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Emami enjoys leadership in niche product categories such as cooling talc, men’s fairness cream and headache curing balms. However, this is Emami’s first venture into the face wash segment; which is a well penetrated category with intense competition from national and international players with an overall valuation of at Rs 681 crores (Mat Dec 2011).

Meantime, Emami has also been entering other skin care categories. Over the past year, for instance, it extended the Boroplus brand into sun screen lotion, skin therapy cream, winter cream and entered the soap category with launch of the Malai Kesar and Pure Skin Soap. The company promises to live up to the precedence of high quality range of products this time as well.

Says Krishna Mohan, CEO, Emami Limited, “We all face skin problems due to dryness and dirt which pose real challenges to maintain the natural hydration of the skin. As a category, face wash has crossed the Rs 681 cr mark with good growth rates – both in value (61%) and volume terms (46%).However, this latest face wash from BoroPlus is our answer to skin care with one single solution– a moisturizing face wash that will remove all impurities from your face and make the skin soft, supple and irresistible to touch. The product is going to have a pan-India launch with the initial target being the metro cities; later we gradually plan to penetrate into regional markets as well which also harbours a huge consumer base for Emami”.

Boroplus Advanced Moisturizing Face Wash has a breakthrough formulation that is enhanced with the goodness of natural products like Honey, Almonds and multiple herbs. The USP of the face wash lies in its unique double action potency – deep cleansing of dirt and active moisturizing through deep penetration into the layers of the skin. Boroplus face wash is extremely pocket friendly with an introductory price of Rs. 40 for a 50 ml. tube; keeping in mind the varied range of customers Emami caters to.

Print, electronic and social media together with radio have been roped in for taking care of the promotional campaigns for the face wash. Emami has also kicked off an innovative TVC for launching the face wash.

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In a one-of-a-kind highlight during the press conference, recipient of the 1st prize at Japanese National Watch Skill Competition in 1997, first class skilled watch craftsman Junya Kamijo assembled the latest marvel of infinite perfection – the Ananta Spring Drive Mechanism. Unveiling the Ananta Collection, Susumu Kawanishi, President, Seiko Watch India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Over the last few years we have witnessed the impeccable growth potential for quality watches in India. We established this subsidiary in India with a ommitment to move ourselves closer to consumers in India and this has helped us grow and strengthen our Brand presence across markets. With the launch of ‘Ananta’, we want to reinforce our commitment of providing the cutting edge technology watches for the luxury watch market in India”.

Also speaking on the Occasion Niladri Mazumder, Vice President, Seiko Watch India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Spring Drive is the most important movement created by Seiko since the Quartz
Astron in 1969. It is based on the foundation of all mechanical watch technology, a mainspring, but uses an entirely new system for time regulation that delivers best accuracy, and uniquely, glides motion- hands that represent the continuous, even motion of time”.

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The announcement was made by Dr. P. Nandagopal, Managing Director & CEO, IndiaFirst Life Insurance. M D Mallya, Chairman & Managing Director of Bank of Baroda, B A Prabhakar, Chairman & Managing Director of Andhra Bank and Gareth Hoskin, CEO – International Business, Legal & General were also present at the launch.

“Today we are witnessing two quite distinct yet obvious trends – one in the automobile industry and another in life insurance. Both these industries while may seem to be non-related to each other, offer an interesting possibility for synergy. In the recent times, the automobile industry has seen an upsurge not only in terms of numbers but also the kind of involvement and time spent by end users in deciding the right fit. The second trend noticed is the growing preference of investors for returns over protection and instant gratification/ solutions instead of long waits. This we see as a gap as well as a great opportunity for us as we increase our focus on group business,” said Dr. Nandagopal.

Under Autolife, automobile buyers can now not only ensure their family’s happiness about also secure them from future uncertainties of life. They can now avail the benefits of a life insurance cover at the same time and place as buying their new car and that too at an affordable cost.

Autolife is a win-win proposition for all – the customer, dealer and the insurer.

It is convenient as it does not require any documentation/ medicals or waiting period and assures speedy and empathetic settlement of claims within 48 hours*.

The company has entered into its first tie-up with Varun Motors of Andhra Pradesh to offer life insurance cover to its customers. IndiaFirst Life is planning similar tie-ups at a nationwide level across various untapped segments in the near future so that customers across the country can avail the benefit of a life insurance cover through a simple process.

Varun Motors today caters to over 15000 customers every month. They are spread across Andhra Pradesh through 100 centers.

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“We believe such an initiative is important for a country like India which is still under insured and will help achieve greater insurance penetration”, further added Dr. Nandagopal.

IndiaFirst Life Insurance is constantly working towards making insurance buying a simple and informed process for its customers. Some of the unique initiatives launched by the company include – LifeStore, a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ online store for understanding and buying insurance, and Ask Apply Get (AAG) – an innovative and customer friendly process to buy life insurance in the most hassle free manner over the counter. IndiaFirst was also the first to introduce product audio-visuals as a compulsory part of their sales process to bring transparency in product information dissemination.

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Three powerful home cleaning robots will now work hard to protect Indian homes from germs and dust, namely, RedHawk, BlackCat and Robocop. They can clean all types of surfaces from marble to carpet to wood, and can easily go re-charge themselves in between cleaning cycles.

The robots boast of impressive obstacle and stair detection intelligence. The obstacle detection feature allows the robot to maneuver its way around objects that it may encounter while cleaning. The stair detection feature that is based on the infrared principle makes sure that the robot does not just fall off stairs, a balcony or even an elevated table. These elegant looking robots, which are extremely simple to use, can be auto-scheduled to clean at a date and time in the future. These cleaners can really go beyond the average floor sweeping as they come packed with an in-built UV ray lamp. This lamp when turned on emits UV rays that break the DNA of virus and bacteria; thereby making sure your home remains absolutely hygienic and germ-free.

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At the heart of the new Pulsar is its cutting-edge engine which sets new benchmarks in performance, emission and incidentally also fuel efficiency. The DTS-i (Digital Twin Spark-ignition) technology launched in 2003 marked a unique first in the history of Indian Motoring. The new Pulsar takes this technology altogether to another level with a SOHC 4-valve Triple Spark engine controlled by an advanced Electronic Control Unit for an absolutely unmatched performance. To support this exhilarating heart-pumping performance the bike comes with liquid cooling and a six speed gear box.

The Pulsar 200NS chassis comprises a pressed steel perimeter frame and a Rectangular tube section swing arm delivering over three times the lateral stiffness of a P220 frame. These deliver outstanding high speed handling and cornering stability. The centrally located muffler and the unique gas filled Nitrox mono suspension further improve the ride and handling of the bike due to low & centralized CG position.

The Pulsar design character has evolved with the performance & dynamics. It’s become stronger, more aggressive with a street fighter stance. The look just begs you to ride it. Once astride, the sporty speedo console, triple-tree clip-ons, the signature clips and the illuminated switches evoke the design, fit and finish so far exclusively reserved for much more expensive super sports bikes. The new 200cc Pulsar is probably the most stunning sports bike in its class oozing raw muscular appeal.

Commenting on the launch, K. Srinivas, President-Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto said: “Pulsar has now celebrated a ‘Decade of Dominance’ with 10 years of leadership in the Indian performance motorcycle market. These sporty iconic motorcycles have been a testimony to the company’s engineering prowess. The Pulsar 200 NS showcases next leap in technology and design and will set the standard for others to follow.
We believe that 2012-13 will be an exciting period where Bajaj Auto will excite customers both here and abroad,” Mr. Srinivas added.

The Pulsar 200NS will be commercially launched beginning next Fiscal.

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With the launch of EuroDiya, Eureka Forbes adds a new channel in its product portfolio diversifying across water purification, vacuum cleaning, home security, air purification and now solar products. Eureka Forbes has tied up with US based Nokero to bring its one-of-a-kind, cost effective, environmentally friendly and technologically advanced solar bulbs to suit the consumer needs of urban and rural India.

Launched as part of Eureka Forbes’ Community Fulfillment Initiatives in India, EuroDiya aims to provide alternative sources of lighting at an affordable cost and solve power woes of India to a considerable extent. The solar lamps will be available in 3 forms; bulbs, lanterns and torches, ranging in price from Rs. 599 to Rs. 2499 based on model and features and will be available across India through the company’s service team, retail shops, online portals as well as institutional sales.
Launching the new category and brand EuroDiya, Mr. Suresh Goklaney, Executive Vice Chairman, Eureka Forbes Limited said, “Power deficit is the biggest cause of concern in India as traditional energy sources are becoming extinct day-by-day. We are happy to see that India is ushering towards green energy solutions as the pressure on traditional energy sources increases. Our latest addition EuroDiya to the family of Eureka Forbes is a clean and sustainable energy solution for the power woes of every Indian.”

In India, about 63% of the total rural households do not have electricity and use kerosene for lighting which causes substantial pollution, health risks to users, including to respiratory, visual and nervous systems as well as fires which cause injuries, property damage and even deaths. Even urban areas in the country that are connected to electricity grids are facing frequent power outages making it difficult for people to work, study and do their daily chores smoothly. Keeping these factors in mind, Eureka Forbes introduced EuroDiya to strike a balance between sustainability and affordability.
EuroDiya is versatile product putting the solar lamps into multiple applications. The key benefits that EuroDiya offers to India include:

Cost efficient and affordable
Lead free rechargeable battery being safe on environment, as lead poisoning is going to be next biggest contamination
Portable and easy to carry
Longer life and durability
Break resistant and rain-proof bulbs and torch
Doesn’t need extra batteries and run solely on sunlight
Needs no maintenance at any given point of time

Speaking on the occasion, A.V. Suresh, President – International Operations, CEO – Forbes Professional, Eureka Forbes Limited said, “Solar energy is generally provided at a higher cost making it financially unfeasible for people to use. We at Eureka Forbes have always believed in spreading happiness in the lives of people through our cutting edge technologies and innovations. EuroDiya’s novel technology and cost efficiency will make it possible for Indians to use solar lamps in their daily lives and will also encourage for social entrepreneurship to a substantial extent in the country.”

Marzin Shroff, CEO-Direct Sales and Senior VP-Marketing, Eureka Forbes Limited, said, “In keeping with our commitment for a happy and healthy community and a pollution free world, we have introduced EuroDiya as part of our Community Fulfillment objectives. Many families suffer from the use of kerosene and coal as sources of light in their homes. Many cases of burns and respiratory problems have been linked with it. EuroDiya is a healthier choice in today’s world and we believe it has immense potential in the category to grow in India”.

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Announcing the launch, Vikram Grover, Marketing Head, Tata Global Beverages said, ‘It’s heartening to know consumers today are seeking better and healthier options in their daily diet and exercise regime. Green tea, as a beverage is well acclaimed and has a strong history of promoting good health.”

He further added, “Tetley has built a strong reputation in this segment offering quality, taste and wellness to consumers across the globe. As we begin the New Year, we are delighted to launch these new exciting and tasty flavours of green tea specifically developed for the Indian palate. Adding these flavours to our existing range will offer more taste and variety to our consumers who relish their cup of green tea every day. Initially, these green teas are available in Delhi, Mumbai all key metros.”

To promote consumption of green tea and build awareness about its health benefits, Tetley is organizing an awareness program ‘Healthy Fun Days’ in January. Sampling activities will be held at parks (Jog Fests), malls and centers of a popular gymnasium chain across Delhi.

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When hair is salon-treated, it undergoes a structural change, leaving it looking beautiful owing to professional styling. Over time, changes take place to hair which are invisible to the naked eye. They start to look dull due to environmental stress and lose protein due to daily styling. This causes tiny cracks to develop into deeper irreparable damage and thus, the beauty of salon procedures fades away. We call this ‘The Infinite Cycle of Beauty’.

Borne out of scientific knowledge of how hair behaves post salon procedures, experts at the Keratinology Institute have come together to formulate Keratinology by Sunsilk. Created after years of research, the range has been tested to capture and maintain salon beautiful healthy looking hair for longer. This is done using the power of Keratin MicroTM Technology, which penetrates deep into the hair. Its unique action nourishes and reconstructs any damaged fibres, leaving hair looking healthy and beautiful. Tested across the world on different hair types, the resulting formulation, proven by our experts, prolongs that salon feeling, being an ideal home care system.

Keratinology’s unique products reinforce ones hair’s natural strength and shine to keep the cycle of beauty alive. The Overnight Treatment in the Advanced Reconstruction Range has been designed and tested with the power to recover up to one month of hair protein loss in just one night. The Dual Treatment Shots’ two-step deep conditioners use Keratin MicroTM Technology to give extreme reconstruction. Its micro nutrients have ten times more protein replenishment power compared to leading conditioners, which repairs even the most severe damage, making hair healthy from within.

Keratinology offers a unique customised hair regime program for its consumers. You can now build your own Keratinogram and get your customised hair regime recommendation by answering a few questions about your hair. Visit www.Keratinology.in for more information.

Keratinology by Sunsilk was unveiled at a glittering event in Mumbai in the presence of Bollywood celebrity hair expert and hair consultant for Keratinology, Dilshad Pastakia, the stunning diva Malaika Arora Khan, along with Rajnikant Sabnavis, Regional Category Vice President, Hair, Unilever South Asia and Niraj Mistry, Head – Technical Management, Home and Personal Care, Unilever South Asia.

Dilshad Pastakia, Bollywood celebrity hair expert and Hair Consultant for Keratinology said, “Today young women are constantly experimenting with their hair. Salon-treated hair slowly starts to lose its strength due to environmental stress. Hair becomes weakened and fragile over time due to protein loss owing to daily styling and it needs special care to maintain its professional beauty for longer. As a hair expert, I truly believe Keratinology by Sunsilk is revolutionary and is the perfect canvas for women who want beautiful hair. It changes the relationship between at-home hair care and in-salon procedures, so your salon hair looks its best for longer.”

Speaking about the technology, Niraj Mistry, Head – Technical Management, Home and Personal Care, Unilever South Asia said, “Experts at Unilever and The Keratinology Institute are constantly working to develop new, innovative technologies and products that will provide the best solutions to our consumers. Inspired to work in synergy with various salon procedures, our latest offering Keratinology by Sunsilk has been tested to harnesses the power of Keratin MicroTM Technology to prolong the beauty of salon-treated hair. We have developed this home care system to work with the effects that salon procedures can have on hair over time, by nourishing and maintaining hair fibres. Each product in the range enhances the positive effects of professional procedures, so your hair is in safe, expert hands, from the minute you leave the salon door.”

Prior to the launch, four well-known models who are regularly subjected to hair styling stress and damage were selected to undergo the Keratinology procedure by Dilshad Pastakia. They discovered this secret to prolong the beauty of salon treated hair. At the glittering launch event, these models – Shruti Aggarwal, Sonali Raut, Uppekha Jain and Malvika Raaj – also walked the ramp flaunting their lustrous hair, treated with Keratinology by Sunsilk.

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The coffee is made of a fine blend of Robusta and Arabica beans that lend their aromatic & tasteful notes to the coffee, and provide a rich mouthful of flavour. It is the purity of BRU Gold’s aroma and taste which will inspire you to live life 100%. Available at Rs. 10 for an 8gm pack, Rs. 48 for a 25gm jar, Rs. 90 for a 50gm jar and Rs. 169 for a 100gm jar, Bru Gold is the perfect companion as your daily cup of steaming hot coffee as well as one to cherish those special moments of life with. The stylish and trendy triangular jar with special snap-fit cap ensures that the aroma and taste of this delectable coffee stays carefully preserved.

Priyanka Chopra says, “A perfect cup of coffee is a great way to get you in the mood to take on the world! And that’s just what a cup of Bru Gold does for me! It’s my way of kick-starting my day and also keeps me going, making every moment fun, exciting and memorable! Life is about enjoying even the smallest moments and one sip of Bru Gold equips you to do just that!”

Shahid Kapoor says, “Bru Gold 100% pure coffee is a total winner for the Indian coffee palette. Its zestful aroma and taste charges you up to live each moment to the fullest. The unmatched aroma that Bru Gold offers will definitely leave you asking for more.”

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The compact Canon 14.3 megapixel PowerShot G1X adopts powerful EOS technologies and large CMOS sensor to capture amazingly high-quality photos, for those who desire the power of an EOS camera in a smaller package. Whereas the outgoing and socially active users can look forward to the new 16.1 megapixel IXUS 125 HS and 10.1 megapixel IXUS 500 HS, which have the ability to take outstanding photos without the use of clunky accessories, while still being stylishly slim enough to slip into a tight pocket.

The new range of compact cameras features DIGIC 5 image processor. The DIGIC 5′s superior image processing capabilities generate high quality images in all types of lighting conditions, with minimal noise and more accurate colors, ensuring the best-looking skin tones under any type of light. The DIGIC 5 is put together with other technologies like the HS system, so you have the freedom to snap crystal-clear photos in lowlight conditions without the use of bulky tripods.

The classic, stately look of the 14.3 megapixel POWERSHOT G1X with a 4x zoom 28mm lens says it all. This sophisticated, no-nonsense camera is designed for photography enthusiasts. Its streamlined design combines simplicity and functionality. There is even a front control dial for full manual control, and an optical viewfinder; features normally found in Digital SLRs. The versatile lens takes away the hassle of changing camera lenses allowing the user, to frame shots using the 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor.

To make the most of all this visual data, the POWERSHOT G1X can save photos in 14-bit RAW format. Common for Digital SLR cameras, the respected RAW format is favored by professionals because it preserves more image data, and grants additional flexibility when it comes to touch-ups.

The 16.1 megapixel IXUS 125 HS’s 5x zoom and the IXUS 500 HS’s 12x zoom are complimented by the Intelligent IS technology which is intelligent enough to detect factors like zoom position and shooting distance to accurately counter camera shake. The IXUS 500 HS also has the distinction of being the world’s slimmest 12x optical zoom camera, providing users with the versatility to capture all kinds of photos, from distant close-ups to wide-angle group shots. Auto Mode has been enhanced for the IXUS 125 HS and IXUS 500 HS, and can now detect 58 different types of scene – almost twice as many as previous models. Whether it’s a moving subject in front of a sunset, or a macro shot in a dark environment, Smart Auto Mode can help users take unforgettable photos quickly, without fussing over camera settings. If it detects a sleeping child, it will even automatically deactivate the flash and shutter.

The new Face ID function allows users to register the names and faces of up to 12 people, and tag the photos that they appear in. Auto-focus and auto-exposure priority is also given to registered people. Face ID also lets users can quickly find photos of a specific family member or friend.