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Housing.com Launches India’s Largest Online Property Festival in 30+ Cities with Exclusive Offers and Enhanced Consumer Experience

Housing.com, the countrys leading real estate technology platform, has announced the launch of its much-anticipated annual event, Mega Home Utsav 2025. Now in its ninth edition, the flagship property festival will run from September 10 to October 15, 2025, coinciding with the festive season to provide homebuyers with a unique and extended opportunity to explore exclusive property deals across the country.

Housing.com launches Mega Home Utsav 2025

Coinciding with the period of high-value festive purchases, Housing.com will present an extensive collection of residential properties and investment opportunities through this all-digital event. With participation from over 3,800 developers and channel partners, the event will cover more than 30 cities, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, among others.

Last year, Mega Home Utsav engaged over 53 million users, while Housing New Home 2025 surpassed this benchmark with equally impressive participation. This year, Mega Home Utsav 2025 is expected to cross a record 55 million reach, reaffirming Housing.com’s leadership as the country’s most trusted real estate platform.

This year, Housing.com is enhancing the homebuying experience with new features. Homebuyers can easily find their ideal property using personalized recommendations and smart search tools. Interactive formats like Housing Shorts and immersive audio walkthroughs make exploring listings more engaging.

At Housing.com, we believe finding a home should be exciting, seamless, and empowering. With Mega Home Utsav 2025, we’re bringing unmatched choices, exclusive offers, and verified listings-all backed by our commitment to transparency and trust-so home seekers can explore opportunities with confidence and ease at every step of their journey. This event is more than just a Housing.com initiative; it’s a collective effort driven by our trusted network of developers, brokers, and channel partners. Their unwavering commitment over the years has been instrumental in shaping the home buying journey for millions across the country. Together, we are creating a platform that combines scale, expertise, and integrity to help home seekers make informed decisions and move closer to their dream homes,said Mr. Amit Masaldan, Chief Revenue Officer, Housing.com.

Some of the leading developers showcasing their properties include Casagrand Builder Private Limited, Hiranandani Developers Pvt Ltd, Sattva Group, Provident Housing Ltd (Puravankara Group), Raheja Group, Assetz Property Group, Ashiana Housing Limited, Gera Developments, Kalpataru Group, Prestige Group, Sobha Limited, Adarsh Realty, Ruparel Realty, Vasavi Group, Cybercity Builders and Developers Pvt Ltd, Arvind Smartspaces Ltd and Pride Group, among others.

To make homeownership even more accessible during this festival, several developers are offering attractive deals. For instance, Assetz Property Group is offering a 36-month Pre-EMI holiday on select 3 & 4 BHK homes, while TG Developers is providing a 12-month EMI holiday. GRC Infra Pvt Ltd is extending Pre-EMI relief until handovers begin, and Brigade Group is allowing buyers to pay only 20% now and the rest by March 2026-with special launch benefits for the first 100 units. Additionally, Casa is presenting its limited-time ’96 Hours Offer,’ giving home seekers even more reasons to explore and secure their dream home during this festival.

To ensure maximum reach and impact, Housing.com will roll out a comprehensive omni-channel marketing campaign leveraging OTT, YouTube, Meta platforms, digital networks, PR initiatives, podcasts, and thought leadership articles-creating a seamless and engaging experience for home seekers across multiple touchpoints.

With its proven legacy of trust and innovation, Mega Home Utsav 2025 promises to once again redefine festive property buying in India, connecting motivated buyers with verified properties through smarter tools, immersive content, and unmatched reach.

About REA India Pte. Ltd.

REA India is a subsidiary of REA Group Ltd. (ASX: REA), a leading digital real estate business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, and part of the NewsCorp family.

REA India owns Housing.com, the country’s leading real estate technology platform. With a vision to change the way India experiences property, the platform helps consumers throughout their buying, renting, and selling journey. It also offers a robust suite of Self services-such as smart listing tools, digital assistance-empowering home seekers and owners to manage their property needs with ease and online rent payment. These offerings enhance convenience, improve listing visibility, and enable direct engagement for both property owners and seekers.

For businesses, Housing.com offers advertising and listing products for developers and agents, as well as exclusive sales and marketing solutions. It also offers Housing Studio, a suite of innovative AR&VR content to drive better engagement.

REA India operates across 30+ offices nationwide, with its corporate headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana.

SIG Tattva Invests INR 3.5 Crore in Crion Technologies; Launches Industry-first ‘Pilot Before Pitch’ Program for Start-ups

SIG Tattva, the corporate venture capital arm of Somany Impresa Group (promoter group of AGI Greenpac Limited – BSE: 500187 and Hindware Home Innovation Limited – BSE: 542905), announced an investment of INR 3.5 crore in Crion Technologies, a pioneering company developing advanced digital solutions in IoT, AI, AR/VR, and cloud technologies.

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Shashvat Somany, Founder of SIG Tattva during the launch event

Crion’s flagship digital twin platform, Clonos, is redefining asset management by providing real-time insights and predictive capabilities, helping enterprises drive efficiency, reduce downtime, and make smarter decisions.

Vishnuvardhan Jayachandran, CEO of Crion Technologies, said, “We are thrilled to partner with SIG Tattva. This collaboration gives us the momentum to scale faster, accelerate product development, and take Clonos into new markets. What excites us most is working with an industry group that truly understands how transformative technologies can reshape manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure. Together, we can unlock meaningful impact at scale.”

Alongside the investment, SIG Tattva also launched its flagship ‘Pilot Before Pitch (PBP)‘ program – an industry-first initiative designed to reshape how start-ups and enterprises collaborate. The launch brought together leading venture capital firms, start-ups, academia, and senior leaders from Somany Impresa Group for a day of open innovation. Participating VCs included Huddle Ventures, TVS Capital, Pontaq, Alteria Capital, Arali Ventures, Forge, and Nirman Venture, among others. The program featured start-up showcases, interactive discussions, and a panel with industry, VC, and academic stakeholders on how models like PBP can accelerate adoption of breakthrough solutions in real-world contexts.

Commenting on the dual announcement, Shashvat Somany, Founder of SIG Tattva, said, “We are proud to announce our investment with Crion Technologies, a partnership that sets the tone for the kind of deep-tech ventures we want to back and scale. What excites us about Clonos is its ability to prove value quickly inside industrial operations – a critical requirement for technologies looking to scale. And with the launch of our Pilot Before Pitch program, we want to give start-ups the opportunity to validate solutions in real-world environments and then support them to scale. It’s about creating a model where industry and innovation grow hand-in-hand.”

As part of the PBP launch, SIG Tattva hosted leading venture capital firms, incubators, and accelerators at AGI Greenpac’s Bhongir Glass Manufacturing Plant – India’s largest glass bottle manufacturing facility. The visit showcased the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and demonstrated how start-ups can engage with SIG Tattva to access industry-scale environments, operational expertise, and execution pathways. Participants also explored opportunities to co-create solutions and advance open innovation through pilots in live industrial settings.

Sriharsha Bandaluppi, Head of SIG Tattva, added, “The Pilot Before Pitch launch is an opportunity to bring the ecosystem together, with venture investors, academia, and start-ups under one roof. This collaboration highlighted the role industry can play in working alongside innovators to accelerate adoption. The visit to our Bhongir plant further reinforced this spirit, giving participants a first-hand view of the scale at which solutions can be tested and our commitment to building a truly collaborative model for India’s start-up ecosystem.”

With PBP, SIG Tattva aims to build one of India’s most collaborative deep-tech ecosystems – where start-ups, investors, and industry co-create solutions for the future.

About SIG Tattva
SIG Tattva, the corporate venture capital arm of Somany Impresa Group, empowers visionary founders and transformative startups. Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Tattva” – meaning essence, principle, or fundamental truth – the platform reflects a commitment to truth, excellence, and progress.

Focusing on early-stage ventures in deep-tech manufacturing, enterprise SaaS, clean technologies, next-generation e-commerce, and disruptive product innovations, SIG Tattva goes beyond capital to provide strategic guidance, industry access, and operational expertise. By bridging entrepreneurs with real-world industrial ecosystems, it aims to accelerate breakthrough ideas and strengthen India’s deep-tech innovation landscape.

Spocto X and FACE Pioneer AI- Driven Compliance Framework for Collections at 6th Collect CoLabs

  • Collect CoLabs is Spocto X’s flagship invite only forum, bringing together lenders, regulators and technology leaders to exchange ideas, address systemic challenges and co-create solutions for the future of collections.

  • Partnering with FACE, the RBI-recognised Self-Regulatory Organisation in the FinTech sector, brought additional depth and credibility to this edition of Collect CoLabs. FACE’s role ensured that discussions on AI-driven collections were anchored in compliance, borrower protection, and regulatory alignment.

  • Themed “Building Tomorrow’s Collections: AI Technology with Compliant Foundations“, the forum focused on balancing innovation with compliance as a foundation for trust and systemic resilience.

  • Five core themes emerged – usage of agentic AI, contextual bots, regulatory alignment, governance, and shared industry frameworks – signaling a shift from recovery-led to proactive, trust-led collections.

Collect CoLabs – a Spocto X initiative hosted its sixth edition in partnership with Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE). Being Indias most exclusive forum for collection leaders, it brought together over 20 senior leaders from banks, NBFCs, fintechs, and regulatory bodies to chart the next phase of debt collections in India.

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Collection leaders gathered for Collect CoLabs in New Delhi

When Spocto X first conceived Collect CoLabs, the intent was clear, to create a neutral, high-trust forum where CXOs and regulators could exchange candid views on the future of collections. With six successful editions and insights from over 80 industry experts over time, the initiative has evolved into a premier thought-leadership platform for the collections ecosystem.

The Collect CoLabs forum, co-hosted by FACE, served a combined role of knowledge sharing and highlighted the strategic shift towards Agentic AI as a dynamic orchestrator of collections, capable of real-time campaign adaptation. With participation from leading institutions such as ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Paytm, Muthoot Finance, etc, the discussions underscored how this technical advancement demands rigorous model risk management, emphasizing the need for AI that is not only powerful but also explainable, auditable, and regulator-ready. As an industry expert noted, “The real key lies in model risk management: it’s not enough to simply deploy AI; we must also understand exactly what the model is designed to do.” This sentiment was echoed in discussions on contextual conversational AI, where the focus moved beyond scripts to creating intelligent, personalized interactions that maintain borrower trust, especially in early-stage collections.

A critical technical hurdle addressed was the lack of regulatory clarity and standardization. Leaders called for a centralized, regulator-validated repository to ensure consistent interpretation of RBI guidelines across banks, NBFCs, and fintechs. This initiative is seen as foundational for scaling technology responsibly, as it removes ambiguity and enables the development of shared compliance frameworks. Sugandh Saxena, CEO of FACE, noted the value of the forum in this endeavor, stating, “For FACE, Collect co labs is an effort to bring collections into the mainstream conversation and ensure that borrower protection, compliance, and innovation move forward hand in hand. As the RBI-recognised SRO in the FinTech sector, FACE believes forums like these can elevate collections from a backroom function to a boardroom priority, creating the collaborative bridges between lenders, fintechs, and regulators that will define the industry’s future.”

The dialogue culminated in a move from theory to actionable technical frameworks. Proposals included embedding compliance directly into engagement systems through features like multilingual disclosure and seamless human escalation mechanisms. This aligns with the vision of AI as a collaborative tool, a point elaborated on by Himanshu Kateja, Product Head at Spocto X, who defined the next evolution as “a deep collaboration where the system can take inputs, reason, and make cognitive decisions.” The collective outcome was a clear roadmap positioning collections as a function driven by accountable technology and fortified by industry-wide cooperation, set to advance further in the future editions of the series.

About Spocto X – A Yubi Company
Spocto X, a Yubi Group company, is a leading end-to-end debt collections platform, revolutionizing collection mechanisms for banks and consumers worldwide. Spocto X has prevented over 9 Crore accounts from becoming non-performing assets, saving INR 50,000 Crores+ in expected credit losses. With 50+ top financial institutions as clients and a MENA presence headquartered in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Spocto X is at the forefront of innovation. Acquired in 2022, Spocto is part of the Yubi Group of Companies led by Founder & CEO Gaurav Kumar. Yubi is the world’s only technology company powering the end-to-end debt lifecycle, facilitating over ₹1,40,000 Cr in debt volumes, reducing collections costs by 57%, and fostering inclusivity and transparency in the financial ecosystem. Together, Yubi and Spocto X are democratizing capital flow and reshaping the future of finance. Learn more at www.spocto.com.

About FACE
The Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) is the RBI Recognised Self-Regulatory Organisation in the FinTech Sector (SRO-FT). FACE brings together over 240 FinTech companies to advance customer-centric financial services that are safe, suitable, and transparent, delivering positive outcomes for society and the economy.

Website: faceofindia.org.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Aura Tour Lands in Hong Kong: Music, Magic, and Must-Do Experiences for Indian Travellers

India’s biggest Punjabi pop icon, Diljit Dosanjh, will bring his chart-topping Aura Tour 2025 to AXA Wonderland, West Kowloon on Sunday, September 28, 2025. For Indian fans, the timing couldn’t be better – a Sunday show makes Hong Kong the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway, blending world-class live music with unforgettable travel experiences.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Aura Tour arrives at AXA Wonderland, Hong Kong on Sept 28, 2025, offering Indian fans an exceptional blend of music, culture, and travel

With multiple daily direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, Hong Kong is one of the most accessible international concert destinations for Indian travellers. Adding to the convenience, Indian travellers can take advantage of Hong Kong’s simple Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) process, which allows visa-free entry for stays of up to 14 days – making a quick concert getaway easier than ever.Beyond the concert, the city offers a mix of adventure, culture, food, and family fun that makes it ideal for a short yet spectacular escape.

At AXA Wonderland, an iconic venue that has welcomed some of the world’s most renowned performers, fans can expect Dosanjh’s trademark energy, complete with immersive stage design, dazzling visuals and an audience capacity of 10,000.

Tickets are already on sale, ranging from HK$1,390 to HK$2,190, exclusively via KKTIX: tix-get-go.kktix.cc/events/diljitdosanjh-hk-2025.

This milestone stop in Hong Kong is part of a larger journey for Dosanjh, whose global rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Diljit Dosanjh stands tall as one of the most influential entertainers of our time – a singer, songwriter, actor and film producer whose journey from Punjab, India to the world stage has inspired millions. With blockbuster performances in Punjabi and Bollywood cinema, he has become a powerhouse actor. As a musician, he made history in 2023 as the first Indian artist to perform at Coachella, bringing Punjabi music to the global audience. Beyond his art, Diljit is celebrated as a fashion icon and cultural ambassador, proudly championing his Punjabi heritage everywhere he goes.

But the music is just the beginning. September is a spectacular time to visit Hong Kong, with the city buzzing with events, attractions and seasonal celebrations. The Hong Kong Summer Viva, officially running June-September, will allow Indian visitors to enjoy a host of city-wide perks – from dining and hotel deals to sightseeing and transport offers – making planning both fun and light on the wallet.

Visitors can join Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary festivities, where new parades and shows light up the park. Families can also head to Ocean Park to meet the recently turned one-year-old giant panda twins, the first of their kind born in the city. Sports fans won’t want to miss the newly opened CR7 Museum, dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, while food lovers can savour everything from Michelin-star dim sum to street-side dai pai dong favourites. For the more adventurous, Hong Kong’s rugged outdoors offers island-hopping, scenic hikes, and water sports just minutes from the city centre.

Those choosing to extend their stay beyond the weekend can witness one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cultural spectacles – the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, held during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The fiery ritual, passed down for generations, is one of the city’s most photographed celebrations and a vivid reminder of Hong Kong’s cultural richness.

With Diljit Dosanjh performing in Hong Kong, Indian travellers now have the perfect reason to turn a concert night into a memorable long weekend. From music and culture to family attractions and outdoor adventures, Hong Kong offers something for every traveller, making it the ultimate stage for this unforgettable tour stop.

Indian fans are encouraged to book early to secure their tickets and start planning their long-weekend itinerary. With its seamless connectivity, vibrant cultural calendar, and unique attractions, Hong Kong promises to make the Aura Tour 2025 experience one to remember.

The Aura Tour spans major global destinations, including Kuala Lumpur (24 September), Bangkok (7 December), and a stadium run across Australia and New Zealand, with stops in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and culminating in Auckland.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

India’s Cultural Wanderlust on the Rise: Skyscanner Reveals 8 in 10 Indians Plan Trips Around Culture in 2025

  • 93% travellers will consider lesser-known destinations if they also offer authentic cultural experiences

  • Durga Puja in Kolkata (53%), Lathmar Holi in Barsana (51%), and Onam in Kerala (35%) emerge as the top cultural spectacles Indians want to witness in the coming year

Leading global travel app Skyscanner recently released its latest Cultural Tourism report, highlighting a rising trend among Indians travelling in pursuit of authentic local heritage, traditions, and experiences. According to the findings, 82% of Indian travellers are very keen on visiting destinations primarily for their cultural offerings, with younger generations – Millennials (84%) and Gen Z (80%) leading this rising wave of cultural curiosity. This enthusiasm is evolving into a quest for depth as many travellers define cultural tourism not by the sights they see but by the knowledge they gain, with 39% considering a trip successful when they return home having learnt something new about the place or its people.

The report also reveals a striking shift: 76% of Indian travellers have altered their travel plans to attend a cultural event, underlining how traditions and festivals are no longer side activities but central to holiday decisions. This cultural curiosity isn’t limited by geography. 7 in 10 travellers say they are open to exploring cultural experiences domestically and internationally. At its core, Indians are seeking authentic, immersive adventures that allow them to participate, learn, and return home with stories that truly feel transformative.

Festivals as the Biggest Magnets for Cultural Travel

  • Indian festivals are emerging as some of the biggest draws for travellers. As per the report:

  • Over half of Indian travellers (55%) have attended local festivals, fairs, or cultural events.

  • Durga Puja in Kolkata (53%), Lathmar Holi in Barsana (51%), and Onam in Kerala (35%) lead the list of occasions travellers are most eager to witness live this year.

  • Beyond festivals, 53% of travellers are drawn to historical cities like Jaipur and Varanasi, while 39% are inspired to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Taj Mahal in Agra and Hampi in Karnataka. In fact, Skyscanner data shows searches to Varanasi, one of India’s most storied cultural cities, has risen by 76% for travel in 2025 compared to the previous year!(1)

  • Celebrated for their festive traditions, architectural grandeur, and local heritage, Kerala (32%) and Rajasthan (30%) have also emerged as India’s culture capitals.

Growing Interest in Underrated Destinations

Beyond these, travellers are curious to explore places that preserve traditions away from the crowds. A remarkable 93% are eager to seek out lesser-known destinations offering authentic cultural experiences, signalling a strong appetite for hidden gems where authentic traditions thrive away from crowded tourist trails. One way to explore these hidden treasures is by using ‘Explore Everywhere’ search feature on Skyscanner, with filter options like ‘underrated destinations’ and ‘art and culture’ to make it easier than ever to find the perfect spot for a unique tradition-rich escape.

“Indian travellers are moving beyond holidays taken only for leisure. The growing quest for depth has given rise to a new archetype – the culture curious traveller – one who seeks knowledge, connection and fulfilment,” said Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert. “For them, success is measured in stories carried home that deepen their sense of people and place. Interestingly, our report also highlights that 71% prefer to travel with family, followed by 62% with friends, and 56% with a partner or spouse. This shows travel today is shifting from sights seen, to connections deepened – and Skyscanner’s all-in-one app makes it easier and more affordable to plan those meaningful journeys.”

From Observing to Immersing

As this cultural wave builds, a few patterns are emerging, showcasing how Indians plan, and experience escapes rooted in tradition. The report shows that nearly 4 in 10 want to explore heritage villages or eco-cultural communities, while 38% are drawn to culinary trails revealing the historic roots of local cuisines. Reflecting on this trend towards hands-on, participatory experiences, Dr. Aditi Rawat, Associate Fellow, Pahle India Foundation, policy think tank advancing research-led ideas on India’s economic development and governance, said, “Cultural tourism is fast becoming a defining lens through which Indian travellers experience their country and the world. The trend is moving towards combining cultural discovery with comfort, luxury, and leisure – a blend that encourages longer stays and deeper engagement. Catalysed by rising accessibility, robust infrastructure, and digital connectivity, it is reshaping travel from passive sightseeing to immersive storytelling, where visitors engage with living heritage, local traditions, and cultural narratives that define each destination.

Safety and Smart Planning Drive Choices

  • In their sojourns, practical considerations remain front and centre amongst Indian travellers. When choosing a cultural trip:

  • Safety (45%) tops the list of considerations when choosing a cultural trip, followed by authenticity (33%) and seasonality (31%).

  • 41% travellers start preparing one to two months ahead. Their inspiration is shaped by a mix of influences: 45% turn to social media, 39% rely on friends and family, and 27% use apps like Skyscanner to discover the right destinations and deals.

  • When it comes to finalising plans, value remains top of mind, with 60% saying the best time to book festival flights is their most helpful planning insight, while 58% depend on fare comparisons to make smarter choices.

To further assist Indians in charting their journeys, Neel Ghose added, “For travellers seeking inspiration, describing your ideal getaway on Skyscanner’s app-only AI feature, Savvy Search can help uncover temple cities, native lands, royal palaces, and more. The tool curates a list of destinations based on the prompts, directing you to Skyscanners flight search, letting you compare the best prices. And, when it comes to planning, for those looking to make the most of their holiday around a festival, a simple hack is to use the ‘Whole Month’ view to spot the cheapest days to fly around the date! Smart planning choices like these can help unlock cultural experiences without breaking the bank, letting you create memories and returning home with learnings that last a lifetime.”

A Broader Shift in Tourism

This growing interest is an indicator that culture-led exploration will also steer the future of the country’s tourism industry. Sharing insights on this rising phenomenon and its implications, Dr. Aditi Rawat, said, “This shift is being fulfilled by traditional towns and authentic locale-based experiences that connect travellers with communities and their way of life. Think the Northeast India, with its extraordinary cultural diversity and pristine landscapes, or Kerala, with its backwaters, classical art forms, and Ayurvedic traditions, both now firmly on the radar of discerning tourists. From tribal festivals in Arunachal Pradesh to tea and wellness in Assam, or narrative Kathakali performances in Thrissur, we are witnessing curated experiences true to each destination’s strengths. Coupled with leisure travel and government initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and Adopt A Heritage, this cultural discovery is transforming tourism into a powerful custodian of India’s identity. It is revitalising economies, positioning diversity as a global asset, and turning sites and practices into hubs that attract global visitors, empower local communities, and shape the future of India’s tourism economy.”

Notes to the Editor:

Data based on a recent Skyscanner Cultural Tourism survey conducted from 4 to 11 August 2025, among 2,000 Indian adult travellers.

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure theyve seen the best possible options, all in one place.

About Pahle India

Pahle India Foundation is a not-for-profit thinktank founded by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. PIF provides a credible, trustworthy, and neutral platform for bringing together government, industry, academia and civil society to enable informed decision making. PIF works closely with these stakeholders to develop and implement policies in various sectors. Supporting the framing of tourism policies of state governments remains a key focus of PIF’s work.

(1) Skyscanner flight searches from India to Varanasi between 1 January – 31 July 2025 for travel in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Dangal TV Channel Ranked No.1 on YouTube Globally as per Tubular Leaderboard in Media & Entertainment and Films & Movies Categories

Dangal TV, one of India’s leading entertainment brands, has set yet another benchmark on the global stage. According to the Tubular Leaderboard, Dangal TV’s YouTube channel has been ranked #1 in Overall Creators and in the Media & Entertainment (Global | Film & Movies | YouTube) categories for two consecutive months – June and July 2025.

Dangal TV ranked #1 globally in YouTube views for July in Media & Entertainment and Films & Movies categories, as per the Tubular Leaderboard​

Alongside this leadership ranking, the Dangal TV YouTube channel has also crossed 50 million subscribers, cementing its position among the Top 100 global YouTube channels. This achievement also underscores both the scale of its global reach and the deep audience connection the channel continues to foster.

This milestone places Dangal TV at the very top of global digital entertainment, outperforming some of the world’s most renowned channels, including Spidey, Zee TV, Sony SAB, YRF, and SET India.

The achievement is the culmination of a journey that began in 2017, when Dangal TV first entered YouTube with modest ambitions. Competing against global players in a crowded space, the channel faced early challenges but stayed rooted in its vision – telling authentic stories from India’s heartland. By adapting to the needs of digital-first audiences while remaining true to its identity, Dangal TV steadily built a loyal community of viewers.

Manish Singhal, Managing Director, said,“Dangal TVs No.1 ranking for two consecutive months across global leaderboards is a proud milestone in our digital journey. It highlights the trust our audiences place in us, strengthens our vision of bringing India’s heartland stories to a global stage, and reinforces our confidence in achieving many more milestones in the journey ahead.”

Speaking on this achievement, Candice Gaudinier, Director of Content Marketing, Chartbeat and Tubular, said, “Tubular’s mission has always been to spotlight platforms and creators who drive meaningful engagement at scale. Dangal TV’s #1 ranking in both India and globally within the Film and Movies genre on YouTube is a remarkable achievement. It highlights how a brand rooted in India’s heartland stories can resonate with audiences worldwide and set new benchmarks for digital entertainment.”

Watch here:www.youtube.com/@DangalTVChannel

Top Young Authors Emerge from Across India in the State League of SBWF 2025

BriBooks has announced the winners of the State Authors League, the final qualifying round of the Summer Book Writing Festival (SBWF) 2025) before the national competition begins. This league brought together published student authors from across India, each competing to become the top-ranked author in their respective state.

The State League was designed to celebrate local leadership in student creativity. Thousands of young authors who had qualified through the earlier Legacy, Emerging, and Step-Up Leagues participated, with rankings determined by a combination of jury reviews and book sales.

A Festival of Stories from Every Corner of India
The State League provided a platform for regional voices to shine. From metropolitan cities to smaller towns, students across age groups wrote on themes ranging from personal experiences to fantasy, science, history, and climate action – showcasing the breadth and diversity of young Indian storytelling.

The State League reflects the literary talent that exists in every corner of the country,” said Ami Dror, Founder and President of BriBooks. “These students are not just writers – they are becoming voices for their generation.”

Recognising the Best from Each State

In each state, students were recognised under two distinct titles:

  • Jury Choice, awarded to books that demonstrated originality, depth, and storytelling strength. These selections were made by a panel of experienced educators, writers, and publishing professionals.

Check the full list here: www.camp.bribooks.com/events/dashboard/state/jury-awards/sc-india-2025

  • Best-Seller, awarded to books that connected most with readers – based on number of copies sold, reading sessions, and engagement metrics.

Check the full list here: www.camp.bribooks.com/events/dashboard/states/sc-india-2025

From Tamil Nadu to Punjab, Maharashtra to Assam, and West Bengal to Gujarat – students across more than 25 states participated in this phase. Each name on the list represents not just a book, but a young voice that stood out in its community and earned state-level recognition.

We invite you to explore the full list of winners and discover the stories that defined this years State League.

Looking Ahead: The National Authors League Begins
With the State League concluded, all top-performing authors from across India will now advance to the National Authors League, where the competition will focus on identifying India’s most impactful young storytellers.

SBWF 2025 has already seen engagement from over 1 million students, making it one of the largest online summer camps.

About BriBooks
BriBooks is the world’s largest publishing platform for school students. It enables children to write, publish, and distribute their books globally. Thousands of Indian students have already become published authors through BriBooks, gaining recognition in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Bisleri International, LAHDC and Ladakh Marathon Restore a 12 Lakh Litre Water Reservoir in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley

  • This is the third reservoir restored in the region through the company’s support

  • The three reservoirs supply water to over 500 families in Nubra Valley for irrigation

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water company, inaugurated the third reservoir, restored in Nubra Valley, Ladakh, under its flagship initiative, Project Nayi Umeed. The reservoir, with a capacity to hold nearly 12 lakh (or 1.2 million) litres of water, has been repaired and restored to ensure a reliable irrigation supply for farming communities in the region.

Bisleri Greener Promise – The Reservoir of Hope 2025

The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, with the Ladakh Marathon acting as the implementing agency. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Rigzen Lundup, Councillor – Tegar Constituency.

The restored reservoir is connected to the Lakjung Irrigation Canal, which originates from the Shyok River and runs for approximately 14 kilometers. The canal provides critical irrigation to three major villages, stretching from Lakjung Trith up to Sumoor Village, and supports around 7,000 kanals (875 acres) of farmland. By ensuring a steady water supply, this project is expected to benefit 300 hundred farming families and strengthen the agricultural production in the Nubra Valley.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Ensuring water security is critical for communities that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The restoration of the third reservoir in Nubra Valley represents another step forward in strengthening agricultural resilience and empowering farming families in Ladakh. With every project under Nayi Umeed, we aim to provide long-term sustainable solutions that help secure livelihoods, support food security, and bring enduring prosperity to the region.”

Bisleri International Inaugurates Third Reservoir in Nubra Valley

Adding his perspective, Shri Rigzen Lundup, Councillor – Tegar Constituency, said, “Communities in Ladakh face increasing challenges due to rising temperatures and fluctuating snowfall, which reduce the availability of water for irrigation. In this context, restoration of the reservoir is a significant achievement that directly addresses our water needs. We are grateful for Bisleri’s continued commitment to Nubra Valley, and this project will enhance agricultural productivity and improve the lives of our farming families.”

Further, Shri Chewang Motup, Founder & CEO, Ladakh Marathon mentioned, “As an implementing agency, we are proud to collaborate with Bisleri and LAHDC, Leh, in bringing this project to life. The restored reservoir not only ensures water availability but also showcases the power of partnerships in building climate-resilient communities in Ladakh.”

This marks the third successful reservoir restoration project by Bisleri in Nubra Valley. Previously, in 2023 & 2024, the company restored reservoirs in Sumoor Village, benefitting over 200 households and ensuring irrigation for vast agricultural lands.

These initiatives carried out under Project Nayi Umeed, a part of the Bisleri Greener Promise philosophy, which underscores the company’s dedication to combating climate change, ensuring access to safe and healthy water, and creating a robust circular economy. To date, Project Nayi Umeed has built or restored 336 check dams, harvesting nearly 28 billion litres of water, benefiting over 64,362 farmers family members across India, and irrigated more than 20,878 acres of land.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the countrys largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre Achieves 12th Position in NIRF 2025 Rankings

Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune is proud to announce its remarkable achievement in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, securing the prestigious 12th position among medical institutions in India. This milestone highlights the institution’s continuous efforts to elevate its academic standards, enhance research capabilities, and provide state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre has consistently aimed to create a dynamic learning environment, fostering innovation and academic rigor. We are proud to be Maharashtra’s No. 1 medical college, achieved through our relentless pursuit of excellence in medical education and healthcare services.

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune

Over the past year, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune has made remarkable strides in strengthening its educational and research ecosystem. The institution has introduced cutting-edge courses and innovative teaching methodologies, established state-of-the-art research facilities, promoted collaborative research, upgraded hospital infrastructure, expanded healthcare services, and invested in the continuous professional growth of its faculty. With these initiatives, the college is well-positioned to deliver world-class medical education and healthcare, while striving to achieve higher NIRF rankings through its unwavering focus on academic excellence, research innovation, and holistic patient care.

Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune said, “Securing the 12th rank in the NIRF rankings is a testament to our commitment to excellence in medical education, research and patient care. This achievement reflects the relentless efforts of our faculty, students and staff, and reaffirms our vision of shaping future leaders in healthcare. We remain dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation and service to society.”

Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “This recognition by NIRF is a reflection of the academic rigor, innovation and dedication that define our institution. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing excellence in education, fostering global partnerships, driving impactful research, and creating transformative learning experiences that empower our students to shape the future of medicine.”

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Trustee and Treasurer of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, expressed his pride in the institution’s progress. He said, “We are delighted that Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre has secured the 12th position in the NIRF rankings. This milestone reflects the dedication, perseverance, and collective efforts of our faculty, staff and students. Our constant endeavor has been to deliver the finest standards in education and healthcare, and this recognition further strengthens our commitment to pursuing excellence.”

Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune said, “Our NIRF ranking reflects our steadfast commitment to nurturing academic excellence and driving research innovation. Through strategic initiatives to strengthen our curriculum, infrastructure and research capabilities, we have worked diligently to create an enriching environment. This recognition validates our efforts and motivates us to continue our journey toward becoming a leading medical institution, delivering outstanding education and healthcare services.”

About Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital &Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital &Research Center, Pimpri, Pune follows international benchmarks that are performance-driven as well as patient-centric, strongly backed by evidence-based medical expertise. We are NABH and NABL accredited and have been certified as a Green Hospital by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). Additionally, we hold the 12th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The university has been awarded A++ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is an ISO 2015 certified organization (ISO 9001: 2015).

For more information visit medical.dpu.edu.in

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South Asia’s First SkyWalker™, Orthopedic Robotic System Launched at Yenepoya-Specialty Hospital, Mangaluru

Yenepoya Specialty Hospital has become the first medical institution in South Asia to introduce the SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System for knee replacement surgery, in collaboration with the U.S. headquartered MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. The landmark launch reinforces Yenepoya’s leadership in adopting advanced technologies to enhance patient care.

Medical Leaders with SkyWalker Robotic System

The SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System is the only robotic platform worldwide designed specifically to work with the Evolution Medial-Pivot Knee System. Together, they enable unparalleled accuracy and sub-millimetre precision in knee joint alignment as per the specific anatomy and functional needs of the patient, providing personalised outcomes and remarkable improvement in stability and function, leading to faster recovery, long-term durability and a natural feeling knee during daily chores and activities, including long walks that do not strain the quadriceps as much and climbing stairs and deep flexion that feel stable.

(From Right) Dr Muhammad Thahir, Dr Deepak Rai, Dr Mukesh Parmar

Yenepoya has always been committed to integrating innovations that make a real difference for our patients,” said Dr. Muhammad Thahir, Medical Director, Yenepoya Specialty Hospital. “The launch of SkyWalker™ is another milestone in our pursuit of clinical excellence, and we are proud to be the first to bring this technology to India and South Asia.”

Dr. Deepak Rai, Chief Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at Yenepoya, performed India’s first SkyWalker™ procedures. He noted, “The SkyWalker™ robotic system gives us real-time data for joint line reconstruction and ligament balancing, while the patented medial-pivot design of Evolution mimics the knee’s natural motion. In our initial cases, we are already seeing smoother recoveries, better range of motion and excellent functional outcomes.”

Globally, the adoption of robotic systems in orthopedics has surged. In the United States, more than 40% of knee replacement surgeries are now performed robotically, a number projected to rise steadily. Robotics offer higher accuracy, lower revision rates, and faster rehabilitation – benefits that patients in India will now experience first-hand at Yenepoya.

Dr. Mukesh Parmar, Senior Director and General Manager, South Asia, MicroPort Orthopedics, said, “The choice of implant is as critical as the robotic platform itself, because it stays with the patient for life. The Evolution Medial-Pivot Knee has shown 95% patient satisfaction, 98.8% survivorship at 17 years, and nearly 80% Forgotten Joint Scores worldwide. When paired with SkyWalker™, it creates a powerful combination that empowers surgeons and delivers customised and consistently favourable patient outcomes. We are excited to launch this system at an esteemed centre like Yenepoya and together setting a new benchmark in line with global standards for orthopedic care in the region.”

About MicroPort Orthopedics Inc.
MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. leverages decades of orthopedic expertise and excellent clinical results to improve patient outcomes and drive provider satisfaction worldwide. Its mission is to partner with surgeons in redefining hip and knee replacements to meet the demands of today’s patients. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to helping patients achieve Full Function, Faster, MicroPort Orthopedics supports healthcare providers in delivering world-class care every day. Learn more at www.microportortho.com.

About Yenepoya Specialty Hospital
Yenepoya
Specialty Hospital is part of the Yenepoya Group, one of South India’s leading healthcare institutions known for clinical excellence, patient-centric care, and adoption of advanced medical technologies. The hospital provides comprehensive services across specialties and is committed to delivering cutting-edge healthcare solutions to its patients.

About SkyWalker™ Robotic System
The SkyWalker™ Robotic System is the world’s only robotic platform purpose-built for use with the Evolution Medial-Pivot Knee System. It provides surgeons with sub-millimetre accuracy in kinematic alignment, real-time data for decision support, and a seamless integration into surgical workflows, enabling enhanced precision and better patient outcomes.