MUMBAI: Who says you can’t have your cake and gift it too? This Diwali, ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations is giving festive gifting a delicious twist with its new campaign, ‘your gift language’: a celebration of thoughtful indulgence that speaks straight to the heart (and sweet tooth).
In a season where predictable mithai boxes often rule the shelves, Sunfeast Baked Creations is breaking the mould with fresh, handcrafted patisserie that blends Indian warmth with global flair. The campaign champions the idea that gifting isn’t just about exchanging sweets, but about expressing care through creativity, craftsmanship and taste.
Fronting the campaign is actress Parvati Nair, who brings her signature charm to a vibrant digital film on Instagram. In the film, she swaps out the usual boxes of barfi for gourmet hampers, reimagining Diwali gifts as edible stories, not just sugary traditions. Her message is simple yet striking: this Diwali isn’t about gifting more, it’s about gifting better.
The ‘your gift language’ range offers something for every celebration, from intimate family moments to grand festive soirées. Highlights include an artisanal truffles & brownie gift box with handcrafted terracotta diyas; a Diwali special assorted sweets & dry fruits hamper that balances indulgence with health; and a decadent desserts hamper box featuring tiramisu pudding, blueberry cheesecake, marble tea cake, and the signature dark fantasy croissant.
Each box is baked fresh and designed to delight: a fusion of modern patisserie precision and Indian festive spirit. Available across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad on Swiggy and Zomato, these hampers promise to make every gesture personal and every bite meaningful.
MUMBAI: Liqvd Asia is turning imagination into intelligence with the launch of Aikonic Studios, a pioneering creative services business putting artificial intelligence at the heart of content production.
More than just a studio, Aikonic is designed to revolutionise how ideas come to life, merging cutting-edge AI technology with creative craftsmanship. The launch marks the first step in a larger plan to establish AI-powered studios in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, bringing advanced creative capabilities to India’s major media hubs.
Liqvd Asia creative producer Vishal Chavan said, “Aikonic is a game-changer, blending smart technology with creative flair. It’s a space where innovation meets imagination, unlocking opportunities for storytellers to push boundaries.”
Creative head Sunil Gangras added, “Today’s content demands flexibility, engagement, and scale. By weaving AI into production, Aikonic enables creators to craft work that resonates deeply and reaches far. This launch is a bold step in making intelligent, AI-driven storytelling the new standard.”
With visionary talent and an AI-first approach, Aikonic Studios reflects Liqvd Asia’s commitment to leading India’s creative transformation, empowering brands, creators, and agencies to imagine and produce exceptional content in a digital-first world.
MUMBAI: Strike gold without leaving home! Instamart is bringing precious metals straight to doorsteps this Dhanteras, offering everything from 1 gram gold coins to 1 kg silver bricks.
The platform has partnered with trusted brands such as Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Muthoot Exim, MMTC-PAMP, Mia by Tanishq, Voylla, and Gullak to provide certified 24 carat and 22 carat (999) gold coins and 999-pure silver coins. Consumers can order gold coins in weights ranging from 0.1 g to 10 g, making festive gifting and personal investments flexible and accessible.
For the first time in India’s quick commerce space, Instamart will also deliver 1 kg silver bricks. Adding to the festive cheer, the first 10,000 customers buying gold coins of 1 g or above on Dhanteras, starting 7:00 am on 18 October, will receive a Rs 100 discount.
All gold coins come with 999 hallmarking and no making charges, while silver coins are certified for purity. Instamart also offers silver jewellery and utensils, along with cookware such as pressure cookers, kadais, tawas, and thalis, catering to traditional festive needs.
The platform has witnessed steady demand for precious metals over the past few years, particularly during festivals like Akshaya Tritiya and Dhanteras. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Ahmedabad have led orders, with 1 g gold coins remaining the most popular denomination. Last Diwali, a single order from Kochi was worth Rs 8.3 lakh, highlighting consumer confidence in quick commerce for high-value purchases.
With 24 by 7 delivery in cities including Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram, Instamart is making it easier than ever to celebrate Dhanteras with gold, silver, and festive essentials, all just a tap away.
MUMBAI: Infectious Advertising, one of India’s leading independent agencies, has named Smriti Tewari as business head, marking a strategic move to sharpen client focus and expand new business opportunities.
With 13 years in advertising and marketing, Tewari has worked across categories including automobiles, FMCG, home paints, fashion, real estate and financial services, at agencies such as Ogilvy, FCB, The Minimalist and VML. She has partnered with brands like Honda Cars, BMW, KFC, Dulux Paints and Colgate Palmolive, managing integrated campaigns across ATL, BTL and social media.
Managing partner & chief operating officer Siddhartha Singh said, “Smriti will play a pivotal role in strengthening client relationships and unlocking new opportunities. Her vast experience lays a strong foundation for driving work that is both effective and highly shareable.”
On her appointment, Tewari said, “Stepping into this role is both an honour and a thrilling responsibility. Infectious has always believed in ideas that spark energy and drive meaningful change. I’m eager to elevate the agency through creativity, collaboration and client focus.”
Infectious Advertising continues to focus on delivering bold, effective campaigns that connect with audiences across platforms.
Mumbai, 16 October: This Diwali, Godrej Industries Group’s brand-agnostic owned media platform, Godrej L’affaire, continues its ‘Celebrating Acceptance’ campaign with Kanta Didi, a film that challenges everyday stereotypes and redefines what acceptance looks like today. The campaign reminds us that acceptance is not the privilege of awareness but a practice of humanity.
Set within the cosy walls of a familiar home, the story unfolds between a domestic worker and a queer couple, capturing how understanding can emerge not from ideology but from instinct. What begins as a moment of hesitation turns into a heartfelt story of empathy and inclusion.
At the heart of the film is Kanta Didi, a domestic worker who encounters a queer couple for the first time while working in their home. She meets Kapil, who is new to the neighbourhood and searching for domestic help. Assuming he lives with a woman, Kanta Didi is surprised to learn the truth. Initially hesitant, Kapil finds comfort in Kanta Didi’s warmth. When he opens up about his identity, her simple, genuine response is “Acha, boyfriend hai? Toh mereko kya?” becomes a powerful moment of acceptance. Her attitude reflects a straight-forward philosophy: live and let live.
In this exchange, Kanta Didi normalises what should have always been normal. Her openness helps Kapil feel at ease, beaming with pride and confidence. The story captures the everyday India where change does not arrive through grand gestures but through small, human moments that shift perspectives.
Kanta Didi continues the conversation from Godrej’s previous Diwali films in the ‘Celebrating Acceptance’ series, reaffirming that empathy often begins at home. If Kanta Didi can learn about queer life through daily experiences and snippets from social media: “Aapke wo pride parade mein kya mast dikhte hai sab log rainbow flag ke sath!”, then what truly makes acceptance difficult for others?
Conceptualised by Agency09, the film encourages viewers to engage in honest conversations about love, identity, and belonging, from their domestic help to family and friends. Kanta Didi’s words, “Riwaazon se rishte nahi bante, hum rishton se riwaaz banate hai,” leave a lasting impression, reminding us that relationships, not rituals, define our celebrations.
Godrej Industries Group executive director and chief brand officer Tanya Dubash, said, “At Godrej L’affaire, we have always used storytelling to spark meaningful conversations around inclusion through our ‘Celebrating Acceptance’ series. Over the past three years, these films have delved into how acceptance finds expression in everyday life. With Kanta Didi, we continue that dialogue to show that true progress is when acceptance and inclusion become second nature.”
Godrej DEI Lab head Parmesh Shahani added, “At the Godrej DEI Lab, we’ve found that visible representation and policy change often reflect norms that have already begun to shift. The ‘Celebrating Acceptance’ films capture this quiet, everyday change beautifully and celebrate the fact that we are united by far more than what divides us. Recent milestones, from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment’s consultations on lgbtqia plus inclusion to the recognition of queer partners in key social and financial frameworks, reinforce our belief that progress happens when acceptance moves from policy to practice, and eventually, into how we live.”
Onlyn India director Raz Rehman Ali said, “What drew me to Kanta Didi was its honesty. The film doesn’t try to teach; it simply observes. Its strength lies in the authenticity of a simple exchange. When someone like Kanta reacts with such effortless acceptance, it challenges the idea that empathy belongs only to the informed. Sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones that just let life speak for itself.”
MUMBAI: Senco Gold & Diamonds is striking gold this festive season with the launch of its all-new 9-carat jewellery collection, priced from under Rs 7,000. At a time when soaring gold prices have kept many buyers on the sidelines, Senco’s latest move makes real gold accessible to a wider audience, combining style, sentiment, and affordability.
The collection caters to everyday wear, festive gifting, and first-time buyers, offering a wide range of designs from pendants, earrings, and rings to deity-inspired pieces, diamond-studded accents, and contemporary geometric styles. Each piece embodies Senco’s hallmark craftsmanship, ensuring beauty and trust remain uncompromised.
“With Dhanteras and Diwali around the corner, our 9 carat gold collection allows more people to own real gold without stretching their budgets,” said Senco Gold & Diamonds CEO Suvankar Sen. “With hallmarking in place, customers can shop with confidence knowing they’re getting both quality and value.”
Director Joita Sen added, “Though the karatage is lower, the design, detailing, and craftsmanship remain true to Senco’s heritage. This launch builds on the success of our 18 carat and 14 carat, bridging aspiration with accessibility.”
The initiative also aligns with the government of India and BIS’s efforts to include lower karatages like 9 carat in the hallmarking framework, ensuring authenticity and quality assurance for budget-conscious buyers.
With consumer preferences shifting towards lightweight, wearable jewellery, Senco’s 9 carat collection taps into this trend, offering strength, style, and affordability. This festive season, Senco ensures that everyone can celebrate milestones, joy, and tradition with real gold in hand.
MUMBAI: Stirring the pot in media and mindfulness, veteran journalist Sharmila Bhowmick has launched Mocha Ink, a storytelling ecosystem designed to blend creativity, journalism, and conscious living.
The platform comprises three interconnected verticals. Mocha Ink Mag is a digital magazine that pairs intellect with aesthetics, covering business, culture, beauty, lifestyle, and the inner life of modern India. With a tone like a relaxed café conversation, it encourages readers to slow down, reflect, and consider what they consume and why.
Complementing the magazine is Mocha Talks, a podcast for conscious conversations. Hosted by Bhowmick, the show invites thought leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to share insights that linger long after the coffee is gone. “We’re bringing back the art of the conversation, the kind that changes you,” she says.
Rounding out the ecosystem is Mocha Ink Lab, a strategy studio where editorial intelligence meets brand storytelling. The Lab helps companies, founders, and institutions craft narratives that build trust, visibility, and cultural impact, demonstrating that the story itself is the strategy.
Founded by Bhowmick, an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of newsroom leadership across The Times of India, CNBC TV18, Business Today, Outlook, and Republic, Mocha Ink exists at the crossroads of content, consciousness, and culture. It aims to help both people and brands find their voice and vision in a rapidly changing world.
With Mocha Ink, Sharmila Bhowmick is not just telling stories, she’s creating a space where stories spark reflection, connection, and transformation.
MUMBAI: When steel meets speed, champions are forged. Jindal Stainless is turning this mantra into reality by partnering with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) to nurture India’s next generation of track and field stars. Through its CSR arm, the Jindal Stainless Foundation, the company has become the key sponsor of IIS’ Track & Field Development program at Hisar for FY 25-26, supporting aspiring athletes on their journey to national and international success.
The Hisar centre is a crucial talent hub, scouting promising athletes aged 18–25 from across India and channeling them into a structured training ecosystem. This year, the program is mentoring 39 athletes, providing them with a holistic environment that spans world-class facilities, expert coaching, sports science support, nutrition guidance, and financial assistance for travel to competitive events. A standout feature of the initiative is the involvement of Klaus Bartonietz, former coach of Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra, who brings cutting-edge biomechanics expertise to the budding athletes.
“Supporting IIS’ track & field development program is our way of ensuring young athletes can compete with confidence on the global stage,” said Jindal Stainless managing director Abhyuday Jindal. “Through this collaboration, we aim to nurture India’s future champions and empower talent where it matters most.”
IIS president Manisha Malhotra added, “Jindal Stainless’ partnership allows us to strengthen our program, giving young athletes access to state-of-the-art facilities, scientific guidance, and competitive opportunities essential for national and international success. This support is pivotal in helping India create a world-class sports ecosystem.”
Athletes in the program represent a diverse pool of talent, including budding javelin throwers like Aditya and Manpreet Singh, who are training under this rigorous system. The initiative spans sprints, hurdles, and throws, equipping participants with the skills and discipline required to excel in global competitions.
Jindal Stainless has supported IIS for several years, and by acting as the key sponsor for 2025-26, the company reaffirms its commitment to sports, youth empowerment, and social impact. This collaboration not only provides a platform for emerging athletes but also strengthens the broader goal of positioning India as a hub of athletic excellence, demonstrating that with the right infrastructure and support, world-class champions can emerge from any corner of the country.
With steel backing speed and science guiding skill, the Hisar centre is shaping up as a launchpad for India’s athletic dreams, ensuring the next generation of track and field stars is fit, fast, and future-ready.
MUMBAI: ANI, South Asia’s leading multimedia news agency, has upgraded its field production fleet with TVU Networks’ latest TVU One 5G backpack. Designed for challenging environments, the compact pack houses six 5G modem modules, each paired with a dedicated three-antenna Mimo (multiple-input, multiple-output) array, plus a four-antenna Wi-fi Mimo system totalling 22 antennas.
This advanced design significantly improves performance in congested urban areas, crowded venues, disaster zones, and weak-signal rural regions, enabling crews to go live from locations where other systems often fail.
Unlike typical single-antenna printed designs that face near-field interference and self-cancellation when radios are clustered, TVU’s per-modem antenna diversity ensures cleaner rf conditions across carriers and frequency bands. The result is stronger links, higher stability, and more reliable throughput even under demanding conditions.
At the transport layer, TVU’s ISX (Inverse Statmux) technology bonds and orchestrates traffic across all available connections: 5G, ethernet, and Wi-fi, while dynamically routing packets around congestion and cell-edge dropouts. This ensures ultra-low latency and broadcast-grade stability even in contested spectrum environments.
“As South Asia’s leading news agency, it is our responsibility to deliver breaking news with speed, reliability and quality,” said ANI CEO Sanjiv Prakash. “By upgrading to TVU’s latest 22-antenna 5G system, our journalists can now go live from places others can’t: faster, more reliably, and with greater consistency.”
“We engineered TVU One’s RF system to thrive in the harshest real-world conditions,” said TVU Networks CEO Paul Shen. “Its six 5G modules, each with a three-antenna MIMO array, plus a four-antenna Wi-fi Mimo backbone, give it the density and isolation needed to overcome congestion, while ISX technology ensures seamless data flow.”
The TVU One 5G features a total of 22 antennas, comprising six 5G modem modules with three antennas each and a four-antenna Wi-fi Mimo setup. Despite its advanced hardware, the pack remains lightweight and compact, ensuring mobility without compromising performance. Its antenna diversity and isolation architecture mitigate near-field interference effectively, while ISX technology provides real-time bonding and adaptive path optimisation across carriers and frequency bands. The system’s multi-provider and multi-band agility also guarantees stability across varying infrastructures and international deployments, making it ideal for global field operations.
MUMBAI: Greaves Electric Mobility is charging ahead in India’s EV revolution. The company has partnered with Shriram Green Finance, the EV financing arm of Shriram Finance, to make electric vehicles more accessible to drivers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses nationwide.
The collaboration will provide customers with flexible loans covering up to 90 per cent of the vehicle’s cost, competitive interest rates, and customised repayment plans for GEML’s electric three-wheelers under the Greaves 3W brand and light commercial EVs (ELE).
With a legacy spanning 165 years, Greaves continues to set industry benchmarks in performance and endurance. Its Greaves Eltra city xtra recently set a national record with a 324 km journey on a single charge, recognised by the India Book of Records, proof of GEML’s engineering excellence and real-world efficiency.
“This partnership brings together our innovative EV portfolio and Shriram Finance’s extensive lending network to accelerate adoption across cities and states,” said a company spokesperson. Customers will benefit from over 500 PAN-India touchpoints, seamless dealer support, and access to clean, future-ready mobility solutions.
Greaves Electric Mobility’s vision is clear: to outperform, outlast and outshine, while driving India toward a sustainable, self-reliant, and inclusive mobility future.
