Category Archives: News

Kenvue Strengthens Hydration Portfolio in India with ORSL™ and eRZL™ for Complete Hydration ORSL™ for Diarrheal Dehydration, eRZL™ for Everyday Hydration

Kenvue today announced a dual brand strategy with ORSL™ and eRZL™, reinforcing its leadership in India’s hydration category. This move offers consumers scientifically backed solutions for both diarrheal and everyday hydration, addressing dehydration as an increasingly important public health concern.

Under its “Double Power for Complete Hydration” strategy, Kenvue will now provide two distinct, science-driven brands:

• ORSL™: The rebranded ORS portfolio, formulated according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, targets diarrheal dehydration. It is available in Ready-to-Drink and Powder formats.

• eRZL™: Previously part of the ORSL electrolyte drink portfolio, eRZL™ is now a standalone brand for everyday hydration and recovery, catering to tiredness, exhaustion, heat stress, and mild to moderate dehydration.

eRZL™ – New & Improved Composition
The new eRZL™ formula delivers faster hydration than water, with 1.4x more electrolytes and 8x less sugar than the previous version, combining Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Vitamin C, and real fruit juice for a tasty, guilt-free hydration experience. Designed for daily hydration, eRZL™ helps consumers replenish fluids, restore electrolytes, and recover from physical stress or fatigue.

Commenting on the dual brand strategy,

Manish Anandani, Managing Director – India, Kenvue, said:

“For years, we have led India’s hydration category by understanding consumer needs and leveraging science. With dehydration emerging as a key health concern, we are proud to introduce a two-brand strategy—ORSL™ for diarrheal hydration and eRZL™ for everyday hydration. These brands will strengthen awareness about proper hydration and complement broader public health efforts.”

Prashant Shinde, Business Unit Head – Self Care, Kenvue India, added:

“As health and wellness trends accelerate, consumers are seeking low-sugar, low-calorie, science-backed hydration options. The all-new eRZL™ with its improved composition offers a healthier solution to feel better faster when depleted or fatigued.”

Dr. Nikhil Bangale, Head of Medical & Safety Sciences, Kenvue India, highlighted:

While diarrheal dehydration is widely recognized, everyday dehydration often goes unnoticed, particularly under rising heat and physical stress. Rehydration today goes beyond water and home remedies, requiring scientifically formulated electrolyte solutions. Consumers should choose drinks based on optimal electrolyte concentration, key nutrients, and energy to ensure faster and effective hydration.”

With ORSL™ and eRZL™, Kenvue continues to innovate and expand its hydration portfolio, delivering scientifically validated solutions for consumers across India, whether addressing illness or supporting daily hydration needs.

Standard Chartered launches the second phase of “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign with CIO insights

Standard Chartered has announced the launch of the second phase of its “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” global wealth campaign, reinforcing its role as the strategic partner for global-minded investors who want insight and confidence across markets, cycles, and every decision that shapes their financial future. In India, the campaign is aimed at the growing wealth and affluent segment, including ‘Global Indians’.

This second phase of the campaign introduces a suite of CIO-powered intelligence through content formats designed to give investors direct access to the bank’s high-frequency market outlooks, expertise-backed sector calls, and timely cross-market guidance. This includes new editorial partnerships, digital content releases aligned to market movements, amplifying the CIO’s views to a wider affluent audience. At the heart of the campaign is a bold delivery of real-time, world-class investment insight, when it matters most.

The campaign calls out three key pillars Cross Border Wealth, Wealth Expertise, and Navigating Volatile Times, highlighting Standard Chartered’s strengths as a global wealth partner.

This 360° Integrated Marketing Campaign will run across various touchpoints: Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, Linear TV and Connected TV, Digital Media (Google Search,  Programmatic buys and Social Media platforms), and Owned Media, targeting and engaging different investor audiences, in more personalised ways.

Haymans Fung, Global Head of Marketing for Wealth and Retail Banking at Standard Chartered, commented,

“Investors today are navigating a far more complex landscape, with geopolitical developments and market shifts influencing decisions across borders. With this next phase of our ‘Now’s Your Time for Wealth’ campaign, we aim to give clients clearer access to the insights and connections that matter most. By combining our international network with our 170 years of expertise, and timely perspectives from our Chief Investment Office, we are committed to supporting clients in making confident, well-informed decisions wherever they are in their wealth journey.”

 Aditya Mandloi, Managing Director, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, said, 

“At Standard Chartered, we empower our affluent clients with deep market insights and expertise to invest confidently. Through Standard Chartered Group’s extensive international network and four wealth hubs, timely intelligence from our Chief Investment Office, and tailored investment opportunities, we help our clients take advantage of the right opportunities at the right time.”

The first rollout of the “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign in January 2025 ran in a mix of out-of-home advertising across airports and in-city sites, print advertising, film and content partnerships with leading international, regional and local media across seven key markets – Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, UAE and India.

Healthcare Experts and Industry Leaders Urge Stronger Investment Ahead of Union Budget 2026–27

New Delhi, Jan 22: As India gears up for the Union Budget 2026–27, healthcare experts and industry leaders have called on the government to significantly scale up public spending on healthcare, highlighting persistent gaps in infrastructure, workforce capacity, and access to affordable care across the country.

In FY 2025–26, the government allocated ₹99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an 11% increase over the revised ₹89,974.12 crore in FY 2024–25. While this rise was welcomed, the Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) noted that public health expenditure remains well below the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP and lags behind benchmarks in comparable developing economies.

India’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure from a dual disease burden—communicable and non-communicable conditions—alongside growing demand for specialty, preventive, and long-term care services. AHPI emphasised that Budget 2026–27 should prioritise strengthening healthcare delivery in rural, semi-urban, and underserved regions, advancing the nation’s goal of universal health coverage.

According to National Health Accounts, households still bear nearly 48% of healthcare costs out-of-pocket, exposing families to financial vulnerability during medical emergencies. AHPI has urged higher public investment to expand medical and nursing education, establish training institutions, accelerate adult immunisation programmes, and scale up mental health, geriatric care, emergency services, and telemedicine networks. The association also highlighted the need to rationalise GST on healthcare services and reform insurance regulations to improve affordability and coverage.

Key Voices from the Healthcare Sector:

• Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI, said,
  “To secure a healthier future for India, it is imperative to invest in robust health systems today. Budget 2026–27 must enhance funding to expand infrastructure, strengthen the workforce, and ensure equitable access to quality services, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.”

• Mr. Probal Ghosal, Founder & Managing Partner, GCV; Co-Founder and former Chairman, Ujala Cygnus, commented,
  “The upcoming budget is a pivotal moment for India’s healthcare. Sustainable public healthcare schemes, digital integration under Ayushman Bharat, rational package rates, and prompt reimbursements are critical to maintain quality care in the hinterlands and expand patient access nationwide.”

• Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Deputy Director General, AHPI, added,
  “India’s healthcare demands are evolving faster than current systems can support. The budget must accelerate investments in technology-driven care, quality assurance, and hospital capacity-building to create a resilient, future-ready ecosystem.”

• Dr. V. K. Gupta, Founder-Director, Silverstreak Superspeciality Hospital, stated,
  “Budget 2026–27 offers a crucial opportunity to bridge regional healthcare disparities. Targeted fiscal incentives and easier access to long-term capital can encourage hospitals to expand into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, improving care access and easing pressure on metropolitan healthcare systems.”

AHPI further emphasised that private sector participation in healthcare infrastructure development will be key to complement public investment. With India’s doctor-to-patient ratio still below WHO norms, the association views Budget 2026–27 as a decisive moment to strengthen healthcare system resilience, improve preparedness for future public health challenges, and ensure equitable access to quality care nationwide.

MentorCloud Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Amritkaal Mentors Movement inspired by Viksit Bharat

Gurugram, India, Jan 22:  MentorCloud, the world’s leading Human+AI mentoring and coaching platform, today celebrated the first anniversary of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement, a nationwide initiative aimed at democratizing access to career and life mentorship for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India.

Conceptualised by Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder & CEO, MentorCloud, the movement draws inspiration from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Amritkaal Mentors was formally launched on 12 January 2025, marking Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary, celebrated nationally as National Youth Day—a fitting tribute to youth empowerment and nation-building.

Over the past year, seasoned mentors from India and the United States, spanning disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, AI, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, Manufacturing, Public Policy, Finance, and Human Resources, have delivered impactful sessions to thousands of students from 1,340 degree and engineering colleges across the country. More than 85% of participating students rated the sessions as extremely relevant and valuable, with 1,482 students receiving certificates of attendance, strengthening their employability and interview readiness.

“Equipping students with the right vocabulary and confidence to articulate their skills during job interviews is one of the core objectives of this movement,” said Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement and Founder & CEO of MentorCloud.

Distinguished Speakers and Topics

The first year of Amritkaal Mentors featured an impressive lineup of thought leaders and practitioners, including Sadhguru (Founder, Isha Foundation); Dr. Velumani Arokiaswamy (Founder, Thyrocare); Navi Radjou (Author and Frugal Innovation Expert); MR Rangaswami (Founder, Indiaspora); Ramesh Vaswani (Serial Entrepreneur, IIT Madras); Sanjeev Sharan (CHRO – Director HR, ZTE); Geetha Murthy (Ex-HR Head, Collins Aerospace); Geetha Kannan (Ex-HR Head, Infosys), among several others from industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem.

These mentors delivered engaging, hour-long sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Career Mapping, Interview Skills, Personal Finance, Mental Health, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Skills for Employability, India as Vishwa Guru, and crafting a 100-year life journey.

“Amritkaal Mentors showcases the true democratization of mentoring and knowledge-sharing by ensuring every aspiring Indian youth has access to the wisdom of global experts,” Dr. Gundlapalli added. “By breaking jargon and sharing real-life experiences, the movement is helping ignite the potential of our youth to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by or before 2047.”

Sharing their experience, Sanjeev Sharan, CHRO – Director HR, ZTE, said,

“Amritkaal Mentors is a powerful initiative democratizing knowledge by connecting learners with experienced mentors. I was honoured to be part of the movement as a launching mentor.”

Geetha Murthy, former HR Head at Collins Aerospace, added,

“I am honoured to contribute to the Amritkaal Mentors talk series by addressing mental health and hustle culture, in support of India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”

Voices from the Student Community

Students across institutions highlighted the practical impact of the sessions. One participant shared,

“The session offered valuable perspectives on robotics, automation, and future career opportunities. It was both insightful and inspiring. I am grateful to the Amritkaal Mentors initiative for creating such meaningful learning experiences.”

Tilak M. K., a student from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, added,

“It was an insightful webinar on wealth creation, long-term value thinking, and aligning skills with market needs. I’m grateful to Amritkaal Mentors and MentorCloud for enabling such impactful learning.”

Looking Ahead

As the movement enters its second year, MentorCloud, along with key partners Pod.ai, Become.Team, and Verbinden.ai, plans to significantly scale the initiative. The goal is to onboard 100+ experienced mentors from leading organizations and academic institutions and reach over 10,000 students across Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities and towns.

MentorCloud extends its sincere gratitude to all mentors, students, and partners who contributed to making the first year of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement a resounding success.

Knauf India CEO Calls for Budget 2026 Push on Sustainable, Low-Carbon Construction

By: Mr. Sumit Bidani, CEO, Knauf, India

“While the continued focus on infrastructure is welcome, the Union Budget 2026 must now look beyond ‘what’ we build to ‘how’ we build. To meet India’s urban housing and commercial demands, we need to transition from labor-heavy, resource-intensive traditional methods to modern, dry-construction technologies. We expect the government to incentivize circularity in construction – specifically rewarding the use of recyclable materials like gypsum that minimize waste and reduce the ’embodied carbon’ of our cities. By providing fiscal support for energy-efficient building systems and prioritizing ‘Value over Lowest Cost’ in public procurement, the Budget can accelerate India’s path to a Net-Zero built environment while ensuring faster, world-class project delivery.”

ZEISS India CFO Calls for Duty Rationalisation to Boost High-Value Manufacturing

By:-  Dhaval Radia, Chief Financial Officer, ZEISS India

As we look ahead to the upcoming Union Budget, there is strong expectation around further rationalisation of customs duties, particularly for the core growth sectors such as healthcare and high-end and precision manufacturing. Addressing inverted duty structures and ensuring a more predictable import framework and simplified governance framework will be critical for improving cost competitiveness and long-term investment planning and predictability.

Equally important is continued progress on ease of doing business through fewer licenses, permits, and discretionary approvals for non-sensitive, technology-intensive imports. For advanced manufacturing, speed, certainty, and regulatory simplicity matter as much as incentives. A Budget that enables seamless access to global components, faster clearances, and stable policy signals will go a long way in strengthening India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for high-value, technology-led manufacturing.

Clear policy support for Global Capability Centres focused on high – value work such as Engineering, Digital Computing, Deep Tech, AI, Finance Transformation, and R&D – including rationalised transfer pricing rates and governance, simplified compliance, radically improving physical infrastructure specifically in GCC hotspots, and targeted incentives. Progress on the proposed India – EU free trade agreement, particularly with Germany, would be a strong enabler for technology-led manufacturing, smoother trade flows, and deeper industrial collaboration.

The New Language of Menswear: When Patchwork Becomes Precision

Jaipur, Jan 21: Menswear is undergoing a quiet yet meaningful transformation. Moving beyond rigid norms of uniformity and restraint, today’s modern man is embracing clothing that reflects individuality, craftsmanship, and intent. At the centre of this evolution is a refined reinterpretation of patchwork — not as ornamentation, but as precision-driven design.

Leading this shift is Pleyne, a contemporary menswear brand known for its thoughtful approach to fabric, structure, and modern aesthetics. Rejecting loud or unstructured applications, Pleyne treats patchwork as a deliberate design language, where every panel, stitch, and contrast is carefully placed to enhance the garment’s form and function.

“Patchwork has often been misunderstood as something excessive or chaotic,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Pleyne. “For us, patchwork is about control and intent. It’s about knowing exactly where to add an element so it elevates the garment rather than overpowering it.”

Patchwork With Purpose

Traditionally associated with eclectic or vintage styles, patchwork has been redefined in modern menswear through restraint and balance. At Pleyne, contrast panels, refined stitching, and clean placement across collars, cuffs, plackets, and pockets create garments that are expressive yet composed. The result is subtle visual depth that reveals itself on closer inspection rather than demanding attention.

This philosophy mirrors a broader shift in menswear, where craftsmanship and thoughtful detailing are increasingly valued over surface-level trends. Men today seek garments that feel considered, versatile, and enduring.

“Modern menswear is becoming more intentional,” adds Chirag. “Patchwork allows us to introduce character while maintaining clarity and sophistication in design.”

Where Craft Meets Contemporary Design

Pleyne’s latest collection showcases this refined approach through premium fabrics such as textured corduroy, complemented by modern thread work and clean silhouettes. By blending heritage techniques with contemporary sensibilities, the brand delivers pieces that transition seamlessly from casual settings to elevated occasions.

Versatility remains central to the design process. Precision-led patchwork ensures that each garment remains timeless, resisting the fleeting nature of trend-driven fashion while offering individuality through detail.

Redefining Modern Masculinity

The rise of controlled patchwork also reflects a cultural shift in how masculinity is expressed through fashion. Texture, colour, and experimentation are no longer seen as departures from masculinity, but as extensions of confidence and self-awareness.

“Menswear today is less about following rules and more about understanding personal style,” says Chirag. “Our designs are meant to support that confidence. When done right, patchwork becomes a quiet expression of individuality.”

Designed for Longevity

In an era dominated by fast fashion, Pleyne remains committed to longevity. Each piece is designed to age gracefully, both in construction and style. Precision patchwork plays a key role in this philosophy, offering enduring visual interest that remains relevant season after season.

By redefining patchwork as a controlled, intentional craft, Pleyne contributes to a new chapter in menswear — one where detail matters, craftsmanship is visible, and clothing feels personal rather than performative.

Budget 2026 Must Accelerate MedTech Innovation and Expand Equitable Healthcare Access

By: Dipu Bose, Head, Medical Technology, ZEISS India & Neighboring Markets

We are optimistic that the upcoming Union Budget will introduce transformative reforms to address critical gaps in India’s healthcare access and infrastructure. The focus should be on reducing tax burdens, expanding incentives for innovation, and significantly increasing public health spending to build a more inclusive and robust healthcare system that benefits every citizen, regardless of income or location.

Expanding Production Linked Incentive (PLI 2.0) schemes for medical devices is vital to fostering innovation and reducing import reliance. Complementing this with phased manufacturing programs (PMP) and globally-aligned incentives for biosimilars, novel therapies, and research and development (R&D) will strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem and bolster global competitiveness. 

Increasing public health spending to over 2.5% of GDP is essential to improving primary care and addressing decades of underinvestment in rural healthcare. Strategic investments in district hospitals, rural facilities, and telemedicine, particularly in Tier II/III cities, will bridge healthcare gaps, reduce financial strain on lower-income communities, and ensure equitable access for all.

India faces pressing challenges in delivering affordable and accessible healthcare, especially in underserved regions. Aligning GST rates for essential medical devices to the 5% slab and reducing cumulative taxes such as Basic Customs Duty (BCD), GST, and Health Cess will make critical medical devices more affordable for consumers, particularly in areas with limited domestic manufacturing capacity.

Simplifying import-export procedures by aligning with global best practices and reducing regulatory barriers can expedite device registration, classification, and clearances, enabling faster market entry for imported MedTech products. Implementing accelerated depreciation or tax incentives for hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers investing in ophthalmic equipment such as OCTs, surgical microscopes, fundus cameras, lasers, and perimeters can help offset the significant upfront costs associated with these critical investments.

The Science of Warm vs Cool Light: What Most Homes Get Wrong

Jaipur, Jan 21: One of the most persistent misconceptions in residential interiors is the belief that lighting decisions begin and end with brightness. In reality, colour temperature plays a far more influential role—shaping how architectural volumes are perceived, how materials respond, and how spatial depth unfolds throughout the day. Warm and cool light are not merely stylistic preferences; they are scientific tools that directly affect comfort, clarity, and visual balance.

At Lumeil, lighting is approached as a calibrated design element. By understanding how colour temperature interacts with form and material, designers can move beyond trial-and-error solutions to create interiors that feel cohesive, composed, and visually effortless.

What Warm and Cool Light Really Do

Warm light, typically ranging between 2700K and 3000K, produces a soft, inviting glow that promotes relaxation and visual ease. Cool light, usually above 4000K, appears sharper and more neutral, supporting alertness and precision. Problems arise when these temperatures are applied without spatial intent.

One of the most common mistakes is treating cool light as a universal solution for contemporary interiors. While it has its place, excessive use can flatten textures, exaggerate contrast, and make living spaces feel sterile rather than refined.

“Light temperature directly influences how surfaces behave and how people feel within a space,” says Naman Jain, Founder of Lumeil. “When temperature is treated as an afterthought, even well-designed interiors can lose their sense of balance.”

How Materials Respond to Light Temperature

Materials reveal their true character only under the right light. Warm illumination enhances depth in wood, stone, metal, and textured finishes, allowing surfaces to appear richer and more dimensional.

A sculptural fixture such as the Allure Golden Orb Crystal Chandelier performs best under warm light, where the crystal diffuses illumination softly across volumes instead of producing harsh reflections. Similarly, the Adonis Premium Chandelier benefits from warmer tones that support material warmth and visual calm.

Under overly cool lighting, these same finishes can appear flat, disconnected, and visually unresolved.

Room-Specific Lighting Decisions

Living Areas
Living spaces benefit from warm to neutral light that encourages conversation and relaxation. Ambient fixtures like the Allure Golden Orb Crystal Chandelier or the Adonis Premium Chandelier establish visual hierarchy while preserving the natural warmth of materials. Accent lighting, such as the Outline Wall Light, adds depth without clutter when used in warmer tones.

Dining Spaces
Dining areas require clarity without harshness. The Panache Pendant Light, paired with warm or neutral illumination, highlights the dining surface while maintaining intimacy. Colour temperature here directly affects how food, finishes, and skin tones are perceived making warmth essential.

Bedrooms
Bedrooms are especially sensitive to light temperature. Cool light can disrupt rest and visual comfort. Soft, warm illumination through fixtures like the Aura Table Lamp or the Roseate Floor Lamp creates an atmosphere conducive to relaxation while allowing materials to retain their softness and depth.

Work and Study Zones
Cool or neutral light has a role when used selectively. In task-oriented zones, clarity takes precedence over ambience. The Duo LED Wall Light provides focused illumination that supports concentration without spilling glare into surrounding spaces.

“The mistake isn’t using cool light,” notes Jain. “The mistake is using it everywhere. Good lighting design is about containment and balance.”

Why Many Homes Feel Overlit

Homes often feel visually uncomfortable because warm and cool light sources are mixed without intention. When colour temperatures clash, materials appear inconsistent and spaces lose cohesion.

Today, designers consider light temperature alongside fixture selection—not as an afterthought. Even the most well-designed pendant or wall light performs only as well as the quality and tone of light it emits.

A More Informed Approach to Lighting

Understanding the science of colour temperature allows interiors to align naturally with daily rhythms. Warm light supports winding down, while cool light supports activity. Thoughtful transitions between the two enable spaces to evolve from day to evening without visual fatigue.

At Lumeil, lighting collections are curated to function within these principles. Each fixture is designed to work as part of a considered lighting scheme rather than as an isolated statement.

Warm and cool light are not opposing forces—they are complementary tools that demand restraint and understanding. Homes that feel calm, balanced, and architecturally resolved are rarely the result of brighter lighting. They are the result of better lighting decisions.

By recognising how colour temperature shapes perception, material response, and human behaviour, designers and homeowners alike can create interiors that feel coherent, comfortable, and enduring.

The Hosteller scales rapidly in 2025, driven by inventory expansion and strong repeat demand 

New Delhi,  Jan 21: The Hosteller, India’s largest backpacker hostel chain, announced strong growth in 2025, driven by inventory expansion, rising repeat demand, and an increasing share of direct bookings. During January–December 2025, the brand added 2,100 new beds, a 72% year-on-year increase in bed inventory, and expanded its footprint to 5,100 beds across 72 hostels in 56 cities. In total, the company added 19 new hostels, marking a 25% growth in the number of hostels during the year.

The brand served 496,554 guests in 2025, reflecting robust demand in domestic travel. A key highlight of the year was the rise in guest loyalty, with the repeat guest rate increasing to 38.3%, up from 16.4% in 2024, representing 133% year-on-year growth. Direct bookings accounted for 55% of total reservations, demonstrating strong customer trust and engagement.

The Hosteller operates on a self-operated model, maintaining full control over guest experience and operational standards. In 2025, 95% of the company’s revenue came from self-operated hostels, with the remaining 5% from operational management contracts. By building a geographically diversified network, The Hosteller has been able to reduce the impact of seasonality, while standardised operations, technology-driven revenue management, and a community-first approach have supported efficient growth.

Commenting on the performance, Pranav Dangi, CEO & Founder, The Hosteller said, 

“2025 has been a strong year for us. We expanded our network to 56 cities and added 2,100 beds while maintaining operational control across all hostels. The growth in repeat guests and direct bookings demonstrates the trust in our brand and the strength of our community-led, self-operated model.”

Looking ahead, The Hosteller plans to continue expanding across key travel destinations in India, focusing on strengthening repeat guest engagement, direct bookings, and operational efficiency.