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  • MediBuddy inspires nation to move with #FitIndiaFestival

    MediBuddy inspires nation to move with #FitIndiaFestival

    MUMBAI: MediBuddy announced the launch of its new campaign, “Let the Movement Begin”, under the #FitIndiaFestival initiative. The campaign is designed to inspire every citizen to embrace daily movement, the campaign celebrates motion not just as a fitness goal, but as an expression of personal freedom, strength, and national pride.

    Inspired by India’s own journey of resilience and progress, the campaign urges citizens to view movement as a commitment to their own health and a contribution to the nation’s strength. Much like India’s fight for freedom was driven by collective action and perseverance, #FitIndiaFestival aims to spark a national movement toward better health. In a time when physical inactivity is quietly affecting well-being, the campaign encourages people to take small, yet powerful steps—whether it’s stretching at your desk, walking with family, or simply standing up after hours of sitting. Every step counts towards a healthier self and a stronger India.

    MediBuddy head of branding, Manu Sankar Das said, “Our nation’s story is one of movement—of people rising, striving, and refusing to give up. This Independence Day, we want to remind every Indian that looking after your health is not just a personal choice; it’s part of the responsibility we share as citizens. Movement keeps us strong, focused, and ready to contribute to the nation’s progress. With #FitIndiaFestival, we want to inspire everyone to take that first step towards better health. The journey to better health is made up of small, consistent actions—and the most important one is the first step.”

    Conceptualised and produced by MediBuddy’s in-house creative team, the campaign film runs 1 minute 4 seconds and is being amplified across digital channels and social media platforms.

  • Ampere Nexus becomes first EV to conquer Shipki La Pass, (13,200ft)

    Ampere Nexus becomes first EV to conquer Shipki La Pass, (13,200ft)

    MUMBAI: Ampere Nexus, the electric 2-wheeler from the house of Greaves Electric Mobility, has made history by becoming the first-ever electric scooter to reach the Shipki La Pass at an altitude of 13,200 ft, riding to just 200 metres from the LOC. This Independence ride, undertaken to promote the Border Tourism Initiative of the Indian Army led by Tripeak Brigade under the aegis of Surya Command, also proves that India’s EV revolution can thrive from urban roads to the nation’s most remote and challenging terrains.

    Flagged off from Chandigarh on 9 August 2025, the Shipki La Pass expedition was a three-day journey and a feat achieved by two Ampere Nexus scooters. Covering over 425 km of winding mountain roads, steep gradients, and diverse terrains – the journey covered Shimla, Reckong Peo and Pooh, passing through the Kinnaur Valley before the final climb to Shipki La Pass.

    Since its launch in 2024 — marked by the Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari ride — the Ampere Nexus has been achieving records due to its endurance, performance, and adaptability. From traversing the length of the nation to now conquering one of its highest and most formidable passes, the Nexus continues to prove it is Engineered to Outperform, Outlast, and Outshine in every environment.

    On arrival at the Shipki La Pass, the Ampere Nexus riders and the team were welcomed by Indian Army jawans, who then participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day. This served as a powerful moment that fused national pride, technological progress, and environmental commitment.

    The achievement was also formally recognised with a certificate from the India Book of Records stating, “First Electric 2-Wheeler to Reach Shipki La Pass – The record for the First Electric 2-Wheeler to reach Shipki La Pass was set by Ampere Nexus, supporting the Indian Army’s border tourism initiative. The ride started from Chandigarh on August 9, 2025, and concluded on 12 August at Shipki La Pass (13,200 ft). This expedition showcased the endurance and performance of the EV scooter, highlighting its ease of charging, empowering it to drive to the very edge of our map, as confirmed on 12 August 2025”

    Greaves Electric Mobility managing director Vikas Singh said, “From conquering Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari to now scaling one of the nation’s highest and most challenging passes, the Ampere Nexus has consistently proven what it was designed for — to Outperform, Outlast, and Outshine. This Shipki La achievement is far more than a record — it’s proof that India’s EV technology is ready to go the distance, from the heart of our cities to the very edge of our borders. Amplifying the Indian Army’s Border Tourism initiative makes this feat even more meaningful. As the country celebrates the 79th Independence Day, the Ampere Nexus aims to stand as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of a new, electrified India.”

    This feat is part of Greaves Electric Mobility’s larger purpose- to democratise smart, sustainable mobility in the country. The journey demonstrates that electric mobility is no longer confined to cities; with the Ampere Nexus’s reliable performance, adaptable design, and ease of charging, it can reach even India’s farthest frontiers, making clean mobility accessible to all.

    Expedition film will be released on 15 August on Ampere social handles: Youtube and Instagram

  • K Raheja Corp unveils ‘Desh Ki Dhun’

    K Raheja Corp unveils ‘Desh Ki Dhun’

    MUMBAI: Building on the melodies of the past two Independence Days – Pragati Ki Dhun, a tribute to India’s progress, and Azaadi Ki Dhun, a salute to the nation’s freedom, K Raheja Corp now unveils its third edition titled: Desh Ki Dhun, a two-minute crowd-sourced musical celebrating the spirit of everyday India. The musical brings together spontaneous and fun responses from people who interact with the Group’s business verticals – employees and officegoers at Mindspace Business Parks, residents of K Raheja Corp Homes, guests at Chalet Hotels, shoppers at Inorbit Malls and Shoppers Stop, and the labourers on site. Captured in moments of work, leisure, travel, and shopping, these unfiltered voices blend into an uplifting harmony, offering a vibrant tribute to the nation, this Independence Day.

    The film opens with a simple question: “Aapko kya karne se aati hai Azaadi Wali Feeling?” Responses were captured exactly as they were shared – light-hearted banter over chai at the office café, the calm of a home balcony at sunrise, the delight of a complimentary buffet breakfast, the rush of a flash sale. Each unfiltered phrase became a lyric; each natural cadence transformed into a beat. No professional vocalists, just India speaking in its very own authentic voice. The idea is conceptualised by the K Raheja Corp’s Corporate Communications Team, music is composed by the gifted music director Sanket Sane, with visuals directed by Alok Sutar.  

    K Raheja corp head – corporate communications, Cheryl D’souza-Waldiya said “With Desh Ki Dhun, we’ve transformed the everyday voices of India into an ode to Independence Day. By placing real people at the heart of the song, we celebrate the fact that our spaces – from offices to homes, hotels to malls and retail stores, are far more than structures. They are vibrant stages where India’s spirit comes alive each day. Every handshake, every smile, every shared moment adds a note to this anthem of progress, and together, we’re composing a future that is bold, united, and unstoppable.”

    Desh Ki Dhun premieres today on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook handles of K Raheja Corp. Viewers are invited to share their own #AzaadiWaliFeeling moments with #DeshKiDhun.

  • UPL honours India’s unsung heroes this Independence Day with a special film ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’

    UPL honours India’s unsung heroes this Independence Day with a special film ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’

    MUMBAI: This Independence Day, UPL spotlights two of the nation’s strongest pillars –the farmer and the soldier – with the launch of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, an evocative short film released in eight languages.

    The film draws a compelling parallel between two unsung heroes – one guarding our borders, the other safeguarding our food supply. It underscores their shared commitment to nation-building and the equal respect they deserve.

    ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ forms a powerful chapter in UPL’s year-long storytelling initiative, ‘Atoot Vishwas Ki Kahaniya’ – a monthly video series that celebrates the unwavering trust and deep-rooted relationships within India’s farming communities. Hosted on the dedicated YouTube channel Mitti Ke Rishtey – A UPL Initiative, the series brings to life authentic and heartfelt stories of farmers who embody resilience, community spirit, and an enduring bond with SAAF, one of India’s most trusted fungicides. Through these narratives, UPL pays tribute to the everyday heroes who nurture farmlands and safeguard livelihoods, reinforcing the values that keep our nation growing strong.

    Atoot Vishwas Ki Kahaniya

    Commenting on the initiative, UPL SAS CEO Ashish Dobhal said, “At UPL, farmers are at the core of our mission. They are not just stakeholders – they are our partners in progress. This Independence Day, through ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,’ we extend our gratitude to another pillar of our nation – the soldier. Both protect India in their own profound ways, and this film is our tribute to their shared spirit of service and sacrifice.”

    Since its launch, SAAF has been more than just a crop protection solution – it has been a symbol of trust in the fields. By helping farmers combat fungal diseases in crops and safeguard their harvests, SAAF® has played a vital role in securing rural livelihoods. ‘Atoot Vishwas Ki Kahaniya’ captures these connections, spotlighting not only farmers but also retail partners who have helped make SAAF a household name across India’s heartland.

    The campaign, which began in April 2025 and runs through March 2026, will feature 12 short films in total. Five films have already been released, each capturing real-life farmer experiences and exploring powerful themes of trust, family bonds, and journeys of success. With ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ now live, six more films will follow – continuing UPL’s celebration of India’s agricultural spirit and reaffirming its commitment to empowering farming communities. 

  • Vadilal Dairy churns out sweet profit in Q1 as sales stay creamy

    Vadilal Dairy churns out sweet profit in Q1 as sales stay creamy

    MUMBAI: Vadilal Dairy International is scooping up profits again and this time, the flavour is decidedly sweet. The ice cream and dairy products maker posted a net profit of Rs 29.91 lakh for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, a sharp drop from Rs 119.08 lakh in the previous quarter but a turnaround from the Rs 88.87 lakh loss in the same period last year.

    Revenue from operations came in at Rs 1,139.47 lakh, up from Rs 1,088.07 lakh a year ago, with total income at Rs 1,139.48 lakh. Costs, however, took a generous bite out of margins total expenses rose to Rs 1,112.08 lakh, led by Rs 563.31 lakh in raw material costs, Rs 87.55 lakh in employee benefits, Rs 69.99 lakh in finance costs, and Rs 41.19 lakh in depreciation. Other expenses, including marketing and distribution, stood at Rs 371.11 lakh.

    Profit before tax for the quarter stood at Rs 27.40 lakh, compared with Rs 63.66 lakh in Q1 FY25 and Rs 148.37 lakh in Q4 FY25. Deferred tax expense for the quarter was Rs 2.51 lakh. Earnings per share came in at Rs 0.92 basic (Rs 0.94 diluted), versus Rs 1.50 in the same quarter last year.

    The company also reported a total comprehensive income of Rs 30.23 lakh for the quarter, underscoring a steady if modest performance amid rising input costs and competitive pressures in the FMCG sector.

    For shareholders, it may not be a record-breaking summer, but Vadilal’s Q1 still managed to keep the books in the black proof that even in a crowded market, a well-served scoop can still sweeten the bottom line.

  • Dialling into deeper losses as MTNL posts weak first quarter numbers

    Dialling into deeper losses as MTNL posts weak first quarter numbers

    MUMBAI: MTNL’s first quarter call sheet for FY26 is anything but music to investors’ ears. The state-run telecom player rang up a consolidated net loss for the three months ended 30 June 2025, as falling revenues and swelling expenses continued to choke its balance sheet. The company’s unaudited results, approved by its board on 13 August, showed total income at Rs 334.11 crore, down sharply from Rs 455.29 crore a year earlier. Revenue from operations slipped to Rs 329.36 crore, a 27.6 per cent drop year-on-year, with other income contributing Rs 4.75 crore.

    Expenses told an even starker story total outgo rose to Rs 425.92 crore, including operating costs of Rs 142.10 crore, employee benefits at Rs 42.16 crore, finance costs of Rs 64.12 crore, and depreciation and amortisation of Rs 105.28 crore.

    The red ink has left MTNL’s net worth in the negative, with accumulated losses outstripping its equity share capital. A long-running license fee battle with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting continues to loom large, the PSU has a provision of Rs 4,680.24 crore against the MIB’s April demand of Rs 8,735.67 crore (including interest) for fees since inception, a claim it is contesting in court.

    The bonds issued by MTNL remain unsecured, making certain SEBI disclosure norms inapplicable, but the financial stress remains very much on record and in the spotlight for shareholders watching every rupee spent.

  • Odisha takes centre stage as Rising Odisha 2025 sparks big ideas

    Odisha takes centre stage as Rising Odisha 2025 sparks big ideas

    MUMBAI: Odisha’s growth story is set to get the red-carpet treatment and the hot seat as Rising Odisha 2025 returns on 19 August, promising an evening of high-voltage ideas, debate, and vision-building. From 4 pm onwards, News18 Odia’s flagship leadership conclave will transform into a powerhouse of conversation, putting the state’s progress and challenges under the spotlight.

    Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi will lead the charge as chief guest and Keynote Speaker, setting the tone for discussions on governance, economic growth, tourism, exports, skill development, sports, and cultural heritage. Joining him are deputy chief ministers K.V. Singh Deo helming Agriculture, Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy and Pravati Parida, Odisha’s first woman Dy CM, who oversees women and child development, Mission Shakti, and Tourism.

    The evening will pack in exclusive interviews with Sampad Chandra Swain (Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education) and Suresh Pujari (Revenue & Disaster Management), alongside in-depth conversations with Suryavanshi Suraj (Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia Language & Culture) and Odia cinema icon-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty.

    Political fireworks are guaranteed with a three-way debate featuring BJP’s Manmohan Samal, Congress’ Bhakta Charan Das, and BJD’s Debi Prasad Mishra, each pitching their roadmap for Odisha’s future.

    And in a nod to the state’s buzzing online culture, digital heavyweights Natia Comedy, Krishna, and Nitiana will join a panel to decode youth engagement, viral trends, and the evolving influence of social media.

    For those who can’t be in the room, the action unfolds live on News18 Odia from 4 PM, a front-row ticket to the ideas shaping tomorrow’s Odisha.
     

  • Milkmaid launches new TVC

    Milkmaid launches new TVC

    MUMBAI: Nestlé Milkmaid, a name that has defined sweetness in Indian homes now for 113 years, has launched its latest TVC celebrating the joy of preparing desserts at home, with loved ones. The film highlights the rich, creamy and heartwarming experience that Milkmaid brings to every sweet creation. Conceptualised by BBH India,  the TVC has been directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ram Madhvani.

    The film also showcases Milkmaid’s new reusable pack, designed for everyday convenience. It allows consumers to use, store and reuse the product easily, encouraging effortless dessert-making at home.

    Manav Sahni, Head, Dairy Business, Nestlé India, said, “Milkmaid enjoys a timeless legacy that lives on in kitchens across India. With every generation, it has reinvented itself while staying true to the promise of great taste. With this film, we celebrate the joy of homemade desserts and inform the consumers how Milkmaid, with its signature taste elevates their flavour.”

    BBH India CCO Parikshit Bhattaccharya added, “It is always a delight to tell a new story for Milkmaid – the window to a world of desserts for Indian families for over a century. To add Yummazing next to the much-revered brand has been our privilege and we hope it adds to the shared vocabulary of mothers and kids while describing every dessert made with Milkmaid.”

    For over a century, Milkmaid has inspired both traditional and contemporary dessert-making. With its creamy consistency and versatile usage, Milkmaid continues to help Indian families turn sweet moments into something truly Yummazing.

  • La Chérie expands to Mumbai with a taste of everyday indulgence

    La Chérie expands to Mumbai with a taste of everyday indulgence

    MUMBAI: La Chérie is a premium dessert brand celebrated for its artisanal cheesecakes, exceptional craftsmanship, and honest baking philosophy. Known for creations like the airy Japanese Cheesecake, indulgent New York Cheesecake, decadent San Sebastian Burnt Cheesecake, and charming Mini Bento Cheesecake Boxes, the brand has won over dessert lovers with its commitment to using only the finest ingredients, without preservatives, bulking agents, compound chocolate, gelatin, or agar-agar. Because you deserve a little indulgence. Everyday.

    Founded in 2020 by Supriya Konduskar and co-founder Abhijeet Konduskar, La Chérie began as a home kitchen passion project during the COVID-19 lockdown. Over the past four years, it has grown into a nationally recognised name, admired for its quality, craftsmanship, and personal touch, reflecting how women entrepreneurs are redefining India’s F&B landscape.

    La Chérie, which has built a loyal following and “ruled” the dessert scene in Pune, is now planning to bring its handcrafted creations to Mumbai. The expansion will allow the brand to connect with the city’s discerning dessert lovers and offer them the La Chérie experience, fresh, authentic, and made with love.Currently, these indulgent creations are also available for online ordering on Swiggy and Zomato.

    “We’ve built a loyal community in Pune, and now we’re ready to share our cheesecakes with Mumbai,” says Supriya. “This expansion is more than a milestone, it’s a celebration of women who dare to dream, create, and lead.”

    Co-Founder Abhijeet Konduskar added, “Our growth has always been guided by quality and the trust we’ve earned from our customers. This store will allow them to experience the heart of La Chérie, authentic flavours, meticulous artistry, and the warmth we stand for.”

     

  • Zodiac Clothing posts Rs 862.8 crore loss in June quarter

    Zodiac Clothing posts Rs 862.8 crore loss in June quarter

    MUMBAI: Zodiac’s stars aren’t exactly aligned this season. Zodiac Clothing Company Limited stitched up higher revenues in Q1 FY26 but couldn’t keep the red off its books, posting a consolidated net loss of Rs 862.77 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025. That’s deeper than the Rs 764.20 crore loss in the March quarter, though slightly better than the Rs 942.34 crore loss a year earlier.

    Revenue from operations edged up to Rs 3,902.78 crore from Rs 3,769.68 crore in Q1 FY25, boosted by steady sales momentum. Other income, however, more than halved year-on-year to Rs 224.75 crore from Rs 598.27 crore. Total income came in at Rs 4,127.53 crore, down from Rs 4,367.95 crore last year.

    Expenses remained the fashion faux pas surging to Rs 4,971.89 crore. Raw material costs alone stood at Rs 1,408.38 crore, with employee benefits at Rs 1,170.24 crore, depreciation at Rs 534.91 crore, and finance costs climbing to Rs 237.89 crore. Other expenses, including marketing and overheads, were a hefty Rs 1,633.45 crore.

    Margins told their own style story. Inventory changes shaved off Rs 61.57 crore from costs this quarter compared to a Rs 368.02 crore inventory drawdown last year. Still, the operating runway was too tight to avoid losses.

    The company’s tax expense swung to Rs 18.41 crore from a credit of Rs 30.79 crore in March, leaving a bottom line firmly in negative territory. Basic and diluted earnings per share came in at a loss of Rs 3.32, against a Rs 3.63 loss per share last year.

    On the balance sheet, equity capital held steady at Rs 2,599.37 crore, with other equity at Rs 15,366.02 crore. Comprehensive losses for the quarter stood at Rs 947.87 crore, factoring in an Rs 85.10 crore hit from other comprehensive income items, including swings in investment valuations and currency movements.

    For now, Zodiac may have pulled in sales, but with costs outpacing the catwalk, the label’s financials are still very much in last season’s colours.