Archives September 2025

13th september ,Mumbai:Sampan, The Pan-Asian restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, introduces Wok Around Asia, an immersive dining experience where every course tells a story, every flavor spark curiosity, and every visit becomes a journey through the wok. With its sharp Pan-Asian focus and thoughtfully curated guest experience, Sampan continues to stand among Mumbai’s top-tier dining destinations.

Bringing together the rich essence of Asia’s culinary heritage, Wok Around Asia offers a tasting experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation. The menu traverses China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and beyond, blending comforting classics with bold, contemporary flavors. Each dish is crafted as a symphony of spices, textures, and aromas designed to awaken the senses and transport diners across Asia’s diverse cultures.

The journey begins at the elegant entrance bar, where guests are welcomed with handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and signature beverages. Thoughtful details, from smooth background music and earthy lighting to refined table settings, create a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Lounge-style seating adds to the experience, allowing guests to enjoy the sizzle, flair, and artistry of live cooking in motion.

Wok Around Asia at Sampan goes beyond the plate. It is a celebration of flavors, stories, and shared experiences, transforming every visit into a memorable culinary journey.

Below are the details:

Location: Sampan, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Rd, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049

Time: Lunch – 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm & Dinner – 7:00 pm -11:30 pm.

Bengaluru, 13th September, 2025 – Myntra and makers of SUGAR Cosmetics have announced a one-of-a-kind strategic partnership to introduce Molten Beauty, a new-age/disruptive Gen-Z brand crafted at the intersection of skincare and makeup. Molten Beauty addresses a significant white space in the Indian beauty market by bringing together Myntra’s e-commerce strength and deep consumer understanding with an innovation-led approach and brand-building expertise of makers of SUGAR Cosmetics to shape a new era of beauty for the next generation. 

Breaking away from conventional skincare and traditional makeup, Molten Beauty operates in an intuitive space where beauty feels fluid, weightless, and instinctive. Built on a skin-first philosophy, the brand champions products that enhance and not conceal, while delivering clinically tested benefits through vegan, cruelty-free formulations powered by active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. Every product is designed to melt seamlessly into the skin, offering second-skin comfort, sensorial pleasure, and performance that resonates with Gen Z’s demand for authenticity and transparency.

The launch portfolio features SKUs across skincare and makeup, with offerings that hydrate, protect, soothe, brighten, and plump, alongside lightweight color products that double up with skincare benefits. Hero products include the Aqua Chill Moisturizer, Anti-Acne Sunscreen, Airy Blur Blush Drops, Buff Glow Lip Balm, and Velvet Blur Lip Tint. The collection is set to expand to 50+ SKUs over the coming year, staying true to Molten’s ethos of delivering multi-tasking, hybrid products that feel effortless yet expressive.

Speaking about the launch, Nandita Sinha, CEO, Myntra, said: “We are excited to partner with the team behind SUGAR Cosmetics to introduce Molten Beauty, a brand that represents the evolving needs of Gen Z beauty enthusiasts. With over 25 million Gen Z users on our platform, we understand their evolving aspirations, and with its skin-first philosophy, Molten Beauty will perfectly resonate with their aspirational beauty choices. This strategic association is poised to reinforce our place as the  go-to destination for the new generation of beauty consumers.”

Adding to this, Vineeta Singh, CEO SUGAR Cosmetics, said: “With Molten Beauty, we’re building a brand that brings together the best of care and expression; products that melt into your skin and feel like self-care. Gen Z is redefining beauty with their demand for authenticity, inclusivity, and transparency, and Molten has been crafted to reflect exactly that. Myntra’s proven expertise in building  brands allows us to deliver this new-age brand to millions of beauty-forward consumers across India, in a way that is both accessible and exciting.”

Molten Beauty will be available on Myntra and www.moltenbeauty.com. Consumers will also be able to shop the collection on M-Now, Myntra’s hyper-speed delivery service, with delivery starting in 30 minutes, making beauty even more accessible.

Launching right in time for the festive season and Myntra’s Big Fashion Festival, Molten Beauty marks one of the most significant introductions to Myntra’s beauty portfolio this year. This launch not only kicks off the celebrations with a fresh and powerful proposition but also represents a milestone where two of India’s much-loved brands have come together to solve a clear consumer need.

13th September 2025, New Delhi – PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted the Art & Culture Conclave 2025 today at PHD House, New Delhi, convening distinguished voices from government, art, music and culture to deliberate on the intersection of heritage and economics in shaping India’s creative future.

The inaugural session featured Chief Guest, Smt. Rashmi Singh (IAS), Secretary, Department of Art, Culture & Languages, Government of NCT of Delhi, who lauded Delhi’s role as a cultural capital. She emphasized that art and culture are not just about aesthetics, but also about livelihoods, inclusivity and sustainability. “Delhi is a living museum of languages, traditions and heritage. Our responsibility is to safeguard this wealth while making it accessible to all sections of society,” she noted.

Delivering the Theme Address, Mr. Chhatrapati Ranjit Rai, Chair – Art & Culture Committee, PHDCCI, stressed the importance of building an ecosystem where art and culture are not restricted to elite circles, but are positioned as inclusive and sustainable drivers of India’s growth.

Mrs. Anuradha Goel, Chairperson, PHD Family Welfare Foundation, further underlined the need to ensure that the fruits of culture and creativity reach every community and region, broadening access and strengthening India’s inclusive development narrative.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, highlighted the Chamber’s 120-year-old legacy in advancing not only business, but also intellectual and cultural dialogue. He described art and culture as India’s strongest soft power and urged that their preservation must go hand in hand with sustainability. “By bridging preservation with sustainability, we can ensure that this sector flourishes as a vital part of India’s growth journey,” he said.

Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, partners and participants, noting that the conclave reflects PHDCCI’s vision of integrating heritage with modernity and creating platforms that transform culture into opportunities for the future.

The discussions during the day addressed the pressing economic and social questions facing India’s creative sector. The first panel, ‘Beyond the canvas – The ecosystem of art & galleries’, moderated by Mr. Kishore Singh, Author & Former Head of Exhibitions & Publications, Delhi Art Gallery, featuring Ms. Vandana Kalra, Senior Art Writer, The Indian Express; Ms. Ranjana Steinruecke, Director, Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Delhi & Mumbai; and Ms. Payal Kapoor, Owner, Arushi Arts, explored how emerging artists can gain wider visibility and how art can move beyond exclusive spaces to resonate with society at large. Panellists stressed inclusivity, accessibility and community engagement as essential to democratizing art and strengthening the gallery ecosystem.

The second session, ‘The economics behind classical music concerts’, moderated by Ms. Suanshu Khurana, Senior Assistant Editor, The Indian Express, including Pandit Vishwanath, Eminent Hindustani Classical Vocalist; Mr. Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder & Festival Director, Seher, New Delhi; and Ms. Rashmi Malik, Director, Spic Macay, reflected on the financial challenges of sustaining classical performances in a changing cultural landscape. Speakers highlighted the urgent need for corporate patronage, CSR initiatives and innovative funding models to ensure that classical music not only survives but thrives with new audiences.

The evening was graced by Justice Arjan Sikri, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, Chief Guest for the cultural segment. In his address, he underlined the vital role of cultural heritage in shaping national identity. He observed that a nation draws strength not only from its economy, but also from its civilisational roots and urged collective responsibility for preserving and promoting India’s traditions.

The conclave concluded with ‘Mehfil-e-Ghazal’, a soulful performance by celebrated Bollywood Sufi and Ghazal singer Mr. Javed Khan Kalawant, alongside Mr. Chhatrapati Ranjit Rai. Their mesmerizing renditions immersed the audience in timeless melodies and provided a fitting finale to a day of thought-provoking conversations.

As participants continued their exchanges over hi-tea and networking, the conclave reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment to positioning art and culture not merely as legacies to be preserved, but as dynamic, inclusive and sustainable pillars of India’s economic and social growth.

The conclave was supported by C & R Textiles, PHD Family Welfare Foundation and Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke.

Hyderabad, 13th September 2025: Representatives of BNI (Business Network International), led by Ms. Sanjana Shah, Executive Director of BNI Hyderabad, called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy garu, today.

The delegation apprised him of BNI GoNat, the region’s largest MSME Expo, to be held on September 13–14, 2025, at SS Convention, Shamshabad.

Collaboration to power 500+ budding entrepreneurs with cloud communication tools, mentorship, and on-spot funding opportunities worth ₹18 lakh

New Delhi, 13th September 2025: CallerDesk, India’s leading cloud telephony solutions provider, has partnered with the Entrepreneurship Cell of IIT Kanpur as the official Service Partner for UpStart 2025, the flagship business model competition of E-Summit, one of India’s most prominent platforms for nurturing entrepreneurial talent.

Since its inception, UpStart has empowered over 500+ budding entrepreneurs across India, sowing the seeds of innovation and helping ideas evolve into scalable businesses. The 2025 edition aims to expand this impact, offering startups a platform to test, refine, and accelerate their ventures with the right mentorship, exposure, and resources.

This year’s UpStart promises an impressive lineup of opportunities for participating startups:

Prizes worth ₹18 lakh to be won

On-spot funding opportunities with marquee investors and VCs

One on One Mentorship sessions from industry leaders across diverse sectors

Access to startup services, incubation and acceleration programs

Networking avenues with founders, VCs, HNWIs, and global investors

Exposure through the Startup Expo, featuring product launches and investor showcases

The summit will host sector-focused panel discussions across tracks such as Fintech, Healthtech, Deeptech, Web3, Cybersecurity and UpStart Socha (Social Entrepreneurship), UpStart Campus (College Founders), and UpStart Biz

The previous edition of UpStart helped raise over ₹2 crore in spot funding with participation from 15 high-potential startups and collaboration with top 7 VCs under IIT Kanpur’s C3i Hub.

The 2025 edition is set to surpass this benchmark, with events kicking off on October 11th, 2025 in Delhi, November 1st, 2025 in Bangalore, Hyderabad and December 6th, 2025 – Mumbai.

Registrations are open for 2025, go and register now by visiting the official website

As Service Partner, CallerDesk will extend its flagship Cloud IVR and scalable telephony tools to participating startups, enabling them to simplify customer communication, enhance engagement, and build investor-ready businesses without infrastructure bottlenecks.

Himanshu, Head of Events at E-Cell IIT Kanpur, added: “We’re excited to welcome CallerDesk as our official Service Partner. Their platform solves a major pain point for growing startups — reliable and trackable customer communication. This partnership reflects our mutual goal of nurturing innovation and equipping entrepreneurs with the best resources.

Speaking about the partnership, Kaushal Bansal, Co-Founder of CallerDesk, said: “At CallerDesk, we understand that communication is the backbone of growth. By joining hands with IIT Kanpur’s UpStart, we aim to empower deserving founders with the right technology and insights, so they can focus on innovation and scaling their ideas into sustainable, global businesses.”

With this collaboration, CallerDesk reinforces its role as a catalyst in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—bridging technology, mentorship, and opportunity to help startups thrive.

CPI inflation stood at 2.07% for the month of August 2025, GST 2.0 Reforms expected to maintain Price Stability: PHDCCI

Year-on-year CPI inflation for August 2025 stood with RBI’s tolerance limit at 2.07%, despite international policy uncertainties, said Mr. Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued here today.

The year-on-year inflation rate, based on the All-India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), stood at –0.69% (provisional) in August 2025 compared with August 2024, supporting the prevailing low CPI inflation, Mr. Jain noted.

He further highlighted that the softening in the prices in August 2025 for cereals and products, pulses & products, as well as moderation in clothing and footwear, housing, and fuel and light, in comparison to July 2025, have collectively helped keep inflation within RBI tolerance level, he said.

Looking ahead, we anticipate a further decline in CPI inflation, aided by the GST 2.0 reforms package. The proposed simplified two-tier structure will reduce production costs, translate into lower prices, and, in turn, stimulate consumption, he added.

EdCIL and British Council Unveils Capacity Building Programme to Strengthen Internationalisation in Universities in North India

12 September 2025, New Delhi: Educational Consultants India Limited (EdCIL), the only Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, launched the Capacity Building for International Officers programme in North India. With this support, 32 participants from 21 public and private universities across North India have participated in the workshop, which is designed to strengthen internationalisation initiatives within Indian higher education institutions.

This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Indian universities to engage in internationalisation efforts while leveraging UK’s expertise in this area. Aligned with the goals of India’s (NEP) 2020, the programme aspires to position India as a global hub of education by fostering cross-border collaborations and promoting excellence in higher education. 

The programme will also offer modules to develop the skills and effectiveness of international officers, promoting knowledge sharing and practical outcomes to support the overall internationalisation agenda of participating institutions. 

Dr B Chandrasekar, Executive Director, EdCIL (India) Limited talks about the “Study In India Programme which is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, aimed at enhancing student mobility and attracting talented international learners, in line with the vision of NEP 2020. International collaboration efforts provide an opportunity to understand diverse learner perspectives at a global level. This capacity-building programme with the British Council is designed to provide valuable insights to international officers of HEIs, including professional services staff and faculty. It will strengthen their ability to identify and disseminate best practices in teaching and learning, thereby enhancing the global profile of Indian institutions. The diversity brought into the classroom by the international students enriches the learning ecosystem with inclusivity and global appeal. Aligned with NEP 2020, the SII programme will foster trust, credibility, and stronger global partnerships for Indian Higher Education Institutions.

Rittika Chanda Parruck, Director Education India, British Council says, “This programme reflects our long-term commitment to building sustainable collaborations between the UK and India in higher education. By sharing global best practices on internationalisation, we aim to enable Indian higher education institutions to strengthen their s expertise in internationalisation in line with the vision of NEP 2020. Together with EdCIL, we are working to seed the skills, knowledge, and partnerships that will help position India as a leading global hub of education.”

In the past, the Capacity Building for International Officers programme was successfully implemented with the Governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra. In Karnataka, supported by the State Higher Education Council, 58 participants from 28 universities went through the capacity building programme and were certified through a dedicated workshop, strengthening the role of international offices in fostering research collaborations and enriching student experiences. Similarly, in Maharashtra, with support from the Department of Higher and Technical Education, 34 participants from 19 universities took part in the initiative, aimed at building institutional capacity for internationalisation and advancing India–UK partnerships in higher education.

Bengaluru – September 12, 2025: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, is playing a pivotal role in shaping a new era of consumer technology adoption. As the country gears up for a high-demand festive season, Flipkart’s latest insights (June to August as compared to March to May 2025) highlight how users across age groups and regions are embracing devices that are not only functional but also expressive and lifestyle-enabling. Flipkart’s initiative to democratize premium products along with its value segments has driven this change in adoption across regions.

From AI-enabled laptops and desktops to gaming consoles, digital cameras, smart wearables, smart home solutions, and even two-wheelers – Flipkart is witnessing strong, multi-fold growth across its diverse and technology-forward selection. This transformation reflects a powerful shift: Indian consumers are no longer just using technology; they are personalising it to learn, create, express identity, and adopt sustainable living solutions. With features like video assistance and Gen-AI-powered chatbots, Flipkart enables customers to make informed buying decisions that help improve the overall shopping experience. 

Sujith Agashe, Vice President, Electronics at Flipkart, said, “India’s electronics market is no longer defined by just urban demand or access to devices. We are witnessing a dynamic shift across all tiers and consumer cohorts as we approach the festive season. From students in small towns to creators in Tier 1+ cities and families in major metros, demand for consumer electronics is clearly rising. This is driven by advances in tech and AI, and increasingly shaped by how people personalize their usage, preferences, and perceived value.”

He further added, “What’s clear is that the future of electronics is not just about access- it’s about aspiration, personalization, and performance. At Flipkart, we are partnering with brands to stay ahead of emerging trends – enabling access to advanced, sustainable, and lifestyle-enhancing technology for every Indian consumer.”

Reimagining Consumption: Rise of Computing and Creator Gear

India’s digital acceleration is reshaping how essential electronics are perceived and used. Compared to March-May, in June-August 2025, laptops and desktops have witnessed 1.4X growth in metro markets like Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai and others, with Tier 1 and Tier 2 

cities close behind. The momentum is being driven by a growing base of digital-native users engaging in hybrid learning, freelance work, and creative projects. Among 16–25-year-olds alone, usage of computing devices rose by 1.3X, underscoring their role in shaping the future of digital adoption.

Meanwhile, digital cameras and storage devices are also gaining ground, especially in non-metro cities, reflecting a rise in content creation and a growing need for data storage at the local level. 

Youth as Catalysts: Electronics That Enable Expression and Aspiration

For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, technology is deeply personal –  a tool to learn, play, and express themselves. Gaming devices recorded a 1.15X increase during June to August 2025 vs March to May 2025, propelled partially by engaging discovery formats, which are allowing younger users to explore devices hands-on and understand how technology fits into their daily lives. This deeper engagement is directly influencing purchase decisions, with younger consumers and their families actively investing in devices that align with their interests and lifestyles. 

Additionally, two-wheelers saw strong uptake among consumers between June to August 2025, as the demand for scooters rose by 1.7X and electric vehicles surged by 1.2X in comparison with March to May 2025. 

Regional Momentum: Tech is Thriving Everywhere

Technology adoption in India is no longer confined to urban centres- it’s a nationwide movement. Again, between June to August 2025, in comparison with March to May 2025, North India has recorded a rise in demand for electronics at 1.22X followed by South India at 1.17X, reflecting strong digital appetite across these geographies.

While Tier 1 cities led computing category growth at 1.35X, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets are fast emerging as growth engines for creator-focused tools like cameras and storage devices. This evolving landscape points to a dual-track growth model: metro markets are driving innovation and early adoption of premium technologies, even as Tier 2+ cities fuel value-driven demand for accessible, everyday tech.

As digital lifestyles continue to deepen and diversify, Flipkart is ramping up its efforts ahead of the festive season to empower consumers across India. With an expansive assortment, competitive prices, enhanced regional accessibility, and immersive consumer experience,  Flipkart is enabling every user to engage, create, and thrive through technology.

Mumbai, 12TH September 2025- Metro Shoes, India’s leading footwear destination, announces the launch of METRO CROSSOVER, a first-of-its-kind menswear collection that creates a new space between sneakers and formals. Designed for the modern Indian man who is always on the move, METRO CROSSOVER becomes a symbol of self-assurance and confidence, standing tall in spaces traditionally reserved for formal attire.

With “A Sneaker. Dressed Up.” as its statement, the collection makes one clear promise: men no longer must compromise. CROSSOVER blends ease with polish, giving every step the comfort of a sneaker and the confidence of a dressed-up shoe.

This is footwear engineered for modern life. Each style fuses premium materials with sneaker-inspired innovation to deliver what today’s man values most:

• All-Day Comfort: Strobel construction and ultra-cushioning that adapts to your foot.
• Lightweight Ease: EVA soles that keep every step effortless.
• Performance Durability: High-traction TPR outsoles for grip and movement.
• Climate Control: Breathable knits and moisture management for India’s conditions.
• Refined Craft: Premium leather and trims, balancing polish with ease.

The collection spans loafer-sneaker hybrids, knit slip-ons, knit lace-ups, and elevated sneakers- a shoe for every occasion, without compromise.

And without compromise clarity of vision comes. Speaking on the launch, Alisha Malik, President, Metro Brands, said:

“At Metro, we’ve always believed that footwear should evolve with the way people live. With CROSSOVER, we are not just launching a new line, we are redefining an entire category. The modern Indian man no longer separates boardroom from after-hours and CROSSOVER is built exactly for that fluid lifestyle. By combining sneaker-level comfort with the refinement of formal design, we’ve created a shoe that adapts as seamlessly as our customers do. For over seven decades, Metro has been synonymous with quality and innovation, and CROSSOVER is the next step in that journey- setting new benchmarks in how India walks with style and confidence.”

The METRO CROSSOVER collection is now available across Metro Shoes stores nationwide, and online https://www.metroshoes.com/crossover

Step into CROSSOVER and experience the future of men’s footwear.

September 12, 2025, Surat – Ganga Fashions, a textile brand with over two decades of legacy, has launched its first-ever concept store, at Nomads, on Dumas Road, Surat. Established in 1990 as an export house with a presence across London, Indonesia, and Dubai, the brand entered the Indian market in 2007. Known for seamlessly blending India’s cultural richness with contemporary design, Ganga has consistently championed innovation, craftsmanship, and comfort.

Spread across 2,000 sq. ft., the store captures the essence of Ganga, anchored in tradition yet contemporary in its expression. Conceived as more than just a retail destination, it offers an immersive space of discovery where design, culture, and nature come together in harmony. Surrounded by tranquil greenery and serene ponds, the layout unfolds like a narrative, inviting visitors to journey through moods and stories rather than simply browsing racks and aisles. Every detail, from lighting to material finishes, has been thoughtfully curated to embody Ganga’s philosophy of balance, refinement, and craftsmanship.

Beyond its signature womenswear, the store also introduces menswear, home linens, accessories, and skincare essentials, with kidswear soon to follow. This carefully curated mix positions the store as a true lifestyle destination, offering something meaningful for every member of the family.  

“The launch of our first concept store marks an important milestone in Ganga’s journey,” said Sanjay Gangwani, Owner of Ganga Fashions. “For over two decades, our endeavor has been to bring together culture, comfort, and contemporary style in every creation. This new space is more than just a store, it is an immersive experience that embodies the essence of Ganga, where each detail has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate our craft, connect with our community, and carry forward our culture.”

With this launch, Ganga Fashions strengthens its commitment to reimagining Indian textiles for today’s world, creating experiences that are as enduring as they are contemporary.