All posts by Neel Achary

India’s WPI inflation rose to 2.13% in February 2026, up from 1.81% in January 2026, driven mainly by manufactured products, basic metals, textiles, non-food articles, and food articles. The Fuel & Power segment, however, remained in negative territory at -3.78%, while Manufactured Products inflation stood at 2.92%.

The latest numbers indicate that the rise in wholesale inflation has been primarily driven by higher prices in segments such as manufactured products, basic metals, textiles, non-food articles, and food articles due to increase in commodity prices said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Within the Manufacturing Products basic metals contributed to higher inflation relative to February 2025 due to a mix of global supply constraints, energy costs, freight disruption, and downstream industrial demand, he said.

Increase in WPI inflation reflects a gradual firming up of price pressures in the production environment, particularly in manufacturing-linked categories. While the overall inflation remains manageable, continued monitoring of commodity prices, logistics costs, and input cost movements will be important to sustain industrial competitiveness and support domestic growth momentum, he added.

Manufactured Products, which carry the highest weight in the WPI basket, recorded 2.92% inflation in February 2026, up from 2.86% in January 2026, indicating stubborn pricing pressures in the industrial sector, he said.

Given the geopolitical risks, a continued policy focus on improving supply-chain efficiencies, lowering logistics costs, supporting domestic manufacturing, and ensuring adequate availability of critical inputs for industry is critical, as such measures would help contain cost-push pressures, he added.

Stable WPI inflation is essential for maintaining consumer confidence, while protecting profit margins for producers, and ensuring smooth transmission across supply chains. The moderation in fuel-related inflation is encouraging, but the outlook looks volatile given the geopolitical risks said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & SG, PHDCCI.

An exclusive Tasting Table hosted by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar is set to bring together a curated mix of food, innovation, and culinary storytelling in an intimate setting. The gathering is expected to draw a number of well-known faces from the culinary world, along with lifestyle influencers, creators, and select members of the media.

Adding to the buzz, the chef recently sent out a series of creatively curated bento-box invites to select creators and influencers. Each box featured two of his favourites – biryani and momos, along with a cryptic note hinting that “something exciting is cooking.” The unusual invite has sparked curiosity across social media, with several creators sharing glimpses of the boxes and speculating about what Chef Ranveer Brar might be preparing to unveil at the upcoming gathering.

While details about the event remain tightly under wraps, industry buzz suggests that the evening could feature the reveal of a new kitchen innovation designed to revolutionise everyday cooking for Indian homes.

At the chef’s table, Brar is expected to showcase how modern kitchen tools can help prepare a wide variety of dishes with ease, while preserving the flavours and authenticity that define Indian cuisine. In Further details about the innovation, including its features, availability, and market rollout are expected to be revealed closer to the official announcement.

Delhi NCR, Mar 16: Sunfeast Bounce of Joy (BOJ), ITC Foods’ flagship initiative promoting outdoor play and physical activity among children, celebrated the successful conclusion of its year-long edition with a grand closing event in Delhi NCR. The program underscores the brand’s commitment to fostering confidence, teamwork, and holistic development through sports.

The finale event, held at St. Mary’s School, Mayur Vihar Phase III, brought together government representatives, sports professionals, educators, and community stakeholders to commemorate the program’s impact. Chief Guest Dr. Parvez Ali, District Sports Officer, G.B. Nagar, lauded the initiative, stating,

“Sports play a critical role in shaping confident, disciplined, and healthy young citizens. Initiatives like Sunfeast Bounce of Joy bring sporting opportunities to children who may otherwise not have access to them, encouraging participation and promoting nation-building values.”

The program, spanning across 250 schools, has reached over 1 lakh students and more than 1.2 lakh beneficiaries in communities across Gautam Buddha Nagar and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Muzaffarpur and Munger in Bihar, and Ranchi in Jharkhand. Activities included the provision of sports equipment, structured coaching sessions, and capacity-building workshops for school physical education teachers.

Indian National footballer Jyoti Chauhan, who has represented the National Women Football Team and Croatian Women’s Club Dinamo Zagreb, participated in the event, inspiring children to embrace sports as a part of their lifestyle.

Kavita Chaturvedi, BU Chief Executive, Biscuits & Confections, ITC Ltd., emphasized,

“At ITC, we believe that sports can be a powerful catalyst for holistic development. Through Sunfeast Bounce of Joy, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for children and communities to engage in physical activity while building life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and leadership. Sports, along with academics, are essential to nurturing well-rounded individuals.”

Highlighting the educational value of physical activity, Pratik Kumar, CEO, Sashakt Foundation, added,

“Structured play is essential for healthy development and effective learning. Physical activity supports attention, memory, and problem-solving, helping students concentrate better and engage more actively in class.”

The closure event also featured participation from school principals, teachers, students, and community elders, including women participants, who shared experiences and acknowledged the positive influence of the program on their schools and communities.

Mumbai, Mar 16: Celebrating the spirit of togetherness and shared joy, Parle-G has unveiled a special Ugadi film for audiences in Karnataka, AP and Telengana. Created in Kannada and Telegu, the film captures the warmth of the festival while bringing alive a timeless message – that life, like Ugadi’s traditional Bevu Bella, is a blend of both sweetness and bitterness.

 Celebrated as the New Year in several parts of southern India, Ugadi is marked by the ritual of preparing Bevu Bella, a symbolic mixture of jaggery and neem leaves. The sweetness of jaggery and the bitterness of neem represent the many emotions life brings, reminding people to accept joy and disappointment alike. In Andhra Pradesh and Telengana, the Bevu Bella is replaced by Ugadi Pachadi, again a concoction of Neem and Jaggery.

The film unfolds in a typical Kannada household preparing for the festival. While the mother decorates the house for Ugadi, the younger daughter sits grumpy after not being selected for her school’s cricket team. Her elder sister, Anagha, playfully reminds her of moments when she was happy after being chosen for other activities, a science project and a parade. Irritated, the younger sister dismisses the comparisons and walks away.

Later, as the family gathers to prepare Bevu Bella, the older sister arrives with only jaggery. The younger one immediately protests: how can Bevu Bella be made without neem? That moment becomes the turning point. The elder sister gently explains that just as Bevu Bella needs both jaggery and neem, life too brings sweetness and bitterness, and both must be embraced. The realization brings a smile back to the younger sister’s face, turning the moment into a warm family celebration of Ugadi.

Through this simple yet meaningful story, Parle-G once again reinforces its enduring belief that joy grows when it is shared, echoing the brand’s continuing campaign of ‘Jo auron ki khushi mein paaye apni khushi’. Thereby, building on the iconic G mane Genius story of the brand.  You can watch the campaign here:

Speaking about the campaign, Mayank Shah, Vice President of Parle Products, said:

“Parle-G has been a part of everyday moments in Indian homes for generations. Festivals give us a unique opportunity to celebrate regional traditions and connect with consumers in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Our Ugadi film draws from the symbolism of Bevu Bella and reflects values that resonate deeply with families,  sharing joy, accepting life’s ups and downs, and coming together as a community. With this Ugadi film, we wanted to create a simple, heartfelt moment that audiences in Karnataka, AP and Telengana would instantly recognise and connect with”

Vinod Kunj, Chief Creative Officer of Thought Blurb Communications, added:

“Most Ugadi work showcases the celebration of the festival. We delved into what it means to the people of the region. We looked at customs and traditions and stumbled upon a singularly unique ritual associated only with this festival. We loved the message it holds for the community and how that message is passed on to successive generations through a culinary ritual.  When a brand as loved as Parle-G celebrates festivals through culturally rooted narratives, it strengthens a bond that already exists with consumers.”

Sharing the creative insight behind the film, Renu Somani Karwa, National Creative Director at Thought Blurb Communications, said:

“This is a talking film that was born out of talking to the people. A lot many people in Karnataka spoke of the Bevu Bella ritual with a fond reverence (known as Ugaadi Pachadi in AP, Telengana).  The ritual of Bevu Bella beautifully captures the essence of Ugadi, the idea that life is a mix of sweetness and bitterness. That insight inspired a small, warm story between two sisters. The film reflects the everyday warmth of Indian homes, which felt perfectly aligned with Parle-G a brand that has always been part of those homes.”

Over the years, Parle-G has celebrated festivals across India through culturally rooted storytelling, from Durga Puja in eastern India to Onam in Kerala and Chhath Puja and Lohri in northern India. The Ugadi film continues this tradition, celebrating regional customs while reinforcing the brand’s timeless message of shared joy.

As families come together to welcome the New Year, the film serves as a gentle reminder that life’s sweetness and bitterness are both part of the journey, and that happiness grows when it is shared.

Campaign Credits:

Client: Parle Products 

Vice President: Mayank Pravinchandra Shah

Senior Product Manager: Megha Thakare

Deputy Brand Manager: Anshuman Sharma

Agency: Thought Blurb Communications

Chief Creative Officer: Vinod Kunj

National Creative Director: Renu Somani Karwa

Executive Director: Nidha Luthra

Group Brand Solutions Manager: Charvi Chaudhari

Brand Solutions Manager: Timiha Kunj

Nashik, Maharashtra, Mar 16th: Indian Silk House Agencies, East India’s most trusted saree brand for over five decades, has opened its first store in Maharashtra in the city of Nashik. Marking the brand’s entry into the state and 65^th store nationwide, the launch represents an important milestone in its national expansion journey. With a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity, Indian Silk House Agencies brings its celebrated ‘Sarees of India’ to Nashik, showcasing the artistry of more than 15,000 artisans across 60+ weaving clusters pan India. 

Celebrating the festive spirit of the region, the Nashik store introduces a special Gudi Padwa Edit featuring festive silk sarees curated for the occasion. The store presents a thoughtfully curated selection spanning Bengal Classics such as Kantha, Baluchari, Matka, Tussar and cotton sarees alongside a South Special range of Kanjivaram, Kanchipuram and Arni silks. The Heritage Collection brings together iconic weaves from across the country, including Banarasi, Katan Banarasi, Hyderabadi Katan, Ikkat, Bandhej, Paithani, Gadwal and Uppada, offering customers a rich repertoire of silks suited for everyday elegance as well as festive and milestone occasions. To celebrate the launch, Indian Silk House Agencies is offering an inaugural Flat 10% off across collections for a limited period until 20th March 2026. 

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Darshan Dudhoria, CEO, Indian Silk House Agencies, said, “Nashik marks our gateway into Maharashtra, a state with a deep and enduring connection to textiles and traditional weaves. As one of the region’s important cultural and pilgrimage centres, Nashik brings together heritage, commerce and a strong appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. With this expansion, we are delighted to introduce the ‘Sarees of India’ to customers in the state. Through this store, we hope to offer customers access to authentic handwoven sarees from weaving clusters across the country while celebrating India’s rich textile heritage and supporting the artisan communities that sustain these traditions.” 

Indian Silk House Agencies today operates through a strong and steadily expanding national retail footprint with 65 stores across 15 states, making significant strides in deepening its presence across Tier I-IV cities and strengthening its omni-channel network with D2C website indiansilkhouseagencies.com.   The Nashik store marks the brand’s entry into Maharashtra and reinforces its commitment to bringing authentic Indian handlooms to new regions while continuing to support artisan communities through long term partnerships and responsible retail growth.

Mumbai,  Mar 16: MYFANDOM, India’s first Direct-to-Fan ecosystem, is known for fueling fandoms through official, premium merchandise and immersive fan experiences. MYFANDOM, which has enabled merchandise for over 100+ international artists and brands, has now released “India Fandom Report”. A first-of-its-kind, the report is a comprehensive overview on the phenomenal upsurge in fandom-related activities in India in 2025.

 On the launch of the India Fandom Report, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji shares,

“The India Fandom Report is a timely initiative that seeks to understand the evolving dynamics of fan communities and their growing influence. The creation of MYFANDOM as a platform that celebrates fan culture and connects Indian audiences with global entertainment experiences is a noteworthy step in recognising the power and potential of fandom in India” 

The report examines how fandom is emerging as a powerful force shaping India’s cultural influence, consumer behaviour, and economic growth. It explores India’s growing role as a global soft power, where Indian fan communities are increasingly becoming an influence on international pop culture, music tours, streaming content, and cross-border collaborations. An independent study by MYFANDOM discovers that as fandom deepens, merchandise, live experiences, and community-led engagement have become crucial touchpoints for the Indian Fandom Economy giving fans the centerstage. 40% of fans want meet-and-greets with their idols to become part of the fan-experience, and 45% said they’d be the happiest with official merch.

The concept of fandom and its transition from a passive to a proactive influence is at the heart of this report, that positions India firmly in what it defines as the “Fandom Era” 

Speaking on the report, Jinal Ajmera, Co- Founder of MYFANDOM says,

 “Today, India’s hold on the collective consciousness of the world is evident in every aspect of our media and entertainment. The exchange of art and culture, the influx of international artists, businesses and music festivals into the Indian economy made 2025 – ‘The Year of Fandom’. The India Fandom Report is our endeavour to celebrate India’s Soft Power with a record of these incredible strides made in the Indian Fandom Economy.”

Vivek Ajmera, Co- Founder of MYFANDOM adds,

 “We are on a journey to empower fans to Live Their Fandom. As India rises to unprecedented heights of economic power, our aim with the India Fandom Report is to highlight the scope of the country’s Orange Economy by offering a macro lens on the growing fan culture in India. With this, we take one step forward for India’s next billion fans.”

The report also includes insights from industry leaders and pillars of the Fandom Economy in India, such as Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC; Perry Farrell, Founder, Lollapalooza; Kunal Khambhati, Co-founder & COO – Events, District by Zomato; Anjula Acharia, Founder, 5 Junction Record and Manager, Priyanka Chopra Jonas; Poornima Sharma, Head of Marketing Partnerships, Netflix India, and Thomas Puliyel – Former President, IMRB International (now Kantar), to name just a few. Also, the report highlights the experiences of certain superfans like Tanuj Govil, who got to sing on stage with Chris Martin in Ahmedabad, and Natasha Mahtani, an Indian Swiftie invited to a ‘secret session’ at Taylor Swift’s residence.

This report is intended to serve as a reference point for artists, management, brands, and industry stakeholders seeking to underscore how fandom is shaping the future of entertainment, commerce, and culture in India. Drawing on its internal study, industry research, and cultural observation, MYFANDOM estimates that by 2028, India’s Fandom Economy will be worth $10 Billion! 

Karaikudi, Mar 16: Popees Baby Care marked another significant milestone in its growth journey with the grand opening of its 106th store at Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu. Notably, this launch represents the brand’s very first Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) in Karaikudi, bringing its specialized range of baby products directly to the city’s parents. The inauguration ceremony was attended by invited guests and families from across the region.

 The store was inaugurated by the doctors from Karaikudi KNH Fertility Center, Dr. Ramesh A and Dr. Kavitha Ramesh K. The event was attended by the team of Popees Baby Care. The newly opened outlet in Karaikudi offers a wide range of baby wear, baby care products, maternity wear, toys, and accessories, all designed with a strong focus on baby safety and quality.

The store also showcases Popees premium bamboo essentials collection, featuring eco-friendly, soft, and skin-safe products thoughtfully crafted for newborns and infants. The brand continues to follow its compulsory 28 quality checkpoints across products, ensuring high standards of safety.

The inauguration witnessed a strong turnout from parents and families, with positive feedback from visitors, making the launch a successful and memorable occasion for Popees Baby Care in Karaikudi.

 

The gentle and highly effective lice treatment is available at 6,000 Walgreens locations in the United States

DALLAS, TX (Mar16)- Cartwheel, a healthcare brand developed by moms for moms, is today announcing the availability of its inaugural consumer product, Nit Happens, at 6,000 Walgreens locations in the United States. The over-the-counter lice treatment uses only non-toxic, naturally-derived ingredients to eliminate lice and nits, avoiding the pesticides and synthetic ingredients found in many traditional treatments. 

“We’re thrilled to launch Nit Happens in Walgreens stores nationwide, making it easier for families across the country to access a safer lice treatment that takes some of the stress out of what can be a chaotic experience,” said Joanna Shu, CEO of Cartwheel. “As a mom of three kids who have all had lice at some point, I experienced firsthand how difficult lice are to treat and how many products rely on harsh pharmaceutical ingredients. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between safety and effectiveness. We’re giving them both, plus a splash of humor to lighten the load.”

Unlike harsh chemical formulas, Nit Happens works through physical disruption and dehydration. Its gel combines coconut oil, mild cosmetic abrasives, and limonene derived from orange peels to kill lice and nits when combined with gentle brushing. 

The results are clinically proven. A clinical study reported a 95.8% efficacy rate when the label instructions were followed. With treatment-resistant lice becoming more prevalent, these results point to a strong alternative for families who need reliable outcomes without harsh chemical exposure. 

An estimated 6 to 12 million children in the U.S. get head lice each year, and misdiagnosis is extremely common. Parents often confuse dandruff, sand, debris, and scalp conditions with lice, leading to unnecessary stress and unnecessary treatment. Cartwheel is positioning Nit Happens as part of a larger effort to improve education and awareness around lice. The company is currently developing a new smartphone application to help parents better determine if their child actually has lice using guided check steps.

The Nit Happens OTC Lice Treatment Kit includes: 

• 4 oz treatment gel (two full applications)

• 1 oz post-treatment shampoo

• Metal lice comb

• Applicator brush

• Gloves

Nit Happens will also soon be available for purchase on the TikTok Shop and Amazon.