• Design conceptualized by Benoy, and execution led by leading global and Indian consultants.

• Three 46-storey towers surrounding a serene central lake with cascading green terraces and sky gardens

• 1,00,000 sq.ft. nature-inspired club by Confluence Consultancy with spa, sports bar, art, and wellness zones and other amenities

• Infinity pool on the 40th floor, the highest in Noida, offering panoramic city views and embodying architectural brilliance, natural harmony and refined luxury.

Great Value Realty, one of North India’s most trusted real estate developers, today launched Ekanam (RERA No. UPRERAPRJ15109/2019), its flagship ultra-luxury residential project in Sector 107, Noida.

Project Ekanam marks the final luxury residential project in Noida Sector 107

Designed as a seamless blend of architecture and nature, Ekanam is envisioned with the core brand philosophy ‘Great is the New Norm’, redefining urban living with an ethos rooted in harmony, balance, and mindfulness. Located on the last remaining land parcel available in Noida Sector 107 for residential development, Ekanam stands as a rare opportunity to experience the future of refined, nature-centric living in one of NCR’s most connected addresses.

Speaking at the launch, Payas Agarwal, Director, Great Value Realty, said, “The launch of Ekanam marks a defining moment for all of us at Great Value Realty. It embodies our vision to create living spaces that go beyond luxury, where architecture and nature exist in perfect balance. Ekanam is our tribute to the idea of mindful living, where every element is thoughtfully crafted to inspire calm, connection, and comfort. As Noida’s skyline evolves, we take pride in contributing a landmark that not only elevates modern living but also reaffirms our belief that true luxury lies in harmonizing design and nature with life itself.”

At its core, Ekanam embodies the idea of “living with nature, not just beside it.” Conceptualized by global design powerhouse Benoy, the project’s architectural language flows like water—fluid, reflective, and ever-evolving. The layout orbits around a tranquil central lake, a living ecosystem that shapes the landscape, movement, and mood of the development. From this calm heart rise three slender 46-storey towers, their organic façades and undulating balconies echoing the rhythm of the surrounding greenery.

Crafted in partnership with an acclaimed consortium of consultants, few of them being Modarch India (Principal Architect), S. Bose (Landscape); Ekanam represents a benchmark in precision, collaboration, and excellence. The project employs BIM technology for optimized planning and delivery and is being developed by a Grade-A contracting team to ensure quality and timeliness.

Ekanam features expansive 3 and 4 BHK residences ranging from 3,525 to 5,525 sq.ft., with prices starting from Rs. 7 crore onwards. Each home has been thoughtfully designed to balance natural light, ventilation, and spatial fluidity, while offering customization options for discerning residents.

The development’s 1,00,000 sq.ft. club serves as the social and wellness hub of the community. Drawing inspiration from the soothing qualities of water, wood, and organic textures, the club unfolds as a series of serene spaces—an indoor pool and spa, salon, sports café, cigar lounge, business center, gym and yoga studios, art and music rooms, and a theatre—all integrated within a landscape of greenery and natural light. Every detail, from the soft curves to the earthy color palette, reinforces the project’s core philosophy of tranquil, sensory living.

The vertical architecture extends the natural connection upwards, through cascading planters, sky gardens, and floating terraces, ensuring that every residence has its own dialogue with nature. The towers are linked by two sky bridges that double as landscaped open spaces, and the pinnacle experience is reserved for the floating garden and rooftop infinity pool—the highest in Noida—offering an unparalleled view of the city’s skyline.

Aligned with Great Value Realty’s commitment to sustainable growth, Ekanam is designed for IGBC Green Building certification, incorporating water conservation systems, vertical greenery, and natural ventilation across its structures. With its unique blend of architecture inspired by nature, meticulous craftsmanship, and unmatched connectivity to Delhi, the airport, hospitals, and educational institutions, Ekanam is set to become an enduring landmark in Noida — where life flows in harmony with its surroundings.

About Great Value Realty

Great Value Realty (GVR) is the real estate development arm of Great Value Group, focused on crafting lifestyle-centric residential and commercial spaces across Delhi NCR. The company is spearheaded by Mr. Manoj Agarwal, Chairman & MD, and Mr. Payas Agarwal, Director, with a shared commitment to innovation, integrity, and customer trust.

Since 2009, GVR has delivered transformative projects such as Sharanam, Anandam, Casa Uday, Sanctuary 105, Eternia, and High Life, blending thoughtful design with enduring value. GVR also leads in commercial infrastructure, with marquee assets like Great Value Mall, Complex Madangir, and state-of-the-art logistics parks in Greater Noida and Sohna.

Operating debt-free and backed by the financial strength of GV Finance and GV Capital, GVR is uniquely positioned for sustainable growth. As it expands into ultra-luxury, plotted, and flexible living formats, GVR continues to shape aspirational urban communities, driven by quality, reliability, and customer-centricity.

In a significant step toward strengthening international academic collaboration, Chitkara University and York University (Toronto, Canada) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a 2+2 academic pathway in Computer Science. The partnership reflects a shared vision of promoting global learning, academic excellence, and career readiness, providing Indian students with a unique opportunity to begin their studies in India and complete their degrees in Canada.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University & Dr. Rhonda Lenton, President & VC, York University-Canada, sign MoU to foster global collaboration and academic excellence

Under this new pathway, students will complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science program at Chitkara University, paying domestic tuition in India. They will then transfer 100% of their academic credits to York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering in Toronto, where they will complete Years 3 and 4 of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Computer Science program.

The formal signing ceremony, held at Chitkara University, marked the beginning of a long-term academic alliance between the two globally recognised institutions. The MoU was signed by Dr. Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University, and Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, in the presence of senior leadership, faculty, and students from both universities.

Through this agreement, both universities aim to create seamless global learning pathways that combine the strengths of Indian and Canadian higher education. Students participating in the program will benefit from scholarship opportunities, housing support, and paid co-op/internship experiences during their studies at York. Upon successful completion, they will earn a York University Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Computer Science. The first cohort is expected to begin their studies at York in September 2028.

In a first for such a 2+2 arrangement, York University will also offer a dedicated co-op semester for transferring students from Chitkara University, allowing them to engage in paid internships with York’s industry partners. This will help students acclimatise to the Canadian work environment while gaining hands-on experience and earning a salary.

“This partnership emphasises quality and preparedness. Students will prove themselves in the first two years, learn through a Canadian-style applied curriculum close to home, and then transfer with confidence to Toronto. At Chitkara University, we are committed to providing our students with diversified pathways to globally recognised credentials. We are pleased that York will support our students through scholarships, housing resources, and guidance from certified student immigration specialists to ensure a smooth transition to Canada,” shared Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University.

“York has long been a proponent of responsible, responsive, and inclusive internationalisation. The York–Chitkara Alliance embodies these values. Building on our tradition of welcoming Chitkara students to York, we are proud to formalise a hybrid pathway that enables talented Indian students to build strong academic foundations at home, then transition seamlessly to Canada to complete a York degree with paid industry experience. This is the future of higher education – we must continue to build partnerships that are both global and cross-sectoral if we want to keep up with our rapidly changing world,” said Dr. Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University.

“By creating a seamless educational continuum, we’re empowering students to earn quality credentials, gain meaningful Canadian work experience, and develop the skills to innovate and lead in an AI-transformed world. York University’s Computer Science (BSc) program, ranked among the top ten in Canada by the Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects, reflects the strength of our teaching and research. With dedicated co-op support, students are well prepared to secure paid placements, and we look forward to welcoming Chitkara students to York, where they’ll gain both academic and real-world experience through our strong industry partnerships,” added Dr. Jane Goodyer, Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University.

The signing of the MoU further deepens York University’s collaboration with Indian higher education institutions and aligns with Chitkara University’s commitment to providing global mobility opportunities for its students through high-quality, internationally benchmarked academic programs.

About York University
York University is a leading teaching and research university and a force for positive change. With over 53,000 students, 380,000 alumni, and nearly 5,000 full-time staff and faculty from more than 160 countries, York is home to one of Canada’s largest and most diverse academic communities. Recognised as a change leader by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, York’s researchers and students tackle global challenges through collaboration with universities, industries, governments, and NGOs.

About Lassonde School of Engineering
Located in the heart of the multicultural Greater Toronto Area, the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University is home to innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2013, the School has witnessed a 260 percent increase in student enrolment. Offering 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs, Lassonde prepares the next generation of creators to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges through interdisciplinary, people-focused learning.

About Chitkara University
Chitkara University, based in Chandigarh, India, is among the country’s leading private universities, known for its strong focus on applied learning, innovation, and industry partnerships. With over 25,000 students and globally recognised programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and design, Chitkara University continues to empower students with future-ready skills to thrive in a dynamic global economy.

Soch, India’s leading evening and occasion wear brand, announced a significant leap in its e-commerce performance alongside a disciplined, profitability-driven retail strategy. The brand’s online business is on track to grow 65% year-on-year, looking to close at 90 crore this fiscal, underscoring the success of a purposeful pivot toward sustainable omni-channel growth.

Soch’s E-commerce site

The Indian retail industry is entering a new era where profitability and sustainable growth are the north stars, not just raw expansion. Apparel and fashion brands are embracing a “fewer, better” philosophy, curating memorable destinations, integrating digital experiences, and leveraging analytics for sharper store selection. Reflecting this macro shift, Soch has redefined its growth playbook with an equal focus on disciplined offline expansion and accelerated e-commerce growth and profitability.

While Soch continues to remain predominantly an offline-first brand, its e-commerce business has grown tenfold over the past five years, from INR 5.3 crore in FY20 to INR 54 crore in FY25, and is now targeting over six-fold growth to INR 350 crore by FY30. The online channel contributed 12% of total revenue last year, projected to rise to 18% this year and to 30% of overall business within five years. This impressive jump in e-commerce revenue has not come at the sacrifice of profitability. On the contrary, its online division has transitioned from breakeven to delivering a 10% profit margin this fiscal, powered by exclusive online collections, sharper product curation, and data-led innovations. The brand’s omni-channel approach has also been a key enabler, integrating store-level inventory with digital fulfilment to ensure speed and availability across channels.

While many brands began digital-first and are now exploring offline channels, Soch represents the next evolution, an offline-first brand mastering online with speed and precision. “Our e-commerce transformation reflects the strength of our brand trust combined with the agility of technology. It’s proof that growth and profitability can and should coexist,” said Vinay Chatlani, CEO & Co-Founder, Soch.

Soch exemplifies the ‘Offline First, Digital Fast’ approach, leveraging its established offline trust to swiftly scale online. This blend of strong offline credibility with rapid digital growth creates a powerful growth flywheel, amplifying both brand loyalty and ecommerce profitability.

Despite the recent success with its Online platforms, retail operations remain Soch’s core strength. On this front the Brand is taking a measured approach—fortifying its retail base while advancing in product and customer innovation. Over the last two years, the brand has consolidated its offline portfolio with a clear focus on performance. While continuing to expand new outlets in high-potential markets, it has closed its underperforming stores. This strategic optimisation is projected to deliver over 2.5% improvement in store-level EBITDA. With over 175 stores across India, Canada and Malaysia, Soch now prioritises same-store growth by driving customer conversion, ticket size, and average transaction value. This has been one of the outcomes of its premiumisation journey, which has seen the brand expand its evening and occasion wear portfolio to meet evolving customer expectations. In a 5-year period the brand has seen a 40% jump in ASP (average selling price), 50% increase in average transaction value along with a 10% increase in average basket size.

The brand also records one of the highest trading densities in its category, exceeding INR 16,000 per sq. ft. “Store openings today are sharper and more strategic,” added Chatlani. “We close locations that don’t meet benchmarks and double down on those that drive value and engagement. It’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being of substance wherever we are.”

Through a blend of offline trust and digital speed, Soch has built a resilient growth engine designed for the future of Indian retail. “Our investments in technology, digital capability, and disciplined retail operations are already yielding strong results,” said Chatlani. “We’ve built a business that’s both resilient and ready for scale, anchored in profitability and confident in our ability to sustain and accelerate this momentum.”

The Brand has successfully navigated a challenging consumer environment where many have faced revenue and margin pressures. Soch is building a future-ready omnichannel business for steady, sustainable growth, positioning itself as a confident leader in Indian ethnic and occasion wear—harnessing e-commerce’s momentum while strengthening its retail foundation for long-term success.

About Soch
Soch Apparels, the largest evening-occasion wear ethnic brand for women in India, seamlessly combines tradition and modern artistry. Our meticulously crafted outfits, featuring elaborate embroideries and handpicked fabrics, celebrate the rich heritage of Indian aesthetics. It offers a wide range of stylish designer ethnic wear, including sarees, salwar suits, kurtas, tunics, kurta sets, lehengas, and kaftans. With over 175 stores nationwide, Soch is the go-to destination for stylish and elegant designer ethnic wear. The brand has been consecutively recognized as the Best Ethnic Fashion Retailer of the Year 2023 and 2024 by IREC (Industry of Retail & eCommerce) and continues to redefine traditional Indian fashion.

Visit soch.com to explore our collection.

This Winter, Pepe Jeans London invites you to ‘Embrace the Chill,’ a campaign that celebrates easy winter style, versatile layering, and cozy comfort. The new AW’25 winter collection combines light and heavy winter wear that balances functionality and fashion. It captures the spirit of the season with modern shapes and classic Pepe flair.

Embrace the Chill with Pepe Jeans London new AW’25 winter collection

This season’s lineup highlights the brand’s signature craftsmanship in corduroy, flannel, jackets, sweatshirts, puffers, shackets, and ofcourse denim. It is designed for those who love to express their style while staying comfortable during the colder months. Each piece blends Pepe Jeans’ distinctive design with practical warmth, making it the ideal wardrobe for the modern winter explorer.

A standout this season is the launch of the Thinsulate Puffer Jacket, made with 3M’s insulation technology. This innovative process creates a lightweight yet effective jacket that offers great warmth without the extra bulk, perfect for facing chilly days while keeping your style sharp.

From the rugged appeal of denim to the soft touch of flannel and corduroy, Pepe Jeans’ AW’25 winter collection celebrates the joy of dressing for the season, where style meets comfort, and every layer tells a story.

Embrace the Chill. Feel the Warmth. Live the Style.

Watch the video here:
Video 1 – youtu.be/_bEBFQPFP9M
Video 2 – youtu.be/XMEVwGz9Qtc

Where to Find Us
Pepe Jeans London is present across major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kerala, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Mohali, and more. The brand is also available at Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, leading department stores and MBOs across India. Pepe is also available online on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, Tata Cliq, and other leading platforms.

About Pepe Jeans London
Pepe Jeans London was born on London’s iconic Portobello Road in 1973. Today, over 50 years later, the brand remains devoted to its initial mantra and pledge to create the world’s most exciting denim-led fashion. The diversity and mix of cultures that define the city of London also define the Pepe Jeans personality, providing a constant source of inspiration for the women’s, men’s, and junior collections. Music, Culture, Fashion, London, and Denim – that’s what Pepe Jeans is all about.

Hundreds of kilometres away in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, four young women – Anuradha, Mansa, Manisha, and Sanjana – are quietly rewriting India’s agricultural story.

Hope in Motion-Streaming on Jio Hotstar

For generations, women here have sown, weeded, and harvested. But they rarely decided what to grow, how to sell, or who owned the land. That domain belonged to men – until now.

Through Breakthrough’s long-term engagement in rural communities, these young women began questioning the status quo – and discovered that the power to lead, negotiate, and own was not a privilege, but a right.

The result was transformative: an all-women farmers’ collective, reclaiming spaces long dominated by men. Today, they take decisions on farming together, cultivate confidence alongside crops, and are redefining what leadership looks like in India’s fields.

“Their story proves that when women lead, equality grows stronger – and communities thrive,” says Vimala Rajkumari, Creator of Hope in Motion, a four-part documentary series streaming on JioHotstar. “The idea behind the series is to make these invisible stories visible – to take the language of impact out of boardrooms and policy papers, and into the mainstream.”

A new language for impact storytelling

Hope in Motion is not a campaign film. It’s a cultural moment – an experiment in what its creator calls impact entertainment. The series, supported by CSR and foundation partners such as Flipkart Foundation, United Breweries Limited, American India Foundation, and Breakthrough, captures what social transformation truly looks like on the ground – one life, one community, one ripple at a time.

The Seeds of Change episode – featuring Breakthrough’s work – digs deep into gender and social norms that shape rural India. In a country where women constitute 64.4% of the agricultural workforce, yet remain largely invisible in ownership and decision-making, the episode poses a quiet but radical question: Who gets to be called a farmer?

Beyond awareness: shifting narratives

For years, Breakthrough has worked to shift gender norms across India by fostering aspiration, agency, negotiation, and leadership in young people. The women of Seeds of Change embody that philosophy.

“Challenging gender norms takes courage and collective strength. These women farmers are proof that equality grows where women lead”, says Pritha Chatterjee, Lead – Organisational Positioning, Breakthrough.

Their story isn’t framed in charity or empowerment tropes – it’s about agency and equality. And Hope in Motion ensures that such stories aren’t confined to NGO reports or academic panels. They’re now finding space on prime-time screens, reaching audiences who can influence perception and policy alike.

“We’ve always believed that social change needs a cultural shift,” says Vimala Rajkumari. “Storytelling is how you move people emotionally before you move them structurally. That’s why Hope in Motion exists – to build a bridge between awareness and action.”

From awareness to action

As India charts its path to the Sustainable Development Goals, such narratives remind us that gender equality isn’t an abstract goal – it’s growing, quite literally, in the fields of Uttar Pradesh.

And as Hope in Motion continues to spotlight real people driving real change, it quietly signals a larger shift – one where purpose and storytelling walk hand in hand.

Watch ‘Seeds of Change’ here. 
 

Produced by Vsual Brewery, in collaboration with Breakthrough.

This December, step into a world where design meets purpose and creativity cools the planet. The Godrej Enterprises Group Campus in Vikhroli is all set to transform into a buzzing hub of art, innovation, and sustainable living as Conscious Collective, by Godrej Design Lab returns for its third edition, open to the public from December 12–14, 2025, with an exclusive preview night on December 11.

Registration open now for Godrej Conscious Collective 2025

This year’s theme, ‘Reclaiming Cool – Beating the Heat, Together’, brings the focus to one of our most pressing climate challenges, which is extreme heat. As temperatures soar, ‘cool’ is no longer a luxury; it’s a right, a necessity, and an act of climate justice.

Expect a power-packed line-up of leading voices shaping the future of sustainable design and urban living- from architects and urban planners like Diana Kellogg, Nuru Karim, Samira Rathod, Sheila Sri Prakash, Sameep Padora, Michael Pawlyn, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, to startups redefining materials and energy solutions.

Over three unforgettable days, Conscious Collective will blend immersive experiences with action-driven ideas like

• Conversations and workshops led by global architects, artists, and changemakers.

• Intriguing installations by CEEW, WRI, RPG Foundation, Godrej Archives, Bandana Jain, Ar. Puran Kumar, and more.

• An immersive experience by tech artist, Lake Heckaman on the impact of heatwaves on India’s coasts.

• A conscious marketplace featuring brands like Baro Market, I Was A Sari, Rida Wellness, Channapatna Toys, Bowen, Vapasee, Bombay Paperie and more

• Performances and culinary pop-ups from Mumbai’s most loved food destinations, including the iconic Worli Koliwadas to the popular Stranger’s Choir and NCPA.

• Key partners include conscious brands such as Ed-A-MAMMA, EMotorad among others

Because sustainability doesn’t have to be serious — it can be sensory, social, and deeply fun.

So, whether you’re an architect, artist, interior designer, climate advocate, or simply someone who wants to live more mindfully — this is your invitation to reimagine a cooler planet and make a difference!

Book your slot today — and be part of the movement that’s designing a cooler tomorrow.

Dates: 11–14 December 2025
Venue: Godrej Campus, Vikhroli, Mumbai
Register: in.bookmyshow.com/events/conscious-collective-2025/ET00470025?webview=true

About Godrej Enterprises Group

Since 1897, the Godrej Enterprises Group (which includes Godrej & Boyce and its affiliates) has contributed significantly to India’s journey of economic growth. From the world’s first patented springless lock, and safes to pioneering Indian made typewriters, refrigerators, the ubiquitous steel almirah, the conglomerate has also paved the way for the growth of key sectors like aerospace, energy, and security.

Today, the Godrej Enterprises Group, has a presence across 5 continents with a market-leading presence across its consumer facing and nation building businesses. GEG comprises of aerospace, aviation, defence, motor solutions, energy solutions, locks & security, advanced engineering, real estate, intralogistics, consumer durables, furniture, vending, and Information Technology.

Aura is more than a name. It is the unseen energy that surrounds life itself. It is how light touches form, how calm meets space, how design feels alive. At Aura World, we craft spaces that are made not just for you but for the whole of you, your rhythm, your dreams, and your quiet moments of becoming. Each creation is born from the belief that spaces should move beyond structure. They should breathe, evolve, and nurture life in its most graceful form. At Aura, every curve, every line, and texture is handcrafted so that life itself begins to feel elegant.

Where architecture meets imagination — Aura World, shaping tomorrow’s skyline

Philosophy: Crafted Spaces. Curated Lifestyles

Aura World stands for the rare blend of design, detail, and feeling. We do not build to fill spaces. We craft to shape experiences. Each Aura creation is conceived with care and guided by intention, to make every sunrise, every silence, and every pause feel like art. To craft is to create with mastery. To curate is to live with discernment. Together, they define a living standard envisioned by many but achieved by the rare. Every detail is refined to evoke timelessness, from the stillness of light through a window to the transition between textures that remember touch. Aura does not imitate luxury. It redefines it as calm made tangible.

Design Inspired by Nature, Refined by Thought 

Nature is at the heart of Aura’s imagination. Every project draws from its balance, rhythm, and quiet intelligence. Our design philosophy celebrates this harmony through open air, soft sunlight, tranquil greens, and fluid architecture that connects people with the world around them. We believe the highest form of design is simplicity perfected. Through innovative planning, organic materials, and precise craftsmanship, Aura creates spaces where form and feeling coexist effortlessly. Innovation here is inherent. It lives in the way life flows, comfort breathes, and moments find meaning. Every Aura space is crafted for beauty, but built for belonging.

Curation that Defines Identity 

Living in Aura is not about ownership. It is about identity. Here, your address becomes your signature. Each lifestyle is curated to reflect taste, balance, and purpose. Every space tells a story of refinement and emotion, shaped by the quiet assurance of detail done right. Curation at Aura is about shaping experiences that linger. From the play of light to the rhythm of landscape, every moment is designed to feel both deliberate and effortless.

The Leadership Behind the Vision

Aura World’s vision is led by two generations of purpose and foresight. 

Dr. Arup Roy Choudhury, Chairperson, brings a legacy of transformation and nation-building shaped by over four decades in leadership across infrastructure, power, and real estate. He has led some of India’s most respected institutions including NBCC, NTPC, and DVC, and continues to guide future leaders as Professor of Practice at IIT Delhi. A technocrat, institution builder, and visionary, Dr. Choudhury is celebrated for transforming NBCC in 2001 from a loss-making PSU into a blue-chip, dividend-paying enterprise, a turnaround acknowledged by the Hon. Prime Minister of India. At NTPC, he oversaw the addition of 15,000 MW of capacity and capital expenditure exceeding ₹1 lakh crore, placing the company among the world’s top power utilities. He has received numerous awards including Best CEO (Public Sector) at the Forbes India Leadership Awards, Asian CEO of the Year in Singapore, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hon. Union Minister. An engineer by training and a leader by instinct, his philosophy rests on balance, discipline, and foresight. At Aura, he brings this mastery of vision and execution to shape a future of luxury real estate defined by purpose, precision, and permanence.

Shyamrup Roy Choudhury, Founder and Managing Director, represents the modern face of luxury real estate. With over sixteen years of experience across real estate, infrastructure, and investment, he has led landmark developments in NCR, pioneered luxury in Dubai, and managed over thirty billion dollars in global transactions. Honoured as an ET Young Leader 2024, he personifies Aura’s commitment to detail, innovation, and design-led living.

Together, they bring together heritage and modernity to create a new benchmark in crafted living.

A Future Crafted with Intention 

Aura World envisions a future where design and soul coexist, where innovation meets artistry, and luxury feels human again. Each project is a pursuit of perfection, handcrafted to make life timeless, balanced, and serene. Aura World is not just shaping addresses. It is shaping identities. Each space carries the quiet confidence of design that lasts and the beauty of moments that never fade. We do not just build homes. We craft worlds. We curate life.

As temperatures drop, Indian families are turning their travel dreams towards frosty escapes. Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest data reveals a 30% year-on-year increase in international family travel interest during the winter season between December 2025 and February 2026, compared to the same period last year.

Agoda’s data reveals that Indian families are increasingly drawn to snow-covered landscapes, festive atmospheres, and cultural winter experiences, with interest spanning both Asia and Europe. Among Asian destinations, South Korea (+226%), China (+105%), and Kazakhstan (+68%) are witnessing the strongest year-on-year growth in travel interest, while Taiwan (+44%) and Japan (+41%) continue to attract steady attention from Indian family travellers.

From South Korea’s ski resorts and K-drama-inspired winter experiences to China’s ice festivals and heritage towns, families are exploring destinations that blend adventure with local culture. Kazakhstan’s scenic mountain landscapes offer nature-led escapes, while Japan appeals with its hot springs and family attractions such as Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan. Taiwan, meanwhile, draws families with its lantern festivals, vibrant night markets, and mix of nature and city escapes, making it an easy, family-friendly winter getaway within Asia.

Credit: Austria – Sakis Nobelos on Unsplash

In Europe, the pattern is similarly positive, with Austria (+82%) leading the charge, followed by Germany (+43%), Finland (+33%), Italy (+27%), and France (+20%). These destinations, known for their Christmas markets, skiing destinations, and winter charm, are emerging as preferred choices for families seeking an authentic seasonal experience.

The growing inclination toward winter travel also indicates a broader evolution in Indian family travel habits where travellers are moving beyond traditional beach vacations to more immersive, seasonal experiences. Improved air connectivity, simplified visa procedures, and a curiosity to discover new destinations are making it easier for families to venture further. Whether soaking in hot springs in Japan, exploring ski towns in Austria, or celebrating the New Year in South Korea, Indian travellers are redefining what winter holidays mean.

Commenting on the data trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “More Indian families are embracing the joy of travel during the winter months. This trend highlights families’ growing desire for experiences that blend togetherness, cultural discovery, and the festive spirit of the holiday season in cold-weather destinations across Asia and Europe. Agoda continues to make these holidays easier to plan, with a wide range of stays, flights, and activities to ensure every family holiday is magical.”

For families planning their upcoming winter holidays, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all easily combined in a single booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com for more information.

About The Data

Based on searches made by Indian families between September to October 2025 for check-ins between December 2025 to February 2026 compared to the same period the year prior.

About Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of 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.

For more information, visit www.agoda.com.

50 new cars & bikes were put through a comprehensive Mega Test at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) to create a definitive list of the 10-Best Machines of the Year — the winners of the autoX ‘Best of 2025’ Awards.

Winners of the autoX ‘Best of 2025’ Awards: these are the 10 Best Machines of the Year

What is the autoX ‘Best of 2025’ Awards?
The annual autoX Mega Test brings together every major new car and motorcycle launched in India over the past twelve months. Each contender is tested to its limits — sometimes to near destruction — in pursuit of one goal: to identify the Ten-Best Machines of the Year.
The Top-Ten winners comprise five four-wheelers, three two-wheelers, and two special performance awards for the fastest car and bike around the short loop of the Buddh International Circuit. The results were unveiled at an exclusive ceremony at the Andaz Delhi in Aerocity, New Delhi.

How does autoX choose the ‘Best of 2025’?
Each contender is evaluated across a range of parameters — quality, comfort, ride, handling, refinement, design, drivetrain, practicality, and value for money — as well as X-factor, that intangible quality which stirs emotion and sets truly great machines apart. Additionally, a lap time at the short loop of the BIC offers a standard metric for measuring dynamic ability, encompassing power, stability, braking, and handling.

autoX’s approach remains transparent, objective, and scientific, with the scoring published in full to maintain complete credibility.

Who chooses the Best of 2025?

The autoX Awards jury, comprising some of India’s most experienced road testers with over a century of combined testing expertise, evaluates every vehicle independently across each criterion. The final scores are then averaged to eliminate bias, ensuring that only the most deserving machines make the cut.

Why the Buddh International Circuit?
The BIC provides a controlled and safe environment to push every contender to its absolute limit. It reveals the true engineering excellence — or lack thereof — beneath the surface. From supercars to scooters, every contender is subjected to the same uncompromising standards.

Dhruv Behl, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, autoX, said, “There are so many car and bike launches every year that it can be quite overwhelming. So, our aim with the autoX awards and the ‘Best of 2025’ mega test is to provide a list of the Ten-Best vehicles launched in the past year. And these cut across segments, so there’s something for everyone, from the best cars and bikes to scooters – with a definitive list of the Ten-Best.”

Here are the 10 autoX Award Winners:

Best of 2025: 4W Winners

• Volkswagen Golf GTI
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class 
• Škoda Kylaq
• Maruti Suzuki Victoris
• Mahindra XUV 9e

Best of 2025: 2W Winners

• TVS NTorq 150
• Honda CB 125 Hornet
• Royal Enfield Classic 650

Best of 2025: Performance Car of the Year 

• Audi RS Q8 Performance

Best of 2025: Performance Bike of the Year 

• Ducati Panigale V4 S

The autoX Awards 2025 were conducted in collaboration with:
Fuel Partner: Indian Oil XP100
EV Charging Partner: Jio-bp Pulse
Surveillance Partner: CP Plus
Tourism Partner: Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation 
Banking Partner: Canara Bank
Technical Partner: BMC Air Filter
Hospitality Partner: Andaz Delhi 

For detailed results, lap times, and jury scores, visit the awards microsite: www.autox.com/awards

Follow autoX through its monthly magazine, which has recently celebrated its 19th anniversary, on it social media platforms, YouTube channel, as well as its fully revamped, cutting-edge website by clicking here. (www.autox.com)