school education to children under six, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and adolescent girls,will be a crucial step in ensuring the holistic development of these communities. 

KFON, is making remarkable strides with over 125,548 connections already active. By 2026, it aims to serve 250,000 customers, reinforcing its mission to bring reliable digital connectivity to every corner of the state.

Kia India Strengthens Leadership with Key Role Transition

Mumbai, 07 October 2025: Kia India, a leading premium carmaker, today announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Mr. Sunhack Park as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Mr. Joonsu Cho as Chief Business Officer (CBO).

Mr. Joonsu Cho - CBO, Kia India (1)

In his new role as CSO, Mr. Park will lead Kia India’s sales strategy, prioritizing sustainable growth, boosting operational efficiency, and expanding the brand’s market reach. With 28 years of international automotive experience, he has held key leadership roles at Kia Headquarters in South Korea, the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and India.

As CBO, Mr. Cho will be responsible for crafting comprehensive business strategies, production planning, export logistics, leading cross-functional teams, forging strategic alliances, and ensuring operational excellence. With over 32 years of leadership experience, Mr. Cho has served in multiple global roles across Australia, the UK, and Europe.

Mr. Sunhack Park, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “I am privileged to take on the role as Chief Sales Officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and strengthening our dealer and partner ecosystem.”

Mr. Joonsu Cho, Chief Business Officer, Kia India, said, “I am honored to assume the role of Chief Business Officer. Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

With this transition, Kia reinforces its commitment to India with a strong leadership team, driving innovation, and sustaining its growth trajectory in the Indian automotive market.

Bringing back Timeless Gifting, Diwali With Marriott Bonvoy unveils its limited period indulgent mithais

India, 7th october 2025: As Diwali approaches, homes shimmer with the glow of diyas, as the season’s excitement builds; not just for celebration, but for discovering gifts that truly light up family get-togethers. This Diwali, celebrate with the seventh edition of Diwali with Marriott Bonvoy where traditions sparkle, artistry delights, and every mithai takes you to India’s diverse delicacies for Diwali.

DWMB 2025_11

Our specially curated festive boxes blend the richness of heritage with a contemporary touch. Each offering is crafted with subtle elegance, intricate embossing, and accents of gold and iridescence — designed to bring festive joy and a sense of refined celebration. Available in options including the Box of 36 Sweets (INR 2,800 + GST), Box of 18 Sweets (INR 1,800 + GST), Variety Box of Nuts & Sweets (INR 2,100 + GST), Festive Crunch Box (INR 1,200 + GST), and Diwali Treasures (INR 1,500 + GST) there’s something to make every moment special.

The mithais, prepared by Marriott’s master chefs, are a creative reimagining of tradition: The Rosette, a luxurious peda with finger millet flour, Kerala cardamom, wrapped in rose petals and crowned with 24-karat gold foil; Citrus Noir, with rich cacao layered between vibrant orange and candied orange cubes; Cashew Bloom, pairing orange and chocolate barfi topped with marzipan; and Besan Soleil, a golden besan tartlet with a mango cashew sphere, almond flakes, and crowned with Pishori pistachio.

For those who crave savory crunch, the nut selection is irresistible: Kashmiri Ver Almonds with authentic Kashmiri spices, Tamarind & Curry Leaf Pecans, Bombay Bhel Spiced Cashews with smoked hickory and kasoori methi, and rustic yet refreshing Mint Cashews. 

Marriott Bonvoy members can make their celebrations even more rewarding by earning points on every festive box purchased, apart from using existing points to gift the mithai boxes to your loved ones.

The exquisite festive boxes are available at Marriott Bonvoy hotels across India. Pre-booking is now open, with availability till Diwali, making it the perfect time to secure your celebrations in advance.

This Diwali, let your gifts tell a story – of timeless elegance, thoughtful gestures, and joyful celebration. 

India’s Housing Market Maintains Growth, Driven by Surge in Premium Homes: Knight Frank India

India, October 07, 2025: In the quarterly market update from Knight Frank India highlighted that the top 8 residential markets maintained sales momentum in Q3 2025 with a total of 87,603 housing units. Despite expectation of correction, residential sales recorded a 1% year-on-year (YoY) growth in Q3 2025, while year-to-date (YTD) sales figure was only marginally lower by 1%. As sales momentum continued to stay steady, Q3 2025 registered an increase in prices across all the markets, while supply recorded at 88,655 units for Q3 2025, noted a 2% decline over same time last year 

The macroeconomic backdrop provided stability with inflation easing to 2.07% in August 2025 from 3.65% a year ago. The RBI raised its FY 2026 GDP forecast to 6.8%, while the repo rate stood 1% lower compared to end-2024, boosting liquidity and sentiment in the real estate sector.

Residential Sales Performance

Mumbai continued to lead with 24,706 units sold (+2% YoY), accounting for 28% of the overall sales. Chennai recorded the strongest growth at 12% YoY with 4,617 units, its highest sales since the pandemic. Other major markets like NCR (12,955 units) and Bengaluru (14,538 units) remained steady, while Pune was the only laggard with sales declining by 8% YoY.

Source: Knight Frank Research

In Q3 2025 prices have continued to rise even as developers are increasingly introducing financing options, including bank tie-ups and subvention schemes, to stimulate sales. Defying expectations of a correction, the residential market remained rangebound yet resilient in Q3 2025. Premium housing sales, meanwhile, held firm as financing innovations, fiscal incentives, and buyer-focused measures continued to channel demand into higher-value segments.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, “India’s residential market in Q3 2025 has demonstrated an impressive ability to sustain momentum and the market is now in its fifth year of an upcycle. Consequently, Y-o-Y growth rate is beginning to rationalise, and we may be entering a prolonged plateau phase. Within a volatile geopolitical environment, India’s macroeconomic conditions remain stable. The rate cut of up to 100 basis points, and liquidity support through the simplification of both direct taxes and GST have collectively strengthened end-user confidence. A notable outcome of this upcycle has been the surge in demand for premium housing, which has emerged as a key driver in recent years, reflecting the evolving aspirations of urban buyers for larger and higher-quality homes.”

India’s top eight markets saw 88,655 new units launched in Q3 2025, a slight dip of 2% YoY. Growth in new launches was led by Chennai (+44% YoY) and Bengaluru (+28% YoY). However, significant declines in Mumbai and NCR (-19% YoY each) constrained overall supply.

The quarter underscored the continued shift towards premium housing. Units priced below INR 1 Cr saw their share of sales drop to 48% in Q3 2025 compared to 54% in Q3 2024. By contrast, sales of homes priced over INR 1 Cr rose to 52% and grew by 15% YoY compared to a degrowth in ticket-size segments under INR 1 Cr.  With in the premium segment, the strongest growth was noted in the category INR 1 – 2 Cr which made up 28% of total sales. While on low base, the best YoY performance was noted in the category of INR 10-20 Cr which recorded 170% rise in sales in Q3 2025 compared to same period last year. 

Source: Knight Frank Research

The Quarters to Sell (QTS) – a key indicator of the health of the market, remained steady at 5.8 quarters, equivalent to less than 18 months of stock currently available, signalling a healthy market. Even while unsold inventory rose 4% YoY to 506,400 units, the velocity of sales noted over the last 8 quarters, indicates towards continued demand. Having said so, the unsold inventory in higher ticket-size categories over INR 10 mn such as such as INR 20–50 mn (+47% YoY) and INR 200–500 mn (+19% YoY) has been notably higher than the lower end of the market. Luxury and super-luxury segments (>INR 200 mn), though small in size (<1,500 units combined), displayed volatility in QTS such as in the category of INR 20 – 50 Cr the recorded QTS was of 14.4 quarters while in INR >50 Cr the was recorded at QTS 9.0. 

Strong demand for premium housing supported healthy price growth across markets. Market activity continues to be concentrated at the top end of the market while momentum persistently slides in ticket sizes under INR 10 mn. Price growth has been healthy in Q3 2025 despite overall sales not seeing any growth. The price growth has been strong in NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad at 19%, 15% and 13% YoY respectively.

Source: Knight Frank Research

Gulam Zia, Senior Executive Director – Valuation, Advisory and Research, Knight Frank India, added, “Premium housing has decisively taken centre stage, accounting for more than half of all sales this quarter. The strength of the INR 1–2 Cr segment, now the largest by volume, underscores a structural shift in buyer demand. Even with rising inventory, absorption levels remain stable, reaffirming the market’s ability to adjust and grow within a healthy and sustainable framework.”

Induction Program for Telangana’s First-Ever Batch of 80 Tourism Police Begins at NITHM

Telangana joins 14 other states in India with Tourism Police in place

Hyderabad, October 7, 2025: A week-long induction program for the first-ever batch of 80 Telangana Tourism Police personnel commenced at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), Gachibowli, Hyderabad, on Monday.

police meeting

Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Telangana, the training programme is designed to prepare Tourist Police for deployment across major tourist destinations in the state. The course, titled “Orientation and Sensitisation of Tourist Police,” focuses on building capacity, improving visitor experience, and strengthening tourist safety in Telangana.

Disclosing this in a press note issued in the city, NITHM informed that the inaugural session was graced by Sri Mahesh M. Bhagwat, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), Telangana Police, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM; Sri M. Ramana Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Government of Telangana; Mr Prakash Ammanaolu, Chairman, FTCCI Tourism Committee; and Mr D. Ramachandram, Co-Chairman, FTCCI Tourism Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Mahesh M. Bhagwat, IPS, said: “In a significant initiative to strengthen tourist safety and enhance visitor experience across Telangana, the Police Department, in coordination with the Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department, has deployed trained Tourist Police personnel at major destinations in the state.”

Welcoming the participants, Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM, emphasised the institute’s efforts in professional training and capacity building for tourism development. He highlighted the importance of presenting a positive image of Telangana to the world, as stressed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister.

As part of this initiative, 80 police personnel from nine Commissionerates will be deployed at prominent tourist destinations, including:

· Nagarkurnool (Somasila)

· Vikarabad (Ananthagiri)

· Mulugu (Ramappa)

· Yadadri Bhuvanagiri (Rachakonda – Yadagirigutta, 10 personnel)

· Yadadri Bhuvanagiri (Rachakonda – Pochampally, 10 personnel)

· Nalgonda (Buddhavanam, 10 personnel)

· Bhadradri Kothagudem (Bhadrachalam, 10 personnel)

· Hyderabad Commissionerate (Hyderabad, 10 personnel)

The Tourist Police in Telangana will assist visitors, maintain law and order, and provide facilitation services at key destinations such as Amrabad, Somasila, Ananthagiri, Ramappa, Yadagirigutta, Pochampally, Buddhavanam, Bhadrachalam, and Hyderabad.

Mr. D. Ramachandram, one of the programme’s resource persons, noted: “Telangana now has one of the biggest Tourism Police forces in India with 80 personnel. It joins 14 other states that already have Tourism Police in place. Kerala was the first to launch the initiative in 2010. Across India, there are over 600 Tourist Police, while globally, around 60 countries have 20,000-plus Tourist Police. Telangana now joins this elite group.”

The induction program trains personnel in soft skills, tourist facilitation, public guidance, festival and crowd management, emergency preparedness, communication and coordination, ethics, and cyber awareness.

The programme features resource persons from NITHM faculty and experts from media, medical, sports, yoga, communication, and other disciplines.