PepsiCo India and The Social Lab Scale Sustainable Waste Solutions Across Four Cities with ‘Tidy Trails’
National, June 6, 2025: PepsiCo India, in collaboration with The Social Lab (TSL), has announced the expansion of its flagship plastic circularity initiative, Tidy Trails—a community-driven program focused on responsible plastic waste management through collection, segregation, and recycling to drive long-term environmental impact.
The initiative has now been launched in New Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and Pune’s FC College Road, with further expansion in Agra and Guwahati, building on the success of earlier editions in these cities. This strategic rollout reinforces PepsiCo India’s commitment to fostering cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.
Guided by its Partnership of Progress philosophy, Tidy Trails brings together local administrations, market associations, shopkeepers, and consumers to drive meaningful behaviour change around plastic waste segregation and recycling—creating a collaborative model for circularity at the community level.
As part of the initiative, a special mobile van will be deployed to collect post-consumer plastic waste from local establishments. The effort aims to encourage citizens to maintain cleaner surroundings and foster a culture of tidiness—setting positive examples and inspiring other communities to adopt responsible waste practices.
At the heart of the Tidy Trails initiative is a powerful idea: transforming plastic waste into purpose. Collected plastic is repurposed into functional items such as benches and chairs, which are installed in public spaces like parks, community centres, and marketplaces. These installations not only enhance the utility and aesthetics of these areas but also serve as daily reminders of the value of sustainable living.
Through on-ground campaigns, informative signage, and interactive community engagement, Tidy Trails is driving visible and lasting behavioral change—ensuring that plastic waste is not discarded, but reimagined into something meaningful for the community.
Speaking on the expansion, Ms. Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, “On World Environment Day, the launch of Tidy Trails in Delhi and Pune, along with its expansion in Agra and Guwahati, underscores our commitment to scaling sustainable, community-led solutions for post-consumer plastic waste management. Guided by our Partnership of Progress philosophy, we believe meaningful change is only possible through collective action. The success of Tidy Trails in Agra and Guwahati—driven by strong community engagement and support from local administrations—has laid a solid foundation for this next phase. We’re proud to collaborate with partners like The Social Lab and local municipalities to deliver real, on-ground impact.”
Mr. Sahil Arora, Chief Executive Officer, The Social Lab (TSL), said, “We are proud to partner with PepsiCo India for this noble initiative. At TSL, we are committed to protecting the environment and supporting circular economy efforts through programs like Tidy Trails. Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges today, but when reused and recycled, it can offer valuable solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to bring together communities, businesses, and policymakers to encourage the responsible use, recycling, and reuse of plastic.”
Since its inception, the Tidy Trails initiative has collected over 68,000 kg of plastic waste, driven by active participation from local shopkeepers and communities. The program currently facilitates the daily collection of approximately 274 kg in Agra and 386 kg in Guwahati—demonstrating consistent, grassroots-level impact.
With a reach of over 1.9 lakh people, the initiative continues to drive behavioral change around responsible plastic waste management through sustained community engagement and awareness efforts.
As Tidy Trails expands its footprint, it stands as a compelling example of how collective action—across local communities, municipal bodies, and socially responsible businesses—can accelerate the transition toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
RBI Rate Cuts to Boost Auto Sector and Consumer Demand
By – Mr. Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India
“The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to reduce the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5%, marking a cumulative 100 bps cut in recent months (25bps cut in Feb 2025, followed by 25bps in April 2025 and 50 bps in June ), is a welcome and timely move.
Combined with a significant 100 bps reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), which releases ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system, this policy is expected to strengthen liquidity and accelerate the transmission of lower interest rates to consumers, which will spur demand in the economy. For the automotive sector, this translates directly into improved access to affordable vehicle financing, especially in the entry and mid-level segments.
The reduction in CPI inflation forecast to 3.7% for FY26 will likely increase real disposable income, supporting consumer sentiment. With private consumption already on a healthy trajectory and the festive season on the horizon, we expect this policy environment to drive demand further. Moreover, robust gross FDI despite global headwinds reaffirms India’s attractiveness as a long-term investment destination.
The RBI’s proactive measures are poised to spur automotive retail, enhance customer affordability, and strengthen the economic cycle. We are optimistic that FY2025-26 will see an upward growth trajectory for the auto industry, powered by favorable macroeconomic indicators, strong fundamentals, and evolving consumer confidence.”
Back by Demand: Aadyam Theatre’s Mumbai Star Adds Another Show to Its Mumbai Comeback.
India-wide Release, 6th June 2025: Aadyam Theatre, a storytelling initiative by the Aditya Birla Group, brings its most ambitious and sonically rich production, The Dragon Rose Project’s Mumbai Star — a vibrant dance musical — to its namesake city. After the blockbuster Mumbai run, the show will be coming back to the city of dreams due to a massive response. Apart from its regular runs on July 12th and July 13th, 2025, at NCPA’s iconic auditoriums, Jamshed Bhabha Theatre and Tata Theatre, this new run comes bearing a bonanza for the theatre enthusiasts. An additional show on July 11th, 2025, has been added due to the increasing demand for the visual spectacle of the season.
Originally written by Devika Shahani, the production is directed by Nadir Khan and choreographed by Avantika Bahl with contributions from guest choreographers, including Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Vidushi Uma Dogra, Krutika Mehta, and Vivaran Dhasman. What binds this sprawling Dance Musical together is the razor-sharp choreography, fantastic performances, beautiful staging, and the transcendent power of music to narrate a tale of dreams, determination, and destiny.
At the heart of this story is Dev, a spirited dancer from a quaint coastal town in Maharashtra, who arrives in Mumbai with a little more than his mother’s dream and a burning passion to make it big. He auditions for Mumbai Star, a dance competition that could change the trajectory of his life. Life in the spotlight nudges him into a web of blinding lights, fame, and heartbreak. But at this fateful intersection, he forges a powerful bond with his mentor, who acts as his moral compass.
The musical maverick behind the 19-track original score for the album is Dhruv Ghanekar, with Ishitta Arun penning the lyrics. The album is an eclectic mix of genres of songs that play an important role at every juncture of the story. From orchestral overtures and folk percussion to hip hop and soaring ballads, the studio version of the album features celebrated artists like Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala, Nakash Aziz, Stony Psyko, and Ravi Chary. Their music enlivens the stage with the dynamic dance sequences executed by a powerhouse ensemble of performers, who embody each track with stunning precision, expression, and theatrical flair.
The cast features a stellar line-up of artists, including Avenav Mukherjee, Abhishek Choksi, Arushi Nigam, and Jayesh Sarange, with associate choreographer Surabhi Andrade and others, with Rajit Kapur and Srishti Srivastava lending a powerful theatrical frame as narrators who guide the story as it unfolds.
Speaking about Mumbai Star, the producer and original writer Devika Shahani said, “It’s been an exhilarating opening for ‘Mumbai Star’ with Aadyam Theatre this season! The show – originally commissioned by Min-On founded by my mentor Daisaku Ikeda – was born out of the desire to tell the story of mentor and disciple through dance and music. This exceptional team of people has brought this story to life in a way I could never have imagined! I’m excited to continue this journey with Mumbai Star backed by Aadyam Theatre as we return to Mumbai which is the place where we built the show originally.”
Nadir Khan, Director of Mumbai Star and Co-Programming Consultant for the seventh season of Aadyam Theatre added, “The recognition and inclusion of Dance as a vital member of the Performing Arts is a wonderful addition to the Aadyam Theatre umbrella. We are very hopeful that with this small step, the Dance industry will have one more avenue that will allow it to continue to innovate, grow and contribute to the rich and diverse landscape of the Performing Arts we love so much. We’re extremely happy that the response Mumbai Star received over the opening weekend was so strong that Aadyam Theatre has seen fit to add an extra show for our return to Mumbai in July at the NCPA. The show is high-quality, accessible, unpretentious, joyous and exhilarating. It respects and cherishes the traditional but is also loudly and proudly announcing that Modern India has a strong and clear identity of its own. It’s a simple story, told with soul and energy, all while rooting itself in a compelling theatrical narrative that weaves different styles of storytelling together – music, dance, movement and theatre. It’s a great evening out for anyone – children included!”
Originally produced as a project by the Min-On Concert Association, Tokyo, Japan, with The Dragon Rose Project staging the show, Mumbai Star is a musical ode to the nurturing power that the city of Mumbai holds. A city of chaos, contrasts, and beauty, a magnet attracting thousands of dreamers.
Aadyam Theatre has always championed bold and original Indian voices. With its seventh season, it is pushing the envelope of creativity through curated theatrical experiences that are immersive, indelible, and rooted in the ethos of contemporary culture. With its second Mumbai run, Mumbai Star will yet again display the spectacle that oozes rhythm, roar, and a reverence for one of its main characters, the city.
Marriott India strengthens the Green Commitment on World Environment Day 2025
6th June 2025, Thursday: Marriott India proudly achieved its ambitious goal for World Environment Day 2025, a commitment to plant 100,000 trees across its extensive portfolio of over 150 hotels nationwide. This significant undertaking marked a powerful escalation of Marriott India’s dedication to sustainability and ecological restoration, building upon the success of its previous environmental initiatives.
This landmark endeavor was built upon the successful foundation of last year’s “Two Trees per Room” initiative, launched on World Environment Day 2024. That program, a cornerstone of Marriott India’s environmental stewardship, saw over 32,600 trees planted by more than 4,900 volunteers. This year, Marriott India exponentially scaled its impact, with over 15,000 volunteers planting 100,000 trees. This monumental achievement reinforced its commitment to tangible environmental action and a healthier planet.
To achieve this ambitious goal, each Marriott India property actively participated in localized tree-planting initiatives. This collective effort, in collaboration with reputable reforestation organizations, was designed to dramatically expand our collective green footprint. Trees were strategically planted in areas optimized for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change mitigation, while also providing vital support to local communities.
“Marriott India is incredibly proud to have successfully achieved our goal of planting 100,000 trees, a testament to our profound dedication to environmental responsibility,” said Sanjay Gupta – Chairman of the Marriott India Business Council. “This ambitious goal truly underscores our belief that sustainability is not just a passing trend, but a fundamental pillar of responsible hospitality. We are committed to making a lasting, positive impact on our environment for generations to come.”
JW Marriott Kolkata participated enthusiastically in this initiative, planting 25 saplings on World Environment Day in the presence of Arun Kumar – Market Vice President, North India, Bhutan & Nepal, along with the hotel’s leadership and volunteers. As part of their year-long pledge, the hotel will plant a total of 1,124 trees, aligning with the commitment of four trees per room. This ongoing effort highlights the property’s long-term vision of nurturing green spaces and leading by example in the heart of the city.
Marriott India’s dedication extends beyond this signature initiative. We continue to implement a wide array of innovative practices aimed at minimizing our ecological impact, including energy-efficient operations, robust waste reduction programs, and responsible sourcing. By leading through example, Marriott India is committed to setting new benchmarks for sustainable hospitality within the industry.
Experience Premium Lighting with Hafele’s Stanford Series
Hafele’s Loox Range has been meeting the demands for lighting in furniture as well as the growing needs for networking and digitalization since the last 10 years. The solutions offered within this range maximize simplicity and flexibility as well as assure high reliability. The range presents itself as a unique combination of elegant design and state-of-the-art technology making it the perfect choice for any home furniture application, be it Task Lighting for Kitchen cabinets and plinths, Decorative Lighting for Living Room Showcases, Mood Lighting for Bedroom Applications or pure Functional Lighting in Wardrobes.
With the ever-increasing demands for quality and specialized lighting solutions not just for furniture but also for rooms, Hafele in 2019 expanded its range offering to include ceiling cove lighting which incorporates our high-quality strip lights. It was during this period that we realized that among the numerous ceiling light types available in the market, interior architectural lighting had a huge demand, however there weren’t many prominent brands that offered these solutions. On one side, there existed local market players that offered these solutions without effective quality assurances, while on the other there were international brands that only catered to projects with no stable price offering or service support. This left majority of the customers without a viable choice in the market. Identifying this distinct gap early on as an opportunity, Hafele initiated the research and engineering for a range of lights that enhances the design of architectural spaces as well as provides opportunities of achieving different illumination techniques and functionalities. As a brand, Hafele understands design and is known for its bend towards innovation.
It also understands the importance of home ergonomics, lifestyle conveniences and ease of mobility within your surroundings. Our efforts towards this exercise led to the development of a versatile range of architectural lights; Hafele Architectural Lights was brought into existence. With Hafele’s New Architectural Lights Range, you will find all your lighting needs taken care of. Whether it is lighting up a small area, highlighting a wall texture, emphasizing a work of art, illuminating the floor space at night or simply ensuring even distribution of light across the entire space – these lights have got you covered. The range, consisting of 9 series, covers various applications, installation techniques and design themes. Each series comes with a comprehensive offering of the different types of interior lights, be it down lights, spotlight or wall washers, which allows you to implement a consistent design theme (in terms of the lighting fixtures) across the space available, even with differentiated illumination techniques. The biggest advantage this range carries is the absolutely low Unified Glare Rating (UGR). The lower the UGR rating, the lower the glare from the light fittings which therefore results in comfortable illumination in your living spaces. The convenient plug and play assembly, impressive product specifications, flexibility in ordering components, luminaire finishes, and availability of glare reduction accessories provide an overall customized option tailored to your specific requirements. Engineered on the same philosophy of ‘easiness’ and ‘flexibility’ as the Loox furniture lighting system, Hafele can now be your holistic lighting solutions provider, delivering premium ambient, task and accent lighting for your living spaces.
The Stanford Series
Designed on the concept of modularization, Hafele’s Stanford series offers you customization options like never before. The ordering process involves selecting the type of Light Engine, Baffle and Mounting Bracket, enabling the series to offer 42 different luminaire combinations. Selections in terms of wattage, beam angle, tilt angle and shape give you unmatched possibilities in ensuring a unified look for your interiors. The 7 trendy baffle colour options provide creative flexibility for incorporating elegant pops of colours that effortlessly highlight your ceiling or provide a seamless look that immaculately blends with your interior design. Enhancing this experience is the addition of Multiwhite Light Engine to the series which offers unmatched flexibility in tuning the colour temperature to suit your needs.
The luminaries from the Stanford Series are suitable for use as spotlights and down lights. They have a low UGR (Unified Glare Rating) which enhances the visual clarity and provides comfortable aesthetics in the living spaces. With easy installation and wide customization options, the Stanford series is your ideal solution for contemporary aesthetics.
Aroma Magic Launches Hydra Pro Serum and Mocha Facial Kit

The Mocha Skin Rejuvenation Facial Kit is a decadent experience, powered by mocha extracts, essential oils, and hydrating botanicals. It’s designed to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, and restore dull, tired skin, leaving it visibly brighter and firmer. From the Aromatherapy Prep Gel to the Mocha Massage Cream and Mocha Face Pack, each step promotes relaxation while detoxifying and energizing your skin. It is perfect for dull, dry, and dehydrated skin that craves a radiance boost.
“Hydration and rejuvenation are the foundation of youthful and glowy skin—especially during harsh summers and humidity-filled monsoons,” says Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Founder of Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic. “With the Hydra Pro Plus Kit, we’re delivering modern skin science backed by aromatherapy to provide deep, lasting hydration. The Mocha Facial Kit is our love letter to those who want kind skincare with results; they both represent our commitment to clean beauty and seasonal wellness.”
Naagin Raises INR 18 Crores in Pre-Series A Round Led by 360 ONE Asset
Mumbai, India: Naagin, the flavour–first food brand known for shaking up India’s condiment landscape, has raised ₹18 Crores in a pre–Series A funding round led by 360 ONE Asset. The round also saw participation from returning investor 8i, now backing Naagin for the third time alongside a collective of 12 current and new angel investors.
Founded in 2019 by Mikhel Rajani (ex-Francesco’s Pizzeria and Mandala), Arjun Rastogi (ex-BlackRock, EY), and Kshitij Neelakantan (ex-public policy and operations, SOAS alumnus), Naagin was born out of a simple frustration: Why were Indian flavours missing from the global mainstream? That question turned into a mission, to put Indian chillies on the world map and make Indian flavour profiles the hero again.
This fundraise marks a significant step forward in Naagin’s journey to redefine how India and the world experience flavour. The capital will be deployed to scale operations across key verticals including factory expansion, team expansion, R&D and marketing, while accelerating growth across B2B, Ecommerce, and D2C. With multiple new products and category expansions in the pipeline, the brand is poised to deepen its domestic presence while strategically building out its export roadmap.
“We aligned with 360 ONE instantly on our bold vision for the future. They’ve been very supportive from the get-go and we are excited to continue our journey to create products people truly love, be the flavour provider for the next generation of HORECA brands right here in India and expanding globally to put Indian Hot Sauce on the world map,” said Mikhel Rajani, Co-Founder of Naagin.
Naagin has already built a cult following among consumers and chefs alike, delivering bold, distinctly Indian flavours in formats designed for modern kitchens. With over one million customers served and a strong presence across ecommerce, Qcomm and Horeca, the brand has emerged as a category disruptor. Collaborations such as the viral Bhoot Chips with TooYumm! have further cemented its cultural relevance.
This round reflects growing investor confidence in Naagin’s differentiated approach, one that blends chef-crafted innovation, farmer-led sourcing, and a brand built for the new-age consumer. The company continues to invest in deepening its regional sourcing networks and strengthening its farm-to-flavour supply chain to ensure transparency, traceability, and impact at scale.
“Naagin isn’t simply bottling heat, it’s distilling India’s rich chilli heritage into a fresh, addictive flavour experience that belongs on tables from Mumbai to Brooklyn. Their relentless focus on craft, clean ingredients, and punchy brand storytelling positions them to redefine the global hot-sauce aisle, and we’re fired up to help fuel that journey,” said Abhishek Nag, Head of Early Stage VC at 360 ONE Asset.
Naagin’s long-term vision is rooted in elevating Indian flavours to global icons. By combining authentic culinary heritage with bold, modern branding and world-class execution, the brand is on a mission to create a new benchmark for what ‘Made in India’ means in the world of food.
Prime Video Launches Humorous Rally Cry Video Leading up to Panchayat Season 4
6th June 2025: Rivalry meets parody in the quirkiest rally one has ever seen! With elections at its peak in Phulera, Panchayat Season 4 will witness the ultimate battle seen yet! In the lead-up to Season 4, two fierce contenders—Team Manju Devi and Team Kranti Devi—have launched a full-blown campaign, complete with catchy slogans, wildly ambitious promises, and emotions flying high. It’s time to pick sides as both teams have launched their campaigns packed with competitive flair and humour with a Phulera twist.
On one side, we have the ever-popular alpha queen Manju Devi, promising chaar-lane ki road, airbag-fitted cycles while on the other side, Kranti Devi and her crusaders are upping the stakes by pledging runways jahan auto bhi take-off karega (because roads are just so passé). Both anthems are dripping in satire, promises, and just the right amount of drama. But just when you think things can’t get any crazier—Sachivji halts the madness by asking a simple question: “Panchayat ke fans ke liye kya kar sakte ho?”
As Manju Devi and Kranti Devi each promise to bring Panchayat Season 4 earlier than the promised July 2 launch date if they win, Sachiv ji turns to the audience and implores them to cast their vote to their favourite team on www.panchayatvoting.com and get the new season sooner.
Get ready for naarebazi, punchlines, and plenty of Phulera-style drama — all rolled into one unforgettable rally cry video. This is just a little taste of madness that the new season promises to bring its audiences soon!
Council for Green Revolution Lists on NSE-SSE as First Climate Action Entity
Chandigarh, June 06, 2025: Council for Green Revolution, a Hyderabad-based Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), has successfully raised approx. Rs. 69 lakhs on the NSE–SSE platform and has listed on June 4, 2025, on the eve of the globally significant World Environment Day as the 14th project listing on its social stock exchange platform (NSE–SSE). This also represents the listing of the first project working for the environment and climate action.
This project fund raising will support their “Young Youth Leadership Programme” enabling it to plant saplings, establish kitchen gardens and conduct climate education trainings with domain experts with an outreach and benefit to over 45,000 student earth leaders.
The successful fundraise marks a significant milestone for both Council for Green Revolution and the NSE SSE platform as it has attracted over 150 retail donors contributing to the issuance with as small as Rs. 1,000/- This is a testament to the SSE’s potential to unlock large pools of retail investment and democratise philanthropy.
NSE–SSE has recently enabled e-IPO via both ASBA and UPI mechanisms. Following the same, this ceremony also acknowledged and felicitated the efforts and initiatives of one of trading members – Fyers, which has championed this initiative by developing and enabling the UPI mechanism on NSE–SSE, resulting in over 50 organic donations in the current issuance. This will inspire and encourage other trading members to enable the UPI mechanism and donation seamlessly.
Speaking on this momentous occasion and on the impact of the project of Council for Green revolution, Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE elucidated, “In order to contribute to the vision of the Government of India to bring capital markets closer to the masses and to facilitate social inclusion through NSE’s SSE, the exchange platform under the guidance of SEBI has been taking steadfast and concrete steps to this effect. The listing of the Council for Green Revolution is a significant milestone, as it represents the first environment and climate action-focused initiative on the platform, reinforcing our dedication to sustainability and social impact”.
MediaTek Days on Amazon to Feature AI Powered, Next-Gen Smartphones, Smart Homes, and More
New Delhi, 06 June, 2025: With an aim to make great technology available for everyone, MediaTek, a leading global fabless semiconductor company powering nearly two billion connected devices every year, has announced the return of its flagship campaign MediaTek Days –on Amazon from 6th June till 10th June 2025. During the five-day campaign, MediaTek will offer a curated selection of AI–powered innovative devices, making incredible technology experiences more accessible to consumers.
Anuj Sidharth, Director, Marketing & Communications, MediaTek said, “The demand for intelligent, connected devices is growing rapidly. With more and more smart devices proliferating the Indian market, it is crucial to highlight MediaTek–powered smart devices that stand out with their innovative technologies. With MediaTek Days on Amazon, we aim to bridge this gap by making AI–powered, feature-rich devices more accessible. This campaign is about delivering real value and helping more people experience the benefits of smarter living through seamless connectivity and powerful performance driven by MediaTek’s innovative chipsets.”
Ajay Sharma, Head of LCS Ads, Smartphones from Amazon said, “Technology has become central to how consumers connect, work, live, and they’re increasingly seeking smarter, AI–powered devices that offer real value. ‘MediaTek Days’ campaign taps into this need, bringing together MediaTek’s cutting-edge innovations and Amazon’s trusted e-commerce ecosystem. By creating a diverse range of verified, high-performance devices in one place, we’re helping consumers discover and access technology that truly enhances everyday life. This initiative not only boosts informed purchase decisions but also strengthens our shared goal of accelerating India’s digital transformation.”
MediaTek‘s Dimensity chipsets power a wide range of 5G smartphones, providing an exceptional experience for users. These advanced SoCs include the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 and Dimensity 8000 series, which cater to flagship and premium smartphones. The Dimensity series boasts innovative features that include fully integrated 5G connectivity, advanced gaming technologies, professional-grade imaging, and support for multi-camera videography. They also incorporate the latest architecture and AI functionalities. The MediaTek Dimensity-powered smartphones available at Amazon include OPPO Find X8 with Dimensity 9400, Vivo X200 with Dimensity 9400, Realme GT 7 with Dimensity 9400e, OPPO Reno13 with Dimensity 8350, Realme P3 Ultra with Dimensity 8350 Ultra, and many more.
MediaTek’s diverse portfolio includes the Dimensity series for 5G smartphones, the Helio G series for 4G gaming phones, Pentonic for smart TV technologies, Kompanio for ARM-based Chromebooks, Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi solutions, Genio for IoT applications, and Dimensity Auto for next–gen automotive innovations. Each of these product lines is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s users, enhancing experiences across live streaming, smart home integration, social media, photography, gaming, and more. Through the MediaTek Days campaign, consumers can explore cutting-edge devices and find the perfect tech solutions to fit their lifestyles.