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The WICCI PR and Digital Marketing Council has unveiled the findings of its latest iLead Report 2024-25, highlighting the pressing need for safer, more flexible, and inclusive workspaces for women in communications. 

According to the report, women make up 65% of the PR industry, yet they continue to face unconscious bias, limited mentorship, pay inequities and barriers to workforce re-entry. Despite these barriers, women in communications are taking ownership of their careers, advocating for psychological safety, upskilling, and pushing for transparent pay policies and structured mentorship programs.

The report finds that 55% of women in communications feel supported in prioritizing their mental well-being. In an industry that runs on tight deadlines and high energy, burnout is almost inevitable. For women, it’s more than just long hours—it’s the weight of unconscious bias, societal expectations, and the constant balancing act between career and home. Creating self-boundaries at work and home is important for mental wellbeing, say experts who have been in the sector for a while. 

Key Findings from the Report:

•Workplace Safety & Mental Health: Organizations need to step up, foster real flexibility, and create cultures where women don’t just survive but truly thrive.

•Flexibility as an Equalizer: Hybrid work models and flexible policies are critical for women’s career progression. Many organizations are reverting to rigid work structures, disproportionately impacting women.

•The Pay Gap Persists: Gender pay disparities remain a pressing issue. Transparent pay audits and salary benchmarking are key solutions.

•Mentorship & Career Growth: Limited mentorship opportunities and exclusion from leadership pipelines hinder women’s professional progress.

•Bridging the Generational Divide: Multigenerational collaboration is key, yet conflicting leadership styles and work expectations pose challenges.

•Upskilling is the way to go: Over 75% respondents highlight the significance of learning new skills. Key areas of interest include training in digital marketing, leadership development, public speaking, crisis communication, and emerging technologies such as AI and data analytics.

•Tech as a Career Accelerator: Women in communications are increasingly leveraging AI, automation, and data-driven insights, but many face tech adoption barriers due to generational divides. 

The report highlights the path forward - solutions for a more inclusive community where flexibility is a key driver of progress, with hybrid work models transforming opportunities for women by allowing better work-life balance; reintegration support being critical for women returning to work, helping them transition smoothly; and progressive HR policies helping normalize career breaks and remove bias from hiring and promotions. 

Additionally, as AI takes the centre stage reshapes the industry, fostering inclusivity across generations is crucial. The report calls for mentorship and reverse-learning models to bridge generational gaps in leadership and communication; digital upskilling to equip women with emerging technological skills; and a diverse workforce to drive innovation, ensuring sustainable growth for the industry.

Ritu Bararia, President, WICCI PR & Digital Marketing Council emphasized the need for sustained action, stating: “This year’s Women’s Day theme, 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.', serves as a powerful reminder that achieving true gender equality requires deliberate action. On the same lines, our recent survey, enriched by insights from industry leaders, underscores the imperative to foster safe, inclusive, and equitable workplaces. While progress has been made, there remains a collective responsibility to champion policies that ensure psychological safety, equal opportunities, and continuous upskilling for all.”

75% of women in comms seek upskilling, bias persists: WICCI iLead report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Bihar, has revealed that Foxnut (makhana) has become a special part of his daily diet. 

Bihar produces 90 percent of makhana globally. During the election rally in Bhagalpur, PM Modi said in Hindi, "Makhana has become a staple part of breakfast in cities across India. Personally, I eat makhana 300 out of 365 days a year".

PM Modi emphasized the need to boost makhana production to increase exports, highlighting the crop's potential as a superfood and its growing popularity in Indian cities.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/indian-makhana-the-next-global-snack-can-the-humble-makhana-conquer-the-world-55799.htm">The next global snack: Can the humble makhana conquer the world?</a>

This year, the Modi-led Centre government announced to creation of a Makhana Board in Bihar to improve the production and processing of makhana. 

PM Modi was also felicitated with a garland made of makhana on his visit to Bhagalpur. 

Makahna are known as a superfood as they are highly rich in protein and low in calories. This nutritional profile has contributed to a significant uptick in both domestic consumption and export potential.

However, the price volatility of the superfood has remained a key hurdle in reaching the masses. The price of makhana has been climbing, driven by supply constraints and fluctuating crop yields. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/nikhil-kamath-bets-on-makhana-now-fm-gives-the-superfood-a-boost-reactions-galore-55306.htm">Nikhil Kamath bets on Makhana, now FM gives the superfood a boost; reactions galore</a>

According to Sreejith Moolayil, Co-Founder of True Elements, the price of makhana has spiked 200% in the past year. For makhana to go mainstream and compete with potato chips, the price point must be addressed, the entrepreneur said.

Founder Rishab Jain of Mr. Makhana brand said when he started the company, makhana was priced at Rs 350–400 per kilo; today, it’s nearly Rs 1500/kilo. 

Prateek Bhagchandka, Founder & CEO of MOM (Meal of the Moment) said that better seed practices, improved crop yield, and lower price volatility could stabilize the makhana market and facilitate mass adoption.

Santosh Desai, CEO of Futurebrands, suggests that makhana is positioned at the intersection of global health trends, much like quinoa or kale before it. With the right strategy, makhana could soon be a mainstay on the shelves of health-conscious consumers worldwide.

'I eat makhana 300 days a year': PM Modi promotes superfood from Bihar

Hindi cinema witnessed a significant downturn in 2024, with box office collections from original Hindi-language films plummeting by 37% compared to the previous year. However, the strong performance of dubbed South Indian films, led by Telugu blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule and Kalki 2898 AD, helped cushion the overall decline to a more moderate 13%.

According to a report by Ormax Media, dubbed films accounted for a striking 31% of Hindi cinema’s total box office earnings in 2024. movie Pushpa 2: The Rule (dubbed in Hindi) and Stree 2 alone generated Rs 1,587 crore, contributing an impressive 34% of the industry’s annual revenue. This highlights the growing reliance of Hindi cinema on big-budget blockbuster films to sustain overall performance amid a challenging landscape.

The declining appeal of original Hindi-language productions was starkly evident, with only six such films managing to cross the ₹100 crore mark, a sharp drop from 16 in 2023. Industry analysts attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including repetitive storytelling, limited innovation, and stiff competition from South Indian cinema, which has increasingly resonated with audiences across India.

South Indian films, often rich in scale and spectacle, have found widespread acceptance among Hindi-speaking audiences, thanks to robust dubbing efforts and relatable narratives. The phenomenal success of Pushpa 2: The Rule exemplifies this shift, as the film’s gripping storyline and pan-India appeal drew massive crowds. Similarly, Kalki 2898 AD, with its futuristic theme and star-studded cast, captured the imagination of moviegoers.

The report underscores the need for the Hindi film industry to adapt to evolving audience preferences. While high budget tentpole films remain critical to sustaining revenue, the industry must also invest in diverse and original storytelling to rebuild its dominance.


Pushpa 2 supports Hindi cinema amid declining revenues: Report

If you're someone who often says "take this offline" or "touch base" at work, it might be time to rethink your vocabulary. 

A new study conducted by AI transcription tool Notta.ai's research team, which analyzed more than 5,000 Reddit comments from around 100 different subreddits, has revealed the top 10 most-hated pieces of corporate jargon, and the results point to a generational eye-roll from Gen Z and millennial employees.

Topping the list is "circle back," followed by "synergy," "lean," "touch base," and "agile."

Notta's analysis found that these five phrases alone account for more than 40 percent of all complaints related to office buzzwords, according to a Fortune report.

Kiyoto Tamura, the spokesperson and COO of Notta, told Fortune: "This study exposes a disconnect between corporate language and effective communication."

"Terms like 'bandwidth' and 'agile' are now misused outside their original contexts. Meanwhile, traditional business terms like 'synergy' and 'leverage' continue to be among the most annoying jargon used in corporate settings," Tamura told Fortune.

Rounding out the full list of top offenders are “bandwidth,” “leverage,” “reach out,” “low-hanging fruit,” and “take this offline.” 

The study also highlighted five particularly quirky phrases that made an impact: “boil the ocean,” meaning to attempt something impossible; “blue-sky thinking,” to brainstorm without limitations; “open the kimono,” to reveal information; “swim lane,” referring to a person or department’s area of responsibility; and “peel back the onion,” which urges a deeper examination of a problem, the report added.

Gen Z and Millennials unveil the 10 most cringeworthy office jargon

The UPI payment market in India reveals distinct regional preferences and app penetration. In North India, PhonePe and Paytm dominate due to their early entry, established trust, and diverse service offerings. Conversely, Google Pay finds greater success in South India, particularly among the techsavvy urban population. BharatPe has limited consumer uptake in both regions, as per the report "Payment Gateway and Ride-Sharing Platforms: A Comparative Study of Consumer Behaviour & User Preferences between North and South India" by LS Digital and Langoor. 

North India:

• Preference for established platforms like Paytm and PhonePe, which are integral to daily financial transactions.
• Trust and service variety are crucial, making Paytm a go-to for peer-to-peer and business transactions.
• A comprehensive app ecosystem—including bill payments, mobile recharges, and ticket bookings—enhances user retention.

South India:

• Strong inclination towards Google Pay, driven by user-friendly interfaces and a seamless digital experience.
• Multilingual support is valued, aiding platforms like PhonePe in reaching non-English-speaking users.
• Paytm has a comparatively weaker presence in this region.

Overall, while both regions value convenience, security, and cashback rewards, cultural and economic nuances lead to distinct consumer behaviors. North India favors established platforms with integrated services, while South India leans towards tech-driven solutions with intuitive interfaces and multi-language support.

Customer preferences

Tech-Driven Efficiency Seekers (70%): Efficiency and innovation in financial tools drive their choices. They avidly adopt digital payments and fintech solutions to optimize spending and saving.

Cautious Security Enthusiasts (22%): Security and cautiousness guide this segment's gradual adoption of digital transactions. They prioritize traditional methods while considering safe cashless options.

Flexible Financial Innovators Size (6%): Seeking flexibility and control, they favor platforms offering quick access to funds. This segment heavily leans on cashless payment solutions for efficiency.

Convenience-Driven Shoppers Size: 3% Convenience and a broad selection are their focal points. They embrace online shopping's seamless experiences and prefer fast, cashless transactions.

4 segments of consumers in the UPI Payments space in India:

Tech-Driven Efficiency Seekers (70%): This includes frequent Digital Payment Users, Entrepreneurs seeking payment solutions, freelancers utilizing digital payment tools.

22% are cautious security enthusiasts which includes Users Hesitant on Cashless Transactions, Security-Minded Digital Users

Intent Barriers

Security and Fraud Risks: Fear of hacking, unauthorized transactions, phishing attacks, and data breaches

Concern over sharing sensitive bank information: Transaction Failures and Delays Issues with failed transactions, Delays in payment processing, Money getting stuck during transfers, Uncertainty about refund timelines.

App Downtime and Connectivity Issues: Concerns about app crashes, Server downtimes, Network dependency, Difficulty in accessing services in areas with poor internet connectivity.

Customer Support Challenges: Lack of responsive customer service, Difficulty in resolving transaction disputes, Inconsistent help options, Language barriers in support systems.

PhonePe

In North India, 32% of research data related to PhonePe focus on its service offerings with products like digital gold, catering to varying consumer needs through innovative financial solutions.

Challenges of Digitization: 20% of research data indicates digitization introduces challenges such as fraud and system reliability, necessitating stronger security measures to maintain consumer trust.

Technological Integration for Efficiency Size (10%): Integration of AI and advanced technologies at PhonePe enhances customer service, reduces costs, and streamlines operations.

Dominance through User Engagement Size: 9% PhonePe's dominance is driven by effective engagement strategies that enhance user growth and retention,
increasing transaction volumes.

In South India, Digital Payment Ecosystem Size: 56% The rapid growth of digital payments in South India, showcases a significant
transition from cash to digital, reflecting a broader trend in financial inclusion.

Consumer Behavior Transformation Size: 17% The evolving consumer landscape in South India, particularly influenced by Gen Z, highlights changing spending patterns and preferences towards personalization and technology.

Regulatory Environment and Challenges Size: 17% The regulatory framework, including market cap restrictions on UPI providers like PhonePe, poses significant challenges to growth and operational strategies in the digital payments sector.

Global Expansion and Integration Size: 11% PhonePe's movement towards international acceptance through UPI Global positioning exemplifies a drive
towards a more interconnected digital economy, enhancing user accessibility.

Google Pay 

North - Digital Payment Dominance Size (21%): Google Pay's prominence in UPI transactions underscores its pivotal role in enabling cashless exchanges amidst evolving market competition in the digital payment landscape.

Infrastructural Support for Digital Economy Size (21%): Government initiatives and smartphone proliferation are crucial in developing a digital infrastructure conducive to platforms like Google Pay.

Technological Advancements and Future Outlook Size (21%): Emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are reimagining digital transactions, promising enhanced efficiency and engagement.

Fintech Evolution and Innovation Size (14%): The proliferation of fintech solutions is revolutionizing digital transactions with novel features, advancing the cashlless economy's growth in North India.

South - Promoting a Cashless Economy Size (25%) India's shift towards a cashless economy manifests in high user engagement with UPI and wallets, driven by a need for seamless transaction processes.

Technological Integration in Payments (25%); AI and machine learning are revolutionizing payment systems, offering intuitive and efficient financial
solutions that cater to evolving consumer expectations.

Digital Financial Inclusion (17%): Google Pay is advancing financial accessibility by prioritizing diverse consumer needs and forming strategic partnerships to broaden financial product offerings.

Accessibility through Local Partnerships (11%): Cellecor enhances accessibility through strategic retail alliances, prioritizing customer experience and
interactivity with innovative technology..

Paytm

North - Financial Inclusion Through Digital Payments 38% : Catalyzed by government initiatives and smartphone proliferation, digital payments enhance facilitating a transition from cash-based practices.

Evolution and Security of Digital Wallets: 25% Integral to cashless economies, digital wallets evolve with enhanced features and security measures, fostering consumer trust and sustained adoption amid increasing online activities.

Real-Time Transaction Demand 12%: Consumers' preference for instantaneous financial exchanges fuels the adoption and advancement of real-time payment systems, driven by increased mobile technology and ecommerce expansion.

QR Code Payment Innovation 12%: QR code payments integrate traditional and digital transaction systems innovatively, promoting efficiency and
ease-of-use, notably inspired by successful global models like China.

South India: Localized Digital Wallets Size: 50% Paytm serves as a critical digital payment solution in South India, fostering financial integration with
culturally relevant e-wallet services that drive adoption and enhance financial literacy.

User Experience Challenges (22%): Persistent discussions reveal user challenges with Paytm’s technical reliability and navigation, emphasizing the need for seamless app experiences and robust customer support.

Affordability and Accessibility Size (11%) -The South Indian market demands affordability and easy access, influencing Paytm's strategic focus on delivering cost-effective and widely accessible services for value-conscious consumers.

Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning Size: 11% South Indian users engage in comparative assessments of Paytm’s competitive strategy, examining its
reliability and service offerings amidst a crowded digital marketplace.

WhatsApp Pay

User Experience and Technology Adoption Size: 29% The interaction of consumers with WhatsApp Pay reflects broader trends in technology adoption. User
experience is paramount; ease of use and integration with daily routines.

Integration of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Apps Size: 27% WhatsApp Pay symbolizes this shift, facilitating quick and user-friendly payment options that are becoming essential in everyday consumer interactions.

Financial Inclusion and Access Size: 24% WhatsApp Pay enhances financial inclusion efforts in North India, providing previously underserved segments with a gateway to digital finance. This trend highlights the potential for both economic empowerment and societal advancement.

Cyber Fraud Risks in Digital Transactions Size:10% Consumers in North India are increasingly aware of the rising risks associated with digital financial transactions, particularly through platforms like WhatsApp Pay.

Digital Integration in Financial Services (60%): The Indian financial landscape is integrating digital solutions to enhance customer and stakeholder engagements, with AI and UPI leading the transformation.

Regulatory and Compliance Challenges (17%): With the fast-paced evolution of digital payments, navigating regulatory complexities remains a priority to
ensure consumer trust and competitive fairness.

Rise of WhatsApp Pay in the Financial Sector Size: 10%

WhatsApp Pay is leveraging its expansive user base and integration with banking services to redefine payment landscapes in India.

Consumer Sentiment towards Digital Payment Solutions (10%):

User adoption of digital payments like WhatsApp Pay is influenced by convenience, despite ongoing privacy and security concerns.

Regional divide: Paytm and PhonePe dominate North India, Google Pay leads in the South

Gaming is a huge hit with Gen Z, with nearly two-thirds (62%) saying it's their go-to leisure activity and 57% feeling inspired to book a trip based on a location featured in a video game. Indian gamers can't resist the allure of their consoles, even on vacation as 67% admit to packing their gaming gear to get their fix on the go, as per Skyscanner's report on travel trends.

88 percent Indian travellers are inspired to book a trip abroad based on locations from their favourite video game.

Skyscanner’s data shows a rise in flight searches to worldwide gaming conventions:

GamesCom, Cologne, 20 August 2024: 508% increase in searches to Cologne in August 2024 vs previous month.

TwitchCon, San Diego, 20-22 September 2024: 167% increase in searches to San Diego in September 2024 vs previous month.

In June 2024, there was a 10% YoY increase in bookings of hotels with games consoles, as per the report.

The most popular hotel destinations where travellers have selected the ‘games console’ filter during this period on Skyscanner are:
Sydney, Australia
Da Nang, Vietnam
Bali, Indonesia
Chicago, USA
Bangkok, Thailand

“In 2023 we saw more than 1.9 million total attendances across the Play! Pokémon Programme and fans travelled from over 50 different countries and regions to compete or spectate," says Pete Murphy The Pokémon Company International.

Ahead of the Pokémon World Championships in Hawaii from 16-18 August 2024, Pokemon witnessed saw a 152% increase in searches during the week of the championships compared to the previous week – showing how much gamers want to connect and play in real life.

Once a predominantly male industry, gaming is slowly morphing into a more inclusive industry, with some countries, according to Skyscanner's data, such as the United Kingdom, having 47% of gamers identifying as women.

"And although only 5% of that make it to the pro scene, this is changing with more and more tournaments being tailored for women gamers in recent years such as the upcoming Women’s Esports Finals, which will be a first of its kind event created by Guild Esports & Sky Broadband," as per the report.

Gaming destinations inspire 57% of Indian travellers: Skyscanner

As per the PwC India report titled, “The Indian Payments Handbook – 2024-29”, credit cards have witnessed a formidable growth in FY 2023-24 with the industry adding more than 16 million new credit cards, crossing the well-anticipated milestone of 100 million cards in force.

Discussing the future of digital payments in India, Mihir Gandhi, Partner & Payments Transformation Leader, PwC India, said, “Over the next five years, the payments industry will prioritise expanding ecosystems and exploring new use cases for existing platforms. Key growth drivers will include embedded finance, ecosystem finance, digital lending based on payment data, and offline payments. In India's dynamic payments landscape, innovation, interoperability, higher security measures and financial inclusion are shaping the path towards a more seamless digital economy.”

With the addition of new cards, the industry has also seen 22% and 28% surge in transactional volume and value respectively. Debit cards have seen a dip in both transactions volume and value owing to the shift in preferences by cardholders. Credit cards are expected to reach 200 million by FY 2028-29. Newer feature innovations, product propositions and customer segments are expected to contribute towards this growth.

Business credit cards

About 40% of Indian MSME and SME segments comprise businesses with a turnover of less than Rs 10 lakhs, employ 1 to 100 employees and less than one-third of these businesses market and sell products online. These numbers, apart from providing the structure of the market, also provide an important insight into the business segment which tells us that these businesses are cash-strapped, require low- or interest-free credit, smooth
vetting/credit approval process and would keep security and protection from payment frauds at the helm of the overall operations.

Unlike corporates, MSMEs/SMEs must manage their financials, keeping working capital as the primary focus while making business payments. To do this, small businesses, especially managed by sole proprietors, reach for their current or personal accounts or personal credit cards strapping their personal finances for the business use, which can cause setbacks. Most importantly, the reconciliation of business expenses for payables becomes
tedious and may create reconciliation/settlement losses and personal credit cards does not provide any business related rewards which can be used to redeem for any business expenses.

Commercial cards 

These can be beneficial for small businesses. With the top issuers entering this segment in the Indian market, the requirement for these cards has also increased. To mitigate the issue of working capital, commercial and business credit cards provide small businesses the freedom of providing interest-free loans for 45 to 55 days. Some business credit cards in India provide account payable and receivables tracking through partnerships with SaaS and BaaS platforms. 

These platforms provide connected finance solutions for the end-to-end tracking of funds, expenditures made by employees and precise financial positions of the business. This allows micro businesses and sole proprietors to separate their personal and business expenses. The global credit card market has seen
small business credit cards grow through the recent years, providing annual percentage rate (APR) benefits, business expenditure rewards and tax
payment solutions.

Adoption of virtual cards

Post the Covid-19 pandemic, the B2B payment landscape has evolved due to an increased adoption of virtual card payments. Virtual cards offer a unique
proposition to businesses, allowing them to offer multiple or single use virtual cards based on the nature of business. Single-use virtual credit cards not
only offer a secure way of doing business wherever third-party transactions are involved but also offer simplified reconciliation. Many Indian delivery startups within grocery and food delivery businesses make use of single-use virtual prepaid cards to avoid reconciliation and transactional issues.

Businesses can integrate virtual cards into their system to simplify accounts payable, corporate travel, payments related to shows/conferences,
healthcare, insurance and fleet management. Virtual card market is expected to grow rapidly especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

16 mn new credit cards added in FY 2023-24, total reaches 100 mn: Report

Skyscanner, has unveiled its latest survey titled, “Destination ‘I Do’”, revealing a desire for destination weddings among Indians, with 85% of them either planning or have already had a destination wedding. Gen Z, in particular, is leading the charge, with 49% considering tying the knot at a stunning wedding destination, compared to 33% of Millennials. This younger generation is drawn to the adventure and uniqueness that such celebrations offer.

Data from the survey reveals that a whopping 66% of respondents in India are totally on board with hosting their own extravagant pre-wedding festivities, mirroring the grandeur associated with Indian weddings. If Indian couples were to indulge in their dream celebrations, 33% would go for a weekend getaway with family and friends, while 32% dream of partying on a cruise with their crew. Meanwhile, 29% envision an Italian-style soiree, and 26% would rock out at gigs with their squad for the ultimate pre-wedding celebration! 

Commenting on the findings, Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert said, “Destination weddings are sweeping Indian couples off their feet, turning travel dreams into spectacular celebrations! Recent high-profile weddings have inspired more Indians to mark their wedding milestones with memorable celebrations such as destination weddings. Our research found that couples are prioritising unique experiences and are willing to invest more to create celebrations that truly reflect their aspirations. But it’s not just about splurging—they’re thoughtfully planning every detail, balancing grand gestures with savvy choices.”

Defining the Ideal ‘I Do’ Destination for Indian couples

 Asia was the top choice for a destination wedding among Indians: 48% of respondents in India are eyeing Asia for their destination wedding, drawn to the allure of places like Thailand, Japan, and the Maldives. Not only do these locales promise breathtaking backdrops, but they're also closer to home and easier on the wallet. On the other hand, 31% are captivated by Europe's romantic charm, considering destinations like the UK, Spain, France, and Italy.
 

Top picks for Indian couples: When it comes to planning the perfect destination wedding, some of the top destinations respondents are drawn to include Goa, Dubai, Bali, and Bangkok. Goa, with its sun-kissed beaches and lively vibe, offers the perfect mix of chill and thrill for wedding celebrations. Dubai brings the bling with its ultra-glamorous skyline and opulent venues, perfect for couples looking to say ‘I do’ in style. Meanwhile, Bali and Bangkok are all about those dreamy tropical vibes and rich cultural backdrops, giving couples the chance to tie the knot in paradise while soaking up the local charm.
 

Beach Bliss, Royal Palaces, or Scenic Mountains?: When it comes to the vibe of dream destination weddings, 26% of respondents in India envision a romantic beach celebration with sunsets and sand, while 20% are drawn to the opulence of a royal palace affair like in Jaipur or Udaipur. Others envision a soulful, personalised celebration (19%) in scenic spots like Tuscany, Lake Como, or Mussoorie, and the same percentage crave a lavish, glamorous event in vibrant cities like Dubai, New York, or Bahrain. 19% of respondents are also drawn to a picturesque mountain backdrop, imagining a proposal set against the stunning views in spots like Mussoorie, Munnar, or Switzerland.
 
Couples in India go all-out on their destination weddings but remain savvy

 Splurging on wedding dreams: Indians are all set to splurge! With destination weddings becoming increasingly popular, nearly half (45%) of couples in India are willing to boost their budgets by up to 50% for the extra adventure and to make their celebration truly unforgettable, proving that for many a destination wedding is worth every extra penny.
 
According to insights from WeddingWire India, a leading wedding technology platform in India connecting engaged couples with local wedding professionals, 56% of the couples most value the type or style of the venue when searching for their wedding destination. As a result, top-tier destinations like Udaipur, Goa, and Dehradun have become increasingly popular choices, offering couples the perfect blend of bespoke services and stunning settings.

Hidden gems – 83% of respondents in India will swap the usual wedding hotspots of Shimla or Goa for hidden gems like Gokarna or Kalimpong. 
 
WeddingWire India also reveals that other lesser-known destinations like Mahabalipuram in Chennai and Kukas village in Jaipur, Rajasthan, are also becoming increasingly popular for their unique charm and intimate settings, offering couples the chance to create truly one-of-a-kind celebrations.

Planning ahead for the perfect celebration:62% start organising their destination weddings up to 12 months in advance, ensuring every detail isabsolutely perfect. While 40% of respondents in India rely on wedding planners for expert guidance, proving that pros are still the go-to for planning a dream destination wedding, 36% trust recommendations from friends and family for that personal touch.

49 percent Gen Z dream of destination wedding, outpacing millennials: Skyscanner

The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 curated by Godrej Vikhroli Cucina revealed that out of the total 1,945 kgs of waste generated at L’affaire, 94.8 percent (1843.2 Kgs) was recycled, composted, reused, or donated, with the support of Skrap, the sustainability partner. 

Crafted with insights from over 190 hought leaders—including celebrity chefs, influential bloggers, and dedicated nutritionists—the report highlights the trends in sustainable food practices. 

Key Trends for World Environment Day 2024:

Supporting Local Farmers & Producers: Nearly 90 percent of the experts predict a surge in consumer interest in supporting local farmers and producers. This trend emphasizes the need for sustainable and ethically sourced food. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, they seek ways to contribute positively to their communities.
 
Adopting a Climatarian Diet: In 2024, approximately 75 percent of experts believe that people will increasingly adopt a climatarian diet. This dietary shift focuses on foods with a lower carbon footprint, promoting environmental sustainability. By making conscious choices, individuals can reduce their impact on the planet while enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.
 
Sustainable Packaging: The panel expects a strong demand for sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. With 71% of experts emphasizing this trend, it’s clear that consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. Brands and manufacturers are responding by exploring innovative packaging solutions that minimize waste and promote a circular economy.
 
“World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder of the impact our choices have on the planet. The trends highlighted in the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, such as supporting local farmers, adopting a climatarian diet, and prioritizing sustainable packaging, are not just trends but necessary shifts towards a more sustainable future. By embracing these changes, we can make a significant difference in the health of our planet while enjoying a rich and varied culinary experience." says Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director of a Perfect Bite Consulting and Editor of the annual Godrej Foods Trends Report.

75 percent experts believe that people will increasingly adopt a climatarian diet: Godrej Report

According to recent data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, India’s traditional PC market (inclusive of desktops, notebooks, and workstations) shipped 3.07 million units in 1Q2024, up 2.6% year-over-year (YoY).

The desktop and workstation categories grew by 10.1 percent YoY and 2.7 percent YoY, respectively, and notebooks declined by 1.7 percent YoY. Even with reduced demand for notebooks, premium notebooks (>US$1,000) grew by a healthy 21 percent YoY.

In 1Q2024, the consumer segment grew by 4.4% YoY due to low volumes in 1Q23 and some demand coming from e-tail channels during Republic Day sales in January. The commercial segment grew by 1.3% YoY on the back of 56.9% YoY growth in the government segment despite a decline in enterprise orders.

“The consumer segment had a third consecutive quarter of YoY growth. However, the demand softened from the high double-digit growth in the previous two quarters to under 5% growth. Vendors focused on clearing inventory, while a few vendors faced shipment delays leading to lower than expected sell-in,” said Bharath Shenoy, Research Manager, IDC India & South Asia.

Top 5 Company Highlights: 1Q24

HP Inc. led the market with a share of 30.1% in 1Q24 as it topped the charts in both commercial and consumer segments with shares of 32.4% and 26.9% respectively. HP continued to lead in both desktop and notebook categories with 28.9% and 30.4% shares respectively. However, its shipments declined by 8.8% YoY due to reduced enterprise orders and consumer shipment delays.

Dell Technologies was a distant second to HP Inc. with a share of 17.5% in 1Q2024. It, however, fared well in both commercial and consumer segments with a growth of 32.1% YoY and 20.7% YoY respectively. Dell had one of its best quarters in the commercial desktop category shipping 155k units, up 54% YoY, helped by government orders.

Acer Group stood third with a share of 15.4%. It did well in the commercial segment in both desktop and notebook categories, growing by 19.9% YoY and 32.0% YoY, respectively. Its consumer segment grew by 51.7% YoY, driven by good momentum in e-tail channels.

Lenovo stood fourth with a share of 15.1% and a decline of 1.3% YoY in 1Q2024. While it was second behind HP in the consumer segment with a share of 13.5%, it stood fourth in the commercial segment with a share of 16.3%. The vendor struggled in the government segment but fared well in the SMB segment, second behind HP with a share of 22%, growing by 9.4% YoY.

Asus held fifth position with a 5.9% share and a YoY decline of 8.3%. It stood second in the consumer notebook category ahead of Lenovo, with a share of 16.5%. The vendor focused on inventory correction in 1Q2024.

Commenting on the outlook, Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President, Devices Research, IDC Asia/Pacific, said, “The PC Market in India is facing challenges in the commercial segment due to reduced PC procurement from the IT/ITES sector and global accounts which traditionally drive significant volumes. The market is expected to start recovering by the end of 2024 with refresh buying from the enterprise segment. The vendors have also fast-tracked the local assembly of commercial notebooks, which will help in reducing the imports in the next few quarters.”

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