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Estée Lauder Launches 4th BEAUTY&YOU India to Support Emerging Indian Beauty Entrepreneurs

BEAUTY&YOU India returns with launch partner Nykaa, the Government of India’s Startup India, and a new Visionary Women’s Award to fuel beauty innovation in dynamic Indian market

Link- https://www.instagram.com/beautyandyouawards/?hl=en
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INDIA – July 18, 2025 – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) (ELC) today announced the launch of the fourth edition of BEAUTY&YOU India, an initiative designed to discover and propel the next generation of India-focused beauty entrepreneurs. Created by New Incubation Ventures, the company’s early-stage investment and incubation arm, the program offers financial support and industry expertise to entrepreneurs shaping the future of skin care, makeup, hair care, and fragrance in India. Under the theme Beauty Frontiers, the program celebrates bold ideas and the emerging talent reimagining the future of beauty in India. Applications are now open through August 24, 2025, at www.beautyandyouawards.com.

Nykaa, the pioneer of India’s beauty revolution, returns this year as lead partner, reaffirming its role as the driving force behind the country’s evolving beauty narrative. Over the past decade, Nykaa has redefined how India discovers, experiences, and embraces beauty, while playing a pivotal role in spotlighting Indian beauty on the global stage. This year’s program also features Startup India following the launch of its partnership with ELC through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) – the first-of-its-kind between a global beauty company and Startup India. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting Indian entrepreneurs and women-founded startups.

Advancing Innovation & Entrepreneurship in India

Nadine Graf, President, Europe, UK & Ireland, and Emerging Markets, The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “India continues to inspire—not only as a dynamic beauty market, but as a global force for innovation and bold entrepreneurship. Through BEAUTY&YOU India, we have seen firsthand how ideas rooted in culture and courage can shape the future of beauty. This year, I am especially proud that the program will launch a new Visionary Women’s Award—a tribute to the ambition, ingenuity, and leadership of women founders. Supporting them is more than an opportunity: it’s a responsibility we embrace with purpose.”

Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said: “Our collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies underscores the role of public-private partnerships in advancing innovation and strengthening India’s startup ecosystem. Building on the program’s success, we are pleased to extend Startup India’s support to BEAUTY&YOU India 2025 and help create new opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.”

Shaping India’s Beauty Ecosystem

Falguni Nayar, Executive Chairperson, MD & CEO of Nykaa, commented: “At Nykaa, we’ve spent over a decade shaping India’s beauty ecosystem, from discovery to distribution, and from consumers to creators. As lead partner for BEAUTY&YOU India 2025, we are proud to extend that ecosystem to early-stage founders through a program designed to transform bold ideas into scalable, future-facing brands. In collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies, this initiative offers the resources, network, and credibility needed to empower the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs.”

Rohan Vaziralli, General Manager, The Estée Lauder Companies, India, added: “BEAUTY&YOU India reflects our ambition to not just participate in, but actively shape the future of beauty in India. With the support of Startup India and DPIIT, this platform has become a national engine for beauty entrepreneurship—grounded in cultural insight, commercial potential, and inclusive innovation.”

Expanded Prize Program & New Visionary Women’s Award

Winners will receive financial support from a prize pool of up to $500,000 and earn recognition across four award categories:

· GROW: Best in-market beauty brands

· IMAGINE: Best pre-launch beauty concepts

· BREAKTHROUGH: Leading innovations in beauty, such as new product technologies and business model innovations such as ingredients, AI, and sustainability

· VISIONARY WOMEN’S AWARD: Inspired by ELC’s legacy as a beauty company founded by a trailblazing woman, this award, new in 2025 and presented with Startup India, will recognize the innovation and impact of outstanding women entrepreneurs.

Along with monetary awards, winners receive support and promotion, including:

· One-on-one mentorship from global beauty and business leaders

Brand-building and distribution support through Nykaa’s powerful ecosystem, spanning discovery, consumer insights, digital amplification, omnichannel presence, and access to its extensive network
· National visibility and strategic opportunities through Startup India, including participation in Startup Mahakumbh, the world’s largest startup event

BEAUTY&YOU India 2025 seeks applicants whose deep cultural insights and use of new technologies or formulations meet the evolving needs of Indian beauty consumers. Since its launch in 2022, the program has become a powerful platform—receiving more than 1,500 applications from 150+ cities in India and around the world, with the majority from women entrepreneurs. Finalists for this year’s program will be announced in September and invited to present their concepts to a panel of industry experts this October in Mumbai.

The Estée Lauder Companies is a leading prestige beauty company in India. Over the past 20 years, ELC has launched 14 brands locally across makeup, skin care, hair care, and fragrance. The company is committed to supporting rising brands, businesses, and talent in India through innovative programs and its strategic investment in Mountain Valley Springs India Private Limited, the parent company of Forest Essentials, India’s foremost luxury Ayurvedic skin care brand. Through BEAUTY&YOU India, ELC, and partners including Nykaa and Startup India, continues to champion innovation, elevate entrepreneurship, and shape the future of beauty.

Exporters can now hand-carry jewellery as GJEPC Initiated Facilitation Centre Opens at Mumbai Airport

National, 17th July 2025: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in collaboration with Mumbai Customs, formally inaugurated the Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Terminal 2. The facilitation centre was inaugurated by Shri Surjit Bhujbal, Member Customs, CBIC, in the presence of Smt. Prachi Saroop, Principal Chief Commissioner, Shri Alok Jha, Principal Commissioner and other Customs officials. Also present were Shri Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ ,  and the leadership team of GJEPC, including Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, Smt Khushboo Ranawat, Regional Chairman (West), Shri Ajesh Mehta, Convener, Diamond Panel, Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, Shri Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB.

The launch of the Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Mumbai Airport has been the result of GJEPC’s persistent advocacy and groundwork. Recognising the immense potential of hand carriage for boosting gem and jewellery exports—especially from Mumbai, which typically accounts for nearly 65–70% of the country’s exports—GJEPC proactively engaged with the Government. Anticipating future clearance, the Council went a step ahead by securing a dedicated space at the Mumbai airport on a rental basis and fully equipping it in advance. With the premises now notified as a Customs area with Bharat Diamond Bourse appointed as a custodian, the Centre is fully operational—ready to facilitate round-the-clock hand carriage exports. This initiative is a testament to GJEPC’s vision, planning, and continuous coordination with government agencies to strengthen export infrastructure. Based on this initiative all types of exports and imports of jewellery through hand-carriage mode can now take place from Mumbai Airport.

In FY 2024-25, gem and jewellery exports from the Western Region (Mumbai Port) totalled US$ 19,653.24 million, accounting for approximately 68% of India’s total gross gem and jewellery exports during the year.

The new dedicated facility is aimed at streamlining export procedures for high-value gem and jewellery shipments carried by hand, bringing greater transparency, faster clearance, and enhanced ease of doing business for exporters.

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, commented, “The inauguration of the Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Mumbai Airport is a milestone in our ongoing efforts to boost ease of doing business for exporter members. Alongside the e-commerce export channel, hand carriage will prove especially beneficial for MSMEs and high-value shipments, especially to FTA partner nations such as UAE under CEPA, Australia under ECTA and UK FTA. It offers a faster, cost-effective, and more agile way to service international orders. We thank Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, Mumbai Customs, Bharat Diamond Bourse and Mumbai Airport International Airport Ltd. for their constant support to achieve the unique milestone.”

Shri Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, IAS, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ who was present at the occasion express “The inauguration of the Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Mumbai Airport is a timely and impactful initiative that will greatly benefit SEEPZ-based exporters. With SEEPZ contributing a significant share (around 13%) to India’s gem and jewellery exports, the availability of a dedicated hand carriage facility just minutes away will enable faster clearances, reduce logistical hurdles, and provide greater flexibility for companies handling high-value, urgent shipments. I commend GJEPC and Mumbai Customs for their collaborative efforts in enhancing the export ecosystem and making it more responsive to industry needs.”

With nearly two-thirds of India’s gem and jewellery exports routed through Mumbai, the centre marks a major milestone in export infrastructure. The new facilitation centre will serve as a single-window facility supported by Mumbai Customs, CISF, police, and airport authorities.

Personal carriage of gem and jewellery is permitted through select airports as specified in the Foreign Trade Policy. For exports, the facility is allowed at nine locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. For imports, personal carriage is permitted at seven locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. At present, the personal hand carriage facility is operational in Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi.

The Council noted that this initiative is part of a broader rollout across nine key centres in India, designed to strengthen infrastructure for the gem and jewellery export sector.

Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, noted, “The launch of the Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre for gems and jewellery at Mumbai Airport is a long-awaited step that will unlock immense value for Indian exporters. It brings speed, safety, and flexibility—crucial elements for high-value gem and jewellery exports. This initiative will especially benefit MSMEs and empower them to meet urgent global demand efficiently. We thank Mumbai Customs and all stakeholders for making this vision a reality.”

This initiative reflects GJEPC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening export infrastructure and aligning with the Government’s vision of ease of doing business. By enabling faster, more secure, and cost-effective shipments, the Council is paving the way for India to reinforce its position as a global hub for gem and jewellery exports.

V-Rich Launches Clean Snacking Drive in Hyderabad Schools

V-Rich Launches Clean Snacking Movement in Hyderabad Schools with Fruit-Based Yogurt Initiative

V-Rich, an emerging clean dairy and wellness brand that aims to cultivate healthier food habits in India, has introduced a unique program targeted at school children in Hyderabad. The company is collaborating with five reputed schools from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to swap conventional, sugar-laden desserts for a more nutritious alternative — their all-natural fruit yogurt. This switch offers students a healthy, gut-friendly option that satisfies their taste buds.

Founder and CEO Yogitha Jahnavi remarked, “At V-Rich, we believe that real change begins young.” The company’s initiative seeks to address the problem of children being overexposed to processed snacks which are laden with sugar or artificial flavors. “With this school partnership, we aimed to provide something wholesome and effortlessly delightful — yogurt turned out to be an ideal solution,” she added.

Currently, the pilot initiative spans a varied mix of legacy schools and international ones. V-Rich aids in the seamless implementation by delivering freshly prepared portioned yogurts during lunch or snack times. The menu features child-friendly options such as Mango, Banana, Vanilla (with real vanilla bean), and Mulberry yogurts made from hung curd and real fruits without added sugars or preservatives. Every 80-100g serving is formulated to meet the specific dietary requirements of children. “Our yogurts are naturally sweetened with fruit sugars, providing a potent source of protein and calcium while being low in fat. It is a clean snack that supports digestive health and sustains mental focus,” the brand said.

During the product development phase, V-Rich collaborated with nutritionists and pediatric experts to ensure safety, portion size, and flavor for young consumers. As part of the program’s ongoing refinement, the brand also keeps an open line of communication with school administrators and parents.

The response has already been more than favorable. Schools love the hygiene practices and punctuality of the service; parents appreciate the healthier alternative; and students are enjoying the creamy fruity flavors. Some schools even requested that yogurt be served twice a week instead of just special days.

This initiative is in line with broader goals for V-Rich to be India’s most trusted clean food brand. The company has plans to expand the program to schools in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune, where a cold-chain logistics network is already in place. There are also active discussions to incorporate yogurt into weekly school meal programs through subscription models.

To date, there is also a longitudinal study being developed by nutrition experts that will track behavioral and health outcomes among participating students—potentially setting up what could become a national blueprint for clean school snacking.

Jeep India Unveils Compass & Meridian Trail Editions with ‘Jeep Trust’ Program

Pune, India | 17th July 2025 – Jeep® India today announced the launch of the Trail Editions of its iconic SUVs — the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian. These special editions blend Jeep’s legendary off-road spirit with bold styling enhancements and exclusive ownership benefits under a new program, ‘Jeep Trust’. The special edition will go on sale starting 15th July 2025.

Jeep Compass Trail Edition stands out with distinctive Trail Edition hood and side body decals, matte black grille accents, and Neutral Grey elements across key exterior components — including grille rings, DLO and backlight moldings, roof rail inserts, ORVMs, Jeep and Compass badges, rear lower fascia applique, and red-accented front lower fascia. The rugged look is completed with Granite Metallic Satin Gloss 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and roof rails accentuating the Jeep Compass’ rugged design.

The interior receives sporty upgrades, featuring black leatherette upholstery with Ignite Red mid-bolster tracers on the dashboard, red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, gear boot, and seat upholstery. A unique Dark Camouflage graphic adds further flair, while Trail Edition-branded all-weather floor mats enhance practicality.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said: “The Trail Editions reflect the Jeep brand’s core values of freedom, adventure, authenticity, and passion. These bold new editions provide a differentiated ownership experience for customers who want to stand out — both on and off the road. With the addition of the Jeep Trust program, we are reaffirming our commitment to offering value beyond the drive.”

Jeep Meridian Trail Edition, on the other hand, is designed to elevate both presence and premium appeal. It features a signature hood decal, Trail Edition badging, and a high-gloss black roof that enhances its commanding silhouette. The exterior gets Neutral Grey accents on the grille, headlamp surrounds, roof rail inserts, rear fascia valence, badges, and side cladding appliqué. Additional Piano Black accents — on fog lamp surrounds, DLO, rear lightbar molding, ORVMs, and rear lower fascia — along with red front fascia highlights, complete its rugged yet sophisticated look.

Inside, the Meridian Trail Edition boasts a high-contrast black vinyl interior with ruby red accents, camouflage- themed appliqués, a Piano Black center console, and matching speaker surrounds. Rugged skid plates, Trail- themed scuff plates, and blacked-out ORVMs enhance its adventurous appeal.

Jeep Trust: Adventure with Added Peace of Mind

To enhance the value proposition of these special editions, Jeep India has introduced ‘Jeep

Trust’ — an exclusive ownership program designed to offer long-term peace of mind.

• Compass Trail Edition buyers will receive:

o Complimentary 3-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)
o 5-year Extended Warranty
o Direct cash benefit of ₹20,000
• Meridian Trail Edition buyers will benefit from:
o Complimentary 3-year AMC included in the price

These added benefits further reinforce Jeep’s commitment to delivering value beyond the drive.

The Trail Editions are designed for individuals who value bold design, adventure-ready capability, and a differentiated ownership experience. Based on the Compass Longitude (O) and Meridian Limited (O) variants, they offer all the features of the donor grades, with unique design elements and added value.

Toscano Ushers in the Season with a Soulful Seasonal Menu Inspired by Rainy-Day Cravings

India, 17 July 2025: As the season changes and the city slows into a gentler rhythm, Toscano Restaurants presents a brand-new Seasonal Menu, a soulful, comforting experience crafted to highlight the richness of Italian culinary traditions and the freshness of the moment. Available exclusively on weekends throughout July, this limited-time offering brings together delicate scaloppine, decadent desserts, and vibrant drinks that echo the cozy indulgence of the season.

At the heart of the menu is Scaloppine All’Italiana, featuring thinly sliced meat or vegetables pan-fried and finished with bold, elegant sauces. Diners can enjoy the indulgent Scaloppine di melanzane e zucchine, where eggplant and zucchini are enriched with truffle butter, caper berry sauce, and truffle shavings. The Scaloppine di pollo al limone vino bianco delivers a light, tangy blend of lemon, butter, white wine, and capers, while Scaloppine di pollo con balsamico e scalogno brings a deeper, sweeter flavor through balsamic and pearl onions. For a true Italian embrace, Scaloppine di pollo alla pizzaiola combines tomato richness with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan. The Scaloppine di pollo in salsa di salvia e burro di nocciole layers on comfort with sage and hazelnut butter, and the Scaloppine di pollo alla boscaiola is a warming combination of mushrooms, smoked ham, and chive cream sauce.

To round out the experience, the Cocoa berry chocolate & lemon-infused truffle cake blends rich cocoa sponge and zesty lemon cream with a scoop of vanilla fig ice cream. For something whimsical, the Linzer berry popcorn cake offers a delightful surprise with almond berry cake, sour cherry jam, and vanilla white chocolate cream.

“This seasonal menu is rooted in slow comfort and joyful sharing,” says Toscano’s Head Chef. “It’s the kind of food you linger over, layered, familiar, and rich with flavor.”

The drink list embraces both spirited and spirit-free indulgence. Toscano’s Twists on the Negroni range from the bold Negroni classic to the floral Negroni segreto with rose water and raspberries, the nutty warmth of the Hazelnut Negroni, and the sparkling, citrusy Negroni spagliato.

For mindful sippers, the Healthy Mocktails deliver fresh, vibrant flavors: Orange splash with citrus and basil, Green bliss with cucumber and kiwi, Watermelon mirage with beetroot and guava, and refreshing brews like Classic mint lemonade and Strawberry matcha, each with a fizzy kombucha twist.

Tata Punch Becomes India’s Fastest SUV to cross 6 Lakh Milestone in Under 4 Years, Celebrates with “India ki SUV” campaign

Mumbai, July 17, 2025: Tata Motors today announced a historic milestone for its revolutionary compact SUV, Punch, which has surpassed 6 lakh production milestone in less than four years—a record-breaking feat that cements its position as India’s favorite SUV. Its popularity is continuously increasing among the consumers across the country and Maharashtra alone contributes 12% to its total production.

Launched in October 2021 with the vision of making the SUV experience accessible to every Indian, the Tata Punch pioneered an entirely new segment — the sub-compact SUV. Since then, it has struck a powerful chord with customers across the nation. From bustling metros to aspiring hinterlands, the Punch has emerged as a symbol of choice, reliability, and style, reshaping the contours of the Indian automotive landscape. It made history by becoming the highest-selling car in the country in CY2024. Whether navigating urban streets or rural trails, appealing to first-time buyers, young professionals, or growing families — the Punch has evolved into more than just a car.

Speaking about the Punch and its deep connection with the growing aspirations of a bold and confident India, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Punch embodies the spirit of a new India — bold, self-assured, and ready to forge its own path. Crossing the 6 lakh milestone is more than a production achievement; it’s a reflection of the immense trust that over 6 lakh Indians have placed in a vehicle that represents confidence, presence, and a fresh start to their journeys. It’s especially heartening to see how Punch has become the natural first choice for so many first-time car buyers. Punch is not just a car — it’s a breakthrough brand that has sparked a cultural shift and redefined what India expects from the first car in their family. With the launch of the ‘India Ki SUV’ campaign, we celebrate this extraordinary journey and the customers who made it possible. This is more than a celebration of numbers — it’s a tribute to a product that made SUV attitude accessible to all, without ever compromising on substance.”

 Punch’s success story is driven by its broad-based appeal: 

ü  A Vehicle of the People 

ü  Punch is the top choice for first-time car buyers, offering the perfect blend of convenience, safety, and SUV stance – Nearly 70% of Punch ICE owners are first-time car buyers

ü  Punch has gained strong traction among women drivers, who appreciate its smart design—combining a compact footprint with high ground clearance and a commanding road view, making it both practical and empowering. This trend is most clearly reflected in the fact that 25% Punch.ev owners are women—a rapidly growing force in the personal mobility landscape

ü  Punch’s appeal cuts across India’s urban and rural landscapes, proving its versatility in diverse terrains and lifestyles. Ownership is impressively balanced—24% from Tier 1 cities, 42% from Tier 2, and 34% from Tier 3 towns—highlighting its deep-rooted connection with consumers nationwide.

ü  A Segment Defining Icon

Since its debut in October 2021, the Tata Punch has redefined the compact SUV segment with its distinctive design, robust performance, and 5-star safety rating. It pioneered the sub-compact SUV category, making SUV ownership accessible to a wider audience and reshaping the Indian automotive landscape. In 2024, the Punch made history by becoming the highest-selling car in India, a testament to its universal appeal — from urban streets to rural trails, and from first-time buyers to young professionals and families. It has firmly established itself as the primary choice of 1st time car buyers—offering them a confident, feature-rich SUV experience right from their first purchase.

 The Undisputed Leader

Ø  5-star safety rating across both ICE and EV variants (Global NCAP & Bharat NCAP respectively)

Ø  Offered in Petrol, CNG, and EV powertrain options

Ø  Accounts for 36% of Tata Motors’ overall passenger vehicle sales

Ø  Holds a dominant 38% market share in the sub-compact SUV segment (FY25)

Ø  Registered a strong 15% year-on-year growth

Ø  Honoured with over 20 renowned automotive awards

ü  Celebrating with “India Ki SUV” Campaign

To commemorate this extraordinary journey, Tata Motors has launched a new nationwide campaign titled “India Ki SUV”. The campaign celebrates the lakhs of Indians who have made the Tata Punch a part of their lives and showcases stories of empowerment, exploration, and everyday adventure. It reflects how the Tata Punch has grown beyond being just a car—it has become a symbol of ambition and confidence for a new India. Whether it’s the safety-conscious families or the adventure junkies in cities, spirited youth in Tier 2 and 3 towns, or first-time buyers chasing new bold beginnings, the Punch has resonated across regions and generations. With over 6 lakh Tata Punch on the road, this campaign honours not just a milestone, but the diverse journeys that got it here—each driven by purpose, pride, and possibility. India Ki SUV is a tribute to the spirit of a nation that’s moving forward, boldly and together.

 ü  A Legacy in the Making

 With its bold design, 5-star safety rating, and go-anywhere capability, Punch continues to lead the compact SUV segment. As Tata Motors looks to the future, Punch remains a proud symbol of innovation, inclusivity, and Indian ingenuity.