Archives June 2025

Goa, India – June 2025 – JW Marriott Goa is pleased to announce the appointment of Himanshu Taneja as General Manager. He brings with him over 25 years of luxury experience within the hospitality industry.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trivandrum, Himanshu began his career with The Leela Mumbai. Over the years, he has held key positions with some of India’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands, including the Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Group of Hotels and subsequently with leading luxury brands of Marriott International.

Himanshu’s journey with Marriott International began in 2010 at the flagship JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu as Executive Chef. His exceptional leadership and food and beverage expertise led him to The St. Regis Mumbai in 2017 as Culinary Director. Recognizing his impact, he was elevated in 2018 to Director of Culinary for South Asia, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s food and beverage strategy.

In 2023, Himanshu altered his career track taking on the role of Senior Director of Operations for South and East India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, overseeing operations across 48 hotels. His strategic foresight and innovative approach have been instrumental in enhancing Marriott International’s F&B reputation in the region, introducing trend-setting concepts that resonate with evolving market demands.

Known for his high focus, infectious energy and sharp eye for detail, Himanshu is celebrated for leading high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results. His ability to seamlessly balance long-term strategy with operational precision has earned him widespread respect within the industry. At JW Marriott Goa, Himanshu will lead a dynamic leadership team dedicated on enhancing employee engagement, elevating guest satisfaction scores, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and driving revenue growth while expanding market share.

Outside of work, Himanshu is an avid photographer and passionate traveler, enjoying exploring new destinations with his wife, Sruti, and son, Pratyansh (Ansh).

JW Marriott Goa is delighted to welcome Himanshu Taneja and looks forward to his visionary leadership in elevating guest experience and operational excellence.

New Delhi, 13 June, 2025: In a bid to redefine home comfort and style, Kühl, a leading brand in home appliances, is proud to introduce its latest creation – the Kühl Twist L3 Fans. Inspired by the science of windmills, these fans are a perfect blend of aerodynamic design, premium finishes, and innovative technology, making them a must-have for modern homes.

A Harmonious Fusion of Art and Science

The Kühl Twist L3 Fans boast twisted blades with integrated downlights, providing high airflow while adding a touch of sophistication to any room. The fans’ aerodynamic design ensures efficient air circulation, making them perfect for both summer and winter use. In reverse mode, they efficiently circulate warm air, keeping homes cozy during the colder months.

Smart Features for Easy Control

The Kühl Twist L3 Fans come equipped with smart features, allowing users to control them via remote, smartphone, Wi-Fi/IoT, or Alexa. This convenience enables homeowners to adjust fan settings from anywhere, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency and Low Noise Operation

The Kühl Twist L3 Fans feature BLDC technology, which provides low noise operation and energy efficiency. With a 5-star rating and low power consumption of just 30 watts, these fans are an eco-friendly choice for homeowners.

Customization

Available in three stylish colors – Brown, White, and Teak – the Kühl Twist L3 Fans can be easily matched to any home decor. The fans’ sleek design and premium finishes make them a stylish addition to any room.

“The Kühl Twist L3 Fans are a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With their unique design, smart features, and energy efficiency, these fans are set to revolutionize the way we experience home comfort. We believe that our customers will appreciate the convenience, style, and performance of these fans, making them a must-have for modern homes,” says Dr. Mahesh Gupta, CMD, Kent RO.

Actor and digital superstar Apoorva Mukhija is once again capturing the spotlight, this time as one of the key faces on a leading OTT platform through the much-talked-about reality thriller, The Traitors. With her entry in the show, Apoorva proves that she isn’t just part of the entertainment landscape; she’s a name that leaves an indelible impression.

From her earliest roles in youth-centric digital shows to her viral comedy sketches and content that blurs the line between fun and fearless, Apoorva has built a reputation for delivering performances that connect deeply with her audience. She has consistently shown remarkable versatility, effortlessly shifting between humour, heartfelt moments, and socially relevant themes. Whether it’s a short film, a sketch, or a slice-of-life reel, Apoorva has always brought sincerity, relatability, and a sense of freshness that sets her apart.

Her previous work has earned both critical appreciation and audience love, with many of her projects becoming viral hits. Known for her impeccable timing, expressive range, and down-to-earth presence, Apoorva has long been a fan favourite, especially among Gen Z and millennial viewers who see their own stories reflected in her work.

Now, with The Traitors, she enters a new arena, one filled with high-stakes drama, strategy, and psychological gameplay. Audiences are buzzing with excitement to see how Apoorva navigates this intense and unpredictable format, and early reactions already suggest she’s emerging as one of the show’s most intriguing and compelling participants.

With over 4 million Instagram followers and a strong digital presence across YouTube and OTT platforms, Apoorva enjoys a rare kind of fandom—one built not just on popularity but on authenticity, emotional resonance, and trust. She’s not just followed; she’s believed in.

Beyond the screen, brands repeatedly turn to her for her influence with substance. Apoorva brings narrative strength, personality, and creative insight to every collaboration, making her one of the most sought-after creator-performers in the digital space. Whether it’s a campaign, a role, or a cause, she leads with integrity and imagination.

From her beginnings by creating content during the lockdown to becoming a familiar face across India’s top platforms, Apoorva Mukhija is writing her own story—honest and deeply impactful. And now, with The Traitors arriving on Amazon Prime, she takes yet another fearless leap in a career that only continues to rise.

“I said yes to The Traitors because it’s one of those rare spaces where I do not have to pretend to be someone else—I can be me and play a version of myself,” says Apoorva.
“I’ve always been real with my content, and this show felt like an extension of that truth. It’s raw, unpredictable, and so full of heart—just like life. I’m excited and a little nervous! For my cute little red flags to see me in this new light, on a big platform. But most of all, I hope they feel like it’s still me in a different setting.”

Officially integrated into Honda Taiwan’s After-Sales Service Network

Mumbai, India, 13th June 2025: EUROGRIP, a global two-wheeler tyre brand from TVS Srichakra Limited, today announced its official integration into the after-sales service network of Honda Taiwan Co., Ltd. This collaboration has further strengthened EUROGRIP’s presence in Asia’s fast-evolving mobility market.

As part of the partnership, EUROGRIP’s premium motorcycle tyre range PROTORQ EXTREME and ROADHOUND will now be available across all authorized Honda Motorcycle service centres in Taiwan. This strategic collaboration strengthens EUROGRIP’s presence in one of Asia’s most vibrant two-wheeler markets, giving riders access to high-performance tyres backed by global R&D, advanced technology and track-tested performance.

Mr. T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer, TVS Srichakra Ltd, said, “This partnership with Honda Taiwan is a proud milestone for us, as we expand our footprint across key Asian markets. It reflects the growing trust in the EUROGRIP brand and our commitment to delivering world-class products and service support. We are excited to see early momentum and remain committed to building lasting value through innovation, performance and partnership.”

Mr. P Madhavan, Executive Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, TVS Srichakra Ltd, said, “Building Eurogrip as a strong global consumer brand and expanding to global markets is a key agenda for us, we have set our path right to fulfil these ambitions. This partnership with Honda Taiwan is indeed a feather in our cap. We are glad our flagship steel radial products are gaining such remarkable acceptance.”

Mr. Renato Zilli, Commercial Director, TVS Srichakra Ltd, Milan Centre, said, “We have consistently strengthened our presence across the globe. Eurogrip tyres are developed with tyre technology that’s truly world-class and are built for high performance. Our technology is complemented by meticulous testing methodologies, such is our focus on product performance that’s yielding results. This Eurogrip & Honda Taiwan partnership is a testament to our product quality & ability to offer top notch two-wheeler tyres.”

With this partnership, EUROGRIP furthers its mission of becoming a trusted name for performance-conscious riders in global markets. The brand will work closely with Honda Taiwan to roll out training resources and consumer engagement programs that will help elevate the riding experience for customers.

A five-day journey of clarity and transformation, with celebrity mentors like Luke Coutinho, Namrata Soni, Vishal Punjabi, and more to follow.

Chennai, 13th June 2025: A new chapter in bridal preparation begins with the arrival of The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive, purpose-driven experience, designed exclusively for brides-to-be. Launching its first edition from July 25 to 30, 2025, in ITC Grand Chola Chennai, this five-day residential retreat redefines the modern bridal journey with a blend of elegance, introspection, and curated luxury.

Set in one of Chennai’s most opulent destinations, this debut edition promises indulgence without distraction, a luxurious pause before the vows. With future chapters across Hyderabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Goa, and beyond, The Bridal Retreat is poised to become a pan-India movement.

With India’s most trusted voices joining as mentors, from well-being expert Luke Coutinho to makeup icon Namrata Soni and storyteller Vishal Punjabi, to celebrity saree & draping artist Dolly Jain and celebrity yoga guru & author Sarvesh Sashi, the retreat offers a rare circle of guidance that nurtures not just the bride, but the woman within.

“This stage in a woman’s life isn’t just about planning a wedding — it’s about navigating a powerful transition. Hormonal shifts, heightened stress, evolving identities, changing relationships and family dynamics happen simultaneously. Women’s physical and emotional health matters deeply here. I’m thrilled to speak to brides across these cities, hoping the takeaways from these sessions will help make the journey ahead reassuring. My own team is about 90% women, many of whom have walked their own personal journeys while supporting others on theirs. This is such a special opportunity to connect with a powerhouse of women who are on the cusp of a big change — and to remind them that their health and wellbeing are the foundation for everything that follows, ” shares Holistic Nutrition – Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine Expert, Luke Coutinho.

Celebrity Makeup Artist, Namrata Soni, also commented, “Bridal beauty isn’t about the perfect look – it’s about feeling beautiful from within. The Bridal Retreat helps brides reconnect with their true self before they walk down the aisle. “

Vishal Punjabi, Filmmaker & Storyteller spoke on this association “Weddings are not just events, they’re emotional milestones. At The Bridal Retreat, we’re giving brides the space to discover their story, not just perform it. Because the most powerful visuals come from a woman who truly knows herself.”

New Delhi, 13^th June 2025: France’s No. 1 frozen yogurt brand, Yogurt Factory, has officially announced its entry into the Indian market through a strategic partnership with FranGlobal, an international business arm of Franchise India. Known for its bold “red overalls” identity and vibrant personality, Yogurt Factory is set to revolutionize the Indian dessert landscape with its 0% fat, 100% gourmet frozen yogurt and an irresistible range of smoothies, milkshakes, waffles, and bubble teas.

Founded by Ouriel Hodara and Emmanuel Tedesco, graduates of the prestigious HEC Paris, Yogurt Factory began as a single outlet in Paris in 2011 and has since expanded to more than 85 locations across 10 countries, including France, Belgium, Spain, Morocco, and Malaysia. And now, it’s all set to bring its vibrant “red overalls spirit” to India.

“As Indian consumers increasingly seek mindful indulgence, Yogurt Factory is the perfect brand that blends wellness with joy. With 0% fat, unlimited toppings, and a cheeky, fun format—it’s the dessert of the future. At FranGlobal, we’re proud to launch a brand that speaks to both foodies and franchisees alike,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group.

At the heart of the Yogurt Factory concept lies the idea of turning dessert into an interactive celebration. Customers begin by choosing their frozen yogurt cup size—from Mignon (Cute) to Magnifique (Magnificent)—and then personalize it with unlimited toppings, all at a fixed price. The topping bar includes a gourmet mix of fresh fruits, crunchy cereals, sauces, brownies, cookies, and global favorites like Oreo®, Kinder®, and Speculoos®—delivering indulgence without the guilt.

Beyond Yogurt: A Full Gourmet Line-Up

In addition to its signature frozen yogurt, Yogurt Factory India will feature:

• Smoothies made with fresh fruits and creative blends
•  Thick, creamy milkshakes with indulgent flavors
•  Liège and bubble waffles served warm with customizable toppings
•  Fruit-loaded bubble teas and iced teas
•  Freshly pressed juices—ideal for health-conscious customers

With investment options starting from INR 30–60 lakhs and format flexibility ranging from compact kiosks to flagship stores, FranGlobal is inviting passionate entrepreneurs to become part of this international dessert revolution. Franchisees will receive end-to-end support, including site selection, training, store design, marketing, and ongoing operations management.

The first Yogurt Factory outlet in India is slated to open later this year, with aggressive expansion plans across major metros and premium mall destinations.

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, 13^h June 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced a reduction in its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR), effective June 12, 2025. The revised rates will apply to new as well as existing loans linked to the MCLR benchmark.

The Bank has reduced MCLR by 5 basis points across tenors from One Month to One Year. The new rates are as follows:

The Bank has also lowered deposit rates in select maturity tenures.

Chandigarh, 13 June, 2025 – Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, has announced the launch of its next-generation Industrial Copilot, developed in collaboration with Microsoft. This Generative AI-powered assistant is purpose-built to enhance open automation ecosystems, driving greater efficiency, flexibility, and intelligence across industrial operations. Eliminating repetitive tasks, this Generative AI-powered assistant allows industries to collaborate, supports simplification of application development, delivering efficiency gains, and bringing quality solutions to market faster.

The Copilot is deeply integrated into the EcoStruxure Automation Expert Platform, Schneider Electric’s flagship open automation environment. By embedding AI directly into this open, interoperable framework, the Copilot enhances the flexibility, scalability, and intelligence of automation systems—delivering benefits that closed, proprietary systems simply cannot match.

Industrial copilots are increasingly adopted to improve efficiency with real-time recommendations, leading to smoother operations and quicker decisions. They also minimize machine downtime with immediate troubleshooting and predictive maintenance, integrate data for better decision-making, and reduce manual work, saving costs.

“India’s manufacturing sector is rapidly evolving, demanding greater flexibility and efficiency, and Open Automation plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal,” said Arvind Kakru, VP- Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric India. “Our AI Copilot, developed with Microsoft and building on our deep domain expertise, doesn’t just operate within an open ecosystem- it strengthens it. It simplifies engineering, accelerates deployment, and empowers teams to do more with less, all while reinforcing the core values of openness, modularity, and collaboration.”

Building on Schneider Electric’s leadership in open, software-defined automation and leveraging the flexibility of EcoStruxure Automation Expert, the world’s first open software-defined automation solution, the Copilot will be available within Schneider’s newly launched unified automation environment, EcoStruxure Automation Expert Platform. The EcoStruxure Automation Expert Platform integrates seamlessly across various hardware and software platforms, enhancing collaboration between copilots, operators, and engineers by incorporating real-time data access, which is crucial for providing accurate recommendations, predictive maintenance, and immediate troubleshooting.

Bangalore, 13 June, 2025: BIDSO, a premier B2B contract toy manufacturer, has announced multi-year licensing partnerships with top brands like Hello Kitty, Chhota Bheem & Friends, and Hasbro’s iconic IPs, including Transformers, G.I. Joe, and My Little Pony. This strategic move underscores BIDSO’s growth plans, meeting the demand for high-quality, locally made toys in India.

These partnerships will unlock new opportunities for BIDSO to leverage its innovation and technical expertise in manufacturing toys and IP products, driving its vision to establish India as a global toy manufacturing hub. Kicking off their partnership with Hello Kitty, BIDSO has already prototyped and developed iconic Hello Kitty scooters which will soon be available on Flipkart.

In line with the scope of the licensing partnerships, all IPs are under work and will be available in the market soon both on e-commerce and physical retail stores. While all Hasbro products will be sold exclusively through Flipkart, the products being prepared for Hello Kitty and Chhota Bheem & Friends will be available on multiple platforms.

Vivek Singhal, Co-Founder, Bidso said, “Signing multi-year partnerships with some of the most loved and globally renowned brands, which have such a passionate fanbase, is a gratifying milestone for us. The partnerships will be a reflection of our strong shared values, as these brands have a long history of stretching the boundaries of quality, innovation, and creativity. At the heart of all of our endeavors is the making of local products of international standard and quality that we can proudly boast and we look forward to further leverage that through these partnerships.”

The key market being catered to is the Indian market, where BIDSO will be bringing to life locally made, world-class products that blend technological innovation with stringent quality certifications heralding a new era in Government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. 

Further bolstering its growth momentum, BIDSO recently secured fresh funding in a Pre-series A round led by their existing investor Peer Capital, with participation from new investors including Eternal Capital, Marshot Ventures, and Atrium Ventures.

Royal College of Art Graduate Sonakshi Presents “Zaat” – A Sculptural Installation Exploring Women’s Hidden Histories Through Metal and Memory

Chennai,13/06/25– The Gallery at British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, will present “Zaat” by Sonakshi, a powerful sculptural installation that unravels matrilineal memory through the language of heirloom, metal, and meaning. The exhibition runs from 11 June through 31 July 2025 as part of Study UK: Creative Connections II.

Born in Agra and now based in London, Sonakshi Chaturvedi brings together her expertise in painting, enamelling, and gemology to question how women’s histories are remembered—or systematically erased. The exhibition confronts the inherited roles of bride, mother, and grandmother, foregrounding untold longings encoded within craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent.

A Fresh Voice in Contemporary Art

Fresh from completing her MA in Jewellery & Metal at the prestigious Royal College of Art (2024), Sonakshi represents a new generation of artists bridging traditional craft with contemporary artistic practice. Her unique background as both a Graduate Gemologist and researcher with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (Ministry of Culture) positions her with the requisite capabilities to question the cultural significance of adornment and inheritance in South Asian societies.

“Zaat began as a way to fortify my own nostalgia, but it evolved into an act of reclamation—tracing heirloom objects that held the silent resistance of women remembered only as mothers, brides, grandmothers. Through sculpture, I archive their matrilineal inheritance as material memory—for future female ancestors to know them not just by the roles they played, but as individuals with dreams, agency, and voice” explains Chaturvedi.

Exploring Material Memory

The title “Zaat” refers to identity or the core sense of being. Visitors to Zaat will encounter a series of sculptural forms crafted in brass, white metal, cold enamel, resin-based enamel, and gemstones—each inspired by objects from the artist’s grandmother’s wedding trousseau. At first glance, these forms appear worn, metallic, and subdued—echoing the weight of tradition and domestic expectation. But within, they burst into candy-like, psychedelic interiors—revealing a hidden world of colour, desire, and youth. These contrasting surfaces act as metaphors for how generations of women, often remembered only as wives, mothers, or grandmothers, concealed vivid inner lives beneath uniform roles. Zaat transforms these heirloom-inspired forms into vessels of material memory—preserving not just what was passed down, but what was never said.

Sonakshi Chaturvedi’s professional experience spans prestigious institutions including The Gem Palace Jaipur, Zoya by TATA, recent internships at Olympia Auctions and the recently commissioned Riverside Studios by Vedanta in London, giving her deep insight into both traditional Indian jewellery-making and contemporary artistic practice.

Part of Prestigious Cultural Initiative

“Zaat” forms part of the British Council’s Best of British series, celebrating UK alumni who are shaping global cultural discourse. The Study UK: Creative Connections II programme highlights the international impact of UK education in fostering artistic innovation and cross-cultural dialogue.

Looking Forward

Currently pursuing advanced studies in gemology with Gem-A (FGA) while developing her enamelling practice with UK-based artists, Sonakshi plans to pursue doctoral studies to further her artistic  practice around cultural and gender identity on a communal level, to contribute to the larger craft based cultural dialogue.

Exhibition Details:

• What: Zaat by Sonakshi
• Where: The Gallery, British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi
• When: 11 June – 31 July 2025
• Opening Reception: [DATE AND TIME NEEDED]
• Admission: Free
• Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.