Category: News Headline

  • United Breweries brings back Bengal’s iconic Kalyani black label strong

    United Breweries brings back Bengal’s iconic Kalyani black label strong

    MUMBAI: Pour decisions just got easier in Bengal. United Breweries Limited (UBL), part of the Heineken group, has relaunched the iconic Kalyani black label strong in West Bengal, reviving a brand that has been part of the state’s cultural fabric for generations.

    First brewed on the banks of the river Kalyani, the strong-tasting beer has long been a favourite across eastern India, often remembered as the first sip of beer for many. With its bold flavour and loyal following, the relaunch aims to blend nostalgia with novelty, reconnecting with long-time fans while enticing a new wave of drinkers.

    Available at just Rs 140 for a 650ml bottle, the pricing makes it as accessible as it is iconic. United Breweries, CMO, Vikram Bahl explained, “Kalyani black label strong is deeply rooted in Bengal’s beer culture. By relaunching it at an attractive price point, we celebrate its legacy while inviting a new generation to enjoy it.”

    The brand is positioned to reinvigorate the strong beer segment in West Bengal, standing shoulder to shoulder with UBL’s wider portfolio, which includes Kingfisher, Heineken, and Amstel.

    With its return, Kalyani black label strong isn’t just a beer on the shelf, it is a toast to heritage, taste, and Bengal’s enduring love for a bold brew.

     

  • Honda shifts gears with launch of ‘Myhonda-India’ all-in-one mobile app

    Honda shifts gears with launch of ‘Myhonda-India’ all-in-one mobile app

    MUMBAI: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched ‘Myhonda-India,’ a one-stop mobile application designed to transform how customers connect with the brand.

    The platform, available on both Android and IOS, is pitched as more than just an app. It serves as a digital companion across the ownership journey, from browsing models and booking test rides to managing service schedules and tracking maintenance in real time.

    The app integrates ‘Honda One ID,’ a unified system that brings all sales, service, and ownership needs under one roof. Riders can explore Honda’s full line-up, compare models, access finance options, and even receive instant updates and festive offers. Post-purchase, customers can use the app to store documents, consult digital manuals, book appointments, and locate nearby dealerships or petrol pumps with ease.

    “Honda is committed to elevating the customer experience,” said HMSI, director, sales and marketing,Yogesh Mathur. “With ‘Myhonda-India,’ we are offering transparency, convenience, and personalised engagement. This app empowers users to make informed decisions and stay connected with the brand every step of the way.”

    Beyond convenience, the app also serves as a bridge for customer engagement, featuring safety updates, health and environment initiatives, and personalised greetings, all designed to foster stronger relationships with riders.

    With this digital leap, HMSI is not just selling scooters and motorcycles, but also streamlining ownership into a seamless, connected experience: putting the showroom, service centre, and more, right in the rider’s pocket.

  • Cyrus Broacha returns with Newscaustic, roasting the news on News9

    Cyrus Broacha returns with Newscaustic, roasting the news on News9

    MUMBAI: Breaking laughs, not just news. Cyrus Broacha, the original master of spoof and satire, is back to tickle the nation’s funny bone with Newscaustic: ‘Let’s roast with Cyrus Broacha on News9.’

    Premiered last Friday, the show promises a riot of irreverent humour as Cyrus skewers the week’s biggest headlines alongside the quirkiest tales from politics, entertainment, lifestyle and beyond. The format blends sharp commentary with his trademark comic timing, ensuring viewers get their news served sunny-side-up, with a generous sprinkle of wit.

    The buzz began at the ‘News9 Global Summit’ in Dubai this June, where Cyrus set the stage alight with his trademark banter and News9 officially unveiled the show. Speaking about the launch, Cyrus quipped, “Nobody knows if news is serious or not anymore, and it’s not my fault, that’s why I do Newscaustic. So please check it out on News9!”

    The first season airs every Friday at 11:00 pm on News9, with repeats across the weekend, and will also be available on connected, linear and OTT platforms. Adding to the fun, an on-ground edition of Newscaustic will be staged on October 4 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Bandra, Mumbai, with tickets starting at Rs 499.

    “Cyrus Broacha brings with him a legacy of humour that connects across generations,” said TV9 Network, executive vice president & business head, Sanjeev Mulchandani. “With Newscaustic, we are making news more engaging, more relatable and more shareable.”

    TV9 Network, chief revenue officer, Amit Tripathi added, “Humour is a universal connector, and Cyrus is the perfect voice to make news fun without losing its edge.”

    So mark your Fridays, with Cyrus back at the mic, the headlines are guaranteed to sting less and sing more.

  • Rise & Fall climbs to top as reality TV’s latest cultural power play

    Rise & Fall climbs to top as reality TV’s latest cultural power play

    MUMBAI: When it comes to reality television, what goes up must come down but for Amazon MX Player’s Rise & Fall, the only direction right now is up. Premiering on 6 September, the high-drama reality experiment has shot straight into the Top 2 original reality shows on Ormax ratings, winning fans across both metros and rural India. And the buzz isn’t limited to television screens, the show has already racked up a jaw-dropping 500 million social media views, turning reels, memes, and reactions into a second stage of drama.

    Hosted by Ashneer Grover, Rise & Fall drops 15 celebrity contestants spanning Bollywood, music, sports, entrepreneurship, and social media into a unique social experiment that examines the eternal tug-of-war between the powerful and the powerless. Over 42 days, alliances are built and broken, friendships tested, and betrayals executed with both tears and applause.

    The star-studded line-up features Arbaaz Patel, Aarush Bhola, Aahana Kumra, Aditya Narayan, Arjun Bijlani, Dhanashree Verma, Kubra Sait, Kiku Sharda, Anaya Banger, Nayandeep Rakshit, Bali, Akriti Negi with the first elimination seeing Noorin Sha bow out.

    “With Rise & Fall, Amazon MX Player is redefining reality television for India,” said Amazon MX Player director & head Karan Bedi. “We went back to the basics of what audiences want, not just spectacle and drama, but strategy, leadership, and emotion. By reimagining a global format through an Indian lens, we’re bringing viewers a bold, refreshing and powerful narrative that resonates deeply.”

    The opulent set, designed by National Award-winning art director Omung Kumar, provides the perfect stage for the drama. Behind it all, Banijay India’s powerhouse creative team has tailored the format to spark conversation across every medium and judging by the memes flooding Instagram and Twitter, it’s working.

    The show has also become a marketer’s playground. Amazon India head of advertising Girish Prabhu explained: “The response from brands has been phenomenal, they see real value in being part of Rise & Fall. Integrations feel natural and memorable, which is why sponsors like Lux Cozi, Orient Electric, Haier, Pintola, Avvatar Whey Protein, Envi, and HMD are seeing strong impact.”

    With streaming on Amazon MX Player, Prime Video, Fire TV, the Amazon shopping app, Airtel Xstream and airing on Sony Entertainment Television at 10:30 pm, brands also get the bonus of multi-platform reach.

    Rise & Fall isn’t just another unscripted series; it’s shaping up to be the OTT cultural moment of the year, where entertainment collides with hustle, and power shifts become prime-time spectacle. As fresh episodes drop daily at 12 pm, one thing’s clear, the only thing falling here are the contestants, while the show itself continues its meteoric rise.
     

  • Bubz debuts in India: Monk fruit–infused soda with just 18 calories

    Bubz debuts in India: Monk fruit–infused soda with just 18 calories

    MUMBAI: India’s soft drink market has a refreshing new entrant with the launch of *Bubz*, a next-generation soda crafted for health-conscious yet uncompromising consumers. Each 250 ml can is naturally sweetened with monk fruit, contains zero added sugar, packs six grams of prebiotic fiber, and delivers just 18 calories, all without artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or preservatives.

    Positioned as “soda, rewritten,” Bubz promises to deliver the familiar fizz and flavour of soda while stripping away unnecessary calories. Available in four flavours: Cola, lemon lime, citrus, and strawberry, it is 100 per cent vegan, functional, and indulgent, catering to young professionals, fitness enthusiasts, party hosts, and trendsetters who want their refreshment guilt-free, Instagrammable, and versatile enough to double as a post-gym drink or cocktail mixer.

    The brand is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Adai Mehra and Krish Bajaj, who set out to create a soda that matches the aspirations and lifestyles of India’s new-age urban consumer. For Mehra, the project has personal roots. After stints in finance at Avendus and luxury real estate at Isprava, he experimented with ventures ranging from artisanal chocolate to interior design, all while dealing with persistent gut health issues. Yet his love for soda never faded. “I’ve dealt with gut issues for years, and giving up soda always felt like a compromise. With Bubz, I wanted to prove you can still have the fizz and flavour you crave, but in a way that actually works for your body,” he explained.

    The arrival of Bubz signals more than the launch of a new beverage; it represents a cultural shift in how India’s youth approach consumption: indulgence without compromise, transparency without trade-offs, and wellness seamlessly built into everyday rituals. As Mehra put it, “Bubz isn’t trying to be a health drink. It’s soda, rewritten. The fizz, the flavour, the nostalgia but smarter, lighter, and designed for the way we live now.”

  • Hammer ropes in Rannvijay Singha as investor, unveils fresh product lineup

    Hammer ropes in Rannvijay Singha as investor, unveils fresh product lineup

    MUMBAI: Hammer, one of India’s fastest-growing lifestyle and smart audio brands, has announced actor and youth icon Rannvijay Singha as a strategic investor. The partnership marks a new chapter in Hammer’s journey to create lifestyle technology products that balance performance, portability, and style for the modern consumer.

    Alongside this announcement, Hammer introduced an all-new range of products that includes smart speakers, power solutions, and headphones. The lineup reflects the company’s focus on innovation and style while catering to the needs of a fast-paced, mobile generation.

    Speaking about the development, Hammer, founder and CEO, Rohit Nandwani said that Rannvijay’s investment not only strengthens the brand’s connect with India’s youth but also accelerates its mission of blending innovation, style, and accessibility in lifestyle technology. He added that the newly launched speakers, power devices, and headphones reinforce Hammer’s dedication to delivering uncompromising performance and convenience.

    Sharing his excitement, Rannvijay Singha said that he has always been drawn to brands that resonate with young people and their lifestyle choices. He explained that Hammer’s commitment to advanced technology with stylish design made his investment decision effortless, and he looks forward to contributing to the company’s mission of creating products that are powerful, fashionable, and built for everyday use.

    The new lineup features the Boom speaker, which offers a 30w output, dual passive radiators, RGB lighting, TWS support, and up to 30 hours of playtime, making it the ultimate party and travel companion. Complementing it is the Wave speaker, a lightweight, made-in-India device equipped with 10w RMS output, 52mm drivers, TWS pairing, Bluetooth v5.4, and multiple connectivity options for seamless listening.

    In the power solutions segment, Hammer launched the MagSafe 10,000 mAh Power Bank, which supports magnetic wireless charging for both iPhone and Android devices. It comes with a smart digital battery indicator, triple charging modes, and up to 22.5W fast charging in a sleek design. The brand also unveiled the 36W GaN Fast Charger, which features dual USB-C ports, rapid 0–50% iPhone charging in just 30 minutes, and certified safety standards for greater reliability.

    Expanding its lifestyle audio range, Hammer introduced the Vibe headphones with ENC, 40mm drivers, dual pairing, and 50 hours of playtime; the Vivid headphones with hi-res sound, up to 23dB ANC, and 70 hours of playtime; the Aura earbuds with 32dB ANC, 50-hour battery life, and low-latency gaming performance; and the Blaze gaming headphones with 50mm drivers and immersive RGB lighting.

    With this new partnership and product portfolio, Hammer is strengthening its position as one of India’s top homegrown lifestyle technology brands, combining style, performance, and affordability to meet the evolving demands of today’s youth.

  • Hero Motocorp launches all-new Destini 110, a scooter built for every family

    Hero Motocorp launches all-new Destini 110, a scooter built for every family

    MUMBAI: Hero has a new hero on the road. Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled the all-new Destini 110: a family-first scooter designed to blend practicality, durability, and style.

    Positioned as “Hero ka scooter, scooter ka hero”, the Destini 110 is tailored for India’s largest scooter sub-segment, promising to be a reliable ride for families, first-time buyers, and young riders alike. With its neo-retro look, premium chrome accents, projector LED headlamp, and signature h-shaped LED tail lamp, the scooter balances timeless appeal with modern flair.

    Under the hood, the refined 110cc engine paired with Hero’s i3s (Idle stop-start system) delivers segment-best mileage of 56.2 kmpl, ensuring both efficiency and smooth performance for daily commutes or weekend leisure rides.

    Practicality hasn’t been compromised. The ‘Destini 110’ comes with a 785 mm long seat, the longest in its class, complete with an integrated backrest for pillion comfort. Spacious legroom, robust metal body panels, a glove box, boot lamp, analog-digital speedometer, and a 190 mm front disc brake add to its everyday usability and safety.

    Hero Motocorp, chief business officer- India business unit, Ashutosh Varma said, “With the new Destini 110, we are strengthening our presence in the 110cc scooter category by introducing a versatile yet affordable scooter that can be a trusted companion for everyday mobility.”

    The ‘Destini 110’ is priced at Rs 72,000 (VX – cast drum) and Rs 79,000 (ZX – cast disc), ex-showroom Delhi. Available in five colour options including nexus blue, groovy red, and aqua grey, the scooter will hit Hero dealerships across India in a phased rollout.

    With its mix of mileage, comfort, durability, and neo-retro design, the ‘Destini 110’ aims to be more than just a scooter, it’s being pitched as the everyday companion every Indian family can rely on.

  • Chicken out on diets as ITC serves up the Greatmurghfestival feast

    Chicken out on diets as ITC serves up the Greatmurghfestival feast

    MUMBAI: Move over laddoos and barfis this festive season, it’s the cluck that rules the daawat. ITC Master Chef Creations has rolled out the #GreatMurghFestival, a limited-time celebration of all things chicken, designed as a guilty (or guilt-free) pleasure for non-vegetarian connoisseurs. The feast runs till the first week of October across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune, exclusively on Swiggy and Zomato.

    Chicken has long been the star of Indian festive tables, whether in the grandeur of royal courts or the warmth of home kitchens. Paying tribute to this culinary legacy, the festival dishes promise to turn everyday dining into indulgence. Think velvety gravies, fragrant biryanis, and rich platters that transform a weekday dinner into a daawat.

    Each dish is crafted with ITC Master Chef Creations’ signature finesse, bringing together heritage and indulgence. It’s not just food, it’s a culinary journey designed for moments of celebration, whether solo, shared, or hosted.

    The line-up offers 12 dishes and curated meals that read like a greatest-hits album for chicken lovers:

    ●    Dakhni Murgh (Serves 2): A slow-cooked Deccan royal delicacy.

    ●    Darbhari Murgh (Serves 2): Spice-laden and regal.

    ●    Dakhni Murgh & Butter Naan Meal (Serves 2): Complete with Dal Makhani, Lachha Paratha (2 pcs), Butter Naan (2 pcs), and Gulab Jamun (2 pcs).

    ●    Darbhari Murgh & Butter Naan Meal (Serves 2): A hearty spread with all the trimmings.

    ●    Single-serve indulgences: Compact Dakhni Murgh or Darbhari Murgh with Dal Makhani and Butter Naan (2 pcs).

    ●    Murgh Makhani & Butter Naan Meal (Serves 1): The buttery classic paired with Dal Makhani and Gulab Jamun (1 pc).

    ●    Paneer Lababdar & Butter Naan Meal (Serves 1): For vegetarians seeking equal indulgence.

    ●    Mutton Biryani & Kebab Meal (Serves 2): 900 g of biryani magic with 4 juicy Mutton Shikampuri Kebabs.

    ●    Murgh Makhani with Bone (Serves 2): Tangdi (2 pcs) in creamy tomato gravy.

    ●    Egg Tawa Masala (Serves 2): Rustic eggs simmered in spiced masala, tawa-style.

    From buttery naans and gulab jamuns to slow-cooked royal gravies, the spread is designed to tempt even the most disciplined diner.

    What sets the festival apart is its ability to cater to every craving: solo treats for one, hearty platters for two, and indulgent combos that tick off every festive essential starter, main, bread, and dessert. It’s the kind of line-up that makes you want to “accidentally” skip lunch just to feast at dinner.

    With the festive season now in full swing, ITC Master Chef Creations is betting that Indians are ready to swap home-cooked monotony for royal indulgence. As the brand puts it: “Every bite is a celebration. Because when it comes to great food, there’s always a reason to feast.”

    So whether you’re binge-watching with biryani, hosting with hearty murgh, or indulging in a butter naan solo affair, the #Greatmurghfestival makes sure your festive season tastes as grand as it feels.

  • Festive wheels turn faster as car platform hits record traffic

    Festive wheels turn faster as car platform hits record traffic

    MUMBAI: CarTrade Tech’s consumer platforms struck gold yesterday, recording their highest-ever single-day traffic as Indians hunt for festival bargains on wheels. The company told the Bombay stock exchange that CarWale and BikeWale saw visitor numbers rocket by 74 per cent compared with the first day of Navratri last year, and 60 per cent above August’s daily average.

    The surge points to renewed vigour in India’s car market, helped along by recent GST rate cuts that have made vehicles more affordable. For a sector that has endured sluggish demand, the spike offers a tantalising glimpse of better times ahead.

    “Yesterday was a landmark day for our platforms,” said CarTrade consumer group chief executive Banwari Lal Sharma. “The festive excitement, amplified by GST-led affordability, has fuelled unprecedented consumer activity.”

    Whether this traffic translates into actual sales—and signals a broader revival in consumer sentiment during the festival season—remains to be seen. But for India’s media and entertainment companies, which depend heavily on advertising from car manufacturers, the numbers will make for cheerful reading.

  • Man of Steel meets wheels as Studds launches Superman Helios helmet

    Man of Steel meets wheels as Studds launches Superman Helios helmet

    MUMBAI: Up, up and away only this time, it’s not Superman taking flight but bikers hitting the roads in superhero style. Studds Accessories Ltd., the world’s largest two-wheeler helmet maker by volume in CY 2024, has unveiled the Helios Superman Edition Helmet, the latest chapter in its DC superhero-inspired range. The launch follows the Batman edition released in July, continuing STUDDS’ collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products India.

    The Helios, Studds’ flagship full-face model, already carries an ISI (BIS) stamp and DOT (USA) certification. The Superman Edition takes things further with a high-impact thermoplastic polymer shell, aerodynamic spoilers, and regulated density EPS padding to handle crashes of varying intensity. For night riders, cataphote retro reflective padding boosts low-light visibility.

    Inside, the helmet is kitted out with comfort-first touches: an Antifog 100 lens offering 100 seconds of fog resistance, a ventilation system that keeps rides cool, and a hypoallergenic liner to reduce skin irritation. Riders with spectacles will appreciate the eyeglass-friendly fit, while integrated speaker pockets make it Bluetooth-ready. A quick-release visor and chin strap add everyday convenience even with gloves on.

    Durability hasn’t been ignored. A silicone-coated dual visor system resists scratches while doubling up as sun protection. A removable lower trim keeps the helmet looking fresh, and a rust-proof stainless steel buckle ensures strength across weather conditions.

    The real showstopper, though, is the bold Superman “Man of Steel” graphics available in six colour combinations across matte and gloss finishes, designed to give riders a road presence as striking as the superhero himself.

    Available in Medium, Large, and XL sizes, the Superman Edition starts at just Rs 3,700. It’s on sale at offline retail stores, Studds exclusive outlets, and the company’s official site, with availability on other leading marketplaces rolling out soon.

    Studds Accessories Ltd., managing director Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana summed up the mission: “At Studds, our aim has always been to combine security, novelty and style in every helmet. The Helios Superman Edition complies with international safety standards, is inspired by one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, and is designed to resonate with today’s riders. It’s protection with personality.”

    With superheroes now swapping capes for visors, Studds is clearly betting that Indian bikers want their safety served with a side of pop culture flair.