OUTLET MALL OF INDIA’ SET TO REDEFINE DISCOUNT SHOPPING IN MAHARASHTRA WITH 150+ GLOBAL BRANDS

Mumbai, 31March 2026: Bhumi World is set to unveil the state’s first dedicated outlet-mall, called Outlet Mall of India, marking a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s retail evolution. The development signals Bhiwandi’s transition from an industrial hub to a fast-emerging retail, leisure and lifestyle destination within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Designed as a next-generation ‘retailtainment hub’, the mall will bring together 150 national and international brands under a year-round discount format, ‘Always On Discount’ offering premium fashion and lifestyle products at compelling value. The retail mix includes marquee labels such as Armani Exchange, Superdry, Lacoste, Levi’s, ASICS, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, and more spanning apparel, footwear, accessories and lifestyle categories.

Beyond shopping, Outlet Mall of India has been conceptualised as an experience-first destination, with entertainment playing a central role in driving footfall and engagement. At its core is a 2,500 seater open-air amphitheatre, designed to host live concerts, stand-up comedy, brand launches, and cultural events throughout the year. Complementing this is a 1-acre curated flea market, offering pop-ups, indie brands and rotating experiences that create a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere and encourage repeat visits.

Speaking on the launch, Prakash Patel, Managing Director, Bhumi World, said: “Outlet Mall of India represents the evolution of Bhiwandi into a vibrant retail and leisure destination especially for the younger generations by providing access to international products. Our vision is to create a premium, organised outlet platform where consumers experience leading brands, immersive spaces, and unmatched value all year round.”

The project also introduces one of the region’s most ambitious food and beverage ecosystems, addressing a significant gap in organised dining in Bhiwandi. A dedicated ‘Food Avenue’ features a curated mix of QSRs, fine dining and six rooftop restaurants, designed to operate as a standalone destination 

beyond retail hours. A key highlight is a 25,000 sq. ft. flagship brewery, among the largest in Maharashtra, alongside a dynamic cluster of over twenty food trucks creating a high-energy, festival-like dining environment that complements the mall’s entertainment offering. In addition, it also features state-of-the-art golfing and go-karting facilities, enabling a comprehensive entertainment experience to customers.

Strategically located within the larger Bhumi World ecosystem, the development benefits from strong connectivity to key infrastructure corridors including the Samruddhi Mahamarg and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, with a catchment spanning Bhiwandi, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai. Located in the Pune-Nashik highway, it also ensures strong connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Together We Easter, with Theobroma

National, 31st March 2026: Easter arrives with a sense of quiet joy. It is a season of soft mornings, sunlit tables, and small, meaningful indulgences shared with those who matter. Rooted in tradition yet shaped by modern celebrations, Easter today is about coming together in ways that feel personal, effortless, and full of warmth.

Embracing this spirit, Theobroma, India’s much-loved patisserie and chocolate brand, presents its Easter collection built around the idea of “Together We Easter” a celebration of shared moments, playful indulgence, and thoughtful gifting. Designed for everything from intimate gatherings to easy, everyday celebrations, the limited-edition menu brings together comforting classics, handcrafted treats, and curated hampers, making it easier to celebrate the season, together.

At the heart of the collection is a sense of discovery and delight, where nostalgic Easter elements meet Theobroma’s signature craftsmanship. The complete range is detailed below.

Easter Surprise Choco Egg [1 Piece / Set of 2]

Handcrafted white and milk choco eggs that crack open to reveal a colorful surprise of fruity jujubes. Available as a single indulgence or a set of two for sharing, each egg is topped with a delicate white choco flower and choco drizzle, making it a playful centerpiece for Easter celebrations.

Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Soy, Tree Nuts.

Carrot Cream Cupcake [1 Piece]

A moist, warmly spiced cupcake made with freshly grated carrots, complemented by hints of hazelnut and pineapple. Finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting and Easter décor, it brings comfort in every bite.

Allergens: Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Tree Nuts.

Carrot Cream Cake [315g]

A dense, moist carrot cake made with freshly grated carrots, delicately flavored with cinnamon and hints of hazelnut and pineapple. Finished with a layer of cream cheese frosting and festive Easter detailing, it is crafted for shared indulgence.

Allergens: Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Soy, Tree Nuts.

Classic Hot Cross Bun [1 Piece]

Soft, buttery buns spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, with soaked blackcurrants for bursts of sweetness. Finished with the signature cross and a light glaze, this is a timeless Easter favorite.

Allergens: Gluten, Milk.

Easter Mini Choco Eggs Box [21 Pieces]

An indulgent assortment of mini choco eggs filled with Biscoff spread, Nutella, and dark chocolate ganache. Bite sized and playful, they are perfect for sharing and gifting.

Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Soy, Tree Nuts.

Easter Special Babka [280g]

A sweet, buttery braided bread layered with chocolate truffle and baked before being filled with chocolate ganache. Finished with royal icing and roasted hazelnuts, it brings an artisanal touch to the festive spread.

Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Nuts, Eggs, Soy.

Easter Gift Hamper Bags

A thoughtfully curated range featuring Easter specials and Theobroma’s signature favorites, including choco eggs, mini choco eggs, cookies, brownies, and dark chocolate. Designed for effortless gifting and intimate celebrations. 

Easter Gift Hamper Baskets

An indulgent assortment of festive specials and signature bakes, including choco eggs, mini choco eggs, cookies, crackers, brownies, and dark chocolate, ideal for larger gatherings and generous gifting. 

Available for a limited time across Theobroma stores pan India, the Easter Specials invite everyone to celebrate the season with warmth, indulgence, and togetherness. Whether you are hosting, gifting, or simply taking a moment to pause, Easter is about sharing more, celebrating more, and making every moment feel a little more special, because together, we Easter.

About Theobroma: Theobroma, meaning “Food of the Gods” in Greek, is a pan India chain of patisseries known for its indulgent range of brownies, cakes, desserts, chocolates, breads, and savories. Founded in 2004 with its first store at Cusrow Baug, Colaba Causeway in Mumbai, Theobroma today has a presence across 41 cities. Guided by its mission to spread happiness by serving smiles on a plate, the brand continues to expand its footprint across the country.

'फ्युएल' (FUEL) शिक्षण संस्था एनएसई वर सूचीबद्धकौशल्य विकासाचे नवीन युग: मंत्री चंद्रकांतदादा पाटीलफ्युएल-एनएसई बेल रिंगिंग सोहळ्यात 'कमवा आणि शिका' मुलींसाठी विद्यावेतन जाहीर करण्याचा विचार

मुंबई, ३० मार्च: नॅशनल स्टॉक एक्स्चेंज (NSE) मध्ये फ्युएल' (Friends Union for Energising Lives) संस्थेचा सोशल स्टॉक एक्स्चेंज (SSE) प्लॅटफॉर्मवरील सूचीकरणाचा (Listing) 'बेल रिंगिंग' सोहळा महाराष्ट्राचे उच्च व तंत्रशिक्षण मंत्री चंद्रकांतदादा पाटील व कौशल्य विकास मंत्री मंगलप्रभात लोंढा यांच्या प्रमुख उपस्थितीत पार पडला.

या प्रसंगी राज्याचे कौशल्य विकास मंत्री मंगल प्रभात लोढा, एनएसईचे एमडी आणि सीईओ आशिष कुमार चौहान, फ्युएलचे संस्थापक अध्यक्ष डॉ. केतन देशपांडे आणि कॅपजेमिनीचे अनुराग प्रताप उपस्थित होते.

या वेळी उच्च व तंत्र शिक्षणमंत्री चंद्रकांत पाटील यांनी

 ४० मुलींसाठी फ्यूल च्या 'कमवा आणि शिका' या क्रांतिकारी उपक्रमाची घोषणा केली. याअंतर्गत येत्या शैक्षणिक वर्षापासून शासनातर्फे महाराष्टातील विद्यार्थिनींना दरमहा २,००० रुपये विद्यावेतन दिले जाणार आहे. राज्य सरकार, एनएसई आणि फ्युएल यांच्यातील ही भागीदारी महाराष्ट्रातील गरजू मुलींसाठी मोफत शिक्षणाची दारे उघडेल, असा विश्वास त्यांनी व्यक्त केला.

राज्य मंत्री चंद्रकांत पाटील म्हणाले, विद्यार्थ्यांना स्पष्ट दिशा मिळाल्यावर ते स्वतःचा आणि समाजाचा विकास करण्यासाठी आवश्यक कौशल्ये आत्मसात करतात. आम्ही कौशल्य आणि शिक्षण कार्यक्रमांच्या माध्यमातून महाराष्ट्रातील महिलांचे जीवन अधिक समृद्ध करण्यासाठी कटिबद्ध आहोत. भविष्यात फ्यूल स्किल टेक यूनिवर्सिटीच्या सहाय्याने हजारो कोशल्याने परिपूर्ण विद्यार्थी तयार होतील.

कौशल्य विकास मंत्री मंगल प्रभात लोढा यांनी फ्युएलचे कौतुक करताना सांगितले की कौशल्य विकास आणि शिक्षण क्षेत्रातील भविष्यातील मार्गदर्शक म्हणून फ्युएल स्किल्स टेक यूनिवर्सिटी नावारूपाला येईल. यंदाच्या शैक्षणिक वर्षापासून फ्यूल आता स्किल टेक यूनिवर्सिटी म्हणून सुरू होईल. आजच्या एनएसई लिस्टिंगमुळे मुलीच्या शैक्षणिक विकासासाठी आवश्यक असणाऱ्या सर्व सुविधा उपलब्ध होतील.

आशिष कुमार चौहान यांनी सांगितले की, फ्युएलने एसएसई प्लॅटफॉर्मद्वारे सुमारे ९९ लाख रुपये यशस्वीरित्या उभे केले आहेत. सामाजिक गुंतवणुकीच्या लोकशाहीकरणावर भर देताना त्यांनी नमूद केले की, या निधीपैकी ३७% वाटा किरकोळ देणगीदारांचा (Retail Donors) आहे. एनएसई प्लॅटफॉर्म आता देशातील ९९.८५% पिन कोडपर्यंत पोहोचला असून सामान्य नागरिकांनाही सामाजिक बदलात सहभागी होण्याची संधी मिळत आहे.

फ्युएलचे संस्थापक अध्यक्ष डॉ. केतन देशपांडे यांनी २० वर्षांपूर्वी सुरू झालेल्या फ्युएलच्या प्रवासापासून ते आता स्किल टेक युनिव्हर्सिटी होण्यापर्यंतच्या वाटचालीचा आढावा घेतला. त्यांनी शिक्षण आणि रोजगार यातील दरी कमी करण्यासाठी सेंजेटटा आणि Global Capability Centers (GCC) सोबत नवीन धोरणात्मक भागीदारी जाहीर केली. भविष्यात शंभर कोटी चा इशू आणणार आहे. सामाजिक बांधिलकी जपण्यासाठी आणि मुलीच्या शिक्षणासाठी खर्च करण्याचे ध्येय आहे.

मानसी सोनटक्के यांनी सूत्रसंचालन केले.

Araiya by Aza Ushers in a New Era of Conscious Luxury with Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery

30 March 2026, Mumbai: Araiya by Aza, a next-generation fine jewellery brand is redefining the contours of modern luxury with its ethically crafted lab-grown diamond jewellery. Positioned at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence, Araiya by Aza is rapidly emerging as a high-growth, culturally relevant, and investor-ready business with an Annual Run Rate (ARR) of INR 10 crore in its first year.

Founded by Devangi Nishar Parekh, Araiya by Aza is a deeply personal and visionary brand inspired by her daughter Araiya, shaped by a desire to create something pure, meaningful, and enduring. Rooted in contemporary design and impeccable craftsmanship, Araiya by Aza introduces a new era where fine jewellery is not only exquisite and versatile, but also conscious. Each piece is created to be lived in—worn every day, not just stored away in a locker.

Speaking about the brand, Devangi Nishar Parekh, Managing Director of Aza Fashions and Founder of Araiya by Aza said, “Araiya by Aza was born from a desire to create jewellery that reflects the values of today’s consumer—conscious, versatile, and deeply personal. With the highest quality of lab-grown diamonds, we offer uncompromised brilliance while embracing transparency, sustainability, and wearability. Araiya by Aza is not just about adornment; it’s about empowering individuals to actually live in their jewellery every day, with meaning and intention.”

Since its inception, Araiya by Aza has demonstrated strong early momentum, with 12 shop-in-shops launched and an additional standalone location secured within its first year. The brand is present across India’s most prestigious luxury retail destinations, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, solidifying its presence within high-visibility, affluent retail corridors.

A New Paradigm of Fine Jewellery

With the guiding philosophy of “Modern Luxury, Timeless Brilliance,” Araiya by Aza represents a shift in how luxury is perceived and experienced. Built on cutting-edge lab-grown diamond technology, the brand combines exceptional craftsmanship with ethical sourcing, ensuring brilliance without compromise. Every piece is designed to celebrate individuality, seamlessly transitioning from everyday elegance to statement occasion wear.

Backed by Aza’s two-decade legacy in luxury retail, Araiya by Aza brings deep expertise in curation, design, and customer experience. With IGI-certified diamonds, BIS-hallmarked gold, and a lifetime exchange and buyback guarantee, the brand is anchored in trust, transparency, and enduring value.

Araiya by Aza’s mission is to democratise fine jewellery through ethical innovation, making high-quality, exquisitely crafted lab-grown diamond jewellery more accessible to the modern consumer. Its vision is to build a globally admired brand that seamlessly blends luxury, sustainability, scale, and cultural relevance.

Signature Collections

Araiya by Aza presents a curated portfolio of collections that reflect its design philosophy of modern elegance, emotional resonance, and effortless versatility. From romantic silhouettes and sculptural forms to contemporary expressions of light and movement, each collection is crafted to complement the many facets of today’s wearer.

Whether rooted in symbolism, inspired by nature, or designed for everyday ease, the collections come together to create a cohesive language of refined luxury, where each piece feels personal, wearable, and timeless.

The brand also offers a dedicated line of finely crafted Italian gold pieces, known for their exceptional finish and contemporary appeal. Expanding its accessibility, Araiya by Aza has recently introduced a 9KT hallmarked collection, designed as lightweight, everyday essentials. These quick, versatile picks have quickly become favourites for daily wear, reflecting the brand’s commitment to making conscious luxury both wearable and inclusive.

Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

At the heart of Araiya by Aza lies a commitment to excellence. Each piece is handcrafted by master artisans, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation. The brand also offers bespoke jewellery services, enabling customers to create personalised designs that reflect their individuality.

Araiya by Aza diamonds is known for their exceptional clarity and luminosity, falling within the coveted Type II and Type IIa categories, which represent the highest standards of purity. With IGI certification and a transparent sourcing process, the brand ensures complete trust and credibility.

Sustainability at the Core

Araiya by Aza stands as a pioneer of conscious luxury. Its lab-grown diamonds are 100% conflict-free and significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional mining. The brand upholds ethical practices across its supply chain, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible production.

The Future of Fine Jewellery

Araiya by Aza is more than a jewellery brand—it is a movement towards redefining luxury for the modern world. With a powerful blend of innovation, ethical craftsmanship, and design-led storytelling, the brand is poised to set new benchmarks in the global fine jewellery landscape.

As it continues to scale across markets and deepen its cultural relevance, Araiya by Aza remains committed to its core promise: delivering jewellery that is as responsible as it is radiant.

Maharashtra Poised to Emerge as a Global Hub for Integrated Healthcare and Recovery said CM Devendra Fadnavis at PULSE 2026 in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 27, 2026: Highlighting the state’s long-term vision for healthcare, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that Maharashtra holds immense potential to become a global destination for integrated healthcare and recovery. As the state progresses towards its 2047 vision, healthcare is being positioned not only as a social responsibility but also as a key driver of innovation, investment, and economic growth. Platforms like PULSE 2026 are expected to play a pivotal role in this journey by fostering centres of excellence, strengthening clinical research, encouraging collaboration between industry and academia, and attracting global partnerships.

Chief Minister Mr Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra was speaking after inauguration of PULSE 2026, India’s leading Healthcare and Medical Education Summit today in Mumbai.

Emphasized the state’s vision to build an inclusive, technology-driven, and future-ready healthcare ecosystem, while highlighting Maharashtra’s proactive approach, he outlined key reforms focused on accessibility, quality, and innovation. ‘’Today, we are not just inaugurating a conclave, but setting the direction for how healthcare in Maharashtra will evolve over the next decade," said Mr. Fadnavis at this two-day summit which brings together policymakers, healthcare leaders, academicians, and industry experts from India and across the world.

Mr. Fadnavis further added that their government objective is clear, to ensure that every citizen has access to affordable and quality healthcare within a 5 to 8 kilometre radius of their home. "Maharashtra will not wait for the future of healthcare; we will build it, together, through innovation, partnerships, and decisive action," informed Mr Fadnavis

The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s focus on strengthening medical education, expanding postgraduate seats, integrating artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery, and developing a three-tier cancer care model to ensure continuity of treatment across regions. He further underscored Maharashtra’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for medical innovation, research, and wellness tourism.

Echoing the vision for a collaborative and future-ready healthcare ecosystem, Smt. Sunetra Pawar, Hon. Deputy Chief Minister, emphasized the importance of technology and inclusive growth. Smt Pawar said, "PULSE 2026 is not just a conference; it is a step towards the future, bringing together innovation, digital healthcare, and global collaboration to ensure quality care reaches every citizen, including those in the most remote areas."

Shri Hasan Mushrif, Hon. Minister for Medical Education added, "Maharashtra is building a future-ready healthcare ecosystem by expanding medical education, strengthening infrastructure, and integrating technology, ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality care for every citizen."

Smt. Madhuri Misal, Hon. Minister of State for Medical Education said, "Our focus is on creating a holistic healthcare ecosystem through strong infrastructure, policy support, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, while positioning Maharashtra as a leading hub for medical tourism and innovation." She further added that Maharashtra government also has a target of developing the state as a medical tourism hub because of availability of wellness centres associated with Ayush.

Mr. Vishwajeet Kadam, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Bharati Vidyapeeth, "Institutions must foster a culture where research and innovation drive real-world impact, PULSE 2026 is a powerful platform to align academia, industry, and policy for shaping the future of healthcare and medical education."

Dedicated tracks on Digital Health & AI, Clinical Innovation, and Education Futures will explore scalable community healthcare models, virtual hospitals, AI-driven learning pathways, and emerging care delivery frameworks. Sessions will also address preventive and traditional medicine, chronic disease management, and the evolution of integrated, patient-centric care.

The second day will focus on Health Systems & Workforce Transformation, highlighting strategies to build resilient healthcare systems, alongside discussions on startups, policy, governance, and medical ethics. Critical themes such as medical data sovereignty, national regulatory vision, and global scalability of Indian healthcare innovations will be explored.

The summit will witness key policy discussions, strategic partnerships, and exchange of MoUs across medical education, healthcare infrastructure, research, and emerging technologies. With participation from global stakeholders, PULSE 2026 aims to shape actionable outcomes and position Maharashtra at the forefront of healthcare transformation in India and beyond.

“Every Way to Biscoff”

Mondelez India Celebrates the Many Ways India Loves Biscoff with “Every Way to Biscoff”

A creator-led celebration showcasing India’s most inventive Biscoff dessert creations and the many ways to enjoy the iconic caramelised flavour

MUMBAI, India, March 26, 2026: Mondelez India hosted a first-of-its-kind, creator-led celebration titled ‘Every Way to Biscoff’, bringing together home bakers, food creators, influencers and passionate Biscoff lovers for an immersive experience dedicated to India’s growing love for the iconic caramelised flavour. The event marked the culmination of a social media-led recipe challenge that invited consumers across the country to reimagine the beloved Biscoff flavour through their most creative dessert creations.

From the hundreds of entries received, 15 standout recipes were selected and their creators invited to showcase their signature desserts at an exclusive celebration in Mumbai. The showcase featured three celebrity hosts - renowned pastry chef Pooja Dhingra, celebrated baker Shivesh Bhatia and culinary creator Saloni Kukreja, who joined the community of creators and dessert enthusiasts to celebrate creativity, flavour and experimentation.

The event brought participant creations to life, giving guests the opportunity to experience the ingenuity and versatility behind each dessert. The Hosts, creators and influencers sampled the featured dishes, interacted with participants and discovered the inspiration behind every recipe, making the experience both engaging and community driven. Through live tastings and creator-led conversations, the event highlighted fresh and unexpected ways to enjoy Biscoff across formats. Whether neat or messy, drizzled, dipped, spooned, layered or baked, the showcase reinforced a simple idea- there isn’t just one way to enjoy Biscoff, there’s your way.

Designed as a platform for experimentation and expression, Every Way to Biscoff brought alive the many possibilities of the brand for Indian consumers. From cheesecakes and brownies to pancakes, milkshakes, dessert jars and plated creations, the event showcased how Lotus Biscoff can inspire consumers to explore the flavour in ways that feel personal, playful and indulgent.

 “Indian consumers have shown tremendous love for Lotus Biscoff since its launch, with the iconic caramelised flavour quickly becoming a favourite across cafes, bakeries and home kitchens in India. What makes Biscoff truly special is its versatility - from simple everyday indulgences to imaginative dessert creations,” shared Nitin Saini, Vice President - Marketing, Mondelez India. With “Every Way to Biscoff” we at Mondelez India wanted to celebrate how creatively consumers are embracing the brand. The response has been incredible, and it’s exciting to see the many ways India is making Biscoff its own.”

Since its launch in India in November 2025, Lotus Biscoff cookies have built a loyal following across everyday snacking rituals, café pairings and premium dessert menus. Building on this momentum, the brand recently expanded its portfolio with the introduction of Lotus Biscoff Spread, offering consumers yet another way to enjoy the same signature caramelised flavour at home. The spread is now easily available on Zepto.

’Every Way to Biscoff’ marks an important milestone in the brand’s India journey, building a vibrant community around the flavour and celebrating how consumers are discovering, creating and enjoying Biscoff in ways that are uniquely their own.

Because with Biscoff, there isn’t just one way to indulge - there’s every way.

About Mondelez India Foods Private Ltd.

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate's Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Lotus Bakeries

Lotus Bakeries, founded in 1932, operates worldwide in the indulgent and natural snacking segment with brands including Lotus®, Biscoff®, nākd®, TREK®, BEAR®, Kiddylicious®, Peter’s Yard®, Dinosaurus®, Peijnenburg® and Annas®. Headquartered in Belgium, Lotus Bakeries is a dynamic and internationally oriented company with production facilities in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, South Africa and the United States. A third production facility for Biscoff® is currently under construction in Thailand and will be operational by 2026. It has 23 sales organizations in Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Lotus Bakeries also works with commercial partners in approximately fifty countries worldwide. Lotus Bakeries has around 3,000 employees and achieved a revenue of EUR 1,063.0 million in 2023. Lotus Bakeries is listed on Euronext Brussels and included in the indexes of STOXX Europe 600®, MSCI Developed Europe®, FTSE All-World® and BEL20®. The majority of shares are owned by the Boone and Stevens family. Visit www.lotusbakeries.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

India’s M&E sector likely to grow to INR 3.3 trillion by 2028; Sector grew 9% to INR2.78 trillion in 2025, driven by digital and live experiences: FICCI-EY M&E report

 

Govt committed to building future-ready ecosystem to integrate creativity with cutting-edge technology, ensuring sustainable and globally competitive growth: Ashish Shelar, Minister, IT & Cultural Affairs, Govt of Maharashtra

 

Digital media became the largest segment, crossing INR1 trillion in revenues for the first time

The growing dynamism of large screens clearly demonstrates India as an ‘AND’ market, shaping a more integrated consumption ecosystem

Live events grew 44% in 2025, supported by ticketed concerts, large public events and religious gatherings

Advertising rose by 13% to INR1.5 trillion, contributing 0.41% to India’s GDP

The M&E sector is expected to reach INR3.3 trillion by 2028, growing at over 7% CAGR

 

MUMBAI, 24 March 2026: India’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector continued its expansion in 2025, growing 9% year‑on‑year to INR2.78 trillion, according to the report ‘Stories, scale and impact: Unlocking India’s media and entertainment economy’ released by FICCI and EY India, today. This growth was driven primarily by digital media, advertising and live experiences, even as select segments faced regulatory and cost pressures.

 

According to the FICCI-EY report, digital media emerged as the single largest segment of the M&E industry in 2025, crossing the INR 1 trillion mark for the first time. Digital advertising recorded a 26% increase to INR 947 billion, accounting for nearly two‑thirds of total advertising revenues, as brands continued to shift spends toward performance‑led, measurable and commerce‑linked formats.

 

The sector continues to evolve, with a notable rise in consumption on large screens. Linear Television is transitioning from a regulated utility to a dynamic, lifestyle-integrated ecosystem that complements digital growth, further reinforcing the “AND” nature of screen consumption in the country.

 

The FICCI-EY report notes that advertising overall grew 13.5% in 2025, outpacing India’s nominal GDP per‑capita growth. Growth was led by digital platforms, including e‑commerce and point‑of‑sale advertising.

 

While releasing the report, Mr Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra said, “The FICCI–EY Media & Entertainment Report has, over the years, evolved into a definitive benchmark for the sector—guiding both industry and policymakers with credible insights and a forward-looking vision. Today, India’s media and entertainment industry stands at an impressive Rs 2.78 lakh crore in 2025, reflecting not just scale, but the sector’s growing strategic importance to the nation’s economy.”

 

“Mumbai continues to be the creative capital of India and the epicentre of our media and entertainment ecosystem. From films and television to music, advertising, and digital content, Maharashtra has consistently led from the front, driving innovation, investment, and talent development. Our government is committed to building a future-ready ecosystem that seamlessly integrates creativity with cutting-edge technology, ensuring sustainable and globally competitive growth, noted Mr Shelar.

 

The Minister further stated that the global opportunity before India is unprecedented. The world is increasingly recognising India not just as a large market, but as a creative powerhouse and a trusted partner in content creation. The rising demand for Indian stories, talent, and production capabilities presents a defining moment for us to position India as a leading global hub for media and entertainment, he added.

 

Mr Anant Goenka, President FICCI & Vice Chairman, RPG Group said “India’s media and entertainment economy is increasingly defined by the interplay of stories, scale and impact. As compelling stories scale seamlessly across platforms and screens, their value is amplified not just in terms of reach, but in economic contribution, job creation and cultural influence. Unlocking this potential will depend on how effectively the industry aligns storytelling, distribution and sustainable monetization across the ecosystem.”

 

Mr Kevin Vaz, Chairman, FICCI, Media and Entertainment Committee said, “2025 emerged as a defining year for India’s Media & Entertainment industry, marking a new phase of scale, innovation and transformation. The industry not only surpassed last year’s estimates, reinforcing confidence in its long-term trajectory, but also reflected a fundamental shift in audience engagement, driven by the convergence of technology and storytelling. The digital segment crossing the INR 1 trillion mark is a highly encouraging milestone, underscoring the sector’s strong growth momentum. Television continues to remain a powerful and resilient medium, with Connected TV complementing it by enhancing large-screen experiences through more immersive, high-quality and shared viewing. As the industry evolves, measured regulatory forbearance, coupled with innovation, will be critical in sustaining long-term growth.”

 

Mr Ashish Pherwani, Partner and Leader, Media & Entertainment Sector, EY India, said, “India’s media and entertainment sector crossed a critical inflection point in 2025, with digital media, advertising and live experiences emerging as the primary growth engines. While consumption continues to scale rapidly across screens and formats, the next phase of growth will be defined by sustainable monetization models, disciplined investment and the ability of stakeholders to adapt to shifting consumer behaviour and regulatory realities.”

 

Segmental performance 2025:

Live events: The organized segment experienced a 44% increase, fuelled by higher spending on ticketed events, personal functions such as weddings, government events and religious gatherings.

Digital advertising: Rising 26% to INR947 billion, the segment made up 63% of total ad revenues. E-commerce and point-of-sale ads surged 50% to INR220 billion, which is equivalent to 85% of Linear TV ad revenues. Digital advertising also includes INR363 billion from over a million Small and Medium Enterprises and long-tail advertisers.

Digital subscriptions: Digital subscription revenues increased by 60%, reaching INR163 billion. Paid video subscriptions rose to 216 million, spanning 143 million households in India, driven by the introduction of premium sports and films behind paywalls. Paid music subscriptions expanded by 37% to 14.4 million, following measures by music streaming platforms to encourage paid usage.

OOH: Out-of-Home (OOH) media grew 13% in 2025. Premium properties and locations led the growth. Digital OOH contributed 18% of total segment revenues, up from 7% in 2023.

Music: The Indian music sector experienced a 10% increase in revenue. Digital licensing expanded by only 2%, while revenues from other OTT platforms and social media channels demonstrated growth.

Film: Segment revenues reached a record INR205 billion. In 2025, over 1,900 films were released, with theatrical revenues rising 16%, mainly from higher ticket prices. Thirty-seven films earned INR1 billion or more at the box office

Animation and VFX: The Hollywood writers’ strike impacted global supply chains, and international studios, struggling with profitability in 2025, focused on fewer films and series. Overall, the segment grew just 2% in 2025.

Print: Despite global declines, print remained resilient in India. Advertising revenues rose 2% in 2025, especially in premium formats for affluent metro and non-metro readers. Digital ads revenue was minimal, around 5% to 6% on average of the total print revenue.

Television: Television continues to be the predominant medium in India, reaching around 745 million individuals each week. Linear TV advertising revenue declined by 10%, reflecting a corresponding decrease in advertising volumes as some sectors shifted spend to digital media, and a 3% reduction in the number of advertisers utilizing this platform. However, when combined with Connected TVs, whose reach increased to approximately 40 million units from 30 million in 2024, total TV ad revenues were stable at INR362 million

Radio: Radio segment revenues declined by 7% in 2025, reaching INR23 billion, primarily due to reduced ad rates. Non-ad revenues now comprise 25% of segment revenues.

Video games: The segment saw a 17% decrease following the ban on money gaming that took effect from August 2025. In-app purchases in video games rose by 15% as the industry focussed on the format.

 

Looking ahead, FICCI-EY report estimates that India’s M&E sector will grow to INR3.3 trillion by 2028, with digital media, live events, filmed entertainment and animation and VFX expected to be the primary growth drivers. New media is projected to account for over 50% of total industry revenues by 2028, reflecting ongoing shifts in consumer behaviour, content formats and monetization models. The FICCI-EY report further notes that increasing smartphone penetration, the rapid adoption of Connected TVs, growth in regional‑language content, and the rise of experiential consumption will continue to reshape India’s media and entertainment landscape over the medium term.

 

We sincerely thank our partners for their invaluable support in making the FICCI–EY Media & Entertainment Report Launch 2026 a success. We extend special appreciation to Meta, our Title Partner, and EY, our Knowledge Partner, for their leadership in shaping industry insights. We also thank Prime Video, Hungama, Lakshya Digital Pvt. Ltd, PVR INOX, and the Producers Guild of India for their valued association, as well as Kuku TV, our Microdrama Partner, for highlighting emerging content formats.

 

 

Link to the report: https://frames.ficci.in/qr.html

*JITO Premier League 2026 Franchise Auction Sets New Benchmark for Community Cricket in India*

*Mumbai:* The JITO Premier League (JPL) 2026 has successfully concluded its landmark Franchise Owners Auction, marking a defining moment in the evolution of community-driven cricket in India.

*Addressing the occasion, Mr. Vicky Oswal, Chairman JPL, said:* “This auction is not just about owning teams, it is about building a vision for the future of community cricket. The overwhelming response and the scale at which franchises were acquired reflect the belief our community has in this platform. JPL is here to create real opportunities, nurture talent, and take our players to the next level.”

The evening witnessed exceptional energy, strategic bidding, and strong participation from Jain business leaders and entrepreneurs across the country. What stood out was not just the competitive spirit, but the shared commitment to be part of a larger movement that blends sport, community, and opportunity.

In a historic first for India, a community-led league conducted a full-scale franchise auction where teams were acquired at remarkable and unprecedented valuations, setting a new benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide.

A total of 12 franchises were successfully taken up, each representing key cities and regions across India. Each team now carries the responsibility of developing talent and strengthening the sporting ecosystem within the community.

Franchises & Team Owners:

Chennai Tuskars – Mr. Rajesh Chandan

Maharashtra Peshwas – Mr. Ujjwal Pagaria, Pagaria Group

Indore Eklavyas – Mr. Prateek Surya & Mr. Mayank Doshi

Gujarat Warriors – Mr. Nitin Jain (Surat)

Mumbai Falcons – Mr. Jayent Jain, Mr. Jayesh Bhansali & Team

Bengaluru Eagles – Mr. Mahendra Bafna, Mr. Vishal C. Jain & Team

Kolkata Thunders – RDB Group – Mr. Vinod Dugar

Pune Tigers – Mr. Vijay Bhandari, Mr. Vishal Chordia & Team

Rajasthan Rakshaks – JYF Infinity & Team

Delhi Imperials – Pavna Sports & Entertainment – Mr. Swapnil Jain

Hyderabadi Marfa – Mr. Gautam Sehlot

 Mumbai SOBO Stars – JYF Friends & Team

The auction featured several high-intensity bidding moments, showcasing the strong confidence stakeholders have in the league’s long-term vision and impact.

The initiative stands guided by the visionary leadership of Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, Chairman JITO Apex and is driven by the bold vision and powerful execution of Mr. Vicky Oswal, Chairman JITO Sports & JPL, whose efforts have been instrumental in transforming this long-standing dream into reality.

The event was graced by esteemed JITO leaders including:

Mr. Vijay Bhandari (President Apex, Mr. Kamlesh Sajotia (Vice President Apex), Mr. Lalit Dangi (Secretary General Apex), Mr. Sampat Chaplot (Treasurer – Apex), Mr. Jinendra Kumar Munot (Director In-Charge – Sports), and Mr. Bhavik Sakaria (Chief Secretary – Sports), along with members of the Apex body and JITO Sports Committee.

Adding further inspiration to the evening, the event was attended by Sahil Parakh, a promising young Indian cricketer associated with the Delhi Daredevils (IPL 2026), who is also a product of the JITO Sports Professional Program — highlighting the league’s commitment to nurturing real talent.

At its core, the JITO Premier League is built to provide a structured, professional platform for youth from the community to showcase their cricketing abilities and progress to higher levels of the sport.

With the successful completion of the franchise auction, JPL 2026 now moves into its next phase — team building, player auctions, and season preparations, leading up to what promises to be a highly competitive and impactful tournament. JITO Premier League 2026 is not just a cricket league, it is a movement to create opportunities, build connections, and elevate community talent onto bigger platforms. 🏏✨

Indian Missions Working in ‘Mission Mode’ to Evacuate Citizens from War-Affected Regions

18th March, New Delhi– Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Government of India and Indian missions abroad are actively engaged in efforts to safely evacuate Indian citizens. Multiple alternative routes are being used to facilitate their return.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 244,000 Indians have returned safely to the country since the conflict began on February 28. To bring back those stranded in war-affected areas, the Indian government is maintaining close contact with top leadership across West Asia and the Middle East, while Indian missions overseas are operating fully in “mission mode.”

Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on March 17, said that approximately 700 Indian nationals have reached Armenia and Azerbaijan via land routes from Iran, from where they are returning to India. He added, “All 284 pilgrims who had gone to Iran have also safely reached Armenia. Out of these, 130 pilgrims will arrive in Delhi today.” Spokesperson Jaiswal noted that the MEA’s control room is fully operational and assisting citizens, and that the volume of incoming calls and emails has significantly decreased.

The Indian Embassy in Doha has facilitated the evacuation of more than 1,600 Indians through Qatar Airways flights. It also informed that temporary transit visa facilities for Saudi Arabia are being provided, helping those who wish to return to India via land through the Salwa border. The embassy stated that its office will remain open throughout the week to offer consular services, including passport issuance.

Additionally, in a post on X, the embassy said that as part of ongoing relief efforts supported by the mission, dry ration is being distributed to members of the Indian fishing community residing in Qatar.

Further, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem R. Mahajan, stated in a press briefing, “Indian missions in the region are working round the clock. On March 16, around 65 flights operated from the UAE to India, and about 70 flights are expected on Tuesday. Flights from Oman to various destinations in India are also continuing.”

Powerica Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, price band set at Rs 375 to Rs 395 per Equity Share

Price band of Rs 375 – Rs 395 per Equity Share bearing face value of Rs 5 each (“Equity Shares”)

Bid/Offer Opening Date – Tuesday, March 24, 2026 and Bid/Offer Closing Date – Friday, March 27, 2026.

Minimum Bid Lot is 37 Equity Shares and in multiples of 37 Equity Shares thereafter 

Mumbai, March 18, 2026: Powerica Limited (the “Company”) has fixed the price band of Rs 375 to Rs 395 per Equity Share of face value Rs 5/- each for its maiden initial public offer.

The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for subscription and close on Friday, March 27 2026.

 

Investors can bid for a minimum of 37 Equity Shares and in multiples of 37 Equity Shares thereafter.

  

The IPO is a fresh issue up to Rs 700 crore and an offer-for-sale for up to Rs 400 crore by promoters - Naresh Oberoi Family Trust and Kabir and Kimaya Family Private Trust. 

The Company is an integrated power solutions provider specializing in diesel generator sets (“DG sets”), for both primary and standby applications. As one of the original equipment manufacturers for Cummins India Limited (“Cummins India”, along with its affiliates, “Cummins”), the Company has maintained a relationship with them for over four decades. 

The Company commenced its DG sets business in 1984, and subsequently expanded its generator set portfolio to include medium speed large generators (“MSLG”) in 1996. The Company continues to develop this segment through a collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Limited (“Hyundai”) on a non-exclusive basis. By integrating its DG set and MSLG offerings, the Company provides a comprehensive range of generator sets with capacities ranging from 7.5 kVA to 10,000 kVA, designed to meet the distinctive requirements of diverse industries and applications. 

As of the date of the Red Herring Prospectus, its generator set business comprises of DG sets powered by Cummins engines, MSLG offerings in collaboration with Hyundai, and certain allied business activities (“Generator Set Business”). 

Building on its experience in the Generator Set Business, the Company entered the wind power sector in 2008 as an independent power producer (“IPP”). Subsequently, the Company developed capabilities as an engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) contractor as well as an operation and maintenance (“O&M”) service provider for balance of plant (“BoP”).

 As of the date of the Red Herring Prospectus, its operations in the wind power sector includes developing and operating IPP projects as well as undertaking EPC and O&M activities for BoP primarily within the wind power industry.

As of the date of the Red Herring Prospectus, the Company owns and operates 12 wind power projects in Gujarat, with a total installed capacity of 330.85 MW (“Operational Wind Power Projects”). In addition to its Operational Wind Power Projects, the Company is constructing a wind power project of 52.70 MW in Gujarat that will take its IPP portfolio to a total installed capacity of 383.55 MW.

The Company manufactures DG sets along with auxiliary items, including acoustic enclosures, fuel and exhaust systems, and customised control panel systems. Its offering comprises of comprehensive high speed generator solutions, powered by Cummins engines, covering the design, marketing, manufacturing, testing, supply, installing, and commissioning of DG sets ranging from 7.5 kVA to 3,750 kVA. 

As of the date of the Red Herring Prospectus, the Company operates three manufacturing facilities located in Bengaluru, Karnataka; Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli; and Khopoli, Maharashtra. 

Its extensive sales network supports effective customer engagement and market penetration. As on September 30, 2025, its network comprised 19 sales/marketing offices in addition to its registered and corporate offices, supported by a sales and marketing team of 123 personnel. As on September 30, 2025, the Company also engages with 43 authorised dealers, by issuing joint authorization certificates with Cummins and itself, for providing prompt service across a wide range of market segments.

The Company’s revenue from operations for the six-months ended September 30, 2025 was Rs 1,447.44 crore and its net profit was Rs 134.55 crore.

Its revenue from operations was Rs 2,653.27 crore during FY25 as against Rs 2,378.26 crore during FY23.

Its net profit was Rs 175.83 crore during FY25 as against Rs 106.45 crore during FY23.

 

ICICI Securities Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited (formerly known as IIFL Securities Limited) and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited are the book-running lead managers, and MUFG Intime India Private Limited (Formerly Link Intime India Private Limited) is the registrar of the offer.

 

The Offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the net offer is allocated to qualified institutional buyers, and not less than 15% and 35% of the net offer is assigned to non-institutional bidders and retail individual bidders respectively. 

 

Powerica Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offer of its Equity Shares and has filed a red herring prospectus dated March 17, 2026 (“RHP”), with the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai-I, at Mumbai. The RHP is made available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the website of the ICICI Securities Limited at i.e., https://www.icicisecurities.com/, IIFL Capital Services Limited at https://www.iiflcapital.com/ and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited at https://www.nuvamawealth.com,  the website of the NSE at www.nseindia.com and the website of the BSE at www.bseindia.com and the website of the Company at https://www.powericaltd.com/. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and refer to the RHP, including the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 of the RHP, for details.

 

The Equity Shares offered in the Issue have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and may not be offered or sold within the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Equity Shares offered in the issue are being offered and sold only outside the United States in “offshore transactions” as defined in and in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act (“Regulation S”).

 

Disclaimer Clause of Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”):  SEBI only gives its observations on the offer documents and this does not constitute approval of either the Issue or the specified securities stated in the Offer Documents. The investors are advised to refer to page 426 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of SEBI.

 

Disclaimer Clause of BSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by BSE Limited should not in any way be deemed or construed that the Red Herring Prospectus has been cleared or approved by BSE Limited nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the Red Herring Prospectus. The investors are advised to refer to the Red Herring Prospectus for the full text of the Disclaimer clause of the BSE Limited.

 

Disclaimer Clause of NSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by NSE should not in any way be deemed or construed that the Offer Document has been cleared or approved by NSE nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the Offer Document. The investors are advised to refer to the Offer Document for the full text of the ‘Disclaimer Clause of NSE’.