ITV

Category: Brands

  • Easemytrip wins MP’s first electric bus tender, disrupts public transport

    Easemytrip wins MP’s first electric bus tender, disrupts public transport

    MUMBAI: The future of public transport in Madhya Pradesh just got a major upgrade! Easemytrip, through its subsidiaries Yolobus and Easy Green Mobility, has clinched the state’s first-ever intercity electric bus tender, bringing next-gen EV buses to the roads. The tender, issued by Sagar City Transport Services Limited (SCTSL), marks a historic shift toward sustainable mobility, tackling the challenge of limited electric bus supply in a rapidly growing market.

    With the first fleet set to hit the roads in August 2025, these state-of-the-art electric buses promise a game-changing blend of advanced technology, superior passenger comfort, and eco-efficiency. This move aligns perfectly with India’s push for sustainable transit solutions and the state’s commitment to a cleaner, greener public transport system.

    Easemytrip CEO & co-founder Rikant Pittie underscored the company’s vision for electrification, “Our entry into in-house electric bus manufacturing is a direct response to the strong demand we’ve observed through Yolobus. In a market where supply struggles to meet soaring demand, we recognized that this strategic shift was not just necessary to address immediate operational needs but also to capture a rapidly growing market. The electric vehicle market, valued at $331.9 million in 2024, is projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 18.2 per cent. This move is further supported by robust government initiatives, such as the PM E-Drive, state-level policies, and PLI schemes, offering an excellent opportunity to localise production and create a fully ‘Make-in-India’ product. With our new subsidiary, Easy Green Mobility, and an initial investment of Rs 200 crore, we are committed to setting new standards in sustainable transit and expanding our presence in the booming EV and eMobility sector.”

    This ambitious move strengthens Easemytrip’s position in the EV sector, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ initiative while responding to the country’s growing demand for eco-friendly transport solutions.

    Easy Green Mobility CEO Manoj Soni echoed the company’s excitement, “We are thrilled to collaborate with SCTSL and the Madhya Pradesh government in their commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and are grateful for their trust in Easy Green Mobility and Easemytrip. As we contribute to India’s ‘Make in India’ vision of becoming a global leader in green transportation, we are excited to roll out our advanced electric buses through Yolobus, providing a new experience to the people of Madhya Pradesh with eco-friendly travel solutions and comfortable buses. Through this partnership, we remain dedicated to enhancing public transit in the region by delivering an improved travel experience while promoting sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.”

    With this strategic expansion, Yolobus plans to increase its reach to 400+ routes by the end of 2025, setting the stage for exponential growth in sustainable transit. As a proven operator with a strong fleet and a growing customer base, Yolobus is seamlessly integrating electric buses into its network to enhance mobility for both daily commuters and tourists.

    Easemytrip’s latest initiative signals a bold leap forward in India’s EV revolution, reinforcing its leadership in the electric transportation sector. With demand for green mobility solutions surging, this move is poised to redefine public transport across the country.

  • Marico launches Saffola Cuppa Oats, revolutionising quick & nutritious snacking

    Marico launches Saffola Cuppa Oats, revolutionising quick & nutritious snacking

    MUMBAI: Marico, one of India’s leading FMCG giants, has shaken up the oats category with its latest innovation—Saffola Cuppa Oats. Designed for today’s fast-paced consumers, this ‘masaledaar’ yet nutritious snack delivers bold flavours with zero time waste.

    Ready in just four minutes with boiling hot water, Saffola Cuppa Oats comes in two irresistible flavours—Magic Masala and Spicy Mexicana. The recipe combines oats, millets, and crunchy multigrain bites, offering not only a satisfying crunch but also high fibre and protein content.

    True to Saffola’s ‘No Nasties’ promise, the product is made with no maida, artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, or palm oil, ensuring a better-for-you snack without compromising on taste.

    Whether it’s a rushed morning, an afternoon slump, or a midnight craving, Saffola Cuppa Oats provides the perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and convenience. Designed for working professionals, young adults, and students, this mess-free solution fits seamlessly into busy schedules.

    Currently available across leading retail stores and quick-commerce platforms, Saffola Cuppa Oats is the go-to snack for the modern consumer who craves bold flavours and quick, nutritious fixes.

    Introducing the product, Marico Ltd business head – foods business Nilanjan Roy Choudhury shared insights on the launch, “At Marico, we are committed to continuous innovation that meets the evolving health needs of our consumers. We recognised that modern consumers crave a snack that delivers flavour and nutrition without compromising on the chores of their busy life. To bridge this gap, we curated Saffola Cuppa Oats, a category-redefining easy-cook oats offering a quick, tasty, and nutritious mess-free snack that fuels their ambitions and effortlessly fits into their dynamic lifestyles. This unique product represents a fusion of modern convenience and wholegrain goodness, designed for today’s fast-moving world.”

    With Marico’s legacy of innovation and Saffola’s commitment to better-for-you products, Cuppa Oats is poised to become a game-changer in the instant snack category.

  • Tanmay Prusty gets marketing charge at Crompton Greaves

    Tanmay Prusty gets marketing charge at Crompton Greaves

    MUMBAI: Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd has appointed Tanmay Prusty as chief marketing officer, effective 24 February 2025. The appointment was approved by the board of directors following a recommendation from the nomination and remuneration committee.

    Tanmay, who holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from NIT Jamshedpur and an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur, brings extensive marketing experience from his tenure at leading Indian firms. He previously served as business unit head at Capital Foods, a Tata Consumer Products company, where he managed a Rs 800 crore portfolio comprising brands such as Ching’s Secret and Smith and Jones.

    His career spans roles at prominent organisations including Tata Consumer Products, Amazon, Reckitt Benckiser, and ITC, where he worked with established brands like Tata Tea, Dettol, and Fiama Di Wills across food, personal care, and consumer electronics segments.

    At Capital Foods, Tanmay played a crucial role in the post-acquisition integration with Tata Consumer Products, demonstrating strong capabilities in business operations and stakeholder management.

  • Bisleri partners with ASI to restore water bodies at India’s heritage sites

    Bisleri partners with ASI to restore water bodies at India’s heritage sites

    MUMBAI : Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has embarked on a visionary collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme, uniting heritage conservation with sustainable water stewardship. This landmark partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed by ASI director Zulfeqar Ali and Bisleri CEO Angelo George, with the agreement ceremoniously exchanged between ASI director general Yadubir Singh Rawat and George.

    As part of ‘Bisleri’s Nayi Umeed’ CSR initiative, the project will initially focus on revitalising four significant water bodies: Chand Baori in Abhaneri, the baori at Neemrana, Padma and Rani talabs at Ranthambore fort, and Budha Budhi pond at Kalinjar fort. Restoration efforts will include desilting, cleaning, ecological rejuvenation, and landscaping, ensuring minimal disruption to these historic sites. Informative signages will also be installed to enhance visitor experience and community engagement.

    George stated, “At Bisleri, we are committed to sustainability and cultural preservation. This collaboration with ASI reflects our dedication to protecting India’s rich heritage while ensuring the conservation of vital water resources for future generations.” 

  • KKR joins hands with Six5six as official kitting partner for IPL 2025

    KKR joins hands with Six5six as official kitting partner for IPL 2025

    MUMBAI: Cricket can be very much fashionable and the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions just got a serious fashion upgrade! Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have teamed up with Six5six, India’s cutting-edge teamwear and streetwear brand, as their official kitting partner. This partnership is about more than just jerseys-it’s about crafting a deeper, more stylish bond between the team and its massive fan base.

    With its design-first philosophy, Six5six aims to redefine KKR’s on-field and off-field look. From match-day jerseys to travel gear and fan collections, every piece in the new collection will embody KKR’s spirit of pride, resilience, and unwavering passion. And the best part? It’s not just premium—it’s affordable, ensuring every fan can wear their support with pride.

    Announcing the partnership, Six5six co-founder & creative director Avni Aneja expressed excitement about the collaboration, “We’re beyond excited to join forces with Kolkata Knight Riders, a franchise that has always stood for excellence and unity. Our philosophy is about more than just designing apparel but weaving a narrative that resonates with every KKR supporter. We can’t wait to share what we’ve created and watch the KKR family embrace it.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Knight Riders Sports group CMO Binda Dey added, “At KKR, our fans are at the heart of everything we do. This partnership with Six5six aligns perfectly with our vision of blending top-tier craftsmanship with a design sensibility that speaks to our young, fashion-forward fan base. Together, we aim to create more than just merchandise but also craft memorable moments and a deeper emotional connection with our supporters.”

    This collaboration isn’t just about looking good—it’s about bringing fans closer to the team. The exclusive KKR x Six5six merchandise will soon be available for purchase on www.Six5six.in and at select retailers nationwide.

    Whether it’s a match day or a casual day out, fans can now wear their KKR pride in style.

  • Healthy snacking and RP Sanjiv Goneka group’s Shashwat Goenka

    Healthy snacking and RP Sanjiv Goneka group’s Shashwat Goenka

    MUMBAI: The vice chairman of RP Sanjiv Goenka group Shashwat Goenka has revealed how his company-identified the market potential of makhana (fox nuts) before healthy snacking became mainstream in India.

    Speaking at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 summit in Mumbai, Goenka discussed how his company has adapted traditional Indian snacks for health-conscious consumers. “Indians want the punch of flavour in their snacks, but they also want them to be healthy. That’s the balance we aim to perfect,” he said.

    Goenka highlighted the company’s innovation in traditional snacks, noting their bhujias contain 45 per cent less saturated fat while maintaining authentic taste. He emphasised that taste remains paramount, stating, “If a product is not enjoyable, consumers will not come back to it.”

    Addressing the evolution of consumer behaviour, Goenka pointed to the rise of quick commerce and increased consumer willingness to experiment with new products. He stressed the importance of maintaining consistent supply chains to meet this growing demand.

    When discussing industry competition, Goenka cited rapid technological adaptation as crucial for success. He named Mukesh Ambani and Elon Musk as business leaders he admires for their vision.

    The two-day summit, themed ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, brings together global thought leaders to discuss India’s role in addressing challenges from climate change to artificial intelligence.
     

  • Bajaj Electricals hit with Rs 14.08 crore GST demand, plans legal appeal

    Bajaj Electricals hit with Rs 14.08 crore GST demand, plans legal appeal

    MUMBAI: Bajaj Electricals Limited has received an assessment order from the Punjab GST Authority, imposing a Rs 14.08 crore tax demand for the financial year 2020-21. The notice, issued by the Punjab, Mohali assistant commissioner under Section 73 of the Punjab Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and Section 73 of the CGST Act, 2017, alleges liabilities related to the reverse charge mechanism (RCM) and discrepancies in the input tax credit (ITC) claimed by the company.

    Breakdown of the demand

    1    Tax demand: Rs. 7.45 crore

    2    Interest: Rs. 5.89 crore

    3    Penalty: Rs. 0.75 crore

    4    Total demand: Rs. 14.08 crore

    Bajaj Electricals has assured stakeholders that it is exploring all legal options, including filing an appeal before the appropriate appellate authority. The company maintains that its financial operations and business activities remain unaffected by the demand and that it is committed to ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

    In a formal disclosure to BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE), the company stated that it remains committed to addressing the issue through legal channels and emphasised that there is no immediate operational impact.

    While Bajaj Electricals gears up for a legal battle, this development underscores the growing scrutiny of tax compliance in the corporate sector. 

  • Flipkart’s smartphone baba brings affordable phones to Mahakumbh grounds

    Flipkart’s smartphone baba brings affordable phones to Mahakumbh grounds

    MUMBAI: At Mahakumbh 2025, where millions gathered for spiritual enlightenment, Flipkart and SW Network orchestrated a marketing spectacle that blended tradition with technology. The ‘Flipkart Smartphone Baba’ campaign transformed the retailer’s smartphone presence into a viral sensation, reaching 40 crore attendees and turning budget phone shopping into a festival highlight.

    Draped in saffron and armed with unbeatable deals, Smartphone Baba wandered through the Mahakumbh, preaching the gospel of budget smartphones from brands like Vivo, Poco, Realme, and Samsung, all priced between Rs 8,000 and Rs 15,000. The character’s quirky charm, coupled with custom towel giveaways, had devotees queuing up for hours, eager to take home not just a blessing but a pocket-friendly smartphone.

    The campaign went beyond just selling phones, immersing itself fully in the Kumbh experience. Flipkart’s festival presence included interactive retail hubs, where trained representatives guided devotees through the purchase process. Additionally, the ‘SnapMySnaan’ initiative provided professional photography for those taking a dip in the holy Ganga, while influencer-led, real-time content creation amplified the campaign across digital platforms. To further engage the crowd, Flipkart also held free phone giveaways, ensuring their message of accessibility resonated widely and effectively.  

    “At SW Network, we believe in crafting campaigns that don’t just sell but connect with people in a meaningful way,” said SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai. “Smartphone Baba was more than a mascot, it was a movement, making technology accessible and engaging.”

    Flipkart hailed the initiative as a game-changer in festival marketing. “This campaign seamlessly blended affordability, engagement, and cultural immersion, making phone buying effortless and fun,” said a Flipkart leadership team member.

    The campaign successfully bridged the gap between modern retail and the festival’s largely offline audience, addressing digital literacy barriers with personalised assistance and a culturally resonant approach.

  • Honor taps Zivpreet Kaur to lead India marketing

    Honor taps Zivpreet Kaur to lead India marketing

    MUMBAI: Smartphone maker Honor has appointed Zivpreet Kaur as its marketing director for India from late 2024. Zivpreet brings substantial experience from her previous role as regional media, advertising & communications lead for the Middle East and Africa region, where she managed media strategy across multiple territories.

    The appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Honor, which has been working to strengthen its position in India’s fiercely competitive smartphone market. Zivpreet’s  expertise spans digital transformation, e-commerce, and cross-functional team leadership—skills that align with Honor’s  ambitions in the Indian market.

    Prior Honor, where she is celebrating her sixth year, Zivpreet held senior positions at Huawei consumer business group and Dentsu Aegis Network, where she managed global accounts including General Motors, MasterCard, and Philips. Her track record includes developing integrated marketing campaigns and optimising media investments across traditional and digital channels.

    The move signals Honor’s  commitment to bolstering its marketing operations in India, where the brand faces stiff competition from established players. Zivpreet has been tasked with shaping consumer engagement models and reinforcing brand recognition in what remains one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets.

  • Kyn app names Lavina Rodrigues as assistant vice president

    Kyn app names Lavina Rodrigues as assistant vice president

    MUMBAI: Mumbai-based neighbourhood discovery platform Kyn has appointed Lavina Rodrigues as assistant vice president of brand communications, the company announced today.

    Rodrigues, a Kingston University alumna with more than 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications, joins the rapidly growing tech startup as it approaches its first anniversary. Kyn, which helps users discover local events and businesses, has garnered over 900,000 downloads since its launch in February 2024.

    In her new role, Rodrigues will work alongside the app’s founding team to shape the company’s market strategy and communications. She brings extensive experience from previous senior positions at prominent firms including Cleartrip, PVR, and Network18 Media & Investments.

    “We’re delighted to welcome Lavina aboard as we enter our next phase of growth,” said Kynhood Technologies CEO & founder Gayathri Thyagarajan.

    The appointment comes as the bootstrapped startup, which currently boasts 65,000 daily active users, looks to expand its marketing initiatives.

    Rodrigues holds an MSc in Marketing from Kingston University, London, and a commerce degree from the University of Mumbai. Her expertise spans B2B marketing, public relations, and corporate communications across various sectors including technology, media, travel, and financial services.

    Kyn, which positions itself as a hyperlocal discovery and connectivity platform, aims to help urban Indians better connect with their immediate neighbourhoods through targeted local content and community engagement.