DISCERNING DESIS
Discerning desis ensured that many local products are now on par with the world’s best
The long-held reluctance of Indians to accept locally made "foreign" items as equally good alternatives until well into the 21st century probably stems from the notorious policy of "import substitution", a legacy of the era of socialist scarcity and Five-Year Plans. It was a typical sarkari diktat, supposedly to achieve economic self-reliance and protect domestic industry. But negligible focus on technology and quality benchmarking led to chronic sub-par products.
India's premium liquor boom defies global slowdown
India's demand for premium liquor is surging. This trend defies global patterns where consumers are buying less expensive options. Despite a worldwide decline in alcohol sales volume and value, India saw growth. This indicates a strong consumer preference for prestige whiskies and premium white spirits.
Gen Z swipes, saves and sparkles in a digital-first Diwali
India's Gen Z approached Diwali 2025 with strategic planning, prioritizing digital discovery, smart savings, and conscious consumption. This generation embraced a 'digital-first, discount-driven' approach, blending online deals with a focus on value, authenticity, and wellbeing for a balanced festive experience.
Borrowed flavours or colonised minds?
A chance discovery sparks a culinary investigation. The writer explores the origins of Turkish lamb stew and Dutch poffertjes. Similarities with Indian dishes like mutton stew and panniyaram raise questions. Did these dishes originate in India? The article challenges the narrative of India borrowing culinary ideas. It suggests India's rich history and sophisticated society fostered culinary innovation.
Mind your (English) language!
Amidst debates over Hindi's imposition, English in India faces a curious situation. Recent political squabbles highlight contrasting views on its importance, with some linking fluency to arrogance and others citing poor articulation as a weakness.
A giant is waking: A plethora of problems persists even as intelligent Bengali cinema is starting to break its decades-long shackles
Bengali cinema is witnessing a resurgence with films like 'Mandaar,' 'Nagarkirtan,' and 'Bohurupi' gaining recognition. Despite cultural and financial challenges, the industry is producing quality content. Platforms like Hoichoi are helping showcase Bengali films. However, lack of interest from major streaming services and limited promotion budgets remain obstacles to wider discovery and success.
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The Bigger The Sweater: The chunky jumper is back, and Indian brands are knitting together cosiness, style & sustainability
Daniel Craig, transitioning from his James Bond persona, now features in Loewe's Fall-Winter 2024 campaign with a new playful style. Chunky knitwear is a key element. Handknits are gaining popularity globally, and Indian brands like Kilmora, Margn and Peoli are leading the trend with sustainable, creative designs that blend tradition and modernity.
Titan launches jewellery brand Tanishq in Bangladesh
Titan Company announced its expansion into Bangladesh by launching its jewellery brand Tanishq through a joint venture with Rhythm Group. This initiative, aimed at bolstering its international presence, will begin with the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Narayanganj. Titan already operates 17 Tanishq stores across various international markets including the UAE, US, Qatar, Singapore, and Oman.
Hic! Hic! Hurray: How Indian single malt whiskies are increasingly finding global cheer
Once an unheard-of category in international markets, Indian single malts are now commanding a premium for their artisanal and limited-edition whiskies. What has led to the turn of the tide in this fiercely competitive segment?
NITI Aayog invite bids for study on India-China trade deficit
The plan is to come up with a comprehensive action plan to bridge India’s trade deficit with China and align India’s trading strategies with emerging geopolitical situations and potential risks to safeguard its supply chains, which have seen major disruption during the outbreak of the pandemic.
Booking.com is bullish on the India opportunity
According to Laura Houldsworth, MD, Asia Pacific at Booking.com, destinations worldwide are now focusing on attracting Indian travelers, as they see potential in this market. Houldsworth believes that India presents a big opportunity due to its large population and the desire for personalization among Indian travelers. Tier two and three cities in India are also gaining popularity as travel destinations.
China's Chowmein Is Our Chowmein!
India’s incursion into Chinese khana territory isn’t just hot and sour soup for thought for Beijing, but it’s sending chilli chicken down spines
Investments of passion: Wealthy Indians like to plunge their money on art, watches, whisky
Asians overall as well as global investors prefer wine for investment, Indians pick whisky.
Desi movement: How Indian marketers use nostalgia and local tastes to make products more appealing
Provenance will be another key driver in the marketing world going forward, say marketing experts.
Noma School of Dining is in as chefs take inspiration from the celebrated Copenhagen restaurant
Noma — which remained on the top of restaurant lists ever since it zipped up the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2010 — has had an unprecedented impact on global dining.
Towards a uniform wedding code
The creativity of our designers and the changing tastes of bridal couples have also ensured that wedding ensembles are not easily typecast into region or creed.
It won’t do to be cowed by bull
To insinuate that foreigners (and their nations) have lax moral standards as the Haryana minister did, is as unfair as the other minister linking scant clothing with scant safety.
Bengaluru’s Toast & Tonic becomes first big ‘pop’ brand to debut in uber-stylish global cooking
Though T&T does not claim to be a gin bar, G&T is a must if you visit it. The tonic waters are made in-house and flavoured with such things as cinnamon and pomegranate.
How mobile apps & digital dating startups are creating a whole new ecosystem for singles
India’s Liberalization Children are today firmly in the realm of adulthood and shaking up one of the oldest traditions the country has known.
To save khadi and handloom, they need to be rescued from swadeshis and socialists
The magic mantras, which PM Narendra Modi identified during fleeting attention to the struggling industry, are branding and marketing.
Indian diners looking for inventive food formats; but retain fixation with indigenous flavours
Despite the tendency to play safe, the much reviled reluctance to go beyond paneer and (boneless) chicken, and despite the success of me-too cafes, bars and inbetweens, the Indian diner is not quite the saunth-slurping stereotype you may tend to dismiss him/her as.
Indians find freezing Europe cool
About 67% of Indians would love to experience European 'White Christmas', a recent survey by Hotels.com said.
Contrary to Hina Rabbani Khar, Sonia, Mayawati dont flaunt brands
Some people, especially from non-showbiz backgrounds prefer merely to be recognised rather than branded with luxury of brands.
Discern the culture, between the notes
Pandit Rajeev Taranath starts his sarod recital with a story. “Hanuman became worried after he burnt Lanka,” says the distinguished maestro of the Maihar Gharana. Ravana’s demonic horde had set fire to Hanuman’s tail. The Monkey God sent the entire city up in flames with it. But Sitaji, Sri Rama’s consort, an incarnation of the Goddess Lakshmi, was also being held captive in Lanka. “Hanuman became worried about her safety,” Pandit Taranath explains.
Big story: Ringside view of the battle
ITC chairman has primed Rs 12,369 cr conglomerate to mount an assault on Hindustan Unilever territory.
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