Archive: December 30, 2025

Mahindra Susten Commissions 560 MWp Solar Power Projects in CY 2025, Reinforcing Leadership in Utility-Scale Renewable Energy

Chandigarh, Dec 30: Mahindra Susten, a leading renewable energy IPP (Independent Power Producer), today announced that the Company had successfully commissioned 560 MWp of solar capacity in CY 2025. These large utility-scale solar power projects mark the first batch of assets developed and commissioned by the Company following the sale of 1.54GWp of assets in 2024 to Sustainable Energy Infra Trust, an InvIT Co-sponsored by Mahindra Susten as part of its efficient capital light business model.

The portfolio addition comprises two strategically located projects—a 280 MWp solar plant in Gujarat and a 280 MWp facility in Rajasthan, both selling power under a 25-year long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (RUVNL), respectively.

Project overview

Together, the Gujarat and Rajasthan projects span close to 2,000 acres and are designed to deliver reliable utility-scale power to the state grids. Across both sites, Mahindra Susten has deployed the latest-generation N-Type TOPCon bifacial modules, integrated with high-efficiency inverters, dry-cleaning solutions and optimized balance-of-system configurations to maximise energy yield over the asset life. Power is evacuated through 220 kV substations, thereby ensuring high grid availability and enabling seamless integration with high voltage state grids.

The combined 560 MWp portfolio is expected to generate close to 1,000 million units (MUs) of clean electricity annually, using approximately 12,400 tons of steel, 2,600 km of cabling and around 1 million solar modules. Execution of these projects involved a peak workforce of about 1,000 people and was completed with 2.9 million safe man-hours, underscoring Mahindra Susten’s strong focus on safety, quality and disciplined project management.

Avinash Rao, MD & CEO of Mahindra Susten said, “Commissioning 560 MWp across Gujarat and Rajasthan in 2025 marks yet another major milestone for Mahindra Susten. It reflects our strong execution capabilities and commitment to delivering large-scale renewable assets safely and to the highest standards of quality. Building on 15 years of expertise, we are deepening our presence across utility-scale solar and wind, storage, hybrid, and group-captive projects, reinforcing our pledge to support our nation’s clean energy goals and create lasting value for communities and stakeholders.”

Building momentum: 2026 and beyond

Beyond the 560 MWp commissioned in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Mahindra Susten continues to expand its renewable energy footprint with several large-scale projects currently under development and execution in states such as Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan and Karnataka.

The current project pipeline reflects Mahindra Susten’s diversified approach—spanning utility-scale PPAs, hybrid wind-solar renewable energy solutions, and Group-captive open access projects—positioning the company well to capitalize on India’s evolving energy landscape and supporting utility and industry demand for clean power.

Susten’s engineering and execution pedigree

With more than 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, Mahindra Susten has built a strong track record as an early mover and pioneer in utility-scale RE project engineering and construction. The successful commissioning of these projects reinforces the company’s capabilities in delivering large and complex assets with stringent quality and safety standards. The projects also reflect the Mahindra Group’s commitment to sustainable growth and responsible infrastructure development.

Social impact

Mahindra Susten is also committed to responsible land use and community engagement in and around its project sites. The company works with local stakeholders to design and implement programmes focused on skill development, livelihood enhancement, education and health, in line with the Mahindra Group’s Rise philosophy and ESG priorities. Through initiatives such as Gyandeep, Mahindra Susten’s school redevelopment program, the company has reached 2,248 beneficiaries, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are tangibly shared with neighbouring communities and contribute to long-term social development

Shakti On Roof Showcased Its Integrated Rooftop Solar Ecosystem at Maha Solar Expo 2025 in Pune

Pune, Dec 30: Shakti On Roof, the integrated rooftop solar solutions brand from Shakti Energy Solutions Ltd. (SESL), directly engaged with end consumers in Pune for the first time at Maha Solar Expo 2025, which was held from 26th to 28th December at the Auto Cluster Exhibition and Research Centre , Pune.

At Hall No. 3, Stall No. 17, Shakti On Roof showcased its complete rooftop solar ecosystem like high-efficiency solar panels, AI-enabled inverters, and Seasonal Tracking structures and more which are offered under one trusted brand.

Shakti On Roof’s superior quality solutions are designed under the philosophy of ‘Make in Bharat, Made for Bharat.’ Built specifically for Indian weather conditions, these rooftop systems deliver better power generation, higher durability, and superior performance, even in extreme climatic environments. Equipped with an advanced monitoring system, customers are empowered to track energy generation in real time, enabling transparency, efficiency, and smart energy management.

Building on the trusted legacy of Shakti Pumps (India) Limited, Shakti Energy Solutions is rapidly emerging as a preferred brand in the solar sector by offering a complete rooftop solution—Solar Modules, Inverters, and Module Mounting Structures—under one roof, ensuring seamless compatibility, long-term reliability, and simplified adoption.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ramkrishna Sataluri, CEO, Shakti Energy Solutions said, “A standout highlight of Shakti On Roof’s offering is our AI-powered inverter, engineered specifically for Indian grid conditions and diverse climatic environments. When combined with seasonal energy tracking and ZAM-coated, aesthetic, and space-saving module mounting structures, Shakti On Roof delivers a next-generation rooftop solar solution for Indian homes—focused on higher efficiency, long-term durability, and consistent performance across seasons,”

Along with its dedicated Channel Partners at the Mahasolar Expo , Shakti On roof will directly engage with households to help them understand the value of integrated rooftop solar systems, enabling reduced electricity costs and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

V-green Signs Strategic Agreement With Hpcl To Develop Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure At Hpcl Retail Outlets

New Delhi, Dec 30: V-GREEN and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) announced collaboration partnership towards jointly setting up EVCS at HPCL fuel stations in different markets. V-GREEN will leverage HPCL’s fuel station network to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, thereby enhancing EV users’ experience, accelerating the electrification of transportation in India, and establishing a solid foundation for the long-term development of VinFast and HP e-Charge brands in this market. 

HPCL is one of India’s largest state-owned oil and gas corporations, operating over 24,400 Retail Outlets nationwide and running over 5,300 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations under HP e-Charge brand. 

The agreement holds strategic significance as India accelerates its transition toward green transportation. HPCL’s existing Retail Outlet footprint provides a strong platform for accelerated EV charging infrastructure deployment and seamless nationwide expansion. 

V-GREEN Global Charging Station Development Company, Vietnam was founded by VinFast founder, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, with the goal of investing in and developing charging infrastructure systems to provide support for VinFast’s rapid global expansion, with India as one of its key markets. In Vietnam, V-GREEN has established its pioneering position and capabilities by operating approximately 150,000 charging ports nationwide and continuously partnering with multiple collaborators to expand its network. 

The cooperation with HPCL represents the next step in the collective efforts of V-GREEN, VinFast and their partners in India to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, and battery recycling. This is regarded as an important foundation for realizing the goal of widespread electric vehicle adoption and promoting sustainable transportation in the world’s third largest automotive market. 

The Woollen Care Habits Many of Us Get Wrong

Chandigarh, Dec 30: Winter wardrobes are built around cosy sweaters, scarves and blankets, yet many woollens don’t retain their softness or shape beyond a few seasons. The reason often lies not in how frequently these garments are worn, but in everyday care habits shaped by long-held beliefs around washing, drying and storage. If this sounds familiar, you may be unknowingly following one of the many wool care myths that quietly take a toll on winter wear, said Mr Sandeep Naik, Global Head- R&D for Personal Care and Home Care, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd

When Care Becomes the Culprit

Wool is a natural fibre with unique properties like being breathable, resilient and temperature-regulating, but it behaves very differently from cotton or synthetic fabrics. Wool is prone to damage from heat, friction and chemical-heavy cleaners. Repeated exposure to these stressors can gradually weaken the fibre structure, leading to shrinkage, stiffness and loss of shape over time. Woollens don’t need to be washed after every use because the fibres naturally resist odours and dirt. After wearing, simply let them air out to keep them fresh and maintain their shape.

The Over-Washing Trap

Woollens don’t need washing after every wear as wool naturally resists odours due to its unique chemical structure. Over-washing makes fibres rough and less elastic. Most wool garments can go up to 5 or more wears, depending on activity and environment. Most woollens are best hand-washed in cold water (20°C – 30°C or below) for better control, or washed on a gentle/wool machine cycle. Always check care labels first, they specify safe temperatures and whether machine washing is suitable. Wash only when necessary to preserve softness, shape and longevity.

Machine Washing Isn’t the Enemy

Another persistent myth is that wool should never be machine washed. While hand washing is gentle, damage is more often caused by excessive agitation and high temperatures than by machines themselves. Wool fibres have microscopic scales that can interlock under heat and friction, leading to shrinkage. Many people are unsure whether woollens can be safely washed in front-load or top-load machines. The key is choosing the right cycle, use the wool or gentle cycle in front-load machines, and the delicate, low-agitation cycle in top-load machines. Always wash in cold water (20°C – 30°C), place woollens in mesh bags and remove them immediately after the cycle to prevent stretching and maintain shape.

Why Detergent Choice Matters

Regular detergents are formulated for tougher, everyday fabrics and can be harsh on wool’s protein-based fibres. Repeated use of strong detergents can weaken fibres, reduce softness and shorten a garment’s lifespan. Mild, wool-specific detergents having pH-neutral, no-soda formula help preserve fibre integrity by cleaning effectively without stripping away essential oils. Detergents like Godrej Ezee have such formulations to gently clean delicate winter wear that prevents damage while keeping fabrics soft and fresh.

Dry Cleaning and Storage: The Silent Damage

Many people assume dry cleaning is the safest option for woollens, but experts warn that frequent exposure to harsh chemicals can reduce softness and durability over time. Damage often occurs outside washing—hanging heavy knits, storing them in plastic covers, or packing them away unwashed at season’s end can cause stretching, odours, yellowing and pest damage. Woollens are best stored folded, either in vacuum bags for space-saving protection or in breathable cotton or wool bags, layered with tissue paper and natural repellents like neem or lavender to prevent moth damage.

Modern lifestyles further intensify these issues. Shorter winters, busy routines and convenience-driven habits often result in frequent wash–wear cycles in a short span, increasing fibre stress. In most cases, wool damage does not occur in a single wash, but through small, everyday habits repeated over time. Understanding how wool behaves differently from regular clothing is key to keeping winter wear soft, well-shaped and long-lasting across seasons.

Air India Expands Partnership With Airbaltic To Enter Into Codeshare Agreement

Chandigarh, Dec 30:  Air India today announced a new, unilateral codeshare partnership with airBaltic, the flag carrier of Latvia, thus making the Baltic region more conveniently accessible for Air India customers. This builds on the interline partnership between the two carriers established in June 2025.

Under the codeshare, Air India has begun adding its ‘AI’ designator code on airBaltic-operated flights between the Latvian capital city of Riga and Air India’s European gateways at Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, and London Gatwick. This enables Air India customers to travel between India and Riga via any of these European points with a single Air India ticket including flight connections to Riga bearing the ‘AI’ designator code.

Air India’s interline partnership with airBaltic also enables travellers to fly to Tallinn in Estonia and Vilnius in Lithuania via select Air India gateways in Europe, thus covering the Baltic region.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “This expanded partnership with airBaltic reflects Air India’s commitment to providing seamless global connectivity to our customers across the world. Latvia and the wider Baltic region are growing travel markets, but getting there for our customers was previously not as convenient as it now becomes with airBaltic on board with us.”

Air India operates non-stop flights from Delhi to Amsterdam (7x weekly), Paris (14x weekly), Frankfurt (12x weekly), Copenhagen (4x weekly), Milan (6x weekly), Vienna (4x weekly), Zurich (4x weekly); from Mumbai to Frankfurt (5x weekly); from Amritsar and Ahmedabad to London Gatwick (3x weekly on both routes).

Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has significantly expanded its global alliance network. Today, the airline maintains 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements with leading carriers worldwide, providing seamless access for Air India customers to over 800 destinations globally.

The codeshare flights are available for bookings through the two airlines’ respective booking channels and travel agents worldwide.

Tata Power Renewables Demonstrates EPC Execution Excellence with Delivery of Largest 1 GW DCR-Compliant Solar Project for SJVN

Chandigarh, Dec 30: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (‘TPREL’), a leading player in India’s renewable energy sector and a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited (‘Tata Power’), has successfully commissioned SJVN Limited’s landmark 1 GW (1,000 MW AC / 1,400 MWp DC) DCR-compliant solar power project. This milestone marks the largest solar project commissioned by TPREL to date and one of the most expansive renewable energy developments in India, underscoring the company’s execution excellence.

All 2.4 million modules used in the project have been manufactured at Tata Power’s TP Solar Limited. Solar cell and modules manufacturing facility in Tirunelveli, reinforcing the company’s strong commitment to domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and advancing India’s self-reliance in clean energy technologies.

Spanning the Bandarwala and Karnisar Bhatiyan sites in Bikaner, Rajasthan, the project reflects the extensive scale of the development and is designed to deliver clean, reliable power across multiple states. The capacity has been allocated to key state utilities—500 MW to Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL), 300 MW to Jammu & Kashmir Power Limited (JKPL), and 200 MW to Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL)—ensuring power supply to Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. In its first year of operation, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,454.84 million units of green electricity and offset nearly 1.74 million tonnes of CO₂, supporting rising energy demand while significantly advancing India’s clean energy transition and national decarbonisation goals.

The project’s capacity is allocated to serve key state utilities, including 500 MW for Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL), 300 MW for Jammu & Kashmir Power Limited (JKPL), and 200 MW for Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL). In its first year of operation, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,454.84 million units of green electricity and offset nearly 1.74 million tonnes of CO₂, making a significant contribution to national decarbonisation goals.

The project stands out for its robust engineering and innovative execution, having been delivered in one of India’s most challenging environments, with temperatures soaring to 50°C in peak summers and dropping to as low as 3°C in winters, compounded by difficult terrain and restricted vehicle movement. Despite these constraints, TPREL ensured timely and safe completion through the deployment of advanced DCR-compliant cells and mono bifacial DCR modules, precision ramming techniques, and high-performance inverters engineered to operate efficiently under extreme heat.

Beyond its technical achievements, the project has generated meaningful socio-economic impact in the region. Over 300 locally sourced workers were trained and engaged across project activities, while more than 25 local vendors were developed, creating sustained livelihood opportunities and supporting regional economic growth.

With the commissioning of this milestone project, TPREL further reinforces its position as a trusted EPC and renewable energy partner for large-scale, multi-state solar developments. The company remains a key enabler of India’s clean energy transition, supporting the nation’s goals of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

With the commissioning of this project, TPREL’s total renewable utility-scale capacity has reached 11.6 GW, including 4.9 GW executed as third-party EPC.

Currently, 5.8 GW of Tata Power own capacity is operational, comprising 4.7 GW of solar and 1.1 GW of wind energy. Additionally, 5.8 GW is under various stages of implementation, evenly split between 3 GW of solar and 2.8 GW of wind projects. These ongoing projects are expected to be completed in phases over the next 3 to 24 months in a staggered manner.

Nykaa Beauty Rewind 2025: What India Loved, Wore, and Made Its Own

Mumbai, Dec 30: If beauty in 2025 had a headline, it would read: India flirted hard and swiped right on what worked.

This wasnʼt a year of blind loyalty or long-term commitment. It was the year of curious, confident experimentation. Consumers chased what was viral, sampled what was trending, and moved fast, but only the products that truly delivered earned repeat screen time in their routines.

Ingredient lists were scanned like subtitles. Reviews mattered. Reels influenced carts. And routines evolved in real time.

With a community of over 45 million beauty lovers across 19,000+ pincodes, Nykaaʼs Best of 2025 doesnʼt just decode what sold, it captures the beauty zeitgeist of India in 2025: what people flirted with, fell for, and folded into everyday life.

Because in 2025, beauty behaved less like a long marriage, and more like dating apps on a good day: fast, curious, trend-led, and brutally honest.

Some Categories Didnʼt Just Trend. They Went Monumental.

• The Pout Power: We sold 1,750 lipsticks every hour. Whether it was a swipe of the M.A.C MACximal Matte in Mehr or the cult-favorite Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk, somewhere in India, a pout was being perfected every two seconds.
• Infrastructure for the Eyes: Stack all the kajals sold in 2025 and youʼd build 575 Burj Khalifas. Clearly, a sharp wing isnʼt a phase; itʼs infrastructure.
• Base Camp: The volume of foundation sold could paint 250 football fields. From the high-coverage NARS Natural Radiant Longwear to the “skin-first” Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer, India is committed to the base like never before.
• The Pink City: Blush sales hit such heights this year that if they were paint, Jaipur wouldnʼt need a refresh for the next century. (Yes, Kay Beautyʼs Velvet Crème Blush deserves a mention.)
• Reviews as the final word: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (Dry to Normal Skin with Niacinamide) won without breaking a sweat. With 1.3 lakh+ ratings and a stellar 4.5-star rating, it officially became Indiaʼs most-reviewed beauty product on Nykaa, proof that sometimes, the quiet classics win the loudest applause.
• Brand Topper: Dot G Key didnʼt just sit pretty on vanities this year, it lived rent-free in peopleʼs search histories. In fact, “Dot & Key Face Moisturiserˮ emerged as the fastest-growing beauty search keyword on Nykaa in 2025, clocking 63% growth. From ceramides to sunscreen, the brandʼs barrier-first, no-fuss philosophy struck a chord with a generation that wants skincare to work hard and feel good doing it. Cute packaging helped, but performance sealed the deal.

Some people shop. Some people commit.

A shopper from Nagpur placed Nykaaʼs single highest-value order of 2025, ₹4 lakhs in one go, 91 products, no browsing, no second thoughts.

Was it a wedding? A launch? A glow-up era? We donʼt know. But we do know the face was going to be camera-ready for anything.

Moral of the story? When India loves beauty, it loves it wholeheartedly.

Skin First, Always: The Barrier Era

In 2025, “glow” was the result, but “barrier health” was the requirement. Consumers stopped chasing miracles and started playing the long game with ceramides and peptides.

Forever Status: Icons like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facewash proved they never go out of style. India is clearing the shelves at warp speed, with 19 cleansers finding a new bathroom mirror every single minute.

Moisture Mania: Nykaa sold 25 moisturisers a minute, making hydration the most consistent step in beauty routines. Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Cetaphil Moisturising Cream topped the charts in this category. So by the time you finish this paragraph, 50 more routines just got a hydration upgrade.

Serums: The Power Move

If moisturisers were the foundation, serums were the intentional “main character.”

The Glow-Getter: Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum For Face For Glowing Skin became the ultimate bright spot in Indiaʼs vanity, leading the charge for radiant, even-toned skin.

Ingredient Literacy: India memorized percentages like passwords. From The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to targeted peptides, these were the go-to solutions for consumers who know their molecules from their marketing.

K-Beauty – From Discovery to Discipline: Not a Trend. A Habit.

2025 marked the year K-beauty completed its transition from curiosity to core routine.

Trust over Hype: Products like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen didnʼt just go viral, they stayed, were repurchased, and relied upon.

Lips as Self-Care: Glossy finishes, lip oils, nourishing balms, and creamy textures officially dethroned old-school mattes. Cult favourites like LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm became the sweet spot where self-care met self-expression, making lips the main character of the beauty routine.

The Glass Skin Standard: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence remained a staple, aligning perfectly with Indiaʼs growing preference for barrier care and skin longevity. K-beauty wasnʼt being explored anymore. It was being trusted.

Fragrance: Building an Aura Wardrobe

India stopped looking for “the one” signature scent and started building wardrobes. 5 fragrances were sold every minute.

Main Character Energy: From the luxury of DIOR Sauvage to the sweet comfort of Plum Bodylovinʼ Vanilla Caramello EDP, scents became a daily personality trait.

Makeup, But Make It Intelligent: The Era of the Multitasker

Heavy glam took a backseat this year, not because makeup disappeared, but because it evolved. Consumers leaned into skin tints, breathable bases, and formulas that worked overtime. Makeup didnʼt want attention; it wanted performance.

Tint-Meets-Treatment: Products like Smashbox Halo Tinted Moisturizer and LʼOreal Paris Infallible 24H Tinted Serum led the movement.

Lips, but Smarter: Liquid lipsticks became the statement piece of 2025, long-wear, no-transfer formulas ruled the day. Standouts included LʼOreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick and Nykaa Matte To Last! Transferproof Liquid Lipstick that color and performance can coexist effortlessly.

Enduring Icons: Meanwhile, classics like Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer reminded everyone that cult status isn’t a trend; it’s a legacy.

In 2025, makeup didnʼt shout. It showed up and did the job.

The Ritual Upgrade: Bath, Body & Hair

Body care moved from “functional hygiene” to “intentional ritual,” with Bath & Body Kits surging by 93%.

The Shower Scene: It wasn’t just a wash; it was a treatment with Chemist At Playʼs Exfoliating Body Wash (4% Lactic Acid) and the comforting Dove Relaxing Care

Shea Butter & Vanilla.

Scalp is the New Skin: Haircare got serious. Through the last year, over 1 crore rosemary-based products were sold. WishCare Hair Growth Serum moved at a rate of one unit every minute, proving India is officially over the “quick fix” and into the “thick fix.”

The Gloss Factor: LʼOréal Professionnel Absolut Repair and LʼOréal Paris Hyaluron Moisture shampoos kept the frizz at bay for 72 hours at a time.

Nykaa Now: For the “I Need It Yesterdayˮ Generation

Imagine this, youʼre halfway through packing for a holiday when you realize your face wash is bone dry. One shopper in Bangalore found herself in this exact “pre-flight panic.” Realizing she was flying to Delhi that same night, she didn’t think a restock was possible. She ordered her favorite cleanser via Nykaa Now while still at her office desk. The result? The package didn’t just meet her at home; it beat her there. Thatʼs not just delivery; thatʼs a travel hack.

When “Instant” Actually Means Instant:

The 6-Minute Flex: In Hyderabad, someone restocked their full barrier-repair kit, Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum and CeraVe Moisturizer, while a Bella Vita Perfume Set landed in Delhi… all in 6 minutes. Thatʼs faster than deciding what to watch on Netflix.

The “Everything Everywhere All At Once” Order: While most people use us for quick fixes, Chennai went for the “full vanity overhaul.” Our largest basket of the year featured 96 products in a single order, a makeup-heavy haul of Nykaa Cosmetics, Lakme and Neutrogena that proved our assortment is as deep as our delivery is fast.

Whether it’s one serum or ninety-six lipsticks, Nykaa Now is making sure the only thing you waited for in 2025 was your nails to dry.

The Big Picture: Smarter, Softer, More Intentional

Beauty in 2025 wasnʼt about chasing whatʼs next, it was about building routines that last. Beauty in 2025 wasnʼt about chasing whatʼs next, it was about moving fast, choosing smart, and switching without guilt.

Indian consumers explored freely, followed trends unapologetically, and built routines that evolved with them. From barrier-first skincare to intelligent makeup, indulgent body care and mood-led fragrances, beauty became deeply personal, and joyfully flexible.

And as always, Nykaa remained the space where curiosity met with credibility, trends met trust, and discovery happens at the speed of now. Shop these favourites on www.nykaa.com or at a Nykaa store near you.

Sagar Nair joins DotMe as Strategic Advisor to Support Next Phase of Growth

Bengaluru, Dec 30: DotMe, India’s emerging Link-in-Bio and creator monetization platform, today announced the appointment of Sagar Nair as Strategic Advisor to support its next phase of growth. The appointment follows DotMe’s recent association with renowned media personality, music curator, and culture architect, Nikhil Chinapa.

DotMe enables creators, businesses, and professionals to turn a single link into a powerful digital hub—enabling them to showcase content, connect platforms, engage audiences, track performance, and monetize, all from one highly customizable link.

Sagar Nair is a seasoned media professional and entrepreneur with experience across gaming, consumer technology, and interactive media. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Qlan, a gamer-first community platform focused on user acquisition, retention, and monetization for games. Under his leadership, Qlan raised pre-seed funding, expanded internationally, and demonstrated early traction across monetization use cases. Nair is currently Head of Incubation & Initiatives at ChimeraVC, where he leads LVL Zero, a gaming startup incubator supporting early-stage founders in India.

“The creator economy is scaling rapidly, but monetization and ownership remain fragmented,” said Sagar Nair, Strategic Advisor, DotMe. “DotMe brings simplicity and powerful data capabilities together under a single link, enabling creators and businesses to better understand their audience, validate their market value through real metrics, and truly own their growth.”

As Strategic Advisor, Nair will work closely with DotMe’s leadership to support strategic growth initiatives, advise on product and monetization strategy, and strengthen ecosystem partnerships as the platform scales.

Commenting on the appointment, Harsh Vijaykumar, co-founder, DotMe, said, 

“Sagar’s experience in building and scaling digital communities with a strong monetization lens makes him a valuable addition as we enter our next phase of growth. His understanding of creator-led ecosystems aligns closely with our vision of building creator-first infrastructure that delivers measurable outcomes.”

DotMe is already seeing strong adoption among leading creators, with Prince Narula, Hamid Barkzi, and Ashish Bhatia among the prominent names who have replaced their previous link-in-bio tools with DotMe. As global platforms like Linktree reach valuations exceeding $1.5 billion, DotMe is positioning itself as a data-driven, creator-first alternative built for the next phase of the creator economy.

This strategic appointment reinforces DotMe’s commitment to building creator-first infrastructure that helps individuals and businesses centralize their digital presence, present themselves professionally to brands, and convert attention into meaningful outcomes.

Thermals vs “Just One More Layer”: The warmth myth, explained

When winter sets in, the first instinct is often to reach for “just one more layer.” A sweater over a tee, a jacket on top, and maybe even a scarf thrown in for good measure. It seems practical, but it does not always keep the body truly warm. What matters is not the number of layers, but the type of layers chosen.

Thermals work in a way regular clothing cannot. They hug the skin, trap a thin layer of heat, and manage moisture so the body stays dry. Extra layers only add bulk, and when they hold sweat, they can leave a person feeling chilled instead of snug. Let’s see why thermals make a bigger difference than simply adding “one more layer.”

Heat retention begins at the base layer

On cold mornings when one steps out for a quick walk, a commute, or even a grocery run, the first layer decides how warm and relaxed the body stays. Adding thermal-wear like the ultra warmth full sleeve thermal top by Jockey as the base layer changes how winter dressing feels. Made with soft touch microfiber elastane stretch fleece it holds in body heat without adding weight. StayWarm Technology keeps the temperature balanced from within, while StayFresh Treatment helps control odour through long hours. With colours like skin, black, and classic white, it blends easily under any winter outfit and makes layering smoother than relying on “just one more layer.”

The smarter winter bottom

Stacking layers below the waist can feel reassuring at first, but once the day gets moving, those extra layers often trap sweat and make the body feel colder. This is why bulky winter bottoms may work briefly but fall short during real life movements like brisk walks, metro rides, or rushing between meetings. The ultra warmth thermal leggings offer a smarter alternative. Designed to sit close to the skin, the microfiber elastane stretch fleece helps create steady insulation without feeling heavy or tight. The leggings allow easy movement and pair well with other winter layers, making them a versatile essential for the season.

All-day warmth needs balance, not bulk

During a busy winter day, the body needs steady insulation without feeling closed off. A good thermal ensures this by keeping heat close while allowing natural air flow. The extra warmth full sleeve thermal set is designed for full-day comfort. The super combed cotton rich fabric feels gentle on the skin, and the StayWarm Technology maintains consistent insulation without feeling stuffy. With StayFresh anti-microbial properties that helps control odour, a concealed waistband and colors like charcoal melange and black, this set keeps the body cozy and fresh through long hours without depending on multiple layers.

In the end, winter dressing is less about piling on layers and more about choosing the right ones. Thermals create a foundation that works with the body rather than against it, letting every layer above perform its job. They keep movement effortless, daily routines simple, and long outings manageable, proving that a smarter base layer makes all the difference in navigating the season with ease and confidence.

MapmyIndia expands capabilities of Mappls App with multimodal public transport (metro, rail & bus) route

New Delhi, Dec 30: MapmyIndia Mappls, India’s leading digital mapping, navigation, and location-intelligence company, has expanded the capabilities of its flagship Mappls App with the introduction of multimodal public transport routes, enabling users to access metro, rail, and bus route information directly on the app.

The addition of public transport routes strengthens Mappls’ position as a comprehensive, multimodal mobility platform, bringing together private and public transport experiences on a single, fully indigenous maps and navigation app. With over 40 million+ users, Mappls now enables commuters to view public transport routes, stations, stops, and interchange options, helping them plan more efficient and sustainable journeys. The feature is currently available for select cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Indore, Patna, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Jaipur, Kochi & Bhopal. It is presently live on iOS and web, with an Android rollout planned shortly.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rakesh Verma, Co-Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, MapmyIndia Mappls, said “The launch of multimodal public transport routes on the Mappls App is a direct outcome of listening to our users. We want the Mappls App to be more inclusive and accessible for every citizen. We are pleased to begin rolling out this feature across select cities and will continue expanding coverage to make public transport more convenient for millions of Indians. As a fully indigenous platform built in India for India, Mappls remains committed to supporting sustainable urban mobility by seamlessly integrating public transport into everyday navigation.”

The new public transport feature complements Mappls’ existing capabilities such as turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, safety alerts, and intelligent routing. By making public transport information easily accessible, Mappls aims to encourage greater adoption of mass transit and contribute to reduced congestion, lower emissions, and cleaner cities.

Keeping the nation first has been MapmyIndia Mappls’ ingrained value and its guiding philosophy. While the company’s maps and location tech are world class but they are Indian to the core. MapmyIndia Mappls has taken care to be in sync with Government’s perception on key issues like the delineation of the international border, not identifying sensitive establishments of national importance etc. And this has been recognized by the highest echelons of the establishment and during the past few years MapmyIndia Mappls’ Government business has grown exponentially and currently contributes 20% to the company’s gross revenue.

As India steps into the New Year with a renewed focus on sustainability. MapmyIndia Mappls encourages citizens to plan their daily journeys using public transport options on Mappls, helping reduce pollution while making city travel smarter and more efficient. MapmyIndia Mappls will continue to work with transport authorities and ecosystem partners to expand public transport coverage and enrich data across cities, reinforcing Mappls’ role as India’s most comprehensive and future-ready indigenous navigation platform.