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What Indian Car Lovers Can Expect from the VinFast VF 6

For many years, drivers from Mumbai to Delhi have searched for the ideal blend of premium features, everyday practicality, and affordability in the increasingly crowded SUV market. While the search may never truly end-with new models arriving every few months-it’s the thrill of the process that counts, especially when you discover a vehicle that strikes the right balance. And with the upcoming arrival of the premium B-segment SUV VinFast VF 6, Indian drivers have good reason to feel excited again.

VinFast VF 6 soon to be launched in India

The VF 6 is among the first electric vehicles set to arrive in India from the Vietnamese automaker VinFast. Already gaining a loyal following in Vietnam, the VF 6 represents a fully electric option in the B-SUV segment-one that doesn’t ask drivers to compromise on performance, features, or value.

While exact specifications and pricing for the Indian market are still under wraps, early feedback from Vietnamese owners suggests that the VF 6 delivers what drivers care about most in real-world conditions.

“The VF 6 offers excellent visibility, giving me confidence when navigating crowded streets and narrow roads. On long trips, ADAS features like adaptive cruise control make driving more relaxed and feel safer,” says Ms. Vu Thi Tuyen, a frequent long-distance driver in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the VF 6 Plus trim comes equipped with multiple advanced driver-assistance systems-adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and collision warnings-technologies typically found in much more expensive models. These tools can ease driver fatigue, particularly during the hour-long commutes which are no rarity in many Indian cities.

Those who’ve sat inside the VF 6 often remark that it feels more spacious than its compact exterior suggests-thanks in large part to its electric architecture. The wheelbase stretches to 2,730 mm, longer than some C-segment competitors, allowing comfortable seating for four adults-or even five. The suspension reportedly strikes a good balance between stability and comfort, particularly on pothole-riddled roads.

The centerpiece of the interior is a 12.9-inch touchscreen-the largest in its class, at least in Vietnam. A connected smartphone app lets owners check battery status, locate their vehicle, or start climate control remotely-practical tools for India’s diverse climate conditions.

Range anxiety-the fear of running out of battery-has long discouraged potential EV buyers. The VF 6 tackles this concern with a battery offering up to 480 km of range (NEDC standard) in the Vietnamese version. As India’s charging infrastructure continues to improve, such a range becomes increasingly practical for intercity travel. Even a trip from Delhi to Jaipur would be well within reach.

Perhaps most compelling is the VF 6’s value proposition. In Vietnam, it is priced competitively against gasoline-powered SUVs-especially when long-term operating costs are considered. Vietnamese owners report that running costs are much lower than those of equivalent petrol models, in some cases only roughly just roughly half.

The math is straightforward: no oil changes, fewer brake replacements thanks to regenerative braking, and electricity costs lower than fossil fuels. One Vietnamese VF 6 owner, after clocking 12,000 km, spent just 300,000 VND (approximately Rs. 1,000) for maintenance, lower than even a two-wheel motorbike.

For Indian buyers accustomed to value calculations that extend beyond the purchase price, these economics matter. Add in the potential government incentives for electric vehicles, and the case becomes stronger.

Power delivery in the VF 6 is more than adequate, enabling confident highway merges and safer overtakes on two-lane roads.

“Tap the accelerator at a red light, and the VF 6 leaves other cars behind,” says Mr. Le Duy SÆ¡n, who commutes 120 km daily in his VF 6. “The VF 6 offers a more comfortable driving experience than the petrol cars Ive driven.”

If the early feedback from Vietnamese owners is anything to go by, the VinFast VF 6 presents a compelling case for Indian drivers too. It’s not just about reducing emissions-though that’s certainly important-it’s about getting more for your money: more features, more comfort, and more performance, all while spending less over time.

The real question for Indian buyers may no longer be if an EV makes sense-but when the right one will arrive. For many, the VF 6 could be that car.

L&T Finance Ltd. Launches a Smarter, Faster, and More Customer-centric Website

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, has unveiled its newly designed corporate website (www.LTFINANCE.com). It offers a seamless and unified experience on both web and mobile, enabling access ‘anytime, anywhere’ to users.

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LTFs redesigned website focuses on a customer-first approach to enhance user experience

Built with a customer-first approach to enhance user experience, the website features an intuitive design and visually engaging layout that showcases all LTF products at a glance, ensuring effortless navigation through the Companys comprehensive portfolio offerings spanning across Urban, Rural, and SME sectors. Besides its aesthetic enhancements, the new website is meticulously crafted to optimise operational efficiency. This translates into a streamlined experience across 24 critical journeys to avail loans, simplifying every interaction from the initial application to the final approval stage, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for the Company’s potential customers.

Mr. Ramesh Aithal, Chief Digital Officer, LTF, said, “The launch of our new website isnt just a refresh; its a big leap towards realising our Lakshya goals. As we transition towards delivering customer-centric offerings, we continue to invest in technology for exceeding customer expectations. We are developing digital finance delivery as a customer value proposition and will remain committed to optimising every touchpoint, driving deeper engagement, and solidifying our position as a digital-first, digital-native lender.”

LTF introduced dedicated corporate pages that demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, allowing visitors to delve into the Company’s impactful initiatives. In addition, a comprehensive Investor Hub section is designed to deliver real-time stock updates, in-depth reports, and insightful analyses to facilitate informed decision-making.

In a first, a dedicated utilities section has been introduced to offer financial and lifestyle tools such as a Credit Score Check, Income Tax Returns filing assistance, and an EMI calculator. Tools like Bill Payments, a Rural Marketplace, and a Two-wheeler Marketplace are in the pipeline and will be launched by the end of this quarter. Additionally, a personalised dashboard allows users to easily track loan statuses, manage payments, and access tailored financial insights at their fingertips. The system will dynamically generate post-login pages, presenting only relevant functionalities to each user segment. For example: rural customers will view rural-specific products, and SME users are provided with overdraft access, streamlining their workflow.

The Company has adopted enhanced security measures by deploying advanced encryption and security measures to safeguard user data. These initiatives, coupled with LTF’s enhanced content and functionalities, underscore the Company’s dedication to providing an exceptional and trustworthy digital experience for all LTF users.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., (LTFH) is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA‘ – the highest credit rating for NBFCs – by four leading rating agencies. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project – “Digital Sakhi”- which focuses on womens empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap – Lakshya 2026. The Company has around 2.5 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

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Vivek Singh Appointed CEO of Home Credit India, Brings 20+ Years of BFSI Leadership

At its meeting held on April 7, 2025, the Board of Home Credit appointed Vivek Singh as the Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Singh brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the financial services sector, with a strong focus on building and scaling businesses, driving digital transformation, and managing large-scale operations. He is poised to spearhead Home Credit India into its next phase of growth under the TVS Holdings umbrella.

Vivek Singh, CEO, Home Credit India

K Gopala Desikan, Director, TVS Holdings, said on this appointment, “Home Credit India has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion across the country. We are confident that Vivek’s deep understanding of the Indian financial landscape, particularly in the consumer & retail finance space, coupled with his proven ability to drive growth and innovation, will be invaluable as we move forward and strengthen the business of Home Credit India and build upon its strong foundation.“

Sharing his vision, Vivek Singh, CEO, Home Credit India, said, “It’s an honour to lead Home Credit India at a time when technology is revolutionising how we serve customers. I am committed to fostering innovation, enhancing customer experience, and expanding access to responsible credit. Home Credit India’s strong market presence provides a tremendous opportunity to further enhance our offerings, broaden our reach, and drive greater financial inclusion across the country. Together with the team, I look forward to shaping a more inclusive, responsible and tech-forward financial ecosystem in India.”

Vivek holds an MBA and has received multiple industry accolades for his contributions to the financial services space. He brings a proven track record of success in retail lending and customer-centric financial services. Prior to this, he held senior roles at multiple renowned financial institutions.

Under his leadership, Home Credit India enters a new era of innovation and inclusive growth. The company remains committed to transparent, responsible lending and deepening credit penetration across India.

About Home Credit India

Home Credit India Finance Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of TVS Holdings Ltd. is a leading consumer finance company committed to driving credit penetration and financial inclusion across India. Home Credit India offers a diversified range of innovative products, supported by a superior customer experience, and continues to expand its pan-India presence. With a focus on providing simple, trustworthy, transparent, tech-driven accessible financial solutions, Home Credit India has been part of financial journey for over 1.8 Crore customers through a robust network of approximately 53,000 points-of-sale (PoS) spread across 625 cities nationwide.

RISE Infraventures Crosses Rs. 3,800 Cr in FY 24-25, Targets Rs. 5,000 Cr in FY 25-26 Amid Expansion Drive and Vertical Growth

RISE Infraventures, a prominent real estate consultancy firm, has achieved a significant milestone by recording Rs. 3,800 Cr in gross sales during the financial year 2024-25, with its GTV standing at Rs. 3856 Cr. The company saw a consistent performance in commercial real estate and a strong 30-35% surge in the residential segment.

Buoyed by this achievement, the company has now set an ambitious target of Rs. 5,000 crore in gross sales for FY 2025-26 and is expecting 25% growth in all the verticals. This growth plan is underpinned by a dynamic expansion strategy, aggressive market penetration, and a sharpened focus on innovation-led advisory services.

With a sharp focus on scaling operations and diversifying offerings, the company plans to open new offices across strategic markets in NCR to widen its national footprint and tap into high-growth opportunities. These markets are witnessing increased buyer capacity, significant project launches, and growing habitation, making them fertile ground for real estate investment.

Sachin Gawri, Founder and CEO, RISE Infraventures – “Crossing Rs. 3,800 crore in gross sales reflects the strong trust and confidence our clients and partners have in us. As we look ahead, our focus extends beyond growth, we aim to redefine real estate advisory in India through innovation and strategic leadership. Setting a Rs. 5,000 crore target for FY 2025-26 is an ambitious milestone, but with our expansion strategy, we are well-positioned to achieve it.”

RISE Infraventures works exclusively in the high-end segment, both residential and commercial, catering to a discerning clientele seeking premium real estate solutions. By enhancing its offerings through attractive pricing, expanded service availability, and innovative, tech-driven solutions, the company is well-equipped to scale new heights in India’s real estate sector. With a sharp focus on personalised advisory, strategic partnerships, and market-driven insights, RISE Infraventures continues to redefine the luxury real estate experience while setting new benchmarks for growth and service excellence.

How OneScore Makes Loan Applications Smooth and Quick

When an unexpected financial need arises, personal loans can be a flexible solution. In todays fast-paced world, time is also of the essence. This is where an instant loan app provides a quick solution.

Lengthy paperwork, multiple visits to financial institutions, and a long-drawn-out wait for approval can be a significant deterrent, adding stress to an already pressing financial need. OneScore is built to be a one-stop solution, helping consumers overcome these hassles and enjoy smooth and quick financing.

Why OneScore is the Smart Choice

The OneScore App is a platform designed to revolutionise the loan application experience. By leveraging technology and a customer-centric approach, OneScore streamlines the entire process. Since all loan application process begins with an eligibility check, OneScore App caters to this requirement.

All financial institutions have different eligibility criteria, from the minimum and maximum age of the applicant to the income criteria. However, the most important is the CIBIL score check. Since personal loans are unsecured, lenders rely on the credit score to check an applicant’s creditworthiness.

So, as soon as the user logs into the app, they see their credit score on the dashboard. This way, they have a better idea of their eligibility for credit. With a good score, the borrowing process is streamlined and stress-free, no matter whether the user is a first-time applicant or borrowing again.

Personalised Loan Offers at Fingertips

One of the primary ways OneScore simplifies loan applications is by providing the potential borrower with personalised loan offers based on their financial profile. Gone are the days of blindly applying to multiple lenders, hoping one will approve their request.

OneScore analyses creditworthiness and presents an applicant with offers from reputable lenders. This saves them considerable time and effort and reduces the risk of rejection. All they need to do is run an Experian and CIBIL score check by logging into the app and providing a few basic details.

When their score is 730 or above, potential borrowers can activate a loan offer through a personal loan feature on the app. They can get up to ₹5 Lakhs or more as a personal loan in just a few taps. This initial step alone significantly cuts down the time spent on the preliminary stages of loan hunting.

Digital Documentation and Instant Verification

Gathering, photocopying, and submitting these documents can be a tedious and time-consuming affair when it comes to the traditional mode of borrowing. OneScore makes it convenient for the borrower by facilitating a completely digital documentation process.

Through secure integrations, OneScore allows applicants to upload necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, and income statements directly on the app.

Furthermore, instant verification makes this instant loan app a preferable option when there is a need for urgent funds. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the chances of errors and missing paperwork.

Straightforward Application Interface

After activating loan offers, borrowers dont need to fill up lengthy forms or talk to any customer executive. Simply selecting the desired loan amount, monthly income, and employment type is enough.

This way, OneScore provides a centralised platform where borrowers can access and compare offers from various lenders and initiate the application process. Their basic details are securely stored and not shared with third parties. Also, there is no spam, which makes the process hassle-free.

Faster Approval and Disbursal

By digitising documentation, centralising the application process, and providing lenders with readily available and verified information, OneScore significantly reduces the turnaround time for loan approvals. Once approved, the disbursal process is also quick, allowing users to access the funds they need in a timely manner.

Real-time Updates and Tracking

One of the most frustrating aspects of loan applications can be the lack of transparency and the uncertainty surrounding the status of the borrower’s application. With OneScore, they stay informed every step of the way. The platform provides real-time updates on their application status, from initial submission to approval and disbursal.

This transparency not only keeps them in the loop but also allows them to address any queries or provide additional information promptly, further accelerating the process. They no longer need to constantly follow up with lenders to know the progress of their applications.

Features on OneScore

In addition to speedy service, here are some other reasons why borrowing from the OneScore App can be appealing.

  • Loan interest rates start at 12.5% p.a. with a maximum tenure of up to 48 months

  • Borrowers can apply for a collateral-free loan anytime with a credit score over 730

  • Anyone with a monthly income of ₹20,000 and above can apply with their Aadhaar and PAN cards

  • Users can turn on notifications on the instant loan app to get reminders for EMI payments, which helps improve credit scores over time

OneScore is transforming the landscape of loan applications by making the entire process more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. In this way, OneScore empowers borrowers to access credit quickly and conveniently. In addition, users can get efficient credit management tips on the same platform to boost their creditworthiness.

If the borrowers Experian and CIBIL score check comes out to be under 730, then personalised insights and the ‘Score Planner’ tool on the app give practical and effective tips on boosting the score. In case the issue is due to any unauthorised loan or scam, then reporting it to the credit bureau is easy too. Overall, opting for OneScore is the right step for good credit health and a convenient borrowing experience.

CA K Suresh Appointed as National President of ANMI for 2025-26

The Association of National Exchanges Members of India (ANMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of CA K Suresh as its National President for the year 2025-26 marking his second term after a successful tenure in 2017-18.

CA K Suresh, National President, ANMI

CA K Suresh returns with a proven track record and strong rapport with exchanges and regulators. His appointment signals continuity and renewed purpose for ANMI at a time when the broking industry is undergoing rapid transformation.

With a strong background in the broking industry and financial services, he brings a wealth of experience, inclusive leadership, and strategic vision to guide the association forward.

Mr. CA K Suresh was the past President of Hindustan Chamber of Commerce and Ex Hon Secretary of Madras Management Association.

Speaking on the occasion, CA K Suresh commented, “I am honoured to take on the responsibility of serving as National President of ANMI for the second time. Together with our members, market participants, and exchanges, I look forward to advancing our shared mission and making a meaningful impact in the community.”

ANMI thanks the outgoing President, Mr. Vinod Kumar Goyal, for his dedicated service and significant contributions, which have further strengthened the association’s role in the capital markets.

With a renewed focus on digital growth, member engagement, and collaborative progress, ANMI moves ahead with confidence under CA K Suresh’s leadership.

The Quint Wins Best News Website Thrice in a Row at WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards

The Quint has won five awards across multiple categories at the prestigious Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025 by World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), including the ‘Best News Website third time in a row.

Here’s a look at the accolades.

1. CATEGORY: Best News Website

AWARD: GOLD

Launched in 2015, The Quint was built on the foundation of enterprise journalism – delivering news through multimedia, fact-checks, citizen reports, and more.

To support this, the website was designed for speed, SEO, accessibility, security, and a seamless user experience. With a clean, responsive design catering to all age groups, the platform has evolved to support multiple revenue streams – reader revenue, branded content, social collaborations, and more – while also piloting AI innovations to drive smarter news engagement.

2. CATEGORY: Best Fact-Checking Project

AWARD: GOLD

WINNER: Scamguard

Scamguard is a series of fact-checking guides aimed at equipping people with the critical thinking skills required to tackle online scams. The guides break down the modus operandi of scammers, provide testimonials of victims, and offer methods to safeguard against potential fraud. Scamguard covers three broad categories of popular online scams – job scams, UPI scams, and e-commerce scams.

3. CATEGORY: Best in Audience Engagement
AWARD: SILVER

WINNER: My Report

Mainstream media often misses stories that lie beyond its reach. My Report changes that – putting the power of journalism in the hands of citizens, working closely with the editorial team. From broken roads and missing amenities to stories of resilience and injustice, My Report brings underrepresented voices to the forefront, ensuring no story is too small to be told.

4. CATEGORY: Best Use of Video

AWARD: SILVER

WINNER: Those Who Die Are Called Martyrs: In Rajasthans Mini Kota Suicide is a Joke

Just 100 km from Jaipur, Sikar has emerged as Rajasthan’s ‘Mini Kota’ – a booming coaching hub drawing thousands of NEET and IIT-JEE aspirants each year. But behind the billboards and bright promises lies a darker reality: a rising tide of student suicides. In October 2023 alone, 26 such deaths were reported in Rajasthan. Our video dives into the pressures of this competitive ecosystem – where harsh teachers, parental expectations, and toxic academic culture are pushing young lives to the edge.

5. CATEGORY: Best Use of AI in the Newsroom
AWARD: BRONZE

WINNER: The Great Indian Paper Heist

India saw more than 70 exam paper leaks in the last seven years, jeopardising the future of millions of young aspirants. The repeated incidents of paper leaks across states have undermined the abilities of government to conduct free and fair exams. The paper leak crisis has become a boiling issue among the youth of the country, which boasts about having the largest youth population in the world. To break down these paper leaks, we examined the steps involved in the examination process – right from the setting of the question paper to the point where it reaches the examination hall – with the help of AI-generated graphics.

About Quint Digital Limited

The Quint, launched in March 2015, is one of Indias biggest pure-play digital news and views platforms. After a successful ten-year run, it has embarked on a significant transformation of its content model. We have pivoted away from ‘breaking news’ or ‘commodity news’ to further increase our focus on enterprise journalism, ground reporting, fact-checking, and a membership-based revenue model.

Continuing to be mobile-first and highly interactive, we bring you deep dives on the most pressing questions that India is grappling with. We are participative in our approach to newsgathering – with a robust citizen journalism vertical, My Report – and we partner with our readers in our hunt for fake news through our WebQoof vertical that debunks mis/disinformation in both Hindi and English. We are certified by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) – a recognition of our expertise, bipartisan approach, and credibility.

The Quint has won several accolades over the years, including the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Awards, WAN-IFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards, INMA Global Media Awards, and others.

Kalam & Kavach 2.0 Conclave Charts Roadmap for Defence Reforms, Innovation and Self-Reliance in 2025

Kalam & Kavach 2.0, hosted by Pentagon Press in collaboration with CENJOWS, brought together India’s top defence minds-from military leadership and think tanks to private industry-to shape the next wave of military reform. Themed “2025: The Year of Reforms,” the conclave, held at the Manekshaw Centre, focused on speed, synergy, and self-reliance in national defence.

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Kalam & Kavach Panel discussion: Indian industry and defence start-ups hailed as co-creators of capability and self-reliance

Key Highlights

  • Strategic Insight: Lt Gen Vipul Shinghal, delivering the keynote on behalf of the CDS, cited a “renaissance in strategic thought,” revealing 8-9 new doctrines in progress.

  • Airpower & Future Warfare: In a fireside chat with Shivam Arya, curator Kalam & Kavach, former IAF chief ACM V.R. Chaudhari emphasized jointness, AI-driven warfare, and theatre commands as future priorities.

  • Security Outlook: Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd) and author Sandeep Unnithan discussed drones, grey zone threats, and the need for rapid, tech-led reform.

  • Technology as a Force Multiplier: Experts stressed AI, quantum, cyber, and space as the defining arenas of modern warfare.

  • Industry’s Role: From “vendor to vanguard,” Indian industry and defence startups were hailed as co-creators of capability and self-reliance.

Books Released
Cyber Diplomacy, Artificial Intelligence in Military Applications, and India’s Arsenal captured the spirit of innovation driving the sector.

Closing Note
Maj Gen (Dr) Ashok Kumar called for action-oriented follow-up, while curator Shivam Arya urged, “The conversations we had today must now become contributions.”

Kalam & Kavach 2.0 reaffirmed that defence transformation begins with dialogue-and must end in decisive, indigenised action.

NeoNiche Appoints Nikkhil Sharma as Regional Director North

Nikkhil Sharma is set to lead as the Regional Director-North, taking charge of strategy, ideation and processed towards building a new structure and new benchmarks. Nikkhil Sharma’s journey in the experiential marketing industry is nothing short of inspiring. With over 15 years of experience, he has worked with some of the most renowned creative agencies, including Encompass WPP Group, Innocean Worldwide and Shobiz Havas, leaving a mark of excellence.

Nikkhil Sharma, Regional Director North at NeoNiche Integrated Solutions

At Shobiz Havas, he Established the automobile vertical from the ground up, he collaborates with marquee brands like Hyundai, Kia, Audi, Honda, Hero, BYD, VinFast, Mahindra, Ducati, Panasonic, Nikon & Kiran Nadar Museum Art and created an all-new experiential marketing team that now stands as one of the most acclaimed in the event space. His ability to not only acquire but also nurture long-term brand-agency relationships has been a testament to his business development acumen.

“Nikkhil Sharma brings a rare combination of strategic depth, creative vision, and a strong command over experiential marketing. His ability to build verticals from the ground up and foster long-standing brand relationships speaks volumes about his leadership. What truly sets Nikkhil apart is his deep expertise in the automobile segment – an industry that demands precision, innovation, and consistency. As we look to accelerate our growth in the North, I’m confident that his experience and energy will play a transformative role in shaping new opportunities for NeoNiche’s,” says Prateek N Kumar, Founder and CEO at NeoNiche Integrated Solutions.

Now, as he steps down as AVP at Shobiz Havas and takes on a new challenge at NeoNiche.

“What really drew me to NeoNiche was the inspiring vision of leadership and the clear potential for growth. There was something about the energy and direction that just clicked with me. NeoNiche leadership self-driven and visionary approach really stood out, it gave me the confidence and motivation to take on the role of North Head. I’m excited to be part of this journey and contribute to what we’re building together,” says Nikkhil Sharma, Regional Director North at NeoNiche Integrated Solutions.

About NeoNiche Integrated Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Founded in 2011, NeoNiche Integrated Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has emerged as a leader in the experiential marketing domain, delivering innovative strategies and captivating campaigns that elevate brand recognition and customer engagement. With a dedicated team of industry experts and a passion for creativity, NeoNiche continues to set the standard for excellence in the marketing landscape.

Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition 2025 Is Open for Entries

  • Move over fast fashion, let’s focus on slow style says global fashion competition

  • Judging panel including top stylists, designers and brands

  • Have you got what it takes Enter online now at rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com

The prestigious Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) International Student Design Competition 2025 is now open for entries and is looking for new talent from across India – and the world. A global competition and campaign, it invites fashion and design students to showcase their talent on an international stage and do their bit for the planet.

Josslyn Shi, the 2024 International Overall Winner, with former US Ambassador Jane D. Hartley at the International Award Ceremony held at the US Embassy in London

Now in its fifth year, RLSD celebrates designs in the categories of apparel, accessories and footwear that challenge the fast fashion cycle by promoting sustainable, long-lasting style using natural materials. Past alumni have gone on to work with renowned brands including Christian Louboutin, Dior, and Loewe; all united by the mission to create beautiful, sustainable clothing and redefine individual style.

The competition offers India’s design students a unique opportunity to compete alongside peers from around the globe, encouraging creative thinking and the integration of sustainability into every design. Alongside showcasing their work through the competition platform, finalists will have the opportunity to present their work to industry experts, with the 2024 judging panel including Christopher Koerber of HUGO BOSS, Anna Melegh from Christian Louboutin, Matteo Mastrotto, CEO of Rino Mastrotto, fashion education consultant Adrien Yakimov Roberts and celebrity stylist Mike Adler.

Mike Adler, stylist and judge, commented: “We have seen entries from more than 100 countries around the world and would love to see more coming out of India as its fashion hubs and colleges increasingly influence the fashion agenda. Working closely with Calcutta’s own Hema Bose and her firm Maison Bose, this past year I have placed Gauruv Gupta Haute Couture on my talent at the Cannes Film Festival and custom Anamika Khanna at the 2025 Oscars. Now is the time for ambitious student designers to step-up, make their mark, champion sustainability and kick start their careers.”

Kevin Latner, Vice President of Competition Organisers, the Leather and Hide Council of America, which runs the competition added, “The Real Leather. Stay Different. International Competition is a platform for young designers to gain global recognition while championing sustainability. It pushes the creative boundaries delivering intelligent designs using real leather-one of nature’s most durable and versatile materials. Through programs like this we can help redefine the future of responsible fashion.”

Participants’ entries must use at least 50% natural cowhide leather. Entry is entirely online and should include sketches, technical specifications and a storyboard detailing the design concept, with optional video submissions encouraged.

For further information:

info@chooserealleather.com

Notes to editors:

Registration Details: Open to anyone who is studying or has graduated from higher education within the last year and is not currently employed full-time within the creative sector.

Registration Period: 1 March 2025 to 30 June 2025

Awards: Winning entries will be featured in the RLSD capsule collection showcased at global events. Category winners will be flown to the final judging and award ceremony in an Asian fashion capital.

For More Information and Submission Guidelines:

Design submissions and further details are available at: rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com/competition-event/international-2025.