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Casio India Unveils New Corporate Headquarters at Worldmark 4, Aerocity, Reinforcing Long-Term Commitment to India

Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd. announced the recent inauguration of its new corporate headquarters at Worldmark 4, Aerocity, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, one of Casio’s most strategically important markets globally. The new office is located within Aerocity’s rapidly expanding global business district and has been designed to support the next phase of Casio India’s growth through enhanced collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.

 

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Casio India’s New Corporate Headquarters in New Delhi

 

The move reflects Casio’s confidence in India’s long-term economic and consumer growth potential and reinforces the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence across its core business categories, including watches, calculators, and musical instruments.

 

Mr. Shin Takano, President & CEO, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., said, “India is a strategically important market for Casio, and one where we continue to see significant growth potential. The opening of our new office here in India is part of our ongoing commitment to this high-growth market and reflects our efforts to further strengthen our business foundation and enhance our presence in the country. Going forward, we will continue to create new value for our customers in India through innovative, high-quality products and services.” 

 

Over the last several decades, Casio has established a deep and enduring relationship with Indian consumers, becoming a trusted household name across generations. From calculators that have supported millions of students to iconic watch collections such as G-SHOCK, Casio Vintage, Edifice, and Casio Timeless, the brand has remained synonymous with innovation, reliability, and quality.

 

The opening of the new headquarters represents more than a physical relocation. It reflects Casio India’s vision for the future and its confidence in India’s growing importance within the global consumer landscape.

 

A Strategic Location for Future Growth

Aerocity has emerged as one of India’s premier business destinations, offering world-class infrastructure, international connectivity, and a vibrant ecosystem of multinational corporations, hospitality brands, and commercial developments. The location provides seamless access across the National Capital Region while supporting Casio India’s objective of creating a modern, collaborative, and future-focused workplace environment. 

 

The new headquarters has been developed in alignment with Casio’s global workplace standards and reflects the company’s emphasis on innovation, employee well-being, operational efficiency, and a culture of collaboration.

 

Mr. Takuto Kimura, Managing Director, Casio India, added, “The opening of our new headquarters at Worldmark 4 marks an exciting new chapter for Casio India. This facility reflects our ambition to build a future-ready organisation that can better serve consumers, partners, and stakeholders across the country. As India continues its remarkable growth journey, we remain committed to investing in our people, expanding our market presence, and strengthening our connection with the next generation of Indian consumers.”

 

Strengthening Casio’s Presence in India

The inauguration comes at a pivotal point in Casio India’s growth journey. In recent years, the company has continued to expand its retail footprint, strengthen digital engagement, deepen consumer connections across categories, and advance localisation initiatives to support long-term growth.

 

India remains one of the world’s most compelling consumer markets, driven by favourable demographics, increasing premiumisation, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for trusted international brands. Casio believes these factors will continue to create meaningful opportunities across all of its business segments.

 

The company remains focused on enhancing consumer experiences, expanding accessibility across physical and digital channels, building organisational capabilities, and investing in initiatives that support sustainable long-term growth.

 

Looking Ahead

As Casio India enters its next phase of development, the new headquarters will serve as the nucleus for innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth. The facility is expected to play an important role in supporting the company’s ambition to deepen consumer engagement, strengthen category leadership, and contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving economic and consumer landscape.

 

About Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd. (CIC) is the Indian subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Casio India has established a dynamic presence in the Indian market since 1996, emerging as a leading and cherished consumer goods manufacturer. Casio India’s range of products include sales and marketing of Timepieces, Electronic Musical Instruments, Desktop Calculators and Scientific Calculators.

 

Setting the benchmark for excellence, Casio India is dedicated to embodying the spirit of innovation and quality that defines the Casio legacy. With a strong commitment to its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution,” Casio has consistently translated this ethos into the creation of innovative products making a positive impact on society.

 

For more information, visit www.casio.com/in.

Krisala Unveils 'Zameen Se Rishta' Campaign Featuring Piyush Mishra for the Plotted Development Project "Land of Dreams"

Krisala Developers, one of the leading Pune-based real estate developer, has unveiled ‘Zameen Se Rishta’, a new campaign for Land of Dreams, its 63-acre plotted development in Vadgaon Lonavala Growth Corridor. The DVC features multi-talented Bollywood actor, musician, and lyricist Piyush Mishra and uses poetry-led storytelling to explore what owning land can mean beyond its investment value. The campaign brings alive the freedom, possibilities and sense of belonging that come with having a piece of land of one’s own.

 

Unlike a ready-to-move-in home, Land of Dreams gives buyers the freedom to shape their home around their own aspirations, lifestyle and imagination. ‘Zameen Se Rishta’ builds on this proposition by exploring the many possibilities that begin with owning a piece of land. Instead of leading with price, location or returns, the communication focuses on the emotional value of ownership.

 

At the heart of the campaign is a 1 Min 34 Second film featuring Piyush Mishra, whose distinctive screen presence brings the poetry-led narrative to life, adding depth and emotion to the story of land, ownership and possibility.

 

Piyush Mishra, shared his experience working on the campaign and said, “What stayed with me about ‘Zameen Se Rishta’ was the idea of looking at land as something that can evolve with you. A plot is not a finished story. It leaves room for you to decide what you want to make of it, and I found that thought quite interesting. The campaign approaches this idea in a simple and understated way, and I enjoyed being part of a story that leaves space for people to bring their own meaning to it. It also helps that this land sits close to the upcoming Swaminarayan Temple. There is a sense of calm and purpose around a place like that, and owning a piece of land there feels like becoming part of something larger than yourself.”

 

Mr. Pratik Wani, Head of Marketing at Krisala Developers, said, “Land of Dreams has already seen a strong traction with 150 bookings made since launch, and we wanted our communication to reflect that momentum. With ‘Zameen Se Rishta’, we wanted to move beyond the conventional conversation around real estate and celebrate the emotional connection people share with land, a place where dreams, memories and future aspirations take shape. Piyush Mishra brings depth and emotion to this thought and helps us create a more meaningful connection between the brand, the land and the people who aspire to make it their own. Land is also an asset that carries real emotion, something families hold on to and pass down. With an entry point of Rs. 54.99 lakhs, owning land in the vicinity of the upcoming Swaminarayan Temple is a rare opportunity.”
 

Watch the campaign film youtu.be/0v_L4PriTDs?si=nawsqI5JN1lqVbhV
 

The campaign film is currently live across YouTube, with the wider campaign rolling out across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

 

About Krisala Developers

Krisala Developers is a Pune-based real estate developer with over 14 years of experience across residential, commercial, plotted and integrated developments. Driven by its philosophy of “Innovating Lifespaces,” Krisala combines customer insight, thoughtful design, technology and execution to create spaces that respond to evolving lifestyles and aspirations. The company has delivered 20+ projects and homes to 9,000+ families, with over 2.5 million sq. ft. developed and 10.5 million sq. ft. under development. From pioneering formats such as the +0.25 BHK to developing large-scale, lifestyle-led communities, Krisala continues to focus on innovation, quality, transparency and customer-centric development. The company is expanding its presence across emerging growth corridors, with a growing portfolio spanning residential, commercial and integrated developments.

Blue Dart and NCRTC Sign MoU to Explore Express Parcel Movement on the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation and distribution company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to explore the movement of express parcels on the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor.
 

Pablo Ciano, CEO, DHL eCommerce; Balfour Manuel, MD, Blue Dart; Dipanjan Banerjee, CCO, Blue Dart; and Shalabh Goel, MD, NCRTC, at the MoU signing between Blue Dart and NCRTC
 

The collaboration will examine how Blue Dart’s pickup and delivery network can move express parcels utilizing the transformational regional rail connectivity to serve businesses and customers across the National Capital Region. As part of the MoU, the two organisations will assess operational requirements, parcel volumes, station facilities, service standards and commercial arrangements to arrive at a feasible solution.

 

The 82 km Namo Bharat corridor connects Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut. Its Sarai Kale Khan station is seamlessly connected to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station and the inter-state bus terminal, while the Anand Vihar station also has been connected to the Anand Vihar railway station and two inter-state bus terminals. Such multi-modal connectivity makes the corridor relevant to the movement of shipments between established transport hubs and the businesses they serve. The proposed approach would set-up an optimal link between the semi-high-speed regional rail movement with Blue Dart’s existing pickup and delivery services, subject to operational feasibility and arrangements agreed by both organisations.

 

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Ltd., said, “For our customers, reliability depends on how well every part of a shipment’s journey works together. This MoU gives us the opportunity to examine how Namo Bharat’s semi-high-speed regional connectivity could be integrated with Blue Dart’s pickup and delivery capabilities. We will work with NCRTC to identify where this approach could add value for businesses while supporting our efforts to develop more sustainable logistics solutions.”

 

Pablo Ciano, CEO, DHL eCommerce Division, said, “India is a significant growth market for DHL eCommerce, and Blue Dart’s service quality and network are central to how we serve its customers. As businesses grow and supply chains evolve, we need to keep looking at how new-age infrastructure can strengthen that network. This collaboration with NCRTC is an opportunity to explore how the transformational regional rail connectivity could add value for customers in the National Capital Region.”

 

On the partnership, Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC, stated, “Namo Bharat is a strategic intervention to transform the regional connectivity across the National Capital Region and help reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution. In a short span of time, this service has gained popularity among the people and is enabling easy access to jobs, education, healthcare and affordable housing. Our collaboration with Blue Dart gives us an opportunity to explore how this new-age infrastructure could also serve the freight ecosystem with the convenience and benefit of the people at the centre.”

 

The collaboration forms part of Blue Dart’s continued work to strengthen its integrated transportation network and explore solutions that respond to evolving customer needs.

Finnable and Flipkart Finance Partner to Bring Instant Credit Closer to Millions of Indian Shoppers

  • Finnable joins Flipkart Finance as a co-lending partner for Flipkart Pay Later

  • Brings Finnable’s experience in underwriting new-to-credit and thin-file customers to the Flipkart ecosystem

 

Say goodbye to financial friction and hello to ultimate cart freedom. Finnable and Flipkart Finance have officially joined hands to integrate consumer credit right where you actually spend your time: your favourite shopping apps. Available across Flipkart, Myntra and Flipkart Minutes, the partnership deepens the digital credit infrastructure, now with Finnable’s underwriting extending access to a wider set of India’s shoppers.

 

Finnable partners with Flipkart Finance to expand access to instant checkout credit across Flipkart, Myntra and Flipkart Minutes, including for new-to-credit customers

 

Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe on Myntra, restocking essentials on Flipkart Minutes, or grabbing tech on Flipkart, you can now split payments, manage your budget, and check out seamlessly with up to Rs 1 Lakh. The programme is already live across India and has seen strong early uptake from customers since launch.

 

Customers can choose from three repayment options. Short-term credit repayable in up to 30 days, Pay in 3 splits the cost across three payments. EMI plans run from 3 to 12 months for higher-value purchases such as mobiles, electronics and appliances. The entire journey takes place within the app, and eligible customers are approved within seconds.

 

“India’s next wave of consumers will meet credit where they already shop, not at a traditional bank branch,” says Amit Arora, Co-Founder, Finnable. “With Flipkart Finance and Flipkart platforms, we’re bringing formal credit to customers across segments with the exact simplicity they expect in their shopping experience.”

 

About Finnable

Finnable is a technology-led lending start-up focused on making credit simple, fast, and accessible. Founded by Nitin Gupta and Amit Arora, the start-up offers personal loans, Loans Against Property (LAP), and consumer finance, combining data-driven underwriting with a customer-first approach. (Web: finnable.com/finnable.credit)

 

Disclaimer & Regulatory Note

Finnable Credit Private Limited and Flipkart Finance Private Limited are RBI-registered NBFCs. Loans are jointly originated under the RBI specified digital & co-lending framework, with Flipkart platforms facilitating the digital customer journey. All loans are subject to eligibility, documentation, and credit assessment. All applicable charges are detailed in the Key Fact Statement.

Sapthagiri NPS University Launches Its First Agentic AI Programme in Collaboration with Google

Sapthagiri NPS University (SNPSU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google to introduce an Agentic AI programme, marking a significant step in the university’s efforts to bring emerging AI technologies into mainstream higher education. The university describes the initiative as the first university-level Agentic AI programme in Karnataka in partnership with Google Cloud.

 

MOU Signing & File Exchange between SNPSU and Google Cloud, with Shanoop, Head, Google AI GTM, India, and G. D. Manoj, Pro-Chancellor, SNPSU

 

The collaboration is aimed at strengthening AI education, research and industry engagement by giving students exposure to emerging technologies and practical applications of intelligent systems. It also seeks to build capabilities that enable students and faculty to engage meaningfully with the rapidly evolving field of AI.

 

Speaking at the MoU signing, Shanoop, Head, Google AI GTM, India, said, the collaboration represents the beginning of a broader vision for technology-led education. He highlighted the potential of the initiative to serve as a model for progressive institutions looking to integrate emerging technologies into academic learning and prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven world.

 

G. D. Manoj, Pro-Chancellor, SNPSU, emphasized the need to view AI not merely through the lens of its impact on employment, but as a powerful tool for extending human capability. He noted that educational institutions have an important role to play in helping students understand AI, use it responsibly and harness its potential to create meaningful solutions for society.

 

Reinforcing the importance of integrating AI across disciplines, Dr. Jayanthi V,Vice Chancellor, SNPSU, highlighted the growing relevance of emerging technologies across higher education, including medicine and allied health sciences. She pointed to applications of AI in areas such as research, diagnostics, teaching and learning, and emphasized the need to embed AI capabilities within curricula while simultaneously strengthening faculty development, student training, research and innovation.

 

The partnership brings together Google Cloud, Google for Education and Google AI expertise, creating opportunities to connect academic learning with industry knowledge, technology platforms and real-world applications. Navisha Prabhakar, Regional Head – South, Google for Education, highlighted the role of technology-enabled education in helping institutions and learners respond to the changing demands of the future.

 

For SNPSU, the collaboration is part of a larger institutional effort to build a stronger foundation for AI education, research, innovation and industry collaboration. Dr. H. Ramakrishna, Registrar, SNPSU, Dr. Prashanth Kumar H. P., Director – Marketing, SNPSU and Shashank K R, Director – Admissions, SNPSU, were part of the university leadership supporting the initiative and its broader institutional vision.

 

The industry dimension of the collaboration is further strengthened through the participation of Surya Nigam – Google, and the CloudReign team, bringing technology expertise and industry perspectives into the partnership.

 

Deshmukh Omkar, OSD – Tech Partnerships, SNPSU, has been closely involved in developing the university’s technology partnerships and in strengthening the institution’s engagement with emerging technology ecosystem.

 

The MoU signing ceremony was held at Google Bengaluru-Ananta campus, in the presence of Dr. A. M. Nagaraja, Registrar – Evaluation, SNPSU and Dr. Mahendrababu, Dean, SoET, SNPSU; along with senior representatives from SNPSU, Google for Education and CloudReign.

 

The collaboration marks an important step in SNPSU’s vision to create an academic environment where emerging technologies are not simply studied, but actively explored, applied and developed through education, research and industry engagement.

 

Building the next chapter of AI-led education

The Agentic AI programme is envisioned as the starting point of a broader initiative at Sapthagiri NPS University—one that brings together learning, research, industry expertise and innovation to prepare students to participate meaningfully in an AI-driven world.

 

For SNPSU, the partnership represents more than the introduction of a new programme. It is a move towards making emerging technology an integral part of the university experience and creating a stronger bridge between what students learn today and the technologies shaping tomorrow.

Ai+ Smartphone Drops Big Billion Days Pricing Across the Nova and Pulse Series

Ai+ Smartphone today announced festive pricing for the Nova and Pulse series on Flipkart’s Big Billion Days 2026. Starting at Rs. 8,999*, the lineup brings clean design, lasting power, and everyday performance – built in India, powered by NxtQuantum OS.

 

BBD price Reveal
 

Nova and Pulse are designed for how people actually use their phones: long days, clear cameras, smooth displays, and prices that stay within reach. From Pulse 2 to Nova 2 Ultra, and NovaFlip for those who want something new, every model is a reason to upgrade – not a compromise.

 

The Nova and Pulse series

Pulse 2 — Rs. 8,999 · 6000mAh · 50MP AI camera
Pulse 2 FE —
Rs. 8,999* · MediaTek G81 · 50MP
Nova 2 5G —
Rs. 11,999 · 6000mAh · 50MP AI · dual 5G
Nova 2 Neo 5G —
Rs. 12,999 · Dimensity 6300 · Sony IMX582
Nova 2 Power 5G —
Rs. 15,999* / Rs. 16,999* · 7000mAh · dual-colour design
Nova 2 Pro 5G —
Rs. 16,999* / Rs. 17,999* · Dimensity 7100
Nova 2 Ultra 5G —
Rs. 18,999* · 1.5K AMOLED · IP68 · Dimensity 7400
NovaFlip 5G —
Rs. 49,999 · foldable · dual AMOLED · 50MP

 

*Including bank offers. Offers valid while stocks last. Available for a limited period on Flipkart during Big Billion Days 2026.

 

About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered, and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

 

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

 

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

IFQM Symposium 2026: Quality Must Move from Understanding to Adoption to Become a Force Multiplier for MSMEs

MSMEs must move faster in adopting quality processes and build quality into every stage of their operations, from design and manufacturing to delivery, to become stronger contributors to India’s global competitiveness, emerged as a key message on Day 2 of the third edition of the IFQM Symposium 2026 in New Delhi.

 

Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India with GC members of IFQM

 

The second day of the symposium focused on translating the quality and innovation agenda into action, with discussions around strengthening MSME capabilities, building industry–academia partnerships, developing talent and leveraging technology to improve productivity and competitiveness. As part of this effort, IFQM announced plans to roll out a leadership programme for MSMEs and subsequently extend a similar programme to large industries, with a focus on sharing best practices, reducing waste, improving quality and driving innovation through education and continuous learning.

 

Delivering the keynote address on “Wings of Viksit Bharat: Transforming India into a Global Aviation Hub,” Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, emphasised the need to strengthen India’s aviation manufacturing ecosystem and develop capabilities across the supply chain.

 

He said, “The ultimate goal is to make aircraft in India. The government is committed to providing policy support for the aviation sector, especially for MRO. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set a target of 350 airports by 2047; we are working to achieve it. But we need to strengthen aviation manufacturing in India. The industry needs to understand the importance of material quality; we need more people and more clusters; we also need skilling, from design to the factory floor. It has to be reflected in the Indian aviation sector.”

 

The Minister also called upon global OEMs to bring together their supply-chain partners and MSMEs through collective industry forums. He urged companies such as Boeing and Airbus, etc to lead discussions with Indian MSMEs on the requirements of the aviation industry, noting that clarity on product and quality specifications would enable MSMEs to better plan, innovate, design and manufacture to global standards. He also highlighted the role that institutions such as IFQM can play in facilitating this collaboration.

 

IFQM, established by a consortium of India’s leading enterprises, is an industry-led movement committed to catalysing Indian organisations to become globally competitive and export-capable through Quality, Innovation and Excellence. The Foundation is focused on strengthening the capabilities of Indian industry, including MSMEs, through initiatives that promote quality, innovation and sustainable development in line with the nation-first objectives of Viksit Bharat.

 

From Quality Intent To Measurable Action

The two-day symposium brought together senior industry leaders, policymakers, global quality experts, CEOs, CXOs, academia and MSMEs to explore how India can leverage its scale, technology and human capital to build globally competitive enterprises.

 

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, IFQM, emphasised that quality must become a personal commitment across leadership and organisations. He said, “Our shared responsibility is to build India’s reputation and make it synonymous with Quality. Quality must be a personal commitment from the leaders. Change begins at the top. To build a world-class company, innovation has to be continuous; follow the standards. Be willing to make mistakes and learn to correct them quickly. Daily discipline has to be part of the work.”

 

Highlighting the critical role of MSMEs in India’s growth, he added, “MSMEs are the foundation of any country, and vibrant MSMEs are key to the country’s success. IFQM’s single-minded purpose is to make 5,000 MSMEs part of quality and innovation and to become part of a nationwide movement. Caring and sharing is a critical journey. Our commitment is to make quality a habit; it should start at home.”

 

Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, CEO and Director, IFQM, highlighted the organisation’s ambition to scale its MSME engagement and turn collective industry participation into measurable action. He said, “We create USPs and turn plans into action. We had 200-plus MSMEs; we are looking at 500-plus, and the next target is 1,000-plus MSMEs. How can we use our members and non-members as force multipliers? We need to create a burning platform and work together, contribute, cooperate and participate.”

 

Mr. T.V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Steel, emphasised the need to build momentum and a critical mass around quality. He said, “We need to create momentum, create a critical mass, and the mindset. Industry-academia tango has to happen for real success and quality in the MSME ecosystem. To build a quality culture, we need to go beyond CEOs; there are many ways to influence it.”

 

Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company, stressed the need to accelerate the transformation of MSMEs into process-driven organisations. He said, “I believe there is a lot to do. As an example, how to transform the 132 MSMEs that TVS Motors has released, in the next 90 days. Transforming Indian companies to be process-driven. Intensify the CEO connect sessions; the more we share, the more we achieve.”

 

Building Quality and Governance Across Sectors

Day 2 featured four keynote addresses that explored how organisations can strengthen their understanding of customers, challenge existing systems and processes, and use both successes and failures as opportunities to improve quality.

 

The discussions brought together industry leaders around themes including “Creating Force Multipliers for the Industry-led Movement,” “Quality to Credibility: Building Trust at Global Scale,” “Instilling a Culture of Quality Excellence: Boardroom to Shopfloor,” “From Incremental to Breakthrough: Reimagining Kaizen at Scale,” “Deploying AI for Manufacturing and Services,” and “Strengthening Partnerships Globally.”

 

Dr. Masahiko Mori, President & Group CEO, DMG MORI, highlighted the importance of understanding customer needs and using real-world data to improve products and solutions. He said, “Customers’ culture is also important, and understanding it is key to acquiring and retaining customers. Gathering data from the customer site is very critical. Using the data, the company can customise the software for customers’ requirements.”

 

Speaking on the importance of leadership commitment to continuous improvement, Mr. Yugo Miyamoto, Managing Director, Kaizen Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, said, “Kaizen must become a necessity for the CEO. Not something the CEO supports, not something the CEO sponsors and leads with personal commitment and not something they occasionally visit. A necessity.”

 

Mr. Stefan Grosch, Member of the Board of Management and Director of Industrial Relations, Robert Bosch GmbH, highlighted the importance of quality governance and shared his perspective on the alignment between IFQM and global quality movements. He said, “My experience with EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) has helped me understand the IFQM vision. We understand the quality governance process to help customers achieve their set goals.”

 

AI: A Challenge And Opportunity For Msmes

The growing role of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and services was another key area of discussion, with the symposium examining how organisations can move from experimentation to meaningful adoption.

 

The panel, moderated by Mr. Girish Krishnamurthy, MD & CEO, Tata Technologies, and featuring Dr. Gopichand Katragadda, Founder & CEO, Myelin Foundry, and Dr. Lucas Bretz, General Manager, KIT/GAMI, explored whether industry’s understanding of AI is evolving from experimentation into a more mature discipline.

 

The discussion highlighted the distinction between Core AI—the intelligence layer—and Operational AI, where AI is embedded into workflows and decision-making. With Large Language Models increasingly changing how organisations learn, operate and use technology, the panel emphasised that AI adoption must be viewed as an operating-model opportunity rather than only a technology upgrade.

 

For MSMEs, however, barriers to adoption remain significant. The discussion highlighted the opportunity for an IFQM-led platform that can curate, validate and simplify AI solutions for MSMEs, enabling them to use AI as a practical force multiplier rather than viewing it as a distant or complex technology.

 

Strengthening Global Partnerships

The symposium also reinforced IFQM’s focus on building global partnerships to accelerate India’s quality and innovation journey.

 

Delivering a special address on “Strengthening Partnerships Globally: IFQM and JUSE Collaboration,” Mr. Masato Onodera, Managing Director, JUSE, emphasised the importance of a two-way exchange of knowledge and experience between India and Japan. He said, “We want to keep this timeline going from Japan to India and from India to Japan. It will be a two-way relationship where we learn from each other and build value together.”

 

Building Momentum For India’s Quality Movement

Over two days, the IFQM Symposium 2026 brought together around 50 CEOs, 200 CXOs, and a total participation of more than 400 including academicians and students representatives from government, industry, academia, global quality institutions and MSMEs to advance a common agenda for India’s competitiveness.

 

The discussions reinforced the need for India to move from scale to excellence, from intent to adoption, and from individual organisational initiatives to a broader industry-led movement for Quality and Innovation. With MSMEs at the heart of India’s economic growth and global supply chains, the symposium highlighted the need to equip them with the right capabilities, partnerships, talent and technology to build quality into the way they design, manufacture and deliver.

 

The symposium also underscored that India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat will require quality to become more than a process or metric—it must become a culture, a leadership commitment and a way of working across the country’s enterprises and supply chains.

 

About IFQM

Instituted in the year 2023, IFQM is the Indian Foundation for Quality Management ( IFQM) that is committed to the promotion of transformative changes across Indian industries. It seeks to institutionalize a culture of quality that meets and exceeds global standards. It is about bringing in continuous improvements of both products and services, thereby elevating the perception about Brand India. Committed to the prosperity and quality of life of all, IFQM functions as a catalyst in making Indian businesses globally respected with cooperative trust, respect, empathy, and mutual sharing. Through its initiatives, IFQM supports India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, with an emphasis on innovation, excellence, and stakeholder engagement across sectors.

 

The IFQM Governing Council, Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, Mr. Dilip Sanghvi, MD, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Biologics, Mr. TV Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel Limited, Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Co, Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD, Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India & South Asia, Mr. SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman & MD, Larsen & Toubro, Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Co & Chairman, IFQM

 

IFQM on Web: ifqm.org.in
IFQM Events: events.ifqm.org.in
IFQM on social media: www.linkedin.com/company/ifqm

Pramerica Life Insurance Recognised Among the Top 50 India's Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026 by Great Place To Work®

Pramerica Life Insurance has been recognised among the Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026 by Great Place To Work, building on its recognition among the Top 100 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2025 last year. The recognition represents an important milestone in the company’s ongoing journey to build an equitable, inclusive and people-first workplace where individuals are recognised for their talent, capability and the value they bring to the organisation. 
 

Widely regarded as the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® has been setting the global benchmark for high-trust workplaces across more than 170 countries. Its rankings are built on confidential employee feedback through the Trust Index™ Survey, making this recognition even more meaningful because it reflects the lived experiences of women employees and provides an authentic measure of workplace culture. 
 

For Pramerica Life Insurance, this recognition builds on a culture journey that has strengthened steadily over the years. The company has now been Great Place To Work® Certified™ for four consecutive years, with its Trust Index™ score improving progressively throughout these years. During this period, Pramerica Life has also advanced from the being among the Top 50 to Top 25 in India’s Best Workplaces™ in BFSI 2026, secured the 72nd rank among India’s Best Companies To Work For 2026, and been recognised among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Life Insurance 2026.
 

The company’s progress is also reflected in the growing representation of women across the organisation. Women’s representation in the overall workforce has increased from 21% in 2022 to 30% in 2026, while women now represent 17% of leadership at the Vice President level and above, up from 12% in 2022. 
 

A dedicated initiative, SheShines, sits at the centre of this progress. It offers wellness support, expert-led sessions on personal and professional themes, and structured opportunities for dialogue and learning, alongside creative and therapeutic activities and programmes focused on women’s health, mental well-being and personal growth. The initiative reflects Pramerica Life’s broader culture philosophy, centred on listening, well-being, growth, safety and belonging, designed to give women employees the support and opportunities to thrive across different stages of their careers.
 

The company further strengthens its support for employees through 182 days of fully paid maternity leave, paid adoption leave and structured reintegration support, helping make the transition back to work more seamless. It also places strong emphasis on safety and dignity through its POSH policy, confidential grievance mechanisms and safe cab facilities for employees travelling late. Underpinned by a zero-tolerance approach to disrespect and misconduct, these measures help foster a workplace where every employee feels secure, respected and empowered to learn, grow and realise their full potential.
 

Broader people and culture initiatives support this direction too. Platforms such as Aap Ki Awaaz, CEO town halls and regular leadership communication promote openness and active listening, while engagement programmes like Swasthum and SPARKLE build connection and well-being. Career development, mentoring and recognition programmes give employees the room to build capabilities and pursue growth. 
 

Pankaj Gupta, Managing Director & CEO, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “For an insurer, trust holds immense importance. It’s the basis on which customers choose us to secure the future of the people they love. It’s equally important to us that our employees place that same trust in us, in how we treat them, support them and help them grow. It’s a matter of pride that our efforts on this front are being validated consistently, by our own employees, earning us recognition year after year from a platform as credible as Great Place To Work®. We will continue building a workplace our people can place their trust in, just as our customers place theirs in us.”
 

Sharad K. Sharma, Chief Human Resources Officer, Pramerica Life Insurance, added, “We believe employees who feel supported, heard and valued bring their best to work every day, and are far more likely to grow with an organisation for the long term. That belief has shaped several of our decisions and initiatives, from health and well-being support to safety, flexibility and growth opportunities, all built around what our people genuinely need. This recognition is a welcome validation of that direction and we are proud of it. We remain committed to continuing this journey by creating opportunities that enable our people to thrive and contribute with confidence.”
 

This recognition reinforces Pramerica Life Insurance’s belief that an inclusive and high-trust workplace is fundamental to building a stronger organisation and delivering long-term value for customers and stakeholders. 

 

About Pramerica Life Insurance Limited

Pramerica Life Insurance Limited is a joint venture between DIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Finance Limited (erstwhile Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited) and Prudential International Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (PIIH), a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). It represents the coming together of two renowned financial services organizations with a legacy of business excellence spread over decades. Pramerica Life Insurance Limited, started operations in India on September 1, 2008 and has a pan India presence through multiple distribution channels which have been customized to address the specific insurance needs of diverse customer segments. The Company is committed to providing protection and quality financial advice to its customers. Pramerica is the brand name used in India and select countries by PFI.

For more details, please visit www.pramericalife.in.

 

About Piramal Finance Limited

Piramal Finance Limited is a retail-led upper-layer NBFC with a pan-India presence, having served over 5 million customers across 26 states. The company manages Assets under Management (AUM) of over ₹1,00,000 Cr and operates a distinctive phygital model – combining high-touch engagement across 13,000+ pin codes with high-tech capabilities including machine learning models, agentic AI tools and real-time dashboards. In retail lending, Piramal Finance offers home loans, loans against property, used car loans, personal loans, digital loans and small business loans, with a strong focus on metro-adjacent, semi-urban and rural markets. In wholesale lending, the company provides asset-backed, data-driven solutions across real estate and select non-real estate sectors, with a focus on mid-segment residential projects and capital solutions for mid-market corporates. With its digital-first approach and AI-enabled platforms, Piramal Finance is committed to expanding access to affordable credit and driving inclusive growth across India.

For more information visit piramalfinance.com.

 

About Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better and create financial opportunity for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for over 150 years.

For more information, please visit news.prudential.com.

Crocs Teams up with KL Rahul & An Eclectic Cast to Bring the Many Moods of the Festive Season to Life in New 'Feel it All' Campaign

  • The campaign builds on Crocs’ global ‘Feel It All’ creative platform for India, tapping into the festive season as a moment of connection, celebration and self-expression.

  • KL Rahul is joined by veteran actor Dalip Tahil, creators Rida Tharana and Prish, and the internet’s favourite bodyguard Amin Khan, reflecting the diverse personalities and perspectives that define modern celebrations.

  • A festive capsule collection of CrocsTM shoes and elevated Jibbitz™ charms put personalization at the heart of occasion dressing.

 

This festive season, Crocs, a world leader in innovative casual footwear for all, brings its global Feel It All platform to life through a lens inspired by modern India. Starring Brand Ambassador KL Rahul and a diverse cast of personalities, the campaign reflects a new era of celebrations that are increasingly personal, expressive, and multifaceted. As consumers seek styles that help them showcase their individuality without compromising comfort, Feel It All highlights Crocs’ unique ability to bring together comfort, style and personalization across every festive occasion. 
 

Crocs Festive Campaign

 

Campaign video link: www.instagram.com/reel/DeGj8-gs96j/?stkn=bXNyYmR3bmk1Y2Vu
 

At the center of the campaign is a social-first film featuring KL Rahul, built around a playful ‘dhoom scroll’ that transforms his feed into a gateway to a series of festive experiences. As Rahul navigates a stream of posts, each swipe draws him into a different world featuring actor Dalip Tahil, creators Rida Tharana and Prish, and internet-famous bodyguard Amin Khan. Together, they bring to life the many ways India comes together during the festive season, with each character’s unique quirks, traditions and distinctive sense of style offering a fresh perspective on modern celebration. 

Set against an original soundtrack by industry stalwart Mikey McCleary, the narrative unfolds through a series of unexpected encounters that capture the diversity, energy and individuality that define the season today. As Rahul moves through these moments, the line between the digital and real world begins to blur, culminating in a simple realization: while social feeds may capture the spirit of the season, its most meaningful moments are experienced with the people around us. 

Woven seamlessly into the campaign narrative is Crocs’ festive capsule collection, featuring the Classic Ballet silhouette and Saturday Sandal styled with elevated, blingy Jibbitz charms. Through the distinct styles and personalities featured in the film, the collection demonstrates how comfort, customization, and festive dressing can come together in a way that feels personal to every celebration. 
 

Commenting on the campaign launch, Varun Sehgal, SVP & General Manager, APAC, Crocs, said, “India’s festive season is not only a key business moment but also a powerful expression of culture, identity and individuality. With Feel It All, we wanted to celebrate the different ways people show up during this time of year. By pairing our iconic silhouettes with festive styling and personalization, we’re giving consumers fresh inspiration to make Crocs a part of their celebrations while staying true to their own unique style.” 
 

KL Rahul, Crocs’ Global Brand Ambassador, added, “I am someone who usually enjoys being away from the spotlight, so being part of a film with so much energy and personality was fun for me. What made the experience even more interesting was discovering how I could style Crocs shoes and Jibbitz charms with festive looks and seeing how naturally they worked with even the most elevated outfits.” 

 

Conceptualised by One Hand Clap, the campaign brings together a vibrant mix of characters and festive moments through the lens of KL Rahul’s feed. Speaking about the campaign, Nirzery Iswalkar, Group Creative Head, One Hand Clap said, “The idea was to create a festive celebration that feels as varied and unpredictable as the people in it. KL Rahul’s social media feed gave us the perfect device to move between different worlds, personalities and moments while keeping the film playful and full of energy. Every swipe brings a new story, but Crocs is the thread that brings them all together.” 
 

Young, playful and feel-good, the film celebrates the freedom to show up as yourself and enjoy the season your own way. 

 

Beyond the campaign film, Feel It All will come to life through an integrated 360-degree rollout across digital, social, influencer and retail channels. Supported by creator collaborations, festive gifting, elevated in-store experiences and curated seasonal assortments, the campaign reinforces Crocs’ distinctive blend of comfort, style and personalization across every consumer touchpoint. 
 

About Crocs, Inc.
Crocs, Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX), headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for all, combining comfort and style with a value that consumers know and love. The Company’s brands include Crocs and HEYDUDE, and its products are sold in more than 85 countries through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. For more information on Crocs, Inc. visit investors.crocs.com. To learn more about our brands, visit www.crocs.com or www.heydude.com. Individuals can also visit https://investors.crocs.com/news-and-events/ and follow both Crocs and HEYDUDE on their social platforms. 

RediClinic Achieves 26x Revenue Growth in Just 8 Months, Sets New Benchmark for D2C Hypergrowth

While other brands are chasing the breakeven point, RediClinic, a startup based out of Hyderabad has set a new benchmark in growing a D2C brand from the ground up. RediClinic is a natural supplement brand which is thriving in the Indian nutraceutical market without any investment, as of yet. The brand started off with the aim to provide actual supplements instead of weak and poorly made nutraceuticals that are in the market.

 

RediClinic’s exponential growth within 8 months, creating a new benchmark in the D2C market

 

In India, less than 4% of D2C brands actually make it to a profitable point within the first 3 years. However, with exquisite market strategy and GTM strategy that aimed exactly for the audience that would buy the product, RediClinic has actually created a case study in understanding consumer behaviour and buyer psychology.

 

The team claims, “There are no limitations to brands and their growth. Everything is possible if you connect with the consumer in the right way”. With this kind of a mindset, RediClinic is set to break the valuation of 100CR by the end of the next financial year.

Already at the milestone of 60CR+, the brand is relentless with only one objective in mind: Creating supplements that actually help. Their hero product – Diacontrol, has already become the talk of the town among many tier 1 and tier 2 geographic locations.

 

We have cumulatively listed out the brand journey, which can also be studied as a case study for D2C growth in India. The brand faces some of the legacy players in the industry like Dabur and other brands in the D2C space like Wellbeing Nutrition, but their ability to close down on a certain segment has proven to be the most important factor that has helped the brand to grow its consumer base without extra marketing cost. Their branding also entices the premium segment and without any doubt resonates with the audience that it aims to reach.

 

Why is RediClinic Growing at the speed of light?

The prime reason for RediClinic’s growth is their product. They literally have customers who would buy the product without the packaging because of the veritable results that their products give. There are many other reasons like their service, personalized outreach and taking account of every customer concern. Their product is probably one of the only nutraceuticals that are going for a clinical trial. Hence, buying from RediClinic is buying with trust and living with confidence, all encapsulated with pure ingredients and verified formulation.

 

So, when you buy a RediClinic product, you don’t only buy a supplement – You buy Trust!

 

RediClinic has actually stemmed from the very need of the founder, where he wanted to help his father by battling diabetes. Looking for the right natural support, going through formulations from across the globe, he finally came across research and a formulation that has been used in several countries like the US and Uganda, where diabetes remission is being studied at length.

 

To Conclude with Confidence

In the Indian D2C space, getting to the pinnacle is a struggle, but with products like RediClinic’s, we can be assured that the consumer market can be conquered. All it took was 8 months for them to grow up to 26x of revenue; with a steady growth rate of 35% every month. Their strategy can be studied, implemented and understood to encourage D2C growth.