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India’s food heritage is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, regional flavors, and generations of craftsmanship. In recent years, several homegrown brands have transformed these age-old culinary practices into modern successes, taking authentic Indian tastes from local kitchens to global shelves. Here are seven Indian food products that proudly celebrate India’s culinary soul.

1. Amul – The Taste of India

From buttered toast to festive sweets, Amul has been a household staple for decades. Built on the cooperative movement, it empowers millions of farmers while delivering high-quality dairy products that define everyday Indian cooking.

2. Haldiram’s – From Local Namkeen to Global Snack Brand

What began as a small namkeen shop has become an international symbol of Indian snacks. Haldiram’s blends consistency with tradition, offering everything from bhujia to sweets that resonate across generations.

3. Chacha’s Pickle – Tradition in Every Jar

Chacha’s Pickle is more than just a condiment, it’s a journey back to the kitchens of our grandparents, where every spice told a story and every jar was made with love. Crafted using traditional recipes, sun-matured techniques, and authentic spices, it is completely natural, free from preservatives, and packed with the true flavors of homemade achaar.

Every bite evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the comforting warmth of home. Chacha’s Pickle is a bridge between the past and present, connecting generations through taste, nostalgia, and the timeless joy of savoring food made with heart pure, wholesome, and untainted.

4. Tata Sampann – Purity Rooted in Indian Kitchens

Tata Sampann focuses on unpolished dals, handpicked spices, and traceable sourcing, reviving trust in everyday staples while keeping Indian cooking authentic and wholesome.

5. MDH Spices – Asli Masale Sach Sach

MDH has flavored Indian kitchens for over a century. Its spice blends reflect regional diversity and remain integral to home-style cooking across the country.

In a city that rarely slows down, Autm at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar introduces Matcha Moments, a ceremonial matcha experience launching 21st January 2026, inviting guests to pause, recalibrate, and savour stillness through thoughtfully crafted beverages. 

Rooted in tradition yet designed for the modern palate, Matcha Moments explores matcha beyond trend, highlighting its natural energy, antioxidant richness, and layered umami character. The à la carte menu features hand-whisked ceremonial Matcha Tea, smooth Matcha Lattes, and refreshing iced creations, alongside vibrant signatures such as the Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte, Coconut Matcha Cloud, and the citrus-forward Matcha Yuzu Spritz, each crafted to balance flavour, ritual, and function. 

Matcha Moments at Autm at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar presents a carefully curated matcha menu that blends ceremonial tradition with contemporary flavour. Designed as an all-day offering, the experience brings together clarity, balance, and refreshment, positioning matcha as both a mindful indulgence and a modern everyday essential.

Jaipur, Jan 23: In celebration of National Girl Child Day, NIMS University organized a meaningful seminar and marathon under the theme “Sashakt Beti – Samriddha Bharat” (Empowered Daughter – Prosperous India), highlighting the crucial role of girl child empowerment in building a progressive society. The event was jointly hosted by the NIMS School of Business, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, and the Rajasthan Police, aiming to promote awareness about the dignity, education, safety, and rights of girls.

The program witnessed active participation from students, faculty, and law enforcement officials, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and action toward a safer and more inclusive society for women.

Dignitaries Highlight Importance of Awareness and Equality

The event was presided over by Mrs. Rakhi Rathore, State President of Mahila Morcha, with Mrs. Sunita Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rajasthan Police), attending as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Santosh Nair, Executive President, Global NIMS University, said,
“A truly prosperous India can only be built when girls are given equal opportunities, a secure environment, and access to quality education. Empowering girls is not just a social responsibility, but a national necessity.”

Key Takeaways from the Seminar:

• Digital Awareness and Self-Reliance: Mrs. Rakhi Rathore emphasized the importance of digital literacy, responsible use of social media, and awareness of government welfare schemes, encouraging girls to become self-reliant and confident.

• Safety, Cybercrime, and Law Enforcement Support: Chief Guest Additional DCP Sunita Meena highlighted the challenges of cybercrime and online harassment. She conducted a live session on digital safety and demonstrated the use of the Rajasthan Police App to seek help during emergencies.

• Education and Cultural Values: Dr. Meghendra Sharma, State Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati, spoke on the Indian Knowledge System and the transformative role of NEP 2020, blending modern education with India’s cultural and ethical values to foster holistic student development.

Marathon Promotes Community Awareness

In addition to the seminar, a marathon was organized to extend the message of girl child empowerment beyond the campus. Students participated enthusiastically, taking the campaign into the wider community.

Strong Institutional Participation

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Suresh Soni. Senior faculty members, NSS volunteers, and a large student turnout reinforced the event’s impact, making it a powerful reminder that education, awareness, and safety for girls are foundational to India’s progress and prosperity.

Leucine Rich Bio, South Asia’s leading microbiome company based in Bengaluru, continues its mission to make gut health understanding straightforward, personalized, and backed by science. Since 2014, the company has focused on delivering practical microbiome testing that helps people and doctors make informed decisions about wellness.

The 2026 version of the BugSpeaks Gut Microbiome Report introduces important improvements that make the results much easier to read and use. Complex gut data is now presented with clear visuals, color coding, and simple categories so users can quickly see what’s balanced and what needs attention.

Dr. Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder and Director of Leucine Rich Bio, commented:

“The 2026 BugSpeaks update has been in the works for about a year. Our endeavor has always been to include the latest insights from the microbiome science and our own data into the report to make it more actionable. The current upgraded version is the fourth iteration of the BugSpeaks report since the launch in 2017. With better visuals and new and  straightforward categories, people can now more easily understand their results and take practical steps to support digestion, energy, and overall well being.”

Major upgrades include:

1. Easy to Read Color Coded Scales: New 7-bin and 3-bin systems show how your gut microbes compare to healthy people. Green means good balance; orange and red point to areas that may need improvement.
2. Clear Rych Index Score: The main gut health number (0-100) now comes with an easy visual dial. Green shows you’re in the ideal zone; red indicates room for improvement.
3. Improved Risk Overview: Simple 3-level scoring for common gut-related concerns (such as inflammation potential or leaky gut potential) and likelihood of conditions or disease susceptibility like for Type 2 Diabetes or IBS, shown in percentages for better clarity.
4. More Detail on Key Gut Species: Expanded tables list important foundation microbes and the top species in each group (Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, etc.), making it easier to understand what supports a stable gut.
5. Novel parameters: New parameters such as microplastics exposure risk potential, micronutrients bioavailability potential add a new dimension to the upgraded report.

All the parameters included in the report are based on the microbiota profile of the individual and are individualized in nature.

These changes keep the report’s trusted features, personalized 12-week nutrition plans (with Indian or SE Asian or Arabic or continental food recommendations), probiotic suggestions, and short-chain fatty acid/vitamin insights while adding stronger reminders that the report is for information only and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

New Delhi, Jan 23: Aptronix, an Apple Premium Partner in India, has introduced a new multi-device exchange initiative aimed at strengthening formal e-waste collection and responsible recycling across the country. The programme, titled Limitless Aptronix Exchange, allows customers to exchange up to 10 electronic devices of any brand and condition at Aptronix retail outlets.

Powered by device lifecycle management company Servify and recycling partner Karo Sambhav, a government-authorised Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), the initiative accepts both functional and non-functional devices. Eligible categories include smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, and select household electronics.

Functional devices are assessed instantly through Servify’s diagnostic platform, with the evaluated value redeemable against the purchase of new Apple products. Devices without resale value are routed for responsible recycling, with customers receiving vouchers, along with a tree planted on their behalf.

According to Aptronix, the programme is designed to address India’s growing e-waste challenge by encouraging consumers to responsibly dispose of unused and obsolete electronics. The company expects the initiative to divert a significant volume of electronic waste from landfills during its first year.

Servify’s platform enables transparent device assessment and end-to-end tracking, ensuring devices move through certified refurbishment or recycling channels. Karo Sambhav will oversee recycling operations in compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines, providing traceability from collection to final processing.

Commenting on the launch, Meghna Singh, CEO, Aptronix, said,

“This programme is about making responsible disposal simple and accessible for consumers. By removing friction from the recycling process, we hope to encourage more people to part with old devices responsibly.”

Sreevathsa Prabhakar, Founder & CEO, Servify, added,

“Technology-driven diagnostics, transparent valuation, and traceable recycling are critical to formalising e-waste management at scale.”

The programme is available across all Aptronix retail locations and is open to customers irrespective of device brand. Aptronix will monitor key environmental impact metrics, including the number of devices collected, recycled, and consumer participation levels.

Industry observers note that initiatives such as this align with India’s tightening regulatory framework around e-waste management and reinforce the growing emphasis on producer and consumer responsibility within the electronics ecosystem.

RMZ Announces Strategic Investment Partnership with the Government of Maharashtra at WEF Davos 2026 to Facilitate Investments up to USD 30 Billion

Davos, Switzerland / Mumbai, Jan 23: RMZ, Asia’s leading integrated alternative-assets platform owned by the Menda family, today announced a strategic investment partnership with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

Under this long-term partnership, RMZ plans to facilitate investments of up to USD 30 billion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over the next ten years in a phased manner. The initiative has the potential to generate approximately 3 lakh direct and indirect jobs throughout the project lifecycle. The collaboration is designed to drive economic growth through foreign direct investment (FDI) in urban, regional, and infrastructure development.

As part of the partnership with MMRDA, RMZ will lead investment structuring and capital mobilisation, alongside master planning, project development, and long-term asset management, leveraging global best practices across real estate, infrastructure, logistics parks, and data centres. MMRDA will support land identification and aggregation, provide policy-level support, and facilitate approvals and planning for the projects.

In collaboration with CIDCO, RMZ will develop new data centre and commercial projects in Navi Mumbai, with project execution expected to commence in FY 2026-27. CIDCO will support RMZ in obtaining necessary permissions, land allotments, approvals, and clearances from relevant government authorities in line with Maharashtra’s policies and regulations.

A CIDCO spokesperson said,

“We are excited to announce this partnership with RMZ, which aligns with Maharashtra’s vision to attract large-scale, technology-led infrastructure projects, strengthen digital resilience, and meet India’s growing demand for data-driven services. Navi Mumbai is fast emerging as a preferred hub for high-value data centres and digital infrastructure. This collaboration will enable planned, future-ready development by providing the necessary infrastructure, approvals, and ecosystem support for long-term digital and economic growth.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manoj Menda, Chairman – Supervisory Board, RMZ, said,

“Large, long-duration investments require more than capital; they demand alignment, trust, and strong institutional frameworks. Maharashtra’s focus on planned development and long-term economic value creation provides an ideal foundation. This strategic investment partnership reflects RMZ’s commitment to patient capital, sound governance, and building infrastructure platforms designed to deliver enduring economic outcomes.”

Mr. Deepak Chhabria, President – RMZ Infrastructure, added,

“Mumbai and its surrounding regions are emerging as critical hubs in India’s digital infrastructure and data-driven economy. RMZ already has approximately 230 MW of colocation capacity across its digital infrastructure platform, including assets in and around Mumbai. The partnership with MMRDA and CIDCO supports the next phase of expansion for future-ready data centre and AI infrastructure aligned with global standards. Our focus remains on developing efficient, sustainable platforms to support India’s growing digital economy over the long term.”

The collaboration aims to transform strategic locations into thriving growth hubs, enhance connectivity, and accelerate the implementation of key infrastructure projects, driving economic growth and long-term investment certainty for global capital.

This Republic Day, KLAY, one of India’s leading and most trusted early childhood education and care brands, has launched its Republic Day digital campaign, ‘What Is India?’ The campaign draws from the innate curiosity of preschool children, exploring how early ideas of belonging and national identity begin to form long before children formally understand the concept of a nation.

Designed to spark reflection among parents, educators, and communities, the campaign highlights how young children perceive India—not through history lessons or national symbols, but through the behaviours, emotions, and relationships they observe in their everyday lives. By centring the voices of preschoolers, the campaign reimagines nationhood as a lived experience rooted in inclusion, care, and shared social moments.

Preschoolers may not yet grasp abstract concepts such as governance or geography. However, exposure to national celebrations like Republic Day and witnessing adults express pride and emotion naturally prompts children to ask questions about what India represents. The campaign’s central question, “What Is India?”, emerges from this early curiosity, recognising that children derive meaning from lived experiences rather than formal explanations.

The campaign is anchored in KLAY’s belief that a child’s environment plays a critical role in shaping their worldview. At this formative stage, ideas of identity and belonging are shaped through relationships, community interactions, and emotional security within familiar spaces such as classrooms and homes.

Speaking on the campaign, Arshleen Kalra, Head of Academic, KLAY Preschools and Daycare, said,

“While the idea of a nation may still be abstract for young children, they are highly perceptive to behavioural patterns and interpersonal relationships. When children witness pride in India around them, they naturally seek to understand what India stands for. This campaign interprets that curiosity through children’s everyday experiences and interactions.”

Through ‘What Is India?’, KLAY reiterates its commitment to early learning that extends beyond academic readiness to include social awareness, emotional development, and a strong sense of community. The campaign reinforces the belief that the foundations of citizenship are laid early in life—quietly shaped by the environments in which children grow, observe, and absorb the world around them.

Noida, Jan 22: IMS Noida’s community radio Salaam Namaste has successfully completed 16 remarkable years of community broadcasting and social transformation. To mark this milestone, a programme focusing on women entrepreneurship and youth empowerment was organized at the institute campus. During the event, homepreneur units such as Nani’s Potli and Aventra, along with representatives from NGOs Sadarg and Mera Sahara, shared their inspiring success stories. Discussions were also held on the preservation and promotion of Indian art and culture.

In his message, IMS Noida President Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta stated that it is the result of sustained efforts that Salaam Namaste has so far received four National Awards from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for thematic interventions, community engagement, and promotion of local art and culture. Since its inception, Salaam Namaste has continuously played an active role in empowering the local community. He added that the radio station will continue to be the voice of the community, promoting social change, empowerment, and positive thinking in the years to come.

Speaking on the occasion, IMS Noida Director General Professor (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan said that the institute is celebrating the 16th anniversary of its success today. He highlighted that Salaam Namaste, the first community radio of Noida and Ghaziabad, has been broadcasting programmes focused on social issues since 2009. Over the years, the station has been honored by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for its programmes “Chak De Chhotu” (focused on underprivileged children) in 2016 and “Salaam Shakti” in 2019. Other award-winning and popular programmes of Salaam Namaste include Second Inning Ko Salaam, Med Didi, Salaam Sehat, Radio Tuition, Salaam School, Career Express, Nanhi Awaaz Badi Seekh, and Noida Ke Saarthi.

Station Head Ms. Varsha Chhabaria shared that Salaam Namaste Community Radio works extensively in key areas such as health, women empowerment, environmental conservation, Vocal for Local, and art and culture, with a strong focus on social welfare, education, and community empowerment. Popular programmes like “Sehat Sahi Laabh Kai” (health awareness), “Maati Ke Geet” (local folk music), and “Second Inning Ko Salaam” (focused on senior citizens’ welfare) have been highly appreciated by listeners.

She further informed that in 2025, Salaam Namaste Community Radio received its fourth National Award at WAVES 2025 held in Mumbai for the programme “Med Didi”. In addition, the station was also honored by the Bureau of Indian Standards on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day 2025 and World Standards Day for its significant contributions.

Kenvue today announced a dual brand strategy with ORSL™ and eRZL™, reinforcing its leadership in India’s hydration category. This move offers consumers scientifically backed solutions for both diarrheal and everyday hydration, addressing dehydration as an increasingly important public health concern.

Under its “Double Power for Complete Hydration” strategy, Kenvue will now provide two distinct, science-driven brands:

• ORSL™: The rebranded ORS portfolio, formulated according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, targets diarrheal dehydration. It is available in Ready-to-Drink and Powder formats.

• eRZL™: Previously part of the ORSL electrolyte drink portfolio, eRZL™ is now a standalone brand for everyday hydration and recovery, catering to tiredness, exhaustion, heat stress, and mild to moderate dehydration.

eRZL™ – New & Improved Composition
The new eRZL™ formula delivers faster hydration than water, with 1.4x more electrolytes and 8x less sugar than the previous version, combining Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Vitamin C, and real fruit juice for a tasty, guilt-free hydration experience. Designed for daily hydration, eRZL™ helps consumers replenish fluids, restore electrolytes, and recover from physical stress or fatigue.

Commenting on the dual brand strategy,

Manish Anandani, Managing Director – India, Kenvue, said:

“For years, we have led India’s hydration category by understanding consumer needs and leveraging science. With dehydration emerging as a key health concern, we are proud to introduce a two-brand strategy—ORSL™ for diarrheal hydration and eRZL™ for everyday hydration. These brands will strengthen awareness about proper hydration and complement broader public health efforts.”

Prashant Shinde, Business Unit Head – Self Care, Kenvue India, added:

“As health and wellness trends accelerate, consumers are seeking low-sugar, low-calorie, science-backed hydration options. The all-new eRZL™ with its improved composition offers a healthier solution to feel better faster when depleted or fatigued.”

Dr. Nikhil Bangale, Head of Medical & Safety Sciences, Kenvue India, highlighted:

While diarrheal dehydration is widely recognized, everyday dehydration often goes unnoticed, particularly under rising heat and physical stress. Rehydration today goes beyond water and home remedies, requiring scientifically formulated electrolyte solutions. Consumers should choose drinks based on optimal electrolyte concentration, key nutrients, and energy to ensure faster and effective hydration.”

With ORSL™ and eRZL™, Kenvue continues to innovate and expand its hydration portfolio, delivering scientifically validated solutions for consumers across India, whether addressing illness or supporting daily hydration needs.

Standard Chartered has announced the launch of the second phase of its “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” global wealth campaign, reinforcing its role as the strategic partner for global-minded investors who want insight and confidence across markets, cycles, and every decision that shapes their financial future. In India, the campaign is aimed at the growing wealth and affluent segment, including ‘Global Indians’.

This second phase of the campaign introduces a suite of CIO-powered intelligence through content formats designed to give investors direct access to the bank’s high-frequency market outlooks, expertise-backed sector calls, and timely cross-market guidance. This includes new editorial partnerships, digital content releases aligned to market movements, amplifying the CIO’s views to a wider affluent audience. At the heart of the campaign is a bold delivery of real-time, world-class investment insight, when it matters most.

The campaign calls out three key pillars Cross Border Wealth, Wealth Expertise, and Navigating Volatile Times, highlighting Standard Chartered’s strengths as a global wealth partner.

This 360° Integrated Marketing Campaign will run across various touchpoints: Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, Linear TV and Connected TV, Digital Media (Google Search,  Programmatic buys and Social Media platforms), and Owned Media, targeting and engaging different investor audiences, in more personalised ways.

Haymans Fung, Global Head of Marketing for Wealth and Retail Banking at Standard Chartered, commented,

“Investors today are navigating a far more complex landscape, with geopolitical developments and market shifts influencing decisions across borders. With this next phase of our ‘Now’s Your Time for Wealth’ campaign, we aim to give clients clearer access to the insights and connections that matter most. By combining our international network with our 170 years of expertise, and timely perspectives from our Chief Investment Office, we are committed to supporting clients in making confident, well-informed decisions wherever they are in their wealth journey.”

 Aditya Mandloi, Managing Director, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, said, 

“At Standard Chartered, we empower our affluent clients with deep market insights and expertise to invest confidently. Through Standard Chartered Group’s extensive international network and four wealth hubs, timely intelligence from our Chief Investment Office, and tailored investment opportunities, we help our clients take advantage of the right opportunities at the right time.”

The first rollout of the “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign in January 2025 ran in a mix of out-of-home advertising across airports and in-city sites, print advertising, film and content partnerships with leading international, regional and local media across seven key markets – Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, UAE and India.