Category: NEW PRODUCTS
Wheat Crisis Looms: Industry Leaders Urge Bold Action Amidst Import Warning
Against the backdrop of projections nearing 795 million tonnes of global wheat production, the conclave focused on charting a course for innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth by 2030. Ajay Goyal, the Chairman of the Wheat Products Promotion Society, highlighted persistent challenges in meeting wheat procurement targets. He noted that both last year and this year, the wheat procurement targets were not met. For this year, the target was set at 36 million tonnes, but only around 26 million tonnes were procured. This shortfall underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions to enhance production and procurement efficiencies.
Ajay Goyal also expressed concerns about potential wheat shortages necessitating imports this year. He emphasized that the government lacks sufficient wheat stocks for effective market intervention. Current stocks are adequate for buffer purposes and various government programs but may not suffice for significant market interventions. Wheat stocks in India’s government warehouses as of May 1 were down by 10.3% year-on-year, marking their lowest levels since 2008. This decline follows two years of lower crops, prompting record sales to boost domestic supplies and reduce local prices. Looking ahead, Goyal cautioned that by August or September, if demand surpasses supply, the government may need to consider reducing import duties from the current 44% to zero to facilitate imports and stabilize prices in the market. Challenges arise after the harvest season, when wheat arrivals in the mandis (markets) stop. At this point, there is a reliance on the government to release stocks into the market to maintain supply stability. “In 2022, the government estimated a much higher crop and allowed exports. However, within a short span, they had to ban exports because the actual crop size on the ground didn’t match projections. We may be facing a similar hand-to-mouth situation this year,” Goyal remarked.
Goyal pointed out that market prices are currently 4-5% higher than the government’s minimum support price (MSP), whereas ideally, they should be 3-4% lower. He hinted at potential policy changes regarding wheat imports under a new government.
Škoda Auto India achieves its highest-ever half-yearly sales Sells 36,194 units between Jan-Jun 2025
Record-breaking numbers see a growth of 134% over H1 2024 · Škoda Auto India rises to Top 7 in India Mumbai, July 1, 2025 – Škoda Auto India is keeping its foot on the accelerator as it celebrates its 25th anniversary in India and 130th year globally.
With 36,194 units sold in the first half of 2025, Škoda Auto has achieved its highest half-yearly sales in its 25-year history in India. Commenting on the achievement, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “Our landmark half-yearly sales reflect the strong acceptance of Škoda products and services by customers in India. Our customers love to explore the world around them every day.
With the addition of the Kylaq in our portfolio, we now enable their journeys even more through an ‘SUV For Everyone’, as well as our sedan offering. Our aim is to get ‘closer’ to our customers in India with our accessible products, services, and touchpoints across the country. This achievement encourages us to stay focused on being relevant through timely product actions, offer unique value to our customers by differentiating our product and service offerings, and to continue building trust with an unmatched ownership experience.”
Setting sales records With sales of 36,194 units in H1 2025, Škoda Auto India is now among the top seven automotive brands in India. This is a jump of four positions from its rankings in 2024. Furthermore, it surpasses Škoda Auto India’s previous best half-yearly sales in 2022 of 28,899 units. SUVs For Everyone & Building the Sedan Legacy Škoda Auto India began 2025 with the launch of the Kylaq, its first sub-4m SUV and a new entry point for customers into the Škoda family, that is helping the brand go deeper in Tier 1 markets and expand further in Tier 2 and 3 cities. This was followed by the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Kodiaq luxury 4×4. Along with the Kushaq, Škoda Auto India now offers a wide range of SUVs suited to the differing mobility needs of customers across the country. Škoda Auto India continues to build on its sedan legacy with the Slavia sedan and a global icon soon to be introduced in India.
Škoda Auto India also offers the most advanced range of automatics and direct injection turbocharged engines across its entire portfolio, enabling a convenient, comfortable, safe and enjoyable mobility experience for customers. Closer to customers From 120 touchpoints in 2021, Škoda Auto India has expanded its network to over 295 touchpoints till date. The company remains steadfast in its goal of achieving 350 touchpoints by the end of 2025, reinforcing its commitment to providing a seamless customer experience across India.
To ensure peace of mind during ownership, Škoda Auto India provides cl-ass leading standard warranty on all its products, along with a wide range of extended warranty and maintenance packages for customers to choose from. Furthermore, the Škoda Supercare maintenance package is now complimentary with every Škoda car for a period of one year. With this, a Škoda owner’s first expense for routine service is only at the end of the second year of ownership or 30,000 kms, whichever is earlier.
Brand “Yu” raises INR 20 CR in Follow-on Series A Funding taking total funding to INR 40 CR
Ashish Kacholia and Asian Paints Promoter Group lead funding round that will help the brand expand in domestic markets while growing its global footprint across Africa and Middle East
New Delhi, February 12, 2024: Chef Crafted Instant Food Brand, Yu has raised INR 20 CR in a follow-on Series A round following its last fundraise in November 2022. The round was led by renowned public market investor Ashish Kacholia and Asian Paints Promoter Group (Manish Choksi, Varun Vakil). With this round of capital, Yu will look to scale-up its manufacturing capacity while entering multiple product categories and segments.
Yu is among the few D2C brands that successfully penetrated multiple distribution channels including offline (6,500+ stores), online (E-Com and Q-Com servicing pan India), institutional segments and exports. The brand will look to consolidate its presence and setup a nationwide distribution network within the next 12 months. Apart from ramping up its domestic distribution, Yu will solidify its presence in South Africa where it has built a nationwide presence (2000 stores) in a short span of time.
Founded by Bharat Bhalla and Varun Kapur, Yu is re-imagining packaged foods with 100% natural ingredients, making them as close as possible to freshly prepared foods. The brand started with instant bowls in 2021 and has since expanded to ready to cook noodles, pastas as well as natural beverages. The brand launched its maiden 100% Natural Coconut Water last year and will look to strengthen its beverage portfolio this summer. The brand is witnessing significant business traction having achieved over 200% growth QoQ on the back of sales of 1.5 million units in Q3-FY24 (Oct-Dec 2023).
Sharing their excitement, Founders Bharat Bhalla and Varun Kapur jointly expressed, “It is extremely motivating to see our existing, highly eminent investors double down on us. Since the last fund raise, Yu has grown exponentially having deepened its penetrated in the Indian market and opened up several export markets like South Africa where Yu now has a nation-wide presence. It is extremely heartening to see a young Make in India brand successfully selling its products in global markets like South Africa, Middle East and Australia. The funds raised will allow us to augment our manufacturing capacity and grow our distribution in India and globally.”
Apart from Ashish Kacholia and Asian Paints Promoter Group (Manisha Choksi, Varun Vakil), Yu counts Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, Sameer Mehta (Founder of Boat), Srikrishna Dwaram (Partner, True North Private Equity), Nikhil Srivastava (PAG Private Equity) and DPIITs Start Up India Seed Fund among its investors.
NEW PRODUCTS – Page 2
G-SHOCK, the trailblazing watch brand from Casio, has launched a powerful new campaign with their brand ambassador actor Vicky Kaushal, building on the brand’s signature message — Rise Above the Shocks. Focused on G-SHOCK’s iconic styles, the campaign champions a new generation that redefines what it means to be tough. G-SHOCK’s legacy has always been […]
Dyninno India is part of the US-based Dyninno Group of companies that provides products and services in the finance, travel, entertainment, and technology sectors in 50 countries – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
Dyninno India LLP has been Great Place To Work® CertifiedTM within only three years of commencing operations and in its first attempt to apply for the Certification. The Certification, which is valid for a year (May 2023 – May 2024), affirms Dyninno India LLP’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work environment for its employees.
Backed by 30 years of data, Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Through its proprietary For AllTM Model and Trust IndexTM Survey, it gives organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently positive employee experience. Its mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all, driving business growth, improving lives, and empowering communities. Through globally recognized and coveted Great Place To Work CertificationTM and highly competitive Best WorkplacesTM Lists, Great Place To Work enables employers to attract and retain talent, benchmark company culture, and increase revenue. Its platform enables leaders to truly capture, analyze and understand the experience of every employee, and compare outcomes with data collected from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries worldwide.
“Despite facing challenges, including the pandemic, Dyninno India successfully positioned itself as a highly desirable employer in a span of slightly over three years. This growth must be attributed to each and every employee who supported us diligently and powered our growth from a handful of people to over 500 employees,” says Alex Weinstein, the Founder of Dyninno Group of Companies. Dyninno India began operations in 2019 at DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Haryana. It operates in two sectors – Travel and Information Technology. Dyninno India’s IT division – Dynatech – acts as the IT center for the entire Dyninno Group.
Reacting to the Great Place To Work CertificationTM, Aleksejs Histjajevs, Director of Dyninno India said, “We scored 79% on the pride dimension, which measures employees’ sense of pride in their work by assessing the feelings employees have toward their jobs, team or work group, and the company. It is the biggest testament to our efforts and initiatives for employee satisfaction. Thanks to their feedback, we will continue to strive for great employee experience and sustained professional growth for every employee. It will be our constant endeavor to ensure we continue creating a great place to work.”
In India, the institute partners with more than 1800 organizations annually across over 20+ industries to help them build High-Trust, High-Performance Cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. Hundreds of CEOs and CXOs from India Inc. are part of the great place community that is committed to the vision of making India a great place to work for all. The Institute’s research shows that great workplaces are characterized by great leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver a consistent experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level. The organization’s leaders are committed to the vision of establishing and maintaining an exceptional work environment for everyone. They serve as role models for all leaders, embodying this belief.
Himalaya, firmly believes that genuine beauty radiates when one liberate oneself from the constraints of stereotypes – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
The campaign’s video captures the essence of stepping beyond the confines of societal beauty ideals. The video showcases a dynamic installation set up within a bustling mall, immediately grabbing the attention of passersby and involving them in a thought-provoking experience.
Commencing with a captivating time-lapse of the carefully arranged installation in the mall, the video portrays a creative whiteboard installed on the premises that has beauty stereotypes like “Only fair is beautiful,” “Tea makes your complexion black,” and “Girls look better when fair” written on it. These stereotypes that are prevalent in society are to be erased with the help of a duster – reminiscent of Himalaya’s Rose Face Wash – symbolizing liberation from these constraints. The video captures the diverse reactions of mall visitors – curiosity, agreement, and a yearning for change, along with their unique experiences that they were kind enough to share.
The core theme of the campaign comes to the forefront as various individuals step up to challenge biases that clash with their beliefs, each making a sweeping gesture against stifling conventions. The event’s host actively participates, interacting with the volunteers and acknowledging their contributions. As a token of appreciation, Himalaya Wellness Company distributed the face wash to encourage consumers to move towards a stereotype-free society. The subsequent compelling montage showcases participants proudly displaying the products or striking poses. The model’s once-concealed face emerges confidently, mirroring the potential societal transformation achievable through the defiance of stereotypes.
The video concludes with a poignant message emphasizing the concept of embracing authenticity: “Celebrate the Power of Being Yourself with Himalaya Natural Glow Rose Face Wash.” This impactful tagline serves as an encouraging call to action, inspiring individuals to cast aside established norms and wholeheartedly embrace their true selves.
Ms. Gayatri Kabilan, Category Manager – Face Wash, expresses her thoughts on the video, sharing, “At Himalaya, we firmly believe that genuine beauty radiates when we liberate ourselves from the constraints of stereotypes. We are of the view that everyone possesses unique and innate beauty, irrespective of age, gender, or skin tone. Through this initiative, Himalaya Wellness Company seeks to empower everyone to challenge beauty stereotypes and embrace their authentic selves.”
The campaign reaches its zenith with the appearance of the Himalaya Wellness Company logo and the showcased product, Rose Face Wash, accompanied by the resounding message, “Every face glows.” This serves as a reminder that genuine radiance emanates from embracing one’s distinct identity.
Seeds Fincap Pvt Ltd Continues Its Momentum with $4.5 Million DFI from responsAbility Investments AG
Seeds Fincap Private Limited is excited to announce another significant milestone: the successful raising of over $4.5 million in its first Development Financial Institution (DFI) through Non-Convertible Debentures. This pivotal investment was led by responsAbility Investments AG (“responsAbility fund”), a globally recognized impact investor.
This announcement comes just after Seeds Fincap celebrated the successful completion of Series A funding round. The back-to-back achievements underscore the company’s robust growth trajectory and its unwavering commitment to financial inclusion.
Mr. Subhash Chandra Acharya, MD & CEO of Seeds Fincap Pvt Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This funding is more than just capital; it’s a catalyst for transformation. We are excited to harness this support to revolutionize financial accessibility across the nation and drive meaningful change.”
Co-founder Mr. Avishek Sarkar added, ” With this funding, we are poised to pioneer new frontiers in financial solutions. Our ability to secure substantial investments from prominent investors validates our mission and strengthens our resolve to reach deeper into communities that need it the most.”
Nidhi Nathani, a representative from responsAbility Investments AG, shared, “We are happy to support Seeds Fincap, which meets our financial inclusion impact theme. Our funding will help them to support MSMEs who have limited access to finance.”
This infusion of capital marks a significant step in Seeds Fincap’s mission to empower dreams and drive financial inclusion across India. It comes at a pivotal time as Seeds Fincap recently celebrated the opening of its 100th branch in Vrindavan, a milestone that underscores the company’s rapid growth and unwavering commitment to expanding its footprint.
Celebrating Our 100th Branch: A Milestone of Growth and Impact
The inauguration of the 100th branch in Vrindavan is more than just a number; it symbolizes the extensive reach and robust infrastructure Seeds Fincap has developed over the years. This achievement highlights the company’s dedication to bringing financial services closer to underserved communities, ensuring that financial empowerment is accessible to all.
Mr. Acharya remarked, “Opening our 100th branch is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the relentless efforts of our team. Each branch represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless MSMEs across India.”
As Seeds Fincap sets its sights on broader horizons, it stands poised to deepen its reach across India, extending its services to underserved markets and solidifying its position as a catalyst for economic empowerment. With strategic alliances with prominent financial institutions, the company is well-positioned to offer a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, enriching its value proposition for clients while amplifying its impact on the MSME ecosystem.
TOTO Expands Bathroom Portfolio, Aligns Indian Consumer Demand for Luxury & Technology
TOTO India has announced an exciting expansion of its portfolio with the launch of season-inspired basins, faucets and a new water-efficient WC range. Each product reflects TOTO’s philosophy of combining Japanese craftsmanship, advanced technology, and timeless design to make everyday living more beautiful and sustainable.
After introducing the Matte colour edition, the brand now unveils a new seasoned themed basin inspired by the elegance of nature and the four seasons. Featuring sleek, flowing designs, the basins bring a sense of calm to modern interiors. The collection consists of four colours, each representing a season: Forest Green for Spring, Mandarin Orange for Summer, Scarlet Red for Autumn and Ash Bule for Winter. Enhanced with TOTO’s CEFIONTECT glaze, the basins stay cleaner for longer, reducing the effort needed for maintenance while ensuring a consistently fresh look.
TOTO also introduces faucets in Rose Gold and Graphite finishes, adding a striking layer of sophistication to luxury bathrooms. These finishes are the result of meticulous artistry, ensuring both beauty and durability. Perfectly complementing the season-themed basins, the faucets are crafted using PVD technology for long-lasting matte black colour, while sustainable manufacturing processes reuse up to 90% of wastewater, making these them as responsible as they are refined.
Completing the collection is a New WC lineup featuring sleek, fully concealed and stylish models-CW362MUNW1 in square shape, CW592MUNW1 in round shape. Designed with TORNADO FLUSH technology for powerful yet water-saving performance and dual flush options as low as 3.0L, the range offers a balance of efficiency, hygiene, and style. The bowls, available in both square and elongated designs, fit seamlessly into contemporary spaces while reducing water consumption without compromising comfort.
“Today, Indian consumers are looking for bathroom solutions that go beyond functionality. They want products that are stylish, comfortable, and sustainable. With these new launches, we are bringing together design and innovation in a way that makes every bathroom experience more thoughtful and enjoyable”, said Mr. Shiozawa Kazuyuki, Managing Director, TOTO India.