Archive: December 30, 2025

What the Next 12 Months Will Reveal About India’s EPC Leaders

As infrastructure projects grow in size and complexity, execution excellence has become the defining differentiator. At GHV Infra Projects, we view the coming year not just as a period of expansion, but as an opportunity to strengthen the foundations that support long-term growth.

The industry is evolving rapidly. Clients now demand faster delivery, higher safety standards, integrated sustainability practices, and transparent governance. Meeting these expectations requires more than scale; it requires systems, leadership depth, and a culture of accountability.

Looking forward, we anticipate increased emphasis on sustainable infrastructure. Energy efficiency, environmental compliance, and responsible resource utilization are no longer optional; they are integral to project design and execution. GHV Infra continues to embed ESG principles across its operations, aligning growth with long-term societal and environmental outcomes.

Operationally, the year ahead will focus on enhancing productivity through better planning tools, improved supply chain coordination, and skilled workforce deployment. Investments in leadership, project management capabilities, and risk mitigation frameworks are expected to yield measurable improvements in execution quality.

Another key growth driver will be the integration of industrial and urban infrastructure development. Manufacturing hubs, logistics parks, rail-linked facilities, and redevelopment projects are converging into large, multi-use ecosystems. EPC partners who can manage this complexity end-to-end will lead the next growth cycle.

Our confidence in the future is grounded in preparation. With a strong project pipeline, experienced leadership, and a disciplined approach to growth, GHV Infra enters the coming year focused on execution, sustainability, and value creation, building infrastructure that endures and businesses that grow responsibly.

Dynamo Brings The Vibe and Electrifying Rhythm to Goa’s Cliffside Sundowners in Vagator

Dynamo Brings The Vibe and Electrifying Rhythm to Goa’s Cliffside Sundowners in VagatorGoa, Dec 30: Dynamo, a cliffside restro lounge in Vagator, Goa is here to beautifully extend the idea of sunset drinking into an electrifying nightlife. As the golden hour unfolds to make way for the breezy nights, Dynamo powers up with music, chill vibes and premium gastronomy. It’s a deliberate, curated transition driven by global techno music, an atmosphere that slowly builds itself into the rustic, vintage metal interiors. 

Goa has no shortage of sundowner spots, until you step into Dynamo and don’t feel like stepping out, not until you’ve soaked in the vibes, tapped your feet and felt the rhythm build as the sun sets and the music takes over. A menu prepared by a team trained under award-winning chefs and beverage program by internationally recognized cocktail consultants, every element is designed around connection and celebration. 

Signature dishes on the menu include: Chaap & Chokha, the Dynamo-style Aloo Tikki and Eat, Sleep, Seekh, Repeat, sumptuous meats grilled to perfection. Global cuisine plates feature Chilaquiles, Falafel Mezze Platter, Tutta Verde Pizza and Korean Wings. You can mix and match the small plates with a signature cocktail menu that reads like a journey. There’s Special Train to Goa, Spirit of the West, Wabling Jaw and Calico: The Painted Horse all of which also pair well with the tempo, layered flavours and the upbeat rhythm. 

The interiors show a Wild West influence with warm, rustic wood, leather textures, metal accents. It’s not ancient but has a rather contemporary finesse with tables stretching along the sea view. The bar counter at the anchors as an outpost with a bull, rugged textures and a touch of mystery, turning every drink here an experience rather than another order. There’s an open terrace, indoor lounge seating, VIP seating and bar side tables.  

Talking about the place, founder Navin Choudhary says, “Dynamo was created to redefine Goa’s sundowner culture. For us, it’s a lifestyle space built around stunning sunsets, top-tier hospitality, and unforgettable music. We want every guest to make a memory, enjoy the experience they’ll want to return to.”

Dynamo is where Goa’s evenings gather momentum. You can come for the view, stay for the music, the food and the collective energy that this place brings to Goan nightlife. 

For more information:

Venue: Dynamo, Vagator Hilltop, Vagator, Goa

Days: Monday to Sunday

Timing: 4:00 PM onwards till late

GenAI Hackathon 2025 Empowers Bihar’s Youth to Innovate with AI

The GenAI Hackathon x AI Hajipur 2025 was organised at the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), on 29th December 2025. The event brought together developers, students, and technology enthusiasts to design and deploy real-world solutions powered by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).

The event was hosted by the AI Hajipur Community, a Google Developer community supported by Google for Developers. The hackathon was part of Google’s nationwide GenAI initiative for TFUG and AI/ML communities. This one-day intensive event provided participants with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge tools including Gemini CLI, Google ADK, and Google Cloud, enabling them to innovate and prototype impactful AI-driven solutions.

The hackathon commenced with a distinguished *inaugural session* graced by eminent leaders from academia and industry.

Dr. Sunil Kumar, Ex-CGM, NABARD & Professor of Practice, CIMP said

“Generative AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a catalyst for inclusive growth. Events like this hackathon empower young minds to innovate and create solutions that can transform communities and industries alike.”

Shri Kumod Kumar, CAO, CIMP and CEO, CIMP Business Incubation & Innovation Foundation

“At CIMP, we believe in nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation. The GenAI Hackathon is a perfect example of how academia and industry can collaborate to equip students with future-ready skills and drive impactful change.”

Ms. Priya Nath – Founder & CEO, Chitrakaya AdTech

“Innovation thrives when creativity meets technology. This hackathon showcases the immense potential of Bihar’s youth to harness GenAI for solving real-world challenges and building solutions that can scale globally.”

A special expert session was delivered by Mr. Pradumna Saraf, Microsoft MVP and Docker Captain, who provided deep insights into Gemini CLI and shared practical guidance on building scalable AI solutions. The session proved highly inspiring and technically enriching for participants.

Throughout the hackathon, participants were guided and supported by experienced mentors, fostering a collaborative and learning-driven environment.

Projects were evaluated by an expert panel comprising Vivekananda Prasad and Priya Nath, based on criteria such as innovation, practicality, technical execution, and real-world impact.

Winning teams were awarded cash prizes, special recognition, and surprise rewards, motivating participants to push the boundaries of creativity and technology.

The GenAI Hackathon Hajipur 2025 marked a significant step toward strengthening the AI and GenAI ecosystem in Bihar, positioning Patna as an emerging hub for technology-driven innovation. The event highlighted the growing role of developer communities, academic institutions, and industry leaders in nurturing future-ready talent.

Nykaa Beauty Rewind 2025: What India Loved, Layered and Lived In

Nykaa Beauty Rewind 2025: What India Loved, Layered and Lived InMumbai, Dec 30: If beauty in 2025 had a headline, it would read: India flirted hard and swiped right on what worked.

This wasn’t 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, Nykaa’s Best of 2025 doesn’t 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 Didn’t 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 you’d build 575 Burj Khalifas. Clearly, a sharp wing isn’t a phase; it’s 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 wouldn’t need a refresh for the next century. (Yes, Kay Beauty’s 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 India’s most-reviewed beauty product on Nykaa, proof that sometimes, the quiet classics win the loudest applause.

● Brand Topper: Dot & Key didn’t just sit pretty on vanities this year, it lived rent-free in people’s search histories. In fact, “Dot & Key Face Moisturiser” emerged as the fastest-growing beauty search keyword on Nykaa in 2025, clocking 63% growth. From ceramides to sunscreen, the brand’s 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 Nykaa’s 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 don’t know. But we do know the face was going to be camera-ready for anthing.

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 India’s 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 didn’t 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 India’s growing preference for barrier care and skin longevity. K-beauty wasn’t 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 Bodylovin’ 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 didn’t want attention; it wanted performance.

● Tint-Meets-Treatment: Products like Smashbox Halo Tinted Moisturizer and L’Oreal 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 L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick and Nykaa Matte To Last! Transferproof Liquid Lipstick proving 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 didn’t 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 Play’s Exfoliating Body Wash (4% Lactic Acid) an 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: L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair and L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron Moisture shampoos kept the frizz at bay for 72 hours at a time.

Nykaa Now: For the “I Need It Yesterday” Generation

Imagine this, you’re 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. That’s not just delivery; that’s 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. That’s 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 wasn’t about chasing what’s next, it was about building routines that last. Beauty in 2025 wasn’t about chasing what’s 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. Catch the full list here.

17th edition of VIBGYOR Viva celebrates over 2 lakh students from 3,000plus schools across India

17th edition of VIBGYOR Viva celebrates over 2 lakh students from 3,000plus schools across IndiaDec 30: The VIBGYOR Group of Schools, one of India’s leading K–12 education networks, has successfully concluded the 17th edition of its flagship inter-school festival, VIBGYOR Viva 2025, marking a significant milestone in its journey of celebrating talent, creativity, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Held across 15 cities and seven states, the festival brought together over 2,00,000 students from more than 3,000 schools across India, with participation from students in the USA, UAE, and the Netherlands. The season culminated with a vibrant grand finale held on 20th December 2025 in Pune.

Launched in 2009, VIBGYOR Viva has grown into a large-scale, multi-format platform that brings together sports, performing arts, and experiential learning. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 17 Years of Talent, Sports and Togetherness,” reflected the festival’s focus on encouraging students to explore interests beyond academics while engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds

17th VIBGYOR VIVA Featured:

  • Participation from 2,00,000+ students from India and overseas
  • 150+ activities spanning sports, performing arts, workshops, and community initiatives
  • A FIBA-endorsed All India Inter-School Basketball Championship, conducted across 14 cities
  • Nationwide Vivathon and parent engagement events
  • City-level and national cultural showcases through the Stars Ensemble and Junior Stars Ensemble

A key highlight of the season was the Stars Ensemble grand finale, which brought together students, parents, educators, and cultural mentors for an evening of performances across dance, music, theatre, poetry, comedy, magic, and fusion formats. The performances were evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising choreographer Vaibhav Ghuge, singer Vishwajeet Borwankar, actor Ketaki Narayan, singer & songwriter Ninad Bhat, and dancer and actress Mythili Roy, who also interacted with and guided participants.

Stars Ensemble – Season 17 Winners

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the top performers at the grand finale:

  • Winner: DWM Dance Group, Pune – represented by Ms. Mahi Chavhan, Ms. Vaibhavi Dey, Ms. Sayali Sangule, Ms. Shaloni Chavhan, Mr. Siddhivinayak Shinde, and Mr. Rohit Tammatta.
  • 1st Runner-Up: Angels Queen, Pune – represented by Ms. Gangashree Patil, Ms. Arya Bhosale, Ms. Vaishali Parshi, Ms. Samruddi Amoghe, Ms. Avuni Durge, Ms. Nisha Kunwar, Ms. Payal More, Ms. Poonam Gondhale, and Ms. Payal Jadhav.
  • 2nd Runner-Up: VIBGYOR Kids and High Yerwada, Pune – represented by Rishabh Bhalgat and Dhir Joshi.

The winners were recognised for their outstanding performances at the grand finale of VIBGYOR Viva 2025, emerging from a highly competitive pool of participants from across the country.

Reflecting on the success of the season, Kavita Kerawalla, Vice-Chairperson of the VIBGYOR Group of Schools, commented on the new season, stating, “VIBGYOR Viva is a celebration of curiosity, courage, and creativity. It reminds us that true education extends beyond the classroom, placing equal importance on sports, the arts, and academics. Here, children discover their potential, learn the value of teamwork, and build lifelong connections. As Viva completes 17 years, it is heartening to see how strongly students, parents, and educators continue to come together to make this platform meaningful.”

In addition to live events, Viva 2025 featured interactive workshops and competitions across the Performing Arts, Logic & Strategy, and Parent–Child categories, enabling students from India and abroad to participate via Viva’s digital platform.

As the curtains closed on the 17th edition of VIBGYOR Viva, the festival once again reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to holistic education, experiential learning, and community engagement, leaving behind lasting memories of inspiration, achievement, and togetherness.

Why the Leaders of Tomorrow Must Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn

Why the Leaders of Tomorrow Must Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn

By Vinay Kumar Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India

I believe leadership today is not about having all the answers. It is about staying curious, adaptable, and empathetic. In a world shaped by constant disruption, rapid automation, and artificial intelligence, the most important quality a leader can have is the willingness to remain a lifelong learner.

This belief shapes how I view education and work in India today. Learning can no longer be confined to classrooms or early stages of life. It must evolve continuously, keeping pace with changing technologies, job roles, and social expectations. The ability to unlearn outdated ideas and relearn new skills is becoming just as important as acquiring knowledge in the first place.

At Pearson India, this philosophy guides how we engage with learners and institutions across the country. We work with thousands of higher education institutions and reach millions of learners, focusing on learning outcomes rather than static content. The aim is to help individuals build relevant skills, measure their progress meaningfully, and stay prepared for a dynamic workforce.

Digital-first learning plays a key role in this transformation. Technology allows learning to be more personalised, flexible, and accessible, especially in a country as diverse as India. From language proficiency to employability and workforce readiness, learning pathways need to adapt to individual needs while remaining aligned with real-world demands.

Collaboration is essential to achieving this at scale. Working alongside organisations such as HCLTech, the National Skill Development Corporation, the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Internet and Mobile Association of India, and various state governments has reinforced the importance of shared responsibility in building India’s future workforce. These partnerships focus on strengthening English communication, vocational skills, and technology-enabled workforce planning.

Language and assessment continue to be powerful enablers of opportunity. Globally recognised English proficiency assessments such as PTE help Indian students and professionals access international education and mobility pathways. These credentials serve as bridges—connecting aspiration in India with opportunities across the world.

As I look ahead to the coming years, the priorities are clear: deeper use of AI to support learning, stronger engagement with enterprises, and greater investment in regional-language content to ensure inclusion. India’s scale and diversity demand solutions that are both technologically advanced and socially grounded.

For me, the purpose remains constant. Learning is what connects potential to progress. In an AI-driven world, that purpose is not diminished—it becomes more meaningful than ever.

Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao awarded Vietnam’s Labor Hero title

Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao awarded Vietnam’s Labor Hero titleMumbai, Dec 30: Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, has been awarded the Labor Hero title, one of Vietnam’s highest national honours, in recognition of her outstanding and long-standing contributions to the country’s economic and social development.

Dr. Thao, Southeast Asia’s first female self-made billionaire, is widely recognized as one of the most influential business leaders in the region, with profound impact across aviation, finance, investment, and technology over the last three decades. Her leadership has focused on innovation, technology-led growth and building businesses aligned with national priorities and social responsibility.

In aviation, she is the founder and leader of Vietjet, Vietnam’s first and largest private airline, playing a pivotal role in expanding access to air travel and accelerating the country’s integration with regional and global markets, including India. Vietjet has enabled millions of first-time flyers, carried hundreds of millions of passengers and strengthened connectivity for trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange. Vietjet’s red-and-yellow fleet, operating across continents, has become a visible symbol of a dynamic, confident and globally connected Vietnam.

Her contributions extend beyond business growth. Dr. Thao has been closely associated with initiatives addressing complex infrastructure and system challenges through technology-driven solutions. These include digital transformation in aviation operations, the application of biometric technologies in passenger processing, the rapid deployment of technology platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the successful stabilisation of the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange’s trading system at a critical moment for the market.

Alongside business growth, Dr. Thao has remained actively involved in community and humanitarian initiatives, with a strong focus on women, children, students and underprivileged communities. She has long emphasized that sustainable growth must go hand in hand with human development and social responsibility.

Reflecting on the honour, she said: “The past and the present come together as we move toward the future, connected by a shared will and belief in a prosperous Vietnam reaching out to the world. This honour is a meaningful source of pride and encouragement for tens of thousands of dedicated employees across our organisations.”

Dr. Thao has received wide international recognition, including Bloomberg 50, Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, and Business Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business in Asia. She has also been awarded France’s Legion of Honour, the country’s highest civilian distinction, in recognition of her outstanding global contributions. 

The awarding of the Labor Hero title recognizes a path defined by perseverance, innovation and service. It also reflects a broader national spirit — one of resilience, aspiration and confidence in a strong, humane Vietnam with an increasingly respected global presence.

IPLIX Media Closes 2025 with 27percent Growth, Strengthening Its Position as a Leading Influencer Marketing Partner in India

India, Dec 30: IPLIX Media, one of India’s fastest-growing influencer marketing and Talent Management agencies, wrapped up 2025 on a high note, delivering 27% year-on-year growth and scaling its impact across brands, platforms, and creator communities.

2025 marked one of the significant expansion phases for IPLIX Media, with the agency strengthening its footprint across new categories, regions, and capabilities. The agency partnered with marquee brands such as JBL, CEEW (Council on Energy, Environment and Water), Godrej Properties (North), Nothing, Samsung, and Greensoul, reinforcing its position across Tech, FMCG, wellness, and lifestyle segments.

IPLIX Media also executed high-impact, long-term influencer programs and retainers for brands including Himalaya, Samsung, OZiva, WishCare, Plum, OPPO, Greensoul, Aisle, Wellbeing Nutrition, NeuroGums, and Honasa, driving sustained engagement and performance-led outcomes.

“Retention came from strong operational rigour. We focused on seamless execution, faster turnarounds, and clear performance metrics, which helped brands confidently scale their influencer programs with us,” said Priyanka Padode Sheth, Head of Business & Operations at IPLIX Media

Influencer marketing budgets saw a clear upward trend in 2025, with brands allocating higher spends and committing to longer-duration campaigns compared to 2024. IPLIX Media recorded growth not just in revenue, but also in campaign volumes, deal sizes, and always-on influencer partnerships, a shift from one-off activations to integrated creator strategies.

In 2025, the influencer marketing landscape matured significantly, with short-form video formats taking center stage. Platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts became the top choices for maximizing reach, driving engagement, and boosting conversions, as short-form, creator-led storytelling outperformed expectations. Meanwhile, long-format YouTube videos became less preferred for most campaign objectives, and audiences showed higher trust in creators who consistently engaged their communities rather than relying on direct or transactional brand promotion.

Brands have moved beyond vanity metrics, increasingly focusing on engagement over reach, community trust and authenticity, creating high-quality content, and tracking conversion-led performance metrics.

At the same time, there was also a noticeable rise in the demand for regional creators, niche communities, and long-term creator-brand relationships, helping brands build deeper cultural relevance and sustained trust.

Looking ahead to 2026, IPLIX Media anticipates a strong rise in creator-led and creator-powered brands, especially in tech, wellness, beauty, nutrition, and lifestyle categories. The agency expects influencer marketing to continue evolving, with a greater focus on creator-led storytelling, always-on influencer programs, and creator-as-brand business models, allowing brands to build deeper, more authentic connections with their audiences. AI, data intelligence, and advanced performance tracking will play a central role in optimizing creator selection, content strategy, and ROI measurement.

“In 2026, influencer marketing will move beyond simple promotion to real participation. Brands that treat creators as long-term partners, rather than one-off collaborators, will build deeper trust, strengthen authentic engagement, and create lasting connections with their audiences. Brands will focus on building larger, more engaged communities through long-term associations with communities. Success will belong to those who value collaboration, consistency”, said Jag Chima, Co-Founder at IPLIX Media.”

IPLIX Media advises brands to move away from direct, hard-sell promotions and instead invest in authentic narratives that integrate creators naturally into the brand story. By prioritizing genuine engagement and long-term relationships, brands can build lasting trust with their audiences. Ultimately, success will come to those who focus on meaningful storytelling rather than quick wins.

IDFC FIRST Bank Unveils Gaj: – An Invitation-Only Metal Masterpiece for IDFC Private Banking Customers

Mumbai, Dec 30: IDFC FIRST Bank announces the debut of Gaj: (pronounced Gajah in Sanskrit) Credit Card a premium, invitation-only metal credit card engineered for the Bank’s discerning high-net-worth individuals (HNI). Gaj: Credit Card represents the pinnacle of Ashva- Mayura- Gaj: trilogy, the Bank’s curated series of premium metal credit cards.

Our Philosophy: In Sanskrit, Gaj: the Elephant signifies majesty, wisdom, stability, and sovereign power. In ancient Indian thought, the Gaj was the bearer of majesty of the land, the protector of empires, and the symbol of measured strength; never impulsive, never excessive. A majesty’s greatness was often judged not by the crown they wore, but by the Gaj they rode.

Our Design: The Gaj: Credit Card transcends generic global aesthetics. The “crafted on metal”, signature twin-elephant motif is an artisanal masterpiece designed to be a silent ambassador of Indian excellence on the global stage.

Availability: Gaj: Credit Card is an invitation-only offering for select IDFC FIRST Bank Private Banking customers with established relationship depth. The card carries a joining and annual fee of ₹12,500 + GST. The card comes with 12,500 invitation Rewards Points of 1RP=Rs.1 redeemable on travel bookings via the IDFC FIRST Bank app effectively offsetting the joining fee. The annual fee is also waived on ₹10 lakh of annual spends. Beyond this, GAJ offers an inspirational metal card design, zero foreign exchange mark-up, a simple 1:1 rewards structure, and a set of premium travel and lifestyle privileges designed to complement an already strong proposition. 

The Gaj: Benchmark:

  • The 1:1 Reward Standard: 1 Reward Point = ₹1 for flights and hotels, eliminates complex math by offering the most direct value-back in the super-premium category.
  • The Global Traveler’s Core: 0% Forex Markup and Interest-Free Global ATM cash access, there is no longer a need to carry foreign currency notes and travel cards.
  • Full Travel Protection: A dedicated ₹50,000 Trip Cancellation Cover, the card is built for the “Global Indian” who demands a zero-compromise travel experience.
  • Hyper-Accelerated Rewards: Exclusive access to 50X rewards on hotels and 25X on flights via the IDFC FIRST ecosystem, delivering a value-back of up to 33.33%.
  • Seamless transit: with complimentary international and domestic lounges including one for the Guest.
  • For more features, refer to Annexed Table of Benefits

Shirish Bhandari, Head – Credit Cards, FASTag & Loyalty, IDFC FIRST Bank, said: “Gaj: Credit Card reflects our deep respect for Indian heritage and its achievers. We designed this card to be complete in every respect- combining feature depth with an inspirational Indian design. As the pinnacle of our Ashva- Mayura- Gaj: trilogy, it honours the wisdom and strength of the modern Indian achiever.” 

Honouring Five Decades of Camaraderie: IIT Roorkee’s 1975 Alumni Batch Strengthens Their Legacy through a Meaningful Contribution

Honouring Five Decades of Camaraderie: IIT Roorkee’s 1975 Alumni Batch Strengthens Their Legacy through a Meaningful ContributionRoorkee, India Dec 30:  IIT Roorkee proudly hosted the Golden Jubilee Reunion of the 1975 Batch, marking fifty years of shared memories, achievements, and lifelong bonds. Over 250 alumni, accompanied by their families, returned to campus to celebrate their journey and reaffirm their connection with their Alma Mater.

Demonstrating an extraordinary spirit of giving, the batch extended support amounting to approximately INR 45 lakhs towards key institutional enhancements. Their contribution includes two new E-Carts, which will enhance internal mobility, ensuring a smoother, environmentally friendly, and more comfortable transportation experience for campus visitors and residents. Additionally, a Hi-Tech ultrasound machine for the campus hospital, which will considerably elevate diagnostic efficiency and improve healthcare services for the IIT Roorkee community, is also under consideration. This thoughtful generosity reflects the batch’s enduring affection for the institute and their desire to contribute meaningfully to its progress.

Sharing his appreciation, Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, remarked, “The 1975 Batch continues to exemplify the strong and lasting connection, our alumni maintain with their Alma Mater. Their generous support will substantially enhance our facilities and enrich the overall campus environment. We deeply value their steadfast commitment to IIT Roorkee.” 

Echoing this acknowledgement, Prof. R.D. Garg, Dean of Resources & Alumni Affairs, added, “The contribution made by the 1975 Batch is truly commendable and sets a remarkable precedent in alumni engagement. Their meaningful support strengthens our initiatives and reinforces the spirit of belonging that defines our community. We are sincerely grateful for their unwavering encouragement.”

The reunion offered alumni a warm and heartfelt space to reconnect with peers, revisit familiar corners of the campus, and celebrate the milestones of the past five decades. Through their impactful contributions, the 1975 Batch highlighted the transformative role IIT Roorkee has played in their lives and reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing its legacy.

This significant celebration not only honored cherished memories but also reinforced the essential role alumni play in shaping the institute’s evolving vision. The generosity and unity displayed by the 1975 Batch will remain a lasting testament to the spirit and heritage of IIT Roorkee.