Aditya Birla Jewellery's - Indriya - Expands Its Presence In Karnataka With Its Second Store In Bengaluru

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, announces its expansion in Karnataka with the launch of its second store in Bengaluru, located in the culturally rich and historic neighbourhood of Malleswaram. One of Bengaluru’s oldest and most cherished localities, Malleswaram is known for its heritage, ancient temples, and vibrant marketplaces that have long celebrated artisanal craftsmanship and fine gold jewellery. As a hub of the city’s cultural and commercial life, Malleswaram resonates deeply with art and culture lovers who value heritage and craftsmanship in every piece they adorn.

Located in Sampige Road, Malleswaram, the Indriya store will feature thoughtfully curated zones, including a dedicated karigari space and an expansive collection showcasing over 28,000 exquisitely crafted designs. This launch offers the perfect blend of artistry and modern expression, celebrating the intrinsic link that Malleswaram and by extension, Bengaluru holds with jewellery as a symbol of tradition, prosperity, and beauty.

This significant milestone increases Indriya’s footprint to 38 stores nationwide. The brand’s presence includes six outlets in Delhi; four each in Mumbai and Hyderabad; three in Pune; two stores each in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Bangalore; and one store in key cities such as Indore, Jodhpur, Surat, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Gaya, Jammu, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Chandigarh. This growth reflects Indriya’s dedication to bringing fine craftsmanship and timeless jewellery to customers across India. 

Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said, “We believe Karnataka has always been a significant market for Indriya, and the wonderful response to our first store in the state has been incredibly encouraging. With the launch of our second store in Bengaluru, we are thrilled to strengthen our presence and bring Indriya's legacy of artistic craftsmanship deeper into South India. Our collection is designed to resonate with this city's unique spirit, seamlessly blending rich heritage with contemporary style, making them a perfect choice for today's jewellery enthusiasts. This launch will strengthen our presence in this dynamic market, ensuring customers have easy access to our exquisite collections and a superior shopping experience.”

The trusted legacy of the Aditya Birla Group continues to grow in Karnataka with the opening of Indriya’s second store in Bangalore.

Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi Wins Cummins India’s Flagship B-School Case Study Competition REDEFINE 2025

Indian School of Business, Mohali emerges as the runner-up for the competition.

IIM, Ranchi also won the social media contest.

Cummins in India (“Cummins India”), a leading power technology provider, successfully concluded ‘REDEFINE 2025’, the eighth edition of its prestigious annual B-school case study competition. Team Crow from Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi emerged as champions, winning the coveted winner’s trophy and cash prize, while Team Visioners from Indian School of Business, Mohali earned the runner-up title.

This year’s theme, “From Backup to Backbone: Driving the Energy Shift,” encouraged participants to explore innovative and sustainable models that address critical challenges across the energy value chain. The competition, facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaboration, drew participation from 6453 students across 2151 teams from 19 premier B-schools across the country. Following multiple competitive rounds, six finalist teams advanced to the grand finale held at the Cummins India Office Campus, Pune.

The two-day finale was a rich learning experience, featuring engaging leadership sessions, networking opportunities, and guided tours of Cummins Technical Center India (CTCI) and Kothrud Engine Plant (KEP). The event culminated with a jury evaluation and live voting session by employees. In addition to the main competition, all finalist teams participated in a fun social media contest. They created short, engaging team introduction videos that were uploaded on LinkedIn. Team Crow from IIM, Ranchi achieved the highest engagement for their video and was declared the contest winner.

Congratulating the winners, Anupama Kaul, Human Resources Leader, Cummins India, said, " REDEFINE celebrates the power of young minds to challenge conventions and think beyond boundaries. I am incredibly proud of the talent, creativity and problem-solving spirit demonstrated by the participants. Their ideas are bold, practical and rooted in purpose and responsibility. It’s inspiring to see how these young changemakers are addressing real-world energy challenges with remarkable intent and innovation. Nurturing next-gen talent is integral to Cummins India’s commitment to powering a stronger, more sustainable future for all.”

Subramanian Chidambaran, Chief Strategy Officer, Cummins India, added, "Each year, REDEFINE offers us a front-row view into how the next generation bridges real-world challenges with academic excellence. This year, participants displayed remarkable strategic thinking and a nuanced understanding of how to build a resilient, future-ready business model. We were particularly impressed by their ability to combine innovation with practicality. Congratulations to all the winning teams and participants for their incredible efforts and outstanding performances.”

A distinguished jury panel of Cummins India leaders, including Srinivasa Raghavan, Executive Director - Engineering and Chief Technical Officer; Jameson Mendonca, Power Generation Business Leader; and Sachin Simant, Director – Strategy, Product Planning and Digital, Power Systems Business Unit, evaluated the finalists’ presentations.

Leading up to the grand finale, Cummins India hosted interactive leadership sessions and quizzes to help participants prepare and understand the company’s mission, vision and the evolving energy landscape.

The six finalist teams that competed in the grand finale were:

GASx3 from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi

Dynamic Dreamers from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong

Crow from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi

Visioners from the Indian School of Business, Mohali

Team 7 from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Tiruchirappalli

Ninja Turtles from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow

To learn more about REDEFINE, visit - Cummins Redefine | Cummins Inc. and follow Cummins India on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates and insights.

About Cummins in India:

Cummins in India is a leading provider of integrated power solutions for the industrial and automotive sectors. The company operates through twelve entities with a wide-ranging portfolio. It is engaged in designing, manufacturing, distributing, and servicing diesel and natural gas engines and powertrain-related components, including drivetrain, braking, after-treatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, control systems, air handling systems, transmissions, and electrified power systems solutions for commercial vehicles and industrial markets. The company has a remarkable presence in the region, with state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, assembly, and distribution facilities employing over 10,000 employees committed to powering a more prosperous world.

MAHE Successfully Concludes PREvention And SCReening Innovation Project Toward Elimination Of Cervical Cancer

Over 10,000 Women Sensitized: 7,200+ Participate in hrHPV Self-Testing

160+ Healthcare Workers Trained in Innovative Screening Techniques

Field-tested Indigenously developed AI-Assisted Cervical Cancer screening device across multiple center s in Indian and across Bangladesh and Uganda

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) successfully convened the PRESCRIP-TEC Conference on November 13–14, aligning with the Government of India’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Mission. MAHE's Manipal School of Information Sciences (MSIS), Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), and Kasturba Medical College (KMC, Manipal) organized the conference in Manipal.

The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium represents a powerful collaboration of global and national institutions — including DBT, Tata Memorial Hospital, the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), and MAHE, which serves as the lead implementing partner in India. Together, they exemplify thought leadership and cross-sectoral partnership in advancing equitable women’s health and India’s 2030 elimination target.

The two-day event brought together national and international experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to discuss scalable innovations in cervical cancer screening under the Prevention and Screening Innovation Project Toward Elimination of Cervical Cancer (PRESCRIP-TEC), a global initiative jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program.

PRESCRIP-TEC’s “Screen, Triage, and Treat” model integrates community participation, digital health, and AI-enabled diagnostics. Across India, the project has sensitized over 10,000 women, facilitated 7,200+ hrHPV self-tests, and conducted 360+ AI-assisted Visual Inspections with Acetic Acid (VIA-AI) using the SAKHI Smart AI Kit for Healthcare Innovation. Over 100 community health workers and 60 medical professionals have been trained, reinforcing the model’s scalability and integration within primary healthcare systems.

This approach, built on inclusivity and cost-effectiveness, serves as a replicable blueprint for cervical cancer elimination in low- and middle-income countries.

A major highlight in PRESCRIP-TEC is Development and Field testing of AI Innovation Previously part of a Ph.D. at MAHE, Designed and refined at the Manipal School of Information Sciences, this indigenous AI-assisted decision-support system (AI-DSS) powers the VIA-AI component of the project, enabling accurate and affordable early detection in field settings. Currently undergoing validation across India, Bangladesh, and Uganda, the technology underscores India’s growing capability to develop and deploy homegrown digital health solutions of global relevance.

Distinguished speakers included Dr. Abhishek Kunwar (WHO India), Dr. Anu Mary Oommen (CMC Vellore), Dr. Esmy P. Okkuru, Radiation Oncologist at CFCHC, Tamil Nadu and Dr. Bency Joseph (ICMR-NCDIR), alongside leading experts from across the world.

Opening the conference, Dr. Keerthana Prasad, Professor and Director, MSIS, and Lead Principal Investigator of PRESCRIP-TEC, remarked, “PRESCRIP-TEC represents a paradigm shift in how we approach cervical cancer screening in resource-limited settings. Through AI-assisted diagnostics and strong community engagement, we are transforming access to preventive healthcare and contributing to India’s 2030 elimination mission.”

The India implementation of PRESCRIP-TEC, involving MAHE, SDM College of Ayurveda (Udupi), Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute and Tata Medical Center (Kolkata), St. John’s Medical College (Bengaluru), and Sikkim Manipal University (Gangtok), concluded with actionable recommendations for integrating AI-based screening and cost-effective strategies into India’s national framework.

By converging research, technology, and community action, PRESCRIP-TEC stands as a model for how collaborative innovation can drive national health transformation — placing India at the forefront of the global mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

For more information about PRESCRIP-TEC, visit: www.prescriptec.org

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life.

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Set To Bloom With Global Icons And Local Rhythms

With an exciting lineup of international superstars, regional talent and cultural attractions, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is all set to kick off on Friday, November 14, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Shillong) & Polo Grounds, Shillong and will continue through Saturday, November 15. Celebrating music, culture and the magical bloom of the pink cherry-blossom trees, the festival is going to be a two-day spectacle that will not only enchant but also enchant the visitors, as Meghalaya opens its hills again for the global celebration of the art and nature.

Day 1, November 14, will bring headline performances from international chart-toppers The Script and Jason Derulo, with dance and entertainment icon Nora Fatehi adding a high-energy set to the opening night. The day will also feature a strong line-up of local artists such as Dappest & adL, Zephyrtone, Walter Wahlang, Khasi Bloodz, Prismer, ALIVE, Larger Than 90, Bending Waves and others, giving the audience a blended experience of mixed global and local talents.

The second day of the festival, November 15 will feature international heavyweights Tyga and Aqua, alongside a headline experience by global producer DJ Diplo and more of the Northeast’s finest artists such as Meba Ofilia, Girish & The Chronicles, Ahaia, G Hills Finest, Finding Mero, Dalariti, ARIUS, and more, including a specially curated Tribute to Zubeen Garg, acknowledging his contributions to the music world and to the region.

Beyond the main stages, the festival this year will also include other activities including the Cherry Blossom Arm Fight, Karaoke Contest, Mechanical Bull, Zipline, Graffiti Contest, Cherry Blossom Cosplay Competition and other attractions. Visitors can also explore a wide range of local food stalls, craft displays, and merchandise booths that capture Meghalaya’s creative spirit and culinary diversity. Organisers have also put in place advanced event technologies and fan experiences to make the festival both secure and more immersive.

While Polo Ground will serve as the central venue for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can also explore the Japan Arena at Ward’s Lake, which celebrates the cultural bond between Meghalaya and Japan. The arena will feature Japanese art, music, cuisine, and traditional performances, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage. It also highlights the longstanding friendship and cultural exchange between India and Japan, reflected in the blooming cherry blossoms that symbolize renewal and harmony. Ward’s Lake, with its scenic beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for this cross-cultural experience.

As pink blossoms paint Shillong’s hills, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 invites everyone to experience this extraordinary fusion of nature and music ranging from world-renowned international acts to the very best talent from Meghalaya and the Northeast and cultural blend celebrating the spirit and beauty of the state and the entire Northeast region.

Uber Employees Take The Wheel For A Day

‘Behind the Wheel’ initiative witnesses strong participation across cities

On a usual weekday morning in Chennai, as the city’s autos zipped through traffic, Manikandan Thangnaratnam, Senior Director – Mobility & Platforms at Uber, was behind the wheel of an Uber Auto. Wearing a crisp white shirt and a wide grin, he spent hours ferrying riders across the city – this time not as a tech leader building the platform but as a driver using it.

“It was a great experience to see the software in action and watch how it matches riders and drivers at scale,” he said. “It was fascinating to see how technology brings a familiar travel mode like autos right to people’s doorsteps.”

Across India, hundreds of Uber employees swapped their desks for driver seats during Employee Driving Week – a recurring initiative that encourages employees to step into the shoes of drivers to understand their experience, challenges, and aspirations.

In Gurugram, Gaurav Sharda, Head – Premium Categories, Uber India & South Asia, took the wheel of an Uber Black. “Every rider I met loved the comfort and quality of the experience,” he shared. “They notice the little things – the spotless car, the courteous greeting, the quiet ride. It reinforced for me how much trust and consistency matter when people choose Uber Black.”

In Bengaluru, Shiva Shailendran, Director – Consumer Growth, Uber India & South Asia, drove an Uber Auto, experiencing firsthand what makes Uber the preferred choice for more than 1.4 million drivers across India. “When you’re in the driver’s seat, you see the platform differently – the joy that the buzz of a new trip brings, the anxiety of waiting for rides, navigating unknown roads, and the pride drivers take in providing a good experience.”

In Delhi NCR, Vishal Tandon, Senior Manager – Earner Experience, Uber India & South Asia, chose an Uber Bike. Between conversations with riders about safety and convenience, he observed how crucial on-ground infrastructure is. “Riders really value Uber Bike during busy hours – it’s quick and affordable,” he said. “Two of my trips ended at metro stations, reaffirming the importance of last-mile connectivity.” He also heard repeatedly about the need for accessible public washrooms for drivers.

These first-hand experiences often lead to tangible product improvements. Uber’s ‘upfront destination’ and ‘upfront payment’ features – which allow drivers to see the drop location, trip fare, and mode of payment before accepting a ride – were inspired by insights gathered from earlier employee driving weeks.

This year too, employees returned with fresh ideas that could shape the next round of updates on the Uber app. Gaurav met a passenger at Delhi Airport who suggested making the pick-up experience for Uber Black as premium as the ride itself. Vishal’s rides highlighted the need for better driver infrastructure and improved access to safety gear such as high-quality helmets. Manikandan met a passenger who wished he could reserve an auto just like he reserves a car.

As Manikandan puts it, “Such experiences often serve as a reminder that the next wave of innovation often comes directly from riders and drivers.” Each journey offered lessons that go beyond dashboards or data – showing every Uber employee that behind every line of code or product tweak lies a real human experience on the road

Bengaluru-Based AI Innovator ‘Sravathi AI’ Named Among winners of L’Oréal Groupe’s flagship Beauty Tech Innovation Program

Bengaluru's 'Sravathi AI' And Pune's 'Without' To Receive L’Oréal-Funded Commercial Pilot Opportunities And Year-Long Mentorship

Sravathi AI and Without from India are among four startups crowned winners of L’Oréal’s 2025 SAPMENA Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program, the biggest open innovation competition of its kind in the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region.

The winning startups – Sravathi AI (India), Without (India), Halo AI (UAE), and Heatseeker (Australia) – now have the opportunity to collaborate with L’Oréal in a commercial pilot with one of the Group’s 37 international brands. They will also gain potential exposure to 35 markets across SAPMENA and embark on a year-long mentorship journey with senior executives from L’Oréal and the programme’s partners, namely Accenture, Google and Meta. Wubble AI (Singapore) also received a Special Mention.

Hailing from SAPMENA's vast and promising talent pool, these teams highlight the extraordinary creativity and innovation of the region's vibrant startup ecosystem. This ecosystem is driven by dynamic market growth, large populations, a rising middle class and digitally-savvy young consumers. This ecosystem, particularly vibrant in India with successful innovators from the program, underscores the need for continued support and strategic alliances to drive future growth.

Vismay Sharma, President of L'Oréal SAPMENA Zone, said, “SAPMENA is one of the world's most dynamic regions, with millions of young, digitally-savvy consumers fuelling the rapid rise of digital commerce and brand innovation. While Silicon Valley often comes to mind for startups, we believe the centre of gravity for innovation is increasingly diversifying and shifting to regions like SAPMENA where market demand is shaping ideas to impact. The pitches at the Grand Finale are a testament to this and reaffirm the opportunities for open innovation here. By partnering with these next-gen innovators, we can accelerate the pace of beauty tech transformation and amplify the impact of new ideas across the beauty ecosystem.”

Saloni Shah Javeri, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, L’Oréal India, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate Indian entrepreneurs emerging as winners for the second consecutive year at the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program Grand Finale. It is truly inspiring to see how homegrown solutions are not only addressing real consumer needs but also reinforcing India’s growing prominence as a global hub for innovation. L’Oréal is proud to champion these innovators who are passionately bringing beauty and technology closer together, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity abundant in India."

The 2025 programme reached over 50,000 startups and drew applications from across the SAPMENA region, including teams from Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Over nine months, the startups competed in a rigorous process, presenting solutions in areas such as Consumer Experience, Content & Media, New Commerce, Tech for Good, and Science for Beauty. The competition culminated in the Grand Finale in Singapore on 7 November, where 10 shortlisted startups pitched their bold, scalable and tech-driven ideas to a distinguished judging panel of industry experts from L’Oréal, Google, Meta and Veros Ventures. In 2024, two Bengaluru-based startups - NeuralGarage and Live2.ai emerged among the winners of the inaugural L’Oréal Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program for the SAPMENA region.

L'Oréal is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation. In 2025, L’Oréal Groupe was named the most innovative company in Europe by Fortune magazine, out of 300 companies, in a ranking spanning 21 countries and 16 industries in Europe. Fast Company named L'Oréal in its Top 50 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list and winner of the Beauty and Fashion category, in recognition of its commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels.

Results of the 2025 L'Oréal SAPMENA Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program

Grand Finale Winner

· ​Sravathi AI (India): Sravathi AI is a silico chemistry AI platform that designs and develops advanced pharma using AI, molecular modelling, biochemistry and chemical engineering.​Sravathi AI is an AI-powered company delivering end-to-end solutions for molecule discovery, development and scalable manufacturing. Its drug discovery platform rapidly identifies novel drug candidates, streamlines hit-to-lead and lead optimisation, and reduces clinical risks, building a robust pipeline of 9 therapeutic assets across multiple disease areas.​Complementing this, Sravathi AI’s award-winning Chemistry AI platform revolutionises chemical development with automated route-of-synthesis design, yield optimisation, impurity prediction and process scalability.​

· Without (India): Without is a material science enterprise ethically transforming unrecyclable waste into high-quality, recyclable materials and products, creating a circular economy.​A deep-tech social enterprise based in Pune, India, Without (by Ashaya) focuses on addressing two deeply interconnected global challenges: plastic waste and poverty. It has developed a patented chemo-mechanical process that transforms “impossible-to-recycle” plastic waste, such as multi-layered packaging from chips, chocolate, and shampoo sachets, into high-quality, toxin-free and recyclable materials. ​Without believes circularity must be ethical to be effective and its model aims to create environmental and social value simultaneously and to demonstrate that scalable, tech-enabled solutions can drive deep, lasting change.​

· Halo AI (UAE): Halo AI helps brands scale their content creator collaborations with AI-powered analysis to manage, vet and select creators. ​Influencer marketing is booming, but the challenge has been a reliance on inefficient, manual processes, which makes it difficult for brands to find truly authentic partners and for creators to monetise effectively. Halo AI addresses this by using advanced AI to precisely match brands with nano and micro-influencers, creating authentic, high-engagement collaborations.​Its AI-powered platform reduces manual workflows by 80% and allows campaigns to launch in as little as 15 minutes, ensuring personal, impactful brand messages reach consumers through trusted influencers with genuine audience connections.​

· Heatseeker (Australia): Heatseeker enables marketers to run live, in-market experiments with real customers using its AI-powered platform, providing rapid, quantitative evidence.​A significant challenge for businesses before launching a new product is making decisions based on traditional market research, which can be unreliable or fail to capture genuine customer intent. Heatseeker transforms this process by enabling teams to run rapid, real-world experiments with actual customers on platforms like Meta and LinkedIn, directly measuring authentic customer behaviours like clicks to gauge interest in new products, messages and markets.​The platform leverages advanced AI to automate experiment setup, analyse competitor and audience data, and deliver actionable insights within days. This ensures companies launch offerings that are relevant to and resonate with consumers, particularly those launching new products, messages, customer segments or entering new markets.​

Special Mention

· ​Wubble AI (Singapore): Wubble AI is the world's first enterprise grade AI solution for businesses to create royalty-free, personalised music in seconds. ​Wubble AI uses generative AI to instantly produce bespoke, royalty-free music for brands tailored for specific campaign aesthetics, audience profiles or seasonal moods – without legal overhead or long production cycles. This enables brands to elevate in-store, digital and experiential moments with customised sonic identities.​Whether it’s background scores for virtual try-ons, ambient soundtracks for flagship stores or mood-aligned music for social media content, Wubble AI ensures brand coherence at scale. AI-powered music creation also enables rapid A/B testing of audio branding across regions or products, giving companies precise control and creative agility.​

About the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in SAPMENA

The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program is the biggest Beauty Tech open innovation competition of this geographical scale. Designed to discover, support and nurture promising startups from across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region, the competition is open to startups from countries including Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

Startups are given the opportunity to develop their pilots in Beauty Tech innovation in one of five challenge themes: Consumer Experience, Content & Media, New Commerce, Tech for Good and Science for Beauty. Top innovators crowned during four regional finals (Middle East, India, Australia & New Zealand, and Southeast Asia) advance to the SAPMENA Grand Finale.

The top Grand Finale winners will win a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and a year-long mentorship programme with senior executives from L’Oréal and the programme partners. Startups that run successful pilots in SAPMENA could gain access to L’Oréal’s global network, with the SAPMENA region acting as a launchpad to leverage valuable partnerships and market insights.

For more information, visit http://bigbang.lorealsapmena.com/

About L’Oréal India

L’Oréal India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L’Oréal S.A. since 1994. Today, L’Oréal India is present in all distribution channels with 29 brands, available in mass market channels (L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, NYX Professional Makeup); in hair and beauty salons (L’Oréal Professionnel, Matrix, Kérastase, Redken, Biolage); in selective distribution (Kiehl’s, Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent), CeraVe and La Roche- Posay in pharmacy and chemist channels, and make-up and fragrances sold via L’Oréal International Distribution (Ralph Lauren, Armani, Prada, Valentino, Diesel, Viktor & Rolf, Maison Margiela, Mugler, Azzaro, Guy Laroche)

L’Oréal India employs over 1,800 people across its headquarters in Mumbai, four regional offices, two manufacturing facilities in Chakan (Maharashtra) and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh), and Research and Innovation facilities in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Website: www.loreal.co.in, Follow us on Instagram, and LinkedIn

About L’Oréal Groupe

For 116 years, L’Oréal Groupe, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 37 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L’Oréal for the Future programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.

With more than 90,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (ecommerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2024 the Group generated sales amounting to 43.48 billion euros. With 21 research centres across 13 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 8,000 Digital talents, L’Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.

In 2025, L’Oréal Groupe has been named the most innovative company in Europe by Fortune magazine, out of 300 companies, in a ranking spanning 21 countries and 16 industries in Europe.

More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom

Zeta Launches Second Computer Lab To Promote Digital Learning In Government Schools On Children’s Day

● Under Project Shiksha, Zeta continues to bridge the digital divide by bringing digital learning to government schools

● The program is designed to equip over 300 upper primary students within a year with access to digital learning tools and structured computer education

● As part of its ongoing commitment, Zeta plans to establish one computer lab each year, expanding digital learning access to more government schools and enabling students to become active participants in India’s growing digital economy

Zeta, a next-generation banking technology provider, today inaugurated its second computer lab at Cheemasandra Government School on Children’s Day, furthering its commitment to advancing digital inclusion and technology enabled education. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Project Shiksha, an NGO dedicated to bridging educational gaps, aims to strengthen digital learning infrastructure and enhance access to digital education in government schools.

The program is designed to equip over 300 upper primary students within a year with access to digital learning tools and structured computer education, helping them build essential digital skills early in life. The lab features computer systems, high-speed internet connectivity, and upgraded classroom infrastructure. Its curriculum covers coding fundamentals, digital literacy (including internet safety and e-waste management), STEM based projects, and AI and cybersecurity awareness, helping students gain exposure to technology and apply these skills in their everyday learning.

This expansion builds on the success of Zeta’s first Project Shiksha lab, launched on 5th September, 2024 at Chinnagenahalli Government Primary School, which introduced 300 students to formal computer education for the first time. Students from that school went on to develop creative projects such as remote-controlled cars, participate in workshops, and demonstrate significant improvement in digital literacy and confidence.

Through this initiative, Zeta goes beyond providing infrastructure. The company funds dedicated teaching staff, trains local educators, and integrates digital learning into school curriculums, ensuring sustainable and measurable long-term impact. In addition, Zeta employees are encouraged to volunteer their time to conduct workshops and interactive learning sessions, enabling students to learn directly from professionals working in technology and innovation.

“Digital inclusion is a key enabler of progress, and initiatives like Project Shiksha allow us to extend the benefits of technology beyond business,” said Shubhayu Sengupta, Chief People Officer at Zeta. “By investing in digital learning infrastructure at the grassroots level, we aim to create long-term impact and enable students to develop the skills needed for a digital future.”

“At Project Shiksha, every digital lab we build is a step toward equality in learning. Our continued partnership with Zeta is helping us open digital doors for children who deserve the same opportunities as any global learner. Through this initiative, we aim to build the digital literacy narrative for the last mile, ensuring that technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier, to education,” said Neha Chawla, Founder & Director, Project Shiksha.

As part of its ongoing commitment, Zeta plans to establish one computer lab each year, expanding digital learning access to more government schools and enabling students to become active participants in India’s growing digital economy.

About Zeta

Zeta is a next-generation banking technology company providing cloud-native, fully stackable processing and core banking platforms for issuers. With a focus on scalability, compliance, and innovation, Zeta empowers financial institutions to modernize their technology infrastructure and deliver secure, seamless digital banking experiences. For more information, visit www.zeta.tech.

ICL Fincorp's New NCD Issue Opens On 17th November 2025, Offering Effective Yield Upto 12.62%

ICL Fincorp is proud to announce the launch of its latest public issue of Secured Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs), opening on 17th November 2025. With an effective yield of up to 12.62%, this offering presents an attractive and secure investment opportunity for those seeking flexible tenures.

Following the remarkable response to our previous NCD issues, we are truly honored by the trust and confidence placed in us by our valued investors. This continued support inspires us to deliver even more robust financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our customers.

The NCD issue will remain open until 28th November 2025 and is rated CRISIL BBB-/STABLE. Each NCD carries a face value of ₹1,000, and the issue offers ten options, with tenures of 13, 24, 36, 60 and 70 months, with monthly, annual and cumulative interest options with interest rates ranging from 10.50% to 12.62%. The minimum application amount is ₹10,000, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of investors.

Proceeds from this issue will be strategically deployed to support ICL Fincorp’s growth initiatives and further enhance the quality of services offered to our customers and stakeholders across India. This step reaffirms our commitment to delivering reliable, innovative and customer-centric financial solutions.

With a legacy of 34 years, ICL Fincorp continues to serve as a trusted financial partner under the visionary leadership of CMD, Adv. K.G. Anilkumar. Our growing presence spans 10 states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, West Bengal and Goa, as we move steadily towards establishing a pan-India footprint. The acquisition of Salem Erode Investments, a BSE-listed NBFC with a 93-year history in Tamil Nadu, has further reinforced our position in the financial sector.

ICL Fincorp offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including Gold Loans, Hire Purchase Loans and Business Loans. The ICL Group has also diversified into sectors such as travel, fashion, diagnostics and charitable initiatives.

Under the joint leadership of CMD Adv. K.G. Anil Kumar and Mrs. Umadevi Anilkumar, Whole- time Director & CEO, ICL Fincorp, continues to operate in compliance with the Reserve Bank of India’s standards, while earning the enduring trust of customers.

As we unveil this new NCD issue, we warmly invite you to be a part of our journey towards financial growth, security and long-term value. To Know More: Visit Nearest ICL Fincorp Branch. To Download Application: Visit www.iclfincorp.com. For Enquiries: Call +91 85890 20137, +9185890 20186.

Flex Foundation Inaugurates Restored Medavakkam Periya Eri Lake

Flex, a global leader in electronics manufacturing and supply chain solutions, inaugurated the successfully restored Medavakkam Periya Eri recently. This significant lake restoration project, funded by the Flex Foundation and executed in partnership with the Thaagam Foundation, underscores Flex’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

The project was inaugurated by Sabuj D. Choudhary, Vice President – Legal & Managing Director, Flex, in the presence of Tambaram MLA R.S. Rajiv Gandhi, who lauded the collaborative efforts of the local community, civic authorities, and NGOs. He highlighted that the rejuvenation of the lake will significantly benefit residents by improving groundwater levels, enhancing biodiversity, and providing a sustainable public space.

The initiative was carried out under the supervision of the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT), with the cooperation of the local administration and residents. With an allocation of ₹50 lakh, the project aims to enhance eco-conservation, improve groundwater recharge, and create a clean, green recreational space for the local community.

As part of the restoration efforts, the project delivered a thoughtfully designed eco-park, a scenic bund pathway, and comprehensive beautification enhancements that elevate the lake’s natural appeal and community value. The inauguration was attended by officials from the Public Works Department, CRRT, and Medavakkam Panchayat Union, along with local representatives and residents.

About Flex Foundation

Established in 2002, the Flex Foundation is a private organization that awards grants to philanthropic initiatives and fosters positive change for the global communities where we along with our customers, suppliers, and partners operate.

About Flex

Flex (Reg. No. 199002645H) is the manufacturing partner of choice that helps leading brands design, build, and manage products that improve the world. With a global footprint spanning 30 countries, Flex delivers advanced manufacturing and supply chain solutions, innovative products and technology, and lifecycle services that support customers from concept to scale. In the AI era, Flex is helping customers accelerate data center deployment by solving power, heat, and scale challenges through cutting-edge power and cooling technology and scalable IT infrastructure solutions.

Interesting Demos On How Villages Can Bridge Digital Divide Mark IEEE’s “Connect A Community” Program In Hulimangala

Over 2.6 billion people – nearly a third of the global population do not have access to the internet; the majority of these individuals live in developing countries. These individuals live beyond the edge of connectivity, often in remote villages where internet connectivity is either scarcely available or non-existent. Despite the internet becoming central to everything from education to banking to healthcare and disaster response, a vast segment of humanity remains in the darkness.

The IEEE’s ‘Connecting the Unconnected (CTU)’ was a global competition that solicited solutions from start-ups, grassroots organizations, universities, or anyone else who is working to bridge this digital divide in innovative ways. Organized by the IEEE Future Networks Technical Community (FNTC) and other partners, the competition recognized and honored applications from early-stage projects that offer unique ways to increase broadband access and usage for unconnected or under-connected populations/geographies.

As part of the tangible outcome of the CTU Challenge, the IEEE Future Networks hosted a ‘Connect a Community’ day at Hulimangala village Gram Panchayat, located 30 kms from Bengaluru today.

Organized as a daylong program, the ‘Connect a Community’ day saw demos of ten innovative solutions to villages in India to help such rural communities in bridging the digital divide. The program was also an effort to recognize how IEEE Challenges/Award winners have shown significant growth from their ideation stage to a sustained business solution. The IEEE Future Networks Technical Committee (FNTC) and IEEE Future Directions Initiative (FDI) supported the day long program.

“Over 25000 villages are still unconnected in India. Through our IEEE Connect a Community effort, we are taking technology to the heart of rural regions to ensure that rural connectivity is talked beyond infrastructure. It is about turning connectivity into empowerment, fostering digital confidence, and vision into real impact for every village we reach,” said Ashutosh Dutta, Founding Co-Chair, IEEE Future Networks World Forum & FNEM

Locals living nearby Hulimangala Gram Panchayat from over 9 villages and other relevant stakeholders, including technologists, government, academia, and students, attended the daylong program. “These demos will initiate discussions and serve to drive transformation of rural communities into innovation-driven ecosystem where local talent can thrive,” added Ashutosh Dutta.

Amrita University showcased its demo on healthcare named ‘Wearable IoMT and AI for Health’, a wearable monitoring device that revolutionizes the health monitoring mechanism. Another demo called CR Bolo (Community Radio Bolo), led by Ms. Ritu Srivastava from Lucknow, allows local communities to access local content even without internet connectivity. The third demo from a startup called Uayki is for educational content sharing. A fourth demo is on a solution for internet connectivity that can use multiple providers concurrently (so that if one connection fails, then at least the other connection can be used at the Gram Panchayat to provide internet service and emergency services locally and reliably). This was from Professor Mohit Tahiliani from the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal. Dr. Sudhir Dixit from Basic Internet Foundation showcased the Internet4All technology that provides free access to non-video content (called Internet Lite) and approved digital public goods (DPGs) and full Internet on a paid basis with an innovative Freemium business model.

“As a winner of IEEE CTU Challenge 2022, it was a privilege to present our journey at IEEE Connect a Community and FNEM Connect. Such platforms give opportunity to technological innovators like us to bring affordable, indigenous technologies and showcase how such cost-effective connectivity models empower rural voices and bridge the digital divide in India,” said Ritu Srivastava, Winner of CTU Challenge 2022 & Director, Jadeite Solutions

IEEE Future Directions displayed their IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed, a cloud-based, end-to-end 5G network emulator that enables testing and experimentation of 5G products and services.

“IEEE Connect a Community in association with IEEE Future Directions are making an effort to turn emerging technologies into meaningful, people-centered solutions that transform lives. Through this initiative, we are taking innovation beyond laboratories and urban centers to rural and underserved regions, empowering communities with access to connectivity, education, and opportunities. Connect a Community is not just about deploying technology; it’s about creating ecosystems of inclusion, collaboration, and sustainable development. It represents our collective commitment to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach every individual, regardless of geography or background. By connecting the unconnected, we pave the way for a more equitable, resilient, and empowered world where technology truly serves humanity,” said Rakesh Kumar, Chair of IEEE Future Directions, DataPort

The IIIT- Bangalore presented their ‘Wireless communication-based IoT compost’, which is a remote compost monitoring solution that would not only aid sustainable agriculture but also help reduce the city’s garbage woes and bring down the manual labour involved in composting.

“We were very happy to present our work on ‘IoT enabled remote Compost monitoring system’ at CTU Connect — the Community and Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) Connect Demos & Meeting. If I talk about our project, we have designed an IoT-based solution for monitoring large-scale composting systems. The sensor unit can monitor quantities such as temperature, humidity, and pH that are important for successful composting. Human intervention is needed only when the measurements are off the desired range. We have designed an RF communication system that is energy-efficient and reduces battery consumption.Generally, the quality of compost is monitored manually, but our device will reduce the manual effort and help determine the optimum setting for successful composting. We believe these kinds of monitoring solutions would not only aid sustainable agriculture but also help reduce the city's garbage woes,” apprised Prof. Jyotsna Bapat, Professor, IIIT-Bangalore and Principal Investigator of the project.

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Govt. of India, displayed two of their innovative solutions: (1) NISHA: Network of Interlinked Satellites for High Availability, and (2) DRISHTI: Directional RIS for Hilly Terrains of India that aims to provide affordable and reliable connectivity in unconnected areas.

“At C-DOT, we are on a mission to ensure that a wireless signal reaches every corner of the country, and every part of the planet. In particular, we are pursuing novel low-cost satellite- based non-terrestrial connectivity solutions, and we are also exploring novel techniques to extend terrestrial coverage as well. We share a common goal with the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected effort and the IEEE’s Connect a Community initiative to strive for digital inclusion and technology inclusion and to provide connectivity and essential services to all people everywhere, and to leave no one behind,” said Dilip Krishnaswamy, Director, C-DOT.

The Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) Connect meeting will follow the IEEE’s ‘Connect a Community’ program. The IEEE FNEM is a global initiative of the FNTC and the Lemelson Foundation. ​The FNEM Connect aims to introduce and build early momentum amongst technological innovators who are starting their entrepreneurial journey. This meeting aims to create awareness about the FNEM upcoming launch-taking place in India during 2026. The FNEM program offers 1000 days of Learning, Action, Mentorship, and Practice (LAMP) to technological innovators specifically in the hardware segment, and gives them the flexibility to decide their own entrepreneurial mentorship journey.

“Through the IEEE Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) program, together with the “Connect a Community” demonstrations, we are bringing the One IEEE framework to underserved and unconnected communities in India. By linking membership with meaningful connectivity, we are nurturing technological solutions that bridge the digital divide, uplift communities, and transform grassroots innovation into sustainable progress,” concluded Ruolin Zhou, UMass, MA, USA & FNTC Steering Committee Member

About IEEE

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional association, with over 500,000 members in more than 160 countries dedicated to “advancing technology for humanity.

About IEEE Future Directions

IEEE Future Directions is committed to bringing you the best knowledge, resources, and opportunities in emerging technologies within IEEE. This forum will provide a space to share relative events, articles, volunteer opportunities, and more from all current and graduated initiatives. As a participant of the Future Directions Technical Communities, you will receive access to a growing suite of content, including online courses, webinars, white papers, videos, and more at discounted rates. Visit https://www.ieee.org/about/technologies.html to learn more.

About Lemelson Foundation

The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives. Inspired by the belief that invention can solve many of the biggest economic and social challenges of our time, the Foundation helps the next generation of inventors and invention-based businesses to flourish.

PNB Offers NPS Vatsalya Account Opening Through PNB ONE

~ You can open and contribute to NPS and NPS Vatsalya accounts seamlessly via PNB ONE ~

Towards Children’s Day, Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, announced the usage of NPS Vatsalya services through its mobile banking app, PNB ONE. The facility enables customers to open and subscribe to both NPS Vatsalya and NPS accounts online, making every child’s future planning simpler and more accessible for parents through a single digital platform. 

This digital initiative underscores PNB’s continued efforts to strengthen pension awareness and enhance digital banking convenience, helping families invest confidently in a financially secure tomorrow.

Shri Sudhir Dalal GM BA & RM, PNB, said, “This Children’s Day, we take a step forward in protecting every child’s right to a secure future. With NPS Vatsalya now on PNB ONE, parents can plan their children’s financial journey digitally fulfilling our vision of financial independence and inclusion for every generation.”

Customers can conveniently open and manage NPS Vatsalya accounts through the PNB ONE app by following these simple steps:

1. Log in to the PNB ONE mobile app.

2. Navigate to View All → NPS → Subscriber Registration.

3. Select NPS Vatsalya (Minor) as the account type.

4. Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar, CKYC, PAN, or DigiLocker.

5. Upload the minor’s date of birth proof (such as Birth Certificate, School Certificate, or Passport).

6. Make an initial contribution to activate the account.

7. Upon successful payment and authentication, a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is generated.

For more details, customers can visit the Bank’s website pnb.bank.in or call on toll free no. 1800-1800, 1800-2021.

Winter Brunch At Café 77 East, Taj Bangalore Where Sundays Slow Down & Seasonality Takes Centre Stage

Sundays at Café 77 East get a winter-warm twist this November. Taj Bangalore invites guests to unwind over a hearty brunch that celebrates the season’s comforting flavors, fresh produce, and leisurely dining. Set across cozy indoor seating and a breezy alfresco deck, the brunch makes for a relaxed afternoon of conversations, crisp air, and indulgence.

On the Menu
A winter-inspired spread featuring:
• Herb-crusted roast lamb from the live carving station
• Poached eggs with asparagus & hollandaise
• Seasonal soups & salads with roasted winter greens
• Artisan breads with house-made preserves
• Dessert showcase including plum pudding, apple crumble & tiramisu

Brunch Details

·         Dates: All Sundays through November

·         Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

·         Venue: Café 77 East & Alfresco, Taj Bangalore

Pricing

·         INR 2,750 + taxes (with soft beverages)

·         INR 4,250 + taxes (with select beverages)

For reservations, please call: +91 9513396502

Karnataka Sees Steady Diabetes Burden Over a Decade: Neuberg Diagnostics Study

· Sharp age-linked increase seen—diabetes jumps from 18% in young adults to 61% in seniors

· 23% of diabetic individuals show abnormal kidney function markers, indicating early signs of nephropathy

· Data underscores urgent need for state-wide early screening and risk-based diabetes management programs

Neuberg Anand Group has conducted an extensive analysis of diagnostic data spanning the past decade, including 10-year longitudinal insights from Neuberg Anand in Karnataka, and two years of consolidated data from the wider Neuberg network. The population studied is from health checks in a clinical lab and may not represent the general population.

The data that evaluates a trend comparing five years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic—challenges the widespread belief that diabetes rates have surged post-pandemic. Diabetes incidence within the tested population has remained largely unchanged and the perceived rise is likely driven by increased testing, not an actual spike in disease prevalence.

India had an estimated 89.8 million adults with diabetes in 2024, with a substantial burden of prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes, underscoring the crucial role of testing in at-risk populations.

The analysis reveals notable demographic and clinical patterns:

· Gender Trends: Diabetes incidence remains higher in males, while prediabetes occurs at nearly equal rates in both genders. Prediabetes now accounts for approximately 23% of the tested population and has shown a steady rise over the years.

· Age-Linked Risk: Diabetes incidence increases sharply with age—18% in individuals aged 18–40, 48% in those 40–60 (2.5x higher), and 61% in individuals above 60 (3.5x higher).

The health impact is further highlighted by associated complications:

· Renal Risk: 23% of individuals with diabetes showed abnormal creatinine levels, indicating progression toward diabetic nephropathy.

· Cardiac Risk: Elevated triglycerides correlated strongly with higher HbA1c values, signalling a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.

· Inflammatory Markers: Raised hsCRP levels were observed in both diabetic and prediabetic groups, reflecting chronic inflammation—a known precursor of ischemic cardiac events.

These findings point to the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns, early and regular screening, and timely interventions, particularly in high-burden regions such as Karnataka and South India. Neuberg Diagnostics continues to advocate for evidence-based, population-level strategies to curb the rising impact of diabetes and prediabetes across the country.

As India continues to grapple with an increasing diabetes burden, these findings call for urgent action. The higher prevalence of diabetes among women in certain states suggests that gender-specific healthcare policies should be prioritized, especially in regions where women are disproportionately affected. On the other hand, regions with more balanced gender distributions could serve as models for others seeking to equalize diabetes care across genders. The data was analyzed by Dr. Prajwal A MD, Head of Department, Biochemistry, Neuberg Diagnostics along with the data science team.

"Diabetes remains one of the most significant public health concerns in India, and Karnataka’s longitudinal data gives us a unique window into the changing health profile of the state. The steady rise of prediabetes - particularly among working-age adults - is a warning signal. Our findings reinforce the need for workplace screening, community-led awareness, and proactive management to prevent the transition from prediabetes to diabetes,” said Dr. Sujay Prasad, Chief Medical Director at Neuberg Diagnostics.

As the nation observes World Diabetes Day, the findings from Neuberg Diagnostics provide a powerful reminder of the need for focused action in tackling diabetes, particularly in light of its growing prevalence among women in certain regions. With targeted strategies, India can make significant progress in addressing the diabetes epidemic and improving health outcomes across all demographics.

About Neuberg Diagnostics:

Neuberg Diagnostics, headquartered in Chennai, is one of India’s leading diagnostic service providers, with its presence in India, UAE, South Africa and the USA. With 200+laboratories accredited by CAP & NABL, Neuberg has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most trusted diagnostic centres in India. The group has created accessibility to state-of-the-art integrated diagnostic technologies. It possesses some of the finest clinical Pathologists, Biochemists, Geneticists, Radiologists and several other certified clinical professionals, with the capability to perform over 6000 varieties of pathological & radiological investigations and process 30 million tests annually. Neuberg Diagnostics is bringing in newer-generation diagnostics techniques to practice in the area of personalized medicine in 250+ cities across the globe. They aim to provide affordable and accurate diagnosis to all strata of people with home collection service reaching 5500+ pin codes.

Godrej Consumer Acquires Men’s Grooming Brand Muuchstac In ₹450-Crore Deal

When our Head of M&A, Jishnu Batabyal, first showed me the Muuchstac numbers, he said, “I know you’ll probably immediately say no, but just have a closer look.” The business, expected to hit a revenue of INR 80 crore in a few months, was indeed smaller than what strategics usually like. But a number that stood out was the EBITDA of INR 30 crore. Intrigued, we dug a bit deeper.

 

Muuchstac was founded in 2017 by two boys from Bhayander: Vishal Lohia and Ronak Bagadia

 

After an indifferent few years where they scaled up the business to about INR 10 crore, in 2023 they had an aha moment. One SKU, Muuchstac Face Wash, was getting strong consumer traction. They figured that something about this product clicked with consumers (buy to find out what!) and they pivoted their entire effort to this one SKU. It now accounts for 90% of their revenue. They only spend on a micro-influencer marketing model, no TV advertising or performance marketing. Even within influencer marketing, they don’t promote posts and rely solely on organic content.

 

Muuchstac Face Wash is the number 2 player in men’s face washes online. Even including offline, it is likely to be the number 3 player in the market.

After the first INR 3 lakh that they put in during 2017-18, they haven’t lost money in a single year. Their total capital outlay in this company has been INR 3 lakh. Everything else has been funded by operational profit.

 

On 10 November 2025, we bought out Muuchstac in a ₹ 450 crore deal, at an attractive valuation for Godrej Consumer Products Limited, which also offered Vishal and Ronak a greater than 15,000 x return !

 

Vishal and Ronak will continue to run this business with GCPL supporting them. If so much could be achieved without any resources, one can only imagine what they’ll be able to do with the resources now available.

Link to post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sudhirsitapati_how-to-grow-a-muuchstac-without-burning-activity-7394652907578494976-jTKk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADC7Pv8BzQiKAnfKnNnrsqX8IBOXVCoEpcg