Freudenberg India expands Nagapattinam Training center

India, June 12, 2025 – Germany-based global technology conglomerate, Freudenberg Group, today announced the expansion of its training institute in Nagapattinam. Esther Maria Loidl, Chief Human Resources Officer, Freudenberg & Co. and Member of its global management board laid the foundation stone for the expansion and a new auditorium in the presence of G Sivasailam, Director & CEO, Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India & Managing Director, Freudenberg Performance Materials India and Dr Chitrakala Mohan, Principal, Freudenberg Training Center.

 The Group has made a cumulative investment of over ₹40 crore over the past 16 years to support the upliftment of local communities in the region. Currently, the focus of this expansion and investment is on attracting talent, particularly women students, to provide them with a sustainable future. Plans include converting the existing auditorium into a computer lab that will offer computer-oriented courses. Additionally, a new extension is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. With this development, Freudenberg Group aims to emphasize inclusion and diversity while providing financial independence and career opportunities for better growth.

 The Freudenberg Training Centre was established in 2008 to support the local youth after the devastating 2004 tsunami. Vocational training is offered in welding, fitting, machining, motor mechanics and electrical, enabling students from neighboring communities to find employment and become independent. Set over 28 acres, the campus currently boasts 18 highly qualified staff led by a veteran academic as Principal. To date, the Centre has trained over 1400 students, some of whom are employed in Freudenberg Group companies, with the rest placed at leading companies like Hyundai, Simpson Group, TVS, among others. Few have established successful entrepreneurship ventures of their own in and around the region.

 In her remarks post the brief ceremony, Esther Maria Loidl, Chief Human Resources Officer, Freudenberg Group and Member of its global management board, said, ”It’s a pleasure and privilege to lay the foundation for further expansion of our largest CSR initiative in India – the Freudenberg Training center in Nagapattinam. The institute’s growth affirms the visionary decision in 2008 to support the region’s rebuilding by empowering its young people with the right vocational skills. We look forward to investing and supporting the institute to grow further in its noble mission to power the aspirations of the needy in this region.”

Commenting on the expansion of the institute, G Sivasailam, Director & CEO, Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India & Managing Director, Freudenberg Performance Materials India, said, “I am immensely proud to see the growth of the institute to where it is today. This reaffirms many of the core values of the Freudenberg group – long-term commitment, proactive and responsible action, among others. I would like to credit the Principal and her faculty who have been instrumental in ensuring the delivery of quality education to the local youth. They have been constantly innovating and adding to the courses and teaching pedagogy to what it provides is needed in the industry.”

 A visibly delighted and moved Dr Chitrakala Mohan, Principal, Freudenberg Training Center, said: “It has been a great journey leading this visionary initiative for 7 years. The whole-hearted and passionate support we receive from the group executives in India and at the global HQ has been pivotal to whatever we’ve been able to accomplish so far. The foundation laying today and the other initiatives in the pipeline will help us expand sustainable community development through world-class vocational education, which sees local youth gainfully employed with leading companies in India.”

Electric Vehicle Adoption & Ecosystem Growth in India to Spur Demand For Cosmo Films’ Advanced Capacitors Films

Mumbai, 12th June, 2025: India’s automotive transformation looks promising with electric vehicle (EV) sales crossing the 4% market share milestone for the first time in May 2025. This momentum is set to drive demand for high-efficiency electronic components like capacitor films that serve as key enablers of EV power systems. Cosmo Films, a global leader in specialty films for packaging, laminating, and labelling applications, is meeting this rising demand with its advanced Al-Zn Metallised Polypropylene Capacitor Films, specifically engineered for EV and hybrid automotive applications.

India’s electric passenger vehicle sales rose over 53% year-on-year, indicating long-term confidence in EV adoption. This growth is fuelling a parallel need for smarter power management technologies, where Cosmo Films’ innovations are playing a critical role – from inverters and battery management to infotainment and climate control systems. Further, globally the capacitor films market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.40% from 2025 to 2030.

“Electric mobility is not just about the future – it’s an ongoing development of crucial importance globally. As adoption scales, the need for reliable and efficient electronic infrastructure becomes paramount.” Mr. Kulbhushan Malik, Global Business Head, Cosmo Films, said “Our capacitor films are meant to empower EV makers with dependability, efficiency, and long-lasting performance. With such innovative films, we are enabling smarter and more sustainable transportation by means of applications spanning renewable energy and automotive power electronics. We believe, that with the surge in EV productions and adoptions, Cosmo Films is well positioned to cater and tap this opportunity.”

Cosmo Films’ Al-Zn Metallized Polypropylene Film series are designed to satisfy high standards of the automotive environment. These films offer:

• Superior dielectric strength for high-voltage operations
• Thermal stability for fluctuating and high-temperature environments
• Low ESR and ESL values enabling compact, high-performance capacitor systems
• Thinner film technology for optimized space and lightweight system integration
  · Excellent Self-Healing Properties

As the automotive industry evolves with increasing electrification and electronic sophistication, Cosmo Films is reinforcing its role as an innovation enabler – not just a materials supplier. With global manufacturing footprint, commitment to ESG-aligned production and technological advancement, Cosmo Films continues to be a trusted partner of choice for forward-thinking OEMs and EV system integrators worldwide.

IGP Hosts Mumbai’s Sweetest Cake Fest, Uniting Bakers and Dessert Lovers

Mumbai, June 12th, 2025: Mumbai’s dessert scene hit a new high at Versova Social, as IGP, a global D2C multi-category gifting platform, hosted the first-ever IGP Cake Fest, a vibrant celebration of baking, creativity, and community. Aptly called “The Sweetest Scene in Your City,” the event brought together baking talent, dessert lovers, and some serious sugar-fueled fun. With over 2 Mn cakes delivered annually and a stronghold in the category, IGP continues to shape how India celebrates with cake, making this fest a natural extension of its leadership in the space.

At the heart of the fest was the highly anticipated “Battle of the Bakers”, where top home bakers competed for the ₹1 Lakh grand prize and the chance to feature their winning cake on igp’s online platform with 5 million users. After an intense and mouthwatering showcase of skill and creativity, the event saw a wide range of innovative and visually stunning cakes, making it a tough call for the judging panel to choose just one winner. Among 40 shortlisted participants, Trashika Dsena emerged as the standout baker, taking home the title and a sweet reward to match. The audience also had their say, voting live at the venue for the Popular Choice Award, which was won by Jill Shah.

Celebrity chef Natasha Gandhi, known for her appearance on MasterChef India, presided over the judging panel and shared valuable feedback with the finalists. Comedian Shreeja Chaturvedi had the crowd in splits with a live stand-up set, adding just the right dash of humor to balance the sugar rush.

Visitors indulged in dessert tastings, interactive photo ops, fun zones, and exclusive giveaways, making it a true playground for the sweet-toothed.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Tarun Joshi, Founder & CEO of IGP. “Our aim was to spotlight India’s growing baking culture and build a real community around it and IGP Cake Fest turned out to be the perfect platform.”

“IGP Cake Fest wasn’t just about cakes, it was about connection, celebration, and community. And judging by the turnout and smiles, Mumbai was more than ready for it.” Natasha Gandhi, a celebrity chef, further added.

With an unforgettable mix of talent, taste, and togetherness, IGP Cake Fest wasn’t just a celebration of baking, it was a celebration of community. From rising bakers to seasoned creators and dessert enthusiasts, the event brought everyone under one roof for a great evening. As IGP continues to champion creativity and craft in the gifting and celebrations space, Cake Fest marks just the beginning of many more joyful gatherings to come.

OPPO K13x: Engineered for Durability, Powered to Perform

The OPPO K13x is engineered to withstand the rigors of daily life. It boasts an internal shock-absorption cushioning, inspired by the natural resilience of sea sponges, and backed by a high-strength aluminum alloy frame. Its durability—tested against military-grade standards—brings together science, design, and evolution to create a durable device that is built to last.

A Fusion of Nature’s Wisdom and Modern Engineering

Inspired by over 700 million years of natural evolution, the OPPO K13x’s Armor Body incorporates a biomimetic structural design modeled after sea sponges—organisms that have survived harsh underwater conditions thanks to their soft, porous, and flexible frameworks. This design is realized through OPPO’s Sponge Biomimetic Shock Absorption System, which uses elastic materials with high energy-absorbing properties to create buffer zones between critical internal components and the phone’s rigid structure. At the micro level, the casing includes void-rich composite layers that mimic the sponge’s internal stress-diffusing architecture.

Why does this matter?

Sea sponges dissipate external stress through interconnected pores and flexible internal scaffolding—a principle now mirrored in the K13x’s shock-absorption system.
Lab simulations show that biomimetic structures can reduce impact forces by up to 90% compared to traditional damping materials.
By embedding these properties into the K13x, OPPO delivers superior internal protection, especially during accidental drops or impacts.
This allows the device to remain slim and lightweight without sacrificing durability—unlike bulky rugged phones that rely on external Armor.
To further safeguard performance, key internal parts are fully sealed with adhesive, protecting them from vibration-induced wear and minor shocks over time.

With this innovation, the K13x offers not just military-grade protection but a smarter, nature-inspired solution to real-world durability challenges—delivering toughness without the trade-offs.

Built Like a Rock, Engineered to Withstand the Unexpected

At the core of the K13x’s structural integrity is the AM04 high-strength aluminum alloy inner frame—a material derived from aerospace-grade additive manufacturing, renowned for its exceptional rigidity, precision, and durability. Used in high-performance aircraft and simulators, AM04 offers 10% more durability than previous-generation alloys, making it ideal for withstanding real-world shocks and stress. While the outer middle frame is crafted from lightweight plastic to optimize weight and comfort, it’s this robust, aerospace-inspired AM04 skeleton that delivers the K13x’s remarkable shock resistance. The result is a smartphone that feels light in hand, yet stays unflinchingly strong against drops, bumps, and daily wear.

On the front, the Crystal Shield glass, the same cover glass used in flagship smartphones, provides 160% better impact resistance than conventional materials—ensuring enhanced screen durability against accidental drops and daily wear. Each device is also bundled with a specially designed Anti-Drop Shield Case, offering an additional layer of protection from the moment you unbox it.

Certified tough by industry-leading authorities:

SGS Gold Drop-Resistance Certification
SGS Military Standard Certification
MIL-STD 810-H Shock Resistance Certification

Tested for the Toughest

The OPPO K13x goes beyond drop protection—it’s crafted to withstand the elements with an IP65 rating that certifies complete dust protection (IP6X) and resistance to low-pressure water jets from any angle (IPX5). Each device undergoes rigorous testing, including vacuum-based dust simulations and high-velocity water sprays from over two meters. What truly sets the K13x apart is its thoughtfully engineered waterproof enclosure: key components are sealed with precision glue and foam adhesives, while the USB port, SIM tray, and audio jack are fortified with waterproof gaskets and silicone seals. Enhancing usability, OPPO’s industry-first Splash Touch continues on the K Series with the K13x, enabling smooth, responsive touch—even with wet or greasy hands. From coffee spills to rain showers, the K13x is built to handle life’s messes while significantly reducing water-related after-sales issues—proving it’s a device you can count on, rain or shine. The OPPO K13x features Glove Touch, which enables accurate and responsive screen control even when you’re wearing thick gloves, using a waterproof case, or operating the device with wet hands—ensuring uninterrupted usability in any scenario.

A cell phone on the ground

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Made in India, Tested to the Extreme

The OPPO K13x is built with a 360° Damage-Proof Armour Body that offers all-round protection against everyday drops, bumps, and pressure. This reinforced structure ensures enhanced durability from every angle—making it tougher, smarter, and ready for real-world mishaps. OPPO K13x is more than just talk—it’s tested to prove its mettle:

Drop tests from 1.1m to 1.3m on granite surfaces across all sides:
Extreme drop tests from over 1.4m: No structural damage or failure in performance.
30-40 screen-down drop tests from 1.2m: The phone kept functioning seamlessly.

Watch how the K13x stands up to real-world durability tests.

Durability Redefined, Style Reinforced

With its nature inspired, rock-solid build, nature-inspired engineering, and industry-certified protection, the OPPO K13x isn’t just another smartphone—it’s the toughest and most durable phone in its segment. Whether you’re navigating rugged terrain or just tackling everyday mishaps, the K13x is built to absorb the drops, bumps, and jolts of real life—delivering unwavering durability when you need it most.

Inspired by Nature, Designed to Dazzle

The OPPO K13x brings together expressive design and precision engineering in a form factor that feels as premium as it looks. Available in two stunning colourways—Midnight Violet and Sunset Peach—each shade tells a story of nature and elegance. Midnight Violet evokes the mysterious beauty of distant nebulae glowing in deep cosmic skies, while Sunset Peach is inspired by the soft magenta-gold tones of dawn mist cascading over forested mountains. Together, they offer a choice that’s both visually striking and emotionally evocative.