Brands
Hyundai Motor India Foundation creates one of Maharashtra’s largest urban forests
MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India Foundation has turned a barren stretch near Talegaon, Pune, into one of Maharashtra’s largest urban forests, planting one million trees across 90.5 acres in less than a year.
Developed under the IONIQ Forest initiative, the project uses the Miyawaki method to create a dense, fast-growing forest of 41 native species, positioning it among the country’s most ambitious single-site afforestation drives.
The effort began with ground preparation in May 2025, followed by a mass plantation drive on World Environment Day in June. The forest was formally inaugurated in September by Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra. Each tree has been geo-tagged and linked to a QR code, allowing real-time monitoring and transparency in upkeep.
Puneet Anand, avp and vertical head – corporate affairs, corporate communication and social at Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the project went beyond planting trees. “This is about building a greener and more sustainable future by combining environmental restoration with community empowerment. Planting one million trees at a single location in under a year underlines Hyundai’s commitment to climate action and responsible growth in Maharashtra,” he said.
The forest is projected to absorb around 63,000 tonnes of CO₂ over the next five years, while improving biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience in the region. More than 150 members of local tribal communities have been engaged in plantation and maintenance work, linking ecological restoration with sustainable livelihoods.
Once established, the site is expected to evolve into a living classroom for schools and local communities, promoting environmental awareness and hands-on learning.
The project is part of Hyundai’s broader Rs 56 crore CSR commitment in Maharashtra, spanning environment, healthcare, road safety and community development.
From cleared land to carbon sink in under a year, Hyundai’s IONIQ Forest shows how scale, speed and sustainability can grow together.
Brands
Uniqlo India signs Jasprit Bumrah as brand endorser
Cricketing star fronts new LifeWear campaign highlighting comfort and simplicity.
MUMBAI: Jasprit Bumrah just bowled a perfect yorker into fashion because when the fastest bowler in the world picks Uniqlo, even off-field style gets a pace attack. Uniqlo India has roped in Indian cricket icon Jasprit Bumrah as its brand endorser, kicking off the partnership with a fresh campaign that brings the brand’s LifeWear philosophy to life, clothing engineered for simplicity, quality and effortless comfort in daily routines.
The 30-second film shows Bumrah in relaxed, everyday moments away from the crease highlighting how the AIRism Oversized T-shirt slips seamlessly into his off-field life. The narrative quietly mirrors his journey as a fast bowler, built on consistency, instinct and the kind of fit that feels right from the first wear and only gets better with time.
Jasprit Bumrah said, “In my day-to-day life, I prefer clothing that feels comfortable and effortless, especially when I’m spending time off the field. That’s why I’m happy to be partnering with Uniqlo, the brand’s approach to everyday clothing feels like a natural extension to my personal style.”
Uniqlo India marketing director Nidhi Rastogi added, “We are proud to partner with cricket world champion Jasprit Bumrah and welcome him to the Uniqlo family. His focus on excellence, authenticity and quiet confidence reflects the essence of Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy.”
The campaign is now live across digital channels, social media, in-store displays and outdoor platforms, with the film and imagery rolling out alongside the announcement.
In a world where pace often means rushing, Bumrah and Uniqlo are reminding everyone that the best things in life and on the body come from calm, consistent comfort that simply shows up every day and gets the job done.
