Lava Secures Leadership with AGNI 3, Featuring Segment-First Dual AMOLED Display

New Delhi, October 10, 2024: Lava International Limited, the leading Indian smartphone manufacturer, announces the launch of its latest flagship smartphone, Lava AGNI 3, a hi-tech smartphone this festive season. Setting new standards of excellence with segment-first features at an exciting introductory price of INR 19,999*, AGNI 3 is designed for today’s tech-savvy generation. Expanding the flagship series, the new smartphone offers a groundbreaking user experience, combining cutting-edge hardware and software advancements. Launched in three variants: 8GB+128GB without charger, 8GB+128GB with charger, and 8GB+256GB with charger, the AGNI 3 will go on sale on Amazon from 9th October, 12 AM. Introduced in two color variants – Heather Glass and Pristine Glass, pre-booking starts today at 12:00pm.

 

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sumit Singh, Head-Product, Lava International Ltd. said, “AGNI 3 embodies the fiery spirit of innovation and excellence that defines the series. It’s not just a smartphone; it’s a testament to India’s technological prowess and our commitment to providing quality products with unparalleled user experiences designed in India. I hope the AGNI fanbase expands with the new series that hosts cutting-edge features and is poised to redefine smartphone experiences in the segment.”

Mr. Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India said “MediaTek Dimensity 7300X is a flagship-grade chipset designed with best-in-class 4nm process node, enabling excellent performance and power efficiency with next-generation capabilities. MediaTek Dimensity 7300X has dual display support, upgraded photography prowess with the MediaTek Imagiq 950, featuring a premium-grade 12-bit HDR-ISP, along with accelerated gaming features facilitated by MediaTek HyperEngine optimisations.”

 Revolutionary Dual AMOLED Display

The Lava AGNI 3 is first in its segment to feature dual AMOLED displays – one on the front and another on the back. The primary display is a stunning 6.78-inch 1.5K 3D Curved AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and Widevine L1 support, offering 1.07 billion colors and 1200 nits of local peak brightness. The secondary display on the back is a 1.74-inch 2D AMOLED, perfect for taking selfies using the rear camera, attending calls, receiving quick notifications, and using a host of other applications such as music control, steps & calorie tracker, recorder, etc.

Unmatched Performance with MediaTek Dimensity 7300X

AGNI 3 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X Octa-core processor, marking another first in this segment. It delivers exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and seamless multitasking. The processor, built on a 4nm process, ensures that the device handles the most demanding apps and games with ease. For gamers, Agni 3 offers a truly immersive experience. Equipped with 3rd Gen 2900mm² Vapour Chamber cooling technology and a flagship X-axis linear motor for haptics, the device maintains optimal performance without overheating and provides precise, responsive feedback.

 Photography Excellence

The Lava AGNI 3 is equipped with a versatile triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP Sony Quad-Bayer sensor with OIS for stunning photography, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3X optical and 30X super zoom capabilities, and an 8MP ultrawide camera with a 112-degree field of view. The 16MP front camera, supported by EIS, ensures sharp and stable selfies. The cameras are also powered by the industry’s most advanced AI Super Night & Portrait software algorithms.

 Battery and Charging

The smartphone is powered by a 5000mAh Li-Po battery with 66W super-fast charging, delivering up to 10 hours of YouTube playback time and reaching 50% charge in less than 19 minutes*.

Premium Design and Build

Encased in a premium Heather Glass or Pristine Glass back, the AGNI 3 offers a visually stunning design paired with ergonomic comfort, featuring a 57° 3D curvature on both the front and back. The ultra-thin middle frame, measuring just 0.28cm, is finished with a sleek metallic touch. The phone is also dust & waterproof with IP-64 rating.

Feature-Rich and Future-Ready

Running on the latest Android 14 OS, the AGNI 3 offers a clean and intuitive user experience, free from bloatware. It supports 14 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.4, NavIC support and a comprehensive range of sensors including a flagship X-axis linear motor for enhanced Haptics. Additional features include a segment-first customizable Action Key with 100+ shortcut combinations using short, long or double press. It also features Dual Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Anti-theft protection, Game Booster mode and more.

AGNI 3 supports all Indian and major Global 5G bands:

n1/n2/n3/n5/n7/n8/n20/n28/n38/n40/n41/n66/n77/n78 SA/NSA

AGNI Shapat

With Agni Shapat, Lava promises to keep your device up-to-date and secure for years to come. The Agni 3 will receive three assured Android upgrades, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and improvements. Additionally, we guarantee four years of Software Updates and Security Maintenance Releases (SMRs) to protect your device against emerging threats and keep it running smoothly.

AGNI Mitra

Lava is committed to delivering not only top-tier products but also unparalleled customer service. We also introduced the AGNI Mitra service—a revolutionary approach to after-sales support. This industry-first service offers free home replacement for any hardware issues within the warranty period.

Each Lava AGNI 3 customer will have access to a dedicated personal ‘AGNI Mitra,’ ensuring their concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Customers are entitled to free replacement at home for any hardware issues within the 1-year warranty period. Additionally, our Service at Home feature ensures that any service needs are addressed conveniently at your doorstep, providing a hassle-free ownership experience.

To avail of Service at Home, click here: https://www.lavamobiles.com/lava_service_at_home/

Availability and Pricing

The Lava AGNI 3 will be available for purchase starting October 9, 2024, on Amazon. Customers looking to buy the Agni 3 can choose from three variants. The base model, 8+128 GB without a charger, has a Market Operating Price (MOP) of ₹20,999. With a bank offer of ₹1,000, the effective price on Amazon is ₹19,999. The 8+128 GB variant with charger is priced at ₹22,999, and with a ₹2,000 bank offer, the Amazon price is reduced to ₹20,999. Lastly, the 8+256 GB variant with charger is available at an MOP of ₹24,999, and the ₹2,000 bank offer brings the Amazon price down to ₹22,999. These attractive pricing options, coupled with exclusive Amazon offers, make the Agni 3 an irresistible choice for tech enthusiasts.

Handpickd turns EBITDA positive in Gurugram, enters Bangalore

Gurugram/Bangalore, March 10, 2025: Handpickd, India’s first match-making platform for fruits and vegetables, has turned EBITDA positive in Gurugram and has entered into Bangalore. Launched in Gurugram in April 2024 by Anant Goel of Milkbasket with Nitin and Sahil (also ex-Milkbasket), Handpickd enables consumers to buy ‘any quantity of any quality’ of fresh produce as per their personal preference, akin to offline buying and hence a favorite of consumer households in Gurugram.

Anant Goel, who previously co-founded Milkbasket, has been instrumental in disrupting the online grocery space with unique consumer insights and creating a one-of-a-kind supply chain to cater to those specific consumer needs. What Milkbasket did for daily needs like milk, bread, and butter, Handpickd is doing for fruits & vegetables with its zero inventory and tech-driven match-making model.

“Our entry into Bangalore is a strategic step in scaling Handpickd’s match-making platform to new markets,” said Anant Goel, Founder, Handpickd. “We hypothesised that we do not know what is a good quality for a given family. Every family is unique, and so is their F&V. They tell us what they like, we match-make and deliver exactly that to them! And we now know that we can do it at scale and profitably. Our advanced technology, processes, and unique learnings from every order we deliver are our core differentiators, and with every order, we just keep getting better at it.”

“Customers, on average, spend around ₹4,000 monthly on buying fruits and vegetables from Handpickd, which is ~10x of what they spend on any quick commerce channel. It’s 5x of traditional e-grocers. For the first time, the online spend on fresh produce for a family has exceeded that of offline,” he added.

The expansion comes after the company’s successful operations in Gurugram, where it has effectively captured the fresh wallet share of consumers like no other platform has been able to till date. Expansion into Bangalore is an early attempt to further refine its supply chain and discover any shortcomings that might have escaped the founding team’s attention in Gurugram.

The company is betting big on its ‘match-making’ system, where families get handpicked fruits and vegetables specific to their family needs within 7-8 hours of harvest. The zero inventory model ensures that there is no dump after the sales cycle and hence yielding into profitable operations even at a small scale within a short span of launch.

Looking ahead, Handpickd plans to expand its footprint across key Indian cities, targeting 30 new micro-markets by the end of 2025. The company is betting on technology-driven solutions to drive efficiencies, cut down supply chain wastage, and cater to the evolving preferences of urban consumers.

IVegas Mall Welcomes Women’s Day with a Spectacular Band Performance

Delhi: 10th March 2025: Vegas Mall, Dwarka, once again set the stage for an empowering and unforgettable International Women’s Day celebration, bringing together women from all walks of life for a day filled with appreciation, inspiration, and entertainment. The event, dedicated to recognizing and uplifting women, witnessed an overwhelming response, reinforcing the mall’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and community engagement.

The highlight of the celebration was an electrifying live performance by an all-women band, which captivated the audience with its powerful melodies and energetic beats. The performance created an atmosphere of celebration and empowerment, with attendees singing along and dancing to the rhythmic tunes. The band’s dynamic presence symbolized the essence of Women’s Day—strength, talent, and resilience.

Apart from the enthralling musical experience, the event featured a special flower distribution ceremony to honor women attendees, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society. Vegas Mall also hosted an exclusive movie screening for women staff members, Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police officers from Dwarka, and other female workers, followed by a special lunch as a token of gratitude. The celebration further included a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring inspiring women from various fields, fostering meaningful conversations on leadership, gender equality, and empowerment.

Adding to the day’s excitement, a high-energy fitness Zumba session was organized, encouraging women to embrace wellness and an active lifestyle in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, to enhance the experience for female visitors, Vegas Mall offered complimentary valet parking services, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free visit for all women attendees.

Speaking about the grand success of the event, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President of Vegas Mall, said, “At Vegas Mall, we believe in creating experiences that not only entertain but also empower. This Women’s Day, we aimed to celebrate the achievements of women while offering them a platform to express, connect, and rejoice. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm witnessed today reaffirm our commitment to recognizing and uplifting women in every way possible.”

With yet another successful event, Vegas Mall continues to be a destination that blends entertainment, inclusivity, and social engagement. The Women’s Day celebration served as a testament to the mall’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful experiences for its visitors, leaving behind a lasting impact of joy and empowerment.

AMD Unveils Ryzen 9 9950X3D & 9900X3D Pricing and Availability

10th March 2025: Today, AMD announced that the Ryzen 9 X3D processors will hit shelves on March 12 with  Ryzen 9 9950X3D .

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D desktop processor showcases exceptional performance with 16 “Zen 5” cores, leveraging 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache technology, ultimately delivering higher clock speeds and better thermal performance for gamers and creators.

Ryzen 9 9950X3D key specs include:

Cores/Threads: 16C/32T
Boost/Base Clock: Up to 5.7 / 4.3 GHz
Cache: 144 MB
TDP: 170W

Attached is an image with additional information. If you have any questions or would like to speak with an AMD spokesperson, please feel free to reach out

ICUNR Commends Women Leaders at International Women’s Day Panel & Awards

10th March 2025, New Delhi: Leher Sethi (Secretary – ICUNR & Founder – Something Creative) & Neeraj Kumar (CEO – Le Magnifique Events) hosted an afternoon to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, 7th March 2025 at Le Meridien, New Delhi in the presence of Chief Guest, Hon’ble Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Mr. Harish Rawat.

The panelists Ms. Diane Jegam, Ms. Elena Barman, Ms. Roopam Gupta, and Ms. Priya Hingorani held up discussions on “Women and the Burden of Unpaid Labour,” moderated by Ms. Sanjukta Basu.

UN delegates, Embassy Heads, Select Diplomats, and esteemed guests graced the event with their presence. Women achievers from all walks of life were felicitated with praise and accolades for their exceptional contributions in their respective domains.

The event’s Associate Partners were Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust and Nuthin while Le Meridien was the Hospitality Partner. The awardees were gifted with products by Kairali, Pink-Knots, and 9 Muses.

The guests were greeted with a Welcome address by Mr. K.L. Malhotra, Secretary General, ICUNR, followed by a keynote address by Ms. Madhuruchi Lamba, CEO, of Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust. The speeches were followed by the panel discussion and awards ceremony. The soiree witnessed some powerful acceptance speeches by the Awardees, followed by inspiring and encouraging words from the Chief Guest. Abha Singh, in her acceptance speech, stressed the need for the media to focus on the public’s issues instead of focusing on lifestyles and wedding-related reporting of the rich and famous.

 Abha Singh, Activist & Advocate, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. The other awardees of the ICUNR International Women’s Day Awards included:

  1.    Adyasha Mohanty for Public Policy & Strategy
  2.    Anika Sarin for Design Research & Practice
  3.    Diane Jegam for Indo-French Relations
  4.    Elena Barman for India-Russia Relations
  5.    Dr. Geeta Grewal for Beauty & Wellness
  6.    H.E.Ambassador Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche for Public Diplomacy
  7.    Kaveri Rana for Animal Rights Activism
  8.    Khushbu Sharma for Art
  9.    SI Kiran Sethi (Delhi Police) for Law Enforcement
  10. Neera Sareen for Spiritual Transformation
  11. Preeti Gupta for Real Estate Management
  12. Priya Hingorani for Law
  13. Ruhi Ganguly for Entrepreneurship
  14. Saru Sharma for Human Resources
  15. Shilpi Gupta for Craft Revivalism
  16. Sujata Sengupta for Customer Service in Hospitality

 Beyond He & She Awardee: Naaz Joshi

In the words of Mrs. Leher Sethi, Secretary – of ICUNR, “Empowered women empower the societies. We should appreciate their success and achievements while addressing the need for equal opportunities. We should consistently work to encourage a positive change for a more inclusive and equitable environment.”

Mr Neeraj Kumar of Le Magnifique Events said, “Women are not just resilient but beautiful souls who efficiently balance both personal and professional responsibilities. This Women’s Day lets us come together to celebrate every woman who has made sacrifices to bring a meaningful change in society.”

Women investors surge 20% YoY, drive stability in India’s crypto market

Hyderabad, 10 March 2025: Women investors have entered the Indian crypto market at an unprecedented pace and participation surged 20% year-on-year (January 2024 to January 2025), according to Giottus, a leading crypto exchange in the country.

Women now contribute to 15% of the total trading volume, according to Giottus’ latest analysis. Women investors are seen to be favouring long-term investments and stable assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This signifies more than just increased representation—it is also indicative of a balanced, cautious investment approach in a traditionally volatile market.

This surge is driven by increased financial literacy, digital awareness, and the perception of crypto as a viable investment avenue.

Contrary to the perception of crypto as primarily youth-driven, the analysis notes the dominant role of those in the 36-50 age group. This segment contributes 32% of total traders. This demographic, characterized by higher disposable incomes and mature investment outlooks, complements the cautious trading style often adopted by women investors.

Women from smaller cities are also contributing to India’s shifting crypto dynamics. Women from tier-2 and tier-3 cities account for a major chunk of trading volumes.

Giottus anticipates the trend of rising female participation to continue. Increased women’s participation will entail a more stable, strategic, and inclusive crypto investment landscape, the analysis notes.

FedEx Accelerates Women Entrepreneurs’ Growth with Saksham

Mumbai, March 10, 2025: Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”), the world’s largest express transportation company, continues to champion inclusive entrepreneurship in India through the ‘Saksham’ initiative for the fourth conservative year. This year, Saksham has empowered over 270 women entrepreneurs and nearly 160 LGBTQIA+ community members. These entrepreneurs received customized Saksham kits containing essential business resources, as well as mentorship and industry-specific training. The initiative has supported small businesses across sectors such as tiffin services, tailoring, handicrafts, food services, and beauty—providing them with the tools needed to scale and succeed.

“The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) highlights, if there is a sustained and concerted effort to help women start and grow businesses at the same rates as men, USD 5 to 6 trillion of new global economic output could be added,” said Suvendu Choudhury, vice president, India Operations, FedEx. “With 2.2 crore[1] women-owned MSMEs in India, their potential is vast. However, barriers to capital, business knowledge, and market access persist. Through ‘Saksham,’ FedEx, in collaboration with United Way, aims to bridge this gap, enabling women entrepreneurs to establish stronger businesses and contribute to economic growth.”

Since its inception in 2021 in collaboration with United Way Mumbai, ‘Saksham’ has achieved significant milestones. In 2024 alone, 38% of beneficiaries who previously had no income now earn an average of ₹61,176 annually. Additionally, 19% of those earning under ₹15,000 annually have increased their income to an average of ₹66,782. These numbers highlight the direct economic upliftment the program has fostered*.

As part of its broader commitment to inclusive growth, ‘Saksham’ also supports the LGBTQIA+ community. Before joining the program, 45% of these participants were unemployed. Post-enrolment, 90% have either secured jobs or started their own businesses. Among them, 68% now hold private-sector roles earning ₹14,000–₹15,000 per month, while 23% have launched successful enterprises in cultural performances, beauty services, and tailoring*.

“At United Way Mumbai, we believe that economic empowerment is key to building resilient communities. Through Saksham, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of access to resources, mentorship, and market linkages on women and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. The success stories emerging from this initiative are a testament to the power of inclusive entrepreneurship in driving sustainable economic growth. We are grateful to FedEx for their support to this partnership,” said George Aikara, CEO, United Way Mumbai.

For the women entrepreneurs benefiting from this initiative, Saksham represents more than just business growth—it is a transformative journey. Mamta Gawali, a program beneficiary and beauty services entrepreneur, shared: “Before Saksham, sustaining my business was a constant struggle, and expanding seemed impossible. But with the Saksham Kit, which provided essential tools, products, and equipment’s, I enhanced my services and attracted more customers. The financial management training taught me the importance of saving, and today, I have a bank account and a clear plan to grow my business—ensuring a better future for my children.”

As FedEx continues its journey as a responsible corporate citizen, initiatives like Saksham reinforce its commitment to fostering an inclusive and economically empowered India. By taking tangible actions under #AccelerateAction, FedEx is strengthening the foundation for women entrepreneurs to thrive, creating a ripple effect that uplifts communities and drives economic progress.

Nespresso Welcomes Coffee Aficionados with Its First Boutique in New Delhi

 

New Delhi, March 10, 2025 – Nespresso, the pioneer in premium portioned coffee, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first boutique at Select Citywalk Mall, Ground Floor, Saket, New Delhi. This launch marks a significant milestone in Nespresso’s global expansion following its initial entry into India in late 2024.

The new boutique offers coffee enthusiasts an immersive experience, showcasing Nespresso’s iconic range of high-quality coffees and state-of-the-art machines. Consumers can explore and savor a variety of coffee blends, receive personalized recommendations from trained coffee specialists, and learn about Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability.

Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nespresso, said: “The launch of the Nespresso boutique in Delhi is a testament to our commitment to the growing coffee culture in India. I’m very proud of this important milestone, which will help us bring Nespresso’s unforgettable taste to Indian coffee lovers. We believe that every cup of Nespresso coffee tells a story of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. With this new space, we invite coffee lovers to immerse themselves in an unparalleled sensory journey, where they can explore our diverse range of exceptional blends and innovative machines.”

Speaking on the expansion, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, stated: “Coffee culture in India is evolving rapidly, and we are delighted to bring our globally renowned expertise and the premium and unique experience of Nespresso. Launching Nespresso in India reflects our quest for excellence and commitment to deliver world-class coffee experiences to Indian consumers. As India’s coffee culture continues to develop, we are excited to introduce an aesthetically befitting space where coffee connoisseurs can savor the brand and discover the extraordinary.”

Nespresso and Nestlé India are pleased to announce that its official distribution partner in India is Thakral Innovations Pvt Ltd, covering the full range of Nespresso coffee products across all channels.

Nespresso has been sourcing high-quality green coffee from India since 2011 and collaborates directly with around 2,000 coffee farmers in the country through its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. This initiative focuses on improving coffee quality, farm productivity, and sustainability, reflecting Nespresso’s commitment to creating a positive impact throughout the coffee value chain.

Coffee lovers are invited to visit and discover the world of Nespresso and embark on a journey of exceptional taste by visiting the new Nespresso boutique at Select Citywalk Mall and can also visit our online boutique: https://www.nespresso.com/in/en/.

Colors Queen Launches WomenThatInspire Campaign for IWD 2025

National, March 10, 2025 – Colors Queen, a homegrown Indian beauty brand established in 2014, is proud to launch its latest campaign, #WomenThatInspire — “Embrace Every Chapter: Your Story, Your Strength, Your Beauty.” This campaign is a tribute to the resilience, individuality, and achievements of women, aligning with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action.’

For over a decade, Colors Queen has been more than a beauty brand; it has been a symbol of inclusivity, self-expression, and confidence. This Women’s Day, the brand takes its mission a step further by honoring the unique journeys of women who inspire through their strength and individuality. From breaking barriers and starting new ventures to celebrating personal milestones, every story deserves to be heard and this campaign amplifies those voices.

“Beauty is not just about appearance. It is about confidence, strength, and the journey you embrace. At Colors Queen, we believe every woman’s journey is remarkable in its own way. With #WomenThatInspire, we aim to create a space where women feel seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s about embracing every chapter of their story with pride and inspiring others in the process,” said Mr. Dilip Motwani, Co-founder of Colors Queen.

The campaign invites women across the country to share their personal stories of inspiration and empowerment, creating a platform where real voices take center stage. As part of this initiative, Colors Queen also launches the #QueensThatInspire movement, encouraging women to inspire others by sharing their stories on social media. Complementing this celebration of strength, the brand introduces a special Women’s Day collection featuring bold, vibrant makeup shades that reflect the energy and spirit of today’s women.

Mr. Nitin Panjwani, co-founder of Colors Queen, said, “For more than ten years, Colors Queen has been dedicated to making beauty meaningful. This campaign is not just about makeup—it’s about fostering self-belief, recognizing the challenges women overcome, and celebrating their unique journeys. We want to remind every woman that her story has the power to inspire others, and we are honored to be a part of that journey.”

With a strong presence both in retail stores and online platforms, Colors Queen continues to make high-quality, affordable beauty accessible to every woman. The brand’s products are crafted to suit Indian skin tones and everyday needs, ensuring that every woman finds something that resonates with her personality and lifestyle.

“A woman’s beauty is not just defined by how she looks, but by the strength she carries and the resilience she embodies. #WomenThatInspire is our way of honoring that strength and amplifying the voices of women who uplift others through their journey. We are proud to be part of a movement that goes beyond beauty and embraces the power of self-expression,” added Ms. Chetna Kochar, AGM, Sales & Marketing

As Colors Queen continues its mission to break beauty stereotypes and foster confidence, the #WomenThatInspire campaign stands as a call for action, encouraging every woman to own her story and inspire the world.

Zydus Welcomes USFDA Nod for Ketoconazole Shampoo, Strengthening Portfolio

Ahmedabad, India, 10 March 2025: Zydus Lifesciences Limited (including its subsidiaries/ affiliates, hereafter referred to as “Zydus”) has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture Ketoconazole Shampoo, 2% (USRLD: Nizoral® Shampoo, 2%).

Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal medication used to treat dandruff, fungal infections, and other skin conditions. Ketoconazole shampoo will be produced at the Group’s topical manufacturing site at Changodar, Ahmedabad.

Ketoconazole shampoo had annual sales of USD 68.89 mn in the United States (IQVIA MAT January 2025).

The group now has 418 approvals and has so far filed 483* ANDAs since the commencement of the filing process in FY 2003-04.