Archives June 2025

Frontier Raas presents: DAALI – From the Courtyard of Raas

At Frontier Raas, every collection begins with a question: how do we stay rooted and still reach higher? This season, as we celebrate 70 years of design, the answer comes in the form of Daali From the Courtyard of Raas a campaign shaped by the quiet strength of legacy and the restless energy of reinvention.

Daali a word that speaks of branches, of extensions, of growth isn’t just a name, it’s a feeling. It’s the moment where the past gives rise to the present. Where tradition isn’t left behind it’s reinterpreted, reimagined, and reintroduced to a world that wants more than nostalgia. It wants meaning.

The silhouettes in Daali echo this shift. The lehenga isn’t just bridal, it’s architectural, intentional, and bold. The sharara returns in a new proportion, free of rules and rich in texture. Drapes are designed like second skins, soft, sharp, and full of ease. Prints don’t whisper heritage, they speak it aloud. Every color, every fabric, every structure is chosen with purpose.

But this isn’t just about clothes. Daali is about the idea that a house like Frontier Raas built over decades doesn’t stand still. We are a tree that has weathered seasons, rooted in craft and culture. And yet, each season we turn over a new leaf. We grow. We adapt. And we bear the fruits of our labour pieces stitched with soul, shaped with intention, and made with love.

In the courtyard of Raas, where time moves slowly and ideas bloom freely, Daali was born. Not as a departure, but as an evolution. This is our offering to the woman who wants more than fashion. She wants form with meaning, tradition without restraint, and design that moves with her.

Daali is that moment of becoming. From root to branch. From heritage to now.

World Avocado Organisation Launches 2025 Campaign in India

New Delhi 30th June 2025: The World Avocado Organisation (WAO), a non-profit entity representing global avocado producers, exporters, and importers, continues to champion the cause of the world’s favourite superfood with the launch of its 2025 campaign in India. Established in 2016, WAO is committed to raising awareness about the health benefits and culinary versatility of avocados.

 Following the resounding success of its campaign across India in 2023 and 2024, the WAO’s 2025 initiative reinforces its ongoing mission to educate Indian consumers and the food industry about the nutritional richness of avocados and their adaptability in Indian cuisine. This year’s campaign builds on the growing popularity of avocados across the country, further strengthening their position in modern Indian diets.

We’re delighted to be back in India for the third consecutive year with the World Avocado Organisation’s campaign,” said WAO Chairman Zac Bard. “It’s encouraging to see growing interest and awareness around avocados, and we look forward to supporting India’s journey as an emerging market for this nutritious fruit.”

“As Indian consumers continue to explore healthier lifestyles, avocados offer a perfect combination of nutrition, taste, and versatility. This year, we are thrilled to bring back renowned Indian chefs and nutritionists who will showcase innovative ways to enjoy avocados, from traditional dishes to contemporary creations. This year we are especially focussing on regional Indian cuisines and how avocados can be an easy, healthy and tasty addition,” added Bard.

As the WAO enters its third successful year in India, the campaign aims to inspire more consumers and food professionals to embrace this superfruit as an everyday essential across breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes.

AIPL Joy Gallery Leases 11,000 Sq. Ft. to UCB, U.S. Polo Assn. to Expand Fashion Portfolio

Gurugram, 30th June 2025-AIPL has leased out approx. 11,000 sq. ft. of retail space at AIPL Joy Gallery, located in Sector 66, Gurugram, to leading fashion brands United Colors of Benetton (UCB) and U.S. Polo Assn. The addition of these well-known international brands will further enhance the shopping experience at AIPL Joy Gallery, offering customers more variety and global fashion under one roof.

AIPL Joy Gallery

AIPL Joy Gallery has become a preferred choice for many renowned brands looking to establish a strong retail presence in Gurugram. With the addition of United Colors of Benetton, known for its vibrant Italian knitwear, and U.S. Polo Assn., which offers a full range of apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children, the mall continues to strengthen its premium fashion mix. This retail space acts as a vibrant conduit between consumers and global fashion trends, showcasing high-quality lifestyle products in a dynamic and well-curated environment.

Ishaan Singh, Director, AIPL.- “We are delighted to welcome international fashion brands United Colors of Benetton and U.S. Polo Assn. to AIPL Joy Gallery. Their presence reinforces the growing confidence in our project and highlights its positioning as a premium lifestyle destination in Gurugram. At AIPL, we aim to create more than just shopping spaces — we envision vibrant destinations where people can enjoy a complete, high-quality retail and leisure experience. This leasing milestone is a step forward in our commitment to offering the best of global fashion and lifestyle under one roof.”

AIPL is steadily shaping new benchmarks in the evolving retail landscape of Gurugram and beyond. With a strong pipeline of reputed brands and a focus on delivering thoughtfully designed commercial destinations, the company continues to foster vibrant, consumer-centric spaces that support brand growth and enrich urban lifestyles. As AIPL Joy Gallery evolves into a landmark retail address, it reflects the group’s broader vision of redefining modern retail experiences through quality, innovation, and strategic positioning.

Lighthouse Canton and Blue Sail Partners AG Announce Strategic Partnership

New Delhi, 30th June 2025 – Lighthouse Canton and Blue Sail Partners AG have announced a strategic cooperation, leveraging Lighthouse Canton’s reach in Asia, India, the Middle East, and the UK, with Blue Sail Partners’ European and Swiss expertise, to address the increasing need for sophisticated financial solutions and cross-border advisory services in these regions.

The partnership will enable both companies to jointly deliver enhanced cross-border capital advisory services, which includes originating mandates in advisory, debt, fund, and capital raising transactions within their respective jurisdictions.

Commenting on the partnership, Shilpi Chowdhary, Group CEO for Lighthouse Canton expressed, “Our partnership with Blue Sail Partners AG represents a significant milestone in our global growth strategy. We’re creating a powerful platform to bolster investment banking and capital advisory services for clients globally. This alliance will generate exceptional value and deliver more comprehensive solutions for our clients navigating increasingly complex cross-border opportunities.”

The co-founders of Blue Sail Partners AG are seasoned industry veterans with prior leadership roles at Credit Suisse and UBS, who have played instrumental roles in developing platforms for ultra-high-net-worth clients and strengthening investment banking capabilities.

For the past decade, Lighthouse Canton has demonstrated consistent growth, rising from a wealth and asset management company to a global investment institution. In August last year, the company bolstered its investment advisory capabilities, appointing Amrit Singh as Global Head of Key Clients and Institutions and Balaji Prassana as Executive Vice Chairman in Singapore, and Henrik Aslaksen as President, Lighthouse Canton International in London. The partnership further underscores Lighthouse Canton’s ongoing expansion and strategic emphasis on building its capabilities as an integrated investment institution.

HCLTech and OpenAI collaborate to drive enterprise-scale AI adoption

NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, June 30, 2025—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced a multi-year strategic collaboration with OpenAI, a leading AI research and deployment company, to drive large-scale enterprise AI transformation as one of the first strategic services partners to OpenAI.

HCLTech’s deep industry knowledge and AI Engineering expertise lay the foundation for scalable AI innovation with OpenAI. This collaboration will enable HCLTech’s clients to leverage OpenAI’s industry-leading AI products portfolio alongside HCLTech’s foundational and applied AI offerings for rapid and scaled GenAI deployment.

Additionally, HCLTech will embed OpenAI’s industry-leading models and solutions across its industry-focused offerings, capabilities and proprietary platforms, including AI Force, AI Foundry, AI Engineering and industry-specific AI accelerators. This deep integration will help its clients modernize business processes, enhance customer and employee experiences and unlock growth opportunities, covering the full AI lifecycle, from AI readiness assessments and integration to enterprise-scale adoption, governance and change management.

HCLTech will roll out ChatGPT Enterprise and OpenAI APIs internally, empowering its employees with secure, enterprise-grade generative AI tools.

Vijay Guntur, Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Head of Ecosystems at HCLTech, said, “We are honored to work with OpenAI, the global leader in generative AI foundation models. This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering Global 2000 enterprises with transformative AI solutions. It reaffirms HCLTech’s robust engineering heritage and aligns with OpenAI’s spirit of innovation. Together, we are driving a new era of AI-powered transformation across our offerings and operations at a global scale.”

Giancarlo ‘GC” Lionetti, Chief Commercial Officer at OpenAI, said, “HCLTech’s deep industry knowledge and AI engineering expertise sets the stage for scalable AI innovation. As one of the first system integration companies to integrate OpenAI to improve efficiency and enhance customer experiences, they’re accelerating productivity and setting a new standard for how industries can transform using generative AI.”

StoneX India pioneering Italian marble revolution in country’s interior design market

New Delhi,  30th  June 2025: When it comes to creating interiors that evoke timelessness, sophistication, and enduring beauty, no material holds more stature than Italian marble. With its rich heritage, unique texture, and elegant veining, Italian marble has been the top choice for homes, hotels, and high-end commercial buildings worldwide. Pertinently, StoneX India is redefining the choice of Italian marble in modern interiors in India.

As one of the leading suppliers of Italian marble in India, StoneX India offers a high-quality selection of imported marble. Its collection is crafted to meet the exacting standards of architects, designers, and discerning homeowners. Trusted in some of the city’s most prestigious projects—from South Delhi mansions to boutique hotels, office towers, and luxury hospitality spaces—the brand’s marble defines elegance and enduring quality.

StoneX India is providing Indian high-end customers with the finest varieties of marble  in the world while contributing to the evolving story of natural stone in  Indian interiors.

Commenting on the brand’s ongoing success, Mr. Vikas Aggarwal, Director, StoneX Group, said, “At StoneX, we believe Italian marble is more than a material — it’s a statement of timeless elegance. Our mission has always been to bring the finest international craftsmanship to Indian homes, hotels, and commercial projects. Through an immersive showroom experience and thoughtfully curated collection, we offer our clients not just a product, but a tour of natural beauty and design excellence.”

Italian marble, because of its adaptability and cross-cultural appeal, harmoniously combines past and present. So, they are used from luxurious flooring and bold wall cladding to majestic staircases and custom countertops.

StoneX India works closely with architects and project owners to create interiors that are as efficient as they are beautiful. What distinguishes StoneX India is its unique focus on both product quality and the client experience. The brand’s cutting-edge showrooms in Delhi are conceived as immersive experience spaces, allowing the customers to explore a universe of textures, tones and finishes up close.

Customers can view a broad range of marble types and choose their preferred slabs that best suit their individual taste and project needs. This experiential format has been a game-changer in a market where discerning customers increasingly look for exclusive materials that combine beauty with resilience and tell a tale of sophistication and uniqueness. Italian marble, together with its uniqueness and eternal beauty, fits well within this storyline, and StoneX India remains at the forefront of it. Notably, StoneX pioneers 20mm and Pre-Polished marble. It’s also known for providing the best Italian marble from Kishangarh.

Hindustan Zinc has invested over RS 430 Cr since 2017 in Education Interventions across Rajasthan

Udaipur, 30th June 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), world’s largest integrated zinc producer, was felicitated with 6 awards at the 29th Bhamashah Awards for longstanding and deeply impactful contributions to school education in Rajasthan. 5 units of the company, Rampura Agucha Mine, Chanderiya Lead Zinc Smelter, Zawar Mines, Rajpura Dariba Complex, and Zinc Smelter Debari were recognized under Shiksha Vibhushan category and Kayad Lead Zinc Mine under Shiksha Bhushan category for sustained efforts in strengthening both physical infrastructure and learning outcomes across the state. The award function was graced by the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan- Shri. Bhajan Lal Sharma; Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan- Shri. Prem Chand Bhairwa; Education Minister of Rajasthan- Shri. Madan Dilawar; Principal Secretary Education – Shri. Krishna Kunal; Distinguished government dignitaries – Shri. Vishwa Mohan Shrivastav, Shri. Sitaram Jat, Shrimati. Anupama Jorwal, along with leadership team from various units of Hindustan Zinc.

The Bhamashah Awards—named after the famed patron of education and philanthropy—are conferred annually by the Government of Rajasthan to individuals and institutions making exemplary contributions to school education. Hindustan Zinc has consistently featured among top awardees over the years, further cementing its reputation as a people-first and purpose-driven enterprise.

Over the last eight years (2017–2025), Hindustan Zinc has invested over ₹430 crore towards education-focused social development, including ₹80 crore on infrastructure upgrades—such as classroom construction, washrooms, playgrounds, drinking water facilities, and electrification—and ₹350 crore on long-term education interventions. These transformative interventions include flagship initiatives like Nand Ghar (early childhood care at modernised Anganwadi centres), Shiksha Sambal (remedial education for rural students), Khushi (focused on health and nutritional wellbeing of students), Jeevan Tarang (inclusive education for children with special needs), Unchi Udaan (STEM education for girl students), promotion of higher education for rural girls, and support for company-run schools.

 Our belief is that education is the strongest foundation for building empowered communities. Receiving the Bhamashah Awards year after year is a testament to the enduring impact of our initiatives and the partnerships we’ve nurtured with schools, educators, and families across Rajasthan. Hindustan Zinc has always stood by its communities and prioritised their needs, this award is a reflection of this unwavering commitment that we have for our people and the state.” said Mr Arun Misra, CEO & Whole Time Director, Hindustan Zinc.

Hindustan Zinc’s education programs reach over 2 lakh children annually, with measurable impact on school enrollment, retention—especially of adolescent girls—and learning outcomes in tribal and rural areas. The company’s targeted interventions align with Rajasthan’s recent educational progress: 

  • The Class 10 pass rate in the state surged from ~47% in 2007 to 93.6% in 2025, with girls consistently outperforming boys.
  • Dropout rates, especially among girls, have declined significantly in regions where Hindustan Zinc operates.
  • Rajasthan’s female literacy rate, which stood at 57.6% in 2017, has steadily increased to 65.8%, with many districts closing the gender gap in school attendance.

Hindustan Zinc’s Shiksha Sambal program is a cornerstone of the company’s mission to improve access to quality education for underprivileged children in rural Rajasthan. Reinforcing this commitment, the company recently signed an MoU with the Department of Education, Government of Rajasthan, pledging an investment of ₹36 crore over the next five years to drive educational development across the state. Over the years, Hindustan Zinc has played a pivotal role in shaping Rajasthan’s educational landscape through impactful initiatives like Unchi Udaan, which mentors and supports students from low-income families aspiring to enter IITs, and Jeevan Tarang, which empowers children with hearing and speech disabilities.

Hindustan Zinc’s efforts go beyond education. The company has been a catalyst for sustainable livelihoods by supporting rural women and farmers, expanding access to healthcare, promoting water conservation, and improving sanitation infrastructure. These initiatives have collectively impacted over 23 lakh lives across more than 2,300 villages across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Ranked among India’s top 10 socially responsible corporates, Hindustan Zinc remains dedicated to building a resilient and inclusive Rajasthan—one that thrives on innovation, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

Crafted by Light: A Shimmering Loetz Vase at The Great Eastern Home

The Great Eastern Home, a renowned destination for timeless antiques and heritage décor, proudly introduces a luminous treasure from the golden age of European glassmaking—a rare and resplendent Loetz art glass vase. A radiant embodiment of Art Nouveau elegance, this exquisite piece is a true collector’s delight.

Crafted in early 20th-century Europe, the vase shimmers in a soft palette of ivory white, pale blue, and verdant green, enhanced by an opalescent finish that catches light in mesmerizing ways. Its surface is adorned with delicate floral embellishments and enriched by metallic undertones, creating a sense of organic movement and ethereal grace. Loetz used special techniques like acid-etching, colour layering, and iridescent finishes to add depth, texture, and shine to this piece, making it a clear reflection of the brand’s creative style. Known for redefining decorative art with experimental craftsmanship, Loetz remains an iconic name in the Art Nouveau movement, celebrated for its vibrant colours, fluid forms, and emotive glasswork. This vase captures all of that legacy in one breathtaking form.

At the Great Eastern Home, such masterpieces are not merely acquired, they are curated with soul, celebrated for their story, and reimagined for modern living. With a connoisseur’s eye for excellence, the brand’s collection spans rare furniture, objects, art, and décor from across centuries and cultures, each piece chosen for its timeless narrative and enduring beWarm Regards,

ENTOD leads national dialogue on childhood myopia with docuseries ‘Molecules of Hope’

New Delhi, 30th June 2025: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, one of India’s leading innovation-driven pharmaceutical companies, takes center stage in the latest episode of the acclaimed docuseries Molecules of Hope, now streaming on JioHotstar. The newly released segment delves into the rapidly growing myopia crisis, especially among children, and ENTOD’s pioneering efforts to address it through scientific innovation, early screening, and large-scale awareness campaigns.

With a legacy of over five decades in eye care, ENTOD has made childhood myopia a core focus of its ophthalmic portfolio. As screen time rises and outdoor activity declines, especially among school-age children, myopia is no longer just a vision problem it’s becoming a public health emergency. According to global projections, nearly half of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050, making this condition a silent epidemic of the digital age.

The episode opens with a powerful visual narrative of a mother administering eye drops to her child before school, where a free eye screening camp is underway. As the child explores how the drops work, the narrative unfolds into the innovation and development in ophthalmology segment in India. The story is interwoven with powerful insights from ENTOD’s founders, who reflect on the company’s legacy and innovation in preventive eye care, alongside a paediatric ophthalmologist highlighting the importance of early detection. Together, these voices underscore ENTOD’s mission to tackle childhood myopia through science, education, and community outreach.

“Myopia has transitioned from a manageable issue to a significant public health concern,” said Mr. Nikkhil Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

“At ENTOD, we believe in early intervention through both innovation and education. This documentary showcases our journey in tackling myopia head-on, from developing targeted eye therapies to creating community-level impact through grassroots campaigns.”

The episode underscores ENTOD’s proactive role in combating myopia through:

  • Research-backed therapies aimed at slowing progression
  • Early detection programs in schools and communities
  • Public awareness initiatives, including Myopia Awareness Week, observed annually across Indian cities for the past four years

Molecules of Hope has resonated strongly with viewers and health professionals alike, and the ENTOD episode stands out for its message of early action and collaborative change.

As ENTOD continues its mission to make preventive eye care accessible and impactful, this docuseries acts as a timely call to action urging parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to prioritize children’s vision health before it’s too late.

This feature adds to ENTOD’s continued efforts to combat Myopia, including its annual observance of National Myopia Week for the past 4 years. Through this initiative, ENTOD has led educational and screening campaigns across several Indian cities.

SALT Indian Restaurant Sets the Table for Monsoon Feasting with a Sizzling Kebab and Biryani Festival

 30, June 2025 – This July, dive into bold, aromatic indulgence as SALT Indian Restaurant rolls out its highly anticipated Kebab & Biryani Fest, accompanied by Monsoon Special Beverages and a Sunday Family Buffet that’s sure to become your weekend tradition. Happening across all SALT outlets throughout the month, this trio of offerings invites diners to explore spice-rich menus crafted for the season.

Walk into any SALT location and let the monsoon magic begin. As the city’s skies open up, the restaurant’s warm interiors, rustic textures, and ambient charm offer the perfect cozy refuge. The sizzle from the open kitchen and the scent of roasted spices instantly sets the mood for an experience that’s both festive and comforting.

At the heart of this month-long affair is the Weekend Kebab & Biryani Fest, where culinary craftsmanship meets regional passion. The lineup includes rich, smoky kebabs like the Pathar Ka Gosht, Murgh Angara Shole, and vegetarian gems such as Soya Protein Galouti and Mushroom Quinoa Sheek Kebab. For seafood lovers, the Peri-Peri Jhinga Kebab and Surf ‘n’ Turf bring fire and finesse to every bite.

And the biryanis? They’re the stars of the spread. From the festive Raan-e-Murgh to the soulful Mutton Mandi Biryani, each plate is dum-cooked with care and served with signature raita and mirchi salan. Even vegetarians are in for a delight with the inventive Jackfruit & Gucchi Pardha Biryani, where textures and spices play in perfect harmony.

The Monsoon Special Beverages, served all day, are designed to complement the season’s mood. Sip on soul-warming concoctions like the Golden Warmer, Fantasy Burst available as mocktails and Rain Dance, Cloudy Sangria available as cocktails across all outlets. Whether you’re sheltering from a drizzle or basking in breezy evenings, these drinks add a splash of celebration to every visit.

Families are especially in for a treat with the Sunday Family Buffet, priced at ₹999+. A specially curated spread served every Sunday, it’s designed to bring people together over nostalgic Indian dishes, served buffet-style with SALT’s signature hospitality.

“Monsoon is a time for food that comforts, warms, and brings people together,” says Chef Jatindar, Regional Chef at SALT. “This menu is our celebration of the season—hearty kebabs, festive biryanis, and spirited drinks crafted to make every visit memorable.”

Whether you’re a die-hard biryani buff, a fan of grilled perfection, or just looking for the perfect Sunday indulgence, SALT’s Monsoon Menu is the flavour-forward escape you didn’t know you needed.