“Never a Better Time to be in India”: Kumar Mangalam Birla and Amitabh Bachchan Celebrate the ‘Era of India’ on KBC

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. 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Airtel Expands Entertainment Offerings with Exclusive Launch of Airtel Cartoon Network Classics

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.”

Available on Channel 445 in both English and Hindi, the ad-free channel can be accessed across connected set-top boxes such as Xstream and IPTV, as well as non-connected HD and SD boxes, enabling uninterrupted viewing without the need for any additional equipment.

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.

Pune & PCMC Housing Markets – 2025 and 2026

Akash Pharande

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).

Property prices

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.

Alpex Solar Secures INR 65 Cr MSEDCL Order Under PM-KUSUM Scheme

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.

BLR Airport Records 13% YoY Growth as Coriander Season Concludes

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.

Domestic Cargo Terminal

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.

PGIM India Mutual Fund Launches 3rd Edition of Retirement Readiness Report 2025

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.

Santoor Becomes India’s Largest Soap Brand with INR 2,850 Cr Sales

Pune Dec 29: Santoor from Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, has emerged as the country’s largest soap brand, marking a defining milestone in its nearly four-decade-long journey.

The brand with its distinctive sandalwood-and-turmeric proposition saw a modest test launch in Bangalore in 1985, followed by a national roll-out in 1986. Santoor has today grown into a INR 2850 crore personal wash behemoth  in terms of company invoiced sales  for last 12 months, now becoming the largest Soap brand.  

Santoor championed the relatable promise of “younger-looking skin” for the everyday Indian woman. This positioning came to life through the iconic ‘Santoor Mom’ which has been used consistently, but the portrayal changed over the years keeping pace with the changing aspirations of women and celebrating the multiple roles women balance  something that deeply resonated with consumers. The brand has worked hard to continuously enhance the product performance and packaging over the years and make Santoor synonymous with its vibrant orange colour. Santoor’s journey has been built on strong operational execution and an intense focus to win the top spot across key markets.

Reflecting on the incredible milestone, Vineet Agrawal, CEO, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting and Managing Director, Wipro Enterprises, said,

“Becoming India’s largest soap brand is a moment of quiet pride for all of us at Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting. Santoor’s journey has been shaped by deep consumer understanding, disciplined execution, and the belief that consistent value creation wins over time. We have worked assiduously to give great quality to the consumer, by constantly upgrading the product, be it in perfume, superior sensorial or performance in hard water, which combined with exciting advertising  have all helped shape the brand’s success.”

Neeraj Khatri, Chief Executive, Wipro Consumer Care, said;

This milestone fills us with immense pride and is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and passion of our factory teams, frontline colleagues, and business teams across geographies. The teams had a deep conviction on Santoor and an unwavering zeal to become the leader, which was backed with relentless hard work and a steadfast commitment to quality and operational excellence. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering trust and collaboration of our distributors and partners whose support has been integral to this journey, and we sincerely thank them for their continued partnership, that has helped build lasting consumer confidence and market leadership.

In 1986  a clearly defined brand positioning enabled Santoor to establish itself – generating revenues of just INR 60 crore in its first decade. By the late 1990s, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting made a decisive strategic shift to focus on growing high potential states, one state at a time. Starting from Andhra Pradesh the brand gained immensely in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat, becoming the top brand in South & West India by 2009. This strategy prioritised depth over breadth, concentrating investment and visibility. By 2018, Santoor crossed INR 2,000 crore milestone, beating Lux to become India’s second-largest soap brand by value. Today with an annual revenue of approximately INR 2,850 crore, the brand has surpassed Lifebuoy to become India’s largest soap brand. 

This achievement reflects the enduring trust of millions of Indian households who have made Santoor a part of their daily lives. Built on relevance, accessibility, and consistency, the brand’s growth emphasizes the power of understanding consumers deeply and delivering value over time.

India’s Real Estate Sector Eyes Quality-Led Growth in 2025–26

As 2025 comes to a close, India’s real estate market is positioned more strongly and maturely than in past cycles. The industry is witnessing a noticeable shift away from speculative buying toward demand driven by actual end-users and solid fundamentals, underpinned by stable policies, clearer regulations, and expanding infrastructure. Premium and luxury property segments continue to experience robust, demand-led expansion, influenced by changing lifestyle preferences and a growing emphasis on sustainability and wellness in design. With borrowing costs remaining steady, improved connectivity via expressways and metro networks, and heightened buyer confidence, the sector is well placed for steady, quality-oriented growth through 2026 and beyond.

Ashish Bhutani, CEO, Bhutani Infra said,

“The Indian real estate industry, particularly the Delhi NCR, is functioning in a far more stable, transparent, and policy-driven environment in 2025 than has been experienced in previous cycles. The luxury sector is witnessing a healthy, demand-driven growth, thanks to changes in lifestyles, rising incomes, and a growing requirement for design, sustainability, wellness. There is a noticeable shift in the overall market sentiment from a speculation-driven to a fundamental buying, with an emphasis on those projects which are sound, policy-friendly, and usable in the long run. This is made easy by the stable regime on the Repo rate, which has influenced the overall predictability of the cost of borrowings, thereby making way for a tempered buying. On a side note, the infrastructure developments in NCR, such as development of Expressways, Metros, Transport Corridors, and Urban Renewal Projects, has enhanced accessibility to NCR significantly. The regulatory changes, which are dominating the real estate sector, have led to a rise in overall transparency and accountability on the part of the real sector. The real estate sector is set to grow on the back of infrastructure development, tempered supply, and a growing need for quality, future-ready, real estate in the upcoming 2026 and onwards.”

Kunal Seth, Director of Shalimar Corp said,

“2025 has not just been a year of growth for Uttar Pradesh’s real estate sector, but a defining phase of transformation. Evolving customer preferences towards superior design, quality, and smart living have reshaped the market’s trajectory. At Shalimar, we are proud to be at the heart of this change and remain committed to elevating the future of urban living.”

Rajnikant Mishra, Founder and Chairman Amrawati Group said,

“In 2025, Uttar Pradesh’s real estate market demonstrated remarkable positivity. The growing demand in the mid-segment and affordable housing categories has expanded the market significantly. At Amarawati, our focus remains on creating projects that make quality living more accessible for families.”

GJC Highlights Key Drivers Behind Gold & Silver Rally, Shares 2026 Outlook

Mumbai, Dec 29:- The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council  today issued its annual review of the bullion market, highlighting the extraordinary rally in gold and silver during 2025, which has pushed both metals to record or near-record highs by December and the factors driving this surge.

The sharp rally in gold and silver witnessed this year is the result of several global and domestic forces acting in tandem. Global economic uncertainty, marked by geopolitical tensions, war-like situations, and a slowdown in major economies, has prompted investors worldwide to seek safe-haven assets. Gold, long regarded as the ultimate safe haven, has seen heavy buying interest as a result.

Another major factor has been the expectation of interest rate cuts by the United States. As soon as markets sensed that the Federal Reserve may reduce rates in the coming months, the appeal of gold rose sharply, since non-interest-bearing assets tend to gain value faster in such environments. Adding to this momentum, the weakness of the US dollar has naturally lifted gold and silver prices at the international level.

Central banks across the globe have also played a pivotal role. Countries such as China, Turkey, and India have increased the gold component in their foreign exchange reserves, reinforcing the long-term bullish trend. Meanwhile, silver has benefited not only from its role as a jewellery metal but also from its growing importance as an industrial metal. Demand for silver has risen rapidly in solar panels, electric vehicles, and the battery industry, adding extra momentum to its price trajectory.

In India, strong physical demand during the wedding and festive season has further supported prices. Rising bullion purchases as a safe investment option have also contributed to the upward trend.

Looking ahead, GJC believes that the uncertain global environment, expectations of rate cuts, dollar weakness, central bank buying, and industrial demand for silver will continue to drive both metals into a strong bullish trend. While volatility may increase, the overall outlook remains positive for 2026.

Mr. Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of GJC, said;

“The bullion market in 2025 has been a clear reminder that precious metals are strategic assets, not speculative instruments. Gold’s historic rise is a direct reflection of global uncertainty and, more importantly, the unwavering trust that Indian households and investors place in it as a store of value across generations. Silver has decisively evolved beyond tradition … emerging as a critical metal powering the future through renewable energy, solar applications, and electric mobility, while retaining its cultural and jewellery relevance. This year has firmly established that gold and silver are not just commodities traded on screens, but enduring pillars of economic stability, cultural heritage, and India’s journey toward technological and sustainable growth.”

Mr. Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman of GJC, added:

“As we look toward 2026, the industry must prepare for a more complex environment. Volatility will be part of the journey, yet the underlying drivers  from central bank accumulation to industrial demand  remain intact. For jewellers, investors, and consumers alike, the opportunity lies in understanding these dynamics and positioning wisely. Precious metals will continue to safeguard wealth, but they will also increasingly power the technologies of tomorrow. The GJC will stand alongside the trade, ensuring that our community adapts and thrives in this evolving landscape.”

Sheraton Hyderabad Unveils “Ticket to London” New Year’s Eve Celebration

Hyderabad, Dec 29: Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel is set to welcome 2026 with “Ticket to London,” an immersive, British-inspired New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2025, from 8:00 PM onwards. Designed as a journey through London’s most iconic landmarks, the hotel will be transformed into a vibrant Londonscape featuring elements inspired by Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, complemented by fog-lit street lamps, red double-decker bus motifs, and Union Jack accents.

Nightlife (2)

The celebration unfolds across four distinct venues, each offering a unique experience;

  • Zega Restaurant presents a lively Pan-Asian setting with a London pub-style twist, featuring dim sums, sushi, and Asian comfort favourites.

  • Feast Restaurant transforms into a grand Westminster-inspired buffet hall, offering an expansive multi-cuisine spread, live band performances, and exclusive VIP seating.

  • Jade Ballroom becomes the pulsating heart of the night, with a high-energy dance floor beneath crystal chandeliers, DJ-led music, and immersive lighting evoking Thames-side glamour.

  • Open Sky Rooftop  offers an alfresco setting for the midnight countdown, complete with panoramic city views, fireworks, and unlimited imported liquor under the stars.

Guests can indulge in unlimited beverages, gourmet buffets, performances by two Bollywood DJs, live bands, singers, and a spectacular midnight countdown bringing the magic of New Year’s Eve by the Thames to the heart of Hyderabad.

New Year Staycation & Party Offers

To enhance the festive experience, Sheraton Hyderabad is offering exclusive New Year staycation packages:

  • New Year Staycation with Jade Party & Brunch – Priced at INR 29,000 plus taxes, this package includes an overnight stay, access to the New Year’s Eve “Ticket to London” celebrations, and a New Year’s Day brunch at Jade ideal for guests seeking a perfect blend of celebration and relaxation.

  • Staycation with Jade DJ Party – Priced at INR 21,000 plus taxes, this package includes an overnight stay and access to the Jade DJ Party, catering to party enthusiasts focused on music, nightlife, and a relaxed New Year morning.

With its immersive theme, multiple entertainment zones, and thoughtfully curated packages, Sheraton Hyderabad promises an unforgettable start to 2026.