Category Archives: News

Whistling Woods International Hosts 2024 Media & Communication Masterclass Marathon on Industry Insights

Mumbai, October, 2024: The 6th edition of the Whistling Woods International (WWI) School of Media & Communication (SMC) Masterclass Marathon recently concluded, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned industry professionals across Public Relations, Digital Marketing, and Sports Broadcasting domains. The event featured interactive sessions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise. The Masterclass Marathon is an integral part of WWI Media & Communication programme to prepare its students for the evolving demands of the media & entertainment (M&E) industry.

The Masterclass Marathon opened with a session led by Mr. Shashikant Someshwar, Managing Director of Current Global India, who provided an in-depth exploration of the evolving role of public relations in today’s marketing landscape. He emphasised how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the focus from traditional advertising to reputation management, with PR gaining centre stage. He discussed the growing relevance of storytelling in building brands and noted the need for media audits as a key component in assessing brand perception.

The second session featured Mr. Govind Rai, Co-Founder of Insomniacs Digital Pvt. Ltd., also an alumnus of WWI. He shared his journey from the real estate sector to digital marketing. His firm’s success, now a 300-member team with Meta and Google partnerships, stands as a testament to his belief in innovation and perseverance. Mr. Rai spoke about how standing out in business is key, encouraging students to embrace unique approaches rather than following the “rat race.” The session also delved into how digital tools have revolutionised transactions, especially in real estate sector, and stressed the need for continuous skill development in AI and digital platforms.

The final session, led by veteran sports journalist, Mr. Gaurav Kalra, offered a deep dive into the world of sports broadcasting. He reflected on his experiences covering global events like the Olympics, recounting the technical challenges of early broadcasting versus today’s advanced digital tools. He emphasised the transformative role of social media in creating real-time interactions between athletes and fans, as well as the growing importance of data analytics in shaping personalised content.

Talking about the event, Rahul Puri, Director – Academics, WWI said, “The SMC Masterclass Marathon is a vital platform for our students to engage directly with industry veterans. It exemplifies our commitment to bridge academic learning with real-world expertise. Each session delivered invaluable, real-world insights, offering the students a deeper understanding of the evolving M&E landscape, while equipping them with actionable tools needed to excel in their professional journeys. It’s a testament to the kind of immersive, career-oriented education we foster, where learning is dynamic, experiential, and directly aligned with industry needs.”

The event successfully provided WWI Media & Communication students with key knowledge and inspiration, preparing them for the rapidly evolving professional landscape.

The Detailing Mafia announces expansion plan for opening 200 car care studios by 2027

National, 16th October 2024: The Detailing Mafia, a leading provider of car detailing services, today announced the significant expansion of its nationwide network. Through its franchise business model, the brand has successfully launched over 200 stores across the country in the past four years, fortifying its position as a dominant player in the automotive detailing industry.

At present, The Detailing Mafia exists in 23 states and 4 union territories, including all the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Agra, Chandigarh, Bhopal, etc. Additionally, the brand has made its international presence by opening a detailing studio in Nepal.

Having achieved a significant milestone, the brand has ambitious plans to expand its reach and accessibility to customers residing across the country. The company has set a strategic goal of opening an additional 200 stores by the end of 2027. This aggressive growth strategy will enable the brand to serve a wider customer base and meet the increasing demand for high-quality car detailing services. The brand has set a target to expand its business in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and capture the international market.

“We are thrilled to announce the rapid growth of our store network in the next 3 years. The plan resonates with our commitment to provide exceptional car detailing services PAN India and aligns with rising demands of customers residing in the country and internationally as well. This expansion reflects our dedication of catering to the evolving needs of our customers and becoming a trusted partner in automotive care”, said Mr. Kunal Sethi, CEO of The Detailing Mafia.

The brand offers a comprehensive range of detailing services, including Ceramic Coating, PPF, Bike Detailing, Ceramic Wash, Steam Wash, Peelable Paint, Car Denting Painting, and Windshield Protection Film. Each franchise studio is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by highly trained professionals passionate about delivering meticulous results. The brand’s focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation has been instrumental in its success. The Detailing Mafia International Car Care Solutions, a pioneer in safety standards within the car care industry, proudly announces its commitment to delivering exceptional detailing services for international vehicles, ensuring both excellence and reliability for discerning clients worldwide.

Corvi Launches Industry’s First Ultra-Efficient LED Bulb, Cuts Power Use by 33% and Lasts 50 Years

Corvi, a global leader in lighting innovation, proudly announces the launch of its ground breaking 6W 4-Star LED bulb, the most ultra-efficient option in India. This bulb delivers the same brightness as a 9W 1-Star LED bulb currently on the market, while consuming only 6W of power. Offering the same powerful illumination with significantly lower energy consumption, the bulb has a 50-year lifespan, several times longer than standard LEDs, and reduces power consumption by 33%. With its 4-star rating, this product represents a major leap forward in energy efficiency. Over its lifetime, it cuts carbon emissions by 1.94 kg annually, reducing the overall carbon footprint by an impressive 90%. Corvi’s innovative technology enhances both performance and sustainability, setting new standards in the lighting industry. Mumbai, October 2024

For the first time since the Edison era, Corvi has reimagined bulb design with a sleek, non-protruding shape that optimises performance while minimising environmental impact. By reducing plastic usage by 50% in its design, Corvi has significantly lowered carbon emissions throughout the product’s lifecycle, all while improving logistical efficiency, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

The 6W bulb delivers an impressive 810 Lumens of brightness, outperforming industry benchmarks and offering consumers superior lighting. This breakthrough underscores Corvi’s commitment to research and development, further establishing its leadership in the lighting sector.

 “I’ve always wondered why the shape of bulbs had to remain stagnant. This curiosity drove us to innovate a new design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhances energy efficiency—an essential requirement for the future. Our latest technology showcases this commitment, as we redefine the future of LED lighting with innovative and sustainable solutions tailored for modern consumers. This represents a significant leap forward in our journey.”Vimal Soni, Founder of Corvi LED, stated

Corvi continues to set the standard in lighting excellence, with a global demand for over 20 billion units and 1 billion in India alone. With more than 200 patents and design registrations, Corvi’s products are exported to 24 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Every product is proudly made in India, reflecting the company’s commitment to local manufacturing and quality.

Scandalous Foods Survey: Traditional Sweets Sales Surge 55% Pre-Festive, Outpacing Western Desserts

Mumbai, 16th October 2024: Scandalous Foods, a leading B2B innovator in Indian sweets for the restaurant and catering industry, has released a revealing survey detailing consumer preferences during the festive season. The report sheds light on the dominant position of traditional Indian sweets, which have surged ahead of Western desserts and ice creams in festive consumption patterns.

The survey, conducted among a mix of over 1,000 consumers and 100 restaurants, underscores a clear preference for classic Indian mithais prior to the festivities, which now account for 55% of all festive dessert sales. By comparison, Western desserts make up only 25% of sales, with ice creams and chocolates rounding out the remaining 20%. Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and innovative fusion desserts such as Rasmalai Tiramisu have emerged as top choices, especially in the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) segment.

Scandalous Foods attributes this growth to several factors, including the growing trend toward healthier, innovative dessert options and a pricing strategy that resonates with both consumers and businesses. Expanding their distribution network from 400 to over 1,500 touchpoints in the last year alone has also contributed to the increased availability and accessibility of these beloved sweets, particularly during the festive season.

Commenting on the findings, Sanket S, Co-Founder of Scandalous Foods, stated, “It has never been in doubt that Indian sweets are world-beaters when it comes to satisfying sweet cravings, especially during festive seasons. Our latest survey reinforces that traditional mithais continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers, particularly in moments of celebration. As we scale our operations and innovate with fusion desserts, we are excited to meet the evolving demands of the market while staying true to the rich heritage of Indian sweets.”

The survey also highlights the pivotal role that the HoReCa sector plays in the resurgence of traditional Indian desserts. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and cloud kitchens, in particular, have driven the surge in orders, with festive gifting also contributing strongly to sales growth. Additionally, the rise of fusion sweets, blending traditional and modern flavors, reflects a growing trend toward culinary experimentation, especially among younger consumers.

As the festive season continues to unfold, Scandalous Foods anticipates sustained demand for both classic and innovative sweets, predicting that Indian mithais will continue to capture a dominant share of the market well into the wedding season and beyond.

Justdial reports 47% Surge in organic food searches, India’s appetite for healthy living grows

The Indian organic food market is experiencing a meteoric rise, driven by a growing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with organic products. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, the market size reached a substantial US$ 1,582.2 Million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.19% to reach US$ 8,918.5 Million by 2032.

This surge in demand can be attributed to several factors, including a heightened understanding of the health hazards posed by chemical pesticides and fertilisers and a rising consciousness about the long-term benefits of organic food consumption. To meet this growing demand, businesses in the food industry are expanding their organic offerings and investing in sustainable farming practices. This has led to a surge in organic food-related searches across India. A recent study by Justdial, India’s No.1 local search engine, revealed a significant increase in searches for organic food manufacturers, retailers, farms, grocery stores, and product dealers.

Between June and August 2024, organic food searches across India witnessed a remarkable 47% increase compared to the previous quarter. This surge was particularly pronounced in metropolitan cities, with Mumbai leading the way at a staggering 90% increase. Other major cities like Pune (65%), Delhi (55%), Hyderabad (54%), Bangalore (40%), Chennai (38%), and Ahmedabad (24%) also saw significant growth in organic food searches during this period.

In non-metropolitan cities, organic food searches increased by 45% overall. Bhopal experienced a phenomenal increase in organic food with searches between June and August 2024 becoming 18 fold when compared to the previous quarter. Coimbatore also saw a substantial increase of 62%.

One of the most notable trends observed was the substantial rise in searches for organic food manufacturers, which saw a 79% overall increase in searches. The top cities for these searches were Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Delhi. Organic food retailers saw a significant increase in searches, with a 68% overall rise. Bhopal witnessed the most dramatic increase, with searches reaching 49 times compared to the previous quarter. Other cities that saw spikes included Mumbai (152%), Hyderabad (106%), Delhi (100%), Bangalore (44%), and Chennai (40%).

Organic farms, grocery stores, and product dealers also experienced increased search interest. Organic farms saw a 31% overall increase, with the top cities being Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. Organic grocery stores saw a 25% increase, with the top cities being Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Organic product dealers saw a 13% increase, with Chennai being the top city for these searches.

These findings underscore the growing awareness and acceptance of organic food among Indian consumers. As the demand for organic products continues to rise, businesses in the food industry would do well to capitalise on this trend by offering a wider range of organic options and educating consumers about the benefits of organic living.

Chef at Residence- A Culinary Journey with Aunty Vandana Talreja at Roxie

Roxie is thrilled to unveil its “Chef at Residence” program, headlined by the exceptional Aunty Vandana Talreja, a celebrated chef known for her mastery of authentic, soulful cooking. For two weeks, Aunty Talreja will transform the Roxie dining experience with her iconic dishes—Keema Samosa and Dal Pakwan—inviting guests to savor the flavors of her rich culinary heritage.

More than just adding new items to the menu, Aunty Talreja will engage directly with diners, sharing the heartfelt stories behind each dish and collecting invaluable feedback to fine-tune the menu. Elevating this experience further, she will lead exclusive masterclasses, offering guests an inside look at the techniques behind her beloved recipes.

Though a pure vegetarian, Aunty Talreja’s expertise spans both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every dish. Originally from Erode, Tamil Nadu, and now based in Bangalore, her passion for cooking and her talent for crafting authentic North Indian cuisine have earned her widespread admiration.

Roxie’s “Chef at Residence” program is a celebration of culinary tradition and innovation, designed to offer guests a truly immersive and memorable dining experience, connecting them to the roots of the food they love in a way that’s both intimate and inspiring.

Traqo Secures Pre-Seed Funding from We Founder Circle to Enhance Logistics with No-Code SaaS Platform

New Delhi, India –16 October 2024 – Traqo.io, a no-code Third-party logistics management platform for the manufacture, has raised an undisclosed amount in its pre-seed funding round, led by We Founder Circle. Promising to revolutionise logistics, the innovative platform offers real-time, integrated management solutions that eliminate the need for manual processes like spreadsheets and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Founded by Mukesh Deogune (IIT BHU), along with a seasoned team from Microsoft, HSBC, and Reliance, Traqo is already making waves in the logistics industry with its SaaS-based platform that covers the entire freight lifecycle—from procurement and tracking to audit and settlement. The platform claims to be 10x faster and cheaper than current market alternatives, providing stakeholders such as manufacturers,with powerful tools for streamlining their operations.

Mukesh Deogune, Founder of Traqo.io says “Traqo is enabling logistics stakeholders to manage their operations on a single, neutral platform, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and scalability. With the backing of We Founder Circle, we are set to expand our AI-driven features and empower businesses to gain full visibility and control over their logistics.”

We Founder Circle sees Traqo’s innovative approach to logistics management as a game-changer for industries fraught with challenges. “Solving a real-world problem, Traqo’s no-code platform has the potential to redefine how logistics is managed across sectors, offering businesses the ability to optimize every aspect of their freight lifecycle,” said Neeraj Tyagi, Co-Founder & CEO, We Founder Circle.

The No-Code-Saas platform offers an easy-to-customize, drag-and-drop modules for freight procurement, tracking, trip planning, SLA management, fund audit, and invoicing. It deploys a combination of SIM-based tracking, GPS, and toll gate data for real-time monitoring. Furthermore, it’s AI-based trip planner for route optimization and 3D load optimisation, allows organisations to achieve cost and operational efficiencies.

The innovative start-up has 51+ SMEs onboard and growing at 3X YOY. The start-up is further looking at a Total Addressable Market (TAM) of USD 215 billion, with pan-India and global opportunities.

The latest infusion of funds are going to be used for scaling Traqo’s AI and tech team, enhancing the platform to meet the growing demands for efficient logistics solutions in the manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. By offering a pay-as-you-go subscription model, Traqo provides cost-effective, flexible solutions that are accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Cellecor Gadgets Collaborates with Stars for Festive Smart TV Extravaganza

New Delhi, 16th October 2024: Cellecor Gadgets Limited, a pioneer in the consumer electronics industry, is pleased to announce its exciting festive collaboration with Bollywood legends Shakti Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Gulshan Grover, and Snehil Dixit Mehra. This power-packed promotion highlights Cellecor’s Smart TVs under the tagline, “Ab Happiness Banegi Aur Bhi Affordable,” redefining home entertainment and making it accessible to all.

Known for delivering cutting-edge technology at affordable prices, Cellecor is a leader in bringing high-performance electronics that enrich everyday life. This festive campaign celebrates more than just innovation—it highlights the joy, laughter, and togetherness that Cellecor Smart TVs bring to families during the festive season.

Through collaborations with these cherished icons, Cellecor expands its reach, harnessing their star power to forge a deeper bond with audiences across the country. Each celebrity infuses the campaign with their distinctive charisma, embodying Cellecor’s commitment to making premium technology accessible while spreading joy and positivity.

Mr. Ravi Agarwal, MD and Founder, Cellecor Gadgets Limited said “The campaign is set to spark excitement with engaging content, social media activations, and festive promotions, showcasing how Cellecor’s Smart TVs enhance the season’s celebrations. In a competitive market, Cellecor stands apart by offering feature-rich, budget-friendly Smart TVs, proving that “happiness doesn’t need to come at a high price.”

Stay tuned for thrilling promotions and events featuring our celebrity ambassadors throughout the festive season! Join Cellecor in making this festive season brighter and more affordable with our Smart TVs.

Tata Digital Launches Tata AIA’s Life Insurance Products on the Tata Neu App

National, October 16, 2024: Tata Digital, in association with Tata AIA Life Insurance, has introduced a comprehensive range of life insurance products on its platform, Tata Neu. This strategic move reinforces Tata Neu’s position as a one-stop-shop for customers’ financial needs.

To enhance the customer experience, the insurance buying process has been streamlined to just three clicks. Backed by customer data and insights, pre-approved offers are instantly presented, eliminating the need for elaborate documentation. Policy documents are then issued seamlessly and sent via email within seconds, providing a quick and seamless purchase journey. Consistent with Tata Neu’s reward proposition, customers can also earn NeuCoins, which can be redeemed across the Tata ecosystem, with additional benefits for Tata Neu HDFC Credit Card holders.

Leveraging Tata Neu’s digital capabilities, users can now seamlessly access a wide range of Tata AIA’s life insurance solutions tailored to their specific requirements. These include:
• Term life insurance solutions such as Maha Raksha Supreme Select with pre-approved sum assured of up to INR 2 crore, can now be purchased in a few clicks
• Wealth creation plans wherein customers can choose from over 10 Tata AIA equity funds. Notably, these funds have consistently outperformed their benchmark. Customers can do multiple fund switches without incurring any charges
• Other products to be offered soon include Fortune Guarantee Pension, which provides guaranteed income for life after retirement

Amreesh Kher, Chief Business Officer, Insurance, Tata Digital, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, said, “Our partnership with Tata AIA Life Insurance marks a significant milestone for financial services on Tata Neu. The incredible response that we have seen in the first few days is a testament to the demand for accessible, affordable, and top-tier life insurance solutions. We’re empowering our customers to protect their assets and build wealth in a convenient and secure manner. Tata Neu’s user-friendly platform and digital capabilities provide the perfect channel to reach a wide range of customers and offer them tailored solutions that meet their specific needs.”

Jeelani Basha, President and Chief Distribution Officer, Alternate & Emerging Channels, Tata AIA added, “We are delighted to have our consumer centric solutions available on Tata Neu. This will enable us to make life insurance easily accessible to today’s digital native consumers through their preferred shopping platform, Tata Neu. We are committed to offering new age financial protection and wealth accumulation opportunities to Tata Neu’s consumers, thereby empowering them to live fikar-free.”

Tata Neu has become a preferred e-commerce app for millions of consumers, offering products across grocery, consumer durables, electronics, travel, hospitality etc. With the addition of life insurance solutions, Tata Neu further strengthens its position as a comprehensive financial services platform.

Tata AIA Life Insurance is a leading life insurance company in India, offering a diverse range of solutions including term cover, savings plans, investment plans, and retirement solutions.

ITC Grand Chola Leads Sustainability with Cleanliness Drive under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Chennai

ITC Grand Chola, in collaboration with local communities and volunteers, successfully conducted a cleanliness drive along Race Course Road today. The initiative aimed to promote environmental consciousness, a cleaner and healthier environment, and contribute to the city’s efforts toward sustainability.

This large-scale effort was supported by over 25 volunteers, including ITC Grand Chola’s associates, all committed to keeping our surroundings clean and green. The drive, part of ITC Hotels’ larger environmental initiative, focused on removing waste, educating participants on proper waste management practices, and encouraging the public to take an active role in keeping public spaces clean. Participants were equipped with biodegradable waste bags, gloves, and safety equipment, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly clean-up.

“Our mission is to not just curate luxurious experiences, but also meaningful impact in the communities we serve. This cleanliness drive is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and our responsibility to give back to the environment,” said Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager, ITC Grand Chola. “We hope this initiative will inspire others to take action and be part of the larger effort to keep our city clean and green for generations to come.”

ITC Grand Chola continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship, setting an example for both corporate and community efforts in sustainable living and Responsible Luxury.