Category Archives: Business

Zurich Kotak General Insurance strengthens its presence with the Launch of Commercial Insurance in India

Alok Agarwal, MD & CEO, Zurich Kotak General Insurance, said, “The launch of our commercial insurance business is a key strategic pillar of our organization and reflects a year of building an industry-leading team that combines Zurich’s global expertise and Zurich Kotak’s local insights, to deliver relevant, customer-centric solutions.”  

Ajey Hegde, Head of Commercial Insurance, Zurich Kotak General Insurance, stated, “Our focus is on delivering customised, digitally enabled commercial insurance solutions. With a strong team and Zurich’s global best practices, we aim to redefine commercial insurance in India.”

Galaxy M36 5G with Advanced AI Innovations in Mid-Segment Smartphones, Goes on Sale in India

GURUGRAM, India – July 12, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the sale of Galaxy M36 5G, the latest addition to the immensely popular Galaxy M Series. Starting, July 12, 2025, Galaxy M36 5G will be available starting INR 16499, which includes an INR 1000 instant bank discount on Samsung.com, Amazon and at select retail stores.

Designed for young Indian consumers, Galaxy M36 5G packs a suite of AI innovations along with several segment-leading features such as 50MP OIS triple camera, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ durability and 6 generations of Android upgrade.

Galaxy M36 5G will come with Circle to Search with Google, furthering the democratization of mobile AI to even more devices in the Galaxy ecosystem. Built upon Samsung-Google collaboration, Circle to Search brings a seamless search experience to Galaxy users for images, texts and music.  Additionally, it will also introduce new AI experience with Gemini Live, bringing real-time visual conversations with AI to Galaxy users. Through AI-powered assistance, Galaxy users can more naturally engage in conversational interactions that make everyday tasks easier.

With design at its forefront, Galaxy M36 5G is only 7.7mm slim with a premium camera deco and features segment-leading Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ protection, making it extremely tough as well as ergonomic. The segment leading protection not only withstands accidental slips and falls but also ensures that users are absolutely worry-free from scratches.

Galaxy M36 5G features a 6.7” Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology making it the perfect device for an unparalleled viewing and smooth scrolling experience even in the outdoor conditions with bright sunlight. Galaxy M36 5G will be available in three vibrant and flaunt worthy colours- Velvet Black, Serene Green and Orange Haze.

Galaxy M36 5G will come with advanced 50MP OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) triple camera to shoot sharp photos and videos.  The cameras on Galaxy M36 5G are designed for vivid shots—even in low light, thanks to its Auto Night Mode that takes the Nightography feature to a different level. Users will also be able to record 4K videos on both front and rear cameras. Galaxy M36 5G will serve as a complete package with outstanding features like Photo Remaster and Object Eraser to take the user experience to a whole new level.

Setting new industry benchmarks, Galaxy M36 5G will offer segment’s best 6 generations of Android upgrades and 6 years of security updates, ensuring a future-ready experience. Galaxy M36 5G will come with One UI 7 out of the box.

For added convenience, Now Bar provides real-time updates that matter most right on the lock screen.  Galaxy M36 5G will also feature one of Samsung’s most innovative security features: Samsung Knox Vault. The hardware-based security system offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks. It will also include Samsung’s innovative Tap & Pay feature with Samsung Wallet allowing consumers to make secure payments effortlessly.

Filo Chocolate: India’s First Kunafa-Filled Chocolate Bar Brand Redefining Indulgence

11th July 2025, Mumbai: Filo Chocolate is reimagining the Indian confectionery landscape with a bold new offering — handcrafted kunafa-filled chocolate bars that fuse Middle Eastern tradition with modern Indian indulgence. As India’s first brand to introduce this unique combination, Filo is carving out a new niche defined by texture, flavor, and storytelling.

The idea was sparked during a trip to Dubai, where founder Adai Mehra first tasted kunafa — a crunchy, buttery, phyllo-based dessert. Captivated by its potential and emotional pull, and nostalgic charm, he set out to create a chocolate brand that delivers joy, nostalgia, and surprise in every bite.

What makes Filo Chocolate stand out is its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and freshness. Each bar is handcrafted daily, entirely preservative-free, and made with premium couverture chocolate — offering a superior taste experience that balances richness and crunch. Available in two indulgent sizes — 70g and 250g — priced at INR 499 and INR 1,499 respectively, and exclusively made to order via their official website.

Filo Chocolate is currently available in five indulgent flavours, each thoughtfully crafted to deliver a distinct texture, flavour, and sensorial experience:

The signature Kunafa-licious is a nod to the classic Middle Eastern dessert, featuring a pistachio-stuffed kunafa center wrapped in premium chocolate.

You Had Me at Biscoff layers creamy biscoff spread with crispy kunafa for a comforting, caramelised bite.

Caramel Me Crazy takes indulgence up a notch with a rich salted caramel-infused kunafa core, offering the perfect sweet-salty balance.

Kunooki & Cream reimagines the nostalgic cookies-and-cream combination with a playful twist of kunafa crunch.

Cloud Nine, a whimsical cotton candy-infused bar that brings a hint of nostalgia and surprise in every bite.

Together, these flavours celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and mood-based indulgence — making Filo the perfect choice for personal treats, festive gifting, and everything in between.

“I wanted to build something that wasn’t just delicious, but different — something that starts a conversation. Filo is about discovering new textures, revisiting old memories, and making every bite feel special,” says Adai Mehra, Founder of Filo Chocolate. “There’s a huge opportunity to elevate how we experience chocolate in India — and we’re here to lead that change.”

With a strong foundation and growing demand, Filo Chocolate is gearing up to become a flagship name in India’s premium chocolate gifting space. Over the next few years, the brand will scale its digital presence, expand boutique and café partnerships, and launch experiential pop-ups across major metros. International markets like Dubai and Singapore are on the horizon, alongside the introduction of new SKUs, seasonal flavors, and creative collaborations designed to delight a wider audience.

At its core, Filo Chocolate is a celebration of craft, curiosity, and culture — where every bar tells a story, every bite evokes emotion, and every product is designed to reimagine what indulgence can look and feel like. With Adai Mehra at the helm, Filo is not just building a product — it’s building a new ritual of taste, texture, and luxury for a new generation

The Real Price of Living Abroad (Versus Staying in India)

By – Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The recent fake news about (relatively) cheap permanent residency in the UAE has thrown up all the old questions about our fascination for leaving India and settling abroad. This phenomenon is largely a hangover, albeit a real and persistent one, from earlier decades. What does it mean to be an Indian in India today, and what does it really mean to settle down abroad? Let’s examine this.

Yes, India’s economy is by far the fastest-growing one in the world today. This year alone, the Indian job market is expected to grow by 9%; our booming manufacturing and automobile sectors will be increasing hiring by 25% and 20% just in 2025 and the IT sector, our ‘crown jewel’ industry, also forecasts a 15–20% growth in employment in 2025.

So yes, when it comes to opportunity, India has everything that other countries have, if not much more. But let’s examine the nuts and bolts of an Indian living abroad instead.

Cost of Living – Getting the Most for Your Money

The big gap in cost between India and other countries is a very strong reasons to remain here. The cost of living in India is well over 200% lower than in the US (not including rent). Coming to housing – on an average, renting a home is 700% lower in India than in the US. And since homeownership is close to every Indian’s heart, let’s compare property prices in New York City to, say, Pune – they are over 13 times higher in NYC. The average upper-mid-range home price in Pune is approximately Rs. 8,000 per sq. ft, which converts to about USD 1,037 per sq. meter. In New York City, the median price per square meter is about USD 15,174.

This is by no means a perfect example, but it highlights the vast disparity between major US and Indian cities in terms of real estate costs.

The discrepancies are huge at every level, especially if we look at some other expense groups. In the US, restaurants cost 320% more than in India, while basic supplies cost 220% more. In India, a simple lunch at a cheap restaurant costs Rs. 250, whereas in the US it costs Rs. 1,712 when converted from USD – a difference of 623%. Even the cost of getting around is lower in India. A monthly pass for public transit is Rs. 850 in India and Rs. 5,563 in the US.

For professionals in India who make good money, this cost advantage lets them live a life that would need a lot more money to live overseas. In India, a middle-class professional may afford to hire help around the house, live in a nice place, and go out for fun on a regular basis for a lot less than they would in other countries.

The Cultural Advantage

Living and working in India gives you access to family support networks that are unlike any other and greatly improve your quality of life. This is a fact that is rudely driven home to Indians who emigrate abroad, unfortunately too late. In India, we value working together, and coworkers frequently become like family. The focus on making decisions based on family and working together to achieve goals makes the Indian workplace a very supportive place.

There are always exceptions, of course, but our culture is all about treating coworkers and clients well. The Indian company model focuses on relationships, builds professional networks that last, and help people rise in their careers. We have 22 official languages and therefore also different regional influences. The Indian workplace tends to have a vibrant professional atmosphere that values differences and encourages open-minded thinking.

If we take the US as an example again – companies were beginning to realize how important diversity and inclusion are, until a recent major political shift caused a massive reversal on that front. Meanwhile in India, more women are becoming leaders, and companies are putting rules in place to make sure everyone has the same chances.

Work-Life Balance

I’ll agree that we’re a little behind some other countries on this front, though not nearly as behind as others like Japan and South Korea. India does have a reputation for long working hours, but the work culture is quickly changing to allow for a better balance between work and life. The Covid-19 pandemic introduced the hybrid work model which has proved to be remarkably sticky.

Today, 60% of modern Indian enterprises have adopted hybrid models, which allow for flexible work arrangements. This change shows that more people are becoming aware of how important personal time and employee well-being are.

Policies that encourage a healthier separation between work and home are replacing the ‘always-on’ lifestyle. Indian businesses are putting more money into programs for employee health and wellness, mental health, and flexible scheduling to develop work environments that last longer. This change makes India a more appealing place for professionals who want to advance in their careers and find personal fulfillment.

India – The Strategic Choice for Indians

More than ever before, being an Indian citizen in India makes so much more sense than being an immigrant abroad. We’re on our way to becoming a major player in the global economy. The ‘advanced’ economies take us very seriously now, at every level. And in the mean time, these countries are becoming increasingly hostile towards foreigners.

We are in a great position to take advantage of our country’s growth while also enjoying the unique benefits of working in one of the most exciting and opportunity-rich places in the world – our home. It has never been a better time to be an Indian in India.

This French Fries Day, Don’t Just Eat. Devour

July 11, 2025: What’s better than a plate of hot, crispy fries? A whole menu of it. Burgrill brings the heat this French Fries Day with bold seasonings, melty cheese, spicy sauces, and a crunch that hits just right. It’s the one day where calories don’t count because it’s National French Fries Day!

African Peri Peri Fries

Brace yourself for a full-blown flavour volcano with the African Peri Peri Fries. These golden, crinkle-cut beauties are smothered in bold chilli mayo and rich, velvety cheese sauce that brings the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The flavour of peri peri spices lingers on your palate, making every bite a fiery indulgence. It’s the ultimate combo of crispy, saucy, and spicy — a true Burgrill signature.
Portuguese Fries

Crinkle-cut and crisped to perfection, the Portuguese Fries are anything but basic. Tossed in Burgrill’s signature in-house peri peri rub, they deliver a smoky and mildly spicy hit that keeps your taste buds exploding. The robust seasoning gets to every groove, making each fry burst with personality. Simple, addictive, and full of character, these are your new go-to savoury snack.

Smoky BBQ Fries

Craving that smoky, cheesy comfort? We have got you covered. The crinkle-cut Smoky BBQ Fries are generously wrapped in a rich, tangy BBQ seasoning that brings the slow-smoked flavour straight to your plate. A smooth, cheesy drizzle ties it all together, delivering a creamy kick in every crunchy bite. It’s the ideal choice for BBQ lovers.
Classic Salted Fries

Timeless and universally loved, the Classic Salted Fries are golden, crinkle-cut, and perfectly seasoned for that nostalgic fry experience. Lightly salted to enhance the potato flavour, these fries hit the sweet spot between crispiness and fluffiness. Whether you’re dipping or munching solo, they’re a comforting, no-fuss treat that never disappoints. Simplicity at its absolute best.

COMING SOON: THE KOREAN FIRE RANGE

Korean Fire Fries

Bold, blazing, and packed with umami — these Korean Fire Fries are not for the faint-hearted. Crinkle-cut fries are tossed in a spicy Korean fire sauce that brings a thrilling kick of heat. A smooth, cooling ranch drizzle is layered on top to balance the spice, while black & white sesame seeds add texture and a nutty note. It’s an irresistible rollercoaster of flavour in every bite.

Chicken Korean Fire Fries

Meet the ultimate upgrade: Chicken Korean Fire Fries. This loaded indulgence features a bed of golden, crinkle-cut fries topped with crispy fried chicken slices, drenched in our bold Korean fire sauce. A cooling ranch drizzle mellows the heat, while black & white sesame seeds offer that final touch of crunch and character. Spicy, savoury, and satisfying — this one’s a meal in itself.

With this, we’d request you to consider featuring these delicious Burgrill offerings for the upcoming National French Fries Day for the stories you might be working on.

SALT Unveils ‘Monsoon Mocktails’ with a Modern Indian Twist

SALT Indian Restaurant Unveils ‘Monsoon Mocktails’: A Seasonal Tribute to Indian Flavours with a Contemporary Twist

11th July 2025 – This monsoon, SALT Indian Restaurant brings the rains to life with a refreshing new menu: ‘Monsoon Mocktails,’ a limited-time collection of non-alcoholic beverages crafted with bold ingredients, seasonal inspirations, and SALT’s signature Indian twist. Now available at Pune, Hyderabad, B-City, Miraya Rose, Shantiniketan, Kalyan Nagar, Koramangala, Chennai, VR Mall, and UB City.

Rooted in the fine-dine ethos that defines SALT, the ‘Monsoon Mocktails’ showcase reflects the brand’s distinctive culinary philosophy where traditional Indian ingredients meet modern mixology. Each drink is thoughtfully designed to spotlight homegrown flavours, indigenous spices, and regional fruits, while delivering a clean, contemporary experience in both taste and presentation.

At the heart of this seasonal collection is a lineup of inventive, spice-forward mocktails that capture the mood and magic of the monsoons. Fantasy Burst is a playful blend of pineapple juice and strawberry purée topped with whipped cream, offering a vibrant, tropical kick. Smoked Guava Shikanji layers tangy guava with smoked salt and chaat masala for a fizzy, nostalgic twist on a street-side classic. For something more herbaceous, Basil Lychee Blast brings together muddled basil, lychee juice, lime, and elderflower syrup in a delicate yet refreshing mix. The Golden Warmer, served warm, offers deep comfort with jasmine tea, fresh rosemary, honey, and a touch of ginger, which is perfect for rainy evenings. Rounding off the menu is Drizzling Day, a light and uplifting blend of fresh watermelon, orange juice, basil leaves, and soda that sparkles with seasonal freshness.

At SALT, mocktails are more than just alternatives; they are crafted with the same attention to balance, depth, and finesse as any signature dish and designed to complement the restaurant’s modern Indian dining experience. By fusing traditional flavours with thoughtful techniques, SALT redefines what non-alcoholic drinks can be: expressive, aromatic, and every bit as memorable.

“Our mocktails are an extension of who we are as a brand. They’re rich in tradition, elevated with technique, and infused with the flavours that make Indian cuisine so unique. The monsoon collection is our way of celebrating the season with bold, clean flavours that speak for themselves.”

Crafted for those who appreciate the finer details, the Monsoon Mocktails menu is now available for a limited time. Visit SALT this season and experience the rains, not just outside, but in every sip.

Third Wave Coffee Brings New Twist to Bobbles – Introduces 9 New Variants

Mumbai, 11^th July, 2025: Third Wave Coffee, India’s beloved premium coffee and beverage chain, has officially launched Bobbles – its range of Bubble Tea, marking an exciting evolution in their existing Boba inspired category. Now available across all locations, Bobbles is up for taste across nine bold and refreshing flavours, where patrons can experience both popping boba to chewy boba depending on their vibe for the day. The new launch also marks yet another milestone in the larger food and beverage innovation journey of the brand. 

What began as a seasonal experiment with classic Bobbles quickly became a customer favourite, sparking demand for a more diverse offering. As millennial and Gen Z consumers increasingly seek global flavours and socially driven choices, the Bubble Tea category is expected to more than double by 2033, redefining what indulgence means. Third Wave Coffee’s entry into this space reinforces its mission to be an inclusive, beverage-first café destination celebrating variety, experience, and personal choice.

“The response has been phenomenal,” said Anirudh Sharma, Co-founder of Third Wave Coffee. “While coffee is at our core, we’ve always seen ourselves as a beverage-forward brand. Our goal is to stay relevant to all kinds of consumers in our community, whether they start their day with a strong brew or prefer something playful in the evening. The same guest who walks in for their morning coffee might come back later for a different kind of indulgence. The love and enthusiasm from our community pushed us to explore this category further. With our new range, we’re introducing exciting flavours and chewy boba — adding more texture, more fun, and more indulgence to every cup. This launch is another step in our ongoing journey to innovate and craft memorable beverage experiences”

Designed to complement every palate and moment, the new range of Bobbles features two categories:

Fruit Bobbles bring bright, juicy flavours to life with vibrant citrus and berry notes. Flavours like Peach Grapefruit, Grapefruit Strawberry, Grapefruit Orange, and Orange Strawberry feature popping boba that burst with fruity goodness, making every sip a fun and refreshing experience.

Milk Bobbles offer a richer, more indulgent experience. Crafted with silky milk base and paired with chewy boba, these include Thai Bobbles, with bold tea, spices and sweet cream; Vanilla Matcha Bobbles, a smooth fusion of earthy matcha and vanilla; the Original Bobbles a classic favourite with creamy, comforting tea notes; the Vanilla Bobbles—a luscious blend of creamy tea and smooth vanilla with chewy boba and the visually striking Taro Bobbles, a sweet and creamy purple drink that brings both flavour and flair.

With this new launch, Third Wave Coffee is setting a new benchmark for bubble tea culture in India offering something for every preference, from light, fruity refreshers to bold, textured indulgences.

The House of Rare Launches Largest Store in Chhattisgarh at Raipur’s Currency Tower

Raipur, India: The House of Rare, India’s leading contemporary fashion house, proudly announces the opening of its third store in Raipur, marking a significant step in the brand’s mission to democratize premium fashion across the country. Located at the iconic Currency Tower on GE VIP Road, the new store is a testament to the brand’s expansion into emerging high-potential markets and is poised to become a style destination in Chhattisgarh’s capital.

Spread across 3,200 square feet and rising two levels high, the new The House of Rare store in Current Tower is a breathtaking celebration of fashion, design, and immersive retail. The ground floor is home to Rareism, where chic, effortless womenswear takes center stage, celebrating the power of the Indian woman and Rare Ones by Rare Rabbit, a vibrant and expressive space tailored for boys aged 4 to 16. The first floor unfolds into Rare Rabbit, where progressive menswear meets timeless sophistication. Ascend to the first floor and step into the bold, street-smart world of Rare’Z by Rare Rabbit, a new-age expression of footwear and fashion for the design-forward consumer. With a massive expanse and two levels, the store offers a fully immersive experience to the customers.

This store launch signals The House of Rare’s continued commitment to aggressively grow its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, tapping into a growing base of fashion-aware consumers seeking premium yet accessible design. With a stronghold in metro markets already established, the brand is now focused on creating lifestyle-driven experiences in cities like Raipur that are seeing a rapid evolution in retail sensibilities.

“As we enter Raipur, we do so with the belief that great fashion should be for everyone, not just the metros,” said Lavish Soni, Chief Business Officer, Retail, The House of Rare. “This store is a bridge between our design ethos and Raipur’s rising fashion appetite. It’s about creating spaces that reflect aspiration, individuality, and excellence.”

The store debuts its latest collection, anchored by breathable fabrics and bold detailing. Standouts include:

• The Ruby Collection by Rareism and Linen Men by Rare Rabbit – Both offer season-ready linen ensembles that blend structure with comfort.
• Rare’Z by Rare Rabbit introduces its open-footwear collection, crafted for comfort and elevated by contemporary styling, with suede, metallics, and graphic color blocking for a fashion-forward finish.

Designed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic, the Raipur store offers a warm, serene palette of beige tones and soft lighting. Plush, carpeted trial rooms, sleek black drapery, and a signature oval mirror add touches of luxury, while the layout ensures smooth navigation across menswear, womenswear, and kidswear sections. The overall ambiance speaks to the brand’s core philosophy, where simplicity, style, and substance converge.

Strategically located in Currency Tower, a premium lifestyle and shopping destination, the store is positioned to cater to a discerning clientele seeking quality, trend-conscious fashion in a refined retail environment.

Vegas Mall Strengthens Premium Brand Portfolio with the Launch of Adidas Originals Store

Delhi, 11^th July 2025: Vegas Mall, one of Delhi-NCR’s most celebrated lifestyle and shopping destinations, continues to elevate its premium brand portfolio with the launch of the globally renowned streetwear label Adidas Originals. Strategically located in the heart of Dwarka, Vegas Mall has become a preferred hub for luxury, fashion, and experiential retail, attracting trend-conscious consumers and redefining urban shopping experiences.

In line with its expansion strategy and commitment to bringing global lifestyle brands closer to the Indian consumer, Adidas Originals has now opened its doors on the Ground Floor of Vegas Mall. Spanning 1500 sq. ft. of carpet area, the newly launched store embodies the brand’s heritage of creativity, individuality, and bold expression, offering its iconic range of sneakers, streetwear, apparel, and accessories for the new generation of style-forward shoppers.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Adidas Originals to the Vegas Mall family. As a brand that resonates with youth culture and global fashion trends, its presence further strengthens our commitment to offering the best of international retail to our patrons. This launch reaffirms our positioning as a dynamic destination that combines lifestyle, luxury, and everyday convenience under one roof.”

With this addition, Vegas Mall continues to build on its vision of curating a diverse and aspirational brand mix, offering shoppers not just a product, but a complete cultural and fashion experience.

Kult Introduces ‘Kult Kash’—A Powerful New Loyalty Program

Gurgaon, 11^th July 2025 — Kult, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty platforms, has launched Kult Kash, a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that promises to transform the way users shop for beauty and skincare products. With Kult Kash, the brand is introducing an entirely new approach to customer rewards—one that begins even before the first purchase.

Unlike conventional loyalty programs where points are earned only after spending, Kult Kash offers ₹1000 worth of instant credit to every new user at signup. This unique feature gives users a sense of walking into Kult’s store with a full wallet from day one.

Direct, Transparent, and Rewarding Kult Kash is designed to offer simplicity and real value: – One Kult Kash equals one rupee, offering clear and straightforward benefits. – Users can pay up to 20% of their cart value using Kult Kash. – Post-purchase, Kult further rewards shoppers with Kult Kash equivalent to 20% of their cart value.

With this structure, Kult positions Kult Kash not just as a discount mechanism, but as a dependable companion that consistently contributes to users’ beauty shopping.

Seamless Engagement with the Kult Widget

To further elevate user experience and engagement, Kult has launched an innovative home screen widget. By simply adding this widget, users are instantly credited with ₹300 Kult Kash. The widget provides daily beauty and skincare content, and users can earn up to ₹50 Kult Kash every day by interacting with it.

Unlike many apps that rely on frequent push notifications—often leading to user fatigue and uninstalls—Kult’s widget offers a seamless, non-intrusive engagement channel.

A Strategic Move for Growth

Kult Kash is expected to significantly improve user retention while reducing marketing spends. By creating a rewarding ecosystem that keeps users coming back, Kult is positioning itself as a frontrunner in customer-centric innovation in the beauty and skincare industry.

“With Kult Kash, we wanted our users to feel like they’re shopping with a wallet that’s already full,” said Karishma Singh, CEO of Kult. “It’s not just a loyalty program—it’s a simple, rewarding way to make beauty shopping more exciting.”

As Kult continues to expand its offerings, Kult Kash is set to become a key differentiator, setting new benchmarks for customer engagement and loyalty in India’s booming beauty market.