Archives December 2025

Christie M 4K25 RGB Laser Projectors Illuminate South Korea’s First Immersive Historical Media Art Exhibition

Christie M 4K25 RGB pure laser projectors power “Flashback: Gyerim,”  South Korea’s first immersive historical storytelling media art exhibition

South Korea, Dec 09: Christie® is proud to announce that its M 4K25 RGB pure laser projectors are illuminating a new immersive media art exhibition titled “Flashback: Gyerim”. Operated by Flashbackground Co., Ltd., and jointly developed with Dexter Studios and the Cultural Heritage Technology Research Institute (TRIC), the exhibition marks a significant milestone in South Korea’s immersive media art landscape, seamlessly blending cultural heritage with advanced projection technology at an unprecedented scale. Dexter Studios, Asia’s leading VFX company known for its work on director Bong Joon-ho’s Academy Award-winning film “Parasite”, Netflix’s movie “Victory”, and the series “Parasite: The Grey”, led immersive content production and technology integration for this project.

flashback-gyerim_sky-pillar-exhibition-zone

Located within the iconic Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, “Flashback: Gyerim” spans approximately 5,600 square meters (60,278 square feet), making it the nation’s first immersive historical storytelling media art museum. Designed as an exhibition that transcends time and space, it unfolds as a walk-through narrative across 13 zones inspired by myths and folklore of Silla. Opened in conjunction with the APEC 2025 Summit in November, the exhibition reinterprets more than a thousand years of Silla history and transforms it into a sensory-rich experience through state-of-the-art VFX, projection mapping, sound design, and digital heritage technologies.

A centerpiece of the exhibition is Zone 8, Sky Pillar, where 12 Christie M 4K25 RGB pure laser projectors are strategically mounted overhead to display sweeping, vibrant visuals across the walls surrounding a monumental tree-like structure. As seasonal lights shift across the environment and rhythmic drumbeats resonate throughout the space, visitors are immersed in a living ritual that bridges nature, myth, and the cosmic rhythms of Silla.

Exhibition zones like The Guardians (left) and Geoseokhan, The First Khan (right) feature captivating visuals that immerse visitors in Silla’s legendary past (Images courtesy of Flashbackground Co., Ltd.)

An official from Flashbackground Co., Ltd. said,

“Our goal was to create an exhibition that doesn’t just tell history, but lets visitors walk through it. The Christie M 4K25 RGB projectors provided the brightness, color performance, and reliability we needed to bring the Sky Pillar to life. The result is a hyper-immersive experience where light, sound, and myth converge into a powerful narrative form.”

The official noted that the M 4K25 RGB was selected for its ruggedness, reliability, and ability to deliver breathtaking clarity in demanding immersive environments. Its compact form factor, quiet operation, and premium 3DLP RGB pure laser illumination allowed Dexter Studios and TRIC to realize the creative vision without compromise, ensuring vivid colors, deep contrast, and seamless motion across a large-scale canvas.

Han Kim, vice president of Sales, Asia-Pacific, Christie, added:

“‘Flashback: Gyerim’ demonstrates the extraordinary impact that projection technology can have when combined with visionary storytelling. We’re honored that our M 4K25 RGB projectors were chosen for this landmark project, and we applaud Dexter Studios and TRIC for redefining what immersive media art can be.”

The Christie M 4K25 RGB delivers 25,300 lumens in a remarkably compact, lightweight chassis. It features 4K UHD resolution with TruLife+™ electronics and electronic color convergence (ECC). With an efficiency of 14.1 lumens per watt, making it up to 31% more energy efficient than leading competitors, the projector combines quiet, robust performance with long-life RGB pure laser illumination to ensure spectacular visuals with minimal maintenance.

Touchstone LC Taps Team Pumpkin for Digital & Performance Marketing in India

Dec 9: Touchstone LC, a global leader in learning and development solutions for regulated, multilingual industries, has appointed Team Pumpkin, a leading full-service digital agency, to drive its next-gen digital marketing and performance initiatives across India.

Team Pumpkin will strengthen Touchstone LC’s digital presence with targeted performance campaigns, cutting-edge analytics, and conversion-first strategies, aiming to scale brand engagement and qualified lead acquisition for Touchstone’s acclaimed multilingual eLearning and ABM offerings.

As part of the mandate, Team Pumpkin will oversee Touchstone LC’s paid media strategy, end-to-end campaign orchestration, hyper-targeted audience activation, and ROI optimization—leveraging high-impact digital channels to connect with L&D leaders, HR professionals, and business decision makers across enterprise, healthcare, BFSI, and manufacturing sectors.

The core objective will be to amplify Touchstone LC’s reach and support more organizations in their journey towards high-impact compliance, onboarding, and workforce capability using Touchstone’s tech-enabled, award-winning learning solutions.

Founded on the mission to make industry-ready talent a business differentiator, Touchstone LC empowers enterprises through localized, analytics-driven learning in 60+ languages, immersive AR/VR content, and proven microlearning models that lift retention and performance.

Commenting on the partnership, Vinod Chithambaran, EVP  Learning Products & Asia Pacific Sales, Touchstone LC, said;

“At Touchstone, our goal is to help organizations future-proof their workforce through innovation and measurable talent outcomes. Team Pumpkin’s balance of creativity, performance analytics, and sectoral understanding makes them the perfect partner for our growth journey. With their deep digital expertise and ROI-driven execution, we aim to accelerate our outreach, strengthen our brand presence, and scale our impact among global HR and business leaders.”

Swati Nathani, Co-founder, Team Pumpkin, remarked;

“Touchstone LC is setting new benchmarks in workforce transformation with their immersive and localized digital learning roadmap. We’re excited to support their ambitionsdelivering measurable results and expanding Touchstone’s influence among enterprise clients seeking high-impact compliance and L&D solutions.”

Established in 2012, Team Pumpkin is known for ROI-centric digital solutions and growth campaigns across industries. With strong performance marketing, content, and media expertise, the agency will service the Touchstone LC mandate from its Gurugram office.

New MG Hector Teases a Bold New Design Direction

JSW MG Motor India has unveiled the first official teaser of the upcoming new MG Hector, offering an exciting glimpse into the SUV’s evolved and more dynamic styling. The teaser highlights a noticeably more robust and athletic exterior design, showcasing sharper character lines, a more assertive stance, and a commanding road presence. At the heart of its refreshed identity is the new Grille that symbolizes strength, precision, and modern sophistication, further enhancing the SUV’s powerful visual appeal.

With its latest updates, JSW MG Motor India is set to raise the bar once again, offering a perfect blend of distinctive design and intelligent innovation. Rooted in MG’s evolving design philosophy, one that emphasizes bold aesthetics, modern proportions, and human-centric functionality. The New Hector reflects a fresh yet familiar identity that continues to resonate with today’s SUV buyers.

Foxtale Transforms into House of Brands, Launches Hula Hoop After INR 700-Crore GMV Milestone

Dec 9: Foxtale, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty and personal care companies, today announced the launch of its new brand, Hula Hoop by Foxtale- a science-first bodycare line built on advanced formulations, clinically backed ingredients and high-performance sensorial experiences. With this launch, Foxtale takes a major strategic step forward, marking its transition into a House of Brands and expanding its footprint beyond its flagship skincare portfolio.Press Release-03

Recognising the rapid rise in demand for targeted, problem-solving bodycare, Hula Hoop by Foxtale focuses on delivering derm-grade solutions for concerns such as body acne, pigmentation, keratosis pilaris, dryness and overall skin health. The brand blends Foxtale’s science-led formulation ethos with a playful identity, aiming to bring “serious science with a fun twist” to a category that has long lacked innovation. Merging high science with high spirits, Hula Hoop by Foxtale channels R&D capabilities, category building and the deep science spine of the parent brand, and solves for a new generation of consumers and the often overlooked below-the-neck category.

Foxtale’s expansion into a House-of-Brands structure is supported by its strong business momentum. Over the past year, the company has recorded a burgeoning 250% year-on-year growth, backed by strong customer metrics and trust, with a repeat purchase of 50% on their D2C website. This growth has paved the way for Foxtale to diversify into adjacent categories and build a multi-brand portfolio focused on science-led innovation.

On the launch, Romita Mazumdar- Founder & CEO of Foxtale & Hula Hoop by Foxtale says, “With Hula Hoop by Foxtale, we’re entering a new chapter in our journey. This is not just about launching a new brand; it’s about building a portfolio that can meet the evolving needs of consumers across multiple categories. Our ambition is to create category-defining brands rooted in efficacy, scientific rigour and customer obsession.”

At launch, Hula Hoop will introduce 4 hero products ranging from INR 329 to INR 649, including Brightening Body Wash, Exfoliating Body Wash, Brightening Body Lotion and Exfoliating Body Scrub, each formulated to address the unique biology of body skin. The brand will be available on its D2C website and also across channels like Nykaa, Amazon and Quick Commerce platforms too, starting 9th December, with plans for wider retail expansion in the coming months.

“Our vision is to build brands that are scientifically advanced, culturally relevant and accessible at scale. Hula Hoop represents our commitment to innovation and our long-term goal of shaping the future of beauty and personal care in India,” adds Romita Mazumdar.

Foxtale’s strong performance over the past year reflects the momentum behind its science-first portfolio and growing consumer trust. The company is on track to close the year at an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of INR 700 crores+ in GMV, driven by sustained demand across digital and retail channels. With operational efficiencies improving and repeat rates strengthening, Foxtale projects achieving profitability by next year, marking a significant milestone in its scale-up journey. This robust financial trajectory provides a solid foundation for the company’s transition into a House of Brands and its continued expansion into high-potential categories.

Alive Launches India’s First Experience Festival, Redefining How Urban India Experiences Life

Bengaluru, Dec 09: Alive, India’s first experience tech startup built around real-world experiences, has announced the launch of the ‘Alive Experience Festival’ a month-long celebration designed to inspire urban Indians to explore more, feel more, and live beyond the monotony of daily life.

At a time when urban Indians are increasingly seeking meaning, connection, and balance outside of work, the festival brings together curated adventures, workshops, cultural outings, and wellness activities across Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Delhi & Mumbai.

Rather than focusing on concerts or nightlife, the Alive Experience Festival spotlights the everyday joy of trying something new from art to food, from outdoor experiences to mindful escapes.

“People aren’t just looking for entertainment anymore; they’re looking for ways to feel, explore, and reconnect,” said Alive’s founder Vivek Kumar. “The idea behind the festival is to create a cultural moment that encourages people to step out, discover their own cities, and build small rituals of joy into their lives.”

Over the past year, Alive has built a network of 135+ curated experiences and has grown 90x signalling the rapid rise of India’s experience economy. The festival acts as a catalyst to expand this movement by making experiences more accessible and by rewarding consumers for experimenting.

The month-long festival introduces three consumer-friendly propositions designed to nudge people to plan more consciously:

  • Happy Days: Special weekday pricing on all experiences, encouraging people to reclaim their weekdays with after-work or mid-day micro-adventures.

  • Chance to Win 10 Free Experiences: Each booking during the festival enters users into a draw to win a year’s worth of experiences across categories like adventure, sports, arts, food and wellness.

  • Trip to Goa: Festival participants also stand a chance to win a free trip for two, an invitation to choose memories over material things.

While these offers serve as added incentives, the larger intent is behavioural: to shift how people think about leisure. The experience festival aims to normalise planning experiences with the same ease as browsing screens or dining out and to create a community of people who prioritise real-world living over passive consumption.

Alive believes this shift is already underway, especially among young professionals, and hopes the Festival becomes an annual cultural marker, signalling the start of a December where discovery, spontaneity and shared moments take centre stage.

With AVA, Mihup Redefines In-Car Voice AI for India’s Multilingual Drivers

Kolkata, Dec 09 : In India’s rapidly evolving mobility landscape, Mihup is emerging as a category leader with Mihup AVA, its multilingual, accent-agnostic in-car voice assistant. With capabilities that shine even inside noisy cabins and among mixed-language speakers using regional dialects, AVA Auto enables natural, hands-free control of navigation, entertainment, communication, and cabin settings. Thanks to its offline support and deep personalization, the assistant brings voice AI directly into vehicles, making driving safer and more intuitive for Indian users.Already deployed in over one million vehicles nationwide, AVA powers voice experiences for multiple leading automakers, including Tata Motors. Its advanced features, multi-intent dialogue, voice biometrics and mood-based wellness support position it far ahead of generic global assistants.

Beyond automotive, Mihup’s technology is powering India’s digital transformation by making AI inclusive, accessible and linguistically representative. Its voice models support multiple Indian languages, enabling millions of users especially from non-English-speaking regions to engage with technology more confidently. With over a billion processed voice interactions, strong data security certifications and deep partnerships across mobility and enterprise sectors – Mihup is accelerating India’s vision of human-centric, locally trained AI solutions.

“Indians don’t just speak one language or in one accent. said

Tapan Barman, Co-founder & CEO of Mihup. Speaking on the future of in-car AI, he also added “Our mission is to make technology adapt to people, not the other way around. With AVA, we’ve built a voice assistant that understands India’s linguistic diversity and driving environment, delivering a natural and reliable experience every time.” With over a billion processed voice interactions, robust data security certifications and strong automotive partnerships, Mihup is shaping the next phase of human–machine communication in India’s mobility ecosystem.”

JioHotstar Signals the Future of Reality Entertainment with Its Bold New Disruptor — The 50

JioHotstar announces The 50, a never-seen-before reality spectacle produced by Banijay Asia that marks the platform’s next big leap in disruptive entertainment. In a powerful moment during the Bigg Boss 19 Grand Finale, the Tiger symbolically passes the baton to the Lion signalling the arrival of a new ruler, a new world, and a new era of reality TV. The 50 brings 50 players into a grand, unpredictable Mahal where there are no rules, all is fair, and every twist hits 50 times harder. Designed to transform how India experiences reality television, this is the game where khelne walo ke liye bhi aur dekhne walo ke liye bhi, poori baazi palatne wali hai. With strategy, alliances, mind games, betrayals and 50X drama, The 50 promises a reality experience jaisa na kabhi kisi ne socha, na kabhi kisi ne dekha.

Stay tuned to know more — The 50, coming soon only on JioHotstar.

Bhubaneswar Puts Odisha on the Global FinTech Map: iServeU Pioneering Digital Payments and Empowering Local Talent

Bhubaneswar, Dec 09: iServeU, a leading payment infrastructure company in the Asia-Pacific region, is creating a new benchmark for high-value technology careers in Odisha. While thousands of young engineers from Odisha migrate annually to metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune for employment, iServeU has established a unique model—building world-class FinTech capabilities from Bhubaneswar and providing abundant local employment opportunities.

Odisha has over 276 engineering colleges, producing thousands of graduates every year. Despite this, the 18–35-year-old youth segment and nearly 33% of the workforce remain disconnected from local employment opportunities. According to the Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development, around 1.7 million Odia workers migrate to other states every year. High-value financial technology jobs are largely concentrated in metropolitan cities, a perception that has long fueled this outflow.

In this context, iServeU, established in Bhubaneswar in 2016, decided to trust local talent rather than relocating elsewhere. The company provides deep training in complex domains such as payment switches, card management, EMV protocols, ISO 8583 standards, and embedded banking systems. Over the years, iServeU has trained more than 1,000 payment technology engineers and built payment infrastructure for over 20 banks and 250 enterprises in India and abroad.

“We have never accepted the notion that world-class financial technology can only be built in India’s metropolitan cities,” said Debiprasad Shadangy, Founder & CEO, iServeU. “Odisha has excellent engineering talent. Given the right opportunities and training, they can successfully build complex and high-responsibility financial systems.”

iServeU’s success not only demonstrates technological advancement but also highlights the potential for knowledge-driven employment growth in Odisha. It proves that innovation can emerge from Tier-2 cities, harness local talent, and contribute significantly to the national economy.

Indian Consumers Benefit from Strengthened Unsecured Lending

Mumbai,  Dec 9: Experian, a global data and technology company, has released its latest Credit Insights  Unsecured Loans, September 2025, offering a detailed overview of India’s evolving unsecured lending landscape, covering personal loans, credit cards, two-wheeler loans, and consumer durable loans. The report highlights sustained growth in unsecured credit demand, supported by stable portfolio performance and improvements in early-stage delinquencies across key products.

Key Trends:

  • Strong Loan Sourcing: Q2 FY26 saw robust new loan originations, driven by higher ticket sizes, greater participation from NBFCs, and improved borrower repayment behaviour.

  • Maturing Credit Environment: Lenders are adopting refined underwriting practices while consumers demonstrate healthier credit discipline.

  • Digital Adoption & Inclusion: Growth in mid- and high-ticket loans, adoption of digital lending, and increased access in semi-urban and Tier 3/4 markets reflect a shift toward structured, transparent borrowing.

Manish Jain, Country Managing Director, Experian India, said;
“We are witnessing a meaningful shift in India’s unsecured lending space. Demand is rising, ticket sizes are increasing, and repayment behaviour is improving. Early-stage delinquency reductions indicate that both lenders and consumers are making informed, responsible choices, signaling progress toward a mature credit ecosystem.”

He added: “Experian’s insights provide a data-led view of these trends, helping financial institutions assess risk, expand access responsibly, and foster transparency, inclusion, and compliance.”

Key Highlights by Product Segment:

Personal Loans:

  • AUM reached Rs. 15.9 lakh crore, up 13% YoY.

  • Strong YoY growth in fresh sourcing across private banks, public banks, and NBFCs.

  • NBFCs expanded share, especially in small-ticket loans (<Rs. 1 lakh).

  • Average ticket sizes increased, and early-stage delinquencies improved.

Credit Cards:

  • AUM rose to Rs. 3.4 lakh crore, up 9% YoY.

  • Fresh sanctioned limits grew 13% QoQ, recovering after prior declines.

  • Top four players dominate, with AUM share increasing from 70% to 72%.

  • Average credit limits grew, while net 90+ delinquencies fell from 2.0% to 1.8% YoY.

Two-Wheeler Loans:

  • AUM reached Rs. 1.8 lakh crore, up 18% YoY.

  • New loan sanction amounts grew 9% YoY in Q2 FY26.

  • NBFCs hold strong market share, with higher sourcing from NTC customers.

  • Higher-ticket loans (Rs. 1–2 lakh) gained share; net 30+ delinquency declined from 6.2% to 5.4%.

Consumer Durable Loans:

  • AUM rose to Rs. 1 lakh crore, up 16% YoY.

  • Fresh loan sourcing grew 22% YoY, fastest among unsecured products.

  • NBFCs dominate due to strong retail penetration; loans below Rs. 20,000 account for ~65% of volume.

  • Portfolio delinquency improved, with declines in both Net 30+ and Net 90+ rates.

The Experian Credit Insights  Unsecured Loans report equips lenders with a comprehensive, data-driven view of consumer credit behaviour and emerging risks, enabling better decision-making, improved portfolio performance, and responsible credit growth. Experian remains committed to financial inclusion and a transparent, efficient, and resilient credit ecosystem in India.

Hansa Research Reveals Evolving Consumer Priorities in India’s Motor Insurance Market

New Delhi, Dec 9: Hansa Research, a leading consumer insights firm in India, has launched its nationwide Motor Insurance CuES 2025, deepening its footprint in the insurance sector. Building on its extensive studies in life and health insurance, the report focuses on 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler motor insurance segments, capturing real consumer experiences and preferences. Feedback was gathered from over 3,700 consumers across 12 leading motor insurance brands, ranking insurers based on customer experience.

Praveen Nijhara, CEO, Hansa Research, said;

“Motor Insurance CuES equips the industry with data-backed insights on evolving consumer expectations. As value, trust, and service quality become non-negotiable, insurers must deliver transparent, frictionless, and personalised experiences. Our report highlights actionable insights to help insurers close experience gaps and strengthen competitiveness.”

Key Findings;

  • Net Promoter Score (NPS): Overall NPS for motor insurance in India is 59%, with 4W at 61% and 2W at 55%.

  • Top Performers: Private insurers lead the sector, with HDFC Ergo topping both segments with a 71% NPS, followed by Acko General (65%), Tata AIG (62%), and Royal Sundaram (62%). Public sector insurers lag significantly in customer experience scores.

  • Consumer Priorities: Reputation, trust, competitive pricing, transparency, strong 24/7 customer support, seamless claims, and value-added services are decisive factors influencing purchase and renewal decisions.

  • Generational Shifts: Younger millennials prioritise 24×7 support and service benefits but show lower brand loyalty. They are quick to switch insurers after poor experiences, highlighting the importance of consistently fast, proactive, and responsive service.

  • Claim Experience Drives Awareness: Consumers who have experienced a claim tend to purchase additional coverage and add-ons.

Emerging Trends;

  1. Digital Adoption: Online purchase and renewal are strongest among metro residents and consumers below 45 years. Digital channels and aggregators play a key role in shaping insurer selection.

  2. Switching Propensity: Higher among 4W owners, younger millennials, and metro consumers, reflecting greater awareness, demand, and willingness to shift.

  3. Price Sensitivity: Price remains the primary driver of switching, followed by service quality. Among 4W switchers, 37% cited price as the main reason.

  4. Cashless Solutions: Increasing adoption of cashless claims through network-garage tie-ups, especially among 4W owners and higher socio-economic groups. Non-cashless claims still exist, with 44% citing garage network limitations.

  5. Value-Enhancing Add-Ons:Consumers prefer add-ons like Zero Depreciation, Roadside Assistance (RSA), Engine Protect, and No Claim Bonus Protection. RSA, in particular, reflects demand for convenience-led services such as on-the-spot repairs, towing, and emergency support, particularly in metro areas.

Piyali Chatterjee, Executive Vice President, CX, Hansa Research, said, “Consumers today are informed and selective, actively evaluating insurers during renewals. Competitive offerings, consistent service delivery, and convenience-led solutions are essential for insurers to retain and attract customers.”

The Motor Insurance CuES 2025 highlights the evolving landscape of India’s motor insurance market, emphasising digital adoption, value-driven offerings, and service excellence as key determinants of consumer choice in 2025.