Dabur Amla and Deepika Padukone Champion “Oiling Before Shampoo” Ritual in New Campaign

Kolkata, 23 September 2025: Dabur Amla Hair Oil, India’s leading hair oil brand, has launched a campaign titled “Hair Washing Se Pehle, Dabur Amla Wali Oiling Ji,” featuring its brand ambassador, Deepika Padukone. The campaign is designed to revive the time-tested practice of pre-wash oiling, positioning it as a vital and modern ritual for today’s fast-paced consumers.

Dabur Amla and Deepika Padukone

In an era of quick fixes, the campaign encourages young Indians to embrace a small yet meaningful change by making oiling before shampoo a non-negotiable step in their hair care routine. The core message blends tradition and science, supported by a catchy jingle featuring Deepika Padukone that reinforces the ritual in a memorable way across all touchpoints.

“With this campaign, we are not just driving awareness—we are driving a behavioral change. Oiling before hair wash is a simple shift but one with long-term benefits for hair health,” said Abhishek Jugran, Executive Director -Marketing, Dabur India Ltd. “By combining cultural insight, scientific efficacy, and a memorable jingle, we have made Dabur Amla Hair Oil relevant for today’s generation while staying true to its legacy of trust and Mazbooti which has made Dabur Amla the World’s No. 1 Hair Oil.”

Ankur Kumar, Head of Marketing, Hair Care, Dabur India Ltd., added, “This campaign reminds consumers of a time-tested haircare ritual that generations have trusted. With Deepika Padukone as the face of this campaign, Dabur Amla reinforces that oiling is not optional—it is the essential, foundational step for truly healthy hair. Oiling with Dabur Amla before every wash is the simplest yet most powerful step towards stronger, longer, and thicker hair.”

The campaign was conceptualized and executed in partnership with Ogilvy North. “Our goal was to make Dabur Amla Oil relevant to the new generation by understanding their existing behaviors and positioning the product as a natural fit within their daily routines, rather than simply preaching its benefits,” said Prakash Nair, President of Ogilvy North.

The brand’s mission is to make oiling with Dabur Amla more frequent and relevant for today’s youth. The campaign’s message is being amplified through a comprehensive and integrated media plan.

Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai Elevates the City’s Retail & Lifestyle Landscape with a Wave of Iconic Brand Openings

Mumbai, 23rd September 2025: Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai, the city’s ultimate lifestyle destination, continues to set the benchmark for immersive shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. From a child’s day out to an indulgent family shopping spree, from high-octane gaming to world-class concerts, the mall offers something for every age, mood, and occasion making it the definitive “mall for all” in Mumbai.

POPEYES

Adding to its ever-evolving portfolio, the centre welcomes a line-up of coveted brands spanning fashion, footwear, jewellery, and dining, each enhancing its promise of blending global trends with local sensibilities. Recent and upcoming openings include You Mee, Freakins, Kalyan Jewellers, Birkenstock, Marks & Spencer, R&B Fashion, The Sunglass Atelier, Popeyes, and The Bear House further diversifying the mall’s experiential offerings.

 New Brand Launches:

  1. You Mee: Opened on July 13, this Pan-Asian dining concept enriches the mall’s premium F&B portfolio with sushi, ramen, and donburi, presented in a vibrant, youth-friendly setting designed to resonate with the urban millennial and Gen Z diner.
  2. Marks & Spencer: Reopened on July 24 after a major renovation, the British retail giant unveiled its refreshed India strategy with elevated essentials and trans-seasonal staples, reinforcing its value-led premium positioning.
  3. Kalyan Jewellers: Opened on July 27, the heritage brand strengthens the mall’s jewellery portfolio with a curated mix of bridal, traditional, and contemporary designs catering to both luxury seekers and occasion-led shoppers.
  4. Kushal’s: Opened on July 30, Kushal’s enhances the mall’s jewellery collection with its distinguished range of fashion jewellery. Known for its unique designs, the brand offers a curated selection of traditional and contemporary pieces perfect for both casual and festive occasions.
  5. Birkenstock: Opened on August 1, the German footwear leader adds a global wellness-fashion dimension to the retail mix, tapping into the growing health-conscious, style-aware consumer base.
  6. Popeyes: Opened on August 6, this internationally acclaimed restaurant brand launched its first store in Mumbai, bringing its signature Louisiana-style fried chicken to the city in a full-service format. The opening further expands the mall’s appeal within the fast-growing casual dining segment.
  7. The Sunglass Atelier: Opened on August 10, the luxury eyewear boutique offers an exclusive curation of high-end sunglasses from leading global and Indian designers, elevating the premium accessories segment.
  8. Allen Solly: Opened on August 12, the renowned apparel brand enhances the mall’s fashion mix with its contemporary workwear and casual wear offerings.
  9. Fun N Ride: Opened on August 14, this family entertainment zone adds a leisure and recreation dimension to the mall, offering engaging experiences for kids and families.
  10. R&B Fashion: Opened on August 14, the Dubai-based fashion retailer enriches the mall’s family-focused offering with affordable yet trend-driven apparel, footwear, and accessories.
  11. Freakins: Launched on August 15, this Mumbai-based denim wear brand chose Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai for its first-ever store in any mall in India, cementing the centre’s reputation as the preferred launchpad for disruptive homegrown labels. Known for embracing boldness and comfort, Freakins has been redefining denim since 2021 with its mantra, “Embrace the Unconventional.” Offering over 35 categories and 800+ designs, the brand delivers a constant rotation of Gen Z-inspired styles, crafted for contemporary fashion sensibilities with uncompromising comfort.
  12. LoveChild by Masaba: Opened on August 16, the celebrity designer’s beauty and skincare brand makes its mall debut, offering cruelty-free, inclusive, and trend-driven products tailored to modern Indian consumers.
  13. Zigly: Opened on August 16, this full-stack pet care brand offers a wide range of pet products and accessories, adding a unique lifestyle element to the retail mix.
  14. Uni Seoul: Opened on August 16, this Korean-inspired lifestyle brand brings Seoul’s trendy accessories and culture to Mumbai’s fashion-forward youth.
  15. Hidesign: Reopened on August 21, India’s leading leather goods brand re-opened after renovation, expanding the mall’s premium accessories portfolio with its signature handcrafted bags and wallets.
  16. The Bear House: Opened on August 22, this contemporary menswear label, known for its premium yet accessible fashion, makes its entry into Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai.
  17. Gargi: Opened on August 26, this ethnic jewellery brand brings modern yet tradition-rooted designs, expanding the mall’s accessories range for festive and everyday wear.
  18. Street Food by Punjab Grill: Celebrating India’s street food culture with gourmet flair, this vibrant casual dining concept will soon re-open at the food court, broadening the mall’s F&B experiences.

These openings are strategically aligned with seasonal demand cycles, ensuring that Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai remains a high-frequency destination for both planned and impulse visits.

“Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai is committed to being a premium lifestyle destination. We’re curating top global and Indian brands, creating experiences that reflect evolving aspirations, and ensuring the mall remains inclusive and valuable for both customers and partners,” said Vikas Shetty, Senior Vice President – Leasing & Retail Director.

Diebold Nixdorf, Tradelink Intl Eye Growth Amid Market Shifts

By – Jaivinder Singh Gill, Regional Vice President and Managing Director – Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa at Diebold Nixdorf

“With the advancements in GST reforms, digital payments and financial inclusion, there is a lot happening now. This presents a great opportunity to reimagine how banks, fintechs and payment providers can work together to offer seamless, secure and scalable financial services.

Few takeaways to contemplate on:

  • How to stay nimble as one works with evolving regulations?
  • What innovations can one provide to further the thrust to drive inclusion to areas beyond metros?
  • How to extend existing processes to ensure customers continue to trust the digital ecosystem being built?

At Diebold Nixdorf, we understand that the next decade of BFSI is going to be about the intersection of technology, policy and consumer behaviour. From my perspective it is the leaders who can anticipate where things are going in this new marketplace – not just react – will impact the future.

There are incredible opportunities in the present and it is time to seize them.”

By – Abhishek Wadekar, Founder Chairman – Tradelink International Private Limited

“Introduction of the new GST reforms is a timely and welcome step for the agri-input industry. By reducing the tax burden on critical raw materials for fertilizers and making compliance procedures simpler, the government is encouraging an environment which is more efficient for trade and industry. The steps will not only ease cost pressures along the supply chain but also help speed up modern farming practices and enhance market efficiency. At Tradelink International, we view this as a powerful indication of the government’s determination to create a solid agri-value chain and unlock new private investment opportunities in the sector.”

KFC INDIA PIONEERS ENGLISH COMPREHENSION PROGRAM FOR SPECIALLY-ABLED TEAMS

National, 23rd September 2025: Feeding people’s potential. One language at a time. On International Day of Sign Languages, KFC India is taking a meaningful step towards expanding its Kshamata program, by pioneering a written English comprehension program for speech & hearing-impaired (SHI) team members. 

Kshamata

Launched in partnership with Atypical Advantage, India’s largest livelihood platform for people with disabilities, the initiative will train 100% of KFC’s SHI teams in essential writing & comprehension skills by 2026. Based on the insight that most workplace communication is written, this program addresses challenges SHI team members face due to limited exposure to languages other than Indian Sign Language (ISL)

By strengthening written comprehension, KFC India is helping SHI teams work more independently, communicate confidently, and grow in their careers, furthering the long-standing mission of KFC Kshamata to feed people’s potential & empower SHI teams. In 2024, KFC India became the first QSR in the country to launch a Sign Language training program for 100% of its employees. This year’s written English comprehension program for specially-abled teams, in turn, makes the communication bridge stronger & more effective. 

Speaking about the initiative, Aman Lal, Chief People Officer, KFC India, said: KFC Kshamata reiterates our commitment towards feeding people’s potential and building a more inclusive world. Communication is key to bridging the ability gap & while we continue to focus on raising awareness for Indian Sign Language, this year, we’re also looking at it from the lens of written communication. The written English comprehension program will lower barriers to communication & equip our SHI teams with tools to navigate workplace communication independently. Atypical Advantage are front-runners in creating pathways for persons with disabilities, and have been instrumental in shaping this program. With an aim to train 100% SHI team members by 2026, it’s a powerful step towards fostering inclusion at scale.” 

Vineet Saraiwala, Founder & CEO-Atypical Advantage said, “At Atypical Advantage, we’ve always believed that true inclusion begins when persons with disabilities are equipped with the tools to thrive independently. This partnership with KFC India is a landmark step towards unlocking the potential of speech and hearing-impaired talent by building their confidence in written English — a critical workplace skill. It is incredible to witness KFC’s inclusion initiatives, where on one hand they are expanding the reach of Indian Sign Language, and on the other, strengthening English skills among speech and hearing-impaired team members. This dual approach is a powerful example of how inclusion can bridge the communication divide.”

The program is designed as a 50-hour virtual training, with a curriculum focused on basic grammar, email writing, and reading comprehension. The program is specifically crafted to bridge a crucial learning gap faced by many speech & hearing-impaired  employees, who received early education only in Indian Sign Language (ISL).  While ISL remains their first language and a source of pride, workplace communication often also requires English – making it important to build confidence in both.

As part of KFC’s commitment to become the most purposeful QSR brand in the country, the brand remains focused on maintaining 2% of workforce from the SHI community in the coming year. Other milestones under KFC Kshamata include: 

  • 2X growth in number of speech & hearing-impaired team members, as well as Special KFCs (restaurants operated by SHI employees) in the last 5 years 
  • 5% of SHI team members have progressed their careers within KFC & hold restaurant leadership positions currently 
  • In 2024, KFC became the first QSR to roll out mandatory Sign Language training. Today, every new employee undergoes this training during induction, leading to 18K+ people being trained in ISL 
  • To support success of SHI teams, KFC has a dedicated Sign Language Coach who works closely with them
  • 100% of our restaurant trainings now include Sign Language insets and subtitles, making them truly inclusive. 

VT Market Press Release Media Coverage Updates- 23rd September 2025

23 September 2025, India : VT Markets has announced the launch of a dedicated CSR initiative to support families affected by the recent floods in Punjab. Partnering with Mission Deep Education Trust, the company is channeling resources to distribute 100 comprehensive relief kits to households across some of the hardest-hit villages and relief camps.

punjhab

This initiative is part of VT Markets’ ongoing commitment to stand with communities during times of crisis, extending support beyond its role as a global trading platform. By directly contributing to recovery efforts, the company seeks to ensure that vulnerable families receive urgent assistance to meet both their basic and long-term needs. The relief kits have been carefully structured to provide holistic support. The 50 food kits are designed to cover nutritional essentials such as flour, rice, pulses, tea, sugar, and dry milk to help families safeguard their health and well-being as they navigate the immediate aftermath of the floods. At the same time, the 50 daily essentials kits provide blankets, medicines, soaps, sanitary pads, clothing, and slippers, items that restore dignity, warmth, and hygiene for families who have lost access to everyday supplies.

Distribution will be led by volunteers from Mission Deep Education Trust, who will ensure the kits are delivered directly to those in need. To strengthen transparency and amplify awareness, the activity will be documented through photographs and videos, highlighting the impact of the initiative and encouraging broader community involvement in relief and rebuilding efforts.

Beyond short-term aid, this CSR effort also reflects VT Markets’ broader vision of responsible corporate citizenship. The company has consistently emphasized the importance of supporting communities, advancing education, and contributing to resilience regions where people face sudden and life-altering challenges. Through collaborations with local organizations, VT Markets ensures that its contributions are not only immediate but also meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with real community needs.

Toyota Rumion Now Comes with 6 Airbags as Standard

Chennai, 23 September 2025: In line with its deep-rooted safety philosophy and customer-first approach, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) announced a significant enhancement to its acclaimed family mover, the Toyota Rumion. 

Rumion with Six Airbags

Safety Upgraded: 6 Airbags Across Variants

In a proactive step towards elevating passenger safety, TKM has introduced six airbags (front, side, and curtain shield) for every Rumion variant. All variants now provide comprehensive 360-degree safety with dual front airbags, two side airbags, and two curtain shield airbags, ensuring maximum protection for the driver and passengers in various driving scenarios.

Added Assurance: TPMS on Top Grade

Toyota introduced the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in the top V grade. This advanced feature continuously monitors tyre pressure for enhanced safety, fuel efficiency, and convenience, reinforcing Rumion’s positioning as a technologically advanced MPV for Indian families.

Rumion: A Blend of Style, Space, and Safety

The Toyota Rumion combines youthful design with the practicality of a spacious 7-seater layout. Distinctive touches such as a premium chrome grille, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, and dual-tone machined alloy wheels make it a stylish choice for modern families. Inside, the Rumion offers a plush dual-tone cabin, flexible 60:40 split 2nd row and reclining 3rd row seats, 2nd & 3rd row AC, and generous luggage space, making it as comfortable as it is versatile.

Keeping customers connected on the go, the Rumion comes with Toyota i-Connect, offering smartwatch compatibility, voice assistant support, remote lock/unlock, climate control, and safety alerts. The 17.78 cm Smartplay Cast infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted controls, and premium Arkamys Surround Sense audio elevate the driving experience further.

Powered by the 1.5L K-Series engine with NeoDrive (Petrol) and E-CNG options, the Rumion delivers the best of both performance and efficiency. Customers enjoy fuel economy of up to 20.51 km/l (MT) for Petrol and 26.11 km/kg for CNG, with smooth transmission choices including 5MT and 6AT with paddle shifters.

Backed by Toyota’s hallmark of quality and trust, the Rumion offers advanced safety features such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and now six airbags standard across all grades. The vehicle comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km, alongside Toyota’s Express Maintenance and 24×7 roadside assistance.The Toyota Rumion is available at a starting price of INR 10.44 lakhs (ex-showroom)

White Lotus Hospital Leads Fight Against Diabetes & Obesity with Navi Mumbai’s Largest Free Camp

India, 23rd september 2025: White Lotus International Hospital & Research Center, a state-of-the-art multi-specialty facility, took a lead to fight against the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India especially Diabetes and Obesity. The hospital today hosted the Diabetes and Obesity Check (DOC) camp, drawing over 250 residents from across the Navi Mumbai and neighbouring areas. Senior consultants from the hospital provided consultancy to them post screening. 

White Lotus International Hospital

Alarming increase of NCDs like Diabetes and Obesity had even made the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to urge families to pay serious attention on this. Speaking to millions of citizens on Independence Day 2025 from Red Fort, he raised concern on obesity and referred it as silent epidemic gripping urban India. The Prime Minister has warned that in the coming years obesity can become a major challenge for the country.  

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Vijay D’Silva, Medical Director, White Lotus International Hospital & Research Center, Navi Mumbai said “Diabetes and obesity are no longer just lifestyle conditions, but they can also act as the precursors to multiple organ complications if left unchecked or ignored. Our main mission is not just to cure but to prevent by making advanced and modern healthcare technology accessible and creating awareness regarding the same at the grassroot level.”

With India described as the diabetes capital of the world, the continuous rise of obesity as the driver of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic complications has highlighted the need for the awareness, early detection and lifestyle modification. Taking a major step in this direction White Lotus Internal Hospital and Research Centre offered free medical investigations worth INR5,000 which also included Fibro Scan, Lipid Profile, HbA1c, Creatinine, and Eye Check-up.

The event also featured consultations from renowned superspecialists in Critical Care, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Ophthalmology. The distinguished panel include Dr. Prashant Gaikwad (Endocrinology), Dr. Ravi Patil (Internal Medicine), Dr. Aditya Nayak (Nephrology), Dr. Sachin Naik (Nephrology), Dr. Suhas Deshpande (Ophthalmology) among others. 

The presence of over 250 residents reflected the enthusiasm among the community to embrace the preventive health measures. Senior citizens, working professionals, young health-conscious residents across Navi Mumbai, Kalamboli, Panvel, Kharghar, CBD Belapur, Vashi, and Airoli became the part of this remarkable initiative. Apart from the medical test, they also get benefitted from practical advice on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and lifestyle changes.

More than just a free camp DOC acted as the platform for dialogue on lifestyle related health issues with doctors emphasizing that small, consistent changes can significantly reduce the medical complication like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

With over 250 participants benefitted directly, DOC camp has also set a new benchmark as Navi Mumbai biggest free health drive completely focussed on lifestyle diseases. At the same time the hospital has also announced its commitment to conduct the similar initiatives in the future while empowering communities to take proactive and necessary steps against the diabetes and obesity.

DPDP Act Marks a Permanent Shift: Urgent Call for Businesses to Embed Data Protection at Their Core

By:Vikas Bansal, Partner, IT Risk Advisory and Assurance, BDO India
The DPDP Act, with its forthcoming rules, represents a fundamental and permanent shift in the business landscape. It requires a completely new approach to data, one where “Data Principals”  are empowered with unprecedented rights, and “Data Fiduciaries”  are subject to new responsibilities. The financial penalties for non-compliance are severe, with fines of up to INR250 crore. In a move that links data protection with the future of technology, the Minister also announced that a national AI governance framework will be released by the same date.
This is a real and present concern. With these rules expected shortly, organisations must adopt a structured compliance framework. Data mapping and creating ROPA style inventories become critical to track all the data processing activities. Drafting and updating privacy policies, retention schedules, data principal rights, and breach notifications is now mandatory. 
It is no longer a matter of if you will be compliant, but when. The businesses that will not only survive but thrive are those that take this news seriously, act with urgency, and embed data protection as a core principle of their operations.

Tirlok Malik Shares Happy Life Yoga at the Times Square on World Peace Day 2025

New York, 22 september 2025: On a sunlit afternoon at the heart of Manhattan, Times Square became a hub of positivity as Tirlok Malik shared the secrets of a happy and peaceful life with an enthusiastic crowd celebrating World Peace Day.

Tirlok Malik at the Times Square

Marking the 21st anniversary of the event, organized by Reverend Paul Sladkus, Founder of Good News Corporation, Malik captivated attendees with his “Happy Life Yoga,” emphasizing the power of laughter and inner happiness as essential tools for global peace. “Peace and laughter go together,” he told the crowd. “If you are happy yourself, you can bring peace to the world.”

The event, graced by an array of global icons, highlighted the universal appeal of Malik’s message. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine attended the celebration, alongside luminaries such as the iconic South African film producer Anant Singh.

The event was supported by the likes of Ringo Starr, Michael Douglas, Sister Jenna, Stevie Wonder, Jane Goodall, Reachel Singh, Rebecca Irby, Shakira, Oprah Winfrey, and Deepak Chopra, each showing their support for peace and wellness initiatives.

Malik’s joyful demonstration included interactive laughter exercises, mindfulness techniques, and simple yoga poses, inviting participants of all ages to engage in a collective experience of happiness. His approach resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with laughter and applause throughout the session.

“World Peace Day is not just about ending conflicts—it’s about cultivating joy within ourselves,” Malik said. “When we laugh together, we connect, and connection is the first step to lasting peace.”

As Times Square echoed with laughter and smiles, Malik’s message served as a timely reminder that peace begins with personal happiness and can ripple out to the world at large.

Aster DM Healthcare joins the United Nations’ Race to Zero’ Campaign, Commits to Net Zero status by 2050

Kochi, September 23, 2025: Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in India, is proud to announce its official membership in the United Nations’ ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, a global alliance committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Aster joins United Nations Race to Zero campaign

As part of its Race to Zero campaign, Aster has successfully commissioned an 8.5 MW solar park in Kasargod, Kerala committing to sustainability and promotion of renewable energy usage.

As part of the Race to Zero commitment, Aster DM Healthcare has pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions across all its operations by 2050, aligning with the 1.5°C global warming target. To achieve this goal, Aster will reduce energy consumption, shift to renewable energy sources, and upgrade its infrastructure to meet high sustainability standards. The company will enhance waste management through strong reduction and recycling practices, improve water conservation via rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, and prioritize green procurement by sourcing eco-friendly products and materials. Aster will also invest in carbon accounting and energy monitoring technologies to track and accelerate its decarbonization efforts. Internal sustainability workshops, employee initiatives, and community awareness campaigns will also be rolled out as part of its broader climate action program.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “At Aster, our mission to ‘care for all’ naturally extends to the planet as climate change directly impacts health. Our decision to join the Race to Zero campaign is driven by our core belief that healthcare must include nurturing the environment that sustains us all. By joining the campaign, we are taking a significant step towards embedding sustainability into our operations and setting a benchmark for responsible healthcare”.

The Race to Zero campaign, backed by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, brings together over 16,000 non-state actors across sectors worldwide, all committed to halving emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050.