New Delhi, January 30, 2025 The Indian Industries Association (IIA) Delhi Chapter officially announced the Build Bharat Expo-2025 during a press conference. This major industrial event will take place from March 19 to 21, 2025, at India Expo Centre, Hall No. 06, New Delhi. The objective of the Expo is to showcase India’s manufacturing capabilities […]
The kitchen has transformed from a functional cooking area to a dynamic space for creativity, sustainability, and technology. In 2025, kitchen appliances are pushing the boundaries of innovation, blending advanced features with sleek aesthetics to meet the needs of modern lifestyles. This year’s trends are driven by a desire for convenience, environmental responsibility, and personalization, making kitchens smarter and more efficient than ever before.
Smart kitchens are no longer a futuristic concept but a reality shaping the way we cook and interact with appliances. “IoT-enabled devices allow homeowners to control their kitchen appliances remotely via smartphones or voice assistants. For instance, ovens can now preheat on command, refrigerators can send notifications about low stock, and AI-powered systems suggest recipes based on available ingredients. This integration of technology is making everyday tasks seamless while reducing waste and energy consumption.”, says Mr. Shital Gupta, CEO, KAFF.
Sustainability has emerged as a key focus in kitchen innovation. Appliances are increasingly designed to minimize environmental impact, with energy-efficient models becoming the norm. Induction cooktops and water-saving dishwashers, for example, cater to eco-conscious households, while many manufacturers are adopting recycled materials for production. The emphasis on longevity and responsible usage is a step forward in reducing the environmental footprint of modern kitchens.
Functionality has taken a significant leap with the rise of multifunctional appliances. As urban living spaces shrink, compact designs that serve multiple purposes are in high demand. Air fryer ovens, combination microwaves, and steam ovens are examples of devices that cater to diverse cooking needs without overwhelming the kitchen with clutter. These versatile appliances make it easier for homeowners to experiment with a variety of cooking techniques while saving valuable counter space.
Health and wellness are integral to the kitchen trends of 2025, with appliances increasingly supporting nutritious lifestyles. Steam ovens, sous-vide cookers, and nutrient-preserving blenders are becoming staples in health-conscious homes. These appliances simplify the preparation of wholesome meals while retaining natural flavors and nutrients. As consumers prioritize wellness, such innovations are helping them maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing convenience.
Hygiene and touchless technology have also taken center stage, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Motion-activated faucets, hands-free garbage disposals, and appliances with antibacterial coatings are gaining popularity. UV sanitizing drawers and refrigerators equipped with odor-neutralizing systems are also addressing growing concerns about kitchen cleanliness. These technologies ensure a safer cooking environment, offering peace of mind for users.
Refrigerators and storage solutions in 2025 have also evolved to offer advanced capabilities. Smart refrigerators now come with vacuum-sealing technology, humidity-controlled compartments, and temperature-specific zones to keep food fresher for longer. Some models even feature digital displays with nutritional information and meal-planning suggestions, elevating their functionality beyond simple storage.
“As kitchens continue to evolve in 2025, they represent a convergence of technology, sustainability, and thoughtful design.”, adds Mr. Shital Gupta, CEO, KAFF. The latest appliances prioritize convenience and health while promoting eco-friendly practices and personal expression. Whether through smart technology, multifunctional tools, or stylish aesthetics, the modern kitchen is set to become a space that seamlessly adapts to the needs of contemporary living, proving that innovation and practicality can go hand in hand.
As the country’s largest manufacturer of soft furnishing fabrics, D’Decor has taken Indian craftsmanship to homes across the globe over the last two and a half decades. The brand has been consistently setting new benchmarks in India’s home decor industry, weaving a story that bridges traditional craftsmanship with 21st-century innovation.
D’Decor stands apart in the industry with its unparalleled design expertise, offering over 20,000 copyrighted designs across curtains and blinds, upholstery, bedding, cushions, rugs, kids’ collections, and outdoor fabrics. Breaking new ground in design and functionality, it is the first Indian brand to introduce flame-retardant and UV-protection fabrics.
At the heart of D’Decor’s global success is its unwavering mission: “Making homes beautiful on every street, in every city of every country in the world.” True to this, the brand today exports its products to 65 different countries, with over 60% of its revenue driven by international markets. Its presence is especially strong in the USA, UK, Europe, and the Middle East – regions known for their discerning taste in luxury and design – speaking volumes about the brand’s ability to cater to diverse cultures and preferences.
While D’Decor is making waves internationally, its presence in India is equally formidable. As the largest brand in its category, D’Decor is a market leader, surpassing its closest competitor by a remarkable margin of 300%. With a network of over 800 multi-branded outlets and a footprint in more than 250 cities across the country, the brand’s commitment to making beautiful homes accessible extends beyond metros, reaching smaller towns and cities as well. Some of the brand’s biggest customers in the country include Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, and Swavelle.
D’Decor’s commitment to excellence is powered by its state-of-the-art manufacturing infrastructure. Spanning a total plant area of 1 million square feet across three facilities, D’Decor produces an impressive 60,000 meters of fabric daily with a dedicated workforce of 3,500 employees. This robust production capacity is supported by three strategically located warehouses, including a fully robotized central warehouse.
The brand also extends this spirit of innovation to sustainability, minimising environmental footprint through eco-friendly sourcing and waste reduction. In fact, business heads Sanjana and Sarah Arora have also launched ‘Sansaar’ under the aegis of D’Decor, to explicitly focus on mindfully-manufactured fabrics.
D’Decor thus shapes the future of the decor textile industry, exemplifying how Indian artistry can be showcased on a global level.
Bhubaneswar, India – January 30, 2025 – Shreyas Webmedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd. took part in an insightful interactive session on SME Funding and IPO Listing today, organized by the World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Affinity Global Services Pvt. Ltd. The event was held at the IDCO Conference Hall, 5th Floor, New Annex Building, IDCO Towers, Janpath, Bhubaneswar.
The session brought together prominent industry experts and financial leaders who provided valuable insights into SME funding avenues, IPO preparation strategies, and the advantages of stock exchange listings. The discussions empowered businesses to explore new financial opportunities while gaining a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework for public listing.
The session commenced with a warm welcome from Nimishika Natarajan, Assistant Director of WTC Bhubaneswar, followed by an engaging discussion on SME funding and IPO listing dynamics.
Key Speakers and Their Insights
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including:
Sanjeev Mahapatra, Secretary of Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd., who inaugurated the session with a warm welcome and insightful remarks on SME funding challenges. He highlighted why SME projects often struggle, the need for financial support in Odisha, and various funding sources available for SMEs.
Avik Gupta, Senior Manager of Primary Markets Relationship at NSE, who provided a comprehensive overview of NSE Emerge. He discussed the advantages of listing on NSE, eligibility criteria, post-listing compliance, SME listing incentives by the state government, and the step-by-step process for companies to get listed on NSE Emerge.
Sanjay Baoltia, CA, Chairman of Affinity Global Services Pvt. Ltd., who emphasized the importance of technology adoption, AI integration, and resource allocation for SMEs. He also detailed the eligibility criteria for listing, share dilution requirements, compliance management, and transitioning from SME listing to the main board.
Neeraj Agarwal, representative of Vdeal System Pvt. Ltd., who shared his personal journey and struggles with financial constraints and collateral challenges in securing bank funding. He encouraged SMEs to explore IPO listings as a viable growth strategy.
Representing Shreyas Webmedia Solutions at the event were Ms. Gouri Achary, Director (Finance), Ms. Rekha Nair, Director (HR & Operations), and Mr. K Sai Krishna. Their presence underscored the company’s commitment to staying informed about emerging financial trends and exploring new growth opportunities. Shreyas Webmedia Solutions continues to stay proactive in gaining industry knowledge and leveraging networking opportunities to enhance its business strategy.
The event concluded with a networking session and a luncheon, allowing attendees to connect with industry professionals, financial experts, and peers in an informal setting.
Thousands expected for annual four-race running event
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, January 30: Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return for its 18th edition on Saturday (February 1), with four races starting and finishing on Al Marjan Island.
(Left to right): Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Race Director Peter Connerton; Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi; Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon winner and course record holder Girmawit Gebrzihair; and legendary runner Paula Radcliffe MBE.
Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is a long-standing sporting and social fixture that attracts community runners and international elites alike.
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said “Ras Al Khaimah continues to excel as a premier destination for nature, adventure, and sporting events. With the highest number of participants expected this year, the 18th edition of the RAK Half Marathon highlights the growth and strong community focus of our emirate.
“Sport tourism, a cornerstone of our growth strategy, not only stimulates local businesses but also enhances the liveability of our community by fostering healthier, happier lifestyles. We look forward to welcoming professional athletes, families, and running enthusiasts alike, and we wish everyone participating the best of luck!”
Featuring the title 21.1km half marathon race, the event also offers runs at 2km, 5km, and 10km for athletes of all ages and abilities.
This year, Kenyan Isaia Lasoi – who finished third in the 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon – will return confident of finishing higher on the podium after setting his new personal best in the 2024 Copenhagen Half Marathon (58:10), a time which makes him the fastest man in the RAK Half field for 2025. It’s also a time 40 seconds quicker than his third place finish 12 months ago.
He will be joined on the start line by the likes of Ethiopians Adamlak Belihu (58:54) – a two-time winner of the New Delhi Half Marathon – and Gemechu Dida (58:59), who finished fourth in RAK in 2023, as well as Kenyan Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medallist Nicholas Kipkorir (59:02).
In the women’s field, two athletes are tied on half marathon personal bests of 64:14. Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion in 2022, Girmawit Gebrzihair established her personal best when setting the RAK course record three years ago, while her fellow Ethiopian Ejgayehu Taye recorded the same time when finishing fourth on her half marathon debut in Valencia last year.
A World Championship bronze medallist indoors and out, and a top eight finisher at the Olympic Games, Taye rarely races on the road, but comes to Ras Al Khaimah in buoyant mood and is focused on a record-breaking run in the Gulf on Saturday. In her only performance at the half marathon in Valencia, she finished ahead of last year’s Ras Al Khaimah winner Tsigie Gebrselama.
Also confirmed in the field is talented Kenyan Judy Kemboi (65:43), a relative newcomer to international road racing who won three straight half marathons in 2024 (Gent, Geneva and Riga) before setting her personal best finishing runner-up at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, also in 2024.
Race organisers are putting in place the final building blocks that will turn the roads into a running circuit with the start and finish lines created outside the office of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) on Al Marjan Island.
The Runner’s Village will provide an estimated 10,000 runners with a children’s play zone, radio broadcasts, food and beverage, a DJ and live music to keep athletes and spectators entertained throughout the morning. In addition, a 500-seat grandstand has been constructed to allow friends and family the chance to sit and support the runners as they cross the finish line and collect their medals.
For those who have yet to sign up to run, registration for the annual Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon remains open at rakhalfmarathon.com, although the last day to collect those important race packs and run numbers is Friday (January 31).
The 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is also sponsored by adidas, Channel 4 Radio Network, ITP Media Group and Bisleri Water.
Hyderabad, 30 Jan 2025: The first India-UK Research Partnership Meet, hosted by the Fernandez Hospital Education & Research Foundation (FHERF) in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, marked a significant step forward in strengthening research and education ties between the two nations. Bringing together policymakers, leading researchers, clinicians, and global organisations, the event centered on advancing women’s health through collaboration and shared expertise.
The discussions held on 30th January at Fernandez Stork Home highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing maternal and child health challenges. Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, Professor of Women’s Health and India Lead at the University of Liverpool, delivered the keynote address. A recognised authority in systematic reviews and a key collaborator with the World Health Organization, she emphasised the need for collective efforts in improving health outcomes.
“Research-driven partnerships like these bridge gaps between science and real-world impact. By working together, we can turn evidence into action, ensuring that every woman, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, receives the highest standard of care,” said Professor Thangaratinam.
The meet saw participation from representatives of the Government of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, UNICEF, and leading higher education institutions. Indie Kaur, Director of Midwifery at Fernandez Foundation, highlighted the critical role of midwife-led care models in ensuring safe, respectful, and high-quality maternity care.
“Midwifery is the backbone of safe and respectful maternity care. By integrating midwife-led models of care with cutting-edge research, we can create a future where every woman experiences a positive and empowered childbirth journey,” she noted.
Gareth Owen, Deputy British High Commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, underscored the UK’s commitment to fostering impactful research collaborations with India.
“The UK and India share a rich history of academic and healthcare collaborations. This partnership in women’s health research is a testament to our shared ambition of improving maternal and newborn care through innovation, evidence-based policy, and education,” he said.
Others present on the occasion were Dr Evita Fernandez, Chairperson & MD, Fernandez Foundation, Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Telangana), Dr Anthony Vipin Das, Chairperson, Fernandez Innovations Forum, Dr Anil Kumar, Additional Director, Maternal & Child Health, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Dr Sumitra, Programme Officer, Maternal & Child Health, Government of Telangana.
With experts and key stakeholders engaging in discussions, the UK-India Research Partnership Meet set the stage for future collaborations, funding opportunities, and knowledge exchange aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for women across India and beyond.
Bangalore, India 30 January 2025: ISACA’s State of Cybersecurity survey report found that the two top factors for determining qualified candidates for jobs are prior hands-on experience (73 percent) and credentials held (38 percent). To help employers find qualified candidates and help cybersecurity professionals demonstrate their hands-on cybersecurity skills, ISACA has launched its Certified Cybersecurity […]
Mumbai, January 30, 2025: Quess Corp, India’s leading business services provider announced its Q3 and 9M FY25 financial results today. Q3FY25 Highlights Revenue at ₹5,519 cr up by 14% YoY and 7% QoQ EBITDA at ₹197 cr up by 6% YoY and 1% QoQ PAT at ₹85 cr up by 34% YoY and down 9% […]
New Delhi, January 30th, 2025: FUJIFILM India has unveiled its much-awaited FUJIFILM X-M5 in India, adding to the celebrated X Series of mirrorless digital cameras. Known for their compact designs, cutting-edge technology, and outstanding image quality, the X Series sets a new benchmark with the X-M5. This lightweight yet feature-packed marvel is crafted to inspire […]
Hyderabad January 30, 2025: KRBL Limited, a global leader in the food industry and parent to the World’s No.1 India Gate Basmati Rice, proudly announces the launch of its new packaging. Designed with a consumer-first approach, the revamped packaging aims to educate and empower consumers, enabling them to make informed choices based on their unique preferences and requirements.
The journey to this milestone began with a deep dive into consumer behavior, aiming to address significant gaps in the category. Research highlighted key challenges: lack of detailed product knowledge and price-driven decision-making. These insights laid the foundation for the new packaging, designed to simplify choices, provide transparency, and strengthen consumer trust.
To bring this vision to life, KRBL partnered with renowned brand consulting and design firm Landor Associates. This collaboration brought global expertise to address complex challenges, such as the integration of modern design elements with India Gate’s rich legacy and ensuring that the packaging resonates with diverse consumer mindsets. Through extensive research and validation, the new packaging emerged as a solution that blends tradition with innovation, empowering consumers with detailed product information, consumer-forward illustrations and interactive features like QR codes.
By segmenting the portfolio based on mindsets—such as The Perfectionist, The Quality-Seeker, The Taste Champion, The Smart Shopper—KRBL ensures a tailored experience for every consumer.
“The new packaging represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower consumers,” said Ayush Gupta, India Business Head, KRBL Limited. “By addressing long-standing consumer challenges, we aim to redefine how consumers interact with basmati rice. Every detail, from AR-enabled QR codes to variant-specific prefixes, is designed to make their journey easier and more rewarding. This is packaging with a purpose—intelligent, engaging, and deeply rooted in our values. This initiative not only reflects our dedication to quality and innovation but also strengthens our legacy as a trusted leader in the industry.”
The revamped packaging is just the beginning of a multi-phase campaign that is being launched on 29th January 2025 at PVR Director’s Cut, Vasant Kunj, with the unveiling kicking off with a grand premiere at PVR Director’s Cut, marking a bold step in redefining consumer engagement in an otherwise low-engagement category.
The movie premiere was the ideal stage to unveil this milestone. said Kunal Sharma, Head of Marketing & Business Head, Modern Trade and E-commerce, KRBL Limited. “Films are about storytelling, and we wanted to leverage that power to ensure maximum engagement. This high-impact ATL campaign was designed to dominate the conversation with a mix of creativity and innovation. From anamorphic displays at iconic landmarks to immersive AI-enabled robots in retail stores, every element was crafted to create a buzz that resonated across platforms and geographies.”
“With 20% of the marketing budget driving this initiative, we reached new heights of visibility and engagement. We didn’t just unveil packaging; we redefined how brands engage with their audiences. By combining the glamour of Bollywood with cutting-edge activations, this campaign stands as a benchmark for scale, depth, and impactful storytelling in the industry.”
Designed for maximum impact, the 360-degree marketing campaign spans digital, on-ground, influencer, and in-cinema activations. On over 200 sites in 14 cities, striking hoardings command attention, while anamorphic displays at iconic landmarks and a 45-day presence at Mahakumbh create mass visibility. AI-enabled robots and selfie booths at Reliance stores transform consumer interaction into immersive experiences.
Beyond Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, top film critics and directors, including Karan Johar, Vignesh Shivan and Rajiv Masand along with an army of prominent influencers, amplified the campaign’s influence. On the digital front, BookMyShow roadblocks, Meta, YouTube, and OTT campaigns ensured massive reach, while activations and partnership with quick-commerce giants like Swiggy Instamart, Zepto and BlinkIT added to the momentum.
After nearly three decades, this packaging refresh marks a historic moment for KRBL. As pioneers in the packaged basmati rice segment, KRBL continues to set industry benchmarks, cementing its position as the category captain. With this initiative, KRBL reinforces its leadership, ensuring India Gate Basmati Rice remains a category icon.
