Ikonic Me unveils Super Styler hot hair brush: Achieve professional-quality perfection at home

Mumbai, July 31 2024, India – Ikonic Me, the hair styling tool brand from the house of SSIZ International Pvt. Ltd., a leading name in the personal grooming industry launches their much-anticipated hot hair brush, the Super Styler. Its chic and elegant design perfectly complements the brand’s campaign narrative, “I’m Super Ready,” serving as an ideal companion for stylish hair care.

Styling hair daily can be a struggle, but with Ikonic Me’s Super Styler Hot Hair Brush, life becomes easy. This tool delivers exceptional results, making every woman feel beautiful, confident and ready to conquer the world. The Super Styler is designed to deliver exceptional styling results, making it a must-have for anyone looking to achieve professional-quality hair styling at home. With this launch, Ikonic Me continues to innovate and lead in the hair styling tool market.

This cutting-edge tool stands out with its unique 60mm wide large heating brush, providing a differentiating feature that sets it apart from competitors. Aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior, the brush promises effortless styling for all hair types.Its Triple bristle design ensures smooth, shiny hair and guarantees optimal heat dispersion with adjustable temperature control (130°C-210°C) for effortless styling and a frizz-free look.

In today’s hair styling industry, consumers increasingly seek tools that offer efficiency and professional-quality results at home. Many products fall short, providing inconsistent heat and being difficult to use, leading to uneven styling and hair damage. Ikonic Me addresses this gap with the Super Styler Hot Brush, combining advanced heat technology and a user-friendly design.

Rayed Merchant, Director of SSIZ International Pvt Ltd, highlights, “Super Styler is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in the ever-growing hair and personal grooming industry. With the launch of the Super Styler, we aim to meet the increasing demands of modern, hectic lifestyles by offering innovative, efficient, and seamless solutions. Whether exploring distant horizons, preparing for an important meeting, or just enjoying a casual night out, the Super Styler is designed to make life hassle-free for every woman across all walks of life. We are excited about this product’s potential to transform hair styling into an easy and convenient routine, reinforcing our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the customers.”

Mankind Pharma PAT grew by 10% in Q1FY25

Mumbai, India, 31 July, 2024: Mankind Pharma ,India’s fourth largest pharmaceutical Company  announced its financial results for the first quarter ended 30th June 2024. The information mentioned in this release is based on consolidated financial statements.

Q1 FY25 Performance Summary
  • Revenue from Operations at INR 2,893 Cr, up by 12% YoY
  •  Domestic revenue at INR 2,634 Cr, up 9% YoY; Exports at INR 259 Cr, up 62% YoY
  • EBITDA margin of 7% with Adj. EBITDA# margin of 25.2% and PAT margin of 18.8%
  • Diluted EPS* of INR 4, up by 10% YoY (FV Re.1)

   Domestic Business

  •  Domestic revenue grew 9% YoY and 9.8% YoY (ex-CH)*.
  • Secondary sales growth of 10.5% vs 7% IPM growth (1.2x to IPM) supported by
    • strong volume growth of 9% vs 0.4% for IPM
    • out-performance in chronic therapies (1.3x to IPM Chronic)
  • Growth partially impacted by
    • delayed season in anti-infectives
    • certain product withdrawals in Q1FY24: normalized from Q2
  • Ranked 21 by volume with a market share of 1% in Q1FY25 vs 5.9% in Q1FY24.
  • Consistently maintained #1 rank over last 7 years with prescription share of 3% in Q1FY25.
  • Prescriber Penetration increased to 2% in Q1FY25 vs 82.7% in Q1FY24.

  Consumer Healthcare Business

  •  Recovery in revenue with 32% QoQ increase in Q1FY25 supported by faster growth in Modern Trade, E-commerce and Q-Commerce channels.
  • Consistently expanding from Pregnancy Care & Sexual Wellness to Consumer Wellness through the launch of Ova News, Nimulid, Rapid News
  • Witnessed good traction in Ova News, which has the potential to grow as big as Prega
  • Despite heightened competition, our focused campaigns led to sustained leadership positioning of our key brands in their respective

Exports

  •  In Q1FY25, witnessed a growth of 62% YoY driven by increase in our base business, and new launches.
  • During the quarter, we have launched 2 new products in US taking the total launched products to

Consolidated Profit & Loss Account

In INR Crore Q1FY25 Q1 FY24 YoY% Q4 FY24 QoQ%
Revenue from Operations 2,893 2,579 12.2% 2,441 18.5%
Gross Margins % 71.9% 68.2% 370 bps 69.8 210 bps
EBITDA 686 660 4.0% 594 15.5%
EBITDA Margin % 23.7% 25.6% (190bps) 24.3% (60bps)
Adjusted EBITDA# 728 660 10.3% 594 22.6%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin % 25.2% 25.6% (40bps) 24.3% 90 bps
PAT 543 494 9.9% 477 13.9%
PAT Margin % 18.8% 19.2% (40 bps) 19.5% (70 bps)
Diluted EPS (INR)* 13.4 12.1 10.1% 11.7 13.9%
Cash EPS (INR)* 16.1 14.3 12.1% 14.4 11.8%

Segmental Revenue Break Up

 

In INR Crore Q1FY25 Q1 FY24 YoY% Q4 FY24 QoQ%
Domestic 2,634 2,419 8.9% 2,174 21.2%
·        Consumer Healthcare 206 208 (0.9%) 156 32.0%
Exports 259 160 61.9% 267 (3.0%)
Total 2,893 2,579 12.2% 2,441 18.5%

Tata International to Increase Sustainable Leather Production to 50% in Four Years

Mumbai, 30 July 2024: Tata International, the global trading and distribution arm of the Tata Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable practices with the launch of Phoenix Leather, an eco-friendly product under its Earthcare® Leather range. Developed through a patented collaboration with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Phoenix Leather marks a significant advancement in sustainable leather technology.

Mr. P. Rajasekaran, Business Head – Finished Leather Business at Tata International, emphasized, “Tata International’s Earthcare® Leather range aims to lead the sustainable development of the leather industry. Despite lower demand post-Covid, we are now witnessing promising recovery with increased interest from key markets such as the USA, China, and Europe. Tata International is one of the largest exporter of leather and leather products in India. We are optimistic about sustainable and bio-based leather. Percentage share of Earthcare® leather in financial year 2023-2024 accounted for 27% of our total production and we plan to increase this to 50% in next 4 years.”

The patented “GENOCORIUM” process behind Phoenix Leather transforms trim waste from leather production into high-quality reconstituted leather sheets. This innovative technology not only repurposes corium waste but also significantly reduces water pollution, depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional leather manufacturing.

The Earthcare® Leather range, featuring Phoenix Leather alongside bio-based and chrome-free/metal-free/aldehyde-free options, underscores Tata International’s commitment to circularity and sustainability in the leather industry. Phoenix Leather stands out for its eco-friendly production process and high quality, meeting the stringent requirements of leather product manufacturers.

Tata International has significantly contributed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative by manufacturing sustainable leather under its flagship brand, Earthcare®. The Earthcare® Leather range is produced at the company’s facilities in Dewas, employing more than 750 workers.

World University of Design Opens Master’s Program Applications for 2024

Mumbai / DELHI-NCR, July 26, 2024: The School of Visual Arts (SoVA), part of World University of Design (WUD), is now accepting online applications for its Master’s programs in Visual Arts for the academic year 2024. The school offers a variety of two-year Master of Visual Arts (MVA) programs, focusing on Contemporary Art Practice, Curation of Contemporary Art, and Art Education.

ART

To streamline the application process, the university has ensured easy accessibility to necessary forms through its official website. Eligibility for admission requires Indian applicants to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts or a Master’s degree in any field, while international applicants must demonstrate equivalent qualifications from recognized institutions.

These programs offer extensive networking opportunities through exhibitions, guest lectures, residencies, and workshops. They utilize advanced technology to enrich artistic expression and creativity, with a strong focus on engaging the public through art presentations, exhibitions, and installations. Embracing an interdisciplinary approach, the curriculum integrates aspects of art history, museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, and other disciplines, providing a comprehensive educational experience in visual arts and related fields.

One notable program is the MVA in Curation of Contemporary Art and Design, the first of its kind in India solely focused on Art Curation. This pioneering program explores art history, philosophy, and cultural contexts deeply, while teaching students how to create impactful exhibits and cultivate a unique curatorial style. Prospective students for any of the courses must submit a strong portfolio demonstrating their commitment and talent in Visual Arts. The application deadline is July 31, 2024, with continuous online exams held every Friday to aid in the admission process.

The School of Visual Arts provides scholarships based on entrance exam results and offers special support to children of defense personnel, educators, and individuals with national-level sports achievements. These educational programs prioritize creative expression, empowering students to develop their distinct artistic styles. The curriculum effectively blends modern technology with traditional methods and encourages public interaction through presentations, exhibitions, and installations.

SoVA maintains strong partnerships with renowned organizations, galleries, and companies like Niv Art Center, Art & Deal, Navya Art Gallery and many more. These partnerships provide students with essential opportunities for career growth and networking in the art industry.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design (WUD), Sonipat, emphasized, “In our Master of Visual Arts program, we strive to cultivate an environment where creativity and academic rigor coexist. Our students not only develop technical skills but also gain a deep understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shape contemporary art practices. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications, our graduates are well-prepared to become leaders in their respective fields. We are proud of our partnerships with renowned galleries and institutions, which provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development.”

Heartfulness and Reliance Foundation Host Meditation Program at Paris Olympics

Mumbai / Paris, 26 July 2024: In yet another milestone partnership, Heartfulness has joined hands with the Reliance Foundation to host a unique athlete-centric meditation programme in Paris at the India House, Parc de la Villete, Paris during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The event will be graced by Guest of Honour Ms. Alexandra de Coubertin – President of Pierre de Coubertin Association and Member of IOC culture and Olympic Heritage Commission on the 29th of July. The Association is named after Pierre de Coubertin who was the known as Father of the modern Olympic Games.

This exciting collaboration between Heartfulness and the Reliance Foundation is an opportunity to showcase how sports can be a connector for all types of people, regardless of background, identity, or ethnicity. The Heartfulness-led event will take place from 29th July – 1st August and 7th to 8th August.

Conceptualised by Reliance Foundation in association with the Indian Olympic Association, the India House is the first ever country house for India at the Olympics. It will serve as a home away from home for all Indian athletes and also celebrate India completing over 100 years of participating as a team at the Olympics.

The theme of the experience is, ‘Inner Skill for Athletic Excellence’, and aims to apply Heartfulness meditation to achieve optimal athletic performance. The event, entitled “Applying Meditation for Optimal Athletic Performance”, also aims to elevate Indian culture, sports and heritage. During the event, participants will explore various Heartfulness and meditation techniques that can help athletes reach and sustain peak performance, manage stress and maintain mental clarity in high-pressure situations, and recover and build resilience using meditation. The goal is to help athletes discover the intersection of meditation and sports excellence by inspiring and equipping athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts with the tools necessary to enhance their performance and achieve their full potential.

Speaking on the event, Rev. Daaji, Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “Athletics is not simply about physical and physiological strength, but it also about mental fortitude. Many times, sportsmen lose despite best qualifications because they have not developed that mental resilience. Resilience, focus and inner calm is essential to tackle any situation – be it in sports or in life. This is where Heartfulness meditation helps. I am delighted that the Reliance Foundation has collaborated with Heartfulness to empower athletes, as well as people from other backgrounds. Through Heartfulness, we hope to awaken the dormant consciousness among sportsmen and sports-enthusiasts and help unleash their unlimited potential. This opportunity at the Paris Olympics is a momentous occasion for us.”

Keynote speeches will also be delivered on topics such as, “The Power of Meditation in Sports”, “How Meditation Enhances Athletic Performance”, and “The Future of Meditation in Sports”. Participants will also experience Heartfulness meditation as a guided group activity.

Livpure Sees 6x Air Cooler Growth, 197percentage Modern Trade Surge in Q1 FY25

Mumbai, July 26, 2024: Livpure, one of India’s leading and most trusted customer-centric brands dedicated to consumer well-being, reported an exceptional 45% growth across all business segments in its Q1 and that too after reporting 50% growth in quarter 1 of FY 24. The company’s performance highlights robust market demand and successful execution of its business strategies, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.

The Q1 results reveal impressive growth across various sales channels and product categories. Modern Trade revenue led the charge with an outstanding 197% increase, while General Trade sales surged by 92%. E-commerce continued its upward trajectory with a 36% boost, reflecting Livpure’s strong online presence. The company’s diversification strategy proved highly successful, with the cooler segment experiencing phenomenal growth of 6x. Livpure’s core product line, water purifiers, maintained steady growth at 21%.

Livpure’s service-oriented divisions also showed remarkable performance. Service revenue rose by 33%, indicating increased customer engagement and satisfaction. Notably, the innovative Water-as- a-Service (WAAS) subscription model gained significant traction, with subscriber numbers expanding by 51%.

Commenting on the Q1 results, Mr Rakesh Kaul, Managing Director, Livpure, said, “Our Q1 results perfectly align with Livpure’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The extraordinary growth in our Air Cooler segment and the significant increase in WAAS subscribers highlights the success of our product diversification and subscription-based models. These numbers reflect our success and set the stage for sustained growth in the coming quarters.  As we continue to innovate and adapt to changing consumer needs, we are confident that Livpure will maintain this growth trajectory, further solidifying our position as a home appliance and water purification market leader. This quarter’s results are just the beginning of what we believe will be a transformative year for Livpure and our customers.”

Livpure has also made significant strides in product innovation and expansion in the last quarter. The company recently launched Air coolers on the Blinkit e-commerce platform across Delhi NCR. Furthermore, Livpure has expanded its product range by introducing BLDC chimneys in the past quarter, catering to the diverse needs of modern households.

As Livpure maintains its impressive growth trajectory, the company remains focused on delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that improve the daily lives of its customers. With a solid start to the year and a clear strategy for expansion, Livpure is well-positioned to continue its market leadership in the home appliance and water purification sectors.

Krishnamurti Foundation India Releases ‘Teaching – The Greatest Profession

Mumbai, 26.07.2024 — The Krishnamurti Foundation India announces the release of its latest book, Teaching – The Greatest Profession. It contains six discussions that J. Krishnamurti held in 1984 with the teachers of the two schools he founded—Rishi Valley School and Rajghat Besant School. Providing a perspective that goes beyond conventional knowledge transfer and technical skill development, Krishnamurti emphasizes the importance and urgency of bringing about a deep psychological change in human beings through a different kind of education.

J. Krishnamurti

While technological knowledge is extremely valuable in this age, Krishnamurti cautions against placing too much emphasis on technique. Although these abilities are necessary to make a living, in his opinion, they shouldn’t take precedence over the need for a comprehensive understanding. Krishnamurti says, “Life is pain, joy, beauty, ugliness, love, and when we understand it as a whole, at every level, that understanding creates its technique.”

Krishnamurti critiques the current focus on knowledge accumulation and technical proficiency, arguing that true education is about understanding one’s psychological processes. He states, “Understanding comes only through self-knowledge, which is awareness of one’s total psychological process.” The ‘psychological process’ are what we go through in our everyday life—hurt, fear, violence, hurt, pleasure, boredom, suffering, and the network of escapes from these that we have built.

Krishnamurti envisions education as a means to develop integrated human beings who can navigate life’s complexities with intelligence, sensitivity, and love. His vision for education aims to awaken individuals to their true selves and cultivate a new generation with totally different minds and hearts. His teachings urge educators and parents to rethink their roles. Education should enable children to transform themselves rather than merely preparing them to fit into society. He challenges us with the question, “Are we prepared, as parents and teachers, to bring about a new generation of people with totally different minds and hearts?”

“At a time when the education system faces significant challenges, Krishnamurti, World Teacher and one of the greatest religious teachers of all time, provides rare clarity, through this book, on a new approach to education. His teachings emphasize that education is much more than just imparting subject knowledge. It is about helping children understand themselves and, in the process, bring about a total transformation of consciousness. This book is available on our website, jkrishnamurti.in as well as on all the major e-tailers.” said Vishwanath Alluri, Secretary, Krishnamurti Foundation India.

IIT Delhi Launches Certificate Programme in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Design

Mumbai, July 25, 2024: As the automotive industry accelerates towards a sustainable future, the demand for professionals who can design and develop hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is surging. With the Indian government’s ambitious target of electrifying 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030, the industry needs skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between conventional automotive engineering and the rapidly evolving EV and Hybrid EV space. In response to the growing need for expertise in the rapidly evolving field of vehicle electrification, the Indian Institute of Delhi (IITD), acclaimed for its 2nd rank in the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2023 rankings in Engineering, announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind Certificate Programme in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) Design.

This high-impact 6-month programme is specifically designed for engineers from mechanical, electrical, automotive, and allied areas seeking to establish a strong foundation in EV/HEV technology. It is also tailored for professionals transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine technology to EVs and HEVs. Additionally, it also caters to professionals aiming to fortify their existing expertise in the EV/HEV sector, providing them with the advanced knowledge and skills required to design and develop innovative, sustainable, and efficient hybrid electric vehicles that meet the industry’s evolving needs.

According to the report by Arthur D. Little titled Transforming India into a Global Automotive Hub: Roadmap for the Automotive Ecosystem, the Indian automotive industry is expected to be worth $1 trillion by 2035. Another report by research firm Counterpoint highlights that India’s EV market expected to grow by 66% in 2024. In order to meet this demand and bridge the gap in EV industry, there is a need for skilled professionals who can design, develop, and manufacture hybrid electric vehicles. The IITD Certificate Programme in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) Design rightly integrates key concepts spanning thermodynamics, IC engines, electric machines and drives, power electronics, automotive hybridisation, and battery design and modelling providing participants with a comprehensive outlook to drive innovation.

The IITD Certificate Programme in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) Design includes live sessions delivered and designed by renowned IITD faculty in line with the FAME scheme, industry-oriented insights, a Capstone project guided by the top IITD faculty and an opportunity for networking in the automotive industry. It also includes an optional 1-day campus immersion at the IIT Delhi campus towards the end of the programme providing exposure to the facilities at the Centre for Automotive Research and Tribology (CART). The modules of this programme include complexity of technology integration; energy storage systems; design, operation, & modelling of batteries; and automotive hybridisation and electrification (AHE) among others.

foundit Introduces Skillyst: Revolutionizing Hiring with Advanced Assessments

Mumbai, 25 July 2024: foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of India’s leading talent platforms, today announced the early success of Skillyst – an AI-enabled skill and personality assessment platform set to streamline the hiring process and enhance candidate selection. Skillyst is designed to verify and validate candidates’ skill levels, assess their proficiency, and identify potential knowledge gaps, thereby reducing the hiring time by 50% to find the right fit.

Skillyst provides five types of assessments: coding assessments, tech and non-tech skills assessments in MCQ format, communication tests, gamified cognition tests and personality profiler tests.

The gamified cognition tests on the platform offer recruiters smart insights into job seekers’ skills through immersive games, helping to differentiate between the candidates who are skill-verified and those who rely solely on academic qualifications. This innovation by Skillyst has led to an 80% reduction in the number of interviews, while maintaining a 95% completion rate, ensuring that no candidate goes unnoticed.

Skillyst’s five different tests are designed to test users’ abilities in fields such as communication, problem-solving, coding, English proficiency, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. Beyond the skill-testing aspect of the tool – recruiters also get access to additional features through the customisable dashboard that lets them track candidates’ progress and performance.

Additional features include advanced remote and live proctoring to prevent cheating and unethical practices, providing recruiters with the confidence to make informed decisions. Skillyst’s AI interview capabilities also enable screening candidates in a simulated virtual environment.

Speaking on the launch of Skillyst, Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit (previously Monster APAC & ME) said, “The evolving recruitment landscape demands innovative solutions, and Skillyst is designed to meet these challenges head-on. We believe Skillyst will significantly enhance operational efficiency and transform how recruiters approach candidate selection. By continuously investing in advanced technology and upskilling resources, we aim to empower both recruiters and job seekers to achieve their goals. Skillyst is more than just a tool; it is a pivotal step towards creating a dynamic, skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the modern job market.”

Skillyst’s dashboards provide recruiters an option to directly roll out assessment tests to candidates using customisable email templates. The dashboards also offer interactive reports, allowing recruiters to assess a candidate’s eligibility using Fit score – a cumulative score awarded to each candidate that indicates how well they are suited for the role. Additionally, the system suggests candidate recommendation based on performance, and recruiters can sort and filter candidates by status or scores.

Skillyst’s database includes 20,000+ questions across 500+ skills, drafted based on industry-backed tests and designed to simulate on-the-job problems. To date, 400,000+ assessments have been completed on Skillyst, totaling 195,000 hours of assessment time on the platform.

Kia India Launches EV6 in Expanded ‘Kia Lease’ Program for Flexible Mobility

Mumbai, 24th July 2024: Kia, India’s leading premium carmaker, introduces lease program for its flagship product, EV6. The move came after the tremendous success the company has received for its lease program in just 2 months of its launch. The special lease rental for EV6 stands at INR 1.29 Lakhs per month, and includes Insurance, Maintenance, Pick-up and Drop, Scheduled/unscheduled services, and 24X7 RSA.

Image - EV6 Front

The EV6 lease program has been exclusively extended to:

  •  Doctors – Registered with IMA or State association and Head of any registered Medical Institution or Hospital or Clinic.
  •  Chartered Accountants: Registered with ICAI, Heads of any CA firm / ICAI members
  •  Other self-employed professionals
  •  Select corporates

The EV6, combine’s a sleek and modern design with impressive performance, making it an ultimate choice for these aspirational professionals. The vehicle offers a remarkable range of up to 708 km and supports fast charging from 0 – 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350kW charger, putting a full stop to range anxiety. It also boasts sporty performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. EV6 is also one of the safest vehicles present in India with 8 airbags, ADAS level 2 suite and other active and passive safety features like ESC, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system, to name a few.

Mr. Myung-Sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “Within 2 months of its launch, Kia Lease program has gained significant traction in Metro and Tier I cities, and the addition of the EV6 underscores our commitment to meeting customer demands and provide them the best of technology along with sustainable mobility solutions. The positive response reaffirms our confidence in the future of the Kia Lease program as we strive to make our vehicles more accessible to a wider range of customers”.

Kia India, in partnership with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services Limited, launched the Kia Lease program to provide customers with a new ownership experience. The program caters to those with extended mobility needs, offering lease terms from 24 to 60 months with various mileage options.