Category Archives: Business

Vanesa Announces Bollywood Superstar Kiara Advani as the New Brand Ambassador

Mumbai, 9th April, 2025: Vanesa, the premium fragrance brand for modern women, has announced Bollywood sensation Kiara Advani as its new brand ambassador. This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone in Vanesa’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women and inspiring confidence in them.

Kiara Advani, known for her poise, charm, and authenticity, perfectly embodies the essence of Vanesa. Her journey in the film industry reflects confidence and self-expression, qualities that align seamlessly with the brand’s philosophy.

For Kiara, fragrance is more than just a scent; it’s an extension of her personality. Kiara’s personal fragrance preferences reflect her dynamic persona – fresh and floral scents for the day and warm amber notes for the evening. With this partnership, Vanesa aims to translate this duality into a collection that resonates with modern consumers who seek versatility and elegance in their fragrances.

Expressing her excitement, Kiara Advani said, “I’m beyond thrilled to be associated with Vanesa. For me, confidence is about embracing my true self, owning my strengths and vulnerabilities, and walking through life with authenticity. This is what makes working with Vanesa so special, as the brand celebrates individuality, and that’s something I truly believe in.”

Saurabh Gupta, MD & CEO, Hamilton Sciences Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to welcome Kiara Advani to the Vanesa family. Kiara embodies the essence of our brand with her elegance, charm, and relatable appeal. Her journey and personality perfectly align with Vanesa’s philosophy of celebrating individuality and modern femininity. We believe this collaboration will inspire women to embrace their individuality with confidence.”

Vanesa’s legacy of working with strong, inspiring women continues with Kiara, following in the footsteps of its first brand ambassador, Kareena Kapoor Khan. As Kiara steps into this role, she brings a fresh, modern perspective to the brand while honouring its timeless essence.

TVS Motor Strengthens EV Play in Southeast Asia with ION Mobility IP Integration

Chandigarh, April 9, 2025: TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a leading global manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, is set to strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) presence in Southeast Asia through the integration of ION Mobility’s assets, intellectual property, and talent into its operations. Southeast Asia represents one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for motorbike usage, offering a significant opportunity for expansion.

TVSM has been a strategic investor in ION Mobility, a full-stack EV company known for its robust in-house capabilities across industrial and product design, mechanical and electrical engineering, embedded and power electronics, firmware, software, and supply chain solutions. This integration, combined with TVSM’s deep expertise in electric mobility, marks a major step toward unlocking new possibilities in the region.

Commenting on the development, Sharad Mohan Mishra, President Group Strategy, TVS Motor Company, said: “We were an early strategic investor in ION Mobility, attracted by their focus on delivering smart, sustainable, and exciting mobility solutions for ASEAN markets. Our ‘Reimagine 2030’ vision strongly aligned with their mission. With the acquisition of ION Mobility’s assets, IP and core team, we are thrilled to bring their entrepreneurial energy, design thinking and engineering strength into TVSM. Combined with our R&D depth, quality systems, and manufacturing scale, this partnership positions us to accelerate market penetration and grow our share across Southeast Asia.”

TVS Motor is already a formidable player in the global EV landscape, with nearly 600,000 customers choosing its flagship electric scooter, TVS iQube. The company has developed end-to-end in-house capabilities across EV components – battery systems, battery management, vehicle control units, and connected platforms – and holds more than 650 patents in the EV domain.

Earlier this week, TVS Motor Company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd acquired select assets from ION Mobility and also divested its stake in the company. Following this move, James Chan, Founder and CEO of ION Mobility, has joined TVS Motor Company as Senior Vice President. He will lead TVSM’s business across ASEAN while also spearheading the development and launch of the M1-S electric mobility platform. The M1-S is already generating strong interest in ASEAN markets for its striking design, impressive range, agile acceleration, and suitability for daily commutes.

Alcatel, Flipkart Partner to Distribute Indian-Made Smartphones via E-commerce & Q-commerce

India, April 09, 2025: Alcatel, the French consumer technology brand, today announced its strategic retail partnership with Flipkart, one of India’s leading e-commerce marketplaces. Through this collaboration, Alcatel will launch its latest range of smartphones on both Flipkart’s main platform and its quick commerce arm, FK Minutes.

This partnership emphasizes Alcatel’s commitment to democratizing technology and strengthening its footprint in the Indian market. The brand’s “Make in India” smartphones will combine premium innovation, stylish French design targeting digitally savvy consumers across metros, Tier II, and Tier III cities.

As part of its ongoing commitment to delivering patented, next-generation technology experiences to the Indian youth, Alcatel is combining its global innovation expertise with Flipkart’s extensive e-commerce network to introduce a new era of smartphones in India. With a digital-first approach, Alcatel is well-positioned to meet the dynamic needs of today’s tech-savvy consumers—especially the rapidly expanding youth segment across urban and non-urban regions. This strategic collaboration enables Alcatel to reach users nationwide and deliver cutting-edge technology that resonates with modern lifestyles.

Mr. Atul Vivek, Chief Business Officer, said:

As we chart our path forward, our vision is to build a complete ecosystem of products that deliver a truly connected and unified experience for Indian consumers. We are enthusiastic about our upcoming launches and the steady expansion of our footprint in the Indian market. This strategic partnership with Flipkart is instrumental in bringing that vision to life. Leveraging Flipkart’s expansive reach and deep market insights, we aim to offer high-quality products backed by a reliable, seamless after-sales service, ensuring an elevated consumer experience across the country.

Mr. Ansh Rathi, Chief Operating Officer, added:

We are proud to join hands with Flipkart to bring world-class quality and service to Indian consumers. This collaboration marks a significant step in elevating the smartphone experience by introducing feature-rich, premium devices at compelling price points. At Alcatel, our commitment lies in creating a seamless, connected ecosystem across devices and platforms. Guided by our core philosophy of delivering exceptional product experiences, we believe Flipkart’s vast network will help us build strong, meaningful connections with the youth across both urban and emerging markets in India.

Alcatel is committed to building a strong, nationwide service infrastructure to deliver fast, dependable support to consumers—no matter where they are in India. Looking ahead, the brand is set to expand its product portfolio with a vision to create a fully integrated consumer tech ecosystem. With a range of connected devices on the horizon, Alcatel aims to offer a seamless, elevated experience across multiple touchpoints in the lives of modern Indian consumers.

Gujarat Titans Team Up with Finkeda to Power Digital Transactions

Hyderabad- 09, April, 2025: Finkeda, a leading digital banking and fintech solutions company announces its association with Gujarat Titans. Finkeda, also known as Ikeda, brings their financial expertise under this strategic partnership with Gujarat Titans, who has a proven streak in the high-octane cricket league. This adds to the vision of the Gujarat Titans in ensuring an all-round seamless experience to its growing global fan base.

The partnership is part of Gujarat Titans’ efforts to ramp up fan engagement initiatives with ease of access in mind. As an official partner, Finkeda will bolster efforts to bring financial innovation and convenience to tier 2, tier 3 and tier 4 cities. In reaching out to a wider audience through their association with Gujarat Titans, Finkeda aims to create greater awareness about their innovative digital banking solutions.

Colonel Arvinder Singh, COO of Gujarat Titans, said, “This association with Finkeda aligns with our larger goal of broadening avenues for seamless user experience. With their expertise in fintech and digital financial solutions, GT fans are up for some exciting new opportunities to know finances better. We are hopeful that this will add up to an enriching overall experience combined with the excitement of play.”

Mr. Manish Kumar Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director at Finkeda, said, “Gujarat Titans have shown the country and the world that it is possible to be a disruptor despite being new and competing with established players. It is a proud moment for all of us at Finkeda to be a sponsor of Gujarat Titans, a team that has created such a huge impact in such little time. We share their passion and motivation to win and believe that every individual and business, regardless of where they are located in India, deserve access to efficient and state-of-the-art fintech solutions.”

Since its inception in 2019, Finkeda has not only grown its user base, but has also expanded its operations to include digital payment solutions, cash withdrawal, Domestic Money Transfer, Aadhar Banking, Micro ATM, Utility Bill Payment, Travel and Insurance investments such as Mutual Funds, Non-convertible Debentures, P2P Lending, among others. Finkeda is a rapidly growing, one-stop destination for essential financial services and digital banking needs of urban as well as rural India.

Gujarat Titans’ growing popularity in the league is expected to give an increased visibility to Finkeda, which will bring it closer to its goal of educating consumers in far reaches of the country regarding the benefits of cutting-edge fintech services. This association is likely to help Finkeda penetrate previously untapped markets and drive greater levels of engagement with its target audience.

Cautio Clocks Rs11 Cr in New Funding Round, Gets Nod from Ministry of Electronics & IT

Kolkata, April 2025: Cautio, an AI-powered video telematics startup dedicated to making India’s roads the safest in the world, has raised ₹11 crore as part of its ongoing seed round. The round saw participation from 9Unicorns, Venture Catalysts, Antler India, Infynite.club, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) through PIEDS – BITS Pilani and CARS24 Founders – Gajendra Jangid and Vikram Chopra. The raise also saw strong backing from early customers and industry leaders who believe in technology’s life-saving potential and Cautio’s mission.

 Every day in India, millions of families wait anxiously for their loved ones to return home safely. For commercial drivers, fleet operators, and logistics companies, road safety isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a matter of survival. Understanding the need of the hour, Cautio is on a mission to help reduce accidents proactively, prevent financial losses for fleet operators, and ensure everyone returns home safely.

 “We often hear about accidents and incidents, but what we don’t hear are the voices of those who suffer – families who lose their only breadwinner, children who wait for parents who never return, and drivers who are blamed for incidents beyond their control,” said Pranjal Nadhani, Co-founder & CTO at Cautio. “With AI-driven video telematics, we are changing this narrative. We are giving fleet operators, drivers, and passengers a chance to be safer, more responsible, and more accountable on the road,” added Pranjal.

 With its advanced video telematics platform, Cautio has enabled over 3 crore kilometers of safe travel and safeguarded 16 lakh+ trips, reducing risks, enhancing accountability, and optimizing operations. Trusted by top mobility and logistics providers like Shoffr, Euro Cars, Namma Yatri, IITs, Cityflo, etc., Cautio ensures safer and more efficient journeys daily. Operating in 35+ cities across India, Cautio has also delivered over 50 crore location data points through its APIs – thus equipping businesses with real-time insights for smarter, data-driven fleet management.

 “For fleet operators and drivers, every trip carries responsibility – not just for the safety of the passengers and the cargo but also for the lives of the drivers and the pedestrians on the road. With Cautio, we help them ensure that every journey is not just completed but completed safely,” added Ankit Acharya, Co-founder & CEO of Cautio.

 Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder & Managing Director, 9Unicorns & Venture Catalyst said- “At 9Unicorns and Venture Catalyst, we believe in backing visionary startups that leverage technology to solve real-world challenges. Cautio is addressing one of India’s most pressing concerns – road safety – by integrating AI-powered video telematics into mobility solutions. Their approach has the potential to significantly reduce accidents, improve fleet efficiency, and save lives. We are excited to support their journey as they scale and bring safer roads to millions.”

 Nitin Sharma, Partner at Antler, emphasized the critical role of AI in transforming road safety: “As investors, we are excited to support founders like Ankit and Pranjal, who are leveraging cutting-edge AI to make road safety more accessible and cost-effective. Cautio goes beyond just data collection – it transforms insights into action, improving driver behavior, enhancing safety, and laying the foundation for autonomous mobility. Road safety in India is a massive challenge, with uncertainty and risk affecting millions daily. Cautio’s AI-driven technology empowers fleet operators and drivers to proactively take control of safety rather than merely react to accidents. We are proud to back their mission to make Indian roads safer.”

 Vikram Chopra and Gajendra Jangid, Co-Founders, CARS24, said: “Most tech chases efficiency. Cautio is chasing something harder, consequence. In India, road safety isn’t broken because we lack vehicles or infrastructure. It’s broken because accountability is invisible. Cautio’s AI makes it visible , in real time, where it actually changes how people drive. We believe this is a big lever for impact. At CARS24, we believe better drives lead to better lives. Cautio is building the kind of system that makes both possible. We are excited to see a (safer) road ahead.”

  Ankita Tandon and Joylita Saldanha – Founders, Infinyte Club said: “Cautio’s founders aren’t just building technology; they’re solving a massive infrastructure gap – making Indian roads safer with AI at the wheel. Their ability to blend video telematics, behavioral insights, and proactive safety measures is exactly the kind of purposeful innovation we love to back at Infinyte Club.”

 With this funding, Cautio aims to expand its technology across India, strengthen its AI capabilities, and work closely with fleets to build a culture of proactive safety. Every step taken towards preventing accidents today means fewer tragedies tomorrow – and that is the mission Cautio is dedicated to achieving

Usher in Poila Baisakh in style at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar

This Poila Baisakh, step into a celebration of heritage and culture at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions that connect us with the artists, poets, and stories of yesteryear. Food, a vital part of our cultural fabric, takes center stage as you indulge in a feast of culinary delicacies that have been cherished for generations.

On April 13 and 15, 2025, join us at the Grand Market Pavilion, known for its vibrant gourmet atmosphere. Here, you will experience a specially curated Poila Baisakh buffet that embodies the very soul of Bengal. Start your gastronomic journey with delightful appetizers like Chenar Paturi, Bhetki Paturi, and Gondhoraj Murgi, leading you to main dishes bursting with authentic flavours, including Basanti Pulao, Chingri Malai Curry, Metiabruz Biriyani and Chicken Chanp with Baby Naan.

The buffet is beautifully complemented with sweet treats like Chhenar Jilipi, Payesh, and a Sandesh Platter, ensuring a truly festive experience.

For those looking for a diverse array of Calcutta’s iconic dishes, join us at Eden Pavilion on April 15, 2025, where the buffet showcases local favourites like Mangsher Chop, Dim er Devil, Dak Banglow Murgi, Fish Fry, Roasted Chicken with Artichoke, Sea Food Stew, Chicken in Chilly Bean Sauce to name a few. Different names of dishes Experience the vibrant spirit of the City of Joy with timeless dishes .

Savour the taste of tradition, share memories with loved ones, and create new ones this Poila Baisakh at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar. Let the flavours of our past guide you to a wonderful culinary celebration this Bengal New Year!

Mila Beaute Fuels Growth with Dollar2.16M Pre-Series A Raise Backed by Rukam Capital

8th, April, 2025: Mila Beauté, a homegrown Indian skin-friendly color cosmetics brand, has raised $2.16 million (approximately ₹18 crores) in its Pre-Series A funding round led by Rukam Capital. This investment values the company at ₹303 crore and marks a significant step forward in its journey to build a vertically integrated, Made-in-India beauty brand.

The freshly infused capital will primarily be deployed towards expansion and research & development. Mila Beauté aims to strengthen its core business in the color cosmetics segment while also investing in new product development, scaling operations, and deepening its market presence. A significant portion of the funds will go into upgrading its manufacturing capabilities, focusing on maintaining high product quality with minimal external dependencies.

Founded with a vision to create a truly Indian beauty brand, Mila Beauté has taken a distinctive approach by keeping its operations vertically integrated and minimising reliance on imports. This has not only ensured superior control over product quality but also aligned well with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Founders Saahil Nayar, Sachin Chadha and Keshav Chadha, Mila Beauté, said, “Our focus has always been on creating a beauty brand that’s not just trend-driven but deeply rooted in data and consumer insight. Today’s Indian consumers are discerning, and we believe they deserve products that are both high-quality and homegrown. Partnering with Rukam Capital gives us the strategic backing to scale faster, whether it’s investing in our own manufacturing, developing innovative skin friendly products, or strengthening our brand presence. Most importantly, it allows us to stay closely connected to our consumers while ensuring we never compromise on quality or our vision.”

Archana Jahagirdar Rukam Capital said, “ The Indian beauty and cosmetics industry is at a fascinating juncture, with consumers increasingly seeking products tailored to the evolving needs of the modern audience. Mila Beauté stands out with its research-driven approach, prioritizing skincare and superior quality, set to redefine the beauty experience in the years ahead. The company’s vision, the founder’s leadership, and its commitment to innovation make it a compelling opportunity for us at Rukam Capital to support this dynamic segment. We are thrilled to be part of Mila Beauté’s growth journey and to contribute to its exciting future.”

Currently clocking annual revenues of $7.23 million, Mila Beauté is targeting a 2x growth in the next 12–18 months. The team remains focused on operational excellence and brand building without any immediate plans for acquisitions or leadership changes. With this funding, Mila Beauté is well-positioned to accelerate its expansion and continue developing high-quality, innovative Indian skin friendly color cosmetic products for the Indian market.

HRX Rolls Out ‘Carbonics’, Blending High-Tech Design with Everyday Running Needs

Mumbai, 8th April, 2025– HRX, India’s leading homegrown fitness brand co-owned by Hrithik Roshan and Exceed Entertainment, is excited to announce the launch of HRX Carbonics. This innovative running shoe is specifically designed to empower beginner and mid-distance runners by offering superior performance and comfort at an affordable price.

HRX Carbonics redefines running efficiency with its groundbreaking S-curve carbon-fiber plate, meticulously designed to enhance energy transfer from heel strike to toe-off. This advanced technology works seamlessly with a lightweight and responsive EVA midsole, delivering superior cushioning and shock absorption to minimize impact stress while maintaining agility. The breathable and flexible knitted upper naturally conforms to foot movements, ensuring a secure yet adaptable fit for lasting comfort.

Engineered for both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, HRX Carbonics combines speed, durability, and affordability. The enhanced arch support promotes stability across various running styles, while the padded collar provides essential ankle support. With its innovative spring-like propulsion system, the shoe optimizes forward momentum, reducing foot fatigue and enabling runners to sustain peak performance effortlessly.

“HRX has always focused on pushing boundaries and making performance-driven gear accessible to everyone. With HRX Carbonics, we are introducing advanced running technology to everyday runners, ensuring they receive optimal support, comfort, and efficiency in their stride.,” said Ajay Singh, Business and Marketing Head, HRX.

Lions Club Elects Gampa Nageshwar Rao as District Governor; Launches Ambitious Blood Drive and Student Program

Hyderabad, April 8, 2025 – Gampa Nageshwar Rao, a prominent youth empowerment advocate, has been elected as the Governor of Lions District 320H of the International Association of Lions Clubs during the annual convention held at Saketh, Secunderabad, on Monday. Rao won with a decisive majority, securing 143 out of 146 positive mandates. Ashok Swain was elected as the Second Vice District Governor, receiving 121 votes.

In a press release issued today, Gampa Nageshwar Rao expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the upcoming year. In his acceptance speech, Rao announced the theme for the year: “Be The Best.” He encouraged the 1,000-plus attendees to always strive for excellence and give their best in everything they do.

Rao also shared several key initiatives for his tenure. One of his top priorities is the mobilization of 5,000 units of blood through various donation camps across the region. He emphasized the critical need for blood donations, especially during the summer months, and highlighted the importance of voluntary donations, particularly from individuals with rare blood types.

In a significant move, Rao revealed that the Lions Quest program, a social and emotional learning initiative developed by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), will be expanded to 5000 government school students in the state during the 2025-2026 Lions year. The program aims to equip young people with essential life skills, foster resilience, and prevent risky behaviors. Additionally, personality development classes and training sessions will be conducted in the selected schools.

Rao also announced several other ambitious initiatives for the year, including raising awareness about cyber frauds and taking a strong stance against online betting. With the support of 2,100 Lions members, the district will launch programs to educate the public, particularly youth, about the risks of online gambling and the growing issue of cyber fraud.

Along with these initiatives, Rao emphasized that his administration would continue to prioritize causes such as promoting eye health and raising awareness about drug abuse.

Rao introduced his leadership team for the year: Muthsala Kamalakar will serve as the District Cabinet Secretary, SPY Reddy as Cabinet Treasurer, and J. Jagan Mohan Reddy as District Advisor. He also announced the formation of a new 50-member cabinet to assist in the administration of the district.

Lion Babu Rao, the International Director, graced the event as the Chief Guest and called for unity and coordination within the Lions fraternity to achieve service excellence.

In a remote address via Zoom, Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TSANB) Director Sandeep Shandilya emphasized the harmful effects of drug consumption and urged Lions to raise awareness among youth regarding the dangers of drugs and their long-term impact on their lives.

Mumbai-Based Steris Healthcare Plans Aggressive Expansion, Targets IPO by FY 2026-27

Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-headquartered pharmaceutical leader with operations in Navi Mumbai, has announced a ₹50 crore multi-pronged growth strategy, including a major expansion into South India, a doubling of production capacity, and plans to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in FY 2026-27. The company, which recently crossed ₹100 crore in annual sales, aims to solidify its national presence and enhance its ability to deliver innovative, affordable healthcare solutions.

 As part of its strategic expansion, Steris Healthcare will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South India, targeting key markets in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad (Telangana), and Bengaluru (Karnataka). This move is designed to streamline supply chains and strengthen the company’s reach in high-demand regions. The new plant will double Steris’ production capacity by 100%, adding (XX) units to its existing infrastructure, enabling the company to meet growing domestic and international demand while adhering to stringent quality standards.

 In addition to scaling operations, Steris Healthcare will launch new medications and healthcare products aimed at addressing critical therapeutic needs. This initiative reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and bridging gaps in medical care. The expansion is also expected to generate 800 new jobs across manufacturing, R&D, sales, and logistics, fostering economic growth in South India.

 Mr. Jeevan Kasara, Director & CEO of Steris Healthcare, shared his vision for the company’s future: “This ₹50 crore expansion and our upcoming IPO in FY 2026-27 mark a defining chapter in Steris’ journey. By deepening our roots in South India and investing in cutting-edge therapies, we are poised to serve millions more patients while creating long-term value for our stakeholders. Our focus remains on making healthcare accessible without compromising on innovation.”

 Ms. Renuka Kasara, Director of Steris Healthcare, added: “Crossing ₹100 crore in sales this year is a testament to our team’s dedication and the trust healthcare providers have placed in us. As we embark on this expansion phase, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality while expanding our product portfolio to serve diverse medical needs across India.”

 The proposed IPO, slated for FY 2026-27, will support Steris’ growth objectives, including infrastructure development, R&D advancements, and market diversification. The company is collaborating with financial advisors to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and to align with investor expectations for a successful public listing.