Meta Concludes Collaboration With Lakmé Fashion Week 2026, Showcasing Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses

Meta showcased its latest AI powered Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses at the Lakme Fashion Week - India’s most influential cultural and fashion platform. The partnership brought together fashion, creators and technology, demonstrating how wearable AI can enable new forms of creative expression through a seamless, hands-free experience.

Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President & Head – India and South East Asia, Meta, said, “Lakmé Fashion Week is a powerful national moment that continues to shape India’s fashion landscape. Bringing Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses into this space enabled creators to capture and share experiences in real time, unlocking new possibilities for creative expression.”

At the centre of the collaboration was the Ray-Ban Meta Red Chairs integration, a front-row runway experience that placed the wearable at one of the most visible vantage points of the show. Select creators, including Mohak Narang, Vishal Pandey, Aastha Shah, Rohit Khandelwal, Sanket Mehta, Manav & Unnati and Sufi Motiwala, experienced key showcases while wearing the glasses. The integration demonstrated how creators can capture and share moments in real time, offering audiences a unique, first-person perspective of Lakmé Fashion Week.

Extending the experience beyond the runway, Meta hosted an exclusive dinner bringing together leading designers such as Shane and Falguni Peacock, David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore, and Amit Gupta. The gathering enabled members of the fashion community to engage directly with Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses and explore the intersection of design, creativity and wearable technology.

Meta also introduced an interactive “Strike a Pose with Ray-Ban Meta glasses” installation, where attendees experienced the wearable’s hands-free capabilities firsthand. With a simple voice prompt, “Hey Meta, take a picture”, guests captured high-resolution images through the glasses’ built-in camera, which were instantly transformed into stylised, high-fashion magazine covers.

Through this collaboration, Meta showcased how wearable AI can become an integral part of cultural moments, empowering creators, enhancing storytelling and bringing immersive, first-person experiences to audiences. The initiative marks another step in Meta’s efforts to make its technologies more accessible and relevant to India’s growing creator and fashion ecosystem.

Godrej Consumer Products’ ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ Public Service Film Remind Households That Not Every Visitor Deserves An Invitation

· The powerful film reinforces that mosquitoes as unwelcome intruders and urges households to prevent their breeding inside and around their homes

Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread continue to pose a serious public health challenge in India. Yet their presence has become so routine that it is often ignored. With the belief that mosquitoes should not be treated as harmless visitors, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has, as part of its CSR initiative Elimination of Mosquito Borne Endemic Disease (EMBED), launched a public service film titled ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ urging households across India to rethink how easily mosquitoes are allowed into everyday spaces. This CSR initiative is in line with GCPL’s impact-oriented culture that focuses on creating real change for communities.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya continue to affect millions across India each year. According to national health data, India reported over 1.13 lakh dengue cases in 2025 alone, underlining the urgent need for stronger community awareness and preventive action beyond the monsoon season.

Inspired by India’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, where guests are welcomed with warmth and respect, the campaign turns this cultural instinct on its head. ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ (A mosquito is not a guest) reminds households that not every visitor deserves an invitation. The film creatively reinterprets the iconic phrase ‘Padharo Mare Desh’ into ‘Na Padharo Mare Desh’, reinforcing the message that mosquitoes should never be welcomed inside homes. It draws attention to how everyday habits, such as stagnant water in coolers, uncovered buckets, or neglected corners around homes, can unknowingly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. By reframing mosquitoes as unwelcome intruders rather than harmless visitors, the film encourages families to adopt simple preventive practices to keep their homes and communities safe.

Commenting on the film, Sudhir Sitapati, MD and CEO, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, said, “Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major public health concern. It requires collective awareness and sustained behavioural change. Through ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ we wanted to use a cultural insight that resonates deeply with Indian households. By rethinking the idea of hospitality, we hope to inspire people to take simple but effective preventive steps that keep their homes and communities safer.”

Creative storyteller Swati Bhattacharya, who conceptualised and wrote the campaign film, said, “ In India, hospitality is not just a tradition - it is an instinct. Just like we welcome guests, we also welcome mosquitoes with stagnant water and open rubbish bins. Lets unfriend the mosquito and have an anti-hospitality qawwali - machhar hai mehmaan nahin.”

At the heart of the campaign is a thought-provoking video film that uses storytelling and cultural symbolism to encourage families to become vigilant hosts by preventing mosquito breeding inside and around their homes. ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ will be activated through a multi-channel awareness program including school engagement initiatives, community outreach drives, large-scale wall art across Maharashtra, radio storytelling, and a national digital movement encouraging citizens to ‘Unfriend the Mosquito’.

Link to campaign video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LNO4OP9c_A

ABOUT GODREJ CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company, driven by the purpose of bringing the goodness of health and beauty to consumers in emerging markets. As part of the Godrej Industries Group, we are fortunate to have a proud legacy of over 125 years, built on the strong values of trust, integrity, and respect for others. At the same time, we are growing fast and have exciting, ambitious aspirations.

Today, we enjoy the patronage of 1.4 billion consumers globally. We rank among the largest Household Insecticide and Hair Care players in emerging markets. In Household Insecticides, we are the leader in India, the second largest player in Indonesia and are expanding our footprint in Africa. We are the leader in serving the Hair Care needs of women of African descent, the number one player in Hair Colour in India and Sub-Saharan Africa, and among the leading players in Latin America. We rank number two in Soaps in India and are the number one player in Air Fresheners and Wet Tissues in Indonesia.

We believe that we are only as good as what we do next. So, we strive to continuously improve how we do business, and how we live in the world, shaping a more sustainable and responsible future by placing our planet and people alongside profit. Through Godrej Good & Green, we are helping create a more inclusive and greener planet, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the needs of local communities. At the Godrej DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Lab, we work on empowering inclusion, help build DEI ecosystems across corporate India and aim to bring ideas and innovation related to DEI to the mainstream.

Snapdeal Launches Its Expanded Summer Fashion Collection In India

· Onboards “Bummer”, “SILK ZONE”, “Pink Tribe”, “Imsa Moda”, “Else & What” to power India’s summer wardrobes

· New Summer collections from The Indian Garage, Highlander, Locomotive, Freehand, and Tokyo Talkies

Value e-commerce marketplace, Snapdeal, has expanded its fashion portfolio for the summer season with the onboarding of a new set of popular new-age brands and labels across men’s and women’s categories.

The platform’s summer drop features a strong line-up of new-age labels including Bummer, SILK ZONE, Pink Tribe, Imsa Moda, and Else & What, alongside refreshed seasonal collections from The Indian Garage, Highlander, Locomotive, Freehand, and Tokyo Talkies.

This summer, fashion is all about easy silhouettes, global influences, and breathable comfort, without the premium price tag. From Korean-inspired fits and crochet textures to resort-ready prints and relaxed tailoring, Snapdeal is bringing trend-first fashion into everyday wardrobes across India.

For men, the season is defined by relaxed, expressive styling. Cuban collar shirts, tropical prints, and linen co-ord sets are driving a strong resort aesthetic, while anime T-shirts, oversized fits, and baggy cargo trousers continue to reflect the growing influence of streetwear. Korean pants, Gurkha trousers, and relaxed denim silhouettes redefine everyday dressing. Comfort-led staples such as cargo shorts and printed boxers complete the summer wardrobe.

In women’s western wear, silhouettes are becoming more fluid and playful. Puff sleeve dresses, A-line cuts, tunic styles, and shirt dresses dominate the season, complemented by floral prints, stripes, and asymmetric designs. Wide-leg trousers, straight fits, and printed pull-ons bring comfort to the forefront, while oversized shirts, longline tops, and ruffle details add a relaxed, layered aesthetic. Denim skirts, night suits, and athleisure staples continue to see strong adoption as everyday essentials.

Women’s ethnic wear is evolving towards lighter, more versatile styles suited for both everyday and occasion wear. Organza sarees and pastel hues define soft occasion dressing, while floral kurta sets, straight-cut silhouettes, and short kurtis cater to daily wear. Modern elements such as indie blouses are gaining popularity, alongside lighter Anarkali sets that balance festive appeal with summer comfort.

“Customers across Bharat are actively seeking the latest trends, from global silhouettes to fast-evolving styles, and Snapdeal is making these accessible at price points that work for everyday wardrobes.” said Achint Setia, CEO of Snapdeal.

Snapdeal’s summer collection reflects a clear shift in how India shops fashion. It is no longer just about shopping whatever is available at lowest price points, it is about access to trends. By bringing together emerging brands and labels from thousands of MSMEs, trend-forward assortments, and value pricing, Snapdeal is enabling millions of shoppers to stay current, expressive, and fashion-forward without compromise.

The new summer collection is now live on Snapdeal and available for delivery across the country.

Yuma Surpasses 50 million Battery Swaps, Reinforcing Its Emergence As India’s Fastest-Growing Battery-As-A-Service (BaaS) Providers

Yuma, one of India’s leading battery-as-a-service (BaaS) and EV energy infrastructure companies[SR1] [KA2] , today announced a landmark milestone of 50 million battery swaps completed since February 2023. With 25 million swaps performed in just the last 15 months, Yuma’s pace of growth firmly establishes it as the fastest-growing BaaS providers in India.

This acceleration reflects the increasing reliance of fleets and delivery partners on Yuma’s always-on energy network, built to eliminate downtime and keep people on the move.

Built for Scale: Speed, Reliability, and Trust

At the core of Yuma’s growth are clear operational advantages that set it apart in the BaaS ecosystem:

99.9% network uptime, ensuring uninterrupted energy access for high-frequency, mission-critical EV operations

Battery swaps completed in minutes, enabling near-zero downtime and significantly higher vehicle utilization

Safety-first systems and processes, earning deep, long-term trust from OEMs, fleet operators, and public-sector partners

Speaking on this latest milestone, Muthu Subramanian, GM & MD at Yuma said, “Reaching the 50‑million swap mark in only three years demonstrates not only Yuma’s rapid growth, but the trust of thousands of EV users and fleet partners — and the pace at which India is embracing battery swapping as a practical, efficient, and scalable energy solution. With nearly 100% uptime and safety-first processes, Yuma has become a trusted energy partner powering large-scale mobility solution provider.”

Accelerated Growth Validates the Model.

Doubling from 25 million to 50 million swaps in 15 months signals how swapping has become a strategic enabler [AK3] for India’s EV ecosystem, saving driver time, improving fleet earnings, and reducing emissions through consistent daily performance.

Integrated for Scale

Deep integrations with leading EV manufacturers ensure seamless compatibility, faster deployments, and predictable fleet economics.

Built on Strong Infrastructure Partnerships

Strategic public and private infrastructure collaborations, along with reliable energy partnerships, enable dense urban coverage and support rapid, sustainable expansion.

Setting the Benchmark for BaaS in India

With 50 million swaps completed, industry-leading uptime, minute-level swap times, and trusted partnerships across OEMs, utilities, and civic bodies, Yuma is setting the benchmark for BaaS in India. As EV adoption accelerates, Yuma remains focused on scaling density, interoperability, and operational excellence—powering India’s electric mobility transition faster, safer, and without downtime.

About Yuma
Yuma[KA4] is India’s fastest-growing battery swapping network,[SR5] [KA6] [SR7] focused on delivering safe, reliable, and 99.9% uptime energy solutions for electric mobility. With a rapidly expanding network and advanced battery technology, Yuma is committed to making EV adoption effortless, scalable, and accessible.

HMD Continues Partnership With Rajasthan Royals As Their Associate Sponsor; Third Innings Of A Winning Association

HMD has announced its continuation and elevated partnership with Rajasthan Royals, stepping up from official smartphone partner to Associate Sponsor. This marks the third consecutive year of a fruitful collaboration, blending HMD's innovative spirit with the Rajasthan Royals' dynamic cricketing legacy to connect with fans worldwide.

The sponsorship places HMD's branding on the back of the helmets, offering unprecedented visibility to an international audience passionate about cricketing action. Rajasthan Royals' global fanbase, spanning India and beyond, amplifies HMD's presence, engaging cricket lovers who value reliable tech in their daily grind.

Commenting on the partnership, Ravi Kunwar, VP and CEO, HMD India and APAC, said, “Continuing our association with Rajasthan Royals for our third innings feels like coming home on the field. It’s about putting HMD right in the line of sight for fans everywhere. This isn’t just branding; it’s about sharing the Royals’ grit and connecting with cricket lovers who expect their gear to last as long as the game’s thrill. This partnership coincides perfectly with our upcoming smartphone launch, already creating noticeable pre-buzz in the target markets for the masses. Fans are buzzing about HMD's rugged, reliable tech that matches the Royals' unyielding spirit, bridging cricket fever with advanced innovation just in time for the big reveal.”

The ongoing cricket league stands as the world's most sought-after cricket league, pulling in legendary players from every corner of the globe for its high-stakes battles. HMD's continued partnership with Rajasthan Royals shows our rock-solid dedication to the Indian market. It's built on shared strengths, performance that delivers, putting audiences first, a touch of nostalgia in every move, and just like HMD packs top-notch specs into our phones, Royals line up with the absolute best cricketing talent on their roster.

Commenting on the association, Alok Chitre, Chief Operating Officer, Rajasthan Royals, said, “Partnering with HMD aligns perfectly with our high-energy ethos. It puts their branding where the action heats up, on every bold shot. This isn’t just a deal; it’s shared fire that amps excitement in stadiums and beyond, pulling in cricket nuts who live for that raw edge in tech and on the field. This third-year partnership opens doors to our worldwide supporters, fueling excitement that resonates far beyond the stadiums.”

This alliance not only cements HMD's stake in India's cricket fever but also bridges technology and sport on a global stage, empowering fans everywhere with devices that match the game's unyielding pace and passion.

For further information, please contact the HMD press office: hmd@adfactorspr.com

About HMD

We are HMD, Human Mobile Devices. At HMD, we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out.

Coming this year, you can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD original mobile devices, as well as Nokia phones and exciting new partnerships. For further information, see www.hmd.com

Greenply Industries Limited Continues Its Sustainability Journey Towards A Greener Future

Greenply Industries Limited has consistently positioned sustainability at the heart of its business philosophy, emerging as one of the pioneers driving responsible practices within the wood panel industry. Guided by a clear green vision, the company continues to integrate sustainability across its operations, ensuring that growth is aligned with environmental stewardship, resource efficiency and transparent governance.

Industrial progress must move in harmony with nature. This philosophy today guides Greenply’s structured Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, which outlines how the company measures, manages and communicates its environmental and social impact. Through its ESG reporting, Greenply brings transparency to its sustainability efforts while setting measurable goals that help drive continuous progress.

One of the most visible expressions of Greenply’s sustainability commitment is its ambitious 100 million plantation pledge, a promise to facilitate the plantation of 100 million trees by 2028. What began as a vision to strengthen green cover has steadily grown into one of the industry’s most significant plantation initiatives. So far, the company has already facilitated the planting of over 89 million trees, working closely with farmers and rural communities to build thriving plantation ecosystems. This close relationship between industry, communities and nature can also be seen in Tizit, Nagaland, where Greenply operates one of its key manufacturing facilities. Surrounded by rich natural landscapes, the region reflects how responsible industrial presence can coexist with ecological sensitivity. Through plantation initiatives and community engagement around Tizit, Greenply continues to strengthen green cover while supporting local livelihoods and regional economic development, demonstrating how environmental action can create shared value for both people and the planet.

Greenply’s sustainability journey also finds expression within its manufacturing processes, where resource conservation is treated as an integral part of responsible production. Water stewardship in particular, has emerged as a key focus area. Recognising the growing importance of preserving water resources, the company has introduced robust wastewater management systems and advanced treatment technologies across its facilities. These systems enable water to be carefully treated and reused within operations, helping reduce dependence on freshwater while ensuring that discharged water meets stringent environmental standards. In many ways, these efforts reflect how sustainability at Greenply is not confined to vision statements it is woven into the everyday workings of its manufacturing ecosystem.

Within its manufacturing processes, Greenply continues to prioritise efficiency and waste reduction through improved production practices and material optimisation. By focusing on cleaner processes and responsible utilisation of resources, the company aims to minimise environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of product quality.

As industries increasingly move towards more sustainable and responsible models of production, Greenply Industries Limited continues to lead by example. Through innovation, accountability and long-term environmental commitments, the company remains focused on shaping a future where industrial growth goes hand in hand with ecological responsibility.

TruSoul Strengthens Its Honey Portfolio With “Tulsi Honey” Blending Tradition With Daily Wellness

TruSoul, a modern wellness and personal care brand from the House of Baidyanath Ayurved announced the launch of “TruSoul Tulsi Honey”. This premium daily wellness product is made by blending two natural ingredients – Tulsi and pure Honey.

Rooted in Ayurvedic heritage, Tulsi is traditionally known to support respiratory comfort, help manage stress, and promote overall well-being, while honey is valued for its soothing properties and gentle nourishment. By combining these, TruSoul Tulsi Honey is created to support easy breathing, encourage relaxation, and provide everyday nourishment.

The formulation uses high-quality honey that is carefully filtered and minimally processed to preserve its natural enzymes, taste, and texture. It is complemented by selected varieties of tulsi - Rama and Krishna - valued for their distinct aromatic and wellness properties. While Rama Tulsi offers mild, refreshing notes, Krishna Tulsi is associated with respiratory comfort and seasonal wellness. Together, they create a balanced flavour that blends the herb’s natural essence with the gentle sweetness of honey. The product contains no added sugar, artificial preservatives, or synthetic flavouring, reflecting TruSoul’s clean-label philosophy and commitment to transparency.

Built on the strong consumer response to its Raw Organic Honey, this new product further strengthens TruSoul’s presence in the honey category. It also advances the brand's vision for clean, plant-based wellness solutions rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and adapted for modern lifestyles.

Speaking during the launch, Adhiraj Sharma, Co-founder, TruSoul, said: “Growing up in India, tulsi and honey had always been a trusted part of everyday wellness across households. However, as lifestyles evolved, many of these practices gradually faded from daily routines. With TruSoul Tulsi Honey, we wanted to bring this familiar combination back into everyday life - not as a traditional remedy, but as a simple, accessible habit that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles. At the same time, this new product builds on the strong foundation of our Raw Organic Honey, marking a natural progression as we expand our honey portfolio with differentiated offerings that cater to evolving consumer wellness needs.”

Echoing this vision, Rishi Raj Sharma, Co-founder, TruSoul, said: “Our focus was to preserve the authenticity and goodness of both tulsi and honey while making it easy to incorporate into daily life. With carefully selected tulsi varieties and minimally processed honey, we have created a product that is wholesome, natural, and ideal as a simple morning ritual for wellness.”

TruSoul Tulsi Honey can be enjoyed directly, with warm water, or as an addition to teas, smoothies, and breakfast routines. It is ideal for working professionals, families, and fitness enthusiasts seeking holistic nutrition.

The product is available across leading online marketplaces and select offline retail outlets, including curated wellness and pharmacy stores, in multiple pack sizes. For more information, log on to https://www.trusoul.co.in.

TruSoul Tulsi Honey is now available at an introductory price of ₹299 (MRP: ₹499).