VNC Group, a diversified enterprise with over four decades of market leadership across welding consumables, steel wires, and fencing solutions, has announced a comprehensive brand and packaging refresh for GECO, introducing a new visual identity that transforms its range of tile adhesives, grouts, sealants, and tapes into a standout modern brand.

GECO Reveals New Packaging Across Range

The vibrant new identity marks a significant milestone in GECO’s evolution from a product line into a fully realised brand platform. In a category long dominated by utilitarian, text-heavy packaging that often blends into hardware store shelves, the refreshed design breaks away from outdated industrial conventions and positions GECO as a bold, contemporary challenger in the tile and stone fixing solutions segment.

Commenting on the launch, Gokul Basker, Brand Founder, GECO and Partner, VNC Group, said, “At the heart of GECO’s redesign is our distinctive gecko mascot, symbolising the unmatched grip and reliability our brand stands for. Complemented by a bold ‘G’ icon and a vibrant blue and magenta palette, the new identity brings a fresh, modern presence to the category while strengthening recall across retail and trade touchpoints. Furthermore, this refreshed identity reflects GECO’s commitment to clarity, performance, and purposeful innovation. While the look has evolved, product performance remains the same — reliable, high-performance solutions across our full portfolio of tile adhesives, grouts, sealants, and tapes.”

Industry Recognition

The packaging refresh follows growing industry recognition for GECO. In 2024, the brand was named among the Top 10 Adhesives & Sealants Manufacturers by Industry Outlook, recognising its commitment to quality, reliability, and delivery excellence.

About GECO

Inspired by nature’s remarkable engineering, GECO delivers high-performance building solutions that hold strong, no matter the challenge. The product range — spanning tile adhesives, grouts, sealants, and tapes — is engineered to help professionals and creators complete their work efficiently and confidently. GECO is part of the VNC Group and is committed to continuous innovation, expanding its portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the construction and finishing industry.

About VNC Group

Headquartered in Karur, Tamil Nadu, VNC Group is a diversified enterprise with strong market leadership across welding consumables, steel wires, and fencing solutions. With over 40 years of commitment to creating lasting value, VNC’s BEST range of brands serves more than 8,000 retailers across South India. VNC launched GECO and Indicus Paints in 2021 and has been rapidly expanding product offerings across both categories. VNC is also a leading distributor for Tata Steel, managing a wide portfolio of their retail products across Tamil Nadu.

For more information about GECO, visit thegeco.in.

Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Indian Gen Z travelers are reshaping travel into a more regular, experience-led part of life, favoring shorter, more frequent trips over traditional longer holidays. The findings point to a generation prioritizing flexibility, accessibility, and discovery-driven travel, as they look to integrate trips more seamlessly into their routines.

Frequent, Short Trips Redefine Travel Patterns

The insights are based on a survey of Asian travelers conducted as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, highlighting a shift among Indian Gen Z toward traveling with partners (57%) and taking solo trips (22%), moving away from traditional family travel. At the same time, many expect a mix of domestic and international trips, reflecting a preference for balancing exploration with convenience.

Frequent, Short Trips Redefine Travel Patterns

Indian Gen Z is traveling more frequently, with shorter trips becoming the norm. 84% of respondents plan to take between one and six trips a year, and 72% opt for stays of just one to seven days. This shift reflects a move toward travel that is easier to plan and repeat, allowing trips to fit around work, study, and personal schedules. India, alongside markets such as Thailand and Vietnam, show a stronger inclination toward higher trip frequency, reinforcing how travel is becoming embedded in everyday life rather than reserved for specific seasons.

Experiences Take Priority Over Destinations

For Gen Z, travel is increasingly defined by what they want to do, rather than where they want to go. Respondents across India say their trips are primarily motivated by the pursuit of experiences, including cultural exploration (56%) and outdoor activities (36%) as the leading drivers. While experience remains central, relaxation still plays an important role for Gen Z, with 72% of travelers also citing it as part of their travel plans.

This points to a more deliberate approach to travel, where each trip is shaped by a clear set of experiences. Gen Z travelers plan around what they want to get out of a trip, whether it is cultural immersion, time outdoors, or a change of pace. As a result, destinations are chosen based on how well they align with that intent.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, India Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda, said, “For Gen Z in India, travel is increasingly becoming a regular part of their lifestyle rather than an occasional activity. What stands out is how consciously this generation is planning travel by prioritizing flexibility and experiences that align with their interests. At Agoda, we are focused on supporting this evolving behavior by offering a wide range of options across flights, accommodations, and activities, making it easier for Gen Z to plan trips that fit seamlessly into their schedules and preferences while continuing to access great value.”

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda enables travelers to plan and combine every part of their journey in one place. Its platform supports different travel styles and preferences, making it easier to plan trips that fit individual pace and priorities. Discover more on Agoda’s mobile app or at Agoda.com.

Notes to Editors

About the Data

Agoda surveyed respondents from nine markets in Asia (India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam).

About Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG), employs over 7,500 people globally, and is dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel easy and affordable.

The 9th edition of the India 2030 Leadership Conclave 2026 concluded successfully at the iconic ITC Maratha, bringing together senior policymakers, corporate leaders, institutional heads, and enterprise builders to deliberate on India’s growth roadmap towards the next decade. The conclave was graced by Chief Guest Pratap Sarnaik, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Government of Maharashtra, reinforcing the platform’s standing as a credible national forum bridging policy, enterprise, and nation-building dialogue.

From L to R: Ms. Chandrika Maheshwari, Founder, India 2030 Leadership Conclave & Director, NexBrands Inc; Shri Pratap Sarnaik, Transport Minister, Maharashtra; Mr. Sharad Maheshwari, Chairman, NexBrands Inc.

The conclave featured high-impact leadership discussions addressing capital formation, execution at scale, leadership development, and inclusive urban growth. A panel discussion titled “Building Bharat@Scale: Powering India’s Growth Story”, moderated by Sumiit Lakhutia, brought together Ishita Agarwal, Suresh Kumar Goyal, Lata Vasisht, and Dhruv Maheshwari to examine India’s next phase of growth led by emerging urban centres, industrial clusters, infrastructure development, and private-sector execution. The conclave also featured expert addresses by Ashish Kumar Chauhan on “Capital as a Nation-Building Force”, Gaur Gopal Das on “Leading with Purpose: India’s Journey to 2030”, Sudhakar Rao on “Building India’s Leadership Capital”, and Abhishek Kapoor on “Executing at Scale: Building for India’s Next Urban Markets”.

The conclave also featured a compelling fireside chat with Dr. Mukesh Batra and Dr. Akshay Batra on the theme “Building Brands That Endure: Trust, Legacy and Leadership in India 2030.” The conversation explored how purpose-driven leadership, long-term vision, and unwavering consumer trust are shaping Indian brands that transcend generations, reinforcing the importance of ethical growth and institutional credibility in India’s evolving business landscape.

Adding to the platform’s national relevance, a fireside chat with Sonu Sood titled “Stardom to Service: Leadership through Social Impact” marked a defining moment of the evening. Coinciding with World Health Day (April 7), Sonu Sood announced his nationwide initiative “Ab Rukna Nahi”, aimed at enabling free knee replacement surgeries for those in need, reinforcing the conclave’s ability to translate dialogue into meaningful social action.

Through its flagship recognition, The Extraordinaire, the India 2030 Leadership Conclave honoured organisations and leaders across industries for excellence, innovation, and long-term impact. The awardees included:

• Stryder Cycle Pvt Ltd – Popular Choice: Lifestyle Mobility

• Rakesh Kaul, Livpure Pvt Ltd – Most Powerful CEO: Consumer Appliances

• Dr Lal PathLabs – Most Trusted Brand: Diagnostics

• Schott Poonawalla – Iconic Brand of the Decade: Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

• ICICI Prudential AMC – Most Trusted Brand: Asset Management

• Muthoot Microfin Ltd – Sustainability Excellence: Responsible Finance & ESG Leadership

• Dr Batra’s Positive Healthcare Pvt Ltd – Most Trusted Brand: Healthcare

• My Home Constructions Pvt Ltd – Iconic Brand of the Decade: Real Estate

• Nutriorg – Most Trusted Brand: Health & Wellness

• Niranjan Hiranandani, Hiranandani Group – Most Powerful Business Icon – Real Estate

• Dr. Murtaza Khorakiwala, Wockhardt Ltd – Business Leadership Award: Healthcare Innovation

• Reliance Retail – Global Brand of the Year: Retail & Consumer Commerce

• Dr. Snehal Pinto, Ryan Group of Institutions – Visionary Leader of the Year: Education

• Ashish Kumar Chauhan, National Stock Exchange of India Ltd – Most Powerful CEO: Financial Services & Capital Markets 

• Timken India Ltd – Most Trusted Company: Industrial Manufacturing

• Sanjay Koul, Timken India Ltd – Most Powerful CEO, Manufacturing

• Mercedes-Benz, Landmark Cars, Mumbai – Pioneers of Luxury

• Lata Vasisht, Aadhya Airtek – Leading Ladies of Influence: Sustainable Industrial Solutions

• The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education – Most Trusted Brand: Education

• Krafton India – Iconic Innovator: Gaming & Digital Entertainment

• Sambhv Steel Tubes Ltd – Fastest Growing Brand: Steel Manufacturing

• Oddy Uniwraps – Most Trusted Brand: Office Supplies & Workplace Solutions

• Consulting Engineers Group Ltd – Most Trusted Brand: Infrastructure & Engineering Consultancy

• Tata CliQ Luxury – Kings of Luxury: Digital Retail

• TPV Technology India Pvt Ltd – Emerging CEO of the Year: Consumer Technology (Sajeev Rajasekharan)

• Sangreen Future Renewables – Iconic Innovator: Renewable Energy & Sustainability

• Kamdhenu Ltd – Most Trusted Brand: Infrastructure & Building Materials

• Table & Twist – Emerging Brand: Home Décor

• Setco Auto System Pvt Ltd – Most Popular Brand: Automotive Engineering & Components

• Swalay – Emerging Brand: Music & Digital Content Distribution

• Funride Toys – Emerging Brand: Toys & Recreational Products

• Khushi Advertising Ideas – Most Trusted Brand: OOH Advertising & Media

• Art Media Ads – Most Trusted Brand: Outdoor Media & Brand Communications

• Amulya Mica – Fastest Growing Brand: Building Materials Interior Solutions

• ESDS Software Solution – Iconic Innovators – Developing Enlight AIOps & Other Products.

• Vijayanand Choudhury, Shreetech Data – Transformative Leader of the Year: Manufacturing

• Aartivijay Gupta – Resort Wear Designer

Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Agarwal, Whole Time Director, Kamdhenu Ltd, said, “The India 2030 Leadership Conclave serves as a powerful platform bringing together visionary leaders shaping India’s future. It is encouraging to see focused conversations around innovation, leadership, and long-term impact.”

Commenting on the success of the conclave, Chandrika Maheshwari, Founder – India 2030 Leadership Conclave & Director, NexBrands Inc, along with Saurav Dasgupta, Co-founder – India 2030 Leadership Conclave & CEO, NexBrands Inc, said, “India 2030 was envisioned as a national platform that recognises institutions and leaders shaping India’s future through trust, execution, and impact. Each edition strengthens our commitment to meaningful dialogue and credible recognition.”

The India 2030 Leadership Conclave is an initiative by NexBrands Inc under the aegis of Brand Vision Summit, powered by Kamdhenu Ltd, with Mercedes-Benz Landmark Cars as the Luxury Partner, Art Media Ads as the Outdoor Partner, Khushi Advertising Ideas as the Integrated OOH Partner and supported by People Who Matter. With Times Now as the official telecast partner and IndiaTimes as the digital entertainment partner, the conclave witnessed strong amplification across national broadcast and digital platforms.

Some claims you make. Some claims you prove. Kansai Nerolac chose the harder path.

In a first-of-its kind scientific validation in the Indian paint industry, Kansai Nerolac, one of India’s iconic and most trusted paint brands launched a stratospheric balloon to 86,000 feet above Earth. The balloon carried a payload painted with Kansai Nerolac’ s Excel Everlast paint to demonstrate the superiority of its exterior range. At that altitude, temperatures plunge beyond  -64°C, UV radiation is completely unfiltered, and atmospheric pressure is a fraction of what exists at sea level. Such conditions can destroy most surfaces. The paint didn’t just survive these conditions; it came back unblemished.

Kansai Nerolac puts its paint through the most extreme test in Indian history

This initiative was developed by the creative agency ULKA, which reimagined the paint test beyond a lab simulation or a controlled environment. The campaign film documents a real payload that went to the stratosphere and returned intact. The kind of proof that doesn’t need a disclaimer.

Nerolac Everlast: Built for Earth, Tested in the Stratosphere

YouTube Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkbuNw7JNTI

The #OutofThisWorld campaign represents the pinnacle of Kansai Nerolac’s legacy: a paint engineered to outlast the harshest conditions nature can produce. This campaign is a proof of that promise, executed at a scale that has never been attempted for home paints in the world of advertising before.

Ramkrishna Naik, Chief Marketing Officer, Kansai Nerolac shared his views, “The Excel Everlast range has always stood for one thing, the paint that refuses to give up. When we launched Everlast 14, India’s first self-cleaning paint with Japanese Technology, we didn’t stop at that. In fact, we developed Excel Everlast 20 with Bullet Proof Protection, powered by nano-silica technology. It has 30% higher toughness and crack-bridging that outlasts any competition. It is the paint that earned India’s first 20-year warranty. Sending it to the stratosphere felt like the only fitting way to introduce it to the world. Because a product this uncompromising deserved a stage just as extraordinary.”

Speaking on the idea behind the experiment, Rakesh Menon, Chief Creative Experience Officer, ULKA added, “This idea came from a very simple belief, if an exterior paint can survive space, it can survive anything on Earth. What mattered to us was doing it for real. No simulation, no shortcuts. Just putting the product to the ultimate test.”

Credits:
Business: Kulvinder Ahluwalia, Vandana Joshi, Abhimanyu Juneja, Ricky Baretto, Shivam Dave
Creative: Rakesh Menon, Vishal Nicholas, Sagar Parab, Parth Pandya, Khushi Bagri, Paresh Jadhav, Kshitija Raut, Saahil Desai, Onkar Mhaskar, Arijit Banerjee, Kartikeya Tiwari
Strategy: Manisha Sudarshan, Akhil Vadan

About Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd
Kansai Nerolac Paints now in its 106th year has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Kansai Nerolac is one of the leading paint companies in India and is the leader in Industrial paints. The company has eight strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries. Please visit www.nerolac.com.

Ramagya School has reported a strong set of results in the Class X Board Examinations this year. Students have performed steadily across subjects. More than half the students have scored above 90%. This points to a balanced outcome across the batch, not limited to a few high scorers.

Ramagya School class 10th toppers and overall class 10th results for the school

Manika Datt Sati leads with 99.6% (498/500) and emerges as the Branch Topper. She is followed by Navya Jain with 98.8% and Dhanya Narayanan with 98.4%. The results come after consistent preparation through the academic year. Students have shown clarity in their subjects and steady progress.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Utkarsh Gupta, Managing Director, Ramagya Group said, “I congratulate all our students on their performance in the board examinations. These results are the outcome of consistent efforts over time. Regular practice and guidance have played a key role, along with a gradual focus on improving. It is good to see students approach their exams with confidence in a changing academic environment.”

The overall result shows a steady distribution across score brackets. The school recorded an average of around 86% (Best of 5) with more than half the students scoring above 90%. Around 21% secured above 95% while nearly 81% scored above 80%.

This year’s exam pattern had more application-based questions. Students handled it well and were able to apply what they had studied in most subjects. Teachers continued with revision classes, doubt-clearing sessions and practice tests in the weeks leading up to the exams. Students followed a structured routine, which helped them stay consistent rather than relying on last-minute preparation.

For many students, these results come at a stage when they are beginning to think about their next academic stream and future direction. At this stage, many students begin thinking about their next academic stream. Choices become more defined, and students start looking at subjects based on what they are comfortable with. The school has been guiding them through counselling sessions and regular discussions so that they can look at different options and decide accordingly. These discussions have continued over time and not just as a one-time exercise.

The parents equally stayed involved during the year, especially in the months before the examinations. Many kept track of their children’s preparation and progress. The teachers were in regular touch with parents, sharing updates from time to time. This helped students stay focused in the lead-up to the exams. This shared involvement has been an important part of the overall preparation.

With these results, Ramagya School continues its academic work while preparing students for the next stage. The focus now shifts towards helping students settle into their chosen streams and adjust to the next level of study. The school extends its best wishes to all students as they move ahead in their academic journey.

For more information, please visit: ramagyaschool.com

India’s EV transition is accelerating, but for many drivers the decision still comes down to a practical question: will it actually save money over time?

VinFast recently extended free charging at V-Green stations until March 31, 2029, allowing customers to charge their vehicles at no cost for several years

VinFast believes the answer becomes clearer with its latest ownership program. The company recently extended free charging at V-Green stations until March 31, 2029, allowing customers to charge their vehicles at no cost for several years.

This charging program is supported by V-Green, a global EV charging infrastructure company focused on building and operating charging networks for VinFast vehicles. In India, V-Green has been steadily expanding its presence, including a recent partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to deploy EV chargers across HPCL’s fuel station network nationwide, helping bring charging access to major cities, highways and key transport corridors as the country’s EV market grows.

Free charging reshapes the cost of driving

To really see the benefits of VinFast’s latest free charging program, one only needs to make one simple comparison.

In early March 2026, petrol in New Delhi was priced around Rs. 94.77 per litre, with similar levels across many major cities. Assuming a typical and balanced real-world estimate of 15.5 km per litre for mid-size SUVs, a driver covering about 1,350 km per month would consume roughly 87 litres of petrol monthly.

At Rs. 94.77 per litre, that equals about Rs. 8,200 per month in fuel spending. Over three years, that reaches roughly Rs. 3 lakh.

Now, take the VinFast VF 7 as an example. The vehicle carries a 75.3 kWh battery and offers a driving range of about 450 km. That works out to an energy consumption of roughly 16.7 kWh per 100 km. For someone driving around 1,350 km per month, the car would need about 225 kWh of electricity.

Public EV charging in India typically costs Rs. 10-Rs. 17 per kWh, depending on the charging network and location. Using the midpoint of that range, about Rs. 13.5 per kWh, charging the VF 7 would normally cost around Rs. 3,000 per month for someone driving 1,350 km.

Even at that rate, electricity remains significantly cheaper than petrol. Under the same driving assumptions, a typical petrol SUV would spend roughly Rs. 8,200 per month on fuel. And with VinFast’s extended free charging program, because owners can charge at V-Green stations without paying until March 2029, the electricity cost during the first years effectively drops to zero.

For a driver travelling 1,350 km each month, that removes about Rs. 8,200 in fuel expenses every month. Over a year, the savings add up to roughly Rs. 98,000, and over three years to about Rs. 2.9 lakh.

“When people actually sit down and run the numbers, they start seeing EVs as a truly cost-effective alternative, not just an experiment,” said Arjun Mehta, a veteran sales advisor in Bengaluru.

EV economics go beyond charging

But the charging program is only part of the picture.

A conventional engine has many mechanical parts that wear over time, which is why regular servicing typically involves oil changes, spark plugs, filters and other components.

Meanwhile, electric drivetrains are mechanically simpler, so maintenance tends to be lighter. In this respect, VinFast adds another layer of cost savings by offering free maintenance for three years or up to 36,000 km, whichever comes first.

Most recently, Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast, launched a special “Trade Gas for Electric” program running from March 11 to April 30, 2026, offering an additional 3 percent discount on VinFast electric cars for customers trading in a petrol vehicle. The program is being rolled out simultaneously across several markets, including India, and applies on top of existing incentives.

In addition, the company already provides financial support for drivers switching from petrol or diesel vehicles. Buyers who sell their existing internal combustion vehicle and purchase a VinFast EV receive a direct cash discount on the purchase price.

Taken together, these factors gradually tilt the ownership math toward electric vehicles. Fuel savings play the biggest role, but lower servicing costs and purchase incentives also contribute.

For many buyers evaluating EVs today, the question is becoming less about technology and more about everyday expenses.

Manipal University Jaipur has invited applications for the prestigious Sir M. Visvesvaraya Scholarship aimed at supporting meritorious students aspiring to pursue B.Tech programmes at the institution.

Sir M Visvesvaraya Scholarship for B.Tech aspirants by Manipal University Jaipur

The University announced that a limited number of 200 scholarships will be offered under this flagship initiative across key engineering disciplines, including Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Bioscience, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering (VLSI Design & Technology), Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, and Fashion Technology.

According to the University, the scholarship will be awarded strictly based on prescribed eligibility criteria. Among eligible candidates, priority in allocation will be given to those who complete the admission process and deposit the full programme fee earlier, following a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Scholarship, the University offers a broad range of financial aid opportunities across multiple categories to support students from diverse academic and socio-economic backgrounds.

University officials stated that due to the limited number of scholarships and high demand, interested candidates are advised to complete the admission formalities at the earliest to secure consideration under the scheme.

Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, application process, and other scholarship options is available on the University’s official website.

Please visit jaipur.manipal.edu/indian-scholarship.php 

Applicants may also reach out to the admissions office through the helpline number 1800 1020 128 or via email at admissions@jaipur.manipal.edu  for further assistance.

Through such initiatives, Manipal University Jaipur continues to reinforce its commitment to making quality higher education accessible while nurturing future-ready professionals equipped for successful careers.

To know more about the Manipal University Jaipur, please Visit jaipur.manipal.edu.

Fackelmann, the globally trusted German kitchenware brand, announced the launch of its Triply Pressure Cooker range in India, marking a significant addition to its premium cookware portfolio. The range, available in both Inner Lid and Outer Lid variants, is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to expand its product portfolio in the country as it works towards achieving a targeted turnover of INR 500 crore from the Indian market by 2030. The launch further underscores Fackelmann’s continued focus on delivering high-quality, innovation-led kitchen solutions tailored to evolving consumer needs.

Fackelmann Launches Triply Pressure Cooker Range in India

With a legacy of over a century rooted in German engineering and craftsmanship, and headquartered in Hersbruck (Germany), Fackelmann continues to expand its presence in India as part of its long-term growth strategy. The launch aligns with increasing consumer preference for durable, safe, and performance-driven cookware in modern Indian kitchens.

Fackelmann Launches Triply Pressure Cooker Range in India

The Triply Pressure Cooker is engineered with a three-layer construction comprising 304 food-grade stainless steel, a pure aluminium core, and induction-compatible 430 stainless steel, ensuring efficient heat distribution and consistent cooking performance. The product is ISI certified, undergoes 100% leak testing at their respective factory, and is supported by a five-year warranty, reflecting Fackelmann’s commitment to quality and safety.

Mr. Joy Chatterjee, Director, Fackelmann India, said, “We are witnessing sustained year-on-year growth in India, supported by increasing consumer awareness and a clear preference for high-quality kitchen solutions. The Triply Pressure Cooker range has been specifically developed to meet the requirements of Indian households, where efficiency, safety, and durability are paramount. This launch further strengthens our product portfolio and our commitment to the Indian market.”

The launch comes at a time when the Indian kitchenware market is witnessing a gradual shift toward premium, long-lasting products that offer both functionality and safety. Fackelmann’s latest offering is designed to address these evolving expectations through a combination of advanced materials and user-centric features.

Mr. Martin, Global CEO, Fackelmann, added, “Fackelmann has consistently focused on combining precision engineering with practical innovation to enhance everyday cooking experiences. India continues to be a priority market for us, and the launch of our Triply Pressure Cooker range reflects our commitment to bring globally trusted, high-quality products to Indian consumers. This introduction further reinforces our position in the premium kitchenware segment.“

Key Product Differentiators

• Triply Construction Technology: Three-layer design with 304 food-grade stainless steel, aluminium core, and induction-safe 430 stainless steel for superior heat distribution and durability

• Rivet-less Body Design: Enhances hygiene, prevents food residue buildup, and ensures ease of cleaning

• Cool-Touch Safety Features: Ergonomically designed handles and whistle for safer handling during and after cooking

• ISI Certification: Meets Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) for safety, quality, and performance

• 100% Leak-Tested: Each unit undergoes rigorous factory testing for reliability

• Multi-Cooktop Compatibility: Suitable for gas, electric, and induction cooktops

• Premium Gasket System: Ensures a secure seal and extended product life

• 5-Year Warranty: Reinforces long-term durability and brand confidence

This launch complements Fackelmann’s broader portfolio across cookware, bakeware, and kitchen tools, as the company continues to invest in product innovation and expand its footprint across key Indian markets.

In a landmark announcement that could reshape India’s wellness landscape, 3EA Global formally unveiled FTS – Fitness Through Sports at a high-profile media interaction in Mumbai. Positioned as India’s first AI-led behavioural sports fitness ecosystem, FTS – Fitness Through Sports is designed not as a gym chain or sports booking app, but as a structured habit-formation platform that integrates fitness naturally into everyday life.
 

3EA Global Strategy Team and FTS Founder mark the launch of an AI-powered behavioral sports fitness platform integrating fitness into daily routines across India
 

While the national media unveiling took place in Mumbai, the company confirmed that the first proof-of-concept operational centre will launch in Lucknow, serving as the behavioural validation hub before phased expansion across major Indian cities.
 

FTS – Fitness Through Sports emerged from strategic consultations at the 3EA Global Lucknow office, where Mr. Aman Dubey, founder of Turf Titans, engaged with the company’s research and strategy team to explore scaling beyond a competitive turf model.
 

The research team, led by Mr. Kritagaya Singh, Associate Domain Partner, Ms. Divya Srivastava, Senior Domain Partner and Mr. Avi Agarwal, Growth Analyst, under the strategic supervision of Er. Pranav Bhaskar, National Business Partner, 3EA Global conducted feasibility assessments, developed the three-year business plan, structured the partnership model, and validated demand through a Pan-India behavioural survey involving over 300 individuals.
 

The findings revealed a decisive shift – most participants were not seeking competition — they were seeking fitness in an enjoyable format. This insight reframed sports as a sustainable pathway to health rather than an athletic pursuit.

During the press interaction, journalists raised pointed questions on retention challenges, differentiation from gyms, scalability, and the role of technology.
 

Responding to a question on declining gym adherence, Dr. Vibhor Mishra, CEO, 3EA Global stated, “The biggest challenge in preventive healthcare is not awareness — it is continuity. Fitness today depends heavily on motivation, and motivation is temporary. Behaviour, however, is sustainable. FTS is designed as a behavioural system where participation becomes routine rather than a decision.”
 

He further emphasized that the platform measures consistency over intensity, focusing on habit formation rather than performance metrics.
 

Addressing comparisons with conventional gyms, Mr. Aman Dubey, Founder of FTS explained, “People don’t quit fitness because they don’t value health. They quit because it feels like work. Sports create engagement, accountability, and belonging. When others expect you to show up, you rarely skip.”
 

He clarified that FTS is not a turf aggregation platform nor a pay-per-session sports service. Instead, it operates on a structured subscription-driven participation model, where members follow recurring weekly schedules integrating sports sessions, wellness formats, and community leagues.
 

Dr. Vibhor Mishra elaborated that FTS integrates artificial intelligence to guide participation responsibly.
 

The application profiles users based on lifestyle patterns, body type, medical sensitivities, and fitness objectives. Individuals with cervical spine concerns or specific health conditions receive guided recommendations to ensure suitability. The system tracks habit streaks, participation frequency, and engagement rhythms rather than calorie counts or competition scores.
 

“We designed health to fit into lifestyle — not the other way around,” Dr. Vibhor Mishra quoted.
 

Speaking on the asset-light expansion model, Er. Pranav Bhaskar explained that FTS will operate through structured Facility Partner (FP) agreements across cities. Facilities can range from multi-sport environments offering cricket, football, badminton, and pickleball to specialized single-format centres.
 

Through a unified application, members can access sessions across partner facilities within their city.
 

“Future wellness businesses will be defined by engagement models, not equipment. Retention is behavioural, not infrastructural,” Er. Pranav Bhaskar said.
 

He emphasized that the distributed partnership model allows rapid scaling while maintaining centralised behavioural governance.
 

When asked why operations would begin in Lucknow instead of a metro city, Mr. Aman Dubey clarified, “We chose Lucknow intentionally. It represents aspirational India with realistic lifestyle patterns. Before scaling nationally, we want to validate behavioural adoption in an authentic environment.”
 

The first centre will function as a structured habit-formation laboratory, measuring participation adherence and community engagement before metro expansion.
 

FTS – Fitness Through Sports aims to address broader concerns such as sedentary work culture, stress, lifestyle diseases, and declining community interaction. By embedding structured sports into routine schedules across age groups — youth, working professionals, mid-age individuals, and senior citizens — the platform aspires to create measurable public health and socio-economic impact.
 

Rather than positioning itself as a gym alternative, FTS positions itself as a behavioural shift.

Traditional fitness formats demand discipline.
FTS embeds fitness within enjoyment.
 

As the media interaction concluded, representatives reiterated that FTS – Fitness Through Sports is not merely a single-location venture but a scalable national ecosystem designed to transform how India experiences movement.