Author: Z69 Editors’ Club

Our skin is more than just our largest organ.

It protects us, keeping pathogens and viruses out of our body, and the good stuff – us- in.

Skincare needs vary throughout the year due to the changing weather and environmental conditions associated with different seasons. Adapting your skincare routine to each season helps keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected. Here’s a guide to skincare in different seasons:

Spring:

1. Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any residual winter dryness and prepare your skin for the warmer months.
2. Exfoliation: Opt for a mild exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a fresh complexion.
3. Hydration: Transition to a lighter moisturizer to provide adequate hydration without clogging pores.
4. Sun Protection: Begin incorporating sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as the sun’s intensity increases.

Summer:

1. Sun Protection: Prioritize sunscreen with a higher SPF (at least 30) and reapply every two hours if spending time outdoors.
2. Lightweight Products: Switch to lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and gel-based serums to prevent excess oiliness.
3. Hydration: Stay hydrated both internally and externally by using a hydrating mist throughout the day.
4. Cleansing: Double cleanse if you’re wearing sunscreen or makeup to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean.

Fall:

1. Moisturization: As the weather gets cooler, switch to a richer moisturizer to combat dryness and maintain skin’s hydration.
2. Repair: Incorporate products with antioxidants like vitamin C to repair any summer sun damage.
3. Hydration: Consider using a hydrating serum to lock in moisture and prevent moisture loss.
4. Lip Care: Start using a nourishing lip balm to prevent chapping as the air becomes drier.

Winter:

1. Hydration: Use a thicker, emollient moisturizer to provide extra protection against cold winds and dry air.
2. Humidification: Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air and prevent excessive skin dryness.
3. Exfoliation: Limit exfoliation to once a week to avoid over-drying the skin.
4. Lip Care: Regularly apply a rich, hydrating lip balm to prevent chapped lips.
5. Sunscreen: Don’t skip sunscreen even in winter, as the sun’s UV rays can still cause damage.

Year-Round Tips:

1. Hydration: Drink plenty of water and use hydrating skincare products to maintain skin’s moisture balance.
2. Diet and Nutrition: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support skin health.
3. Regular Cleansing: Cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.
4. Consistent Skincare Routine: Establish a consistent routine tailored to your skin type and concerns.
5. Patch Test: Always perform a patch test before introducing new products to avoid adverse reactions.
6. Consult a Professional: If you experience persistent skin issues, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Remember that your skin’s needs can vary, so adjust your skincare routine based on how your skin responds to the changing seasons. By adapting your regimen and addressing specific seasonal challenges, you can maintain healthy and radiant skin year-round.

What defines a fair, good, bad skin?

The terms “fair,” “good,” and “bad” skin are subjective and can vary greatly based on cultural, societal, and personal perceptions. These terms are often used to describe the appearance and condition of the skin, but it’s important to note that beauty standards and opinions on skin vary widely.

1. Fair Skin:

• Fair skin typically refers to a lighter complexion with less melanin, which can make veins and undertones more visible.
• In some cultures, fair skin has been historically associated with beauty and privilege, leading to a preference for lighter skin tones.
• However, it’s crucial to recognize that all skin tones are beautiful, and the concept of “fair” skin as being superior is not accurate or inclusive.

2. Good Skin:

• Good skin is often used to describe skin that appears healthy, clear, and well-maintained.
• Characteristics of good skin may include an even complexion, minimal blemishes, a smooth texture, and a natural glow.
• Good skin can be achieved through a consistent skincare routine, a balanced diet, staying hydrated, protecting against sun damage, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

3. Bad Skin:

• The term “bad skin” is subjective and can have negative connotations. It is often used to describe skin with issues such as acne, uneven texture, dryness, oiliness, or other visible imperfections.
• It’s important to approach the idea of “bad” skin with empathy and understanding, as skin conditions can be influenced by genetics, hormones, environmental factors, and overall health.
• Dermatological conditions and concerns like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hyperpigmentation should be addressed with proper medical care and support, rather than being judged as indicative of “bad” skin.

It’s worth emphasizing that beauty and self-worth are not determined solely by the appearance of the skin. Every individual’s skin is unique, and the perception of skin quality can be influenced by cultural norms, personal preferences, and societal pressures. Rather than categorizing skin as “fair,” “good,” or “bad,” it’s essential to focus on maintaining healthy skin, embracing one’s natural complexion, and promoting positive self-esteem and body image.

Visit this page later

Three Indian great masalas from different parts of India. For your kitchen.

Meet Bafat from Mangalore, Rechad from Goa and Bottle Masala from Bomaby  to give an ethnic character to  your kitchen. These multi purpose masalas  have  a long shelf life if once it is made and it brings an air of culture and tradition to your kitchen  from its places of origin. 

The Bafat Masala

The Bafat Powder, also known as ‘bafad,’ is an essential spice blend found in the kitchens of Mangaloreans, especially among the Catholic community. This flavorful mixture is particularly cherished by those who frequently prepare and savour the mouth watering ‘Dukramaas’ (Pork Bafat style). This dish stands out as both simple and incredibly delicious, with the added bonus of improving in taste when reheated on the second and third days. The preparation demands minimal effort, primarily involving the chopping of ingredients, which might take some time depending on the quantity being made.

Bafat powder can be crafted and stored for up to a year or even longer. While it is readily available in most Mangalorean and Goan stores that stock local products, the homemade variant prevails due to its freshness and aromatic quality when stored properly. Its versatility extends to the point where the powder, excluding the garam masala can be swiftly employed to create delectable fish curries. It can be used  in ample amounts, across a range of dishes such as Chicken sukka (Dry Coconut Chicken), Chicken curry, fish curry, and vegetable sukka (stir-fried vegetables with grated coconut).

Notably, it has become a staple for approximately 99% of Mangaloreans, finding its place on the ‘must-buy’ list whenever they return from abroad. Therefore, stores like Konkan Traders, Don Stores, and Costa Bakery consistently keep their shelves stocked with this sought-after item throughout the year.

While one could theoretically substitute Bafat powder with regular chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander powder, the end result never quite matches the perfection achieved with the original Bafat blend. As the adage goes, some things are best left untouched, preserving their originality.

Yield: Approx one and a half kilos

You Need:

• 150gms Kashmiri chillies
• 400gms Long red chillies (also called as ‘Kumta’ & ‘Kumti’ mirsaang in Konkani) *see note below
• 200gms Short red chillies (also known as Madrasi chillies)
• 500gms Coriander (dhania)
• 40gms Cumin (jeera)
• 25gms Peppercorns (miri/kali mirch)
• 50gms Turmeric Powder (haldi) (If you can manage to use dried pieces of Turmeric (haldiche kudke), it is even better)

Method:
Use a dry grinder to powder all the above ingredients to a fine powder, store in an airtight container and use as required

Note:
1. If the Kumti chillies (long ones) are unavailable, just use Kashmiri chillies instead (i.e. increase it to a total of 550gms instead of 150gms). However, the short red chillies are very important to achieve the desired spiciness & fragrance of the Bafat powder
2. This recipe is for the Bafat powder without the garam masala (cloves & cinnamon), hence it is very versatile and can be used for fish/veg preparations which do not require garam masala. When you use it for meat preparations such as Pork, add about 4 cloves and 1 inch piece of cinnamon for every 1 kg of meat.

Goan Rachad Masala

The culinary world of Goa resembles a vibrant kaleidoscope, brimming with an array of flavours and spices. This remarkable fusion owes its character to the intricate interplay of Indian, Portuguese, and Southeast Asian influences, resulting in a delightful medley that continuously captivates the palate. It’s akin to a delectable melting pot, an adventure that promises delightful surprises with each twist and turn. Envision yourself reclining on the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, indulging in the crisp refreshment of coconut water, and relishing a plate adorned with the zesty allure of vindaloo or curry. These iconic dishes are veritable legends, harmonising the perfect equilibrium between spiciness and flavour, producing a symphony that will serenade your taste buds.

For those who relish the pleasures of seafood, a delectable experience awaits, as Goan cuisine has gained renown for its offerings of fresh and succulent marine delights, including prawn balchao, fish curry, and crab xec xec. These dishes exude the vibrant essence of coastal life and promise an exhilarating journey for your taste buds. The culinary landscape of Goa is a testament to the fusion of diverse cultures and influences, a reflection of the state’s rich historical tapestry. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century when Portuguese dominion prevailed over Goa. With the Portuguese came novel ingredients, culinary techniques, and recipes, which harmonised with the local Indian gastronomy, culminating in the birth of an entirely new culinary identity.

A noteworthy contribution by the Portuguese to Goan culinary traditions was the introduction of vinegar, employed as a preservative for meats and fish in the absence of refrigeration. This innovation paved the way for the evolution of delectable dishes such as vindaloo, a piquant curry featuring pork or beef marinated in a blend of vinegar and spices. The geographical proximity of Goa to the coast also wielded considerable influence over its gastronomy. The bounteous waters surrounding Goa teeming with seafood treasures like fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters, forming an integral cornerstone of the state’s culinary legacy. Goan seafood preparations are celebrated for their robust and aromatic masalas, uniting indigenous spices with discernible Portuguese inspirations.

Fish recheado stands as a beloved Goan delicacy, spotlighting a whole fish, typically pomfret or kingfish, generously stuffed with a zesty and tangy recheado masala, a blend of spices that ignites the taste buds. This masala is expertly fashioned by melding together an array of elements, including red chillies, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, and tamarind paste, harmoniously united with either vinegar or lemon juice. The origins of fish recheado harken back to the era when Goa was governed by Portuguese rule, emerging as a culinary solution for preparing fresh fish in the absence of refrigeration.

The term “recheado” derives from the Portuguese word “recheio,” signifying stuffing. This creation likely emerged from Goan culinary artisans influenced by Portuguese practices of utilizing spices and vinegar to marinate and safeguard meats and seafood. The recheado masala encompasses a rich blend of spices, including red chillies, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, turmeric, tamarind, and either vinegar or lemon juice. This versatile masala serves as a superb marinade and stuffing for an assortment of meats and seafood, spanning fish, prawns, chicken, and pork. Originally devised to preserve meats and seafood sans refrigeration, the vinegar within the masala served as a natural preservative, while the amalgamation of spices elevated the dish’s flavor profile.

Gradually, the employment of recheado expanded, evolving into an intrinsic facet of Goan gastronomy, imparting a unique character to numerous traditional preparations. Presently, recheado masala is a widespread presence in Goan cuisine, prominently featured in dishes like fish recheado, prawn recheado, and chicken recheado. This spice blend’s adaptability has secured its place as a staple in countless Goan households, persisting as a cherished constituent of the state’s illustrious culinary heritage.

Fish recheado presents a tantalizing and zesty culinary offering characterized by its piquant and tangy essence. The fish undergoes a luxurious soak in a luscious and robust recheado masala, a marriage of spices, vinegar, and tamarind paste that imparts a distinct tartness. Through this process, the fish tenderly absorbs the intricate flavors of the masala, rendering it a delectable amalgamation of savoriness and spice, punctuated by a delicate hint of sweetness from the tamarind infusion. An aromatic symphony arises from the harmonious convergence of the spices and the fish’s innate oils, producing an inviting fragrance that beckons the senses. In totality, fish recheado emerges as an exquisite and flavorsome masterpiece, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the opulent culinary legacy of Goa.

Measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml

• 100 grams dried Kashmiri chillies
• 1 large garlic bulb, about 75 grams
• 1 inch ginger root
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• 1/2 tbsp cloves
• 5 green cardamom
• 2- inch cinnamon stick
• 1/3 cup tamarind
• 3/4 cup red wine vinegar/Goan vinegar/white distilled vinegar
• 1/4 cup Feni (optional, skip if you don’t have), If using it, then reduce the vinegar to 1/2 cup
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 & 1/2 cup purified water, or as required

Instructions 

1. Peel the garlic, chop the ginger in smaller pieces.
2. Discard the stalks of the chillies, and deseed half of them (or as per your spice preference)
3. In an electric mixer/grinder, add all the ingredients except the water, pulse everything, add water gradually as required, to make a very smooth but thick paste.
4. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan, add the ground masala, cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble up.
5. Let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container, cover and store it in the refrigerator. Use as required. 

Bottle Masala

The history of East Indian Bottle Masala traces back to the unique culinary traditions of the East Indian community, predominantly found in the Mumbai region and parts of Maharashtra, India. This masala blend is a distinct and essential component of their cuisine, representing a fusion of Indian, Portuguese, and local influences.

The East Indian community has a rich cultural heritage that has been shaped by centuries of history. Descendants of the original inhabitants of the region, who were converted to Christianity by Portuguese colonizers, the East Indians developed their own customs, traditions, and way of life. This distinct identity is also reflected in their culinary practices, with the East Indian Bottle Masala being a prime example.

The term “Bottle Masala” originates from the method of preserving and storing the masala blend. Traditionally, the masala would be ground, roasted, and then meticulously packed into glass bottles, which were sealed tightly. This ensured the preservation of the masala’s freshness and flavors over extended periods of time.

The recipe for East Indian Bottle Masala typically involves a complex combination of various spices, each carefully selected and blended to create a unique flavor profile. Ingredients often include a medley of aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, peppercorns, and others. The proportions and selection of spices can vary from one family or household to another, contributing to the distinctive nature of each bottle masala blend.

Historically, the East Indian Bottle Masala was a hallmark of family recipes and culinary heritage, passed down through generations. It was used in a wide array of East Indian dishes, adding depth, complexity, and a burst of flavours to traditional preparations like curries, stews, and marinades.

The masala’s significance goes beyond its culinary role. It’s a cultural symbol, embodying the history, traditions, and sense of community of the East Indian people. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and promote the East Indian Bottle Masala, recognizing its importance as a cultural treasure and a testament to the community’s enduring legacy.

Today, the East Indian Bottle Masala continues to be cherished among the East Indian community and those who appreciate the unique flavours it brings to a variety of dishes. It remains a testament to the rich tapestry of India’s diverse culinary heritage, blending influences from different cultures into a single, flavorful expression.

Ingredients  

• 250 grams Kashmir Chillies Kashmiri Mirch
• 25 grams Reshampati Chillies Reshampatti Mirch
• 25 grams “Goa” Chillies Goa Mirch
• 100 grams Coriander seeds Dhania
• 20 grams Cumin seeds Jeera
• 20 grams Black Peppercorns Kali Mirch
• 20 grams Wheat Gehu
• 40 grams Sesame seeds Til
• 40 grams Poppy seeds Khus khus
• 40 grams Mustard seeds Rai
• 40 grams Chick Peas Chana dal
• 6 inches Cinnamon sticks Dal Chini
• 7 piece Cardamom Elaichi
• 12 piece Cloves Laung
• 30 grams Turmeric Haldi
• 1 teaspoon Asafoetida Hing
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg Jaiphal
• 1 teaspoon Mace Javitri
• 1 teaspoon Mugwort Maipatri
• 1 teaspoon Cobra Saffron Seeds Nagkesar
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan Peppercorns tirphal
• 1 teaspoon Allspice Kababchini
• 1 teaspoon Star anise Bhadyan
• 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds Saunf
• 1 teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds Methi seeds
• 1 teaspoon Bay leaves Sambharpan
• 1 teaspoon Stone Flower Dagarphul
• 1 teaspoon Black Cumin Shahi Jeera

Instructions 

1. Dry all the ingredients under hot sun consecutively for 2 days. Alternatively, you can dry roast the ingredients in a hot pan until you smell their fragrance.
2. If dry roasting, start with chillies by discarding their stems and breaking them into two parts.
3. Put a wide frying pan on low flame & gently roast until their skin darkens slightly. Keep stirring continuously.
4. Similarly, roast the rest of the ingredients for 7-8 mins on low heat or until they are very fragrant and aromatic. Keep stirring in between.
5. The ingredients with quantities of 1 teaspoon (each) can be roasted together.
6. Let all the roasted ingredients cool to room temperature before moving to the next step.
7. Put all the ingredients in a dry spice grinder and run the machine until the spices are finely powdered.
8. Sieve and repeat this procedure with the thicker pieces remaining in the sieve.
9. Allow the ground mixture to cool and store in a sterilised airtight bottle or container.
10. Store it away from heat and sunlight preferably in the refrigerator.

Notes

• This recipe yields about 700 gms of Bottle Masala – probably the most complex spice blend in India or maybe the world.
• Roast the ingredients in a heavy bottom frying pan on low heat to avoid burning. 
• Ingredients can be roasted in an electric oven as well. 
• Ideally, the grinding of the spices should be done in a manual pounding mill, however, if speed is of essence you can opt for a dry grinder.

Just take your steps with the people around!.

10. Janelle Monáe: “Water Slide”

Fans call Janelle Monáe ‘The Goddess of Pleasure’. Water Slide is a celebration of the slogan ‘reclaim your body’. The joy of blackness, queerness, plus size and multitude of bodies. Simple, silly moves  and a  lyrical provocateur.

9. Kylie Minogue: “Padam Padam”

One of this year’s pride anthems.Fans consider her as one founder of 90’s electronica. Lot of work on the kneel,neck and shoulder and it is simply electrifying.

8.  Yard Act: “The Trench Coat Museum”

As per fan commentary, If a 70’s Garage Punk band had sex with an 80’s New Wave band it would give birth to this song. There is a story openly and hidden in this Trench coat museum. Look at their robotic moves first then how it transforms. 

7. Cardi B: “Bongos” | ft. Megan Thee Stallion

Aggressive Cardi & slaying Megan. Vibrant spectacles of fashion induced fantasy  with a technicolor tone. Red, blue, teal, yellow, hot pink, orange, lime green and purple are beautifully moving together for them. 

6. Tinashe: “Needs”

Tinashe is one of the best R&B musicians  of our time. She plays in between experimental and radio-phony in the ‘needs’. It seems like a budget album of one supermarket set, one camera but so many moves!

5. Jungle: “Back on 74”

Spontaneous, fluid moves. Most of the time, dancers sing. They effortlessly float and interact with each other. It’s a joy to watch bodies flowing through space. And these costumes deserve more. Production guys alert; This video is one single shot.

4.  Tate McRae: “greedy”

Britney Spears is back as Tate! She is trained as a ballet and contemporary dancer and hip-hopping hard in this video. 

3. Victoria Monét: “On My Mama”

Hip Hop, R&B and  also some Jazz.The lyrics also connect with Black American culture. And sometimes the song reminds you that to dance; you need only absurd noise or sounds, not lyrics of logic(?) 

2. Troye Sivan: “Rush”

It’s very hard to stop playing once you click. It has a 90’s vibe and shows many things; pole dancing and acrobatics. It may be sexual freedom or more about sex. Good music, eye-catching photography and stunning choreography.

1. NewJeans: “Super Shy”

According to Rolling Stones, this is the sixth world’s best song of 2023. For Super Shy, K-pop becomes a girl next door band with some 70’s flavor. Good voice quality and hyperactive movements made them what they are today. 

A year of returns and revisits just shelved. A look at the bests behind and ahead. Let’s start with movies and moves. 

Hottest Dance Moves for Your 2024 Parties!

For those who love almost everything

Join new satire series on marriage | Audition Call

Marriage De School is a mockumentary series about the social absurdities and taboos  around marriage. ‘Cunk on Earth’  is a show in the same genre about history and art. We are building a storytelling team for the show. Submit your idea in three lines and propose your role in it. We are listening now.   

Just looking like a wow! Ya

No Logo Not too much branding. All Tees Sold Out! 

A group of people with creative background and without any manufacturing experience launched a  t-shirt in March 2021 and rest of story ( or t-shirt! )  can be found here. https://www.marchtee.com

D2C is just unfolding in India with never ending market possibilities. The story of March Tees is a perfect example of authentic storytelling and optimised digital marketing.

Sukh Dugal and his co-founders were running a creative agency called March. Every creative agency room is filled with ideas of many products and it vanishes when the next idea enters the room. But the idea of March tee never left the room and they started exploring more to execute the idea.

Followed by a series of deliberations with manufacturers, distributors and other people in chain. 

And in 2016, they started simple; Only a tee in three colours. Obviously selling started through instagram and it started growing. Initially 15000 visits to the website then 45,000 and they closed their book in 2021 with a turnover of 10 Crore. 

D2C  Startup Factors 

March Tees team consist only 6 people 

They sell only on their website 

Their product is plain t shirts without any logos 

Success Factors 

Authentic Storytelling through realistic photography and videos 

Optimised digital Marketing strategies 

Not following typical methods like influencer marketing or celebrity speak 

Inhouse Content Production 

Building A Cult 

Minimalism, inspiring microscopy and ‘out of the box’ packaging. March Tee is highly detail oriented about the entire pre-purchase, purchase and post-purchase experience. The team’s vision makes a subculture-like mood where people identify the brand as a like minded person or group. The product is also highly humanised through genuine customer testimonials from instagram.  

Again another small town startup enters into scene with smart audio tech.

Rapture Lab is a new company with a lot of potential. People have always wanted a great home theatre experience with amazing visuals and sound, and they’re willing to spend money on it. This has created a market that many companies making audio and video products want to be a part of. Even though lots of companies have spent billions of dollars trying to make perfect audio products, they’re still not accessible for many people who love good sound.

That’s where startups like Rapture Innovation Lab come in. It was started by Navajith Karkera and Jagath Bidappa and is based in Hubballi, with support from the Deshpande incubator. This audio technology company claims to have made a big breakthrough in creating “Hybrid driver acoustics,” and it took them three years of hard work to perfect this technology.

As explained by the creators, their product uses a fresh idea to produce sound. They’ve patented the “air and bone-body conduction” technique, which lets a pair of headphones imitate the sound produced by a full set of audio drivers and subwoofer systems. This means you can have a movie theatre-quality audio experience without sacrificing the convenience of headphones. When you put on these headphones, you can enjoy music like Beethoven, Bollywood tunes, or any bass-heavy music just as if you were in a movie theatre.

Thanks to the built-in subwoofer, the creators say that thunderstorms, live shows, and concerts will never be the same. The sound is so loud and clear that it feels like you’re right in the middle of the action, and you might even find yourself dancing with pure joy.

Their technology, called Sonic Lamb, along with special earpads, can mimic the power of a subwoofer to provide the deepest and most intense bass. This offers an extraordinary experience, especially for those who love powerful bass in their music.

The company recently introduced its first product, the Sonic Lamb headphones, with a quiet launch. Surprisingly, they received 570 pre-orders from customers in 50 different countries. The founders mentioned that over 60 percent of these orders came from the United States.

The company handles everything related to the design and development of the product in-house, except for a few components that they import. They collaborate with a manufacturer in Delhi for production, and the final packaging is completed in Chennai. Right now, the team is aiming to deliver all the pre-ordered products by the end of July 2023.

Sonic Lamb has to go head-to-head with well-established audio giants like Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, and JBL, among others. However, the market is always open to newcomers who can shake up the current trends. Ultimately, it’s the quality of their product that will do the talking and perhaps make their competitors a little nervous.

The founders are optimistic about soon establishing experience centers in big cities and even in smaller, Tier 2 cities to introduce their products. If they can quickly set up a strong distribution and after-sales service network, they have the potential to boost sales in India and other places in a short time. Building a strong brand is, of course, a key part of their task.

The founders claim that the sound quality of Sonic Lamb headphones matches the best headphones their competitors sell for $300. This means that you can get the same top-notch immersive experience for just $199, which is quite exciting.

According to the founders, their goal is to manufacture and sell 5,000 units by the end of this year. After achieving this milestone, they plan to ramp up production and distribution even further.

In India, there’s a tendency for multinational companies to favor major cities and commercial hubs when setting up their engineering centers. This bias has concentrated wealth in a few large Indian cities, and it has often required talented individuals to relocate to these cities for work, contributing to the urban congestion. The success of companies like Rapture Innovation Labs is likely to encourage CEOs to reconsider Tier 2 cities with a more positive outlook.

With uninterrupted broadband connections and advanced 5G mobile technology, jobs will follow where the talent is, instead of the other way around. Companies will start establishing smaller engineering centers in promising Tier 2 cities like Hubballi, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kalburgi, and Belgaum in Karnataka. This approach is more cost-effective for organizations, as many skilled individuals may not be willing to relocate to a major city due to a lower quality of life there. When jobs shift to Tier 2 cities, wealth will also be spread more evenly across India.

ndia is a hub for engineering and innovation.

Many of us tend to buy products solely based on the brand name. The stronger the brand’s reputation, the more likely we are to trust and accept its products. We often assume that most multinational corporations (MNCs) invest heavily in marketing, and their products must be designed, engineered, and manufactured in places known for their exceptional quality.

What many people may not be aware of is that almost all MNCs that produce goods have their design and innovation centers right here in India. Their products are frequently designed and innovated by Indian engineers.

India has a significant advantage in this regard because of the presence of numerous prestigious technical institutions such as IITs, IISC, RIEs, and engineering colleges. The country has a high concentration of English-speaking technical talent, making it highly attractive for MNCs to establish their engineering centres here.

Now, it’s time for Indian companies to step into the spotlight. They should introduce products that are not only designed in India but also engineered and manufactured here. The quality of Indian products is truly exceptional, and for the world to embrace Indian products, they need to be well-received and successful within India first. This is how Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese products gained international recognition after becoming big hits in their home countries. India should follow the same path for its products.

To succeed in foreign markets, Indian companies need to leverage well-established distribution networks and provide excellent customer support worldwide. They should emulate what Japan did in the 1970s and 1980s and what Korean and Taiwanese companies achieved in the 2000s.

In this context, the success of startups like Rapture Innovation Labs holds great importance for India’s overall strategy.