Category Archives: Business

Fed keeps rate steady amid Global Uncertainty, Tariff Pause: A right step in the right direction: PHDCCI

The Federal Open Market Committee’s decision to maintain the federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.5% is appreciable, given the persisting geopolitical volatilities, trade uncertainties, and the US administration’s decision on a 90-day tariff pause, said Mr Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued today.

Hemant Jain

The US is witnessing an expansion of economic activity, with the unemployment rate at low levels. Uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished but remains elevated, said Mr Jain.

The Federal Reserve’s current stance on interest rates is commendable in light of the heightened uncertainty regarding the economic outlook; it strongly supports maximum employment and aims to return inflation to its 2% target, he said.

Looking ahead, we anticipate the Fed will continue to assess the impact of new information on the economic outlook and be ready to adjust monetary policy as necessary if risks arise, Mr. Jain said.

iSprout launches Signature, premium workspaces solutions and GCCXprss, an enabler platform for Global Capability Centers

Hyderabad, 19 June 2025 – iSprout, a leading player in flexible managed workspaces launched its two new initiatives with a focus on high-end clientele including Global Capability  Centers(GCCs).

With a growing demand for superior workspace solutions, iSprout Signature addresses this  need with a luxury line of flexible, custom-designed, high-spec workspaces aligned to the  requirements of leading global companies. It offers signature custom choices of fixtures,  layouts and themes to provide a ready-to-move-in solution for growing companies.

With GCCXprss it will offer a one-stop platform for companies to establish and scale their GCCs in  India. GCCXprss platform includes solutions to workspace, talent and operational  support along with advisory services. It is also developing a partner ecosystem  where specialized service providers can partner with GCCXprss to offer superior offerings.

“With iSprout Signature, we are redefining the experience for companies that expect more  from a workspace, that combines elegance, luxury and comfort to provide a world class experience to top-tier companies including GCCs” – Sundari Patibandla, CEO &  Co-founder iSprout

Sreeni Tirdhala, Co-founder iSprout said “iSprout has managed to grow 2.5M square feet of space across 26 centers in 8 cities.  With our momentum and growing demand we are looking to double our capacity over the next 24 months”

“GCCs in India are doing USD60B revenues already and are projected to double over the  next 6 years. There is a huge need and an opportunity to address this explosive growth, and  that is what what GCCXprss is looking to do with a seamless enabler platform for GCCs” expressed Vijay Pasupulati, CEO, GCCXprss 

BBH India brings home a Bronze Lion for ‘Bassi vs Garnier Men Facewash’ Campaign

Mumbai, 19 June, 2025: Publicis Groupe’s creative powerhouse BBH India has earned global applause with a Bronze Lion at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025 for Garnier L’Oréal’s campaign ‘Bassi vs Garnier Men Facewash’. BBH India bagged the Lion under the category, ‘Social & Creator Lions – Use of Humour’.

‘Bassi vs Garnier Men Facewash’ stood out for its originality, and relevance in a fast-evolving digital landscape. The campaign kickstarted as BBH India turned the brand’s biggest sceptic, Anubhav Singh Bassi into a believer.

The campaign drove participation and support from over 100 Indian comedians, including Harsh Gujral, and brought a humorous and culturally grounded take on men’s grooming, challenging outdated norms with sharp, everyday relatability. It culminated with Garnier Men’s brand ambassador, John Abraham washing Bassi’s face in an ad film. The film joked about the freshness and the cooling sensation in the face wash which were a part of Bassi’s standup act and ongoing jokes on face washes. The campaign effortlessly blended storytelling with a fresh perspective, with wit and agile creative thinking taking centre stage.

 Speaking on the milestone win, Parikshit Bhattaccharya, CCO, BBH India, said, “Bassi Vs Men’s Face Wash is an iconic campaign. One that started on social and ended up on broadcast. With all the attention the work has already garnered for the brand, a Cannes Lions metal is a great cherry on top. We couldn’t be happier for the teams at BBH and Garnier.”

G-SHOCK unveils bold new campaign with Vicky Kaushal, celebrating GenZ’s spirit of resilience

New Delhi,18^th June 2025: G-SHOCK, the trailblazing watch brand from Casio, has launched a powerful new campaign with their brand ambassador actor Vicky Kaushal, building on the brand’s signature message — Rise Above the Shocks. Focused on G-SHOCK’s iconic styles, the campaign champions a new generation that redefines what it means to be tough.

G-SHOCK’s legacy has always been rooted in innovation, endurance, and self-expression, creating a cultural revolution with its ever-evolving designs and product developments. Through this campaign, the brand shifts the spotlight onto a more personal, inner kind of resilience — one that defines today’s youth as they face expectations, setbacks, and the pressure to conform. In a world that often questions their strength, they continue to push forward on their own terms.

Leading the campaign is the DW-5000R, a tribute to the very first G-SHOCK that sparked a global movement, now reimagined for today. Its instantly recognisable square face, rugged resin build, and unmistakable street-ready aesthetic make it a statement piece for those who live by their code. Alongside it, styles like the GA-2100, DW-5600, and GA-110 showcase the iconic toughness of G-SHOCK’s design language — each one a wearable symbol of resilience, creativity, and identity.

Speaking about the campaign, Takuto Kimura, Managing Director of Casio India said,
“With ‘Rise Above the Shocks’, we’re celebrating a generation that is raw, unapologetic and fearless, for whom G-SHOCK is a reflection of this very mindset. This campaign reflects how today’s youth are rewriting what it means to be tough with authenticity, boldness, and style. We are elated to have powerhouse Vicky Kaushal embodying the spirit and vision of this generation, resonating with a powerful message of never giving up and the power of sheer perseverance.”

G-SHOCK brand ambassador and actor Vicky Kaushal added, “There is strength in silence and power in perseverance. ‘Rise Above the Shocks’ is for everyone who’s had the resilience and will to rise above the hardest blows that life has thrown at them, and have a ‘Never Give Up outlook in life’. That’s what G-SHOCK represents, and I’m proud to be part of that such brand story.”

The creation of the project was undertaken in partnership with Method Productions, led by avid producer Ravneet Mahajan and visionary director John Fredrick Peter, who sought to strike a balance between the right level of grit and storytelling for a new age audience, focusing on the core values of what it means to be tough in the current day context.

With a continued focus on India’s Gen Z and millennial audiences, G-SHOCK’s latest campaign reinforces its deep connection with a loyal community while inviting a new generation to wear their resilience on their wrist with some of its most iconic model lineups which are a rage globally

Galaxy M36 5G, with Segment-Leading Features, is Set to Launch in India Soon

Bengaluru, India – June 18, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is all set to expand its popular Galaxy M series portfolio with the launch of the Galaxy M36 5G. The Galaxy M series, introduced in 2019, is made in India and made for India.

Designed for young consumers, the Galaxy M36 5G will offer an impressive combination of style and cutting-edge innovations and will be priced under INR 20000.

Galaxy M36 5G will feature an all-new design with a refreshed colour palette and enhanced finish, making it visually appealing and trendy. It will be sleek and extremely lightweight.

Galaxy M36 5G will debut with segment-leading and advanced AI features, unlocking new possibilities for every Indian consumer. With the launch of the Galaxy M36 5G, Samsung aims to further consolidate its market leadership.

Terra Motors Appoints Top L3 Dealers in Varanasi, Expands with 200km Range EV and Zero Down Payment

Terra Motors Appoints L5 Dealership to Top L3 Dealers in Varanasi, Offering 200km Range from ₹3.65 Lakh with Zero Down Payment; Targets 100 Dealers Across India

India, 18^th June 2025: Terra Motors, a Japanese electric vehicle OEM, has appointed its first L5 category dealer in India, marking a milestone in its nationwide expansion plan. The new dealership, M.M. Enterprises, located in Varanasi, will take charge of Terra’s L5 sales and service operations in the region, offering the flagship model Kyoro+, a high-speed (L5) electric 3-wheeler designed for urban and semi-urban transport.

This appointment comes in response to the overwhelming interest generated post-launch. Since the official unveiling on May 27, Terra Motors has received over 100 dealership enquiries within just two weeks. It’s a signal of the market’s readiness for the high-speed auto segment. Terra Motors is now actively onboarding forward-looking dealers, with a specific focus on partners from both existing L3 markets and established L5 territories.

“This is more than just our first dealer appointment – it’s the stepping stone for our aggressive expansion strategy,” said Mr. Go Suzuki, Managing Director, Terra Motors India. “We are witnessing a shift in how cities approach clean mobility. With Kyoro+, we aim to lead this transformation by offering a product that is high on performance and accessible through flexible finance options like zero down payment. The appointment in Varanasi reflects the power of the product-market fit and our intent to grow rapidly across Uttar Pradesh.”

With many L3 (e-rickshaw) dealers facing regulatory restrictions in key city areas, Terra Motors is encouraging them to transition to the growing L5 segment. The newly appointed dealer, M.M. Enterprises, had been operating in the L3 category with one of the leading OEMs with strong sales volume, but identified the potential in L5 due to evolving local traffic norms limiting CNG and e-rickshaws on main roads. Recognising this shift, he was attracted to Terra’s L5 offering. Mukhtar Ansari, proprietor of M.M. Enterprises, shared, “We’re excited to partner with Terra Motors and introduce a product that ticks every box – mileage, comfort, price, and most importantly, financing for end customers.”

The Kyoro+ is engineered for efficiency and comfort with a range of 200 km, 5-year warranty, and on-road price starts from ₹3.65 lakh. Backed by Terra Finance’s zero down payment offer, it becomes one of the most compelling choices in the L5 passenger vehicle category.

This announcement is just the amplification of Terra Motors’ aggressive dealer network expansion for the L5 segment. We’re inviting established L3 dealers to upgrade with us and lead the L5 shift in your city. Be among the first in your region. The company aims to establish a strong footprint across key Indian cities by onboarding forward-looking dealers with EV OEM background.

MultiRox by MultiFit: A Fierce Fitness Showdown in Pune

PUNE, JUNE 18: India’s fitness community came alive this past weekend as MultiFit, India’s Happiest Fitness Community, hosted MultiRox, a two-day athletic showdown that combined Strength, Mental grit, and Community Spirit. Held across two venues in MultiFit Baner and Balewadi Stadium, the event unfolded in two fierce formats; the Solo Challenge on June 14 and the Team Challenge semi-finals on June 15, attracting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and top brand collaborators from across the city.

The event opened at MultiFit Baner with the Solo Challenge, where participants took on a grueling six-station obstacle course designed to test strength, stamina, speed, and mental toughness, all against the clock. The atmosphere was charged, with loud cheers and high expectations echoing through the training facility. At the heart of it all were the people who have become the faces of the MultiFit movement; Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Vice Chairman of The Lexicon Group and Director of Pune Times Mirror, Civic Mirror & MultiFit, along with Mrs. Deepti Sharma, Co-Founder and Director of The Lexicon Group & MultiFit, and Ms. Mayara Neeraj Sharma, Director of MultiFit, Lexicon Group. The trio remained deeply involved throughout the day, with the team supporting the athletes and interacting with the community, a sign of the hands-on approach that has defined MultiFit’s leadership style.

The highlight of the day came when Shubham Toonwal completed the entire course in just 14 minutes and 19 seconds, claiming the top spot and a brand-new TVS Apache motorcycle, a gesture made possible by the event’s title sponsor, TVS. Not far behind in applause was Srushti Shinde, who emerged as the fastest female athlete, completing the course in 18 minutes and 5 seconds. She was awarded a gift hamper worth ₹1 lakh, recognizing her remarkable performance and reinforcing MultiFit’s commitment to spotlighting female strength in sport.

On June 15, the action moved to Balewadi Stadium, where the Team Challenge semi-finals. The sprawling outdoor venue added scale and spectacle to the contest, with fitness teams representing top gyms from across Pune battling out the 8 Station obstacle course, for a spot in the MultiRox By MultiFit Grand Finale, in July. The six qualifying teams left it all on the field, earning their shot at the MultiRox grand finale, which now promises to be one of the most anticipated events in Pune’s fitness calendar.

MultiRox was a demonstration of partnership synergy, bringing together some of the most recognizable brands in the wellness and fitness industry. TVS led the way as the title partner, powering the prestige and reach of the event. Hyugalife, the co-powered partner, provided nutritional support and visibility, reinforcing the growing link between supplementation and performance. Chifu, the food partner, kept participants and spectators fueled with wholesome meals, while Provilac, CT Pundole & Sons, UpUrFit, and Size24 added further value as gifting and clothing partners, contributing to the event’s polish, comfort, and style.

What made MultiRox stand out was not just the intensity of competition, but the spirit of togetherness that defined it. In a fitness culture often driven by solo pursuits, MultiRox proved that true strength lies in community, support, and collective growth. With July’s finals on the horizon and momentum on its side, MultiRox is shaping up not just as a local competition but as a fitness phenomenon with national potential. As Ms. Mayara Sharma puts it, “Fitness is no longer a niche. It’s becoming our culture, our language, and our lifestyle. MultiRox is a celebration of that evolution.” For now, Pune celebrates and trains harder for what comes next.

Axis Bank collaborates with boAt and Mastercard

Axis Bank collaborates with boAt and Mastercard for seamless payments on its newly launched smartwatch, ‘Wave Fortune’

Chennai, June 18, 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector Banks in India, today announced that it has collaborated with boAt, India’s No.1 wearable brand, and Mastercard, a global technology leader in payments, to seamlessly integrate tap & pay NFC enabled payments for its newly launched ‘Wave Fortune’, a cutting-edge smartwatch. Priced competitively at ₹3,299 (₹2,599 during special offers), Wave Fortune is designed to empower users with convenience, security, and a next-level smartwatch experience.

Axis Bank cardholders can now securely tokenize and store their debit and credit cards on the WAVE Fortune Smartwatch via Crest Pay, boAt’s official payment app and make contactless payments effortlessly. This feature, powered by Mastercard’s tokenization technology and supported by the robust token requestor infrastructure of TAPPY Technologies, allows single-step payment of up to ₹5,000 on a POS device without entering card PIN, ensuring both speed and security.

Powered by Mastercard, the payment system allows users to securely tokenize and store their cards within the smartwatch strap for quick and seamless transactions. Axis Bank credit and debit cardholders on Mastercard and VISA networks will continue to enjoy the rewards and benefits of their linked card while making payments with the Wave Fortune smartwatch.

Commenting on the partnership, Arnika Dixit, President & Head – Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we have been continuously working on innovation-led partnership models to offer innovative and secure digital banking solutions to customers. In this effort, we are delighted to have partnered with boAt to truly make payments on-the-go, seamlessly integrating contactless payments into people’s day-to-day lives. Bringing in our expertise in tokenized contactless payments, ‘Wave Fortune’, a cutting-edge smartwatch will allow the users with the highest standards of safety and security, combined with a quick and convenient payment experience.”

Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, boAt, said, “At boAt, we are always striving to push the boundaries of technology to enhance everyday convenience. Our partnership with Axis Bank brings secure, effortless payments to the wrist, making contactless transactions more accessible than ever.”
Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard said, “In the near future, payments will be gesture-based — integrated into our daily routines, with transactions occurring in a frictionless manner. Wearable devices, irrespective of the form factor, will play a key role in this evolution, offering quick and secure payment experiences. As a company committed to shaping this future of commerce, Mastercard is delighted to power the tokenization enabled smartwatch, empowering users to pay with their credit or debit cards.”

SanchiConnect and Riceberg VC Partners to Scale KickSky – The Space Lab, Empowering Next-Gen Spacetech Startups

New Delhi, June 16, 2025 – SanchiConnect, India’s leading DeepTech startup network, has entered into a strategic partnership with KickSky Space Lab, an accelerator program focused on early-stage SpaceTech startups. Facilitated by Riceberg Ventures, this collaboration aims to scale KickSky’s vision to propel space tech startups for the global landscape, and reach customers worldwide. KickSky is a joint initiative by venture capital funds Riceberg Ventures and E2MC Ventures, along with Aniara Consulting, and has already gained significant traction since its launch.

Dr. Sunil Shekhawat, CEO, SanchiConnect, remarked, “We are excited to join hands with Riceberg Ventures to accelerate the growth of India’s spacetech ecosystem. Our combined strengths will empower startups to move beyond proof-of-concept, access global markets, and attract the right capital partners. Together, we are committed to making India a powerhouse in the new space economy.”

Riceberg Ventures, with offices in Bangalore, Zurich, London and San Francisco, has been at the forefront of deeptech investments globally. Its early-stage spacetech accelerator program has attracted some of the most promising founders in the sector. SanchiConnect, seeded within Baring PE Partner-India, has a proven track record of running high-impact investment and go-to-market (GTM) led accelerators for VC funds, consistently delivering successful cohorts and enabling startups to scale rapidly.

“KickSky was envisioned as a launchpad for the boldest minds in spacetech. With SanchiConnect’s unmatched network and accelerator expertise, we are poised to take KickSky to new heights, offering startups not just capital, but the strategic guidance and global connections needed to solve some of humanity’s most ambitious challenges,” said Mr. Ankit Anand, Founding Partner, Riceberg Ventures.

 Mr. Govindrajan, Director, KickSky Space Lab, commented, “Our mission at KickSky is to democratize access to the space economy for Indian founders. The partnership with SanchiConnect will help us provide a robust platform for founders to experiment, validate, and scale their ideas, while leveraging the best of industry, academia, and investor networks.”

This partnership comes at a pivotal time for India’s spacetech sector, where IN-SPACe has been the public face of support for emerging startups. The SanchiConnect–Riceberg Ventures alliance aims to complement these efforts by unlocking new avenues of funding, mentorship, and global market access for the next generation of spacetech entrepreneurs. The team also plans to launch a global spacetech community of founders, investors, experts, and suppliers from around the world to be accessible and available for early-stage startups.

Lapcare Ties Up with Auric Lifestyle to Amplify Growth Across India

National, June 17, 2025: Auric Lifestyle, a leading 360 degree integrated business solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Lapcare, a trusted name in India’s IT peripherals and accessories market. Under this collaboration, Auric Lifestyle will take charge of Lapcare’s online marketplaces, Large Format Retail (LFR) presence, and select Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channels, creating a unified retail strategy to fuel Lapcare’s ambitions in the consumer electronics segment.

With the increasing convergence of digital and physical retail, this partnership aims to streamline customer experience, drive deeper market penetration, and strengthen Lapcare’s market share in the growing tech accessories and electronics category.

Ankush Guglani, Spokesperson, Auric Lifestyle, said, “We are thrilled to join hands with Lapcare, a brand that resonates with reliability and value. This partnership is rooted in a shared vision — to take quality consumer tech to the farthest corners of India. Auric’s multi-channel commerce expertise and our passion for brand growth will play a key role in driving Lapcare’s next stage of evolution across online, offline, and D2C platforms in select markets.”

Mr. Atul Gupta, Founder, Lapcare, said, “Auric Lifestyle brings a dynamic energy and a result-oriented approach to building brands. Their ability to execute at scale across retail formats makes them an ideal growth partner for us. We look forward to reaching new customer segments through this collaboration and driving accelerated growth as we scale newer heights together.”

Mr. Sandeep Popli, CEO, Lapcare, added, “The consumer electronics landscape is shifting rapidly, and our focus is on becoming more accessible, innovative, and responsive. With Auric leading our channel strategies, we are confident of building a more agile and impactful retail presence for the modern consumer.”

This partnership will also enhance Lapcare’s consumer-facing propositions with better supply chain agility, marketplace visibility, and targeted marketing interventions.

Lapcare’s range of consumer electronic products is available in the Indian market. Customers can conveniently avail the products across multiple channels, including Amazon, D2C in select platforms, offline retail stores, and quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Flipkart.