IGP Unveils Whimsical Birthday Ad with a Gangster Twist Under Its ‘Amazing Gifts, Samay Par’ Campaign
June 25th, 2025, Mumbai: IGP continues its creative journey with the launch of a new film under its ongoing ‘Amazing Gifts, Samay Par’ campaign — a cheeky, cinematic ode to birthday surprises that come with a bang (and a cake), bringing the joy of timely gifting to life with flair and fun.
Set in a playful “gangster-noir world”, the film takes viewers on a dramatic ride that opens with suspense and ends with sugar. A blindfolded man is dragged into a dimly lit room by trench coat-clad goons. Tension builds. A mysterious box is placed before him. Just when it feels like a ransom scene straight out of a mafia flick, the box bursts open — revealing a birthday cake from IGP.
Watch the birthday-ad here: https://www.youtube.com/
What unfolds is chaos, laughter, and an unexpected twist — the ‘heist’ is, in fact, a birthday surprise orchestrated by a crew of delightfully unconventional gangster friends. The birthday boy’s panic gives way to confused joy. With this humorous film, IGP brings to life the spirit of its ‘Amazing Gifts, Samay Par’ campaign, which celebrates the beauty of gifting not too early, not too late — but just at the right moment. With a delivery promise of fresh cakes in 30 minutes or less, IGP ensures that every occasion is celebrated exactly when it matters most.
“Birthdays are among the most personal and joy-filled occasions in our lives, and the right gift, delivered at the right time, can make that day truly unforgettable,“ said Tarun Joshi, Founder & CEO of IGP. “At IGP, we’ve built our brand around this very promise: making every celebration feel special with timely, thoughtful gifts. With over 2 million cakes delivered each year, we understand what these moments mean to people.”
With this film, IGP continues to push the envelope on birthday storytelling, turning even the most dramatic setups into heartfelt moments, all backed by lightning-fast delivery and unwavering gifting reliability.
Rass & Ravy Unveil A Heartfelt Ballad “Forever Mine”, exploring the Serenity and Depth of True Love
National; June 26th, 2025: Acclaimed Punjabi music producer Rass and rising Artist Ravy collaborate to drop their upcoming single “Forever Mine”. A heartfelt ballad that captures the depth of true love, Forever Mine is a journey through starlit skies, quiet conversations, and the kind of connection that transforms the ordinary into something magical. Rooted in emotion and layered with dreamy melodies, the song explores love as a peaceful and gentle promise that only grows stronger with time.
Known for producing hits for Prem Dhillon, Ekam Sudhar, and Sardar Khehra, Rass’s Forever Mine hints at the beginning of a bold new era as he steps into the spotlight with his own music. For Ravy, this track marks another powerful step in his evolving journey as a composer and lyricist—one who crafts melodies with feeling and pens lyrics that linger long after the music fades. Both Rass and Ravy were born and raised in Punjab, where their roots in music were first planted. Now based in Canada, the duo brings the depth of their heritage and the freshness of a global sound to everything they create. Forever Mine isn’t just a track—it’s a statement from two artists who are proudly carrying their culture forward while carving out their space on an international stage.
Producer Rass shares his experience creating Forever Mine, “This song is all about love that’s calm, grounding, and real, something I think a lot of us crave. Working with Ravy has been inspiring; his voice brings a certain sincerity that made this track what it is.”
“Forever Mine is a feeling. When Rass first played me the beat, I instantly connected with the emotion behind it. I’m excited for listeners to feel the same peace and passion we felt while creating it”, adds singer-writer Ravy
Forever Mine offers a fresh perspective on love that is comforting and profound. This collaboration is all about two artists pouring their hearts into a shared vision, promising an experience that will be a memorable addition to the Punjabi music landscape.
Worldline White Paper unpacks the future of contactless payments
Worldline White Paper unpacks the future of contactless payments: SoftPOS to surpass 34 Million deployments
Mumbai, 25 June 2025 – Worldline [Euronext: WLN], a global leader in payment services, today announced the release of its latest white paper titled “SoftPOS: Transforming Contactless Payments Across Industries”. This comprehensive study explores how Software Point-of-Sale (SoftPOS) is revolutionizing payment acceptance for businesses across sectors—from retail and restaurants to transit, healthcare and insurance across India.
As India witnesses exponential growth in digital payments—with UPI transaction values crossing ₹24.77 trillion in March 2025 alone—the paper underscores why SoftPOS adoption is no longer optional, but an imperative for businesses looking to stay relevant and competitive.
Key findings
India’s mobile payment market is projected to grow from $792.4 billion in 2024 to $4.99 trillion by 2033, at a CAGR of 21.56%.
By 2027, SoftPOS is expected to surpass 34.5 million merchant deployments globally.
Over 50% of all transactions in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to be tap-based by 2025.
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will drive over 60% of SoftPOS adoption, leveraging its affordability and ease of deployment.
Sectoral trends and applications
Retail and e-Commerce: Enables “endless aisle” experiences and mobile checkout for both in-store and delivery-based transactions.
Restaurants and Food&Beverage: Accelerates tap-to-pay acceptance for small and micro-merchants, especially in Tier II and III cities.
Transit and Mobility: Powers mobile ticketing, onboard fare collection and seamless reconciliation in buses, metros, and ride-sharing.
Healthcare: Simplifies in-clinic and pharmacy payments, supported by digital health initiatives like ABDM and DHIS1.
Insurance and Financial Services: Empowers agents to collect premiums and issue receipts in real-time—even in semi-urban and rural areas.
Mr. Ramesh Narasimhan, Chief Executive Officer – Worldline India, said: “SoftPOS represents a game-changing leap in India’s payments landscape. With the proliferation of smartphones and growing consumer preference for contactless experiences, this technology empowers businesses—especially MSMEs—to accept payments securely, affordably, and flexibly without the need for dedicated hardware. At Worldline, we are committed to driving this innovation, enabling financial inclusion, and shaping the future of digital commerce.”
The white paper further outlines the critical need for modernizing payment infrastructure, key differences between SoftPOS and traditional POS systems, security, compliance, and the role of MPoC standards and five-year projections and India’s leadership in SoftPOS adoption.
DHIS: Digital Health Incentive Scheme and ABDM: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Small Towns, Big Dreams: The Lenders Making It Happen
Beyond the metros lies a dynamic, underserved economy brimming with entrepreneurial spirit. While the spotlight often stays on urban startups and metro markets, it’s in India’s smaller towns where real transformation is quietly unfolding. A new wave of loan companies is stepping in to support local businesses, first-time borrowers, and everyday dreamers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities; they are finding new hope through inclusive lending. Meet four loan companies making real impact on the ground:
1. Namdev Finvest
Rooted in Rajasthan and expanding across North and Central India, Namdev Finvest is redefining how credit reaches underserved MSMEs and EV entrepreneurs. With a strong focus on financial inclusion, the NBFC is enabling last-mile borrowers — especially women and first-generation business owners — to access timely credit with ease. Their tech-enabled yet human-led approach is helping transform informal ambitions into formal success stories.
2. Aye Finance
Specializing in micro-enterprise lending, Aye Finance has created financial pathways for businesses often rejected by traditional banks. Their innovative cluster-based credit assessment models are tailor-made for small manufacturers and service providers, driving employment and income in emerging towns.
3. Svatantra Microfin
With a women-first model, Svatantra focuses on empowering rural and semi-urban women through small-ticket loans and financial education. Their work not only enhances livelihood but also promotes financial literacy and community growth across Bharat’s heartland.
4. Kinara Capital
Kinara Capital offers collateral-free business loans to small entrepreneurs in Tier 2–3 cities. By digitizing the loan journey and ensuring quick disbursement, Kinara is supporting everything from tailoring units to mobile repair shops, bringing formal credit to India’s informal backbone.
These businesses are doing more than just lending money; they are fostering aspirations, boosting self-esteem, and improving lives in underserved areas. The growth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities makes it abundantly evident that access to cash, opportunity, and belief is essential for true advancement. And one borrower at a time, these finance heroes are enabling that.
Rising Cases of Fatty Liver Among Youth: ILS Hospital Expert Warns on Lifestyle Risks and Urges Early Intervention
By – Dr. Sarbajit Ray,Consultant Physician,ILS Hospitals, Salt Lake
Recently it’s observed that an increasing number of young people are reporting fatty liver. Fatty liver typically can be caused by Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or Alcohol related fatty liver.
The increase in NAFLD in the young population is worrisome.
NAFLD could be due to lifestyle factors, particularly poor diet and sedentary behavior. Increased consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods, combined with a lack of physical activity, leads to fat accumulation in the liver.
Metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are major risk factors for NAFLD. Genetic factors and insulin resistance increase the risk manifold.
1. Lifestyle Factors:
Poor Diet:
Processed food and fast foods are high-fat, high-sugar diets, especially high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. These foods overwhelm the liver’s ability to process and break down fats.
Sedentary Lifestyle:
Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and fat accumulation, including in the liver.
Obesity:
Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat is strongly associated with NAFLD.
2. Metabolic Factors:
Metabolic Syndrome:
This condition, characterized by obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, is a major risk factor for NAFLD.
Insulin Resistance:
When the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, it can lead to elevated blood sugar and fat levels, increasing the risk of fatty liver. Indians are particularly prone to have insulin resistance which increases the risks.
3. Other Factors:
Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing NAFLD.
Rapid Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss also can trigger fat release into the bloodstream, potentially leading to fatty liver.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: While usually associated with alcoholic liver disease, excessive alcohol intake also contributes to fatty liver.
The bottom line is prevention . Adoption of Lifestyle modifications, Regular exercise coupled with a healthy diet will help in reversing the damage. And of course consult your physician.
Frutas de Chile Launches a Health Focused Campaign in India to Promote Kiwifruit from Chile
24th June’2025: Chile is globally recognised for its premium-quality produce, thanks to its unique climate and geographical diversity. Among its celebrated exports, Chilean Kiwifruit stands out not only for its exceptional taste but also for its powerful nutritional benefits.
To raise awareness about the health advantages of this superfruit and establish a deeper connection with Indian consumers, Frutas de Chile has launched a dedicated promotional campaign across India, ‘The Power of Vitamin C, Fresh from Chile!’ celebrating both taste and nutrition of Chilean kiwifruits.
Known as one of the most nutrient-dense fruits, Chilean Kiwi is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals. It is especially rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, actinidin, potassium, and folate. Just one serving provides a remarkable 117% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and 21% of dietary fiber. It is also a good source of potassium and vitamin E, making it a smart and wholesome addition to daily diets.
Talking about the health benefits, Ms. Rima Rao, dietitian and nutritionist, said “Chilean kiwi is a smart choice for those looking to support digestive health naturally. Its rich fiber content and the enzyme actinidin help improve digestion, support gut health, and may even aid in better blood sugar regulation.”
“One bite of a ripe Chilean kiwi gives you more vitamin C than an orange and more potassium than a banana, that’s nature’s multivitamin!” added Ms. Rao.
Mr Carlos Cruzat, President of the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee said “We are truly delighted with the overwhelming response to Chilean Kiwifruit in India. Health-conscious Indian consumers have embraced the fruit for its exceptional quality, great taste, and nutritional value. Our campaign is focused on deepening this connection and bringing the fruit closer to consumers across the country.”
Mr. Sumit Saran, In-Country Market Representative of Chilean Kiwis, said, “Consumers in India are constantly looking for fruits that builds their immunity. Through various activities and campaigns, we aim to increase awareness about health, taste and versatility of Chilean kiwifruits. Chile, a country in South America is one of the largest producers of premium kiwifruits in the world.’
“With strong support from our trade and retail partners, we’re making Chilean Kiwifruit available in more cities across the country. And with Chile’s preferential trade agreement with India, it’s also become more affordable for Indian consumers, added Cruzat.”
Chilean Kiwifruits will be widely available across India for the next three months. Consumers can easily purchase them from local fruit stores or online through leading e-commerce and q-commerce platforms.
Covestro acquires Pontacol: expansion in specialty films
On June 23, 2025, Covestro has signed an agreement to acquire Pontacol, a Swiss manufacturer of multilayer adhesive films. With this acquisition, Covestro strategically expands its specialty films portfolio and further advances the implementation of its “Sustainable Future” corporate strategy. At the same time, the company continues to consistently expand its growth in sustainable and innovative business areas.
“The acquisition of Pontacol is strategically sound and financially attractive,” says Christian Baier, Chief Financial Officer of Covestro. “We are gaining a profitable company with significant growth potential and relevant synergy effects. This allows us to strategically expand our production capacities for multilayer adhesive films in Europe, combine our innovative strength, and develop new markets. As a result, we can offer our customers even more powerful solutions, increase our competitiveness, and grow sustainably.”
Strategic Expansion and Synergies
Through the acquisition, Covestro complements its film business with highly specialized flat and blown films – a complementary portfolio that enables further growth in attractive application areas. The film segment is growing continuously worldwide, primarily driven by increasing demand in key future markets such as medical technology, mobility, and the textile industry.
Additionally, Covestro is acquiring two specialized production sites in Switzerland and Germany, focusing on different film technologies. This not only strengthens the company’s global manufacturing network but also improves the regional availability of adhesive films. The acquisition also opens up additional value creation potential through complementary technologies, an expanded customer and product portfolio, as well as synergies in central functions and procurement.
“This acquisition is an important milestone in our Specialty Films growth strategy,” says Aukje Doornbos, Head of Business Entity Specialty Films at Covestro. “In recent years, we have already made large investments in expanding our global capacities. With Pontacol, we can strengthen our product development and expand our global offering for our customers. We are particularly looking forward to the approximately 100 experienced employees who will make a valuable contribution to our further growth with their expertise.”
Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The financing will be through cash and is thus aligned with Covestro’s goal of maintaining a solid investment-grade rating. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
Bondada Group to Power Tamil Nadu’s Grid with 400 MWh Energy Storage Project
India, June 24, 2025: Bondada Group, one of India’s fastest-growing infrastructure and engineering companies, has secured a major 400 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project from Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) — marking a significant step toward accelerating Tamil Nadu’s clean energy transition.
The project will deploy standalone grid-scale BESS facilities with a total capacity of 400 MWh at key locations — Vellalaviduthi and Thennampatty in Tamil Nadu State. The initiative is aimed at boosting grid stability, integrating renewable energy, and managing peak power demand in the state.
The project will be executed under the build-own-operate (BOO) model, with Bondada Group emerging as the successful bidder through a competitive tendering process conducted by TNGECL.
Under the project terms, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) will procure battery energy storage services from Bondada Group through a 12-year battery energy storage purchase agreement. The system will allow for two full charge and discharge cycles per day, balancing the intermittency of renewable energy and delivering 24×7 reliable power supply to the state’s grid.
“This project marks a key milestone for Bondada Group in the energy storage segment and reflects our strong commitment to advancing India’s clean energy ecosystem,” said Dr. Raghavendra Rao Bondada, Chairman & Managing Director, Bondada Group.
The initiative aligns with India’s National Framework for Energy Storage Systems (NFESS), 2023, and Tamil Nadu’s ambitious goal of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030. The system is expected to integrate with the state grid by 2027, contributing to India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target.
Bondada Group has consistently delivered excellence across the renewable energy sector, with 800 MW of commissioned solar projects and 2.3 GW of ongoing solar and renewable EPC projects. This 400 MWh BESS project marks Bondada’s largest energy storage initiative to date, building on its previous success of securing a 100 MWh BESS project with Telangana Power Generation Corporation Limited (TGGENCO).
MSME Mahotsav 2025 Highlights MSMEs as Key to Dollar 30 Trillion Viksit Bharat Vision
New Delhi, June 24th, 2025: The upcoming MSME Mahotsav 2025 will bring together key voices from industry, government, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem to examine how Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can navigate and benefit from digital transformation. Scheduled to be held at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, the event will explore the theme, “Powering MSMEs through Technology for Growth.”
With MSMEs contributing around 30% to India’s GDP and 50% to total exports, the sector plays a pivotal role in the national economy. It also provides employment to over 250 million people. As India aims to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, the development and digitization of the MSME sector remains a critical policy and industry priority.
Despite its potential, digitization continues to be a barrier for many MSMEs. NASSCOM data suggests that while tech-enabled MSMEs are increasing, 65% remain unaware of available digital tools, and over a third are hesitant to adopt new technologies. MSME Mahotsav 2025 will address these challenges through discussions on digital inclusion, access to technology, e-commerce, and financial innovation.
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hon. Minister for MSMEs, Government of India, said, “India’s MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, fueling livelihoods, driving innovation. An initiative like the MSME Mahotsav is vital for recognizing and accelerating the growth of over 5.93 crore registered MSMEs[1]. This platform is a much-needed catalyst for connecting enterprises with opportunity and vision with action. I am delighted to be part of this initiative to handhold MSMEs to achieve greater heights and achieve our vision of Atmanirbhar, Viksit Bharat.”
Arvind Singh, Convener, MSME Mahotsav, said, “We are creating a conducive ecosystem where experienced industry leaders will support MSMEs scale up. Our flagship program- 10X in 7 years – will work with aspiring MSMEs to achieve 10 times growth in 7 years. scale up, create much needed jobs and contribute to achieving our shared national ambition of Viksit Bharat.”
The day-long event will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, and thematic sessions on topics such as unlocking the $1 trillion potential of the MSME sector, scaling through e-commerce, and enabling growth through digital and financial tools. Participants will include policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, technology providers, industry professionals, and representatives from trade associations and academic institutions.
MSME Mahotsav 2025 is being organized by Quest Strategy Services, a division of Quest ontheFRONTIER, a consulting and training firm with a regional presence across Asia and the Middle East.
Bold Experience, OG Flavor, Zero Sugar: Thums Up XForce Thunders Loud and Proud
June 23, 2025: Thums Up XForce, the latest sensation from the house of India’s iconic billion-dollar homegrown brand, Thums Up, has disrupted the zero-sugar drinks category, bringing the most thunderous experience of consuming a zero-sugar beverage to the young consumers. With over 100,000 pre-bookings before its official release, Thums Up XForce created massive anticipation ahead of launch.
Even after 50 years since its launch, Thums Up continues to bring disruption into the category with innovative launches and marketing strategies. Thums Up XForce is made for those who live by their own rules, the true trailblazers with a G.O.A.T mentality, always striving to outdo themselves. With its unmatched, bold taste and iconic fizz, Thums Up XForce embodies the brand’s signature spirit of “All Thunder,” offering consumers the same Thums Up experience without any sugar or calories.
But XForce isn’t only about what’s inside the can. Sleek, modern, and instantly recognizable, its edgy, youthful design is a bold statement. The packaging captures the essence of Thums Up’s adventurous personality, positioning Thums Up XForce as “Thunder in a Can,” a powerful symbol of the classic Thums Up confidence. It clearly conveys that this is a drink for those who live life at full volume, never settle for less and are always leveling up
Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head – Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Our strategy with Thums Up XForce is all about responding to changing consumer behaviors, especially the rising demand from young adults for bold, authentic experiences without settling or compromise. By innovating within our homegrown brand, we’re extending Thums Up’s legacy and stepping confidently into the fast-growing zero-sugar category. This consumer-first mindset helps us lead the market with a product that truly connects, while meeting the evolving lifestyle preferences of today’s generation.”
Since debuting in March, it has quickly made its strong presence felt in India’s Diet and Light beverage category.