QUALITY TOYS
Crude surge lifts toy prices ahead of summer rush
Toy prices are rising ahead of the summer holidays as the West Asia conflict pushes up crude-linked raw material costs, especially plastics. Industry body The All India Toy Manufacturers Association said prices could increase 10%–40%, with plastic costs surging sharply in recent weeks.
The Unexpected Toy-Cleaning Trick Hiding in Your Kitchen Cabinet That Parents Are Quietly Swearing By
Keeping children's toys clean is vital for home hygiene. Parents often struggle with this task. Baking soda emerges as a safe, natural cleaner. It effectively removes dirt and odors from various toys. This method is economical and accessible. It helps prevent the spread of germs and diseases within families. Baking soda provides a healthy alternative to chemical detergents.
Toy manufacturing startup Bidso raises Rs 63 crore led by Blume ventures
Founded in 2022 by Rahul Agarwal, Vivek Singhal, and Aditya Krishnakumar, Bidso operates as a contract manufacturing platform. The company manages the entire value chain from product design to final manufacturing.
Quote of the day by Steve Jobs: 'My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource...' – inspiring lessons on value of time, success and happiness by Apple co-founder and pioneer of Macintosh, Apple II
Quote of the day by Steve Jobs: Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, emphasized that life's most precious resource is time, not money. His profound words encourage us to prioritize experiences and relationships over material wealth. Jobs' journey, marked by innovation and resilience, offers timeless lessons on passion, purpose, and embracing life's inevitable changes.
Quote of the Day by Tom Hanks: 'I think it's better to feel good than to look good.…'—Top quotes by the globally renowned actor and producer
Hollywood star Tom Hanks believes feeling good is more important than looking good. This philosophy guides his career and personal life. Hanks, known for his relatable characters, has achieved immense success through his acting. His words encourage prioritizing genuine happiness and emotional health over superficial standards. This message remains relevant in today's comparison-driven world.
AI-controlled toys serious threat for safety of children, action being taken: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
During the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, the minister said that the government has made provisions under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 to ensure children's safety.
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India–EFTA TEPA: More than just trade
India's new trade pact with EFTA nations is a significant step. This agreement opens doors for Indian exports to European markets. It also attracts crucial foreign investment for domestic manufacturing. The pact fosters collaboration in technology and services. This partnership aims to boost economic growth and integrate India further into the global economy.

One word for the habit of 'talking to pets like humans'
Giving human traits to animals and objects, known as anthropomorphism, is a common practice in storytelling and advertising. While it makes concepts relatable and aids understanding, it can blur reality. This natural human tendency, rooted in ancient Greek, helps us connect emotionally and interpret the world around us, from talking cartoon characters to our own pets.

Why Measuring Animal Joy Could Change How We Treat Pets, Zoos, and Farms
Animal welfare science is shifting from solely reducing suffering to measuring positive emotions like joy and pleasure. Research indicates that assessing these positive states in pets, zoos, and farms can lead to more comprehensive and humane care standards. This evolution encourages a move towards promoting animal flourishing beyond just preventing harm.

Why KV Toys is betting big on India’s toy revolution: CMD Karan Narang on the SME IPO
KV Toys India, a homegrown toy brand with roots in old Delhi, is set to launch its SME IPO. Chairman & Managing Director Karan Narang highlights the company's journey, competitive edge, and expansion plans. The IPO aims to fuel growth in working capital, product development, and credit support, positioning KV Toys to compete globally.

Over 91 pc of toys tested by BIS found compliant with quality norms
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) reports high compliance among toys. Most samples meet quality standards since January 2021. BIS is increasing surveillance and enforcement. They are conducting raids and penalizing non-compliant manufacturers. Consumers can report issues through the BIS Care app. The government ensures safe toys in the Indian market. BIS is committed to maintaining quality and protecting consumers.

Union Budget 2025: How India plans to become a global toy hub
In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced initiatives to make India a global toy hub by developing clusters, skills, and a manufacturing ecosystem for high-quality, sustainable toys. India has significantly reduced reliance on Chinese toys, with imports dropping by 80% from FY20 to FY24. This milestone marks Sitharaman’s eighth consecutive budget presentation.

India's toy industry beats China with high tariffs and quality checks – can it go further?
India's toy industry is experiencing a resurgence, reducing imports from China and boosting domestic production. However, challenges remain in scaling up production, meeting demand for premium toys, fostering innovation, and competing with electronic devices. Government support and industry efforts are crucial for achieving global competitiveness and capitalizing on India's rich toy-making heritage.

Toys exports dip due to fall in global demand: Jitin Prasada
The Indian toy export market saw a decline from USD 177 million in 2021-22 to USD 152 million in 2023-24, driven by reduced global demand, said Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Major markets like the USA, UK, and Germany also experienced a drop in imports. Government initiatives, including stricter quality controls and customs duties, have helped strengthen the domestic toy industry.

DPIIT officials, Flipkart, toy makers to meet on Wednesday on ways to increase sourcing
Senior officials from the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Walmart group firm Flipkart, and domestic toy makers will discuss ways to enhance India's position in the global toy supply chain and increase sourcing on the e-commerce platform.

Is India’s renewed focus on ‘Toyconomy’ enough to take on China?
A host of factors has given Indian manufacturers a lead in the domestic toys business. But as trade returns to pre-Covid levels, the government should look at PLI-like schemes to consolidate the position.

Govt hikes import duty on toys to 70%
Toys worth Rs 2,960 crore were imported into India earlier but steps by the government helped in reducing the imports to Rs 870 crore in 2021-22. On the other hand, the exports of toys have increased by 61 per cent from Rs 1,612 crore to Rs 2,601 crore in 2021-22. Earlier, the government issued Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 in February 2020.

Customs dept closely monitoring toy imports, newer modus operandi adopted to circumvent BIS norms: CBIC
The CBIC on Saturday said the customs department is closely monitoring import of toys and continuously tackling newer modus operandi adopted to circumvent the quality control and safety norms. The government earlier this week said 18,600 toys have been seized in the last one month from major retail stores, including those of Hamleys and Archies, at airports and malls across India for lack of BIS quality mark and use of fake licences.

Over 18,000 toys seized from Hamleys, Archies and WH Smith for 'lack of quality'
"We received complaints from domestic manufacturers of the sale of toys that do not conform to the BIS standard. We conducted 44 raids in the last one month and seized 18,600 toys from major retail stores," BIS director general Pramod Kumar Tiwari said at a press conference.

Over 18,500 toys seized from Hamleys, Archies and other retail stores for lack of BIS quality mark
Since January 1, 2021, the government has made it mandatory for toys to conform with safety norms specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a national standard setting body.

Govt not yet issued quality certificate to 160 Chinese cos for selling toys in India
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said the government plans to bring more products under the mandatory quality control order (QCOs) to make India a quality-conscious nation. The government has identified several products to bring under the QCO. The consultation process is underway to bring more chemicals and textile products under the QCO in the immediate future, he said.

Need to ensure manufacturing of quality toys that meet global standards: PHDCCI
India should come out with more quality control orders and technical regulations for different products to check inferior and low-quality imports from China, industry chamber PHDCCI President Sanjay Aggarwal said in a statement.

Govt plans crackdown on sellers of low-quality toys, wants manufacturers to follow BIS standards
The government will tighten noose on toy sellers selling non-certified toys. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body, is set to penalise toy sellers selling low quality toys.

Government approves eight toy manufacturing clusters worth Rs 2,300 crore
The government has approved eight toy manufacturing clusters at a cost of Rs 2,300 crore to boost India’s traditional toys industry.These clusters will manufacture toys made of wood, lac, palm leaves, bamboo and fabric.

First India Toy Fair to be held virtually from Feb 27 to Mar 2: Govt
According to officials, it is the first ever digitally accessible exhibition and platform which will provide an opportunity to explore and buy a variety of toys from over 1,000 exhibitors across states and union territories, and participate in insightful webinars, panel discussions and activities, and network with various stakeholders from the toy industry.

India extends quality norms enforcement deadline for domestic toy industry to Jan 2021
The move came in the wake of a study by the Quality Council of India (QCI) revealing that 67% of imported toys failed a testing survey, which prompted an aggressive push to produce safe toys in the country. Imports from China and Taiwan account for around 90% of the domestic toy market.

National toy fair, toy labs, Indian-themed toys in the offing
The government is also deliberating forming producers’ companies for all the clusters and link all the clusters and artisans with them.
Democratic toy quality norms soon
India is working on new regulations for toy imports which would make it mandatory for all countries wanting to sell toys to India to meet prescribed quality norms.
Only quality-certified Chinese toys may be allowed in India
Chinese toys conforming to international quality standards may be allowed in India, said the government on Monday, partially revoking an earlier ban.
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