Category Archives: Business

Bold Experience, OG Flavor, Zero Sugar: Thums Up XForce Thunders Loud and Proud

June 23, 2025: Thums Up XForce, the latest sensation from the house of India’s iconic billion-dollar homegrown brand, Thums Up, has disrupted the zero-sugar drinks category, bringing the most thunderous experience of consuming a zero-sugar beverage to the young consumers. With over 100,000 pre-bookings before its official release, Thums Up XForce created massive anticipation ahead of launch.

Even after 50 years since its launch, Thums Up continues to bring disruption into the category with innovative launches and marketing strategies. Thums Up XForce is made for those who live by their own rules, the true trailblazers with a G.O.A.T mentality, always striving to outdo themselves. With its unmatched, bold taste and iconic fizz, Thums Up XForce embodies the brand’s signature spirit of “All Thunder,” offering consumers the same Thums Up experience without any sugar or calories.

But XForce isn’t only about what’s inside the can. Sleek, modern, and instantly recognizable, its edgy, youthful design is a bold statement. The packaging captures the essence of Thums Up’s adventurous personality, positioning Thums Up XForce as “Thunder in a Can,” a powerful symbol of the classic Thums Up confidence. It clearly conveys that this is a drink for those who live life at full volume, never settle for less and are always leveling up

Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head – Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Our strategy with Thums Up XForce is all about responding to changing consumer behaviors, especially the rising demand from young adults for bold, authentic experiences without settling or compromise. By innovating within our homegrown brand, we’re extending Thums Up’s legacy and stepping confidently into the fast-growing zero-sugar category. This consumer-first mindset helps us lead the market with a product that truly connects, while meeting the evolving lifestyle preferences of today’s generation.”

Since debuting in March, it has quickly made its strong presence felt in India’s Diet and Light beverage category.

Channelplay is Redefining Volume Hiring with GenAI: A New Era for Entry-Level Job Seekers in India

India, 23rd June 2025: As India’s retail market surges toward $1.3 trillion, brands face a critical challenge, hiring quality frontline talent at scale. To address this, Channelplay which manages recruitment for market leaders including Apple, Microsoft, and Nykaa, has introduced an AI-driven solution that is reshaping the retail talent landscape.

In an economy where 10 million entry-level retail and sales positions need to be filled annually, Channelplay’s AI-powered system is processing over 25,000 applications monthly with 80% accuracy in candidate-job matching—numbers that were previously unimaginable in India’s fragmented hiring landscape.

“We’re not experimenting with AI, we’re operationalizing it,” said Sundeep Holani, Co- Founder and Co- CEO of Channelplay. “Our goal is simple: to make hiring faster, more accurate, and more candidate-friendly, at scale.”

Channelplay’s GenAI recruitment engine addresses critical bottlenecks across a five-step hiring flow: — from sourcing to screening to final selection.

Smart Job Prioritization: An AI-driven ranking model helps recruiters focus only on roles where the candidate pipeline needs attention, optimizing human effort and reducing wasted bandwidth.

Hyper-Relevant Candidate Matching: The system pairs candidates with opportunities based on their skill rating, salary expectations, and location preferences, resulting in 2.5x higher job application-to-selection ratios compared to traditional sourcing methods.

AI-Powered Screening: Dynamically generated screening questions enable recruiters to assess candidates in under two minutes, with AI determining job fit based on responses and historical data.

Intelligent Reassignment: Candidates not selected for one role are automatically matched to the next best-fit position, ensuring maximum placement efficiency while reducing third-party job portal costs.

Channelplay Jobs App: The company’s dedicated mobile application serves as the central hub where AI-curated job opportunities are presented to candidates based on their profiles. The app eliminates the traditional job search frustration by showing only highly relevant positions that match the applicant’s skills, location, and salary expectations.

“We’re not using AI to replace humans, but to amplify decision-making across the funnel,” adds Gaurav Arora as Senior Product Manager. “This is about building a recruitment system where the right person always finds the right job — faster, fairer, and smarter.”

With its foundational AI systems already in place, Channelplay is now focusing on the next phase of its evolution by building tools that further redefine the hiring experience. These include WhatsApp‑based AI voice screening bots, predictive demand models that help clients open the right roles at the right time, and AI‑driven upskilling recommendations tailored to candidates who weren’t selected, ensuring every interaction adds long‑term value to both talent and employers.

Channelplay aims to have 80% of its hiring workflow augmented by AI by the end of 2025, delivering unmatched speed and precision while preserving the human touch where it matters most.

Japanese Bathing Essentials: 3 Must-Have Ingredients for World Bathing Day

World Bathing Day is the perfect moment to pause, unwind, and embrace the transformative power of a good bath. Drawing inspiration from Japanese bathing culture, renowned for its harmony between nature and self-care this ritual is more than cleansing; it’s a moment of deep nourishment. To bring that same serenity home, here are three luxurious ingredients to add to your bathing routine that combine Japanese influence with modern skincare science.

1. Hokkaido Milk : Japan’s Moisture Miracle

From the snowy fields of northern Japan, Hokkaido milk is a beloved skincare treasure known for its rich, creamy texture and intense hydration. It hydrates deeply with 1/3 skin moisturizers, providing deep hydration and ensuring the skin feels happy and well-moisturized. The rich lather gently cleanses while the mood-uplifting fragrance transforms your bath into a refreshing, feel-good ritual, perfect for a calming and indulgent experience.

ITC Fiama brand ambassador Sara Ali Khan said, “Great skin is not just about looking good, but feeling confident in your own skin. I always choose products that are gentle yet effective, and the Fiama Japanese Hokkaido Milk Bar with Blueberry has become a staple in my routine. It hydrates deeply with 1/3 skin moisturizers, providing deep hydration and ensuring my skin feels happy and moisturized. It also contains Vitamin F, which supports skin health, and a mood-uplifting fragrance, adding a refreshing sensory experience to my skincare routine.”

2. Berry Trio: Nature’s Antioxidant Super blend

Goji berry, acai berry, and blueberry three powerful berries packed with skin-loving antioxidants come together to create a rejuvenating bathing experience. Known for their ability to reduce dullness and restore skin vitality, this berry blend energizes tired skin and helps maintain a healthy glow.

• Goji Berry: Traditionally used in Asian wellness rituals, it helps firm and tone the skin.
• Acai Berry: Rich in omega fatty acids, it nourishes and improves skin texture.
• Blueberry: Bursting with vitamins A and C, it revives dull skin and promotes radiance.

3. Vitamin F: The Skin Barrier Guardian

Vitamin F is not classified as a conventional vitamin. Rather, it refers to a class of important fatty acids that your body is unable to create on its own, mainly linoleic acid (Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3). These fatty acids are essential for strong, healthy skin. In Japanese-inspired bathing rituals, maintaining balance and protecting the skin is key, and Vitamin F delivers just that.

Startupbootcamp Australia and BRK Ventures Launch Energy Transition Pre Accelerator

Startupbootcamp Australia partners with BRK Ventures to launch Pre–Accelerator Program for Energy Transition Startups  

Ahmedabad 23rd June 2025 : Startupbootcamp India (SBC India) has been set up as a joint venture between Startupbootcamp Australia, a global network of industry-focused accelerators, and BRK Ventures, an organization focused on supporting early-stage startups. SBC India is opening a highly specialised pre-accelerator programme for very early stage clean energy focused business ideas.

The programme aims to catalyse breakthrough solutions for India’s clean energy future by supporting early-stage startups with mentoring, funding, and growth support.

The pre-accelerator programme will support climate-aligned innovation in 6 high impact domains that include:

AI-Driven Energy Systems and Smart Grids: Making energy systems smarter, more efficient, and reliable using AI.

Renewable integration and smart energy infra: Tools for seamless renewable integration while maintaining grid stability.

Next-Generation Energy Storage & Grid Flexibility: Advanced battery systems, storage methods, and orchestration software

Green Hydrogen: Driving decarbonization in manufacturing and heavy industries through hydrogen innovation

Net Zero & Decarbonisation: Enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to drive systemic climate action

Blockchain-Enabled Decentralized Energy Markets: Leveraging blockchain for automation, trust, and decentralization in energy.

SBC Australia has worked with global corporations like Shell, Mitsubishi Corporation, Bosch, EnergyAustralia, China Light and Power, Alliander, AusNet, BP, GE, Schneider Electric and tech partners like Google, Microsoft, AWS. Their entry into India in partnership with BRK is designed to identify groundbreaking opportunities in the clean tech startup ecosystem.

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Trevor Townsend, CEO, Startupbootcamp Australia, said, “We’re excited to partner with BRK Ventures to launch Startupbootcamp India and support the next wave of climate tech innovation. India has the talent, urgency, and scale to drive impactful climate solutions that resonate both locally and globally. By backing early-stage founders in energy transition sectors, we aim to foster commercially viable ventures that accelerate decarbonisation and create meaningful international collaboration opportunities.”

Kamal Bansal, Managing Partner, BRK Ventures, added, “India’s energy transition needs a 360 degrees approach to battle several problems like increasing pollution in large cities, flooding, climate change affecting agricultural produce and much more. We are keen to be a partner in finding solutions that can help India emerge as a powerful $35 trillion economy by 2047. Our belief is to support climate tech focused startups in their very early days with strategic partnerships like SBC Australia to position Indian startups solving India and global climate change problems.”

SBC India, which is launching its first programme in India, is expecting over 300 applications as they hit the last date of receiving them by July 31st. The programme goes live in August for a duration of 3 months. There will be a showcase day organised in Nov 2025 with marquee VCs and early stage investors to evaluate the businesses for funding and further growth support.

The pre-accelerator program has been designed to help the entrepreneurs at idea and seed-stage, in creating a roadmap to roll out their ventures through access to resources, community and funding. The programme will also help the selected founders by connecting them into a network of industry experts who mentor on Startupbootcamp programs globally with an aim to provide both an international and local perspective of business challenges in the clean-tech sector and specific help and assistance in the challenges of starting and scaling a clean tech company.

BRK Ventures brings local knowledge and capital to fill the early-stage funding and support gap, especially for pre-revenue and climate-focused startups, by building a bridge to global accelerators and markets. The partnership will accelerate innovations across the most pressing climate and energy challenges, enabling startups working in areas like AI, blockchain, hydrogen, and renewable systems to commercialize their technologies and drive measurable impact in India’s net-zero journey.

3F Oil Palm Launches Mega Plantation Drive in Dima Hasao, Assam under NMEO-OP

Mumbai / Digandu Village, Dima Hasao, Assam | 21 June 2025: To boost domestic edible oil production, 3F Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with the Government of Assam, launched the annual mega oil palm plantation drive under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) at Digandu Village 5, Dima Hasao district on Friday.

The plantation has been established on a 20-hectare site owned by Mr. Maijen Hagjer, a local farmer dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices. A formal program was held at the Digandu Community Hall near to the plantation site.

3F Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading integrated oil palm companies, is playing a pivotal role in Assam’s oil palm development efforts. Representing the company, Mr. Srinivasarao Kilari, Vice President, said “At 3F Oil Palm, we strongly believe that oil palm cultivation can be a transformative crop for the North-East. Our mission is to empower farmers through sustainable agriculture, ensuring long-term income stability and access to markets. We are committed to providing world-class planting material and timely technical guidance. This plantation in Dima Hasao is just the beginning and our focus is on building an entire ecosystem of support that benefits both farmers and the environment.”

The event was graced by Ms. Rupali Langthasa, Member, Autonomous Council, Diyungbra, Dima Hasao District, as the Guest of Honour, who expressed strong support for initiatives that contribute to farmer empowerment and local economic development.

Key government officials present at the program include Ms. Narmada Khersa, District Agriculture Officer, Dima Hasao; Ms. Kalpana Barman, State Nodal Officer – Oil Palm; Mr Pankaj Sharma, Zonal Head; Mr Jevin D. Thousen, District Nodal officer; Mr. P. Dutta, General Manager – Northeast Region, 3F Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd.; Ms Sujatha Phonglo ADO of Diyungbra block, Gram Pradhans of 11 villages participated.

Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit between the government and private sector in implementing NMEO-OP’s objectives in Assam and the wider North-East region. The event concluded with ceremonial planting at the site, symbolizing a shared vision for a greener, more self-reliant agricultural future.

Bank of Baroda Marks Yoga Day 2025 with Focus on Employee Wellness

Mumbai, 21st June, 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2025 across all its offices as part of its comprehensive BOB Employee Health and Wellness Framework. Demonstrating its long-term commitment to employee well-being, Bank of Baroda launched daily live online Yoga & Meditation sessions in November 2024, to encourage employees and their families to invest 30-minutes every day in their physical and mental health.

On International Day of Yoga, the Bank organised in-person Yoga sessions for employees across locations, led virtually by a certified Yoga instructor. Further, it recognised staff members who have consistently attended the online yoga sessions since Nov 2024.

In the run-up to the Bank’s 118th Foundation Day on July 20, Bank of Baroda also announced the launch of the ‘Rise with Yoga’ campaign, an initiative to motivate employees to experience the many benefits of regularly practicing yoga.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “At Bank of Baroda, the health and welfare of our employees is our top priority. Yoga offers numerous benefits – it improves fitness, reduces stress and promotes overall well-being – that contribute meaningfully to both personal fulfillment and professional excellence. Our focus on our employees’ health and wellness represents our commitment to creating an environment where every employee can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Bank of Baroda has prioritised health and wellness as a core strategic initiative. The Bank’s Employee Health and Wellness Framework is comprehensive & holistic by design, covering Physical Health, Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing and Other Health & Wellness initiatives.

Anil Agarwal highlights Silver as the New-Age Safe Haven and Catalyst for Innovation

In a recent social media post, Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta, emphasized the growing strategic and investment significance of silver in today’s dynamic global landscape. Drawing a comparison with traditional safe-haven assets, he wrote, “Historically, in times of uncertainty, we know that the US dollar and gold become safe havens for investors. Now, in a very unpredictable world, where the dollar is no longer totally safe and gold prices are at record highs, silver is emerging as an investor safe haven.”

With silver prices soaring to a 13-year high of $37 per ounce, the surge is being driven not only by investor demand but also by its expanding role across emerging technologies such as solar cells, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, aerospace, and more.

Mr. Agarwal also issued a clarion call to India’s young entrepreneurs and jewellery designers to explore the untapped potential of silver as a viable and fashionable alternative to gold. “Silver jewellery also has great potential to compete with gold. An opportunity for young designers and startups,” he noted.

Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal has been a long-time advocate for reducing India’s silver import dependency and is committed to bolster the domestic value chain. Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta’s subsidiary, is among the top five global producers of silver, currently catering to nearly 10% of India’s silver demand. Looking ahead, Vedanta plans to double its silver output to 1,500 tonnes, supported by a bold and ambitious capacity doubling expansion plan.

Peps Mattresses goes hyperlocal with quirky and relatable campaign

National, June 21th, 2025: Peps Industries, India’s leading spring mattress brand, has launched “Spring is King”, a multilingual TVC campaign that brings together authentic everyday humour and an emphatic storytelling to the science of great sleep that busts myths about mattresses. As part of the campaign, Peps has launched a series of 7 ads showcasing insightful everyday moments at home to educate consumers about the truths behind natural spring mattresses vs their current synthetic option.

The ads offer a memorable peek into how Peps Pocket Spring mattress, backed by unique Marvellous Middle Advantage, Zero Disturbance Technology, Individually adjusting, resilient Pocket Spring inner-transforms not just sleep but wellness.

In an age where sleep has become the ultimate luxury, Peps’ new campaign narrates catchy stories around the real hero of the bedroom: the mattress. The ads depict relatable everyday situations; The Peps couple who slept really well & now have to entertain their child who missed the school bus, the wife who wakes up when her well meaning husband accidentally wakes her up when he sits on the bed & the mattress disturbs her, and two friends joking around fake promises made by mattress companies. The humor, however, is not just for laughs, it gently nudges viewers to realise how mattress companies are fooling consumers with claims about new inventions.

The Peps campaign caters to various sleep-centric needs of consumers and positions Peps’ innovative range as the ultimate solution. From the mattress, which adjusts to the sleeping style and adapts to different body contours, to ensuring no more midnight nudges, discomfort, or sagging centers, each ad ends on a humorous and heartwarming note. It underlines the deeper message: the comfort of a great night’s sleep.

Mr. G. Shankar Ramm, CEO, Peps Industries, speaking about the campaign said, “At Peps, we believe sleep is deeply personal to every individual and undeniably one of the most crucial aspects of physical and mental wellness. Peps’ Spring mattresses are thoughtfully engineered for harmony, whether it’s couples, families, or pet lovers, catering to the diverse sleep needs of consumers across India.  We have explored coir, foam, and everything in between, but I believe one thing firmly: for Indian sleepers, Spring is king. We are on a mission to “Bring Back Spring”.

 In our new campaign, to speak awareness around mattress tech, we have blended the beauty of individual comfort with the joy of collective humor. We’ve used laughter to make science relatable for consumers, showcasing how our spring mattresses adapt to each sleeper’s unique needs, ensuring a restful night’s sleep for all”

The campaign was conceptualised by Brand Consultant Renuka Jaypal in collaboration with Southern Specialist Film Makers Arabbhi Atiya & Avinash.

Renuka Jaypal, Brand Director, said “PEPS was a South-first campaign, thought and written in Tamil and Malayalam. Later transcreated with heart. Real voices of Real people are not borrowed, not adapted.  In a shouting mattress market,  we softly sang a lullaby. Only a brand that truly understands sleep can own that. With Chinmayi’s voice, PEPS became the sound of real sleep”

Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty Deliver Stanford Commencement Speech

Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak delivered the Stanford Graduate School of Business Commencement Speech to mark the centennial year of the GSB. The couple, who met at Stanford, reflected on what they had learnt from each other and their experiences over the last twenty years. Their speech—titled Data, Dreams and Dharma—explained how their commitment to the concept of Dharma had brought them together and guided their actions in life.

The segment below captures their thoughts on Dharma, a principle that has shaped both their personal and professional lives.

Rishi Sunak:

The third lesson is what we’ve learned together about the importance of worrying far less about the outcome. It’s a concept known in Sanskrit as Dharma – the idea that we should gain fulfilment from simply doing our personal duty…rather than from the rewards that may come with our efforts.

Akshata Murty:

Rishi and I started talking about this, without knowing it, right at the very beginning, as we were just getting to know each other, when we’d meet up in Arbuckle café for breakfast and discuss what the future might hold. That and whether 11am was too early for a slab of Cold Stone icecream. Turns out it’s never too early for Rishi by the way. The concept of Dharma has been an ongoing conversation and our guiding principle ever since.

Successes and failures are part of the package that comes with leadership and it doesn’t matter who you are, in business or in politics, you will feel that on a deeply personal level, not least because the criticism can be relentless, noisy and distracting.

Rishi Sunak:

Obviously, you don’t walk through the door at number 10 without understanding this. But I am so grateful that Akshata and I shared a commitment to Dharma, especially at the hardest moments. It got us through together.

In the summer of 2023, I failed in my bid to be leader of the Conservative Party and PM. It was a real blow but the flip side of that disappointment was that I got to spend time with my family after a gruelling few years. It felt good focusing on being a Member of Parliament, a husband and a dad: our girls were thrilled they got to go to TGI Fridays more often; the dog was thrilled to go for more walks; and even Akshata was thrilled, I think, to have her running partner back, this time with considerably better gear.

Six weeks later, my predecessor resigned. There had been a run on the pound, inflation was at a 40-year high, and the opposition party had a 36-point poll lead that would require a monumental turnaround, even at the best of times.

Now all politicians, if they’re being truly honest, are a mixture of ambition and duty. A purely ambitious politician would at this point have sat out the impossible situation. That weekend, Akshata and I were in different places so could only speak on the phone in snatched moments. But she reminded me that my dharma was clear: it was my duty to do the job because I felt I could help my country in a very difficult situation, and two days later, I became Prime Minister. It was a battlefield promotion at a time of crisis and one I’ll always be proud of.

Akshata Murty:

 So, here’s the lesson: Dharma isn’t just relevant in public service…it means that you’ll have the resilience and clarity you need to overcome whatever’s thrown at you, without losing your way or being submerged by ego. It’s not only a fulfilling way to live your life; it will enable you to do more than you ever thought possible.

BenQ Unveils PV3200U and Next-Gen Pro Monitors at Kochi Photo Fair

BenQ showcases exclusive preview of PV3200U Monitor made for Video Editors, along with Next-Gen Professional Monitors for Designers, Photographers and Creators at Kochi Photo Fair

Kochi, June 21, 2025: BenQ, a global innovator in visual display technology, is making headlines at the All Kerala Photography Association’s Photo Fair in Kochi from June 19–21, 2025. At this premier event, BenQ has put the spotlight on its latest range of professional monitors—purpose-built for designers, photographers, —alongside an exclusive preview of the upcoming PV3200U monitor, tailor made for video content creators to be launched soon.

Powering Kerala’s Creative Growth

With Kerala’s creative industries rapidly evolving and demanding world-class tools, BenQ’s advanced display solutions are poised to deliver unmatched visual clarity, color accuracy, and workflow efficiency, empowering the region’s creative talent to reach new heights. BenQ’s new lineup is designed to empower photographers, designers, video editors, and content creators with the precision, color accuracy, and efficiency needed to excel in today’s competitive landscape.

“As Kerala rapidly emerges as a creative powerhouse in animation, VFX, and digital content, BenQ is proud to support the region’s talented professionals by bringing our latest innovations to the Kochi Photo Fair,” said Mr Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia. “Our new lineup of professional monitors is designed to empower designers, photographers, and video editors with global-standard color accuracy, clarity, and workflow efficiency. We are excited to connect with the creative community in Kerala and help them achieve new heights with tools that match their ambition and artistry.”

 Featured Monitors on Display

PD2730S – 5K Precision for Mac Designers and VFX Artists:

A 27-inch 5K monitor, the PD2730S is crafted for Mac-based designers, artists, and VFX professionals who demand pixel-perfect detail. Its high resolution closely matches RAW material, making it ideal for intricate scene design and gaming visuals.

PD3226G – World’s First 4K 144Hz Professional Monitor:

The PD3226G offers a 32-inch 4K UHD display with an ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, providing game developers, VFX artists, and motion graphic designers with exceptional color accuracy and seamless visuals for demanding creative workflows.

PD2706QN – 2K 100Hz for Designers:

This 27-inch monitor delivers 2K resolution and a 100Hz refresh rate, promising both precise color reproduction and smooth motion—perfect for designers seeking a balance of clarity and fluidity.

Exclusive Preview: PV3200U – The All-in-One 4K Video Editing Monitor

BenQ also offered an exclusive preview of the yet-to-be-launched PV3200U, a 32-inch 4K monitor developed specifically for video creators and YouTubers. The PV3200U is a 32-inch 4K monitor purpose-built for video creators and YouTubers, featuring BenQ’s renowned AQCOLOR technology for industry-leading color accuracy with 95% P3, 100% Rec.709, and 100% sRGB coverage, all factory-calibrated to Delta E ≤ 2. It ensures seamless color consistency across Mac and Windows devices with M-book Mode and ICCsync, while its integrated 2.1 channel audio system—including dual 2W speakers, a dedicated 5W woofer, and Studio Mode—delivers clear, unprocessed sound for precise audio editing. The PV3200U also streamlines workflows with a single USB-C connection for 4K video, data transfer, and up to 65W charging, and offers ergonomic adjustments for comfortable, long editing sessions—making it an all-in-one solution for today’s demanding content creators.

 Experience the Future of Creative Workflows

Attendees at the Kochi Photo Fair have the unique opportunity to experience BenQ’s full range of professional monitors firsthand—including the exclusive, not-yet-launched PV3200U—demonstrating BenQ’s commitment to supporting and elevating India’s creative professionals with world-class technology.