The Body Shop India Shakes Up Beauty with Bold Pricing Move

India, April 23rd, 2025: The Body Shop India unveiled its Disruptive Pricing strategy in India across 12 of its most-loved product formats. With prices starting at new, more inviting entry points, this move is designed to welcome even more customers into the world of The Body Shop. The new strategy reflects the brand’s commitment to delighting and responding to the Indian consumer preferences and staying ahead in the beauty landscape.


Rahul Shanker, Group CEO, Quest Retail, said: “This is a long-view strategy—rooted in our values and backed by real customer insight. For over two decades, Indian customers have loved us for what we stand for. In order to remain truly inclusive, we must address accessibility in a more meaningful and sustained way. Our ambition is to democratize ethical beauty for the next generation—channel agnostic, gender-agnostic, values-driven, and deeply conscious of what they consume.”

To support the launch, The Body Shop India has rolled out its “More Love for Less” campaign that spotlights the love, joy and excitement of customers across age-groups to the newly accessible, fresh price points. With a Digital 1st approach, the central theme of “More Love for Less”, is shot with the creative direction that reflects the diversity of the Indian consumers. The campaign celebrates the unfiltered joy of customers. It reflects how consumers are embracing the change: catching trends, stocking up, gifting generously, and rediscovering rituals they love. The storytelling is emotionally resonant, with protagonists across age-groups joining the narrative. By offering the same rich ingredients and trusted formulations at better prices, The Body Shop is showing that it cares.

With this strategic shift, The Body Shop is unlocking meaningful access to products that customers already love and trust. This is not a seasonal or reactive move—it is a long-term recalibration of The Body Shop’s approach an omni-channel level. By lowering the entry threshold while retaining its ethical sourcing, quality benchmarks, and brand ethos, The Body Shop is building a stronger foundation for sustained growth and loyalty in India’s dynamic & competitive beauty landscape.”

 

IDEA® World Convention in Sacramento, California: July 17-19, 2025

IDEA® World Convention in Sacramento, California: July 17-19, 2025

Health & Fitness Leaders from 80 Countries Converge to

Inspire the World to Fitness®’

 IDEA® World Convention in Sacramento, California: July 17-19, 2025  Health & Fitness Leaders from 80 Countries Converge to  ‘Inspire the World to Fitness®’

SAN DIEGO, California – For the first time since its 1982 inception, the IDEA® Health and Fitness Association will be hosting fitness, health, nutrition, and wellness professionals, educators, and researchers representing over 80 countries worldwide, in California’s Capitol City of Sacramento, for the 2025 IDEA® World Convention July 17-19, 2025:

More than a three-day educational event — IDEA® World is a dynamic, annual celebration of wellness and inspiration — crucial for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, yoga mind-body leaders, business owners, researchers, educators, nutritionists and dieticians, sports medicine and physical therapists, and any/all healthy body and mind advocates.

Featuring over 175 sessions presented by the most respected, global health and fitness leaders, IDEA® World provides and inspires attendees to advance their professional skillset and certifications, earn 20+ continuing education credits (CECs), elevate and enhance their network, and learn/adopt many of the industry’s latest research, developments, training, equipment, and tools. Among the educational tracks include:

  • Personal Trainer Techniques
  • Nutrition & Behavioral Change
  • Group Exercise
  • Mind-Body
  • Fitness Business & Professional Development
  • Exercise Science
  • Special Populations (such as “Active Aging”)

Also – open and FREE to the public – will be the “IDEA World Fitness & Nutrition Expo”, featuring a diverse array of exhibitors and sponsors (such as Lifetime Fitness, WeGym, Keiser, Peeler’s Apparel, Perform Better, Merrithew and the National Academy of Sports Medicine, among others):

Hear directly from leading brands on why sponsoring or exhibiting at the 2025 IDEA® World Fitness & Nutrition Expo continues to deliver unmatched value-watch the video to see how these partnerships are driving real business growth. https://bit.ly/IDEAExhibitors.

Featuring live demonstrations and product sampling, the Expo will include exhibitors from workout and wellness equipment; fit-tech and nutrition brands; and group fitness, apparel, education, and business services; among others. For more information about sponsorship and exhibitor space availability and attendee demographics: https://bit.ly/IDEAWorldProspectus.

2025 IDEA® World attendees will also enjoy networking and special events, such as the “Golden Gala of Distinction” and IDEA Fitness Awards (featuring 99-year-old Fitness Icon Elaine LaLanne presenting the “Jack & Elaine LaLanne Lifetime Achievement Award”).

“Our IDEA team is very excited to host 2025 IDEA® World in Sacramento this year,” states Amy Thompson, CEO of the IDEA Health and Fitness Association. “We selected Sacramento for its beauty, diversity, affordability, and easy access to the world’s most innovative, wellness programs, and popular recreation leaders. And we are designing our 2025 IDEA® World program to offer cutting-edge insights, motivational experiences, and a supportive community to fuel the journey of anyone – professional or personal – that’s interested in ‘inspiring the world to fitness!”

IDEA® World will be in the Sacramento Convention Center, North Hall, 1401 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, on July 17-19, 2025. To register, exhibit or for more information: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2025-idea-world/.

The Fall, Farryn’s War and Rembrandt’s Station by Christie Meierz, now available from Histria Books.

Histria Books is pleased to announce the paperback release of The Fall (Book 3), Farryn’s War (Book 4) and Rembrandt’s Station (Book 5) in Tales of Tolari Space series, by Christie Meierz. This series is published by Histria SciFi & Fantasy, an imprint of Histria Books encompassing outstanding, innovative works in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

The Fall, Farryn’s War and Rembrandt’s Station by Christie Meierz, now available from Histria Books.

The Fall the third book in the Tales of Tolari Space science fiction series. After watching her husband die on the bridge of the CCS Alexander and being used as bait by Earth’s government, Laura Howard has found a second chance at love on a planet light-year from Earth—until she falls, and a head injury erases her time on Tolar. Angry, frightened, and impulsive, she rejects the Tolari ruler who loves the woman she was before the fall, vowing to live free on Tolar and master the empathic gifts that came with Jorann’s blessings.

The Paran gained Laura’s love once. But the woman before him now is vastly different and determined to have nothing to do with him, even though they are both in grave danger. To save their lives, he may have to choose the one path he never wanted: to fight for the leadership of Tolar’s ruling caste. Farryn’s War the fourth book in the Tales of Tolari Space science fiction series. Farryn had failed. Failed, and lost his honor. His planet had shunned space travel for thousands of years, and he had sworn to shake his people loose from their isolation.

Sharana dares to follow her estranged lover into human space, desperate to find out what had become of him, determined to convince him that she had never betrayed his trust. Unfortunately, Earth’s security teams are watching. When she falls into their hands, Farryn decides to break her out of prison so he can kill her himself. But a brief encounter in her cell restores the empathic bond they had once shared, and Farryn realizes he must either rescue her for real or lose his sanity. Rembrandt’s Station the fifth book in the Tales of Tolari Space science fiction series. Stationmaster and exiled aristocrat Albert St. John Rembrandt—Bertie to his friends—is in love with a provincial ruler he’s always believed he can’t have. Finding out the hard way that some Tolari are as poisonous as their planet is only the beginning of his troubles.

A ship has gone missing. His station is in crisis. Bertie must manage the disaster while still desperately ill, but the only way to recover his health and be with the man he loves is to accept the genetic modification they call the Jorann’s blessing. Retired Linux hacker and perennial language student Christie Meierz writes space opera and science fiction romance set on a world of empaths at the edge of an expanding human empire.

Her published works include her PRISM award-winning debut novel, The Marann, along with five more novels set in Tolari space and a handful of short stories. She is an active member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). The Fall., 308 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-651-5, Farryn’s War., 273 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-655-3, Rembrandt’s Station., 244 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-6552-2 (Tales of Tolari Space Series) by Christie Meierz are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers.

The books are also available as eBooks. Titles published under the various imprints of Histria Books are distributed worldwide by the Independent Publishers Group (IPG). For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com. 7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA HistriaBooks.com (561) 299-0802

Redcliffe Labs Diagnoses India’s First Case of DPH2-Related Diphthamide Deficiency Syndrome-2

22nd April  2025: Redcliffe Labs, a purpose-driven pan-India omnichannel diagnostics service provider, has diagnosed the first known case of DPH2related diphthamide deficiency syndrome2 in India. This groundbreaking diagnosis has been published in the prestigious Wiley American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, marking a significant milestone in the field of medical genetics and broadening the clinical understanding of this rare genetic condition. The diagnosis was carried out by Dr. Vykunta Raju K. N from Indira Gandhi Hospital, Bangalore, and Interpretation was done by Dr Himani Pandey, Lab Head of Genomics at Redcliffe Labs, and her team in collaboration with experts from leading medical institutions.

Identifying the DPH2 gene mutation enables healthcare providers to consider genetic counselling for families with a history of consanguinity. Early detection of this rare genetic disorder can facilitate timely intervention and management, potentially improving the quality of life for affected individuals. The ability to detect such mutations also aids in formulating more targeted and precise therapeutic strategies. 

As per the diagnosis, the patient is a 1-year-9-month-old female who presented with a complex set of symptoms, including developmental delay, short stature, seizures, sparse hypopigmented hair, and dysmorphic facial features. Uniquely, the child also exhibited epileptic seizures, behavioural abnormalities, and neuroimaging findings such as cerebral atrophy and white matter hyperintensities – features not previously reported in other cases of this syndrome. The clinical picture also included developmental regression, autistic features, and hypotonia, making it a distinct and complex presentation.

The diagnosis was confirmed through whole-exome sequencing, which revealed a pathogenic nonsense variant in the DPH2 gene. This mutation truncates the DPH2 protein’s C-terminal, likely impacting its role in protein synthesis. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) standards, the identified variant has been classified as pathogenic. This is the first confirmed case of this syndrome in India and only the third reported case worldwide.

The patient exhibited delayed developmental milestones, including late attainment of neck control and the ability to sit with support, along with poor weight gain and feeding difficulties. Multiple episodes of generalized tonic seizures and epileptic spasms were documented, beginning at six months of age. Neuroimaging revealed cerebral atrophy, periventricular white matter hyperintensities, and prominent subarachnoid spaces, indicating significant neurological involvement. Additionally, the child showed distinct dysmorphic features such as a broad forehead with a high anterior hairline, sparse scalp hair, esotropia, a depressed nasal bridge, a bulbous nose, low-set ears, and brachydactyly in both hands and feet. This diagnosis holds immense significance for the medical community as it opens new avenues for preventive healthcare and prenatal diagnosis.

Dr. Himani Pandey, Lab Head Genomics of Redcliffe Labs said ,”This case exemplifies how integrative genomic approaches can elucidate the underlying molecular etiology of rare and clinically complex syndromes. Identifying a pathogenic DPH2 variant in an Indian patient not only contributes to the global repository of rare disease mutations but also enables more precise genotype-phenotype correlation. Such discoveries are vital to advancing personalized medicine, particularly in populations with high rates of consanguinity where recessive disorders often go undiagnosed.”

This discovery not only expands the known phenotypic spectrum of DPH2related diphthamide deficiency syndrome2 but also emphasizes the importance of including DPH2 mutations in diagnostic panels when evaluating developmental delays and epilepsy, particularly in populations with consanguineous backgrounds. Identifying this gene variant also paves the way for targeted research into the role of DPH2 in protein synthesis, potentially aiding in the development of therapeutic interventions.

Aditya, CEO & Founder of Redcliffe Labs, said,  “This diagnosis reflects our commitment to leveraging advanced genomic technologies to uncover rare and complex genetic disorders. Identifying the DPH2related diphthamide deficiency syndrome2 in India not only highlights the capabilities of our team but also sets a precedent for integrating precision genetics into routine diagnostics. Our focus remains on making genetic insights accessible and impactful for patient care.”

Redcliffe Labs remains committed to pioneering advancements in genetic diagnostics and fostering research collaborations to improve patient outcomes. As a leading diagnostic and molecular genetics laboratory in India, they continue to deliver innovative healthcare solutions to address complex medical challenges.

Global Meets Local: Max Factor is Now in Kolkata

Max Factor is an iconic international beauty brand known for its Hollywood heritage and makeup artistry, is now in Kolkata. Beauty enthusiasts in the City of Joy can now experience the transformative power of Max Factor’s professional grade cosmetics.

With over a century of innovation and a legacy rooted in creating looks for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Max Factor brings a curated selection of makeup to Kolkata, designed to empower Indian consumers with flawless finishes and camera-ready confidence. 

“At Max Factor, we’ve always believed that makeup is not just a tool for transforming how you look, but also how you feel,Our exclusive presence at Shoppers Stop in Kolkata reflects our commitment to making professional-quality beauty accessible to everyday Indian consumers said Medhavi Nain, Head of Marketing, International Brands, House of Beauty.”

Customers in Kolkata can now discover Max Factor‘s coveted range of foundations, primers, lipsticks, mascaras, and more each formulated to complement a variety of Indian skin tones and deliver enduring performance from day to night.

Ultraviolette Showcases its Entire Product Portfolio in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, April 22, 2025 – Ultraviolette, makers of the ‘Fastest Indian Motorcycle’, proudly announced the debut of its cutting-edge product range in Chandigarh. With a strong presence across thirteen cities, this showcase marks yet another milestone in Ultraviolette’s remarkable journey and underscores its dedication to serving customers across India.

Chandigarh will now be able to experience Ultraviolette’s technologically advanced and performance-driven two-wheelers that have long captivated customers across the country. As part of its commitment to enhancing customer service, Ultraviolette is also set to establish its state-of-the-art experience center in Chandigarh this year. The 3S Experience Centre will offer comprehensive ownership services, ensuring an unparalleled experience for customers in Chandigarh.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette, stated “We are proud to present our comprehensive product portfolio today in Chandigarh, a rapidly emerging hub for economic growth, IT, and technology. Over the past few years, this city has demonstrated remarkable advancements in Infrastructure, Technology, and Electric vehicle adoption. This progress has inspired us to bring forward our cutting-edge mobility solutions—solutions that not only exceed expectations but also embody the vibrant spirit of Chandigarh. By reinforcing our commitment to key growth markets, we aim to fulfil both regional and national aspirations. Our presence here underscores Ultraviolette‘s mission to make world-class innovation accessible throughout India, while delivering an elevated and seamless ownership experience to our customers in Chandigarh.

The F77 MACH2 and F77 SuperStreet redefine electric performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 kph in just 2.8 seconds. Equipped with a 10.3 kWh battery pack and delivering a peak power output of 30 kW (40.2 hp), the motorcycles offer a staggering 100 Nm of peak torque. It accelerates swiftly from 0 to 60 km/hr in just 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 km/hr with an impressive IDC range of 323 kmsUltraviolette’s ongoing optional packages are also available to all F77 customers, aimed at magnifying the riding experience further.

The company also unveiled two new mainstream products – The World’s Most Advanced Electric Scooter -‘Tesseract’ and a Disruptive Electric Motorcycle- ‘Shockwave’. The Tesseract features a segment first integrated radar and dashcam, seamlessly coupled with Omnisense mirrors, providing advanced safety technologies such as Blindspot Detection, Lane Change, Overtaking Assist, and Collision Alerts. It is also equipped with Traction control and Dynamic regen for enhanced safety and optimizing energy consumption. In addition, Tesseract boasts a 7″ touchscreen TFT display, and multi-colour LED displays embedded in the ORVMs.

Shockwave – a meticulously designed and engineered motorcycle that meets the demands of riders who seek an exhilarating riding experience and reigniting the joy in riding. It promises the same iconic thrill of the ‘2-stroke’ motorcycling era that represented the lightweight, fun, and accessible motorcycles.

Chandigarh is fast emerging as a hub of progress and aspirations, and we are excited to bring our cutting-edge technology to this dynamic city. While making our innovations more accessible to the mainstream market, we continue to uphold our hallmark of futuristic design and advanced engineering. This move underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation, R&D, and customer-centricity. We remain focused on building superior technologies that not only make our products best-in-class but also deliver a more connected, seamless, and hassle-free ownership experience for our growing community”, said Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette.

By FY 2026, the company aims to extend its reach to fifty cities across India, with a strategic focus on fast-paced global markets such as UK, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France.

Chef Asif Qureshi Brings Royal Awadhi Feast to The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

This April, Riwaz at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore invites you to journey into a realm of simmering aromas, glowing embers, and treasured heirloom recipes with The Royal Awadhi Feast—a regal culinary collaboration that celebrates the timeless splendour of Lucknow’s Nawabi kitchens.

Riwaz, known for its quiet elegance and deep reverence for India’s culinary heritage, becomes the setting for an experience that transcends mere dining. Here, tradition isn’t just remembered, it is revived, honoured, and reimagined. At the heart of this experience are two chefs, Chef Asif Qureshi, from the storied kitchens of JW Marriott Juhu, heir to the royal Qureshi lineage and a guardian of time-honoured Awadhi techniques; and Chef Imran Arif, the in-house force behind Riwaz’s signature expressions of Indian cuisine. Together, they conjure a menu that’s less of a meal and more of a memory; slow-cooked, spice-layered, and steeped in legacy.

The à la carte menu is a lavish tapestry of choices, from the smokiness of Bhatti Ki Kalmi and the tenderness of Jhinga Nisha, to the subtle richness of Mahi Qalya and the depth of Gosht Ki Nihari. Each dish whispers of royal courts and bustling bawarchi khana, where food was a symbol of love, power, and artistry. For vegetarians, jewels like Sarson BroccoliPurvanchal Ka Saag, and Aloo Bukhara Kofta ensure the experience is no less indulgent.

For those who wish to surrender fully to the chef’s vision, the set menu offers a more intimate encounter — a curated journey through carefully selected classics. Think Dahi Akhrot ke KebabNoor Mahal BiryaniDal-e-Saffron, and Nadru Subz ke Shammi , each course building on the next in harmony, each bite a story in itself, culminating in the sweet final note of Balai ka Tukda.

This is not just a meal. It is an invitation to sit at the table of emperors, to taste a history that has been simmering for centuries. The Royal Awadhi Feast is for those who appreciate not only the richness of Indian cuisine but the spirit that keeps its soul alive, in the hands of chefs who remember.
 
Dates: 24th-26th April
Time: (12:30 PM-3:30 PM and 7:00 PM-11:30 PM), with the special brunch at The Market on April 27th (12:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Venue: Riwaz, The RitzCarltonBangalore

Shikhar Dhawan’s advice to contestants in Amazon MX Player’s fitness reality show Battleground

Mumbai, India- April 22 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming platform, raises the stakes with Battleground, a dynamic fitness reality show where physical strength meets mental grit. Leading the four teams are powerhouse personalities- Asim Riaz, Rajat Dalal, Rubina Dilaik and Abhishek Malhan— command their teams, each bringing their distinctive leadership style into the arena. At the center of it all is cricket legend Shikhar Dhawan, stepping in as the ‘super mentor.’ Calm, focused, and fiercely inspiring, Dhawan brings his trademark poise and decades of experience to the show, guiding contestants with a blend of discipline, strategy, and silent observation.

Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, Shikhar shared, Watching the contestants give it their all took me back to my own playing days. I remember this one fiery moment with Watson, he hit a ball straight into my stomach and cheekily said he’d joined the pain club. Later, when he came out to bat with a runner due to an injury, I couldn’t resist. I acted like I got injured while fielding— he didn’t take it well, but I knew I had gotten onto his nerves. That was always my thing – getting into the opponent’s head, playing that mental game. I thrived on those mind battles.”

Speaking about his approach as a mentor, he added, “I often tell contestants it’s not just about being physically fit— it’s about staying composed under pressure. I share cricket stories with them, whether about myself, my teammates or senior players, to show them how success is shaped by resilience. While the mentors lead the charge with their teams, I stay observant— watching how they coach, what sort of knowledge they’re passing on or how they’re treating their players. My job is to support and elevate that.”

Witness the ultimate test of power, persistence, and personality in Battleground — streaming now only on Amazon MX Player for free, available through its apps on mobile, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

Tyger Capital Partners with Credgenics to redefine collections management with innovative tech solutions

India, April 22nd, 2025: Tyger Capital, India’s leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has joined hands with Credgenics, the leading provider of SaaS-based collections and debt resolution technology solutions worldwide. This technology collaboration marks a significant stride towards reshaping the debt collections landscape, leveraging Credgenics‘ comprehensive suite of solutions to streamline and optimize Tyger Capital‘s loan collections management process.

At Tyger CapitalCredgenics‘ AI powered SaaS based platform will help adopt a data-insights backed personalized approach for communications with borrowers across multiple digital channels including WhatsApp, SMS, and emails.  With Credgenics CG Collect, the mobile app for field collection teams, the last mile operations will be digitized to unlock higher productivity and operational efficiency. 

Commenting on the partnership, Rajaram Manian B, Chief Risk Officer of Tyger Capital said, “We are excited to leverage Credgenics technology solutions in collections as we are committed to deliver unparalleled financial services powered by cutting-edge technologies and customer-centric approaches. This collaboration aligns with our mantra ‘Customer first’ and our focus on providing exceptional service to our customers while optimizing our operations through innovation and digital transformation.”

Credgenics technology platform will optimize field team operations, enable seamless collection transaction reconciliations, provide digitized customer visit management, and provide real-time tracking capabilities. Credgenics Billzy payments platform will facilitate borrowers to make digital loan payments swiftly, securely, and conveniently. Adoption of cutting-edge solutions from Credgenics promises higher response rates, accelerated debt resolutions, and reduced operational costs, positioning Tyger Capital at the forefront of customer service excellence.

Rishabh Goel, Co-Founder and CEO of Credgenics, said, “Our engagement with Tyger Capital is an extremely valuable addition to our customer base from the NBFC segment. We are confident that Credgenics‘ comprehensive solutions will tremendously enhance the collection management process at Tyger Capital. With our focus on continual innovation, enhanced customer experience and strict adherence to regulatory compliance, we aim to deliver significant business value at Tyger Capital.”

The collaboration between Credgenics and Tyger Capital is set to drive a transformative shift in collection management and debt resolution by leveraging cutting-edge technologies. This strategic partnership will enable both companies to deliver enhanced value to their customers while driving sustainable growth and profitability.

Amethyst Unveils ‘Kusubana’ by Translate: A Breezy Summer Ode to Ikats and Nostalgia

Amethyst presents ‘Kusubana’ by TranslateKusubana is the essence, that they are weaving into your summers this year! This edit brings fresh takes on Ikats and playful twists on their iconic styles. The Ikats in this drop are contemporary, a confident stride into new horizons. With breathable cotton and functional, effortless designs, each piece easily adapts to your summer wardrobe from 11am to 7.30pm from April 24th to 30th2025 at Amethyst, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai. 

Collection Note:

  • Petals kissed by the breath of the season,
  • Hues that tickle the heart with innocent joy,
  • The quiet longing for comfort on warm summer afternoons,

Kusubana is our vision of summers under the cherry blossoms—where worries melt away and we become one with nature. It evokes the nostalgia of simpler times: the hum of insects, the laughter over board games, mouths stained with popsicles, and quiet conversations over tea. In this collection, we capture the essence of summer, offering something for everyone to love.