• Marks Group’s 137th Mahindra facility in India; a new touchpoint at Katraj apart from another at Saswad launched

• The 6,500 sq. ft. Katraj showroom strengthens PPS Motors’ presence to 8 Mahindra outlets in Pune

• PPS Motors plans to add 5 more facilities in the city to further enhance accessibility and customer experience

PPS Motors, a part of one of India’s largest automobile retail conglomerates, today announced the inauguration of two newest Mahindra dealerships in Pune, Maharashtra. The inauguration of the facility at Katraj, Ambegaon was attended by Mr. Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, and other senior officials from both the organizations. Apart from this, the company had also inaugurated another dealership at Saswad near Pune.

Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, senior officials from PPS Motors and Mahindra inaugurating PPS Mahindra Showroom at Katraj, Pune on Monday June 23, 2025

The latest facility, strategically located at Katraj, Ambegaon along the bustling NH-4 corridor, sits at the heart of one of Pune’s key automotive hubs. This 6,500 sq. ft. showroom can display 6 vehicles together and is designed to provide holistic customer experience – offering Mahindra’s full range of Passenger Vehicles (ICE & EV). With a modern colour palette, dramatic lighting, intuitive technology and a seamless interaction, every element of the space in the dealership showroom is crafted to evoke the sense of progressive design, intelligent innovation and refined elegance. The customers will step into an immersive environment complete with a showcase of Mahindra’s breakthrough technologies – from the INGLO Electric Origin architecture to MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world along with Hero features.

With this launch, PPS Motors further strengthens its extensive footprint in India as the group now operates 137 Mahindra touchpoints in six states – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In FY 2025 alone, the group sold over 37,000 Mahindra vehicles, underscoring its position as Mahindra’s largest sales and after-sales partner in India.

PPS Motors – Scaling Ambitions in Pune

The Katraj dealership marks PPS Motors’ 8th Mahindra touchpoint in Pune, comprising 7 showrooms and 1 workshop. Having entered the Pune market in July 2024, the group has already sold over 2,500 Mahindra vehicles in the city in under a year’s time. With a robust expansion plan in place, PPS Motors aims to add 3 more showrooms and 2 workshops, taking the total to 13 Mahindra touchpoints in Pune region. With this enhanced presence, the company is targeting to double its annual sales from Pune to 4,500 to 5,000 vehicles, with an estimated revenue of Rs.800 – 1,000 crore in the next one year.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, said, “We are excited to strengthen our longstanding partnership with Mahindra with the inauguration of our 137th Mahindra facility. Our journey with Mahindra spans nearly seven decades and is built on a foundation of shared values, trust, and customer-first thinking. With our deep understanding of evolving customer needs and Mahindra’s advanced, future-ready vehicles, we remain committed to delivering a truly best-in-class ownership experience.”

In 2024, as per industry reports, Maharashtra witnessed a 3.93 per cent increase with around 4,50,000 cars as compared to 4,33,000 cars in 2023. The state of Maharashtra was also the top buyer of electric cars and SUVs in the period between January to April 2025, data on Vahan portal revealed.

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the countrys largest spread automobile conglomerates – with rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touchpoints across 18 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. PPS Motors represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 18 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. The conglomerate stands as a formidable force representing 20 renowned brands and registered an annual group turnover of INR 18,800 crores in FY 2024.

• Marks Group’s 137th Mahindra facility in India; a new touchpoint at Katraj apart from another at Saswad launched

• The 6,500 sq. ft. Katraj showroom strengthens PPS Motors’ presence to 8 Mahindra outlets in Pune

• PPS Motors plans to add 5 more facilities in the city to further enhance accessibility and customer experience

PPS Motors, a part of one of India’s largest automobile retail conglomerates, today announced the inauguration of two newest Mahindra dealerships in Pune, Maharashtra. The inauguration of the facility at Katraj, Ambegaon was attended by Mr. Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, and other senior officials from both the organizations. Apart from this, the company had also inaugurated another dealership at Saswad near Pune.

Baneswar Banerjee, National Sales Head & VP, Mahindra, senior officials from PPS Motors and Mahindra inaugurating PPS Mahindra Showroom at Katraj, Pune on Monday June 23, 2025

The latest facility, strategically located at Katraj, Ambegaon along the bustling NH-4 corridor, sits at the heart of one of Pune’s key automotive hubs. This 6,500 sq. ft. showroom can display 6 vehicles together and is designed to provide holistic customer experience – offering Mahindra’s full range of Passenger Vehicles (ICE & EV). With a modern colour palette, dramatic lighting, intuitive technology and a seamless interaction, every element of the space in the dealership showroom is crafted to evoke the sense of progressive design, intelligent innovation and refined elegance. The customers will step into an immersive environment complete with a showcase of Mahindra’s breakthrough technologies – from the INGLO Electric Origin architecture to MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world along with Hero features.

With this launch, PPS Motors further strengthens its extensive footprint in India as the group now operates 137 Mahindra touchpoints in six states – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In FY 2025 alone, the group sold over 37,000 Mahindra vehicles, underscoring its position as Mahindra’s largest sales and after-sales partner in India.

PPS Motors – Scaling Ambitions in Pune

The Katraj dealership marks PPS Motors’ 8th Mahindra touchpoint in Pune, comprising 7 showrooms and 1 workshop. Having entered the Pune market in July 2024, the group has already sold over 2,500 Mahindra vehicles in the city in under a year’s time. With a robust expansion plan in place, PPS Motors aims to add 3 more showrooms and 2 workshops, taking the total to 13 Mahindra touchpoints in Pune region. With this enhanced presence, the company is targeting to double its annual sales from Pune to 4,500 to 5,000 vehicles, with an estimated revenue of Rs.800 – 1,000 crore in the next one year.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, said, “We are excited to strengthen our longstanding partnership with Mahindra with the inauguration of our 137th Mahindra facility. Our journey with Mahindra spans nearly seven decades and is built on a foundation of shared values, trust, and customer-first thinking. With our deep understanding of evolving customer needs and Mahindra’s advanced, future-ready vehicles, we remain committed to delivering a truly best-in-class ownership experience.”

In 2024, as per industry reports, Maharashtra witnessed a 3.93 per cent increase with around 4,50,000 cars as compared to 4,33,000 cars in 2023. The state of Maharashtra was also the top buyer of electric cars and SUVs in the period between January to April 2025, data on Vahan portal revealed.

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the countrys largest spread automobile conglomerates – with rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touchpoints across 18 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. PPS Motors represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 18 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. The conglomerate stands as a formidable force representing 20 renowned brands and registered an annual group turnover of INR 18,800 crores in FY 2024.

Timezone, the leading brand in family and social entertainment from Australia, opens its largest, most immersive and experience-driven flagship venue in India, at Inorbit Mall Malad. This milestone comes over two decades after the brand’s first Indian venue debuted at the same location. Spanning an impressive 24,626 sqft across levels 1 and 2, this new destination is set to become Mumbai’s ultimate hub for play, food, and unforgettable celebrations.

Timezone unveils its new avatar, with 100+ games

The flagship Timezone venue is designed to set a new benchmark in experiential entertainment. Guests of all ages will discover a vibrant, dynamic environment packed with features crafted for fun and togetherness:

• 6-Lane Social Bowling: Perfect for relaxed hangouts and friendly matches, no bowling shoes required!

• Bumper Cars: Timeless excitement in a vibrant, safe arena for everyone to enjoy.

• Laser Tag Arena: Fully immersive, interactive, and perfect for those seeking competitive thrills.

• 100+ Exciting Games: Including fan favourites like Zap Cricket and VR Warship, alongside the latest releases.

• India’s First Timezone Caf: A full-fledged, 60-seater caf serving scrumptious food, fun beverages, and premium treats.

• 3 Party Rooms: Dedicated spaces suitable for celebrations of all kinds-birthdays, college reunions, corporate events, and private get-togethers. Each party is made hassle-free with dedicated hosts taking care of every detail, so guests can simply relax and enjoy the fun.

Where Fun, Food, and Connection Come Together

The Timezone Caf marks its debut as India’s first in-venue concept, offering a delectable menu designed for sharing and indulgence. With 26 fusion-inspired food items crafted to delight all age groups, the caf’s contemporary plating style encourages sharing with family and friends. Beverages range from handcrafted mocktails like the Japanese Mojito Magic and Kashmiri Rose Pulpy Lychee Cooler, to thick shakes, kid-friendly Crispy Caramel, and locally inspired Shikanji. Coffee lovers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee with a twist-Turkish Coffee and Black Forest options.

Food highlights include Green Harvest Pizza (light thin crust), Smoked BBQ Delight, Bombay Kheema Pav, Smoked Pulled Chicken Burger, Watermelon Feta Salad, and Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake. Every dish is made with premium, five-star grade imported ingredients, with no artificial colours or MSG.

Unforgettable Celebrations Made Simple

At Timezone Inorbit Mall Malad, every celebration is transformed into a special occasion. Whether it’s a child’s birthday, a college reunion, a corporate event, or a casual get-together, guests can expect a seamless, memorable experience. Timezone’s dedicated party hosts are on hand to coordinate everything from setup and catering to entertainment, ensuring that both organizers and guests can focus on enjoying the festivities. Each of the three party rooms is designed for comfort and fun, providing the perfect backdrop for photos, laughter, and shared moments. With customizable packages that fit any group size or theme, Timezone Inorbit Mall Malad delivers celebrations without any of the usual stress.

A Milestone for Mumbai and Timezone

Reflecting on this achievement, Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO of Timezone India, shares, “It is serendipitous that our new flagship venue is located where the first Timezone in India was launched in 2004. This new venue, is a celebration of Timezone’s commitment to innovation and creating unforgettable experiences. With the largest, most immersive play environment in India, the debut of our first Timezone Caf, and three dedicated party rooms, we are redefining social entertainment for families, friends, and groups. Every element is designed to connect people, spark joy, and make every visit memorable, setting a new standard for entertainment in the country.”

Rajneesh Mahajan, CEO at Inorbit Malls India, adds: “This moment celebrates the strong partnership between Inorbit and Timezone spanning over two decades. From their first venue at our mall to today’s launch of their flagship venue, we’ve come full circle. It shows our commitment to growing together and always bringing fresh experiences to our customers.”

Plan Your Visit

Timezone Inorbit Mall Malad is now open to the public, welcoming guests from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. Located on levels 1 & 2, Inorbit Mall Malad, Mumbai, the venue invites Mumbaikars to experience a new era of social entertainment.

PETRONAS Lubricants (India) Pvt. Ltd. (PLIPL), a subsidiary of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), has been awarded the Aftermarket Service Fill contract by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (Mahindra), Indias leading SUV manufacturer, strengthening its footprint in the countrys automotive lubricant segment.

From L-R: R. Veeraghavan, Senior Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; and Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd at the signing ceremony

PLIPL will be the sole distributor of vehicle fluids to Mahindras authorised dealers, workshops and stockists under the Maximile brand within Mahindras South Zone Distribution network in India. This includes engine oils, transmission oils, axle oils and steering fluids, spanning 50 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), catering to a wide range of passenger cars and SUVs across the region.

This collaboration marks a strategic step for PLIPL, reinforcing its commitment to deliver high performance, OEM-aligned solutions to Indias rapidly growing automotive market. Through decades of engineering expertise, PLIPLs innovative products will now be accessible to a broader market, enabling more customers to experience its award-winning Fluid Technology Solutions™ while supporting the future of mobility in India with Mahindra as a trusted partner.

Binu Chandy, CEO of PLI India [7th from Left] and R. Veeraghavan, SVP Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., [6th from Left] with accompanying representatives at the signing ceremony

It reflects a shared vision between Mahindra and PETRONAS Lubricants International for delivering superior quality and performance in the automotive sector. With proven capabilities in R&D, manufacturing, and global distribution, PETRONAS Lubricants International is ideally positioned to support Mahindras expansive service network and evolving customer expectations.

The agreement was signed by Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd. and R. Veeraraghavan, Senior Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., at the signing ceremony held in Mumbai on 19 June 2025.

About PETRONAS Lubricants International

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’ partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.

PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need.

For more information, please visit www.pli-petronas.com.

Butterfly, one of India’s most trusted kitchen appliance brands, is turning a new page. With a refreshed brand identity, a renewed purpose, and a sharper understanding of today’s ever-evolving consumer.

Butterfly New Logo

At the heart of this refresh is a symbol as timeless as it is transformative-the fingerprint. Merging beautifully into the wings of a butterfly, the evolved icon reflects the brand’s core belief: that while life changes, one’s essence remains. It is this personal imprint-one’s way of thinking, cooking, creating, and living-that Butterfly now celebrates.

This new era of Butterfly speaks directly to consumers with a ‘zillenial‘ attitude to life-self-aware individuals who embrace transformation while staying rooted in who they are. For them, change is constant-but authenticity is non-negotiable. The brand aims to focus not on age, but on attitude by moving beyond demographics to psychographics-because a zillenial mindset isn’t defined by numbers, borders or genders but by how one embraces change.

Butterfly’s refreshed positioning, ‘Celebrating Change’, reflects a deep understanding of modern Indian homes, where shifting roles, hybrid lifestyles, and tech-integrated living are the norm. As a subsidiary of Crompton, one of India’s leading names in home solutions, Butterfly is now equipped to bring intuitive and purposeful innovations that transform everyday experiences in the kitchen and beyond.

“For over 40 years, Butterfly has been a part of millions of kitchens across India. Today, as homes become more fluid and identities more self-defined, our new identity reflects not just who we are-but who we’re here for,” said Swetha Sagar, Chief Business Officer, Butterfly.

The new Butterfly logo is more than just a symbol-it’s the mark of millions of consumers, retailers, dealers, employees and designers who are making the Butterfly products. Crafted from the distinct swirls of a fingerprint, the wings of the butterfly now carry the story of every individual it touches. It’s a tribute to the idea that no matter how much life shifts, one’s identity leaves a mark-on choices, kitchen and the everyday rhythm.

“This is more than a rebrand. It’s a reimagining of what it means to belong in a modern Indian kitchen. Butterfly is for the originals. The ones who grow, shift, and adapt, but never lose the essence of who they are.” she said.

From mixer grinders to cooktops, Butterfly’s product range is undergoing a transformation across categories-designed to be more intuitive, durable, and design-forward, catering to the changing rhythms of contemporary households. The brand’s commitment remains the same: to improve everyday life by providing intelligent solutions that understand and evolve with the consumers.

About Butterfly Gandhimathi Appliances Ltd.

‘Butterfly’ is amongst the Top 3 Brands in India in kitchen and small domestic appliances. It is a reputed brand with high consumer recall in South, known for Aesthetics and Product Quality. It has diverse product portfolio, with variants adapted to meeting consumer needs. It has 4 core products – Mixer Grinders, Pressure Cookers, Gas Stove, Wet Grinders and backed by a full suite of small domestic appliances. It has state of art in-house manufacturing setup with strong backward integration.

Timezone, the leading brand in family and social entertainment from Australia, opens its largest, most immersive and experience-driven flagship venue in India, at Inorbit Mall Malad. This milestone comes over two decades after the brand’s first Indian venue debuted at the same location. Spanning an impressive 24,626 sqft across levels 1 and 2, this new destination is set to become Mumbai’s ultimate hub for play, food, and unforgettable celebrations.

Timezone unveils its new avatar, with 100+ games

The flagship Timezone venue is designed to set a new benchmark in experiential entertainment. Guests of all ages will discover a vibrant, dynamic environment packed with features crafted for fun and togetherness:

• 6-Lane Social Bowling: Perfect for relaxed hangouts and friendly matches, no bowling shoes required!

• Bumper Cars: Timeless excitement in a vibrant, safe arena for everyone to enjoy.

• Laser Tag Arena: Fully immersive, interactive, and perfect for those seeking competitive thrills.

• 100+ Exciting Games: Including fan favourites like Zap Cricket and VR Warship, alongside the latest releases.

• India’s First Timezone Caf: A full-fledged, 60-seater caf serving scrumptious food, fun beverages, and premium treats.

• 3 Party Rooms: Dedicated spaces suitable for celebrations of all kinds-birthdays, college reunions, corporate events, and private get-togethers. Each party is made hassle-free with dedicated hosts taking care of every detail, so guests can simply relax and enjoy the fun.

Where Fun, Food, and Connection Come Together

The Timezone Caf marks its debut as India’s first in-venue concept, offering a delectable menu designed for sharing and indulgence. With 26 fusion-inspired food items crafted to delight all age groups, the caf’s contemporary plating style encourages sharing with family and friends. Beverages range from handcrafted mocktails like the Japanese Mojito Magic and Kashmiri Rose Pulpy Lychee Cooler, to thick shakes, kid-friendly Crispy Caramel, and locally inspired Shikanji. Coffee lovers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee with a twist-Turkish Coffee and Black Forest options.

Food highlights include Green Harvest Pizza (light thin crust), Smoked BBQ Delight, Bombay Kheema Pav, Smoked Pulled Chicken Burger, Watermelon Feta Salad, and Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake. Every dish is made with premium, five-star grade imported ingredients, with no artificial colours or MSG.

Unforgettable Celebrations Made Simple

At Timezone Inorbit Mall Malad, every celebration is transformed into a special occasion. Whether it’s a child’s birthday, a college reunion, a corporate event, or a casual get-together, guests can expect a seamless, memorable experience. Timezone’s dedicated party hosts are on hand to coordinate everything from setup and catering to entertainment, ensuring that both organizers and guests can focus on enjoying the festivities. Each of the three party rooms is designed for comfort and fun, providing the perfect backdrop for photos, laughter, and shared moments. With customizable packages that fit any group size or theme, Timezone Inorbit Mall Malad delivers celebrations without any of the usual stress.

A Milestone for Mumbai and Timezone

Reflecting on this achievement, Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO of Timezone India, shares, “It is serendipitous that our new flagship venue is located where the first Timezone in India was launched in 2004. This new venue, is a celebration of Timezone’s commitment to innovation and creating unforgettable experiences. With the largest, most immersive play environment in India, the debut of our first Timezone Caf, and three dedicated party rooms, we are redefining social entertainment for families, friends, and groups. Every element is designed to connect people, spark joy, and make every visit memorable, setting a new standard for entertainment in the country.”

Rajneesh Mahajan, CEO at Inorbit Malls India, adds: “This moment celebrates the strong partnership between Inorbit and Timezone spanning over two decades. From their first venue at our mall to today’s launch of their flagship venue, we’ve come full circle. It shows our commitment to growing together and always bringing fresh experiences to our customers.”

Plan Your Visit

Timezone Inorbit Mall Malad is now open to the public, welcoming guests from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. Located on levels 1 & 2, Inorbit Mall Malad, Mumbai, the venue invites Mumbaikars to experience a new era of social entertainment.

HT Labs, the digital innovation hub under the HT group, has made a resounding impact at the WAN-IFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards 2025. Its flagship platforms-OTTplay and Slurrp.com -took home five prestigious honors across key categories, celebrating excellence in digital journalism, innovation, and audience engagement.

HT Labs wins 5 awards at WAN IFRA

The WAN-IFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards, one of the most esteemed recognitions in the region, celebrate the best in digital innovation across news publishing. The awards are judged by a panel of distinguished international industry experts, recognizing organizations that push the boundaries of digital media through groundbreaking strategies, technology, and content delivery.

Award Wins:

• Best News Website (Silver) – Slurrp

• Best Use of AI in Revenue Strategy (Bronze) – OTTplay Premium

• Best Newsletter (Gold) – Slurrp

• Best Newsletter (Silver) – OTTplay

• Best Native Advertising Campaign (Bronze) – Slurrp

These wins underscore the HT Labs team’s focus on creating intelligent, user-first content experiences through innovation, AI integration, and strong editorial vision.

Mr. Avinash Mudaliar, CEO & Co-Founder of HT Labs, expressed his gratitude, “We are deeply honored to be acknowledged by WAN-IFRA in multiple categories this year. These awards are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and innovation that our teams bring to the table each day. At HT Labs, we are always striving to push boundaries and deliver personalized, tech-driven experiences that resonate with users across categories-from entertainment to food and finance. This recognition reinforces our commitment to leading the digital content space with intelligence and impact.”

OTTplay
OTTplay is India’s pioneering OTT aggregator that uses AI-based recommendations to revolutionize content discovery and consumption. With the introduction of OTTplay Premium, the platform now offers a curated selection of content from 30+ premier OTT platforms which are personalized based on each user’s unique preferences.

Slurrp
Slurrp is an all-in-one recipe aggregator designed to make cooking and meal planning easier for everyone. With a nationwide community of 7+ lakh home chefs and foodies, it helps you discover calorie-counted recipes that match their diet choices, and taste preferences, catering to all cooking skill levels-from beginners to experts. Offering a wide range of recipes across cuisines and meal types, Slurrp ensures variety and flexibility in meal preparation. Further, the site also offers a variety of food industry insights, including trends, special features and more.

In the golden hues of early morning, Walkway 108 turned into a sanctuary of mindfulness and movement as Group 108 hosted WALKWAY WELLNESS on June 21, 2025, to mark International Yoga Day. The event, held between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM, drew an overwhelming response from fitness enthusiasts, residents, and yoga practitioners across Greater Noida West, all gathering with a common purpose-to breathe, stretch, and celebrate wellness.

Walkway Wellness by Group 108: Where Community, Calm, and Conscious Living Converged on International Yoga Day

With over 250+ participants, the open-air session was led by a Ministry of Ayush-certified yoga instructor, who guided the crowd through a sequence of traditional asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation practices. The theme “Let Energy Lift You. Let Calmness Ground You” resonated through every movement as participants found a quiet balance amidst the collective energy.

The event was not just a session-it was a wellness experience. From fitness challenges to a spirited Yoga Quiz, the morning buzzed with activities that were both fun and enriching. Participants also enjoyed engaging Q&A sessions, where queries around yoga, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyle choices were addressed with clarity and warmth.

Each attendee received a wellness kit that included a premium dry-fit T-shirt, healthy refreshments, hydration support, and a certificate of participation-a token of appreciation for being part of this conscious community initiative. A dedicated selfie booth and professional photography ensured memories of the day were captured with joy.

The coordinated turnout from various walks of life gave the gathering a truly inclusive and community-focused spirit. Walkway 108 echoed with conversations about holistic health, preventive care, and simple yet effective ways to bring yoga into daily routines.

Speaking on the success of the event, Dr. Amish Bhutani, MD, Group 108 – shared, “WALKWAY WELLNESS was created with the vision to foster unity through wellness. It was inspiring to see people of all ages come together-not just to perform yoga but to experience the spirit of International Yoga Day in its truest form. At Group 108, we believe that well-being is the foundation of every thriving community, and this event was a step in that direction.”

As the morning wrapped up under a rising summer sun, Walkway 108 stood as a glowing example of how urban spaces can become catalysts of calm, energy, and well-being when powered by intent.

WALKWAY WELLNESS reaffirmed Group 108’s ongoing commitment to crafting not only spaces, but experiences that enrich life and elevate everyday living.

• First of its kind program catalyzes a global movement of pet-friendly and climate-resilient cities fit for future generations

• A new partnership with C40 Cities empowers mayors to increase access to pet-friendly and climate-resilient green spaces with an initial focus on Bengaluru, London, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and Bangkok

Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, is expanding its BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program in India -helping more cities become pet-friendly and making it easier for people to enjoy life with their pets.

Better Cities for Pets is expanding to India; Launched Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets, and the Planet featuring Bengaluru’s iconic Cubbon Park

The expanded program invests more than $1 million globally focused on increasing access to more green spaces and pet-friendly places, aiming to benefit 10 million people and pets around the world by 2030. This global initiative is powered by a strategic partnership with C40 Cities, one of the world’s largest networks of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive.

Since 2017, BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ has supported cities, focusing on key features pet parents need and want in their community. Through its expanded global focus, Mars is putting pet parents at the heart of urban life, fostering vibrant, pet-friendly cities that are not only kinder to the planet but also uplift thriving pet-friendly businesses in communities around the world including India.

The benefits of owning a pet are undeniable. In India 79% of pet parents say their pet has had a positive impact on their mental well-being and more than half 69% in India say their pet has improved their social life-sparking conversations, connections, and even new friendships. Pets play a powerful role in strengthening community bonds and enhancing city life.

Ikdeep Singh, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition, comments, “With the urban pet population set to rise by almost 10% by 2030, Mars is more committed than ever to improving city living for millions of pets and pet parents around the world. Giving pet parents a voice in how our cities are designed for the future won’t just benefit our pets – it will contribute to healthier communities and a better planet for all. Because a better city for pets is a better city for all.”

In India, the Better Cities for Pets™ program is being piloted in Bengaluru, a city known for its growing urban pet population and vibrant community of pet lovers. With support from Mars India, this initiative is bringing together city planners, citizen groups, and local NGOs to co-create greener, safer, and more inclusive spaces for pets and their families. The program is inviting public-private partnerships to collaboratively shape a blueprint for a more pet-friendly Bengaluru, developed in partnership with C40 Cities. This city-specific roadmap will serve as a model for how Indian metros can integrate pet-friendly and climate-resilient solutions into urban planning.

More pet-friendly, resilient green spaces
Together with C40 Cities, the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program has the ambition to drive a global movement toward pet-friendly, climate-resilient cities designed for future generations.

“At Mars, we believe pets make life better-and that belief is shaping how we think about the future of our cities, our emotional wellbeing, and the spaces we share,” said Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India. “As Indian cities grow denser, pets are becoming vital anchors of emotional resilience and urban living. The Better Cities for Pets program brings this to life, starting in Bengaluru, known for its pet-friendly parks and civic engagement. Were proud to launch India’s first pet-inclusive urban initiative here, with plans to expand nationwide.”

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, comments, “Green space in cities is vital to ensuring peoples well-being. Places to walk, relax in and enjoy are critical. Theyre also vitally important in the face of increasing climate disasters like flooding. This partnership with Mars will accelerate support to cities to build resilience and improve access to green space for people and their pets. Our Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet provides tangible actions for cities to design people and pet-friendly urban environments.”

At the heart of this partnership is the launch of a first-of-its-kind Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet where Cubbon Park has been featured. Designed to inspire and equip city leaders, the playbook offers practical guidance for greener urban spaces-from tree-lined sidewalks to parks and public squares-that support biodiversity, improve mental and physical health, and strengthen climate resilience. Mars and C40 Cities will work hand-in-hand with cities, starting in Bengaluru, London, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and Bangkok, to bring the playbook to life through local initiatives that enhance green spaces for pets, people, and the planet.

More pet-friendly places

11% of global urban pet parents feel owning a dog limits where they can go, highlighting the need for more pet-friendly places in cities. In India, 56% of pet parents view their neighborhoods as pet-friendly well above the global average as per the recent Mars Global Pet Parent Survey.