New Delhi, June 24, 2025: Couple Pitara, a leading provider of personalized gifting solutions in India, has officially introduced a comprehensive range of affordable and creatively customized gifts, designed to cater to various celebrations and special occasions. Well-known for its distinctive products, Couple Pitara aims to deliver memorable gifting experiences to individuals, families, and corporate clients across India.

A Comprehensive Range of Unique Personalised Products

Couple Pitara’s extensive portfolio of personalised gifts features vibrant neon signs, creatively designed caricatures, and innovative Spotify-themed products, including keychains and custom cushion covers that uniquely integrate personal song choices. Adding further practical appeal, the brand offers personalised thermal bottles featuring temperature displays, ideal for everyday use or corporate gifting.

Moreover, thoughtfully designed personalised coffee mugs, creative photo frames that elegantly capture precious memories, engraved pendants for stylish wearers, and premium-quality pens and leather wallets for professional gifting contribute significantly to Couple Pitara’s diverse offering.

Recent market insights further validate this personalised approach. According to Deloitte’s Consumer Review Report, personalization significantly impacts consumer purchasing decisions, highlighting its growing importance not only as a current trend but as an enduring future strategy for engaging consumers meaningfully.

This evidence underscores Couple Pitara’s commitment to leading this important consumer trend by continuously innovating and enhancing its product range.

Quality Personalisation with Genuine Affordability

At Couple Pitara, affordability is a core value that does not compromise quality. Personalised products start at just INR 249, making thoughtfully customized gifts accessible to a broader audience.

To further enhance affordability, the brand provides exclusive offers, including attractive first-order discounts and additional incentives on prepaid orders. These initiatives ensure

customers enjoy premium personalized gifts without overstretching their budgets, effectively bridging the gap between quality and affordability.

Enhanced Corporate Gifting Solutions

Acknowledging the increasing importance of corporate gifting within India’s professional landscape, Couple Pitara has developed specialised gifting solutions to cater specifically to corporate clients. The brand’s tailored offerings, including engraved pens, customised desk sets, personalised thermal bottles, and fun caricature gifts, provide sophisticated options for businesses seeking meaningful ways to acknowledge employees, celebrate professional milestones, or strengthen relationships with valued clients.

Corporate gifting at Couple Pitara goes beyond mere branding, with each product thoughtfully designed to subtly represent the corporate identity while remaining practical and desirable for recipients. These gifts not only reflect corporate values but also effectively strengthen professional bonds, resulting in improved engagement and long-lasting business relationships.

User-Friendly Online Platform and Efficient Delivery

Couple Pitara prioritises customer experience through its easy-to-use online customization platform, enabling customers to seamlessly upload images, personalise messages, and instantly preview their gifts before finalizing their purchase. The intuitive interface simplifies the customization process, significantly enhancing user satisfaction and convenience.

Moreover, Couple Pitara maintains efficient pan-India delivery services with reliable timelines, complemented by expedited delivery options for metro cities such as Delhi-NCR. This commitment ensures that customers can confidently order personalised gifts, knowing they will arrive on time and safely, contributing significantly to the brand’s trustworthy reputation.

Founder Tushar Batra emphasises, “Our goal at Couple Pitara is to simplify and democratise personalised gifting in India. We believe everyone deserves access to unique, meaningful gifts without financial strain. Our extensive range caters to varied tastes and occasions, making personalised gifting practical and accessible for all. We are dedicated to delivering lasting value through thoughtful and affordable personalisation.”

Reliable Customer Testimonials Enhance Credibility

Couple Pitara’s dedication to exceptional service, affordability, and superior product quality is consistently echoed in customer testimonials. A prominent corporate client noted, “Couple Pitara significantly streamlined our Holi gifting process, smoothly managing customised gifts for over 50 employees. The team’s responsiveness, attention to detail, and quality products significantly enhanced our overall experience and reflected positively on our brand.”

About Couple Pitara

Founded by Tushar Batra, Couple Pitara has swiftly established itself as a trusted provider of personalized gifts in India. The brand prides itself on creativity, innovation, and affordability, consistently meeting the evolving needs of individual and corporate customers. Couple Pitara continues to strengthen its market position through meaningful products and exceptional service delivery.

For more information, please visit Couple Pitara.

Media Contact:

Couple Pitara Support Team Email: support@couplepitara.com Phone: +91-8930353292

New Delhi [India], June 23: In a bold step towards redefining the future of healthcare marketing & manufacturing, Alde Medi Impex, a trusted name in the pharmaceutical world, hosted its 25th annual Business Conference 2025. The event brought together healthcare professionals, pharma leaders, and strategic partners under one roof to share insights, foster collaboration, and unveil what the future holds for Alde Medi and the broader healthcare landscape.

Far beyond just a milestone, the conference reflected Alde Medi’s growing role–not only as a manufacturer but as a driver of innovation, meaningful partnerships, and global trust in healthcare solutions.

A Glimpse into the Future: Key Announcements at the Business Conference

The energy at the conference was electric, and the announcements made reflected Alde Medi’s forward-thinking approach to growth, quality, and innovation. Some of the standout moments included:

* A 35% Surge in Domestic Growth

Alde Medi recorded a strong 35% growth in India’s domestic market driven by focused strategies, deep market understanding, and growing trust among hospitals, institutions, and healthcare providers.

* Launching a New-Gen Sterile Injectables Facility

Plans for a state-of-the-art sterile injectables facility were unveiled, scheduled for completion by December 2025. Designed to meet the most stringent global standards – EUROPE, SAUDI FDA, and ANVISA, this facility will raise the bar for quality, precision, and compliance in Indian pharma manufacturing.

* ALDEVIT Gold Climbs to the Top

ALDEVIT Gold, the company’s flagship multivitamin, was recognised as India’s 47th top brand among over 1,600 multivitamin products (as per IMS Health data). A proud achievement that reflects growing demand and credibility in the wellness segment.

* Exports Skyrocket by 80%

Alde’s exports soared by 80% in 2024, marking a major leap in its global footprint. Now officially a Government Recognized Export House, Alde Medi has over 100 product registrations across 20+ countries and active exports in 35+ global markets with team size of more than 100 professionals contributing at different part of the world . The next big leap: entering Brazil and Mexico with plans to file 200+ new dossiers in 2025 in various countries.

* Somediza Lifesciences: Generic Division Launched

With the launch of Somediza Lifesciences, Alde enters the generic space backed by a clear goal to become one of India’s most quality-focused generic pharma companies. The division aims to make trusted, affordable medicines accessible to all.

* Critical Care Division Doubles Its Impact

2024 saw 100%+ growth in Alde’s Critical Care Division, which now supplies to top hospitals like Metro Group and Venkateshwara Hospital in Delhi. The next phase of growth will focus on expanding into MAX Healthcare, Yashoda, and Kailash Hospitals, ensuring critical treatments are within reach when they’re needed the most.

Alde Medi: More Than a Manufacturer–A Platform for Ideas, Impact, and Innovation

The conference wasn’t just about business, it was a space for meaningful conversations and forward-looking ideas. Topics explored included:

* The evolving regulatory landscape across countries

* How AI and automation are reshaping pharmaceutical production

* Best practices in clean, sustainable manufacturing

* Opportunities for strategic partnerships across borders

* Innovative product portfolio for next 2 years defined

* Market penetration strategies were discussed

It was a powerful reminder that healthcare is no longer local, it’s global. And Alde Medi is ready to lead from the front.

About Alde Medi Impex: A Legacy of Innovation and Trust

Founded in 1997 , Alde Medi Impex has grown from a humble beginning into a globally respected name in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Backed by WHO, GLP, and ISO certifications, the company specialises in injectable dosage forms including Liquid Injections, Dry Powder Injections, and Lyophilized Injections delivering life-saving sterile solutions to both Indian and global markets.

But Alde Medi is more than just a manufacturing powerhouse. It has earned its reputation as a reliable healthcare partner, with a focus on quality, compliance, and scalable operations. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the group is also building diversified platforms that cater to modern needs, across travel, shopping, and everyday conveniences.

Our Ventures:

Alde Expression – A PIC/s & EU-GMP certified manufacturing facility

Alde Bazaar – A comprehensive e-commerce platform

Truvel – A smart travel booking platform

Leadership Speaks: Building a Future That Cares

“With each vial, every solution we make carries a promise–our promise to protect lives.”

— Chairman, Alde Group

The leadership at Alde Medi made it clear: while the company is scaling rapidly, it remains deeply rooted in its values, compassion, quality, and purpose. A people-first culture, where learning, innovation, and accountability go hand-in-hand, continues to drive the company’s momentum forward.

From One Room to the World: A Timeline of Growth

* 1997- : Alde Medi was born with a five-member team and a big dream

* 1997-2012: Expanded steadily across Uttar Pradesh and North India

* 2012- 2018: Manas Rastogi ( B.Tech in Biotechnology , MBA in Marketing from UK ) joined as marketing director . Exponential growth in domestic market – team size , new product launches , diversification to cardiology / neurology / metabolic products . These 6 years made alde medi one of the renowned name in north indian pharmaceutical industry.

* 2019-2020: Manas promoted as CEO, Array of expansion and diversification began, transformation of alde medi impex limited to Alde group.

Group companies : Globezza biotech ( nutraceutical division ) , somediza lifesciences ( generic division ) , Alde export ( international division ) , Alde medi ( marketing division ) , Alde real estate , Truvel services ( travel arm ) , Alde Bazaar ( E commerce )

* 2020-2025: Ambitious roadmap targeting 300% growth, global market expansion, and breakthrough innovations

Looking Ahead

The Business Conference 2025 was more than a corporate event, it was a celebration of shared purpose, progress, and possibility. With a clear focus on healthcare accessibility, sustainable innovation, and global partnerships, Alde Medi is building something bigger than just a business.

It’s building a future where quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a promise.

New York City, June 23, 2025 – 14th Degree Azimuth Advisory, a boutique GCC advisory firm focusing on AI-First Global Capability Centers for Trade Buyers and Enterprises, today released its GCC report titled “GCCs – Evolution, Technology Adoption and Way Ahead, Thought Leadership Paper covering AI Readiness in Back and Middle Office”, at a function held in New York City.  The event was sponsored by Sutherland.

Releasing the report, Yadu Singh, Global Managing Partner, 14th Degree Azimuth Advisory said, “AI proof of concepts are slowly getting into production in back and middle office in GCCs. These PoCs not only face employee resistance, especially among the more tenured global capability centers, but also existing structural and technical challenges like clean and context-specific data, data localization challenges, and ESG pressures such as more stringent GDPR, DPDP act for offshore entities.”

The report provides key insights on

  1. Efficiency of operations is a clear winner when it comes to business outcomes
  2. Rising Challenges in Data Privacy, Protection, and Compliance
  3. Increasing demand for Environmental Social and Governance Reporting
  4. GCCs at the Core of Cost-Effective Digital Transformation

Talking about how the report benefits enterprises looking at setting up their GCCs, Jay Woldar, Managing Director – Americas, said, “The 14DAA research methodology comprised of both experiential learning of the last 25 years across both providers and GCC owners as well as primary research on AI readiness in back and middle office. Rather than focusing heavily on historical data, we centered our approach on three discontinuities reshaping the ecosystem—AI, Quantum Computing, and the rapid transformation of Digital/Public infrastructure in countries like India. This is not a case of continuous improvement but of disruptive innovation, requiring a fresh perspective for evaluation. Our key objective was to assess the maturity of centers, Leadership, Culture, and Operating Structure. The focus was to assess the management flexibility of the parent company to fully embrace these discontinuities (for example, AI) and the ability of GCC to move toward a more risk-mitigation and business outcome-based innovation-driven approach for the parent.”

Nikhil Anand, Senior Vice President and Global Head for Sutherland Digital Business Services, added:

“At Sutherland, we see Global Capability Centers emerging as pivotal engines of Enterprise innovation and agility. As AI moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, GCCs that embrace AI and data-driven transformation could potentially be at the forefront of this new wave, driving measurable outcomes —from operational efficiency to accelerated revenue growth and improved customer experience. Reports like this reaffirm the need for a bold shift in how organizations design for scalability, compliance, and impact in a digital-first world.”

The report was also launched in London on June 10th (Backdrop of the London AI Summit), and will be launched in Hamburg on June 24th (Backdrop of India Week)

About 14th Degree Azimuth Advisory

With over 5000 person years of demonstrable impact in the AI readiness benchmarking. This is backed up by market tested design, build and setup of AI-First Global Capability Centers and Captives experience and use cases. Our experts will help you navigate the intricacies including cultural implications of any headwinds that may emerge from AI.

Media Contact

contactus@14thdegreeazimuthadvisory.co

About Sutherland

Artificial Intelligence. Automation. Cloud Engineering. Advanced Analytics.

For Enterprises, these are key factors of success. For us, they’re our core expertise.

We work with global iconic brands. We bring them a unique value proposition through market-leading technologies and business process excellence. At the heart of it all is Digital Engineering – the foundation that powers rapid innovation and scalable business transformation.

We’ve created over 200 unique inventions under several patents across AI and other emerging technologies. Leveraging our advanced products and platforms, we drive digital transformation at scale, optimize critical business operations, reinvent experiences, and pioneer new solutions, all provided through a seamless “as-a-service” model.

For each company, we provide new keys for their businesses, the people they work with, and the customers they serve. With proven strategies and agile execution, we don’t just enable change – we engineer digital outcomes.

Sutherland

digital outcomes.

For further queriesmediarelations@sutherlandglobal.com

Know more: www.sutherlandglobal.com

Tap Capital, a fintech platform revolutionizing modern-age debt financing and working capital solutions for Indian businesses, is planning to deploy ₹2,000 crore in capital for FY26. This milestone follows a strong FY25, during which the company disbursed ₹900 crore across its core offerings in SME financing.

Founded by Nishchay Nath, Soumya Kushwaha (both IIM Ahmedabad alumni) and Himanshu Chowdhary (IIT Kharagpur), Tap Capital is transforming how Indian MSMEs access capital offering fast, digital, and structured credit through its proprietary tech-first lending infrastructure.

“In FY25, we validated our thesis: there’s a large, untapped demand for working capital and structured debt among high-quality SMEs,” said Nishchay Nath, Founder & CEO.

“Our ability to deploy ₹900 crore through efficient origination and distribution proves the power of our platform. With the partnerships we’ve built and the demand we’re seeing, ₹2,000 crore in FY26 is an achievable and strategic leap.”

Strategic Partnerships Fueling Momentum

Tap Capital’s FY26 trajectory is supported by key partnerships with one of India’s leading NBFCs. These alliances have bolstered Tap’s ability to scale responsibly, maintain high credit quality, and expand across new sectors and geographies.

With a fully digital, embedded-finance approach, Tap is bridging the ₹25 lakh crore credit gap faced by India’s MSMEs–many of whom are underserved by traditional lenders. As India’s economy gains momentum, structured debt and working capital demand is expected to surge, positioning Tap Capital at the forefront of this transformation.

ultra: Investments for the Next-Gen Investor

On the retail investor front, Tap Group also operates ultra, a fixed income investments platform that is redefining how India’s emerging wealth class builds long-term returns.

ultra offers curated, institutional-grade products including Invoice discounting, Asset Leasing, Fractional Real Estate, Private Equity & Pre-IPOs & Minerals like gold and silver.

With high-yield fixed income options, full transparency, and rapid digital onboarding, ultra is giving access to opportunities that were once reserved for institutions and insiders. In FY25, several of ultra’s products delivered record-high IRRs, far surpassing traditional public-market returns, making it one of India’s most compelling platforms for intelligent wealth creation.

Among ultra’s standout offerings is Invoice Discounting investment, where one can purchase invoices for blue-chip-backed businesses. With tenures as short as 30 to 90 days and predictable pay-outs, the product offers liquidity and confidence making it ideal for modern customers looking for short-duration fixed income exposure with minimal volatility.

Another core product, Asset Leasing investment, allows users to co-own income generating assets like medical equipment, electronics, or office infrastructure leased to corporates. This creates steady, passive monthly cash flow, serving as a powerful fixed income tool with real-world utility and low correlation to public market cycles.

As a group, Tap is building a financial engine that serves both sides of the economic spectrum, providing high-quality structured credit to India’s underbanked SMEs and unlocking access to fixed income products. By bridging institutional-grade opportunities with cutting-edge tech, Tap is reshaping the future of wealth and credit in India, quietly, efficiently, and at scale.

On June 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He noted the importance of developing a fair and open platform for global growth among the key topics. He emphasised the special role of the Open Dialogue held at the National Centre “Russia.” This initiative brought together participants from more than 100 countries and became one of the essential steps toward creating a new model of international cooperation.

“Russia invites partners to contribute to forming a new global growth model. Together, we can ensure the prosperity of our countries and the stable development of the entire world for many years to come. This is exactly why we held the Open Dialogue in Moscow this year, which was attended by representatives from more than one hundred states. We intend to make this format regular and build an entire ecosystem around it for discussing, developing, and implementing breakthrough ideas. The global challenges facing the modern world require an unconditional and global response. Solving problems alone, especially at someone else’s expense, is impossible. This is an illusion,” stated Vladimir Putin.

The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth,” based on the results of the Open Dialogue of the National Centre “Russia,” opened the SPIEF business program on June 18. Maxim Oreshkin, the deputy chief of staff of the presidential administration of the Russian Federation, moderated the session.

International experts from Russia, Cameroon, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada participated in the discussion, as well as authors of the best essays from the first Open Dialogue. Participants discussed new approaches to economic development, the potential of Global South countries, demographic trends, and the impact of future technologies.

Special attention was paid to the report prepared by the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise “Third Rome” based on the Open Dialogue results. The session’s conclusions formed the foundation for the entire SPIEF-2025 business program.

The first Open Dialogue at the National Centre “Russia” became a platform for discussing the future in four areas: “Investment in People,” “Investment in Technologies,” “Investment in Environment,” and “Investment in Connectivity.” Experts from different countries wrote essays on these topics, and the authors of the best works were invited to Moscow to present their ideas. The Open Dialogue format will become annual.

Disclaimer:
The views and statements expressed in this article reflect the official remarks and positions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other named individuals during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or validation of any political, economic, or ideological viewpoint by the publisher. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple perspectives and consult diverse sources when forming their own understanding of international events and policies.

New Delhi [India], June 20: VIRGIO, the trend-first sustainable fashion brand redefining how fashion is made and experienced, announces the launch of Beyond The Curve — a first-of-its-kind, invite-only fashion line for curvy women, co-created with actor and fashion advocate Anjali Anand. The line brings high-quality, on-trend fashion to sizes above XL–an area that’s long been overlooked.

“Beyond The Curve was born from listening — to every woman who’s ever felt ignored by the rack. We didn’t want to just add sizes. We wanted to rethink how sizing, style, and self-expression work for real bodies. And like everything at VIRGIO, BTC follows our core ecosystem of using technology, community data, and on-demand production to build fashion that’s both sustainable and trend-first,” says Amar Nagaram, Founder & CEO of VIRGIO.

Unlike traditional launches, Beyond The Curve follows an invite-only model. Customers joined the waitlist to receive a personal invite code, which unlocked access to the collection. This intentional model ensures thoughtful production, avoiding overstock and waste, while creating an exclusive community that has often been overlooked.

At the heart of this launch is Anjali Anand, a celebrated voice for body inclusivity and the co-creator of the line. Having grown up curvy in an industry that rarely made space for her, Anjali brings raw authenticity, lived experience, and unfiltered passion to the project. She has been deeply involved in every aspect — from fittings and fabric trials to storytelling and community engagement.

“I’ve spent years being told what not to wear. Beyond The Curve is my answer to that — bold, unapologetic, and made for every woman who’s ever felt unseen. With VIRGIO, I didn’t just co-create clothes. We built a space we never had growing up.” says Anjali Anand.

Beyond The Curve marks the start of a long-term commitment from VIRGIO to expand fashion’s boundaries — literally and culturally. Future drops will continue to be community-led, offering trend-forward designs tailored for curvier bodies, while maintaining VIRGIO’s sustainability-first ethos.

Beyond the Curve official video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKhvqxKSZ3O/?igsh=MXVvdDc0dDQ1ajFzdw==

About VIRGIO:

VIRGIO is India’s leading clean fashion label, merging trend-first aesthetics with responsible innovation. With a focus on transparent sourcing, eco-conscious materials, and digitally enabled efficiency, VIRGIO is reimagining the future of fashion for a new generation of mindful consumers.

For More Information:

Website | Facebook |Instagram | LinkedIn

Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 20: In the vibrant and heritage-rich world of Indian textiles, OLDZARI.COM has carved out a unique space as the first-ever online platform dedicated to buying used or old pure zari sarees and other zari-based items across India. What began as a local initiative has grown into a trusted national brand that empowers households to unlock the hidden value of their traditional zari treasures.

A Vision Rooted in Heritage

Founded in 2020 by Ganesh Sah M, a seasoned expert in the traditional silk industry of Kanchipuram, OLDZARI.COM was born out of a simple yet powerful idea-to offer a reliable and respectful way for families to sell their old Kanjivaram, Mysore Silk, Banaras Silk or any zari items. Recognizing the sentimental and financial value woven into these heirlooms, the platform was built with transparency, trust, and customer comfort at its core.

Over the past five years, OLDZARI.COM has built a solid reputation in the online marketplace by upholding these principles. Thousands of customers from cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and beyond have turned to OLDZARI.COM as their go-to solution for monetizing vintage sarees, zari blouses, dhotis, and other precious garments often stored away for generations. The company’s commitment to honest dealings and cultural sensitivity has earned them a loyal customer base and widespread acclaim.

What sets OLDZARI.COM apart is its pioneering service model, which ensures convenience and trust at every step. One of the standout features is the free door pickup service, allowing customers to sell their zari items without the hassle of visiting a store or couriering expensive garments on their own. Upon pickup, the items undergo a non-invasive zari purity test, ensuring that no damage is done to the sarees during verification. This method helps determine the exact composition and value of the zari used.

Adding to the transparency, every seller receives a detailed test report explaining the purity and final value of their items. If the customer is satisfied, payment is processed quickly. If not, OLDZARI.COM ensures a free return of the items, reinforcing their no-obligation policy and respect for customer choice.

National Recognition and Customer Trust

This unique model of ethical buying, coupled with exceptional customer care, has helped OLDZARI.COM win the Award of Excellence in Purchase of Vintage Wedding Sarees, a prestigious recognition that highlights the brand’s impact and innovation in the field of heritage textile commerce.

The success of OLDZARI.COM is also a testament to Ganesh Sah’s deep understanding of the zari and silk ecosystem. Hailing from the renowned weaving town of Kanchipuram, he has seen firsthand the value and sentiment attached to each zari thread. By integrating traditional expertise with modern technology, he established a platform that honors cultural heritage while enabling families across India to unlock the preserved value of their heirloom textiles.

Today, OLDZARI.COM is more than just a business-it’s a bridge between the past and the present. It offers a dignified solution to people who wish to part with their vintage garments without worry or confusion. It also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability by recycling and reusing valuable zari materials that might otherwise go to waste.

As the platform continues to grow, it remains committed to its founding values: honesty, cultural respect, and customer empowerment. With ongoing innovations in testing, logistics, and customer outreach, OLDZARI.COM is poised to lead the vintage zari marketplace for years to come.

In an age where fast fashion often overshadows traditional craftsmanship, OLDZARI.COM stands tall as a reminder of the enduring value of India’s textile heritage-and the modern solutions that can help preserve it.

So, Where Can You Sell Old Zari Sarees?

If you’re holding on to a pure zari Kanjivaram, Mysore Silk, Banaras Silk Saree, blouse, or dhoti that deserves a second life, OLDZARI.COM is your answer. It provides the most secure, respectful, and transparent way to sell old zari garments in India today. With no hidden charges, free testing, and zero pressure to sell, it’s a platform built on trust.

What happens when you challenge budding engineers and developers to build something that’s not just cool, but also makes the world a better place?

That was the spirit behind a recent hackathon hosted by Locus, a global supply chain automation company, known for helping businesses perfect omni-channel fulfillment and delivery across all-miles.

Before it became a global leader in logistics and supply chain tech, Locus began its journey with RideSafe, a navigation app dedicated to women’s safety.

This year, the organization went back to its roots. On Women’s Day, Locus launched ‘Code For Her’, a hackathon open to young tech talent across India, inviting them to reimagine women’s safety through the lens of AI, data, and design.

But here’s the twist: the focus wasn’t on just celebrating Women’s Day. It was on sparking purposeful innovation, nudging the next generation of developers, builders and creators to think critically about the world around them, and how their skills can make it better.

“At Locus, we’ve always believed that technology finds its true meaning in the problems it solves,” said Geet Garg, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Locus. “This hackathon wasn’t about building the next viral app, but rather about sparking a mindset. We wanted young developers to see that when engineering is combined with empathy and intention, AI can do more than automate – it can protect, empower, and truly make a difference.”

The Winners

The hackathon received entries from first-year college students to early-career professionals solving for a common brief: designing an intelligent safety system that can help individuals, especially women, travel more confidently.

  • 1st Place: Guardian Agents
    Ashish Kumaraswamy
    , along with his team members Mathana Mathav and Arvind Puthocode, all young techies from Tamil Nadu, built something that went beyond navigation. Their AI-powered app introduced intelligent safety companions or ‘Guardian Agents’ that monitor real-time risk, and think efficiently to step in when something feels less than ideal. In addition to route planning, the app also acts like a protective presence on every journey.

“As a team passionate about AI and technology, we saw this as an opportunity to apply Agentic AI frameworks to address a real-world issue. The hackathon offered a platform to combine our technical skills with a socially relevant cause, motivating us to contribute and make a difference” – Ashish and his team shared.

  • 2nd Place: NirbhayaPath
    Shaik Mohammed Huzaifa
    , Software Engineer from Andhra Pradesh, built a highly intuitive and adaptive route-planning platform that integrates police data, community reviews, lighting conditions, and crime trends. The robust app features a safe route finder, a co-commuter matching tool ‘Sathi’, a smart SOS and escort mode along with community sourced safety ratings and AI-led risk predictions.
  • 3rd Place: SafeDen
    Srushti Kumar
    , a 3rd-year Computer Science and Design student at KSIET, Bangalore designed a sleek safety dashboard with verified ‘safe havens’, real-time journey tracking, and tiered emergency support for different situations where help might be needed.

Why This Still Matters

Women’s safety isn’t a one-day conversation to be had on 8th March and forgotten for the rest of the time. According to 2025 NCRB data, over 88% of women in Indian metros report feeling unsafe after dark, with 60% altering their routes to avoid risk. The need for smart, user-first safety technology is urgent and ongoing.

Initiatives like these act as ‘nudges’ towards responsibility, empathy, and a tech culture that values solving problems for the world.

“As an organization that has always stood for building with empathy and innovating purposefully we were genuinely impressed.” said Vittal Sirigiri, Head of Data Science at Locus. “What really stood out was how these young minds thought about risk, behavior, context and not just code. Every entry showed a desire to use AI in ways that could genuinely help people. That’s the kind of thinking we were hoping to spark with CodeForHer. And honestly, that’s the kind of mindset we look for in our teams – curious, socially aware, and driven to solve real-world problems”.

Beyond the competition, this was also a quiet testament to the tech culture we are building at Locus. In an industry often dominated by speed, optimization, and cost-efficiency, this hackathon was a reminder that tech should never lose sight of its human purpose.

About Locus:

Founded in 2015, Locus is a leading global supply chain automation company transforming decision-making through the power of AI and ML.  Our proprietary platform empowers enterprises to simplify logistics complexities, and optimize every mile of their supply chain.  Operating across India, South East Asia, North America, Middle East and Europe, Locus is trusted by leaders like Unilever and Nestle to name a few and is recognized by Gartner. Keep in touch to see what’s next. 

Surat, India – [June 19, 2025]TextileExport  (https://www.textileexport.in/) founded by the renowned Pixel team of textile experts, is redefining the way global buyers source women’s clothing from India. In a city known as the textile capital of India, Textile Export stands out as the leading B2B online platform specializing in bulk exports of sarees, kurtis, salwar kameez, and more. With unmatched expertise and deep-rooted industry connections, the company has emerged as the most trafficked B2B women’s clothing website in India, empowering international wholesalers and retailers to make efficient and reliable purchases online.

The Story Behind the Brand

Surat has long been a powerhouse in textile manufacturing, known for its vast network of local vendors and its dominance in India’s fashion industry. However, despite its global potential, much of the business in Surat has remained offline or focused on small-scale retail. That’s where Textile Export saw a game-changing opportunity.

Launched by a team with decades of hands-on experience in garment manufacturing and international exports, the goal was clear: bridge the gap between offline sellers in Surat and bulk buyers around the world through a digital-first B2B platform. Today, TextileExport.in is not only meeting that vision but exceeding expectations by creating a reliable, scalable, and transparent channel for global trade.

India’s #1 B2B Platform for Women’s Clothing

What makes TextileExport.in a market leader?

  • Bulk Focus, Not Retail: Unlike traditional marketplaces, TextileExport is strictly B2B, catering only to bulk buyers, wholesalers, boutique owners, online store resellers, and exporters.
  • High Volume, High Trust: With thousands of satisfied clients from across the globe including the UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Malaysia, and more, TextileExport has become synonymous with bulk clothing trust.
  • End-to-End Digital Experience: From digital catalogs to order placement, payments, and logistics support, everything is streamlined for ease and transparency.
  • Most Visited B2B Textile Website: According to internal analytics and industry reports, TextileExport.in receives the highest traffic in the women’s B2B clothing sector in India.
  • Empowering B2B Buyers Worldwide

For too long, international buyers had to depend on middlemen or fly to India to source quality garments. TextileExport has eliminated that barrier by offering a fully functional digital experience for bulk buying, making the process not only cost-effective but also time-saving.

Through its user-friendly interface, daily product updates, competitive pricing, and responsive support team, Textile Export allows businesses to make confident buying decisions, from anywhere in the world.

Surat’s Global Gateway for Fashion Export

Operating directly from Surat, which is home to thousands of textile units and manufacturing hubs, Textile Export brings the advantage of local sourcing with global reach. By connecting buyers directly with Surat’s top factories and designers, Textile Export is ensuring authenticity, affordability, and agility—traits often missing in traditional B2B buying.

“Most sellers in Surat either don’t have an online presence or sell only retail through platforms like Instagram or marketplaces,” said the founding team. “TextileExport is the only platform of its kind, built for B2B buyers and tailored for the bulk textile industry. We don’t just list products—we build partnerships.

Future Plans and Growth

TextileExport.in is on a mission to digitize and scale the textile export business further. The company plans to expand into more product categories, add multi-language and multi-currency support, and strengthen global warehousing and shipping logistics to serve clients even better.

Emerging  players like KotsTrend from Kochi are redefining how Indians shop for everyday jewellery

Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 18: India’s fashion jewellery industry, once dominated by a handful of legacy and celebrity-backed brands, is experiencing a quiet but profound shift. A growing crop of local startups is entering the market, challenging traditional players by leveraging digital-first strategies, regional craftsmanship, and a strong focus on everyday wear. This evolution is giving rise to a more diverse, accessible, and culturally rooted jewellery ecosystem.

Well-established names such as Giva, Rubans, Kushals, and Palmonas (the latter co-owned by Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor) continue to enjoy widespread recognition, particularly in urban centers. However, in recent years, smaller brands from non-metro cities have started to carve out their own niche, attracting a loyal customer base across India.

A Growing Appetite for Affordable Luxury

Industry insiders note that the shift is being driven by a changing consumer mindset. The Indian fashion shopper — especially in the 20–35 age group — is increasingly seeking lightweight, tarnish-resistant, and stylish accessories that can be worn every day. “It’s not just about weddings and special occasions anymore,” says fashion retail analyst Meera Rao. “There is now a strong preference for minimalistic designs that balance affordability with aesthetic value.”

In this evolving landscape, homegrown labels like Kots Trend, based in Kochi, are gaining traction. Originally launched in

2016 from Latur as a printed T-shirt brand targeting youth, Kots has since pivoted toward the fashion jewellery space under its new avatar — Kots Trend from a new location. The brand was also  featured in startup magazine – Yourstory in 2016 which now offers a curated collection of anti-tarnish earrings, necklaces, chains, and bracelets, catering to both men and women.

From Apparel to Accessories: A Strategic Pivot

According to sources close to the brand, the shift from apparel to accessories was rooted in a deep understanding of emerging market trends. “We observed a growing gap in the market — stylish, everyday jewellery with long-lasting finish that doesn’t burn a hole in the pocket,” says a person familiar with the brand’s evolution. What sets Kots Trend apart, according to its growing customer base, is its emphasis on premium look and feel, paired with value pricing. By eliminating intermediaries and opting for a direct-to-consumer model, the brand ensures quality control, faster delivery, and lower costs. All products are managed and shipped directly by the company — a departure from its previous dropshipping model.

Made in India, Made with Intention

One of the defining features of many new entrants in the jewellery space is their commitment to the Make in India ethos. While many global fast-fashion labels still rely on mass production abroad, newer Indian brands are collaborating with local artisans and manufacturers to bring out designs rooted in Indian aesthetics. “We work closely with local craftspeople to maintain the authenticity and detailing of our jewellery,” says a Kots Trend founder Abhilash Pillai – “This not only helps preserve indigenous skills but also ensures a premium-quality product for our customers.”

Men’s Fashion Jewellery Finds Its Footing

Interestingly, the brand has also focused on a segment often overlooked in the fashion accessory space —men. From symbolic pendants like the “Om Power Chain” to subtle chains and bracelets, the brand’s men’s collection has found an unexpected but strong following. Market research supports this direction. According to a 2023 survey by the Indian Fashion & Lifestyle Association, over 38% of urban men aged 18–30 reported purchasing at least one fashion accessory in the past six months, indicating a shift in style preferences among male consumers.

Digital Is the New High Street

As with most modern startups, online presence has been a game changer. With no reliance on physical stores, brands like Kots Trend are making use of Instagram Reels, influencer tie-ups, and niche Facebook groups to reach fashion-savvy audiences across India. Their e-commerce platform, Kots.in, is optimized for mobile-first buyers, with detailed product imagery, reviews, and secure payment options. “Instagram has become the new runway,” observes Bangalore-based digital strategist Ankit Deshmukh. “Smaller brands are now able to build communities, get feedback, and iterate designs rapidly — something traditional players often struggle with.”

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the momentum, challenges remain. Logistics, return handling, and scaling manufacturing while maintaining quality are common hurdles faced by indie jewellery brands. Moreover, as competition heats up, differentiation will be key. Yet, the potential is undeniable. According to RedSeer’s latest report, India’s  fashion jewellery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% over the next five years, driven by digital adoption and rising disposable incomes among young consumers.

What Lies Ahead

For brands like Kots Trend, the road ahead involves staying nimble and design-forward while preserving the core values of quality and affordability. Plans are reportedly underway to expand into new categories, including stackable rings and personalized charms, as well as to introduce limited-edition drops and festive collections. As fashion becomes more fluid and less occasion- bound, India’s jewellery industry appears to be at a turning point — one where creativity, culture, and commerce intersect. And in this new wave, it’s not just the giants who are glittering, but also the grassroots.