All posts by Biswaranjan Jena

Insights from Experts: Best Year-End 2024 Quotes

Radhika Choudary, Co-founder and Director of Freyr Energy

As the solar industry continues to grow rapidly, the focus is shifting toward quality solar solutions and enhanced customer experience. Over the last decade electricity tariffs have risen by nearly 60%, and by 25% in the last year alone, while solar adoption in India has surpassed 3 million households. Yet, a significant gap remains, with over 300 million potential consumers still untapped. Solar has emerged as the most affordable energy source, supported by abundant financing options and government subsidies. This rapid growth is also expected to create more employment opportunities and drive technological innovation. Companies that prioritize quality products and customer-centric initiatives, such as Solar Experience Centers, are poised to lead the industry and deliver long-term value.”

Mr. Mohit Gambir, Indian Managing Director of Oxford International Education Services

This year has been marked by significant policy changes across key international study destinations—Canada, Australia, and the UK—bringing challenges and uncertainties to the sector. Despite these shifts, the resilience and adaptability demonstrated by stakeholders across the industry have ensured continued opportunities for students who aspire to study abroad.

Amid the current geopolitical challenges affecting Canada, there has been a noticeable shift in student preferences, with the United Kingdom emerging as a favored destination. Additionally, the UK government’s efforts to strengthen this position, particularly through initiatives like the International Graduate Route allowing students to stay and work for up to two years after completing their degrees, increase confidence among students.

We foresee 2025 as a year of resurgence for the UK with more students opting to pursue higher education there.

Mr.Subhash Acharya MD& CEO – SEEDS Fincap an NBFC (ND) company

The MSME sector in 2024 demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation, solidifying its role as a key driver of India’s economic revival. Accelerated digital adoption and financial inclusion transformed business operations, with fintech playing a crucial role in bridging credit gaps. Collaborative efforts by NBFCs, fintechs, and policymakers resulted in a notable 20% sectoral growth, enabling ambitious entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.

Highlights of the year include the rise of green technologies, an increase in women-led enterprises, and improvements in India’s ease-of-doing-business rankings, reflecting the government’s dedication to this sector. However, challenges such as access to affordable credit and navigating compliance complexities persist, necessitating sustained focus.
“As we look toward 2025, our focus remains on empowering ambitious, growth-oriented entrepreneurs by providing tailored financial solutions and fostering innovation,”

“The integration of traditional financing with digital platforms, coupled with trends like AI-driven business models and automation, will enable MSMEs to scale efficiently and compete globally.”

Mr. Acharya further emphasized the importance of financial literacy and streamlined policies in driving inclusive and sustainable growth. Seeds Fincap is committed to supporting the ambitions of MSMEs and helping them realize their potential. With these advancements, MSMEs are set to play an even larger role in shaping India’s economic future in 2025″

Subin Mitra – CEO & Cofounder, Groyyo

• “The recent disruptions in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in concentrated global supply chains. Political unrest, catastrophic climate events, and energy crisis can bring entire factories to a halt, causing chunks of garment orders to be delayed or lost. This upheaval has sent international buyers scrambling for stable alternatives and robust, cost effective supply chains, with India emerging as a prime contender; Some greenshoots towards the same are already visible with exporters in Tirupur witnessing a surge in order placements.
• India’s proven strengths in cotton yarn exports and its expanding infrastructure, bolstered by initiatives like the PLI Scheme for textiles, position it uniquely to absorb this redirected demand. However, this is not merely a matter of opportunity but of responsibility. As global brands navigate supply chain uncertainties, India must demonstrate its ability to deliver both scalability and sustainability. The latter has become an area of critical focus for almost all brands globally – emphasizing on the need for sustainability on not just the shop-floor but also in terms of the raw mnaterial utilized in the manufacturing process;
• The next decade will likely witness a recalibration of fashion supply chains, with India taking center stage with its stable geo-political reigns combined with Govt. support for manufacturing. For India, the task is clear – Invest aggressively in manufacturing infrastructure, sustainable practices, and workforce upskilling and cement its reputation as a reliable, innovative, and resilient manufacturing hub, ready to shoulder greater global responsibilities while fostering local growth.”

Pankaj Panjwani, CEO and Founder, KeenSemi

“As we close out a year of rapid innovation and progress, Keensemi is proud to be part of India’s semiconductor revolution. With the Indian semiconductor market poised to grow at a CAGR of 25.7%, reaching an expected value of USD 271.9 billion by 2032, the opportunities for technological advancement are vast.

India’s strong customer base and increasing demand for electronics—from data centers, automtives, smartphones to IoT devices—position us for continued success in this dynamic landscape.

At Keensemi, we remain committed to contributing to this growth by advancing cutting-edge semiconductor solutions that will drive the future of technology.
As the country accelerates its push towards self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing, we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation, delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

Mr. Amit Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Consulting Engineers

The Indian engineering consultancy sector has experienced a remarkable transformation in 2024, propelled by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, digital progress, and the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, modular construction, and pioneering innovations in energy storage, small modular reactors (SMRs), semiconductors, high-speed rail and infrastructure as a focus area. At Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), we are determined to harness this momentum, aligning fully with India’s aspiration to emerge as a global leader in sustainable development, technological self-reliance, and resilient infrastructure.

Our approach remains uncompromisingly innovative, delivering bespoke, end-to-end engineering solutions across an ever-widening spectrum of critical domains. Alongside traditional areas such as renewable energy, transport, water resources, space, nuclear, and defence, we are actively catalysing growth in emerging sectors like advanced battery technologies, PSPs, SMRs, and semiconductors. Through close collaboration with domestic partners, we invigorate the ‘Make in India’ initiative, ensure rapid knowledge transfer, and nurture a dynamic ecosystem of self-reliant manufacturing and cutting-edge research.

As we look to 2025 and beyond, our focus centres on expanding our global presence by delivering transformative projects that seamlessly blend sustainability, innovation, and digital sophistication. By leveraging AI, machine learning, and state-of-the-art project management methodologies, we will provide integrated solutions that uplift communities and industries in India whilst setting new benchmarks on the world stage. Guided by our unwavering commitment to economic growth, environmental stewardship, skill development, and technological excellence, TCE stands ready to shape a smarter, more resilient, and truly “Viksit Bharat.”

Mr. Sunil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Joy Personal Care (RSH Global)

“In 2024, the FMCG industry showcased resilience, overcoming inflation and supply chain challenges while meeting strong demand for health-focused, personal care, and affordable products. E-commerce continued to thrive, with rural markets remaining steady. Sustainability also emerged as a key focus, with brands embracing eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction.

As we look back on FY24, Joy Personal Care (RSH Global) has achieved substantial growth, closing the year at ₹575 crore in revenue. This success reflects our commitment to cater to the needs of the mass-market segment with our affordable products. With consistent growth, we aim to achieve ₹750 crore in FY25 and ₹1,000 crore by FY27. By FY28, we envision becoming a ₹1,500-crore brand, driven by strategic expansion and a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs.

We are strengthening our retail presence by expanding the direct distribution network to 5,00,000 outlets within the next three years. Digital marketing now constitutes over 30% of our promotional spends, allowing us to engage effectively with Gen Z audiences on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and OTT.

We have taken significant steps toward becoming more environmentally conscious by focusing on recycling and reducing plastic usage. Currently, we use around 2,500 tons of plastic annually, and we are committed to recycling more plastic than we consume within the next five to seven years. As part of this effort, we have introduced Platina recyclable tubes for key products such as the Joy Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen, Joy Ubtan Face Wash, Joy Charcoal Face Wash, and Joy Lemon Face Wash, in collaboration with our packaging partner, EPL.

With a unique blend of innovation, affordability, sustainability, and a forward-thinking approach to technology, we will continues to resonate with consumers across India. Our vision is not only to grow as a brand but also to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices and making our products widely available, we aim to deliver value to our customers while staying true to our commitment to the environment and society”.

KLH Bachupally Students Excel in Athletics

Hyderabad, – KLH Bachupally Campus celebrates a year of outstanding sports achievements and academic successes, marking itself as a nurturing ground for student-athletes who excel in their fields. This year, the campus has been a hub of inspiration, showcasing the extraordinary talents of its students in various national and international arenas.

1. KLH Bachupally campus Sports acheivements (2)

Among the stellar performers is Padiga Tejesh, an 18-year-old artistic roller skater who recently made headlines at the World Skate Oceania and Pacific Cup Championship 2024 in New Zealand. Tejesh secured a gold medal in Artistic Roller Skating, a silver in Solo Dance Skating, and a bronze in the Quad Freestyle Artistic Roller category. Adding to the campus’s accolades, Sai Nihar, a prodigious swimmer from KLH Bachupally, clinched a gold medal at the prestigious Khelo India Games, along with silver and bronze medals at various All India Competitions.

Dr. G. Partha Saradhi Varma, Vice Chancellor of KL Deemed-to-be University, praised the achievements, stating, “Our philosophy at the University is straightforward: we achieve greatness by nurturing passion with purpose. The accomplishments of Tejesh, Sai, and many others from our various campus serve as a testament to the potent combination of perseverance, discipline, and balanced growth. We are incredibly proud to support their ambitions and celebrate their success.”

The campus also boasts of other sports stars such as T. Rahul Azad, a badminton player who not only secured a gold medal in the South Zone Competition but also a silver medal in the All-India Inter-University Championship 2023-24. His exemplary performance has earned him a coveted government position at the AG Office in Vijayawada. Similarly, Deepika Madugula excelled in badminton, securing a gold medal in the Senior National Competition and a position with South Central Railways.

Ch. Pranathi demonstrated her exceptional rifle shooting prowess this year by securing eleven medals across various state and national championships. Additionally, Vrishin, a distinguished table tennis player, significantly contributed to the campus’s honors by clinching a gold medal in the State Ranking Tournament and the International Men’s Team Event early last year. His winning streak continued with a bronze in the International Men’s Singles, a silver in Mixed Doubles, and concluded the year with additional bronze medals in Mixed Doubles and the Men’s Team Event.

Dr. L. Koteswara Rao, Principal, along with the faculty members, staff, and Dr. E. Rajagopal, Head of Sports at KLH Bachupally campus, consistently encourages student participation across various competitive levels and motivates students to effectively balance their athletic and academic commitments. KLH Campus continues to promote a culture of excellence by providing support systems for young athletes, ensuring they achieve their best both on the field and in their academic endeavors.

KL Deemed to be University, with campuses in Hyderabad and Vijayawada, is committed to establishing itself as a globally renowned institution celebrated for its excellence in teaching, research, and leadership development. The university actively supports student athletes by offering sports scholarships that provide tuition waivers ranging from 25% to 100%.

5 Healthcare Events You Can’t Miss in 2025

1. Pharma Live Expo & Summit 2025
Pharma Live Expo & Summit 2025 (April 17-19, 2025) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai will be the premier event for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medtech sectors. Organized jointly by the Icexpo Consults and Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), the event is supported by the Federation of Pharmaceutical and Allied Products Merchant Exports (FPME) & Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs (FOPE) along with key industry stakeholders. The event will showcase 12,000 products from 225 exhibitors, spanning fields like contract manufacturing, biotechnology, medical devices, AI Healthtech, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It is a prominent platform for networking, exchanging insights on industry trends, and discovering cutting-edge innovations, with more than 20,000+ attendees. The event’s sector-focused days will spotlight pharmaceuticals, healthcare solutions, and medtech advances.

2. India Med Expo 2025
India Med Expo is taking place May 2025, Greater Noida Delhi/NCR is an annual and specialized show includes Medical, Surgical, Clinical Diagnostic Hospital Infrastructure, Medical Tourism, Medical Science & Technology, It has offered the exhibiting companies to not only present their innovations, products and services but to meet with the key decision makers and find leads and confirmed orders. It also allowed professional visitors to gain comprehensive information about the developments in focal industries

3. Technology & Innovation in Healthcare Summit 2025
Paving the Path for the Future of Healthcare set for January 2025 in Bengaluru, this summit will focus on With a focus on the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, telemedicine, and personalized medicine, the summit will highlight how emerging technologies are improving patient care, streamlining healthcare delivery, and shaping the future of medicine.

4. Elets Patient Centricity Summit & Awards 2025
Scheduled for 31st January 2025 in New Delhi. A Renewed Focus on Service Delivery Through an Integrated and People-Centred Lens is critical for reaching underserved and marginalised populations to ensure that no one is left behind.

5. Research International Conference on Medical, Medicine and Health Science
Taking place in January 2025 in New Delhi Medical, Medicine and Health Sciences Conference aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Medical, Medicine and Health Sciences Conference. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Medical, Medicine and Health Sciences Conference. This event will be organized by Research Conferences at the city of New Delhi, New Delhi, India.

Hafele Launches Innovative Anamorphic Billboard Featuring Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar

Hafele, a global leader in interior solutions, has launched an innovative anamorphic billboard featuring cricket icon and brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar, taking its B2C marketing to new heights. This dynamic and creative campaign brings together product innovation and cutting-edge media to showcase Sachin in his kitchen, powered by Hafele’s premium solutions.

The billboard serves as a powerful means to communicate Hafele’s purpose of ‘Maximising the Value of Space. Together’ highlighting the brand’s commitment to offering exceptional home solutions. By fusing technology and design, the campaign enhances consumer engagement, presenting Hafele’s home and lifestyle products as a must-have, especially during the gifting season.

hafele

Ms. Shweta Rangra, Head of Marketing, Hafele India, commented, “Partnering with Sachin Tendulkar reinforces our dedication to delivering premium products that truly enhance the living experience. This collaboration highlights Hafele’s forward-thinking approach, blending innovative products with creative marketing. Through this campaign, Hafele strengthens its brand presence and connects with the Indian audience, bringing its vision of transforming everyday spaces to life in a new, engaging way.”

 The anamorphic billboard is strategically launched during the wedding and holiday seasons, ensuring that Hafele stays top-of-mind for consumers seeking premium gifts. The collaboration with Sachin Tendulkar enhances Hafele’s presence, positioning it as an aspirational brand that resonates with Indian consumers.

BLR Airport’s 080 Lounges receive ‘Best Domestic Airport Lounge’ and ‘Favourite Airport Lounge’ Awards

Bengaluru, December 18, 2024: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s (BLR Airport) 080 Domestic Lounge at Terminal 2 (T2) has been honoured with the ‘Best Domestic Airport Lounge’ recognition at the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards. Furthermore, the 080 International Lounge at T2 has been granted the title of ‘Favourite Airport Lounge’ at the Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards 2024. These recognitions reflect the airport’s commitment to creating a world-class travel experience, blending comfort, elegance, and exceptional service for passengers.

The prestigious Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller magazines conduct these annual reader’s choice awards to celebrate the finest establishments in the travel and hospitality industry. These accolades highlight the trust and appreciation passengers have for BLR Airport’s 080 Lounges.

8 KODAGU CAFE

Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited said, “Receiving the awards from Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure speaks of the passion and care that went into shaping the lounges at Terminal 2. Every element of the lounges reflects our commitment to crafting spaces that combine elegance, comfort, and a deep sense of place. These recognitions motivate us to continue elevating the travel experience and setting new standards in hospitality.”

BLR Airport continues to earn global recognition, securing prestigious accolades and these honors highlight the airport’s commitment to excellence, with the T2 lounges standing out for their world-class design, superior hospitality, and unique fusion of local culture with modern luxury. The 080 Lounges at T2 are known for their innovative design inspired by Bengaluru’s vibrant culture and greenery. They offer passengers a relaxing retreat with state-of-the-art amenities, including diverse culinary options, workstations, high-speed Wi-Fi, and premium hospitality services. The lounges’ seamless blend of luxury and functionality has made them favorites among travellers.

Welspun One targets INR 4,000 Crore fund raise as global investors eye strategic GP-level entry

Mumbai, December 18, 2024: Welspun One, India’s fastest-growing logistics and industrial real estate manager and developer, plans to raise INR 4,000 crores, a key milestone in the platform’s strategy to double its portfolio size from 16 million square feet to ~32 million square feet by 2028. The company has already identified a robust pipeline of ~8 million square feet across multiple assets. The fundraising process has drawn substantial interest, especially from global investors, who are also exploring financial and strategic partnerships at the General Partner (GP) level. These alliances will broaden Welspun One’s investor base and position the platform as a node for international investors seeking exposure to India’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

anshul

Welspun One has already committed ~75% of its INR 2275 crores of Fund 2, within six months of its final close earlier this year. Welspun One has also returned 40% of the capital from Fund 1 through two successful exits—an achievement delivered two years ahead of the timeline promised to its investors. This historic performance is unparalleled in the real estate fund industry, showcasing the platform’s superior execution and commitment to creating value. The platform’s focused deployment strategy will enable it to achieve a peak AUM of $1 billion (INR 8500 crores) across ~16 Grade A assets by 2026, cementing its position as India’s fastest-growing logistics and industrial real estate manager-developer.

As the largest home-grown logistics and industrial manager-developer, the platform’s next logical step is to harness global partnerships at the GP level. For existing investors, this alignment with leading international capital providers and strategic operators improves access to global best practices, advanced technologies, and extensive networks of blue-chip tenants. This will significantly enhance the platform’s leasing velocity and market share, potentially improving investor returns. Tenants will benefit from a wider network of high-quality assets and advanced supply chain solutions designed to adapt to rapid market shifts.

India’s booming e-commerce and quick commerce sectors have created unparalleled opportunities in new-age logistics and industrial real estate, that require high-performance, scalable infrastructure. This growth is further supported by India’s manufacturing expansion and changing consumption patterns, driving unprecedented demand for warehousing and distribution solutions.

Commenting on the fundraise, Anshul Singhal, Managing Director, Welspun One, said “India’s explosive growth, driven by rapid urbanization, digitalization, and evolving global trade corridors, is catalyzing demand for modern, scalable infrastructure, unlike anything we’ve seen before. Global capital providers seek trusted partners with proven execution capabilities and a track record of deploying billions at scale. Built over the past five years, Welspun One is uniquely positioned to do just that – providing a platform for international investors to be a part of India’s burgeoning growth story.”

Yash Ravel, CEO Fund Management, Welspun One, said “By aligning with global partners who bring unmatched expertise and capabilities, we are not only securing capital but also setting a new standard for efficiency, adaptability, and long-term value creation. We aim to ensure that our investors, tenants, and other stakeholders stand to benefit from the next wave of transformative growth.”

With its accelerated growth plans and a strong track record of execution, Welspun One is poised to continue leading the transformation of India’s logistics and industrial real estate sector, driving economic growth and setting new benchmarks for operational excellence.

Earthytweens brings Frosty Whispers a Delightful Range of Sustainable Winter Wear for Kids

Delhi NCR; 18th December 2024: Earthytweens, a renowned brand dedicated to offering sustainable and eco-friendly clothing for kids, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest winter collection—Frosty Whispers. Known for blending sustainability with comfort and style, Earthytweens continue to prioritize the health of young ones and the planet. The Frosty Whispers collection is thoughtfully designed to cater to the growing demand for eco-conscious clothing, ensuring kids enjoy warmth without compromising on sustainability.

quilted

The Frosty Whispers collection boasts an array of stylish winter essentials crafted from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and ethically sourced wool. Featuring cozy sweaters, quilted jackets, hooded jackets sweatshirt, rompers and joggers in vibrant hues and playful patterns, the collection is designed to keep children warm and happy during the chilly months. In addition to being skin-safe and hypoallergenic, these clothes are produced using environmentally friendly processes, making them ideal for sensitive young skin and eco-conscious families.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Nishant Kumar, Co-Founder, Earthytweens, said, “Our new collection, Frosty Whispers, reflects our unwavering commitment to creating sustainable clothing for kids. We aim to provide parents with winter wear that not only protects their children from the cold but also aligns with their values of eco-responsibility. By combining comfort, quality, and sustainability, we hope to inspire families to make conscious choices for a healthier planet.”

RRSPBL-2024 highlighting Project Based Learning to kick off tomorrow at Anurag University

Hyderabad, December 18, 2024…..The Regional Research Symposium on Project-Based Learning(PBL) is to be kicked off tomorrow at Anurag University, Venkatapur in the city.

Project-based learning (PBL) is an educational approach that can help students develop a variety of skills that are valuable in the classroom and beyond such as Critical thinking, Collaboration, Real-world relevant lifelong learning, Social justice and Learning equity. PBL projects can involve a variety of tasks, such as research, collaboration, product creation, and presentations. Students can work on projects over some time, ranging from a week to a semester.

It will be organised in Collaboration with the Aalborg Centre for Problem-Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability under the auspices of UNESCO, Aalborg University, DENMARK and IUCEE – (Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Collaboration)

The Aalborg Centre for Problem-Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability is a Category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO, approved by the General Conference of UNESCO

Globally, there is a need for educating engineers and scientists who can participate in the development of sustainable innovations. This will imply a reform of engineering and science education to educate engineers with employable knowledge and skills.

The Aalborg Centre contributes to a reform strategy for higher education by combining Problem and Project Based Learning (PBL), Engineering Education Research (EER) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This is a unique combination of Research & Development areas that are mutually dependent and complementary.

Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE) is an initiative conceptualized by over 150 leaders of engineering education and businesses from US and India. The vision of IUCEE is to improve the quality and global relevance of engineering education and research in India.

The Regional Research Symposium on Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an event that brings together researchers and educators to explore PBL practices in India.

The symposium aims to Explore PBL practices in India, Recognize the importance of PBL, and Welcome contributions to share experiences related to PBL.

PBL places students as active problem solvers, engaging them in real-world scenarios that demand critical thinking, collaboration, and application of knowledge. We welcome your contributions to share experiences related to PBL within the following tracks with the theme: “PBL for Interdisciplinary learning’’

The tracks of the summit include: PBL towards sustainable development Goals (SDGs); Innovation and entrepreneurship; Science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (STEAM) through PBL; Assessment and pedagogies for PBL; Community engagement and service-learning through PBL; Educational technologies for PBL• Teacher professional development in PBL; Program and cross-course level of PBL; Virtual and hybrid PBL; Collaborative models for PBL design and delivery; Value education through PBL; AI and PBL and Leadership competencies through PBL

PBL is a student-centered approach that engages students in real-world scenarios that require: Critical thinking, Collaboration, Application of knowledge, and solving open-ended problems.

Fastrack Enters Premium Mass Fragrance Market with New Perfume Range

Bengaluru, 18th Dec 2024 – Fastrack, India’s leading youth fashion brand, today announced its strategic expansion into the premium mass fragrance market with the launch of a new perfume range. Catering to the growing demand for affordable yet high-quality fragrances, Fastrack’s new offerings are designed to elevate everyday moments and empower individuals to express their unique style.

Fastrack’s new perfume range is meticulously crafted to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of Gen Z. Through in-depth consumer research, the brand has identified key occasion-based usage scenarios and developed fragrances that perfectly complement these moments. The Indian perfume market is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the value segment. This surge is driven by a new generation of consumers who prioritize personal care and self-expression. With increased awareness and the influence of social media, more and more people are recognizing the power of fragrance to enhance their personality and lifestyle.

Fastrack Perfume PR

“The Indian fragrance market is experiencing a significant shift. Our research shows that young Indians are ready to graduate from deodorants to fine fragrances, but they seek affordable options that don’t compromise on quality,” stated CEO, Fragrances and Fashion Accessories Division at Titan Company Ltd. “The launch addresses a critical market gap in the affordable premium segment, as young consumers increasingly upgrade from deodorants to fine fragrances. These cohorts use fragrances not just as a grooming essential, but as a means of self-expression and style enhancement. As a trusted youth brand, our new perfume range is uniquely positioned to serve this emerging consumer base with premium fragrances that align with their lifestyle and aspirations. “

The new collection comprises six distinct fragrances, thoughtfully crafted for specific occasions. For men, the range includes Night Out, a sophisticated woody fragrance with oriental notes; Rush, a fresh woody scent for dynamic personalities; and Ease, a classic fougère for everyday confidence. The women’s collection features Lush, an indulgent floral fragrance; Girl Boss, a powerful floral scent for the modern professional; and Wander, an oriental fragrance for the free spirit. Fastrack’s new range is strategically priced at ₹845 for 100ml, targeting the high-potential sub-₹1,000 segment expecting significant success.

To further amplify the launch of these perfumes, Fastrack has released two engaging films that resonate with the values and aspirations of Gen Z. “Sick Leave” celebrates the importance of mental health and self-care, challenging traditional notions of workplace culture. “Date – A twist you didn’t see coming” emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and authenticity in modern relationships.

India’s Office Real Estate Market on Track to Hit Record 85 Million Sq Ft Leasing in 2024

India’s office real estate sector is poised for unprecedented growth in 2024, with gross leasing volumes expected to rise by 14% to touch a historic high of 85 million square feet, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. This marks a significant leap from 74.6 million square feet recorded in 2023, underscoring the sector’s strong recovery and sustained momentum.

The robust performance is driven by increased activity in sectors such as IT-BPM, BFSI, engineering and manufacturing, and the rising influence of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). With fresh leasing accounting for nearly 70% of the projected gross leasing volume (GLV) in 2024, the report highlights growing business confidence and expansion by both global and domestic players.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Navin Makhija, Managing Director, The Wadhwa Group said, “The robust momentum in India’s office real estate leasing reflects the strength and resilience of the country’s business ecosystem. With increased activity in sectors like IT-BPM, BFSI, and manufacturing, we are observing sustained demand for high-quality office spaces, particularly in prime micro-markets. This not only underscores the confidence of global and domestic players in India but also indicates a long-term positive outlook for commercial real estate, driven by infrastructure developments and new supply pipelines.”

The January-September period of 2024 alone has already seen 66.7 million square feet of office leasing, signaling strong year-end numbers. The upward trend also aligns with occupiers’ growing preference for Grade A, well-located office spaces equipped with modern amenities.

Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers noted, “The office real estate sector’s expected milestone of 85 million square feet this year highlights the buoyant market sentiment and increasing business activity. As occupiers prioritize top-grade, well-located office spaces equipped with modern amenities, we are seeing heightened interest from both global entities and domestic businesses. This momentum is further propelled by sectors such as IT-BPM and BFSI, signaling a strong demand for sustainable and innovative office solutions that meet evolving occupier needs.”

Key micro-markets are witnessing moderate upward pressure on rents due to this demand, particularly as new supply pipelines become concentrated in prime business hubs. Despite consistent supply influx helping maintain a tenant-favorable sentiment, rents are expected to rise steadily in 2025.

Mr. Abhishek Jain, COO, Satellite Developers Private Limited (SDPL) added, “The record gross leasing projections for 2024 are a testament to the steady growth and recovery of India’s office real estate sector post-pandemic. The rising contribution of GCCs and domestic firms expanding their operations showcases the vibrancy of our economy and the evolving workspace dynamics. With consistent demand for Grade A assets and a moderate upward trend in rents, we foresee sustained opportunities for developers to cater to the growing need for flexible, tech-driven office spaces.”

Cushman & Wakefield’s report predicts that GCCs will account for nearly 30% of the total gross leasing volume, further solidifying their role as a key driver of demand. Tenant representation experts highlight that India’s office sector is not only recovering but transforming to meet the evolving dynamics of workspace requirements, driven by technology, flexibility, and sustainability.

The future outlook for India’s commercial real estate remains optimistic, with prime micro-markets continuing to attract both occupiers and investors. As the sector marches towards a record-breaking year, the steady growth of office leasing reflects the resilience and long-term potential of India’s real estate landscape.