Category business

New Delhi, Dec 30:- Black Friday has officially emerged as India’s most powerful shopping moment, surpassing all traditional festivals to become the highest-order day of the year, according to new data released by GoKwik.

The e-commerce enablement platform on Tuesday launched GoKwik Wrapped 2025, its annual year-end review that combines large-scale consumer data with a personalised experience for shoppers across its network of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. The insights captures how Indians shopped in 2025 revealing sharp shifts in timing, geography, and buying behaviour.

According to GoKwik, Black Friday,  this year recorded the highest number of orders in the entire calendar year, overtaking legacy festival peaks such as Diwali and Dussehra. November also emerged as the strongest consumption month overall, driven by aggressive discounting, broader nationwide participation, and growing comfort with global retail events.

Shopping activity showed a distinctly Indian pattern. Peak orders were recorded at 10:00 PM, as post-dinner browsing converted into purchases, while a secondary spike appeared at 12:00 PM, coinciding with lunch breaks during the workday.

Geographically, demand was heavily concentrated in urban and peri-urban clusters.

Pincode 201301 in Noida emerged as the highest-ordering pincode of the year, contributing over INR 62 crore in total order value, underlining the growing dominance of the NCR region in India’s D2C economy.

Beyond shopping days and locations, GoKwik Wrapped 2025 also highlighted the scale and intensity of consumer engagement on its network.

The highest single order value in 2025 stood at INR 12,09,523, while the most loyal shopper placed an astonishing 4,201 orders in one year. Discount-led shopping remained central to purchase decisions, with BOGO (Buy One Get One) emerging as the most-used offer. In total, brands on the GoKwik platform extended INR 220 crore worth of discounts to consumers in 2025.

The dataset also surfaced several unusual behavioural markers. The first order of the year was placed just two seconds after midnight on January 1, while the longest valid shipping address spanned 515 characters, originating from Mumbai’s 400083 pincode.

At the consumer level, GoKwik Wrapped transforms this data into a shareable, personalised experience. Users logging in receive a dashboard that assigns them shopping personas based on category preferences and time-of-day behaviour, tracks total savings accumulated through offers, and awards a Top 1% badge to high-frequency shoppers who placed 50 or more orders during the year.

Commenting on the findings, Chirag Taneja, Co-founder and CEO, GoKwik, said,

“The  data reflects a fundamental shift in Indian consumer behaviour. The biggest signal of 2025 wasn’t just volume but  was behaviour. Black Friday overtaking festivals, late-night shopping becoming mainstream, and concentrated demand from regions like Noida shows how confident and digital-first the Indian shopper has become.”

GoKwik Wrapped 2025 is accessible via a shared link below , allowing users to log in and view their personalised year-in-review, blending individual shopping journeys with the larger story of how India shopped in 2025.

New Delhi,  Dec 30: Kundan Solar (Pali) Pvt. Ltd., a vertical of Kundan Green Energy, has announced an important milestone in its journey of renewable expansion by offering a 26% stake to Havells India Ltd. for the development of a 21.43 MW DC/15 MW AC captive solar project in Rajasthan. With this development, Kundan Green Energy moves closer to becoming a trusted partner for industries across India that are seeking dependable, clean, and affordable renewable power.

Mr. Udit Garg, Managing Director, Kundan Green Energy, said,

“This partnership reflects strong confidence in Kundan Green Energy’s capability to deliver scalable, high-quality renewable infrastructure. The 21.43 MW DC project strengthens our mission to support industries with reliable clean power, helping them reduce their carbon footprint, enhance energy security, and achieve long-term cost stability in their sustainability journey.

Havells’ team on this added,

 “Partnering with Kundan Green Energy aligns with our commitment to expanding clean and cost-efficient power for our plant operations. This project strengthens our long-term sustainability roadmap.”

A Special Purpose Vehicle  named Kundan Solar Pvt. Ltd., under the guidance of its parent company, Kundan Green Energy, to handle the design, development, installation, and long-term operation of the upcoming 21.43 MW DC /15 MW AC solar plant. With Havells joining as both a captive consumer and an equity partner, the project gains added significance and strengthens not only its technical foundation but also its credibility in India’s renewable energy market.

The total Investment of INR 72.5 crore for the project development will be infused in phases linked to key development milestones and is expected to be fully completed by 31st May 2026.

Kundan Green Energy, as the lead developer, will oversee every stage of the project, from regulatory coordination and site execution to day-to-day operations over the life of the plant. With a strong focus on consistent output and quality standards, the company aims to deliver dependable renewable power that supports industrial growth while promoting sustainability and cost stability.

By:–  Mr Neeraj Verma, CEO, Across Assist

“This year underscored the growing importance of VAS, not as an add-on, but as a critical component of customer experience and business success. As we close 2025, I am proud of how we have continued to redefine assurance as a product across travel, automotive and mobile & gadgets. This year was about turning challenges into opportunities and setting new benchmarks for customer-centric innovations. In 2026, we see AI playing a transformative role in shaping the VAS landscape, enabling smarter, more personalized and predictive assurance products. Our focus remains clear—to deliver seamless assurance products that empower businesses and delight customers globally.”

Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Ltd., has stressed the urgent need to scale up India’s mineral production by increasing output from existing mining assets, particularly in copper and gold.

“If the world wants to ramp up mineral production in the short term, there is only one way: maximise output from existing assets. New projects take 5 to 10 years to deliver,” Mr. Agarwal said in a social media post.

He highlighted India’s heavy import dependence, noting that the country imports nearly 99.9% of its gold and around 95% of its copper, despite the presence of domestic assets that remain under-producing or dormant, many of which are under government ownership.

At current global price levels, Mr. Agarwal argued that there is a strong case for encouraging private participation to accelerate production. “Take a plunge. It is the fastest way to achieve self-reliance,” he said, emphasising that boosting mineral output should be treated as a national priority.

Reviving production from existing assets, he noted, would require focused investment, technology deployment, and operational expertise. “All it needs is entrepreneurial energy, investment, and technology,” he said.

Referring to former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, he added, “It doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white as long as it catches mice,” underscoring the need for a practical, outcome-driven approach.

These remarks come amid growing attention on securing critical mineral supplies to support manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy transition requirements in India.

New Delhi, Dec 30:  In a powerful exchange on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, and megastar Amitabh Bachchan discussed India’s burgeoning global influence. Reflecting on the nation’s rapid economic ascent, Mr Birla told Mr Bachchan that we are currently living in the “era of India” (Bharat ka yug), marking a historic shift in the global order.

The conversation provided a roadmap for understanding India’s current momentum through the lens of one of its most prominent industrial leaders. 

1. Surpassing Global Giants: The Japan Comparison

Mr Birla shared a personal reflection on how far the nation has come, noting that at the start of his career, he would not have believed that India would one day become a larger economy than Japan. He highlighted that India is now the fastest-growing large economy in the world, a feat he described as being so rapid that it is difficult to even fully estimate its scale. 

2. The “Trump Card”:ABillion-Strong Workforce

Central to Mr Birla’s optimism is India’s demographic dividend. He identified the nation’s youth as its greatest “trump card,” pointing out that within the next five years, India will have a working population of one billion people. This massive human resource, he argued, makes this the absolute best time for young people to be in India.

3. The “IndiaGrowth Model”: Values Meet Progress

Mr Birla explained that India’s success is not just about numbers, but about the “India Growth Model”. This model is unique because it involves achieving rapid economic expansion while simultaneously preserving the country’s rich culture and values. Amitabh Bachchan echoed this sentiment, noting that the Birla family itself serves as a prime example of a legacy built on a foundation of centuries-old knowledge and values.

Mr Birla concluded with a resounding message for the audience: “There has never been a better time to be young, to be an Indian, and to be in India”. 

Family Moments and Personal Anecdotes

The episode offered rare glimpses into the Birla family’s personal dynamics. Mr Birla’s youngest daughter Advaitesha revealed that despite his demanding schedule, her father called her five times a day when she was studying abroad, showing his protective nature. They bond over painting and sometimes paint together. His son shared that whether at home or in office, Mr Birla checks on him 3-4 times daily and messages every evening at 7pm asking if he’s eaten properly.

His wife Neerja jokingly complained about his tendency not to listen and having to repeat things multiple times – a relatable domestic moment that drew laughter from the audience.

At his daughter’s request, Mr Birla sang a few lines from a classic song, showcasing an artistic side rarely seen in public. Ananya also shared that she and her father bond over music. 

Other Notable Moments

Mr Birla shared that he prepared intensely for a few days before the appearance, admitting he was nervous about making mistakes in front of Amitabh Bachchan, whom he described as a “father figure.”

He revealed a childhood memory of visiting Bachchan’s film set in Kashmir in 1978-79 when he was 10-11 years old, during the shooting of Natwar Lal – coming full circle decades later on the KBC set.

Bangalore, Dec 30: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced the launch of the “Airtel Cartoon Network Classics” an exclusive value-added service available on Airtel Digital TV in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery. The new channel brings together some of the most iconic animated franchises from Cartoon Network, creating a dedicated destination for timeless storytelling and family-friendly entertainment.

Airtel Cartoon Network Classics brings back a beloved lineup of timeless favorites such as Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Johnny Bravo and several other classics. Curated for audiences who grew up with these much loved and timeless shows, the channel will also allow families to introduce new generations to the animated stories that became part of the cultural zeitgeist of the ’90s and 2000s while continuing to resonate today.

Commenting on the launch, Pushpinder Singh Gujral, DTH-Business Head, Airtel said, “Airtel Cartoon Network Classics adds a unique entertainment layer to our portfolio and offers customers a chance to reconnect with iconic stories and characters that are loved even today. We are pleased to make this channel available to all our DTH & IPTV users and look forward to bringing more such experiences to our customers.”

Talking about the collaboration, Arjun Nohwar, Managing Director, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said, “Cartoon Network Classics celebrates the enduring legacy of characters and stories that have entertained audiences worldwide for generations. At Warner Bros. Discovery, our focus is on keeping these stories accessible and relevant for today’s audiences. Through our collaboration with Airtel, we are pleased to bring these iconic favourites to Indian screens in a new and accessible format, enabling fans to reconnect with cherished childhood memories while introducing a new generation to the original cartoons that helped shape global pop culture.”

The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery adds to Airtel’s increasing array of value-added entertainment services, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality, distinctive, and family-friendly content. By introducing Cartoon Network Classics as an exclusive offering, Airtel is expanding its content leadership and deepening interaction with viewers of all ages.

Customers can activate Airtel Cartoon Network Classics through set-top box, missed call, through the Airtel Thanks app. With multiple easy-to-use options, subscribers can begin enjoying their favorite classic cartoons within seconds, without any complex steps or waiting times.

By Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The Pune residential real estate market in 2025 tells a mixed story, as below the city’s strong fundamentals was a lot of stress. The city went from a period of rapid growth to a more stable, selective market, with affordability and changing buyer demographics becoming more defining characteristics in the year.

The Highs: Strong registration in the face of uncertainty

At first glance, 2025 saw many transactions. Pune had its best property registration run in four years, with over 1.70 lakh transactions from January to November, only slightly higher than in the same time period in 2024. The holiday season was critical because in September alone, registrations jumped by over 22% from the previous year. By November, the city had been going strong with over 14,200 registrations.

But despite the overall strength, there was a big decline in actual unit sales. According to property consultants ANAROCK, Pune’s housing sales for the whole year of 2025 fell 20% from 81,090 units in 2024 to 65,135 units. This was the second-largest drop among major cities, after Mumbai’s 18% drop.

This difference between registration volumes and unit sales shows what really happened – the market moved more towards luxury, with higher-value transactions making up most of registrations. Buyers in Pune’s affordable segment either put off buying or got off the market for now. For a market which was once defined by rational, affordable housing prices, this is worrisome.

Central Pune and PCMC

Central Pune, which includes PMC, PCMC, and Haveli Taluka in terms of municipal boundaries, remained the city’s real estate engine and contributed over 60% of all housing transactions in 2025. This is mainly due to this corridor’s proximity to the city’s IT job hubs and well-established social infrastructure.

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) specifically benefited from micro-market tailwinds. Prices in the area rose over 10% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. This increase was slightly faster than Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s 8.7% growth, which was driven by new corridors in Moshi, Punawale, and Wakad.
The rental yields of PCMC remained powerful, and Ravet currently had the highest annual returns of 4.3% among emerging zones, which is much higher than Mumbai’s 2.5% benchmark.

This rental performance continues to pull yield-focused investors who see PCMC as the right bet to earn excellent risk-adjusted returns. Properties in Ravet and Nigdi are currently priced in the Rs. 6,500–9,000 per square foot range, making them attractive for first-time and mid-range end-users who cannot afford western corridors like Baner (priced between Rs. 9,000–13,000/sqft) and Kharadi (Rs. 9,500–14,500/sqft).

The Lows: High Property Prices = More Unsold Inventory

In 2025, there was a significant decline in affordability in Pune. To illustrate – a 60 lakh flat that cost 40 lakh in 2020 now costs Rs. 12,000–18,000 more per month in EMI, even with small rate cuts.

Sales in the under-Rs. 50 lakh range fell sharply, with some areas seeing drops of 5–30% year-on-year. The problem of unsold inventory got worse – by the middle of 2025, Pune had more than 75,000 unsold units, and the inventory overhang was well over 10 months (the longest since 2020). By the end of the year, there were over 77,800 units lying unsold in the primary market.

This excess supply has tied up developer capital and threatens to impact pricing negatively in 2026.

Sectoral & Geopolitical Challenges

Even though India’s economy was mostly protected from global commodity shocks and financial instability, 2025 was still a tough year for sectors that depend on jobs. The technology industry, which is Pune’s main source of demand, saw significant layoffs and hiring freezes, especially in the second and third quarters.
Geopolitical tensions affected supply chains and investor sentiment, and tariff uncertainties unsettled NRI investment flows. It is worth noting that NRI demand has historically helped Pune’s real estate market – and its overall economy – during downturns.

The combined effect resulted in homebuyers becoming increasingly hesitant in the middle segment, which is precisely where most developers had concentrated their supply. Luxury did well, but it still accounts for less than 20% of Pune’s annual housing sales. In other words, 80% of the market requires stronger demand signals in 2026.

2026 Outlook: Good for End-users, Neutral for Investors

All leading real estate consultants agree that the housing industry’s future currently looks more like stabilisation than recovery. Prices are expected to rise at a slower rate of 5–10% per year. This is healthy by historical standards of inflation, but it also means that in most areas, investors will not see the kind of 10-15% appreciation seen from 2020 to 2024.

This is not a bad thing. It will help increase affordability as people’s salaries and investment growth catch up with housing prices, something that has been overdue for the last 2–3 years. However, if slower price increases become the norm in 2026 and possibly beyond, there will be exceptions. Infrastructure delivery will be the major differentiator for areas and projects.

For example, the delayed completion of the Pune Metro Phase 1 is expected to happen in mid-to-late 2026. This can cause prices in 500-meter corridors to go up by 15–20%. The Ring Road will open up areas on the outskirts, so impacted areas will see prices appreciate by 20–25% as redevelopment nodes form at important intersections. Likewise, the Purandar Airport project will transform the southern corridor of Pune.

As of the end of 2025, affordability is definitely still a problem in Pune. The market movement towards the mid-premium and luxury housing segments is driving many buyers either to the outskirts or off the market. Developers need to change the supply mix in their projects and make sure that “price discovery” remains rational and aligned with actual demand.

New Delhi, Dec 29:- Alpex Solar Ltd  a leading manufacturer of high-precision solar PV modules and solar systems announced that it has secured a significant order valued at Rs 65 crore from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited  for the supply of off-grid DC Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems .

The order has been awarded under the Government of India’s flagship “Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump” Yojana / PM-KUSUM B Scheme, a key initiative aimed at promoting clean energy adoption in agriculture while reducing dependence on conventional power sources. Under this contract, Alpex Solar will supply solar water pumping systems across various districts of Maharashtra, with execution scheduled within 60 days as per the Letter of Empanelment.

This project marks an important milestone for Alpex Solar and further strengthens its position in India’s rapidly expanding solar pump and decentralised renewable energy market. Solar-powered irrigation systems are increasingly being recognised as a critical enabler for sustainable agriculture, offering farmers reliable daytime power, lowering input costs and reducing carbon emissions.

Mr. Ashwani Sehgal, Managing Director, Alpex Solar Ltd., said,

“the order reflects continued confidence in Alpex Solar’s proven capabilities in manufacturing, engineering and timely execution of large-scale solar solutions. Our continued success in government-led renewable energy programmes underscores the trust placed in Alpex Solar’s technology, quality standards and operational expertise.”

Alpex Solar Limited operates across the renewable energy value chain, with interests spanning solar PV module manufacturing, solar EPC projects, solar water pumps, RESCO-based solar electricity solutions and international trading. The company continues to expand its footprint across India, aligned with the national agenda of clean energy transition and energy security.

The latest order is expected to contribute meaningfully to Alpex Solar’s order book and reinforces its growth momentum in the solar infrastructure segment.

Bengaluru, Dec 29:- As India’s domestic agri trade continues to strengthen, Bengaluru has emerged as a key consolidation and distribution hub for time-sensitive perishables. Within this broader momentum, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru  has seen consistent growth in handling fresh produce, supported by expanding domestic connectivity and rising demand across consumption centers. During the June November 2025 season, BLR Airport managed 5,904 metric tonnes of coriander, reflecting a 13% year-on-year growth.

The season saw steady coriander movement across 22 domestic destinations, indicating sustained demand and changing trade dynamics. Shipments to Northern and Central markets grew notably, with Lucknow  Varanasi  and Jaipur  recording significant volume increases.

From a destination perspective, Kolkata  accounted for the highest share of coriander traffic, followed by Delhi  Bagdogra  Ranchi  and Patna  indicating sustained demand across Eastern and Northern consumption centres.

In response to emerging demand patterns and expanding domestic corridors, BLR Airport facilitated coriander movements to five additional destinations  Agartala  Agra  Nagpur  Amritsar and Port Blair  thereby broadening distribution reach for traders and supply-chain stakeholders.

Overall, the season’s Agri-cargo volumes reflect evolving demand patterns and expanding domestic linkages, while reinforcing BLR Airport’s role in facilitating efficient, scalable agri-cargo operations to support India’s growing agricultural trade.

Mumbai, Dec 29:- PGIM India Mutual Fund today released its third edition of Retirement Readiness Report 2025, a study that holds a mirror to the evolving hopes, anxieties, and ambitions of Indian households. In a nation where incomes are rising and self-identity is being redefined, the report reveals a striking paradox: Retirement has surged to become the No. 1 financial priority for the first time ever, yet actual preparedness, having a plan in place has sharply declined to just 37%, down from 67% in 2023 report.

Here are some key findings from the survey;

1. Retirement climbs to #1 priority in 2025, a leap from 8th place as lifestyle and entrepreneurial goals overshadow family-centric concerns.
2. Planning collapses despite intent surge. Only 37% have a retirement plan in 2025 vs 67% in 2023, as people seems to predominant shift from insurance-led approaches to clearer separation between protection and wealth creation.
3. India’s money mindset flips from fear-driven security to aspiration-driven ambition blending protection with progress and lifestyle freedom.
4. Mutual funds dominate retirement planning. Mutual fund distributor preference jumps to 62% (from 44% in 2023), adoption rises to 35% (from 24% in 2023) with NPS, PPF, and Retirement-focused funds gain traction. New age products like REITs make a beginning.
5. Alternate Income Adoption Slows to 25%, But Intent Jumps to 44%—lifestyle goals and ‘Never Retire’ mindset fuel new earning aspirations.

A New Financial Mindset: From Security to Self-Focus

The report also uncovers a striking shift in priorities. Family security and health emergencies, once dominant, have slipped down the list. In their place, aspirations such as lifestyle upgrades, starting a business, and personal fulfilment are rising rapidly. Is this because family and health have become “hygiene factors” in a more affluent India? Indians are beginning to give themselves permission to dream beyond mere survival, envisioning a retirement that reflects personal aspirations rather than just financial security? While the answer is still unfolding, the trend is unmistakable: Indians are moving from security-first thinking to aspiration-driven planning, embracing a future where personal goals and self-actualization are as important as traditional notions of safety.

“While the retirement became no. 1 priority, but readiness has declined. This is not a setback but a sign of positive evolution. Indians are beginning to distinguish between safeguarding against risks and actively building future for themselves. With rising sense of surplus and families moving beyond simply providing for children to planning for their own retirement, reflect a maturing mindset focused on self-driven security and dignity. To truly close the gap between aspiration and action, every stakeholder investors, advisors, regulators, and fund houses—must work together to create an inclusive, supportive ecosystem that empowers individuals to take the next step. If we succeed, India will move from heightened intent to a future where active retirement planning is the norm,” said Abhishek Tiwari, CEO, PGIM India Asset Management Private Limited.

“Having witnessed the evolution of India’s financial landscape, I see this report as capturing a dramatic shift in household priorities. For years, the average Indian pursued a ‘catch-all’ number with no specific goal. Now, rising affluence and the impact of the pandemic have propelled specific, self-oriented goals like retirement planning, lifestyle upgrades, and entrepreneurship to the forefront, running parallel to traditional family-centric concerns. This marks a profound mental evolution, from ‘it’s all about the family’ to also asking ‘what about me?’ As financial planning grows more complex, the role of professional advice becomes even more critical. While the rise of DIY investing is encouraging, I strongly believe that even the most confident investors should seek a qualified advisor’s second opinion. This not only stress-tests plans and eliminates biases, but ensures that true preparedness is never left to chance, ” said Ajit Menon, Senior Advisor, PGIM India Asset Management Private Limited.  

“Our research highlights that anxiety and negative emotions are far more prevalent among those who have not planned for retirement, underscoring that financial wellness is as much psychological as it is monetary. The gap between awareness and action remains significant, with many Indians struggling to translate intent into concrete steps. What stands out is the enduring collective mindset—Indians continue to look to employers as anchors of stability. In this context, employer-led programs can become default enablers, bridging the gap by offering education, tools, and especially the flexibility to earn passive income. When organizations step up to make financial wellness achievable, workplace-led initiatives become true game-changers for retirement readiness across the workforce,” said Dr. Sagneet Kaur, SVP  Behavioural Finance & Consumer Insights, PGIM India Asset Management Private Limited.  

The Retirement Readiness Report 2025 brings clarity to the often overwhelming world of retirement planning. For investors, the Retirement Readiness Report 2025 demystifies retirement planning, replacing abstraction and anxiety with actionable insights, practical benchmarks, and real-life stories. By highlighting the behavioural barriers and emotional realities that shape financial decisions, the report empowers individuals to move from uncertainty to informed action, making retirement planning a tangible and achievable goal. For advisors and distributors, the report is a catalyst for deeper engagement, offering behavioural insights and real-world data that enable more meaningful, goal-based conversations and help clients stress-test their retirement readiness against common biases. For employers and regulators, the findings highlight the transformative potential of workplace-led financial wellness, showing how education, tools, and flexibility to earn passive income and policies around the same can behaviourally bridge the gap between intent and action.