Archive: August 1, 2025

Sugar Cosmetics Celebrates a Glamorous 10-Year Journey with Star-Studded Anniversary Bash at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium

Mumbai, 01st August 2025: Sugar Cosmetics, one of India’s leading beauty brands, marked a dazzling milestone with its 10th Anniversary Celebration at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium – Fan Park, transforming the venue into a vibrant spectacle of color, glamour, and style. The landmark event celebrated Sugar’s meteoric rise in the beauty industry and its ever-growing bond with millions of loyal consumers across the nation.

Co-founders Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee graced the evening with their inspiring presence, sharing heartfelt reflections on Sugar’s remarkable decade-long journey. The celebration witnessed the grand unveiling of a new line of cutting-edge beauty products, met with overwhelming enthusiasm from city’s A-listers, followed by a special cake-cutting ceremony commemorating the brand’s success.

“We’re thrilled to have hosted Sugar Cosmetics’ 10th anniversary celebration at Fan Park, a space that truly comes alive with brand-led innovation and consumer engagement. The event was a spectacular showcase of beauty, energy, and consumer love, complete with immersive brand experiences, exciting product unveilings, and vibrant on-ground interactions. At Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, we’re committed to creating immersive experiences that go beyond shopping, by providing platforms where leading brands can connect meaningfully with their audiences. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, so do we, with vibrant events, exclusive launches, and tailored lifestyle offerings that shape the future of retail,” said Mr. Vikram Pai, Centre Director, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium.

Guests were treated to an immersive brand experience with experiential booths, mini makeover stations, product sampling zones, exclusive giveaways, and branded merchandise, creating an unforgettable celebration of beauty and innovation.

Phoenix Mall of the Millennium continues to stay at the forefront of retail innovation by not only expanding its portfolio of stores but also curating elevated, customer-first experiences. With a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences, the mall is constantly adapting to meet demand, offering a dynamic blend of shopping, dining, and lifestyle engagements that redefine the modern mall experience.

Jewelbox Makes a Dazzling Debut in Mumbai with its 11th Store

Mumbai, 1st August 2025: Jewelbox, India’s premier lab-grown diamond jewellery brand announces the launch of its 11th store in the heart of Mumbai at Shop No-3, Haveli Society, Gulmohar Road, Borivali (West). This marks Jewelbox’s highly anticipated entry into India’s fashion capital, bringing its consciously crafted fine jewellery closer to the city’s modern, design-led shoppers.

Following its success across the country, with stores in the South, East, and North of India, the Mumbai store represents a significant milestone in Jewelbox’s national retail expansion in the West. With Borivali West offering both strategic visibility and a ready consumer base, the new store is poised to become a neighborhood favorite for daily wear essentials, gifting pieces, and celebration jewellery alike.

Speaking on the launch, Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-Founder of Jewelbox, shared, “Mumbai has always been on our growth roadmap. It’s a city that’s bold, stylish, and deeply self-expressive, everything our brand stands for. With our store in Borivali West, we’re excited to offer a seamless, design-first jewellery experience to a new generation of buyers.”

Designed with a warm, minimalist aesthetic, the Mumbai store features an expansive range of lab-grown diamond jewellery, from elegant solitaire rings and everyday minimal styles to curated collections for men and special occasions. The space is crafted to offer an immersive and intuitive shopping experience, where quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability effortlessly come together.

As part of the launch celebration, customers can avail 30% OFF on diamonds and 20% OFF on making charges for a limited period. With the upcoming festive and wedding season, the brand expects strong traction among urban professionals, young couples, and style-conscious shoppers looking for fine jewellery that matches their pace and values.

“Our Mumbai store is more than just a new location, it’s a reflection of the city’s spirit,” added Vidita. “As lab-grown diamonds continue to gain awareness, we are proud to offer a space where customers don’t have to choose between elegance, ethics, and accessibility.”

With an ambitious target to match the performance of its top-performing stores, Jewelbox is focused on building local awareness, offering best-in-class service, and delivering a 5-star experience that fosters strong customer loyalty and referral-driven growth.

As India’s first luxury brand to focus exclusively on lab-grown diamonds, Jewelbox continues to redefine fine jewellery with its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and timeless design.

Housing market in tier-I cities witnessed strong surge in demand in H1 CY25, reaching a record rs3.6 lakh crores: CREDAI-CRE Matrix report

Mumbai, 01st August 2025: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), in collaboration with CRE Matrix, has unveiled the CREDAI India Housing Report July 2025, spotlighting a remarkable surge in India’s residential real estate market. The report records a record-breaking ₹3.6 lakh crore in primary housing sales across Tier-1 cities in the first half of Calendar Year 2025 (H1 CY25), marking a 9% increase from ₹3.3 lakh crore in H1 CY24. Despite a 4% decline in units sold (from 2.7 lakh to 2.54 lakh), a 14% rise in average ticket size from ₹1.24 crore to ₹1.42 crore underscores a growing consumer preference for premium and luxury homes.

The report highlights significant regional variations, with the National Capital Region (NCR) leading the market with a 26% revenue share, fueled by a 21% increase in sales value and a 32% surge in average ticket size. Luxury flats priced above ₹3 crore accounted for 73% of NCR’s sales value, despite a modest volume of 25,000 units sold. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) followed closely with a 23% revenue share, recording a 9% growth in sales value and 75,000 units sold, with a 16% increase in average ticket size. The share of homes priced above ₹3.5 crore in MMR rose from 29% to 34%, reflecting a strong tilt toward ultra-premium housing.

In the south, Chennai emerged as a standout performer, achieving a 23% increase in sales value with 11,000 units sold and a 12% rise in average ticket size. New launches in Chennai grew from 14,000 to 19,000 units, though the market share of homes below ₹70 lakh dropped from 23% to 17%. Bengaluru maintained steady growth with a 4% increase in sales value and 30,000 units sold, supported by a 17% rise in ticket size. However, the share of homes priced between ₹70 lakh and ₹1.5 crore declined from 38% to 32%. Hyderabad, while recording a modest 2% increase in sales value, saw 11% drop-in units sold (30,000 units) but a doubling of new launches from 23,000 to 42,000 units, indicating developer optimism despite slower absorption.

Ahmedabad matched NCR’s unit sales with approximately 25,000 units sold, posting a 10% increase in sales value and a 7% rise in ticket size. The city saw a sharp decline in new launches, from 31,000 to 11,000 units, yet affordable homes under ₹70 lakh gained a 2% market share, rising from 27% to 29%. Kolkata reported a 17% growth in sales value with 10,000 units sold and a 19% increase in ticket size. The market share of homes above ₹3 crore surged from 14% to 26%, though 53% of the market remained below ₹1.5 crore, reflecting a balanced buyer base. In contrast, Pune faced challenges, with an 8.5% decline in sales value and 14% drop-in units sold (45,000 units). New launches in Pune fell from 61,000 to 39,000 units, and the mid-market segment (₹50 lakh–₹1 crore) saw a 5% decline in share, though ticket sizes rose by 7%.

The decline in new launches across most cities, from 98,000 in H2 CY24 to 82,000 in H1 CY25, signals a cautious approach by developers amid rising costs. However, the robust growth in transaction values highlights the sector’s resilience and the increasing premiumisation of the market.

Commenting on the report and the evolving market, Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI, said, “We are witnessing a decisive shift in homebuyer preferences across India. The demand is clearly moving towards larger, better-located, and more premium homes—reflecting rising aspirations and improved purchasing power. A 21% growth in NCR’s housing value, despite lower volumes, is a clear indicator that quality and location are now more important than quantity. This trend is visible in markets like Kolkata and Chennai as well, where value growth outpaces unit sales. It marks a defining moment for Indian real estate—one shaped by ambition, confidence, and long-term vision. At CREDAI, we remain committed to working closely with policymakers, developers, and financial institutions to support this evolving market through greater transparency, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth.”

Abhishek Kiran Gupta, CEO & Co-Founder, CRE Matrix, said, “India’s Tier 1 housing markets have entered a new phase of value-driven growth. While unit sales saw a marginal dip in H1 CY’25, the ₹3.6 lakh crore in revenue—an all-time high—signals a clear consumer pivot toward larger, more premium homes. The 14% rise in average ticket size reflects this structural shift in buyer sentiment. NCR leading the charge with 26% revenue share, followed by MMR, further validates that aspiration and affordability are aligning at scale. As data suggests, India’s residential real estate story is no longer just about quantity—it’s about quality, confidence, and lifestyle.”

India’s housing market is moving in a strong and positive direction, with growing demand for better and bigger homes. The rise in home values and buyer interest shows a confident and evolving real estate landscape across cities.

Friendship Day gets an imaginative twist as Sonic’s Bittu visits kids at Hope Foundation

This Friendship Day, Sonic turned a simple hello into a lifelong friendship with a surprise that kids will never forget! As part of the channel’s week-long festivities, Bittu Bahanebaaz surprised over 1000 children across Delhi, lighting up the Capital with his trademark humour and charm. As part of Sonic’s special Toast Your Dost initiative, the day was packed with fun-filled moments that brought alive the meaning of friendship in the most endearing way.

One of the many heartwarming stops on Bittu’s visit was the Hope Foundation School, where kids greeted their newest friend with cheers, laughter, and open arms. They got a chance to create special friendship bands for Bittu and tie them around his wrist personally, sealing their friendship in the sweetest way possible. Adding to the celebrations were special Toast Your Dost cards – a creative ode to all the inside jokes and quirks between real-life friends. Each child got to pick an award for their most special dost present, with titles like the Gamer Friend Award, Late Lateef Award, Bhukkad Friend Award, Sporty Friend Award, and more – all curated with love by Nicktoons. This day was truly about celebrating the friends who make every day magical.

“The kids were thrilled to meet Bittu – many of them had only seen him on screen, so it was exciting for them to see him in person G4S SHIKSHA School, New Delhi. It was heartwarming to witness how something as simple as tying a friendship band or sharing a laugh made such a big impact. It’s a day they’re going to remember for a long time,” said Mr. Sober Satheesh, President, HOPE worldwide (G4S SHIKSHA School, New Delhi).

At its heart, Bittu Bahanebaaz is based on a simple truth – we all have a little bit of Bittu in us! With his sharp mind and boundless imagination, Bittu lives in a world where rules are flexible and creativity leads the way! With Bittu quickly winning hearts across the country, Sonic’s on-ground celebration is now expanding beyond Delhi, with visits planned across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and more, making Bittu’s friendship the one friendship that truly mattered – full of smiles, stories, and a whole lot of love.

Watch Bittu Bahanebaaz on Sonic at 7pm from Monday to Friday

Yatra Turns 19 Celebrates with the Biggest Travel Party of 2025: The Yatra Big Outing Fest

01st August, 2025: Yatra Online Limited (Yatra), India’s leading online travel company, is kicking off its 19th anniversary with a celebration like never before – The Big Outing Fest. Live from 1st – 10th August, the campaign invites travellers across the country to be a part of the biggest travel party of 2025, packed with some of the most exciting deals and unbeatable offers.

As Yatra enters its 19th year, the milestone stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to making travel more accessible, seamless, and dependable for millions of Indians. To commemorate the occasion, Yatra is rolling out blockbuster deals across categories: up to 19% off* on domestic flights, up to ₹19,000 off* on international flights, and up to 50% off* on hotels, all available on the Yatra app and website using the code YTANNIVERSARY.

With the Independence Day long weekend and Rakshabandhan celebrations around the corner, it’s the perfect time for travellers to make the most of these offers, whether planning a spontaneous getaway, a reunion with loved ones, or a much-needed international escape.

For those who love extra perks, Yatra has partnered with ICICI Bank to bring exclusive benefits for its credit card users. Travellers booking with ICICI Bank credit cards can unlock up to 19% off* on domestic flights, up to 15% off* on international flights, and up to 55% off* on hotel stays using the code ICICIFEST, making it the perfect time to book that long-awaited vacation.

Commenting on the anniversary celebration, Dhruv Shringi, Co-founder & CEO, Yatra Online Limited, said: “Turning 19 is a major milestone for us, not just in years, but in impact. What began with a simple mission to simplify travel has grown into one of India’s most trusted travel platforms. From powering our very first booking to becoming a publicly listed company, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Travel has always been at the heart of what we do, and there’s no better way to celebrate this milestone than by making it easier and more exciting for India to explore. The Yatra Big Outing Fest is our way of celebrating this journey with the very people who made it possible – our customers. With unbeatable deals across flights, hotels, and holidays, this is Yatra’s biggest travel party yet, and everyone’s invited!”

Whether it’s a quick escape, a romantic getaway, or a long-awaited international trip, Yatra’s Big Outing Fest presents the ideal occasion to plan the next adventure.

Altimetrik recognised as Major Contender in Everest Group’s Life Sciences Digital Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025

India, 1st August 2025: Altimetrik, a pure-play AI-First, Data and Digital business services company, has been recognised as a Major Contender in Everest Group’s Life Sciences Digital Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025. This recognition reflects the company’s AI-First approach, continued investment in cutting-edge technologies, strategic partnerships and a client-centric approach that drives innovation across the life sciences value chain.

The Everest Group report highlights Altimetrik’s strong portfolio of digital services tailored for pharmaceutical and MedTech clients. Through the expert use of AI, data engineering, data science, machine learning, cloud solutions and DevSecOps, Altimetrik is helping life sciences organisations accelerate drug discovery, optimise clinical trials and improve patient outcomes.

Key strengths of Altimetrik noted in the report include:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio spanning the full life sciences value chain, including predictive insight centres and clinical data migration solutions.
• Strategic collaborations with cloud and technology providers such as Open AI, AWS, Azure, Salesforce and Google Cloud to build industry-specific solutions.
• Proven client impact through innovative case studies such as a connected health platform that reduced patient readmissions by 47% and increased physician productivity by 11%.
• Frameworks and proprietary accelerators that support agile development, real-world evidence integration and adaptive clinical trial design.

Raj Sundaresan, CEO of Altimetrik said: “This recognition reflects our AI-First vision of digitally transforming the pharma and life sciences landscape accelerating drug discovery, optimising clinical trials and improving patient outcomes. Through our Alti LabTM, strategic partnerships like Open AI and capability centres, we’ve built a differentiated service model grounded in agility, innovation and deep domain expertise.”

“In an industry where accelerating innovation, improving patient outcomes and navigating regulatory complexities are critical, our AI-First approach focuses on delivering digital business outcomes built on a solid data foundation.” said Ramji Vasudevan, Head of Life Sciences at Altimetrik. “By working in bite-sized, iterative steps, grounded in deep pharma domain expertise, we help enterprises unlock measurable value through outcomes that are relevant, scalable and impactful.”

Durga Ambati, Practice Director – Everest Group quoted: “Altimetrik’s innovation-led approach, powered by its Centres of Excellence, GenAI-focused labs, strategic partnerships with hyperscalers and data platforms, as well as strong client recognition for agility and responsiveness, has helped it secure a Major Contender position in Everest Group’s Life Sciences Digital Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.”

Altimetrik’s investments in global talent, leadership expansion and ecosystem partnerships have further enabled the company to deliver scalable, future-ready solutions. The report also notes Altimetrik’s expanding presence in Europe and APAC, as well as its strategic backing through an investment by TPG Capital to accelerate growth.

The PEAK Matrix® is a proprietary framework by Everest Group that evaluates service providers based on their market impact, vision and capability in delivering digital transformation across the life sciences industry.

TONI&GUY Elevates Hair Education in India with Bill Watson’s Delhi Masterclass

~ International Education Director Led Cutting-Edge Techniques at the Flagship GK-2 Academy, Championing the House of TONI&GUY Collection ~

New Delhi, India/August 1, 2025– TONI&GUY India recently hosted Bill Watson, International Education Director at TONI&GUY, for an exclusive, advanced masterclass at the brand’s flagship academy in Delhi. A globally celebrated educator and creative force in the world of professional hairdressing, Watson’s visit marked a significant milestone in TONI&GUY India’s ongoing mission to deliver world-class hair education.

Returning to the GK-2 Academy—where he had played a pivotal role during its inception—Watson led an intensive training session for stylists, trainers, and students from across North India. His sessions focused on the latest innovations in hairdressing, hairstyling, precision haircutting, and advanced techniques that are currently shaping the global salon industry.

As International Education Director, Watson has overseen TONI&GUY’s education strategy across the UK, Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere. With decades of experience and thousands of stylists mentored under his guidance, he brought a rare blend of technical mastery and global insight to the Delhi session.

A key highlight of the masterclass was a deep dive into the House of TONI&GUY—the brand’s signature collection that sets the creative direction for the year. Known for its bold trends, tailored techniques, and high-fashion appeal, the collection acted as both an artistic benchmark and a commercial guide for stylists across TONI&GUY salons worldwide. The session explored how to interpret and adapt the collection for everyday clients, enhancing salon creativity while ensuring real-world wearability.

What set this masterclass apart was its clear focus on client servicing—equipping stylists with the tools to transform technical excellence into a personalised salon experience. From consultations to customisations, the training was designed to refine not only a stylist’s craft but also their ability to deliver looks aligned with client needs, preferences, and lifestyles.

Speaking on the session, Raghav Bhambri, Co-owner of TONI&GUY Northwest India, said:

“Having Bill Watson back at our Delhi academy was both an honour and a statement of intent. This masterclass was about bridging the creative and the commercial—using the House of TONI&GUY collection as a tool to inspire stylists and elevate their client work.”
Sonali Bhambri, Director, TONI&GUY Master Franchisee, North India, added:

“Education has always been at the heart of TONI&GUY. Hosting Bill Watson was a proud moment for us and a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our focus remains on building a training culture where creativity meets purpose—where every stylist understands how to turn inspiration into impeccable client outcomes.”

The Delhi masterclass was also supported by Vinod Kumar and Wasim Ahmed, Heads of Education at TONI&GUY New Delhi, both of whom have been instrumental in shaping the technical education curriculum and mentoring a new generation of stylists. Their leadership continues to play a key role in expanding TONI&GUY’s educational impact across the region.

This landmark session not only enhanced technical capabilities but also reinforced TONI&GUY India’s position as a leader in professional education—where global artistry meets Indian talent, and where every haircut begins with client care at its core.