There’s something captivating about restraint in design. When every line is intentional, every curve speaks, and nothing feels excessive: that’s when you know that you have something extraordinary around you. Thin Essence, SOMANY’s latest wall-hung collection, captures that feeling beautifully.

Inspired by the elegance and discipline of ballet, Thin Essence is about lightness – both in form and feel. It doesn’t seek attention. It earns it. The design is refined, measured, and strikingly minimal, making it an effortless addition to spaces that value quiet sophistication.

The ultra-slim rim profile is Thin Essence’ s USP. With a rim thickness of just 13 to 15 mm, it is dramatically slimmer than the conventional 45 to 60 mm designs seen in standard ceramic ware. This subtle detail shifts the entire aesthetic. Bathrooms feel more open. Lines appear cleaner. And the overall space takes on a far more contemporary character.

But Thin Essence isn’t only limited to aesthetics. It’s also deeply functional. Its pure rimless design ensures thorough flushing and high standards of hygiene. The thoughtful contours are easy to clean and maintain, reducing areas where dust and bacteria typically accumulate. It is ‘design with intention’ where every feature supports the way we live today.

There are two form options to choose from: Round and Square. The Round model (360x520x360 mm) brings a softness that complements fluid, organic interiors. The Square model (365x520x350 mm) offers a more structured presence: modern, bold, and architectural. Both versions come in a polished white finish that reflects light beautifully and works effortlessly with a wide range of interior palettes.

Each wall-hung is paired with a UF Ezee Close Seat Cover, known for its comfort and smooth close mechanism. The blind installation system further enhances the seamless look, eliminating visual clutter and allowing the product to almost float against the wall. The result is a bathroom that feels open, uncluttered, and distinctly modern.

Thin Essence is not trying to be loud. It doesn’t rely on flourish or exaggeration. Instead, it quietly raises the bar for what a well-designed wall-hung closet can be. It’s a collection that understands the nuances of contemporary living where aesthetics and utility are not separate ideas but part of the same conversation.

For homeowners, designers, and architects seeking a timeless statement in ceramic design, Thin Essence offers the perfect balance of elegance and practicality. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully built, and effortlessly modern: THIN ESSENCE from SOMANY is a celebration of form, precision, and simplicity.

28th April 2025, Mumbai: Select products from Ace Blend, Organic Tattva, and Wellbeing Nutrition,  among others, receive the ‘Pink Tiger’ stamp of approval for ingredient transparency and clean-label integrity. These brands have been verified by Luke Coutinho’s You Care Lifestyle (YCL), which independently assesses products through third-party lab testing for ingredient quality and clean formulation.

YCL is a platform founded by Luke Coutinho, an integrative and lifestyle medicine expert who aims to build a clean food chain. The Pink Tiger stamp is a mark of assurance and integrity for clean, trustworthy ingredients aligned with the Indian food ethos and conscious lifestyle choices. Furthermore, recipients of the Pink Tiger stamp include Orange Health Labs and products from Naturaltein, Sarthak Satvik, Cosmix, Pod Nutrition, Protuff, Trexgenics, and Aevo, reinforcing a growing shift towards transparency in the wellness and nutrition space.

To meet rising consumer demand for authenticity, YCL independently verifies through rigorous third-party lab testing to assure quality, ethical formulation, and full ingredient transparency. The testing process involves random batch evaluations, ingredient analysis, and label accuracy. Each verified product carries a scannable QR code, allowing consumers to access lab results and ingredient transparency in real-time for full transparency at the point of purchase. The stringent quality testing parameters of YCL’s Pink Tiger Stamp benchmark a product for its authenticity and transparency to aid an informed choice.

Backed by a recent $1 million investment from the founders, YCL plans to test up to 100 brands by 2025, with a continued focus on ingredient integrity, ethical sourcing, and accurate labelling. YCL has tested over 50 products, out of which 33 have successfully passed third-party lab tests and are now available on the company’s website. YCL provides a scalable framework for wellness products and brands to establish a global presence. This is achieved through robust verification and HealthTech integration. 

Luke Coutinho, Founder of YCL, commented, “In today’s cluttered wellness market, consumers are overwhelmed with choices and claims. Our goal with YCL is simple. It is to bring clarity and trust back to the shelf. By validating products through independent testing, we are helping consumers make better choices and giving truly clean brands the recognition they deserve.”

Mumbai, April, 28^th, 2025: PL Wealth Management, PL Capital’s Wealth Management arm, in its latest study on mutual fund performance analysis, cited that the AUM (assets under management) of equity mutual funds—excluding Sectoral/Thematic Funds— witnessed a modest growth of 7.68% from INR  23,12,571 crore in February 2025 to INR 24,90,218 crore in March 2025. The study, which analysed 298 open-ended equity diversified funds, found that 38.64% of these funds outperformed their respective benchmarks over the past month, ending March 31, 2025. In total, 114 funds recorded outperformance during this period.

 

Large Cap Funds was the best performing category where 71.88% of the schemes outperformed the benchmark. It was followed by Large & Mid Cap Funds and Mid Cap Funds which outperformed their respective benchmarks by 58.06% and 51.72% respectively during the month of March 2025.

Small Cap Funds were the least performing fund category with 10.00% of funds outperforming the benchmark.

India, April: Akshaya Tritiya is revered in Indian culture as an auspicious day to initiate new ventures and make timeless investments – especially in gold and jewellery. Marked by prosperity and fortune, this festival has deep-rooted cultural significance. Coupled with ORRA’s ongoing Anniversary Sale, the celebration becomes even more meaningful as the brand gives customers the perfect opportunity to honour age-old traditions while indulging in contemporary luxury with their Akshay Tritiya Collection. The fusion of these landmark celebrations gives jewellery enthusiasts across the country to embrace tradition, and shine in abundance.

Whether you’re marking Akshaya Tritiya with a cherished purchase or gifting a loved one, ORRA’s ongoing Anniversary Sale ensures there’s something special for everyone. With a seamless blend of diamond jewellery essentials and cultural elegance, each creation is more than just jewellery – it’s a celebration of timeless values, prosperity, and the promise of new beginnings that this auspicious festival brings.

Dipu Mehta, Managing Director, ORRA Fine Jewellery shares, “At ORRA, jewellery is not just an accessory, it’s an emotion, a legacy, and a celebration. We recognize that Akshaya Tritiya is a sacred occasion for many, and with the addition of our ongoing Anniversary Sale, we wanted to create a truly special experience for our customers. Our collections this season blend age-old symbolism with contemporary diamond jewellery designs, allowing everyone to celebrate in their own unique way.”

The new collection features necklace sets, earrings, pendants, rings, and chains – all drawing inspiration from nature and Indian motifs that will resonate with today’s woman. Each piece blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship, capturing the essence of new beginnings.

Visit your nearest ORRA Fine Jewellery store to avail additional exclusive discounts:

 •    25% off on Diamond Value

•    0% Interest EMI Facility

•    0% Deduction on your old gold jewellery exchange

Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, selecting a festive gift, or choosing a timeless piece for yourself, ORRA’s designs offer something for every style and occasion. Aside from the Akshaya Tritiya and the Anniversary Sale, customers can also explore ORRA’s wide selection including the iconic Crown Star, a patented 73-facet diamond known for its unmatched brilliance – perfect for those seeking truly exceptional pieces. ORRA’s celebrated collections such as Aekta – The Wedding Collection, Solis, and Astra, that offer versatile designs that cater to every milestone, can also be explored.

So, what are you waiting for? This festive season, Dazzle in Diamonds, Celebrate with Blessings and Shine in Abundance.

There’s no denying that the entire field of design and visual arts is really interesting. It’s something that combines creativity with practical problem-solving. The industry provides numerous chances for those with an eye for aesthetics and innovation, ranging from designing interiors to manufacturing delicate jewellery to conceptualising digital experiences. However, pursuing a job demands a defined pathway. A well-rounded education can help bridge the gap between study and professional success. So, how does someone go from campus to corporate in this field? Prof. Dr. Vikas Dhawan,

Director General, Institute of Management Studies, Noida highlights the key points –

The increasing demand for designers

The creative business has expanded beyond fashion houses and art studios. Designers are in high demand in a variety of industries today, including technology, luxury, architecture, advertising, and healthcare. With rapid globalisation and digital transformation, businesses around the world are looking for experts who can combine creative thinking with functionality.

According to industry forecasts, India’s design business is predicted to grow at a 10% yearly rate, generating many chances for young designers. The need is considerably higher in worldwide markets, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and North America, where specific abilities in luxury product design, UI/UX, and animation are highly prized.

Choosing the Right Path in Design and Visual Arts

While the creative profession is wide, focusing on a single design specialism can assist create niche knowledge. There are numerous structured programs that follow global industry trends. These courses help students prepare for high-demand careers.

1. Jewellery Design

Understanding materials, craftsmanship, and changing consumer preferences are all important aspects of jewellery design. With bachelor degree courses ranging from gemology to CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, students get the technical and artistic skills required to succeed in the luxury market. Jewellery designers, CAD professionals, and gem consultants can earn between ₹3.5 and ₹6 lakh annually.

2. Interior Design

Interior design is concerned with functionality, sustainability, and user experience. Interior design programs teach students about space planning, colour theory, and 3D visualisation tools such as AutoCAD and SketchUp. Graduates can pursue jobs in residential, commercial, and hospitality design, with starting salaries ranging from ₹4 to ₹7 lakh per year.

3. Textile Design

Textile designers form the foundation of the fashion, home decor, and industrial fabric industries. Textile design courses, which emphasise pattern making, digital printing, and sustainable materials, prepare students for professions in both traditional and technological textile manufacturing. Entry-level pay typically range from ₹3.5 to ₹5 lakh per year, with opportunities for rapid advancement in foreign markets.

4. Communication Design

From branding to filmmaking, communication design is essential for visual narrative. Specialisations in graphic design, animation, VFX, AR/VR, and game design provide students with the tools they need to produce engaging content for the media, advertising, and entertainment industries. Graduates in digital content can expect to earn from ₹4 to ₹8 lakh per year, with increased earnings potential in international employment.

5. Product Design (luxury)

Luxury product design is expanding in unimaginable ways as demand for luxury items are at an all-time high. Students in this stream, learn about high-end materials, user-centric design & market trends while creating unique products ranging from furniture to fashion accessories. Luxury companies are expanding in India and overseas, creating lucrative career prospects with starting salaries ranging from ₹5 to ₹9 lakh per year.

How Design Education prepares students for the real world?

Industry Exposure and Live Projects

A structured design program emphasises hands-on learning. A recommended design academy combines live projects, industry collaborations, and internships to provide students with real-world experience. Working with established companies or competing in global design contests helps you build a good portfolio, which is essential when entering the employment market.

Internships and Placements

Internships serve as an ideal bridge between campus and corporate life. These experiences, whether at a premium fashion brand, a digital agency, or an architecture firm, let students to apply what they’ve learnt in the classroom to real-world situations. major institutes arrange internships and placements with major organisations, ensuring that students make a smooth transition into their employment.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

The benefit of a design career is that it does not restrict you to typical jobs. Many graduates go into business, starting their own jewellery lines, home décor companies, or digital design studios. With the correct mentorship and industry networks, talented designers may build independent businesses that serve both home and international markets.

Mumbai, 28th April, 2025: Continuing on its growth momentum of portfolio extension, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) announced the signing of a new upscale lifestyle property in Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, one of India’s most sought-after colonial hill stations and a thriving tourist hub.

Specifically designed to elevate the wedding and experiential tourism landscape of the region, the property is poised to offer an immersive experience to the visitors in lap of nature.  With the addition of the new hotel, ROHL‘s footprint in Uttarakhand region will increase to 6 hotels.

Nestled among 7 acres with views across the Doon valley, this 70-key hotel will feature luxurious suites, multiple food & beverage option and various zones for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings both indoors and in its expansive lawns. The hotel will feature a functional wellness facility as well with swimming pools, spa areas and alternative therapy zones.

Commenting on the signing, CK Baljee, CMD of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. emphasised, “Our expansion into Uttarakhand couldn’t have come at a better time, as the state is actively enhancing connectivity to remote areas and popular tourist spots. Recent initiatives, such as the Char Dham Road Project, new train services, and airport expansions, demonstrate the state’s commitment to boosting pilgrimage and tourism.”

“We’re thrilled to contribute to the region’s economic growth and tourism development, particularly in Mussoorie, a commercially significant city. Our second property in this city is poised to make a significant impact on the region’s wedding and weekend getaway market, attracting global visitors and showcasing Uttarakhand‘s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.” He further added.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Indresh Batra said, “We’re delighted to join forces with ROHL, a trusted brand that embodies our commitment to quality and excellence, given their new focus on experiential tourism.”

Mussoorie, often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, attract a steady influx of domestic and international travellers, driven by its rich colonial heritage, thriving eco-tourism, and adventure activities. With increasing government initiatives supporting Uttarakhand’s tourism and infrastructure development, the region is witnessing a surge in hospitality investments.

Mumbai, 28 April 2025 – As Škoda Auto celebrates 130 years of automotive legacy globally and marks 25 years in India, the brand has launched a powerful new campaign titled ‘Škoda Superstars’. At the heart of this initiative is a celebration of passion, persistence, and people, those who dare to dream and work relentlessly to achieve it. The campaign is anchored by Škoda Auto India’s first-ever ‘Brand Superstar’, Ranveer Singh, along with iconic cars of the brand through the ages. The film draws parallels between the resilience of Škoda’s iconic founders, Laurin and Klement and modern-day heroes from all walks of life, leaving viewers with a compelling call to action: celebrate your journey.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India shares, “The ‘Škoda Superstars’ campaign is not just a tribute, it’s a movement. It’s our way of honouring the spirit of determination and drive that has defined Škoda Auto since 1895 and continues to thrive in the people around us today. As we celebrate 130 years globally and 25 years in India, we want to go beyond just showcasing our cars. We want to celebrate the human stories that mirror our own journey, from vision and grit to achievement. Through this campaign, we’re inviting every individual to share their personal triumphs and become a part of the Škoda legacy. Because in the end, it’s not just about where you come from, but how far your passion and work ethic can take you.”

A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Prague

As part of the campaign, Škoda Auto India invites fans to participate in a unique contest by sharing their stories of dreams turned into achievements. By uploading a personal photo that reflects their journey, users can generate a special double-exposure image featuring themselves and a Škoda car, symbolizing how their personal milestones intersect with the brand’s enduring legacy.

Entries shared on social media using the campaign hashtag and tagging @SkodaIndia and @FansOfSkoda will be shortlisted, of which 25 winners will be eligible to win an unforgettable Škoda Auto experience to Prague.