All posts by Neel Achary

Pune Dec 29: Santoor from Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, has emerged as the country’s largest soap brand, marking a defining milestone in its nearly four-decade-long journey.

The brand with its distinctive sandalwood-and-turmeric proposition saw a modest test launch in Bangalore in 1985, followed by a national roll-out in 1986. Santoor has today grown into a INR 2850 crore personal wash behemoth  in terms of company invoiced sales  for last 12 months, now becoming the largest Soap brand.  

Santoor championed the relatable promise of “younger-looking skin” for the everyday Indian woman. This positioning came to life through the iconic ‘Santoor Mom’ which has been used consistently, but the portrayal changed over the years keeping pace with the changing aspirations of women and celebrating the multiple roles women balance  something that deeply resonated with consumers. The brand has worked hard to continuously enhance the product performance and packaging over the years and make Santoor synonymous with its vibrant orange colour. Santoor’s journey has been built on strong operational execution and an intense focus to win the top spot across key markets.

Reflecting on the incredible milestone, Vineet Agrawal, CEO, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting and Managing Director, Wipro Enterprises, said,

“Becoming India’s largest soap brand is a moment of quiet pride for all of us at Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting. Santoor’s journey has been shaped by deep consumer understanding, disciplined execution, and the belief that consistent value creation wins over time. We have worked assiduously to give great quality to the consumer, by constantly upgrading the product, be it in perfume, superior sensorial or performance in hard water, which combined with exciting advertising  have all helped shape the brand’s success.”

Neeraj Khatri, Chief Executive, Wipro Consumer Care, said;

“This milestone fills us with immense pride and is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and passion of our factory teams, frontline colleagues, and business teams across geographies. The teams had a deep conviction on Santoor and an unwavering zeal to become the leader, which was backed with relentless hard work and a steadfast commitment to quality and operational excellence. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering trust and collaboration of our distributors and partners whose support has been integral to this journey, and we sincerely thank them for their continued partnership, that has helped build lasting consumer confidence and market leadership.”

In 1986  a clearly defined brand positioning enabled Santoor to establish itself – generating revenues of just INR 60 crore in its first decade. By the late 1990s, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting made a decisive strategic shift to focus on growing high potential states, one state at a time. Starting from Andhra Pradesh the brand gained immensely in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat, becoming the top brand in South & West India by 2009. This strategy prioritised depth over breadth, concentrating investment and visibility. By 2018, Santoor crossed INR 2,000 crore milestone, beating Lux to become India’s second-largest soap brand by value. Today with an annual revenue of approximately INR 2,850 crore, the brand has surpassed Lifebuoy to become India’s largest soap brand. 

This achievement reflects the enduring trust of millions of Indian households who have made Santoor a part of their daily lives. Built on relevance, accessibility, and consistency, the brand’s growth emphasizes the power of understanding consumers deeply and delivering value over time.

New Delhi,  Dec 29:- MedLern, India’s award-winning healthcare training and workforce enablement platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Ruby Hall Clinic, one of Pune’s most trusted and respected multi-specialty hospital groups. This collaboration forms a key pillar of Ruby Hall Clinic’s digital transformation journey and aims to strengthen clinical, operational, and compliance-related training across the hospital network.

By integrating MedLern’s digital-first learning solutions with Ruby Hall Clinic’s strategic focus on workforce development, the partnership seeks to deliver structured, high-impact training programs seamlessly across a large and diverse workforce. The initiative is designed to ensure consistency, scalability, and measurable outcomes in hospital training, reinforcing Ruby Hall Clinic’s commitment to excellence in care and patient safety.

As part of the collaboration, MedLern’s advanced learning and development  platform will be deployed across Ruby Hall Clinic locations, enabling clinicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff to learn, practice, and grow through a unified digital ecosystem. The platform offers personalized learning pathways, interactive case-based modules, simulation-supported practice scenarios, and competency-based assessments tailored to the needs of high-performing hospitals.

Healthcare professionals will be able to engage in structured training programs at their own pace, supported by real-time tracking, performance feedback, and actionable analytics. These insights will help hospital leadership monitor progress, identify skill gaps, and prioritize training interventions. With its flexible, mobile-enabled design, MedLern’s platform ensures continuous learning without disrupting clinical workflows, supporting sustained professional development across the organization.

Mr. Behram Khodaiji, CEO of Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, said;

“Ruby Hall Clinic has always believed that the foundation of exceptional patient care lies in the continuous growth and competency of our people. Partnering with MedLern allows us to bring a more organized, technology-supported approach to training, ensuring our teams are consistently updated and aligned with the highest standards of clinical practice.”

Col. Denu Thomas, Group Head HR, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, said;

 “At Ruby Hall Clinic, building a future-ready healthcare workforce is a strategic priority. This partnership with MedLern strengthens our ability to deliver structured, standardized, and continuous learning across roles and locations. By leveraging digital learning and real-time insights, we can better support our teams in developing critical skills, improving compliance, and maintaining consistent clinical excellence, while ensuring learning remains seamlessly integrated into daily practice.”

Deepak Sharma, CEO and Co-founder of MedLern, shared;

 “Ruby Hall Clinic has set benchmarks in quality healthcare for decades, and we are proud to support their vision for ongoing professional development. Our focus is to make learning accessible, relevant, and practice-oriented so that staff can apply knowledge directly at the bedside. This partnership will strengthen skill development, enhance consistency, and ultimately drive improved outcomes for patients.”

Under this initiative, MedLern’s training ecosystem will be implemented across Ruby Hall Clinic’s entire network in Pune. By consolidating training delivery onto a single digital platform, the collaboration is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative overhead, and enable stronger standardization of clinical and operational protocols across the group.

Kozhikode,  Dec 29:- Xylem Learning, one of South India’s premier ed-tech institutions, successfully hosted the fourth edition of the Xylem Awards at the Calicut Trade Centre. The ceremony honoured more than 2,500 budding doctors and engineers, who have secured admissions to AIIMS, JIPMER, IITs, NITs and many such prestigious institutions in Kerala and outside. Over 10,000 students gathered at the event organized to honor the exceptional achievements of students who secured top ranks in various national and state-level competitive examinations. The gathering of these high achievers represent Xylem’s latest batch of successful candidates recognized for their outstanding performance in the NEET and JEE exams.

During the ceremony, Xylem CEO Dr. S. Ananthu, alongside Directors Lijeesh Kumar and Vinesh Kumar, addressed the audience and reflected on the institution’s rapid growth. Since its inception five years ago, Xylem has expanded its reach significantly, currently supporting a vast community of over 3 million online learners and more than 35,000 offline students.

Renowned actors Asif Ali, Basil Joseph, Anarkali Marikar and influencers attended the event to motivate the students.

Mumbai, Dec 29:- The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council  today issued its annual review of the bullion market, highlighting the extraordinary rally in gold and silver during 2025, which has pushed both metals to record or near-record highs by December and the factors driving this surge.

The sharp rally in gold and silver witnessed this year is the result of several global and domestic forces acting in tandem. Global economic uncertainty, marked by geopolitical tensions, war-like situations, and a slowdown in major economies, has prompted investors worldwide to seek safe-haven assets. Gold, long regarded as the ultimate safe haven, has seen heavy buying interest as a result.

Another major factor has been the expectation of interest rate cuts by the United States. As soon as markets sensed that the Federal Reserve may reduce rates in the coming months, the appeal of gold rose sharply, since non-interest-bearing assets tend to gain value faster in such environments. Adding to this momentum, the weakness of the US dollar has naturally lifted gold and silver prices at the international level.

Central banks across the globe have also played a pivotal role. Countries such as China, Turkey, and India have increased the gold component in their foreign exchange reserves, reinforcing the long-term bullish trend. Meanwhile, silver has benefited not only from its role as a jewellery metal but also from its growing importance as an industrial metal. Demand for silver has risen rapidly in solar panels, electric vehicles, and the battery industry, adding extra momentum to its price trajectory.

In India, strong physical demand during the wedding and festive season has further supported prices. Rising bullion purchases as a safe investment option have also contributed to the upward trend.

Looking ahead, GJC believes that the uncertain global environment, expectations of rate cuts, dollar weakness, central bank buying, and industrial demand for silver will continue to drive both metals into a strong bullish trend. While volatility may increase, the overall outlook remains positive for 2026.

Mr. Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of GJC, said;

“The bullion market in 2025 has been a clear reminder that precious metals are strategic assets, not speculative instruments. Gold’s historic rise is a direct reflection of global uncertainty and, more importantly, the unwavering trust that Indian households and investors place in it as a store of value across generations. Silver has decisively evolved beyond tradition … emerging as a critical metal powering the future through renewable energy, solar applications, and electric mobility, while retaining its cultural and jewellery relevance. This year has firmly established that gold and silver are not just commodities traded on screens, but enduring pillars of economic stability, cultural heritage, and India’s journey toward technological and sustainable growth.”

Mr. Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman of GJC, added:

“As we look toward 2026, the industry must prepare for a more complex environment. Volatility will be part of the journey, yet the underlying drivers  from central bank accumulation to industrial demand  remain intact. For jewellers, investors, and consumers alike, the opportunity lies in understanding these dynamics and positioning wisely. Precious metals will continue to safeguard wealth, but they will also increasingly power the technologies of tomorrow. The GJC will stand alongside the trade, ensuring that our community adapts and thrives in this evolving landscape.”

Hyderabad, Dec 29: Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel is set to welcome 2026 with “Ticket to London,” an immersive, British-inspired New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2025, from 8:00 PM onwards. Designed as a journey through London’s most iconic landmarks, the hotel will be transformed into a vibrant Londonscape featuring elements inspired by Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, complemented by fog-lit street lamps, red double-decker bus motifs, and Union Jack accents.

The celebration unfolds across four distinct venues, each offering a unique experience;

• Zega Restaurant presents a lively Pan-Asian setting with a London pub-style twist, featuring dim sums, sushi, and Asian comfort favourites.

• Feast Restaurant transforms into a grand Westminster-inspired buffet hall, offering an expansive multi-cuisine spread, live band performances, and exclusive VIP seating.

• Jade Ballroom becomes the pulsating heart of the night, with a high-energy dance floor beneath crystal chandeliers, DJ-led music, and immersive lighting evoking Thames-side glamour.

• Open Sky Rooftop  offers an alfresco setting for the midnight countdown, complete with panoramic city views, fireworks, and unlimited imported liquor under the stars.

Guests can indulge in unlimited beverages, gourmet buffets, performances by two Bollywood DJs, live bands, singers, and a spectacular midnight countdown bringing the magic of New Year’s Eve by the Thames to the heart of Hyderabad.

New Year Staycation & Party Offers

To enhance the festive experience, Sheraton Hyderabad is offering exclusive New Year staycation packages:

• New Year Staycation with Jade Party & Brunch – Priced at INR 29,000 plus taxes, this package includes an overnight stay, access to the New Year’s Eve “Ticket to London” celebrations, and a New Year’s Day brunch at Jade ideal for guests seeking a perfect blend of celebration and relaxation.

• Staycation with Jade DJ Party – Priced at INR 21,000 plus taxes, this package includes an overnight stay and access to the Jade DJ Party, catering to party enthusiasts focused on music, nightlife, and a relaxed New Year morning.

With its immersive theme, multiple entertainment zones, and thoughtfully curated packages, Sheraton Hyderabad promises an unforgettable start to 2026.

Mumbai, Dec 29:- Soulflower  India’s first farm-to-face brand, has been recognized by ET Edge as one of the ‘Best Brands Of The Year’ at the ET Now Best Brands Conclave, held recently in the city. The accolade recognises brands that demonstrate exceptional innovation, market impact and influence across India’s dynamic business landscape. Soulflower stood out for its pioneering farm-to-face practice, preservative-free formulations and data-backed approach to natural beauty; setting new benchmarks for transparency and efficacy. The brand stood alongside industry leaders including Tata Trusts, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever  and Groww, among others affirming its position as a credible and influential brand shaping the future of the beauty and personal care sector.

“A few years ago we were recognised as one of the Emerging Brands on the very same platform and today, we are being recognised among the Best Brands. This is a testament to our journey of building a brand grounded in trust, efficacy and purpose. The award reflects the passion of our team and the support of our customers. For over two decades, Soulflower has championed natural, clinically validated solutions that resonate with today’s informed and conscious consumers. This recognition inspires us to continue innovating without compromise,” says Ms Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower.

Soulflower’s focus on scientifically backed formulations, clinical validation and eco-responsible practices has set new benchmarks in India’s clean beauty ecosystem. Special ingredients cared for at every step and sealed with love. This is the brand’s farm-to-face promise; total transparency, from seed to skin.

“Soulflower is committed to reaching millions of conscious consumers, elevating clean beauty standards and crafting honest, effective products made with care. Every step we take is rooted in trust and transparency. Being named among India’s Best Brands reaffirms that these are not just values, but true business strengths. Being recognized for the trust we’ve built through this commitment is truly meaningful to us,” concludes Ms Tuli.

Mumbai, Dec 29:-Leadership hiring across India’s BFSI sector is entering a consolidation phase, with institutions signalling a clear shift towards stability, risk management and governance as they prepare for 2026, as per a survey conducted by Venator Search Partners, a retained executive search firm.

The leadership mix in 2025 sends a clear message for the year ahead, with Chief Risk Officers emerging as the most sought-after function outside the CEO role. When combined with Chief Compliance Officers and Chief Financial Officers, control functions represented 22.4 percent of the total leadership replacement cohort. This concentration indicates that nearly one quarter of senior leadership bandwidth is focused on safeguarding asset quality, capital adequacy and regulatory compliance, a trend expected to continue through 2026.

Venator Search Partners came out with the findings after tracking 76 leadership movements at MD and CEO plus other CXO levels across 16 large NBFCs and HFCs during 2024 and 2025. Of these organisations, 6 were NBFCs and 10 were HFCs, including 9 listed and 7 unlisted companies, representing a significant share of India’s retail and wholesale credit ecosystem.

One of the most significant developments in 2025 has been the noticeable turnover at the top management level. The data shows multiple transitions of Managing Directors (MDs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), emphasizing how the role has become increasingly demanding. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, pressure on unsecured portfolios, and rising expectations from boards have collectively raised the standards for leadership performance. This trend reflects the broader corporate environment in India, which recorded 141 CEO exits in FY25, compared to 119 in FY24, reinforcing the perception that leadership tenures are becoming shorter and more results-oriented.

Hiring strategies across BFSI institutions show a careful balance between continuity and change. 55.3 percent of leadership roles were filled through internal promotions, while 44.7 percent were external hires, indicating confidence in internal talent pipelines alongside selective external hiring. Notably, 6 of the 16 organisations relied entirely on internal promotions, while 2 organisations adopted a 100 percent external hiring approach, pointing to strategic resets rather than routine succession.

When institutions did look outside, they stayed close to familiar ground. 58.8 percent of all external hires came from the banking sector, while 29.4 percent were sourced from other NBFCs or HFCs. This underscores the premium placed on regulatory understanding and credit experience, particularly as asset quality concerns remain top of mind.

Beyond control roles, business leadership hiring reflects a recalibration of priorities. Business Heads and Product Heads accounted for 26.7 percent of leadership movements, signalling a shift away from growth-led expansion towards portfolio resilience. These leaders are increasingly tasked with improving loan mix, strengthening secured lending and protecting margins amid elevated funding costs.

Operational efficiency has also moved up the agenda. People and Operations roles represented 24.4 percent of leadership appointments, highlighting a transition from large-scale hiring to productivity and cost optimisation. Operations teams are being reshaped around digital processes, while HR leadership is focusing on specialised skills in underwriting discipline, fraud management and digital collections.

Women made up just 14.5 percent of leadership moves (11 of 76 appointments), despite a 100 percent step-up rate, underscoring strong merit-based progression but limited senior-level representation.

Professional diversity also remains constrained. 87.8 percent of leaders came from financial services, including 39.2 percent from banking and 33.8 percent from NBFC or HFC backgrounds, while only 12.2 percent were drawn from non-financial sectors, reinforcing the sector’s preference for domain familiarity over cross-industry hires.

Commenting on the outlook, Deepraditya Datta, Founder of Venator Search Partners, said;

 “Leadership hiring today reflects a sector that is prioritising discipline over disruption. Boards are signalling that resilience, judgement and regulatory comfort will define leadership success over the next cycle.”

As BFSI institutions move into 2026, the leadership signals from 2025 suggest a continued emphasis on risk-anchored decision making, with growth roles likely to gain prominence only after asset quality stabilisation takes firmer hold.

Chennai, Dec 29:- In a first for Chennai, VS Hospitals has introduced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation  therapy for the treatment of neurological conditions. This advanced, non-invasive treatment uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, offering new hope for patients with stroke, migraine, neuropathic pain, depression and other neurological disorders. With its strong safety profile, minimal side effects, and international clinical acceptance, TMS marks a significant step forward in enhancing brain-health care in the city.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation  therapy was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Muthu Subramanian, Executive Director, Mr. Prassanna, Group COO, Dr. Sindhuja, Senior Consultant Neurologist, and Prof. Dr. S. Sundar, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon, Director, and Medical Director, VS Hospitals.

The therapy is particularly useful in patients who have not responded well to conventional treatments. The TMS device uses a coil to deliver magnetic pulses over a focused area of the brain at a threshold that is individualised for each and every person. Hence, it represents a personalised treatment model according to each person’s brain condition. TMS is useful in the treatment of post-stroke weakness and speech disturbance, acute and chronic headaches, chronic neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. It has a good treatment response for psychiatric conditions like major depressive disorder, OCD, and anxiety.

Commenting on the therapy, Dr. L. Sindhuja, Consultant Neuro Physician, VS Hospitals, said;

“TMS is a safe, non-invasive procedure that can significantly aid patients struggling with chronic neurological disorders like strokes, which are slow to improve, refractory headaches, neuropathic pain and functional neurological disorders. By precisely targeting affected brain regions, we can stimulate neural pathways that have been slow to recover, offering hope where conventional therapies may not suffice. During a TMS session, patients either sit or lie comfortably while the clinician positions the magnetic coil over the targeted area in the scalp. Patients may experience a gentle tapping sensation or brief muscle twitching. Each session lasts around 20-30 minutes, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after. This is an outpatient treatment without any injections or anaesthesia, or radiation.”

In addition to TMS, the hospital also offers Magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation, a non-invasive therapy that uses a handheld coil placed on the skin over the affected area. This treatment is effective in managing conditions such as sciatica, nerve injuries leading to muscle weakness, chronic musculoskeletal pain, foot drop and carpal tunnel syndrome.