Category business

Mumbai, Dec 24: Infidigit, one of India’s leading SEO, GEO, and digital growth companies, has been recognised at the ICMA Awards 2025 for its impactful work with Mochi Shoes, winning Gold in the Content Category – Best Blogs & Website Content. The award celebrates Infidigit’s ability to design and scale content strategies that deliver sustained performance in a rapidly evolving, AI-influenced search ecosystem.

The winning campaign, “How Mochi Shoes Built Content Over Time, Designed To Perform,” focused on building a long-term, search-led content foundation rather than pursuing short-term visibility gains. By aligning editorial depth with evolving user intent and emerging AI-driven discovery patterns, the strategy enabled Mochi Shoes to strengthen its organic presence while driving consistent, measurable growth.

Infidigit implemented a structured content framework that prioritised topical authority, performance optimisation, and scalability. Blogs and website content were designed to compound value over time, supporting both discovery and conversion across traditional SERPs as well as AI-powered search experiences. As a result, the campaign delivered 23.5% growth in organic clicks and 78.5% growth in impressions. It also strengthened Mochi Shoes’ visibility across AI Overviews and LLM-driven discovery platforms, reinforcing the brand’s relevance in a highly competitive retail category.

“Winning this award alongside Infidigit is a proud moment for Mochi Shoes. The team helped us navigate a shifting digital landscape by building a framework focused on topical authority and performance. This approach establishes Mochi Shoes as a leading industry voice. Our significant growth in organic clicks and impressions shows the success of a strategy designed to adapt as AI search patterns change,” said Rohit Shiva, D2C Head (E-Commerce), Metro Brands Limited.

Notably, this recognition represents Infidigit’s second win in the same content category within the month, underscoring the agency’s consistent approach to building high-performing, search-led content strategies.

The ICMA recognition comes at a time when content marketing is being reshaped by AI-generated summaries and large language models that are redefining how consumers discover information. In this environment, brands require strategies that go beyond volume-driven publishing and instead focus on clarity, structure, and long-term performance. Infidigit’s work with Mochi Shoes reflects this shift, demonstrating how well-engineered content can remain effective even as discovery mechanisms evolve.

“Winning at the ICMA Awards for our work with Mochi Shoes is a strong validation of our content-first, performance-led approach,” said Kaushal Thakkar, Founder & CEO, Infidigit. “As search continues to evolve, content must be designed with intent, precision, and longevity. This campaign highlights how brands can build content ecosystems that adapt to change while delivering measurable outcomes.”

This win further strengthens Infidigit’s position as a trusted digital growth partner for brands navigating the intersection of content, search, and AI-driven visibility.

Dec 24: Being Human Clothing, the fashion and lifestyle brand founded by Salman Khan, is celebrating the actor’s birthday in true Salman style, with energy, warmth, and a whole lot of fun. This year, the brand is marking the occasion with a special Birthday Sale, paired with a lively campaign that brings together fashion, surprise, and celebration.

Leading the celebrations is Being Human Clothing’s playful new campaign, “Cake Fake B’day For Real,” which looks at birthdays a little differently. Instead of predictable celebrations, the campaign adds an element of surprise, keeping things light, joyful, and true to Salman Khan’s larger-than-life personality.

A key highlight of the celebration sees Sunil Grover stepping in to enact Salman Khan, delivering a moment filled with humour and familiarity that fans instantly relate to. The playful act is followed by Salman Khan himself, bringing the campaign thought to life and tying it directly to the birthday offer in a way that feels effortless and fun.

“This year’s “Cake Fake, B’Day for Real” campaign is our playful nod to the joy and energy that Salman Mamu brings into people’s lives. By taking the celebrations live with a 50% exclusive birthday sale in stores and online, we wanted to create a digital moment that fans everywhere can be part of—no matter where they are. It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who continues to support the Being Human Clothing family and Salman Mamu.” says Ayaan Agnihotri, Executive Director at Four Aces Fashion House, Being Human Clothing.

To make the celebration even more special for fans and shoppers, Being Human Clothing is offering birthday-exclusive discounts for a limited period:

• A flat 50% off across all Being Human Clothing exclusive brand stores, department stores, and MBOs

• A minimum 50% off, available exclusively on www.beinghumanclothing.com, as part of the SKB Birthday Celebration

The sale covers menswear, womenswear, accessories and everyday essentials, giving customers a chance to refresh their wardrobes with Being Human Clothing’s consciously designed collections, comfortable, contemporary pieces made for everyday life and celebration alike.

With Cake Fake B’day For Real, Being Human Clothing turns Salman Khan’s birthday into more than just a sale. It becomes a shared celebration, cheerful, unexpected, and full of heart, reflecting the close connection Salman Khan continues to share with audiences across the country.

The Being Human Clothing Birthday Sale and SKB Birthday Celebration will be available for a limited period across offline stores nationwide and exclusively online at Being Human Clothing.

The past year has also reaffirmed the permanence of hybrid working and flexible space adoption. Flex and managed office formats continue to represent a rising share of annual leasing, while both domestic and global occupiers are demanding assets that can adapt quickly to evolving workforce patterns, technology requirements, and cost pressures. As a result, capital investment is increasingly flowing into performance-based specifications such as acoustic comfort, indoor environmental quality, and durable, resilient material systems.

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect this focus to deepen as regulatory frameworks and incentive structures begin to actively support low-carbon construction and retrofit-led modernisation. Modular and sustainable building systems, ranging from raised access flooring and advanced acoustic solutions to structural ceiling systems, will play a critical role in enabling flexibility, faster reconfiguration, and long-term environmental performance. 

Ultimately, the next growth cycle in India’s commercial office market will be defined by how intelligently buildings are designed as integrated systems. Assets that combine modularity, sustainability, and performance beneath the surface will be best positioned to attract occupiers, command rental premiums, and protect long-term value.”

Aakash Patel, Managing Director of Atul Projects 

“Mumbai’s increasing connectivity through Infrastructure development continues to shape different Micro Markets. For example, new West and Central Metro Connection enhancements will support higher Housing Buyer Confidence and provide long-term value Creation, as will the new Coastal Road Linkages and Improved Arterial Networks. Each of these Corridors, i.e., Metro lines, Coastal Road Linkages, and Improved Arterial Networks, is experiencing an increase in Housing Buyer Confidence and a long-term increase in Value Creation as a result of this work. Historically, Redevelopment has unlocked opportunities for Modern Living in today’s most established Neighbourhoods. In 2026, due to the efficiencies created by GST, this momentum will only continue. We are committed to developing Structurally Sound and future-ready developments in terms of design and constituent construction materials that align with the growth potential of each evolving Micro Market.” 

By:-Sudarshan Lodha, Co-founder & CEO, Strata

“2025 has been a year of clear structural consolidation for India’s commercial real estate market. Office leasing is set to surpass 80 million sq. ft., led by the sustained momentum of Global Capability Centres  which today account for nearly 40% of overall demand. What is even more encouraging is that this growth is no longer concentrated in the metros alone. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have now emerged as credible destinations for both occupiers and long-term capital. Alongside this, industrial and logistics assets have continued to attract steady interest, while private credit stepped in at a crucial time to support mid-stage construction and project execution. The continued compression in vacancy levels showcases the depth of real demand and the resilience of this cycle.

Looking ahead, the forces that shaped 2025 are durable and point to a strong 2026. GCC expansion is becoming increasingly predictable, with requirements estimated at 50–55 million sq. ft. of incremental office space over the next two years. We also expect capital to broaden its geographic lens, with emerging cities becoming deliberate portfolio allocations. Private credit will remain central given the significant need for mid-stage development, creating compelling opportunities for institutional and retail investors. Distress-led opportunities are likely to widen in 2026 owing to supply-demand imbalances. Healthcare real estate is also drawing growing investor interest as healthcare infrastructure expands across the country. While the flight to quality within Grade A offices will continue, the meaningful shift will be the growing confidence of capital to follow demand into new corridors and into asset classes like industrial, logistics and data centres.”

Bangalore, Dec 23: North Bengaluru’s airport corridor is emerging as one of the city’s fastest-growing urban zones, driven by robust infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and large-scale integrated developments. With proximity to Kempegowda International Airport and upcoming landmarks such as KWIN City and Yelahanka State Township, the region is fast becoming a preferred destination for homebuyers and long-term investors.

Aligned with this growth momentum, Sattva Group today announced the launch of Sattva Aeropolis Phase II, a strategically located residential enclave along the airport corridor. Building on the strong response to Phase I, the new phase blends contemporary design, nature-led planning, and superior connectivity.

North Bengaluru’s Growth Momentum

Once viewed primarily as an airport extension, North Bengaluru has evolved into a self-sustained urban ecosystem, supported by aerospace parks, technology hubs, and next-generation townships that promise long-term economic vibrancy and residential demand.

Karishmah Siingh, President  Sales, Marketing & CRM, Sattva Group, said: “North Bengaluru’s transformation is unprecedented, fuelled by rapid connectivity enhancements and large-scale township developments that present significant residential investment opportunities. The remarkable response to Aeropolis Phase I underscores a clear preference for integrated, nature-led communities that expertly blend convenience with sustainable living and strong appreciation potential.”

Nature-Infused Urban Living

Spanning 2.4 acres, Sattva Aeropolis Phase II is envisioned as a tranquil residential sanctuary. A grand entrance and tree-lined boulevard lead to a 20-metre-wide central green spine that anchors the community and enhances everyday wellbeing.

The enclave offers 554 thoughtfully planned homes, ranging from studios to spacious 3 BHK residences, designed for young professionals, families, and frequent global commuters.

Unmatched Connectivity

• The project enjoys seamless access to:
• Kempegowda International Airport
• Yelahanka State Township
• Aerospace and commercial hubs
• Leading educational institutions
• Multi-specialty hospitals
• Retail and entertainment destinations

This connectivity makes Aeropolis Phase II a compelling address for end-users and investors alike.

Holistic Lifestyle Amenities

• Residents will have access to a comprehensive amenities ecosystem including:
• A modern clubhouse
• Resort-style swimming pool
• Fitness and indoor activity zones
• Landscaped outdoor community spaces

A Legacy of Trust

With over three decades of experience and a CRISIL “A Stable” rating, Sattva Group continues to set benchmarks in design, quality, and institutional-grade development. Sattva Aeropolis Phase II reflects the Group’s commitment to building sustainable, connected communities with long-term relevance

New Delhi, Dec 23: Cosmo Films, a global leader in specialty films, today announced the expansion of its flexible packaging portfolio with a new range of BOPP, CPP and BOPET based films engineered specifically for pet food packaging. The introduction includes a new high heat-resistant TR-BOPP film along with advanced barrier and lidding films, strengthening the company’s commitment to delivering next-generation, food-safe packaging solutions.

India’s pet food market has been expanding rapidly, driven by rising pet adoption and premiumisation, with the segment estimated to be one of the fastest-growing within the broader pet care industry. This surge in demand has created a need for reliable, and safe packaging structures  a need Cosmo Films is addressing through its enhanced specialty film portfolio.

Cosmo Films’ new offering includes its TR-BOPP heat-resistant transparent film, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 185°C with uniform linear tear, creating a strong alternative to conventional PET print layers used in pet food packaging. The portfolio also features anti-fog transparent BOPET lidding films, COPET-coated BOPET for improved adhesion and machinability, and coated metallized BOPET films designed to provide excellent oxygen and moisture barrier performance for sensitive dry and wet pet food applications. It further addresses dry pet food, treats, and functional nutrition segments through Ultra High Barrier grade metallized BOPP films, which serve as a sustainable replacement for aluminium foil by reducing material complexity while delivering robust oxygen and moisture barrier performance, and the ready-to-eat pet food segment through retort-grade CPP films that withstand high-temperature processing while ensuring food safety and shelf-life integrity.

Commenting on the product introduction for the market, Mr Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First said

 “The pet food category is evolving rapidly, and packaging must evolve with it. With this expansion, we are leveraging our deep specialty films expertise and applying critical insights gained from building Zigly, our fast-growing pet care business. Our direct understanding of pet parent consumer behaviour and product requirements enables us to engineer packaging films that deliver superior safety, barrier performance, convenience, and brand differentiation. This is a strategic category for the future, and we are committed to supporting its growth with world-class solutions.”

The new expanded offerings cater to the growing demand for packaging solutions that ensure product protection, safety, extended shelf life, and visual appeal. The films are also backed by the company’s globally recognized food-safe manufacturing standards, including FSSC 22000 and FDA-compliant structures, making them highly compatible and intuitive to deploy across both dry and wet pet food applications.

Cosmo Films foray into pet-food-ready packaging films aligns with its broader strategy of expanding into high-growth, high-value applications across flexible packaging. Supported by strong R&D capabilities, global certifications, and multi-technology manufacturing, the company continues to drive innovation across categories that demand enhanced performance and safety.

Nagpur,  Dec 23: EBG Group, a rapidly expanding Indian conglomerate with diversified interests across mobility, health, realty, lifestyle, food, services, technology, and education, has inaugurated its flagship Adhira & Appa Cafe in Nagpur. The new outlet, located at Poonam Chambers, Chindwada Road, Chhaoni Road, Byramji Town, spans 900 sq. ft. and was inaugurated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. Gurukkal Dr. S. Mahesh graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

The Nagpur café embodies the brand’s philosophy of “good food, good coffee, and good conversations,” offering a fusion menu that blends Western flavours with South Indian influences. Signature dishes include dosa tacos, medu vada waffles, and other innovative creations, all paired with authentic South Indian filter coffee.

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari remarked, “Adhira & Appa Cafe reflects a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation. Initiatives that promote indigenous flavours and create welcoming community spaces strengthen local entrepreneurship and cultural identity.”

Dr. Irfan Khan, Chairman & Founder of EBG Group, added;

“The Nagpur launch marks a significant milestone in our national expansion. With a focus on sustainability and authenticity, Adhira & Appa Cafe has grown from Kochi to cities like Chandigarh, Nashik, Hyderabad, and now Nagpur. Each cup is crafted from premium beans using processes designed to reduce carbon output while delivering an authentic coffee experience.”

Karan Mendon, COO of Adhira & Appa Cafe, said;

“We aim to create spaces where culture, flavour, and community come together. Backed by EBG Group, our goal is to bring authentic South Indian filter coffee to communities across India, sharing moments of joy and warmth with every cup.”

With strong early momentum, EBG Group plans to open over 50 new outlets by March 2026 and scale to 100 cafes nationwide by December 2026, targeting both metropolitan and Tier-2 cities.

By:–  Mr. Lalit Parihar, managing director, Aaiji Group, a Dholera-based real estate firm

Over the past fifteen years, Ahmedabad has steadily emerged as one of India’s most affordable yet fast-growing residential markets. The city’s strong economic momentum—driven largely by industrial expansion, including semiconductor manufacturing, and major infrastructure upgrades—has fueled a sustained rise in household incomes. Combined with measured, consistent price appreciation, these factors have created a market where homeownership remains both desirable and attainable.

Looking ahead, Ahmedabad is poised to maintain its leadership in affordability and livability. Large-scale infrastructure investments tied to the upcoming Commonwealth Games, along with continued growth in employment-generating industries, are expected to attract greater migration and further expand the city’s economic base. Together, these dynamics are paving the way for a new generation of smart, sustainable communities that will define the city’s next chapter.

Dec 23: India’s employment market showed steady resilience in 2025, tracking the broader macro shift as the country surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP.  The year 2025 was a progressive year in India’s job marketplace, with Apna.co’s India at Work 2025 report revealing over 9 crore job applications during the year, an estimated 29% year-on-year increase, driven by higher participation from women and early-career professionals as service-led hiring expanded beyond metros and digital recruitment tools became mainstream.

On the job seeker side, women’s participation rose sharply, reflected in an estimated 36% increase in applications to finance, administrative services, customer experience and healthcare support roles. The Periodic Labour Force Survey shows continued improvement in women’s labour force participation as more women transition into roles with structured career pathways. India’s youth also entered the job market with stronger intent, contributing to roughly 10% more applications across service and technology enabled industries. With nearly 1 crore young people joining the workforce every year, early-career talent played a defining role in shaping hiring momentum.

Employer hiring activity mirrored this expansion. Job postings on Apna rose to 14 lakh in 2025, up an estimated 15% year-on-year, supported by stronger digital adoption among small and medium businesses and continued enterprise expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Demand remained broad-based across BFSI, retail, logistics, e-commerce, healthcare, mobility and IT services. SMBs contributed 10 lakh job postings, recording an 11% year-on-year increase, while enterprises accounted for 4 lakh postings, growing 14% YoY, reinforcing a more geographically distributed hiring footprint.

Women’s participation deepens across regions and seniority

Women submitted over 3.8 crore job applications in 2025, marking an estimated 36% increase from the previous year. Tier 1 cities accounted for roughly 2 crore applications, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributed around 1.8 crore, reflecting nearly 30% growth in emerging markets. Median salaries for women rose by an estimated 22%, aligned with higher entry into finance, administrative and customer experience roles. Applications for managerial and senior positions crossed 1.1 crore, up 35% year-on-year, indicating a gradual strengthening of leadership pipelines. BFSI, healthcare services, education, retail and e-commerce together accounted for over 40% of women’s applications.

Commenting on the findings, Kartik Narayan, CEO- Jobs Marketplace, Apna.co, said, “The 2025 data reflects a workforce that is becoming more distributed, more skilled and more aspirational. Women and early-career professionals are moving steadily into formal service roles, while enterprises and SMBs are expanding hiring beyond metros. AI has also become a practical layer in everyday hiring, improving preparation for candidates and efficiency for employers. Our focus is to keep building systems that make hiring faster, transparent and accessible at scale.”

Freshers drive entry-level volumes, preferences shift to service roles

Freshers submitted over 2.2 crore job applications during the year, an estimated 10% increase over 2024. Tier 1 cities accounted for around 0.9 crore applications, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributed nearly 1.3 crore, highlighting the deepening spread of entry-level opportunities across India’s emerging cities. Interest rose sharply in administrative services, customer experience, digital operations and finance and accounting, while applications to voice-heavy and field-intensive roles declined. The number of freshers with diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications increased to over 19 lakh, reflecting closer alignment between education and service-led demand.

Enterprise hiring expands into non-metro markets

Enterprise postings on Apna rose to 4 lakh roles, an estimated 14% increase year-on-year. While Tier 1 cities remained key contributors, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets recorded the fastest growth as enterprises decentralised service and support functions. BFSI, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare services and technology-enabled operations led demand. Major recruiters included Wipro Enterprises, HDFC ERGO, ITC, Tata 1mg, Policybazaar, Ola Electric, Quess Corp and Swiggy.

SMBs continue to anchor employment creation

Small and medium businesses recorded 10 lakh job postings in 2025, up an estimated 11% from the previous year. Hiring was strongest in education and training, healthcare services, retail, financial services and wellness. Cities such as Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore, Surat and Chandigarh saw notable increases as local enterprises formalised operations and scaled service delivery. Women and freshers formed a significant share of SMB applicant pools, particularly in customer experience, administrative coordination, digital operations and finance support.

AI adoption across Candidates and Employers

Over 73 lakh AI interview sessions took place on Apna’s platform in 2025, with over 1.9 crore AI interview minutes. Adoption of Apna’s AI Job Prep tool, launched in May 2025, was strongest among freshers, women re-entering the workforce, and candidates in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Among the most prepped roles were software development, product management, data analyst, accounting, digital marketing and sales, highlighting the tool’s relevance across diverse industries. Leading companies like Google, Tesla, Swiggy, Microsoft, Jio and Flipkart emerged as the most preferred choices among job seekers. On the employer side, Apna’s AI Calling Agent was adopted by over 6,000 companies during the year. Employers created around 11,200 AI-enabled job listings, resulting in approximately 12 lakh automated screenings and saving the equivalent of nearly 4 years of recruiter calling time. Companies such as PayTM, Flipkart, Titan Company Ltd, Muthoot Fincorp, SBI Life Insurance, IDFC First Bank Limited and HCL used the tool. Adoption was strongest in sales, customer support, software development, finance and operations roles, with higher uptake in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, marking a strong first year of broad-based AI integration in hiring.

Mumbai, Dec 23:- GHV Infra Projects Ltd. a fast-growing EPC player in  India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently announced the successfully  incorporation of its wholly-owned subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates  This  development marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth journey.  

The establishment of the UAE subsidiary underscores GHV Infra’s strategic intent to expand  its footprint in global infrastructure markets, particularly across the Gulf Cooperation Council   region. The move is aligned with the company’s long-term vision to participate in high value international EPC projects and  strengthen its overseas project execution capabilities.  

With the UAE serving as a regional hub for large-scale infrastructure development, the new  subsidiary will enable GHV Infra to access emerging opportunities across sectors such as  transportation, urban infrastructure, industrial development, and energy-related projects  within the GCC. The presence on-ground is also expected to enhance client engagement,  facilitate faster project mobilization, and support effective project management and  coordination for overseas contracts.  

Mr. Ajay Hans, Managing Director, GHV Infra Projects Limited, said,

“The launch of our  wholly-owned subsidiary in the UAE marks a decisive step in GHV Infra’s global expansion  journey. With the GCC emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic infrastructure markets,  this presence brings us closer to strategic partners, large-scale EPC opportunities, and regional  decision-makers. It significantly strengthens our capability to bid for and deliver complex  international projects while upholding the quality, reliability, and execution excellence that  define GHV Infra.”  

The subsidiary will act as a platform to pursue global EPC tenders, forge regional  partnerships, and leverage GHV Infra’s technical expertise and project execution strengths in  international markets. It also reflects the company’s commitment to building a diversified  geographical presence and reducing reliance on a single market over the long term.  

This development comes at a time when GHV Infra is focused on sustainable growth,  operational excellence, and expanding its capabilities beyond domestic infrastructure  projects. The UAE subsidiary is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s  overseas growth strategy and enhancing its competitiveness in the global infrastructure arena.