Category Archives: Business

DRRK Foods to Expand Distribution Network by 50% to Boost Flagship Crown Rice by Year-End

12th May, New Delhi – DRRK Foods, a leading player in India’s premium Basmati rice sector, has announced plans to significantly scale up its distribution network as part of its aggressive growth strategy. The company aims to increase its domestic distributor base by 50% by the end of this year, strengthening its footprint in both urban and emerging markets.

Currently working with approximately 150 distributors across India, DRRK Foods plans to expand this number to over 300 + within the next two years, as we are looking for a strong super stockist with an FMCG background. This strategic expansion aligns with the company’s commitment to making its flagship Crown Basmati Rice brand more accessible to consumers across tier 1, 2, and 3 cities.

According to Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director, DRRK Foods, “At DRRK Foods, we are strategically focused on strengthening the retail presence of Crown Rice, our flagship and proprietary brand. As consumer trust in quality Basmati rice continues to grow, we’re doubling down on expanding Crown’s reach across India and key international markets. This expansion in our distributor network is a necessary step toward making Crown more accessible and establishing it as a leading name in the premium rice category.”

DRRK Foods has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, authentic Basmati rice through a combination of technological innovation, rigorous quality control, and efficient logistics. The company’s latest expansion efforts are a testament to its long-term vision of becoming a globally trusted name in the rice industry.

With premiumization, consumer trust, and a robust distribution framework at its core, DRRK Foods is well-positioned to drive the next phase of growth in the premium rice segment.

Techno India Group Celebrates Rabindra Jayanti With “Sonar Tori – Bengal Immersion: Drapes, Delights, Dialogues”

Kolkata, 12th May, 2025: To commemorate the 164th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Techno India Group, in collaboration with Namrata Weaves, hosted “Sonar Tori – Bengal Immersion: Drapes, Delights, Dialogues” – a day-long experiential tribute that brought together heritage, culture and community. Held in honour of Tagore’s vision of unity humanism, artistic excellence, and cultural unity, combining heritage crafts, storytelling, and mindful traditions in an immersive day-long observance.

Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group inaugurated the event which was also attended by Mr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Qin Yong, Chinese Deputy Consul General, Mr Joydip Karmakar, Shooter, Mr Ashok Vishwanathan, Actor & Film Director, Ms Madhumanti Maitro, Elocutionist , Mr Satrajit Sen, Director and Ms. Namrata Mitra, Founder, Namrata Weaves. The day commenced with a traditional ‘Boron’ (welcome), setting the tone for a journey into the rich cultural fabric of Bengal. Highlights included a guided walkthrough of Bengal’s textile legacy, featuring curated drapes and weaves.

The day’s curated experiences also included:

· Draping & Styling with Indian Textiles, led by Namrata Weaves, showcasing the intricacies of traditional fabrics

· Hands-On Traditional Bengali Activities, including Alta application, Alpona art, Mala Gaatha (garland making), and Paan decoration

· Capturing Memories with curated photography corners to document the vibrant moments

· Indulging in Authentic Bengali dinner, with stories behind each dish explained by TIGPS educators

· Cozy Adda Sessions, where attendees interacted with eminent personalities from the creative, academic, and textile worlds

Guided by the teachers of Techno India Group Public School (TIGPS) along with a musical performance by the students of Techno Main Saltlake, each activity provided historical and cultural context, ensuring a rich, educational and joyous journey through Bengal’s living traditions.

“Sonar Tori is a celebration of Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore’s essence – his belief in immersive learning, the beauty woven into everyday rituals, and the deep joy that comes from shared cultural experiences. Tagore envisioned education not just as the acquisition of knowledge, but as a holistic journey that connects the mind, heart and soul. This event embodies that philosophy – allowing students and guests to experience Bengal’s living traditions first hand, not through textbooks, but through touch, taste, sound, and spirit. Through our collaboration with Namrata Weaves, we aim to preserve the richness of heritage arts while making them accessible and meaningful to the younger generation. It’s about creating a space where tradition meets curiosity, and where cultural pride becomes a powerful force for creativity and empathy. At Techno India Group, we believe in shaping not just professionals, but rooted, responsible citizens – and events like Sonar Tori are a step in that direction,” said Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group.

Sonar Tori – Bengal Immersion: Drapes, Delights, Dialogues is envisioned as a cultural and educational initiative that echoes Techno India Group’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, culturally conscious learners who can carry forward the richness of Indian heritage with empathy and creativity.

The Body Shop India Brings ‘More Love for Less’ with Disruptive Pricing Strategy and New Brand Films as a part of the series

Mumbai, May 12th, 2025: The Body Shop India unveiled its Disruptive Pricing strategy in India across 12 of its most-loved product formats. With prices starting at new, more inviting entry points, this move is designed to welcome even more customers into the world of The Body Shop. The new strategy reflects the brand’s commitment to delighting and responding to the Indian consumer preferences and staying ahead in the beauty landscape.

The “More Love for Less” campaign spotlights the love, joy and excitement of customers across age-groups to the newly accessible, fresh price points. With a Digital 1st approach, the central theme of “More Love for Less”, is shot with the creative direction that reflects the diversity of the Indian consumers. The campaign celebrates the unfiltered joy of customers. It reflects how consumers are embracing the change: catching trends, stocking up, gifting generously, and rediscovering rituals they love. The storytelling is emotionally resonant, with protagonists across age-groups joining the narrative.

Harmeet Singh, Chief Brand Officer, The Body Shop – Asia South, commented, “This is a long-view strategy—rooted in our values and backed by real customer insight. For over two decades, Indian customers have loved us for what we stand for. In order to remain truly inclusive, we must address accessibility in a more meaningful and sustained way. Our ambition is to democratize ethical beauty for the next generation—channel agnostic, gender-agnostic, values-driven, and deeply conscious of what they consume.”

She further added, “These digital films are a celebration of genuine customer enthusiasm. They offer a truly raw and unfiltered look at the delight our EPP initiative is bringing. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the authentic joy as people rediscover their favorite products and embrace the idea of ‘more love for less’. It underscores our belief that ethical beauty should be within reach for everyone, and these films are a powerful testament to that commitment.”

The “More Love for Less” campaign and the accompanying digital films represent a key part of The Body Shop India’s broader strategy to expand its reach and solidify its position in the Indian beauty market. With this strategic shift, The Body Shop is unlocking meaningful access to products that customers already love and trust. This is not a seasonal or reactive move—it is a long-term recalibration of The Body Shop’s approach at omni-channel level. By focusing on accessibility and customer delight, the brand is strengthening its connection with existing customers and attracting a new generation who value both ethical beauty and affordability.

realme Sets New Benchmark with 7000mAh + 120W Battery Combo in GT 7 Series

New Delhi, May 12, 2025: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, announced a major leap in smartphone battery technology with the release of its white paper, “The Future of Battery Tech,” developed in collaboration with TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing and certification. Reinforcing its position as a Battery Tech Pioneer, realme also confirmed the launch of its much-anticipated GT 7 series, the 2025 flagship killer on May 27, both globally and in India. The series will debut the industry’s strongest battery combo yet—7000mAh + 120W fast charging.

India’s smartphone users—especially digital natives, gamers, and on-the-go professionals—demand longer battery life and faster charging. The white paper explores how conventional lithium-ion batteries have struggled to meet these rising expectations due to energy density limitations and faster material degradation. It highlights realme’s role in overcoming these challenges through next-generation battery architecture and intelligent management systems.

realme has introduced breakthrough technologies such as 320W fast charging using magnetic-coupling DCX step-down tech, capable of fully charging a device in just 4 minutes and 30 seconds. By integrating multi-cell battery configurations, AI-driven battery management systems (BMS), and advanced heat dissipation, realme ensures a significantly longer battery life while meeting top-tier safety standards—both at the cell and device levels.

The highlight of the announcement is the upcoming realme GT 7 series, which brings the first-ever 7000mAh battery with 120W ultra-fast charging—a challenge long thought unachievable in the industry. Traditionally, high-capacity batteries were limited to slower charging speeds (typically below 80W) due to safety concerns. The GT 7 series overcomes this barrier, setting a new standard in battery innovation without compromising on speed, endurance, or safety.

This innovation is especially significant for Indian users, who often rely on their smartphones for extended periods of entertainment, work, and content creation.

Hikvision India Introduces Smart Swing Barriers and Turnstiles with ‘All-in-One’ Flexible Solutions

Hikvision India has introduced the latest Smart Swing Barriers and Turnstiles for flexible entrance solutions for faster access. These entrance solutions offer advanced features and integrate many functions seamlessly as an All-in-One solution. Empowered by Hikvision’s self-developed motor control algorithms, access control technology, and intercom technologies, Hikvision speed gates and turnstiles offer a diversified product portfolio with impeccable quality, stability and durability, catering to the needs of various scenarios.

 These Smart Turnstiles and Smart Swing Barriers are crafted with modern and sleek industrial design. Future-proof design delivers safer and more comfortable user experience with faster access and aesthetic pleasure, perfectly integrating into diverse application scenarios. They offer flexible solutions for any scenario. A variety of products offers flexible combination of multiple authentication methods. When combined with built-in access controllers, users will enjoy one-stop entrance solution.

Easy set of passenger passing mode: The capability of customizing single or dual-way passing mode for different periods, as well as flexible set of easy/strict mode satisfies varied security level in different scenarios.

 Enhanced ease-of-use from installation to configuration: Installation is simplified, requiring only one network cable and one power cable. The user-friendly configuration allows quick adjustments via a LAN interface or NFC tags on Android mobile devices.

 Impeccable stability and durability: Empowered by industry-leading motor control algorithms, Hikvision’s Swing Barriers and turnstiles offer the best-in-class quality with extended lifespan. All products will undergo a number of tests at the Hikvision Test Center, including rain test, packaging vibration test, high and low temperature test and salt mist corrosion test.

 Third-party integration & great extensibility: Featuring easy integration with third-party software and hardware such as access controller, users can flexibly realize visitor and flow management.

 Product Highlights:

 Hikvision’s Smart Swing Barrier DS –K6B360 TX Series is equipped with smart security solutions and sleek design. It has single-sided dToF sensor and high lifetime servo motor. It is compatible with multiple authentication methods.
Hikvision’s Smart Turnstile DS- K3B 961TX Series has a sleek and slender design to suit any interior. It is compatible with multiple authentication methods. The other features include easy installation and touch free access.

 Application scenarios: While Swing Barriers offer a fluid walk-through experience and flexible access control. Turnstiles act as a powerful deterrent against tailgating and unauthorized entry. The key application scenarios for speed gates and turnstile across verticals include corporate office buildings, schools and education institutions, manufacturing facilities and factories, banks and financial institutions, airports, seaports, metro rail and other railway stations.

Not just Air Conditioners—now, even mattresses help you stay cool

Hyderabad, May 2025: As temperatures soar this summer, Hyderabad residents are pulling out all the stops to stay cool—air conditioners, chilled beverages, and breezy outfits. But one crucial comfort zone often goes unnoticed: your bed.

Now, there’s a game-changer.

Decor World Select, Khajaguda’s newest premium furnishings destination, has launched the Serta Antarctic Mattress—hailed as India’s coolest mattress, designed specifically to offer summer sleep relief with 15x better cooling than traditional mattresses.

“If you’ve cooled your room and your drink, why not your mattress?” asks Ankit Goyal, a steel-industry professional-turned-furnishing expert with over a decade of experience in home interiors. “This mattress is engineered for tropical nights—so you fall asleep faster and stay cool longer.”

The Serta Antarctic is powered by the brand’s exclusive Cooltex™ System, a multi-layered cooling technology where each layer is designed to outperform the previous one in drawing heat away from the body. The result? All-night comfort, without overreliance on air conditioning.

With prices ranging from ₹2.78 lakh to ₹4 lakh, the Antarctic is a premium wellness investment—ideal for discerning customers who value sleep quality, luxury, and long-term health.

“The launch of the Serta range marks a new era in sleep innovation for Hyderabad,” said Mr. Uday Dubey, Sales Head, Serta India. “People spend a third of their lives on a mattress. It should work as hard as you do to support your health and energy.”

Ankit Goyal, known for introducing storytelling curtains and redefining lifestyle furnishings in Hyderabad, is now focused on ‘cool sleep solutions’. He adds, “Today’s mattresses are not just about softness or bounce—they’re about regulating temperature, improving posture, and supporting well-being.”

Why Good Sleep Matters:

• Well-rested individuals are 2x more productive and make 50% fewer mistakes at work.
• Good sleep regulates blood pressure, supports mental clarity, and reduces inflammation.
• Post-pandemic, people spend more time at home—and often work from bed—making mattress quality even more essential.

 As homes evolve into wellness sanctuaries, top-tier mattresses are joining luxury cars and designer kitchens as aspirational lifestyle choices, especially among millennials and working professionals.

Customers can now experience the Serta cooling difference in person. Decor World Select offers personalised sleep consultations in a premium showroom setting.

“Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” says Mr. Dubey. “And the right mattress directly impacts your health, happiness, and performance.”

MBA and MLT Students Gain Industry Exposure at Orianaa Decor Pack Pvt. Ltd.

Delhi, May, 2025 – In a pioneering effort towards fostering experiential learning, ITM Vocational University’s Training and Placement Department, coordinated by TPO Manager Mr. Deerghaou Sharma, conducted two motivating industrial visits for the students of the MBA and Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) courses successfully.

On 2nd May, 2025, 20 MBA students made a tour of Orianaa Decor Pack Pvt. Ltd., a prominent name in packing. The visit provided an all-round insight of core business practices such as Human Resources, Marketing, and Finance. A first-hand tour of the Production Department gave students firsthand knowledge of the industrial processes and workflows, strategies, and integration of functions from department to department.

Earlier, on 30th April 2025, 25 MLT students were conducted on a tour of BAPS Hospital and Grace Laboratory. This interactive session provided them with an exposure to specific units including Microbiology, Histopathology, and Biochemistry. The students also met with professionals in the medical field and were educated about contemporary diagnostic equipment, testing automation, and sophisticated laboratory equipment.

“These visits reflect ITM Vocational University’s commitment to aligning education with industry demands,” said Dr. Anil M. Bisen, Provost, ITM Vocational University. “We commend the Training and Placement Department for fostering such impactful experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges.”

Both visits were greeted with keen enthusiasm and have immensely helped in reinforcing the students’ knowledge of their respective domains, giving them the ability and confidence required to perform well in the competitive scenario of the present day.

India and Maldives Strengthen Healthcare Partnership Through Supply of Medicines by HLL Under PMBJP Scheme

Thiruvananthapuram: In a crucial association, India has committed its support to the Maldives by ensuring the supply of essential medicines through HLL Lifecare Limited – a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare – solidifying the growing healthcare collaboration between the two nations.

 In line with this initiative, the State Trading Organization Plc (STO) – a Government of Maldives enterprise responsible for the import and distribution of essential goods – has signed a strategic agreement with HLL under India’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a government initiative aimed at providing affordable, high-quality medicines to the public. This partnership ensures a continuous and affordable supply of essential medicines to every corner of the Maldives.

 Over the past year, the Maldives’ health system has faced challenges with frequent stock-outs of vital pharmaceuticals, disrupting patient care and placing significant strain on Aasandha, the national health insurance scheme. Emergency imports restored 99 percent of the availability of essential medicines by April, but short-term solutions alone cannot ensure sustainable access. This agreement with HLL turns emergency relief into a permanent supply solution.

 HLL has proven to be a dependable partner during past crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HLL supplied critical medical supplies to the Maldives, demonstrating its capacity to quickly and efficiently manage large-scale exports. This history of collaboration gives STO confidence that HLL can meet both current and future needs.

 By linking with HLL’s extensive Janaushadhi network, which provides over 2,000 quality-assured generics and 300 surgical items, the Maldives taps into one of the world’s most efficient pharmaceutical supply chains.

Places Via Notes, a collection of poems, wins the prestigious 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award

Hyderabad, 12th May 2025- Mr. Viswaprasad Raju, an advertising professional and a travel sketch artist based in Hyderabad, has received the prestigious Emily Dickinson Award for his book Places Via Notes. The book was published by Bookleaf Publishing House.

The award celebrates American writer Emily Dickinson and challenges authors to write a book in 21 days. Selected writers have been awarded the limited edition trophy of the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award.

The book is about places via notes. According to Mr. Viswaprasad Raju, “Places play, places pause, places rewind, places fast forward, and, most importantly, places don’t stop to inspire.” No two places are alike; befittingly, all the places featured in the book are written in a unique narrative style. You can call it a poem, a post, a note, or a dialogue; the idea was to look at each place from a new perspective, a new lens. While his first book, Via Pen & Ink, was about sketches from the 10 countries the writer has traveled to, over 10 years; his third book is about notes from 21 places put together in 21 days. From ‘a conversation between two poets’ at Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka to ‘tracking a tiger’ in Bandhavgarh and ‘two cities finding common ground’ in the Hyderabad & London chapter to ‘a date with a Banyan Tree’ in Pillalamarri, the places speak to the readers in a deeply engaging, lyrical, and lucid manner.

Quotes from the Industry leaders for the National Technology Day 2025

Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Co-Founder, Marut Drones

 This National Technology Day we have witnessed how technology has empowered the evolving nature of modern warfare, placing drone technology at the forefront of defense strategy. Recent conflicts, including tensions along the India-Pakistan border, have highlighted how unmanned aerial systems are no longer optional—they are essential. Drones are playing a pivotal role in surveillance and frontline intelligence gathering, helping our forces respond faster and more effectively while minimizing risk to human life. The growth of India’s indigenous drone sector highlights the need for ‘Atmanirbharta’ and positions the country as a global hub for drone technology innovation. We remain committed to building future-ready technology that empowers lives, and support India’s vision of technological sovereignty.

Mr. Janak Vakharia, CEO- Xpedeon

 On World Technology Day, we celebrate the boundless potential of innovation to transform industries and elevate human progress. At Xpedeon, our evolution from a traditional ERP provider to a global SaaS platform is rooted in a clear vision—to lead the next wave of digital transformation in the built environment. As the ConTech landscape rapidly advances, driven by AI, automation, and real-time data intelligence, we are committed to creating technologies that redefine how construction and engineering projects are designed, delivered, and scaled. The future of ConTech lies in intelligent, integrated systems that drive efficiency, sustainability, and agility, and we are proud to be at the forefront of that movement.

Mr. Polamraju Nagender, CEO, Cinystore Technologies

 National Technology Day is a time to reflect on how deeply technology has become integrated into the foundation of India’s media and entertainment sector. The traditional boundaries between content creation, distribution, and consumption are rapidly dissolving, with technology serving as the central driver of this evolution. Today, storytelling is shaped as much by algorithms and analytics as by scripts and direction. From AI-assisted workflows to data-informed audience engagement, innovation is redefining every stage of the creative process. As an industry, we must focus on building accessible and scalable technological frameworks that not only empower emerging creators but also foster a more inclusive and sustainable content ecosystem. Our initiative KeepItShort is one such step, designed to support young filmmakers across India with the visibility, tools, and feedback needed to grow. The future of filmmaking will depend on how effectively we blend artistic vision with technological capability.”

Karun Tadepalli, CEO and Co-founder, byteXL

 On National Technology Day, we celebrate the spirit of innovation that continues to drive India’s transformation. From the launch of BharatGPT, propelling India’s AI development, to becoming a global hub for digital payments and startups, our progress reflects both vision and execution. At byteXL, we are proud to contribute to this journey by equipping students with industry-relevant skills and imparting real-world experiences, thereby enhancing their employability. We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering the next generation of tech leaders to thrive in and shape India’s growing tech ecosystem.