Category: Business

News Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): Indian equity markets recorded a strong rally today, driven by improved global sentiment as geopolitical tensions in West Asia showed signs of easing. Benchmark indices posted notable gains, with the Nifty rising by 500 points and the Sensex advancing 0.7%.

The positive momentum was supported by renewed investor confidence, as concerns over potential disruptions in global markets and energy supplies began to recede. Easing tensions contributed to stability in crude oil prices, further encouraging buying across sectors.

Gains were broad-based, with key sectors such as banking, information technology, and energy leading the upward movement. Market participants responded positively to the reduced uncertainty, increasing exposure to equities.

Experts suggest that while the current trend reflects optimism, investors should continue to monitor global developments and macroeconomic indicators that may influence market direction in the coming weeks.

 April 16: Havells India Ltd., a leading FMEG company, has unveiled ‘Hawa Badlegi’, a quirky summer campaign designed to break away from conventional category communication and drive strong engagement among today’s always-online, young consumers.

 Conceptualized around the theme of ‘Trolls vs Fans’ with TBWA\Lintas, Gurugram, the campaign taps into the pulse of social media culture, reflecting the dynamic nature of online conversations where opinions are constantly shaped and amplified in real time. Moving beyond the category’s traditionally functional messaging, Havells adopts a more culturally relevant and contemporary approach, leveraging the language and behavior of audiences. The campaign further amplifies its reach and cultural resonance.

The brand has onboarded three celebrities, Varun Dhawan, Anurag Kashyap, and Yuzvendra Chahal, to bring alive the ‘Fans vs Trolls’ narrative, adding scale, relatability, and entertainment value to the storytelling. Through three edgy films, the campaign captures everyday social media behaviour, bringing trolls out from behind screens and face-to-face with the celebrities they comment on, culminating in a clear, brand-led message: if you want to be a fan, be a good one—like Havells fans. At its core, ‘Hawa Badlegi’ acts as a catalyst for fostering a healthier, more positive fan culture, actively nudging audiences away from trolling towards genuine appreciation. By championing this shift in sentiment, Havells not only sparks conversation but also embodies the very ‘wind of change’ it advocates, positioning its fans as the benchmark for what it truly means to be a fan.

Commenting on the campaign, Rohit Kapoor, EVP – Brand Marcom, Havells India Ltd., said:

“With ‘Hawa Badlegi’, we wanted to break away from predictable category narratives and create something that feels fresh, relevant, and inherently shareable. By tapping into the ‘Trolls vs Fans’ dynamic, we are speaking the language of today’s consumers in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful. With the scale of IPL and the power of our mega-star cast, we believe this campaign will drive strong visibility, engagement, and cultural impact.”

The first film featuring Anurag Kashyap shows him seated across a troll, reading out a harsh comment he had posted online. It is only when the words are spoken aloud that the individual downplays it as harmless banter among close ones, quickly adding that he is, in fact, a fan. Anurag responds with a sharp takeaway- if you want to be a fan, be a good one, like Havells fans.

The second film featuring Varun Dhawan follows a similar setup, with the actor seated across a troll as he reads out a sharp comment accusing him of “acting in the gym” and merely working out in films. When confronted, the individual quickly reframes it as admiration, calling Varun artistic and creative, and even asks if it’s part of an ad. Varun counters with a clear message- be a fan like Havells, and take a cue from Havells fans on what it means to be a good one.

The final film features Yuzvendra Chahal seated across a troll as he reads out one of the user’s comments. The individual quickly claims to be a fan, even asking if it’s part of an ad, before adding a cheeky remark about who will focus on bowling for the Indian cricket team if Chahal is busy with ads. Chahal responds with a sharp retort, urging him to focus on being a fan first, and to be a good one, like Havells fans.

Commenting on the campaign, Vasudha Misra, President – Creative, TBWA\Lintas, North said,

“Fans, they are a complicated lot these days. They can go from singing your praises to calling for your head in a matter of minutes, or tweets. We thought perhaps all of us, as fans, could learn a thing or two from Havells fans. Hawa badalni chahiye. So, we made an ad about it. Or was it an ad about an ad, about an ad? Whatever it was, it is already one of our all-time faves. Here’s to the TBWA Lintas team, our most incredibly supportive clients, and to our fabulous director and actors; I would never, ever troll any of you guys.”

Through the campaign, Havells positions itself as a brand that not only participates in conversations but shapes them promoting a more positive fan culture. The rollout begins with teasers and scales up to a high-impact IPL launch, amplified through premium integrations. Backed by a robust 360-degree media strategy across television, digital, and on-ground activations, Hawa Badlegi’ is designed to drive attention, spark conversations, and deliver high virality.

 

SYDNEY, Apr 16 – Epson has been awarded a AAA rating, the highest rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings, for the third consecutive year in 2026. MSCI ESG Ratings is a global ESG investment index provided by MSCI. MSCI researches and analyses a company’s response to ESG-related risks and opportunities and assigns one of seven ratings ranging from AAA at the top to CCC at the bottom.

Epson facility at Yennora, NSW

Epson has implemented initiatives to enhance transparency in raw material procurement, as well as measures to strengthen human rights and human capital.

The company believe these initiatives were instrumental in helping to maintain the AAA rating for the third consecutive year.

Epson has been selected as a constituent of the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and the MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN), as well as all other ESG indices covering Japanese equities adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF). 

The Epson Group purpose statement is “Our philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world.” To fulfill Epson’s purpose in society, the company will continue to evolve our sustainability management initiatives that both resolve societal issues and drive corporate growth.

The FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index, FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index, MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index, S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index, MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN), Morningstar Japan Ex-REIT Gender Diversity Tilt Index (GenDi) (current as of April 2, 2026).

Businesses operating in Malaysia and across ASEAN will get a timely roadmap for 2026 at an upcoming strategy session hosted in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia. The event will bring together industry leaders to unpack policy shifts, talent strategies, and growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Scheduled for April 23, 2026, at EQ Kuala Lumpur, the session is designed for both Australian SMEs operating in Malaysia and local enterprises preparing to scale. Organisers say the programme will focus on delivering practical insights, regulatory clarity, and actionable strategies that businesses can immediately implement.

Industry Leaders to Share Insights

The session will feature a strong lineup of speakers offering perspectives across policy, finance, talent, and technology:

• Ong Kian Ming will discuss how businesses can remain competitive amid shifting dynamics in the ASEAN region.
• Surin Segar will address evolving SST regulations and the financial strategies SMEs need to prioritise.
• Ibrahim Sani will explore ways to unlock Malaysia’s talent pool and build future-ready teams.
• Low Choy Huat will highlight the role of resilient organisational culture and AI-driven talent strategies.
• Karen Khaw will focus on bridging the skills gap through industry–academia collaboration.

Additional academic perspective will be provided by Meera Sivasoathy, Professor of Practice in Digital Media and Communication.

Focus on Practical Outcomes

The session aims to go beyond theory, equipping attendees with clear, actionable guidance on navigating regulatory changes, leveraging talent, and embedding technology into business strategy. With ASEAN markets undergoing structural shifts, the event positions itself as a critical touchpoint for companies seeking to stay competitive.

Event Details:

• Date: April 23, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Venue: EQ Kuala Lumpur

Seats are limited, and organisers are encouraging early registration. Participation is subject to acceptance of the event’s data privacy policy.

With a strong emphasis on strategy, talent, and policy alignment, the session is expected to offer valuable direction for businesses preparing for the challenges and opportunities of 2026.

Robinhood Markets, Inc. has announced an ambitious commitment to expand financial literacy, aiming to reach one million individuals through classroom-based education programmes by 2030. The pledge was highlighted during a policy panel on Capitol Hill, where Senior Director of International Government and External Affairs Chloe Barz outlined the company’s evolving strategy.

The initiative will extend across a wide spectrum of learners, including school and college students, educators, athletes, community leaders, and nonprofit partners. The company said its approach is designed to support individuals at key financial transition points, equipping them with practical knowledge to manage change and plan effectively.

A cornerstone of the effort is Robinhood’s flagship Money Drills™ programme, which now partners with 18 universities across the United States. New additions to the network in 2026 include the University of Arizona, Boise State University, and University of Wisconsin–Madison. These courses are designed to deliver essential financial skills in an accessible format while offering academic credits that contribute toward graduation.

Building on this foundation, the company plans to launch a new phase of the programme—Money Drills: Readiness—later this year. The initiative will specifically target active-duty military personnel, helping them navigate financial decisions as they transition to civilian life.

“Accessible financial education has always been central to our mission, and we are now significantly scaling our reach,” said Chloe Barz. “This commitment allows us to expand existing programmes while introducing new, tailored learning opportunities that meet people where they are.”

The push aligns with findings from the World Economic Forum, which highlight experiential learning—or “learning by doing”—as the most effective way for individuals to build investment knowledge. The research also indicates a strong preference for financial institutions as trusted sources of education, ahead of traditional media, social platforms, and formal schooling.

The announcement coincides with Robinhood’s second annual Financial Education Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together policymakers, educators, athletes, and nonprofit leaders. The event features workshops, panel discussions, and specialised sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration and expanding access to financial literacy resources, particularly for underserved communities.

With this expanded push, Robinhood is positioning itself at the forefront of classroom-based financial education, combining in-person learning with its existing digital tools to help build long-term financial confidence among the next generation.

Mumbai, April 14: Plum BodyLovin’, the six-year-old body care extension of new-age beauty brand Plum, has unveiled a refreshed independent identity with elevated, design-led packaging across its portfolio, marking a new growth phase for one of India’s fastest-growing body care brands.

The relaunch introduces 16 new products across four summer-themed collections, alongside the brand’s entry into the lip care category with playful, design-forward lip balms. The expansion reflects BodyLovin’s continued focus on expressive, sensorial beauty experiences.

At the core of the launch are four new fragrance-led collections, each built around contrasting scent profiles:

• Petals on the Rocks – floral notes blended with zesty citrus
• Boardroom in Bora Bora – dragon fruit fused with jasmine
• Matcha, But Disco – matcha with warm vanilla undertones
• Tropic Of Discussion – tropical breeze paired with creamy coconut

Each collection includes a shower gel, body lotion, and body mist designed for layering and mix-and-match use based on mood and preference.

The brand has also introduced Glassic Lip Balms, featuring high-shine finishes and collectible charm packaging. The range includes variants such as Gossippin’ Ginger Ale, Popcorn N’ Pilates, Kaapi Tiramisu, and Banoffee For Brekkie, offering tinted and gloss-based formulations.

With this relaunch, BodyLovin’ strengthens its positioning in body care while expanding its footprint across adjacent categories. Existing bestsellers—including Vanilla Caramello Body Lotion, Vanilla Vibes Body Mist, and Hawaiian Rumba Shower Gel along with 50+ SKUs, will transition into the refreshed design language, creating a more unified and elevated portfolio.

The brand now scales to over 60 SKUs, priced between ₹350 and ₹700, maintaining accessibility while strengthening its premium sensorial positioning. The packaging overhaul introduces brighter, bolder visuals aimed at enhancing shelf presence and reinforcing brand recall.

Speaking on the relaunch, Shankar Prasad, Founder & CEO, Plum, said:

“BodyLovin’ has built strong consumer love across categories, and this next phase is about scaling that with a sharper, more distinctive identity. We’re doubling down on what makes the brand special, while building a stronger, more future-ready portfolio.”

Stuti Sethi, Brand Lead, Plum BodyLovin’, added:

“This rebrand is about letting BodyLovin’ be more expressive, defined, and intentional across fragrance, design, and experience. We are also leaning into summer with fresher, more playful fragrance worlds, while the move into lip care is a natural extension of our sensorial approach.”

With its latest relaunch, Plum BodyLovin’ aims to further strengthen its position as a category-defining body care brand in India’s evolving beauty and personal care market.

Apr 15 (BNP): Indian stock markets ended the day on a strong note on Wednesday, as investors turned upbeat amid positive global cues and hopes of renewed talks between the US and Iran.

The Sensex jumped 1,263.67 points (1.64%), while the Nifty 50 climbed 389 points (1.63%) to settle at 24,231.

Broader markets saw even stronger momentum, with both midcap and smallcap indices rising more than 2%, showing that buying interest was not limited to large companies.

All sectoral indices ended in positive territory. The Nifty IT index led the rally with gains of around 2.8%, while media and realty stocks also saw healthy buying, rising over 2% each.

Investor sentiment improved as easing geopolitical tensions lifted global risk appetite and helped bring crude oil prices under control.

Market experts said that while earnings expectations remain mixed in the near term, overall sentiment is supported by reasonable valuations and hopes of stronger corporate performance in FY27.

New Delhi, Apr 15: Vahan.ai, India’s AI-powered recruitment platform for the gig and blue-collar workforce, has announced the launch of the second installment of its flagship campaign, the Vahan Placement League (VPL) 2026. Launched with a high-energy rollout and the campaign anthem “Khelo Jam Ke, Jeeto Jam Ke,” this year’s edition sets the tone for a larger, more competitive and high-participation recruitment drive across the country. Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition, the campaign returns as the company’s largest Placement League to date, anticipating its highest-ever participation from Vahan Leaders (VLs) and access to the widest range of clients and job categories.

Vahan Leaders are on-ground recruitment partners who play a central role in connecting employers with blue-collar workers across local markets. Through its network of Vahan Leaders, Vahan.ai augments local ecosystems rather than replacing them, enabling recruiters to scale their impact using AI-powered tools. This model not only enhances efficiency but also creates micro-entrepreneurship opportunities, ensuring that value creation remains distributed across the ecosystem.

VPL 2026 will run for 10 weeks from March 23 to May 31, 2026, in parallel with the IPL season, with winners set to be announced in the first week of June. The campaign follows a cohort-based competition format, where Vahan Leaders are classified based on their past performance and capabilities. This year’s edition also introduces a two-phase structure, Phase I and Phase II, allowing participants to recover early deficits and maximise overall placements.

The campaign is expected to see participation from over 1000 Vahan Leaders across the country, working on requirements from more than 20 employers across multiple categories. All major job categories supported by the platform are included in VPL, including Delivery Partners, Bike Taxi Captains, Picker Packers, 4W drivers, Manufacturing workers, and InstaHelp providers.

VPL continues to play a key role in strengthening the blue-collar workforce ecosystem by unlocking better income opportunities across the network, regardless of gender or age, while increasing focus on Tier 2–4 cities. The campaign also reflects broad-based participation across regions, with placement contributions led by NCR, UP and Rajasthan at 36%, followed by MP, Chhattisgarh and Central India at 32%, Karnataka at 26%, East and West regions at 5%, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at 2%, and Tamil Nadu and Kerala at 1%.

The campaign is being rolled out through a mix of digital and on-ground activations, including social media engagement, particularly on Instagram, as well as posters and danglers across Vahan Leader offices. In addition, “Booster Days” and “Booster Weeks” have been introduced to drive higher engagement and performance, while WhatsApp campaigns are being leveraged to connect both Vahan Leaders and blue-collar workers.

At the core of VPL are its key stakeholders, with Vahan Leaders acting as the primary participants driving placements and competing for top rankings, while employers provide increased job opportunities in line with rising demand during the campaign period. The success of the campaign will be measured through participation levels, placement growth during the VPL period compared to non-VPL months, increased client growth, and engagement driven through booster initiatives.

To further incentivise performance, VPL 2026 features a total prize pool exceeding INR 1 crore, with rewards including Mahindra 7X0, Tata Punch, Tata Nexon, Harley-Davidson X440, BMW G310 RR, and paid international vacations.

Commenting on the launch, Madhav Krishna said, “Our Vahan Leaders are at the core of everything we do. They are the driving force behind how opportunity reaches millions of workers across the country. The Vahan Placement League is designed to empower them further, by combining technology, incentives, and scale to help them grow their businesses while unlocking greater access to jobs across India.”

In the previous edition of the Vahan Placement League, Vahan.ai recognised and rewarded its top-performing Vahan Leaders for their exceptional contribution and impact on employment. As a gesture of appreciation for their dedication, a Vahan Leader from Rajasthan was awarded a Maruti Grand Vitara, while earlier winners included Ever Staffing in Bhopal, which received a Mahindra Thar, and Malik Group, which was awarded a Tata Nexon, reflecting how Vahan.ai continues to value and celebrate the success of its partners across India.

The campaign has been conceptualised by ArtE MediaTech Pvt Ltd with Jajabor Brand Consultancy being the media partner.

Ajmera Fashion Ltd aims to bring affordable style to every corner of India with an expansion plan. The company’s goal is to open over 400 stores throughout India by March 2027. Presently, they have roughly 250 locations. They’re looking to bolster their footprint in major cities, as well as in growing Tier II and Tier III markets, by opening new stores.

 This growth will be fuelled by their various retail formats, such as Ajmera Trends and Little Wings. These stores are meant to appeal to a broad range of customers, regardless of age or fashion tastes. The brand’s approach centres on providing affordable, stylish clothing. Ultimately, the business hopes to improve accessibility in crucial markets across the country.

While the main focus is on domestic growth, the company is also working towards fulfilling its ambition in the global market. The company already operates in Nepal. It is now planning to introduce its children’s wear brand, Little Wings, in the Nepalese market. This will mark a strategic step toward international expansion.

The expansion plan is in line with the company’s long-term vision to become a leading fashion retail chain. The brand is working to build a robust omnichannel presence. Ajmera Fashion Ltd intends to boost both its reach and customer engagement by leveraging data and streamlining its supply chain. They’re also prioritising customer-focused experiences in their stores.

Regarding this expansion, Ajay Ajmera Founder and CEO Ajmera Fashion Ltd stated,

“Our path has always been about making fashion accessible and affordable for every Indian. Opening over 400 stores by March 2027 is more than just a goal; it shows our belief in the increasing need for quality fashion in various markets. We’re excited to be taking our brands beyond India, starting with Nepal, and then gradually expanding globally.”

This ambitious retail expansion is anticipated to create numerous jobs and bolster the growth of India’s organised retail sector. Ajmera Fashion Ltd, with its emphasis on innovation, affordability, and customer satisfaction, is poised to achieve even greater success in the years ahead.