Category: News Headline

  • Row gets its close-up as Reliance Brands rewrites luxury’s script

    Row gets its close-up as Reliance Brands rewrites luxury’s script

    MUMBAI: Move over front-row seats, this one was an entire production. Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) rolled out the red carpet for India’s most discerning shoppers with the inaugural Front Row Weekend (FRW), a luxury experience that felt more Cannes than commercial.

    Unfolding across Jio World Plaza and Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai, and DLF Emporio in Delhi, the multi-location, invitation-only showcase offered a select 100 guests per city a front-row pass to global fashion’s freshest drops launching in India at the same time as Milan, Paris, and New York.

    FRW wasn’t just another glossy showcase; it was an experience in emotional couture, part art, part aspiration. RBL handpicked its most valued luxury patrons, a cohort that reportedly spends nearly three times more than their peers, for a weekend where exclusivity was the ultimate accessory.

    The festivities began with “The First Look” Gala Night, an intimate, high-glamour soirée that set the tone for the weekend. On 8 October, Jio World Plaza hosted HNI clients and key opinion leaders with a live saxophone set, exquisite tablescaping, and a five-course sit-down dinner. The following evening, DLF Emporio in Delhi turned the mood to melody with a live sitar and piano performance, echoing through a similarly lavish dinner affair.

    The dress code Black with a Twist encouraged guests to interpret the theme through personal expression, making the night as cinematic as it was chic. Among those spotted were Mouni Roy, Bianca Contractor, Aarti and Kshiraja Surendranath, Jaanam and Tinu Advani, Mozez Singh, Sawan and Sagar Gandhi, and Sanaya Irani, lending the evening its fashion-meets-film aura.

    The glamour continued through 8–12 October, as the event turned India’s most iconic luxury malls into curated playgrounds of craft and creativity. Global maisons joined the experience with bespoke activations Valentino’s “Embroidery Chapter”, Versace’s “Glamour Spectrum”, Giorgio Armani’s canapé and mocktail soirée, Bottega Veneta’s Metallic Celebration, and Tory Burch’s Matcha Atelier Experience, alongside Brooks Brothers, Zegna, Canali, and Paul & Shark.

    Each experience was designed to deepen emotional engagement, no loud branding, no influencer frenzy, just pure indulgence.

    Top spenders were rewarded in true haute style from 3-night Phuket getaways worth Rs 5.7 lakh plus and 2-night sea-view stays in Abu Dhabi, to Royal Signature grooming experiences across 14 cities, luxury tea sets from Tea Culture of the World, and fine dining vouchers from Indian Accent.

    “Front Row Weekend is about crafting moments of pure luxury, no noise, no flash, just you and the brand in its most expressive form,” said Reliance Brands Limited Sumeet Yadav. “We’re bringing back the romance, reverence, and rhythm that true luxury deserves.”

    By deliberately keeping influencers and mass publicity out, RBL turned FRW into a rarefied cultural moment, one where fashion wasn’t just worn, it was felt.

    With its blend of global flair and Indian finesse, Front Row Weekend may well become the country’s most exclusive luxury tradition where every guest doesn’t just watch fashion happen, they live it.

     

  • Vikram Solar marks 20 years with heartfelt Diwali film ‘Apno wali Diwali’

    Vikram Solar marks 20 years with heartfelt Diwali film ‘Apno wali Diwali’

    MUMBAI: Vikram Solar Limited, one of India’s leading solar PV module manufacturers, ushers in Diwali with a touching new film: Apno Wali Diwali. Celebrating 20 years of illuminating lives, this marks the company’s first-ever festive campaign, inspiring people to reconnect with loved ones and embrace meaningful, sustainable celebrations.

    The campaign encourages audiences to rediscover the true spirit of Diwali: one grounded in connection, laughter, and light. Through the story of a man reminiscing about the joy of family gatherings from his childhood, Apno Wali Diwali rekindles nostalgia and reminds viewers that the warmth of togetherness shines brighter than any screen. A simple ring of the doorbell brings back those cherished memories, echoing Vikram Solar’s belief that progress and connection go hand in hand.

    “As we complete two decades of powering lives with the Sun’s blessings, Apno Wali Diwali reflects our belief that true progress shines brightest when it brings people closer,” said Vikram Solar chairman and managing director Gyanesh Chaudhary. “Just as solar energy lights up homes, human connections light up lives and this Diwali, we wish to rekindle that warmth.”

    Rooted in nostalgia and guided by sustainability, the campaign embodies Vikram Solar’s philosophy of spreading Khushiyon wali sunshine,  encouraging celebrations that go beyond lights to touch hearts.

     

  • Zee Business celebrates Muhurat Trading 2025 with special festive shows

    Zee Business celebrates Muhurat Trading 2025 with special festive shows

    MUMBAI: As Diwali lights up India with hope and new beginnings, Zee Business is set to present a grand special show series on Muhurat Trading 2025. The sacred hour, which ushers in Samvat 2082, blends faith and finance as investors across the country trade for prosperity.

    This year, Zee Business marks a major milestone. The channel’s long-standing advocacy for moving the Muhurat Trading session to the afternoon has been recognised by stock exchanges, with the new trading window now set from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm. The revised timing enables investors to participate in the auspicious market hour while celebrating Lakshmi Puja with their families, reflecting Zee Business’s commitment to inclusivity and investor convenience.

    To commemorate this moment, Zee Business has curated a special programming lineup featuring ‘Gullakh mein lakshmi shubh mangal nivesh’ and ‘Economy dumdar, Diwali shandaar’, along with a Muhurat Trading Special airing live on Tuesday, October 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The broadcast will include festive visuals, expert insights, and live coverage from trading floors, capturing the spirit of the markets on Diwali day.

    Esteemed market leaders including Nilesh Shah, Ramdeo Agrawal, Sunil Singhania, Madhu Kela, Manish Chokhani, Sameer Arora, Ridham Desai, Vijay Kedia, Mihir Vora, Ashish Somaiya, A. Bala, and Vikram Kotak will join the celebrations to decode investment themes and growth opportunities for Samvat 2082.

    Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi said, “Muhurat Trading is a moment when every trade carries a prayer and every investor embraces hope. By advocating for the timing shift, Zee Business has ensured that this celebration of prosperity becomes accessible to everyone, blending tradition with modern convenience and reinforcing investor trust.”

    Echoing his sentiment, Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Karan Abhishek Singh added, “This auspicious session represents both new beginnings and informed decision-making. By supporting the revised timing, we’re helping investors participate meaningfully in the markets while preserving Diwali’s festive spirit.”

     

  • ZEE ONE Shines Bright in Cannes

    ZEE ONE Shines Bright in Cannes

    MUMBAI: When it comes to bold ideas, Zee has always loved doing things differently. And this week in Cannes, the brand took that spirit to dazzling new heights. As the global television industry gathered for Mipcom 2025, Zee made history as the first Asian broadcaster to take over one of the largest LED screens along the legendary Croisette. From sunrise to sunset and long after the massive display of Zee One lit up the promenade, stopping people in their tracks and sparking real excitement.

    With over 15,000 visitors and delegates expected during Mipcom, it was the perfect moment to put Zee One, the company’s French-language FAST channel in the spotlight. The channel, available on Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, and Rakuten TV, has quickly built a following in France for its vibrant mix of Bollywood films, heartfelt dramas, and colourful family entertainment.

    For many passersby, it was a surprise and a delight to see an Indian media brand taking over one of Cannes most visible spaces

    Zee has built its global presence by constantly trying what others haven’t and this Cannes moment is a reflection of that same spirit.

    Standing tall among the biggest names in international entertainment, Zee One’s luminous display on the Croisette is more than just advertising, it’s a statement of confidence, creativity, and cultural pride.

    And as the lights shimmer over the French Riviera, one thing is clear: Zee knows how to make the world stop and look up
     

  • Hfcl posts robust Q2 as Ebitda surges fivefold and profit turns positive

    Hfcl posts robust Q2 as Ebitda surges fivefold and profit turns positive

    MUMBAI: Hfcl’s turnaround story gathered pace this quarter, as the technology enterprise reported a stellar second-quarter performance driven by a surge in profitability and expanding international business.

    Revenue rose 19.78 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 1,043.34 crore, while Ebitda shot up nearly fivefold to Rs 203.37 crore from Rs 42.93 crore in Q1 FY26. Margins expanded sharply to 19.49 per cent from 4.93 per cent, and profit after tax swung back into the black at Rs 71.92 crore, reversing a Rs 29.30 crore loss last quarter.

    Exports remained a bright spot, contributing 28 per cent of total revenue in Q2, up from 24 per cent in Q1 and a mere 10 per cent a year earlier, signalling HFCL’s rising global footprint across Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

    The company’s defence electronics portfolio also gained traction, with fresh export orders for thermal weapon sights and participation in the Indian Army’s Bmp-2 vehicle upgrade tender underscoring HFCL’s push beyond telecom. A major development came with the Andhra Pradesh government allocating land for its proposed defence manufacturing facility, focused on artillery ammunition shells and multi-mode hand grenades, cementing its ambitions in the self-reliant defence ecosystem.

    Managing director Mahendra Nahata said the results reflect “the power of strategic execution and innovation-driven transformation”. He added that the proposed defence facility marks “a commitment to India’s self-reliance and global leadership in advanced technologies.”

    HFCL, which operates R&D centres in Gurgaon, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad, Goa, Manesar, Chennai and Hosur, continues to diversify across 5G products, optical fibre, and defence systems, positioning itself as a trusted partner for global telecom and technology players.

     

  • FAU-G Bharat League 2.0 Levels Up with Rs 1 Crore Prize and UK Upskilling Perks

    FAU-G Bharat League 2.0 Levels Up with Rs 1 Crore Prize and UK Upskilling Perks

     MUMBAI: Game on, India’s homegrown FAU-G esports universe just got a turbocharged upgrade. Today marks the launch of FAU-G Bharat League 2.0 (FBL 2.0), the highly anticipated skill-based competition, in partnership with NCore Games, Leverage, and Nodwin Gaming. The first phase kicks off with qualifiers leading to a grand offline LAN finale, spanning the next three months.

    Responding to soaring fan enthusiasm from the FAU-G: Domination community, the total prize pool has doubled from Rs 50 lakh to a staggering Rs 1 crore. And the rewards don’t stop at cash top players now have a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the UK for game development upskilling, courtesy of Leverage, turning high scores into high skills.

    FBL 2.0 culminates in a grand offline LAN showdown where India’s finest FAU-G: Domination players will battle it out for supremacy and the Rs 1 crore bounty. Details of the LAN finale will be revealed closer to the event, but anticipation is already peaking across the country.

    Coinciding with FBL 2.0, today’s game update brings a major revamp to gunplay, sound design, and overall gameplay immersion:

    Gunplay Upgrades include enhanced gun feel, muzzle effects, bullet trails, reworked recoil logic, improved sniper mechanics, organic camera shakes, and refined grenade gameplay with smoother crosshair animations.

    Sound Enhancements feature immersive shooting and ambient audio, new action cues, spatially accurate footsteps and gunfire, plus realistic bullet ricochets to deepen the battlefield experience.

    Other Improvements cover upgraded bullet impact particles, realistic bullet travel visuals, and smoother movement blending, all designed to make every match feel cinematic.

    Notably, FBL 2.0 is India’s first esports and upskilling platform to launch following the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA). Fully compliant and free to enter, the competition prioritises skill over purchases, ensuring that players compete on merit rather than wallets.

    Players can dive in as soon as the update goes live today. For ongoing updates, announcements, and community engagement, participants can follow FAU-G: Domination on its official platforms:

       . X: x.com/faugdomination

       . Instagram: instagram.com/faugdomination

       . Discord: https://bit.ly/faugdomination

    With upgraded gameplay, a Rs 1 crore prize pool, and exclusive international learning opportunities, FBL 2.0 is setting a new benchmark for skill-driven esports in India proving that in the world of competitive gaming, it pays to play smart.
     

  • TRAI rings the spam alarm as digital consent and 1600-series plans take charge

    TRAI rings the spam alarm as digital consent and 1600-series plans take charge

    MUMBAI: Spam beware, India’s digital regulators are tightening the screws. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) convened the 9th Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) at its New Delhi headquarters on October 16, 2025, marking another decisive step towards a safer, cleaner digital ecosystem.

    The high-level meet brought together representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), alongside officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MoCA), and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Industry heavyweights including Google, Meta, GSMA, and COAI were also present to discuss collective measures against spam and cyber fraud.

    Central to the deliberations was the progress of the Digital Consent Acquisition pilot, currently underway at 11 banks under joint supervision by TRAI and RBI. On track for completion by February 2026, the pilot aims to ensure consumers have greater control over consent for commercial communications, a key tool in fighting spam.

    Meanwhile, TRAI pushed ahead with plans to fully adopt the 1600-series numbering system for banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) communications, with a phased sunset timeline agreed in collaboration with sector regulators. The committee also flagged the need for flexibility for small-scale businesses, with TRAI set to issue guidance soon.

    Other significant outcomes included mandatory whitelisting of all URLs, OTT links, APKs, and callback numbers used in SMS communications. This initiative, paired with a crackdown on shortened links and blacklisting errant entities, aims to curb fraudulent messaging at scale. The committee also discussed enhanced PE-end security measures, including real-time credential validation and CAPTCHA enforcement for OTP systems, to bolster trust and safeguard users’ digital interactions.

    TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the importance of collaboration. “In a digitally connected economy, cooperation among regulators for digital services, financial services, consumer protection, and law enforcement is paramount. The JCoR continues to be a crucial platform for ensuring orderly digital connectivity and cracking down on spam and cyber fraud. Today’s decisions underscore our shared commitment to a secure and transparent digital communication ecosystem,” he said.

    The committee’s discussions also reflected an emphasis on public deterrence, with plans for TSPs and TRAI to publish blacklisted entities involved in spamming activities. Such transparency is expected to reinforce compliance while warning potential violators.

    By combining regulatory oversight, technological interventions, and industry collaboration, TRAI and its partners aim to transform India’s digital messaging landscape making spam less profitable, fraud less frequent, and user trust more robust. With these initiatives, the 9th JCoR meeting set a precedent for proactive governance in India’s rapidly evolving digital communication space.

  • TSS dishes out a festive feast of cookware and toys this Diwali

    TSS dishes out a festive feast of cookware and toys this Diwali

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, The Stone Sapphire India Pvt. Ltd. (TSS) is laying out a spread of innovation, celebration and everyday magic and it’s all wrapped up in a shiny new product lineup across homeware and toys. Whether you’re hosting a grand family dinner or chasing superheroes around the living room, TSS has something that might just become the talk of your Diwali gathering.

    Leading the charge is Corelle, the globally loved dinnerware brand, which is offering a never-before festive deal on its iconic dinner sets. Priced from Rs 6,599 onwards, this is the first time Corelle has dropped its price tags in India and it’s doing so to support good old-fashioned in-store shopping. While online discounts continue to battle for attention, TSS is taking a stand for traditional retailers, encouraging consumers to rediscover the joy of festive browsing in their local markets. With elegant designs, unbeatable durability, and that signature lightweight feel, Corelle dinner sets are now easier to gift or keep than ever before.

    But it’s not just the table getting a glow-up. Corelle is also setting new standards in the kitchen with the launch of Duranano: the world’s only uncoated non-stick cookware. Crafted using patented Nano Technology and made from 100 per cent pure stainless steel, Duranano skips the chemical coatings altogether. The result? Cookware that’s 1.5 million times more abrasion-resistant and 3.5 times tougher than your regular stainless steel pans. It’s the kind of gear that says “I care about your health” while still making sure your festive ladoos don’t stick. In a season where indulgence is inevitable, Duranano makes a strong case for clean, conscious cooking, without taking the fun out of frying.

    Over in toy territory, TSS’s homegrown brand Skoodle is giving Diwali gifting a superhero-sized upgrade. Enter the Marvel RC cars & bikes series, featuring officially licensed designs that bring the action straight to your living room. From rugged monster trucks to sleek superhero bikes, these remote-controlled rides combine speed, style and storylines kids already love. Whether you’re shopping for a young fan or secretly hoping for a go at the controls yourself, this range promises festive excitement with every rev of the engine.

    Speaking about the launches, TSS managing director and CEO Shobhit Singh summed up the season’s spirit, “This Diwali, our focus is on innovation with purpose, introducing products that enhance everyday living while supporting India’s trusted retail ecosystem.” It’s a sentiment that runs through every offering in the TSS catalogue this year, thoughtful, well-crafted and rooted in real-world usefulness, but with just enough sparkle to feel special.

     

  • Flipkart’s Big Billion Days 2025 turns TV shows into shopping spectacles

    Flipkart’s Big Billion Days 2025 turns TV shows into shopping spectacles

    MUMBAI: Who said sales are just about slashed prices and speedy deliveries? Flipkart’s The Big Billion Days 2025 rewrote the rules, turning the country’s biggest online shopping event into a nationwide celebration of culture, comedy, fashion, and flair.

    This year, India’s homegrown e-commerce giant went far beyond banners and bargains. Teaming up with WPP Media, Flipkart turned the spotlight on an “integration-first” strategy, embedding itself into the storylines of some of India’s most-watched shows,  transforming everyday entertainment into moments of branded magic.

    On Bigg Boss 19, Flipkart dialled up the drama with its in-house “fashion icon” contest. Contestants took on daring style challenges while fans voted in real time, effectively turning the Bigg Boss house into a high-stakes fashion runway. With Salman Khan’s signature flair and a whole lot of attitude, Flipkart cemented its connection with India’s youth and trendsetters.

    Over in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Flipkart became part of the fabric of Gokuldham society. For three days, characters explored The Big Billion Days as part of their daily lives. From Jethalal testing out denim fits to the Mahila Mandali dissecting discounts, the storyline blended comedy, tradition and relatable shopping chatter to position Flipkart as a true enabler of lifestyle, not just logistics.

    In the South, Flipkart struck an emotional chord on Indian Idol Telugu. Through a two-episode integration centred on the theme “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai,” contestants shared surprise wishlists and received unexpected product reveals, transforming a singing competition into a stage for dreams and discovery.

    Flipkart vice president of growth and marketing Pratik Shetty said, “The Big Billion Days is more than a sale, it’s a tradition that millions of Indians eagerly await. This year, with WPP Media, we brought that emotion alive in the shows people love most.”

    WPP Media South Asia president-client solutions Navin Khemka added, “Culture is the new currency of commerce. By weaving the brand into beloved narratives, we transformed a sale into a shared cultural moment.”

     

  • Arrow unveils Tailored for the Good Life campaign

    Arrow unveils Tailored for the Good Life campaign

    MUMBAI: Arrow is stitching style and sophistication together with its latest campaign, Tailored for the Good Life, starring Vedang Raina and Khushi Kapoor. Set against the vibrant streets and chic apartments of New York City, the campaign celebrates Arrow’s American heritage while bringing a fresh, modern twist to menswear.

    Vedang Raina embodies the quintessential Arrow man: confident, charismatic, and effortlessly stylish, while Khushi Kapoor adds her own flair and elegance, making her debut with the brand. Together, they capture a lifestyle that’s not just successful, but truly well lived, blending playful chemistry with aspirational fashion.

    Arrow India CEO Anand Aiyer said, “This campaign bridges our rich heritage with the aspirations of today’s men. Vedang and Khushi perfectly capture the modern consumer who values style, confidence, and authenticity.”

    Vedang Raina shared, “Arrow celebrates confidence and individuality. The campaign shows fashion that works as hard as you do, from sharp workwear to everyday looks with personality.” Khushi Kapoor added, “It’s about celebrating who you are and enjoying every moment in style. Arrow feels modern, relatable, and full of aspirational energy.”

    Closing with Arrow’s signature tagline, Tailored for the Good Life, the campaign reinforces the brand’s promise: fashion that evolves with its consumers while staying true to its timeless elegance.