Max Fashion has launched the biggest edition of the Max Kids Festival, marking the brand’s 20-year journey in India with a nationwide celebration inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5. The festival has transformed more than 530 stores across the country into immersive family destinations centred on imagination, discovery, and play.

What began as a seasonal retail initiative two decades ago has evolved into one of India’s most anticipated summer experiences for families. This year’s Max Kids Festival combines themed merchandise, interactive experiences, and city-wide activities designed to deliver memorable in-store engagements for children and parents alike.

The festival coincides with the release of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 on June 19. Max Fashion has introduced a dedicated Toy Story 5-inspired collection featuring popular characters including Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The collection highlights themes of friendship and adventure through playful designs created for everyday children’s fashion.

The collection includes more than 50 styles spanning infants, children, and teenagers. Coordinated sets, character-themed prints, and everyday essentials form a major part of the range. The festival also showcases Max Fashion’s broader Disney and Marvel-themed portfolio, positioning this edition as one of the brand’s largest character-led retail campaigns.

Expanding the celebration beyond stores, Max Fashion has launched the “Paint & Win” creative contest across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai. The initiative has already received more than 5,000 registrations. The contest encourages children to participate in painting activities while engaging with Toy Story 5-themed games, music, and interactive experiences organised across participating cities.

Under the contest, winners will receive gift vouchers worth INR 6,000 along with trophies and certificates, while runners-up will receive gift vouchers worth INR 3,000 accompanied by trophies and certificates.

As part of the launch celebrations, Max Fashion organised a large-scale in-store fashion walk at its Rajouri Garden outlet in New Delhi. More than 200 families, including parenting content creators, attended the event, where children showcased the Toy Story 5-themed collection in a specially curated fashion presentation.

Sumit Chandna, Chief Executive Officer of Max Fashion, said the Max Kids Festival has emerged as a significant platform for the company to present the scale of its children’s fashion offerings while creating engaging experiences for families. He stated that the Toy Story 5-inspired collection allows the brand to combine storytelling with accessible and relevant fashion across categories and age groups.

Max Fashion is recognised as one of the largest fashion brands across India and the Middle East. Since opening its first store in the Middle East in 2004, the company has expanded its presence to more than 19 countries globally. In India, the brand currently operates over 530 stores across more than 210 cities, offering apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children.

The company positions itself as an omnichannel fashion brand with a strong focus on affordable global fashion trends for middle-class consumers. Through its expanding retail presence and large-scale themed campaigns such as the Max Kids Festival, the brand continues to strengthen its connection with families and young consumers across India.

ICCPL Group, one of India’s leading home-grown public relations and communications firms, has announced its ambitious target to cross 7,000 marketing campaigns for the real estate sector by FY 2026–27, further strengthening its position as a specialised communications partner for the industry.

Over the last 15 years, ICCPL Group has serviced more than 500 real estate companies across India and established a strong presence across North, West, East and select South Indian markets. The company has also been associated with the launch and promotion of more than 2,500 real estate projects spanning residential, commercial, retail, mixed-use and allied segments.

Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, ICCPL Group has built a strong national footprint with offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Goa, along with backend operations across more than 42 cities in India and an international presence in the United Arab Emirates. The company has also expanded its communications reach across parts of Southeast Asia.

Known for its deep sectoral expertise, strong media relationships and reference-driven business model, ICCPL Group has emerged as one of the most preferred public relations and communications agencies for real estate companies in India. Its sector-focused approach has helped the organisation build a strong legacy in real estate communications through consistent performance, long-standing client relationships and market credibility.

The company has received recognition three times as one of the most preferred public relations and communications agencies for the real estate sector, further reinforcing its leadership position in the industry.

According to market reports and industry estimates, ICCPL Group is currently valued at more than Rs 250 crore and is aggressively working towards achieving a valuation of Rs 400 crore by FY 2026–27. The company’s growth strategy is expected to be driven through expansion across communications, digital media, real estate allied services and strategic investments in the hospitality sector.

Over the years, ICCPL Group has worked with several leading real estate brands, including BCD Group, Bhartiya Group, Signature Global, Gaurs Group, Omaxe, Gulshan Group, Reach Group, Bhumika Group, MRG Group and Aurika Homes. The company has also been associated with the launch of several marquee projects, including Gaurs NYC Residences, Taj Skyscape by Gulshan Group, Experion Saatori, Omaxe Chowk and Nimbus The Arista Luxe, along with multiple residential, commercial and mixed-use developments across the National Capital Region and other key markets.

Speaking on the milestone, a spokesperson from ICCPL Group said that real estate has always remained at the core of the company’s journey. The spokesperson stated that the organisation’s focus has been to build meaningful communication strategies supporting brands, projects and sector narratives across markets. The spokesperson further said that crossing 7,000 campaigns by FY 2026–27 would mark a major milestone and reflect the trust developers and industry stakeholders continue to place in the company.

With its specialised sector focus, expanding national network and growing international presence, ICCPL Group continues to strengthen its leadership in real estate public relations and communications while supporting brands across emerging and established markets.

About ICCPL Group

ICCPL Group is one of India’s leading integrated public relations, communications and marketing groups with a dominant presence in the real estate sector. Founded more than 15 years ago, the group has serviced over 500 clients and executed more than 6,000 marketing and communication campaigns across sectors. Headquartered in Noida, the company operates through multiple verticals, including public relations, digital marketing, creative designing, media solutions and hospitality. ICCPL Group has a strong presence across India with offices in key metropolitan cities along with international reach in the United Arab Emirates and parts of Southeast Asia. The organisation is widely recognised for its strong media network, strategic communication capabilities and specialised expertise in real estate public relations and brand positioning.

Cosmo Foundation, the community outreach arm of Cosmo First Limited, strengthened India’s presence in the global Fair Play movement by supporting the International Symposium on World Fair Play Day 2026 held on May 19 at the ISIC Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences in New Delhi. Conducted in a hybrid format, the symposium witnessed participation from more than six million people worldwide and brought together sports leaders, educators, students, policy advocates, and international stakeholders to promote ethics, inclusion, integrity, and respect in sports and society.

The symposium focused on advancing Fair Play education across schools and universities while encouraging the integration of Fair Play principles into the National Education Policy 2020. Experts discussed the importance of embedding values such as respect, solidarity, dignity, justice, and ethical conduct into youth development initiatives and community programmes. Discussions also highlighted the proposal to establish a National Fair Play Committee of India to coordinate Fair Play programmes, policy advocacy, education, and research across the country.

The initiative was conceptualised with the support of Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee of Cosmo Foundation, who has been actively associated with international Fair Play initiatives. The event was organised in collaboration with the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sports Foundation and received endorsement from the International Fair Play Committee. The symposium emerged as one of the first large-scale World Fair Play Day celebrations in India and aimed to deepen India’s engagement with the global Fair Play movement while strengthening collaboration among educational, sporting, and social institutions.

Addressing the symposium, Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee of Cosmo Foundation and Whole-time Director for Corporate Strategy, ESG and CSR at Cosmo First, said that Fair Play is a universal language and extends beyond sports into everyday life. She stated that Fair Play is not about how people win, but about how they participate, adding that promoting dignity, justice, respect, and togetherness can help build a better world through both sports and daily conduct.

In his keynote address, Mr Sunil Sabharwal, President of the International Fair Play Committee, acknowledged the contribution of Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria and the support extended by Cosmo Foundation towards advancing the Fair Play movement in India and globally. He emphasised the collective international responsibility to uphold ethics, integrity, and respect in sports while underlining the need for stronger global cooperation to create value-driven sports ecosystems.

The symposium featured extensive panel discussions on ethics in sports governance, the role of education in promoting sportsmanship, and the cultural significance of Fair Play in building peaceful and inclusive societies. Deliberations focused on ethical leadership, transparency and accountability in sports administration, anti-doping frameworks, value-based education for youth, and the role of traditional sports in promoting community bonding, cultural preservation, and social harmony. The programme also included a Fair Play Pledge Ceremony and participation from national and international institutions associated with sports, education, and Olympic values.

Through its support for World Fair Play Day, Cosmo Foundation reinforced India’s leadership role in the global Fair Play movement and strengthened international cooperation for ethical and value-driven sports. The symposium also accelerated discussions on expanding Fair Play education and building stronger collaborations among Indian and international institutions working in sports, education, and social development sectors.

Established in 2008, Cosmo Foundation functions as the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Limited, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of BOPP films. The Foundation operates development programmes around manufacturing units located in Karjan in Vadodara district, Gangapur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and the tribal district of Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Its initiatives focus on digital skills, computer operations, foundational literacy, numeracy, life skills, English communication, health and hygiene, environmental awareness, and women’s empowerment.

Founded in 1981 by Mr Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo First Limited is a global conglomerate with consumer and industrial business verticals. Its consumer businesses include Cosmo Consumer, which operates in window films, paint protection films, and ceramic coatings for automobiles, along with Zigly Pet Care, a digital-first omnichannel pet care ecosystem. Its industrial operations include Cosmo Films for specialty films used in packaging, labels, lamination, and industrial applications, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals for coatings, adhesives, and masterbatches, and Cosmo Plastech for rigid packaging solutions. The company serves customers in more than 100 countries with a strong focus on sustainable innovation, research, and development.

The International Symposium on World Fair Play Day 2026 marked a major step in positioning India as an active contributor to global ethical sports initiatives while reinforcing the role of education, governance, and social cooperation in building a culture of integrity, respect, and inclusion through sports.

Contend Builders Private Limited, a joint venture company of Antara Senior Living Limited, the wholly owned subsidiary of Max India Limited, has received a partial Occupancy Certificate for its senior living community in Sector 150, Noida. The approval covers three residential towers and 340 units under Phase I of the project, paving the way for 340 senior families to receive possession of their homes.

The development marks a major breakthrough for the company after a prolonged delay linked to sector-wide infrastructure requirements in Noida’s Sector 150. The Occupancy Certificate also unlocks nearly INR 150 crore in receivables that were previously contingent upon the handover of possession to residents.

Rajit Mehta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Antara Senior Care, welcomed the decision and acknowledged the role played by the authorities and the judiciary in resolving the matter. He stated that the company was grateful to the Noida authorities for granting the certificate and also thanked the Supreme Court of India for supporting its submissions. He added that the residents, all senior citizens, had booked their homes with significant expectations and interest, and the company’s team was now reviewing the conditions attached to the Occupancy Certificate before initiating the possession process.

The entire project spans approximately 12 lakh square feet, equivalent to nearly 1.11 lakh square metres. Phase I accounts for around 7.45 lakh square feet, while Phase II covers approximately 4.55 lakh square feet. The company stated that Phase I is expected to generate nearly INR 550 crore in revenue, while Phase II is projected to contribute around INR 800 crore.

With the possession process now moving ahead in Phase I, the company confirmed that it will actively pursue the revalidation of approvals required for Phase II of the development.

The issue surrounding the Occupancy Certificate had remained unresolved due to a collective obligation imposed on developers in Sector 150 for the completion of shared sports facilities. According to the company, it had already fulfilled its designated responsibilities toward the sports infrastructure and completed all associated payment obligations. In an effort to prevent further hardship for residents awaiting possession, the company approached the Noida Authority and later pursued legal remedies before various courts, including the Supreme Court of India. The company argued that all compliance requirements had been fully met and that no additional delay in granting the Occupancy Certificate was justified. The partial Occupancy Certificate was eventually granted after authorities accepted the company’s demonstrated compliance.

Antara Noida Sector 150 has been designed as a dedicated senior living community focused on promoting independent and active lifestyles for elderly residents. The project includes fully finished senior-friendly residences integrated with wellness services, round-the-clock medical assistance, emergency response systems, and community-focused living spaces tailored to the needs of senior citizens.

Launched in 2013, Antara is the senior care business of Max India Limited, part of the USD 7-billion Max Group. The company operates through two primary business verticals, including residences for seniors and assisted care services. Antara’s first senior residential community in Dehradun houses nearly 200 families and offers social, recreational, educational, wellness, and healthcare-related services.

The company is preparing to operationalise its second senior living community in Noida Sector 150, where families are expected to move into the 340 apartments developed under the first phase. Antara is also expanding its presence in Gurugram through senior living residences, dedicated senior care spaces, and primary healthcare services at Estate 360 and Estate 361 projects being developed by Max Estates.

Antara’s Assisted Care Services division includes Care Homes, Care at Home, AGEasy, and Antara Integrated Wellness Clinic. These services are aimed at supporting senior citizens requiring intensive daily care due to medical or age-related conditions. The company currently operates eight facilities with 485 beds across Gurugram, Noida, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Its Care Homes provide both long-term medical supervision and short-term recuperative care for elderly residents.

The Care at Home service, available across Delhi National Capital Region, Bengaluru, and Chennai, offers trained healthcare professionals and support services for senior citizens within their homes. Meanwhile, AGEasy, the company’s online and offline platform focused on senior-specific healthcare products and chronic condition management solutions, has impacted more than 6.5 lakh lives since its launch in 2023.

The granting of the partial Occupancy Certificate marks a crucial milestone for Antara Senior Living and brings long-awaited relief to hundreds of senior citizens awaiting possession of their homes in Noida Sector 150. The development is expected to accelerate both revenue realization and the next phase of expansion for the company’s growing senior care ecosystem.

Tide, the United Kingdom-based business management platform, has crossed the milestone of 2 million members globally, with India emerging as the company’s fastest-growing market since its launch in the country in December 2022. More than 1.1 million small businesses in India have joined the platform in just over two years, underlining the rapid expansion of digital-first financial and administrative solutions among micro, small and medium enterprises.

The company stated that the United Kingdom remains its home market, where Tide serves more than 900,000 small and medium enterprises and commands a 15 percent market share. Tide is also steadily expanding its operations across Europe, particularly in Germany and France, where digital adoption among small businesses is accelerating.

In late 2025, Tide secured a strategic investment from global alternative asset manager TPG, valuing the company at 1.5 billion US dollars.

Oliver Prill, Chief Executive Officer of Tide, said the company’s 2 million member milestone reflected the trust placed in the platform by small businesses across all its markets. He stated that every member represented a business owner choosing a simpler and more connected way of managing operations while reducing administrative burden.

Prill credited Tide’s global workforce, including its 900-member product engineering teams, for driving innovation and maintaining operational agility. He said India’s rapid expansion highlighted the importance of achieving the right product-market fit while entering new markets. He added that Tide would continue expanding internationally while strengthening its integrated product offerings to help businesses save time and money.

India has become a major growth engine for Tide, contributing over 1.1 million members to the company’s global customer base. The company highlighted the scale of opportunity in India, which has more than 72 million registered businesses and an estimated 140 million informal enterprises.

The company stated that growth in India is no longer limited to metropolitan regions. Adoption has accelerated across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including Bareilly, Bhopal, Murshidabad, Mysuru, Lucknow and North 24 Parganas. Tide said this trend reflected the increasing formalisation of small businesses and wider financial inclusion beyond urban centres.

Tide stated that it is simplifying access to essential services such as Udyam registration, Goods and Services Tax registration and lending facilities, helping small businesses establish financial credibility, improve access to credit and expand operations.

Gurjodhpal Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Tide India, said the milestone reflected strong momentum in the Indian market. He stated that more than 70 percent of Tide’s Indian members are under the age of 35, signalling the rise of a new generation of digital-first entrepreneurs.

Singh said the strongest growth was being witnessed beyond metropolitan cities, where access to efficient business tools could significantly improve operational capabilities. He added that India was also emerging as a major innovation hub for Tide, with products developed in the country creating scalable use cases for international markets. According to Singh, the company remains focused on developing intuitive financial and administrative solutions that enable micro, small and medium enterprises to operate efficiently and scale confidently.

Tide said its growth continues to be driven by an expanding product ecosystem designed to address key challenges faced by small businesses. The platform currently provides government registration services, accounting tools, invoicing systems, administrative solutions, team management features, fixed deposits, affordable credit facilities, bill payments, payment solutions and website-building services.

The company stated that its long-term objective is to build fully integrated solutions that support businesses from establishment to expansion.

In the United Kingdom, Tide said it remains focused on diversification and product connectivity, supported by its strong member base and growing adoption of administrative and business management services.

Across Europe, Tide plans to gradually introduce the full range of its United Kingdom platform to international markets. Following its launch in Germany in 2024 and France in 2025, the company said its credit intermediation business has already disbursed more than 50 million euros in the two European Union markets. Tide recently established its European headquarters in Luxembourg as part of its continental expansion strategy.

The company also highlighted its increasing focus on artificial intelligence-driven solutions. Tide stated that it is leveraging its proprietary small business dataset to generate real-time insights within regulated financial environments. According to the company, these capabilities are helping develop scalable artificial intelligence tools that address challenges such as access to finance for small businesses.

Tide also announced key leadership appointments as part of its global expansion strategy. Bernie Miles joined the company as Chief Data and Technology Officer in 2026. Dan McNally joined in late 2025 as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Tide Insurance Services to lead the company’s expanding insurance operations. Marc Lacroix joined as Country Managing Director for France in mid-2025 to oversee the company’s launch and expansion in the French market.

The company currently employs more than 2,800 people across the United Kingdom, India, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Lithuania and Serbia.

Tide reiterated its commitment to supporting women-led businesses in both the United Kingdom and India. The company aims to onboard 700,000 women entrepreneurs globally by the end of 2027, including 500,000 in India and 200,000 in the United Kingdom. Women currently account for 22 percent of Tide’s total member base, which the company said exceeds the national average.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and net zero targets. Tide stated that it has continued matching all Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions through carbon removal initiatives since 2022. It added that the company remains on track to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per employee by 90 percent by 2030 and emissions by revenue by 97 percent.

Founded in 2017, Tide has positioned itself as a leading business management platform offering business accounts, administrative services, invoicing systems, accounting solutions and commercial support tools for small businesses. The company has also received the Great Place to Work certification for three consecutive years.

Backed by investors including Anthemis, Apax Digital Funds, Augmentum Fintech, Creandum, Salica Investments, Latitude, LocalGlobe, SBI Group, Speedinvest and TPG, Tide stated that its long-term ambition is to become the leading business management platform globally.

The company emphasised that while Tide operates as a leading digital business banking platform in the United Kingdom, it functions in India as a business financial platform rather than a bank. Tide stated that its platform-based approach allows it to combine financial and administrative services, helping small businesses reduce operational burdens and focus on growth.

The retail real estate sector across Delhi-National Capital Region is undergoing a structural transformation, moving away from the traditional emphasis on scale and size toward experience-led, curated environments that integrate shopping, dining, entertainment, and social engagement. Consumers are increasingly prioritising destinations that offer meaningful time-spending experiences rather than purely transactional retail visits.

According to Cushman & Wakefield data, retail leasing activity in Delhi-National Capital Region reached nearly 0.6 million square feet in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a robust year-on-year growth of 45 percent despite a sequential moderation. Gurugram accounted for 54 percent of total leasing activity, followed by Delhi and Noida, underscoring the continued strength of organised retail across key micro-markets in the region.

Industry stakeholders highlight that retail consumption patterns are rapidly evolving. The most recent nationwide absorption of 8.9 million square feet of retail space indicates a significant structural shift, with more than 20 percent of leasing now driven by food and beverage along with entertainment segments. Fashion remained the largest occupier category, accounting for 32 percent of total leasing, while entertainment and department stores recorded steady absorption. Food and beverage leasing on high streets also registered strong growth compared to the previous year. Entertainment zones, family gaming centres, wellness concepts, and boutique fitness brands are expanding their footprint across retail developments.

Jatin Goel, Executive Director of Omaxe Group, stated that retail in the region has evolved beyond shopping into a time-spending ecosystem. He noted that tenant curation has become central to development strategy as consumers demand experience-driven environments. He highlighted examples such as World Street in Faridabad, driven by residential demand for organised high-street retail; Omaxe Chowk in Chandni Chowk, which combines heritage markets with modern retail and large food courts; and The Omaxe State in Dwarka, which integrates sports, leisure, and retail into a unified ecosystem.

Arjun Gehlot, Director of Ambience Group, observed that malls are increasingly required to function as experience hubs rather than mere retail spaces. He emphasised that tenant planning has become data-driven, with dining, entertainment, wellness, and lifestyle categories playing a critical role in enhancing dwell time and repeat visits. According to him, the success of a mall is now determined by the effectiveness of its overall ecosystem rather than its size or brand count.

A parallel shift is visible in high-street and community-centric retail formats, where consumers are favouring accessible, lifestyle-integrated destinations that align with daily routines while still offering aspirational experiences.

Pankaj Jain, Founder and Chairman and Managing Director of SPJ Group, stated that neighbourhood retail in Gurugram is witnessing strong momentum, particularly in Old Gurgaon, where rising residential density and improving infrastructure are driving sustained demand. He noted that curated retail formats focused on balanced tenant mixes are generating consistent weekly engagement and, in many cases, stronger footfall than larger standalone developments.

The growth of mixed-use developments is further reshaping the sector, with retail increasingly integrated with residential, entertainment, and social infrastructure to create self-sustained urban ecosystems.

Uddhav Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director of Bhumika Group, stated that the retail sector in the region is moving beyond the “bigger is better” approach. He emphasised that consumers now prefer curated destinations where shopping, food, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences are balanced. He added that brands are becoming more selective, choosing developments aligned with their customer profiles, and that well-curated projects in Gurugram and Faridabad are witnessing higher engagement, stronger occupancy, and sustainable long-term value creation.

Harpreet Singh Hora, Director of Vegas Mall, noted that consumers are increasingly driven by relevance, experience, and emotional connection rather than scale. He stated that malls with well-curated tenant mixes are emerging as community ecosystems rather than conventional shopping centres, with a strong combination of entertainment, food, fashion, lifestyle, family engagement, and convenience significantly improving dwell time and loyalty.

As retail consumption continues to evolve toward experience-led engagement, the sector’s next phase of growth is expected to be defined by curation, tenant strategy, and ecosystem design rather than physical expansion alone.

The British Safety Council has recognised 243 Indian organisation sites for their outstanding commitment to health, safety, and workplace wellbeing at the International Safety Awards 2026. The awards ceremony was held at a gala celebratory dinner hosted at JW Marriott Sahar in Mumbai, bringing together global industry leaders and safety professionals.

Among the Indian winners, 86 organisation sites were awarded Distinction, 127 received Merit, and 30 were given Pass recognition. These awards reflect sustained efforts by organisations across India to prevent workplace injuries and work-related illnesses while strengthening employee wellbeing and mental health standards.

On a global scale, 851 organisations from over 51 countries were honoured in the 2026 edition of the International Safety Awards. Of these, 230 received Distinction, 428 achieved Merit, and 193 were awarded Pass status, highlighting widespread international participation in workplace safety excellence.

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, addressing attendees at the event, praised the winners for their continued dedication to maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. He noted that each recognised organisation had invested significant time and resources in ensuring worker safety and wellbeing throughout 2025.

The winners represented a broad range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and power and utilities, underscoring the widespread adoption of safety-focused practices across high-risk and critical sectors. The awards aim to encourage organisations worldwide to prioritise occupational health and safety as a core element of operational performance.

Now in its 68th year, the International Safety Awards continue to acknowledge organisations that demonstrate excellence in preventing workplace hazards and promoting wellbeing. The initiative highlights global commitment to safer working environments and reinforces the importance of health and safety as a driver of sustainable business growth.

Founded in 1957, the British Safety Council has consistently worked to protect workers from occupational risks and has played a significant role in shaping health and safety standards. Its members in more than 60 countries remain committed to improving workplace wellbeing, reinforcing the belief that safe and healthy workplaces benefit both employees and organisations.

La Pink, a science-driven clean beauty brand, has marked three years of operations with the launch of its latest campaign titled “SPF That Breathes,” aimed at initiating a wider conversation around sunscreen texture, skin comfort, and barrier-conscious skincare for modern Indian consumers.

The campaign introduces the brand’s 100 percent natural formulation philosophy, powered by ingredients including Kakadu Plum, Blueberry, Raspberry, White Turmeric, Chia Seed, Licorice, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide. Over the past three years, La Pink has expanded its presence across multiple product categories and retail touchpoints, focusing on ingredient-led formulations designed specifically for Indian skin and climatic conditions.

Central to the campaign is the question, “What if your sunscreen is the problem?”, which challenges the commonly experienced heavy and coated sensation associated with conventional sun protection products. Through “SPF That Breathes,” the brand highlights its microplastic-free sunscreen approach, emphasizing lightweight and breathable sun protection without compromising efficacy.

The campaign film visually contrasts the concept of “plastic-coated skin” with fresh, breathable skin, depicting the difference between dense sunscreen finishes and a more natural skin-like radiance. The narrative underscores a growing consumer shift toward skincare solutions that balance performance with comfort and long-term skin health.

Speaking on the initiative, Nitin Jain, Founder and Director of La Pink, stated that increasing consumer awareness around skincare ingredients is reshaping expectations beyond efficacy toward overall skin health. He added that the “SPF That Breathes” campaign reflects the brand’s commitment to science-backed formulations that are effective, comfortable, and mindful of the skin barrier.

Looking ahead, La Pink aims to accelerate its growth strategy through category expansion, strengthened offline retail presence, and deeper consumer engagement across India. The brand is actively expanding its exclusive brand outlet network in major metropolitan cities while enhancing its omnichannel footprint. It has set an ambitious target of achieving a turnover of 100 crore rupees over the next two to three years as it scales its clean beauty portfolio.

A campaign film supporting this initiative has been released through a video-sharing platform, along with promotional content circulated on social media platforms.

La Pink continues to position itself as India’s first 100 percent microplastic-free beauty brand, committed to delivering science-backed, environmentally responsible formulations tailored to the needs of Indian consumers.

An increasingly confident “India First” mindset is reshaping how students at Galgotias University approach technology, startups, and global innovation platforms, with the transformation now visible through a series of international achievements and rapid ecosystem expansion.

Students from Galgotias University are currently representing India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition in Hong Kong, presenting ideas, products, and ventures developed within classrooms, laboratories, maker spaces, hostels, and collaborative student communities. Their participation comes amid a sustained rise in student-led innovation emerging from the university over the past year.

The institution has recorded 18 winners in the Apple Swift Student Challenge in 2026, following 10 winners in 2025. In parallel, students have launched 37 applications on Apple’s iOS ecosystem, while also increasing their engagement with global startup ecosystems, including interactions connected to Y Combinator.

One of the most notable developments from the university’s innovation ecosystem is the student-led startup Cybergenix, which recently secured funding of INR 3 crore. One of its co-founders is only 18 years old, highlighting early-stage entrepreneurial exposure and the rapid emergence of young founders within the campus environment.

Across the university, more than 135 startups have already originated from its broader innovation ecosystem. These ventures have been supported through incubation facilities, mentorship programs, prototyping infrastructure, industry exposure, and the INR 10 crore Galgotias Innovation Fund.

The university has also strengthened its technological backbone through specialised laboratories and Centres of Excellence developed in collaboration with Apple, Intel, Cisco, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Tata Technologies, and Capgemini. Its infrastructure includes high-performance computing systems powered by NVIDIA DGX H200 units.

The innovation culture at Galgotias University now spans multiple disciplines, including engineering, artificial intelligence, design, and management. Students are collaboratively developing applications and startup solutions across healthcare, accessibility, productivity, education, immersive learning, and digital community platforms, reflecting a shift toward product-oriented learning.

The participation of students at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition in Hong Kong includes ventures such as Project Tacto and Tekurious, both representing India on the international stage. Their engagement follows a recent interaction with Ramana Ramanathan, widely recognised as a key architect of India’s modern innovation and entrepreneurship movement under the Atal Innovation Mission. During his visit to Galgotias University, he engaged with student founders and evaluated their ventures, focusing on scalability, deployment challenges, user behaviour, product relevance, and real-world application.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer of Galgotias University, stated: “A new generation of young Indians is beginning to believe that they can build for the world directly from India. That confidence matters. At Galgotias University, students are moving beyond conventional academic boundaries and creating products, applications, startups, and technologies with global ambition while still within the university ecosystem. These achievements are no longer isolated; they are recurring outcomes across multiple domains and cohorts, reflecting a growing culture of innovation, experimentation, ambition, and national confidence.”

The university ecosystem continues to gain momentum through visibility, peer learning, mentorship, and repeated student success. Each startup launch, international competition participation, and funding milestone is contributing to a reinforcing cycle of ambition and execution among students.

This evolving culture has positioned Galgotias University as a growing hub of student-led innovation, where increasing numbers of young creators are now viewing university life as a launchpad for globally relevant products, companies, and technologies emerging directly from Indian campuses.

Bengaluru: TimbuckDo, India’s student gig and growth platform, formally presented a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Government of Karnataka, during the Campus to Career Summit 2026. The collaboration is designed to strengthen student employability by creating structured access to industry exposure, earning opportunities, and career development pathways.

The MoU was presented in the distinguished presence of the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, marking a significant institutional step toward bridging the gap between higher education and workforce readiness in the state. The initiative aims to enable students across government and technical colleges in Karnataka to access verified part-time gigs, internships, project-based assignments, and structured career development resources through the TimbuckDo platform.

Under this partnership, students are expected to benefit from flexible earning opportunities, practical work exposure, financial literacy support, and skill development initiatives tailored to the evolving demands of the modern workforce and the gig economy. The collaboration positions itself as a structured ecosystem intended to enhance employability outcomes while students continue their academic education.

Speaking on the occasion, Mythri Kumar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TimbuckDo, stated that students today are increasingly seeking real-world exposure, financial independence, and meaningful career opportunities alongside their studies. He emphasized that the collaboration with the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Government of Karnataka aligns with TimbuckDo’s mission to enable students to earn, learn, and grow through structured opportunities, and to build a scalable employability ecosystem for youth in Karnataka.

Unlike conventional job platforms, TimbuckDo is developing a student-focused ecosystem that integrates KYC-verified gigs and internships with artificial intelligence-based opportunity matching systems. The platform also offers curated lifestyle benefits, upskilling resources, and community engagement programs. Its flagship initiative, the Intrapreneurship Campus Ambassador Program, currently spans more than 300 colleges and provides students with leadership training, sales experience, and real-world project exposure.

The partnership arrives at a time when India’s student workforce participation and gig economy engagement are witnessing rapid expansion, driven by growing demand for flexible work arrangements and skill-based learning models. Through the integration of technology, employability frameworks, and industry access, the initiative aims to strengthen structured career pathways for students across educational institutions in Karnataka.

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Bengaluru, TimbuckDo Innovations Private Limited has expanded rapidly across tier one and tier two cities. The company is co-founded by Mythri Kumar and Apoorv Sharma Prasad. It is supported by a network of investors and venture partners including Nandkishore (Andy) Kalambi, Founder of Kanu Ventures LLC; the late Morton H. Meyerson, Chair of the Morton H Meyerson Family Foundation; Arjun Vaidya, Managing Partner at V3 Ventures and Founder of Dr. Vaidya’s; Turbostart Venture Capital Fund; Sandesh Sharda, Angel Investor and Titan on Ideabaaz; Shaili Chopra; Anupam Bansal; Rukam Capital; and Ideabaaz.

The company continues to position itself as a leading student empowerment platform focused on enabling financial independence, employability, and career readiness among India’s youth through structured work opportunities and skill development ecosystems

Morepen Laboratories Limited reported a strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of FY26, driven by robust export momentum, expansion in its Medical Devices business and accelerating operational growth toward the latter part of the financial year. The pharmaceutical and healthcare company announced that its net profit jumped 69 percent year-on-year to Rs. 20 crore during Q4 FY26, while gross revenue increased 22 percent to Rs. 472 crore.

The company’s API business recorded 17 percent growth during the quarter, while the Medical Devices segment registered a sharp 31 percent rise. On an annual basis, standalone gross revenue crossed Rs. 1,700 crore in FY26, reflecting an 8 percent increase. The Board of Directors has also proposed a 10 percent dividend for FY26.

A major milestone for the company came with the commencement of commercial production under its long-duration manufacturing partnership program, backed by the multi-year Rs. 825 crore or USD 91 million global CDMO mandate secured in February 2026 from a leading multinational corporation. Morepen confirmed that validation batches have been completed and initial supply schedules have been aligned for phased deliveries under the program, with supplies expected to begin shortly.

The quarter also witnessed continued investments in manufacturing scale-up, regulated-market programs and Medical Devices expansion. EBITDA stood at Rs. 32 crore in Q4 FY26 compared to Rs. 33 crore in the corresponding quarter last year, reflecting the impact of strategic growth investments aimed at strengthening long-term operational leverage and margin expansion.

Commenting on the company’s growth roadmap, Sushil Suri stated that Morepen has built strong manufacturing capabilities, regulatory credibility and long-standing global customer relationships over the years. He said the company is now entering the next phase of growth focused on long-duration manufacturing partnerships, scale expansion and improved operating leverage.

He further stated that the company is transitioning from a traditional API model toward a manufacturing-led platform driven by long-duration customer programs, recurring revenues, process scale-up and regulated-market partnerships.

Sanjay Suri said the company is expanding manufacturing capacity from nearly 500 KL toward 800 KL, with a long-term roadmap targeting approximately 1000 KL capacity. He added that increasing production scale, an improved product mix and long-duration supply programs are expected to strengthen margins and earnings visibility over the medium term.

He further revealed that the company has completed a pivotal bioequivalence study for Resmetirom 100 mg, an oral thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonist used in the treatment of moderate to advanced liver fibrosis associated with MASH. According to the company, the study covers major regulated markets outside the United States and marks a significant step in expanding Morepen’s globally relevant specialty pipeline.

Alongside its pharmaceutical transformation, the company’s Medical Devices business continued to witness rapid expansion. FY26 revenue from the segment rose 21 percent to Rs. 598 crore, while the installed user base reached nearly 17 million repeat users. Morepen stated that the Medical Devices platform is being developed as a separate high-growth healthcare business focused on chronic care, consumer diagnostics, CGM opportunities and connected healthcare integration.

The company also highlighted that strategic investments across manufacturing scale-up, Medical Devices expansion, customer acquisition and healthcare platforms affected near-term profitability during FY26. However, the management believes these investments will position the business for stronger operating leverage, margin expansion and improved long-term earnings visibility.

Morepen Laboratories Limited currently operates as a vertically integrated pharmaceutical and healthcare company with more than four decades of API manufacturing experience, exports across more than 90 countries and globally approved facilities. The company maintains leadership positions across key APIs supported by United States Food and Drug Administration and European Union-approved manufacturing infrastructure, 403 DMF filings worldwide and a strong compliance record, including its fourth consecutive USFDA inspection completed with NIL 483 observations.

The company is progressively evolving into a manufacturing-led platform centered on long-duration supply contracts, CDMO partnerships, process scale-up and regulated-market customer programs, while simultaneously developing its Medical Devices business into a standalone high-growth healthcare platform. The latest financial performance and expansion strategy underline Morepen’s aggressive push toward becoming a globally competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare technology player.

VinFast Auto India, the Indian subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has achieved significant recognition across leading automotive platforms in India, underscoring its accelerating momentum in one of the world’s most competitive automobile markets and reinforcing confidence in its long-term electric mobility strategy.

At the Motoring World Awards 2026, a respected editorial-driven automotive platform, VinFast was named “Disrupter of the Year” for its bold and aggressive market entry strategy, differentiated approach to electric mobility, and efforts to build a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in India.

The jury recognized VinFast’s distinctive strategy of simultaneous advancement across multiple verticals, including product launches, manufacturing investments, charging partnerships, retail expansion, after-sales development, and ownership support systems. The company was noted for developing vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service capabilities in parallel, reflecting a long-term execution-focused approach designed for scalable electric mobility adoption in India.

Strengthening its product recognition, the VF 7 electric SUV received “Electric SUV of the Year” at the Car India Awards 2026 and “EV Car of the Year” at the Innovation Technology and Imaging Awards 2026 presented by T3, the Indian edition of the internationally recognized technology magazine.

The VF 7 was praised across both platforms for its design language, driving dynamics, advanced safety systems, and technology-rich cabin experience tailored for Indian road and ownership conditions. At the Car India Awards, the model was highlighted for its smooth and linear power delivery, intuitive interior layout, and balanced ride quality, along with acknowledgment of VinFast’s rapid development as a relatively young global automaker.

At the T3 awards, the VF 7 was further recognized as a technology-forward premium electric SUV built with a fully electric focus, reflecting VinFast’s commitment to sustainable mobility innovation and engineering execution.

Positioned in the premium C-SUV segment, the VF 7 features VinFast’s “Asymmetric Aerospace” design philosophy, advanced driver assistance systems, connected technologies, and comprehensive safety features. Alongside the VF 6 B-SUV, the VF 7 has also achieved a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, reinforcing the company’s strong emphasis on safety as a core product pillar in India.

VinFast’s growing list of accolades in India also includes “EV Manufacturer of the Year” at the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026, “Breakthrough Brand of the Year” at the Car&Bike Awards 2026, “EV SUV of the Year – Editor’s Choice” for VF 7 at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026, and “Value for Money Car of the Year” for VF 6 at the Autocar India Awards 2026.

VinFast India Chief Executive Officer Tapan Ghosh stated that the recognitions reflect strong validation of the company’s vision and strategy in India. He said the “Disrupter of the Year” title acknowledges its bold approach to accelerating electric vehicle adoption, while the VF 7 awards reinforce its commitment to delivering world-class electric vehicles and building a strong ecosystem and seamless ownership experience.

Motoring World Executive Editor Pablo Chaterji noted that VinFast’s India entry demonstrates strong determination, describing its parallel development of vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service networks as evidence of a serious and well-researched commitment to electric mobility.

Car India Editor Aspi Bhathena highlighted the VF 7’s smooth and linear power delivery, well-designed interior layout, and commendable driving refinement, stating that VinFast has demonstrated a strong learning curve despite being a relatively young automaker.

T3 Editor Girish Mallya emphasized that the VF 7 award reflects VinFast’s uncompromising vision as a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer, fully focused on electric mobility innovation and sustainability.

In 2026, VinFast further expanded its India portfolio with the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both securing 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, and the introduction of the VF MPV 7 premium seven-seater electric model. The company also rolled out ownership-focused initiatives, including assured resale value programs offering up to 90 percent vehicle value retention, complimentary charging through V-Green-operated stations until March 2029, industry-leading warranty coverage, financing partnerships with local institutions, and rapid expansion of its retail and after-sales service network across India.

VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer focused on making electric mobility accessible globally. Its portfolio includes electric SUVs, scooters, and buses. The company is currently expanding its global presence across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, alongside scaling manufacturing capacity and distribution networks.