Author: Neel Achary

Kalyan Jewellers Collaborates with Instamart for Raksha Bandhan Gifting Campaign

August 08, 2025: This Raksha Bandhan, Kalyan Jewellers is bringing heartfelt tradition and modern-day convenience together in a celebration designed to delight. The brand has launched a special festive campaign titled “Gehna to Your Behna” in collaboration with Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform. It will be delivering ₹2,100 gift vouchers free with every Rakhi purchase on Instamart.

As part of this festive collaboration, Kalyan Jewellers is also retailing its exclusive collection of silver Rakhis on Instamart. These Rakhis reflect the brand’s legacy of design and emotion and will be delivered in 10 minutes through Instamart. Created to blend convenience with meaningful gifting, the initiative is aimed at helping siblings celebrate the festival – even when distance or packed schedules get in the way.

To bring the campaign to life, Kalyan Jewellers has launched a warm and visually engaging TVC featuring actress Sreeleela. The film walks viewers through the simple process from ordering the Rakhi to redeeming the jewellery voucher capturing how even a small gesture can become a lasting memory.

While the service is available across 100 cities in India, the voucher can be redeemed on gold or silver jewellery purchases at any of Kalyan Jewellers showrooms nationwide, over and above prevailing in-store offers. This value-added offering is a strategic move by the brand to connect with Gen Z consumers, a segment that values meaningful experiences, digital convenience, and accessible luxury. In keeping with the needs of today’s on-the-go consumer, a QR code included in each Rakhi pack allows users to extend the voucher’s validity until October 31st, 2025 – offering added flexibility and convenience.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers, shared: “At Kalyan Jewellers, we’re constantly exploring meaningful ways to stay connected with evolving consumer lifestyles. Our partnership with Instamart is not just about delivering Rakhi gifts – it’s about creating new touchpoints with younger audiences who value speed, convenience, and thoughtfulness. Through this initiative, we hope to build lasting relationships with a new generation of customers, while continuing to honour the sentiments that make our festivals so special.”

Sharing insights on this special offering, Manender Kaushik, AVP & Category Head – Instamart, said: “Festivals carry deep sentimental value across India, and gifts are a way to express emotions – whether love, care, or appreciation for those closest to us. Despite the bickering and teasing all year round, this day is filled with banter but, at its core, heartfelt gratitude toward one another. At Instamart, we understand this, and that’s why we’ve teamed up with Kalyan Jewellers to bring something truly meaningful to our users – a gift that will last a lifetime. With just a few taps on Instamart, you can get the perfect Rakhi delivered within 10 minutes, alongside a Kalyan Jewellers voucher to help you go all out with your gift.”

Last Raksha Bandhan, Instamart saw an incredible surge, with nearly 700 Rakhi orders placed every minute and overall sales soaring fivefold. The most popular gifts included toys, chocolates, flowers, and make-up. This year, silver rakhis have quickly become a favourite among customers across cities on the platform.

Kalyan Jewellers has also announced exclusive in-store festive offers for Raksha Bandhan. Shoppers can avail 25% off on making charges, with an additional 25% off on purchases above ₹2 lakhs. The brand’s Special Gold Board Rate, the lowest in the market and uniform across all company showrooms, will also be applicable for a limited period.

Rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, Kalyan Jewellers continues to make every celebration more meaningful. Through thoughtful designs, strategic collaborations, and value-led offerings, the brand is redefining the joy of gifting for every generation. This Raksha Bandhan, Kalyan reaffirms its promise to make cherished moments shine brighter with a little extra sparkle and thoughtfulness.

Instamart is now live across 127 cities, offering lightning-fast 10-minute delivery and an expanded assortment of up to 35,000 items. The platform recently introduced Maxxsaver—a feature designed to unlock maximum savings and support more planned, affordable purchases for users across India.

Starbucks India Brings Back the Anniversary Blend with Bold Flavours, Aged to Perfection

India, 8th August 2025: TATA Starbucks India announces the return of its iconic Anniversary Blend in India, a full-bodied roast that pays homage to decades of craft, care, and coffee mastery. The blend has been a seasonal favourite since its debut in 1996 and continues to remain a celebration of craft, heritage, and the signature Starbucks coffee experience. Returning just in time for Raksha Bandhan, it makes for a meaningful gift rich in tradition, and even richer in flavour.

More than just a blend, it is a story brewed over the years drawing from the lush, volcanic soils of Sumatra, West Java, and Sulawesi. The arabica beans are aged for up to five years to unlock a flavour that’s rich, layered, and quietly powerful with warm cedary spice, a whisper of allspice, and a hint of fresh tarragon, like a memory that lingers.

This season, celebrate Raksha Bandhan with a blend as timeless as a bond that speaks of warmth and memories.

Vibhor Mishra, Coffee Ambassador, APAC and China, Starbucks, said, “The Anniversary Blend is a celebration of everything we stand for at Starbucks. Each year, it brings us back to our roots that has defined our journey with coffee lovers across the country.”

Available for a limited time 250 grams, the Anniversary Blend can be enjoyed as the espresso of choice in handcrafted beverages across Starbucks India stores nationwide. It is also available in packaged whole bean format for those who wish to bring the celebration home.

PMJ Jewels Launches New Store in Kompally

Hyderabad, 08th August, 2025: PMJ Jewels, South India’s most beloved fine jewellery brand, has launched its new showroom in Kompally. Gracing the occasion from the management of PMJ Jewels were Kushal Kumar Kankaria, Chairman, Dinesh Kumar Kankarian, MD and Kiran Shinde, CEO amongst other dignitaries.  This is PMJ’s 8th store in Hyderabad and 41st store to PMJ’s overall presence of their stores across India & USA, and is part of the brand’s aggressive expansion plans.

The auspicious days also marks the joyous  Varalakshmi Vratham where in, customers of PMJ were delighted to check  the premium selection of handcrafted jewels at the new store. The elite showroom was filled with loyal PMJ customers, who added an element of extravagance and excitement to the launch event. The store has been meticulously curated to cater to the diverse tastes of customers in and around the bustling area of Kompally and offers a wide range of designs across diamonds, gold, and precious stones. PMJ’s finest and never-before-seen designer jewellery, handcrafted creations, region-specific pieces, wedding jewellery, and lightweight items suitable for all occasions will be featured in the collection. The store promises to offer a dazzling range of the latest, finest, and never-before-seen designer diamond bridal jewellery.

The new PMJ SuperStar Bracelet, a limited edition creation with brand ambassador – actor Super Star Mahesh Babu, will also be available at the PMJ Jewels outlet at Kompally. This Limited Edition Bracelet is thoughtfully crafted for both men and women, celebrating the SuperStar in everyone. It’s a bold statement of strength, style and resilience reflecting the enduring SuperStar journey of Mahesh Babu. The bracelet is a fusion of elegance and legacy in every inch.

Mr. Deepak Choudhary , State Head – PMJ Jewels, Mr. V. S. Chakravarthy, Cluster Manager – PMJ Jewels, and Ms. Vijaya Laxmi – Kompally Store Head, expressed their joy, stating, “We welcome everyone to experience the personalized hospitality that PMJ Jewels is known for. Our new store in Kompally will reflect the legacy that PMJ Jewels has built over the years.”

The designs at PMJ Jewels epitomise the remarkable craftsmanship and skills of Indian goldsmiths. PMJ’s loyal customers who blessed the store with their presence during the auspicious occasion were elated checking and trying out new designs displayed during the inauguration.

Weekend Getaway at JW Marriott Pune: Refresh, Reconnect, Rediscover

There’s a certain charm in pressing pause on the everyday, stepping away from routine, and surrendering to a weekend that belongs entirely to you. At JW Marriott Pune, weekends are not just a getaway; they’re an invitation to slow down, savour, and rediscover the art of living well.

Wake up in rooms that frame Pune’s sweeping mountain vistas, each window a private canvas of the city’s natural beauty. Start your day exactly the way you want it: perhaps lingering in bed with a bespoke breakfast served to your room, or strolling down to Spice Kitchen for a buffet that captures global flavours with effortless flair.

As the day unfolds, let your palate wander. Enjoy a chef’s selection lunch at Tao-Fu or Alto Vino, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into dishes that balance creativity with comfort. Come afternoon, find a quiet corner at JW Garden for high tea, an indulgent ritual of delicate bites and freshly brewed blends, best savoured at your own unhurried pace.

Evenings at JW Marriott Pune are an affair of their own. Begin with a set dinner that celebrates culinary craftsmanship at Alto Vino or Paasha, where every course feels like a conversation between chef and guest. And for those who wish to carry the evening forward, Vault (Nightclub) opens its doors to couples every Saturday with complimentary entry, offering a stylish segue into Pune’s vibrant nightlife.

But a weekend here is about more than exceptional dining. It’s about balance. Unwind with a calming massage at Quan Spa, where curated therapies are designed to align mind and body. Or spend a few easy hours exploring Pavilion Mall, directly accessible from the hotel, where premier shopping and entertainment await.

Families will find their own rhythm too. Children under 10 stay and dine free, with engaging experiences like pizza-making classes and creative workshops designed just for them, giving parents the rare pleasure of unwinding without worry. And with complimentary early check-in at 12 pm and late check-out at 4 pm, there’s no need to rush your departure  because weekends, after all, are not meant to be hurried.

Torus Digital enters strategic partnership with Suryoday Small Finance Bank, launches 3-in-1 Savings and Investment Account

Delhi, 08/08/2025: Torus Digital, an innovative wealth technology company, has established a strategic partnership with Navi Mumbai-based Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB) to launch a 3-in-1 Savings and Investment Account.

Over the next 4 to 5 years, more than 100 million retail investors are expected to enter the Indian investment market. Already, nearly 2 million digital investment accounts are being opened every month across the country. In response to this growing demand, the 3-in-1 account offers a comprehensive financial solution tailored for this new wave of investors.

Torus Digital has partnered with Suryoday Small Finance Bank to offer a unified approach to savings, trading, and demat services. This unified approach allows users to manage their finances with greater ease, transparency, and efficiency. Torus Digital offers a savings interest rate of up to 7.75% per annum, 88% higher than traditional Indian banks. The IYI feature includes three Nifty 50 ETFs, providing a safe investment avenue with a potential 15% CAGR. Users can open zero-balance savings accounts, trade across NSE and BSE at flat rates, and maintain a lifetime free demat account.

Through this partnership, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, serving over 3.4 million customers through 710+ banking outlets across 15 states and Union Territories, aims to enhance its digital presence and expand access to a wider, more diverse customer segment.

Commenting on the launch, Prakarsh Gagdani, Chief Executive Officer, Torus Digital, said, “We are building a future where personal finance is not fragmented but integrated. Our 3-in-1 account brings simplicity and intelligence into the everyday financial lives of our users. In partnership with SSFB, we’re redefining the customer experience by making saving, trading, and investing accessible to everyone, especially in underserved segments of India. We are aiming to onboard over 1 million customers within the next 2 to 3 years.”

Commenting on the partnership, Vishal Singh, Chief Information Officer and Head – Digital Banking at Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB), said, “At Suryoday, we’ve always aimed to deliver innovative banking experiences. Our strategic partnership with Torus Digital will allow us to bridge the gap between traditional banking and modern investing, offering a robust ‘3-in-1’ account that caters to both savers and investors. Customers can now embark on their financial journey at no cost, with zero account opening charges, and seamlessly save, trade, and invest all in one unified platform.”

The account also features ‘Invest Your Interest’ (IYI), allowing users to automate their monthly interest investment into ETFs through SIPs starting at just ₹27, potentially increasing returns by up to 15%. The account is integrated with Torus Digital’s broking platform, allowing seamless trading without the need to transfer funds. The account also provides unmatched liquidity and control with T+1 trade payouts credited directly into the same account.

Torus Digital offers a Trading and Demat account with a variety of investment products, including equities, mutual funds, IPOs, derivatives, ETFs, and indices. Users can enjoy flat trading charges, zero account opening charges, 4x leverage with margin trading, chart-based execution, and advanced algo trading. The Demat Account, regulated by CDSL, offers lifetime free AMC, 100% digital onboarding, and low DP charges. Torus Digital’s strategic partnership with SSFB aims to simplify investing and foster financial inclusion through digital innovation. They aim to build a robust retail investor base and target an AUM of ₹4,000–5,000 crore over the next 2 to 3 years.

Metro Brands Limited Reports Steady Performance in Ǫ1 FY 2025-26 EBITDA margin of 31.4% in Ǫ1 FY 2025-26

Mumbai, 8^th August 2025: Metro Brands Limited, one of the largest Indian footwear specialty retailer, today announced the Standalone and Consolidated Financial Results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025.

Metro Brands Limited delivered a steady performance in the first quarter of FY 2025–26, driven by sustained consumer demand and a focused execution of strategic initiatives. During the quarter, Metro Brands reported a standalone revenue of INR 615 crores, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.2%. The growth was supported by an increase in wedding-related footfall, owing to a higher number during the quarter.

Revenue from E-commerce, including omni-channel sales grew by 45%, contributing to 13.7% of the revenue (compared to 10.4% in Ǫ1 FY25). Gross margin for the quarter was reported at 59.7%, while the PAT margin stood at 15.7%. The Company added 20 new stores across formats during the quarter, further expanding its footprint and presence in key markets.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Nissan Joseph, CEO, Metro Brands Limited, said, “Ǫ1 FY 2025–2C was a quarter of stable growth for the business, supported by strong consumer sentiment and consistent execution across channels. While external factors such as the preponement of Eid to March, an early onset of monsoons, and ongoing global geopolitical tensions posed minor challenges, we remained focused on delivering a seamless customer experience both online and offline. Our continued investments in digital and retail expansion enabled us to maintain momentum.”

 During the quarter, Metro Brands also signed a long-term strategic partnership with Clarks, becoming its exclusive licensee and distributor across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. This agreement grants Metro Brands exclusive rights to manage the brand’s presence across all channels of trade, including exclusive brand outlets, multi- brand outlets, e-commerce platforms, and distribution networks. Clarks will be launched in Ǫ3 of this financial year.

As part of its premium brand strategy, the Company is preparing to launch three new Foot Locker stores ahead of the festive season in Ǫ3 FY 2025–26. Additionally, plans are in place to open new exclusive brand outlets for FILA in the second half of the fiscal year, further strengthening Metro Brands’ premium offering and consumer connect.

Metro Brands remains committed to driving long-term growth through strategic partnerships, digital acceleration, and a differentiated retail footprint, reinforcing its position as a leading player in India’s branded footwear industry.

CMAI Raises Alarm Over Proposed 50 Percentage U.S. Tariff on Indian Apparel Exports

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has expressed deep concern over the United States’ decision to further increase tariffs for from 25% to 50%, calling it a severe setback to Indian apparel exports.

“The imposition of an additional 25% tariffs on India will deliver a crippling blow to the Indian apparel industry. The proposed 50% tariff will increase the cost of Indian apparel by 30–35% compared to alternatives from countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, making Indian exports uncompetitive in the global market. Buyers are unlikely to bear such a substantial pricing gap, which could lead to a sharp decline in export orders,” expressed Santosh Katariya, President of Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). He further denounced the move as “unjustified, unfair, and arbitrary.”

CMAI cautions that such elevated duties could severely destabilise the Indian apparel industry and leading to factory closures, unemployment, and widespread economic distress.

Ankur Gadia, Vice President of Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), added, “We urge the Government of India to take a firm and proactive stance on this matter and work towards negotiating more balanced and equitable trade terms with the United States.”

Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), stated, “While we continue to hope that this development is part of a broader negotiation strategy, we strongly recommend that both the Government and the industry collaborate urgently to devise measures that can mitigate the adverse impact of this draconian levy.”

CMAI anticipates that the coming months will be extremely challenging for the Indian apparel export sector and calls for strategic intervention to safeguard the industry’s long-term viability.