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Time of India
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Fur-taxi and the Furious: How India's pet cabs are rescuing the rides for furry passengers
TAIL WINDS Live Events LONG-DISTANCE WOOFS BIG BROTHER STEPS IN (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Maya, a wide-eyed indie with a nervous bark, trembled as the first Diwali crackers burst in the Bengaluru sky last year. Her pet parents, Rahul Chawda and Aarti Karwayun, knew the drill. Like every year, they had booked a pet-friendly stay in the countryside. But as usual, every regular cab they summoned turned back the moment they saw Maya.'Every year, the driver would either cancel or reluctantly allow her in, only to complain later. It was uncomfortable for everyone—driver, dog and us,' says a common story in urban India where pet ownership is climbing steadily. With over 32 million pets today—projected to rise to 51 million by 2028, according to India Brand Equity Foundation—more families are finding themselves stranded with furry dependents and no pet was during Covid-19 lockdowns that Mumbai-based Arpita Sandilya first felt the need for a pet transport service—not for emergencies, but to send rescued dogs to their adoption homes. 'That was my first real trigger, to be honest. I used my own car for rescues, and the idea just grew from there. I thought, why not start a service that helps rescuers and pet parents?' says Sandilya, who now runs a two-car fleet under her venture, TaxiForPaws Like many others in this space, she faces challenges. 'Finding pet-friendly drivers is hard. Not everyone is comfortable around animals or ready to clean the car after each ride.' Her cars are outfitted with blankets, bowls and custom-made dog-seat belts. 'Each trip ends with a deep clean—it is expensive, but essential.'Another Mumbai-based player, SDAASH Pet Cabs, started in 2022 after founder Pranav Lokhande lost his pet when no cab agreed to transport them. 'It cost us dearly,' says Heenal Lokhande , who runs the operations of two modifies its vehicles by removing the front passenger seat to create space for a soft bed. 'Some pets want to be beside their humans; others love their own space,' says TaxiForPaws, each ride of SDAASH is followed by a deep clean, and incidents like vomiting or peeing send the car straight to the wash station. The roadblock it faces is also similar—drivers. 'At times we ride the cab ourselves when drivers do not turn up, because we know the pain of not getting a cab on time.'In Delhi, FurryTaxi has faced similar hurdles. Founder Anurag Tripathi, who started the service with ad-hoc rescues in 2019 and later shifted to a structured service in 2022, now operates eight cars. 'In the past six months alone, we have done long-haul trips to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Srinagar. It's growing,' says again, the crunch is drivers. 'Drivers must be pet-friendly, trained and calm even when a Rottweiler barks mid-ride.' Each driver goes through a vetting process: 'They accompany me for initial rides, then handle a few with owners onboard, before going solo,' says Tripathi. People use the service for veterinarian visits, boarding stations and airport visits. Pets can travel solo or their pet parents can accompany them in the demand comes from metro cities—Delhi, Mumbai, cross-country journeys, platforms like FidoJet and CarryMyPet are leading the FidoJet started in 2018 when its founders—Rajesh Sharma, Manjeet Swami and Nikhil Khalera—noticed that pets were often shipped like cargo. 'We were pet parents ourselves. Watching animals treated like packages was painful,' says cofounder began with road travel and now offer help with air and rail travel as well. It is supported by over 150 vehicles via vendor networks. Their cars come with booster seats, harness seat belts and non-slip routes are Delhi–Mumbai, Bengaluru–Kochi and Hyderabad–Goa. Pricing ranges from ₹12/km to ₹20/km depending on distance. 'Over 90% of the demand is from metros,' says Khalera. 'But we have handled everything from senior dogs to blind pets. Every case requires planning, patience and empathy.'No story captures this better than that of Dobby, a wheelchair-bound stray adopted during the pandemic. Carry My Pet helped relocate Dobby from Nagpur to Poland. 'The owner had every reason to leave Dobby behind. But she chose love,' says Faisal Islam , cofounder, Carry My Pet. 'We managed her journey across continents, with careful coordination and tailored care.'Carry My Pet, headquartered in Gurgaon, operates on an asset-light model, partnering with logistics firms across India. They offer multimodal pet relocation by air, train and road. Their pricing starts at ₹13/km for cabs, ₹10,000 for relocation via train and ₹25,000 for domestic notes that demand is rising about 10% year-on-year. 'Pet owners today want real-time tracking, transparency and expert help.'But it's not all smooth. Regulatory ambiguity, breed restrictions, lack of pet-friendly rail infrastructure and inconsistent airport facilities still pose hurdles. 'We have relocated thousands of pets with a zero-harm record, but every ride demands precision,' says relocation he recalls is moving a Labrador named Ludo from Delhi to Port of Spain, via a complex, multi-leg route through Miami and the Caribbean. 'It took weeks of planning, but seeing Ludo reunited with his family was worth everything.'Even tech majors are watching. Uber, for instance, has introduced Uber Pet in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. Pet parents confirm that while it's a welcome addition, the experience is still inconsistent.'Drivers often are not prepared, and there are no comfortable amenities,' says a Mumbai-based user. 'But it is better than nothing, especially when specialised services aren't available.'India's pet and pet-care market is forecast to double to $7 billion by 2028, according to consulting firm Redseer. As pets take centre stage in urban homes, pet-cab services have shifted from niche novelty to everyday essential
Economic Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
What drives the unstoppable growth of India's wedding economy?
All that jazz There was a time when marriages in an Indian household were arranged through references. This changed in the 1970s-80s when newspaper matrimonial ads became the primary medium for finding alliances. The 21st c. brought a bigger shift with the rise of dating websites, soon overtaken by mobile a significant portion of India's 600 mn unmarried individuals can be found on these platforms. Together, they form the foundation of the massive marriage industry, one that's proven resistant to both recession and inflation. Our demographic dividend is a major concern when it comes to jobs. But when it comes to matrimony, there are few constraints. An estimated 11-12 mn weddings take place each year, involving 22-24 mn individuals. With a potential pool of 600 mn unmarried people, the wedding economy is vast, and growing. Spending on weddings has surged across all income levels, with even those at the bottom of the pyramid trying to emulate the lavishness of the top. Thorstein Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption - 'keeping up with the Joneses', or, perhaps, more suitably, 'with the Agarwals' - has become the norm. The journey typically begins with dating platforms, where the search for a partner can start for as little as ₹1,000. From there, it extends to matrimonial websites and elite sweetheart brokers who offer more curated matchmaking services, often including background checks. Together, these services cater to a wide spectrum of users. Dating platforms alone are estimated to have a turnover of around ₹8,000 cr, with 80-90 mn persons actively using has reported that the wedding market is the second-largest retail segment in India, second only to food. Weddings are expensive affairs, typically involving spending on venues, catering, wedding planners, event managers, decorators, make-up artists and DJs - especially for the ubiquitous sangeet, a tradition now gaining popularity even in southern and eastern states. These celebrations often stretch over several days, with significant outlays not just by the bride's and groom's families, but also by guests - on clothing, jewellery and gifts. Destination weddings, which have grown increasingly common, add travel costs for 100-200 guests to the overall spend. At the lower end, a wedding may cost ₹3-5 lakh, with the average hovering around ₹10-12 lakh across India's roughly 10 mn marriages each year. At the upper end, lavish weddings can cost ₹3-5 cr or more, depending on the scale and the 'statement' the hosts wish to make. As a result, the Indian wedding industry is valued at ₹11-12 lakh cr. India Brand Equity Foundation's estimate: ₹10.8 lakh cr ($130 bn). Beyond visible expenses, there's also the oft-unspoken cost of 'gifting' - the usual euphemism for dowry - which can include property, luxury vehicles, jewellery and furniture. The scale and spread of wedding-related spending have a significant multiplier effect across several sectors, particularly services. For instance, a single wedding can employ 100-200 people on a gig basis, providing a temporary, but vital, boost to the informal does economics explain this process? Nobel Prize-winning economists Alvin Roth and Lloyd Shapley developed a matching algorithm that underpins much of the logic behind modern dating platforms. These platforms have adapted and scaled such algorithms to bring potential partners together efficiently. Once a match is made, behavioural economics kicks in. The bandwagon effect prompts couples to emulate popular wedding trends, leading to a demonstration effect - where weddings evolve into multi-day spectacles to uphold social appearances. As the number of affluent individuals in India has grown, so has the snob value attached to weddings. This has fuelled demand for differentiators such as destination weddings, themed ceremonies and even celebrity appearances, each adding a premium to the overall wedding industry is notably recession-proof and is projected to grow to ₹18-20 lakh cr over the next five years. While Covid temporarily disrupted the trend - with online weddings becoming a brief norm - those days are behind us. Much like companies calling employees back to office, society, too, has returned to full-scale, in-person celebrations. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Tech company CEO shown the door is back with AI bang In the NSE vs. BSE battle, the real winner will be someone else Arrest of Pak spies signal the changing face of grey zone warfare Can inclusive growth dividend transform economic security in India? 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The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Dhun, a new wellness centre in Mumbai wants to rewrite the urban reset
In a city that moves at full tilt, entrepreneur Mira Kapoor is asking us to slow down. With the launch of Dhun Wellness in Mumbai's Bandra, she has created an in-city luxury wellness sanctuary, built on the idea that wellbeing should not be a getaway, but a rhythm you return to every day. Tucked along Mumbai's high-energy Linking Road, Dhun occupies a quietly transformative 6,000 square foot space. Inside, it is all muted tones, curved walls (to resemble a mother's womb), and soft light. A sensory cocoon designed not to remove you from urban life, but to restore you within it. There are 13 treatment rooms, three private consultation suites, and recovery lounges that mirror the circadian rhythm. Materials echo terracotta and desert sand, and light moves softly through each zone. 'Our logo is inspired by music — it's a symbol for one beat of rest,' says Mira. 'Because only when you pause, can you hear what your body's trying to say.' Wellness, without the weekend trip India's wellness industry is booming. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, it is projected to grow to $256.9 billion (₹21.38 lakh crore) by 2033. But while retreats and destination spas continue to flourish, Dhun flips the model. You do not have to leave the city. You just have to show up. For Mira, who has long been an advocate for integrative health (through her work with brands like Akind and Zama Organics), this space is personal. 'Ayurveda's been part of my life for over a decade. What drew me to it is how it addresses the root cause — not just the symptoms — and respects your unique body constitution. Dhun builds on that idea.' At the centre of Dhun's offering are its curated seven-day wellness programmes for gut restoration, sleep, stress management, cleanse and reset, and women's health. Each programme combines ancient practices with clinical insights, from hormone testing to Ayurvedic oil therapies. Guiding the experience is wellness director Sujit Kumar Gupta, an integrative health expert with over 20 years of experience in functional medicine, Eastern therapies, and biohacking (making incremental changes to one's body, diet, and lifestyle to improve one's health and well-being.) 'Everyone's needs are different, and we wanted to reflect that across modalities,' says Mira. 'Whether you're coming in for gut work or stress relief, you'll find a mix of diagnostics, energy work, and body-led therapies under one roof.' The philosophy Facials here are far from formulaic. Ethera, crafted for Dhun by Japanese facialist Mariko Hiyama, is a sculpting ritual that blends gentle yet precise pressure to release facial tension and boost circulation. Other options include the Manual Biologique Recherche Facelift, also known as Soin Lift C.V.S. Targeted at mature or sluggish skin, it uses high-potency actives with the Jacquet-Leroy massage technique (a facial massage technique that involves deep, gentle pinching movements to stimulate circulation and improve lymphatic drainage). Each treatment can be paired with Cryotherapy or the Red Light Bed — two regenerative tools aimed at reducing inflammation, boosting collagen, and aiding sleep. Modern intent Dhun's treatment menu is rooted in tradition. The Abhyanga massage is a full-body oil ritual that combines Ayurvedic strokes with contemporary technique to encourage detox and rebalance energy flow. Shirodhara, where warm oil flows gently across the forehead, is meant to be calming, grounding, and particularly helpful for Vata and Pitta dosha (life forces) imbalances. Udvartanam, a dry herbal scrub massage, works to improve circulation, and is supposed to leave the skin smooth. But what could set Dhun apart is its integration of emotional therapies. The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) blends acupressure, tapping, and modern psychology. Used alongside a specially tuned set of singing bowls, it aims to release trauma, calm the nervous system, and bring clarity. 'It's ideal for people seeking emotional release in a way that's gentle but powerful,' Mira explains. Everything at Dhun has been designed to feel intuitive, not clinical. 'There's no one-size-fits-all path to wellness,' Mira adds. 'What we've built is more like a platform — a place where you can tune in, take stock, and find what works for you.' Dhun Wellness opens June 2; address: 7th Floor, Cozy Nook, 30/36 Cross Linking Road, Bandra (W); time: 11am to 7pm
India.com
15-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Modi govt takes BIG action against Turkey for supporting Pakistan; India to review deals with Turkish firms worth Rs...
(File) Turkey, along with China, were among the few nations that openly supported Pakistan during its recent conflict with India, a move that has forced New Delhi to rethink its future engagements with Ankara on various matters, including trade and diplomatic ties. According to a media report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government is re-assessing deals signed with Turkish companies in sectors ranging from automobile to IT, metro rail to tunnels. Deals signed with Turkish firms under scanner As per a report by News18, post Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has put all business agreements with Turkish firms under the scanner, and these deals are being reassessed, which may lead to many of them being terminated. 'All projects involving Turkish firms are under scrutiny, government is re-assessing all ties including the ones which ended,' the report quoted an official as saying, wishing to be anonymous. The official revealed that the government is currently collecting and compiling data deeds related to each engagement across the public and private sector projects, the report said. According to the report, Turkish companies are running projects across various sectors in at least five Indian states — Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi. Additionally, India has signed MoUs with Turkish firms across sectors ranging from IT to automobile, and construction metro rail networks to tunnels. A Turkish company bagged the contract for the electromechanical part for Atal tunnel in J&K in 2020, while in 2024, another firm inked an MoU with RVNL for the metro rail project. India-Turkey trade ties Over the last decade, India and Turkey have signed several MoUs ranging from telecommunication, culture, education, media, and diplomacy, which Ankara has invested in key sectors including construction, manufacturing, aviation, and metro rail infrastructure. According to a February 2025 report by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF)– a trust established by the Union Commerce Ministry's Department of Commerce– Turkey occupies the 45th position in FDI equity inflows into India with a cumulative FDI number of US$ 240.18 million from April 2000-September 2024, the report stated. Bilateral trade between India and Turkey stood at $ 10.4 billion during FY24. New Delhi's changing stance on Ankara post Op Sindoor However, Turkey's recent stance with regards to Pakistan and its repeated support on Kashmir issue for Islamabad at global forums, has forced New Delhi to recalibrate its its economic and diplomatic ties with Ankara. After Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government is now decisively shifting its economic policy with Ankara, and all business deals with Turkish firms are being scrutinised. 'All agreements are being scrutinised. But some MoUs or trade deals or project tie ups were done on a long-term basis. They might not be affected following the current geo-political situation. However, the emerging circumstances and Turkey's continuous interference over the Kashmir issue may adversely affect the growth of investments or any future trade deals,' the News18 report quoted a senior trade expert, working with the Commerce Ministry, as saying.
India.com
15-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
India Ranks Among Top Six Nations Globally In 6G Patent Filings
New Delhi: India entered amongst top six countries globally in 6G patent filing, said Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the Minister of State for Communications at the BHARAT 6G 2025 conference. The country has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore (USD 35.14 million) for over 111 research projects, marking a significant milestone in pursuing 6G technology. "6G will operate on TeraHertz frequency bands, enabling data rates up to one terabit per second, 100 times faster than 5G," the minister added. According to a release by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the adoption of 6G technology will "create entirely new industries and revolutionise existing ones" and is expected to contribute Rs 85,37,000 crore (USD 1 trillion) to India's economy by 2035. The minister, during the conference, showed confidence in India's vast talent pool and emphasised that "there is no reason the country should not lead in 6G." "He also noted that indigenous 6G development will ensure secure communications, developed and managed within India, further strengthening the nation's position in the global technology landscape." Additionally, this year's Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo features advancements in 5G & 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, IoT, Cybersecurity, Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Embedded Tech, Fintech, Urban Mobility, and Smart City Solutions. Meanwhile, during the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) telecom industry leaders discussed India's tremendous opportunity in advancing 6G technology at the 8th Edition of Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. And the event saw the inauguration of International 6G Symposium, launch of Telecom Smart Cities Index by OpenSignal and Workshop with Academicians of 5G Test Labs among other major activities.
