Saturday, August 2, 2025 | Vol. 68 No. 258 | 39 Pages Reg.No MCS/048/2021-23; RNI No. 1541/1957 M.p.c.s office Mumbai. PIN 400001 THE FREE PRESS JOURNAL INDIA EDITION | www.freepressjournal.in ● Leader in E-paper circulation GAMES NATION Migrant workers are promised sops, but after polls they are again left on God’s mercy Vol. 67 No. 00 | TUESDAY | JANUARY 23, 2024 | 00 Pages | `5 & for Pune `6 only MG M9 Presidential Limousine FPJ elcome to a world where elegance meets exclusivity. Our new offering, What’s Luxury Journal, is Fueling India’s your gateway to the Luxury finest in fashion, Surge? travel, lifestyle, and indulgences — curated for those who appreciate the art of living well. W I f the last few landmark moments are anything to go by, it’s clear that India is no longer just on the radar—it’s leading the luxury conversation. While the luxury market faces a slowdown worldwide, India is seeing a historic surge across categories. Valued at US$17 billion today, it is projected to more than triple by 2030. The signals are loud and clear—from Dior’s grand pre-fall showcase at Mumbai’s Gateway of India in 2023 to British fashion house Vivienne Westwood making its India debut at the same venue in 2025. But the loudest headline came with Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show at Paris Fashion Week: a snakes-and-ladders inspired runway by architect Bijoy Jain and a soul-stirring score by AR Rahman that boldly placed India at the centre of the global luxury stage. Indian luxury is no longer a quiet presence—it’s a global force. In another culturally loud moment, Prada’s reimagined Kolhapuri sandals—presented at its SS26 Milan show— sparked backlash for omitting attribution to India. The brand followed up with an on-ground visit to Kolhapur and plans for a GI-tagged “Made in India” capsule, signalling a more collaborative direction going forward. While the growing list of international brands foraying India is unstoppable— Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Balenciaga and now Canada’s Lululemon set to enter the Indian market in 2026, it’s not just the global fashion houses, but India is now a must-have destination in the global luxury playbook across categories. In hospitality, high-end travel experiences are finding eager takers both within metros and in India’s once-overlooked second cities. Global hotel chains have taken note: Hilton plans to multiply its India footprint tenfold in the next decade, introducing iconic brands like Waldorf Astoria and LXR. Hyatt and Marriott are similarly bullish, including spiritual and heritagerich locations that attract the country’s growing pool of luxury-seeking domestic travellers. The luxury automobile sector, once niche, is too now firing on all cylinders with record sales this year India driven by premium SUVs, expanding EV portfolios and greater localisation. With a surge in high-net-worth individuals, second-gen To understand this new shift in the luxury landscape, we spoke to key voices shaping the conversation—from fashion and hospitality to automotive and e-commerce. Below are key insights that offer a compelling picture of where luxury in India is headed next—and why the world is finally paying attention. 1Gopal Asthana, CEO, Tata CLiQ “The definition of luxury for Indian consumers is evolving beyond traditional markers of wealth and exclusivity. Today, luxury is increasingly about authenticity, heritage, accessibility, conscious consumption, and mirroring beliefs and value systems of the consumers. With rising disposable incomes, digital access, and a new wave of global and local brands, consumers are seeking more than just premium products—they want meaning, personal relevance, and immersive experiences. The rise of digital luxury, from e-commerce and virtual boutiques to AI-powered personalisation, is transforming how Indian consumers engage with luxury brands. Brands are incorporating AI, machine learning, AR, and VR to deliver hyper-personalised and immersive experiences. AI-powered tools curate product recommendations based on individual preferences, past behaviours, and purchase history. Trust and authenticity are key in luxury, and blockchain technology helps maintain this by offering transparent supply chains and verifying the authenticity of pre-owned luxury goods. At Tata CLiQ Luxury, initiatives like digital boutiques, the Select Program, and assisted selling are redefining the high-tech, high-touch luxury experience in India. An important cohort in the Indian luxury landscape today are the millennials and GenZ. This cohort’s demand for transparency, social responsibility, and inclusivity is prompting brands to rethink not just products, but also how they communicate and operate.” 2Ms. Akanksha Lamba, Co-Founder, and Senior Vice President Operations, The Postcard Hotel “Today’s travellers want to feel deeply, not just be impressed. They want to participate in luxury, ask more questions, linger longer, and appreciate the details. This deeper engagement is the real evolution in luxury. “There’s a conscious shift towards quality over quantity. The emphasis is now on experiential luxury that encompasses curated experiences, whether it’s travel, lifestyle and dining. Discerning consumers are now looking for exclusivity, but with a growing appreciation for craftsmanship that showcases cultural heritage, while providing excellent personalised customer experiences. Our approach comprises two distinctive pillars – one, our view that every meal is an experience, and two, that authenticity is core to great hospitality. Be it international brands like Hakkasan, Yauatcha and Nara Thai, or home-grown favourites like CinCin, Ode, Supa San and Waarsa, these tenets remain consistent. Authenticity for us is staying true to the cuisine and providing heartfelt hospitality. It is time we proudly showcase the rich legacy of artistry and the diversity of heritage that India has to offer. Luxury today is about embracing the many Indias, not just one. 3Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India “Luxury in India is being redefined by a new generation of consumers who seek more than just premium products— they want purpose, personalisation and progress. Younger consumers, especially, Gen Z and millennials, are reshaping the definition of luxury experience in the automotive space. It is about cutting-edge technology, sustainability and meaningful experiences. India is one of the most dynamic and promising luxury markets globally, and the presence of more international luxury auto brands only raises the bar and helps grow the ecosystem. It will help drive innovation across the board. What will differentiate and sustain KOLHAPUR GETS HC BENCH Jim Murray Toasts Indian Malts In a tete-a-tete, Jim Murray, whisky expert and creator of Whisky Bible, shares his outlook towards India’s favourite Sayoni Bhaduri I Caption: cultural context. To make ‘Made in India’ luxury a global benchmark, we must stop trying to fit into At The Postcard Hotel, luxury isn’t about visual opulence—it’s about presence, purity, and ease. It’s the absence of noise— both literal and metaphorical. Our brand is rooted in India but designed for the world. Each Postcard property is distinct, shaped by its surroundings, community, and cultural context. To make ‘Made in India’ luxury a global benchmark, we must stop trying to fit into global moulds. The future lies in authenticity, discretion, and thoughtfulness. What will truly position India at the forefront is the move from formulaic to experiential, from superficial to sensory. Travellers seek not just comfort—but connection, story, and memory.” Udai Pinnali, CEO, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality entrepreneurs, and luxury-savvy Gen Z buyers, India is no longer an emerging market—it’s a commanding voice in shaping what luxury means today. ndian whiskies have come of age, where the global audiences have realised the potential and quality. Brands such as Amrut and Paul John have set a high benchmark regularly raking in accolades over the last decade, and the newer generation of Indian whiskies are not far behind. Haryana-based Indri by Picadilly Distilleries has been in the spotlight with their unique finishes. The latest awardwinner is Jammu-based GianChand single malt, which has won the Best Indian Whisky at the International Whisky Competition 2025. Now, Jim Murray, whisky expert and creator of Whisky Bible is introducing a dedicated category for Indian whiskies in the next edition. Murray has always championed Indian single malts. “I first visited a modern Indian whisky distillery in the mid90s, but it’s only in the last Cinema Check out our verdict on film releases Edit Donald Trump’s tariff strike: How potent is it for India? REVERSAL | Bombay HC order that reinstated protected forest status on 120 hectares of mangrove land stayed. Civic body free, for now, to resume garbage dumping till final decision is taken An ultra-luxurious electric limousine designed for those who prefer to ride in first-class. The swanky new limo features plush presidential seats with 16-way adjustment and 8 massage modes, a dual yacht-style panoramic sunroof, a premium 13-speaker sound system and more—delivering a ride that’s as indulgent as it is intelligent. Once seen as an emerging luxury market, India is now shaping global luxury narratives. Experts highlight a new reality—where luxury is personal, rooted, and increasingly, Indian in spirit Sumita Bagchi Ryan ten Doeschate backs Bumrah opting out of the fifth Test considering his workload 15-20 years that there’s been real work,” he says. He is also heartened to see how distillers and distillery owners in India are rooting for each other, allowing the overall perception of Indian whisky to improve. “It’s now incumbent upon the distilleries to make sure that they keep this high quality going, that they don’t start cutting corners,” he adds. For more than two decades, Murray has shaken the world of whisky to its core, all in the task of recognising the finest whiskies in the world. Murray was the one who threw the spotlight on Japanese whiskies when he awarded Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 as the best whisky in 2015. His faith in Kentucky bourbon’s fresh flavour and profile revived an almost dead industry in the USA. It is his singular agenda to open up the whisky universe beyond what is known. During his time in India for a three-city roadshow with All Things Nice, he conducted a blind tasting that brought together disparate whiskies, including Royal Salute, Aberlour single malt, Chivas Regal 18-year-old old and homegrown Longitude 77. The reason, he explains, is that people are not expecting it. “You’ve to show people and make them taste the liquid because if you try and sell something to someone, it doesn’t necessarily work,” he says. His belief in the magic of the malt spirit is also why Murray does not believe in trends. “I’m Caption: cultural context. To make ‘Made in India’ luxury a global benchmark, we must stop Urvi Mahajani MUMBAI In a major boost to access to justice in western Maharashtra and southern Konkan, the Bombay High Court will set up its fourth bench in Kolhapur from August 18, 2025. A notification issued by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, with the Governor’s approval, confirmed Kolhapur as a new seat of the high court. The bench will cover Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. This long-pending demand of the local legal fraternity aims to reduce the burden on the Mumbai bench and ease the hardships faced by litigants forced to travel long distances. The high court currently has benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Goa. Details on judge appointments and administrative logistics will follow next week. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai is expected to inaugurate the bench. Advocates welcomed the decision as a historic step towards decentralised and faster justice delivery. VP ELECTION ON SEPT 9 PTI Crafted with soul, headed for haute horology SC clears the way for TKanjurmarg landfill Titan Jalsa, the limited-edition timepiece, is India’s official entry to the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2025 Caption: cultural context. To make ‘Made in India’ luxury a global benchmark, we must stop trying to itan has announced its bold arrival in haute horology with Jalsa, a limited-edition timepiece from its premium line Nebula by Titan. The one-of-a-kind watch, which has the potential to make history as India’s first Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) winner, was unveiled in a regal setting at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur by actor and brand friend Sushmita Sen. With several industry stalwarts, local and global media flown down to celebrate this iconic launch, the brand put together a grand show that mirrored a real jalsa. The watch represents a significant milestone for Titan, signalling the brand’s move towards ultra-luxury watchmaking, and India’s emergence as a serious contender on the global fine watchmaking stage. It has been officially entered in the Artistic Crafts category at GPHG competing with luxury watchmakers such as Audemars Piguet, Chopard, Bvlgari and Van Cleef & Arpels, with results scheduled to be announced on 28 August 2025. Speaking about achieving this feat, C.K. Venkataraman, Managing Director, Titan Company Ltd, says, “As the name suggests, Jalsa is indeed ‘a grand celebration’ of horological excellence. The timepiece’s journey began almost three years ago when we attended the GPHG exhibition in Geneva and dreamt this moment at that time. I wouldn’t call this feat a collective passion—but obsession is more accurate. We were obsessed with creating something truly extraordinary and for us, it’s about a much bigger play—not just participating, but creating an entirely new space.” Limited to Caption: cultural context. just 10 pieces, To make ‘Made in India’ Jalsa, is a rare luxury a global benchmark, tourbillon we must stop trying to fit into timepiece in global moulds. The future li 18K gold and pays homage to regal artistry and the iconic Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, celebrating its 225th year. At first glance, the timepiece captivates with its lifelike miniature painting, the flawless agate dial, and the beauty of the open tourbillon. But behind its elegance lies relentless effort, countless experiments, and an unwavering obsession to create something truly extraordinary in collaboration with miniature artist Padma Shri Shakir Ali known for his miniature Persian and Mughal paintings. Representing India’s grandeur, artistic heritage, and the brand’s horological excellence, the watch dial is hand-painted using centuries-old techniques and materials like natural gemstone pigments by the artist. He recreates each dial with the same painting of Jaipur’s erstwhile Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh under whose rule the Hawa Mahal was commissioned. At the centre sits a breathtak- Agencies NEW DELHI In an ongoing legal tussle over the Kanjurmarg landfill site, the Supreme Court on Friday stayed a Bombay High Court ruling that had restored the protected forest status of nearly 120 hectares of mangrove-covered land in Mumbai’s Kanjurmarg area. The stay order offers temporary relief to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), which had earmarked the site for use as a garbage dumping ground. A bench comprising Chief Curated By For editorial, branded content, advertising and sponsorship requirements contact us at the.horologists.mum@gmail.com Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the interim stay while hearing the Maharashtra government’s appeal against the High Court’s May 2 verdict. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, argued that the land had been used for garbage dumping for decades and was Russian oil on pause mode? Ashwin Ahmad NEW DELHI At least four Russian tankers have been spotted outside India’s western coast in Jamnagar. The tankers, identified by shipping data used by Reuters, are believed to have been anchored there since Thursday, as local refineries have refused to accept the cargo. Sources say the refineries are awaiting an official directive from the government, which is said to be looking at alternate supplies of crude oil procured from Russia. A day earlier Reuters had said quoting four sources familiar with the development that state refiners, Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd, have not sought The India-US partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain committed to the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed to. Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson Russian crude in the past few days. While India has continuously maintained its right to buy Rus- sian oil, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri pointed out that New Delhi had more than enough alternate oil suppliers. Speaking to a news organisation earlier this week, Puri said: “If something happens, we’ll deal with it. India has diversified its sources of supply — we’ve gone from buying oil from about 27 countries to around 40 now.” Puri’s statement comes as the US continues to pressure India to end its crude oil buying from Russia. A day after President Trump announced 25% tariffs on all Indian exports coming into the US, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India’s purchases of Russian oil were a “point of irritation” in the India-US ties. 4Cont | nation 4See also | world mistakenly notified as a protected forest in 2008. 4Contd on | nation 4See also | city White House pushes for Trump Nobel Agencies WASHINGTON White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made a fervent pitch for giving the Nobel Peace Prize to US President Trump stressing he has ended six globalconflicts, including the hostilities between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. Her endorsement comes even as Cambodia announced plans to nominate Trump for the prestigious award, citing his direct intervention in halting a recent border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. 4Contd on | nation SRK, MASSEY BEST ACTOR; ACTRESS CROWN FOR RANI NEW DELHI 71ST NATIONAL FILM AWARDS The Election Commission on Friday announced that the election for the post of Vice President of India will be held on September 9. The official notification will be issued on August 7, and candidates can file their nominations until August 21. If required, the polling will take place in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, on the first floor of the Parliament building. Voting will be held from 10 am to 5 pm on September 9. The results will be announced on the same day. The post became vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21. The Election Commission has appointed the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha as the Returning Officer, with two officials from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat serving as Assistant Returning Officers. 4Contd on | nation FPJ News Service MUMBAI Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Film Award for best actor for his performance in the action blockbuster ‘Jawan’, an honour he shared with ‘12th Fail’ star Vikrant Massey. Rani Mukerji was adjudged the best actress for her efforts in ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, ‘12th Fail’ was also adjudged the best film, while Sudipto Sen, maker of the controversial ‘The Kerala Story’, was chosen the best director by a jury headed by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker. Filmmaker Karan Johar’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ bagged the award for best popular film for wholesome en- Deve Gowda’ grandson Prajwal held guilty of rape tertainment, while Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Sam Bahadur’ was named best feature film promoting national, social and environmental values. ‘Sam Bahadur’ also bagged costume and make-up honours. ‘Jawan’ was one of the highest-grossing films of 2023. ‘12th Fail’ chronicles the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma who overcame extreme poverty to become an IPS officer. ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’ is a legal drama and is based on the real-life story of a Norwaybased Indian couple whose children were taken away by the authorities following cultural misunderstandings between Indian parenting traditions and Western child welfare systems. Vinay Madhava Gowda BENGALURU ployee: Kalakappa Nidagundi, a former sweeper who had worked his way up to office assistant. Prajwal Revanna, former Member of Parliament from Hassan and grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, has been found guilty in a rape case. The verdict was delivered by the Special Court for People's Representatives in Bengaluru. The case involved a woman from K R Nagar in Mysuru district. She had worked as a domestic help at the house of Prajwal Revanna. According to the complaint, the sexual assault took place during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Special Court Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat, who completed the trial in just seven months, said the punishment will be announced on Saturday. In addition to the rape case, another case was filed against Prajwal for allegedly kidnapping the same woman to stop her from approaching the Special Investigation Team. The SIT was formed to investigate multiple rape cases involving Prajwal Revanna. His parents Revanna and Bhavani Revanna, along with seven others, are accused in a kidnapping case. 4Contd on | nation 4Contd on | nation 4See also | cinema offgrid Office sweeper mops up `100cr empire Vinay Madhava Gowda Lokayukta sleuths uncover the jaw-dropping assets of a former sweeper-turnedmastermind behind KRIDL fund scam BENGALURU In what reads like a script straight out of a crime thriller, a former sweeper turned outsourced office assistant at the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation (KRIDL) in Koppal district has been found owning properties worth over `100 crore. The bombshell discovery was made during a Lokayukta raid probing a `72 crore misappropriation scam involving 108 development works between 2022 and 2024. While investigating Chief Executive Engineer ZM Chincholikar — accused of overseeing the scam — investigators grew suspicious of a relatively low-profile em- ED Look Out Circular against Anil Ambani BIHAR DRAFT ELECTORAL ROLLS OUT Ashish Singh PTI MUMBAI PATNA/NEW DELHI The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a Look Out Circular (LoC) against Anil Ambani, chairman of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG), in connection with its ongoing probe into an alleged Rs17,000-crore bank loan fraud case. He has also been asked to appear at the ED's headquarters in New Delhi on August 5. The LoC was issued on Friday at the request of the federal financial probe agency to prevent Ambani from leaving the country without prior clearance, senior officials confirmed. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money laundering investigation into a Rs 68.2 crore fake bank guarantee racket, which has now been linked to companies under the Anil Ambani Group. The instant case runs parallel to the agency’s ongoing investigation into the loan fraud, for which Ambani has also been summoned. Last week, the ED had raided 35 locations associated with the Reliance Group in Mumbai, examining financial The Election Commission (EC) on Friday published the draft electoral rolls for Bihar after completing a month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The rolls are now available online for voters to check their names, although no final compiled list has been released yet. According to EC data, Bihar had 7.93 crore registered voters before the revision began in June. After the process, 7.23 crore enumeration forms were submitted. Around 35 lakh voters were found to have permanently migrated or become untraceable, 22 lakh were reported deceased, and 7 lakh were registered in more than one roll. About 1.2 lakh voters did not submit their forms. This massive update exercise was carried out by booth-level officers (BLOs) across 77,895 polling centres, supported by 1.60 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) and volunteers. Last week, ED had raided 35 sites tied to Reliance Group in Mumbai, examining financial deals of 50 firms, 25 individuals transactions of nearly 50 companies and 25 individuals The latest case stems from an FIR registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police on November 11, 2024. According to ED officials, the agency has widened its focus on suspected financial irregularities involving the Anil Ambani Group, this time zeroing in on forged guarantees submitted to a central government entity. 4Contd on | nation 4Contd on | nation 4See also | nation ‘100% proof of EC’s vote chori’ Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar People (opposition leaders) have started saying Rahul is playing a dirty game and wants to destroy the country's image. NEW DELHI Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that the Election Commission was “working for the BJP” for “stealing votes” and issued a direct threat to its officials saying “whoever is doing this, right from the top to bottom… we will not spare them”. The Centre termed his allegation and threat a “huge conspiracy to weaken democracy” while the poll panel termed it “baseless” and urged its officials to “ignore such irrespon- Kiren Rijiju, Parliamentary Affairs Minister sible statements while working impartially and transparently”. Gandhi, who had claimed earlier too that he had evidence that EC was facilitating theft of votes, on Friday repeated the charge outside the Parliament building. Talking to the media, he said, “We have said that there is a theft of votes happening and now we have open and shut proof that the Election Commission is involved in theft of votes. 4Contd on | nation