Latest news with #PawanGupta
Fashion Value Chain
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Smart Style: How India's Textile Innovations Are Redefining Global Fashion and Living
In an era where fashion is as much about innovation and intention as it is about design, India's textile sector is stepping into a defining moment. Once known purely for its artisanal heritage and cost-effective manufacturing, the country is now emerging as a strategic and technological powerhouse in the global textile value chain—driven not only by shifting geopolitics but by the smart reinvention of how fabrics are designed, produced, and consumed. As global brands look beyond China amidst ongoing trade tensions and supply chain diversification, India's textile hubs—from Tiruppur to Surat—are rapidly becoming innovation zones. What sets India apart isn't just scale; it's the sector's ability to infuse textiles with intelligence—fabrics that regulate body temperature, resist bacteria, or biodegrade without harm. Add to this the rise of eco-alternatives like banana, bamboo, and hemp-based fibers, and India's pitch to the world is no longer just affordable manufacturing—it's smart, sustainable style. 'India's textile industry is going through an exciting shift—blending its rich heritage of craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. It's no longer just about making clothes; it's about creating products that match today's lifestyle and global expectations,' says Pawan Gupta, Co-Founder of Fashinza, a tech-driven platform that connects fashion brands with manufacturers. 'From AI that helps predict design trends to eco-friendly fabrics made from banana, bamboo, and hemp, Indian textiles are stepping into a smarter, more sustainable future.' This evolution is happening in real-time. Indian manufacturers are digitizing sourcing, compressing lead times, and embracing data-led production—moving away from the slow, fragmented processes of the past. Global buyers are responding. With sustainability now a key mandate, they're turning to India not only for price but for purpose—seeking traceable, on-demand, design-forward supply chains that can deliver at speed. But as Pawan Gupta emphasizes, execution is everything. 'The opportunity is historic, but the winners will be those who consolidate quickly, integrate tech deeply, and present a unified, agile supply chain. Global brands want partners who think like architects, not just producers.' India's edge lies in its full-stack capability—from fiber to fashion—and in its ability to blend tradition with transformation. Whether it's smart textiles entering global fashion houses or sustainable home fabrics redefining interior aesthetics, Indian innovation is now setting the pace. The future of fashion and living is being rewoven—and India is no longer just part of the supply chain; it's leading the narrative.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
India's toy industry eyes Middle East expansion via UAE gateway
India's toy sector is rapidly reshaping the global landscape, propelled by strategic policy interventions including the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa). Fuelled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for local manufacturing and zero-duty access to the UAE market, India has witnessed a dramatic transformation: toy exports have soared by a remarkable 240 per cent while imports have been halved in the past decade. This phenomenal growth positions India to aggressively push high-quality toys to the UAE and beyond, cementing its role as a global production powerhouse. The Toy Biz 2025 exhibition (July 4-7, New Delhi), featuring nearly 400 Indian brands and anticipating presence from Minister Piyush Goyal, offers a direct channel for international buyers to tap into India's evolving and inventive production prowess. 'The UAE's zero-duty access gives Indian manufacturers like us a gateway into a high-potential, quality-conscious market,' stated Pawan Gupta, Managing Director - RPH India and Middle East, and Head Convener of The Toy Association of India. 'This shift in India's toy exports isn't just encouraging — it's strategic. However, competing globally means more than just low cost — it means creating IP-driven toys, investing in child-safe innovation, and delivering on storytelling. The government has laid the foundation; now it's on us to evolve from contract manufacturers to brand creators. We must keep investing in R&D, build stronger brands and ensure that 'Made in India' stands for imagination, not just affordability.' The domestic market, currently valued at $1.9 billion, is projected to reach $3 billion by 2028, underscoring India's ascent as a global leader in toy production. This momentum is further bolstered by regulatory oversight, strategic promotion of local manufacturing clusters, and significant investments from major global players who have established manufacturing bases in India, contributing substantially to local value addition. The industry's competitive edge is driven by lower labour costs, abundant raw materials, and efficient manufacturing infrastructure. New trends, including IoT-enabled toys and sustainability-focused practices, are further propelling the sector into future-ready territory, while exports continue to diversify geographically across the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, and critically, the Middle East and Africa. In a concerted effort to accelerate this upward momentum, Invest India, in collaboration with The Toy Association of India (TAI), will host the third edition of the Global Toys CEO Meet on July 4 at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. This event, themed 'Innovate & Play', will convene leading stakeholders, including domestic and global toy brands, senior government officials, and large-scale retailers. The Global Toys CEO Meet is an integral part of the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition, South Asia's largest toy fair, running from July 4th to 7th, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The consistent collaborative efforts between the Indian toy industry and the government are essential to firmly positioning India as a competitive alternative to established toy manufacturing hubs across Asia.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can cataracts happen in young adults?
Short answer: Yes. And it's more common than you'd think. When we hear the word cataract, we usually picture someone over 60, maybe with salt-and-pepper hair and reading glasses, squinting at the world through a cloudy fog. But here's the thing—cataracts aren't just an "old people problem" anymore. More and more young adults (yes, even folks in their 20s and 30s) are being diagnosed with this eye condition that blurs vision, dulls colors, and makes driving at night feel like navigating through a steamy bathroom mirror. So what exactly is a cataract? In simple terms, it's when the lens of your eye—the clear part that helps you focus—starts to get cloudy. For older adults, this is usually due to natural aging. But for younger people? The reasons range from genetics and trauma to lifestyle issues like smoking, overexposure to UV light, or even diabetes. And in today's screen-happy, stress-packed world, our eyes are doing overtime—so it's not all that shocking anymore. The tricky part is that most young people don't see it coming (literally) Blurry vision? We blame it on too much screen time. Sensitivity to light? Maybe it's just the new ring light. But if you're constantly squinting, noticing halos around lights, or feeling like your glasses aren't doing their job anymore—it might be time to look beyond the basics. Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract & Retina Surgeon, Eye 7 Hospitals, Lajpat Nagar & Vision Eye Clinic, New Delhi says, "cataract is usually an aging sign — a natural process by which the eye lens slowly gets cloudy and hard, leading to blurred vision. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Cataracts, however, are not exclusive to older people, as in popular portrayal. Young adults and children can develop cataracts in certain circumstances." "One of the most frequent causes of early-onset cataract is trauma to the eye. Any type of eye injury — blunt, penetrating, or foreign body — will damage the lens and lead to cataract formation. The second leading causative factor is steroid use. The prolonged use of steroids in the form of eye drops, oral tablets, or even inhalation for asthma increases the risk factor for cataracts in youth. Diabetes is a firmly established risk factor. Uncontrolled blood glucose subjects the diabetic to the development of cataract at a younger age than the non-diabetic. Smoking is another lifestyle aspect that is well known to speed up ageing in the eye, making cataract development more likely even for people under the age of 40. Another less frequent but significant etiology is uveitis, or inflammation of the eye. Chronic or recurrent uveitis can lead to secondary cataracts, especially with steroid therapy as well," he explains. Can it be treated? Dr. Sonika Gupta, Associate Director – Senior Eye Surgeon (Cataract, LASIK & Cornea), Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park says, "treatment in early stages is change in prescription glasses, eventually will require surgery - cataract surgery with intraocular lenses. Important consideration is early detection especially where there is family history and other risk factors, regular eye check-ups particularly for people with diabetes, adopting healthy habits like wearing sunglasses with UV protection and antioxidants rich diet. " "Early-onset cataracts progress more rapidly and can have a significant impact on quality of life — interfering with daily activities, work, and driving. Fortunately, contemporary cataract surgery is safe, effective, and can restore vision with minimal downtime. In short, while cataracts are largely age-related, they do and can occur in younger people due to trauma, medications, disease, or lifestyle. Early detection and treatment are essential," advises Dr Pawan Gupta. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
India's toy industry roars into global arena, eyes Middle East expansion via UAE Gateway
DUBAI, UAE – India's toy sector is rapidly reshaping the global landscape, propelled by strategic policy interventions including the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Fuelled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for local manufacturing and zero-duty access to the UAE market, India has witnessed a dramatic transformation: toy exports have soared by a remarkable 240% while imports have been halved in the past decade. This phenomenal growth positions India to aggressively push high-quality toys to the UAE and beyond, cementing its role as a global production powerhouse. The Toy Biz 2025 exhibition (July 4-7, New Delhi), featuring nearly 400 Indian brands and anticipating presence from Minister Piyush Goyal, offers a direct channel for international buyers to tap into India's evolving and inventive production prowess. "The UAE's zero-duty access gives Indian manufacturers like us a gateway into a high-potential, quality-conscious market," stated Pawan Gupta, Managing Director - RPH India and Middle East, and Head Convener of The Toy Association of India."This shift in India's toy exports isn't just encouraging—it's strategic. However, competing globally means more than just low cost—it means creating IP-driven toys, investing in child-safe innovation, and delivering on storytelling. The government has laid the foundation; now it's on us to evolve from contract manufacturers to brand creators. We must keep investing in R&D, build stronger brands and ensure that 'Made in India' stands for imagination, not just affordability." The domestic market, currently valued at USD 1.9 billion, is projected to reach USD 3 billion by 2028, underscoring India's ascent as a global leader in toy production. This momentum is further bolstered by regulatory oversight, strategic promotion of local manufacturing clusters, and significant investments from major global players who have established manufacturing bases in India, contributing substantially to local value addition. The industry's competitive edge is driven by lower labor costs, abundant raw materials, and efficient manufacturing infrastructure. New trends, including IoT-enabled toys and sustainability-focused practices, are further propelling the sector into future-ready territory, while exports continue to diversify geographically across the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, and critically, the Middle East and Africa. In a concerted effort to accelerate this upward momentum, Invest India, in collaboration with The Toy Association of India (TAI), is proud to present the 3rd edition of the Global Toys CEO Meet on July 4th, 2025, at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. This exclusive event, themed 'Innovate & Play,' will convene leading stakeholders, including domestic and global toy brands, senior government officials, and large-scale retailers. The Global Toys CEO Meet is an integral part of the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition, South Asia's largest toy fair, running from July 4th to 7th, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The consistent collaborative efforts between the Indian toy industry and the government are essential to firmly positioning India as a competitive alternative to established toy manufacturing hubs across Asia. About Invest India: Invest India is the National Investment Promotion & Facilitation Agency of India, working to facilitate investments and foster growth across various sectors. About The Toy Association of India (TAI): The Toy Association of India is a leading industry body dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the Indian toy sector through advocacy, networking, and industry initiatives.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Toy industry booming with 239% rise in exports in FY23 over FY15
HighlightsIndia's largest toy trade event, Toy Biz International 2025, will feature over 350 Indian toy brands and attract more than 10,000 buyers from 25 countries, including major international retailers like Walmart and Hamleys India. With the Indian government raising basic customs duties on imported toys from 20% to 60%, the country has seen a significant reduction in toy imports by over 70% and a growth in toy exports by more than 60% from FY2018-19 to FY2023-24. The Toy Association of India reports that the Indian toy industry is among the fastest-growing globally, projected to reach USD 3 billion by 2028, driven by tariff advantages, international outreach, and expanding exports to key markets. India's largest toy trade event, Toy Biz International 2025, is set to return with its most impactful edition yet -- bringing together over 350 Indian toy brands and 10,000+ buyers from 25 countries, including international retail giants like Walmart, Hamleys India, Landmark, and Lulu Group. Organized by the Toy Association of India (TAI), this event will spotlight India's rising stature in the global toy manufacturing arena, especially as the global toy supply chain undergoes a major transformation, thanks to a combination of domestic policy support and international trade shifts. With the United States imposing 25% tariffs on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, including toys -- and tightening scrutiny on Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian imports -- Indian toy makers are stepping up to seize the opportunity. As a result: * Global sourcing is diversifying, and India is emerging as a preferred alternative manufacturing base for American and European buyers. * Indian companies are forging global joint ventures, expanding capacity, and aligning to international compliance norms. * Major US retailers are showing increased interest in Indian suppliers, with early discussions on bilateral trade deals further accelerating optimism. Moreover, in a bold move to uplift local industries, the Indian government has raised basic customs duties on imported toys from 20% to 60%, enforced mandatory BIS certification, and implemented stricter safety and quality norms to curb low-quality imports -- particularly from China, which accounted for over 70% of India's toy imports until recently. These efforts have already begun to yield results: * Toy imports have declined by over 70% between FY2018-19 and FY2023-24 * Toy exports have grown by more than 60% in the same period As the global toy supply chain undergoes a strategic shift, India is emerging as a serious contender in the international toy export market. With increased high-value exports, this year's Toy Biz International is a testament to the innovation and quality of Indian toy manufacturers who are meeting international standards and offering customized solutions," said Pawan Gupta, Official Spokesperson and Former Vice-President, the Toy Association of India (TAI). "The Indian toy industry is among the fastest-growing globally, expected to reach USD 3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12% between 2022-2028. With tariff advantages, international outreach, and expanding exports to the US, Middle East and Africa, Indian manufacturers are increasingly seen as credible, scalable, and globally competitive partners. Our industry is stepping into a leadership role not just with volume, but with innovation and safety. India is now on the global radar for high-quality toy manufacturing," he added.
