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Chandigarh, October 6, 2025: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the PM-SETU (Prime Minister Skill and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) scheme at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, along with other youth-focused education and skill development initiatives worth over ₹62,000 crore. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, was also present at the event.

With an outlay of ₹60,000 crore, PM-SETU aims to modernize 1,000 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) through a unique 200 Hub and 800 Spoke model. This transformative initiative underlines the government’s commitment to empowering India’s youth through modern skilling and employability programs.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said, “As Chaudhary Charan Singh used to say, the path to national development passes through our farms and villages. Similarly, ITIs will now drive India’s growth. The Hon’ble Prime Minister has given a clear message to our youth — focus on your skills and education to build a developed India by 2047.”

In Phase 1 of PM-SETU, ITI Bharatpur in Rajasthan has been identified as a Hub, while ITIs in Dholpur, Karauli, Kaman, and Bayana will serve as Spokes. These institutions will focus on key sectors such as Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Hospitality.

Each Hub will be equipped with:

• Innovation Centers

• Training of Trainers (ToT) facilities

• Production Units

• Placement Services

Spoke institutes will offer expanded training outreach. The initiative will be industry-driven, with Anchor Industry Partners managing each cluster to ensure relevance and employability. The Bharatpur cluster will leverage partnerships with CII, FICCI, and local industry bodies to strengthen regional skilling ecosystems.

With the PM-SETU scheme, India’s ITIs are poised to become engines of employment, entrepreneurship, and economic transformation.

National, October 06, 2025: PhonePe today announced a strategic partnership with Utkarsh Small Finance Bank to launch the Wish Credit Card, designed to empower every Indian with easy, digital access to credit. The card will be available for online application directly via the PhonePe app, offering users a seamless and hassle-free experience.

This collaboration aims to expand the reach of formal credit to a wider, digitally-savvy population, especially those who are underserved or new to credit – including self-employed individuals, homemakers, Gen Z users, and residents of tier-2 and tier-3 cities where credit card penetration remains relatively low.

What makes the Wish Credit Card unique is its Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed model, which allows users to unlock credit against an FD. This not only provides a secured credit line but also enables users to earn interest on their deposit, making it both a practical and rewarding financial tool. As a RuPay Credit Card, it supports UPI-based payments, bridging the convenience of modern digital payments with the traditional safety of a fixed deposit.

The card further promotes financial inclusion by helping users build a strong credit history, making future access to loans or credit products easier and more reliable.

Key Features of the Wish Credit Card:

• 3% reward points on recurring monthly payments like mobile recharges and utility bills via the PhonePe app

• 1% reward points on shopping from select leading e-commerce brands

• 1% reward points on all Scan & Pay transactions

• Milestone bonus of reward points on monthly spends above a specified threshold

• Simple redemption process with 1 reward point equal to ₹1
  (T&C apply)

The end-to-end digital application and issuance process through the PhonePe app ensures that users can complete the journey without any paperwork or branch visits. The rollout of the Wish Credit Card will take place in phases.

Deep Agrawal, Head of Payments at PhonePe, commented: “This partnership with Utkarsh Small Finance Bank is a vital step in enhancing our financial services ecosystem. It offers users easy access to a trusted credit product, seamlessly integrated with RuPay on UPI. Together, we’re moving closer to a more financially inclusive India.”

Govind Singh, MD & CEO of Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, said: “As digital adoption grows across the country, it’s essential to provide products that meet the evolving needs of customers from diverse backgrounds. This FD-backed Credit Card blends the security of traditional banking with the ease of digital payments, while also helping users build their creditworthiness.”

With the launch of the Wish Credit Card, PhonePe and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank are setting a new benchmark for accessible, inclusive, and rewarding credit solutions in India’s growing digital economy.

Gurugram, 6th October 2025 : KOCA Garden, Gurugram’s ultimate nightlife hotspot co created by cricket icon Yuvraj Singh, is all set to light up Diwali with its Royal Diwali Night on 11th October. The evening will feature live performances by the celebrated Nizami Brothers, creating a magical musical experience for guests.

Adding to the festive spirit, KOCA will offer a Diwali special dessert, available throughout the month, alongside candle-lit décor on the rooftop terrace, creating a warm and enchanting ambiance. KOCA Garden, with panoramic skyline views, immersive lighting, and vibrant energy, promises an unforgettable Diwali celebration for all attendees.

With world-class cuisine, and curated seasonal menus, KOCA continues to redefine Gurugram’s dining and nightlife scene, making this Diwali one to remember.

New Delhi, 6th October 2025: adidas announces the launch of the first-ever official Manchester United Fan Jersey in India. The launch marks a milestone moment for football fans across the country, bringing the club closer to its passionate Indian supporters by making its iconic colours more accessible and affordable than ever before.

The MUFC fan jersey, priced at INR 1999, will be available on Blinkit across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, and on Flipkart Minutes across 17 PIN codes in Delhi NCR as well as pan-India via the Flipkart app. This retail-first collaboration enables adidas to meet consumers where they are, offering unparalleled speed and convenience in accessing official club merchandise.

The jersey is developed in a classic athletic silhouette and is designed with a crew neck which comes with a flat knit collar while also featuring the club’s crest and adidas logo in flat heat transfer execution along with three stripes on shoulder. 

Through this launch, adidas reinforces its leadership at the intersection of sport, culture, and retail innovation, giving Manchester United fans in India an opportunity to connect with their club like never before. 

Awfis Expands Mumbai presence by adding A New Centre in Supreme Business Park, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai

India, October 6, 2025: Awfis Space Solutions Limited, India’s largest and first publicly listed workspace solutions company, has announced the launch of its latest centre in Supreme Business Park, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, further strengthening its footprint in Mumbai. Spanning approximately 50,000 sq. ft. of chargeable area, the new centre is strategically located in one of the city’s most well-connected and upscale business hubs.

With this addition, Awfis now operates 35 centres across Mumbai, offering over 1.04 million sq. ft. of workspace solutions, catering to a diverse and growing clientele across sectors.

The new Powai centre is already operational and occupied by Howden Insurance Brokers India Pvt. Ltd., a leading independent insurance and reinsurance intermediary. Howden has taken ~36,000 sq. ft. under a 60-month lease, reflecting a long-term commitment to Awfis and confidence in its flexible, enterprise-grade offerings.

“Mumbai continues to flourish as India’s financial capital, driven by strong commercial real estate growth, the influx of global capability centres, and rising demand for Grade A office spaces,” said Amit Ramani, Chairman and MD, Awfis Space Solutions Ltd.

“We are proud to contribute to this growth by delivering future-ready coworking formats, managed offices, and custom-built solutions that cater to a wide range of business needs. Our partnership with Howden Insurance Brokers India Pvt. Ltd. for their new Powai office further reinforces our position as the preferred workspace partner for enterprises in prime business districts.”

Strong Client Retention and Market Leadership

Awfis continues to demonstrate robust client retention, with 73% of its clientele on tenures exceeding 24 months. Large enterprises account for 59% of its portfolio, supported by a healthy mix of mid- and small-sized occupiers — a testament to the platform’s adaptability and appeal across segments.

With India’s office market gaining further momentum, particularly in metros like Mumbai (which contributes nearly 20% of market growth), Awfis is well-positioned to capitalize on demand for flexible, tech-enabled, and ESG-compliant workspace solutions.

Meeting the Future of Work

As enterprises increasingly seek scalable, sustainable, and technology-driven office environments, Awfis is reinforcing its leadership by offering a comprehensive suite of workspace solutions. This includes coworking spaces, managed offices, enterprise solutions, allied services, and design & build capabilities across India.

Awfis’ continued expansion in Mumbai reflects both market demand and the company’s strategic focus on delivering high-quality workspaces in business-centric locations.

India, 6th october 2025:The festive season is all about joy, surprises, and celebrations, and Relaxo Footwears has added an extra sparkle to it this year. As part of its Festive Bonanza Offer, shoppers across India are walking away with life-changing rewards. In just the very first week of offer’s launch, six lucky customers have each won a bumper cashback of INR 1,00,000, making this festive shopping spree one to remember.

If you have still not made the best of Relaxo Festive Bonanza Offer, this could be your chance to be the next big winner. Why miss out when Relaxo is turning everyday shopping into festive jackpots?

The winners announced so far include Ravi Prasad (Varanasi), Ashutosh Singh (Prayagraj), Gaurav Sharma (Hathras), Sailendra Shahay (Budaun), Raghuvender (Gurgaon), and Suresh Kumar (Delhi). 

The Festive Bonanza Offer, valid on purchases of INR 1,499 and above at Relaxo retail outlets, assures every shopper an exciting reward. While many walk away with instant cashbacks starting from INR 101, a few fortunate ones stand the chance of winning bumper cashbacks worth up to INR 1 lakh, With six big winners already in week one, the offer has amplified festive cheer across India.

This early success underscores Relaxo’s deep retail connect and reinforces its position as a brand that goes beyond products delivering delightful experiences and unforgettable festive memories for its customers.

India, 4th october 2025:Reacting to the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%, please find below expert insight by, Mr. Aniruddha Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director, Umiya Buildcon Ltd, on its potential impact on the real estate sector:

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged reflects a balanced approach, providing stability at a time when the real estate sector is witnessing strong demand. A predictable interest rate environment is crucial for both homebuyers and developers, enabling better planning and fostering confidence in long-term investments.

We continue to see robust interest in residential properties, particularly in mid-income and premium segments, as well as growing activity in commercial spaces. With the festive season around the corner, this policy consistency creates the right conditions for sustained market momentum.

Looking ahed, the focus should be on supporting affordability and creating frameworks that encourage responsible growth. A stable rate environment, coupled with such measures, will ensure that India’s real estate sector continues its trajectory of healthy, sustainable development.”

Mumbai, 4th October 2025: India’s retail real estate sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation — from fragmented, quantity-driven growth to a more consolidated, quality-led, and institutionally backed market. According to ANAROCK Research, of the 650 operational malls across the country today, a growing share now meets institutional-grade standards, signalling a shift towards a more mature and investment-ready retail landscape.

This shift is led by top players like Nexus Malls (Blackstone), Phoenix Mills, DLF, Lakeshore, Raheja Group, and Pacific, who collectively own 58 malls spanning 34 million sq. ft., with 45+ new projects covering over 42.5 million sq. ft. in the pipeline over the next 3–5 years.

“It’s impressive how institutional investments are expanding beyond metros into Tier 2 cities,” said Anuj Kejriwal, CEO & MD of ANAROCK Retail. “Cities like Chandigarh, Indore, Surat, Bhubaneswar, and Coimbatore are fast emerging as organized retail hubs, driven by rising aspirations and purchasing power.”

Kejriwal added that the evolution of Indian retail is increasingly shaped by consumer demand for standardized, experiential spaces, which aligns with the interests of private equity and REIT investors.

Quality Rising, Vacancies Falling
In 2015, top-grade malls made up a small portion of total retail stock in major cities. By 2027, these high-quality assets are projected to dominate the market. At the same time, vacancy rates in quality malls have declined significantly — a strong indicator of rising demand and better asset performance.

“Grade A properties are now witnessing 5–8% annual rental growth, far outpacing their Grade B and C counterparts,” said Kejriwal. “Underperforming malls are increasingly facing closure, repositioning, or conversion into mixed-use developments.”

Despite this progress, India still lags developed markets, with only 110 million sq. ft. of quality retail stock, compared to 700+ million sq. ft. in the US and 400+ million sq. ft. in China, where retail assets are predominantly institutionally owned.

However, India’s rapid urbanization and strong retail productivity — averaging INR 1,200–1,600 per sq. ft. per month in Grade A malls — point to massive future potential. New malls are now averaging over 1 million sq. ft. in size, setting the stage for increased REIT activity and more ‘bigger, better, branded’ developments.

GST Reforms Fuel Institutional Retail Growth

Recent changes in India’s GST regime, implemented from September 22, are streamlining tax structures and driving transparency. These reforms are reducing compliance burdens, enhancing financial predictability, and boosting investor confidence in institutional-grade retail spaces.

“GST reforms are also positively impacting consumers,” Kejriwal noted. “They simplify pricing, reduce tax cascading, and improve purchasing power. Uniform taxation across states ensures more consistent pricing, ultimately driving demand for premium retail experiences.”

Key Trends:

• From 2005–2015, over 250 malls were built during the organized retail boom

• Between 2015–2020, many were shut down, repositioned, or converted, particularly those lacking quality

• Underperforming malls with high vacancy rates (some exceeding 30%) faced financial stress

• Grade A malls saw positive rental growth, while others remained stagnant or declined

• New mall launches will average 1–1.2 million sq. ft.

• A significant share of smaller malls may be repurposed into mixed-use projects

• 2–3 new retail-focused REITs are expected to launch soon

With rising institutional interest, growing consumer sophistication, and supportive policy reforms, India’s retail real estate market is clearly moving toward a world-class, experience-driven future.

Bengaluru, Oct 4th , 2025: Namma Sarathi Trust (R) announced the launch of “Namma Sarathi” a fleet of pink auto-rickshaws run by women and trans women drivers in Bengaluru. This pioneering initiative aims to transform public transport by creating sustainable livelihoods, ensuring safer mobility for passengers, and challenging long-standing stereotypes in the city’s transport sector.

With Bengaluru’s urban transport expanding rapidly, women’s participation as drivers in the para-transit space remains disproportionately low. The Namma Sarathi project seeks to change this by training, licensing, and supporting women and trans women to become professional auto-rickshaw drivers. The initiative will prepare 1,000 drivers by March 2026 and scale up to 10,000 by 2030, positioning women as a driving force in the city’s mobility ecosystem.

As part of its implementation, five training centres will be established across Bengaluru, offering a structured three-month program covering driving skills, traffic rules, vehicle maintenance, digital and financial literacy, customer service, and self-defense. In partnership with the RTO and financial institutions, the Trust will also facilitate driving license issuance and access to vehicle loans, while working with unions and aggregator platforms to ensure employment linkages.

“Namma Sarathi is not just about auto training, it is about community,” said the Namma Sarathi team. “By putting women and trans women in the driver’s seat, we are creating opportunities for dignity, financial independence, and a safer Bengaluru. Our vision is to normalize their presence on the city’s streets and set an example for other Indian cities.”

Sampath, President, Namma Sarathi Trust,said:“This is a historic moment for Bengaluru. For too long, women and trans women have been passengers but rarely drivers. With Namma Sarathi, we are shifting that narrative.”

Rudra Murthi, Vice President, added: “This initiative is about more than jobs—it is about visibility and representation. Every pink auto on the road will carry a story of courage and change.”

Kavri, General Secretary, remarked: “The program also focuses on equipping our drivers with financial literacy, digital know-how, and self-defense. We want to ensure their empowerment is holistic and lasting.”

Meenakshi, Joint Secretary, said: “Our dream is that when someone sees a woman or trans woman behind the wheel, it feels absolutely normal. That is when we know change has truly arrived.”

Dr Devika Raj, treasurer added: “Namma Sarathi represents more than just pink auto-rickshaws on Bengaluru’s roads – it’s a powerful movement that puts women and trans women in the driver’s seat of both their economic futures and the city’s transformation toward inclusive mobility.”

Dr. Akkshye Tulsyan, Honorary Consul of Namibia and mentor  of Namma Sarathi Trust, added that the initiative is as much about societal transformation as it is about mobility. “This program combines empowerment with impact. By 2030, we envision 10,000 women and trans women drivers leading the way in Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaw network. When women are behind the wheel, the entire city moves forward.”

The Namma Sarathi team also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tulsyan, acknowledging his early guidance and motivation. “Dr. Tulsyan’s faith in our vision gave us the courage to begin. His support has been instrumental in shaping Namma Sarathi into a movement, not just a project.”

Through this project, Namma Sarathi expects to create new income streams for women—ranging between INR 15,000–INR 25,000 per month—while providing the public with a reliable and safer transport option. More importantly, it will establish a replicable model of women-led mobility that can be scaled across India.

Mumbai, October 3rd 2025: This Diwali, ReCircle, a pioneering waste recovery innovator, announces Mumbai’s largest Diwali Waste Collection Drive for the fifth year in a row. What started in 2021 with just 3,100 kg of collected waste has seen the impact multiply nearly every year – doubling and scaling up with the support of Mumbaikars. By 2024, the drive had recovered over 45,000 kg in a single season, and together across four years, more than 75,000 kg of dry waste has been diverted from landfills. This year, the campaign returns bigger, bolder, and more deeply rooted in communities across the city.

Over the past four years, it has been Mumbai’s spirit of community and responsibility that has powered this drive – from households and housing societies to schools, corporates, and local champions. Each edition has shown how Mumbaikars come together during Diwali not just to celebrate, but to take action for a cleaner, more sustainable city. This year’s drive builds on that momentum, aiming to inspire even more citizens to be part of the circular future.

Like every year, the proceeds from the recovered waste will be donated to St. Catherine of Siena School & Orphanage, supporting essential needs of children.

• Drive Dates: Saturday, 4 October – Tuesday, 14 October 

• Locations: Central & Western Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai

• Who Can Participate: Individuals, residential societies, schools, colleges, corporates, co-working spaces

• Types of waste: All types of dry waste including Paper; Plastic; Metal; Glass; Small E-waste; Textiles (clothes, bed linen); Footwear; Utensils

“Diwali is one of Mumbai’s most vibrant festivals, but the waste that follows often diminishes its glow. This year, we aim to turn that cycle around – making ‘Diwali ki Safai’ more than a ritual, but a movement that’s visible in every society, every street, and every home. It’s simple: each household’s effort adds up – dry waste not only reduces environmental burden, it powers livelihoods and supports children in need. Like every year, the proceeds from this drive will support St. Catherine of Siena School & Orphanage, helping provide essentials to children who need it most. By celebrating responsibly, Mumbaikars can light up lives far beyond their own homes,” said Rahul Nainani, CEO & Co-Founder, ReCircle.