Category Archives: Business

Sightsavers India’s RAAHI Programme Research Published in International Journal

New Delhi, 17th May 2024: The International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health (IJCMPH) has recently published research on Sightsavers India’s RAAHI Programme. RAAHI (National Truckers Eye Health Programme) stands as one of the biggest eye health initiatives in India, catering to the needs of the overworked truck drivers’ community. With over 9 million truck drivers in India playing a significant role in freight transportation, addressing their unmet health needs, particularly concerning vision, has become imperative.

The publication of this research in the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health (IJCMPH) signifies a significant milestone. Peer-reviewed journals like IJCMPH undergo stringent evaluation processes by field experts, ensuring the credibility and quality of the research presented.

Through a mixed-methods approach, this research delves into the program’s achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Having screened over 540,000 beneficiaries across 54 locations, RAAHI has significantly contributed to raising awareness about prevalent health conditions and providing essential eye care services. It primarily focuses on truck drivers, addressing their unmet eye health needs and raising awareness about prevalent health conditions.

Feedback from beneficiaries highlighted overall satisfaction with RAAHI services, emphasizing the program’s structured approach and immediate access to quality spectacles. Beneficiaries found the registration, screening, and spectacle distribution processes quick and easy.

The program’s success in providing essential eye care services to truck drivers is crucial for road safety. Correcting even low refractive errors in truckers can help minimize adverse events, highlighting the importance of initiatives like RAAHI in ensuring safe driving practices.

“We are pleased to share the findings of our research, which represents the significance of the RAAHI programme in addressing the unmet eye health needs of truck drivers in India. Our comprehensive study reveals the impact of RAAHI in screening beneficiaries, providing essential eye care services, and raising awareness about the importance of eye health in improving road safety.

Through collaborative efforts and sustained initiatives like RAAHI, we aim to continue enhancing the well-being of truck drivers and promoting road safety across India’s transportation networks. We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, including implementing partners and funders, for their support in making RAAHI a success.”— Authors behind the Research (Dr. Ananta Basudev Sahu, Jatin Tiwari, Prasannakumar P. N., R. N. Mohanty)

Project Swayam: Walchand Plus Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future in the Green Sector

New Delhi, 17th May 2024- In a bold step towards a sustainable future, The Bahubali Gulabchand Foundation, in partnership with Walchand Plus, celebrates the early triumphs of ‘Project Swayam’—an innovative initiative aimed at cultivating a skilled youth workforce for India’s burgeoning green energy sector.

By empowering young people with green skills and awareness, the Walchand Foundation endeavors to cultivate environmentally conscious individuals who can develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges. This initiative actively shapes future leaders and guides us toward a sustainable future.

Under the Project Swayam initiative, 710 motivated individuals from diverse corners of the nation have completed specialized training, preparing them for careers in solar technology and beyond. From the bustling streets of Bangalore to the serene landscapes of Nandurbar, these beneficiaries have embraced the journey towards green innovation.

“This project is not just about education; it’s about empowerment,” remarked Ms. Pallavi Jha, MD and Chairperson, of Walchand PeopleFirst Limited and Dale Carnegie Training India. “We’re equipping our youth with the tools they need to succeed in an industry that holds the key to a sustainable future. This initiative underscores the importance of investing in human capital. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, Project Swayam is laying the groundwork for a greener, more prosperous India.”

The Success of Project Swayam’s Phase 1 is evident in the stories of transformation emerging from Dadri Ghaziabad, Dasna Ghaziabad, Shiv Vihar New Delhi, Bangalore, Chitradurga, Kolar, Belgaum, Mumbai, Nashik, Palghar, Nandurbar, Nanded, Pune and Solapur—a testament to the power of opportunity and determination. Through 240 hours of immersive training and hours of intensive training focusing on Solar PV Installation and Assembly, participants have gained not only technical proficiency but also essential life skills crucial for their professional journey.

The impact of Project Swayam extends beyond skill development, resonating with the broader mission of sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity. As Phase 2 unfolds, the project envisions reaching new heights, empowering more youth and catalyzing positive change.

Project Swayam embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration—where partnerships drive progress and dreams fuel transformation.

Together, we are shaping a future where green is not just a color but a commitment.

IIT Delhi launches Certificate Programme in Data Analytics for Business Applications

Mumbai, 17th May 2024: In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, data has emerged as the cornerstone of the modern enterprise, serving as the driving force behind breakthrough insights, informed decision-making, and exponential growth. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven strategies to navigate complexities and capitalise on opportunities, the need for skilled professionals adept in harnessing the power of data analytics has never been more pronounced. Acknowledging the pivotal role data plays in shaping the trajectory of the business landscape, the Indian Institute of Delhi (IITD), acclaimed for its 2nd rank in the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2023 rankings in Engineering, announced the launch of the Certificate Programme in Data Analytics for Business Applications.

This high-impact 7-month programme is meticulously designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds. It caters to early professionals seeking to elevate their understanding of data analytics for adept decision-making. It is also tailored for mid-career professionals aiming to strengthen their expertise with modern analytical methodologies, enabling them to drive impactful strategies. Similarly, it equips consultants with tools for utilising descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, empowering them to offer tailored solutions for optimising clients’ operational efficiency and strategic outcomes. Additionally, it will also enable entrepreneurs and small business owners to leverage consumer insights and advanced analytics to refine offerings, fostering sustained growth and competitive advantage.

According to the survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, in India, the analytics industry is predicted to grow to a market size of $98.0 billion by 2025 and $118.7 billion by 2026. This underscores the significance of equipping professionals with robust data analytics skills to meet the evolving demands of the global business landscape. Recognising this demand, the Certificate Programme in Data Analytics for Business Applications aims to empower participants with the skills to unravel complex business challenges, drive data-driven decision-making, and unlock strategic innovation powered by analytics.

The IITD Certificate Programme in Data Analytics for Business Applications, designed by renowned IITD faculty, includes live online sessions delivered by top IITD faculty, hands-on learning experience, industry-oriented insights, real-world case-studies, a Capstone project and an opportunity for peer-to-peer-learning. Additionally, it also includes essential business analytics tools like Python, SPSS, SQL, KNIME, and Orange, enabling participants to effectively analyse and interpret complex datasets. The modules include impactful topics such as core statistical analysis, advanced statistical analysis, prescriptive decision science systems, & AI and Machine Learning.

This programme will enable participants to:

· Identify and articulate intricate business challenges through analytical frameworks

· Apply a diverse range of analytical techniques to develop data driven growth strategies

· Translate the findings of business analytics endeavours into actionable strategies for enhanced organisational performance

· Demonstrate adeptness in leveraging analytics tools and methodologies to drive innovation and achieve competitive advantage

· Cultivate the skillset to synthesise data insights into compelling narratives, facilitating informed business decisions across functional domains

The eligibility for this programme includes Graduates (10+2+3) or Diploma holders (10+2+3) from a recognised university ((UGC/AICTE/DEC/AIU/State Government/recognised international universities) with a mandatory background in 12th-grade Mathematics. This programme is set to begin on June 30, 2024,

Upon successful completion of the programme with a minimum grading of 50% and maintaining a minimum attendance of 60 per cent, participants will be awarded a prestigious certificate of completion from CEP, IIT Delhi.

Infibeam Avenues Ltd Exceeds FY24 Financial Estimates, Eyes Strong FY25 Growth

Gandhinagar, 17th May 2024 – India’s first listed AI-powered tech and fintech company, Infibeam Avenues Limited (“Infibeam” or “The Company” or “IAL”), (BSE: 539807; NSE: INFIBEAM), has today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ending March 31, 2024.

Consolidated Financial Highlights (INR million)

1 Includes i) Payments TPV [CCAvenue India and International + BillAvenue + Go Payments] + ii) GeM platform TPV.

2 Net Revenue = Gross Revenue – Direct Operating Expenses (predominantly payment processing revenue collected on behalf of ecosystem partners)

3 Excluding the notional impact arising from mark-to-market gain / (loss) from investment in listed security [this has no impact on cash flows]

4 as percentage of Net Revenue

Consolidated Financial Performance Review:

Infibeam Avenues Ltd has reported robust consolidated gross revenue of INR 7268 million, accompanied by a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 358 million in the fourth quarter of FY24. The Q4 FY24 gross revenue witnessed a significant increase of 11%, and Q4 PAT saw a sizeable growth of 8% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The EBITDA also exhibited noteworthy growth of 21% Year-over-Year (YoY) to INR 600 million. The TPV rose by 53% YoY, reaching INR 2,265.84 billion, with payment TPV increasing to INR 758.12 billion, during the fourth quarter.

In Q4, the company also witnessed an increase in take rate from 8.5 bps in the beginning of the year in Q1FY24 to 9.2 bps in Q4FY24. This increased intake rate is a result of discipline, execution, optimization, and reimagining digital payments from teams across Infibeam.

“Our CCAvenue payments business stands tall on a robust foundation meticulously crafted to propel expansion and set us apart from competitors. A pivotal aspect of our overarching growth strategy revolves around enhancing merchant account engagement. We anticipate this will keep on fueling an upsurge in payment transactions, total payment volume, and net revenue,” said Mr. Vishwas Patel, Joint Managing Director of Infibeam Avenues Ltd.

The continuous expansion of our merchant base has significantly bolstered our achievements, culminating in an impressive total 10M+ merchant accounts by the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, our transaction processing soared in 2024, handling a remarkable INR 2.57 lakh crores in payment value, excluding Rupay debit cards and UPI payments. This notable growth underscores our unwavering commitment to facilitating seamless transactions and fostering financial prosperity for our valued merchants.

“The company has demonstrated resilience and agility in navigating through the ever-evolving market landscape and was able to maintain its position as a frontrunner in the industry,” said Mr Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Infibeam Avenues Ltd adding further that despite facing challenges posed by the dynamic and competitive environment, the company has exceeded expectations and remains committed to delivering value to its stakeholders.

Infibeam’s sustained growth can be attributed to several factors, with a key driver being its flagship payment brand – CCAvenue. Renowned for offering the widest array of payment options in the industry, CCAvenue’s deep integrations across thousands of third-party merchant systems, fostered continued growth and success.

In addition to its robust payment business, Infibeam’s platform segment has also demonstrated impressive resilience, posting a 29% year-over-year increase. This growth is primarily fueled by strategic accounts with large enterprise clients, further solidifying Infibeam’s position as a leader in the digital commerce ecosystem. It’s noteworthy to mention that despite the ongoing utilization of our ecommerce platform by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), no income from GeM has been reported in the fourth quarter (Q4), as we have no agreement on commercials with clients to date.

Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s FY 2023-24 marks a pivotal year in its journey. After years of development and investment in digital payment and platforms business, now the company has embarked on a new path, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate businesses worldwide. In FY24, the company launched its AI business vertical under the brand – Phronetic. AI. The year FY24 witnessed the establishment of an AI Hub at GIFT City, the appointment of a CEO for the AI business and the launch of THEIA, a visual AI framework/platform.

As the company took the strategic decision to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), it took other crucial decisions to take forward its digital payment business to the next level. The company further strengthened its international play for its payment business, as it realigned its international businesses received regulatory approval from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and launched mobile-based QR Code payment solutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market.

“In the upcoming fiscal year, our strategic focus will be on expanding internationally, with a particular emphasis on the Middle East market. This will accelerate our growth trajectory in this region, our international subsidiary has announced a pre-IPO round of up to USD 25 million. This investment will fuel our expansion efforts and propel us towards capturing a significant market share.” stated Mr. Vishwas Patel, Joint Managing Director of Infibeam Avenues Ltd.

Mr. Patel further highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in the Middle East, with all metrics doubling year-over-year as the company introduced express settlement to merchants, rolled out CCAvenue TapPay, and went aggressively with its international expansion strategy across the Middle East region. “The digital boom in the Middle East presents us with tremendous potential for growth,” Mr. Patel pointed out.

In a strategic move within the domestic payment landscape, the company is gearing up to venture into financial product offerings tailored specifically for merchants. Under the umbrella of a new brand name, collectively referred to as our Merchant Finance Offerings, the company aims to provide merchants with access to a range of financial products, including business loan products, insurance products, and wealth management products.

This forward-thinking initiative is poised to unlock new avenues for long-term profitable growth. By diversifying its offerings to cater to the financial needs of merchants, the company is not only expanding its market reach but also solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the business ecosystem.

Major Achievement: Financial Guideline for FY24 achieved

Infibeam Avenues Ltd is thrilled to announce that the full-year FY24 results exceed annual estimates on the payment business’s strength. It has exceeded at higher end of the annual target on both Net Revenue and EBITDA.

At the start of the year, the company had set a gross revenue target of INR 30,000-33,000 million and Net revenue of INR 4,100-4,150 million respectively. The company achieved the targets by closing the year recording Gross Revenue of INR 31,711 million and Net Revenue of INR 4,286 million, which is at the high end of the estimate.

Similarly, both EBITDA and PAT also reached and exceeded the high end of our guidance. The company succeeded in closing the year with a higher EBITDA of INR 2,526 million compared to our target of INR 2,300-2,350 million and PAT came in at INR 1,478 million, versus our target

Infibeam Avenues Ltd also announces its FY24-25 Financial Guideline. The company strongly believes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and international business will boost the FY24-25 outlook.

Declaration of Financial Guideline for FY24-25: The Company expects to achieve the following financial performance for the financial year 2024-25.

The company has proposed a final dividend of 5% for the Financial Year 2023-24, subject to shareholders’ approval.

FlixBus India Celebrates Successful 3 Months of Service

New Delhi -17th May 2024, FlixBus, the global travel-tech partner which launched in India in February 2024, has completed 3 months of operations in India on a high note. Over this period, FlixBus has charted a course spanning 1.4 mn+ driven kilometers across 50+ cities. The company has also added 11 new routes taking the total routes to 20 and 5 major bus partners to its existing network taking the total fleet count to 45.

FlixBus has also opened two new lounges in Anand Vihar, RK Ashram, apart from Kashmiri Gate. These lounges provide travelers with a clean environment to unwind before their journey and include amenities such as Wi-Fi connectivity, cloakroom facilities, and pristine accommodations.

Noteworthy Highlights: April witnessed a surge in travel, notably during the extended weekends of Holi and Good Friday. The most popular routes among travelers include:

Delhi to Rishikesh

Delhi to Lucknow

Delhi to Manali

Dehradun to Delhi

Delhi to Haridwar

Since its launch, FlixBus India has been committed to reliability, customer service, and innovative technology integration. It has set a new standard for excellence in the Indian transportation sector with its safety features like gender seating (i.e., seats next to women will be automatically reserved for other women), 24×7 incident response team, a traffic control ward, and 2-point seat belts for all seats.

Said Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India, “As we reflect on these three months, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our invaluable bus partners whose unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in our success. Together, we’ve forged a partnership that not only facilitates seamless travel experiences but also empowers our bus partners to thrive in their endeavors. We also extend our sincere thanks to our customers for their continued trust and support. We remain open to receiving feedback from them to continually enhance and improve our services.”

Commenting on their partnership with FlixBus, Sandeep Dalal, Managing Director, Ram Dalal Travels, said, “As a proud partner of the FlixBus Network in India, our journey has been nothing short of transformative. The seamless integration of innovative technology and optimization of our daily operations has helped us grow our business, enabled us to elevate the standard of our service, enhance efficiency, and expand our reach. We are truly grateful to be part of this and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and success alongside FlixBus.”

Shree Cement drives strong Q4 performance; delivers highest ever full year operating EBIDTA

Mumbai, May 16 – Shree Cement, India’s third largest cement group by capacity, today announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended on 31^st March, 2024. The Company recorded an impressive performance with EBIDTA growth of 49% and PAT increasing 21% on YoY basis.

Financial Highlight (Standalone)

                                                                                                                                        ₹ in crore

Operational highlights and initiatives

• Q4 net revenue up YoY by 7% from ₹ 4,785 crore to ₹ 5,101 crore, annual turnover zooms by 16% to ₹ 19,586 crore
• Q4’FY24 total sale volume increased YoY by 8% from 8.83 million tonnes to 9.53 million tonnes, annual volume at 35.5 million tonnes with 12% growth
• EBIDTA (without Other Income) went up YoY by 49% from ₹ 892 crore to ₹1,327 crore. This is the highest ever EBIDTA delivered by the Company.
• Annual EBIDTA also reaches highest ever level of ₹ 4,364 crore

Mr. Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement Ltd. said, “Our strong financial performance reflects our sharp focus on operational efficiencies while expanding our capacity through green and brownfield projects. This is complemented by our digital transformation, which is driving us forward, streamlining our operations and empowering our people with data-driven decision-making capabilities.”

He added, “I am happy to see the enthusiastic market response to our consolidation of all products under the master brand ‘Bangur’, which, along with diversifying into Ready Mix Concrete, marks a significant step in our journey towards becoming a multi-product player in the core cement business. We are today well-positioned to contribute significantly to India’s vision of world-class infrastructure.”

Capex Plans

On 2^nd April, 2024, the Company commissioned its Integrated Cement Plant in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh with cement capacity at 3.0 million tonnes per annum. The work on other 18 million tonnes capacity expansion projects already announced is progressing as per schedule. Upon completion, total cement production capacity of Company in India will reach to 74.80 million tonnes. The Company continues to work on different sites for further expanding its capacity.

RMC foray

During the quarter, the Company made its foray into Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) Business. It entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with StarCrete LLP to purchase 5 RMC Plants in Mumbai Metropolitan Region of Maharashtra at aggregate consideration of ₹ 33.50 crore. Additionally, the Company also commissioned its first greenfield RMC facility of 90 cubic meters per hour capacity in Hyderabad, Telangana under brand Bangur Concrete. The Company has plans to setup ~100 Bangur Concrete plants in next 3 years, operating in ~50 cities and generating ~3000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Sustainability initiatives

• During the year, the share of green power consumption in total power consumption increased to 55.9% against 51.1% in the previous year. As a result of its rising green power consumption, the Company avoided 9.4 lakh tonnes CO₂ emissions during FY 2023-24.
• In Q4’FY24, the Company commissioned green power capacity of ~ 80 MW capacity at different locations for catering to its captive requirement. The Company’s total green power generation capacity stands at 480.3 MW as on 31^st March, 2024 vis-à-vis 385.6 MW as on 31^st March, 2023. Additionally, the Company has initiated its efforts and taken actions for adding another 188 MW of green power capacity at various locations to further boost its green energy share for meeting its captive requirement.
• With a focus on consumption of agro waste, the Company increased use of agro waste from 1.19 lakh tons in FY 2022-23 to 1.24 lakh tons in FY 2023-24, replacing more than 352 billion kCal heat from fossil fuels compared to 317 billion kCal during last year. It is pertinent to mention that as part of its agro waste consumption, the Company also procured 18,865 tons of stubble during FY 2023-24 within the NCR region, to reduce the impact of stubble burning within the region.
• Use of biofuel helped avoid around 1.4 lakh tons of carbon emissions during FY 2023-24 vis-à-vis 1.2 lakh tons in FY 2022-23.
• To curtail the impact of hazardous waste on environment, the Company increased consumption of hazardous fuel from 1.72 lakh tons during FY 2022-23 to 2.39 lakh tons during FY 2023-24, replacing the fossil fuel-based heat by 107.2 billion kCal, compared to 53.9 billion kCal during the previous year. Out of the total hazardous fuel quantity, consumption of liquid hazardous fuel waste was increased from 0.93 lakh tons last year to 1.23 lakh tons during FY 2023-24. The Company has stepped up its efforts to substantially enhance the use of alternative fuels in the current year, which will significantly improve the TSR level in the coming period.
• The Company has improved its water positivity status from >6 times in FY 2022-23 to >7 times in FY 2023-24 owing to specific water conservation initiatives and reduced dependence on fresh water sources, including ground water.

Mr Neeraj Akhoury said, “We are recognised for our industry leading green credentials and innovative solutions. Our commitment to providing the most environmentally friendly building solutions to our customers remains steadfast. We are firmly on track to become a modern and green building material company.”

Membership of RE 100 initiative

During the quarter, the Company became member of the RE100 initiative, a global initiative led by Climate Group, advocating for businesses to convert to 100 percent renewable electricity for all their operations. As part of this initiative, the Company has committed to using 100 percent renewable electricity by 2050.

Bangur – The master brand

The launch of ‘Bangur’ as the master brand for all products was in response to changing customer sentiments and growing aspirations. By consolidating all offerings under the Bangur umbrella, the company offers a complete ecosystem of building materials and services under a single trusted name. This rebranding allowed stronger connections to be established with customers, offering them distinct experiences with the products. Guided by the core philosophy of ‘Build Smart,’ the company aims to empower architects, contractors, and homeowners to make choices that foster a stronger, more eco-friendly India.

Dividend

The Board of Directors of the Company has recommended a final dividend of ₹ 55  per share (550%) for the year 2023-24 subject to approval of members in the next Annual General Meeting. This is in addition to the interim dividend of ₹ 50 per share (500%) declared by the Board of Directors on 31^st January, 2024.

Cement market outlook

Driven by the government’s strong emphasis on infrastructure development, sustained real estate activity and expectations of a good monsoon, the cement demand in India is expected to remain robust, in line with the country’s broader economic development goals.

ASBL founder Ajitesh Korupolu advocates for Happiness-centric Smart Cities

Hyderabad, 16th May 2024: Ajitesh Korupolu, the founder & CEO of ASBL, emphasized the need for urban planning to prioritize the well-being and happiness of citizens. In a recent podcast, he asserted that cities should evolve with a ‘Happiness-centric’ approach to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Mr. Korupolu delved into various key talk points during the podcast, shedding light on the current state of urban planning policies and their implementation. He highlighted the importance of mixed-use blocks in raising the quality of life, emphasizing how such developments could foster more efficient and sustainable urban environments. He drove home the fact that walkability, rather than a car-centric approach to city travel, should be emphasized, and that a lesser known attribute of great city-planning is great walkability.

Addressing the preferences of homebuyers in the context of the city-based lifestyle, Mr. Korupolu discussed the evolving expectations and desires of individuals looking to invest in urban living spaces. He emphasized the importance of factors such as connectivity and public infrastructure, and easy access to services such as creche facilities, fitness zones and socializing spaces in shaping happier lifestyles for citizens.

Further demonstrating the point, Mr. Korupolu highlighted the significant impact spaces have on one’s mental, physical, and social health. With the rapid scale of urbanization, the urban designing too needs to scale, in order to address many modern day human problems affecting one’s wellbeing.

In assessing the progress of unlocking Hyderabad’s smart city potential, Mr. Korupolu commended the urban bodies for laying the preliminary groundwork to understand the challenges, both in terms of quality and capacity, of building a smart city. He called for improved collaboration between the governing bodies, developers and citizens as well, to realize the full vision of a smart and happiness-centric city. These collaborative processes would prioritize the holistic well-being of citizens in the pursuit of creating more livable cities.

Nykaa’s Bridal Campaign Garners Over 3.6M Views, trended at 6 on YouTube India

May, 2024: Nykaa, the go-to destination for all things beauty, recently unveiled their latest campaign, “Nykaa Waali Shaadi” setting the stage for the ultimate wedding extravaganza! This campaign, born out of the vision of every bride and barati longing for a “Nykaa Wali Shaadi”, delivered a comprehensive beauty and style guide tailored exclusively for the wedding season.The country’s leading makeup brands- Lakme, MAC, Huda, and Maybelline among others partnered with Nykaa to bring this campaign alive.

What was the campaign about? Direct access to beauty gurus who sprinkled some magic dust on wedding preparations. Nykaa teamed up with the top makeup artists in the country, including the legendary Sonic Sarwate, Marianna Mukuchyan, Guneet Virdi, and Shraddha Luthra, bringing exclusive beauty guides and FREE bridal makeovers to winning brides.

Commenting on the new campaign, Nykaa Spokesperson said, “Nykaa Wali Shaadi isn’t just a campaign; it’s a celebration of love, beauty, and the joy of weddings! We were thrilled to bring this vision to life, offering brides and baratis across the country a one-of-a-kind experience filled with glam, style, and expert guidance. From our comprehensive beauty and style guides to the top makeup artists and brands, Nykaa Waali Shaadi was there to make every wedding dream come true.”

With a whopping 400 million reach, Nykaa Waali Shaadi took the nation by storm! But that wasn’t all – the expert MUAs hosted retail masterclasses across Nykaa stores, attracting hundreds of attendees including beauticians and future brides.

The wedding madness didn’t stop there! Nykaa partnered with Filtercopy to create two engaging digital films that capture the essence of Nykaa Waali Shaadi. In less than 24 hours, both films were trending at #6 on YouTube India! In 48 hours, the film organically garnered 1.24 million views and the numbers continue to grow. As of today, the films have garnered over 3.6 million views!

Karen Thompson, Brand Director of MAC Cosmetics India said, “We at MAC Cosmetics were thrilled to partner with Nykaa for the “Nykaa Wali Shaadi” campaign, leveraging our shared values of diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. The bridal season in India is when beauty and fashion merge, and Nykaa’s unique insights allowed us to tap into this key shopping moment. Our artistry expertise shone through as we created bespoke looks that not only enhanced customer experiences but also highlighted our commitment to innovation in makeup direction. Together, we reached a wider audience and delivered unforgettable beauty experiences tailored to the season. Our collaboration was a success, and we look forward to future partnerships that inspire and elevate our customers’ beauty journeys.”

Zeenia Shroff Bastani, General Manager, Maybelline New York & Nyx, L’Oréal India said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Nykaa for this wedding season with Nykaa Wali Shaadi. Maybelline New York, known for leading innovation, longwear makeup and setting makeup trends, has been a favorite for glam wedding makeup by brides and their bride-tribes. This collaboration celebrates the union of two giants in the beauty industry – Maybelline NY, the world’s #1 makeup brand, and Nykaa, the preferred beauty retailer giving our consumers the best of makeup & looks for the most special day in their lives!”

Nykaa conducted a contest for brides-to-be offering them a chance to have their bridal hair and makeup done by one of these leading makeup artists. The response to the contest was overwhelming, with over 3000 registrations pouring in!

Expressing her excitement, Diksha, one of the brides who won a free makeover from renowned bridal makeup artist Sonic Sarwate said, “I can’t express enough gratitude to Sonic Sarwate for the phenomenal makeup artistry on my wedding day. His skill and attention to detail transformed me into the bride of my dreams. Being chosen as a Nykaa bride was an absolute honor, and the experience surpassed all my expectations. Thank you, Nykaa, for making my dream wedding a reality, and thank you, Sonic Sarwate, for making me feel like the most beautiful bride in the world.”

From North to South, East to West, Nykaa covered bridal looks that celebrated the rich diversity of the country, presented in vernacular languages, adding an extra touch of authenticity and charm.

AMA Herbal’s Next Gen Indig’ Merges Technology and Sustainability for Textile Revolution

Bengaluru, May 16th , 2024: In a landmark event at the Bengaluru Denim & Jeans Expo held at Hotel Lalit, Bengaluru, AMA Herbal Group proudly unveiled its groundbreaking technique, on which Bio Indigo PReR™ has been developed, hailed as the ‘Next Gen Indigo.’ The world’s first biochemically modified pre-reduced natural indigo, available in liquid form, promises to revolutionize the textile industry.”

Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Yawar Ali Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of AMA Herbal Group, this innovative technique marks a significant leap towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness. With advantages surpassing traditional powder indigo dyes, Bio Indigo PReR stands as a beacon of eco-consciousness and superior quality.

The introduction of Bio Indigo PReR™ is poised to reshape the indigo dye landscape, offering not only environmental friendliness and cost efficiency but also unparalleled color brilliance. Developed with energy-efficient processes and minimal waste generation, this technology signifies a paradigm shift towards greener textile practices.

Accompanied by prestigious global certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Version VII and ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Level 3, Bio Indigo PReR™ underscores AMA Herbal Group’s commitment to sustainability and industry-leading standards.

After a successful presentation in Japan, Mr. Yawar Ali Shah expressed optimism about the global reception of Bio Indigo PReR™. With a patent applied and secured, the technology’s recognition and acceptance on the world stage are imminent.

In his statement, Mr. Yawar Ali Shah emphasized, “Bio Indigo PReR™ signifies a crucial step towards embracing environmentally responsible practices in the textile industry, ensuring a sustainable future while honoring the heritage of natural indigo.”