Shoppers Stop Launches Its Durga Pujo Campaign TVC “Pujor Prothom Stop”

Shoppers Stop, India's premium fashion, beauty, and gifting omnichannel destination, celebrated the grand launch the TVC of its Durga Pujo campaign ‘Pujor Prothom Stop’. The launch took place at the Shoppers Stop store in South City Mall, Kolkata, during an exclusive in-store event featuring actors Debchandrima Singha Roy and Gaurav Chakraborty. 

Pujo 2025 TVC is a heartfelt film capturing the essence of “Pujor Prothom Stop.” The story follows a young couple experiencing their first Durga Pujo together, where the joy of gifting, the excitement of dressing up, and the warmth of togetherness come alive. Rooted deeply in the spirit of Pujo, the film reflects how every celebration begins at Shoppers Stop, whether it’s choosing the perfect ensemble, finding thoughtful gifts, or embracing festive rituals with loved ones. With premium collections across fashion, beauty, and gifting, the campaign beautifully mirrors the emotions that make Pujo more than a festival, it’s a season of love, elegance, and memories that last forever. 

Mr. Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate, Managing Director and CEO, Shoppers Stop, said, “Durga Pujo is a festival that brings families together in celebration, tradition, and joy. With Pujor Prothom Stop, we celebrate this spirit by being the first destination for every festive need - from apparel, handbags, fragrances, and beauty to watches, sunglasses and thoughtful gifts of love or that make loved ones feel truly special. With the launch of our new TVC, premium festive ranges, and engaging in-store experiences, we are going beyond shopping to help our customers create unforgettable Pujo memories. This Pujo, there are more reasons than ever to make Shoppers Stop your Pujor Prothom Stop. From a specially curated festive collection to festive value with an e-gift voucher of ₹5,000 on shopping of ₹60,000, and an exclusive Tommy Hilfiger luggage offer the season is full of ways to celebrate in style. And for those who wish to gift from the heart, Shoppers Stop Gift Cards make it effortless to share love this Pujo.”

Staying true to this sentiment, Shoppers Stop’s ‘Pujor Prothom Stop’ campaign positions the brand as the first destination for all things Pujo as the festive collection extends beyond apparel to create a head-to-toe premium experience. From elegant watches and stylish sunglasses to luxury perfumes, beauty essentials, and statement handbags, every accessory is thoughtfully curated to help shoppers elevate their look from Shoshti to Dashami with sophistication and style. 

With 500+ premium brands, services like Personal Shoppers and exclusive privileges for First Citizen Club members, your festive journey begins here. Step into your nearest Shoppers Stop, and you’ll know why Shoppers Stop truly Pujor Prothom Stop.

TVS Motor Expands TVS Raider Super Squad Line-Up In India

 

·         Adds 2 Striking and New Offerings  to the SSE (SuperSquad Edition)

·         Celebrates Gen Z Icons – Deadpool and Wolverine

·         Now Equipped with Advanced Tech: iGO Assist with Boost and GTT (Glide Through Technology) 

TVS Motor Company, a global leader in two and three-wheeler manufacturing, today announced the addition to the TVS Raider Super Squad Edition. Drawing inspiration from two of Marvel’s most iconic characters, Deadpool and Wolverine, this latest edition infuses bold design and attitude into the TVS Raider, taking the Super Squad range to the next level.

 

This refreshed edition showcases dynamic new decals inspired by legendary Marvel characters, Deadpool and Wolverine reinforcing the motorcycle’s unique identity in the 125 cc segment. The new TVS Raider SSE comes packed with speed and purpose with a powerful 3-valve engine, best-in-class torque of 11.75 Nm @ 6,000 RPM, and a suite of tech-led features, the Super Squad Edition will now also get the iGO assist with Boost Mode for enhanced acceleration and GTT (Glide Through Technology) for seamless low-speed manoeuvrability and enhanced fuel efficiency .It also features a fully connected reverse LCD cluster with 85+ features, combining cutting-edge innovation with a thrilling ride experience.

 

TVS Raider became India’s first motorcycle to launch Marvel-themed editions, debuting with Iron Man and Black Panther in August 2023. These variants captivated young riders with their distinctive superhero-inspired styling and dynamic performance. Strengthening its successful collaboration with Marvel, TVS Motor Company continues to bring iconic characters to life through cutting-edge design and engineering tailored for Gen Z. The latest additions are crafted for riders who want their motorcycles to reflect personality, advanced technology, and standout style.

 

The new TVS Raider Super Squad Edition is priced at ₹99,465 (Ex-showroom Delhi) and will be available across all TVS Motor Company dealerships starting this month.

4 In 5 Professionals In Bengaluru Believe There’s No Substitute For Human Intuition, Even As AI Becomes More Advanced: LinkedIn

• 82% of professionals in the city believe AI can improve their daily work life

• 77% of Bengaluru professionals find AI useful for writing and drafting, not for actual decision-making

• But, 72% trust their own judgement over AI when making decisions at work

 

Even as Al tools become more advanced and widely used at work, professionals remain clear on one point: when it comes to big decisions, nothing replaces human judgment. According to new research from LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, 83% of professionals in India and 84% professionals in Bengaluru believe intuition and trusted peers still outweigh Al when making decisions. This comes at a time when 77% in the city say the pace of decision-making at work has accelerated, and 75% feel mastering Al is essential for their next career move.

 

3 Out Of 4 Bengaluru’s Professionals Admit Mastering AI Feels Like A Second Job, But They Are Hopeful

Rising expectations are unmistakable. 70% say they’re overwhelmed by how quickly they’re expected to “get” AI, and 57% admit they aren’t using it to its full potential. Leaders are also raising the bar as 78% of companies expect employees to use AI, and 64% of executives in India plan to factor AI proficiency into performance reviews or hiring. As a result, learning new AI skills now feels like a second job for 76% of Bengaluru’s professionals. Still, a strong majority (82%) are optimistic about AI improving their daily work-life.

 

Instincts beat algorithm when the stakes are high

Indian professionals, including those in Bengaluru, are using AI to move faster on everyday tasks, not to outsource judgment. LinkedIn research shows that 77% professionals in the city find AI most useful for writing and drafting, not for actual decision-making. When choices get complex, 81% say colleagues and managers help them decide faster and with more confidence, and 83% of executives across India, agree good business decisions still depend on human judgment. Reflecting this human pull, LinkedIn saw a 30%+ growth in comments this fiscal year as people leaned on peers for perspective.

 

LinkedIn Career Expert and India Sr. Managing Editor, Nirajita Banerjee says “AI is a brilliant copilot, but it’s not a crutch. It can draft, sort, and surface options at speed, but know that careers still move on the strength of your judgment, your relationships, and your story. In moments that matter, people don’t call a tool, they call a person they trust. So, build those meaningful connections, use AI to free up time for the human work only you can do. And when you can’t do it all, lean on your trusted people.”

 

Professionals are self-teaching AI for fun, growth, and the future

Despite rising pressure and expectations, 79% of professionals in Bengaluru say it’s fun to experiment with AI and see it as a chance to test and learn new things every day. Nearly eight in ten (80%) are teaching themselves with free resources, 69% are paying for courses out of pocket, and 82% are actively looking for better tools and content to learn.

 

LinkedIn Career Expert tips on how to grow confidence through your network:

 

1. Be open about what you don’t know

It’s okay not to have all the answers. Reach out to trusted colleagues or mentors and ask specific questions like, “How did you get comfortable using AI tools in your work?” or “What resources helped you learn the most?” Being honest about what you’re still figuring out invites support and practical advice.

 

2. Follow and learn from expert voices beyond your immediate circle

Expand who you follow and engage with on LinkedIn and beyond. Find creators, industry leaders, and peers who share tips and insights on AI and career growth. You can follow Top Voices such as Arpit Bhayani & Ankur Warikoo or watch recently launched ‘Shows by LinkedIn’ featuring exclusive content from experts like Steven Bartlett and Guy Raz to stay on top of big topics like AI and leadership to make learning feel less overwhelming.

 

3. Take agency of your upskilling

While building AI skills doesn’t have to be a solo journey, it helps to be in the driver's seat of your own growth. Take charge of your growth with free LinkedIn Learning courses like Building Career Agility and Resilience in the Age of AI and Landing a Job as a Skills-First Candidate, and learn at your own pace. And don’t miss LinkedIn’s first-ever AI in Work Day on September 30 — a live event packed with practical advice, tips and tools to help you use AI in your everyday work. To sign up for more information, click here.

  

Methodology

 

Global Professionals Sentiment: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 19,268 Professionals (in full time or part-time employment) (5-10% unemployed respondents in US, Italy, Spain and Brazil but must be looking for work) across the UK, Australia, France, Germany, India, USA, Italy, Spain, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Netherlands and Brazil. The data was collected between 04.07.2025 - 29.07.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

 

LinkedIn’s Executive Confidence Index (ECI) is an online survey taken every quarter by ~5,000 LinkedIn members (at the VP-level or above in 10+ countries). ECI data included in this report are from June 2025. Members were randomly sampled and must be opted into research to participate. We analyse data in aggregate and will always respect member privacy. Data are weighted by Seniority and Industry to ensure fair representation of executives on the platform. The results represent the world as seen through the lens of LinkedIn’s membership; variances between LinkedIn’s membership and the overall market population are not accounted for. Global executive is defined as a VP+ level LinkedIn member who completed the ECI survey in the following 11 countries: US, UK, India, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, Brazil; %s vary by country.

 

LinkedIn Platform Conversations: “Overwhelm” topics were found by searching global English language terms across LinkedIn: “overwhelmed”, “burn out”, and “navigating change” from July 1, 2024 - June 29, 2025. “AI”  topics were found by searching global English language terms across LinkedIn: “AI”, “artificial intelligence”, “copilot”, “chatgpt”, “generative AI”, “gen AI” from July 1, 2024-June 29, 2025.

 

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms how companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1.2 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com

Kinetic Green Signs MOU With IIFL Samasta Finance To Accelerate EV Adoption Across Urban And Rural Markets In India

Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, a leading manufacturer of electric two and three wheelers in India, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIFL Samasta Finance Limited (ISFL), one of the country’s prominent NBFC and Micro Finance Institution. The partnership aims to make electric mobility more accessible by providing organised and competitive financing solutions for customers across urban, semi-urban, and rural markets.

 

The program will commence in September 2025, aligning with the festive season to leverage increased consumer demand for new vehicles. Under this MoU, ISFL will act as an accredited financier for Kinetic Green’s entire range of electric 2 & 3 wheelers and provide retail financing solutions through its extensive financing network of 370 branches across 13 states—Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—ensuring deep penetration into urban, semi-urban, and rural regions.

 

The partnership includes a targeted outreach to over 200,000 pre-qualified ISFL customers for Kinetic Green’s products, supported by joint marketing initiatives and co-branded promotional campaigns to amplify visibility and strengthen financial accessibility in the electric mobility sector.

 

Kinetic Green bolsters this partnership with a strong nationwide network of over 600 dealers and a successful track record of selling 150,000+ electric vehicles. Its flagship lineup includes highly successful and well-established products like E-Luna e2W, which has a versatile multi-utility vehicle platform, perfect for B2C & B2B customers, the high-performance E-Zulu e2W scooter offering advanced features and convenience, and rugged Safar series of e3W cargo and passenger vehicles offering operational excellence. This partnership should enable people to switch to sustainable mobility with ease. By making electric vehicles more accessible and feature - loaded, we hope to encourage a larger segment of the population to embrace sustainable transportation solutions and decarbonize last mile connectivity in India.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, said, “We are thrilled to join hands with IIFL Samasta Finance Limited, a pioneer in tailored retail financing, to accelerate adoption of clean mobility solutions across India. By combining Kinetic Green’s best-in-class electric vehicles with ISFL’s robust financing platform, we are making it easier than ever for individuals and businesses, especially in semi-urban and rural markets to adopt sustainable transportation by bridging the financing gap. This partnership underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive growth as we work together to electrify the nation’s streets.”

 

Mr. Venkatesh N, Managing Director, IIFL Samasta Finance Limited said, “At IIFL Samasta, our mission has always been to empower underserved communities through inclusive financial solutions. This partnership with Kinetic Green marks a significant step forward in combining sustainable mobility with accessible credit. By enabling easy and affordable financing for electric two and three-wheelers, we aim to not only promote green transportation but also support economic empowerment across semi-urban and rural India. This initiative further strengthens our green financing portfolio, reinforcing our commitment to responsible and impactful lending.”

 

The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal step forward for both organisations as they join forces to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and advance the government’s vision for cleaner, greener transportation. With this partnership, Kinetic Green strengthens its leadership in India’s EV industry by creating a comprehensive ecosystem that seamlessly integrates manufacturing, distribution, and financing, fostering meaningful and sustainable transformation throughout the mobility landscape.

 

About IIFL Samasta

IIFL Samasta, A IIFL Group company, is a microfinance institution committed to working towards women’s economic empowerment. Since its establishment in March 2008, IIFL Samasta has been offering innovative and affordable financial solutions to women in rural and semi-urban areas across 22 states in India. Through a wide range of responsible financial products and services, the company has been driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we strive to digitize financial services, creating economic opportunities and enhancing living standards.

 

About Kinetic Green:

Kinetic Green is one of the leading players in India’s electric vehicle sector, offering a wide range of electric 3-wheelers and electric 2-wheelers – manufactured in a state-of-the-art production facility near Pune, Maharashtra to advance green mobility solutions aimed at India and global markets. Helmed by Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, a third-generation scion of the Firodia family, Kinetic Green is dedicated to building a robust pan-India EV ecosystem and developing sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions, with a vision to democratise electric mobility, and to bring EVs to the mainstream- accessible to not just the classes, but to the masses. Kinetic Green has formed a Joint Venture with the world’s leading luxury brand, Tonino Lamborghini of Italy, to develop a range of Electric Golf Carts and Lifestyle Carts for the global markets. To fuel its aggressive growth plans, the company recently secured $25 million in its Series A funding round from UK based PE fund, Greater Pacific Capital and is in the process to raise another $30 million.

EKA Mobility Signs MoU With Shriram Green Finance To Accelerate Adoption Of Electric Commercial Vehicles In India

EKA Mobility, a leading electric vehicle and technology company, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shriram Green Finance Limited, a 100% subsidiary of Shriram Finance Ltd., to provide easy financing solutions for electric commercial vehicles.

This strategic partnership will empower fleet operators, transporters, dealers, small businesses and communities to seamlessly transition to sustainable mobility by availing flexible, accessible, and affordable financing options for EKA’s wide range of commercial electric buses, LCVs, trucks and 3-wheelers.

Speaking on the partnership, Rohit Srivastava, Business Head & Chief Growth Officer EKA Mobility, said: "The adoption of EVs at scale requires not just world-class technology and reliable vehicles, but also a strong ecosystem of partnerships that make the shift financially viable for customers. This collaboration brings together EKA Mobility’s advanced EV technology and manufacturing expertise with Shriram Green Finance’s extensive financing network to accelerate clean mobility adoption across India.”

Mr. Nanda Gopal, National Business Head, Shriram Green Finance Limited, said:

 “At Shriram Green Finance, we are committed to supporting India’s transition to sustainable and green transportation solutions. Our partnership with EKA Mobility allows us to finance a new generation of electric commercial vehicles that will drive both economic growth and environmental progress.” 

With this MoU, EKA and Shriram Green Finance aim to reduce barriers to EV adoption, accelerate deployment of zero-emission commercial vehicles, and contribute to India’s mission of achieving net zero emissions

3M India Today Announced Appointment Of Aseem Joshi As President And Managing Director (Designate), 3M India Effective Oct 13, 2025

 

* Effective October 13, 2025

In his role, Aseem will lead the development and execution of the growth strategy of 3M India, with a strong focus on commercial excellence, new products, and operational excellence.

 

Aseem will work closely with the incumbent Ramesh Ramadurai as part of the transition plan. He will be designated Managing Director of 3M India at a future date, subject to approvals by the Board of Directors and shareholders of 3M India.

 

Aseem has ~ 25 years of experience in engineering, consulting, business development and leadership roles in IBM, McKinsey, Eaton and Honeywell. He was most recently (2021-2025) CEO, India Business, at GMM Pfaudler.  

 

Aseem holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pune, India, an MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, USA, and an MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.

 

Commenting on his new role, Aseem said, “I am excited to join 3M and lead the growth of the India business. I have always admired 3M for its innovation and leadership in several sectors. I look forward to working with 3M’s incredible local and global teams to deliver for our customers and all stakeholders”.

 

Ramesh Ramadurai added, “It is my pleasure to welcome Aseem to 3M India. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to the continued growth of the Company. I look forward to working with Aseem in the coming months and wish him all success”.

  

About 3M in India,

 

3M India Limited, an Indian Subsidiary of US based 3M Company, was established in 1987 and has its headquarters in Bengaluru with branch offices at Gurgaon. 3M leverages its global innovation expertise to develop homegrown solutions that addresses unique needs of diverse customers in India. 3M has invested in Innovation centers at Bengaluru and Gurgaon to boost local product development. Its manufacturing footprint is spread across Bengaluru, Pune, and Ahmedabad. From products that improve manufacturing efficiency and impact, improved healthcare delivery, to safety solutions that help increase road visibility, everyday kitchen aids and car care products, today, 3M science is improving the lives of millions of Indians.  

Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3m.com/news-center.

NLB Services Forays Into GCC-As-A-Service Business, Appoints Abhilash Raghavan As CBO

~ Eyes strong growth in India and other key markets across North America, Asia, UK and Europe ~

In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving Global Capability Center (GCC) landscape, NLB Services, a leading global technology and digital talent solutions provider, today announced its foray into the GCC-as-a-Service business alongside the appointment of Abhilash Raghavan as Chief Business Officer (CBO). In this role, Abhilash will lead global business strategy and accelerate growth across priority markets. This milestone reflects NLB Services’ commitment to diversifying its portfolio and advancing its vision of becoming a global powerhouse shaping the future of talent and enterprises.

 

To help GCCs establish and scale operations across India and other key markets across North America, Asia, UK and Europe, a comprehensive suite of services will be offered spanning infrastructure setup, workforce solutions, compliance support, and marketing solutions.

 

“With the GCC landscape at an inflection point, enterprises are increasingly seeking to unlock greater value through innovation, agility, and digital transformation. This shift plays directly to our strengths - a global presence, trusted client relationships, and deep expertise in technology and workforce solutions, thereby giving us a distinct edge in meeting the market needs. Our strategic integration of AI has already helped clients enhance efficiency, strengthen capabilities, and scale with confidence. With this solid foundation, we are now ready to expand the GCC-as-a-Service offering at scale” says Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services.

 

“As the global GCC landscape continues to expand, Abhilash’s extensive experience in building and scaling high-performance centers will be instrumental in accelerating our innovation, deepening client value, and reinforcing our position as a global leader in this space.” he further added.

 

“India continues to be at the forefront of major GCC expansions globally. We have built a strong and trusted presence in the Global Capability Center (GCC) ecosystem by consistently delivering transformative outcomes for global enterprises. Our deep understanding of the market coupled with our ability to align talent, technology, and strategy have been instrumental to drive growth. With Abhilash joining our leadership team, we are excited to take that impact even further. We are confident that his leadership will help us set new benchmarks in innovation, agility, and excellence within the GCC landscape” says Varun Sachdeva, SVP and APAC Head at NLB Services.

 

Abhilash brings over 25 years of leadership experience in financial strategy, operations, and enterprise transformation across Fortune 500 organizations. Prior to joining NLB, he was Head of Finance at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). Notably, during his tenure as Chief Financial Officer at ANSR, Abhilash was instrumental in setting up more than 30 global capability centers for marquee clients.

 

“I’m excited to join NLB Services at a time when India’s GCC ecosystem is expanding rapidly. NLB’s vision to redefine global talent and capability delivery aligns perfectly with my passion for building high-impact, future-ready enterprises. As I take on the leadership of this new vertical, I look forward to helping our clients unlock transformative value through GCCs. By leveraging innovative strategies and deep domain expertise, we aim to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence for organizations worldwide,” said Abhilash Raghavan, Chief Business Officer (GCC Vertical), NLB Services.

 

With India projected to host over 2,100 GCCs by 2030 and generate 3.3 million jobs, the opportunities ahead are immense. Backed by global expertise and an end-to-end solutions portfolio, NLB Services is well positioned to enable enterprises unlock the next phase of GCC-led transformation.