Category Archives: News

Mercedes-Benz R&D India Commemorates 10 Years of Advancing Road Safety Through Accident Research

India, December 12, 2024 – Emphasising its commitment to enhancing road safety awareness, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) — the largest research and development centre for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside Germany — celebrated 10 years of its Accident Research team in India at the Mercedes-Benz SAFE ROADS India Summit 2024 in Bengaluru.

Road safety continues to be a pressing concern in India. In 2023, there were over 4.8 lakh road accidents, which claimed 1.72 lakh lives[1]. Our accident investigations in India show that 95% of the driver and front passengers who used seat belts were uninjured, revealing the power of passive safety systems.

Research and innovation in road safety are bridging the gap between risk and safety. Established as the digital hub of global accident research operations, the Accident Research team in India specialises in accident reconstruction, anonymisation, and data analytics across various accident databases, enabling the evaluation of safety system effectiveness under diverse Indian road conditions. Starting active accident investigations in 2019, the team has investigated 52 critical accident cases, including seven involving electric vehicles. A significant milestone includes the first EQS accident investigation, an event that underscored the team’s expertise in emerging automotive technologies. By comparing accident data, the team gains insights into typical accident and deformation patterns, aiding the development of more effective protection systems and enhancing the safety of future Mercedes-Benz vehicle models.

“Road safety is a global challenge that demands localised understanding and actionable solutions. At Mercedes-Benz, our ultimate purpose transcends technology; it’s saving human lives. MBRDI’s decade-long accident research provides crucial insights in fulfilling this purpose. With safety embedded in its core ethos, Mercedes-Benz uses data-driven innovation to address the unique challenges of diverse markets while advancing the collective vision of accident-free mobility by 2050. This milestone marks an important step in translating that vision into reality for India and beyond,” said Prof. Dr. Paul Dick, Director of Vehicle Safety, Durability, Corrosion Protection, Mercedes-Benz AG.

Building on the legacy of 55 years of the Accident Research team in Germany, the India team handles end-to-end responsibilities for Indian accident cases and has developed deep learning-based image anonymisation with over 80% accuracy. With tools such as Xentry diagnostics and Python-based accident data analysis, Mercedes-Benz is leveraging and developing technologies to accelerate the implementation of vehicle safety improvements. The team also uses 3D scanning with Scaniverse, real-time digital data entry, and augmented reality through VuZix smart glasses for efficient global collaboration. e-Call data ensures precise accident tracking, while sophisticated anonymisation techniques protect privacy.

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India said, “We believe that road safety is not just a priority but a shared responsibility. SAFE ROADS is a testament to our commitment to raising awareness, increasing collaboration, and taking an insights-driven approach to address India’s unique road safety challenges. Our teams conduct meticulous critical accident data collection and analyses, enabling us to identify patterns and develop impactful solutions. By integrating technology and partnerships, we are not just enhancing the safety capabilities of our vehicles but are also driving a shift towards safer road practices in India.”

The Mercedes-Benz SAFE ROADS India Summit is part of the nationwide SAFE ROADS initiative launched in 2015, bringing together policymakers, academia, industry, NGOs, and students to foster dialogue and showcase innovative solutions for road safety. A distinguished panel featuring Piyush Tewari, Founder & CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation, M. N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic), Bengaluru, and Pramod Reddemreddy, Director of Marketing, Strategy & Innovation, Bosch Mobility India explored the significance of in-depth data for improved safety.

SAFE ROADS India Summit 2024 also included a student ideathon on road safety, where a team from IIT Madras emerged the winner for their idea on LiDAR-based terrain drop-off detection for ADAS. This uses high-precision sensors to map real-time terrain and alert drivers to hazards in hilly regions. The first runner-up from IIT Hyderabad shared the idea of a dynamic driver feedback system leveraging artificial intelligence to integrate vehicle kinematic characteristics and driver behaviour, providing real-time recommendations for safer driving. The second runner-up, also from IIT Madras, proposed a geo-fencing solution that automatically enforces speed limits in sensitive areas such as school zones and residential neighbourhoods by communicating with a vehicle’s electronic control unit. These ideas demonstrate cutting-edge approaches to improving road safety through advanced technology and intelligent systems.

Goyal Salt to Establish Major Plant in Gandhidham with Rs 80 Crore Investment

Jaipur, December 12, 2024: Goyal Salt Limited, leading FMCG player which specializes in salt, is investing ₹80 crore to set up a large salt manufacturing plant in Gandhidham near salt capital of Kutch with a capacity of 4,50,000 MT. Spread over 12 acres of land, the plant is at trial run stage and expected to be operational by end of January 2025. With this plant, Goyal Salt is going to be the largest player in natural salt in India.

Besides Gandhidham plant, the company has one unit in Nawa City spread over in 15 acres solely dedicated for salt refining, raw salt storage and refined salt packaging with a capacity of 2,10,000 MT p.a.

Goyal Salt produces premium industrial and edible salts which Includes Triple Refined Free Flow Iodized Salt, Industrial Salt, Double Fortified Salt, and Triple Refined Half Dry Salt. It has built a robust presence in North India with presence in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. It is ambitiously eyeing a spot among the top 3 salt brands in India, as it continues to strengthen the brand in Western part of the country like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Pramesh Goyal, Managing Director said, “Gandhidham offers a conducive business environment and continues to be a top destination for investments. This new plant is a key step in our expansion, fostering growth in Western and Eastern parts of the country like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha and Assam.

The new Gandhidham facility represents a substantial investment of ₹ 80 crore, underscoring our commitment to make Goyal Salt a household name in India. The plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure designed to meet the high standards of salt production, ensuring that we continue to deliver world-class products to our customers.”

India is currently the third largest salt producing country, a position that reflects its strong performance and growth potential. While, Goyal Salt has been focusing on increasing its production capacity, expanding its product portfolio and market presence.

Beauty Garage Professional Takes Center Stage as Runway Partner at Cosmoprof India 2024

Mumbai, December 12, 2024 – Beauty Garage Professional, the only Indian hair care brand at Cosmoprof India 2024, stood out at the global event held at Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai. The brand showcased its extensive product range and highlighted its recent acquisition of Gofab Genesis LLP.

As the official Runway Partner for Runway for Cosmoprof Awards by Cosmoprof India, Beauty Garage Professional added glamour to the event, featuring designs by Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini A special highlight was CEO and Co-Founder of Beauty Garage Professional, Mahesh Ravaria walking the ramp, symbolizing the brand’s innovation and spirit.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Ravaria said, “Cosmoprof India 2024 has been an incredible platform to showcase our products and connect with global industry leaders. Walking the ramp as the sponsor partner of the Runway by Cosmoprof India was a unique and proud moment, reflecting our brand’s journey and aspirations. We are committed to representing India on a global stage through innovation and excellence.”

Cosmoprof India 2024 provided a vibrant platform for networking, collaboration, and celebrating creativity in the beauty industry. Beauty Garage Professional’s participation and its distinctive “Made in India” identity resonated strongly among attendees, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in the hair care space.

Axis Bank Projects 7% Growth for FY26, Highlighting Local Drivers Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

Nagpur, December, 2024: Pegging growth at an above-consensus 7% in FY26, Axis Bank’s Chief Economist Neelkanth Mishra finds support for the domestic economy in capital formation boosted by a capex cycle reboot, and tailwinds from back-ended fiscal spending in FY25, and the CRR cut and likely further macro-prudential easing helping revive credit growth. In the bank’s India Economic and Market Outlook 2025 report, Mishra and co-authors Prateek Ancha, Tanay Dalal, Pulkit Kapoor and Smriti Mehra highlight heightened global uncertainty in trade, elevated interest rates, slowing growth and deflation risks in China, and currency volatility. However, they believe the major drivers of India’s economy getting back to its trend growth rate of 7% remain local.

Report Highlights

•  Current global growth forecasts show stability, but uncertainty about US policy after 20-Jan clouds visibility.
• Uncertainty in global trade and financial markets likely to remain elevated; higher global rates and USDINR volatility likely.
• 1HFY25 slowdown was driven by unintended fiscal and credit tightening: fiscal spending is already rising, and the CRR cut should ease growth headwinds arising from a shortage of money.
•  The tailwinds from back-ended fiscal spending in FY25, and better credit growth, supported by expected further macro-prudential easing should help the economy reach its potential growth rate of 7% in FY2026.

Uncertain global economic environment; window of opportunity for reforms in India

• Global growth in CY25E is currently projected to be unchanged from CY24 at 3.2%, with the trend growth ~30-40 bps below pre-Covid levels.
•  Under the new US President, who has won a mandate to course-correct or disrupt trade, taxes, regulations, immigration and energy among others, policy pronouncements after 20-Jan-25 are key. Even if their contours and likely impact are uncertain.
•  Trade tariffs may be ineffective in isolation (fiscal deficits, exchange rates and industrial policy matter too), but can indeed disrupt global trade growth. Global trade growth since 2016 has ben driven primarily by the US (imports) and China (exports) post 2016.
• In India, a nearly empty state-election calendar provides a window to push reforms.

Financial uncertainty, higher rates, USDINR volatility

•  Neutral rates have risen by more than 1 percent point across developed economies and may remain well above those seen last decade.
•  In India, we do not see inflation easing quickly: over the long term, core and food price indices move together.
• Though food relative to core, and vegetables relative to food, are both at cyclical highs, the supply response may lag the demand boost from income-transfer schemes.
•  Better demand-supply for government bonds though should help reduce yields. We expect USDINR volatility to rise, though it would be unwise to expect USD strength to last the year.

Cyclical rebound to push growth back to trend

•  1H FY24 loss in momentum for the Indian economy is cyclical, and due to unintended fiscal and monetary tightening; the latter due to a focus on macro stability risks which hurt credit growth.
• Fiscal spending is already rising and the CRR cut should ease growth headwinds.
•  We forecast above-consensus 7% growth in FY26, with capital formation boosted by the restart of the capex cycle and tailwinds from back-ended fiscal spending in FY25, supported by further macro-prudential easing to help re-accelerate credit growth.

‘India Economic and Market Outlook 2025: Turbulence globally, while drivers remain local’ – Neelkanth Mishra, Prateek Ancha; Tanay Dalal, Pulkit Kapoor, Smriti Mehra. December 10, 2024, Axis Bank Ltd.

Innovative Conversations at Gillco International School’s ‘Let’s Talk Education’ Event on Future Learning

Gillco International School proudly served as the host of Let’s Talk Education a pioneering 10-day event organized by Bootcamps, which traveled across 10 schools in 10 cities. This extraordinary initiative brought together a diverse group of educators, school leaders, and students to discuss the future of education, explore innovative teaching strategies, and honor exceptional leadership in the education sector.

The event served as a powerful platform for dynamic conversations about the rapidly changing landscape of education, offering opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Mr. Akshay Ahuja, Co-Founder of Bootcamps, delivered an engaging keynote address that set the stage for the entire event. His session focused on revolutionizing education through personalized learning, embracing educational technology, and fostering innovation in schools. Mr. Ahuja emphasized the importance of preparing students for the future by equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary for success in an increasingly digital world. His thought-provoking ideas resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring them to think critically about how they can transform education within their own institutions.

Interactive Workshops and Meaningful Conversations

Beyond the keynote sessions and discussions, ‘Let’s Talk Education’ offered attendees the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops that addressed some of the most pressing challenges in education today. Topics ranged from rethinking curriculum design and advancing digital literacy to adopting student-centered teaching practices and navigating the intersection of technology and pedagogy. These hands-on sessions provided practical tools and strategies that participants could immediately implement in their schools.

A Vision for the Future of Education

Reflecting on the significance of the event,Dr. Kritika Kaushal stated, “‘Let’s Talk Education’ was a transformative experience for all of us at Gillco International School. It not only allowed us to connect with like-minded educators and share ideas but also reinforced our commitment to being at the forefront of educational innovation. This event is a testament to the collective effort required to create a future where education evolves to meet the needs of every student.”

Mr. Akshay Ahuja echoed these sentiments, adding, “Education is no longer just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity. ‘Let’s Talk Education’ is exactly the kind of platform we need to facilitate these discussions, empower educators, and create actionable solutions for the challenges we face in schools today.”

The success of ‘Let’s Talk Education’] at Gillco International School has set a new standard for educational events, reinforcing the school’s position as a leader in embracing innovation and change. Through such initiatives, Gillco continues to create impactful spaces for educators to explore new horizons, exchange ideas, and ultimately shape the future of education in India and beyond.

Times Prime & Shoppers Stop Roll Out the Purple Carpet for ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ Premiere

December 12, 2024 – Times Prime, India’s premium lifestyle app, hosted an exclusive Purple Carpet™ premiere of the highly anticipated film “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” in association with Shoppers Stop, with Cinepolis serving as the venue partner.

The Times Prime Purple Carpet, in association with Shoppers Stop, brought an exclusive movie screening experience to Times Prime & Shoppers Stop’s First Citizen Club members. Designed to provide a superlative cinematic experience, this event offered members the chance to enjoy blockbuster movies at the best theaters.

Members walked the Purple Carpet, enjoyed a food & beverage combo, and received a surprise goodie bag—all at a special members-only price.

As part of its First Citizen Club, Shoppers Stop’s longest running loyalty program, uses this unique initiative to delight and reward its loyal members, enhancing their weekend plans with an unforgettable entertainment experience.

Mr. Pradeep Nidamarthi, Customer Care Associate & Head – Analytics & Loyalty at Shoppers Stop shared their thoughts on the collaboration: “At Shoppers Stop we aim to provide premium experiences to our First Citizen Club members and the exclusive screening of Pushpa 2 in three cities in partnership with Times Prime Purple Carpet was a step towards this endeavour and it was a remarkable success. Our Black card members much appreciated yet another exclusively curated experience.”

Bhimthadi Jatra 2024: Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Traditions of Rural Maharashtra

Pune, 12th December 2024 – The much-awaited Bhimthadi Jatra returns for its 18th edition, promising an unparalleled showcase of Maharashtra’s rural arts, culture, and sustainable innovation. From 20th to 25th December 2024, at the College of Agriculture Ground, Sinchan Nagar, Pune, this iconic event will bring together rural artisans, entrepreneurs, and urban audiences in a vibrant celebration of traditions and modernity.

 This year’s Jatra holds special significance as it marks the 25th Death Anniversary of Padmashree (Late) Shri Appasaheb Pawar, a pioneering agriculturalist renowned for his revolutionary contributions, including the introduction of drip irrigation. In honor of his legacy, a memorial section will be set up at the entrance, highlighting his life and groundbreaking achievements, ensuring that the Jatra remains deeply rooted in agricultural innovation and rural progress.

Expected to attract over 1 lakh visitors, Bhimthadi Jatra 2024 will be a prime platform for promoting rural entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. The event will feature a wide array of exciting highlights, beginning with the Farmers’ Produce Section, which will emphasize “Residue-Free” products, ensuring clear communication regarding the health benefits and sustainability of these items. This section will also showcase GI-tagged products, fresh farm produce, including honey, and other agricultural innovations.

A new Bee and Butterfly Conservation Initiative will introduce an Indigenous Plant Garden, educating visitors on the essential role of pollinators in agriculture and biodiversity.

 The Bhimthadi Select Section will house 30 premium stalls showcasing sustainable textiles, clothing crafted with natural dyes, and handcrafted lifestyle products, reflecting India’s rich artisan heritage. The Swayamsiddha Section, dedicated to women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, will feature items such as bamboo jewelry and clay diyas made by specially-abled children. This section will also highlight FSSAI-certified food products, including millet snacks, pumpkin juice, and wood apple barfi.

For the first time, Telangana Stalls will enrich the Jatra’s cultural tapestry, offering traditional handlooms and authentic cuisine from the region. Another key highlight is the Bara Balutedar Section, which will pay tribute to Maharashtra’s traditional occupational communities. Visitors will witness live demonstrations of rural craftsmanship by artisans such as Chambhars (cobblers), Kumbhars (potters), and Mang (bamboo artisans), providing an immersive experience into Maharashtra’s rural economy.

The food area will continue to be a major attraction, offering authentic Maharashtrian delicacies such as Malvani seafood thalis, Kolhapuri tambda-pandhra rassa, and sweet treats like ukadiche modak and khapri varchi puran poli.
In addition to the exhibits and stalls, the Jatra will host engaging workshops, including a Saree Draping Workshop by Ashwini Narayan, designed to make saree draping fun and accessible for younger audiences.

This year, the #ShareYourPrivilege Campaign will encourage urban audiences especially younger generations to embrace cultural diversity and bridge the rural-urban divide. The event continues its mission to empower women by providing them a platform to showcase their skills and entrepreneurial spirit through handicrafts, textiles, and culinary creations.

Commenting on this Mrs. Sunanda Tai Pawar said “Bhimthadi Jatra is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the heart and soul of rural Maharashtra. This year, as we honor the remarkable legacy of Shri Appasaheb Pawar on his 25th death anniversary, we are reminded of the deep connection between agricultural innovation and sustainable progress. Through this platform, we aim to empower rural artisans and entrepreneurs, fostering a space where tradition and modernity coexist, inspiring both urban and rural communities alike. I invite all to witness this harmonious blend of culture, sustainability, and creativity at Bhimthadi Jatra 2024.”

Manasija’s SAMASRAVA Revives the Glory of Indian Classical Dance with a Stunning Fusion of Three Traditions

On December 12th, 2024, the Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre came alive with the ethereal beauty of Indian classical dance forms performed by renowned artists from across India – Odissi by Arunima Ghosh & troupe and YSNA Awardee Vinod Kevin Bachan, Bharatnatyam by Arohi Munshi and Kathak by Diksha Rawat.

Presented by Manasija, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting timeless art forms, “SAMASRAVA: An Ode to Classical Heritage” was also an opportunity to felicitate Shri Avinash Pasricha, a legendary performing arts photographer, and Vidushi Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, a distinguished scholar and cultural advocate, with the prestigious Manasija Samman 2024, recognizing the two legends for their extraordinary contributions to the realm of culture and arts.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this captivating evening was hosted by Sadhna Shrivastav.

“SAMASRAVA” was more than just a performance; it was a cultural odyssey that took the audience on a journey through time. Each dance form, with its unique style, rhythm, and expression, told a story of love, devotion, and the human experience. The festival aimed to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, showcasing the timeless relevance of classical dance in today’s world.

Arunima Ghosh’s Odissi performance, inspired by Adi Shankaracharya’s Jagannath Ashtakam, evoked the spirit of Lord Jagannath through a tapestry of devotional scenes, from serene morning prayers to the vibrant energy of Rathayatra. This performance was a tribute to both her personal heritage and the timeless devotion to the Lord.

Her second performance, Yahi Madhava, was a poignant composition by the 12th-century saint-poet Jayadeva from the Gita Govinda. Arunima portrayed the emotional turmoil of Radha, expressing her anguish and frustration as she confronted Krishna’s infidelity. This emotionally charged abhinaya piece, choreographed by Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, beautifully portrayed Radha’s love, sorrow, and vulnerability through subtle facial expressions and graceful gestures.

In her third performance, NrittaLeela, an evocative Odissi choreography, celebrated the dance form’s sculptural beauty and lyrical flow. Set to the mesmerizing melodies of Rageshri raga, it unfolded from serene stillness to dynamic expressions of joy, paying homage to Odissi’s timeless elegance and spiritual depth.

Vinod Kevin Bachan performed a solo dance drama titled “Devi Mahamaya: The Rise of the Divine Shakti.” This piece explored the divine energy that gave birth to Durga. Born from the collective wrath and strength of the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura, Durga embodied the essence of their divine attributes. Her ten arms, each wielding a celestial weapon, symbolized her multifaceted power. Riding a lion, she represented the ultimate feminine power, an unstoppable force against evil.

This piece, specially choreographed by Guru Ranjana Gauhar for Kevin, was taken from a larger dance drama. The concept and choreography were by Guru Ranjana Gauhar, while the music composition was by Acharya Bamkin Sethi.

Arohi Munshi presented two traditional compositions choreographed by her mother, Guru Dr. Lata Munshi. The first composition, “Shringara Lahiri” by Lingaraj Urs, was set in the Raagam Neelambari to Adi taalam. It described the goddess as the embodiment of art and music, holding a veena and representing beauty and rhythm. The second composition, “Krishna ni begane baro” by Vyasatirtha, was set in the Raagam Yamuna Kalyani to Mishra Chaapu taalam. It portrayed Mother Yashoda calling out to Krishna, describing his divine beauty and playful nature.

The performances were accompanied by renowned musicians: Vidushi Sudha Raghuraman on vocals and nattuvaangam, Vidwan M. V. Chandrashekhar on mridangam, and Vidwan G. Raghuraman on flute.

Diksha Rawat began with Taal Ashtamangal, a crucial 11-beat Kathak cycle. Choreographed by Guru Uma Dograji, this piece featured uthaan, thaat, and aamad in Vilambit laya, set to Raag Bhinna Shadaj.

Her second presentation was an abhinaya piece, a traditional Banaras Gharana thumri titled “Dagar beech kaise chalu mangdado kanhaiyyabe beer.” Radha pleaded with Krishna to let her go, expressing mixed emotions when he didn’t. Guru Uma Dograji had integrated lines from Dharamveer Bharati’s “Kannupriya” to deepen the emotional impact. The thumri was set in Raag Mishra Khamaj, Dadra Taal, and was sung by Shailendra Bharati ji.

“Odissi is not merely a dance form; it’s a profound journey through India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Each movement, each expression, is a testament to the rich panorama of our traditions,” shared Arunima Ghosh, the renowned Odissi exponent and founder of Manasija. “Through ‘SAMASRAVA,’ we aimed to ignite a passion for classical dance in the hearts of our audience.”

Joining Arunima Ghosh and her troupe was the talented Vinod Kevin Bachan, who mesmerized the audience with his Odissi virtuosity. “Odissi is my life, my breath, my soul. It’s a divine language that transcends words, connecting the dancer to the cosmic rhythm,” he said.

The evening also witnessed the graceful performances of Arohi Munshi, a renowned Bharatnatyam dancer from Bhopal. “Bharatnatyam is a celebration of femininity, a journey of self-discovery, and a communion with the divine. It’s a dance that speaks to the soul,” she shared.

The Kathak maestro, Diksha Rawat from Mumbai, concluded the evening with a scintillating performance. “Kathak is a symphony of rhythm, a kaleidoscope of stories, and a celebration of life. It’s a dance that empowers, inspires, and uplifts,” she said.

To make this event even more memorable, Sandeep Dutta (SNA awardee) was appointed as the Technical Director. Pawan Gusain handled the video recording of the event, while Krishna Chakraborty took care of the photography. This team of talented artists collectively made the event an unforgettable experience.

Through “SAMASRAVA,” Manasija sought to not only entertain but also educate and inspire. By showcasing the diverse beauty of Indian classical dance, the organization hoped to foster a deeper appreciation for these timeless art forms and ensure their legacy for future generations.

Revolutionizing Beauty & Wellness: Worthy Cart Launches AI-Driven Platform with Quality-Checked Products

New Delhi, 12th December 2024: Worthy Cart, an Expert-Driven, AI-powered e-commerce platform offering a comprehensive range of expert-validated, quality-checked beauty and wellness products, launched its operations today with 214+ onboarded brands and 800+ products. Driven by a consumer-first philosophy, all the products undergo an unbiased, rigorous validation process carried out by a dedicated team of Doctors, Experts and a quality control team.

The platform is targeting a Pre-Series A round of USD 10 million in the coming months, for which it is currently in discussions with VC funds and strategic investors. Leveraging the rapid growth of the beauty and wellness sectors, it aims to scale its business through B2B and B2C channels as well with a 1st year revenue target of INR 20 crores. Worthy Cart is also planning to expand its presence into the physical retail space by the end of the year with carefully designed 400-1000 sq.ft stores which will also serve as customer experience centres. The company targets 100 such stores in three years, especially in Tier 2 cities.

Products that achieve the highest safety and effectiveness get certified exclusively under ‘Worthy for You’ – a mark trusted for quality, efficacy and reliability. The 4-step product validation system includes (1) Decoding ingredients, (2) Physical examination, (3) Verifying legal compliance and (4) Quality check. Worthy Cart ensures that only the best and safest beauty and wellness products make it to your cart, with just 7% of over 12,000 products getting listed for sale with strict safety standards and quality checks.

“In today’s rapidly exploding beauty and wellness landscape, the challenge isn’t product availability anymore —it’s identifying products that truly have efficacious ingredients and meet quality standards. At Worthy Cart, we strive to deliver a hyper-personalized shopping experience that places Quality ahead of Quantity. More than just a marketplace, Worthy Cart represents a movement towards informed, conscious self-care investments. This is the Foundational Pledge on which Worthy Cart was founded,” said Sonya Sahni, Co-Founder, Worthy Cart.

The launch was attended by eminent personalities like Revant Himatsingka (Food Pharmer), Dr. Ishi Khosla (Nutritionist), Rajiv Makhni (Tech Guru), Sanjeev Kakkar (Ex Regional Head, HUL) and Malika Sadani (Founder, The Moms Co.), who honoured the platform’s launch with their presence along with Key Opinion Leaders including Manisha Khungar (Triathlete swim coach) and Nriti Shah (Beauty and Fashion Trendsetter) and Ranjan Relan (Founder Agent Analytics.AI). The launch was also attended by 30 + brands whose products have made the selection and they were also felicitated by advisors and industry leaders as Worthy Makers.

“This certification is not just a label, but a pledge and promise that the product has been thoroughly assessed and is the best product of today”, said Varun Suri, Co-Founder, Worthy Cart. “In addition to quality assurance, our investment prospects are particularly strong because of our unique positioning in the market with Expert Intelligence and WorthyAI coming together. We call upon all brands and customers to participate in this journey and make Worthy Cart even better with their inputs,” he added.

WorthyAI, a revolutionary conversational shopping assistant

Another standout feature of the platform is its AI-driven shopping comparison tools, which present the user with recommendations based on individual requirements. Worthy Cart has launched WorthyAI, a revolutionary conversational shopping assistant in its beta phase that combines cutting-edge AI technology with expert-curated selections. Consumers get personalised and need specific health and beauty products for their overall self-care. WorthyAI leverages #VectorLake multi-agent technology, ensuring seamless product recommendations and precise customer engagement.

At Worthy Cart, consumers can shop by concern for curated products. Worthy Cart also believes in making people try the best of the handpicked products, so each customer gets a Worthy Sample. For members, there are special offers on hand-picked, value-added services for lab tests, pregnancy and baby care, weight management, in-house loyalty points and many other membership benefits.

Besides redefining consumer trust, Worthy Cart is championing a shift in industry practices by promoting transparency and accountability among brands. As India continues to be on the move toward healthier, safer beauty and wellness options, government tightening norms in health, beauty, labelling and branding, Worthy Cart is positioned to take the lead with its high standards and advanced technology. With Worthy Cart, it’s time for India to do better for their body and family and #ChooseWise. #ChooseWise is a movement initiated by Worthy Cart with key industry leaders for raising awareness on weak or bad quality products in self-care.

Tata Soulfull Honored with Golden Spoon Award for Excellence in Brand and Retailer Partnership

National, India, December 11, 2024 – Tata Soulfull, a pioneer in the millet based wholesome Snacks and Breakfast Cereals segment, is pleased to announce its win at the prestigious Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards 2024. The brand was presented the title of Best Brand and Retailer Partnership for Launch for its collaboration with Reliance Smart Point. This recognition highlights the success of a synergistic partnership that has set new benchmarks in the Indian food and grocery retail industry.

The Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards, held annually as part of the India Food & Grocery Forum recognize industry leaders for their efforts to improve consumer experiences and highlight excellence in food retail. The collaboration between Tata Soulfull and Reliance Smart Point amalgamates innovation, accessibility, and customer engagement to encourage mindful/wholesome eating through their millet-based food products.

The partnership leveraged the strengths of both brands where Tata Soulfull brought its vast portfolio of millet-based offerings, while Reliance Smart Point provided its extensive distribution network and deep consumer insights. The collaboration saw the creation of innovative food festivals like the Maha Millet Mela, which highlighted the nutritional benefits of millets, engaging customers through promotions and in-store experiences. Through this partnership, Tata Soulfull also introduced new category disruptions, including products like Masala Oats+ Dal Shakti, Masala Muesli and Corn Flakes+ with Millet Shakti, catering to the evolving preferences of consumers. The focus on affordability and trial generation was key, with over 2 lakh trials facilitated, making wholesome breakfast options accessible to a wider spectrum of audience.

Mr Prashant Parameswaran, President – Tata Soulfull, expressed his delight about winning the prestigious award, stating, “We are honoured to win the coveted Golden Spoon Award for our collaboration with Reliance Smart Point. This recognition reinforces our commitment to making millets a household staple through our ‘Desh ke Millets’ proposition. By combining Tata Soulfull’s expertise in millet-based offerings with Reliance’s strong retail network, we are making these super-grains an integral part of modern diets and reaching many more households.”