5 Key Safety Tips from NPCI for Secure Digital Payments during Festive Season

India ,15th october 2025: Festivals are a time of celebration, gifting, and increased shopping activity. Both online and offline channels offer attractive discounts, limited-time sales, and cashback promotions that encourage quick purchasing decisions. In this festive rush, many individuals may act impulsively to secure a ‘too good to be true’ deal. Scamsters are aware of these behavioral patterns and often exploit them through social engineering. As scams evolve with technology, awareness and a few mindful steps can help users enjoy a safe and seamless experience. 

Shop Only on Official Apps and Websites: Fraudsters create lookalike websites and links, especially during sale season, to steal personal and payment details. Always type the web address yourself or use the official app. Avoid clicking on links from promotional emails, SMS or forwarded messages. Do not download files or click on links from unknown sources, as they may contain harmful software and could gain access to your device.

Complete Payments only Within the Platform: Some scams push users to pay on external UPI IDs or links outside the shopping app or site, skipping safety checks. Always complete transactions on the official checkout page and confirm the seller’s details.

Be Careful with Free Vouchers and Cashback promises: Messages offering rewards, cashback or festival gifts may ask for OTPs, account details or small “fees”. Genuine offers don’t need sensitive information or upfront payments. Pause and verify before engaging.

Treat Unexpected OTP Requests as Warning: Some messages claim that a payment has failed, or an account is blocked, and then request OTPs to “fix” the problem. OTPs are meant only to confirm a transaction initiated by users. Banks or payment apps never ask for them over calls or messages.

Don’t Act Under Pressure: Scammers create urgency by saying an offer will expire soon or your account will be blocked if you don’t act. Genuine platforms don’t use fear or rush tactics. Take a moment to check before responding.

To ensure a secure transaction experience, users should adopt the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ principle. By stopping at the point of unexpected requests, thinking and verifying the information, and acting wisely, users can effectively safeguard transactions and protect sensitive information, ensuring a secure experience.

SGA PR Expands North India Presence with Senior Hires Divyata Kalhans and Nehha Gupta

Mumbai, October 15, 2025: Integrated communications firm SGA PR has strengthened its North India leadership with two senior appointments. Divyata Kalhans joins as Senior Vice President & Head , North, while Nehha Gupta takes on the role of Vice President  Client Delight. The consultancy firm, which partners closely with the founders’ team to solve business challenges through strategic communications and bespoke narratives that shape companies’ brand image and perception, aims to scale its presence in new-age emerging sectors like Fintech, Deeptech, Traveltech, Travel & Tourism, among others.  

 Divyata Kalhans and Nehha Gupta

Divyata Kalhans brings over 18 years of experience in strategic communications. She spent a decade at Adfactors PR, driving strategic storytelling and reputation-building for leading fintech, edtech and other technology brands. Her career includes stints at Edelman, Ogilvy PR, and Hindustan Times, where she began her journey in communications. At SGA PR, she will head North India operations and spearhead the firm’s expansion along with focus on  strengthening fintech and new economy technology brands.

Nehha Gupta, with nearly 18 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications, joins from Value 360 Communications, leading high-impact campaigns along with focus on driving strategic storytelling for consumer, travel, VCs and technology brands across sectors. Her career spans reputed organizations including Weber Shandwick, IKEA India, Citi. At SGA PR, Nehha will focus on client strategy, delivery excellence, and strengthening stakeholder engagement across the North India region.

Commenting on the appointments, Rahul Jain, Partner and Joint CEO at SGA PR, said: “SGA PR is growing significantly owing to its consultative thought process and bespoke, business-led approach. Today SGA PR partners with over 60 clients across fintech, BFSI, technology, chemicals, pharma, real estate, auto-ancillary PE/VC and new-age sectors. The firm has delivered industry-first narratives for its clients. Divyata and Nehha bring the right mix of experience and sector expertise to help clients navigate complex business challenges through problem-solving communication strategies. Their leadership will be key to scaling SGA PR’s operations in North India.”

With a growing client base and experienced talent joining the team, SGA PR remains focused on building a new-age communications firm that combines strategic insight, sector expertise, and creativity to deliver real business impact across India. 

HCLTech partners with GSMA to accelerate telecom innovation through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative

Recognized as the first global technology company to join initiative, strategic alliance will fast-track the adoption of programmable networks and unlock new monetization opportunities for CSPs worldwide

NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, Oct. 15, 2025 — HCLTech, a leading global technology company, and GSMA, a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem, are collaborating to advance the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, which works toward enhancing customer experiences, streamlining application development and unlock new revenue streams for the global telecoms industry. As the first and only global technology company to join the initiative and a trusted technology partner in the Open Gateway ecosystem, HCLTech reinforces its commitment to fostering openness, driving monetization and accelerating innovation across the telecom network.

By enabling ‘Network as a Platform’ models, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative is redefining how Communication Service Providers (CSPs) expose and consume network capabilities through standardized APIs. As one of the fastest-growing global SIs in the telecom industry, HCLTech will contribute its cutting-edge solutions, deep domain expertise and extensive system integration (SI) experience to scale the initiative globally.

HCLTech’s contributions will include:

A converged network monetization platform to unlock new revenue streams.
A secure and scalable network API layer to enable autonomous networks.
Agentic AI solutions integrated with native network APIs.
End-to-end implementation and integration services tailored for Open Gateway environments.
Industry-specific use cases across 10+ verticals, including manufacturing, energy, government, automotive, travel, healthcare and financial services.

“We are not just joining an initiative — we are shaping the future of telecom,” said Anil Ganjoo, Chief Growth Officer, Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications at HCLTech. “Our alliance with GSMA reflects our commitment to empowering CSPs with agile, programmable networks. With our proprietary IP, AI capabilities and global scale, we are positioned to deliver real-world impact across the telecom value chain.”

“We are delighted to welcome HCLTech to the GSMA Open Gateway partner community,” said Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at GSMA. “With their proven expertise across 200+ CSPs globally and broad digital transformation capabilities, HCLTech will play a key role in accelerating adoption and delivering innovative, real-world use cases.”

With participation from over 79 mobile operator groups, representing 291 carrier networks and nearly 80% of mobile connections around the world, Open Gateway is becoming a foundational pillar of the future telecom architecture. This partnership underscores a pivotal shift in the industry—where collaboration, openness and innovation converge to create the networks of tomorrow.

Phoenix Malls: Where Every Visit is a Festival

14th October 2025: India has always been a land of festivals – vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture. But this year, the celebration extends beyond rituals and lights, it’s about celebrating India itself. Across the nation, families are reuniting, communities are reconnecting, and a renewed sense of pride and belonging is shaping how India comes together. At the center of this movement stands Phoenix Malls, the country’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, where commerce meets culture, and every visit transforms into a festival of connection, experience, and joy.

MALL1

Reflecting the Nation’s Vision

Phoenix Malls mirror the spirit of a rising India — the world’s fastest growing country, where pride, progress, and cultural vibrancy converge. This vision aligns closely with the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, celebrating self-reliance while embracing global aspirations.

From lighter, happier shopping experiences with GST benefits to moments of pride and national optimism, Phoenix symbolizes India’s spirit. And when it’s Diwali, there is truly only one place where India comes together to celebrate: Phoenix Malls.

Where India Comes Together

With 13 iconic destinations across 8 cities, Phoenix has transcended the idea of a mall. Each year, over 15 crore visitors walk through Phoenix’s doors — 25 times the population of New Zealand — not just to shop, but to immerse themselves in a world where aspiration meets accessibility, and culture becomes community. With 25 lakh annual car visits (over 5 times the number of cars sold in India last year), and 4 lakh ticketed show attendees across its venues annually, Phoenix has become a true cultural and economic powerhouse.

Its portfolio brings together the best of Indian and international brands — from global icons like Uniqlo, Bershka, Sephora, Nike, and Michael Kors to beloved Indian names — reflecting the diversity and ambition of India itself. Beyond retail, Phoenix fuels progress by generating 50,000 jobs directly and indirectly, powering livelihoods and opportunities across the country.

More than a Mall – Creating occasions for the country to Celebrate

Reflecting this spirit, Phoenix Malls brought the festive grandeur alive across the country, from Lucknow to Indore to Mumbai, turning each destination into a hub of joy, culture, and connection. Actor Neha Sharma celebrated Diwali at Phoenix Palassio, Lucknow, while Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta inaugurated the magnificent installation “Divine Bloom of Brahmakamal – The Lotus of Gods” at Phoenix Citadel, Indore. Meanwhile, Chitrangada Singh joined the celebrations at Phoenix Marketcity, Mumbai, amidst its majestic Diwali décor “The Chariots of Time.”

  • 75+ live concerts across 7 malls, and art showcases that bring communities together
  • Grand festive décor with 7 unique immersive installations, redefining visual spectacle on a national scale.
  • Mega giveaways for every shopper, ensuring that every visit is as rewarding as it is memorable
  • Shop for a Cause in association with the Aakar Charitable Trust, blending celebration with social responsibility
  • Celebrity visits and festive décor unveilings, making Phoenix the stage for unforgettable moments
  • Global dining experiences, where visitors can savour cuisines from around the world alongside beloved Indian favourites

Where Global Brands Create India’s Festive Canvas

This season marks a historic collaboration with Armani x Phoenix Palladium, unveiling a first-of-its-kind festive décor partnership. Bringing the elegance of Armani’s global design language to India’s most iconic retail destination, this collaboration sets a benchmark for creativity, luxury, and cultural storytelling — making Phoenix a true canvas for global brands to shape the festive spirit of the nation.

This festive season, Phoenix stands as the heartbeat of celebration in India — where every visit turns into a memorable experience, every moment reflects the nation’s spirit, and every celebration brings people together.

At Phoenix, it’s not just about festivals; it’s about celebrating India itself.

Commenting on the festive celebrations, Shashie Kumar, President & Retail Director at The Phoenix Mills Ltd., said: “Phoenix has always been about bringing people together. Our malls are spaces where communities meet, traditions are celebrated, and moments turn into memories. This festive season, we are delighted to provide experiences that go beyond shopping, reflecting the spirit of togetherness across the nation.”

Mayank Lalpuria, Director – Marketing (North, Central & West) at The Phoenix Mills Ltd., said: “Phoenix has always been about more than shopping — it’s about creating spaces where communities come together. This festive season, with collaborations like Armani x Phoenix Palladium, we are proud to offer experiences that combine international creativity with India’s rich traditions, making every visit a celebration of culture, connection, and joy.”

This festive season, as millions of visitors step into the vibrancy of Phoenix Malls, the brand reinforces what it has meticulously cultivated over decades — a trusted ecosystem of experiences that reflects the pulse of a nation, where families gather, friends reconnect, and moments turn into lasting memories.

Meet your next festive obsession, ‘Sparkling Stars’ by Nykaa Wanderlust

Mumbai, 14 October 2025: This festive season, immerse yourself in indulgence with the Nykaa Wanderlust Sparkling Stars Collection, a bodycare experience that feels as luxurious as it smells. Infused with the luscious sweetness of pear and the enveloping warmth of amber, each product caresses the skin with rich hydration and a lingering, velvety fragrance. It’s a limited collection crafted for the season of celebrations, perfect for all the upcoming parties and gatherings where you want to look, feel, and smell your best.

Nykaa Wanderlust, Sparkling Star 1

A Collection That Captures Luminescence:

Whether you’re dressing up for the big night or indulging in a self-care ritual that feels like luxury, the Sparkling Stars Collection transforms everyday moments into something truly radiant. Each product brings its own kind of radiance to give you everything from a soft scent to a gentle sheen.

Sparkling Stars Shimmer Shower Gel

Elevate your shower into a radiant ritual with this golden, shimmer-infused gel. Enriched with Vitamin E and Glycerin, it gently cleanses while hydrating and leaving the skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

Wanderlust Sparkling Stars Perfume Body Lotion

Feather-light. Festive-ready. This serum-in-lotion melts effortlessly into skin, delivering deep hydration with a silky, weightless feel. The fragrance blooms softly, leaving behind a delicate trail of warmth and elegance that perfectly complements your festive glow.

Wanderlust Sparkling Stars Hair & Body Mist

The ultimate festive finisher. One spritz wraps your skin in a soft, seductive scent while leaving it supple and subtly radiant for 8 hours. Light-as-air and long-lasting, it’s effortless elegance in a bottle,  all it takes to step into the spotlight and turn heads.

“Bath & body and fragrances remain one of the fastest-growing and most experiential categories in beauty, and at Nykaa Wanderlust, we’ve consistently focused on understanding how consumers want to celebrate self-care in everyday moments. The Sparkling Stars Collection responds to a growing demand for products that combine indulgence, festive sensorial experiences, and effortless usability. This launch builds on Nykaa Wanderlust’s commitment to premium, performance-driven formulations while creating products that resonate with modern routines and celebratory lifestyles. As a brand, we continue to set benchmarks in innovation that are meaningful, relevant, and future-ready.”  Adwaita Nayar, Co-founder and Executive Director of Nykaa and CEO of House of Nykaa and Nykaa Fashion

NCPA Hosts Two-Day Tribute Honouring Zakir Hussain’s Legacy

India,14th October 2025: The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), India’s premier multi venue multi-genre cultural institution, announces Maestro Forever: A Tribute to Zakir  Hussain’, a two-day homage to the legendary tabla virtuoso and esteemed Council Member,  late Zakir Hussain, on 14 and 15 December 2025. Maestro Forever will witness over 55  artistes who are expected to perform, from India and across the world, many of whom  shared the stage and deep bonds with Hussain. The programme will include musical  performances, lecture-demonstrations, talks, a photo exhibition tracing his journey, and  documentary screenings. His wife Antonia, along with daughters Anisa and Isabella, and  his brothers will join artistes and admirers to honour his memory. Box Office to open on the  9th of November for NCPA members and 12th of November for public.  

Zakir Hussain at the Citi NCPA Aadi Anant Festival

Zakir Hussain’s relationship with the NCPA was long and profound. From his early  performances with his father Ustad Alla Rakha and Pt. Ravi Shankar, to his remarkable  collaborations with the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), Hussain continually expanded the  possibilities of rhythm and music. His commissioned works for the SOI, including Peshkar and  the Triple Concerto, remain milestones in the orchestra’s history and exemplify his gift for  crossing musical boundaries. Over the decades, he collaborated with the NCPA on landmark  festivals and performances including Ardha Katha, celebrating 50 years of India’s  independence, and Aadi Anant, a celebration of the guru-shishya tradition. Beyond his  virtuosity, Hussain was admired for his openness and humanity. He carried forward the guru shishya tradition by nurturing young talent and creating platforms for them at the Citi NCPA Aadi Anant Festival. Equally at ease with Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, Western classical,  jazz, and world music, he embodied music as a universal language of harmony. 

Mr. Khushroo N. Suntook, Chairman, NCPA, commented, “My dear friend and colleague,  Zakir Hussain, left us last year, and with his passing, the world of music was left bereft. While  his artistry in the Hindustani classical tradition was unparalleled, his true genius lay in  transcending boundaries—embracing Western classical, jazz, and world music with equal  brilliance. Zakir shared a close association with the NCPA — not only through his invaluable  guidance as a Council Member but also as a mentor who generously nurtured the next  generation, offering them wisdom and the privilege to share the stage with him. 

It is the NCPA’s deep desire that it commemorates his barsi with a two-day tribute that reflects  the vastness of his musical journey. We invite artistes and audiences from across the country  and beyond to join us in honouring a true national treasure—an artist whose music and spirit  will remain eternal.” 

Dr. Suvarnalata Rao, Head of Indian Music at the NCPA, shared: Zakir ji was not only a  virtuoso whose artistry captivated the world, but also a mentor, colleague and a friend whose  humility and generosity inspired generations of musicians. His passing has left an enormous  void, but his spirit continues to guide us. It is only fitting that the NCPA — a place he treated like home — hosts this tribute. We are grateful to Antonia and his brother Taufiq Qureshi for their  kind cooperation, time and efforts in putting together Maestro Forever. We look forward to  welcoming all audiences to join us in remembering an extraordinary human.

The NCPA will soon announce the full line-up of artistes and detailed programming. This tribute,  both national and global in spirit, promises to be a one-of-a-kind commemoration for a man  who was as unique as his music. The NCPA invites audiences to join in this celebration — at the  centre in Mumbai or virtually from across the world. 

Annexure: 

Zakir Hussain and the NCPA 

  • Hussain’s first appearance at the NCPA was alongside his father Ustad Allarakha, sitar  maestro Ravi Shankar, and mridangam exponent Palghat Raghu. From the outset, he  showed a rare ability to make the tabla speak across traditions and genres. 
  • Over the decades, he collaborated with the NCPA on landmark festivals and  performances including Ardha Katha, celebrating 50 years of India’s independence, and  Aadi Anant, a celebration of the guru-shishya tradition. 
  • In 2015, he became a Council Member of the NCPA, contributing insight and guidance  as both an artiste and mentor. 

Collaborations with the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) 

  • Hussain composed and premiered Peshkar, the first concerto for tabla and orchestra  commissioned by the NCPA, performed in Mumbai and later on tour in Switzerland and  the UK to standing ovations. 
  • In 2023, his Triple Concerto for tabla, sitar, bansuri, and orchestra premiered at the  NCPA and went on tour in the UK, showcasing his ability to integrate Indian and Western  traditions seamlessly. 

His earlier collaboration Melody of Rhythm, composed and performed with Edgar Meyer  and Béla Fleck, set the tone for a decade of innovative cross-genre explorations

Lexar unveils next gen AI ready storage and memory solutions at Gitex Global 2025

14th October 2025: Lexar, a global leader in storage solutions, is unveiling the future of storage innovation in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era, at Gitex Global 2025, the world’s largest tech and startup event taking place from 13 to 17 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The company is showcasing the world’s lightest, toughest, and fastest memory solutions, at the Lexar stand located in Hall1, Stand H1-25.

With artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping industries and everyday life—projected by IDC to contribute $19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030—reliable, high-speed storage is becoming more critical than ever. Lexar’s products are recognized for their large capacities, fast performance, and proven reliability, making them essential tools for AI developers, professional creators, gamers, and PC enthusiasts alike.

LEXAR

“Traditional memory solutions are no longer adequate for today’s demanding AI workloads. The future lies in high-capacity storage that enables faster data processing. Lexar’s all-flash arrays and SSDs, known for their speed and dependability, are becoming the go-to solutions for enterprises working on large-scale AI projects. Simultaneously, the booming imaging services sector in the Middle East is driving demand for our professional-grade storage solutions designed specifically for content creators,” said Mr. Fissal Oubida, General Manager – Middle East, Africa & India, Lexar.

Bringing the future of memory forward

One of Lexar’s standout innovations at the event is Lexar’s thumb-sized Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub – the world’s lightest portable SSD at just 13 grams. This groundbreaking innovation is optimized for the iPhone 16/17 series and Android devices, and is specifically designed for content creators to shoot seamless video from a mobile phone. Also taking the spotlight is the Armor Series, which includes the world’s first stainless steel SD cards—ARMOR GOLD and ARMOR SILVER PRO. These cards are built for durability, with strength up to 37 times that of standard SD cards, offering photographers, videographers, and content creators unmatched reliability for their demanding workflows. Another highlight is the ARMOR 700 Portable SSD, a rugged, high-speed storage solution offering up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds and full cross-platform compatibility—perfect for mobile professionals.

The CFexpress 4.0 Series is also making waves, with Type-B DIAMOND, GOLD, SILVER, and Type-A GOLD cards engineered for lightning-fast performance. Designed for 8K video and ultra-high-res photography, these cards cater to creators who demand top-tier speed and capacity.

Elevating the Gaming Experience

Lexar hasn’t forgotten the gaming community. At GITEX, the company is showcasing its ARES RGB 2nd Gen DDR5 Desktop Memory, featuring SK Hynix DRAM chips with speeds up to 8000MT/s (and 6000MT/s CL26), designed for elite desktop gaming performance. For handheld gamers, Lexar introduces the PLAY PRO microSD Express Card, which integrates PCIe technology for blazing-fast speeds—up to 900MB/s read and 600MB/s write—offering dramatically faster load and download times.

Engineered for AI developers, gamers, and creators, Lexar is showcasing two next-generation SSDs: the Lexar Professional NM990 PCIe Gen5.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD and the Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD. Both these SSDs utilize PCIe 5.0 technology to deliver incredible speeds—up to 14,000MB/s read and 11,000MB/s write—nearly doubling the performance of Gen 4 drives, providing superior performance for serious gamers and professional rendering.

As the Middle East region solidifies its position as a global hub for gaming and imaging, Lexar’s high-performance products empower users to push creative and technological boundaries. From lightning-fast PCIe 5.0 SSDs to the latest microSD Express technology for handheld gamers, we offer a full suite of data storage innovations designed to help our customers scale and succeed in the digital world,” concluded Oubida.

UPI to Soon Be Accepted in Japan, Easing Travel for Indian Tourists

New Delhi, Oct 14, 2025: In a major step towards expanding India’s digital payments footprint globally, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the overseas arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTT DATA Japan to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Japan.

NPCI

This strategic partnership aims to streamline digital transactions for Indian travellers visiting Japan by enabling them to use their familiar UPI apps to make payments at a wide range of Japanese merchant outlets. The move is set to significantly enhance convenience and ease of spending abroad, offering seamless QR-code-based payments at checkout counters.

With the collaboration, both entities will work together to integrate UPI into merchant ecosystems acquired by NTT DATA across Japan. This means Indian tourists will be able to make quick, secure payments without needing international cards or cash conversion.

The partnership is especially timely, as tourism between India and Japan is seeing a sharp rise. Between January and August 2025, over 208,000 Indian visitors travelled to Japan — a 36% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights the growing need for easier, more accessible payment methods for Indian tourists.

By introducing UPI in Japan, Indian travellers will enjoy faster checkouts, greater transparency, and reduced dependence on foreign exchange, while Japanese merchants benefit from increased footfall and enhanced customer experience.

This initiative also aligns with India’s broader vision of positioning UPI as a globally trusted digital payment platform. In recent years, UPI has expanded its presence in countries like the UAE, Singapore, France, and Sri Lanka — bringing with it a seamless, secure, and efficient way to transact.

For Japan, which has traditionally relied on card-based systems, the adoption of UPI signals a growing openness to QR-based and mobile-first payment methods. It also opens new opportunities for local businesses to cater to a tech-savvy Indian customer base.

As digital travel experiences become the new norm, this collaboration between NIPL and NTT DATA marks a milestone in cross-border payment integration, setting the stage for a future where Indian travellers can use UPI as easily abroad as they do at home.

Wholesale Price Inflation Eases to 0.13% in September 2025 as Food and Energy Prices Moderate: PHDCCI

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data for September 2025 (Provisional), showing that the annual inflation rate stood at 0.13 percent compared to September 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the WPI declined by 0.19 percent, reflecting continued moderation in wholesale price pressures, said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI in a press statement issued here today.

The low overall inflation in September was primarily driven by declines in food and primary article prices, even as manufactured product prices showed a mild increase. In the Primary Articles category, prices fell largely due to lower prices of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and non-food articles such as fibres and oilseeds, which is also reflected in CPI for September 2025, he said.

He added the moderation in wholesale prices was mainly due to lower food and energy costs, a strong agricultural output, and stable commodity prices globally. Improved supply-side conditions following a good monsoon, alongside government interventions to check retail prices of essential commodities, also contributed to the decline.

However, the manufactured goods sector continued to witness moderate price rises due to elevated input costs, particularly for raw materials like metals and chemicals, and steady domestic demand in industrial sectors such as cement, steel, and consumer durables, he said.

International crude oil prices showed mild volatility during the month, but remained range-bound, preventing a significant pass-through to domestic fuel inflation. Meanwhile, favourable currency movements and easing global commodity prices (particularly in edible oils and industrial inputs) further reduced cost pressures on producers, he said.

Looking aheadwholesale inflation is expected to remain benign in the coming months, supported by adequate food supplystable global commodity prices, and government measures to control inflation in key sectors. The harvest of kharif crops and the expected arrival of rabi produce in the next quarter are likely to keep food inflation contained, says Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI.

From Mithai to Memories Adarsh Sweets Launches Its Festive Hamper Range for Diwali 2025

India, 14th october 2025: As the festival of lights approaches, Adarsh Sweets, renowned for its authentic Indian mithai and snacks, unveils its much-awaited Diwali Special Festive Hampers  a collection that beautifully blends age-old tradition with the joy of modern gifting.

Crafted with meticulous care and passion, each hamper reflects Adarsh Sweets’ commitment to purity, taste, and excellence. The festive range offers an indulgent mix of classic mithai, dry fruit delicacies, crunchy chikkis, wholesome snacks, and sugar-free treats  making it the perfect gift for family, friends, or corporate associates.

From the melt-in-the-mouth Kashmiri Kesar Pista Halwa to the nostalgic Purvanchal Mix and the delightful Roasted Dryfruit Chikki Bar, every item is prepared using premium ingredients and traditional recipes perfected over decades. The hampers come in a variety of thoughtfully curated options, ensuring there’s something special for every palate.

Each box is handcrafted with love and care, designed not just to satisfy taste buds but to evoke fond festive memories  bringing back the aroma, warmth, and sweetness that define Indian celebrations.

The hampers are now available at all Adarsh Sweets outlets across Mumbai:
     Dahisar Station (E)
     Ashok Van, Dahisar (E)
     Sonawala Marg, Goregaon (E)

This Diwali, celebrate the season of lights with sweetness that transcends generations. Gift a box full of happiness, tradition, and taste with Adarsh Sweets’ Festive Hampers.