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  • Swiggy’s new app ‘Pyng’ aims to be the urban professional’s AI assistant

    Swiggy’s new app ‘Pyng’ aims to be the urban professional’s AI assistant

    Food delivery major Swiggy has expanded beyond its core business with the launch of Pyng, a new AI-powered platform aimed at connecting users with verified professionals across a wide range of services. The move signals Swiggy’s foray into the professional services space, targeting urban consumers seeking trusted experts across categories such as wellness, finance, education, events, and more.

    Currently, the services are available in offline mode in Bengaluru and across the country in online mode on both Android and iOS, Pyng is designed as a standalone marketplace and leverages conversational AI to match users with specialists based on their queries. The platform is already onboarding professionals across over 100 categories, including fitness trainers, therapists, tax planners, travel advisors, DJs, makeup artists, and career coaches.

    According to Swiggy, the company wants to onboard over 10,000 experts. Swiggy expects that Pyng’s decision to provide a money-back guarantee in the event that customers are dissatisfied with the services they have reserved would foster trust and promote repeat business.

    “We are providing a dependable, spam-free platform with Pyng that allows users to connect with trusted experts,” stated Nandan Reddy, Swiggy’s co-founder and head of innovation. “Pyng not only empowers individual providers but also gives consumers’ unmet needs structure by curating demand for these specialized offerings.”

    Pyng’s release is a component of Swiggy’s larger plan to diversify its core services into independent applications. The business declared earlier this year that it will abandon its unified app architecture. In addition to Pyng, Swiggy is launching stand-alone applications for Snacc (15-minute food delivery) and Instamart (grocery delivery), the latter of which is being tested in a few Bengaluru pin codes.

    The change is in line with rival Zomato’s app unbundling approach, which runs Zomato District and Blinkit as distinct services.

  • Use rate reductions to get rid of your debt.

    Use rate reductions to get rid of your debt.

    RBI rate reductions facilitate quicker house loan repayment. In an era of declining interest rates, learn clever ways to shorten loan terms, save money on interest, and preserve tax advantages, such as prepayments, refinancing, and EMI optimization.

    For the second time this year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points. This means not just lower EMIs for borrowers, especially those with floating-rate house loans, but also a chance to reconsider their repayment plan and possibly end their loan sooner, especially if they have extra money lying around.

    Making partial prepayments without affecting your monthly budget is made simpler in an environment with lower rates. Periodic lump sum payments or even small EMI top-ups can drastically reduce the length of your loan. This may be a good time for people with cash on hand to lower long-term interest expenses while maintaining tax advantages.

  • Invest in short-term funds right away.

    Invest in short-term funds right away.

    As interest rates decline, investing in low-duration mutual funds has become a favorable opportunity. These funds are a great option for people who want to save extra money while hoping for higher yields than standard savings options since they strike a balance between stability and rewards.

    Bond prices increase when interest rates decline, which helps low-duration funds because they own short-term bonds that are less sensitive to changes in interest rates. These funds maintain comparatively low risk while providing superior returns compared to liquid or ultra-short-term funds. Investors with cautious to moderate risk tolerance who want higher returns than fixed deposits without long-term capital lockups are well suited for low-duration funds.

    Attractive returns

    Low-duration funds are a better option than liquid funds or fixed deposits because they can yield returns of 7.75–8% when held for up to a year. These funds, which make investments in short-term debt instruments, are in a good position to benefit from the current wide spreads between short-term bond yields and overnight rates as well as from declining rates.

    These spreads are expected to shrink when rates drop and liquidity increases, raising the prices of current higher-yielding bonds and perhaps resulting in capital appreciation, according to Nirav Karkera, Director of Research at Fisdom. “Low-duration funds are a wise choice in today’s environment because of their attractive accrual and potential for mark-to-market gains,” he says.

    Investors who wish to strategically profit from the early yield compression while limiting duration risks can find a sweet spot in low-duration mutual funds, which normally include debt instruments with maturities ranging from six to twelve months. These funds are particularly appealing right now, according to Sonam Srivastava, founder of Wright Research PMS, since they offer higher accrual income than ultra-short funds and are ideally positioned to profit from mark-to-market gains if short-term yields begin to decline in anticipation of the policy change.

    Moderate risk exposure

    With a portfolio length of six to twelve months, low-duration funds mainly allocate investments to money market securities and short-term debt instruments. Investors with a short to medium investing horizon who want modest risk exposure will find these funds ideal. They are a great option for people who want to save extra money while hoping for higher rates than standard savings vehicles since they provide a balance between stability and rewards.

    According to Soumya Sarkar, co-founder of Wealth Redefine, a mutual fund distributor registered with the AMFI, low-duration funds are ideal for conservative investors who plan to keep their money for six months to a year. In a climate when interest rates are declining, they are currently a sweet spot for investors looking for stability with marginally better yields. Low-duration funds are the best option for investors seeking low-risk, greater returns than bank fixed deposits,” he continues.

    What to keep in mind

    Interest rate changes have an impact on low-duration funds; declining rates can result in capital gains, while rising rates may have an effect on returns. Furthermore, since certain funds invest in corporate bonds with different credit ratings, credit risk also comes into play. For this reason, it is important to verify the credit quality of the portfolio.

    According to Lotusdew Wealth & Investment Advisors founder and CEO Abhishek Banerjee, poor solvency management might result in major problems. He states that in order to diversify operational and credit risk, it is preferable to divide the investment among several fund firms.

    To reduce default risk, investors should verify that the fund mostly holds AAA-rated bonds. Examining the holdings is crucial to see whether a sizable portion is allocated to off-benchmark instruments in order to increase yield and to consider that risk when making decisions.

    Six to eighteen months is the appropriate investing horizon. Therefore, it is essential to match the fund’s term with one’s investment horizon in order to minimize reinvestment risk and guarantee efficient capital planning.

    Needs for liquidity should also be assessed. Early withdrawals may result in exit loads, even if low-duration funds have greater liquidity than long-duration debt funds. When choosing a fund to invest in, investors need to consider the fund’s portfolio mix, risk-adjusted returns, and past performance.

    Funds with short durations are designed to lodge capital while it waits for market chances. In a low-duration fund, costs are crucial, and it is crucial to use direct funds and select a low total expense ratio.

  • Term Insurance: Self-employed people are increasingly requesting policy coverage of more above Rs 1 crore.

    Term Insurance: Self-employed people are increasingly requesting policy coverage of more above Rs 1 crore.

    According to Policybazaar, an increasing number of independent contractors are purchasing term insurance plans worth at least Rs 1 crore.

    The study found that compared to the salaried group, self-employed people’s term insurance purchases have grown by 58%.

    Tax-saving advantages and the launch of customized term plans that do away with the requirement for conventional income documents, such ITRs or pay stubs, are the main drivers of term life insurance’s growth in this market.

    Millennials and Gen Z accounted for 88% of the self-employed segment’s term insurance purchases in FY25. This fascinating study demonstrates how Gen Z and millennials are growing more financially aware and understanding the value of safeguarding their future.

    They see term insurance as an essential instrument for protection as they approach significant life milestones, such as starting families and professional jobs. Additionally, this segment strongly prefers monthly premium payments for improved budget control and cash flow flexibility.

    The need for term insurance among India’s self-employed population is expected to increase dramatically as their numbers continue to grow, according to Varun Agarwal, Head of Term Insurance at Policybazaar.com. Custom term plans that do away with the necessity for conventional income documentation, such ITRs or pay stubs, are the main driver of this expansion. These days, digital measures like creditworthiness, loan history, and surrogate proofs like vehicle IDV are used by insurers to assess financial soundness.

    Women Self-Employed Term Insurance buyers grow from 9% in FY 20 to 15% in FY25

    “The remarkable rise in female-led start-ups is indicative of women entrepreneurs’ growing understanding of the significance of safeguarding their families’ futures.” According to the survey, women’s growing financial awareness and control over their finances, especially in major cities where women-led firms are thriving, are the reasons behind the surge in term insurance adoption.

    Dominance of Rs 50 lakh cover amount

    The majority of independent contractors choose term insurance plans with a Rs 50 lakh sum insured, which is 10% more in FY25 than FY24. There is a discernible and growing trend of self-employed people acquiring term insurance policies with coverage limits of Rs 1 crore and higher in the face of growing inflation and living expenses.

    Top markets driving demand for term insurance among self-employed individuals

    The first metropolises to acknowledge term insurance as an essential instrument for financial planning are Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. With more small business owners and self-practicing professionals, cities like Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai are also seeing an increase in the demand for term insurance among independent contractors, especially for reasonably priced coverage alternatives.

    Accidental death benefit and waiver of premium tops add-ons for self-employed term insurance buyers

    Even in the event of an unplanned accident, these add-ons offer an additional degree of security, guaranteeing the financial stability of their families and enterprises. Additionally, self-employed people might choose to use the Married Women’s Property Act (MWPA).

  • What time do markets open today? Asia in green and gold, Nikkei soars, and six more indicators to keep an eye on at this hour

    What time do markets open today? Asia in green and gold, Nikkei soars, and six more indicators to keep an eye on at this hour

    After a three-day vacation, Indian stock markets are scheduled to return today. With an early-morning rise of 1.2% and trading close to 23,300, the Gift Nifty is showing a good start. Two weekends and a Monday holiday for Ambedkar Jayanti were part of the delay. Benchmark indices had a strong surge at the conclusion of the week when markets last traded on April 11. The Nifty vaulted 429 points (1.92%) to settle at 22,828.55, while the Sensex surged 1,310 points (1.77%) to 75,157.26. Investors will be intently monitoring the direction of global markets in today’s session as trading resumes amid global indications like tariff concerns, Asian market reaction, and lessening tensions.

    Key global and domestic cues to know on April 15, 2025

    Asian Markets

    Asian markets began Tuesday on a high note, reflecting the optimism of Wall Street’s tech-driven gain. With the Nikkei 225 rising 1.04% and the larger Topix rising 1.14% in early trading, Japan took the lead. In South Korea, the tech-heavy Kosdaq fell 0.32%, while the Kospi increased 0.39%. With a slight increase of 0.15%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 likewise joined the upward trend.

    US markets

    With all three of the major indices finishing higher, Wall Street ended Monday on a positive note. At 40,524.79., the Dow Jones jumped 312 points, or 0.78%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.64% to close at 16,831.48, while the S&P 500 followed suit with a rise of 0.79%, closing at 5,405.97.

    US investigates imports over security risks

    The potential for tariffs on these vital industries has increased as a result of the Trump administration’s investigations into the importation of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The government is looking into these businesses because of worries that the United States’ significant reliance on foreign-produced medications and microchips could seriously jeopardize national security, according to files made public by the Federal Register on Monday.

    US dollar

    On Tuesday morning, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which compares the value of the dollar to a basket of six other currencies, increased by 0.23% to 99.87. The index assesses how strong or weak the US dollar is relative to other major currencies. The British pound, euro, Swedish krona, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, and other currencies are all included in the basket. On April 11, the rupee fell 0.75% to settle at 86.05 against the US dollar.

    Crude oil

    On Tuesday morning, crude oil prices increased little. Brent crude lingered at $65.17, up 0.42%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 0.53% at $61.87.

    FII, DII data

    On April 11, international investors withdrew Rs 2,519 crore from Indian stocks, continuing their nine-day selling streak. However, in order to counteract the outflow, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought stocks valued at Rs 3,759 crore.

    Gold rate today

    Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily exempt computers and cellphones from proposed tariffs, gold prices dipped on Monday, April 14, after rising to a new high of $3,245.42 an ounce amid mounting US-China tensions.

    Back home, gold prices in India remained stable. According to good returns, the price of 24 carat gold is currently Rs 95,500 per 10 kg, 22 carat is Rs 87,540, and 18 carat is Rs 71,630 per 10 grams.

    Key corporate actions to watch

    An significant day for investors who follow company activity is April 15. It will be the ex-date and the record date for the 1:10 stock split of Kapil Raj Finance. The ex-date and record date for Onesource Industries and Ventures Ltd.’s rights issue will be observed on the same day. With April 15 being the ex-date and record date for the corporate restructuring, Quess Corp’s spin-off will also go into effect.

  • What time do markets open today? Asia in green and gold, Nikkei soars, and six more indicators to keep an eye on at this hour

    What time do markets open today? Asia in green and gold, Nikkei soars, and six more indicators to keep an eye on at this hour

    After a three-day vacation, Indian stock markets are scheduled to return today. With an early-morning rise of 1.2% and trading close to 23,300, the Gift Nifty is showing a good start. Two weekends and a Monday holiday for Ambedkar Jayanti were part of the delay. Benchmark indices had a strong surge at the conclusion of the week when markets last traded on April 11. The Nifty vaulted 429 points (1.92%) to settle at 22,828.55, while the Sensex surged 1,310 points (1.77%) to 75,157.26. Investors will be intently monitoring the direction of global markets in today’s session as trading resumes amid global indications like tariff concerns, Asian market reaction, and lessening tensions.

    Key global and domestic cues to know on April 15, 2025

    Asian Markets

    Asian markets began Tuesday on a high note, reflecting the optimism of Wall Street’s tech-driven gain. With the Nikkei 225 rising 1.04% and the larger Topix rising 1.14% in early trading, Japan took the lead. In South Korea, the tech-heavy Kosdaq fell 0.32%, while the Kospi increased 0.39%. With a slight increase of 0.15%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 likewise joined the upward trend.

    US markets

    With all three of the major indices finishing higher, Wall Street ended Monday on a positive note. At 40,524.79., the Dow Jones jumped 312 points, or 0.78%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.64% to close at 16,831.48, while the S&P 500 followed suit with a rise of 0.79%, closing at 5,405.97.

    US investigates imports over security risks

    The potential for tariffs on these vital industries has increased as a result of the Trump administration’s investigations into the importation of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The government is looking into these businesses because of worries that the United States’ significant reliance on foreign-produced medications and microchips could seriously jeopardize national security, according to files made public by the Federal Register on Monday.

    US dollar

    On Tuesday morning, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which compares the value of the dollar to a basket of six other currencies, increased by 0.23% to 99.87. The index assesses how strong or weak the US dollar is relative to other major currencies. The British pound, euro, Swedish krona, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, and other currencies are all included in the basket. On April 11, the rupee fell 0.75% to settle at 86.05 against the US dollar.

    Crude oil

    On Tuesday morning, crude oil prices increased little. Brent crude lingered at $65.17, up 0.42%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 0.53% at $61.87.

    FII, DII data

    On April 11, international investors withdrew Rs 2,519 crore from Indian stocks, continuing their nine-day selling streak. However, in order to counteract the outflow, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought stocks valued at Rs 3,759 crore.

    Gold rate today

    Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily exempt computers and cellphones from proposed tariffs, gold prices dipped on Monday, April 14, after rising to a new high of $3,245.42 an ounce amid mounting US-China tensions.

    Back home, gold prices in India remained stable. According to good returns, the price of 24 carat gold is currently Rs 95,500 per 10 kg, 22 carat is Rs 87,540, and 18 carat is Rs 71,630 per 10 grams.

    Key corporate actions to watch

    An significant day for investors who follow company activity is April 15. It will be the ex-date and the record date for the 1:10 stock split of Kapil Raj Finance. The ex-date and record date for Onesource Industries and Ventures Ltd.’s rights issue will be observed on the same day. With April 15 being the ex-date and record date for the corporate restructuring, Quess Corp’s spin-off will also go into effect.

  • Nykaa will transform a few standard storefronts into Luxe

    Nykaa will transform a few standard storefronts into Luxe

    According to two people familiar with the situation, local fashion and beauty giant Nykaa is in the process of turning some of its ordinary stores into Luxe ones in an effort to increase profits for its personal care and cosmetics division.
    International premium beauty brands including Givenchy, Dior, MAC, and Huda Beauty are available in the company’s Luxe boutiques, along with its own line of cosmetics called Nykaa Beauty.

    The company currently operates 221 physical locations, 78 of which are Luxe stores. The company’s initial goal is to turn ten to fifteen of the normal stores in large cities into Luxe. According to one of the people, they will then try to convert an additional 20 businesses.

    Another insider stated, “After some dreary quarters, they are now looking to step up customer acquisition in BPC.”
    In FY25, Nykaa anticipates a resurgence in sales growth. The company stated in its most recent update that it anticipates net revenue to increase in the low to mid-twenties in Q4 compared to the same period last year. Compared to the about 17% recorded in FY23, this would be higher.
    The business opened 19 new locations in Q4 and reported solid retail performance bolstered by rise in same-store sales.

    By bringing in Bollywood celebrities, the company has also increased promotion for the House of Nykaa items. Shanaya Kapoor was just named the brand ambassador for Dot & Key, while Rasha Thadani was named the new face of the cosmetics company.

    The company’s focus has switched to enhancing take rates and lowering burn for its apparel sector.
    In a recent report about Nykaa’s fashion business, HDFC Securities stated, “We suspect FY26 will be an encore of FY25, wherein the focus is likely to be on improving take rates, reducing customer acquisition cost, and improving incremental unit economics.”

    According to Nykaa’s report, the company’s net revenue growth is anticipated to be lower in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2025 because of the subdued performance of its brands and a decrease in content-related activity, which usually peaks in the third quarter. The GMV growth, however, is probably in the high teens.

  • Do you want a reliable source of income? Take a look at these two dividend-paying businesses.

    Do you want a reliable source of income? Take a look at these two dividend-paying businesses.

    Every investor is aware that there are risks associated with the equities market. Rightfully so, as it tends to reward people that remain engaged over an extended period of time, usually five years, even though it can be cruel in the short term. Investors find this challenging, particularly those who depend on it for consistent revenue.

    What happens, at worst, if a person’s retirement funds are invested in the market but it exhibits extreme short-term volatility, as it does today? It certainly makes passive income generation difficult. Strong businesses that have a history of reliably paying dividends, however, can offer some stability.

    To assist investors seeking passive income, we have discussed two businesses in this post that have solid foundations, a well-known brand, and regular dividend payments.

    #1 Castrol India

    A worldwide corporation, Castrol India is a division of Castrol Limited and a member of the British Petroleum Group, a major player in the oil and gas industry. It mainly produces and sells industrial and automotive lubricants, and its brand is well-known.

    With 45 brands and around 600 brand variations, it serves 12 industries. Its dominance in the lubricant sector is demonstrated by the seven liters of Castrol it sells every second. With a market share of 38.7% for four-wheelers, 26% for two-wheelers, and 21.3% for commercial vehicles, it dominates all segments. Its fiscal year runs from January to December.

    Over the past few years, Castrol India has established a reputation for rewarding shareholders and boosting dividends on occasion. In FY24, the dividend per share was ₹13, up from ₹5.5 in FY20. Its dividend yield for FY24 is 6.5% at its current price of ₹200.

    Because the business operates in a sector with a consistent demand pattern, its financial data have shown continuous growth. From FY20 to FY24, its sales increased at a compound annual growth rate of 16% to ₹53.6 billion. With a significant margin of more than 20%, its profit after taxes has increased at a CAGR of 12% to ₹9.3 billion.

    Due to rising volumes and a robust margin of 24%, its revenue increased by 6% and its net profit increased by 7% in FY24. Strengthening mechanic advocacy, growing its distribution network in rural regions, and introducing items that are in line with original equipment manufacturers were all factors in its volume growth.

    In order to increase volume and market share, management is concentrating on developing the brand, expanding the distribution network, and introducing new goods. Because of the low automobile penetration, the company is still bullish and anticipates robust lubricant demand to last into the late 2030s and early 2040s.

    Although electric cars (EVs) pose a significant danger, their uptake is anticipated to be sluggish. Castrol kept its forecast for CY25, aiming for a 22-25% EBITDA margin and growing at the industry average pace of 4-5%.

    India continues to be the third-largest lubricant market globally, supplying 21% of Asia-Pacific demand and 10% of global demand. The industry includes the automotive, industrial, and marine sectors; overall demand is driven by the automotive (45%) and industrial (54%) segments.

    Castrol India is in a good position to take advantage of new, fast-growing industries including electronics manufacturing, wind, aerospace, and defense. Furthermore, data centers are becoming important growth engines. As the market for high-performance cooling and lubricating products continues to expand, Castrol is prepared to help promote energy efficiency.

    High inflation and ongoing crude oil price volatility, however, continue to be major issues since they could jeopardize the frequency of maintenance, including electrification. The price-to-equity multiple of 21.4 for Castrol is consistent with its 10-year median of 21.6.

    #2 Indian Oil Corporation

    Indian Oil is the biggest oil refining and marketing corporation in India and a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking. It is found at every stage of the hydrocarbon value chain, from petrochemical and petroleum product marketing to refining, pipeline transportation, and exploration and production.

    With 11 refineries under government control, Indian oil refineries account for a sizable portion of India’s overall capacity. Together, they account for over 31% of the nation’s total capacity for refining.

    With the addition of its subsidiary Chennai Petroleum Corporation’s 10.5 million metric tonnes of annual refining capacity, its total refining capacity is 80.75 million metric tonnes. It boasts 12,908 distributors of liquefied petroleum gas, 39,000 retail locations, and a 20,000-kilometer pipeline network.

    Indian Oil, a government-owned business, has a long history of reliably paying dividends. In FY22, the company distributed a dividend of ₹8.4 per share, yielding a 6.4% return. It distributed a ₹3 dividend the following year. The dividend rose to ₹12 in FY24, which, at the current price of ₹133, represents a 9% yield.

    Strong operational efficiency was demonstrated by Indian Oil’s continued high capacity utilization, which was above 95% throughout the last three fiscal years and 100% for the two years ending in FY24. As a result, its net profit increased at a 134% CAGR to ₹396 billion, while its sales increased at an 11% CAGR to ₹8.67 trillion.

    However, take notice that odd occurrences have had a favorable effect on Oil India’s profit growth. For example, the price of crude oil caused its net profit to drop to ₹13 billion in FY20. Suppressed marketing margins caused it to drop from a peak of ₹242 billion in FY22 to ₹83 billion in FY23.

    Due to a decline in demand, its revenue in Q9 FY25 dropped 3% to ₹6.38 trillion from the prior year. Nevertheless, the gross refining margin dropped to $3.7 per barrel, from a high base of $12.1 per barrel, causing net profit to drop 85% to ₹54 billion.

    The Russian crude oil basket’s reduced discount was the primary cause of this. On the other hand, its retail marketing margins in Q4 will benefit from the decline in crude oil prices. The volatility of foreign exchange and the price of crude oil continue to affect the company’s operations.

    In the upcoming five years, it plans to carry out a number of projects with a total estimated project cost of ₹1.5 trillion. Additionally, during the next two to three years, the business anticipates a combined annual capital expenditure of ₹300 to 350 billion.

    The majority of this capital expenditure will probably go toward expanding petrochemical and renewable power capacity as well as refinery capacity.

    Conclusion

    Castrol India and Indian Oil stand out for investors looking for a reliable source of income because of their good operating profiles and regular dividend payments. Both businesses have proven to be resilient and dedicated to rewarding shareholders, which makes them appropriate choices for a dividend-focused portfolio, even though market volatility is still a concern.

  • The new head of Lamborghini India is Nidhi Kaistha.

    The new head of Lamborghini India is Nidhi Kaistha.

    Nidhi Kaistha was named Head of Lamborghini India by the super luxury Italian automaker Automobili Lamborghini on Monday.According to a press release from the automaker, Kaistha will be in charge of sales, marketing, and after-sales activities in India, the sixth-largest market in the Asia Pacific area.

    According to the press release, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role, having worked in the hospitality, aviation, and automotive sectors for more than 25 years.

    In her most recent position as Regional Sales & Pre-Owned Cars Manager, Kaistha was instrumental in Porsche India’s expansion and success, according to the business. According to the report, her stay was distinguished by exceptional accomplishments in customer involvement and sales performance, which strengthened her capacity to propel corporate success.

    According to Francesco Scardaoni, Region Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific, “Kaistha brings a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, and we are confident that her strategic vision will drive further growth in India.” “India remains a market with tremendous growth potential for Lamborghini, and we look forward to expanding our presence and providing our customers in the region with exceptional experiences,” he continued.

    With three showrooms in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, Lamborghini presently serves a burgeoning clientele of aficionados. According to the statement, the company is still looking for ways to increase its presence in the area and improve the clientele’s experience.

  • A US-China trade war argument is sparked online by Karoline Leavitt’s purported “Made in China” garment.

    A US-China trade war argument is sparked online by Karoline Leavitt’s purported “Made in China” garment.

    With a fashion issue featuring White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at the heart of the most recent online battle, social media has emerged as an unexpected battleground in the continuing US-China trade war.

    Karoline Leavitt’s dress sparks debate

    Astute social media users immediately connected Leavitt’s eye-catching red and black lace dress, which she wore during a recent White House briefing, to a style that was offered on a number of Chinese e-commerce websites. Although it is yet unknown if the dress was made in China, the occurrence sparked a heated discussion.

    The absurdity of Leavitt criticizing Chinese trade practices while possibly wearing a Chinese-made garment was brought up by some users. Wearing Chinese-made apparel and criticizing China—admit it! One user on X joked, “It is difficult to resist the allure of Made in China.”

    Was it really made in China?

    One online rumor claims that the dress was from Self-Portrait, a modern fashion brand located in London that was established in 2013 by designer Han Chong, who was born in Malaysia. However, there are concerns regarding the brand’s production origins given that it is supposedly owned by the Chinese fashion behemoth Ellassay and has its headquarters in Shenzhen.

    Some social media users backed Leavitt by asserting that she wore a French original, while others claimed the dress was a Chinese knockoff of the original design. “Fake news. One user argued that although the advertisement displays a Chinese copy, she is wearing the French original.

    US-China trade

    With both nations imposing high tariffs on items valued at billions of dollars, the US-China trade war has gotten more intense. In direct response to President Trump’s decision to apply reciprocal duties of 145%, China increased levies on US imports to 125% last week, further aggravating already strained trade relations.