Brands
Human bags branding and creative mandate for jumbo pops
Mumbai: Launched by creative duo Chirag Raheja and Imran Khan, the integrated agency ‘Human’ has been onboarded by an Africa-based FMCG brand.
Part of Parrogate Ginneries’ FMCG range, Jumbo Pops is a lollipop and candy brand operating in Zambia, Tanzania, and other African countries. While lollipops generally fall under the broad spectrum of ‘junk food’, they make for an affordable source of sugar and energy among children – something that people in these economies greatly benefit from.
Commenting on the partnership, Jagdish Kandpal of Parrogate Ginneries said “It’s refreshing to collaborate with Human on our emerging brand. Their creative and branding efforts are already creating a strong foundation for us, capturing the essence of our brand and building anticipation among potential customers.”
“Partnering with Human was a stroke of genius for our budding brand. Their fresh and innovative approach has already begun to generate buzz and anticipation in the market. Their dedication to understanding our vision and translating it into impactful campaigns is truly remarkable.” added Parrogate Ginneries business head Venkat Muralidadi.
The agency’s mandate includes working on the branding and packaging of the different lollipop flavours and variants, as well as creating retail communication for the brand.
Human co-founder and director Chirag Raheja said “The FMCG category has always been special for me, but this time, it’s a much bigger game we’re playing. In addition to boosting happiness levels among kids, we’re on a mission to help them stay on their feet all day, without putting a dent in their parents’ pockets. I’m delighted that Human is their partner of choice for this project, and I look forward to creating some stellar work for them.”
Adding to this sentiment, Human co-founder and director Imran Khan said “More than just good-looking work, this is our chance to create work that makes a real difference to people in African countries. That’s exactly what we want Human to stand for, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in us by the brand.”
Brands
Trump announces $300bn Texas oil refinery with Reliance, calls it the biggest in US history
First new US refinery in 50 years planned at Brownsville port with Reliance
WASHINGTON: The United States may soon see the first brand-new oil refinery built on its soil in half a century.
Donald Trump announced a proposed $300 billion refinery project in Texas, calling it a landmark moment for American energy production and jobs.
Posting on Truth Social on 10 March, Trump said the facility would be built at the Port of Brownsville and developed by a company called America First Refining, with major investment from India’s Reliance Industries.
The announcement frames the project as a centrepiece of the administration’s push for “energy dominance”, with Trump claiming it would deliver thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity to South Texas.
If realised, the plant would mark the first all-new major refinery constructed in the United States since the 1970s. In recent decades, oil companies have largely chosen to expand existing facilities rather than build new ones, citing high costs, regulatory hurdles and environmental scrutiny.
Trump described the proposed investment as the “biggest in US history”, positioning it as proof that policy changes such as streamlined permits and lower taxes are drawing large-scale energy investments back into the country.
The refinery is planned for the Port of Brownsville, a strategic Gulf Coast location that provides easy access to shipping routes and export markets.
A key partner in the project is Reliance Industries, controlled by billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani. The company already runs the world’s largest refining complex in Jamnagar, India, making it one of the most experienced operators in large-scale petroleum processing.
The Texas venture would mark a significant step for the group into America’s domestic refining sector, potentially strengthening industrial ties between the US and India.
The proposed refinery is being promoted as a next-generation facility capable of processing American shale oil while maintaining high environmental standards. Trump said it would be “the cleanest refinery in the world”, although the specific technologies behind that claim have not yet been detailed.
Industry observers also note that the $300 billion figure is unusually large for a refinery project, and analysts are waiting for more clarity on whether the number reflects total construction costs, long-term infrastructure investment, or broader economic impact estimates.
As of 11 March, Reliance Industries had not publicly confirmed the investment size or the structure of its involvement.
For now, the announcement has sparked equal parts excitement and curiosity in energy markets. If the plan moves from promise to pouring concrete, the refinery could reshape the Gulf Coast energy landscape, and reopen a chapter in American refining that has been quiet for nearly fifty years.
