Category Archives: Business

Discovery Channel to Premiere Documentary on Coca-Cola India’s ‘Maidaan Saaf’ Campaign at Kumbh Mela

New Delhi, May 20, 2025 — Coca-Cola India’s landmark ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, which helped reimagine waste management and recycling at one of the world’s biggest events, the Maha Kumbh 2025, is set to be featured in an upcoming documentary premiering on Discovery Channel on 19th May 2025 at 7PM and discovery+ on 20th May 2025. Filmed on location at the Kumbh Mela grounds in Prayagraj, the documentary captures Coca-Cola India’s on-ground efforts to transform one of the largest events in the world into a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive space by leveraging technology, partnerships, and purpose.

 “Maidaan Saaf reflects our commitment to translating intent into impact,” said Devyani RL Rana, Vice President – Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia. “As we work towards our goals of designing more recyclable packaging, increasing the use of recycled materials, and supporting collection at scale, initiatives like Maidaan Saaf help raise awareness about how this is coming to life in deeply local and culturally resonant ways. The Maha Kumbh offered a unique opportunity to showcase how responsible design, and collective action can create meaningful change, anchored in community, collaboration, and care for the environment.”

 “We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change” said, Tanaz Mehta, Head of Advertising Revenues, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery. “The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a compelling testament to what can be achieved when cultural legacy, community participation, and modern sustainability practices come together. This documentary shines a light on the collective will that helped make one of the world’s largest gatherings more environmentally responsible.”

 The documentary features Akanksha Rana, IAS Officer on Special Duty at Maha Kumbh 2025, who played a critical role in managing on-ground sanitation efforts. “Every day, nearly 1 to 2 crore people used to visit the Kumbh, generating over 500 to 600 metric tonnes of waste. In such dense crowds, where road access is limited and deploying machinery becomes difficult, maintaining sanitation is a major challenge. It is encouraging to see private companies like Coca-Cola India come forward and support such a massive event. Their contributions toward promoting responsible behavioural change, and the reuse of materials have significantly helped make this Kumbh more sustainable.”

 From deploying Reverse Vending Machines and using recycled PET materials in public utilities to engaging local communities in waste segregation and raising awareness on recycling, Maidaan Saaf showcases how public-private partnerships can enable large-scale behavioral change.

 Coca-Cola’s extensive engagement at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 was also spotlighted in the company’s recent earnings report, which recognized the event as a significant brand activation milestone. The report detailed the deployment of hundreds of refreshment zones, approximately 1,400 mobile stations, and a world-record-long 100-door cooler wall, culminating in over 180 million servings during the festival. This acknowledgment underscores the company’s commitment to integrating cultural relevance with community engagement on a global scale.

Assagao Emerges as Goa’s Goldmine for High-End Villa Investments

Once a quiet village nestled in the greenery of North Goa, Assagao is quickly becoming one of India’s most coveted luxury real estate hotspots. Renowned for its ancient Portuguese-style houses, tree-lined roads, and serene ambiance, the village is now drawing significant attention for a new reason: an unprecedented demand for ultra-luxury villas.Industry stakeholders and recent figures attest that Assagao is turning into a game changer in Goa’s fast-appreciating real estate sector. Grade A villa rates in Goa have increased by 33% over the past two years, rising from ₹15,667 per sq. ft. during Q2 2022 to ₹25,504 per sq. ft. during Q2 2024, according to a Savills India report. Assagao and its adjacent area, Siolim, now have rates comparable to prime areas in South Delhi and satellite Mumbai. A lot of national developers are now turning towards this location to launch luxury and super luxury villas.

Developers such as Vianaar Homes, Isprava, Sun Estates, and The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) have spotted the potential in Assagao. All of these developers are bringing a new idea of luxury, from modern Mediterranean architecture to villas that focus on sustainable and wellness-based design. Conscient, a Delhi NCR-based developer, is also reportedly planning to launch a project in Assagao shortly.

The post-pandemic quality-of-life shift has played a major role in this trend. Remote work, online business, and desires for quality of life over urban gridlock have transformed serene but well-networked places like Assagao into desirable locations. Villas here tend to be defined by expansive floor plans, wellness-driven design, private pools, concierge, and seamless indoor-outdoor living features, once the domain of five-star hospitality but now standard in luxury residential.

Rajesh Jain, Director, Conscient Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. Over the years, Assagao has quietly become one of Goa’s most desirable places to own a home. Once known for its lush surroundings, old-world charm, and laid-back lifestyle, it has now transformed into a well-loved neighbourhood that attracts all kinds of people families, investors, and those looking for a peaceful second home. With its green surroundings, old-world charm, and relaxed lifestyle, Assagao offers a rare mix of calm and comfort. It’s no surprise that it has become one of the top spots for luxury villas in India.

According to the “Tier 2 Cities Outshine Metros in Real Estate Appreciation: Magicbricks Report”, Goa — in addition to Kanpur and Lucknow, is leading the Tier-2 real estate boom. But with demand overall in Goa increasing, the hub of exclusivity is Assagao. Local builders report that inventory turnover is high despite the premium pricing, with most of the villas already sold out even before the projects are completed.

The attraction of Assagao is that it offers the best of both worlds — a peaceful, culturally rich village environment that is minutes from Goa’s best restaurants, boutiques, and beaches,” said Jahan Tahiliani of Tahiliani Homes, one of the developers involved in the area. Yet another reason for the boom in the real estate market is the high rental yield. As the Savills report points out, coastal Goa’s gated villas are returning 5% to 8% per annum, which is a tempting offer to investors. The yields are not only based on tourist visitation but also on long-term residents from cities seeking seasonal or permanent retreats.

While Assagao’s rapid growth is driving property values to record levels, stakeholders claim that the village’s identity remains intact, thanks to strict design controls and a growing number of like-minded residents. A real estate expert said, ‘People are not just buying villas here; they are buying a lifestyle—one that values privacy, community, and heritage, all in one of India’s most scenic settings.”

With rising prices, low stock levels, and ongoing buyer demand, Assagao is well placed to continue being the gold standard in Goa’s luxury villa market in the coming years.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Delights Customers with Exclusive Launch Offers on New Access Ride Connect TFT Edition

Gurugram, 20 May 2025: Celebrating the launch of the new Suzuki Access Ride Connect TFT Edition, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, announces exclusive, limited-time customer benefits starting from 22 May 2025 and valid till 31 July 2025. With a fresh focus on enhanced connectivity and comfort, the new Suzuki Access Ride Connect TFT Edition is set to elevate everyday commuting and now, customers have even more reasons to ride home the new Access experience.

Limited-Time Launch Offers Include:

7-Year Warranty – Run Miles Worry-Free!
As part of the introductory campaign, customers purchasing the new Suzuki Access Ride Connect TFT Edition within the offer period will enjoy a comprehensive 7-year warranty, ensuring long-term peace of mind and an unmatched ownership experience. This extended warranty is designed to give customers the freedom to ride worry-free for years to come.

Attractive Offers Worth ₹5,000
Adding to the excitement, SMIPL is also hosting a special lucky draw, where 100 lucky customers will stand a chance to win attractive offers (like fuel coupons, apparels etc) worth ₹5,000 each, making the experience of owning a new Suzuki Access even more rewarding for early adopters.

Deconstruct Wraps Up India’s First Skincare Internship, with over 1.8 Lakh Applications and Rs6 Lakhs Awarded in Stipends

Bangalore, April 20, 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative launched across India, Deconstruct, the science-backed skincare brand known for its beginner-friendly and effective yet gentle products, has successfully concluded its 60-day Skincare Internship. The initiative received over 1.8 lakh registrations and garnered 16.7 crore impressions, highlighting a nationwide interest in skincare as a form of self-care.

The internship promoted skincare as a routine, as regular and essential as brushing one’s teeth. It aimed to break down barriers that make skincare feel intimidating, encouraging people to treat it as a daily act of self-care rather than a luxury. A significant aspect of the initiative was the reservation of 50% of internship spots for male participants. This deliberate choice sent a strong message: skincare is not just for women, it’s for everyone with a skin.

The initiative welcomed individuals across all genders, age groups, and backgrounds, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative conversation. By opening up participation, it redefined how people engage with their skin, making routines feel approachable, beginner friendly, and personalized for all. This approach led to nearly equal participation from men (45.12%) and women (54.5%), signalling a real shift in who sees themselves as part of this space.

Participants engaged in personalized consultations with dermatologist Dr. Jinal Modi, gaining science-backed insights into skincare. These sessions were instrumental in educating interns about skin concerns, the role of ingredients, and the importance of consistent routines for long-term and effective skincare. Each selected intern received a customized skincare plan and products tailored to their individual skin types and concerns. The remote nature of the program allowed interns to participate from anywhere, integrating seamlessly into their daily routines.

Six standout individuals: Abhinandan Pande, Anisha, Ashima Bhat, Ayush Thakur, Lima Jamir, and Vijay Laxmi were selected for the internship, each receiving a ₹1 lakh stipend to set out on a deeply personal skincare journey. Under the mentorship of Deconstruct’s product team, the interns were given customized skincare routines and shared their AM and PM updates daily, giving followers a transparent look into their evolving habits and skin transformations. These moments were documented through Instagram content such as ‘Day in My Life,’ ‘Morning Routine,’ ‘Mini Vlogs,’ and ‘On the Go Product Usage,’ creating authentic, relatable snapshots of real skincare routines.

The program culminated in an in-person gathering at Deconstruct HQ, where the interns engaged in multiple interactive games, participated in discussions surrounding the importance of skincare and the whole intent of the internship program with Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO, Deconstruct. The closing ceremony ended with a cheque presentation to the six interns, marking both an end and a beginning of a more inclusive and informed approach to personal care.

To celebrate their journeys further, Deconstruct set up large-format billboards in each intern’s home city – Kolkata, Vizag, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Delhi, and Mumbai, featuring them holding their winning cheques. These outdoor installations amplified our main ideology behind the campaign, that is, Anybody Can Skincare.

Malini Adapureddy, speaking on the initiative, said, “With the Skincare Internship, our goal was to spark a more inclusive and beginner-friendly conversation around skincare, because skincare is for anyone with skin. This initiative allowed us to reaffirm our belief that Anybody Can Skincare, regardless of gender, age, or background. It reflects our core philosophy of offering skincare that’s both highly effective and gentle. Through the program, we’ve been able to drive meaningful conversations around the importance of educating beginners, empowering them to better understand their skin and choose the right products for their unique needs. Skincare is increasingly being seen not as an extra step, but as a vital form of self-care and self-respect – and that shift is not just exciting, it’s essential.”

Eris Lifesciences Limited Q4 FY25 Revenue at INR 705 Crore, up 28% YoY

Mumbai, May 19, 2025: Eris Lifesciences Limited, a leading Indian branded formulations manufacturing company, today announced its earnings for the fourth quarter and full year FY25.

Consolidated Financial Highlights:

Commenting on the results, Mr. Amit Bakshi, Chairman & Managing Director of Eris Lifesciences Ltd., said, “Our Branded Formulations business has delivered a 10% organic growth in Q4. Our Diabesity strategy is progressing in line with our expectations and we have created an exciting pipeline in Insulins, Analogues and GLPs. We will take the lead in ensuring continued supply of life-saving insulins to patients across the country following the impending exit of the innovator from the RHI Penfill market. With our FY23 and FY24 investments fully integrated and growth-ready, we look forward to an exciting phase of secular growth over the next 3 years.”

 Mr. Krishnakumar Vaidyanathan, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer added, “We have realised significant operating margin improvements in our DBF business due to synergies from business integration and rapid progress in insourcing of manufacturing, including the start of insulin production from our Bhopal facility. We have made significant investments in Swiss Parenterals to create new revenue streams, the full potential of which will start getting realised from FY27. We are entering a 3-year period of secular organic growth with significant inflection expected in our EPS and ROCE trajectories.”

 Q4FY25 and FY25 – Financial Highlights

• Revenue of Q4 FY 25 grew by 28% YoY to INR 705 Cr and FY 25 grew by 44% YoY to INR 2,894 Cr
• EBITDA for Q4 FY 25 is INR 252 Cr, with 36% EBITDA margin and FY 25 is INR 1,017 Cr with 35% EBITDA margin
• PAT for Q4 FY 25 is INR 102 Cr with 14% PAT margin and FY 25 is INR 375 Cr with 13% PAT margin
• Operating Cash flows are 111% of EBITDA in Q4 and 105% of EBITDA in FY 25
• Net Debt as on 31 March is ~INR 2,222 Cr

FY25 – Business Highlights

• Organic Domestic Branded Formulations business grew by 9% yoy
• Domestic Branded Formulations segment revenue grew by 32% yoy and EBITDA margin grew by 207 bps
• 15 out of Top-25 mother brands ranks among Top-5 in their respective markets with revenues of 5 mother brands above INR 100 Crs.

Brookfield Properties Welcomes Reliance Freshpik to Downtown Powai

Mumbai, May 19, 2025: Brookfield Properties, a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets, has announced the opening of Reliance Freshpik, a premium gourmet grocery store, at Spectra, a prominent asset within its flagship Downtown Powai portfolio.

Freshpik brings a thoughtfully curated retail experience to one of Mumbai’s most vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. With interactive counters, live culinary demos, and a layout designed for exploration and indulgence, the store invites visitors to slow down, sip a coffee, and make everyday shopping extraordinary.

Brookfield Properties goes beyond building real estate and focuses on cultivating thriving communities. The addition of Freshpik reflects this approach—introducing wellness-conscious, lifestyle retail into the heart of an evolving urban hub.

The launch strengthens Downtown Powai’s dynamic mix of experiential retail, dining, high-quality workspaces, and leisure, while further expanding Brookfield Properties’ growing retail portfolio in India.

Wellness and lifestyle icon Malaika Arora graced the preview event, adding a touch of glamour and reinforcing the brand’s appeal to Mumbai’s discerning urban audience.

This is Freshpik’s second store and its first in this part of Mumbai—designed to meet the rising demand for premium, wellness-forward retail experiences.

Brookfield Properties manages over 55 million sq. ft. of high-quality real estate across India. Downtown Powai is a landmark within this portfolio—home to global companies, vibrant retail, and a thriving business and residential community. The company curates environments where commerce, culture, and community come together—transforming spaces into destinations.

Brookfield Properties Welcomes Reliance Freshpik to Downtown Powai

Mumbai, May 19, 2025: Brookfield Properties, a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets, has announced the opening of Reliance Freshpik, a premium gourmet grocery store, at Spectra, a prominent asset within its flagship Downtown Powai portfolio.

Freshpik brings a thoughtfully curated retail experience to one of Mumbai’s most vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. With interactive counters, live culinary demos, and a layout designed for exploration and indulgence, the store invites visitors to slow down, sip a coffee, and make everyday shopping extraordinary.

Brookfield Properties goes beyond building real estate and focuses on cultivating thriving communities. The addition of Freshpik reflects this approach—introducing wellness-conscious, lifestyle retail into the heart of an evolving urban hub.

The launch strengthens Downtown Powai’s dynamic mix of experiential retail, dining, high-quality workspaces, and leisure, while further expanding Brookfield Properties’ growing retail portfolio in India.

Wellness and lifestyle icon Malaika Arora graced the preview event, adding a touch of glamour and reinforcing the brand’s appeal to Mumbai’s discerning urban audience.

This is Freshpik’s second store and its first in this part of Mumbai—designed to meet the rising demand for premium, wellness-forward retail experiences.

Brookfield Properties manages over 55 million sq. ft. of high-quality real estate across India. Downtown Powai is a landmark within this portfolio—home to global companies, vibrant retail, and a thriving business and residential community. The company curates environments where commerce, culture, and community come together—transforming spaces into destinations.

Freo launches a first-of-its-kind initiative to help Indians understand health insurance before they buy

India, May 19, 2025 — After simplifying credit for over 35 million users, Freo is now taking on a new challenge: making health insurance easy to understand for every Indian. Freo recently acquired its corporate agency license from IRDAI, and now has launched a full-fledged initiative to make health insurance simple, clear, and stress-free—so people can make smarter choices with confidence.

Millions of Indians still hesitate to buy insurance, not due to affordability, but due to a lack of clarity. Complex language, fear of sales traps, and uncertainty about coverage often push people away.

India’s insurance penetration stands at just 3.7% — far below the global average of 7%. Freo’s research across cities revealed that 8 out of 10 people avoid insurance because they find it too complex or irrelevant.

Freo has become a trusted name in digital finance by helping over 35 million users across 1,200+ cities and 19,000 pin codes to borrow smartly, spend wisely, and grow their money. With products like instant credit, UPI payments, fixed deposits, and digital gold—all in one app—Freo has been helping people take control of their personal finance. Now, it’s bringing that same clarity to insurance.

Freo’s new platform, learn.freo.money, is designed to break down how insurance works—in a way that’s clear, simple, and easy to understand. It’s available in English, Hindi, and will soon expand to several regional languages.

Here’s what makes it different:

• Clear Content: Insurance explained in plain language in Hindi and English; regional versions coming soon
• Interactive Learning: Real-life scenarios, FAQs, and tools to build understanding
• Personal Guidance: Tailored insights via the Freo app and learn.freo.money

Coming soon:

• Local insurance awareness drives in 50+ cities
• Partnerships with communities, NGOs, and schools to build grassroots understanding

Kunal Varma, CEO & Co-Founder, said: “Most insurance platforms and brands in India are simply trying to push insurance sales. And while there is a need to expand coverage, there is a much bigger need to first help people understand the complexities behind health insurance. Insurance needs to be simplified, and it should empower people, not confuse them. Our goal, with this initiative, is to help every Indian make informed choices easily and confidently — and to provide a trustworthy platform.”

The pandemic reminded Indians of the need for financial protection. Since then, insurance demand has grown, along with costs. This year saw ₹1 lakh crore in premiums, 10% more than last year.

Yet, it’s not just about affordability. Lack of clarity is a bigger hurdle.

As India moves toward the national goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ Freo is doing its part – through accessible, no-jargon insurance content – delivered in your language. Freo believes simplification is the key to mass adoption and aims to empower families to make informed, confident decisions about their health and money.

Steris Healthcare Announces Major South India Expansion with New Distribution Center in Kerala

Steris Healthcare, a Mumbai-headquartered pharmaceutical leader with operations in Navi Mumbai, has announced a strategic expansion into South India with the establishment of a state-of-the-art distribution center in Kerala. This move underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its national footprint and enhancing access to innovative, affordable healthcare solutions across India.

Having recently crossed the milestone of ₹100 crore in annual sales, Steris Healthcare is poised to extend its reach into Kerala, a key market with growing demand for high-quality pharmaceutical products. The new distribution center will streamline supply chain operations, ensuring faster and more efficient delivery of medicines and healthcare products to hospitals, pharmacies, and patients in the region.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Jeevan Kasara, Director & CEO of Steris Healthcare, said, “Our entry into Kerala marks a significant step in Steris Healthcare’s journey to becoming a pan-India healthcare solutions provider. South India represents a dynamic and rapidly growing market, and this new distribution center will allow us to serve our customers and partners with greater efficiency. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge, affordable healthcare products that improve patient outcomes.”

Ms. Renuka Kasara, Director of Steris Healthcare, added, “Kerala’s robust healthcare infrastructure and progressive policies make it an ideal location for our expansion. By establishing a strong presence here, we aim to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility while supporting local medical communities. This initiative aligns with our vision of making quality healthcare available to all.”

The new distribution center will create significant employment opportunities in Kerala, further contributing to the region’s economic growth while fostering stronger collaborations with local healthcare providers, distributors, and pharmacies.

Steris Healthcare’s expansion into Kerala reflects its dedication to innovation, affordability, and customer-centric growth. With a diverse portfolio spanning critical therapeutic segments, the company continues to build trust among healthcare professionals and patients nationwide.

Listed Developers Strengthen their Hold on India’s Residential Real Estate

A significant chunk of home buyers seems to be reposing their faith on developers who have constantly demonstrated their ability to complete projects on time without compromising on quality standards, particularly on listed entities.

A peep into the annual performance of some of the reputed listed Indian real estate companies well and truly establishes this phenomenon. For the fiscal year 2024-2025, Godrej Properties has reported a robust 31% year-on-year surge in sales at ₹29,444 crore. Another Mumbai headquartered real estate firm Macrotech Developer is not far behind. For the year ended March 31, 2025, Macrotech reported strong sales bookings of ₹17,630 crore, reflecting a healthy 21% annual growth.

The trend is just not limited to Mumbai-based developers but is rather widespread. Delhi-headquartered DLF Limited too has reported a healthy sales number in the first three quarters of FY25. It surpassed its initial sales guidance of ₹17,000 crore within the first nine months, highlighting sustained buyer confidence in their offerings.

Similarly, Signature Global (India) Ltd. achieved pre-sales of ₹10,290 crore, marking a substantial 42% increase from the preceding fiscal year.

Commenting upon the performance reported by his company, Mr. Ravi Aggarwal, Co-founder & Managing Director, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “The year 2024-25 was a phenomenal one for us. We easily achieved the guidance by clocking a pre-sales to the tune of Rs 10,290 crore. We received phenomenal response for all our offerings from various stakeholders and with interest rates inching downwards, we are confident about the continuation of the sales momentum.”

“In FY26, we plan to launch projects worth Rs 17,000 crore and are targeting pre-sales of Rs 12,500 crore. While most new launches in the region are priced at Rs 8-10 crore, Signature Global remains committed to providing homes to the maximum number of people, and as such, we will continue to focus on launching homes at prime locations in Gurugram in the price range of Rs 2-5 crore,” said Ravi Aggarwal

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “The surge in demand for premium properties, especially from HNIs and NRIs, is a clear testament to the strong shift in market sentiment towards quality living experiences. Developers who recognise this trend are consistently aligning their offerings with the aspirations of discerning buyers who seek world-class design, timely delivery, and a lifestyle that is truly unmatched.”

With most of the reputed listed entities having reported decent numbers, it reflects increasing preference of homebuyers for trusted brands that assure quality construction, timely delivery, and adherence to regulatory norms.

An ICRA research report too suggests the same. As larger and more reputable companies gain a larger market share, their performance is expected to outpace the overall industry growth, the report has mentioned.

While domestic demand continues to remain robust, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are also emerging as a significant buyer segment—attracted not only by the investment potential of Indian real estate but also by a deep emotional connection to their roots.

As part of their long-term wealth preservation strategies, NRIs are actively acquiring premium and high-value properties in major Indian metropolitan areas and even in holiday destinations. NRIs are increasingly turning to India’s luxury real estate sector as a safer and more rewarding investment avenue, a recent GRI Club report has stated.

“Share of NRI investment in newly launched projects in major metros continues to rise substantially and with India remaining an attractive destination, the NRIs are expected to continue their trust on the vibrant Indian real estate,” says Aggarwal.

Cities like Mumbai along with Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Bangalore are expected to attract the majority of NRI investments. While Gurugram, in particular, has emerged as a prime destination for premium and luxury real estate, some micro-market such Southern Peripheral Road, Dwarka Expressway, and Sohna are expected to outperform other areas due to their superior connectivity and rapid urban infrastructure development.