MAM
Gulf News appoints Raman Kumar Chugh as strategic advisor – India
25 INS agencies onboarded as Gulf News sharpens India strategy
DUBAI: Gulf News has appointed Raman Kumar Chugh as strategic advisor – India, entrusting him with building a nationwide network of INS-accredited advertising agencies to deepen the publication’s presence in the Indian market.
The mandate focuses on creating a structured agency ecosystem spanning metros, tier-2 cities and district markets, aimed at driving business growth through compliant, locally rooted partnerships. The initiative is designed to offer Indian advertisers streamlined access to Gulf News’ platform in the UAE and wider GCC region.
Chugh will lead the appointment and integration of accredited agencies, positioning Gulf News as a launchpad for Indian brands seeking cross-border expansion. The strategy targets both large advertisers and smaller businesses, enabling them to reach international markets through a single, regulated media channel.
As an early milestone, Gulf News has already onboarded 25 INS-accredited agencies across major Indian metros following a joint pitch exercise led by Chugh. The agencies will form the backbone of a new international vertical, offering cross-market campaign execution and access to GCC-focused advertising formats.
The move reflects growing interest among Indian agencies in diversifying revenue streams through international media platforms, as well as Gulf News’ push to strengthen grassroots penetration in one of its fastest-growing source markets.
Commenting on the initiative, Chugh said the goal was to “democratise international market access for Indian businesses”, adding that a distributed agency network would allow brands of all sizes to expand globally in a structured and efficient manner.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
