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Category: Brands

  • South Korea’s NC& S1 Infinite dash cam wins CES’ top tech prize in transportation category

    South Korea’s NC& S1 Infinite dash cam wins CES’ top tech prize in transportation category

    MUMBAI:  There are dash cams and there are dash cams. South Korean company NC&’s Vueroid, a high-resolution dash cam technology brand,  says it’s S1Infinite dash cam is THE dash cam. And as proof of that it   points to the Techlicious CES 2025 Editor’s Choice Award in the transportation category that it has won for the S1 Infinite dash cam, an AI-powered high-resolution 4K automotive dash cam that captures reliable, high-quality evidence for accidents and other automotive incidents. 

    The S1 Infinite is designed to deliver superior video clarity and features AI technology via the Vueroid Hub app, capable of restoring license plate information even in challenging conditions. “Dash cams are essential for modern drivers, and Vueroid’s AI innovation addresses real-world frustrations, making all the difference when clarity matters most,” Techlicious stated.

    Other standout features include advanced image signal processing for enhanced brightness and noise reduction, low-power parking surveillance, rapid impact activation, and seamless Wi-Fi file transfers.

    NC& manager Jessie Lee said, “This award recognises our commitment to innovation and delivering impactful solutions that enhance driver safety.”

    NC&, South Korea’s largest dash cam manufacturer, has developed over four million devices in five years. Its proprietary ISP technology allows precise adjustments across 18 video categories, enabling up to 700,000 image outcomes for unmatched clarity.

    The S1 Infinite will be available in the US and Canada in March for an estimated retail price of $299.99. It will be sold at major outlets, including Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart, with models available for front-only, front-rear, and three-camera configurations.

  • Virtusa hands the reins to Nitesh Banga as president & CEO

    Virtusa hands the reins to Nitesh Banga as president & CEO

    MUMBAI: Change is in the air at Virtusa Corporation, as the company announces a leadership transition designed to propel it into the future of digital engineering and AI-driven business solutions. Nitesh Banga has been appointed as president & CEO, effective 3 February 2025, succeeding Santosh Thomas, who steps down to explore new opportunities. To ensure a smooth handover, Thomas will remain a strategic advisor during the transition.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Thomas expressed pride in Virtusa’s transformation over the past four years. “I am immensely proud of the substantial growth we have accomplished together. It has been exciting to witness firsthand the positive impact on our people, clients, and their customers,” he said. Thomas positioned Virtusa as a global digital leader, spearheading strategic acquisitions, operational excellence, and technology expansion, while achieving record-high client and employee net-promoter scores.

    Banga, the new face at Virtusa’s helm, joins from GlobalLogic, where he served as president & CEO. His leadership at GlobalLogic saw transformational growth, including the successful integration of the company with Hitachi. With nearly three decades in the technology services sector, including over 20 years at Infosys, Banga brings a wealth of experience in strategy, business development, service delivery, and mergers & acquisitions.

    Banga sees Virtusa uniquely positioned to drive digital and AI-powered transformation for enterprises. “I am deeply honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment of change in the industry,” he stated. “The future belongs to businesses that hyper-focus on customer needs, leveraging digital and AI technologies with a solid data strategy. Virtusa’s engineering DNA and domain expertise offer the perfect foundation to help brands transform and differentiate their businesses.”

    Board of directors chair, Rajeev Mehta extended his appreciation to Thomas for his leadership since joining Virtusa in 2021. “Santosh expanded our global presence, grew our service offerings, and positioned Virtusa as a leader in Digital Engineering and AI. We thank him for his dedication and wish him continued success.” Looking forward, Mehta is confident that Banga’s deep expertise and passion for client success will drive Virtusa’s next wave of innovation. “With an AI-powered world ahead, I look forward to working with Nitesh to optimise our business and deliver transformative results for our clients,” he added.

    Virtusa’s leadership transition signals a bold step forward, reinforcing its commitment to technology-led business transformation and AI-driven solutions. With Banga at the helm, the company is ready to tackle the next frontier of digital innovation.

     

  • Niine pushes the envelope on sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene in Maha Kumbh Mela

    Niine pushes the envelope on sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene in Maha Kumbh Mela

    MUMBAI: There was a time when menstruation and religious ceremonies did not go together. When if a woman was having her periods she could not enter a temple. As she was “unclean.” No more. With the  wider availability of absorbent napkins and tampons, women need not be consider themselves unclean and could visit the temple even when they are menstruating.  

    Many contemporary Hindus argue that menstruation is a natural biological process and should not bar women from worship. Some temples, including progressive shrines, have openly welcomed menstruating women to challenge the stigma. This practice, though still followed in many places, is increasingly being questioned as education and awareness about menstrual health grow.

    Taking a step further in this direction,  Niine Sanitary Pads which has brought menstrual hygiene to the forefront at India’s largest religious gathering, the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

    Collaborating with Vatsalya Seva Samiti and local authorities, the brand has distributed thousands of sanitary pads to women attendees, with numbers expected to rise by the event’s conclusion.

    This initiative aims to ensure menstruation is not a barrier to participation in the spiritual event. Niine, known for driving conversations on menstrual health through campaigns like ‘Let’s Talk Period,’ has been widely praised for its effort. Videos of volunteers distributing sanitary pads have gone viral on social media, sparking conversations about menstrual awareness and accessibility.

    “We believe menstrual hygiene is essential to women’s health and dignity,” said Niine co-founder Gaurav Bathwal. “By being present at the Maha Kumbh Mela, we aim to foster an environment where women feel empowered and supported.”

    Niine CEO Ameya Dangi  added: “Access to sanitary pads is crucial, especially at large public gatherings. We have always believed in using such platforms to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene.”

    The initiative has received overwhelming appreciation from women attendees, many expressing gratitude for the essential support. It is particularly significant for rural and semi-urban communities, where access to sanitary products remains limited.

    Far from a simple CSR activity, Niine’s efforts at the Kumbh are being hailed as a movement to normalise menstruation and promote menstrual hygiene. By taking this bold step, the brand continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering social change and empowering women.

  • Uno Minda accelerates growth with Rs 254.37 crore uptick in PAT

    Uno Minda accelerates growth with Rs 254.37 crore uptick in PAT

    MUMBAI: Uno Minda, a manufacturer of automotive solutions and systems for OEMs has revved up its financial performance, posting impressive numbers in Q3 FY25 while laying the groundwork for aggressive expansion. The company reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 4,183.99 crore for the quarter ending 31 December 2024, reflecting a significant year-on-year (Y/Y) growth from Rs 3,522.91 crore in the same quarter last year.

    Profit after tax (PAT) surged to Rs 254.37 crore, marking a strong increase from Rs 205.11 crore in Q3 FY24. The company’s operating profit before tax stood at Rs 300.99 crore, showcasing its continued financial strength. Earnings per share (EPS) also saw an uptick, rising to Rs 4.05 from Rs3.38 Y/Y.

    Profit after tax (PAT) surged to Rs 254.37 crore from Rs 205.11 crore Y/Y, while earnings per share (EPS) increased to Rs 4.05 from Rs 3.38 in the previous year. The company also declared an interim dividend of Rs 0.75 per share. Gross margin and operating profit experienced a robust boost, driven by rising demand in the automotive sector.

    The Board approved an in-principle issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) up to Rs 500 crore to support its capital expenditure plans, investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associate companies. This move signals the company’s commitment to sustained growth and market leadership.

    Additionally, Uno Minda is expanding its Hosur Plant in Tamil Nadu, increasing its overall production capacity from 11,000 tonnes to 15,000 tonnes per annum. The Rs 65.59 crore investment, including a new paint shop facility, underscores the company’s focus on scaling up production to meet growing market demand.

    Uno Minda has been actively strengthening its portfolio with acquisitions. In 2024, it acquired a 26 per cent stake in Minda Westport Technologies ltd, a 49 per cent stake in Minda Nabtesco Automotive pvt ltd, and completed the first phase of acquiring Minda Onkyo India pvt ltd, further solidifying its market presence.

    With record-high revenue, strong profitability, and strategic investments, Uno Minda is steering toward a high-growth trajectory. The company is focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, expanding market reach, and leveraging its strong balance sheet to drive innovation in the auto components sector.

    The road ahead looks promising as Uno Minda gears up for sustained profitability, further acquisitions, and aggressive capacity expansions. Investors and stakeholders can expect continued momentum as the company strengthens its position in the evolving automotive landscape.

  • Patanjali Group hard wires IBSFintech to transform treasury operations

    Patanjali Group hard wires IBSFintech to transform treasury operations

    MUMBAI: The Swami Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna founded Patanjali FMCG group, has collaborated with IBSFintech, a global leader in treasury management solutions, to integrate advanced treasury and trade finance functions into its operations. This partnership marks a significant step in Patanjali’s digital evolution, leveraging IBSFintech’s platform for seamless integration with its existing ERP ecosystem.

    The new system provides real-time analytics and actionable insights, enhancing risk management and boosting organisational agility and resilience.

    Patanjali Foods  CEO Sanjeev Asthana remarked, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation and supports our global expansion strategy by addressing complexities in international operations, Forex management, and market volatility.”

    Patanjali Group CFO Kumar Rajesh highlighted the operational benefits, stating, “The adoption of real-time financial insights has strengthened governance and empowered Patanjali to navigate dynamic financial landscapes with confidence.”

    The initiative also integrates emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, reinforcing Patanjali’s leadership in digital transformation across the FMCG sector.

  • Cashfree Payments secures $53 million in funding round led by Krafton

    Cashfree Payments secures $53 million in funding round led by Krafton

    MUMBAI: Digital payments are moving at breakneck speed, and Cashfree Payments is keeping pace like a fintech sprinter on a caffeine high. The company has just bagged a cool $53 million (Rs 450 crore) in a funding round led by Korean digital entertainment giant Krafton, with continued backing from Apis Growth Fund II, managed by Apis Partners Group (UK) Limited. This fresh infusion of cash is set to supercharge innovation, fuel market expansion, and catapult Cashfree onto the global stage.

    At its heart, Cashfree Payments is all about making transactions effortless—helping businesses collect payments, send payouts instantly, verify identities, and sniff out fraud before it even thinks about knocking. And the numbers don’t lie: merchant signups have skyrocketed 130% year-over-year, proving that Cashfree is scaling faster than your last online shopping spree.

    With a mission to redefine digital transactions, Cashfree enables businesses to start accepting payments within a day through popular platforms like Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, and WhatsApp.

    Cashfree Payments CEO & co-founder Akash Sinha shared his excitement, “We are excited to welcome Krafton as a strategic partner with continued support from our existing investors, Apis Growth Fund II and the team at Apis Partners. Our mission at Cashfree Payments has been to empower Indian businesses with the ability to transact in the digital economy with unparalleled security and efficiency. This investment will help us accelerate our key efforts – across cross-border and security innovations and international expansion – as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. Growing sustainably has been core to our identity and how we function at Cashfree Payments. We are focused on driving profitable growth as we scale. Our mission is clear: to create long-term value for our customers and lead innovation in the payments space, both in India and internationally.”

    Krafton sees Cashfree’s market dominance as a springboard for global expansion. Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn highlighted, “India’s fintech industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and we believe Cashfree Payment’s dominant position in India can be replicated globally. As the media and entertainment sector and content consumption patterns in India continue to evolve, full-stack payment systems that specifically address the needs and requirements of the sector are crucial for enhancing user experience. The investment is part of Krafton’s ongoing efforts to support innovative solutions that drive growth and foster a dynamic startup ecosystem. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and exploring future opportunities.”

    Adding to this, Apis Partners co-founders & managing partners, Matteo Stefanel and Udayan Goyal stated, “As an industry leader with a history of pioneering innovations, Cashfree Payments’ proven track record continues to put it in a leadership position. We are excited to continue our support for its continued growth and success. Apis’ investment philosophy is that there should be no trade-off between returns for LPs and positive societal impact, and the investment in Cashfree is proving to be a perfect example of that.”

    Among Cashfree’s latest advancements is Secure ID, a comprehensive identity verification stack designed to curb fraud.

    . AI-powered KYC flows that minimise user input and reduce drop-offs.

    . Intelligent fraud detection that reads and verifies identity documents with pinpoint accuracy.

    . Over 1 billion identity and user verifications completed to date.

    As security threats evolve, Cashfree is doubling down on tech-driven solutions that protect both businesses and consumers.

    With $80 billion in annual transactions and a customer base of eight lakh businesses, including Swiggy, redbus, Zepto, bigbasket, and Bajaj Finance, Cashfree is not slowing down. The company is authorised by the RBI to operate as a payment aggregator for domestic and cross-border payments, making it one of the first entities in India with such approval.

    Beyond India, Cashfree is expanding into the UAE and exploring opportunities across the Middle East, further solidifying its global ambitions.

  • KidZania Mumbai takes learning to new heights with NMMC school visit

    KidZania Mumbai takes learning to new heights with NMMC school visit

    MUMBAI: When play meets purpose, the result is a lesson for life. That’s exactly what KidZania Mumbai delivered as 13,705 students from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corp (NMMC) schools embarked on a thrilling, interactive journey into the world of professions. Over 10 days from 20-29 January 2025, kids from grades two to five explored careers ranging from doctors to journalists, chefs to pilots, all while learning vital skills for the future.

    The massive school engagement program was orchestrated by NMMC, deputy commissioner for education department, Sangharatna Khillare.

    The aim? To use KidZania’s real-world role-playing activities as a fun and immersive way to teach financial literacy, teamwork, problem-solving, and career exploration.

    “Experiential learning is the cornerstone of shaping young minds,” said Khillare. “KidZania’s platform allows children to not only engage with different professions but also to gain essential life skills in a creative, hands-on way.”

    KidZania India, chief business officer, Tarandeep Singh Sekhon added, “It’s fantastic to see so many young minds so excited about learning through play. Our goal has always been to provide an environment where kids can have fun while developing important life skills. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to making learning both engaging and impactful.”

    From firefighting to journalism, kids got to role-play a variety of careers, stepping into the shoes of professionals and gaining firsthand experience in a safe and stimulating environment. The large-scale visit reinforced the power of experiential learning, highlighting the importance of creativity, curiosity, and teamwork in real-world scenarios.

  • Wider frames, bolder memories-Fujifilm’s instax Wide Evo launched!

    Wider frames, bolder memories-Fujifilm’s instax Wide Evo launched!

    MUMBAI: Fujifilm India is bringing a new era of instant photography with the launch of its high-end hybrid instant camera, instax Wide Evo. Unveiled by film star and brand ambassador Kartik Aaryan, this latest addition to the instax series promises creativity on a grand scale. Set to hit stores from 20 February at an sticker price of Rs 47,999, the Wide Evo comes in a premium edition combo pack with 20 wide shots. Pre-bookings kick off on 4 February via Instax.in and select retail outlets, with early buyers receiving a complimentary designer film worth Rs 1,299.

    The instax Wide Evo builds on the success of the instax mini Evo, offering a Wide format film for twice the image size. It allows users to preview shots on an Lcd screen before printing and can also function as a smartphone printer. Equipped with ten lens effects and ten film effects—including magenta, monochrome, light leak, and colour gradient—the camera enables up to 100 creative shooting combinations. The new degree control feature, introduced for the first time in the instax series, allows precise adjustments to light intensity and colour gradation across 100 levels, making every shot a masterpiece.

    The camera sports a sleek black and metallic finish, offering a luxurious, analogue-inspired design with intuitive dials and a manual Print Crank for a hands-on photography experience. Additionally, it introduces the Wide Angle Mode for capturing broader scenes and a Film Style feature to enhance printed shots.  

    Expressing his excitement, Kartik Aaryan stated, ‘The instax Wide Evo blends nostalgia with modern innovation. Its creative freedom, vintage charm, and dynamic shooting effects make it an essential companion for capturing life’s best moments.’

    Fujifilm India managing director Koji Wada, highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation: ‘With the launch of instax Wide Evo, we continue our mission to bring joy to instant photography. This hybrid model embodies cutting-edge features while staying true to the classic appeal of the instax experience.’

    Fujifilm is also introducing the Wide format film Brushed Metallic, featuring a metallic-like texture, at an sticker price of Rs 1,299. 

  • Digi Yatra flies high with 10 million downloads

    Digi Yatra flies high with 10 million downloads

    MUMBAI: Digi Yatra is flying high! The Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)-based platform, powered by facial biometric technology, has hit a major milestone with 10 million app downloads, firmly establishing itself as the new frontier in seamless, contactless air travel. Launched in December 2022, Digi Yatra has already streamlined over 45 million journeys across 24 airports in India, bringing a world of convenience to travellers.

    This surge in popularity is a clear indicator of how well the platform has been received, offering not just privacy protection but a swift, hassle-free experience. With an impressive 30,000 daily app downloads, Digi Yatra is already setting benchmarks in the travel tech space.

    Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi said, “The 10 million milestone reflects the trust users have placed in us. We’re excited for what’s next, including breaking down language barriers with support for 22 Indian languages and launching international pilots with e-passports.”

    2025 looks even brighter as Digi Yatra plans to extend its global footprint, with upcoming collaborations set to revolutionise international travel as well.

  • Good Glamm group’s Priyanka Gill gets luxurious with lab-grown diamonds

    Good Glamm group’s Priyanka Gill gets luxurious with lab-grown diamonds

    MUMBAI: Priyanka Gill is hoping that women’s love for shiny rocks will turn into a massive business. The former partner at Kalaari Capital and founder of the Good Glamm group has just launched her new venture CoLuxe with the ambition to become Indi’s best -loved-lab grown diamond (LGD)  and gemstone jewelry omnichannel brand. 

    She has the wherewithal to make it work what with all the experience she has gained  in scaling up the Good Glamm group. 

    Coluxe is expected to go live with its online lab grown diamonds by May 2025 followed a little later by a physical store, is what Gill told the Mint.

    According to Gill, there’s a lot of headroom for growth in diamonds as their purchase is a faction of the amount of money spent on buying gold every year. The company will offer contemporary designs focusing on collections built around the classic suite of jewellery, from solitaire rings, pendants, earrings, tennis bracelets & necklaces to thematic collections around the zodiac, gifting and manifestation and the iconic cult Coluxe  signature pieces.

    She added that Coluxe is going to be a Pan-India Brand: The first national LGD jewellery brand with a strong retail and digital presence. Other points working in its favor include: 

    Technology-Driven Experience: AI-powered virtual try-ons, multi-setting designs, and personalised jewellery experiences. 

    Ethical & Sustainable Luxury: High-quality LGDs, responsibly sourced and crafted. 

    High Trust Brand: Focus on building the brand through certification, consumer education across all touchpoints and offering certification, traceability, and client-friendly returns & exchange policies 

    Omnichannel Approach: Seamless integration across flagship stores and digital platforms.

    What should also work in her favour is the tax relief that finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has provided to those with salaries below Rs  the 12 lakh  ceiling.  

    Some of the zillions of people who are benefiting from this move could get into the mood to buy diamonds. 

    Could we call this a case of timing it right?