Sheela Foam Standalone December 2024 Net Sales at Rs 791.21 crore, up 54.33% Y-o-Y

Noida,3 February 2025: Sheela Foam Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of PU Foam and the house of leading brands Sleepwell and Kurl-on announced its third quarter’s financial results ending December 31st, 2024. After the post-acquisition synergy between Sleepwell and Kurl-on, Sheela Foam has witnessed strong growth momentum in Q3 for its B2C mattress business, despite industry headwinds. With a deeper understanding of consumer needs, product innovation, expanded retail footprint, proactive channel engagement and enhanced operational efficiencies; Sheela Foam continues to create significant stakeholder value

Q3 Financial Highlights
 • Mattress volume growth increased by 24% YoY
• Mattress value growth increased by 16% YoY
Standalone Financial Performance 
• Revenue: INR 791 crores, a 54% YoY growth
• EBITDA: INR 71 crores, a 34% YoY growth
• Net Profit: INR 25 crores

Consolidated Financial Performance
 • Revenue: INR 967 crores, a 10% YoY growth.
• EBITDA: INR 88 crores, up 15% YoY
 • Net Profit: INR 19 crores
Business Highlights
Sheela Foam’s growth in Q3 FY25 is backed by the festive season of the country – the mattress business comprising Sleepwell and Kurlon brand clocked volume growths 24% on YoY basis. The company received tremendous response for its newly launched range of mattress featuring Sleepwell Pro FitRest and Kurl-on Ortho Magic. The new products were instrumental in driving consumer engagement and sales volumes. Online segment recoded significant growth and market share gain for Sheela Foam, now the second largest selling online mattress company in the country. Other business segments also delivered strong performance driven by deeper penetration into industrial applications e.g. furniture, automotive, footwear, lingerie, and ancillary markets.

Management Commentary
Mr. Rahul Gautam, Executive Chairman, Sheela Foam Limited, stated, “The strategic actions to streamline synergy is culminating into the charted growth trajectory of Sleepwell and Kurlon brands, registering robust volume & value growth in both online and online channels.” Mr. Tushaar Gautam, Managing Director, Sheela Foam Limited, added, “With the successful Integration of Kurlon, the company is on the path of accruing benefits. This is a result of our clear strategy and strong transformation capabilities along with efficient execution.”

Panasonic Energy India Company releases Q3 results

New Delhi, 3rd February 2025: Panasonic Energy India Co. Ltd. (PECIN) a part of Panasonic Holdings Corporation today announced its financial results for the quarter ending December 31st, 2024. PECIN demonstrated a quarter-on-quarter growth in revenue by 6.9% for current financial year. However, the company reported a dip in revenues by 6.7% when compared to YTD FY24 (9 months). The company’s profitability improved by 7% YTD FY25 (PAT) despite drop in revenue and they closed the balance sheet with a market cap of INR 3416 million.

While announcing the results, Mr. Akinori Isomura, Chairman and Managing Director Panasonic Energy India Co. Ltd. (PECIN) said, “At PECIN, we are committed to our stakeholders and our focus is to close the FY2024-25 on a profitable note. Despite increase in raw materials, we continue to stay invested and, are focusing on cost optimisation, strategic initiatives to penetrate the market further. For instance, we are strengthening our rural presence and also investing in Quick Commerce channels to expand our reach to serve our customers across length and breadth of the country. This will be a long-term strategic initiative that entails investments and will have a momentary impact on our profitability. Similarly, to improve our product mix and productivity we are leveraging technology and have invested in sales force automation. This will aid data management, enhancing our efficiencies thereby, boosting sales productivity. We are confident to further solidify our performance and market competitiveness through these prudent initiatives.”

The PECIN factory in Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh) is a Carbon Neutral Factory and has received a Certificate of Verification Carbon Unit (VCU) Retirement from Verra. Additionally, it has been certified by the International REC Standard. We have recently installed additional solar panels at our PECIN factory generating (150KV) to ensure 30% solar coverage (maximum permissible limit as per state guidelines) aimed at Co2 reduction. The wastewater treatment at the factory results in zero discharge of wastewater and furthermore, 50% of factory land has a forest cultivated by PECIN. At present, company uses approximately 6% recycled materials in their products which is in-line to the direction of 3R (Reduce, Reuse Recycle). The company is committed to invest more on plantation of trees for the 2nd year under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in line with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.

On manufacturing front, PECIN aims for better quality of human life and preservation of the planet. Majority of the products manufactured by the Company are eco-friendly in nature with no addition of (Mercury) Hg, (Cadmium) Cd, (Lead) Pb. Company’s manufactured products are compliant with the limits set by RoHS Directives (EU) 2015/863. Currently, the product portfolio is around 87% zinc carbon batteries and 5% alkaline batteries, 5% rechargeable batteries, and 3% Lithium coin batteries.

Amazon and MX Player Launch ‘Made in India – A Titan Story’ in 2025

Bengaluru, 3rd February 2025: Titan Company Ltd., a leading retail conglomerate, is thrilled to announce the upcoming premiere of ‘Made in India – A Titan Story,’ a six-part series that delves into the brand’s extraordinary journey from its inception to becoming a symbol of Indian innovation and excellence. The series will premier exclusively on Amazon MX Player in 2025. This compelling series chronicles Titan’s remarkable journey from its inception to becoming one of India’s most iconic consumer brands.

Produced by Almighty Motion Picture and T-Series Films, the series is directed by Robbie Grewal and written by Karan Vyas. The stellar cast features renowned actors Naseeruddin Shah and Jim Sarbh, bringing depth and authenticity to this inspiring story. Adapted from Vinay Kamath’s acclaimed book, TITAN: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand, the series offers an intimate portrayal of Titan’s evolution. Through the visionary leadership of its first CEO, Xerxes Desai, and the embodiment of JRD Tata’s philosophy, the series highlights, how Titan navigated early challenges to achieve entrepreneurial success. The narrative captures pivotal moments, including the creation of the world’s slimmest watch, highlighting Titan’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

C.K. Venkataraman, Managing Director, Titan Company Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm, “Titan’s journey is a testament to the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship and the passion of everyone involved in building a brand that resonates with millions. We are excited to share our story with the world through this compelling series.”

Prabhleen Sandhu, Founder, Almighty Motion Pictures, the producer of the series, shared her sentiments, “It’s an honour to get an opportunity to tell such an important chapter of history. Titan’s story is one of perseverance and innovation, and we are proud to bring it to the screen.”

Bhushan Kumar, Founder, T-Series Films, also the producer of the series, added “We are honoured to present this prestigious project—ATitanStory,—an extraordinary narrative that brings to light one of India’s most treasured stories, one that truly deserves to be told in this era.”

Amogh Dusad, Head, Content – Amazon MX Player, said, “We are excited to bring our vision to life with this compelling story featuring talented cast. The story around the journey of Titan brand building is inspiring and would be a treat for the Amazon MX Player customers to watch and appreciate. We begin filming this soon and it’s a special project for all of us.”

Each episode will unveil the essence of Indian entrepreneurship and its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s spirit of innovation. The show will be premiering exclusively on Amazon MX Player in 2025.

Discover Ladakhi Traditions at the Pop-up Festival in Chor Bizarre, New Delhi

New Delhi, February 2025: The newly reopened Chor Bizarre at Asaf Ali Road serves regional Indian cuisine and authentic signature Kashmiri dishes in a setting that is unabashedly Indian. Originally debuting in 1990 as India’s first theme restaurant, Chor Bizarre gained iconic status with its unique ‘thieves market’ ambience and authentic regional Indian cuisine.

It is especially known across the world for its Kashmiri dishes and was the first to bring the Kashmiri Wazwan as well as other delicacies from Kashmiri pandit cuisine, out of the valley. Chor Bizarre has taken its pop-ups across the country and the world. However, the restaurant has always been proud of the ever-changing regional favourites too on its menu.

Chor Bizarre recently hosted a pop up of Mangalorean cuisine by Chef Shriya Shetty. Prior to that, it showcased Odia cuisine by actor-filmmaker Nandita Das. Last year, it also held a pop-up featuring Purani Dilli cuisine as well as brought its sister restaurant, Hosa from Goa, for a pop up to New Delhi. Another recent pop-up featured 40 dishes from the Kashmiri Wazwan for its regulars.

Starting February 7th, Ladakhi cuisine will take centre stage at Chor Bizarre, offering a rich exploration of this unique culinary tradition in collaboration with Stok Palace, Leh. This pop-up promises to bring authentic, time-honoured recipes from Ladakh to Delhi, further enriching the culinary experience for its regular guests.

Says Stanzin Jigmed Namgyal, Prince of Ladakh,‘’We, at Stok Palace, endeavour to honour Ladakh’s culinary heritage by presenting guests with an authentic taste of the royal kitchens. We try to deliver a genuine experience, keeping the dishes simple and thoughtfully prepared. We look forward to doing the same for our esteemed guests during this weekend in New Delhi.”

At its core, Ladakhi food is comfort food—rooted in the use of indigenous, organically grown ingredients that flourish in the unique environment of Ladakh. Each region within Ladakh brings its own variation and flair to the table, with dishes that tell the story of the land and its people. For instance, Yarkhandi Pulao, a delicacy with origins tracing back to the Silk Route era, showcases the historical exchanges and influences that have shaped Ladakhi culinary traditions. Other delights on the menu include Khambir with Tangthur, a traditional sourdough flatbread; Gyathuk, a Chinese-style Thupka; O-Skyu, thumbprint pasta; Pheymarr and more, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Ladakhi cuisine, deeply rooted in the region’s geography and traditions, reflects its people’s resourcefulness and deep connection to nature. The food is based on locally sourced ingredients like barley, wild herbs, and apricots, prepared with techniques passed down through generations. This pop-up will showcase a variety of dishes that capture the heart and soul of Ladakhi culinary culture.

Says Chef Srinivas, Brand Chef of Chor Bizarre: “We’re thrilled to introduce Ladakhi cuisine to our guests in Delhi. This is a wonderful opportunity for our diners to discover the authentic and distinctive flavors of Ladakh, which are not often found in the city. With the culinary expertise of Stok Palace combined with Chor Bizarre’s touch, we’re excited to offer a truly memorable dining experience.”

Lord Shiva’s Journey Across Oceans: A Spiritual Return to India from Europe

India, 2025

In a groundbreaking celebration of art, culture, and spirituality, Atelier Ajanta proudly announces its pan-India launch with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece: Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. Created by visionary Dutch artists Hans Goedoen and Jerrel Goedoen, the piece is a striking interpretation of Lord Shiva, a modern piece of art symbolizing resilience, faith, and cultural continuity. Founded in Amsterdam, Atelier Ajanta is named after the iconic Ajanta caves; the birthplace of Indian art. The studio serves as a creative hub where the Goedoen brothers blend the intricacies of Hindu iconography with modern European design. Their art bridges the past and present, the spiritual and the material, making ancient traditions accessible to contemporary audiences.

Hans & Jerrel’s journey is a testament to the strength of identity across continents and centuries. Descendants of Hindu indentured laborers transported to Suriname during British rule in India, the Goedoen brothers’ family migrated to The Netherlands in the 1970s. Despite the upheavals of migration, their Hindu faith remained a guiding force, shaping their identity and artistic expression.

“It’s incredible how our ancestors carried Lord Shiva in their hearts across oceans and generations,” says Hans. “This connection to Sanatan Dharma became the foundation of our art. Our sculpture is more than art; it’s a homecoming,” adds Jerrel. “Shiva’s journey mirrors our own—from India to Suriname, to The Netherlands, and now, back to India. Hinduism is not just a religion; it’s a way of life that has stood the test of time. In fact, our piece of art is a true manifestation of the meaning of Sanatan Dharma – eternal truth. Sanatan Dharma is regarded as eternal because it embodies the timeless, universal laws governing the cosmos and human existence. It recognizes truths that transcend time, place, and culture. Across continents, generations, and diverse cultures, the essence of this dharma has remained unchanged—its enduring nature is vividly reflected in our timeless piece of art that stand as evidence to this phenomenon. Through this masterpiece, we aim to share this strength and spirituality not only with India but also the rest of the world.”

Our masterpiece named “Devon Ke Dev Mahadev” is a bold, contemporary tribute to the essence of Hinduism and a celebration to its resilience. Crafted from hand-spray painted dry cast resin and standing at 35 cm tall, the 12kg solid sculpture embodies both Shiva’s cosmic power and meditative stillness. Each piece is signed by the artists and comes with a certificate of authenticity, making it both a collector’s item and a profound statement of faith and heritage. Atelier Ajanta issues only a limited number (hundred pieces), keeping it exclusive and rare.

By returning their interpretation of Lord Shiva to India, Hans and Jerrel complete a spiritual and cultural circle that began generations ago. The launch of Devon Ke Dev Mahadev in India represents not only their personal journey but also the resilience of Hinduism, which has flourished across continents and adversities.

In a time when the pride in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage is resurging under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the story of Hans and Jerrel Goedoen becomes even more symbolic. Their journey and art are a testament to the unmatched resilience of Hinduism—a religion and way of life that has survived time, distance, and adversity to emerge stronger than ever. How powerful is Hinduism, if it can withstand generations of migration, crossing oceans and continents, yet remain unbroken and eternal? The Goedoen brothers’ masterpiece exemplifies this strength, inspiring pride in every Hindu who reflects on the unshakable truth of Sanatan Dharma.

Devon Ke Dev Mahadev is now available across India for both progressive members of the Hindu community and art enthusiasts. Each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Limited edition.

Arunachal Pradesh 2025 Calendar: Rise and Shine with Stunning Views of the Northeast

February 1st: Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

The Department of Tourism, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, partners with Miss India Organization, Times Group, to proudly launch the breathtaking calendar “Rise and Shine in Arunachal Pradesh.” This calendar pays tribute to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, India’s first dawn-lit state, at a spectacular launch event held at Dorjee Khandu State Convention Center, Itanagar.

The Times Group has engaged with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to partner with and highlight the various pillars that make Arunachal Pradesh an arresting destination across all industry verticals. The first such engagement is with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, to conceptualise and produce a magnificent calendar that encapsulates time with the state’s natural beauty.

The calendar “Rise and Shine in Arunachal Pradesh” is a heartfelt tribute to the alluring beauty of Arunachal Pradesh with the graceful exuberance of Femina Miss India winners through a visual story captured in this calendar, featuring 13 exquisite images. Each month showcases Arunachal’s scenic topography and landscape – its majestic mountains, lush valleys, and serene rivers – intensified by the elegance of Miss India queens. “Rise” symbolises Arunachal’s periodic embrace of the sun, while “Shine” underscores the glowing achievements of Femina Miss India winners. Together, “Rise and Shine” is a tribute to Arunachal’s rich treasury of beauty, culture, and India’s luminous and promising future.

The event commenced with ceremonial lamp lighting, signifying an auspicious start to the occasion, followed by a welcome speech by the Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Ranphoa Ngowa. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, First Lady of the State Smt Anagha Parnaik, the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Shri Kardo Nyigyor, the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona; Guest of Honour Neha Dhupia. Additionally, an array of esteemed dignitaries attended the event, namely the Hon’ble MLA Shri Topin Ete, the Hon’ble MLA Shri Tseten Chombay Kee, the Hon’ble MLA Smt Nyabi Jini Dirchi, the Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Dasanglu Pul, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Shri Nyato Dukam, the Minister of Housing, Shri Balo Raja, and the Secretary, Department of Tourism, Shri Ranphoa Ngowa.

In his keynote address, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona – Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, highlighted the importance of such collaborations in promoting tourism, saying, “Through this collaboration with Times Group and Miss India Organization, we proudly showcase the wonders of our state to the world. This calendar celebrates Arunachal Pradesh’s natural splendour and these remarkable women. It is an invitation to experience the warmth of our people, the richness of our traditions, and the magic of our landscapes. We welcome travellers to explore Arunachal Pradesh – where every journey is a memory waiting to be made.”

Adding to the occasion, a specially curated audio-visual presentation of the state’s tourism attractions was premiered, offering an immersive glimpse into the cultural and natural wealth of Arunachal Pradesh. The captivating visuals drew applause from the audience, setting the perfect tone for the evening, followed by a mesmerising cultural dance performance representing Arunachal Pradesh’s rich traditions, featuring Femina Miss India winners: Nandini Gupta – Femina Miss India World 2023, Nikita Porwal – Femina Miss India World 2024, Aayushi Dholakia – Femina Miss India 2024 – 2nd Runner-up, and Tadu Lunia – Femina Miss India Arunachal Pradesh 2024, and Guest of Honour Neha Dhupia.

Addressing the congregation at the calendar launch, the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, said, “I extend my warm greetings to all participants in this launching of the ‘Rise and Shine’ calendar 2025. I am confident that this tourism and travel initiative will go a long way in reflecting the true cultural diversity of Arunachal Pradesh and harnessing the tourism potential of the State.

I commend our Hon’ble Minister Shri PD Sona, officers and officials of the State Tourism Department and Miss India Organization, Times Group for this joint venture. Through this collaboration with Times Group and Miss India Organization, we proudly showcase the wonders of our State to the world. This calendar celebrates Arunachal Pradesh’s natural splendour and these remarkable women. It is an invitation to experience the warmth of our people, the richness of our traditions, and the magic of our landscapes. We welcome travellers to explore Arunachal Pradesh, where every journey is a memory waiting to be made.”

The highlight of the event was the grand unveiling of the calendar – “Rise and Shine in Arunachal Pradesh“. Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Shri Kardo Nyigyor, the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, the evening’s Guest of Honour, Neha Dhupia and other esteemed dignitaries, came together to launch the calendar. Each page features iconic locations of Arunachal Pradesh, captured with the poise and elegance of the Femina Miss India winners, making it a collector’s item that inspires wanderlust.

Towards the end of last year, the members of the Miss India Organization, along with the Femina Miss India winners, embarked on an extraordinary journey across various cities of Arunachal Pradesh to capture the state’s unparalleled beauty through a spectacular calendar and content shoot. Over two weeks, the team explored and shot at five breathtaking locations—Namsai, Mechukha, Tawang, Ziro, and Anini—showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

This calendar features the stellar cast of Femina Miss India winners: Nandini Gupta – Femina Miss India World 2023, Shreya Poonja – Femina Miss India 2023 – 1st Runner-up, Strela Luwang – Femina Miss India 2023 – 2nd Runner-up, Nikita Porwal – Femina Miss India World 2024, Rekha Pandey – Femina Miss India 2024 – 1st Runner-up, Aayushi Dholakia – Femina Miss India 2024 – 2nd Runner-up, and Tadu Lunia – Femina Miss India Arunachal Pradesh 2024.

Speaking of the partnership, Mr Rohit Gopakumar, Director – Worldwide Media and CEO – ZENL and Times Digital Network, said, “The Times Group has been working closely with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to partner and collaborate on promoting the state’s offering to the larger Indian Audience. We are proud to kick off this collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in conceptualising and producing a beautiful calendar which marries the power of femininity through the Femina Miss India and the scenic Natural beauty of the state to create a magnificent masterpiece, the ‘Rise and Shine’ calendar of 2025 for Arunachal Pradesh. It points to the state’s unparalleled beauty, where nature has blessed the state of Arunachal Pradesh with attractive gems for tourists, such as rolling hills, glimmering lakes, and waterfalls under the clear blue sky and crisp Himalayan air. It is a commitment to spotlighting our country’s unexplored treasure like Arunachal Pradesh, its rich diversity, boundless dreams, and the indomitable spirit of its people.”

Beyond the stunning calendar visuals, this collaboration also resulted in the filming of captivating content (videos and still images) featuring stunning landscapes, topography, heritage, and culture, among other aspects of the state, to promote the prospect of its tourism and build positive optics and interest. The content will be promoted and amplified across the digital properties of Femina Miss India, the Worldwide Media group network and Arunachal Pradesh Tourism.

Emeritus Global Skills Report 2025: Indian Workforce Sees AI Skills as Key to Career Advancement

February 3, 2025: India is experiencing a transformative wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in workplaces, prompting working professionals to learn the necessary skills and tools for the future. According to the 2025 Global Workplace Skills Study conducted by Emeritus, a global leader in professional education, the integration of AI in the workplace is reshaping careers across India, with 94% of Indian professionals believing that mastering AI skills will accelerate their career growth.

The study, which surveyed over 6,000 respondents across 18 countries aged 21-65 working across sectors such as finance & insurance, manufacturing, software & IT services, and education, among others, revealed that Indian professionals are leading the global AI adoption curve. An impressive 96% of Indian professionals are using AI and generative AI tools at work, significantly higher than the 81% in the US and 84% in the UK. As a result, 95% of Indian workers report increased productivity due to these technologies, outpacing the global average.

Indian professionals are prioritizing AI skills to stay competitive, with 90% considering AI and generative AI crucial for future career success. Moreover, 94% view AI expertise as essential not only for career advancement but also for diversifying across industries—far surpassing the global average of 87%. Notably, machine learning is uniquely among the top five most sought-after skills in India, with professionals twice as likely as global counterparts to focus on it.

Top 5 most sought after skills:

  • AI Development and Application
  • Mastering Emerging Technologies
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Machine Learning
  • Strategic Leadership and Management

The Global Workplace Skills Study 2025 identifies four critical trends in how Indian learners perceive and use AI:

  • Higher AI Adoption in India: India has a higher AI adoption rate (96%) reflecting a tech-savvy workforce, compared to 81% in the US and 84% in the UK.
  • AI/Gen AI Skills as a Top Priority:  AI/GenAI skills are at the forefront of professional development priorities in India, with 94% of Indian professionals seeing AI competencies as vital for long-term career employability.
  • AI’s Transformative Impact on Workplaces: 93% report that higher job satisfaction due to AI, GenAI-driven tools and resources available at work, significantly above the global (87%), US (82%) and UK (83%) averages.
  • Concerns about AI-Driven Displacement: Despite being early adopters of AI and Gen AI tools, Indians are increasingly worried about technology replacing them if they do not continually upskill.

Indian Employers Highly Invested in Employees’ Continued Learning

The Global Workplace Skills Study 2025 highlights a strong commitment by Indian employers to invest in workforce development, with working professionals reporting that 73% of employers increased their investment in training over the past year, well above the global average of 46%. Key benefits supporting skill development include internal training programs (44%) and career coaching (38%). Additionally, 40% of Indian professionals expect their employers to contribute financially to skills enhancement programs, signalling an opportunity for organisations to enhance workforce satisfaction and higher employee retention by sponsoring educational opportunities.

As India cements its position as a hub for technology innovation and growth, the emphasis on AI-driven upskilling will play a critical role in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory.

Announcing the launch of the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2025, Ashwin Damera, CEO and Co-Founder of Emeritus, said, “As the world undergoes economic and technological changes, the workforce needs to keep up with the time and evolve their approach to work with new skills, mindsets and competencies. India’s workforce is not only adapting to AI but actively harnessing it to shape the future of work. The findings from the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study highlight the resilience and forward-thinking mindset of Indian professionals and their employers in positioning AI as a career catalyst.”

iQOO Neo 10R Raging Blue: A Sneak Peek at the New Trendsetter

Inspired by a growing affinity for dual-tone designs across segments, iQOO introduced this concept in the Neo series, starting with the iQOO Neo 9 Pro. Now, taking this design philosophy forward, the iQOO Neo 10R debuts with a striking Blue and White back, crafted exclusively for India—to provide Indian consumers with unique and innovative designs that resonate with their bold and vibrant colour preferences.

Raging Blue exudes strength and forward momentum, while the White accent embodies a sense of power and determination. The design is enhanced by an exclusive texture inspired by racing tracks, which also influenced “R” in the iQOO Neo 10R. The result is a design that is not only visually stunning, but also reflects brand’s dedication to innovation, attention to detail and craftsmanship, making iQOO Neo10 R a truly exceptional device that is sure to stand out in the crowd.

Combined with iQOO’s commitment to providing consumers with the latest technology and features, reflected in the Neo 10R‘s cutting-edge specifications and capabilities, makes it a must-have for anyone looking for an all-rounder high-performance smartphone with a bold and unique design.

Priya Living Revolutionizes Aging with Its Expansion into India

New Delhi, India – 3-01-2025 – Founded in Silicon Valley in 2013 by Arun Paul, Priya Living has reimagined senior living in the United States, creating vibrant communities where aging is embraced with joy, creativity, and purpose. Now, Priya Living is bringing its innovative approach home to India—offering a new vision for elderhood as the most fulfilling stage of life.

Priya Living is deeply personal to me, said Arun Paul, Founder of Priya Living. “It is a tribute to my parents, who left everything behind in India to give me a life of opportunity in the United States. Their sacrifices, their resilience, and their enduring connection to India inspired me to create Priya Living. Now, I want to reconnect the Indian diaspora with their roots while also addressing the growing need for a fresh, dynamic approach to aging in India itself.”

Priya Living’s communities are designed as more than just residences—they are thriving hubs of culture, learning, and connection. Here, life’s possibilities never end, and people can rediscover old passions while exploring new horizons. Priya Living features modern, boutique-inspired spaces, world-class services, experiential programming, and curated experiences, These communities attract both elders and younger generations, creating a vibrant intergenerational space that blends the wisdom of old age with flourishing dynamic ideas.

As Priya Living expands to India, it introduces a powerful, transformative way of life, challenging the outdated notions of senior living, and proving that aging is not about slowing down—it’s about growing, exploring, and achieving our highest level as human beings. Priya Living is not just about a place or a space for community, culture, and choice, its a movement to redefine what it means to age.

My Vision for India

“This year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Priya Living, as we bring our vision to India. We are launching our first communities in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad—three vibrant cities that reflect India’s diversity, energy, and future. These communities will serve as a model for how elderhood can be redefined in India, blending the best of global design and service with the deep cultural and emotional connections that are so central to Indian families.

But this is just the beginning. Over the coming years, we plan to expand to dozens of cities across India, from Tier I to Tier III. Our vision is to create vibrant communities in cities and regions where families are looking for modern solutions to support their parents. By doing so, Priya Living will not only transform the lives of elders in India but also set a new global standard for aging that the rest of the world will look to as an example.

With these plans, India will stand at the forefront of a global movement to redefine what elderhood can be—a time of growth, reinvention, and connection. And for me, personally, it’s deeply emotional to be bringing this vision back to the country that has always been home in my heart.”

Yukti by Volvo Group India: Shaping the Future of Girls in STEM Careers

Bangalore, 3rd February 2025: Furthering its commitment to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Volvo Group in India recently hosted an inspiring STEM education workshop at Kendriya Vidyalaya, DRDO, Bangalore. This groundbreaking program aims to inspire young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), reinforcing Volvo Group’s global commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusion.

The Yukti workshop saw enthusiastic participation from over 240 students from Grades VIII & IX and was graced by the presence of Mr. Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group India, and Radhika Nair, Head of People & Culture at Volvo Group India. During the event, Mr. Bali delivered the keynote address, highlighting the company’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of women in STEM. Conducted by a team of dedicated Volvo Group India volunteers, the workshop provided hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and empower young girls to explore STEM-related career paths with confidence. Through practical exposure and real-world applications, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, nurturing the next generation of women leaders in technology and engineering.

Students engaged in a variety of immersive activities during the workshop. A Virtual Reality (VR) experience allowed participants to explore Volvo’s advanced technologies, including a realistic driving simulator environment. In the Engines and Problem-Solving segment, students interacted with miniature engines, applied data science concepts, and tackled STEM-based puzzles to sharpen their analytical skills. Additionally, a session on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision introduced them to cutting-edge applications in the automotive industry, while the Robotics workshop provided an opportunity to design, build, and program robots using advanced technologies featured in Volvo’s trucks.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director, Volvo Group India, said “At Volvo Group India, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where education and industry converge to drive sustainable progress. Through initiatives like Yukti, we are taking a significant step toward shaping the future of our industry by inspiring young girls to explore careers in STEM. By working closely with educational institutions, we not only provide students with practical exposure to advanced technologies but also gain access to a diverse pool of talent that will be crucial in driving innovation and growth. This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving fields of technology and engineering.”

Radhika Nair, Head of People & Culture at Volvo Group India, emphasized, “As part of Volvo Group’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we aim to inspire young girls in India to break barriers and pursue careers in STEM, shaping the next generation of technology leaders. Through programmes like Yukti, we strive to cultivate an agile and innovative workforce poised to achieve strategic goals in an ever-evolving industrial landscape.”

The program at Kendriya Vidyalaya, DRDO, is part of Volvo Group India’s broader mission to drive impactful change in STEM education. By encouraging young minds to innovate for a sustainable and technology-driven future, Volvo Group India reaffirms its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive industry that reflects its global values.

Through such initiatives, Volvo Group continues to collaborate with educational institutions, equipping the next generation with the skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving automotive and technology sectors.