First-Time Co-Stars Ibrahim Ali Khan & Shanaya Kapoor Star in PUMA India’s Film on GenZ Street Culture

First-Time Co-Stars Ibrahim Ali Khan & Shanaya Kapoor Star in PUMA India’s Film on GenZ Street Culture

National, May 21, 2025: Bringing Ibrahim Ali Khan and Shanaya Kapoor together for the first time on screen, sports brand PUMA India has released a cinematic ride with a new campaign film for its iconic Palermo sneaker. The two budding young actors bring their natural chemistry to the screen with a side of India’s youthful chaos that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary.

The two-minute-long film is a heartfelt celebration of young India’s creativity and resourcefulness. The fresh pair of Bollywood is seen teaming up with their gang, adding fun to their everyday lives. Whether it’s Shanaya upcycling her old PUMA jacket into a trendy ensemble, Ibrahim hitchhiking to save a quick buck, or the gang transforming a humble bedsheet into a rooftop movie screen, the crew cruises through to find joy on a sidewalk budget. It is a playful take on how the country’s youth stay inventive, expressive, and always in motion — with Palermo as their go-to sneaker for every step.

Ibrahim Ali Khan, Actor & PUMA India ambassador, said, “The film is all heart, all hustle, and just so close to how I feel our generation rolls. PUMA has this unique way of turning everyday stories into something cool and real and it brought out that side of me too. Shooting with Shanaya was super chill, and I think our chemistry just shows. Everything was easy, spontaneous, and very us. The Palermo sneaker adds to the mood. It’s classic, stylish, and built for every kind of plan or no-plan kind of day in our lives. I am sure that my new film with PUMA will strike a chord with all in the country, can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions!”

Shanaya Kapoor, Actor & PUMA India Ambassador, added, “What I love most about this film is how it keeps things real — it’s not about perfection, it’s about personality. We had a blast bringing that mood to life, and it really felt like one big hangout. The Palermo fitted right in. It’s easy, effortless, and full of character, just like the moments we’ve captured. Shooting it with Ibrahim was all masti, no pressure, and it all comes through on screen.” 

Rooted in the legacy of football terrace culture, known for its classic T-toe construction and gum sole, the Palermo sneaker has long been a symbol of style, community and self-expression. With this new campaign film, PUMA yet again puts India’s cool youth culture at the forefront, where creativity, jugaad, and street-smart innovation rule. As a sports brand deeply invested in sport and style, PUMA continues to tell iconic stories that effortlessly bridges its global legacy to India’s truly local voice.

Commenting on the occasion, Shreya Sachdev, Director-Marketing at PUMA India, said, “As a global brand, PUMA has always successfully existed at the forefront of local culture. We believe in telling stories that feel fresh, yet familiar and full of heart. Celebrating the spirit of resourcefulness that India thrives on — finding joy in chaos and creativity, and ensuring that your circumstances don’t hold you back from living life to the fullest — is what PUMA Palermo is all about. This is why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts and wardrobes of India’s youth.”

The film’s feel-good energy builds on the massive success and nostalgic warmth of PUMA’s first Palermo film released in 2024— a vibrant ride through Mumbai, Kolkata and Shillong that celebrated friendship and city culture. Palermo 2.0 dials it up with newer energy. While the heart of the story remains the same — capturing how today’s youth do more with less — this time the film layers in bolder visuals, cooler hacks and moments that feel straight out of your own camera roll.

This year also sees the iconic Palermo sneaker in newer avatars. Besides fresh colourways, the new drop will soon introduce Palermo Premiums — a refined, all-leather silhouette with luxe finishings and signature trimmings.

kindlife Partners with Tata CLiQ Palette to Expand Global Beauty Reach

National, 21 May 2025 –  kindlife, young India’s favourite beauty and wellness platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Tata CLiQ Palette. This collaboration marks a significant step in kindlife’s mission to scale its presence and expand access to global beauty across India—particularly among Gen Z consumers who are redefining the future of beauty.

As part of this partnership, kindlife is introducing its curated selection of Korean beauty brands on Tata CLiQ Palette, offering a discovery-led shopping experience tailored to India’s trend-driven, digital-first audience. Currently, the Kindlife store on Tata CLiQ Palette offers over 30 K-beauty brands, such as COSRX, Coxir, Frudia, Neaf Neaf, Rovectin, Iunik, Skinfood, Secret Key, and more. The platform will soon launch a range of Japanese beauty brands that are available on kindlife.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tata CLiQ Palette to bring the best of globally trending beauty to Indian consumers, both online and offline,” said Radhika Ghai, Founder & CEO of kindlife. “This partnership allows us to meet our customers where they already are—on trusted platforms—and offer them a curated, immersive beauty experience that reflects how they discover and shop in today’s digital world.”

Tata CLiQ Palette is the beauty vertical of Tata CLiQ that offers authentic beauty products from over 1,000 brands across makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and more. A one-stop destination for all things beauty, shoppers can now access Tata CLiQ Palette on the Tata CLiQ Fashion app. kindlife’s curated selection of brands will be available both online and at Tata CLiQ Palette stores.

Almona Bhatia, Chief Business Development Officer, Tata CLiQ, added: “We’re excited to collaborate with kindlife, a brand that shares our commitment to offering cutting-edge, high-quality beauty products. kindlife offers a wide range of Korean beauty brands that are renowned for their use of natural ingredients, emphasis on glowing skin, and focus on preventing skin issues before they arise. It’s a global phenomenon that champions a holistic approach to beauty. At Tata CLiQ Palette, our goal is to offer consumers the best in beauty through a thoughtfully curated selection of brands and products that cater to their needs. We’re confident that our consumers will find immense value in kindlife’s offerings as they continue to seek meaningful, self-expressive beauty choices. We look forward to a successful partnership.”

This partnership strengthens kindlife’s omnichannel strategy and reinforces its position as a leading force in the new-age beauty and wellness landscape, bringing cutting-edge Korean and Japanese beauty to consumers across India like never before.

JK Lakshmi Cement Boosts Sustainability with EV Deployment in Logistics

Mumbai, May 21, 2025: JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., a leading cement manufacturer in India, has announced a partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles to deploy Electric Vehicles (EVs) into its logistics operations. These EVs will operate between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Kalol, Gujarat. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational innovation.

Building on the success of an earlier pilot project that demonstrated significant reductions in carbon emissions without compromising efficiency, JK Lakshmi Cement is scaling up its adoption of EVs. The integration of clean mobility solutions into its supply chain reflects a proactive approach to reducing the environmental impact of logistics while maintaining high operational standards.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., said, “Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape.”

The deployment of EVs represents a significant step toward eco-conscious infrastructure, aligning with India’s broader goals for cleaner transportation. By collaborating with SwitchLabs Automobiles, JK Lakshmi Cement is leveraging industry collaboration to drive meaningful progress in the supply chain.

With sustainability at the core of its operations, JK Lakshmi Cement continues to embed sustainability across its operations. This initiative stands as a testament to the company’s larger vision of building a greener, more sustainable future for the nation.

Flipkart Fashion’s Ethnic Wear Hits 6 Million Shoppers in a Year, Boasts 90% Repeat Buyers

Bengaluru, May 21st  2025: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today unveiled key insights into the robust growth of its women’s ethnic wear segment, highlighting strong regional trends, evolving consumer behavior, and the rise of digital-first brands that are redefining tradition in a modern retail landscape. Flipkart has witnessed over 6 million unique customers purchasing ethnic wear in the past year alone, with ~90% of sales driven by repeat customers, underscoring deep customer trust and loyalty in the segment. Demographically, the core audience remains young, with nearly half of Flipkart’s ethnic wear buyers aged between 25–35. This reflects not only growing digital adoption across regions but also evolving fashion preferences among young Indian consumers.

‘Every day’ ethnic wear is witnessing robust growth across regions, with cities like Bangalore, New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Patna, Lucknow, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, and Guwahati emerging as key demand centers for non-festive ethnic fashion. When it comes to buyer behavior, 65% of purchases in the women’s ethnic segment are made by women shoppers, while in men’s ethnic wear, 88% of transactions are driven by male shoppers. This category is also experiencing significant momentum in Tier 3 and smaller towns, which now contribute to 55% of overall shopper volume, highlighting the widespread appeal of accessible and affordable ethnic styles. The present-day fashion within the Indian ethnic wear market is the fusion of traditional designs with current trends, and Indo-Western outfits that appeal to fashionable consumers.

Speaking about the segment, Kunal Gupta – Vice President, Flipkart Fashion said, “At Flipkart, we’re witnessing remarkable growth in the ethnic wear category, especially in sarees and kurtas, which are resonating strongly with customers across India. Ethnic fashion has emerged as a key gateway for new shoppers, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where traditional style requirements meet the convenience of online shopping. This segment is not only driving a significant share of new customer acquisition but also reflecting the deep cultural preferences of our diverse consumer base.”

According to recent reports, as of 2024, the Indian ethnic wear market was valued at approximately USD 197.2 billion and is projected to reach USD 558.5 billion by 2033. With an expanding base of digital shoppers and a resurgence of cultural pride, the category continues to be a significant contributor to the country’s apparel market.

Shoppers primarily buy ethnic wear for daily wear, work, college, festivals, and weddings, with peak sales during festive months (Aug–Nov) and wedding seasons (Nov–Feb, Apr–May). Artisan-led brands such as Konark, Shishir, and Wreetika, along with national labels like Libas, Indo Era, Janasya, and Mirchi Fashion, are thriving on the platform, bringing traditional roots into the modern retail spotlight.

Flipkart is continuously innovating to elevate the ethnic wear shopping journey by integrating technology-driven solutions such as regionalised product discovery, smart filters, and AI-powered personalisation, along with faster last-mile delivery across thousands of pin codes. As India undergoes rapid urbanisation and experiences a rise in disposable incomes, the ethnic wear landscape is being reshaped by the influence of social media, D2C discovery, and a growing preference for fusion and sustainable fashion. With more working women driving demand for versatile styles, the segment is set for dynamic growth. Flipkart remains deeply committed to celebrating India’s cultural diversity while ensuring seamless access to quality ethnic wear across regions, price points, and evolving consumer preferences.

Toon into the Madness: The Giant Wheel Festival Returns to Your City with Full Swing

Mumbai, 21 May 2025: Mumbai, get ready to press pause on the ordinary — because the city’s most vibrant celebration is back.

The 5th edition of The Giant Wheel Festival rolls into R City Mall, Ghatkopar from 30th May to 1st June, and it’s bringing a world of fun, fantasy, and your favourite toons with it.

Shin chan, Oggy, Honey Bunny, Naruto

Yes — they’re all coming together under one roof, ready to meet fans of every age. Whether you’re a lifelong toon lover or introducing the next generation to your favourites, this is where the magic happens.

Expect AR-powered adventures, quirky creative workshops, jaw-dropping magic shows, and hidden surprises in every corner. It’s an immersive experience designed to spark joy, curiosity, and a whole lot of laughter.

Bring your kids. Bring your inner child. Bring the gang that never stopped loving toons.

No matter your age, there’s something here that’ll make you smile, play, and remember what fun really feels like.

Don’t miss the most animated weekend of the summer.

The Giant Wheel Festival

30th May to 1st June | R City Mall, Ghatkopar

Tickets exclusively on BookMyShow.

Let’s make this summer spectacular — one toon at a time.

Techno India University & NoScope Gaming Host University Esports Championship 2025 Finals in Kolkata

Kolkata, 21st May, 2025: In a ground-breaking celebration of digital innovation, youth culture, and competitive excellence, Techno India University, in collaboration with NoScope Gaming, will host the University Esports Championship (UEC) 2025 National Finals — the most anticipated collegiate esports event and for the first time in Eastern India at Techno India University, Kolkata, from August 3rd – 5th, 2025.

The University Esports Championship (UEC) is India’s biggest university-level esports championship. Now in its second season, UEC spans PC, Console, Mobile, and VR — making it the only collegiate tournament in India covering all major platforms. The announcement ceremony commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a welcome address by Mr Meghdut RoyChowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India University, setting the stage for a high-energy, high-stakes digital battle along with Mr Abhinandan Mukherjee – Project Head, NoScope Gaming Pvt Ltd who was present for the official announcement ceremony.

Over 20,000 student gamers from across the country participated in the qualifiers across 12 cities , and now the top 16 teams have earned their place in the finals in Kolkata, competing across multiple platforms — PC, Console, Mobile, and VR — with a massive prize pool of ₹7 lakh at stake.The UEC platform is designed not only to crown the nation’s finest esports talent but also to ignite competitive spirit across universities, scout rising stars, and build a talent pool with the potential to represent India on global stages.

A key highlight of this year- the National Finals will also host the India Finals of the World Tennis Esports Championship (WTEC) in VR. Here, India’s top tennis esports athlete will earn the chance to represent Team India at the WTEC Global Finals in Las Vegas, USA, on September 10, 2025—with a $100,000 prize money and full travel and accommodation covered.

The colleges participating in the national finals include –

• TECHNO INDIA UNIVERSITY , WEST BENGAL

• SRM UNIVERSITY, ANDHRA PRADESH

• VELLORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TAMIL NADU

• LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY, PUNJAB

• REVA UNIVERSITY, KARNATAKA

• VIT, ANDHRA PRADESH

• GITAM , ANDHRA PRADESH

• MUMBAI UNIVERSITY

• MIT – WORLD PEACE UNIVERSITY, PUNE & ADT

• GB PANT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, DELHI

• NIT CALICUT, KERALA

• JADAVPUR UNIVERSITY, WEST BENGAL

• ST. XAVIER’S COLLEGE, WEST BENGAL

• ADAMAS UNIVERSITY, WEST BENGAL

• ILEAD, MAKAUT, WEST BENGAL

• INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT, KOLKATA

• SHADAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, TELANGANA

• RICE INSTITUTE, WEST BENGAL

• THE BHAWANIPUR EDUCATION SOCIETY, WEST BENGAL

Event Highlights:

· National Finals of UEC 2025 across four major formats: PC, Console, Mobile, and VR

· WTEC India Finals in VR, with international representation at stake

· Technology & Gaming Expo, featuring interactive demos and product launches

· Panel Discussions & Fireside Chats with industry leaders on esports, AI, and future tech careers

· Cosplay Showcase & Fan Zones to celebrate the culture and creativity around esports

· Live Streaming & Digital Engagement Booths, making the experience accessible nationwide

“We are thrilled to partner with NoScope Gaming and be at the heart of this historic esports moment for India. Techno India has always believed in empowering students, and hosting UEC 2025 aligns perfectly with our mission to drive innovation and youth engagement. With the rise of esports, we see a unique opportunity to reignite Kolkata’s legacy as a hub of competitive gaming and create a lasting impact for the youth of this city. UEC 2025 National Finals is poised to become a landmark event in India’s digital youth culture, reaffirming Techno India Group’s role as a pioneer in integrating technology, education, and industry engagement.” said Mr Meghdut RoyChowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India University.

“Bringing the National Finals to Kolkata is a landmark moment. The passion and talent we’ve seen from universities across East India made this the perfect choice, and with the WTEC India Finals in the mix, we’re truly setting the stage for history. This is more than just an tournament — it’s a celebration of India’s next-gen gaming revolution, and Kolkata is ready to lead the charge” said Mr Abhinandan Mukherjee, Project Head, NoScope Gaming.

The event will also feature student-led tech showcases, career guidance sessions, and AR/VR experiences, reflecting Techno India’s emphasis on learning through innovation. Kolkata holds a special place in India’s esports journey—the origin of competitive esports in the country traces back to Kolkata in the 2000s, where some of India’s earliest gaming communities were born. With Techno India University’s forward-thinking vision, NoScope Gaming’s strategic partnership, and the city’s rich esports legacy, this is the perfect moment to revive the glory days of esports in the cultural capital of India.

Edge by Titan Launches ‘Artfully Engineered’ Campaign Celebrating Slim Design and Summer Elegance

Mumbai, 21 May 2025:  This summer, Edge by Titan, India’s slimmest watch brand, steps into the season with a bold, fresh perspective. In a vibrant campaign for their new collection Murals, the brand redefines minimalism through the lens of colour, summer, and contemporary fashion, with vibrant coloured dials inspired by the season’s energy and a sleek stainless-steel case, it’s a striking blend of artistic expression, modern strength, and everyday ease.

Rooted in the evolving language of luxury, the campaign draws visual and emotional inspiration from the sensorial richness of summer—pastel gelato hues, vibrant art, soft metallics, and the subtle indulgence of seasonal treats. With its smart features like 4.3 MM Slim, iconic scoop design, 1.15 MM movement Edge 9081 calibre, the watch stands apart. Think ice cream on a sun-drenched afternoon, a quiet breeze through linen shirts, or the first sip of a cool beverage—this is luxury reimagined for warm days and brighter moods.

While Edge continues to champion its signature sleek and refined design, this latest expression introduces a playful twist. The new collection features soft, summary tones—blush blue, sage greens, and mellow yellows—that bring warmth and individuality to the wrist. It’s a watch that moves effortlessly from meetings to beach brunch, offering fun workwear meets modern luxury for the style-conscious professional.

Commenting on the campaign, Titan CSMO Kalpana Rangamani said “With Murals, we wanted to reinterpret minimalism through a seasonal lens—adding softness, colour, and character without losing the refined design language Titan Edge is known for. The result is a timepiece that feels fresh, fashion-forward, and tastefully engineered—an everyday accessory that mirrors the lightness and expressive spirit of summer.”

The campaign extends into vibrant, delectable and immersive visuals, designed to capture the essence of carefree sophistication. From curated editorial imagery to bold street-style moments, Edge by Titan emerges not just as a watch—but as a mood, a season, and a statement. With its pared-down elegance and seasonal flair, the new Titan Edge collection reaffirms the brand’s place at the intersection of design, engineering, and everyday luxury.