Category: Brands

  • HUL seals the deal: Uprising Science takeover gets CCI nod

    HUL seals the deal: Uprising Science takeover gets CCI nod

    MUMBAI:  Hindustan Unilever Ltd  (HUL) is set to expand its beauty and personal care empire, acquiring a 90.5 per cent stake in Uprising Science Pvt Ltd , with the remaining 9.5 per cent to follow in two years. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given the green light to the transaction under Section 6(2) read with Section 5(a) of the Competition Act, 2002.

    HUL, a behemoth in the FMCG space, boasts a portfolio spanning home care, beauty and personal care, and food and refreshments. Its 50+ brands include household names like Lux, Surf Excel, Lakmé, Knorr, and Kwality Wall’s. With manufacturing facilities across India and a vast distribution network, the company dominates the consumer market.

    Uprising Science, the target in this acquisition, specialises in beauty and personal care, particularly skincare, body care, baby care and hair care products. The acquisition is expected to strengthen HUL’s grip on the premium beauty segment, expanding its product range and market share.

    The companies argued that the deal won’t shake up India’s competitive landscape. However, they acknowledged overlaps in key markets, including skincare and haircare, as well as vertical linkages such as sales through beauty salons. The strategic move aligns with HUL’s broader push into high-growth personal care categories.

    With CCI’s approval in the bag, HUL is set to make further waves in the beauty business. Expect bold moves ahead.

  • Morepen Laboratories’ sugar-busting bargain hits Indian market

    Morepen Laboratories’ sugar-busting bargain hits Indian market

    MUMBAI: Morepen Laboratories has unleashed Empamore, a wallet-friendly weapon against Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease that promises to shake up treatment for millions in the world’s diabetes capital.

    With India groaning under the weight of 101 million diabetes cases, the pharmaceutical firm’s latest offering aims to deliver the same therapeutic punch as pricier alternatives at a fraction of the cost—a sweet deal for patients previously priced out of optimal care.

    The new drug, empagliflozin, belongs to the coveted class of SGLT2 inhibitors and will be available in various formulations, including combinations with metformin. All products are manufactured at Morepen’s facilities, which boast the American regulator’s stamp of approval.

    “At Morepen, we are dedicated to democratising healthcare by making world-class treatments accessible to all,” declared vice president of sales & marketing Ashutosh Sharma. “With Empamore, we are providing a trusted, high-quality diabetes treatment at nearly 90 per cent lower cost than existing brands, helping millions manage their condition effectively without financial strain.”

    This aggressive pricing strategy aims to capture a hefty slice of India’s diabetes market, which is expected to grow at a robust 10.9 per cent compound annual growth rate as pre-diabetes cases swell to a staggering 136 million.

    Morepen is no newcomer to the diabetes battleground. The company has already flooded the market with more than 12.33 million glucometers and a mind-boggling 1.65 billion blood glucose strips, establishing itself as a familiar name in medicine cabinets across the subcontinent.

    The firm’s latest offering promises more than just glycaemic control, addressing cardiovascular and renal complications while packaging the pills in perforated strips for patients who might otherwise struggle with adherence.

    With a global footprint spanning 82 countries, Morepen’s bargain-basement diabetes treatment may soon be sweetening the lives of patients far beyond Indian shores—proving that sometimes, the best medicine is the one you can actually afford.

  • Britannia Marie Gold & IIS launch ‘HerSpark’ to ignite women’s sports careers

    Britannia Marie Gold & IIS launch ‘HerSpark’ to ignite women’s sports careers

    MUMBAI: Some sparks start wildfires, and Britannia Marie Gold, in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), has just ignited one with ‘HerSpark’—a groundbreaking sports scholarship programme exclusively for women athletes in India. Designed to scout, train, and propel future champions, this initiative provides a fully funded three year scholarship worth Rs 45 lakh to young women eager to break barriers in boxing, swimming, judo, athletics, and parasports.

    Through this initiative, female athletes across India will gain access to world-class training, coaching, lodging, nutrition, and educational opportunities. And it gets even better—athletes will train under legendary Olympians and Continental champions, including Mamuka Kizilashvili (Judo) and Yoandris Betanzos Francis (Athletics), ensuring they receive the highest level of mentorship.

    HerSpark isn’t for the faint-hearted—it’s designed to find the best. The selection process unfolds across multiple stages:

    . Over 1,000 shortlisted athletes will compete in round one selection trials at IIS centres across India.

    .  Those who qualify will advance to two-day regional selection camps at eight key locations.

    . The top contenders will undergo an exclusive three-week elite training camp at IIS Vijayanagar.

    . Only the best will win the coveted three-year scholarship—setting them on a path to national and international glory.

    The HerSpark scholarship is open to Indian female athletes aged 14 and above. Minors (under 18) require parental or guardian consent. Applications are available via the official HerSpark website.

    Britannia Marie Gold has long been a champion for women’s empowerment, leading initiatives such as HerStartup and Her.Store to foster financial independence and entrepreneurship. Britannia Industries general manager – marketing Siddharth Gupta reaffirmed this commitment, “Britannia Marie Gold believes that every woman possesses an innate spark—the potential to achieve more. With ‘HerSpark,’ we extend this commitment to sports, providing young female athletes with the opportunity, training, and mentorship they need to reach their highest potential.”

    IIS president Manisha Malhotra echoed this enthusiasm, “We at IIS are thrilled to join hands with Britannia Marie Gold—a brand that is doing so much to empower women. Through this partnership, we are launching a nationwide scouting programme to identify young female athletes and equip them with the skills and guidance needed to succeed on the biggest stage. We cannot wait to see the success that comes out of this effort.”

    Founded by JSW Group, the Inspire Institute of Sport is a privately funded Olympic Sport Programme with a high-performance centre in Vijayanagar and satellite centres across Manipur, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha.

    With HerSpark, Britannia Marie Gold and IIS are not just offering scholarships—they are shaping the next generation of champions. So, young women of India, are you ready to unleash your spark?

  • Bumrah steps into Skechers’ shoes, ready to bowl rivals over the boundary

    Bumrah steps into Skechers’ shoes, ready to bowl rivals over the boundary

    MUMBAI: Just when batsmen thought facing Jasprit Bumrah couldn’t get any scarier, Skechers armed him with shoes—shoes that promise comfort, style, and apparently, even more lethal yorkers. Imagine facing India’s pace king in sneakers designed for maximum traction—sounds terrifyingly brilliant, doesn’t it?

    On 17 March 2025, Skechers—the comfort technology company®—signed cricket superstar Bumrah, adding yet another big fish to its athletic pond. The Mumbai Indians stalwart now competes wearing Skechers cricket footwear and will feature prominently in marketing campaigns for the brand’s performance and lifestyle collections.

    “I joined the Skechers family as they are known for blending comfort with cutting-edge innovation,” said Bumrah, who recently earned the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the 2024 ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. “Their wide range of offerings make it a perfect fit for athletes who value performance without compromising on style, especially for bowlers like me. I’m proud to represent a brand that resonates with my approach to both cricket and life.” Clearly, comfort is crucial when sending batters packing back to the pavilion.

    Skechers south Asia Pvt. Ltd. CEO Rahul Vira highlighted the synergy, saying, “Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless pursuit of excellence perfectly aligns with Skechers’ commitment to innovation and performance. Having him as part of the Skechers family adds to our stellar roster of ambassadors, including Yastika Bhatia and Ishan Kishan. The Skechers Team of athletes illustrate how the signature Comfort That Performs of Skechers Cricket footwear can help anyone’s game no matter what level you play. We’re excited to further elevate our journey in cricket and continue shaping the future of sports culture in India.” Translation: Bumrah plus Skechers equals trouble for batsmen everywhere.

    Bumrah isn’t your average bowler; he’s cricket’s equivalent of lightning in trainers. After debuting in 2014, he bagged over 400 international wickets by 2024 and uniquely achieved number one ICC rankings across all formats simultaneously. Add his ‘Player of the Series’ award from India’s 2024 World Cup triumph, and you have a cricketer who’s not just good, but absurdly good.

    The Skechers Cricket collection, which Bumrah now represents, includes the Cricket Elite shoe with 11 spikes for players craving maximum grip—perfect for those dramatic follow-throughs and flamboyant appeals. The Cricket Blade, featuring seven spikes, caters to players who require agility and decisive action—ideal for those quick single-run dashes or frantic dive-ins.

    Bumrah joins other big hitters and global sports icons already wearing Skechers: footballer Harry Kane, NBA giant Joel Embiid, and even pickleball maestros like Tyson McGuffin.

    Fancy bowling like Bumrah or just avoiding slipping embarrassingly during Sunday cricket? Skechers Cricket shoes are now available in select retail stores and online at skechers.in.

  • Electric Tea Maker: The Perfect Blend of Convenience and Tradition

    Electric Tea Maker: The Perfect Blend of Convenience and Tradition

    Tea is not a beverage-tours of the globe for tens of millions, it’s an experience, a comfort, a lifestyle. From the rich black to begin the day on high, through to that soothing bedtime pot of herbal tea to finish off the day discreetly in like manner, or that zippy boost provided by green tea, enabling you to battle through to the late morning slump after lunch, the technique and technology behind brewing the perfect cup is a ballet of sensation.

    But due to the hectic lifestyle of the new generation, it might be hard to find time to make tea in the traditional way. And that is where an electric tea maker comes to the rescue-a great machine that silently, swiftly, and precisely serves the perfect brew every time.

    What is an Electric Tea Maker?

    An electric tea maker is a high-tech appliance that brews tea in a matter of minutes. Simple kettles just boil the water, but electric tea maker may have temperature controls, brewing baskets, timers, and shut-off to steep the tea to the ideal temperature and steep time for maximum flavor.

    These electric tea kettles are also within reach of tea consumers and tea enthusiasts since they can brew a perfectly made cup with such simplicity.

    Why Choose an Electric Tea Maker?

    With the continuous need for precision and speed in the kitchen, electric tea kettles are now one of the essentials of tea drinkers. Some of the reasons why one should own it are mentioned below:

    1. Precision Brewing

    . Different teas are brewed at different temperatures in order to reach the best extraction of flavor. For instance:

    . Green tea is brewed at a lower temperature (70–80°C) to prevent bitterness.

    . Black tea is brewed at a higher temperature (90–100°C) for a powerful flavor.

    . Herbal teas are usually brewed in boiling temperatures to infuse them stronger.

    An electric tea kettle gives you the indulgence of deciding exactly the temperature you want, and your tea therefore will always turn out to your liking.

    2. Convenience and Time-Saving

    . The stovetop waiting game and hand-timing of steeping are a thing of the past. With an electric tea maker, you can:

    . Quickly heat water with high-power heating elements.

    . Steep tea hands-free with internal brewing baskets.

    . Enjoy auto shut-off and keep-warm features for hands-free brewing..

    So you can just get on with your morning while your tea brews itself to perfection.

    3. Multiple Brewing Functions

    . Most electric tea brewer is multi-purpose, and you can use it to:

    . Steep loose tea leaves and tea bags with precision.

    . Steep herbal teas with variable steeping time.

    . Use it as an electric kettle online to prepare instant coffee, soups, or meals.

    .This makes it an essential kitchen appliance aside from tea brewing.

    4. Consistent Taste and Aroma

    Hand brewing of tea is most easily susceptible to under-steeping or over-steeping, causing weak or bitter taste. An electric tea maker heats the tea to the exact temperature and brewing time, giving an impeccable cup every time.

    5. Energy Efficiency

    Electric tea makers consume less electricity than stovetops to heat water in less time, thus they are energy-efficient. Auto shut-off and keep-warm functions also prevent energy wastage.

    6. Safety Features

    . New electric tea kettles come with safety features such as:

    . Boil-dry protection (shuts off when there is no water).

    . Cool-touch surfaces to prevent burns.

    . Leak-proof, spill-resistant designs for added security

    They are safer for families with children and busy kitchens.

    Types of Electric Tea Makers

    When deciding on an electric tea maker, one must consider the alternatives available:

    1. Electric Kettle with Tea Infuser

    It is a basic but very efficient tea maker. It’s an extremely efficient electric kettle online with a built-in tea infuser for loose tea leaves. When water is heated to the required temperature, the tea infuses in the kettle itself.
    Best for: Those in need of a simple, affordable electric tea-brewing solution.

    2. Automatic Tea Brewing Machines

    They are high-end tea makers with an automated brew and steep. They enable consumers to:

    . Pre-set temperature for particular tea types.

    . Adjust steep time for personal flavor.

    . Preset the setting for various teas (green tea, black tea, white tea, herbal tea, etc.).

    Best for: Serious tea enthusiasts who desire complete control of tea brewing.

    3. Smart Tea Makers

    These new models are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled, and one can brew remotely with a smartphone app. Some of the benefits are:

    . Remote brewing (brew anywhere).

    . Scheduling feature (schedule your tea to brew at a specific time).

    . Pre-programmed steeping and temperature for different teas.

    Best for: technological energy who enjoy convenience and automation.

    How to Choose the Best Electric Tea Maker?

    While selecting an electric tea maker, the following should be considered:

    1. Capacity

    . For one or two, a low-capacity (0.5–1 liter) tea maker is in order.

    . For home or office use, opt for a large one (1.5–2 liters).

    2. Temperature Control

    . Basic ones heat water to an average boiling point.

    . Improved models enable temperature control so you can select the optimal temperature for every tea.

    3. Material Quality

    . Glass tea makers are elegant and allow you to watch brewing take place.

    . Stainless steel tea infusers retain heat and won’t rust.

    . Light plastic tea infusers are required but must be BPA-free.

    4. Brewing Basket

    . Make sure the tea infuser is removable and can be washed.

    . Utilize stainless steel infusers because they are more durable than plastic.

    5. Keep-Warm Function

    . It heats the tea for about an hour so you have a hot, ready-to-be-consumed cup at hand.

    6. Brand and Warranty

    . Go for a quality brand that has an excellent warranty and servicing for long-term happiness.

    Tips for Using an Electric Tea Maker

    . To enjoy maximum benefits from your electric tea maker, keep the following in mind:

    . Use filtered water that’s fresh to achieve the best tea taste.

    . Clean the tea infuser regularly to avoid clogging.

    . Adjust the steeping time for achieving your desired brew.

    . Avoid overloading in the kettle to avoid spilling.

    Glen Appliances: The Perfect Choice for Your Electric Tea Maker

    If you want the best on the market for a long-lasting, long-range, and trendy electric tea maker, Glen Appliances has some of the finest available. Glen’s electric tea makers come with accurate temperature control, stainless steel and glass finish, and advanced safety features, so it is easy to brew your tea.
    With Glen’s electric tea makers, you get:

    . Easy brewing with touch controls.

    . Smart temperature settings for different teas.

    . Durable and fashionable designs to suit any kitchen.

    . Intelligent energy saving for your money.

    Upgrade your tea experience today with a Glen Appliances electric tea kettle—where technology and traditional taste meet!

  • Broadcasting body blasts Trump as US pulls plug on Voice of America

    Broadcasting body blasts Trump as US pulls plug on Voice of America

    MUMBAI: In a move that has sent shockwaves through international media circles, the US administration yesterday effectively turned off the tap for its global broadcasting entities, leaving hundreds of Voice of America (VoA) staff high and dry on administrative leave.

    The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has condemned the 15 March decision, warning that silencing these influential voices could embolden dictators and deprive millions worldwide of trustworthy information in an era awash with fake news.

    “At a time when the world is looking to the US to be a global player for peace and freedom, cutting funding for US international media – one of the main instruments underpinning this goal – seems the wrong direction to take,” fumed AIB chief executive Simon Spanswick.

    For over 80 years, organisations like VoA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have served as America’s informational arsenal, piercing through censorship and state propaganda in the world’s most restrictive regimes. 

    These broadcasters have been the ears and eyes for countless people living under the thumb of authoritarian rule.

    The AIB warns this budgetary bombshell could trigger a domino effect of devastating consequences:
    * Authoritarian regimes may feel emboldened to tighten their grip on local media
    * Millions who rely on American broadcasts for unvarnished news may be left in the dark
    * America’s self-proclaimed commitment to press freedom risks appearing hollow on the global stage

    The timing couldn’t be worse, with disinformation campaigns running rampant across social media platforms and state-sponsored propaganda machines working overtime in numerous countries.

    The AIB is demanding an immediate U-turn on the decision, urging the US administration to restore funding and allow journalists to continue their critical work without political meddling.

  • RBI’s system overhaul gets Central Banking’s digital transformation award

    RBI’s system overhaul gets Central Banking’s digital transformation award

    MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s central bank, has scored a double whammy at the Central Banking the global authority for central bank information and news 2025 Awards. The publication awarded two of its digital transformation initiatives – Sarthi (charioteer) and Pravaah (smooth flow) in the digital transformation category on 13 March.

    The RBI had brought in these systems to substitute mind-numbing paper-pushing processes which had plagued it, replacing them with sleek digital workflows.

    The Sarthi system, which went live in January 2023, has turned the RBI’s internal workings into a well-oiled machine,

    Staff can now store and share documents securely without the load of managing paper files.

    Tasks previously requiring manual handling now flow through digital channels.

    Managers can keep tabs on work progress without breathing down employees’ necks.

    Replaces the hodgepodge of systems previously used across 40 plus offices and 13,500 staff.

    Meanwhile, Pravaah, launched in May 2024, allows external users to submit regulatory applications electronically a proper game-changer that,

    Digitised 70 plus regulatory applications across nine RBI departments.

    Boosted application submissions by a whopping 80 per cent monthly.

    Created transparency with dashboards showing application status.

    Linked seamlessly with Sarthi for end-to-end digital processing.

    The digtisation has yielded impressive results. Sarthi now has over 10,000 active users with up to 5,000 logging in daily, while Pravaah processed more than 2,000 applications between May and December 2024.

    The digital makeover has turned the 90-year-old paper-pushing behemoth into a tech-savvy operation. Staff who once shuffled papers are now happily clicking away, supported by ‘Sarthi Pathshala’ (school) for training and ‘Sarthi Mitras’ (friends) who help colleagues navigate the brave new digital world.

    With enhanced cyber security monitoring, improved collaboration, and the promise of future innovations including cloud computing, the RBI has proven you can teach an old dog new tricks and rather splendidly at that.

    Prime minister Narendra Modi applauded the win by India’s central bank by posting on X, “A commendable accomplishment, reflecting an emphasis towards innovation and efficiency in governance.”
     

  • SpiceJet crew dances up a storm as Holi takes flight

    SpiceJet crew dances up a storm as Holi takes flight

    MUMBAI: SpiceJet has once again livened up the skies with a vibrant Holi celebration that has set social media abuzz. The budget airline’s crew members, decked out in matching blue denim jeans, white kurtas and black shades, performed a choreographed dance to the popular song Balam Pichkari for passengers travelling on Holi.

    The performance, which featured crew members dancing with unbridled energy in the aircraft aisle, is part of the airline’s tradition of celebrating the festival of colours in style.

    “A signature festival, a signature song, and a celebration like no other! Our crew brought Holi to life with an energetic dance, proving that traditions take flight with us!” SpiceJet posted on their social media handle, clarifying that the “video was filmed on ground with all safety standards in place.”

    SpiceJet chief customer officer Kamal Hingorani coloured his comments with enthusiasm: “Holi isn’t just about colours—it’s about energy, togetherness, and a splash of fun! At SpiceJet, we bring the same vibrancy to our work, fostering a culture of teamwork and positivity.”

    Spicejet Holi

    Added SpiceJet chief business officer Debojo Maharshi: “Holi is a festival that paints the world with happiness, and at SpiceJet, we are thrilled to kick off the celebrations with our signature Balam Pichkari performance. Our incredible crew turned the aircraft into a stage of joy, blending music, dance, and tradition to create an unforgettable experience for our passengers. We are proud to celebrate India’s vibrant culture with this burst of festive cheer – wishing everyone a Holi filled with colour, love, and safe travels!” 

    The in-flight festivities have received plaudits from marketing experts. Sony Pictures Networks vice president sales Vikram Vijay Chandan described the campaign as “a masterclass in experiential marketing” that “worked like wildfire” by generating buzz and encouraging social media sharing.

    “It humanised the brand by showcasing their crew’s enthusiasm, allowing the airline to differentiate itself and in the process helped foster brand loyalty,” Chandan remarked.

    To watch the video click here: SpiceJet crew Holi dance

    This isn’t the first time the budget carrier has painted outside the lines with its Holi celebrations. Previous performances include flash mob dances at Delhi airport in 2015 and 2017.

    While some naysayers might cry foul over such airline antics, the colourful initiative certainly seems to have helped SpiceJet’s marketing efforts soar to new heights

  • boAt high-flyer Siya Wadhawan steers her way to Boldfit

    boAt high-flyer Siya Wadhawan steers her way to Boldfit

    MUMBAI: Siya Wadhawan has jumped ship from audio giant boAt to take the helm as head of brand marketing at sportswear challenger Boldfit. The savvy brand builder, who played a blinder in scaling boAt from a modest Rs 800 crore operation to a whopping Rs 3,000 plus crore behemoth during a four-year stint, will now attempt to work her magic on India’s fastest-growing sportswear and sports equipment brand.

    During her tenure at boAt, Wadhawan cut her teeth on product launches across the audio and smartwatch categories, masterminding partnerships with heavyweights like Netflix, cult.fit, and Dolby that helped propel the brand into the stratosphere.

    Before making waves at boAt, the MICAn spent nearly two years at Bajaj Electricals, where she spearheaded the digital transformation of the kitchen appliance category during the Covid pandemic—no mean feat for a legacy brand facing unprecedented market disruption.

    Her clever rebranding of Nirlep and category expansion efforts for both Bajaj and Morphy Richards in south India caught the eye of boAt’s top brass, who snapped her up in January 2021 as they embarked on their ambitious growth trajectory.

    Boldfit, which has been quietly building a name for itself in the fitness equipment and sportswear space, appears to be gearing up for a major push with this strategic hire. The brand is rumoured to be plotting an aggressive expansion that would put it on collision course with established players like Decathlon and homegrown challenger Cult.Sport.

    Wadhawan’s knack for “weaving stories, designing strategies and mining breakthrough ideas” will be put to the test as she attempts to navigate Boldfit through the crowded sportswear market, where brand positioning and community building are as crucial as the product itself.

    With a track record of turning digital-native brands into cultural phenomena, all eyes will be on whether Wadhawan can help Boldfit muscle its way to the top of India’s fitness brand podium.

  • Urban Company offers domestic help in 15 minutes

    Urban Company offers domestic help in 15 minutes

    MUMBAI: Home services giant Urban Company has muscled its way into the quick commerce arena with a service that promises to deliver maids to your doorstep faster than a pizza. The cheekily named “Insta Maids” service, currently being trialled in Mumbai, offers desperate homeowners salvation when their regular help does the bunk —all for the bargain basement price of Rs 49 per hour.

    “Your maid left you hanging? We leave your home spotless!” proclaims the company’s rather saucy advertisement, which depicts a flustered woman receiving the dreaded text from “Sunita maid” announcing her sudden departure to the village—a scenario all too familiar to India’s middle classes.

    The 15-minute booking service offers everything from utensil scrubbing and floor mopping to chopping vegetables, effectively turning domestic labour into an on-demand commodity that can be summoned with the tap of a finger.

    Urban Company’s foray into what might be dubbed “maid commerce” has sparked a right proper row on social media, with critics accusing the platform of exploiting workers and trivialising domestic labour. The advert’s tone, which some have labelled “bloody tone-deaf,” hasn’t helped matters.

    Responding to the backlash with the corporate equivalent of “keep your knickers on,” Urban Company has trumpeted the “overwhelmingly positive response” to the service. In a bid to counter the criticism,  the company insisted its service partners earn Rs 150-180 per hour—substantially more than the customer pays—alongside perks like health insurance and accident cover.

    “Partners working for 132 hours per month are assured earnings of at least Rs 20,000,” the firm claimed, adding that the current pricing is merely an “introductory offer” designed to hoover up customers before inevitable price hikes restore “viable economics.”

    Industry watchers note that Urban Company’s venture represents the latest frontier in India’s booming gig economy, where everything from food delivery to taxi services has been disrupted by tech platforms offering convenience at rock-bottom prices.

    Whether “Insta Maids” will clean up or find itself in hot water remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain—for Mumbai’s harried homeowners, the days of being held hostage to their domestic help’s village calendar might be numbered.