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Category: News Headline

  • Cumulus sees big win with ‘Undekha Eye Test’ at London International Awards

    Cumulus sees big win with ‘Undekha Eye Test’ at London International Awards

    MUMBAI: In a win that’s hard to miss, Cumulus, the integrated communications consultancy from Gurugram, has been crowned Best Regional PR Agency of the Year – Asia at the London International Awards (LIA) 2025 for its eye-opening campaign, The Undekha Eye Test.

    The recognition cements Cumulus’s position as one of Asia’s most creative and purpose-driven PR agencies, one that doesn’t just tell stories but makes people stop, stare and see.

    Founded on the belief that communication can create real change, Cumulus has built an enviable track record since its Cannes Lions Gold win in 2019, consistently picking up trophies at global platforms including CLIO, Spikes Asia, SABRE, and now LIA 2025. But this year’s accolade stands apart because it’s not just about creativity, it’s about vision, quite literally.

    The winning campaign, created in collaboration with Eyebetes Foundation and Godrej Creative Labs, took place during the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual congregation. With over 150 million Indians at risk of vision loss from Diabetic Retinopathy, the initiative reimagined one of India’s most sacred gatherings as a giant, living canvas for sight-saving awareness.

    At its centre were the Naga Sadhus, the ascetics who became unlikely ambassadors of eye health. In a stroke of cultural and creative brilliance, these sadhus had eye test charts inscribed on their backs, transforming every curious gaze into an opportunity for awareness. Devotees who looked on were invited to take free on-site eye tests, turning faith into an act of public health intervention, one glance at a time.

    The campaign was as unconventional as it was impactful: spiritual symbolism met medical science, and storytelling became a literal vision check.

    “The Undekha Eye Test was more than a campaign; it was a call to see what’s often unseen,” said Cumulus founder partner Sumita Kaul, reacting to the win. “This recognition reaffirms our belief that purpose-driven communication has the power to create lasting change. We’re immensely proud to have turned awareness into action on such a powerful scale.”

    Cumulus CEO Reena Sharma added, “Being named Best Regional PR Agency of the Year – Asia at LIA is both an honour and a motivation. It celebrates our team’s relentless creativity and cultural insight proof that meaningful ideas can cross borders and touch hearts.”

    Established in 1986, the London International Awards remains one of the most respected global benchmarks for creative excellence across advertising, design, digital media, production, and craft. With onsite judging by top international creatives, LIA has become a platform where originality and impact define global storytelling.

    For Cumulus, this recognition is more than a trophy, it’s a validation of India’s rising voice in world communications. Over the years, the agency has redefined what “Indian PR” means on the global stage moving from press releases to purpose, from campaigns to cultural conversations.

    With its win for The Undekha Eye Test, Cumulus has shown that sometimes, the most powerful communication isn’t just about what you say, it’s about what you help the world to see.

    And this time, the world clearly took notice.

  • MecTURING’s Laseron Q10 cleans smart and shines bright

    MecTURING’s Laseron Q10 cleans smart and shines bright

    MUMBAI: MecTURING, India’s fastest-growing smart home innovation brand, has launched its latest robotic vacuum cleaner, the Laseron Q10, a stylish powerhouse that promises to turn home cleaning into a tech-savvy delight. Designed and built in India, the new device combines intelligence, muscle, and convenience, making spotless floors just a tap or voice command away.

    At the heart of the Q10 lies a 13,500 PA active reverse pressure suction motor, the most powerful in its segment, delivering a deep, thorough clean across every nook and cranny. Its 3-in-1 functionality, vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping, ensures every surface sparkles, while VibraPro technology and MopFlow hydration control handle everything from fine dust to stubborn stains with ease.

    Guided by LiDAR Pro 4 navigation and five-map memory, the Q10 glides through complex home layouts with precision, dodging obstacles and adjusting seamlessly across rooms. The eco-drive technology and a robust 5200 mAh battery power it through up to 3,000 sq. ft. on a single charge, perfect for larger Indian homes.

    “The Laseron Q10 is designed for real Indian households, it’s not just a cleaning device, but an intelligent home companion,” said MecTURING founder Aditya More. “From high suction power to smarter mapping, every feature is built to make cleaning effortless, faster, and more effective.”

    Beyond its brains and brawn, the Q10 also brings peace of mind with anti-collision, anti-falling, anti-tangling, and carpet detection features. It syncs effortlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, so users can command their clean-up with just their voice or the MecTURING app.

    Priced at an introductory Rs 20,999 (after applying code Happy10, regular price Rs 54,999), the Laseron Q10 comes with a 2-year product warranty and a 10-year suction motor warranty, setting a new benchmark for reliability in its category. From its sleek design to its smart navigation, the Laseron Q10 isn’t just cleaning, it’s redefining what it means to live effortlessly clean.

     

  • Tisca Chopra’s Saali Mohabbat finds a home on ZEE5

    Tisca Chopra’s Saali Mohabbat finds a home on ZEE5

    MUMBAI: Tisca Chopra is ready to step behind the camera with her directorial debut feature, Saali Mohabbat, a ZEE5 Original set to premiere later this year. Featuring Radhika Apte, Divyenndu Sharma, and Anurag Kashyap in lead roles, the film is produced by Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Production, marking the celebrated designer’s first venture into digital cinema.

    After an acclaimed run at film festivals including IFFI and the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, Saali Mohabbat is all set for its digital debut on ZEE5. Billed as a genre-bending ‘how-dunnit’, the story follows Smita (Radhika Apte), a small-town housewife whose seemingly ordinary life spirals into a dark maze of deceit, desire, and moral conflict. What begins as a domestic drama slowly unfolds into a chilling tale of love, betrayal, and blurred truths.

    Tisca Chopra, known for her powerful on-screen performances, brings a sharp and empathetic gaze to her first feature as director. “With Saali Mohabbat, I wanted to tell a story that’s intimate yet unsettling, one that explores the invisible tensions in relationships and the ways love can morph into something darker,” she said. “Directing this film has been both terrifying and liberating, and I’m deeply grateful to my collaborators for trusting my vision.”

    Producer Manish Malhotra described the project as a deeply personal one. “At Stage5, we back stories that are original in thought and strong in craft. Saali Mohabbat is layered and quietly powerful, exploring silence, choices, and consequence. Every frame reflects the team’s shared commitment to storytelling with purpose and soul,” he said.

    Jio Studios president Jyoti Deshpande added, “We are proud to support bold voices like Tisca’s and to collaborate with creative forces such as Manish Malhotra. Saali Mohabbat is a perfect blend of emotional depth and cinematic finesse, a story that will resonate deeply with audiences.”

    ZEE5 business head Hindi Kaveri Das said, “We’re thrilled to bring Saali Mohabbat to ZEE5 viewers. It’s not just a thriller, but a deeply human story that challenges conventions and keeps you hooked till the very end.”

    With its blend of psychological intrigue, striking performances, and Tisca Chopra’s assured direction, Saali Mohabbat promises to be one of this year’s most compelling digital premieres, a love story that cuts deep and lingers long after the credits roll.
     

  • HyFun serves up winter warmth with tasty new twists

    HyFun serves up winter warmth with tasty new twists

    MUMBAI: As winter rolls in and the festive season beckons, HyFun Foods is turning up the heat in India’s frozen aisle with an irresistible new range of indulgent snacks. The brand, known for its innovative frozen food offerings, has launched a fresh lineup that promises to bring warmth, flavour, and convenience to homes across the country, just in time for the cosy months ahead.

    From street-style classics to global comfort bites, the new collection is a melting pot of taste and texture designed to suit every palate and occasion. Highlights from the menu include the fiery Mumbai aloo vada with a spicy thecha twist, crispy hash brown mini triangles, crunchy tater tots, cheesy mozzarella stix, and flavour-packed puffets in pizza Italiano and zingy schezwan flavours. Rounding out the range are hearty juicy momos in mix veg and paneer variants, and manchurian balls with gravy mix for those who crave a restaurant-style Chinese fix at home.

    HyFun Foods managing director and group CEO Haresh Karamchandani said, “At HyFun, our focus has always been on creating innovative, high-quality frozen foods that combine taste with convenience. With this winter launch, we’re going beyond potato-based products to offer Indian households a wider variety of frozen snacks that make everyday cooking simpler and more enjoyable.”

    Blending authentic Indian favourites with global inspirations, HyFun’s latest creations aim to make snacking easier and gatherings more flavourful. Whether it’s a festive get-together or a quiet night in, these quick-fix delights promise the perfect mix of comfort, crunch, and creativity, straight from the freezer to the plate.

  • The Family Man returns: Srikant now the hunted

    The Family Man returns: Srikant now the hunted

    MUMBAI: Looks like Srikant Tiwari just made India’s most-wanted list. Prime Video has unveiled the high-voltage trailer for The Family Man Season 3, the beloved spy-thriller created by Raj & DK, which premieres globally on November 21.

    This time, the tables have turned. The once calm and composed undercover agent, played by Manoj Bajpayee, is now on the run, not only from new foes Rukma (Jaideep Ahlawat) and Meera (Nimrat Kaur), but also from TASC, his very own intelligence unit. The trailer teases an intense cat-and-mouse chase as Srikant’s double life crumbles, blurring the lines between family and duty.

    The new season promises everything fans love about The Family Man, razor-sharp wit, breathtaking action, emotional turmoil, and a dose of desi espionage swagger. Alongside Bajpayee, the stellar returning cast includes Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Ashlesha Thakur, Vedant Sinha, and Gul Panag.

    Creators Raj & DK shared, “Season 3 takes Srikant’s professional and personal chaos to a whole new level. With Jaideep and Nimrat joining the universe as formidable new adversaries, this season pushes him to his absolute limits.”

    Echoing the excitement, Manoj Bajpayee said, “For years, fans have asked me when Srikant Tiwari is coming back, and now the wait is over. This season is bigger, bolder, and far more dangerous. Srikant is cornered like never before.”

    New entrants Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur called the experience “thrilling and surreal,” with Nimrat describing The Family Man as “a dream come true” for any actor.

    Directed by Raj & DK, with Suman Kumar and Tusshar Seyth joining the director’s chair, the new season of The Family Man will stream in over 240 countries and territories on Prime Video. So, buckle up, India’s favourite spy is back, but this time, the hunter has become the hunted.

  • Hyundai drives hope in India’s fight against cancer

    Hyundai drives hope in India’s fight against cancer

    MUMBAI: Turning compassion into action, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) is steering India toward a healthier tomorrow through its flagship initiative, Hyundai Hope for Cancer, launched in collaboration with IIT Madras. On National Cancer Awareness Day, HMIF announced significant progress, with over 11,000 screenings, 1,104 cancer tissue samples collected, and the creation of India’s first open-access cancer genome database, the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA).

    Launched in September 2025, the initiative represents a landmark in paediatric cancer research and prevention. The Hyundai Centre for cancer genomics at IIT Madras serves as the nerve centre of this effort, housing India’s first community-based Cancer Tissue Biobank and advancing breakthroughs in personalised oncology.

    “With Hyundai Hope for Cancer, we aim to build a future where every citizen has access to timely and dignified cancer care,” said HMIL AVP and vertical head – corporate affairs, corporate communication & social Puneet Anand. “With a social impact investment of Rs 56 crore, including a dedicated Rs 3 crore cancer care fund, Hyundai is driving equitable access to early detection, treatment, and research, already touching over 11,000 lives.”

    So far, 109 screening camps have been held across Tamil Nadu, reaching 11,095 individuals and identifying 448 positive cases referred for advanced care. The initiative also conducted HPV vaccinations for 525 girls in partnership with Karkinos Healthcare and CRRT, and completed whole genome sequencing for 528 paediatric leukaemia cases.

    Beyond research, Hyundai’s mission is hands-on, a mobile cancer screening vehicle has already covered 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, with expansion to Maharashtra and Haryana planned next year. Over the next four years, the initiative aims to conduct 225 plus awareness and screening camps, reaching 1.27 lakh individuals and vaccinating 5,000 plus girls against HPV.

    By combining technology, science, and empathy, Hyundai isn’t just driving cars, it’s driving hope, one life at a time.

     

  • Prime Video adds south cinema blockbuster hub

    Prime Video adds south cinema blockbuster hub

    MUMBAI: The streaming giant has launched AP International South Cinema as its newest add-on subscription, giving fans a dedicated space to enjoy some of Tamil and Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated films, from blockbusters to cult favourites, for just Rs 399 a year.

    The new add-on brings together an impressive library of acclaimed titles, including Tamil gems like Sivakasi, 7/G Rainbow Colony, Pudhupettai, and Ghilli, alongside Malayalam hits such as King Liar, Puthiya Niyamam, and Annayum Rasoolum. The collection spans genres and generations, offering viewers a rich taste of South India’s storytelling brilliance.

    Announcing the launch, Prime Video Ads India head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals) Gaurav Bhasin said, “We’re delighted to bring AP International South Cinema to Prime Video’s growing local language line-up. This collaboration celebrates India’s diverse filmmaking heritage and strengthens our mission to make Prime Video a one-stop destination for entertainment.”

    AP International managing director Sanjay Wadhwa added, “True cinema transcends language and time. Through this partnership, we’re proud to share the soul of Tamil and Malayalam storytelling with audiences everywhere, celebrating the past while shaping the future.”

    With this addition, Prime Video continues to expand its video entertainment marketplace, offering seamless access to premium content across multiple OTT services. Subscribers can enjoy easy billing, unified search, personalised recommendations, and offline viewing, all within the familiar Prime Video experience.

    For fans of South Indian cinema, it’s a blockbuster upgrade, no language barriers, no extra apps, just great films at the click of a button.

     

  • Jonty Rhodes dives into startup TV arena

    Jonty Rhodes dives into startup TV arena

    MUMBAI: From diving for catches to diving into deals, Jonty Rhodes is set to make a different kind of pitch, this time, on Indian television. The legendary South African cricketer and global sports icon will appear on Ideabaaz, India’s first media-integrated startup reality show, airing November 8 at 6:30 pm and 11 pm on Zee TV and Zee5.

    In a never-before-seen avatar, Rhodes joins UpUrFit co-founders Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal to pitch their sports wellness brand to the Titans, Ideabaaz’s panel of investors. The show, conceptualised by Jeet Wagh and Sagoon Wagh, is designed to democratise startup funding by bringing entrepreneurs from across India, especially from tier II and III cities, face-to-face with investors, all within a high-energy television format.

    UpUrFit, co-founded in 2023, is fast carving out its space in India’s USD 40 billion sports wellness market. With a focus on performance, recovery, and hygiene products made from clean, effective ingredients, the brand is backed by Rhodes himself. Currently, it is raising a USD 0.5 million funding round, already 50 per cent subscribed, with participation from the IIM Calcutta syndicate and other major investors. As of October, the brand boasts an ARR of Rs 40 million and a 50 per cent QoQ growth rate.

    Sharing his excitement, Rhodes said, “Pitching on Ideabaaz was a whole new ballgame for me. Usually, I’m diving for catches, not catching investors’ attention. It was exciting to share UpUrFit’s vision on a platform that celebrates innovation and passion. As an athlete and entrepreneur, I’ve always believed in fitness that’s real and relatable, and that’s exactly what UpUrFit stands for.”

    Of course, the ever-energetic Rhodes couldn’t resist adding a bit of his signature flair, showing off some fielding magic on set, much to the delight of the Titans and the audience. The episode promises a blend of business, banter, and boundless energy, as Jonty and the UpUrFit team bring the spirit of sport to the startup arena.

     

  • Soorma scores big with new Belgian coach and Argentine game brain

    Soorma scores big with new Belgian coach and Argentine game brain

    MUMBAI: When it comes to hockey, Soorma’s making sure its next move is pure precision with a Belgian mind and an Argentine heart behind the stick. Soorma Hockey Club has appointed Olympian Philippe Goldberg of Belgium as the new head coach of its Men’s Team ahead of the upcoming Hero Hockey India League Season 2, signalling a bold shift in strategy and style. Joining him in the dugout is Argentina’s Olympian Ignacio Ricardo Bergner, who takes on the role of Analytical Coach, bringing with him the flair and data of South American hockey.

    In a well-balanced reshuffle, current coach Jeroen Baart will transition to an advisor role, continuing to lend his tactical vision and technical guidance. The club, owned by JSW Sports, clearly isn’t leaving anything to chance in its quest for the title.

    After finishing third in the league in its debut season, Soorma has managed to retain the core of its high-performing squad while adding new firepower. Jeetpal, a promising young recruit, and seasoned forward Akashdeep Singh, whose attacking instincts have thrilled fans for years, are set to bolster the team’s arsenal.

    JSW Sports CEO Divyanshu Singh said the appointments mark an exciting new chapter: “Philippe’s tactical sharpness and international leadership experience are exactly what this team needs to take the next leap. Ignacio’s analytical insights will make our preparation smarter and our play more consistent. Together with Jeroen’s advisory role, we’ve built a coaching setup that balances creativity with structure.”

    Arjun Halappa, the club’s technical director, echoed the sentiment: “The combination of Philippe’s disciplined European approach and Ignacio’s data-driven analysis aligns beautifully with Soorma’s philosophy structured yet expressive. We’re ready to take our game to the next level.”

    Both Goldberg and Bergner arrive with sterling credentials. Goldberg, a European medallist and former Belgium U21 and senior team coach, was instrumental in shaping Belgium’s meteoric rise in world hockey. Known for building cohesive, attack-minded teams during his tenure with Braxgata Hockey Club, he brings a playbook steeped in precision and discipline.

    Bergner, meanwhile, adds the flair and science of Argentine hockey. An Olympian and former Argentina international, he was part of Belgium’s support team during their 2016 World Cup runner-up and 2017 European Championship campaigns, before coaching Argentina’s senior and women’s national sides (Las Leonas). His mastery of analytics and performance tracking brings a cutting-edge, scientific dimension to Soorma’s preparation.

    Expressing his excitement, Philippe Goldberg said, “Joining Soorma Hockey Club is an exciting opportunity to contribute to India’s evolving hockey landscape. The foundation here is strong my aim is to build a strategic framework that balances discipline, creativity, and sustained performance. Together, we’ll craft a brand of hockey that’s bold, intelligent, and unmistakably Soorma.”

    The team’s leadership for Season 2025–26 now reflects a rare fusion of global hockey philosophies European precision, South American flair, and Indian grit. With Sardar Singh serving as Indian Coach and Mentor and Harmanpreet Singh leading on the field, the club’s coaching lineup promises both experience and innovation.

    Soorma’s full coaching roster reads like a dream team of hockey intellects:

    1. Philippe Goldberg – Men’s head coach

    2. Sardar Singh – Indian coach and mentor

    3. Ignacio Ricardo Bergner – Analytical coach

    4. Arjun Halappa – Technical director

    5. Jeroen Baart – Advisor

    The team will open its 2026 campaign against defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on 4 January in Chennai, a fixture already tipped as a clash of tactics and temperament.

    If last season was about potential, this one’s about polish. With brains from Belgium, data from Argentina, and heart from India, Soorma’s playbook looks ready to turn precision into poetry and maybe, a championship.

     

  • 404 Innovation Studio taps Arthur Lobão as CD

    404 Innovation Studio taps Arthur Lobão as CD

    MUMBAI: Creativity just got a new code at 404 Innovation Studio. The Galeria Holding company has appointed Arthur Lobão as its new creative director, joining forces with Thayssa Szymanskyj and creative duo Carlos Yanke and Michelle Gorodski, collectively known as Carchelle.

    Lobão’s arrival marks a new creative era for the studio, following the integration of part of EST.31, the independent creative outfit he founded in 2024. Known for its equity-based business model built for startups, EST.31 earned international acclaim for rethinking how creativity fuels entrepreneurship, even bagging the title of New Studio of the Year at the Latin American Design Awards 2025.

    A self-described hands-on creative, Lobão brings over a decade of experience leading teams across Latin America, including Mexico. He helped build and scale creative hubs at Nubank, NotCo, and Stone, taking them across 12 countries. His portfolio also spans global giants such as Netflix, Google, Amazon Prime, and Diageo, reflecting a blend of tech fluency and artistic finesse that few can match.

    “Arthur represents the future of creative leadership,” said 404 Innovation Studio co-founder and chief creative officer Rafael Caldeira. “He doesn’t just craft great ideas, he understands how creativity drives business value at every stage. His mix of entrepreneurial mindset, global experience, and creative sharpness makes him the perfect fit to lead our next phase of growth.”

    Lobão shared his excitement for the new role, saying, “Great creative work only happens when you’re fully invested in every layer of a brand, from story to business. That’s why I’m thrilled to join 404 Innovation Studio, a place built to push boundaries and work side by side with brands at their core.”

    In his new role, Lobão will oversee creative output across brand strategy, campaigns, and experiences, working closely with clients to craft ideas that spark both cultural impact and business growth. His appointment signals 404 Innovation Studio’s continued commitment to blending strategic innovation with creative excellence, a combination that’s fast becoming the studio’s signature.