Tag Mumbai

Mumbai, February 22, 2024: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company today announced the launch of lifestyle apparel brand Dockers® in India with the opening of the first retail store in Delhi before the launch of a dedicated e-commerce website by early next week to enable online shopping across India.

This exciting partnership brings Dockers’® legacy of timeless and versatile clothing to the Indian market, catering to the evolving needs of the modern Indian consumer. The Dockers® brand continues to be a leader in khaki and offers a wide range of apparel and accessories, for men and women, with no compromises in quality – always superior comfort and versatile style. While the brand remains focused on the classic khaki style and its founding principles, Dockers® has evolved its offerings to include more variety and appeal to a broader set of shoppers in both their professional and personal lives.

Commenting on the launch, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the globally renowned Dockers® experience for fashion enthusiasts across India with the launch of our exclusive retail store in Delhi. The store exemplifies our commitment to providing consumers with an unparalleled shopping experience. We intend to leverage our unique technology-driven operating model and omnichannel commerce expertise to take Dockers® to millions of Indian consumers through relevant online and offline channels. Our tech-enabled pan-India reach, data-driven approach and deep consumer understanding will aim to unlock new opportunities presented by the dynamic Indian fashion retailing market.”

Located in the bustling Pacific Mall in the Pitampura area of Delhi, the retail store provides an immersive shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts. It is a vibrant space designed to reflect the Californian spirit. Customers can browse through a curated selection of Dockers’® latest collections, experience the brand’s heritage through interactive displays, and receive personalized styling advice from expert staff.

Sharing the brand’s perspective, Natalie MacLennan, CEO, Dockers® said, “We are incredibly excited to reintroduce Dockers® to India, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion journey. The Indian market presents a tremendous opportunity for us to connect with a new generation of consumers who appreciate quality, comfort, and style. Our partnership with ace turtle will ensure that we deliver the authentic Dockers® experience to consumers across the country.”

The dedicated Docker in will provide consumers across India with convenient access to the brand’s full range of offerings. With easy navigation, secure payment options, and seamless delivery, Indian consumers can now shop online for their favourite Dockers® products from anywhere.

February 22, 2024, New Delhi/Mumbai: Aakash BYJU’S proudly announces a momentous achievement as approximately 41,263 of its students successfully cleared the JEE Mains first session 2024 examination. The results, declared by the National Testing Agency recently, reflect the dedication and hard work of the students coupled with the exceptional guidance provided by Aakash BYJU’S.

Among the successful 41,263 students, an impressive 4,198 students attained a percentile score of 95 and above, while a remarkable 939 students secured a percentile score of 99 and above, further solidifying Aakash BYJU’S position as a leading educational institution in India.

The outstanding performance of Aakash BYJU’S students is exemplified by the top scorers in the Classroom programmes. Rishi Shekhar Shukla from Hyderabad achieved a perfect 100 percentile, while Abhiraj Singh from Karnal, Sri Ram A from Trinulveli, and Viswanath K S from Hyderabad secured an exceptional percentile of 99.99 amongst others. Notably, Sri Ram A also attained a flawless score of 100 in Chemistry and Physics both whereas Viswanath K S from Hyderabad, Soukarya Bhattacharya from Kolkata, Akshat Banzal from Pune and Archisman Dhar from Durgapur scored a perfect 100 in Physics showcasing their exceptional understanding and proficiency in these subjects.

Enrolling in Aakash’s classroom program with the aspiration of conquering the formidable IIT JEE, renowned as the most challenging entrance exam globally. The students credit their ascent to the top percentiles to their dedication to comprehending fundamental concepts and maintaining a disciplined study regimen. “We are thankful to Aakash for aiding us in both aspects. Without the institute’s comprehensive content and coaching, mastering the concepts of numerous subjects within a short timeframe would have been unlikely,” they said.

Mr. Anup Agarwal, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Aakash BYJU’S, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the students for their outstanding performance. He said, “We take immense pride in the outstanding achievements of our students in the JEE Main 2024 results. Their remarkable success is a testament to their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and the invaluable support they’ve received from their families and our esteemed faculty. At Aakash BYJU’S, we strive to provide the highest quality test preparation, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their academic pursuits. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our students and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”

JEE (Mains) is structured in two sessions to provide students with multiple opportunities to enhance their scores. While JEE Advanced exclusively facilitates admissions to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), JEE Main serves as the gateway to numerous National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and other Centrally-aided engineering colleges across India. Participation in JEE Main is a prerequisite for appearing in JEE Advanced.

Aakash BYJU’S offers comprehensive IIT-JEE coaching through various course formats tailored for high school and higher secondary school students. Recently, Aakash has intensified its focus on developing Computer-Based Training. Its innovative iTutor platform delivers recorded video lectures, enabling students to engage in self-paced learning and catch up on missed sessions. Moreover, mock tests simulate real exam conditions, equipping students with the necessary familiarity and confidence to tackle the examination effectively.

Mumbai, February 2024:

The Belgian Waffle Co, reveals its latest campaign: ‘Hunt for the Coolest Fans’ along with Gen Z Star Palak Tiwari. Known for her vibrant personality, she perfectly embodies the spirit of the “Coolest Fan” campaign. Her widespread appeal among Gen Z audiences makes her an ideal choice to inspire participants to unleash their creativity while relishing their favorite waffles from the No. 1 waffle brand in India.

The campaign concept is all about capturing the essence of enjoying delicious waffles in a fun and creative way. The #MyWaffleMove contest participants will have a chance to win iPhone 15, Bose Headphones, Boat Smartwatches, and 1000+ vouchers from the Belgian Waffle Co, perfect to engage the brand’s target audience. It’s a celebration of individuality and the love for exquisite waffle experiences.

“We are excited to have Palak Tiwari to represent all our cool fans who brim with joy while relishing their favorite waffles, at our stores or in the comfort of their homes. Her energy and enthusiasm align perfectly with the spirit of the ‘Coolest Fan’ campaign. We believe she will inspire our participants to bring their best moves forward for the contest,” said Vrushali Parab, Head of Marketing at The Belgian Waffle Co.

In a delightfully playful video, the vivacious Palak Tiwari is spotted indulging her favorite Triple Chocolate waff-wich at The Belgian Waffle Co’s flagship store at Chowpatty. She showcases her unique “Waffle Move,” combining the joy of devouring the treat with some fun dance moves. Palak, a true waffle aficionado, extends a lively invitation to all her fans, encouraging them to join the excitement of the #MyWaffleMove contest.

After receiving a lot of traction in the pre-buzz phase by the leaked employee footage and various meme pages creating fun content around the same, the brand is now keeping the excitement levels high amongst its target by collaborating with influencers across different sectors like lifestyle, food & entertainment. The campaign will further see social media collaborations with brands like Boat, Swiggy, and other on-ground activations to enhance campaign reach further.

Mumbai, February 20, 2024: The cost to fit out workplaces in India continues to rise, mirroring ongoing inflationary pressures, higher commodity prices and increased construction costs. According to global real estate consultant JLL’s (NYSE:JLL) Asia Pacific Fit-Out Cost Guide 2023/2024, the average cost to fit-out workplaces with medium specification across India increased by 4.5% with the average fit-out cost per sq ft rising to INR 5,788 from INR 5,546 last year. Mumbai continues to be the most expensive city in India for office fit outs at an average of INR 6,588 per sq ft followed by New Delhi at INR 6,068 per sq ft.

 In the Asia Pacific, despite regional differences, we see that the inflation levels are starting to stabilize. This trend mirrors the recent news of the worldwide economy, where inflation is gradually reaching the closer target and economic growth has been better than expected. JLL’s APAC fit-out guide details the nuances of cost variations across the regions, mapping construction price shift, outlook for capital procurement activities, strong client sentiment and ESG commitments gaining prominence.

 “In 2023, a year marked by global headwinds, the annual numbers for gross leasing in India’s top seven markets crossed the significant 60 million sq ft milestone for the very first time. This solidifies India’s position and firmly establish its credentials as the ‘office to the world. We anticipate this momentum for Grade A office demand to continue in 2024 with new entrants to the country, especially in the GCC and new tech sectors. Despite a 4 to 5% rise in construction prices, there is confidence within the India market as flight-to-quality remains a theme. India’s supply-chain performance has improved significantly over the last two year, coping better to the global disruption, and varying regulatory frameworks. Largely, input costs have decreased due to reduced global raw material prices, however increasing labour costs remains set on an upward trajectory. This industry is also making efforts to modernise and streamline the supply chain to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. And with average fit-out cost across all 7 major cities remaining much below the regional average, it makes India a strong market for global companies and investors” said James Jipu Jose, Managing Director, Project & Development Services (PDS), India, JLL.

“Our clients continue to remain bullish despite the continuing impact of price inflation, and our teams report robust pipelines. There is a renewed focus by clients to attract staff back to the office, improve productivity and well-being, and meet net zero carbon (NZC) commitments,” James added.

 “While inflation in Asia Pacific markets is returning to normal levels as widely projected, certain supply chain challenges remain for mechanical, engineering and plumbing, information technology and audio-visual items. Going forward, we foresee factors like commodity prices, energy costs, and wage increases continue to impact pricing, lead to delays for some fit-outs and unpredictability of selection items into Asia Pacific,” said Martin Hinge, Executive Managing Director, Project Development Services, JLL Asia Pacific.

 Sustainability remains top of mind for corporates.
Leasing office space in sustainable buildings is becoming non-negotiable for occupiers committed to ESG. Among other factors, sustainable fit outs are gaining prominence as an initiative to decarbonise workplaces. In a survey of 240 CRE leaders across Asia Pacific, one-in-two cite sustainable fit-outs as a priority to be actioned within the next three years. This confirms that sustainability is now a key driver in the way occupiers acquire, fit out, and manage their assets.

 While ESG commitments are a key driver of sustainable fit-outs, cost savings over the long term can offset upfront Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) costs. Sustainable materials or pieces of equipment may be more expensive upfront but those with better energy ratings or longer lifespans will save businesses money in the long run.Responding to inflationary pressures that projects are facing, one-third of JLL market leaders in Asia Pacific report that pursuing a sustainable design is dependent on the overall project cost. 56% also confirmed that reduced CAPEX on initiatives was being considered to work within budgets, the bulk of which was in Australia and Southeast Asian markets.

 Way forward
In the last 12 months, leaders have been reporting increasing sentiment and strong pipelines, in face of inflation continuing to increase. The greater stability in the supply chain and a normalizing of raw material costs has started to reduce risk premiums and lead to tighter pricing in many locations. JLL believes fit-out cost increases will continue their trend in moderation over the next 12 months as these challenges unwind, unless a significant economic event flattens or reverses current trends.

The city that never sleeps is on the cusp of a significant transformation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is soon expected to inaugurate the first phase of the much-anticipated and ambitious Coastal Road project. The project, a state-of-the-art expressway stretching along Mumbai’s western coastline, is poised to be a major game changer, especially for residential projects in western suburbs. Already a preferred location for luxury residential projects, the Western suburbs of Mumbai is expected to see a rise in property values. The improved connectivity offered by the Coastal Road along with the metro connectivity will make it an even more attractive destination for prospective homebuyers and investors.

The completion of Coastal Road is anticipated to boost property values, attract investments, and foster a new wave of urbanization in the western suburbs. Leading real estate developers in the region have voiced their optimism regarding the project’s impact.

Mr. Vedanshu Kedia, Director, Prescon Group, a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai, commented, “The Coastal Road is not just an infrastructure project; it’s a catalyst for urban transformation. We anticipate a surge in demand for residential properties in Central-South Mumbai especially in Mahim-Matunga due to its close proximity to the Sealink and reclamation – a core connector to the coastal road plan.”

The Coastal Road which will be an another infrastructural marvel, envisioned to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between the northern and southern parts of the city, is also expected to have far-reaching impacts on the real estate landscape of the western suburbs, an area known for its high-end residential properties and bustling commercial hubs.

Mr. Aayush Patel, Director, Atul Projects India Private Limited stated, “The Coastal Road is a crucial step towards decongesting Mumbai’s perennial traffic issues. It will not only benefit daily commuters but also boost the real estate market along the western suburbs. The enhanced accessibility and reduced travel time are likely to attract more residents and businesses to the area.”

As per a recent Knight Frank India analysis, of the total properties registered in January 2024, Central and Western suburbs together constituted over 75% as these locations are a hotbed for new launches offering a wide range of modern amenities and good connectivity. 86% of Western suburb consumers opted to purchase within their micro market. This choice is influenced by the familiarity of the location, along with the availability of products that align with their pricing and feature preferences.

The Coastal Road project is expected to significantly impact the residential real estate market in the western suburbs. Developers predict a rise in property prices, spurred by the improved infrastructure. Moreover, the enhanced quality of life, coupled with the scenic coastal views, is likely to attract a more affluent demographic, leading to a shift in the area’s socio-economic fabric.

Mr. Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer of Omkar Realtors & Developers, commented, “The Coastal Road is more than just an infrastructural development; it’s a vision that will redefine living in the western suburbs. The projects here offer ease of commute to business districts like BKC & Andheri and therefore this location is witnessing premium quotient and strong demand. For instance, we foresee a surge in demand and price appreciation for residential properties in the Malad-Goregaon region, especially luxury segments, given the improved accessibility and scenic locales.”

Similarly, Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director of CCI Projects, believes that the project will unlock new opportunities. “The western suburbs have always been attractive for homebuyers. With the Coastal Road, there’s an added advantage of reduced commute times and enhanced connectivity to key business districts, making it an even more desirable location for residential investments. Areas like Borivali and Kandivali are particularly attractive, offering a lifestyle upgrade and seamless connectivity, drawing residents from south and central Mumbai,” he stated.

The project also includes the development of green spaces, cycling tracks, and pedestrian walkways along the coastline, adding to the quality of life for the city’s residents. These features are expected to complement the high-end residential projects, offering a blend of luxury and sustainability. While the project promises numerous benefits, it also brings challenges, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability. Developers and urban planners are advocating for eco-friendly construction practices and emphasizing the need to balance development with ecological preservation.

The Coastal Road is set to be a transformative force for the western suburbs, offering a blend of improved connectivity, enhanced real estate value, and a better quality of life. As the project progresses, the anticipation among Mumbaikars is palpable. This project is more than just a roadway; it represents a new chapter in Mumbai’s urban development, promising a brighter future for the city and its residents.

Mumbai, 21st February 2024 – Unix, one of the fastest-growing mobile accessories brands, is thrilled to announce the launch of the UX-2000 Retro, the ultimate wireless neckband for music enthusiasts. With five customizable voices to suit your mood and style, the UX-2000 Retro Neckband can sound like a small baby, cartoon character, or even an old man, adding a delightful touch of fun to your conversations. The product is backed by a 1-year warranty and is available at leading retail stores, as well as e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, priced at INR 999/-.

Featuring an unprecedented 450 hours of playtime, the Unix UX-2000 Retro ensures uninterrupted music and calls, making it the perfect companion for long journeys and adventures. Equipped with Advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the UX-2000 Retro guarantees crystal-clear sound during calls and music playback, even in noisy environments. Its quick charging capabilities minimize downtime, while the magnetic on/off function provides effortless control and convenience. Plus, with its substantial 1000mAh battery, users can enjoy extended usage without any charging anxiety.

“Several neckbands are available in the market, but the UX-2000 Retro goes beyond the ordinary, offering users a unique experience with 5 changeable voices. It’s a testament to our continuous efforts to bring novelty to our users, ensuring that every product embodies our dedication to quality, affordability, and a touch of innovation for a distinctive user experience.” Said Mr. Sandeep Bafna, Co-Founder, UNIX INDIA on the launch of UX-2000 Retro.

Bluetooth Version V5.3 ensures a stable and seamless connection with all compatible devices, allowing users to enjoy their favourite music and take calls with ease. Designed for comfort and durability, the Unix UX-2000 Retro offers a sweat proof and snug fit, ideal for active lifestyles.

Unix has an extensive range of 600 SKUs, 50+ super stockists, and over 400 distributors across 500 cities nationwide, Unix remains dedicated to delivering quality products to Indian tech-savvy users.

Mumbai, India – February 21, 2024: Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon-based solutions for the coatings and inks industry, will participate in PaintIndia 2024, to be held from February 22 – 24, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai.

Birla Carbon will showcase its coatings and ink solutions at Stall B7, Hall 1.

Speaking on the participation, John Davidson, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “PaintIndia 2024 is an important opportunity for Birla Carbon to showcase its leadership in sustainability, innovation, and our technical expertise. At Birla Carbon, we strive to work hand in hand with our customers, assisting them in achieving their sustainability and enhanced performance goals through our extensive product portfolio and technical expertise. We will showcase our broad range of Raven, Conductex, and Continua™ SCM solutions for the coatings industry.”

At PaintIndia 2024, Birla Carbon, along with ContinuaTM SCM, will focus on specific applications, demonstrating its expertise across various product lines:

High Color Application – Raven 5000U, Raven 5100U

Medium Color Application – Raven 1255, Raven 1185UP, Raven 675U, Raven 1060U, Raven1035

Powder Coating – Raven 3000U

Tinting Application – BC1083, Raven 425

Conductive Application – Conductex 7055U

Birla Carbon is recognized for its technical strength in high and medium color and tinting solutions, offering superior dispersion and color performance in various engineering coatings and inks applications. Offering a comprehensive range of high-performance carbon blacks for coatings/inks, Birla Carbon’s solutions prioritize functionality to help customers find optimal solutions tailored to their specific requirements.

To learn more about these solutions, visit Birla Carbon at Stall B7, Hall 1.

Mumbai, 21th February 2024: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) along with the Bangladesh Automobiles Assemblers and Manufacturers Association (BAAMA), the Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association, Sri Lanka (CMTA) and the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA), recently formed a South Asian Automobile Forum at the sidelines of Bharat Global Mobility Expo in February 2024. This forum aims to promote collaboration and cooperation among automobile sector in the South Asian region. It will serve as a platform for members of the associations to regularly engage in dialogues, share best practices, and work together towards common goals for the advancement of the automotive industry in the region.

On the establishment of this forum, Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, SIAM President and Managing Director & CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd (VECV), said, “The automobile sector plays a significant role in the economic development of South Asian countries, and there is great potential for synergies and mutual growth with closer collaboration in this sector. Creation of this forum will further strengthen the ongoing cooperation amongst the Automobile industry of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India.”

Mr Rakesh Sharma, Chairman of SIAM Exports Group and Executive Director, Bajaj Auto added, “The forum will provide a valuable opportunity for members of each of the associations to address shared challenges and explore opportunities for collective growth, while promoting adoption of best practices and responsible advancement of the automobile sector in the South Asian Region.”

20th February, 2024, Mumbai: L’Oréal Professionnel, the leading professional hair tech brand, has announced the launch of its revolutionary Absolut Repair Molecular range, a cutting-edge line of products that repairs damaged hair at the molecular level. This innovative range consists of four transformative products: Pre-treatment (exclusively available in salons), Sulfate-free shampoo, Rinse-off serum and Leave-in mask, to repair inner damage with strength. The range repairs up to 2 years of damage, in one use*.

The way consumers face hair damage has evolved. From surface damage, conversations are now increasingly around inner damage**. Today, hair damage is one of the top 2 hair concerns in India with 50% of 18–24-year-olds complaining about damage***. Repair remains a huge hair need.

For the first time ever, L’Oréal Advanced Research has achieved the decomposition of peptides to re-inject amino acids and peptide bonds into the hair, to actively reform and rebuild the hair’s molecular structure.

The Absolut Repair Molecular Range is set to disrupt the hair repair industry with its unique focus on rebuilding the molecular structure of the hair, delivering unparalleled strength, elasticity, and movement. This range goes beyond traditional bond repair approaches and focuses on peptide repair.

Key products in the Absolut Repair Molecular Range are:

Concentrated Pre-treatment: A pure strength shot that restores hair elasticity and rebuilds the hair’s molecular structure with long-lasting efficacy.

Sulfate-free shampoo: An ultra-caring shampoo that cleanses, strengthens, and repairs the fiber. It also provides 86% more smoothness****.

Rinse-off serum: A pure strength shot that rebuilds the hair’s molecular structure and provides 3X more strength*****.

Leave-in mask: Strengthens and protects hair for ongoing care. Provides up to 230 degrees heat protection******.

The Absolut Repair Molecular Range is co-developed with three top repair professionals from around the world, ensuring the highest-performing protocol for effective hair repair. It is also backed by 6 patents and is completely sulfate-free.

Commenting on the launch, Mathilde Barthélemy-Vigier, General Manager – L’Oréal Professionnel India said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Absolut Repair Molecular range, a groundbreaking innovation that goes beyond conventional hair repair methods. This range leverages cutting-edge technology to rebuild the hair’s molecular structure and repair up to 2 years of damage in one use. With the Absolut Repair Molecular Range, we aim to redefine the standards of haircare and empower individuals to restore their hair to its optimal strength and health. With this launch, we are all set to disrupt the hair repair market in India”

Mumbai, 20 Feb, 24: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently premiered the much-awaited final season of its teen romance series, Crushed. This season, the story takes a surprising turn with the unexpected reappearance of Samvidhan, emphasizing the emotional turmoil between him and Aadhya. The narrative further delves into the lives of Aadhya and her friends, Zoya and Jaz, as their bond becomes stronger after facing multiple hurdles along the way. Featuring Aadhya Anand, Arjun Deswal, Urvi Singh, Naman Jain, and Rudhraksh Jaiswal in pivotal roles, the series boasts a wholesome blend of emotions, drama, and heartwarming moments.

Rudhraksh Jaiswal, who essays the role of Samvidhan, made a comeback to Crushed for its final season. Elaborating on his character’s growth, from the first season to the fourth season, Rudhraksh shared, “In the first season, Samvidhan displayed a youthful and playful demeanor as a 9th grader. He had a joyful personality, cherished spending time with his family, and was fixated on a particular girl. These experiences are common during our formative years. Subsequently, he strives to establish a connection with this girl, aiming to spend a significant amount of time with her and empathize with her emotions. He also learns to navigate his own emotions, as maintaining a balanced emotional state is crucial in any relationship. Ultimately, it becomes a process of mutual discovery and understanding, as two individuals strive to find common ground.”

He also added, “In the fourth season, he has transformed into a more refined individual. He has gained wisdom through his life journey and has delved into the depths of his own complexities. Not only does he comprehend the essence of life, but he also possesses a deeper understanding of people and their perspectives. He has a profound understanding of his friends and their current situations. Hence, I believe that he has attained a sense of maturity, gradually evolving into a more composed version of himself. This theme resonates strongly with Samvidhan’s character development.”

Get ready to dive into the lives of the audience’s most loved teens and embark on a journey of nostalgia, love, and friendship with the final season of Crushed. All 4 seasons of the series are now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on the Amazon shopping app, FireTV, and Play Store.