Passenger vehicle retail sales in India experienced a 3% decline in May due to customer purchase delays amid geopolitical tensions and softening demand for entry-level models. Two-wheeler sales rose by 7%, driven by auspicious events and pre-monsoon demand, while commercial vehicle sales fell by 4% due to muted freight and tight liquidity.
Flipkart Investments divested its entire 6% stake in Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) through block deals, amounting to Rs 583 crore. Following the sale, ABFRL's shares experienced a significant drop of nearly 11%. The transaction involved selling 7.31 crore equity shares at a discounted floor price of Rs 79.50 per share.
What happens to the writer who no longer struggles with the perfect phrase, or the designer who no longer sketches dozens of variations before finding the right one? Will they become increasingly dependent on these cognitive prosthetics, similar to how using GPS diminishes navigation skills? And how can human creativity and critical thinking be preserved in an age of algorithmic abundance?
L'Oreal aims to significantly expand its Indian operations. The company intends to double its business within a few years. Factory expansions are also planned to boost local production and exports. India is a key market for L'Oreal, recognized as one of the fastest-growing beauty markets globally.
While artificial intelligence is making the problem worse, it is also becoming one of the most powerful tools to fight against such manipulation. Researchers are using machine learning techniques to analyse disinformation. AI tools can help piece together details about who is telling the story, the timeline of how it is told, and cultural elements specific to where the story takes place. This can reveal when a story does not add up.
British Airways aims to grow in India. The airline will increase flights and explore cargo options due to the India-UK trade deal. Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO, sees India as a key market. They plan to reintroduce first-class seats on the Mumbai-London route. The airline anticipates significant growth in Indian aviation and cargo transport.
Illegal online gambling is a growing concern in India. These platforms lure vulnerable users with attractive offers. A report by CUTS International reveals the scale of the problem. It estimates billions of visits to these sites. The platforms use aggressive marketing and exploit payment loopholes. The Ministry of Finance is investigating hundreds of entities.
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is now the brand ambassador for Sparsh Pearl. He signed a two-year agreement with the bathroom fitting company. The actor will feature in a 360-degree marketing campaign. This includes television, digital platforms, and outdoor advertising. Sparsh Pearl aims to strengthen its global presence with this collaboration.
Pernod Ricard India anticipates lower retail prices for imported liquor across most states following the India-UK FTA, which will reduce duties on UK whisky and gin. This move is expected to improve access to premium Scotch whiskies, making them more competitively priced for Indian consumers. Under the trade pact, announced earlier this month, India will reduce duties on UK whisky and gin from 150 per cent to 75 per cent, and further to 40 per cent by the tenth year.
Limca, Coca-Cola India's popular lemon-lime drink, has surpassed ₹2800 crore in 2024, fueled by innovative campaigns and expansion into new categories like advanced hydration with Limca GlucoCharge. The brand's success is attributed to its focus on evolving consumer needs, widespread distribution, and marketing that connects with consumers. Limca continues to celebrate Indian achievements through the Limca Book of Records.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has directed e-commerce platforms to adhere to government guidelines on 'dark patterns' and conduct internal audits, or face action. The government has identified 13 such deceptive practices and will form a joint working group for enforcement.
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