VinFast Auto India, the subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has entered into a strategic agreement with BatX Energies, a leading Indian clean-tech company specializing in battery recycling, rare metal recovery and end-of-life battery repurposing. This partnership lays the foundation for an integrated battery value chain in India, supporting the company’s commitment to sustainable electric mobility.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia (left), and Mr. Utkarsh Singh, CEO of BatX Energies (Right), signed landmark agreement for high voltage battery recycling and repurposing

Under the agreement, BatX Energies will provide comprehensive high-voltage (HV) battery recycling, material recovery and repurposing services for VinFast India’s factory, and after-sales operations. The process will ensure efficient recovery and reintegration of critical materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel into the battery production cycle. This approach supports resource circularity, reduces dependence on mining, and significantly lowers environmental impact.

The collaboration aims to drive localized solutions in line with Indias fast-evolving EV landscape. Through a joint focus on battery lifecycle management and environmental stewardship, VinFast and BatX also seek to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions that benefit both the people and the planet.

More than a technical collaboration, this partnership is a shared commitment to accelerating India’s transition to a cleaner, greener tomorrow. The agreement also opens avenues for future collaboration on second-life applications, urban mining, and strategic material recovery, supporting India and Vietnam’s growing leadership in circular economy solutions. BatX will also ensure traceability of the raw materials and battery recycling.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “This partnership with BatX Energies is a meaningful step toward building a sustainable, circular battery ecosystem in India. At VinFast, sustainability goes beyond vehicles-it’s about environmental responsibility across the entire lifecycle. By working with BatX, we aim to reduce resource dependency, support national priorities, and set a new benchmark for responsible innovation in electric mobility.“

On the agreement signing, Mr. Utkarsh Singh, CEO of BatX Energies, said, “Our partnership with VinFast reflects a shared belief in responsible innovation and resource circularity to strengthen the EV battery value chain. By enabling sustainable end-of-life solutions for EV batteries, we are building infrastructure that can grow with the industry and create lasting environmental impact.“

As part of its larger mission to build a future-ready EV ecosystem in India, VinFast has been steadily expanding its network of strategic partnerships. Recent alliances with Global Assure for roadside assistance, myTVS and RoadGrid for after-sales service and charging support reflect the company’s commitment to delivering a reliable ownership experience. VinFast is preparing to launch its first two products in India -VF 6 and VF 7 premium electric SUVs. To support this, the company is rapidly advancing operations at its Thoothukudi plant while investing in dealership networks, service capabilities, and charging infrastructure nationwide.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone.

VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

About BatX Energies

BatX Energies is an Indian pioneer in battery recycling and critical mineral refining, offering sustainable solutions for lithium-ion batteries from EVs, consumer electronics, and industrial sources. Its proprietary hydrometallurgical process enables high-yield recovery of battery-grade materials, powering Indias transition to a circular economy.

Sony India today launched the second-generation Alpha™ 1 II, a new flagship full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera powered by Sonys latest AI processing unit. The camera features an approximate effective 50.1 MP (megapixel) resolution sensor, up to 30 fps (frames-per-second) blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking⁽ⁱ⁾, an anti-distortion shutter, and improved image clarity at mid-to-high sensitivities. The AI processing unit brings advanced AI-based subject recognition performance and features including a new “Auto” mode which can detect a wide variety of subjects. In addition, the Alpha 1 II also inherits innovations from the Alpha 9 III, including Pre-Capture of up to one secon^([ii), and an improved ergonomic design. The camera maintains a lightweight form factor of approximately 743 grams (1 lb, 7.3 oz)⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾ for usability in a variety of professional scenarios.

Alpha 1 II

Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Imaging Business, Sony India said, “The Alpha 1 II is a reflection of Sony’s leadership in the professional domain of digital imaging category. By combining high resolution, exceptional speed, advanced AI-powered subject recognition and seamless workflow enhancements, this flagship model sets a new industry standard. It is purpose-built to offer professionals the creative freedom and reliability demanded by modern visual storytelling.”

1. 50.1 MP (approx., effective) Exmor RS™ stacked CMOS sensor and powerful BIONZ XR™ image processing engine

The Alpha 1 II produces high-resolution images with a wide dynamic range through the combination of the full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with approx. 50.1 effective MP resolution and the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine. The camera delivers high-resolution images even in APS-C crop mode, capturing approximately 21 effective MP.

2. State-of-the-art AI processing unit achieves Real-time Recognition AF for both stills and movies

In addition, Real-time Recognition AF has been added to the latest Alpha 1 II with the addition of the AI processing unit. This technology maintains focus on subjects, including a human pose estimation that instantly recognises a persons head and torso, as well as accurately tracks animals, birds, insects, and vehicles. The Alpha 1 II introduces the latest evolution to Real-time Recognition AF with a newly added “Auto” feature that allows the camera to automatically recognise the subject target without specifying a subject mode(iv).

3. Advanced Real-time Tracking with 30fps with Pre-Capture and Continuous Shooting Speed boost functions

The camera offers blackout-free high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to 30 frames per second^(v), which can track complex movements with AF/AE calculations at up to 120 times per second^(vi). The camera also includes the highly requested Pre-Capture function, which allows images to be captured up-to one second before the shutter button is pressed^(vii), and the Continuous Shooting Speed Boost that can temporarily change the burst shooting speed.

4. 8K 30p and 4K 120p movie recordingfor impressive realism

4K (3840 x 2160) movies can be cropped and edited from 8K source footage with overwhelming resolution from 8.6K oversampling. 8K 4:2:2 10-bit XAVC HS recording with optional Full HD proxy is available, as are 4K recording in XAVC HS, S, or S-I formats in full-frame, or Super 35 mm oversampled from 5.8K with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. XAVC S-I allows recording at up to 600 Mbps for outstanding image quality.

5. Image stabilization with up to 8.5-step central and 7.0-step peripheral compensation

To support the need for high-performing speed required by many professionals, the Alpha 1 II features an anti-distortion shutter that enables shooting with reduced distortion. The low noise performance at mid- to high-sensitivity, which is highly requested by professional photographers, has also been improved through tuning, allowing you to capture images with less noise and clear backgrounds even in indoor sports where a high shutter speed is required. Additionally, the Alpha 1 II has impressive improved optical image stabilization of up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery)^(viii) when shooting still images, as well as a newly supported Dynamic active Mode for video shooting^(ix).

6. Comfortable operability and highly responsive workflow with ergonomic grip and buttons

The camera features a 3.2-type LCD monitor with a highly requested 4-axis multi-angle that can be freely adjusted to any angle. This second-generation camera body has improved ergonomics compared to the original Alpha 1, including thoughtful design updates to the grip, position of the shutter button, and evolved custom buttons. The Alpha 1 II includes a new deep-type padded eyepiece cup (model FDA-EP21) accessory for additional viewing support. A standard eyepiece comes attached to the camera by default but can be swapped with the deep pad option based on the user’s preference.

7. Supplied charger charges two NP-FZ100 batteries in 155 minutes

For additional battery support, the Alpha 1 II comes with the BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger that rapidly and stably charges two Z batteries (model NP-FZ100) simultaneously in 155 minutes to full charge^(x). In addition, the VG-C5^(xi) compatible vertical grip offers additional ergonomic support with additional battery performance for extending shooting needs.

For professionals seeking a quick, real-time image transfer solution, the Alpha 1 II supports 2.5GBASE-T via wired LAN. This high level of connectivity dramatically improves workflows from data transfer to content creation and distribution, increasing the work efficiency of professionals. Additionally, captured data can be automatically transferred to Adobe Lightroom™ or Google Drive™ via Sonys cloud storage service, Creators Cloud^(xii). This makes editing work after shooting even more convenient.

8. Alpha series offers environmentally conscious packaging

To prioritise sustainability, this model’s packaging is entirely free of plastic, marking the first Alpha series camera (excluding ZV-series) to use Sony’s Original Blended Material – a unique mix of bamboo, sugarcane, and recycled paper^(xiii).

Pricing and Availability

The Alpha™ 1 II Full-Frame camera is now available across all Sony Center, Alpha Flagship stores, major electronic stores, www.ShopatSC.com and other e-commerce portal in India.

About Sony Alpha Community

In an effort to build a robust Alpha community with a strong network of amateur and professional photographers on one platform, a special initiative has been undertaken by Sony India where users can now avail several benefits by simply registering their Alpha cameras, lenses and accessories on the Alpha Community. Some of the benefits of registration include an extended warranty of 3 years (2-year standard warranty + 1 Year extended warranty) and free exclusive workshops by Sony experts and Artisans. Customers can also avail attractive discounts on photo tours (50% discount on photo tours for their first trip and 25% discount for the consecutive trips) and a chance to participate in photography/videography contests to win exciting prizes like cameras, lens and professional camcorders and a lot more. The platform will be a one-stop destination to get all latest updates, firmware updates, free service camps, workshops and new launches for Sony Alpha. For more information, visit Alpha Community.

Explore the new Sony Alpha Community App. We invite you to download, experience, and share feedback on the app.

• Register your Sony products with ease

• Join expert-led Alpha Classroom sessions

• Stay informed about upcoming workshops near you

Download Now:

Android: shorturl.at/2xvWn

iOS: apple.co/43EydLs

Alpha Classroom: Alpha Classroom is a series of tutorials where experts will take you through the nuances of photography & Videography, advise you on the right gear and help you explore your creative potential to reach its fullest expression. Come, learn with us and together, we will conquer the world of your dreams. alphacommunity.in/alpha-classroom/courses

Ask an Expert: Ask an Expert is a one-stop platform to get all your questions related to cameras, lenses, gear and more answered by a Sony Alpha Expert. It’s easy, convenient and absolutely free! Yup! You heard it right. Choose your slot and book an appointment with an expert today! alphacommunity.in/ask-an-expert

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

Following the success of its debut flagship edition, Farmley, India’s leading healthy snacking brand, is set to host the 2nd edition of the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit (IHSS) on July 18, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Shri Chirag Paswan, Cabinet Minister of Food Processing Industries of India, will grace the occasion as Special Guest.

Farmley to host 2nd edition of IHSS 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

The summit will bring together a diverse group of over 2,000 participants, including policy-makers, investors, start-up founders, and leaders from across the food, wellness, and retail sectors. The event will also witness the unveiling of an all-encompassing industry report on pertinent trends shaping India’s healthy snacks market.

The evening will feature prominent voices shaping consumer and food innovation in India, including Revant Himatsingka aka FoodPharmer, Amitesh Jha, CEO, Swiggy Instamart, Arjun Vaidya, Founder, Dr. Vaidya’s and V3 Ventures, Dr. Ritesh Malik, Founder, Innov8. The summit will also see participation from the investment community, including firms such as L Catterton, DSG Consumer Partners, Omnivore, and Insitor Partners, senior leaders from the retail, FMCG, and quick commerce sectors, as well as representatives from Amazon, Blinkit, Zepto, Meesho, etc. These speakers will participate in various panel discussions, offering insights into investment trends, the future of food distribution, and emerging health-conscious consumption patterns.

The event will also provide a platform for over 200 emerging start-ups to showcase product innovations and bring together key stakeholders from across the food, retail, investment, and policy ecosystems.

“With the second edition of IHSS, our goal is to strengthen conversations around healthier food choices and support emerging start-ups by giving them a platform to showcase their ideas, connect with industry leaders, and grow within the food ecosystem,” said Akash Sharma, Co-founder, Farmley.

About Farmley
Farmley is a Noida-based healthy snacking brand founded in 2017, aiming to become the go-to choice for guilt-free, anytime-anywhere snacks. Endorsed by Rahul Dravid, the brand has gained strong visibility in India’s wellness food space. Farmley follows a farm-to-palm model, directly sourcing makhanas, nuts, seeds, and dry fruits from over 5,000 farmers. Its in-house production and R&D capabilities drive innovation across product formats. In May 2025, Farmley raised $42 million in a Series C round led by L Catterton, with participation from DSG Consumer Partners, to strengthen regional expansion, food-tech capabilities, and its omnichannel distribution network.

White Matter Advisory India Pvt. Ltd (WMA), a niche Fintech player in the cross border payment space via its product Xchange.pe has successfully incubated from the prestigious FinBlue program-an initiative by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the company’s journey, further strengthening its position in India’s dynamic and rapidly growing FinTech ecosystem.

From left to right: Piuesh Daga, COO, White Matter Advisory; Kranthi Reddy, CCO, White Matter Advisory; Bhaskar Saravana, CEO, White Matter Advisory; Saurabh Jain, CBO, White Matter Advisory

FinBlue, headquartered in Chennai, is a Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) launched by STPI to support early-stage FinTech startups. The program provides a comprehensive incubation platform, offering access to funding, mentorship from domain experts, market connections, and a regulatory sandbox in collaboration with key financial institutions and regulators. Since its launch, FinBlue has supported over 60 startups, driving innovation across digital payments, wealth tech, lending, RegTech, and other emerging financial technologies.

Xchange.pe was selected to be part of FinBlue cohort with the of bridging the gap between traditional banking and technology-driven insights on cross border payments. Throughout the incubation, the company benefited from FinBlue’s technical mentorship, sandbox access, real-time industry feedback, and investor connects, which played a vital role in refining its solutions and enhancing its market readiness.

“FinBlue gave us an ecosystem where we could test, learn, and grow. The exposure to real-world financial institutions and regulatory frameworks helped us fine-tune our product and approach.The support from STPI and FinBlue mentors was invaluable in sharpening our value proposition,” added Mr. Kranthi Reddy, Cofounder.

With a successful incubation from the FinBlue program, WMA via its offering Xchange.pe is now charting its next phase of growth. The company aims to expand its reach across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India, deepen collaborations with Service and Goods Exporters, STPI registered units, Freelancers, CA, CS, Law Firms and other consulting firms.

As part of its future roadmap, the firm is also working on integrating AI and data analytics capabilities into its offerings, and plans to launch a SaaS-based model to deliver scalable, real-time advisory solutions to enterprise clients.

With a sharpened product suite, proven validation, and strategic focus, Xchange.pe is poised to become a key enabler in Indias digital financial transformation.

About STPI

Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is a premier government organization under MeitY, championing India’s IT and startup ecosystem. Through 24+ domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship, including FinBlue, STPI continues to foster innovation in emerging technologies, aligned with national priorities like Digital India, Startup India, and Viksit Bharat 2047.

About FinBlue

FinBlue incubation program is an initiative by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), is a Fintech Centre of Enterpreneurship (CoE) launched by STPI to support early-stage FinTech startups.

• GOAT Sale goes live from July 12-17, featuring blockbuster deals across categories including electronics, smartphones, home appliances, BGM, Home essentials, Fashion, Home Decor, Minutes, and Grocery

• Customers can access deals across categories with Buy One Get One (BOGO), flash sales, and bundle deals; in addition to 10% instant bank deals, SuperCoins earnings, and flexible no-cost EMI options from leading brands

• Experience new shopping formats with creator-led live commerce, flash drops, and gamified deals

• Shopping festivals like Flipkart’s GOAT Sale provide lakhs of sellers, from both metros and smaller towns, an opportunity to connect with millions of customers across India

• Customers can expect 1-day metro delivery, video demos, and a dedicated support line to ensure a seamless post-purchase experience

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today announced the return of its highly anticipated GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Sale, scheduled to run from July 12 to 17, 2025. Flipkart Plus members will receive early access starting July 11. Designed to deliver unmatched value and convenience, the sale brings exciting deals, enhanced exchange options, and extensive bank offers – with no paid memberships required. On July 11, Flipkart will roll out category-specific access passes and ‘Early Bird‘ deals for high-demand segments like smartphones, large appliances, and fashion. Flipkart Plus members will also get access to great deals, reward multipliers, and early access to special offers. Customers can maximise savings through SuperCoins, prepaid/UPI bonuses, and up to 10% instant deals via partner banks, including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and IDFC First Bank, with flexible EMI options.

From SuperCoins to Super Speed: Flipkarts GOAT Sale Powers Indias Next Shopping Wave: Begins 12th July

Pratik Shetty, Senior Director, Marketing and Media at Flipkart, said, “The GOAT Sale 2025 reflects Flipkart’s customer-first mindset – delivering smart, affordable, and personalized shopping at scale. With innovations like live commerce, voice search, and seamless exchange, we’re simplifying discovery and decision-making across categories. This edition offers our widest selection yet, backed by curated deals like the GOAT Top 50, no-cost EMIs, SuperCoins offers, and expanded bank offers. We’re also rolling out several firsts: from hyperlocal delivery and creator-led formats to gamified experiences that deepen engagement. At its core, GOAT 2025 is more than a sale – it’s a strategic moment connecting millions of shoppers with MSMEs, emerging brands, and regional sellers. It’s built for how India shops today – and where it’s headed next.“

Flipkart is also connecting with people across India through an interesting ‘Flippin Amazin‘ campaign, which uses humour and tech to create a disruptive, consumer-first experience that reimagines the shopping journey. Central to this campaign is a WhatsApp chatbot that enables customers to connect with Flipkart to access the best shopping deals.

What can customers expect from the GOAT 2025 sale

Innovation-led, enhanced on-app experience
This year’s GOAT Sale is centered around making shopping smarter, faster, and more personalized:

• Deals on Live Commerce & Video Demos: Flipkart elevates shopping with video-led demos, creator showcases, and live commerce. Several creators will spotlight real-time picks across lifestyle, electronics, and beauty-offering great deals and limited-time drops. Daily live sessions during the sale intrigue period are already driving early excitement and engagement.

1. 7 hours of live interactions daily are keeping users engaged and informed during the intrigue period

2. Notably, 90% of users who joined live sessions revisited the same category, showing strong interest and conversion potential.

• Gamified Offers:

1. Tick Tock Deals (hourly flash deals)

2. Coupon Unlocks and Treasure Hunts on the app

• Curated Discovery: The GOAT Top 50, a special list of trending and top-rated products

• Seamless Fulfilment:

1. 1-day metro delivery

2. 10-minute delivery via Flipkart Minutes

3. Video assistance and a dedicated support line for post-purchase care

• Flipkart Plus Silver Challenge: There is a chance for customers to earn rewards with the Plus Silver Challenge. Simply tap “Participate Now,” visit the Plus GOAT page to earn 5 SuperCoins, and complete a quick quiz for 5 more-unlocking guaranteed SuperCoins in just a few easy steps.

Great deals across every category

• Smartphones and Gadgets: Grab top offers (up to 50%) and new launches from Samsung, Apple, Vivo, Realme, Motorola, and more-with added benefits like no-cost EMI and exchange deals.

• Electronics and two wheelers: Upgrade your digital lifestyle with deals on top tech brands like Apple, CMF by Nothing, Samsung, boAt, and Redmi. Save big on products like HP 15s i3, Samsung Galaxy Book 4 i3, Asus Vivobook i3, Apple iPad 2025 A16, Redmi Pad SE 8 GB / 128 GB, OnePlus Pad Go, Sony PS5 Digital Console, Metashot, and Hero Xtreme 125R. Great tech, great value.

• Home Appliances: Enjoy top deals on smart TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, ACs, and more from Samsung, Prestige, LG, TCL & SONY. Over 50% of the selection features special pricing, with 3/6/9-month no-cost EMIs on most products. Access easy exchange on premium appliances and unbeatable prices on new launches, making high-end upgrades more accessible than ever.

• BGM (Beauty, Grooming & Wellness): Get the best offers on skincare, haircare, and wellness picks-from cult K-beauty brands and other premium brands.

• Home Essentials: Up to 70% off on kitchenware, cleaning tools, and organizers from Pigeon, Mortein, and more-everyday utility, GOAT prices.

• Grocery: New users can avail ₹400 off, structured as ₹100 off on each of their first 4 grocery transactions, and avail bank offers (Valid till July 17) such as:

1. Axis Bank Credit Cards (EMI and Non-EMI Transactions), Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card EMI Transactions and IDFC First Bank (Credit Card Non-EMI and EMI Transactions, and Debit Cards):

• ₹200 off on a minimum transaction of ₹2,000

• Flipkart Minutes: Midnight Drop Sale: A special 12 AM to 2 AM sale window is being planned on Flipkart Minutes. All mobile and electronic deals will be available during this slot. GOAT Sale products, especially mobiles, will be delivered within 10 minutes, showcasing the platform’s instant delivery capabilities

• Fashion Bonanza: Enjoy Buy one get one (BOGO) deals, mega clearance deals, and fresh arrivals for men, women, and kids from brands like PUMA, USPA, LEVIS, Casio, HRX & more.

• Furniture and Home Decor: Style your home with smart deals on sofas, beds, dining sets, and dcor from top brands like Raymond Home, Wakefit, and more. Best-in-season picks at prices that fit your space and budget.

Exciting launches from top brands

• Electronics: Check out the latest drops-new audio gear from Mivi, Govo, Nothing, OnePlus, Sony, plus the Sony PlayStation Portal, Fire-Boltt Smart Glass, and upcoming OnePlus Pad 3. Also, explore new laptops from Acer, Asus, HP, Motorola, and MSI. July’s packed with top tech upgrades!

• Home Appliances: Experience brilliance with TCL’s Mini LED TVs, blazing 4K with Xiaomi Fire TVs, and AI-powered immersion with Samsung Vision AI QLEDs. Plus, explore MI’s 55″ QLED, Whirlpool & Voltas Beko washers, Haier floral-glass fridges, Acer & Sharp ACs, and smart kitchen picks from Prestige and Kenstar- all packed with premium features at great value.

Affordability Options at Scale

• Up to 10% instant deals from Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank, and more

• No-cost EMIs, UPI offers, and bundled exchange deals

• Additional Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card benefits

• ‘Flipkart Plus’ now gives you early access to major shopping events, surprise post-order treats, and extra 10% off using SuperCoins on bestsellers

• SuperCoins, Flipkart’s rewards currency offers great savings on every purchase and shopping privileges that enable customers to shop smarter. Additionally, get 2% off on Flipkart Gift Cards when you pay with Flipkart UPI, debit or credit card.

Powering Bharat’s E-commerce Growth
During Flipkart’s GOAT Sale, lakhs of sellers, from both metros and smaller towns, are expected to see a surge in visibility and engagement. These shopping festivals not only drive demand but also equip local MSMEs, artisans, and regional brands while making selling at scale simpler and more sustainable.

How Customers Can Prepare:

• Wishlist top picks in advance for easy access

• Activate Flipkart Plus membership for early entry

• Check bank offers and ensure payment methods are linked

• Look out for hourly flash deals, limited drops, and extra savings through SuperCoins

• Trade in old gadgets and appliances for maximum exchange value

Flipkart invites customers from across India to experience the most comprehensive, accessible, and rewarding shopping event of the year. The GOAT Sale is not just a sale; it’s a commitment to India’s shoppers, sellers, and digital economy.

About the Flipkart Group
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip, and super.money.

Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in Indias digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkarts marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has created thousands of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI. These customer-centric innovations focus on enhancing digital payment offerings for all customers while making online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians.

For more information, please write to media@flipkart.com.

The Indian real estate market, notably the luxury segment, is undergoing a silent revolution, led by the millennial buyers. Termed as an “Aspirational Class,” millennials aged between 25 and 40 include young professionals, entrepreneurs, and growing nuclear families who place a high premium on location, connectivity, and lifestyle enhancements. According to a recent Magicbricks survey, these buyers, who typically have annual family incomes of more than Rs 1 crore, are enticed by luxury and price stability. With increasing financial awareness and a clear grasp of property as a vital wealth-building instrument, this class is altering the housing market based on its unique preferences for desired me time, aspirational living, enhanced privacy and investment goals.

Millennials reshape luxury housing with wellness zones, sky decks, and smart living features

For millennial homebuyers, preferences extend beyond four walls; they possess a strong inclination toward spacious layouts, wellness zones, lifestyle amenities, co-working pods, and tech-enabled security. From spa corners and reading lounges to sky decks and pet parks, these buyers are investing in experiences that offer both comfort and solitude.

Developers are viewing the market dynamics through the lens of the millennial mindset. They are uniting elegance and everyday utility, and curating projects where personal well-being takes centre stage. One of the notable developers in NCR is Prateek Group, which emerges as a beacon of this evolution, with its marquee projects across the Noida-Ghaziabad region. Its projects like Prateek Canary and Prateek Grand Begonia, located in Noida Sector 150 and Siddharth Vihar, Ghaziabad (NH-24), respectively, that are raising the benchmark. Both projects reflect the deeper understanding of millennial buyers who seek a sanctuary that nurtures their lifestyle, aspirations, and sense of balance.

Moreover, in NCR, the luxury home market has progressed beyond the realm of the wealthy. According to PropEquity, with a 66% growth in Gurugrams sales value alone, Delhi-NCR would overtake Hyderabad and Mumbai as the top-selling housing market in nine cities by 2024. With this, Delhi-NCR has already exceeded the sales value threshold of Rs 1 lakh crore. In 2024, sales in the top nine cities reached Rs 6.73 lakh crore, a 12% rise. Gurugram alone surpassed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark in 2024, while Delhi-NCR saw a 63% increase in sales value to Rs 1.53 lakh crore.

Dr. Gautam Kanodia, Founder, KREEVA and Kanodia Group, says, “Delhi-NCR has long emerged as an active player in the luxury housing growth, holding several factors against the backdrop. We have seen millennial buyers remaining at the forefront of this evolution, steering the market toward a more lifestyle-focused and future-ready direction. This demand is quite visible in micro-markets like Dwarka Expressway, SPR, and New Gurgaon. These areas feature the right blend of green cover, connectivity, and premium amenities, which strongly appeal to this buyer segment, and the constant surge in luxury housing proves this trend. Hence, as developers, we envision catering to these buyers, offering them spaces that are immersive, artistic, and aspirational.“

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder and Chairman, Landmark Group says, “There is a visible behavioral shift among the younger homebuyers; they are constantly valuing quality, design intent, and developer trust. In Gurugram, high-potential micro-markets like Dwarka Expressway define this shift, attracting a major chunk of millennials. Hence, we align our developments with this transformation, and look forward to strategically expanding our presence in the region.”

Besides, millennials who are wealthy and often part of dual-income households view property as both a lifestyle upgrade and a long-term asset. With flexible financing alternatives and a greater understanding of market dynamics, theyre willing to extend their budgets for homes that promise long-term value and a high quality of life.

Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group says, “Millennials are changing the definition of modern homeownership by opting to invest along thoroughfares like the Dwarka Expressway. Their emphasis has changed from traditional checklists to a more comprehensive approach that prioritises safety, sustainability, and lifestyle integration. They value control over how their home supports both productivity and peace. We believe this approach will continue making Dwarka Expressway a preferred destination not just for its infrastructure, but for its ability to host a more intentional, future-ready way of life.”

Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech says,”The rise of millennial homebuyers is reorienting how real estate is envisioned. Especially along SPR Road, we’ve witnessed an increasing appetite for premium addresses with high social capital. These buyers want a functional, aesthetic, and community-centric living space, and prefer intuitive design and smart features. As developers, we’re incorporating elements that make homes truly versatile.”

Thus, millennial consumers are spearheading this shift with conviction and clarity, transforming ambition into purchase with each choice based on lifestyle, identity, and long-term worth. By comprehending and adapting to this new way of thinking, developers are not only satisfying consumer demand but also influencing the future of urban living.

The much-anticipated 4th Ludhiana District Pickleball Championship is set to take place on July 12-13, 2025, bringing together top talent and emerging players in one of the fastest-growing sports in India. The matches on July 12 will be hosted at AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana, a township that has fast become a hub for community-driven sporting events. The opening ceremony for the championship will take place at 4pm on July 12 by the Guest of Honour- Ms Shweta Jindal, President, Ludhiana District Pickleball.

AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana

Organized by the Ludhiana Pickleball Association and affiliated with the Pickleball Association Punjab, the championship promises two days of dynamic play, community celebration, and growing recognition for the sport of pickleball.

As part of its broader commitment to wellness and lifestyle, AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana has introduced world-class pickleball courts within its township. In collaboration with VJJS Pickleball Hub, the courts are designed to international standards and support structured coaching programs, league matches, and open play for residents and enthusiasts of all skill levels.

“At AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana, we believe in nurturing active, vibrant communities. Our support for this district championship reflects our commitment to promote sports, fitness, and social engagement,” said Hemant Gupta, Executive Director, PZS, AIPL.

Key Highlights:
Event Dates: July 12-13, 2025
Organized by: Ludhiana Pickleball Association
Affiliated to: Pickleball Association Punjab

Age Categories
Under 8, 12, 14, 17, 19, Open, 35+, 45+, 55+, 65+, Open Doubles, Mix Doubles, U-14 Doubles, Under 19 Doubles 35+ Doubles, 45+ Doubles, 55+ Doubles, 65+ Doubles.

All events are for Male and Female both.

The growing popularity of pickleball among youth and adults alike is being actively supported by infrastructure and initiatives like those at AIPL DreamCity, making Ludhiana a rising destination for sporting excellence.