Category Archives: Business

Moscow Attracts Growing Number of Indian Business Tourists with Exclusive Offers and Personalized Experiences

1 March 2025: In recent years, promoting Moscow as an ideal destination for MICE tourism has become a priority tasks of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. The steady influx of travelers to the Russian capital continues to grow, driven in no small part by an increase in business visitors. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the number of business travelers is expected to reach a remarkable 8 million by 2030, with a significant share hailing from India.

Moscow’s appeal to business travelers—whether attending exhibitions, congresses, or MICE group events—is clear. The city not only boasts world-class infrastructure for hosting business events of all scales but also offers an exceptional array of cultural and leisure experiences available year-round. From historic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square to mesmerizing performances in its world-renowned theaters, Moscow seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Visitors can discover unique brands in modern shopping centers or explore a vibrant nightlife with its parties and nightclubs.

What truly sets Moscow apart is the diversity of exceptional venues that allow hosting out-of-the box events. Imagine events in historical mansions or at the museums, art galleries, or on the open air immaculate lawns of renovated estates. And the city can offer more than 150 such unique locations for MICE events. For those seeking a unique setting, open-air events can be hosted in picturesque parks, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air and breathtaking landscapes while engaging in professional discussions.

In addition, business events can be easily combined with exclusive tours or immersive performances, gaining deeper insight into Russia’s cultural heritage. Whether hosting a summit atop the iconic Ostankino TV Tower or fostering team spirit through lessons in traditional Russian music, business visitors can expect an experience that extends far beyond the boardroom.

As Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin noted earlier, business tourists are increasingly combining business trips with a cultural program. To meet this evolving demand, Moscow has expanded its calendar of industry events and diversified its leisure programs, ensuring that each visit is both enriching and productive.

The same trend was pointed out by Maya Anurova, Head of the Business Tourism Development Department of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. According to her, today expectations of modern business travelers are shifting: offering a luxurious hotel stay or a well-equipped conference hall is no longer enough, now business tourists seek personalized experiences and unforgettable impressions. “So personalising the offer and creating unique formats is very important here,” Anurova emphasized.

Today, India is one of the most important markets for Moscow in terms of attracting business tourists. The Moscow City Tourism Committee regularly holds events and implements projects aimed at attracting tourists from the region, both leisure and MICE. Earlier this year, a Moscow delegation participated in the OTM tourism exhibition in Mumbai, showing major projects to Indian industry professionals: the Moscow Tea Time Project, which revives Moscow’s historic tea traditions, the Moscow Estates Festival, an iconic cultural event drawing over 100,000 visitors annually, the City of Discoveries educational initiative, and the RUSSPASS travel planning service. During the event, the Moscow stand facilitated more than 2,000 business meetings and negotiations. Notably, Moscow has agreed on cooperation in the field of tourism development with the State of Maharashtra – India’s second most populous and third-largest state – as well as with Thomas Cook India Group, the country’s leading tour operator.

These concerted efforts are yielding tangible results. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, India ranked among the top two source markets for foreign visitors to Moscow, with over 61,000 Indian travelers exploring the city — an impressive a 1.4-foldincrease compared to the previous year. Moreover, business travel remains a dominant segment, with one in every three Indian visitors arriving for professional purposes.

According to key industry figures, Moscow’s exceptional service standards, warm hospitality, and ability to deliver unique experiences make it an increasingly attractive business destination. Shailesh Sharma, head of DMC company Headed Goose, notes that Indian visitors consistently praise Moscow’s unique fusion of rich history, modern culture and advanced infrastructure, including its world-class hotels. He also highlights the Moscow’s outstanding safety, with many Indian tourists describing it as the safest city they have ever visited.

According to Elena Orlenko, a representative of the Grand Rus agency, which acts as a DMC for Indian MICE agencies, an important factor is the availability of high-quality Indian cuisine in Moscow. She noted that Indian tourists pay great attention to the organization of food during their trips, and the Russian capital is able to offer them a huge number of restaurants serving Indian cuisine or high-quality vegetarian dishes for any budget.

Echoing this sentiment, Mohit Mandhwani of Travel Canvas, a graduate of the Moscow MICE Ambassadors certification program, launched by The Moscow City Tourism Committee in 2023, commends the city’s thriving Indian culinary scene. “The Indian cuisine in Moscow is outstanding — better than in many other countries!” he remarks. Moreover, several Indian restaurants offer catering services, ensuring authentic, high-quality meals at business events.

Another significant factor contributing to the surge in Indian business travelers is the streamlined visa process. Since August 2023, Indian citizens have been able to apply for an e-visa, with approvals granted within just four days through an entirely online process. As a result, India now ranks among the top five countries for e-visas issued by the Russian Federation.

“The introduction of the e-visa, of course, has become a great contribution to the development of the tourism industry and the attractiveness of the country as a whole. That is, in this way the state has shown that we are ready to open borders to different nationalities, we are ready for cooperation, and we want people to come to us,” explained Elena Orlenko.

As Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, noted earlier at the OTM exhibition in Mumbai, the Moscow authorities are pleased to observe a steady increase in Indian visitors to the Russian capital. “Through strategic partnerships, customized travel experiences, and immersive initiatives, we look forward to welcoming more Indian tourists and providing them with an unforgettable experience in our vibrant and historically rich city,” he noted.

DBS Foundation Funds Haqdarshak’s Financial Literacy Program with SGD 5.1 Million to Drive Growth

Chandigarh, March 1, 2025 – DBS Foundation, in partnership with Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (HESPL), has announced a new program designed to help advance financial inclusion, with a focus on rural India. The program is part of DBS Bank’s larger commitment, announced in 2023, to allocate SGD 1 billion over the next decade to improve the lives and livelihoods of low-income and underprivileged individuals. The DBS Foundation will provide SGD 5.1 million to fund the program, which has targeted impacting 500,000 beneficiaries in totality across the country.

India’s rural population can often face challenges such as lack of information about and access to financial services and social welfare entitlements. The DBS-funded program addresses these critical gaps by providing resources to help this demographic understand financial concepts and products as well as the tools and assistance on how to access social welfare schemes, supported by Haqdarshak’s team of agents. The program implementation will focus on rural regions in the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

As part of the program, dedicated field teams, including Haqdarshak’s female agents, will be deployed to conduct both digital and financial literacy training sessions along with entitlement screening sessions. The program will prioritise enrolling eligible beneficiaries, particularly women, the elderly, and nano entrepreneurs like street vendors and tradesmen, into appropriate social welfare schemes. Additionally, to bolster their protection against financial fraud, participants will receive anti-scam awareness trainings. Enhancing the effectiveness of these services, the Haqdarshak Yojana Card, a QR coded card will facilitate easy access to the beneficiary’s social entitlement profiles online with periodic information updates on scheme eligibility. DBS employees will actively participate in the program delivery under its staff volunteer movement ‘People of Purpose’ to increase content awareness as well as conduct community sessions along with the Haqdarshak team.

Azmat Habibulla, Managing Director and Head – Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, DBS Bank India, said, “Since inception more than a decade ago, the DBS Foundation has been focused on uplifting lives and livelihoods and, it is especially meaningful to be able to launch a new intervention with Haqdarshak, who we have nurtured since 2018 as a Business For Impact. Having completed three decades in India, DBS Bank is more committed than ever to stay true to its purpose-driven vision and catalyse change. Together with Haqdarshak, we will take forward this shared mission to go beyond banking and empower communities through financial inclusion. By tackling real knowledge gaps with targeted solutions, we can enable pathways out of poverty and create lasting impact to help build a better world for generations to come.”

Over the years, Haqdarshak has been engaging with and been supported by the DBS Foundation (DBSF), including via the 2018 DBSF Business for Impact Grant and the 2020 DBSF Business Transformation Improvement Grant. In 2023 Haqdarshak became a DBSF program partner in India to foster digital and financial literacy among citizens from vulnerable communities across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Through this initiative over 10,000 digital and financial literacy sessions were successfully conducted for over 2 lakh beneficiaries, along with entitlement screening and facilitation support to over 4 lakh individuals so they could avail relevant welfare schemes. Notably, around 90% of the participants trained in digital and financial literacy were women.

Commenting on the announcement, Aniket Doegar, Co-Founder and CEO of Haqdarshak, said “As we navigate an increasingly fast-paced world, it is important to support those who may need more assistance and ensure that no one is left behind. Our new program is aimed at fostering long-term economic resilience and self-sufficiency among underprivileged communities by giving them the skills and confidence to access the benefits of the formal system. The DBS Foundation has been instrumental as a trusted partner in our journey and their consistent support over the years has enabled us to scale our reach and impact more lives positively. We look forward to partnering once again on a very purposeful initiative, bringing about real impact by sparking collective action.”

This program is part of the DBS Foundation’s broader objective to support vulnerable communities and enable them to gain financial resilience across Asia, with a specific focus on the underprivileged and ageing members of society. By championing Businesses For Impact, DBS advocates for enterprises with a dual bottom line of profit and purpose, nurturing those that align with its mission and integrating them into DBS’s culture and operations.

Revolt Motors Reveals the Cutting-Edge RV BLAZEX

Mumbai, March 1, 2025: Reinforcing its leadership in India’s electric two-wheeler market, Revolt Motors, India’s No.1 electric motorcycle brand, has launched the all-new RV BlazeX – a high-performance, smart, and affordable electric motorcycle at INR 1,14,990 (ex-showroom, Pan India).

Designed for modern commuters, the RV BlazeX features a 4KW peak power motor, an extended 150 km range, and intelligent IoT connectivity. Manufactured at Revolt’s advanced facility in Manesar, Haryana, this latest offering cements the brand’s position at the forefront of India’s EV revolution.

Speaking on the launch, Ms. Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises Limited, said, “At Revolt Motors, we are committed to innovation and sustainability. The RV BlazeX empowers both urban and rural commuters with an affordable, high-performance electric mobility solution. With advanced connectivity, superior range, and cutting-edge design, this launch marks a major milestone in making sustainable mobility accessible to all.”

The RV BlazeX is available in two striking colours – Sterling Silver Black and Eclipse Red Black – blending style with practicality. Features like a front storage box and under-seat charger compartment enhance convenience without compromising aesthetics.

Powered by a 3.24 kWh lithium-ion battery (IP67 rated), the RV BlazeX reaches a top speed of 85 kmph and offers three riding modes plus Reverse Mode for better manoeuvrability. Safety and comfort are ensured with LED lighting, CBS braking, telescopic front forks, and twin shock absorbers. The 6-inch LCD digital cluster integrates 4G telematics, GPS, and IoT functionalities like mobile connectivity, geo-fencing, and OTA updates.

A standout feature is its dual charging capability—both fast and standard charging can be done via a conventional 3-pin socket. The RV BlazeX reaches 80% charge in just 80 minutes with fast charging, while standard home charging achieves the same in 3 hours 30 minutes. With no need for external charging infrastructure, it ensures seamless and hassle-free recharging for every rider.

Supported by a three-year warranty (or 45,000 KM, whichever comes first) and an expanding nationwide dealership network, Revolt ensures superior after-sales service, making EV adoption effortless and reliable.

The RV BlazeX will be available for bookings starting today via www.revoltmotors.com/book and authorized dealerships, with deliveries to begin from first week of March 2025.

Revolt Intellicorp:

Revolt Intellicorp, founded in 2017, is leading the charge in India’s electric vehicle landscape. With a mission to democratize clean commutes using futuristic mobility solutions, we have introduced India’s first AI-enabled motorcycle, seamlessly combining innovation with performance and aesthetics. With a strong focus on innovative technology, Revolt Motors is redefining the way we think about two-wheel transportation.

Beyond motorcycles, Revolt Intellicorp provides a full range of genuine parts and accessories through its authorized dealerships, ensuring a comprehensive electric riding experience. Join us in reshaping the future of smart, sustainable mobility.

RattanIndia Enterprises Limited

RattanIndia Enterprises Limited is a public-listed company and serves as the growth engine of the RattanIndia Group dedicated to pioneering new-age businesses. With a focus on innovative technologies, RattanIndia Enterprises is driving the transformation of various industries, including Electric Mobility (Revolt Motors), E-commerce (Cocoblu Retail), Fashion brands (Neo Brands), Fintech (WeFin), and Drones (Neosky), with the goal of positively impacting the lives of millions of Indians.

Heartfulness Startup Forum 2025 Helps Founders Unlock Success and Transform New India

Hyderabad, 1 March 2025: Today Heartfulness hosted a one-of-a-kind “Heartfulness Startup Forum” themed ‘In Pursuit of Purpose’ at the largest meditation centre in the world at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad. As India ascends as a global economic powerhouse, its startup ecosystem plays an important role in driving sustained growth. Research indicates that the most successful entrepreneurs are characterised by strong emotional resilience to navigate the crests and troughs of a fast-paced, uncertain environment. The Heartfulness Startup Forum brought together a couple of hundred founders to develop clarity, composure and well-being to thrive as leaders.

The forum hosted successful founders, industry stalwarts who shared how they overcame challenges in their entrepreneurial journey through strong practices like meditation, activities that lead to personal fulfilment that help them tackle stress, burnout and other routine mental challenges. The full-day conference was free of charge exploring the themes of emotional resilience, personal holistic well-being through unique practical sessions, panels and several peer, mentor connects.

One of the esteemed speakers, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan – Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government said in a fireside chat with Ms. Pragya Misra – Public Policy and Partnerships Lead, OpenAI, “As a leader, non-hierarchical support and recognition of your team are essential to make it exceptional. You have to respect and recognise your team’s worth. Cracking civil services in the first attempt reinforced in me the belief that you should count your blessings. You should help and facilitate the journey of others as well.” He also spoke on dealing with burnout, “I balance between work and life. I support charity, art, culture, sports and I am on boards of a lot of think-tanks. I attend social events, plays, art events etc. towards the end of the day that keep me charged up.”

“Reaching the unicorn position is not the only destination. It is how you enjoy the journey that makes it an infinite game path. Not being able to raise money is not a deterrent. What is really stopping an entrepreneur is the threshold of the stress that he can manage. We need meditation for emotional resilience and build our ability to perceive the reality as it is. Meditation is the path to remove our sanskaras. That is the way for us to increase our capacity and arrive where we want to arrive,” said Mr. Phanindra Sama – Founder, Red Bus.

Ms. Aarti Gupta – Partner, Anikarth Ventures said, “Being impactful and bringing meaningful change while making money is my measure of success. Digest and reflect on how small problems in a company can have exponential and compounding effect in the future. Don’t tie yourself to the valuation of your startup. Women have a twisted relationship with money. Women must understand their money and know how to grow it.”

Ms. Mallika Reddy – Founder, Cancelled Plans; Srikanth Iyer – Founder, Homelane; Mr. Om Dhumatkar – Life Coach & Speaker; Mr. Shivakumar Ganesan – Founder, Exotel; and Mr. Sateesh Andra – MD, Endiya Partners also shed light on their inspiring journey for every entrepreneur to draw lessons from.

Ms. Vani Kola – MD, Kalaari Capital said, “This is one of the most looked up to start up forums because in present times we need the endurance to withstand the impediments life can throw at us, the resilience to wade through it and lead a successful startup. The forum can help us understand how to integrate meditation into our lives for better decision-making, clarity in thought and equanimity.”

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “We need to raise a generation of entrepreneurs who not only make successful businesses but also inspire as resilient and balanced individuals. The rate at which India is producing startup entrepreneurs also means there needs to be heightened awareness and consciousness to apply in leadership, decision making and risk management. This forum is about empowerment on these terms.”

The forum as part of the “Heartfulness: Advancing in Entrepreneurship” is an initiative to address these unique challenges by integrating heart-based meditation & relaxation practices. Heartfulness has a transformative impact that will alter the trajectory of entrepreneurs, enhancing their self-awareness, leadership style, and the application of inner wisdom in daily business activities.

Savor Ruhaniyat by Gourmet Couch at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar

Make this Eid unforgettable with a meal that transcends expectations. Savour the flavours of tradition where every bite is a blessing. Indulge into a collection of our most celebrated Kebabs, Biryanis, Curries and Meetha as Ruhaniyat at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar brings with its delicious gourmet delights for everyone! Celebrate the spirit of the season with exclusive meal boxes with your loved ones. These offerings are available till 31st March, 2025. Savour the thoughtfully curated a la carte and set menu, featuring an exquisite blend of traditional treasures like Haleem, Shahi Nehari, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, to name a few.

Gourmet Couch, a specially curated menu from globally acclaimed restaurants brings together delectable offerings, with signature preparations carefully prepared to suit tasteful palates.

Immerse yourself in our Iftar specials set menu and experience a symphony of flavours that encapsulates the essence of Ruhaniyat, all from the comfort of your home. The menu includes – Khajoor, Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht, Sheermal, Dal Bukhara, Murgh Yakhni Pulao, Shahi Nihari, Haleem, Indian Breads, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, Anaar Kheera Raita, Nehari Accompaniments under Ruhaniyat Royal Table, priced at INR 5999 plus taxes for table of two and INR 8799 for table of four. The Ruhaniyat Table includes delicacies like Khajoor, Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht, Sheermal, Haleem, Murgh Yakhni Pulao, Anaar Kheera Raita, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, priced at INR 3199 plus taxes for table of two and INR 5199 plus taxes for table of four.

The menu is also available as an A la carte option. It includes Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht (Minced chicken kebab laced with aromatic spices and chopped belle papers complimented with pungent green chillies and onion) at INR 1999 + taxes; Haleem (A traditional recipe dating back in time. This preparation is made with ground wheat, lamb, lentils and select spices) at INR 1299 plus taxes; Murgh Yakhni Pulao (spring chicken and long-grain basmati rice pulao is flavoured with aromatic spices and generous amounts of slow cooked onions that both tinge and enrich this preparation); Shahi Nehari (prime cuts of lamb cooked overnight on low heat, in a sealed handi with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs, sprinkled with mace and cardamom) at INR 2150 plus taxes; Murgh Handi Qorma (morsels of chicken simmered in brown onion, garlic and yoghurt gravy. Perfumed with saffron, rose water and garnished with almond silvers) at INR 2125 plus taxes and Seviyon Ka Muzzafar (a classic dessert of saffron infused vermicelli, doused in sugar syrup and garnished with almonds and cashews) at INR 699 plus taxes. You can enjoy assorted Indian breads like Lachha Paratha (whole wheat, layered bread, baked in a tandoor), Roomali Roti (thin and soft flat bread that can be folded like a handkerchief), Pudina Paratha (whole wheat layered bread baked in a tandoor and sprinkled with a tangy masala) and Taftan (leavened bread baked in a clay oven) – each priced at INR 225 plus taxes.

This Eid, elevate your celebrations with Ruhaniyat and bring the essence of luxury straight to your doorstep. Ruhaniyat by Gourmet Couch isn’t just food – it’s a moment of indulgence wrapped in elegance. From assorted kebabs to delightful sweets – experience one-of-a-kind taste, texture, and heritage. Order now, and let us bring the soul of Eid to your home, without stepping out!

Findi Ltd Concludes Acquisition of Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd

New Delhi, 1 March 2025: Tata Communications has successfully completed the divestment of its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL), to Transaction Solutions International (India) Pvt Ltd (TSI), a majority-owned subsidiary of Australian digital payments and financial services provider Findi (ASX: FND).

On 13th November 2024, Tata Communications had entered into a definitive agreement with Findi, to divest its 100% equity stake in TCPSL. The transaction has now been completed following the receipt of regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the fulfilment of all conditions agreed between the parties under the relevant definitive agreement.

For Tata Communications, this move aligns with its strategic focus on high-growth areas such as network, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, interactions, and media services, enabling the Company to sharpen its core capabilities while unlocking greater value.

For Findi, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion of its financial services ecosystem, enhancing its capabilities in digital payments and ATM operations. The acquisition immediately equips Findi with a White Label ATM platform and license, a Payments Switch, and a network of over 4,600 ATMs. Additionally, it enables Findi to deploy ATMs across its extensive network of 180,000+ merchants (under its FindiPay and BankIT brands).

Kabir Ahmed Shakir, CFO, Tata Communications, said: “This divestment marks a significant milestone in our journey to streamline our portfolio and focus on areas that drive long-term growth and innovation. We are confident that TSI is well-positioned to drive the next phase of growth for TCPSL and will further strengthen and scale this business, ensuring continued value for customers and stakeholders.”

Deepak Verma, MD and CEO, Findi , said: “The acquisition of Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd is a critical piece in our journey to become the most trusted enabler of financial empowerment for India’s underserved. TCPSL’s current ATM portfolio, white label license and Payment Switch give us immediate scale, as well as the ability to deploy ATMs to our merchant network, transforming them to a full stack financial hub, and empowering them to expand their services and better serve underbanked communities.”

UPES Brings Automotive Excellence to Life with Maurizio Corbi at ‘L’Arte Dell’Auto’

New Delhi, March 1, 2025: Today, the UPES School of Design hosted renowned automotive designer Maurizio Corbi for ‘L’Arte Dell’Auto – The Art of the Automobile’ in Delhi. The event celebrated the fusion of art, engineering, and automotive design. Corbi, known for creating iconic Ferrari models like the F355, 456, 550, and California at Pininfarina, inspired guests with insights into his design journey. Corbi conducted an exhibition of his work and delivered a compelling talk titled ‘My Design Journey’. His visit to India marked a milestone for the UPES School of Design, providing a unique learning experience for students and industry professionals alike.

The event featured an exhibition of Maurizio Corbi’s work, an opening address by Prof. Bhaskar Bhatt, Dean, School of Design, and an inspiring talk by Corbi on his design journey. A panel discussion on the evolving world of automotive design brought together industry leaders such as Saurabh Singh, Senior Vice President at Maruti Suzuki India; Sivakumar S., Head of Industrial Design at Royal Enfield; Anuj Prasad, CEO of Desmania; Shantanu Jog, Studio Lead for Vehicle Design, Founding Designer at Ather Energy and Prof. Jayant Sankrityayana, Head of MVD at UPES Dehradun and Former Head of Tata Motors India Studio. The evening concluded with a special announcement and a networking dinner.

Maurizio Corbi’s visit to India was part of a broader initiative by the UPES School of Design to bring global industry leaders to the university to inspire and mentor the next generation of designers. Corbi’s journey began in Dehradun on 22 February, where he conducted intensive hands-on workshops, engaging with students in live sketching sessions and providing direct mentorship. During his sessions, Corbi emphasised the importance of storytelling in design and how emerging technologies like generative AI and 3D printing are transforming the industry.

At the event, in Corbi’s esteemed presence, UPES School of Design announced that it is exploring a strategic tie-up with a world-renowned Italian design firm – Icona Design Group, known for their groundbreaking work in automotive, transportation, product, and urban design. Over the years, the firm has pioneered several innovations like the AI-integrated autonomous Icona Nucleus (2018) and the titanium-bodied, 1,000-horsepower Icona Vulcano (2013), exemplifying its fusion of technology, sustainability, and design excellence. This potential collaboration aims to assess opportunities for a high-performance future mobility and product design center in India. Speaking on this engagement, virtually, Dr. Gjoko Muratovski, Chief Innovation Officer, Icona Design Group, said, ‘We appreciate UPES School of Design’s vision and look forward to exploring opportunities that can create new energy in design across India and the globe.”

The event marked the culmination of Corbi’s current visit to UPES. Speaking about his experience, Maurizio Corbi said, “It was a great experience interacting with the talented students at UPES. While they excel at problem-solving, I encourage them to express their artistic selves more through design, creating a strong visual language driven by passion and identity. Also, today, the discussions with industry peers on innovation and future trends have been insightful, and I hope these ideas inspire the next generation of designers to embrace both creativity and functionality.”

Prof. Bhaskar Bhatt, Dean, School of Design UPES, said, “Having a designer of Maurizio Corbi’s calibre with us was a significant milestone. His extensive experience has offered our students priceless industry insights, strengthening our mission to integrate creativity with technology. We look forward to having more of such engagements that inspire and prepare our students to become leaders in the global design industry.”

Corbi’s expertise in harmonising form and function has set benchmarks in automotive design, making his visit to UPES a valuable experience for students keen to explore design intricacies. This collaboration reflects UPES’ commitment to global industry engagement and its reputation as a forward-thinking design school that blends creativity with technology. Starting in 2026, all senior studio projects will be mentored or sponsored by industry partners. Students gain global exposure through exchange programs and study tours to countries such as the UK, France, Japan, and Korea. They also secure internships with top brands like Hero MotoCorp, Accenture, LTI Mindtree, Maruti-Suzuki Ltd and more.

Aromahpure Achieves 1 Million Customer Benchmark, Reinforcing Leadership in Ambient Fragrance

In a competitive market where fragrance is perceived as a luxury that comes with a hefty price tag, Aromahpure has raised the bar by showing that premium fragrances can be both high-quality and affordable. In just two years since its debut in 2022, Aromahpure has earned the trust and admiration of over one million customers, securing a stronghold in India’s fragrance industry. The brand has successfully bridged the gap by offering an array of home and car fragrances that combine style, functionality, and affordability. The brand currently offers 60+ products across both categories, from soothing fragrance oils, candles, and diffusers for the home to a wide selection of car fragrances, including best-selling products like hanging pods, flakes, and Hunny Bunny, meeting diverse customer needs.

 Speaking about the milestone, Akshit Mittal, Founder and Director of Aromahpure, shared a few words, stating, “Our journey started with a simple yet powerful belief – fragrance is not a luxury, but an essential part of everyday life. With our “Khushboo Zaroori Hai” campaign, we’ve aimed to showcase the power of fragrance to influence emotions and transform the ambiance of any space. Reaching 1 million satisfied customers validates our mission, and we’re excited to expand the positive impact of fragrance for more people.”

 Aromahpure has achieved remarkable success thanks to its wide variety of products at affordable prices and its unwavering dedication to formulating long-lasting, safe fragrances. Its IFRA-compliant formulations are a testament to the brand’s commitment to safety, ensuring each product is safe for all. By focusing on both quality and affordability, Aromahpure has built a loyal and expanding customer base across India.

 The brand’s online success has been a key driver of its rapid growth, and it is now eager to reach even more customers through a wider range of channels. Currently, Aromahpure sells its products across multiple e-commerce platforms, including its website, Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, as well as quick-commerce platforms like Zepto and Swiggy Instamart.

 While online sales have been a cornerstone of Aromahpure’s growth, the brand’s expansion isn’t limited to the digital world. Aromahpure has also ventured into brick-and-mortar retail, with select car dealerships in the Delhi NCR region. With these efforts, Aromahpure is set to become a well-established omnichannel brand, seamlessly blending online and offline experiences for its customers.

 Aromahpure’s growth story is an inspiring one, with a clear vision for the future. By remaining dedicated to offering high-quality, long-lasting products at accessible prices, the brand has created a loyal customer base that continues to expand. With its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and widespread availability through online and offline channels, Aromahpure is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the ambient fragrance industry, offering a diverse range of fragrances for homes and cars that meet the needs of all consumers.

3PLs are powering India’s dollar1plus trillion branded retail opportunity: Redseer report

Bengaluru, March 1, 2025 – Redseer Strategy Consultants has released its latest logistics report titled “Delivering the future: How New-Age Logistics is Transforming Brand Success”, shedding light on the role of logistics in driving growth for brands in India’s retail and e-commerce markets. The report underscores how the logistics sector, particularly third-party logistics (3PL) providers, is becoming indispensable in navigating the increasingly complex distribution networks of brands and delves into the complexities of distribution networks and the technological innovations reshaping logistics operations.

 India’s Consumer Market: A $1+ Trillion Opportunity
India is set to become the world’s third-largest consumer economy, set to cross $3.5 Tn in private consumption in the next 5 years. The country’s consumer base is highly diverse, requiring brands to adapt to varied consumption patterns. By FY34, branded retail—both traditional and new age—will account for over 50% of the total retail market unlocking a $1+ trillion opportunity from brands, which is almost 4x of today.

 E-commerce is also set for remarkable growth, with a minimum $100-120 billion incremental opportunity projected over the next five years, driven by multiple constructs including traditional e-commerce (across models like value commerce, vertical commerce and same day delivery) along with quick commerce and brand.com. Brand.com is expected to grow to >$20 Bn in GMV by FY29 given the continued importance of the channel and brand investments made therein. Further, rise of Tier 2+ city consumers is also going to share the consumption landscape dramatically for brands and marketplaces alike.

 Growing distribution complexities for brands and role of 3PLs
As India’s branded and online retail markets expand, the report highlights the increasing complexity of distribution networks such as omnichannel platforms, D2C storefronts, E-Com/Q-Com warehouses and storefronts, dark stores and the indispensable role of 3PL providers.

 ● Growing Network Complexity: Distribution models have evolved from linear structures to intricate networks comprising omnichannel platforms, D2C storefronts, e-commerce warehouses, and quick-commerce hubs.
● Distribution Challenges for New Age Brands: Up-and-coming new-age brands face unique challenges- including supplying goods to over 100 warehouses across distribution partners, managing fluctuating demand across channels with different timeline and fleet, navigating low-demand volumes in certain channels, leading to partial truckloads, parcel deliveries and low fill rates that pressure margins. Further, handling unplanned and non-transparent returns also put pressure on 3PL supply chains and needs support from the right 3PL partners.
● Growing need for Delivery Timeliness combined with Reach- The demand for faster deliveries is rising across all categories, increasing complexity for 3PLs and in-house logistics providers. This puts pressure on them to deliver more sophisticated, timely solutions that meet consumer expectations for speed across different city tiers and pin codes.

 “3PL providers are an important pillar for Retail and E-commerce growth in India,” said Mrigank Gutgutia, Partner at Redseer Strategy Consultants. “Brands and 3PL providers must work collaboratively to address the rising complexities of multichannel distribution, ensuring consistent and seamless customer experiences across channels and geographies and scalable operations.”

 He further added that, “They are key to enabling brands to scale effectively. Their ability to offer services like express parcel delivery, hyperlocal fulfillment and seamless integration with brand operations ensures timely and reliable delivery. Leading 3PLs are setting benchmarks by providing extensive pin-code coverage, advanced supply chain technology, and customizable solutions for brands across categories.”

 Importance of choosing the right 3PL partners for brands
Redseer’s report indicates that outbound logistics have become increasingly challenging for brands to manage in-house. Third-party logistics providers play a vital role in meeting rapid delivery timelines, managing returns, and ensuring consistent customer experiences across channels. Annual logistics spending by brands is projected to exceed $50 billion by FY29 – almost twice that of FY 24, underscoring the importance of efficient supply chain management.

 The report further delves deeper into the major challenges faced by brands across categories in dealing with 3PLs and the suggested strategic selection approach of 3PL partners for new-age brands.

 Basis Redseer’s research with new age brands, they have the option of choosing multiple 3PL players in the market, each of which brings a unique value proposition to the table. For example, the study indicated that as per brands Delhivery had robust strengths in ‘Delivery Timeliness’, ‘Geographical Coverage’ and ‘Shipment Protection’ metrics and emerged as the most well-rounded player across the key need areas as perceived by brands. While strengths of Bluedart in ‘Delivery Timeliness’ and ‘Shipment Protection’ were also highlighted. Whereas for Ecom Express, ‘Competitive Pricing’ and ‘Geographical Coverage’ emerged as key strength areas.

 This evaluation reaffirms the importance of balancing reach, speed and delivery timeliness with right pricing to effectively cater to brands. It further serves as a timely reminder of the dynamic strengths present across the 3PL landscape and the need for brands to partner with the right 3PL player basis their growth aspirations.

Bisleri and Schneider Electric Partner to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Strengthen Solar Initiatives

Mumbai, 1st March 2025: Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business to enhance energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy. This initiative is a key step under ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise’, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. As part of the partnership, up to 13.6 MW of solar power will be installed across six major Bisleri International plants in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “Our collaboration with Schneider Electric underscores our commitment to sustainable solutions and the economic benefits of renewable energy. The project is set to increase Bisleri’s green energy usage to nearly 33% while improving energy efficiency by 2.5% across its manufacturing plants. Additionally, this initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 16,000 tons per year, further advancing Bisleri’s sustainability goals”.

Adding to this, Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, shared, “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to enabling businesses to reduce their environmental footprint by embracing cleaner and smarter energy solutions. Our Sustainability division has been a pioneer in enhancing energy efficiency across sectors. Our association with Bisleri International will further optimize the use of renewable energy. We congratulate Bisleri in their quest to become a Green Yodha for the planet. Collaborations like these are pivotal for a sustainable future, and by integrating innovative energy solutions, we will collaborate with Bisleri to bolster efficiency and foster a sustainable future for all.”

As part of ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise’, the company has already deployed rooftop solar panels that generate 2.5% of its energy from renewable sources. Furthermore, Phase 1 of the lightweighting of PET bottles has successfully reduced the company’s CO2 footprint by 15,000 tons per year.