Mumbai Indians today announced the launch of Season 2 of Mighty Indians with an all-new slate of 20+ 3D webisodes, expanding the animated superhero universe built around the franchise’s iconic players.

L-R: Will Jacks, Deepak Chahar, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Trent Boult in animated Might Indians Avatar

The rich character assets and visual storytelling are translating to commercial partnerships across product categories such as toys, apparel, school supplies, publishing and collectibles. Early prototypes of merchandise have received an enthusiastic response, and formal brand collaborations are being explored.

Building on the momentum and widespread fan engagement from Season 1, the IP returns with richer storytelling, high-quality 3D animation, and deeper character arcs – all brought to life by Green Gold Animation, India’s leading animation studio and creators of Chhota Bheem.

Created by Mumbai Indians in partnership with Burman Sports, the exclusive commercial and production rights holders, and Green Gold Animation, Mighty Indians transforms star cricketers Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, and Trent Boult into a team of animated superheroes, each with a unique origin story, power, and purpose.

With over 47.5 million views generated through 20+ episodes, promos, and short-form edits across formats, Mighty Indians has grown into one of the most-watched and talked-about crossover IPs in Indian sports entertainment.

To create an impact on-ground, 12-foot superhero statues of the Mighty Indians players were installed at Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 for the duration for IPL 2025, reaching over 85,000 travellers daily.

What began as an animated series has embedded itself into cricket culture. From YouTube screens to towering airport installations to merchandise, Mighty Indians is no longer just content – it’s becoming part of how fans and families experience the spirit of cricket and storytelling in a new, more imaginative way.

A Mumbai Indians Spokesperson commented, “Mighty Indians is more than an animated series – it’s an extension of our philosophy to engage fans beyond the boundaries of the cricket field. With Season 2, we are expanding this universe through immersive 3D storytelling and richer stories. It reflects the spirit of the Mumbai Indians and brings it alive in a way that resonates with young audiences and families alike.”

“This has been one of the most creatively fulfilling projects we’ve ever worked on,” said Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation. “We’ve built some of India’s most beloved characters, but Mighty Indians gave us the chance to blend cricketing icons with mythic storytelling and create something that has both local heart and global potential.”

Shiv Burman, Founder of Burman Sports, added, “We used to watch cricket in a linear way – match days on television, and that was it. But today’s kids have countless options competing for their attention, and if we want cricket to stay relevant to them, we have to meet them where they are. Mighty Indians is our way of doing just that by combining the power of sports heroes with the universal appeal of animation. It’s a format that not only entertains but builds long-term emotional connection with the next generation of fans. We’re already working with licensing partners to create merchandise, and multiple discussions are underway with brands looking to connect with children and families by leveraging the might of Mumbai Indians through this IP.”

Mighty Indians is no longer just a piece of content. It is a platform for cricket, for imagination, and for the next generation of Indian storytelling.

Because in this universe, anyone can be mighty.

YT Link – www.youtube.com/@MumbaiIndians/videos

Mantra is delighted to announce the launch of Mantra Best Friends Festival, a unique referral program designed to turn your closest friends into next-door neighbours. Whether it’s the joy of shared morning walks, evening tea conversations, or your kids growing up together, Mantra Best Friends Festival brings the warmth of friendship to the comfort of home.

Mantra Best Friends Festival – Refer friends, earn rewards, and turn friendships into next-door bonds

Launched to celebrate the spirit of community living, Mantra Best Friends Festival empowers Mantra residents to refer their friends to any Mantra project across Pune, and equally allows new buyers to reach out to a Mantra homeowner for a referral, unlocking special benefits. It’s a two-way invitation to build a close-knit neighbourhood where friends become family and every home holds shared memories. On every successful booking, the referrer (Mantra Resident) earns referral reward, while the new buyer receives exclusive benefits on their purchase.

Owning a Mantra home means more than just real estate. It’s about quality living, well- designed spaces, future-ready amenities and a thriving community. Now, imagine sharing that lifestyle with your closest friends. With Mantra Best Friends Festival, you don’t just invest in property, you invest in people.

Whether you’re a proud Mantra resident or a friend being welcomed into the fold, there’s something special waiting for you. Because the best neighbours are the ones you already call friends.

“A home is more than four walls. It’s the people around you who make it special. With Mantra BFF, we’re helping people create not just homes, but shared stories with friends who become family,” Rohit Gupta, CEO, Mantra.

Live together. Laugh louder. Grow closer. With Mantra Best Friends Festival.

For more details on the Mantra BFF program, visit www.mantraproperties.in/bff/referral-program.php

• Largest share of buyers in INR 50 lakh-1 Cr budget range – ~28% in 2022, ~32% in 2023, ~35% in 2024

• Share of buyers in up to INR 25 lakh range declines from ~16% in 2022 to 14% in 2024, share of buyers in INR 1-2 Cr segment rising – 14% in 2022, 16% in 2023, 17% in 2024

• Avg. days from inquiry to booking rising – 25 days in 2022, 27 days in 2023, 28 days in 2024

• Dominant buyer age group is consistently 31-35; youngest (<25) & oldest (>45) have smallest shares of buyer pool

• Buying sources – digital sources down from ~35% (2022) to ~30% (2024); channel partner sources rise from ~28% (2022) to ~32% (2024); offline channels rise from ~25% (2022) to ~28% (2024). Referral channels hover at ~12%

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to real estate customer profiling has fundamentally transformed how leading property brokerages leverage technology to understand and serve their customers. ANAROCK has analysed some of its customer intelligence data from 2020 to 2024 to reveal significant shifts in buyer demographics and preferences.

Aayush Puri, Head – ANAROCK Channel Partner & ANACITY

Aayush Puri, Head – ANAROCK Channel Partner & ANACITY, says, “Thanks to AI, it has become possible to create sophisticated ecosystems to analyse customer behaviour, predict purchasing patterns, and optimize sales strategies with unprecedented precision. Data from our proprietary AI tool ASTRA, which analyses consumer behaviour data from 2.8 million qualified leads via 74 different models, provides several interesting insights. For instance, there has been a gradual increase in homebuyers over 36 years of age, and a reduction in the 25-35 age group – with 36-40 years constituting the largest age group in 2024. We have also tracked budget range and unit configuration preferences, and conversion or days-to-booking timelines.”

The use of such AI platforms represents a paradigm shift from traditional, intuition-based real estate practices to data-driven decision making. They deliver measurable improvements in lead conversion rates, customer targeting, and overall business efficiency.

The real estate industry has historically struggled with customer profiling due to the complex, multifaceted nature of property purchasing decisions. Traditional forecasting methods often fall short in capturing the intricate relationships between property attributes, market conditions, and customer preferences. Manual lead scoring processes, heavily reliant on human judgment and fixed criteria, are prone to inconsistencies and lack the flexibility needed to adapt to rapidly changing market dynamics.

Evolving Buyer Age Distribution
The data shows a consistent shift toward older homebuyers, with the proportion of buyers under 35 decreasing significantly. In 2024, buyers aged 36-40 represented the largest segment, while the under-25 demographic fell to just 4% from 8% in 2020.

Evolution of Home Buyer Age Groups (2020-2024)

Budget Preference Changes
“Our data shows that there has been a substantial increase in preference for homes above INR 1 crore, rising from 18% in 2023 to 32% in 2024,” says Aayush Puri. “This trend toward premium properties is particularly pronounced among buyers over 41 years of age, who are driving demand for homes in the INR 2+ crore category.”

Home Buyer Budget Distribution Trends(2022-2024)

Conversion (Days-to-booking) Timelines
ANAROCK’s AI-enabled tracking and prediction of customer conversion timelines shows that the average days to booking increased from 25 days in 2022 to 28 days in 2024. Interestingly, luxury properties above INR 3 crores showed a reduction in conversion time to 16 days in 2024, indicating that high-value customers make decisions more quickly once engaged.

Average Days to Booking Trend (2022-2024)

Other Findings
Buying Channels – The data shows a gradual decline in digital source (developer and property aggregator website) bookings over the last three years. On the other hand, bookings via channel partners – brokers and brokerages retained by developers to market their projects – gained higher prominence. In 2024, channel partners became particularly significant in the INR 50L-1Cr and above INR 3Cr segments.

Channel Source Mix Trends (2022-2024)

Configuration Preferences – The analysis shows a growing preference for 3BHK units, which increased to 45% in 2024 from 38% in 2022, while 1BHK preferences declined significantly. This shift reflects changing lifestyle needs and the impact of remote work trends.

Current AI Trends in Real Estate Brokering
The real estate industry is undergoing an unprecedented technological transformation, with AI and machine learning at the forefront. Even as AI-powered predictive analytics now drive market forecasting, property valuations, and investment risk assessment, AI chatbots interact with customers, provide them with personalized property recommendations, and take them on virtual tours.

Property marketplaces enhanced with AI can match buyers to properties with 95% accuracy based on their preferences. Traditional rule-based lead scoring is being replaced by AI-driven systems that can analyse complex behavioural patterns and demographic data. AI-based lead scoring systems can improve conversion rates by 30% through personalized property recommendations.

About ANAROCK PROPERTY CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.
ANAROCK is India’s leading independent real estate services company with a presence across India and the Middle East. The Chairman, Mr. Anuj Puri, is a highly respected industry veteran and Indias most prominent real estate thought leader.

The Company has diversified interests across the real estate lifecycle and deploys its proprietary technology platform to accelerate marketing and sales. ANAROCKs services include Residential Broking and Technology, Retail, Commercial, Investment Banking, Hospitality (via HVS ANAROCK), Land Services, Warehousing and Logistics, Investment Management, Research and Strategic Advisory & Valuations.

The Company has a unique business model, which is an amalgamation of traditional product sales supported by a modern technology platform with automated analytical and reporting tools. This offers timely solutions to its clients, while delivering financially favourable and efficient results.

ANAROCK has a team of over 2000 certified and experienced real estate professionals who operate across all major Indian (Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, NCR – Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow) and GCC markets, and within a period of two years, has successfully completed over 300 exclusive project mandates. ANAROCK also manages over 80,000 established channel partners to ensure global business coverage.

Our assurance of consistent ethical dealing with clients and partners reflects our motto – Values Over Value.

Please visit www.anarock.com.

Borosil, India’s leading consumer brand, is excited to announce its much-anticipated mid-season sale, live from August 8 to August 20, 2025. With up to 50% off across the entire range of Borosil and Larah products, this is one of the brand’s biggest offers of the year – giving customers the perfect opportunity to refresh their homes with thoughtfully designed, high-quality products at unbeatable prices.

Renowned for its commitment to quality, functionality, and design, Borosil continues to launch products tailored to the evolving needs of Indian homes. The brand has proudly introduced India’s first coloured borosilicate range – Borosilicate Colors Glassware – aesthetic, durable, and truly one of a kind. Its OG 2X Tuff Glassware, crafted with tempered technology, offers unmatched durability and the gas stoves are among the most energy-efficient in the market, with up to 75% thermal efficiency.

Borosil Glassware Range

Borosil’s range of compact kitchen appliances – from juicers, mixers, portable blenders, and sandwich makers to OTGs – is designed for convenience and modern lifestyles. The collection also includes ISI-certified stainless steel pressure cookers that blend safety with style, insulated lunch boxes and bottles ideal for school, work, or travel, and glass storage jars and containers that are BPA-free, functional, and beautifully minimal.

The Larah range by Borosil, with its delicately crafted opalware dinner sets and serveware, has become a household favourite – perfect for both everyday use and festive occasions. As the festive season approaches, this sale is also the ideal time to shop for thoughtful gifting options that combine elegance and utility. From stylish kitchen appliances to premium glassware and serveware, there’s something for everyone on your list.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Barnali Shankar, VP – Marketing at Borosil Ltd.said, “Borosil has always stood for trust and everyday utility. Our sale is about making premium quality more accessible to every home. Whether you’re setting up a new kitchen, upgrading your space, or looking for festive gifts that will truly be appreciated, this is the right moment to bring home products that combine durability, design, and ease.”

The sale will be available on Borosil’s official website www.myborosil.com, on leading online marketplaces, and at select retail outlets across India.

Whether you’re shopping for your own home, gifting for a housewarming or Diwali, or simply upgrading your essentials, the Big Borosil Sale promises value, variety, and the trusted quality the brand is known for. The offer is valid only for a limited time – from August 8 to August 20, 2025 – so customers are encouraged to shop early and make the most of these festive-season savings.

About Borosil Ltd.
Borosil is the only manufacturer of Borosilicate glass in India. We are one of the most loved Indian brands, recognised for our borosilicate glassware and kitchen products, which are known for their durability and resistance to thermal shock. The brand has established a leading presence in modern trade, e-commerce, and B2B businesses. Notably, Borosil has also embraced the Direct-to-Customer model, directly connecting with consumers to offer them its high-quality products, ranging from kitchenware to home appliances and tableware. Evolving from a single-product, single-brand entity, Borosil today stands as a multi-product, multi-brand organisation, reaching its diverse clientele and acting as a force multiplier for Indian women by empowering them through its products and initiatives.

In a grand ceremony held at Hotel Sahara Star, Shri Shishir Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Foundation and patriarch of the Bajaj Group, was honoured with the ‘Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025‘. The award ceremony was graced by hon’ble Maharashtra Governor Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan and the felicitation was done by Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council Shri Ram Shinde and Cabinet Minister of Culture Shri Ashish Shelar along with other dignitaries.

Shishir Bajaj bestowed by the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman

The Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman presented by Meghashrey Foundation and Shrimati Seema Singh celebrates and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their quiet dedication and service and led to meaningful societal change through their work. This year, the ceremony saw a gathering of luminaries, including Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Shri Dr. Shankar Mahadevan, Imtiaz Ali, Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher, and Padma Shri Vijender Singh.

On receiving the prestigious honour, Shri Shishir Bajaj said, “Our efforts began back in 1926 when my grandfather Shri Jamnalal Bajaj founded the group to support India’s freedom struggle. Our first sugar factory was set up in 1932 in Uttar Pradesh with a vision to make India self-sufficient in sugar production. Since then, the group has been instrumental in both business and CSR front with the common purpose of nation-building and making Indian villages Aatmanirbhar. Today, we are working in 1000 villages in Sikar, Rajasthan where my grandfather was born and in over 1000 villages in Wardha, Maharashtra where he worked for the nation, under Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance. We are working towards developing the natural and human resources, and the socio-economic development of rural India as it plays a major role in leading us to a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat as envisioned by our Prime Minister by 2047.”

Bajaj Foundation, under the leadership of Shri Shishir Bajaj and his two sons Kushagra Bajaj and Apoorv Bajaj, has been working tirelessly to empower rural communities through various initiatives. The Foundation has been instrumental in empowering over 6 lakh families and improving the lives of about 22 lakh individuals in villages across Wardha, Sikar, and Lalitpur through these initiatives namely Water Conservation through Rainwater Recharge, River Rejuvenation, Micro- irrigation facilities and more, Sustainable Agriculture Practices like Natural Farming, Horticulture, Kisan Paathshalas, Women Empowerment through self-help groups, implementing renewable energy sources like Solar pumps and biogas plants, establishing Farmer Producer Organisations to support farmers in their agro-entrepreneurial journeys, transformative education through programs like design for change and much more.

Following the philosophy of “Nation Building Through Business and Service“, the Bajaj Group has emerged as one of India’s most respected and diversified conglomerates. This side of the Group led by Chairman, Kushagra Bajaj includes flagship companies like Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Ltd., India’s largest integrated sugar company operating 14 sugar mills and 6 ethanol plants in Uttar Pradesh; Bajaj Energy Pvt Ltd., that runs 6 power plants in Uttar Pradesh including one of the largest super critical thermal power station named Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited that’s producing 1980MW of Bajaj’s total power generation capacity of 2,430 MW supplying about 10% of the state’s electricity demand and Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd., market leader in the premium hair oil category with its flagship brand Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil . The Group continues to blend industrial excellence with social responsibility and the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman to Shri Shishir Bajaj is indeed a testament to that.

Radio City, Indias number one radio network, successfully concluded the fourth international edition of Radio City Business Titans in the beautiful surroundings of Phuket. The event took place with the top business leaders in India gathered around the theme, “Honouring Visionaries, Celebrating Excellence” – with recognition of trailblazers who disrupted industries through innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

Honouring 52 visionary entrepreneurs in Phuket, celebrating innovation, leadership, and India’s rising global business impact

The prestigious platform honoured 52 distinguished entrepreneurs including legacy businesses and disruptive businesses, whose vision, resilience and excellence are helping rewrite the story of entrepreneurs in India. Radio City’s resolve to showcase the entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship stories of India on an international state was reinforced in the Phuket Chapter in recognition of the great entrepreneurs who will inspire generations to come.

The evening was elevated by renowned actor Boman Irani, who shared personal life lessons and professional ideals that resonated deeply with the audience. His soulful rendition of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra added a heartfelt touch to the celebration. Sophie Choudry got the attendees on their feet in celebration of the spirit and success of Indian businesses around the world.

Mr. Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, shared, “Business Titans is more than an awards platform; it’s a celebration of journeys that continue to shape India’s business future. With each chapter, we reaffirm our commitment to spotlighting those who lead with purpose, passion, and perseverance.”

Mr. Boman Irani added, “It was an honour to be part of an evening that celebrated India’s most visionary business leaders. True success lies not just in milestones, but in the courage to stay authentic, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact. Events like Radio City Business Titans are vital in recognising those who shape industries while inspiring others to rise.”

Ms. Sophie Choudry said, “With a young, digitally connected population and opportunities across sectors from fashion to fintech this is truly India’s time. If you have an idea, and the courage to pursue it, there is place for you. My journey started with my own Ayurvedic tea business, and while it had its challenges, it taught me that collaboration, authenticity, and vision are paramount and Indias rise is unstoppable.“

Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) was this year’s Solar Energy Partner, highlighting the meaning of clean and future-oriented cooperation, bringing solar power to the forefront as a growing concern for sustainability and innovation. Radio City Business Titans continues to grow internationally, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and now Phuket, while showcasing India at its best on the global stage. As this chapter draws to a close, it reflects not only on its commitment to purposeful innovation, but also to the belief that success is a journey worth honouring.

About Radio City

Radio City, a subsidiary of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. under Music Broadcast Limited (MBL), is India’s first private FM radio broadcaster with over two decades of experience. With 39 stations across 12 states and 1 Union Territory, Radio City reaches 62% of Indias FM population, engaging 69 million weekly listeners (Source: AZ Research 2019). Its digital presence extends through www.radiocity.in

Driven by its brand philosophy “Rag Rag Mein Daude City,” Radio City has pioneered unique and impactful content that resonates with city pride. The launch of #CityKiNayiVibe aims to connect with Gen Z through a fresh, modern sound. Popular IPs like Babber Sher, Joke Studio, and Love Guru have become listener favourites. The station also champions independent music with the ‘Radio City Freedom Awards‘ and provides a platform for emerging talent through ‘Radio City Super Singer,’ the first radio singing talent hunt, ongoing for 16 years. Additionally, Radio City Business Titans was introduced in 2022 to honour excellence in Indian businesses.

Radio City has embraced ‘Radigitalization,’ integrating radio with digital technology for a seamless experience. This includes AI-driven RJ Sia, who offers personalized, dynamic content, and RC Studio, a 24/7 video channel that blends video and audio, expanding Radio City’s reach and engagement. Radio City launched Muzartdisco, India’s first one-stop platform empowering independent artists with 360-degree career opportunities and global visibility, while also introduced SMINCO.in, an automated influencer marketing platform redefining digital brand engagement.

Radio City has earned over 264 awards from prestigious platforms such as New York Festivals, ACEF Global, and India Radio Forum. In 2022, Music Broadcast Limited received ‘Indias Best Company of the Year 2022‘ from Berkshire Media. Radio City has consistently ranked as a top workplace in the Great Place To Work survey. In 2024, it was named the 7th Best Workplace in India and the Best Workplace for Millennials, while ranking 33rd in Asia and 1st in the Media sector. Previously, Radio City was recognized among India’s Top 75 Workplaces for Women in 2019 and achieved 4th place for Best Large Workplaces in Asia in 2020. Known for its vibrant culture, Radio City embodies trust, pride, and camaraderie, offering an exceptional workplace experience for all employees.

Chitkara University celebrates a proud and historic moment as two of its students secure podium finishes on the international sports stage, bringing national recognition and glory to the institution.

Chitkara University students shine globally with proud podium finishes, bringing glory to the nation

Payas Jain, a first-year MBA student, secured the Silver Medal in Men’s Doubles at the prestigious WTT Contender Buenos Aires in Argentina. Competing against top international talent, Payas showcased exceptional skill and determination, reinforcing his position as one of India’s rising stars in table tennis.

At the same time, Devika Sihag, a third-year BBA student at Chitkara Business School, made history by winning India’s first-ever Bronze Medal in Mixed Team Badminton at the World University Games 2025 held in Germany. Her achievement marks a landmark moment for Indian university sports and highlights her consistent focus and discipline on the court.

These outstanding performances underline Chitkara University’s strong support system for students who strive for excellence beyond academics. The University offers world-class infrastructure, expert mentorship, and an environment that empowers students to pursue their dreams with confidence.

“We are immensely proud of both Payas and Devika. Their achievements speak volumes about their dedication and hard work, and also reflect the University’s belief in creating opportunities for students to excel in every field,” said Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University.

These international victories are not just medals. They are powerful reminders of what young talent can achieve with the right encouragement, discipline, and belief. Chitkara University remains committed to supporting its students in every pursuit, whether academic, athletic, or personal.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University, a leading private university in India, is recognised for its focus on practical, industry-aligned education. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, the university is known for its cutting-edge research, innovation, and strong industry partnerships, aiming to produce graduates well-prepared to meet the challenges of the global marketplace.

For more information log in to university website: www.chitkara.edu.in

Acclaimed actor and sustainability advocate Bhumi Pednekar, along with her sister, lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Samiksha Pednekar, unveil Backbay a next-generation beverage brand that reimagines hydration for the modern Indian lifestyle. Rooted in wellness and shaped by conscious consumption, Backbay’s debut offering is natural mineral water, bottled at source in the Himalayan foothills. Rich in naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes, it’s housed in sleek, planet-conscious cartons-designed as a bold, sustainable alternative to traditional PET packaging.

Bhumi & Samiksha Pednekar, Co-Founders of Backbay

Backbay is crafted for a new generation of mindful consumers who seek purpose, purity, and intentionality in their everyday choices. Originating as glacial melt, the water slowly filters through mineral-rich formations, absorbing naturally occurring magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It is drawn from a protected Himalayan reservoir and bottled in a women-led facility in Himachal Pradesh. Backbay delivers clean, naturally alkaline mineral water designed to nourish both your body and your values.

A New-Age Beverage Brand Reimagining Hydration in India

“I’ve always been conscious of what I consume and how it impacts my health and the environment,” says Bhumi Pednekar. “When I looked at the bottled water space, it felt outdated and lacking in trust. Despite being the most essential beverage, water hasn’t seen meaningful innovation. Most options come in plastic, and the alternatives are either expensive or inaccessible. This made us rethink how water should be sourced, packaged, and experienced. That’s how Backbay began. Every choice we’ve made reflects our values of integrity, sustainability, and long-term impact. Backbay is not just a product. It is a cleaner, safer choice – one that prioritises people and the planet.”

At the heart of Backbay is its sustainability-first packaging. The water comes in lightweight, FSC-certified paperboard cartons topped with plant-based caps made from sugarcane resin. Fully recyclable, travel-friendly, and built to withstand India’s heat without chemical leaching, these cartons are as functional as they are future-forward.

“Water is the most essential product we consume every day, yet ironically, it’s also the most overlooked,” adds Samiksha Pednekar. “The category is flooded with vague claims, plastic pollution, and a lack of transparency. With Backbay, we saw a clear gap, to build a hydration brand rooted in integrity, design, and conscious sourcing. This wasn’t just a business opportunity; it was a chance to simplify choices in a cluttered space and bring clarity to something as fundamental as the water we drink.”

Backbay introduces two versatile carton sizes tailored to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. The 500 ml pack is perfect for on-the-go hydration – whether youre heading to the gym, commuting, traveling, or powering through a busy workday. For more sustained refreshment at home, in the office, in wellness spaces, across HoReCa establishments, the 750 ml option offers optimal convenience and eco-conscious style.

Backbay Aqua will enter the market at the end of August, launching across select cities through a well-planned mix of high-impact retail and quick-commerce channels. The brand’s omnichannel rollout includes leading platforms such as Swiggy Instamart and Zepto, supported by its own D2C website and Amazon to ensure seamless accessibility. To further strengthen its presence, Backbay Aqua will also be available at top-tier grocery destinations like Nature’s Basket and Foodstories, as well as through select hospitality partners. Anchored in a wellness-driven product philosophy, a transparent and sustainable supply chain.

Water in a box Yes, because what’s good for you should also be good for the planet.

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its latest Repeat Visitor Ranking, spotlighting the top city destinations in India and Asia that travelers just can’t resist revisiting. Based on booking data from the first half of the year, the ranking reveals that the top destinations with the highest number of repeat visitors in India are New Delhi and NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and a surprise entry, Kochi, rounding out the top five.

Agodas 2025 Return Visitor Rank Unveils Cities Across India That Keep Drawing Travelers Back

These destinations prove that sometimes, a single trip just isn’t enough. Travelers often find themselves drawn back to their favorite destinations, whether it’s to explore more of what they missed the first time, revisit beloved spots, or simply soak in the familiar atmosphere. Agoda’s data shows that many travelers even return to the same destination multiple times within the first six months of the year, underscoring the enduring appeal of these urban hubs.

New Delhi and NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore stand out as strategic travel hubs, offering seamless connectivity to a range of nearby destinations. These cities naturally draw a high volume of work-related travel, which often extends into leisure, with travelers exploring nearby cultural, coastal, or hill destinations. From Delhi’s proximity to Agra or the Himalayan foothills to Bangalore’s reach to Coorg and Chikmagalur, each city serves as a gateway to a wider travel ecosystem that blends professional mobility with regional tourism.

Kochi’s growing popularity among repeat travelers reflects a broader shift in travel preferences toward culturally immersive and slower-paced experiences. Once seen primarily as a gateway to Kerala’s backwaters, Kochi has evolved into a destination in its own right, offering a unique blend of colonial-era architecture, contemporary art, and a multicultural legacy shaped by centuries of trade. Events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, walkable historic districts, and an emerging boutique hospitality scene create an enticing atmosphere that keeps travelers coming back.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda said, “Travelers are increasingly seeking deeper, more meaningful engagements with destinations, often returning to places that offer both familiarity and continued discovery. The rising interest in cities like Kochi and Chennai reflects a clear shift toward destinations that combine strong local character with enhanced connectivity and infrastructure. As travel patterns evolve, repeat visits highlight the lasting appeal of cities that balance cultural richness, accessibility, and a high quality of experience.”

Topping Agoda’s Repeat Visitor Ranking in Asia are Bangkok (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Bali (Indonesia), and Osaka (Japan), each offering distinct experiences that keep travelers enthralled. The ranking also highlights other popular return destinations across Asia, including Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Da Nang (Vietnam), Johor Bahru (Malaysia), and Hong Kong filling out the top ten. Each offers its own unique mix of attractions, from culinary delights to cultural experiences, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.

For travelers looking to revisit their favorite destinations or discover new ones, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Visit the website at www.Agoda.com or download the mobile app for the best deals.

Notes to Editors

About Agoda
Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 7,000 staff in 27 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.