Brands
Uber shifts into a higher gear with big expansion plans for Uber Black
MUMBAI: When everyday rides start feeling a little too economy, Uber is betting that more Indians are ready to travel business class. Uber has announced an aggressive expansion of its premium offering, Uber Black, with plans to double the size of its luxury fleet across India in 2026.
Currently operating in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, Uber Black caters to riders seeking quieter cabins, higher-end cars and top-rated drivers. Positioned as the “business class of the back seat”, the service has also carved out dedicated Uber Black Zones at major airports, including Kempegowda International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2, P6), promising faster, smoother premium pick-ups.
To fuel this expansion, Uber has made a Series A investment in Carrum, a fleet management firm backed by the Cardekho Group. Carrum has been a long-time fleet partner on the Uber platform, and the investment is expected to help scale high-quality vehicle supply to meet rising premium demand.
Adding another layer of convenience, Uber has also rolled out its Reserve feature for Uber Black in Delhi. Riders can now book premium cars anywhere from two hours to 90 days in advance, making the service particularly appealing for airport transfers, business travel and special occasions where certainty matters.
Uber president for India and South Asia Prabhjeet Singh said the company is seeing strong momentum in premium mobility, driven by riders who value comfort and elevated service standards. The focus, he noted, is on consistently raising the quality bar while creating long-term value for riders, drivers and fleet partners.
Alongside premium rides, Uber highlighted the growing traction of Uber One, its membership programme offering benefits across bikes, autos and cars. With over one million members already enrolled in India, the programme reflects a broader shift towards bundled value for frequent riders.
As Uber Black gears up for its next phase, the message is clear: for a growing segment of urban India, getting there comfortably is becoming just as important as getting there quickly.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
