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Kolkata | Mumbai: There is a distinct preference for western and fusion wear that is seen outpacing ethnic fashion at the peak of India's festive season this year, when consumers typically show a penchant for traditional wear.Usually, the festive and wedding seasons between October and February are peak periods for traditional fashion. But growth in the ethnic segment has softened, with industry executives estimating sales are down 15-20% compared to last year. "Dresses, jumpsuits, and bandhgalas are replacing sarees and sherwanis at celebrations," said Devarajan Iyer, chief executive of department store chain Lifestyle International."There is a clear industry-wide shift in consumer preferences. From Diwali parties to celebrations, more people are opting for western wear over conventional ethnic outfits, leading to slower growth in the traditional category," he added. Companies said the demand shift is particularly noticeable among younger consumers and urban shoppers who prefer comfort, a key reason for them to opt for western and fusion styles over traditional garments. V-Mart managing director Lalit Agarwal said fusion wear, which incorporates ethnic styles and prints with western attire, is in vogue. "We are still seeing an uptick in demand for ethnic brands. But it's increasingly skewed towards fusion wear which is more stylish yet carries the ethnic essence.""Western wear is cheaper than hand-embroidered ethnic clothing," said Rahul Mehta, chief mentor of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India. "Cost-conscious consumers are shifting, and women, especially, are embracing western looks for occasions. Ironically, ethnic wear is gaining popularity among men, who view it more as a status symbol."Pricing pressures and an 18% GST on garments priced above ₹2,500 has also hit ethnic wear demand. While the tax increase from an earlier 12% applies across apparel categories, large-scale western wear makers have economies of scale, unlike many MSME-led ethnic wear producers. 124642053 "The sale during this Diwali is not as expected. The growth has been flat this season probably due to increase in GST in this price segment. People were expecting a discount but in our segment the price has gone up. The upcoming wedding season will be a real test for ethnic wear," said Mayank Mohan, owner of ethnic menswear brand Mohanlal Sons.Despite the current lull, retailers said the long-term ethnic wear market will keep its cultural stronghold. Shoppers Stop, however, said the premium celebration wear category has been resilient despite economic slowdowns. "Our premium ethnic brand Kashish is the top seller across apparel categories, indicating that there is no slowdown at our stores. While value clothing remains under pressure, there is a strong trend of premiumisation," said Kavindra Mishra, managing director at Shoppers Stop.Biba's managing director Siddharath Bindra said it is betting on product innovation in fusion wear, bridal wear and kids wear and expects a double-digit growth this Diwali over last year.

India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar opened up about his controversy with right-arm seamer Mohammed Shami ahead of the ODI series against Australia, saying he hadn't seen the player's recent social media post but was open to a conversation. Agarkar also added that he has had "multiple chats" with Shami in recent months but didn't want to "give a headline." After being dropped from the West Indies Test series and the upcoming ODIs against Australia, Shami took to social media and took a dig at Indian selectors, saying that his availability for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy proves he is fit, and it is not his job to update the selection on his fitness. Reacting to the fast-bowler's remarks, Agarkar said on NDTV World Summit 2025, "I am not quite sure what he said on social media. Maybe if I read that, I might give him a call, but my phone is always on for most players. I have had multiple chats with him over the last few months, but I don't want to try and give you a headline here." Furthermore, speaking about Shami's future with the national team, Agarkar said the pacer remains a key player for India, but his fitness will determine when he returns to the team. Agarkar also revealed that Shami would have toured England if fit and hinted that his return could depend on how he shapes up in the ongoing domestic season.124636265 "He has been an incredible performer for India. If he said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me. But even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane. Unfortunately, he wasn't. Our domestic season has just started, so we will see if he is fit enough, and we will see where it goes. This is the first round of Ranji games that is going on. We will find out in a couple of more games. If he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like Shami? But what we have found in the last 6-8 months to a year, even during the Australia tour, we were desperate to have him on, but unfortunately, his fitness wasn't there. If he does stay fit over the next few months, the story might be different. But at this point, as far as I know, he wasn't fit enough for that England tour," he added. Shami hasn't played for the Indian Cricket Team since the completion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which finished in March.The fast bowler was left out of the Indian Test squad, which is currently playing a two-match series against the West Indies. Stating the reason behind the player's omission, chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited a lack of match time as one of the reasons for his exclusion from the squad. Since the IPL 2025, Shami has played just one first-class game, for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, where he bowled a total of 34 overs in two innings of the game, managing to scalp just one wicket. (ANI)

A Belgian court on Friday ruled in favour of India’s extradition request, ordering the return of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi to face charges in the country.The court’s decision has been seen as a strong validation of India’s case for Mehul Choksi’s extradition, officials as quoted by PTI said, though the businessman still has the option to appeal in a superior Belgian court. “The order has come in our favour. The court has termed his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India's request valid. The first legal step in getting him extradited is now clear,” a senior official told news agency PTI. Indian officials from the External Affairs Ministry and the CBI played a key role in assisting Belgian prosecutors, presenting detailed arguments on Choksi’s alleged involvement in a Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam, orchestrated in collusion with his nephew Nirav Modi. Prosecutors told the court that Choksi continues to be a flight risk and should not be released from prison, officials added.