Latest news with #Kapur
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Steelbird commits ₹50 cr capex to scale production, launches SXE helmet with advanced safety tech
At a time when India's helmet market is witnessing a shift towards safety-conscious and certified gear, Steelbird Hi-Tech India has announced a capital expenditure of ₹50 crore across its nine manufacturing plants this year. The investment is part of the company's broader plan to launch 75 new helmet models over the next five years and boost domestic production to meet surging demand. The capex will support R&D, plant modernisation, and capacity expansion, crucial for developing technologically advanced products like the newly launched SXE helmet with TPE impact absorption technology . Production infrastructure and market strategy The company currently operates six plants in Baddi and three in Noida, supported by two offices in Delhi, one in Italy, and a digital platform in Panchkula. It aims to sell over one crore helmets this year. Last year, the company sold 87 lakh helmets. According to Managing Director Rajeev Kapur, 'Every helmet takes nearly two years to develop, and we are scaling up to meet the growing demand with safer and smarter designs.' With a 35 per cent share in India's branded helmet market, the company is witnessing a clear shift in customer buying behaviour. 'The most popular helmet used to be the ₹1,000 model; today, it's the ₹2,000 one,' Kapur noted. Sales channels and OEM partnerships Steelbird distributes through 2,200 direct distributors and dealers, each connected to 400–600 retailers, and operates 300 exclusive retail outlets. Online sales have crossed ₹100 crore and are expected to reach ₹500 crore in the next five years. About 30 per cent of Steelbird's helmets are sold to OEMs, including Hero, Honda, Yamaha, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, and Ola. 'We also cater to corporate buyers and CSR-linked initiatives, and we're targeting ₹100 crore in CSR-driven sales over the next two years,' Kapur said. The rest of the sales come through retail and online platforms. SXE helmet: New model with TPE energy absorber The company has launched the SXE helmet under its Advanced Safety Series, marking a significant step in rider protection. Priced at ₹3,599, the SXE features a multi-layered shell comprising ABS reinforced with fibre composites, a black EPS liner, and a shock-absorbing TPE ( Thermoplastic Elastomer ) layer. The technology, the company claims, helps reduce rotational impact forces by approximately 20 per cent, lowering the risk of traumatic brain injury during high-speed crashes. Product pipeline and certification push The company is also developing new models across price ranges and use cases, including women riders. 'We've launched models like Bella and Eve and will soon introduce another designed specifically for women,' said Kapur. Steelbird is also preparing to launch an FIM-certified racing helmet in the next two to three years. 'FIM helmets are complex and require multiple layers of materials like carbon fibre, thicker visors, and metallic locking systems,' he explained. Bluetooth-enabled helmets are part of the product roadmap. Eight models were introduced last year, and a new intercom-enabled version under the Fighter range is set to be launched by year-end. While the company has a concept ready for a lightweight motocross helmet with titanium parts, Kapur cited high R&D costs and low demand as reasons for holding back the commercial rollout. Focus on Indian market, road safety concerns Despite exporting to Europe and several Asian countries, Steelbird is focused on the Indian market. 'India presents an enormous opportunity. We're not prioritising exports right now,' said Kapur. He added that the company works on a 10 per cent profit margin. Commenting on helmet regulation, he said, 'If the proposed law requiring helmets to meet UN or WHO standards is enforced, demand will surge.' He also pointed to the economic cost of road accidents: 'About 3.52 per cent of India's GDP is lost to road accidents. That's a massive figure — and enforcing helmet standards is a crucial part of solving this.' To advocate for stronger policy implementation, the company has launched an NGO titled 'Dialogue to Action'. 'Conferences alone aren't enough—we need enforcement and change on the ground,' Kapur said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Demand will explode, but market short by a crore units: Steelbird MD on two-helmet rule
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd. India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety . The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This will make it mandatory for manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The move aims to promote safer riding habits and reduce the number of road fatalities, especially among pillion riders, who often skip wearing helmets. As per the draft notification, dealerships will also be required to hand over both helmets at the time of vehicle delivery. For an industry long plagued by poor safety awareness and rampant use of fake helmets, this move could bring a much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could spark a major boom in helmet demand. 'If every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, that alone will create a requirement of over 4 crore helmets annually,' he said during a media interaction. However, there's a challenge. Kapur said that the actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets in India is just about 3 crore units a year. This leaves a significant gap. Simple One review: Is this the EV to beat? | TOI Auto The proposed rule is in line with the government's broader push to reduce road fatalities. India reports over 1.5 lakh deaths annually due to road accidents, with two-wheeler riders making up a large chunk. Steelbird, one of the largest helmet manufacturers in India, is already investing heavily in automation and plant expansion, and plans to launch 75 new models over the next five years to cater to all segments, from budget to premium. But a key concern still remains: the widespread availability of fake helmets. These look like real helmets but don't meet safety standards and offer no real protection. Kapur said that nearly half of the helmets on Indian roads are fake, and insists that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must be backed with strong checks to ensure only genuine ISI-marked products are sold. 'If this law is enforced well, it will not only protect more lives, but also help weed out counterfeit players from the market,' he added. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Labubu Maker Sees 350% Jump In Profit: How These Dolls Turned From Toy To Trendsetter?
Last Updated: Chinese toy firm Pop Mart says it expects a massive 350% jump in its profit in the first six months of this year. In a landscape crowded with content and competing attention spans, few products cut through the noise to become cultural phenomena. Yet, the Labubu doll, an artistic creation from Pop Mart and illustrator Kasing Lung, has done just that. Labubu dolls have earned their parent company a massive wealth. Chinese toy firm Pop Mart said it expects a massive 350% jump in its profit in the first six months of this year. The company, which holds a stock market valuation of over $40 billion, attributed the sharp rise in profits to growing global recognition of the brand and strong cost controls. Launched in 2019, Labubu has helped Pop Mart evolve into a major global retailer, now operating over 2,000 stores and vending machines worldwide. Pop Mart went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020, and its stock has skyrocketed — gaining nearly 600% in value in the past year alone. In 2024, international sales accounted for nearly 40% of the company's total revenue. How Did Labubu Become Sensation? A Brand Equity Perspective & PR Case Study Experts said Labubu's rise from niche collectible to global cult icon is not only a marketing exemplar but also a PR case study in turning social buzz into sustained publicity. 'Labubu isn't just a product story — it's a PR masterclass," Samir Kapur, a communication consultant. Labubu's strategic drop model — where collectors buy 'blind boxes' with limited-edition designs — has driven its mystique and media appeal. Pop Mart is best known for selling toys in 'blind boxes", a type of packaging that hides its contents until it is opened. Kapur said that rather than traditional influencer marketing, Labubu relied on a participatory model. Influencers became collectors and evangelists, unboxing the dolls with childlike joy and sharing their stories across TikTok and Instagram. 'Every drop becomes an event, not just a product release. PR professionals helped the company with exclusivity narratives in public, engaging niche communities and framed Labubu as a symbol of taste, not a toy." One reason Labubu, which ruled the internet in June 2025, escaped the fate of other viral toys like fidget spinners is its strong artistic origin story. It was not about utility, but imagination, he added. 'Labubu was positioned as an art piece, rooted in story and emotion. This elevated its perception and justified premium pricing," Kapur added. The case underscores a larger truth: hype and publicity play different roles in brand building. 'Hype lives on TikTok and Reddit," says Kapur. 'But PR takes that noise and turns it into structure. Into stories. Into legitimacy." He cites three specific tactics that worked: First is positioning the creator's artistic vision as a narrative hook, second is placing Labubu in subcultures like anime and streetwear, and third is framing it around broader themes like nostalgia and emotional collecting. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Book By Paul Kapur, Trump's South Asia Pick, Captures Pakistan's Jihad Strategy & India's Response
Kapur's 2017 book 'Jihad as Grand Strategy' is more than an analysis of Pakistan's use of jihad as state policy. It anticipates much of what is unfolding today In and around the Indian subcontinent, S Paul Kapur is going to become an important figure, working carefully behind the headlines. He will be the eyes, ears, and at times the hand of the world's most powerful nation in this region. Kapur has been nominated as America's representative in India's neighbourhood. He will be the new Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department. The extent of the power vested in him can be gauged from the legacy of his predecessor, Donald Lu. Lu is credited (or discredited) with engineering regime changes in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Kyrgyzstan; fomenting violent protests against the nationalist government in India; mishandling Afghanistan; keeping the Maldives and Nepal on the boil against India; and interfering in Central Asia's Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. So, who is Paul Kapur? What are his core geopolitical convictions? How closely do these align with India's vision and strategic approach? Kapur is an academic born in New Delhi to an Indian father and an American mother. He rose through the ranks of the foreign service and enjoys enough of the Trump administration's trust to be entrusted with one of the most sensitive regions in the world. His appointment becomes even more significant in light of the recent Pahalgam massacre of tourists by Pakistan-backed jihadis and India's response via Operation Sindoor. Jihad as Grand Strategy. It is not just an analytical study of how Pakistan has used jihad as a central lever of its state policy— in many ways, the book anticipates what is unfolding today. Kapur opens with a blunt statement of truth: 'Terrorism's ascendance as one of the world's leading strategic dangers has been a central development of the post–Cold War security environment… Scholars and analysts have generated a voluminous literature attempting to identify the demographic, economic, psychological, ideological, strategic and other patterns in terrorist violence. Although the nature and prevalence of such patterns are a matter of vigorous debate, one recurring theme concerning terrorism is strikingly clear: A disproportionate amount of it has been linked to Islamist terrorists based in Pakistan." He backs this up with examples—how Al Qaeda operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed trained 9/11 terrorists in Karachi and later wired funds for their mission; how Osama bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan's garrison town of Abbottabad; how the leader of the group that bombed London in 2005 received paramilitary training in Pakistan and got bomb-making instructions from a caller in Rawalpindi; and how the Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The book primarily deals with the impact that Pakistan's support for terrorism has had on its strategic interests. Kapur rightly argues that the Islamisation of Pakistan did not begin with General Zia-ul-Haq, as is widely believed. The so-called 'liberal' Zulfikar Ali Bhutto used Islamism for political ends and was ultimately consumed by it. He was the one who declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims and banned alcohol in Pakistan. 'A number of other factors underlay Pakistan's use of Islamist militants, such as the lack of a coherent national founding narrative and material weakness relative to India," Kapur explains. 'Finally, Pakistan did not adopt its militant strategy during the Zia era; the Pakistanis had been using Islamist militants as strategic tools since achieving independence, long before Zia's emergence. It is a deliberate, long-running policy as old as the Pakistani state. Indeed, supporting jihad has constituted nothing less than a central pillar of Pakistani grand strategy." Pakistan's use of jihad as central state policy did not simply begin after independence; it was a driving force in the violent separation from India and the formation of the Pakistani state—on both its eastern and western fronts. Grand strategy, Kapur explains, is a state's theory of shaping national security. Pakistan has three main grand strategic tools: nuclear weapons, conventional forces, and militant proxies. Before 1971, Kapur notes, Pakistan believed it could defeat India in any conventional conflict—drawing from the centuries-old triumphant lore of Muslim invaders. India disabused it of that notion by vivisecting it and creating Bangladesh. A bloodied and humiliated Pakistan then ramped up its use of terror proxies. Other nations have also used non-state actors: Iran backs Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis; the Soviet Union supported the Red Brigades and Black September; the US trained the Afghan mujahideen and ironically propped up Al Qaeda and the Taliban, who later turned on their mentor; China is believed to support Maoist insurgency in India and radical movements across western democracies. But for no other nation is terrorism as central to state policy as it is in Pakistan, Kapur argues. And Kapur believes jihad has, in some ways, worked for Pakistan. It has delivered a number of significant domestic and international outcomes. The strategy has promoted internal political cohesion, offering Pakistan a raison d'être in the absence of a coherent founding narrative. By steadily attriting Indian military and financial resources, it has also helped address Pakistan's material weakness vis-à-vis India. Additionally, the strategy has enabled Pakistan to continue challenging Indian control over Kashmir and to ensure the region remains on the international agenda. It has also allowed Pakistan to shape the strategic environment in Afghanistan and install a favourable government on its western frontier. However, these 'successes" are now backfiring. The terror organisations Pakistan nurtured are increasingly spinning out of control and severely undermining its interests. Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) is no longer content with simply bleeding India—it harbours ambitions of conquering the entire country and spreading globally. The Tehreek-e-Taliban has seized large swathes of South Waziristan, launching attacks on Pakistani politicians and military personnel. The Baloch Liberation Army leads a fierce armed freedom movement to liberate Balochistan from Pakistani control. Groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed often exceed the brief of their sponsors, conducting operations that drag Pakistan into dangerous confrontations. Kapur also notes that Pakistan's military strategy has diverted crucial resources away from development, impeding its internal progress. Perhaps the greatest blowback, Kapur writes, has been India's sweeping military modernisation in response. Operation Sindoor has highlighted India's growing defence preparedness under PM Narendra Modi, if emerging expert accounts are anything to go by. India reportedly executed remarkable acts of deception—most notably with the Rafale's X-Guard, an AI-powered towed decoy system that successfully fooled Pakistan's Chinese-made PL-15E missiles and J-10C fighters. 'It's the best spoofing and deception we've ever seen," former US Air Force F-15E and F-16 pilot Ryan Bodenheimer is quoted as saying by He added that the technology may have redefined the rules of electronic warfare. 'Driven by AI, the X-Guard constantly adjusts its signals to replicate Doppler shifts, creating the illusion of a jet roaring through the sky at Mach 1. For enemy radars and missile seekers, the decoy becomes indistinguishable from the real aircraft. Its fibre-optic tether ensures real-time communication with the cockpit, keeping pilots informed of missile locks and decoy status while staying immune to electronic jamming," the report said. John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, affirms Kapur's thesis on India's rapidly strengthening conventional bulwark against Pakistan's militant strategy. Spencer writes: 'The operation demonstrated India's shift from a reactive posture to a proactive, precision-oriented doctrine. Seven of the nine terrorist targets were struck using long-range fires from the Army rather than airstrikes, including loitering munitions and rocket artillery. Counter-drone technology played a key role, with integrated use of radar, jammers, and both kinetic and soft-kill systems to neutralise incoming threats. Real-time battle damage assessments were enabled by persistent ISR from satellites and human intelligence. I was briefed on how even legacy systems, like L-70 guns, were effectively combined with modern platforms to create layered defences. The integration of kinetic force with narrative control was deliberate. What stood out was the clarity and firmness of India's red lines. Every terrorist attack will receive a military response. There will be no distinction between the attacker and those who support or harbour them." S Paul Kapur's views in his book may occasionally collide with the murky realpolitik that shapes America's foreign policy. But one thing is certain: Kapur is no natural sympathiser of jihad, particularly the industrial-scale terrorism emanating from Pakistan. top videos View all He sums up Pakistan's double-edged sword perfectly: 'Pakistan suffers from a jihad paradox. Political and material weakness originally made Pakistan's militant policy attractive and useful. Now, however, the same weakness makes Pakistan's support for militancy extremely dangerous." Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : Islamic Jihad Operation Sindoor Osama bin Laden view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 11, 2025, 08:22 IST News opinion Book By Paul Kapur, Trump's South Asia Pick, Captures Pakistan's Jihad Strategy & India's Response Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Famous director and CA Shekhar Kapur predicts bold AI future for education: ‘Everyone will be their own CEO'
What began as a scenic drive from Delhi to Mussoorie turned into a deep reflection on India's education system for Shekhar Kapur—acclaimed filmmaker, global thought leader, and a Chartered Accountant by training. As his car cruised along winding Himalayan roads, what caught his eye wasn't the mist or mountains, but the proliferation of coaching centre signboards, often perched above roadside restaurants. In a now-viral tweet, Kapur painted a poignant image of the coaching class industry—India's informal, unregulated parallel education system, reportedly worth over $25 billion. 'Parents, middle and lower class, desperately need their kids to have some certificate that proves they have some education,' Kapur wrote. But in a single breath, he pivoted to a bold idea that's causing ripples online: AI, he suggests, will soon redefine the very essence of jobs, education, and recruitment. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Cybersecurity Management others Digital Marketing MCA PGDM Finance healthcare Operations Management Product Management Data Analytics Others Data Science CXO Design Thinking Leadership Project Management Public Policy MBA Data Science Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Degree Technology Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details — shekharkapur (@shekharkapur) The AI Disruption That Awaits Known for challenging convention through cinema—from Masoom to Bandit Queen —Kapur is now turning his lens toward a different kind of storytelling: one that is shaping the future of work . His assertion? Artificial Intelligence will soon make traditional certifications, and by extension the institutions that thrive on them, redundant. 'AI can give you the same education at home, and much cheaper,' Kapur tweeted, alluding to the limitless access to knowledge that generative AI platforms offer today. But the problem, as he rightly points out, is that AI doesn't yet hand out certificates. And in a job market heavily reliant on paperwork and formality, that's still a barrier to entry. However, Kapur believes this is a temporary obstacle. 'AI will soon not only change the nature of recruitment, but also the nature of the job,' he wrote. In an era where digital portfolios , skill assessments, and online testing can prove one's mettle better than a printed certificate, his vision doesn't seem far-fetched. You Might Also Like: Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur warns about one mistake parents make with kids: 'It becomes a lifelong addiction' Everyone Their Own CEO In one of the most stirring lines of his thread, Kapur declared, 'We are heading to a time where everyone will be their own CEO.' For a generation bogged down by a rigid exam system and coached conformity, this idea feels revolutionary. The statement challenges not just India's education model, but its societal perceptions of success and self-worth. The response to his musings has been passionate. One user wrote, 'AI can give information but not education,' while another criticized coaching centres as profit-making machines preying on vulnerable students. These varied opinions echo a shared anxiety—and curiosity—about the future Kapur has dared to sketch. You Might Also Like: Is AI quietly stealing jobs disguised as 'restructuring'? The hidden truth behind routine layoffs
