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Tag: Tamil Nadu

  • Gramiyaa packs cold-pressed oils in cartons to preserve freshness

    Gramiyaa packs cold-pressed oils in cartons to preserve freshness

    BENGALURU: India’s cooking oil aisle is getting a makeover. Gramiyaa, a Bengaluru-based producer of wood cold-pressed oils, has launched what it claims is the country’s first gable-top carton packaging for cooking oils—a format designed to keep oils fresher for longer.

    The redesigned packaging, unveiled under the brand’s Fresh Drip campaign, swaps conventional plastic and glass bottles for fully opaque, nitrogen-flushed cartons. The company says this locks in freshness from seed to seal, preserving aroma and nutrition that typically degrade in traditional packaging.

    “Packaging is only part of the story,” said Gramiyaa founder Sibi Manivannan. “We go the extra mile to ensure our oils stay fresh naturally.” The brand employs natural sedimentation and cotton fabric filtration to remove seed residue that can turn rancid and accelerate spoilage.

    Each batch undergoes a three-step process: natural seed sedimentation allows particles to settle slowly; cotton fabric filtration removes residual sediments; and nitrogen flush sealing removes oxygen before sealing to prevent oxidation and nutrient loss. The carton’s multi-layer opaque design blocks light and air, whilst a double-seal provides an airtight barrier that locks in aroma even after opening.

    All Gramiyaa oils are wood cold-pressed in-house at the company’s facility in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Each carton features a QR code revealing exactly when and where the oil was pressed. The brand controls the entire supply chain—sourcing directly from farmers, manufacturing, lab-testing and packaging on-site.

    “The cooking oil industry hasn’t changed its packaging in nearly a century,” added Manivannan. “We asked ourselves—if freshness is what matters most, why not design for it?”

    The brand offers a range of wood cold-pressed oils, including groundnut, coconut, sesame and mustard oil, catering to diverse culinary traditions whilst preserving natural flavour and aroma.

    As health-conscious Indians increasingly reject heavily processed oils, Gramiyaa is betting that what works for milk and juice can work for the kitchen staple that’s been sold in bottles since before independence. The real test will be whether consumers are willing to pour their cooking oil from a carton.

  • Ather races past 5,00,000 electric scooters

    Ather races past 5,00,000 electric scooters

    MUMBAI: Ather Energy has just charged past a major milestone. The Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler maker rolled out its 5,00,000th scooter from its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu, with the milestone model being none other than the popular family scooter, Rizta.

    The Rizta, launched last year, has swiftly become the brand’s star performer, now accounting for over a third of Ather’s total production. Co-founder and CTO Swapnil Jain called the achievement a “major milestone”, adding that it symbolises “years of focused engineering, rigorous testing, and meticulous attention to quality”.

    From its first prototype to this electrifying half-million mark, Ather’s journey has been about more than scooters. It’s about building a robust and scalable manufacturing ecosystem.

    Ather currently runs two plants in Hosur, one for vehicles and another for batteries, with a combined annual capacity of 4,20,000 scooters. To keep up with rising demand, the company is gearing up for its next big leap: Factory 3.0 in Bidkin, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Built on Industry 4.0 principles, the facility will supercharge Ather’s total capacity to 1.42 million scooters annually once fully operational.

    Founded in 2013 by Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, Ather has become a front-runner in India’s electric mobility race. With innovations like the Ather grid, the country’s largest two-wheeler fast-charging network, and a growing product line spanning performance and family scooters, the company seems fully charged for the road ahead.

  • Marico’s Jalashay creates over 400 crore litres of water potential nationwide

    Marico’s Jalashay creates over 400 crore litres of water potential nationwide

    MUMBAI: Water is life, and Marico Limited is making sure every drop counts. On World Water Day, the leading FMCG giant reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by announcing that its Jalashay programme has created over 400 crores plus litres of water potential across Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat by the end of FY25. With over 1,200 water harvesting structures and micro-irrigation systems across 230 plus acres, Marico is not just conserving water it’s reshaping communities.

    From drought-prone villages to government-designated aspirational districts, Marico’s Jalashay programme is making waves in water conservation. In Maharashtra’s Jalgaon, rainwater harvesting and infrastructure development have replenished water supplies, bringing much-needed relief to drought-hit areas. In Pondicherry, the initiative promotes rooftop rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment, ensuring sustainable water use in households and schools. Meanwhile, in Gujarat’s Dahod, Marico has constructed new water harvesting structures and carried out de-siltation of existing check dams, strengthening the region’s resilience against water scarcity and securing a sustainable water future for local communities.  

    To maximise efficiency, Marico has teamed up with ACWADAM, a leader in groundwater assessment, to develop a data-driven, scientific water management strategy. The company is also encouraging crop diversification to reduce reliance on water-intensive farming while promoting drip irrigation, green energy use, and water-resilient cropping techniques.

    Commenting about the programme on World Water Day Marico Limited chief legal officer group general counsel, and secretary of the CSR committee Amit Bhasin said, “We are committed to embedding water stewardship into our business strategy, recognizing the critical role it plays in ensuring a sustainable future. Our Jalashay programme is designed to address the complex water challenges faced by our communities and we are proud of the progress we have made so far. Taking this a step forward, we will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to drive meaningful impact and create a water availability for all.”  

    Under the Jalashay Jal Samrudhi project, Marico’s community-driven interventions have significantly improved water resource management, leading to enhanced agricultural productivity with assured irrigation that boosts crop yields. The initiative has also reduced dependency on erratic monsoons, providing farmers with greater income stability and securing their livelihoods. Additionally, by preventing soil erosion and preserving fertility, the project has contributed to better soil health, ensuring long-term sustainability for farming communities.  

    By aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Clean Water & Sanitation (SDG 6) and Responsible Consumption & Production (SDG 12), Marico is proving that corporate responsibility can create lasting environmental and social change.

  • Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    MUMBAI: The floor is set, the beats are dropping, and the stage is sizzling, India’s biggest hip-hop showdown is back! Hip Hop India Season two has hit Amazon MX Player, promising a bolder, grittier, and more electrifying dance battle than ever before. With Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, the competition is tougher, the performances more jaw-dropping, and the talent pool ready to redefine India’s hip-hop landscape.

    From Shillong’s Afro-dance prodigy Iamonlang Karjana to Mumbai’s freestyle dynamo Oggy, the solo category boasts an electrifying mix of styles. Hectic from Mumbai, Funky Anna from Tamil Nadu, and Hitesh Patel, fresh from Romania and Italy’s Got Talent, are just a few of the dancers set to ignite the stage. With influences ranging from Krump and Tutting to Bhangra and Belly Dance, each contender brings a distinct flavour to the floor.

    The duo category is all about sync, style, and synergy. Snehal & Vaidehi bring an explosive mix of Whacking, Popping, and Afro, while Krish & Aditya Tyagi are set to seamlessly fuse Hip-Hop with Freestyle. Expect jaw-dropping chemistry and gravity-defying coordination as these duos battle it out.

    The group category is packed with powerhouse crews ready to command the dance floor. Mumbai’s Rule Breakers are set to bend the rules of gravity with their B-Boying and Breaking, while The Evokers, with members from Delhi, Lucknow, Goa, Haryana, and Meerut, promise a fusion of Openstyle choreography. Team SA from Siliguri completes the lineup with a dynamic blend of Hip-Hop, House, Locking, and Light Feet.

    This season isn’t just about dance, it’s about passion, storytelling, and pushing the limits. The contenders are not just here to compete; they’re here to make history.

    Streaming for free on Amazon MX Player, Hip Hop India Season 2 is available across mobile, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs. It’s time to turn up the volume and let the battles begin!

  • FICCI MEBC south kicks off with star power

    FICCI MEBC south kicks off with star power

    MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s media and entertainment industry took centre stage as deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and cinematic legend Kamal Haasan inaugurated the FICCI MEBC South Conclave in Chennai. The two-day event, aimed at exploring the evolution of films, television, OTT, gaming, and digital media, saw an array of industry stalwarts mapping out the future of India’s creative economy.

    Stalin unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art film city in Chennai spanning 152 acres. The ambitious project will feature cutting-edge post-production studios, animation and VFX facilities, virtual production tech, LED walls, and even a five-star hotel for industry professionals.

    Further honouring Kalaignar’s (M. Karunanidhi) vision, Stalin announced that 90 acres near Kelambakkam, previously allocated for industry housing, would now be reinstated for its original purpose following a revised government order.

    A highlight of the event was Haasan’s appointment as chairman of the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, south. Speaking at the conclave, Haasan emphasised the need for progressive regulations that integrate, rather than hinder, emerging technologies in cinema.

    “Indian cinema is our cultural ambassador, and we need a long-term vision for it. Both state and central governments must frame policies that encourage technology adoption without stifling existing markets,” said Haasan. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to reform entertainment tax policies, ensuring greater ease of doing business for filmmakers.

    The conclave featured key insights from JioStar chairman of FICCI media and entertainment committee and CEO – entertainment Kevin Vaz, who celebrated south Indian cinema’s meteoric rise from regional to global prominence, thanks to blockbusters like RRR and KGF-2.

    “With digital media’s rapid expansion, India is an ‘AND’ market where TV and digital will continue to coexist. The industry is primed for a global breakthrough,” Vaz stated.

    The event will feature workshops, masterclasses, and exhibitions on key industry trends, including the global rise of Indian cinema, OTT and television’s transformation, and AI-driven innovations in broadcasting and music. With gaming, animation, and VFX booming, discussions will also focus on regulatory policies shaping the sector. PlayNext – Developer’s Day will spotlight India’s growing esports and interactive entertainment industry, reinforcing its leadership in AVGC-XR.  

    The inaugural session saw participation from Meta India’s Sandhya Devanathan, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Arjun Nohwar, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council’s G.S.K. Velu, and a stellar line-up of media executives including Ashish Pherwani, Sanjay A. Wadhwa, Ankur Vaish, Krishnan Kutty, Ravikant Sabnavis, Munjal Shroff, Vaibhav Chavan, Jakes Bejoy, and Bejoy Arputharaj.

  • Somany Ceramics taps Tamil Nadu’s favourite on-screen duo for latest TVC

    Somany Ceramics taps Tamil Nadu’s favourite on-screen duo for latest TVC

    MUMBAI : Somany Ceramics has unveiled its latest Tamil TV commercial, starring popular on-screen duo Gomathi Priya and Vetri Vasanth from Siragadikka Aasai. The light-hearted ad blends humour with home transformation, reinforcing the brand’s presence in Tamil Nadu by tapping into local charm and star appeal.

    The TVC presents a playful take on home renovation, with Meena (Gomathi Priya) guiding Muthu (Vetri Vasanth) as a ‘divine mentor’ towards a hassle-free, stylish upgrade using Somany’s range of tiles and bathware. The duo explore the coverstone range of tiles and the French collection bathware, showcasing how effortlessly homes can be transformed with Somany’s elegant and durable solutions.

    Highlighting the campaign’s significance, Somany Ceramics head of marketing & communications Anshuman Chakravarty said, ‘Tamil Nadu is a key market for us, and we aimed to create a campaign that resonates locally. With our expanding footprint across the state, we are confident this TVC will connect with homeowners seeking stylish, long-lasting, and stress-free solutions.’

    Somany’s coverstone range brings the raw elegance of natural stone into modern interiors, while the French collection bathware combines European sophistication with durability, making it ideal for luxury spaces. With a compelling narrative and a beloved lead pair, Somany’s latest TVC is set to captivate audiences across Tamil Nadu.

  • ABP News-CVoter Poll: Modi Govt likely to return in 2024, South presents NDA challenge

    ABP News-CVoter Poll: Modi Govt likely to return in 2024, South presents NDA challenge

    Mumbai: The first opinion poll conducted by ABP News and CVoter before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has thrown up interesting insights, bringing to light the public sentiment across the country on a range of issues, besides the choice of party and the prime minister post.

    According to the survey, the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll has predicted a third term for the NDA, with the ruling alliance getting 295-335 seats out of the total 543. The Congress, together with the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A, is projected to get 165-205 seats, with Others settling for 35-65 seats. Zone-wise projections show BJP/NDA bagging 80-90 seats out of 153 in the East Zone, the highest 150-160 seats out of 180 in the North Zone, 45-55 out of 78 in the West Zone, and 20-30 out of 132 in the South Zone. The South is the only zone where the BJP/NDA is behind, with the Congress/I.N.D.I.A projected to win 70-80 seats. In the other three zones, the INC/I.N.D.I.A is projected to get 50-60, 20-30, and 25-35 in the East, North, and West, respectively.

    In the states too, the NDA appears to be comfortably ahead, according to the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll, with all BJP-ruled states, such as Madhya Pradesh (27-29), Chhattisgarh (9-11), Rajasthan (23-25), and Uttar Pradesh (73-75), looking to vote for NDA candidates. In Congress-ruled Karnataka too, the BJP is projected to win 22-24 seats with a vote share of 52 per cent against the Congress’ 4-6 seats and 43 per cent vote share. In MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, the Opposition alliance is projected to get only 0-2 seats each.

    The states where the Congress and I.N.D.I.A are ahead are – Telangana (9-11), Punjab (INC 5-7, AAP 4-6), Bihar (21-23) and Maharashtra (26-28). In West Bengal, where the I.N.D.I.A seat share will be a matter of debate, ruling Trinamool Congress could get 23-25 seats and INC+Left- 0-2, against the BJP’s 16-18, if the elections are held now.

    ABP News-CVoter also carried out a snap poll during which it asked total of 13,115 respondents across the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies a range of questions and found interesting responses. According to the snap poll, PM Narendra Modi is overwhelmingly ahead as the country’s choice for the top post, with 58.6 per cent people willing to bring him back for a third term. Given only two candidates to choose from, Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi, a majority of the respondents picked the latter. Gandhi was, however, ahead in the race in three states and one UT and lagged with a margin of around 10 percentage points in two states (Telangana and Haryana). The southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, besides Punjab in the north, kept the Congress leader ahead of Modi. Overall, Rahul Gandhi drew 32% votes for the PM post, with 4.4 per cent and five per cent respondents, respectively, picking ‘None of them’ and ‘Can’t say’ as their answer.

    On the question of how satisfied people are/were with the work of the current Prime Minister, a total of 47.2 per cent of people across India said they were “very much satisfied” with PM Narendra Modi’s work, while 30.2 per cent said they were “satisfied to some extent” and 21.3 per cent said they were “not at all satisfied”.

    An overwhelming majority answered in the affirmative when asked if the leadership changes made by BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh after registering victory in the recent assembly elections will benefit the party in 2024. In contrast, the response was mixed to a similar question posed in reference to the leadership changes made by Congress.

    Further, people across states (from both rural or urban areas) and groups think unemployment will be the main issue in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and a majority of them believe the issue of caste census won’t help the Opposition. A majority of people also think the BJP should form an alliance with the JD(S) in Karnataka, and that the party will give a tough fight to the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

    On questions related to Rahul Gandhi, the response was mixed when asked if his Bharat Jodo Yatra will help the Congress in LS polls, but more than 50 per cent of people on average said he, as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, should contest the election from Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi wins hands down as the most preferred PM candidate from the I.N.D.I.A bloc. The respondents were given Nitish Kumar, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal as other options to choose from.

    The ABP News-CVoter opinion poll also found that a majority of the respondents think I.N.D.I.A. will not remain united till the 2024 elections. Also, 37.6 per cent people said they were “very much satisfied” with the work of the Central government led by BJP.

    To a question about what they think about “today’s India”, 45.1 per cent people said they found the country moving forward and their life too, while 25.3 per cent said the country is moving forward but not their life, and 22.4% said both the country and their life are in a poor state.

    Methodology:

    The survey findings and projections are based on CVoter Opinion Poll CATI interviews (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) conducted among 18+ adults statewide, all confirmed voters.

    Survey date: 15 December to 21 December, 2023
    Sample size – 13,115
    Seats Covered 543
    Margin Of Error: .+_/_- 5% 
    Confidence Level: 95%

  • Time to bring progressive law, not ban online games: FICCI Gaming Committee

    Time to bring progressive law, not ban online games: FICCI Gaming Committee

    Mumbai: The FICCI Gaming Committee (FGC) has spoken out against statements made by the chief minister of Tamil Nadu to bring an end to online gaming in the state. The FGC has urged the state government to adopt an enabling gaming policy protecting players while ensuring a secure, responsible gaming environment.

    “The FICCI Gaming Committee is committed to supporting the government in establishing a safe gaming environment. However, we would like to reiterate that blanket bans do not ensure player protection but instead, benefits unscrupulous fly-by-night operators and encourages illicit and underground gaming activities leading to detrimental impacts on the very populations the government seeks to protect,” the industry body said in a statement.

    The committee asserted that the need of the hour is a stable regulatory mechanism capturing clear requirements that protect consumers and operations of lawful operators. It has suggested that the government consider regulating this new form of entertainment thereby addressing several issues such as protecting players by providing access to responsible entertainment choices.

    In February 2021 the state government amended the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930, banning online games, subsequently the Madras high court struck down the law in August 2021 on the basis of multiple Supreme Court decisions taken in the past. Reiterating the protection afforded under the constitution to games of skill.  

    “While we appreciate the intent of the government to protect the users, a wide-ranging ban seems excessive and disproportionate in meeting its objectives,” said FICCI director general Arun Chawla. “It shall also severely impact these new technology-driven legitimate businesses that are generating much-needed jobs and revenues for the state.”

    “Around 420 million players across the country enjoy online gaming as a form of entertainment. To ensure that these players’ experiences are safe, we request the government consider regulating this industry, which would allow only legitimate, legal operators to operate while adhering to strict protocols,” said E-Gaming Federation CEO and FGC convener Sameer Barde. “At EGF, we have set up a self-regulatory framework in the form of a code of conduct ensuring a safe, transparent, and responsible environment for players by our certified members. We look forward to collaborating with the government and offering our expertise to help the state establish a well-regulated and sustainable industry.”

    “The growth of 27 per cent CAGR generated by the online skill gaming industry in 2020 has made it the fastest-growing segment within the Indian M&E sector,” said All India Gaming Federation CEO and FGC convenor Roland Landers. “The sunrise online skill gaming industry is responsible for facilitating 400+ Start-ups in this sector and attracted 400+ million gamers – young Indians providing them viable alternate job opportunities in Esports and other gaming businesses.”

    “All AIGF stakeholders are governed by the skill games charter that ensures global best practices across responsible gaming and gamer protection. It is in the best interests of all concerned that the State Govt works with the skill gaming industry to build a robust regulatory framework to ensure all stakeholders across the ecosystem benefit economically and socially notably taxation revenues gaming and allowance for Indian registered gaming companies to operate in the state,” he added.

    “India has emerged as the largest Fantasy Sports market in the world with over 13 crore Indian sports fans using fantasy sports,” said Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports CEO and FICCI Gaming Committee convener Anwar Shirpurwala. “Fantasy Sports is contributing significantly to the growth of the sports ecosystem in India and also helping Tamil Nadu’s sports fans meaningfully engage with their favourite sports. Our government’s premier think-tank NITI Aayog has recognised fantasy sports as a sunrise sector. Renowned academic institutions such as IIM Bangalore and MIT have applied scientific methodology and concluded that participating in fantasy sports requires significant skill, even higher than the skill required by a mutual fund manager. In addition, various law commissions including the Uttar Pradesh Law Commission and the Law Commission of India have held that games of skill should be exempt from gambling laws. Various high courts including the Rajasthan high court have said that fantasy sports is online sports and entitled to protection under Article 19(1)(g) of the constitution. The view has been further endorsed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Considering the above, the industry looks forward to working with the government of Tamil Nadu to create a safe experience for sports fans and enable responsible growth of the industry through regulation.”

  • 7Up brings festive cheer to Tamil Nadu, launches limited edition packs ahead of Pongal

    7Up brings festive cheer to Tamil Nadu, launches limited edition packs ahead of Pongal

    Mumbai: Marking the celebrations for the auspicious harvest festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu, 7Up has unveiled its all-new limited-edition festive packs featuring the quirky, curly-haired mascot Fido Dido.

    Pongal is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu with people across the state marking the end of winters and expressing gratitude for a good harvest. The limited-edition 7Up packs are a tribute to the spirit of Pongal and take inspiration from the various elements that define the festival in its true essence. Right from the intricate art of Kolam to the use of sugarcane and pot to cook delicacies – the packs are a multi-faceted representation of all things Pongal.

    PepsiCo India senior marketing director Naseeb Puri said, “7Up is privileged to have been part of the rich Tamil Nadu culture, and this time, we really wanted to celebrate Pongal in a special way. The limited-edition packs are our endeavor to bring alive the festive spirit and add some freshness to the celebrations as people continue to stay home to mark the occasion this year.”

    The vibrant new Pongal-inspired labels will be used across 600 ml, one liter and 2.25-liter packs of 7Up and will be available across all modern trade outlets and select e-commerce channels. In a bid to spread the festive cheer across the state, the celebratory branding will also be showcased across hoardings and posters across public spots in select cities to engage the audiences, said the brand in a statement.

  • Peter England celebrates new beginnings in latest Pongal campaign

    Peter England celebrates new beginnings in latest Pongal campaign

    Mumbai: International menswear brand Peter England from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail has launched an exclusive campaign for the upcoming Pongal festival.

    Encapsulating the essence of the festive season and the strong bond between father and son, the TVC is a relatable montage woven around the festive ambiance and shows parents’ need to adopt new ways to bond with their children and build a special relationship with them.

    Developed and executed in creative partnership with DDB Mudra South, the campaign celebrates the ‘Belief in A New Beginning’, and combines the objective of resetting family relationships, festivity, colour, and celebration with Peter England’s wide range of premium quality and stylish festive collections for today’s contemporary men.

    Peter England COO Manish Singhai said, “The campaign portrays a new relationship between a son and his father after the father takes a small step towards understanding his son’s aspirations. The storyline metaphorically directs us to find the perfect look to celebrate this Pongal festival. Our collection has been designed around the positivity and goodness that festivals bring to our lives. We are determined to curate and offer fashion that enables our consumers to not just immerse in the festivities but also to stand out.”

    DDB Mudra South creative director Saritha Rajagopal said, “Pongal celebrates optimistic new beginnings. So, to launch Peter England’s Pongal campaign, we captured a moment between a father and his son. While the pandemic took away some jobs, it also presented an opportunity to pursue one’s dreams. With this campaign, we captured an honest conversation between a father and son, who aspires to grow. We signed off with a message for every youngster who is waiting to start on the journey of life.”

    The festive campaign will be amplified through a mega-media mix across SUN TV Network, Hotstar Tamil Big Boss Association, World Television premiere of Annaatthe on Sun TV and other media channels, said the brand in a statement.