IFF Fashion Expo 2025 Kickstarts with Grand Campaign Launch at Kochi’s Marine Drive

Kochi, December 11th 2024: Marking the commencement of the IFF Fashion Expo 2025, one of Kerala’s largest and most anticipated fashion events, a special campaign was flagged off at Cochin Marine Drive. As part of the campaign, specially branded cars will travel across all districts of Kerala, led by a team of 55 members.

Key industry figures including Sameer (Wedland Weddings), Khidash Ashraf (Grand Tejas), Nawab Jaan (Prince Pattupavada), Johnson Paravoor (Number 1 Wedding), Saakkir (Fiza), Sajeer (Kasavu Kendra Wedding), Ashraf (Charutha Silks) ,Anil (Suvarnaragam Weddings),Noushad (Dress World) and Chintan K Bhatia, GH Agencies

The IFF Fashion Expo 2025 will be inaugurated by the Honorable Minister Shri Muhammad Riyas on January 7th at 11:00 AM. Members of the IFF organizing committee, including Sadik (Chairman), Sameer Mooppan (Convener), Shanavas (Joint Convener), Shanir (Vice Chairman), and Shafeek (Program Director), were also present at the flag-off ceremony, marking a significant step toward the success of the Fashion Expo.

The third edition of the Fashion Expo, under the Indian Fashion Fair banner, is scheduled to take place on January 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2025, at the Adlux Convention Centre, Angamaly. The IFF Fashion Expo 2025 will feature over 180 stalls showcasing more than 130+ brands, including international names.

OnePlusBrewmance: Third Wave Coffee Joins OnePlus Anniversary Festivities with Special Campaign

Mumbai, December 11, 2024: Two beloved brands synonymous with quality and innovation, Third Wave Coffee and OnePlus India are coming together to mark OnePlus’ 11th brand anniversary with a celebration of creativity, community and craftsmanship. This unique collaboration, aptly named #OnePlusBrewmance, is designed to bring together the passionate communities of both brands through a series of exciting initiatives. Starting 7th December, the campaign promises to leave a lasting impression – because that’s what you get when great coffee meets smart tech!

Telling us more about this partnership, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “At Third Wave Coffee, we believe in creating meaningful connections through shared experiences. The #OnePlusBrewmance collaboration is about more than just celebrating milestones – it’s about an opportunity to explore the intersection of coffee and technology in fresh, exciting ways. This campaign brings together two communities, united by a passion for quality and innovation. We wish OnePlus India continued success and are thrilled for our customers to engage with both brands in a truly unique and inspiring way.”

Both Third Wave Coffee and OnePlus India have long been committed to enhancing their communities’ experiences, offering opportunities to engage in creative and meaningful ways. This partnership is a testament to their shared values of innovation, quality, and bringing joy to their loyal followers.

“Innovative tech and a steaming cup of coffee are two things that fuel a great start to most of our days. And that is why we’re thrilled to celebrate 11 years of OnePlus’ ‘Never Settle’ journey in collaboration with Third Wave Coffee”, says Ishita Grover, Director of Marketing, OnePlus India. She further adds, “This partnership embodies the shared values of quality, innovation, and a strong sense of community that both our brands are built upon. Through #OnePlusBrewmance, we’re bringing together our passionate communities to create memorable experiences that unite them over groundbreaking technology and exceptional coffee. We’re confident that this collaboration will leave a lasting impression and redefine how the OnePlus Community connects with their favorite Third Wave brew.”

As part of this celebration, OnePlus India and Third Wave Coffee’s communities can partake in experiences like #TakeAShot through a social media contest inviting the OnePlus Òcommunity to capture & share moments of them enjoying their favorites at Third Wave Coffee. For photography enthusiasts, there is an exclusive Phone Photography workshop, designed to let participants capture their moments better with high-performance OnePlus smartphone devices. There are a lot more exclusive offerings designed especially for the brands’ communities. From limited-edition co-branded merchandise that reflects unique aesthetics of both brands, to offers and more – there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for updates on both OnePlus and Third Wave Coffee’s social media pages, as more surprises will be revealed throughout the month.

NielsenIQ Highlights 2024 Innovation Winners and the Top Trends Driving India’s Market Growth

Mumbai, India – December 11, 2024: NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, is proud to unveil its latest insights, showcasing how innovation remains the cornerstone of business growth. During an exclusive event in India, NIQ BASES celebrated the winners of the 2024 Breakthrough Innovation Awards, honoring brands that have disrupted the market and captivated consumers with exceptional new product launches.

These award-winning products launched between 2022 and 2023 and have successfully navigated an ever-evolving consumer landscape.

Driving Growth Through Innovation

According to NIQ BASES, top innovators in India achieve four times higher velocity and double the distribution in their launch year compared to category averages for new launches. This demonstrates how strategic innovation can propel brands ahead of the competition.

“In today’s fast-evolving marketplace, where consumer expectations are constantly shifting and market conditions remain unpredictable, innovation continues to be the driving force behind sustainable growth,” said Vijay Udasi, Strategic Analytics & Insights Leader – India, NIQ. “Innovation is not just a moment; it is a long-term strategy. Launching successful innovations in the market is a highly effective way to keep your brand competitive and relevant by fostering consumer-driven growth and securing retailer support, even during challenging economic conditions.

Emerging Innovation Trends

The 2024 Breakthrough Innovation analysis highlights significant opportunities for brands in Indian markets across FMCG and Tech & Durables to drive growth in the future, including:

• Health & Wellness: Low-calorie, low-fat, and gut-health-focused products dominate, with 1 in 5 snacks linked to health. Millets and mindful snacking are on the rise, alongside health-oriented consumer tech.
•  Cultural Influence: Korean-inspired personal care and food innovations gain traction, emphasizing unique flavors and textures.
• Local & Sustainable: Demand grows for sustainably sourced FMCG, and energy-efficient consumer tech tailored to local needs.
• Performance & Convenience: Urbanization drives demand for innovative, high-quality products that simplify life.
  Celebrating Breakthrough Innovators

This year’s winners of the Breakthrough Innovation Awards exemplify excellence in execution, with products that not only broke through the marketplace clutter but also addressed evolving consumer needs. Winning products in India saw on average a remarkable 90% increase in sales during their second year compared to their first—a testament to the power of purposeful innovation.

Vidya Sen, Executive Director, Customer Success – BASES, NielsenIQ​said, “India’s innovation landscape reveals a clear path to growth. In 2022, the launch period for this analysis, Foods dominated successful product launches, with Biscuits, Salty Snacks, and Confectionery leading the charge, while Skin Creams and Toilet Soaps stood out in non-Foods.

NIQ Consumer Survey reveals that 34% of urban consumers prioritize new product availability and 40%—especially Gen-Z and women—actively seek innovation claiming to shop for new products before the others did. The appetite for novelty is undeniable. For brands, this presents a strategic opportunity to capture consumer interest and drive sustained growth through meaningful and timely innovations.”

Since 2012, more than 900 FMCG brands globally have been recognized with this prestigious honor, including ~140 innovations in India across categories like Food & Beverages (48%) and Personal & Home Care (52%). This year, NIQ also recognized Tech & Durables brands in India for their groundbreaking achievements in product development and market success.

FMCG Breakthrough Innovation Award Winners in 2024 are:

• ​CIPLA: Prolyte ORS (Mixed Fruit + Nimbu Paani Flavors)
• The Coca-Cola Company: Predator Energy Drink Gold Strike
• The Coca-Cola Company: Charged by Thums up – Berry Bolt
• Colgate-Palmolive: Colgate Visible White O2 Toothbrush
• Dabur​: Odonil Gel Pocket (Citrus Bloom, Floral Valley & Wild Forest)​
• Himalaya Wellness: Himalaya Baby Massage Oil – Mustard​
• Hindustan Unilever Limited: Sunsilk Hairfall Shampoo with Onion & Jojoba Oil​
• Hindustan Unilever Limited: Knorr Cream of Broccoli Soup​
• ITC: Savlon Powder-to-Gel Handwash​
• L’Oréal: L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron 72 H Moisture Filling Range​
• Perfetti Van Melle: Center Fruit Pineapple Tennis Ball Shape Chewing Gum
• Reckitt Benckiser: Dettol Original Pine Powder to Liquid Hand Wash​
• Reckitt Benckiser: Dettol Lather Shaving Cream – Fresh – Citrus Pine
• RSH Global Pvt Ltd: Joy Fresh Mornings Shower Gel​
• RSPL Limited: Pro-ease Lovingle Luxury Diaper Pants​
• Tata Consumer Products Limited: Tata Coffee Grand (Classic & Premium)​
• Tata Consumer Products Limited: Tata Salt Immuno​
• Tata Consumer Products Limited: Tata Gluco Plus Jelly Energy Drink​

 Tech & Durables Breakthrough Innovation Award Winners in 2024 are:

• POCO M6 Series 5G Smartphones
• Samsung S24 Ultra Smartphone
• Mediatek Dimensity Series
• Haier Side-by-Side (3 Door+) Refrigerators
• LG Washer Dryer

 The Wavemakers category recognizes promising new product launches that have demonstrated strong market velocities and potential for future success.

FMCG Breakthrough Innovation Wavemakers in 2024 are:

• PepsiCo India: Sting Blue Current​
• ITC Sunfeast YiPee Wow Masala​
• Nestle India: Maggi Korean Range​
• Mondelez India: CDM Silk Ganache​
• Ferrero India: Kinder Schoko Bons Crispy​
• Nestle India: Kit Kat – Rich Chocolate​
• Nestle India: Nestle A+ Tangy Tomato Masala + Veggie Masala Millets​
• PepsiCo India: Kur Kure Sizzling Hot​
• ITC: Bingo Hot & Spicy (Korean 2X)​
• TTK Healthcare: Eva Splash Deo Roll On​
• Hindustan Unilever Limited: Indulekha Svetakutaja Oil for Dandruff Treatment​

 Tech & Durables Breakthrough Innovation Wavemakers in 2024 are:

• Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G​
• acer​Aspire Vero​
• vivo X Fold3 Pro​
• Dyson Airstrait​
• LG: 617L, French Door, MoodUP​
• HP: Envy Move All in One Portable Desktop​

 Each winner showcases how a Good Idea, a Good Product, and Effective Activation—the three guiding principles of NIQ BASES—can deliver exceptional marketplace success.

NIQ BASES empowers brands with cutting-edge insights to fuel product development, brand renovation, and go-to-market activation. With over 100 patents and a database of 500,000 evaluated innovations coupled with significant R&D investment in AI, Neuro, and Agile platforms, NIQ offers unparalleled expertise in market dynamics and actionable strategies for success.

ASDC and Steinbeis University Collaborate to Empower Tomorrow’s Automotive Innovators

New Delhi, India, 11th December – Taking a transformative step in fostering international academic collaborations, the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SUTM Steinbeis School for Sustainable Technology & Management GmbH, Germany. This partnership introduces a 1+1 Masters Programme in Business Engineering (MBE), aiming to empower aspiring automotive professionals with world-class education and skills for thriving international careers.

The 1+1 Masters Programme, structured as one year in India followed by one year at Steinbeis University in Germany, will equip young talent with technical expertise, business acumen, and global exposure. It serves as a platform for fostering innovation and excellence in the dynamic automotive sector. Furthermore, this initiative addresses the workforce shortage in European countries by preparing skilled professionals who can excel in international roles within the automotive sector. This unique approach ensures access to global education while minimizing financial burdens. Moreover, the program opens doors to potential job opportunities in Europe, addressing workforce shortages in the region. If students excel, it will enhance the reputation of Indian talent, creating more opportunities in the future. ASDC will also strive to prioritize children from lower-income families, making this initiative more inclusive and impactful.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. F R Singhvi, President of ASDC, said,

 “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to nurturing globally competitive automotive leaders. By aligning with a prestigious institution like Steinbeis University, we aim to provide our youth with access to cutting-edge knowledge, industry practices, and international career opportunities. The programme is a crucial step toward preparing India’s workforce for the evolving global automotive landscape.”

The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, ensuring that students acquire competencies that meet international standards. Steinbeis University, Germany, is renowned for its emphasis on sustainable technology and management, making it an ideal partner for ASDC’s vision of developing a future-ready workforce.

Ms. Garima Jhamb, Assistant Vice President – NEP Implementation, ASDC highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating,

 “At ASDC, we recognize the importance of equipping young minds with the right skills and global perspectives. This Masters Programme in Business Engineering not only opens doors to international education but also empowers students to excel in global careers. It reflects our dedication to creating pathways for Indian talent to shine on the world stage.”

The MBE programme focuses on a multidisciplinary approach, blending technical training with business management. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art resources, real-world project opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge trends in sustainable technology and automotive engineering.

ASDC’s partnership with Steinbeis University is expected to create a ripple effect, encouraging other organizations in the automotive sector to explore similar international collaborations. By promoting skill development and academic excellence, the initiative aligns with India’s larger goal of becoming a global hub for automotive innovation.

‘Rukhwat’ to Hit Theatres on Dec 27th, Just in Time for the Christmas Season

December 2024: At a press conference held at Ultra Media and Entertainment group office today, the makers of Rukhwat announced that the film would now hit the theatres on December 27, 2024, instead of December 13 to coincide with Christmas vacations. Lead actor Santosh Juvekar and actress Priyadarshini Indalkar also attended the conference.

Speaking at the press conference, lead actor Santosh Juvekar and actress Priyadarshini Indalkar said, “Rukhwat is a traditional Maharashtrian ritual that showcased the skills of the bride in the old days. Over the years, they had been missing out on weddings. It’s a small attempt to revive the traditions that are an integral part of our society through suspense thrillers.”

Actress Priyadarshini Indalkar added, “In this film, the relationship of a couple will be seen as a bond of seven births.” Rukhwat will play an important role in telling the story of two heroes filled with suspense, thrill and traditional values.”

The song ‘Ritu Premveda’, which gives a beautiful feeling of love, separation, and changing shades of seasons, and ‘Lagin Sarai’, which gives the traditional light of lagin ceremonies, have come to you and the audience will get a unique experience when listening to both these songs. There is no doubt that the film will also be heavy as the trailer and songs are fun.

Presented by Sushil Kumar Agarwal and Ultra Media Entertainment Group and produced by Rabri Entertainment. Brinda Agarwal is also a producer and as an entrepreneur, she has always promoted innovation in the field of entertainment and culture. Their visual and product quality will be reflected in “Rukhwat”. The film has been directed by renowned director Vikram Pradhan and has given the audience a variety of unique experiences through his story and cinematography. The film has been directed by renowned director Vikram Pradhan and has given the audience a variety of unique

IVCA President Rajat Tandon Hails Shri Sanjay Malhotra’s Appointment as RBI Governor, Envisions Stronger Fund Management Policies

By-Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA

“The appointment of Shri. Sanjay Malhotra as the RBI Governor marks a new chapter in India’s financial landscape. Under his leadership, IVCA is confident that synchronized regulatory and fund management policies will elevate India’s global investment and innovation reputation. We look forward to co-creating an environment that attracts sustainable growth and positions India as a leading global fund management hub with pools of both domestic and global capital.” – Rajat Tandon, IVCA President.

Delta Electronics Strengthens Partnerships at 11th Industrial Automation Channel Partner Meet

BENGALURU, December 11, 2024 —Delta Electronics India, a leading provider of innovative industrial automation solutions, successfully hosted its 11th Industrial Automation Channel Partner Meet. The event, held from 4th December, 2024 to 7th December, 2024 at Grand Hyatt, Bali, celebrated Delta’s enduring partnerships and commitment to driving the next wave of industrial automation in India and beyond.

Building on the success of the 10th Channel Partner Meet, which marked 15 years of Delta’s operations in India, this year’s event focused on the company’s ambitious plans for product diversification, market expansion, and continued innovation.

Mr. Benjamin Lin, President of Delta Electronics India, stated, “At Delta, our commitment to empowering industries with sustainable and innovative solutions is unwavering. The Channel Partner Meet serves as a testament to our dedication to building strong partnerships and driving growth together in the dynamic industrial automation landscape.”

Product Showcases: The Future of Industrial Automation

At the event, Delta Electronics unveiled its latest cutting-edge solutions, tailored to meet the evolving demands of smart factories and Industry 4.0. Key products included:

Collaborative Robot D-Bot: Designed to enhance smart factory operations, the D-Bot delivers flexible automation and high precision, eliminating downtime and maximizing efficiency. The D-Bot includes six versatile models with payload capacities ranging from 6 to 30 kg and reach pans 800 to 1,800 mm, suitable for diverse operational demands.

Compact Multi-Drive MX300 – Bilateral Installation & Compact Size: The Winning Combination. The MX300 features a multi-axis control by a modular structure with one rectifier module and single/double/triple-axis inverter modules. This significantly saves cabinet space, accessories, and peripheral devices.

Applications Highlighted

Delta’s showcased solutions addressed a variety of industry applications, emphasizing their versatility and adaptability:

• Crane Solution adopts High Performance Vector Control Drive C2000 Plus with built-in anti-sway function
• Winder/Unwinder Solution with High Performance Compact Drive MH300
• Punch Press Application with Standard Compact Drive MS300 and C2000 Plus without DBR (Dynamic Braking Resistor)
• Various General Applications with Sensor less Vector Control Compact Drive VFD-EL-W, suitable for conveyor and woodworking machinery
• Fan, Pump, Compressor Solution encompasses Open-Loop Variable-Torque Standard Drive VP3000 with harmonic distortion (THDi) as low as 35% and high efficiency IE4/IE5 PMa Synchronous Reluctance Motor MSI
• HVAC, Chiller Application with High Performance Liquid Cooled Drive C2000-R and Active Power Filter APF3000 limits the total current distortion factor (THDi) to less than 5%
• Linear Motion Solution with Linear Motor ECM and Linear Pocket Actuator LPL to enhance high-precision assembly performance
• Motion Control Solutions include Standalone Motion Controller AX-8 (Standard)/AX-C (Compact), Advanced Modular Motion Controller AX-5, EtherCAT Remote I/O R1-C, and Programming Software DIADesigner-AX, providing flexibility and the option for electronics assembly and packaging applications
• Compact PLC Solutions with the 3rd Generation Standard/EtherCAT/AIO Brick PLC DVP-ES3/ES3-TEC/EX3, featuring program capacity of 64k steps
• In compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, HMI DOP-300 is suitable for pharmaceutical and food & beverage applications with full lamination and IPS wide viewing angle

Mr. Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director of Delta Electronics India, added, “Our channel partners are integral to our success, and this event underscores our appreciation for their support. With our latest portfolio of advanced automation solutions, we are poised to deliver unmatched value and redefine industrial automation standards in India.

Mr. Manish Walia, Head of Automation at Delta Electronics India, shared, “The Indian industrial automation market is evolving rapidly, and we are well-positioned to lead this transformation. With a robust portfolio of cutting-edge solutions and a strong partner ecosystem, we aim to deliver value-driven results that address the unique challenges of the industrial sector.”

Empowering Partnerships and Driving Growth

The meet served as a platform for channel partners to engage with Delta executives, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities. Networking sessions fostered discussions on leveraging Delta’s innovative solutions to meet market demands and drive mutual growth.

Partners also received insights into Delta’s strategic plans for market expansion, including entry into untapped sectors and the introduction of new technologies tailored to India’s industrial needs.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Delta’s emphasis on customer-centric innovation and its ability to adapt to industry trends have solidified its position as a trusted leader in the industrial automation space. With products designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems, Delta continues to push the boundaries of what automation can achieve.

Sankara Eye Hospital Leads the Way in Improving Eye Care Access for Marginalized Populations

Hyderabad, December 11, 2024 – Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, is proud to announce a significant step forward in its mission to provide accessible eye care to underserved communities. A distinguished delegation from Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited (Chola MS General Insurance), comprising Mr. V. Suryanarayanan, Managing Director; Mr. Ashish Hallan, President & Chief Operating Officer; Mr. S. Venugopalan, Chief Financial Officer; and Mr. Mahendra Kumar Tripathi, Chief Compliance Officer & Company Secretary, visited the hospital to officially hand over a bus generously donated by their organization in presence of Mr. Gannamraju Viswamohan, Unit Head, Dr Sriram Simakurthy, Vitreo Retina Surgeon , Dr Sirisha Polkampally, Orbit & Oculoplasty, Cataract Surgeon and Dr Vinti Durga Kiranmayi, Vitreo Retina Surgeon.

This donation will serve as a vital resource for transporting rural poor patients from remote villages to Sankara Eye Hospital for free eye surgeries. The hospital conducts regular outreach camps in underserved areas, offering eye check-ups and identifying patients who require advanced care. This bus will ensure seamless access to the hospital, facilitating life-changing treatments for those in need.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Gannamraju Viswamohan, Unit Head Sankara Eye Hospital Hyderabad, expressed gratitude, stating: “We are deeply thankful to Chola MS General Insurance for their generous contribution. This bus will not only improve access to essential eye care services for rural patients but also underscore the importance of partnerships in driving impactful healthcare initiatives. Collaborations like these empower us to fulfill our mission of eradicating preventable blindness and creating a brighter future for communities in need.”

Chola MS General Insurance’s donation aligns with its commitment to corporate social responsibility, reflecting its dedication to community development and healthcare. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to create a sustainable impact on public health, particularly for marginalized populations.

Over the years, Sankara Eye Hospital has been steadfast in its mission to eliminate preventable blindness through compassionate and high-quality eye care. Established with the vision of providing world-class eye care to underserved communities, the hospital has conducted over 2.7 million free eye surgeries and has screened millions more through its extensive outreach programs. With decades of unwavering service, Sankara Eye Hospital has become a beacon of hope, hosting over 10,000 rural outreach camps annually and offering a wide range of ophthalmic treatments. This commitment to restoring sight and transforming lives continues to inspire trust and gratitude across the country. The bus donation marks a significant milestone in the joint efforts of Sankara Eye Hospital and Chola MS General Insurance to ensure that Sankara Eye Care can extend its reach to more remove corners and uplift countless lives by reaching the farthest corners of society.