Recently, Spotify released its long-awaited Wrapped list, revealing the most streamed artists, songs and albums of 2025. According to the recent development, the streaming platform has also released a list of the streamed female artists of the year. While Taylor Swift took first place as the most streamed female artist of the year, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande took second and third place. Among the top 15 female artists, only one from India made it to the list, which is now going viral on social media. Shreya Ghoshal in Spotify Global’s top 15 most streamed female artists of 2025 Singer Shreya Ghoshal is the only Indian artist to appear in the top 15. According to the list, she achieved the 14th position after Tate McRae, Shakira, Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo, who were in 11th and 11th place. On the other hand, Lady Gaga, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Rihanna, Lana Del Rey and KAROL G were in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th places. Previously, Shreya Ghoshal became the third most streamed artist in India on Spotify. While Arijit Singh retained his top position in the same list for the seventh consecutive year, Pritam was second. Among the female artistes in India, Ghoshal took the first place. Shreya Ghoshal’s Works in 2025 2025 was another successful year for Shreya Ghoshal as she delivered hits like Saiyaara’s Reprise Version Title Track (Female), Oh Mama! TETEMA and Thodi Si Daaru, in collaboration with AP Dhillon. In Bollywood, she crooned melodies like Humnava from Maa, Bas Ek Dhadak from Dhadak 2, and Baabul Ve in De De Pyaar De 2. She brought emotions to romantic numbers like Koi Naa in Bhool Chuk Maaf, Aaj Ruk Jaa (female version) and Aaa solo Gale Lag Ja and Kajoeth version, and I version. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Sarzameen. She has also showcased her talent through versatile tracks like Nafarmaniyan in Pintu Ki Pappi, Ishq Bukhaar in Teheran, and Ishq Manzoor in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. In 2025, she collaborated with composers like Pritam, Amit Trivedi, Sachin-Jigar, Tanishk Bagchi and Himesh Reshammiya, re-establishing herself as one of the most popular playback singers in Hindi cinema. Apart from Hindi, she has also delivered several hits across the regional films. Shreya Ghoshal also announced her world tour, Unstoppable.

Copyright © HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved. Come for the ‘baithak’, stay for the shopping: Why young fashion brands are turning to experiential retail Guests at the Gully Lab’s Baithak in London. Summary From workshops and talks to music performances and ‘baithaks’, fashion brands are taking a culture-first approach to building customer loyalty In early November, homegrown sneaker label Gully Labs hosted its first international Gully Labs Baithak at an art gallery in Camden, London—a far cry from the brand’s flagship store in Delhi’s Panchsheel Park. What was intended to be a “community hangout with a small diaspora crowd” drew more than 400 people—musicians, students, creatives and sneaker lovers. The London Baithak happened organically, say founders Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra. Since opening their flagship store in September, Gully Labs has been offering their signature Baithak on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Intended as a space to talk, share ideas, debate, sing along or just sit with coffee, the shop hosted a mix of free and ticketed events, including a concert by musician Darzi and an open mic called Jamghat with Kommune. For a young label still cementing its place as a serious sneaker maker, positioning itself as a cool cultural curator helps it stand out. But it is not the only one taking this approach. Late last month in Bengaluru, around 80 people gathered at Kaash, a studio gallery housed in a heritage bungalow in the Langford Town neighborhood, for an evening that blended fashion, art, music and food. Titled Bandha, singer Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy performed a medley of classical and folk tunes along with the ongoing art show As Below So Above. The evening was hosted by RareFore, a cultural platform launched by Akshika Poddar, co-founder of Bengaluru-based fashion retail group, The House of Rare, which includes menswear, womenswear, kidswear and footwear. RareFore, Poddar says, began as a way to give shape to her longtime love of India’s performing and visual arts. She admits that it also brings the brand closer to customers. “You carry us through our labels, and now you can feel us through our events.” View full image Guests at Bandha hosted by RareFore. Young homegrown retail labels are harnessing the soft power of culture to build deeper connections with customers. “As shopping habits changed and retail became more experiential, we realized we didn’t just want a store – we wanted a cultural adda,” says Singh, referring to a popular Bengali/Hindi word used to describe people who come together to have relaxed conversations or passionate debates. At Pour Decisions, a monthly series hosted at the Gully Labs Baithak, participants are invited to talk about their workplace problems. Recently, the brand hosted an exclusive listening session of Bengaluru-based indie band Parvaaz’s unreleased album, Na Gul, Na Gulistan, at the store, followed by a virtual chat with the band members. For many consumers, this culture-first approach is more appealing than standard marketing. “People today are done with brands that engage in loud promotions or ‘in-your-face’ campaigns that tell you to ‘buy, buy, buy’,” says Shalika Sandeep, 28, a communications consultant in Bengaluru. “They want brands with personality and a capacity for storytelling.” A fashion enthusiast, Sandeep regularly attends these events with her friends. “We get to know them mainly through word of mouth. I like them because they are well planned and so aesthetically done,” she says, referring to a recent launch party organized by Levi’s. “They have partnered with an ice cream shop and a specialty coffee brand, so besides shopping you get to experience several things at once.” STORES AS STADIUMS In an era where 10-minute deliveries have made almost everything available at the snap of a finger, people are driven to seek out hyper-encompassing, communal experiences that make them feel like they belong. And fashion brands are responding to this need by turning their stores into dynamic performance arenas. Multi-brand sneaker and streetwear boutique VegNonVeg (VNV) is a prime example. “Every store we have has a strong component of a third space where people can come together,” says Abhineet Singh, who founded VNV in 2016 with Anand Ahuja and Emilia Bergmans. View Full Image A skater at VegNonVeg’s newly opened Hyderabad store. At their Delhi store, this takes the form of a thriving skate community (they skate outside the store and the brand also stocks skate products like shoes), weekend DJ sessions, vinyl workshops and an art space activated “purely for the love of the arts,” as Bergmans says. Their new Hyderabad store of 4,200 sq.ft. foot—their biggest yet—pushes the idea further. “The store is designed like a stage, so we can host film screenings, photo shoots, music performances and more,” adds Bergmans. The House of Angadi, a Bengaluru-based luxury textile label, hosted events at its Ashoka Pillar and Sadashiva Nagar stores long before “experiential retail” became a buzzword. “Before Instagram and TikTok, a brand could only express itself to customers through one-on-one connection and conversation, so we chose to use tools like talks, workshops and cultural events that align with our brand language to do that,” says Supria Radaraman, co-founder and group COO. While events in the initial years focused on talks and concerts, the brand now also offers workshops in horology, sari draping and perfume making along with wellness-oriented talks – an extension of the lifestyle products it sells alongside silk saris and textiles. Angadi hosts these events about twice a month, with publicity driven largely through WhatsApp and Instagram. View Full Image A Talk at The House of Angadi, Bengaluru At a quick glance, the biggest benefit of taking a culture-first approach is that it helps brands build an organic community from the ground up. “Every event of ours leads to new collaborations, micro-communities, creator encounters and conversations. Today, people don’t just want to buy; they want to belong,” notes Mishra. For Radaraman, authenticity is key as it “helps a brand differentiate itself from its competition. And for VNV’s Singh, it’s less about generating sales and more about “doing something for people that’s fun and creates a little buzz.” As these examples show, fashion stores are evolving into places where people can slow down, discover something new, and find community. “Today, nobody likes being told what to buy or wear,” says Sandeep. “This cultural route becomes a subtle way to entrench the brand in the customer’s mind so they buy willingly.” Get all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download the Mint News app to get daily market updates. more topics #Luxury #luxury purchase #fashionmarket #fashionindustry #Kleinhandelindustry #Celebritymodes Read next story

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), told Mint on December 12 that the market regulator’s rules on influencers are “very clear”, adding that it must tread the line between fundamental freedoms and misinformation via social media. Pandey was speaking at the 18th annual Munt BFSI Summit 2025, where he delivered the keynote address and had a fireside chat on ‘Steering India Inc. through a regulatory lens’. Tuhin Kanta Pandey on specific regulations for fin influencers When asked if SEBI is working on specific regulations to address misinformation and fraud problems caused by fin influencers, Pandey said that the SEBI’s existing regulation is “very clear” on the matter. “I don’t think there is ambiguity – what is investment advice is clear. In several pump-and-dump cases, we found that fininfluencers were involved. So, one part is monitoring stocks and on social media to see what’s going on… In disclosures, we have introduced verification and instructions that flagged claims are verified by the exchanges,” he added. Challenges posed by social media, right to education Pandey noted, however, that when it comes to social media, just having rules is not enough, the following is constant. “(It) needs to be constant measures. Social media is such an area that (there is a need for) constant surveillance and removal,” he added. He also acknowledged that people have the right to access information online. “There is a line between education – freedom of expression and people’s fundamental rights must be respected. We increasingly have tools to discern where the lines are crossed,” he said. Tuhin Kanta Pandey on ‘optimum’ regulations At the 18th Mint BFSI Summit in Mumbai today, on December 12, 2025, Pandey also discussed SEBI’s view on regulations and what he calls “optimum regulations”. Explaining the term, he said: “Regulation is for a purpose, it is not the purpose itself. There should be review, sunset clauses (should exist) for contextual rules and responses. (So that it does not burden the entire ecosystem), whereas it was intended for certain bad actors. It is endemic in India and various jurisdictions.” He added that too much deregulation is also a problem. “We need to put our heads together, with industry, stakeholders, media, to work on this. If we look more systemically at the market, improved surveillance is one set of measures to address issues. Furthermore, we will require data analysis and efficiency of regulations to achieve the intended goal. There is no need to rush for regulations, they need to be thought through. Responding every week and 10 days is not practical,” he added. About 18th Mint BFSI Summit At a time when India’s financial landscape is being reshaped by rapid advances in technology, new or updated regulations and growing customer expectations, this year’s theme is ‘Finance’s Next Frontier’ which seeks to bring together influential voices to discuss how banking, fintech, insurance and markets can prepare for a new era. Key Takeaways SEBI’s regulations on influencers are clear but require constant oversight. Balancing freedom of expression with consumer protection is crucial in the digital age. Effective regulations should include regular review and sunset clauses to avoid burdening the market.

Employees of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) have raised concerns about the public disclosure of assets and liabilities, a proposal made in November by a high-level committee to improve transparency at the Indian market regulator. “I think there are some privacy issues related to financial assets. They have no concern about giving it internally to an independent office or whatever we establish in Sebi for this purpose. But to put it in the public domain as a matter of business, they have problems,” Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey said at the Munt BFSI Summit 2025 in Mumbai on Friday. The market regulator has set up a high-level committee to make suggestions on improving conflict-of-interest and disclosure norms among Sebi officials, in the wake of conflict-of-interest allegations involving former Sebi chairman Madhabi Puri Buch. In August 2024, US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research alleged that Buch and her husband held undisclosed stakes in Bermuda- and Mauritius-based entities allegedly linked to the Adani group, even as Sebi probed the conglomerate for possible fraud. The Adani Group and the Buchs have rejected the allegations. The committee proposed the regulator’s most comprehensive internal cleanup in years of conflict of interest and disclosure rules across Sebi’s ranks. Under the recommendations, senior officials will for the first time be required to publicly disclose their assets and liabilities once they take office. The chairman, full-time members and officers at the chief general manager level and above will be required to submit these declarations annually. Part-time members, who are not involved in day-to-day regulatory work, may be spared public disclosures, but will still be required to report relevant interests internally. Currently, only Sebi board members are required to disclose conflicts to the board. All Sebi board members and employees, including those on secondment or hired on contract, have also been advised to file initial, annual, event-based and exit disclosures covering their assets, liabilities, security transactions, family ties and any professional or personal interests that may create a conflict. These disclosures will be sent to a newly proposed Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC), which will be led by a chief ethics and compliance officer at the level of executive directors, and monitored by an independent Ethics and Compliance Oversight Committee (OCEC). The framework also aims at more detailed reporting of personal relationships. Employees and board members may be required to disclose internally the names and affiliations of family members as defined under the Companies Act, together with any other relationships that may give rise to potential conflicts. The definition of “family” has been expanded to include spouses, dependent children, including adopted and stepchildren, legal wards and any individual who is materially dependent on the employee. “The question of whether it will be necessary especially when it is not largely required in the system elsewhere in the country,” Pandey said. “It depends on how the (Sebi) board will take a stand”.

Jakarta – The National Police has officially launched the Bareskrim Investigation Complaint Service Application. The National Police emphasized that this program is a form of support for President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s Precision program. The complaint service application was launched on Friday (12/12/2025) by the Deputy Chief of Police, Komjen Dedi Prasetyo. This program is an excellent program initiated by Kabareskrim Komjen Syahardiantono. “This Investigative Complaint Service application integrates direct complaints, complaints via application, as well as complaints via WhatsApp chat and telephone. It makes it easier for the public to file complaints and thus cut bureaucracy,” the head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Bureau, Brigadier General Boy Rando Simanjuntak, said in a written statement. SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Boy explained that the handling of public complaints at the Wassidik Bureau is currently still relatively slow and less communicative through letters, e-wassidik and the delegation of Dumas PRESISI. He said the newly launched complaint service application has a number of benefits. He conveyed the first convenience, namely application access. People, Boy said, simply scan the barcode or visit the app link provided, they can make complaints instantly from anywhere. Photo: Investigative Complaint Service Application (Special Doc.) Boy explained that another advantage is that this application has integrated and continuous communication between the reporter and officers via WhatsApp chat and telephone functions. According to him, the reporter will be served by officers immediately within 1 x 24 hours. “This is a follow-up to the National Police Chief’s order for officers to actively inform reporters about developments in the handling of reports,” explains Boy. Aside from that, Boy said, another benefit of the Investigative Complaint Service Program app is that cases are held online via Zoom Meeting. This is seen as making it easier for reporters to discuss directly with investigators, without being constrained by distance and time. Updates on the latest developments in complaints are also provided to the complainant via WhatsApp app notifications. In addition, reporters can independently monitor the progress status of public complaints directly through the application. “This service is not only an application, but is also supported by a representative service room and very competent officers. The complaint service officers have special expertise in the field of investigation and investigative experience and are equipped with oratorical skills,” explained Boy. People who wish to report their complaints can contact the WhatsApp service at 0812-1889-9191 or come directly to the Investigative Complaint Service Consultancy Room on the 1st floor of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit Building. (knv/fjp)

Jakarta – Sampoerna presents its latest heating device, BONDS by IQOS. This device is designed for adult nicotine users by providing a robust taste experience. While maintaining the credibility and quality of IQOS, BONDs at IQOS offer a simple and easy-to-use experience. BONDS by IQOS was first introduced to Indonesian consumers in Bandung in November 2023. However, this product can now be found in all official IQOS Indonesia stores and partners, and can be purchased through the IQOS Official Online Market. The following are the benefits of BONDS at IQOS: Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENTS 1. BONDS at IQOS uses ROUNDHEAT TOBACCO SYSTEM™, an external resistance heating method that heats from the outside. Meanwhile, IQOS uses ILUMA SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM™, heated from the inside through induction technology. 2. BONDS by IQOS offers a sensory experience with a more familiar feel. 3. BONDS by IQOS can only be used with BLENDS A sticks, with a distinctive taste and familiar sensation. 4. BONDS by IQOS provides a sucking experience of up to 7 minutes per session that supports flexible use and can be used for up to 20x experience sessions. This device comes in 3 color variants that can add character; Ocean Blue, Ruby Red and Cosmic Black. IQOS can be had from IDR 149,000. T&Cs apply. This product is not risk free and contains addictive nicotine. Intended for adult users (21+) only. It is forbidden to sell and give to people under 21 years of age and pregnant women. (advertisements/advertisements)

Jakarta – The main bridge in Beutong, Ngan Raya Regency, Aceh was damaged by floods some time ago. Meanwhile, an emergency bridge has been made and it can now be passed by two-wheeled vehicles. “Thank God, the Beutong emergency bridge can now be passed by two-wheeled vehicles,” said the spokesperson of the Aceh Hydrometeorological Disaster Emergency Response Post, Murthalamuddin in Banda Aceh, as reported by Antara, Friday (12/12/2025). Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENT Previously, the main Beutong Ateuh Banggalang Bridge was broken by flash waves and landslides in the local area, resulting in community access being cut off. The bridge is a transport link between Nagan Raya Regency and Central Aceh Regency. The Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) ended up building a temporary bridge while they waited for the damaged main bridge to be repaired. Now the emergency bridge can be passed by two-wheeled vehicles. Murthala said that after the temporary bridge could be passed by two-wheeled vehicles, many people from Central Aceh are now starting to return to business in Nagan Raya to Meulaboh, West Aceh. People from the central region of Aceh also started buying food in Nagan Raya and West Aceh after the bridge was passable. “Many Central Aceh people sell chillies to Nagan Raya and Meulaboh,” he said. “They (residents of Central Aceh) buy groceries in Meulaboh and Nagan Raya, usually they bring rice when they return to Takengon,” he continued. (deck/idh)

Jember – The Regent of Jember, Muhammad Fawait met farmers groups at the Tutul Village Hall, Balung District, Jember. During the event, he ensured that farmers’ needs are on target and well catered for. “I am here to determine what the farmers’ needs are. Especially in terms of fertilizer and agricultural infrastructure,” he said on Friday (12/12/2025). Furthermore, he said, fertilizer prices have now been reduced. The amount is also sufficient to meet the needs of farmers. Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENT “It is the role of the central government to support the agricultural sector. Namely by reducing fertilizer prices,” he said. The man known as Gus Fawait added that the Jember Regency government has received and distributed various assistance to the agricultural sector this year. Like tractors and soil optimization. “We have received a lot of assistance this year, including soil optimization, tractor assistance and so on. If we receive assistance, please use it well,” he explained. Gus Fawait added that his party will also maximize assistance for agriculture next year. He also requested that proposals for help from farmers be well coordinated. “Later, the aid proposals will be made into one. Then mapped so that they do not overlap,” he stressed. (anl/ega)

Jakarta – PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA) is once again distributing aid to flood-affected victims in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra through the JAPFA Peduli Program. A total of 40 trucks containing food and bottled water were distributed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) and the National Food Agency (Bapanas). JAPFA director Rachmat Indrajaya explained that this program was a form of his party’s concern for affected residents. “Through the JAPFA Peduli program, we are committed to moving quickly to provide support to our brothers and sisters affected by floods in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra. Our synergy with the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and other institutions is a true form of cooperation to ensure that aid can be distributed appropriately and promptly,” he said in a written statement,/2, on Friday (2125). Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENT He emphasized that JAPFA strives to continue to be present for people in need. “JAPFA will continue to strive to be present in the community, as part of its corporate social responsibility. We also convey our prayers and hope that conditions in the affected areas will recover quickly,” he stressed. In West Sumatra, aid was handed directly to the governor of West Sumatra Mahyeldi Ansharullah. The assistance consists of 30,000 eggs, 50 cartons of Real Good milk, 100 bags of 10 kg of rice and 20 cartons of mineral water. Similar aid was also sent to various refugee camps together with farming partners. In addition, JAPFA collaborated with the Padang Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to distribute 7,500 eggs, 1,000 Real Good milk and 402 jars of ready-to-eat food. This step was positively welcomed by the head of the West Sumatra Livestock and Animal Health Service (Disnakeswan), Sukarli, who assessed that this support plays an important role in restoring the nutrition of affected communities. In North Sumatra, JAPFA works with BPOM Medan to distribute aid in the form of sausage, milk and eggs. Meanwhile, in the Aceh region, JAPFA collaborated with PSI to distribute aid to the towns of Teupin Siron, Samuti Aman, Ie Rhop, Blang Guron, Keude Lapang, Alue Mangki and Ceubo. A total of 200 bags of rice were also distributed by BPOM Banda Aceh (anl/ega) to various evacuation posts.

Padang – A student at the Padang 4 Public Middle School (SRMP), Safira, admitted that she felt a change when she studied at the school. He admitted that he was more independent and could manage his time. “Before I came here, I was not independent, and I was still with my parents. Now that I entered SRMP Padang, I am more independent and more independent and better able to organize my time together to study, play with friends, and for worship,” said Safira at SRMP 4 Padang, West Sumatra, Friday (12/12/2025). Another student, Erzizah, expressed her gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for the existence of the People’s School program. He said the facilities at SRMP 4 Padang really support the teaching and learning process. Scroll to continue content “Thanks to Mr. President Prabowo for creating this People’s School program, which has extraordinary facilities. We hope that Mr. Prabowo will live a long, healthy life and his maintenance will be made easier. May our country be a safe country, protected from disasters and so on. We hope that Mr. Erzizah. Principal reveals teaching secrets Principal of SRMP 4 Padang, Azizah Batubara, said the number of students living at SRMP 4 Padang and study is 146 people. He said the school maps the potential and weaknesses of all students. “Well, the kids, as you said earlier, have changed a lot compared to when they first arrived. At that time they were very active, actually overactive, and then we didn’t know what their potential was. But, after doing talent DNA mapping, we knew which ones were in their top 10, and which were in their bottom 5,” said Azizah Batubara. He said, when they first arrived, there were still many students who were overactive. However, he said students are now calmer, more confident and show interest in the skills they have. “Well, from there we started to design lessons that suit them, so today we can see that the children started to calm down. We already know that their interests and talents have started to show, we have placed some of them in clubs. Currently we have children in the swimming club,” he said. “God willing, after that there will be those who will do martial arts, some will do taekwondo, some will do martial arts, some of us will bring coaches here, some will put us in clubs, some will already excel in the field of football. Currently, we train regularly at one club and we pay it from here,” he said. He said SRMP 4 Padang students come from underprivileged backgrounds. He said learning at SRMP 4 Padang is tailored to DNA talent. “Our children who were unreachable before are now affordable, children who could not get all the facilities, all the proper learning, can now get a decent education with various infrastructures, there are laptops, there are smart boards and they can now enjoy various facilities in terms of learning because we designed the learning according to the DNA talent,” he said. Azizah further said that his party took a religious approach to SRMP 4 Padang students. He said the positive impact of student changes can be felt by parents. “With the condition of our children, we initially touched on religion, so there were dormitory activities that were already in a regular pattern. So thank God for testimonies from parents, the children now pray often, even at home when they come home, they are the ones who remind their parents,” said Azizah. “Now pray again, Mah, pray again now, Father, and this is a very pleasant thing for the parents and also their attitude, as you said earlier, begins to calm down, they begin to be confident. At first they only answered one question, now they can develop, they can explain and this is also progress for our children,” he added. (mib/jbr)