Zebra Study Finds 77% of Indian Shoppers in APAC Prefer Retailers Providing Tailored Recommendations

New Delhi, India – February 04, 2025 – Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, today announced the findings of its 17th Annual Global Shopper Study. The study clearly reflects Indian consumers’ expectations from retailers to embrace AI / GenAI to transform their shopping experiences. Retailers recognize the potential of this technology to revolutionize customer engagement and enhance personalization, highlighting a clear demand for innovative and tailored retail solutions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are currently viewed as the most helpful with loss prevention, closely followed by cameras, sensors, and RFID. A significant majority of retail associates (84% globally, 72% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the lack of technology to detect safety threats or criminal activity. In response, 78% globally and 80% in APAC (including India) are investing in technology tools to support frontline workers and monitor operations from behind the scenes.

While only 3-in-10 retailers (38% globally and in APAC, including India) currently use AI-based prescriptive analytics for loss prevention, more than half surveyed (50% globally, 52% in APAC, including India) plan to use it in the next 1-3 years for this purpose. Over three in 10 retailers say they also plan to use self-checkout cameras and sensors (45% globally, 52% in APAC, including India), computer vision (46% globally and in APAC, including India), and RFID tags and readers (42% globally, 38% in APAC, including India) within the next three years, specifically for loss prevention.

This should come as a relief to shoppers, as 78% say it is annoying when products are locked up or secured within cases. Adding to that frustration is that it is hard to find an associate while shopping in stores these days, according to 70% of consumers. This resonates with 79% and 70% of APAC shoppers, including India, respectively.

Increasingly over the past two years, the reason why one in five shoppers (21% globally, 22% in APAC, including India) left a store without getting what they needed was due to a lack of available retail associates to help. Other Issues Contributing to Associate Frustration, Decline in Shopper Satisfaction

Although consumers are still generally satisfied with their shopping experience and global consumer spending is holding steady, fewer shoppers overall are satisfied with their shopping experiences this year. In 2023, 85% were satisfied with both the in-store and online experiences – this stood at 81% and 80% respectively for APAC shoppers, including India. This year, only 81% are satisfied with the in-store experience and 79% with online shopping. Satisfaction similarly decreased for APAC shoppers, including India, to 78% for in-store experience and 75% for online shopping.

Generally, most shoppers expect retailers to offer easy click-and-collect and returns options, yet retailers (79% globally, 85% in APAC, including India) and associates (85% globally and in APAC, including India) admit challenges with both. Most retailers also say it is a struggle to confirm current inventory and pricing. Plus, with more shoppers returning to stores, lingering labor shortages and increasing loss incidents are having a greater impact on service levels. For example:

  • 78% of global shoppers (81% in APACincluding India) say self-checkout options improve their shopping experience, yet 68% of global shoppers (67% in APACincluding India) identify that self-checkout (SCO) lanes are lacking, with some reporting they have left a store without making a purchase because there were no SCO (shelf-checkout kiosks) or contactless payment options.
  • 71% of global shoppers (70% in APACincluding India) are concerned about the lack of help associates can offer, while 82% of global associates (76% in APACincluding India) say it is even difficult for them to find help or ask for timely support when needed.

Nearly 90% of retail associates believe they can provide better customer experience when they have mobile technology tools to help simplify real-time communication and prioritize tasks as well as check prices and inventory. Most retailers agree technology enables associates to do their jobs better, and as a result, 75% of global retailers (79% in APACincluding India) say they plan to increase their technology investments in 2025.

“Many retailers are laying the groundwork to build a modern store experience,” said Subramaniam Thiruppathi, Director of India sub-continent business, Zebra Technologies. “By investing in mobile and intelligent technologies to provide greater visibility, help inform operational decisions and enable great mobility for associates, this ladders up to elevate the customer experience for retail’s long-term longevity.”

Along with enhancing customer experience, the study shows retailers’ top priorities include improving mobile workforce efficiency and productivity along with inventory management. More than one-third of them (39% globally, 41% in APACincluding India) believe that GenAI will have an extremely significant impact on inventory management and demand forecasting. They will also be automating product locating and item-level RFID (46% globally and in APACincluding India), video monitoring (45% globally and 36% in APACincluding India), and stock-out alerts (45% globally, 49% in APACincluding India) to give associates and shoppers real-time inventory visibility, which is a leading profitability driver.

Retailers can exceed shopper expectations, drive profitability and empower engaged associates if they:

  • Get to know their customers. Three-quarters (75% globally, 77% in APACincluding India) of shoppers are more willing to try and buy items when retailers know their personal preferences and associates make recommendations.
  • Make it easier to find, pay for, and return items and find item–related information. Shoppers want associates to be available, and they are driven to retailers who can help them more easily find or return items.
  • Keep shelves stocked. While fewer shoppers are complaining about out-of-stocks, this remains the top reason why over half (57% globally, 49% in APACincluding India) of shoppers leave a store without items they want, and more associates (86% globally and in APACincluding India) are now struggling with real-time out-of-stock tracking.
  • Protect shoppers without over-indexing on loss prevention. Most shoppers (71% globally, 65% in APACincluding India) are concerned about the stores at which they shop are experiencing high levels of theft and crime. Like associates, they worry threats can’t be spotted or stopped. However, 77% of global shoppers (68% in APACincluding India) are also concerned retailers may raise prices to cover the cost of increasing theft and crime.
  • Avoid passing operational costs onto customers. Shoppers are more price sensitive than ever, with over three-quarters (between 71% to 86% of those surveyed) worried inflation will drive up the prices of both everyday essentials and big-ticket items and force them to reduce overall spending.
  • Give associates more technology. Most associates (85% globally, 82% in APACincluding India) feel strongly that their store needs more associates, and majority of retailers agree (81% globally, 85% in APACincluding India). Associates also believe stores that leverage retail technology and mobile devices attract and retain more associates, and shoppers have a better experience when associates use the latest technology to assist them.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s January 2025 Sales Reach 4,44,847 Units

Mumbai, February 3, 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India today announced its sales numbers for the month of January 2025.

The company’s total sales for January’25 stood at 4,44,847 units, recording a 6% YoY growth. This includes domestic sales of 4,02,977 units and 41,870 units exports. The domestic sales for the month registered 5% YoY growth while exports grew 14% over the same period of last year.

It is worth mentioning that HMSI’s YTD FY25 (April’24 – Jan’25) total sales stand at 49,81,767 units. This includes domestic sales of 45,41,323 units and 4,40,444 units exports.

HMSI’s Key Highlights of January 2025:

  • Product: HMSI introduced the updated OBD2B compliant versions of the Activa, Livo, and Dio with advanced new features. Moreover, the company’s premium motorcycle portfolio has been further strengthened with the launch of latest editions of the CB650R and CBR650R.
  • Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: HMSI took the center stage at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, showcasing an exciting line-up of innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. The company announced the prices of the all-new ACTIVA e: and QC1. In addition, the CB300F flex-fuel, Honda’s portable electric scooter Motocompacto, Electric Racing Go-Kart and advanced battery swapping technology with the dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: were also on display.
  • Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 11 cities across India – Zirakpur (Punjab), Bhopal & Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), Bahula (West Bengal), Ongole (Andhra Pradesh), Chiplun & Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), Davanagere (Karnataka), Palakkad (Kerala), Rajkot (Gujarat), and Dhanbad (Jharkhand). Additionally, HMSI organized Road Safety Convention with school principals in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) as a part of ongoing project – Mindset Development for our Future Generation. HMSI also hosted an engaging Road Safety Kids Carnival for school students at its Global Resource Factory in Manesar, Haryana.
  • Motorsports: There was a double celebration in Saudi Arabia with a second consecutive Dakar Rally double podium for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren took 2nd and 3rd place at the 47th edition of this world-famous motorsport event.

K2 Infragen Limited Wins Prestigious Highway Project in Gujarat

Gurgaon, 4th February, 2025 – K2 Infragen Limited, one of the fastest-growing players in India’s infrastructure and EPC sectors, has secured a road project contract worth INR 142.14 Crores for the “Strengthening and Maintenance works/activities on the section from Km 0.00 to Km 123.454 of the Jetpur-Somnath Section (excluding Junagarh Bypass, 103 Km) in the state of Gujarat, under a Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC).” The contract was awarded by NHAI to M/s SRM Contractors Ltd. and will be executed by K2 Infragen Ltd.

This order further strengthens K2 Infragen’s credentials and enhances its ability to bid for direct contracts from NHAI in the future. With this addition, the company’s total order book under execution now stands at INR 550 Crores, providing strong growth visibility.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Pankaj Sharma, Managing Director at K2 Infragen, stated:, “We are honored to have secured this landmark project-our largest single order in the Roads & Transport infrastructure domain. While the scheduled completion is set for September 2026, we expect to complete most of the construction within this year. The company continues to secure significant contracts of NHAI while diversifying into the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. We have developed in-house expertise across design, procurement, and construction supervision, delivering comprehensive EPC solutions spanning roads, railways, water supply, and civil construction. By integrating AI-driven solutions to optimize efficiency in turnkey projects, we are reinforcing our position as a leader in multi-sector infrastructure development. Additionally, we are also actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC space, anticipating a major breakthrough soon and are actively engaging in discussions with financial institutions to enhance fund-based and non-fund based credit limits.”

Additionally, K2 Infragen is actively engaged in discussions with large financial institutions to enhance its banking limits, which will enable the company to:

  • Execute the current order book efficiently.
  • Continue bidding for attractive opportunities across various infrastructure verticals to further expand its order pipeline.

With a continuously expanding sales pipeline and enhanced execution capabilities, K2 Infragen is on track for consistent, sustainable growth over the next three years, driven by strategic expansion across India. The company is also making steady progress towards its vision of becoming a multi-sector, diversified infrastructure EPC player. Earlier this year, K2 Infragen secured significant orders in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. Additionally, the company is actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC sector and expects a major breakthrough soon.

Fortis Memorial Research Institute & Pearl Academy Unite for Fashion Show Honoring Cancer Survivors’ Strength

Delhi-NCR, February 4, 2025: In an endeavour to create awareness around cancer and commemorate World Cancer Day, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, in collaboration with Pearl Academy, hosted a fashion show – ‘Together We Win’ to celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of cancer survivors.

The event featured cancer survivors who had fought and triumphed over the disease, walking the ramp as models to showcase their incredible resilience. In a moving gesture of unity and support, around 10 Oncologists from Fortis Gurgaon also joined the survivors on the ramp, highlighting the collaborative journey from diagnosis to recovery. The fashion show served as both a tribute to these warriors and an initiative to raise awareness about cancer, with World Cancer Day approaching on February 4.

Approximately 35 participants, including cancer survivors and medical professionals, graced the ramp. The show unfolded in three acts: “The Fight,” “The Healing,” and “The Victory.” “The Fight” featured bold designs representing the initial struggle, while “The Healing” portrayed renewal and recovery with softer, soothing aesthetics. “The Victory” celebrated triumph, showcasing vibrant styles to emphasize the joy and strength found in overcoming cancer. The students and faculty of Pearl Academy, India’s leading creative education institution, worked collaboratively to style the models, providing garment upscaling, hair, makeup, and accessories. The goal was to spotlight the strength, positivity, and unwavering spirit of cancer survivors while inspiring others facing similar battles.

Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, commented, “India faces a tough battle against cancer in the years ahead, and Fortis, as a leading healthcare service provider, is taking new steps to treat and provide the best care to cancer patients. Our cancer survivors are an inspiration, demonstrating that life after cancer is not just about surviving but about thriving with confidence and dignity. This fashion show is a celebration of strength, resilience, and hope. At Fortis Gurugram, we remain committed to providing not only world-class treatment but also emotional and psychological support to empower every patient on their journey. Today, we applaud their courage and their unwavering spirit.”

Aditi Srivastava, President of Pearl Academy, said, “Through this partnership, Pearl Academy and Fortis Gurugram not only created an unforgettable fashion experience but also leveraged the power of fashion to empower cancer survivors. The show underscored the importance of community, breaking stigmas around cancer, and sparking crucial conversations about resilience and recovery. Fashion is more than glamour-it is an intellectual and cultural force with the power to inspire change. ‘Together We Win’ is a testament to how creativity, compassion, and purpose can come together to make a real impact. As future industry leaders, our students must understand that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling, empowerment, and responsibility. Through initiatives like this, we reinforce the importance of our social responsibility, ensuring that fashion serves as a medium for advocacy, inclusivity, and social transformation. This show is not just about style—it is about strength, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.”

Alok Goenka, a cancer survivor who walked the ramp, reflected on his experience, saying, “I didn’t just fight cancer; I conquered my fears and rediscovered a zest for life that I thought was lost. This runway is my battlefield of victory, a place where fear and doubt are left behind.”

Seema Kumari, another survivor, shared her journey, “Hope is the light that guided me through the darkest times. It’s not just a feeling but a drive that pushes you to keep fighting, even when the odds seem insurmountable.”

Sanjay Dawar, a cancer survivor and passionate motorcyclist, shared, “Survival isn’t merely about continuing to live; it’s about thriving. Each day is a new ride, a chance to shift gears from merely existing to truly living with purpose and joy.”

Check Point Software Shares Q4 and 2024 Full-Year Financial Results

India, February 4, 2025 —(NASDAQ: CHKP), today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights          

  • Calculated Billings reached $959 million, an 11 percent increase year over year
  • Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO): $2.5 billion, a 12 percent increase year over year
  • Total Revenues: $704 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
  • Product, License & Subscription Revenues: $463 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
  • GAAP Operating Income: $254 million, representing 36 percent of revenues
  • Non-GAAP Operating Income: $306 million, representing 44 percent of revenues
  • GAAP EPS: $2.30, a 7 percent increase year over year
  • Non-GAAP EPS: $2.70, a 5 percent increase year over year

Full Year 2024 Highlights

  • Calculated Billings reached $2,658 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
  • Total Revenues: $2,565 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
  • Security Subscriptions Revenues: $1,104 million, a 13 percent increase year over year
  • GAAP EPS: $7.46, a 5 percent increase year over year
  • Non-GAAP EPS: $9.16, a 9 percent increase year over year

“We delivered exceptional fourth quarter results, a wonderful way to transition into my new Executive Chairman role. The success in the quarter was underscored by strong 8 percent revenue growth in our core Quantum Force appliance business, our industry leading Harmony E-mail solution, and expanded adoption of the Infinity platform.” said, Gil Shwed, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Check Point Software. “I would like to thank Check Point’s customers, partners, and the Global Check Point Team for their contributions to our continued success. I look forward to Check Point achieving new heights under the leadership of our new Chief Executive Officer, Nadav Zafrir,” concluded, Mr. Shwed.

“I would like to thank Gil and the Board for the opportunity to lead such an exemplary organization. 2024 was a successful year and provides a great springboard for 2025 and beyond,” stated Nadav Zafrir, Chief Executive Officer of Check Point Software. “My first one hundred days are focused on meeting with customers and partners to understand the key challenges they face in today’s unprecedented threat environment. From my conversations so far, I have become increasingly confident that Check Point is uniquely positioned to address the cybersecurity demands of enterprises worldwide. Check Point’s future is bright, and we are focused on driving market share expansion and taking growth to the next levels,” stated Mr. Zafrir.

“After a successful fourth quarter and 2024, we are starting 2025 with an expanded executive team to balance our corporate and Go-To-Market leadership roles, and bring even more attention to customer facing functions,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. Among the new roles joining the executive team is that of Chief Revenue Officer. Itai Greenberg will serve in this role, driving our global top-line revenue across our platform worldwide. He brings more than two decades of experience in product management and sales roles, having most recently served as Check Point’s Chief Strategy Officer and head of the Cloud and SASE businesses. Replacing Itai in the role of Chief Strategy Officer, we welcome Roi Karo to Check Point. Roi brings more than two decades of expertise in security, AI, and big data with a focus on strategy and planning.

In conclusion, after three successful years as Check Point’s President, Rupal Hollenbeck has chosen to conclude her tenure at the end of the first quarter and will remain available to support the smooth transition of the new executive team members. “I want to thank Rupal for her incredible work and dedication over the last three years during which the Go-To-Market organizations composition, reach, and focus was transformed all around the world. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. “We welcome Itai and Roi into their new executive team roles. I am excited about the opportunities before us, and I am more confident than ever that the best of Check Point is yet to come,” concluded, Mr. Zafrir.

Financial Highlights Commentary

  • Cash Balances, Marketable Securities & Short-Term Deposits: $2,784 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2,960 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in cash is primarily a result of $186 million net of cash consideration utilized for Cyberint Ltd. acquisition in 2024.
  • Share Repurchase Program: During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $325 million. During full year 2024, we repurchased approximately 7.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $1,300 million.
  • Cash Flow: Cash flow from operations was $1,059, which included $18 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions, and acquisition-related costs were insignificant. This compares to $1,035 million in 2023, which included $39 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions and $25 million in costs related to acquisitions.

For information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this release, as well as a reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

Avinash Tiwary Reveals Why ‘The Mehta Boys’ Script Was Impossible to Resist

“The moment I read it, I knew that if I truly considered myself an artist, there was no way I could let go of this script”- Avinash Tiwary reveals his first reaction to the script of Prime Video’s The Mehta Boys

Prime Video’s upcoming Original movie, The Mehta Boys has already made waves on the film festival circuit with its deeply moving portrayal of the complexities of a father-son relationship. Ahead of its highly anticipated global premiere on the service, the film has piqued audiences’ curiosity with an emotionally charged trailer. Brought to life by a talented ensemble cast, including Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup in key roles, The Mehta Boys promises to leave an emotional impact on viewers with universal themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, complex human relationships. Avinash Tiwary steps into the role of Amay, a junior architect navigating a decade-long struggle to establish his career.

In an exclusive conversation, Avinash reveals his first reaction to the compelling script of The Mehta Boys and opens up about his experience working with veteran actor-turned-director, Boman Irani.

He revealed, “The moment I read it, I knew that if I truly considered myself an artist, there was no way I could let go of this script—I had to be a part of this film.I wasn’t sure how it would unfold until I met Boman Sir. He asked me to read a scene, and that’s when something magical happened. He stood up, I stood up, and before I knew it, he was giving me instructions, and I was responding instinctively. It all just clicked at that moment.Honestly this kind of creative connection is very rare and I knew we are on to something special.”

Recalling the rehearsal process, Avinash further added, “From that moment on, he made sure I harboured the same resentment toward him that Amay feels for his father in the film. He ensured I carried that feeling throughout. I know that most people who have worked with Boman Sir see him as a friend and mentor, but we intentionally created a different equation. I wasn’t supposed to see him as a friend. Every bit of Amay’s emotions—the struggle with authority, longing for validation, the unresolved tension—I lived off-screen too. Even now, I think a part of me is still that guy, who is seeking validation from Boman Irani.”

Marking Boman Irani’s directorial debut, The Mehta Boys is an Irani Movietone LLP production in association with Chalkboard Entertainment LLP. Boman Irani has also co-produced the film with Danesh Irani, Vikesh Bhutani, and Shujaat Saudagar, and co-written it with Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris. The Mehta Boys is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on February 7, in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Femina North Achievers 2025 Pays Tribute to Inspiring Leaders with Special Honors from Vijender Singh and Meenakshi Lekhi

Delhi, 4 February 2025: Femina, India’s foremost women’s lifestyle brand in India, proudly hosted the prestigious Femina Achievers 2025: North on January 30, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Bhikaji Cama, New Delhi. Building on the resounding success of its 2024 editions in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and East, the event returned this year to celebrate exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions across a wide array of sectors in North India. The event served as a grand celebration of their remarkable achievements, further solidifying Femina’s commitment to honoring excellence.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting, a momentous tradition, conducted by distinguished dignitaries, Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi and Mr. Vijender Singh. Following this, the dignitaries presented awards to trailblazers from diverse fields, celebrating their extraordinary accomplishments across sectors such as entertainment, arts, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, social service and more.

The event was not only a tribute to the success of these achievers but also a reflection of their perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. Among the distinguished honorees was Shamika Haldipurkar, awarded for Excellence in Beauty Entrepreneurship for her visionary approach in launching d’you and revolutionizing the Indian skincare industry with high-performance, science-backed products. Varun Bahl, honored for Excellence in Fashion Design & Innovation, was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to couture and his innovative collaborations with global brands. Rubina Francis, awarded for Excellence in Sports, was felicitated for being a trailblazing para shooter from India who secured a prestigious medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Dr. Kiran Sethi was recognized for Excellence in Skincare & Wellness, highlighting her dedication in redefining skincare standards and bringing aesthetic wellness to a wider audience. These achievers, along with many others, were celebrated for their dedication, hard work, and remarkable achievements. Check below for the full list of winners!

Speaking about the initiative, Ambika Muttoo, Editor-in-Chief, Femina, shared, “Femina Achievers 2025: North is a celebration of talent, hard work, and success. It honors individuals who, through their remarkable accomplishments, inspire others and stand as true role models. At Femina, we take immense pride in showcasing stories that empower, uplift, and drive meaningful change. This initiative embodies that very vision, shining a spotlight on those who make a lasting impact.”

The Femina Achievers 2025: North was a resounding success, bringing together an extraordinary blend of talent, creativity, and purpose. This year’s edition continued with its legacy of excellence, creating an inspiring platform that not only celebrated individual achievements but also encouraged a spirit of collective pride. The event reaffirmed Femina’s vision of empowering and uplifting trailblazers while setting new benchmarks in honoring those shaping the future across diverse fields.

Dettol Banega Swasth India Collaborates with Jaipur Literature Festival to Inspire Health and Wellness

4 February 2025, Jaipur – Dettol Banega Swasth India, Reckitt India’s flagship programme, partnered with the 18th Jaipur Literature Festival to ensure a safe and hygienic experience for all attendees at the Festival venue Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The Festival, presented by Vedanta, in association with Maruti Suzuki, and powered by Vida, presented a diverse array of themes and writers, thoughtfully curated for a global audience. Audiences from around the world had the chance to hear some of the finest thinkers and writers speak on a range of topics. The 18th edition also featured the concurrently held Jaipur BookMark—India’s premier publishing conclave—, the Jaipur Music Stage, art installations, merchandise, local cuisine, and more. Expanding its reach, the Festival offered a vibrant and enriching experience, reinforcing its status as a premier literary event.

Commenting on the partnership, Ravi Bhatnagar, Director – External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt, South Asia, said, “At Reckitt, we believe that hygiene is the foundation of good health and a cornerstone of sustainable communities. Our long-standing partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival provides a powerful platform to drive meaningful conversations on health, hygiene, and sustainability. Through Dettol Banega Swasth India, we have been working relentlessly for more than a decade to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to make hygiene a lifelong habit. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering a culture of hygiene and well-being will be key to shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for all.”

Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Preeta Singh, President, Teamwork Arts, said, “The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been more than just a literary event; it is a global platform where ideas are exchanged, creativity is celebrated, and voices from across the world come together. Each year, we strive to make it more inclusive, engaging, and relevant, ensuring it continues to inspire generations of readers, thinkers, and storytellers. Our partnership with Dettol Banega Swasth India, Reckitt India’s flagship programme, reinforces our commitment to providing a safe, hygienic, and enriching experience for all who attend.”

Global Flavors on Display: Young Chefs from 9 Countries Cook Their Heritage Dishes in a Collaborative Event Let me know if any of these

Hyderabad, February 04, 2025- A unique culinary event held where young chefs from 9 countries cooked their national dishes in a friendly and non-competitive event on Monday night at The Glass Onion, Next to Infosys, Boulder Hills Madhava Reddy Colony Opp ISB, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

A gathering brought together Chef representatives from nine countries to showcase their national dishes. This is a unique and non-competitive gathering when 50 participants belonging to different countries showcased their national dishes in different cities such as Goa, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad in India, with 9 of them taking part in the Hyderabad event.

Known as the United World Young Chefs (UWYC) Gastronomic Experience, it was a great event the city has witnessed. It was the most sought and eagerly looked forward to event in the city organised under the aegis of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC) London.

The representatives who represented nations such as Albania, Australia, Greece, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Timor-Leste, Nigeria, Uganda, Philippines, and India, presented their cuisines exclusively to the most renowned and elite personalities of Hyderabad, ensuring a truly memorable gathering.

Food unites the world, said Mr. Emmanueal of IIHM. It is the biggest culinary event held in the world where chefs from 50 different countries cook together in a friendly competition, he added.

Celebrating friendship and camaraderie, UWYC offers Young Chef Olympians a chance to experience solidarity through culinary arts amidst the intense competition. The national dishes were kept open to public vote, allowing the world to determine the most popular national dish.

Esteemed guests such as Ms Abhilasha Bisht IPS, Director General of Police, and world-renowned chefs like Chef Steven Munkley, Chef Sarah Hartnett, Chef Stefan Hogan, Chef Rahul Akerkar, Chef Chalapathi Rao, and Chef Amey Marathe and many culinarians and Hospitality leaders will be in attendance.

Children’s Book Trust Takes the Lead with New Aggressive Marketing Campaigns

New Delhi | 4 February 2025: Ms. Navin Menon, Editor, Publications, Children’s Book Trust Inaugurate The CBT Stall and address the press Meet . Children’s Book Trust Officials from CBT were present at their stall in Hall no 6 (Children’s Pavilion) at Bharat Mandapam at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 to address the media about their Growth plans for 2025. Ms. Navin Menon, Editor, Publications, Children’s Book Trust and Ms. Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Lead Strategist, Content, Communications & Promotions, Children’s Book Trust shared the highlights of their new marketing campaign and what the expected outcome will be.

Ms. Navin Menon, Editor, Publications, Children’s Book Trust said to the media, “Our content strategy to match our growth ambition has also evolved over the years, this year we are launching around 25 new titles and we will also be translating into many more languages to meet the requisites of our marketing reach”. Ms. Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Lead Strategist, Content, Communications & Promotions, Children’s Book Trust while addressing the media said, “Looking at the enthusiastic response in the fairs in the East and based on our internal survey, CBT is mulling over opening Book Stores designed as Children’s Fun Zones in prominent Eastern Indian Cities with engaging activities for children. The idea to engage children in good books that represent Indian cultural and moral values as well as physical games and fun activities.”

This year CBT will also be launching a 20,000 sq ft Shankar’s International Children’s Centre in Delhi where it plans to have Meeting Rooms, Activity Centre for Clay Modelling, Painting etc, Congregational Halls, Art Gallery for paintings received during previous Painting competitions, Venue for its On-The-spot Competition, Doll’s Workshop, etc to have cultural and artistic exchanges between different groups of children from different parts of India or abroad and expatriates.

Mr. Kishore Lal, Chairman, Children’s Book Trust says, “We need to help Children to stay away from screens of portable electronic devices and come back to reading good books. Books usually generate a deeper spirit of enquiry in young minds and a healthy, progressive outlook to life and living.” He continued to add, “We have had our presence internationally through our books which we sell in many countries, with the coming up of our SICC, we would like to have them here physically. We are a non-profit trust and our aim is not to make huge profits but to spread awareness about the benefits of growing up with good books.”

Children’s Book Trust is a not-for-profit organization founded by the renowned political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai in 1957, making it the oldest Publisher for children’s storybooks in India. It has relentlessly for the last 68 years been finding new arenas and new opportunities to help children in their mental and creative growth through itself and its sister institutions.

This year, the Trust has taken up an aggressive marketing stand as a result of innumerable requests from parents to deviate children from excessive use of mobile phones. CBT’s primary aim was always to engage children in good books that represent Indian cultural and moral values as well as physical games and fun activities to help the children grow creatively and intellectually.

Keeping the idea of deviating children away from mobiles which many parents say has now become pandemic in India and Trust’s own primary aim, the Trust recently undertook an internal survey and its findings have shown the way to its new marketing strategy. Survey shows that parents and their children in Southern, Eastern and North Eastern India are still willing to buy and read books.

Before going to the Southern States, the Trust is focusing on its ‘Look East Policy’. The children’s publisher will be focused on the Eastern and North Eastern states including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Meghalaya and Assam where it wants to be present in Book Fairs, Schools, Public and Private Libraries and even Stores in major cities in this region. This will help in CBT’s efforts to bring children and books nearer and presenting their books in new and innovative ways.

Under its ‘Look East Policy’ this year, CBT has started the year by participating for the first time at the 41st edition of Asansol Book Fair in West Bengal’s second most populous city Asansol and is following it up with their participation at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair from 28th January to 9th February, 2025.