Archives January 2025

Mumbai: 28th January 2025: Fourteen volunteers from the Fit Bharat Club of HSNC University, including faculty members, students, doctors, and technicians, successfully completed an extraordinary 1,450 km “Centre to Coast” cycle ride today. The journey, which began on January 18, 2025, saw the team navigate 200 km of challenging terrains, demonstrating exceptional resilience and determination.

In line with their mission to promote environmental sustainability, the cyclists planted 1,400 seeds in tribal regions along their route, contributing to ecological restoration and community welfare. The ride concluded in Mumbai on the historic occasion of Republic Day, where they were received and felicitated by Honorable Provost Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Vice Chancellor Col. Prof . Hemlata K Bagla, along with the Deans and Registrar of HSNC University.

The achievement coincided with the university’s 76th Republic Day celebrations, highlighting the institution’s commitment to fostering health, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility. This remarkable feat by the Fit Bharat Club exemplifies the spirit of service and sustainability that HSNC University proudly upholds.

Chennai, January 28, 2025: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), a leading Public Sector Bank headquartered in Chennai, has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing five prestigious awards at the 20th IBA Banking Technology Conference, Expo, and Citation 2024, organized by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Under the exceptional leadership of Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, Managing Director & CEO, IOB has made significant advancements across various technological dimensions in the past two years. The bank’s efforts have included:

• Enhancing its tech infrastructure and capabilities.
• Employing the best tech talent in the industry.
• Launching innovative digital products and services to enhance customer experience.
• Driving the digitalization of financial inclusion services.
• Adopting advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
• Strengthening data analytics, IT risk management, and digital fraud risk management.

The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), representing 248 banks and financial institutions across India, conducts this annual event to evaluate and recognize the technological excellence of its member banks. At this year’s conference held in Mumbai on January 24, 2025, IOB received the following awards in the Mid-sized Public Sector Bank category:

1. Best Tech Talent and Organization – Winner.

2. Best Financial Inclusion Technology – Runner-Up.

3. Special Mention Awards for:

• AI & ML Adoption

• Best Technology Bank

• Best IT Risk Management

The awards were presented by Shri Rabi Shankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

This achievement marks the second consecutive year that Indian Overseas Bank has won five IBA Banking Technology Awards, continuing the legacy of its performance in 2023. Commenting on this accomplishment, Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava highlighted the bank’s steadfast commitment to harnessing technology for enhancing customer experience, strengthening resilience, ensuring system security, and driving digital transformation.

Rohit Taneja, Founder & CEO, Decentro

“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, there is immense potential to strengthen India’s fintech ecosystem by fostering innovation, compliance, and financial inclusion.

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, particularly the India Stack, has been instrumental in bridging gaps between urban and rural sectors. Expanding its capabilities in 2025—through tools like DigiLocker and ULI (Unified Lending Interface)—can unlock growth for underserved regions and drive innovation at scale.

In the UPI for B2B space, we see a massive opportunity to transform how businesses manage vendor payments, recurring transactions, and supplier settlements. Policies encouraging UPI Autopay adoption, higher transaction limits, and tax benefits for digital payments will accelerate digitization in sectors like SaaS, logistics, and retail.

For cross-border payments, initiatives like Project Nexus can enable faster, cost-efficient transactions, while simplified forex regulations and support for multi-currency settlements will position India as a global leader in payment infrastructure.

With compliance and data protection taking center stage, the budget should incentivize AI-driven solutions to streamline regulatory processes, enhance fraud detection, and foster trust. The Data Protection Bill presents an opportunity to enable secure innovation while ensuring transparency in digital transactions.

At Decentro, we’re building infrastructure that empowers businesses to scale seamlessly—from mobile-first DigiLocker workflows to UPI Autopay and multi-currency settlements. We look forward to a forward-thinking budget that drives trust, scalability, and innovation, keeping India at the forefront of the global fintech revolution.”

Chandigarh, January 28th, 2025: Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, a 100% subsidiary of Cosmo First and a one-stop solution for a range of Adhesives, Masterbatches, and Coating Chemicals, has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System.

The certification, issued in December 2024, recognizes the company’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the design, development, manufacturing, and delivery of adhesives, coatings, and masterbatch products at its MIDC Area facility in Waluj, Aurangabad.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates Cosmo Speciality Chemicals’ dedication towards consistent delivery of high-quality products, and customer satisfaction through efficient quality management with a culture of continuous improvement of operational processes while meeting regulatory requirements and international standards.

“This certification is testimony to our ongoing commitment to quality management and customer satisfaction”, said Mr. Raj Sharma, Business Head at Cosmo Speciality Chemicals. “It validates our systematic approach to ensuring product quality and reinforces our position as a trusted manufacturer in the chemical industry.”

The certification is valid until December 17, 2027, subject to successful completion of annual surveillance assessments.

Jaro Education, a pioneer in online higher education and upskilling, has solidified its position as a national brand through its strong commitment to empowering learners and fostering excellence.

 In a landmark move, Jaro Education recently sponsored the prestigious Mumbai Golf League 2024, hosted by the renowned Bombay Presidency Golf Club Ltd. Through this initiative, Jaro supported Team Fairway Knights, embodying values like perseverance, discipline, and focus that are deeply rooted in both sports and education. This sponsorship highlights Jaro’s growing stature as a trusted name in the education sector.

 Jaro Education has also launched a new ad campaign featuring Naveen Kasturia, known for his impactful roles in Indian web series, and SainaNehwal, a globally renowned badminton champion and former World No. 1. This campaign reflects Jaro’s commitment to inspiring learners and professionals nationwide, reinforcing its position as a leader in online education and upskilling.

 Speaking about these developments, Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe, CMD of Jaro Education, said:

 “Our vision is to empower individuals through lifelong learning by providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. Associating with a prestigious event like the Mumbai Golf League and collaborating with notable personalities such as SainaNehwal and Naveen Kasturia, we aim to further strengthen our position as a leader in the online education and upskilling domain, inspiring learners to achieve their full potential.”

 Jaro Education continues to redefine the boundaries of online education, combining innovation with a robust feedback mechanism to ensure top-tier course quality and learner satisfaction. Its focus on profitability, sustainable growth, and scalability positions it as a trailblazer in India’s education ecosystem.

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025: ABP Majha, Maharashtra’s leading Marathi news channel, hosted the ‘Shourya Puraskar 2025’ to celebrate the indomitable spirit of bravery and selflessness. Organised on the occasion of Republic Day, January 26, in Mumbai, this esteemed event paid tribute to the unsung heroes of Maharashtra who have shown extraordinary courage and humanity in critical situations, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of others.

ABP Majha’s Shourya Puraskar 2025 honoured a remarkable group of individuals whose actions exemplify valour and altruism, significantly impacting their communities. The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished Chief Guests Vivek Phansalkar, Police Commissioner of Mumbai, and acclaimed actor Vaidehi Parshurami, who presented the awards to these exceptional individuals, celebrating their extraordinary contributions to society.

This year’s awardees include Karina Thapa, who entered a blazing house fire to help others escape; Sumra Umar Shamsi, who displayed remarkable bravery by confronting an armed thief and preventing a robbery at her home; Yogesh Pathve, who fearlessly confronted a leopard to protect his friend’s life; Pournima Choudhary, who risked her life by jumping into a river to rescue a drowning youth; and Taibai Pawar and Chhaburao Pawar, who demonstrated exceptional courage in saving youths from drowning in a river.

Also honoured were Suraj Machale, who saved five children from drowning in a farm pond Pandharinath Bodkhe and Dinkar Pawar, who saved a child from a leopard attack; and lastly Arif Bamne, who rescued 25 passengers from a capsized boat in the open sea. Each of these heroes was celebrated for their exemplary bravery, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication to aiding others in perilous circumstances.

ABP Majha’s Shourya Puraskar stands as a heartfelt tribute to these extraordinary individuals, whose actions often remain unheralded yet profoundly inspire. Through this initiative, ABP Majha reaffirms its commitment to highlighting the spirit of heroism, encouraging others to rise above adversity with courage and selflessness.

This event was Co-powered by Nippo Swooper and Mulkani Kuka Cough Syrup.

Chandigarh, 28th January 2025 – AlphaVector’s (India) Pvt. Ltd. brand Ninety One proudly unveils the Hydra X 29T 21-Speed Mountain Bike, a perfect fusion of strength, performance, and design. Crafted for adventure enthusiasts, trailblazers, and outdoor explorers, the Hydra X 29T is built to take on even the most challenging terrains with ease and comfort. Whether you are navigating city streets or conquering rugged trails, this bike ensures a seamless experience, combining power, precision, and reliability.

Key Features of the Hydra X 29T 21-Speed:

•  Durable Frame: Featuring an 18” aerodynamic Hi-Tensile steel frame, the Hydra X 29T is designed to withstand rough conditions while offering optimal stability and durability on all terrains.
•  Gear System: Equipped with a 21-speed Shimano gear system, the bike offers smooth gear shifting for an adaptable riding experience, allowing riders to conquer both steep ascents and flat paths with ease.
•  Braking Power: The Hydra X 29T comes with fast and dynamic disc brakes, delivering superior stopping power for safe rides, no matter the surface, whether you’re on rocky trails or navigating urban environments.
•  Suspension Comfort: With the 91 TUF SHOX suspension system, the bike absorbs shocks, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on uneven or bumpy terrain.
•  Tires & Traction: The 29″ high-traction tires provide excellent grip and stability, ensuring enhanced performance on rough trails and in varied riding conditions.
•  Available Sizes: The Hydra X 29T is available in 29T, 26T, and 27.5T sizes, catering to different rider preferences and providing an optimal fit for all.
•  Speed Options: The Hydra X 29T comes in both multi-speed and single-speed configurations, giving riders the flexibility to choose based on their riding style and terrain needs.

The Hydra X 29T 21-Speed is available at an attractive price of ₹18,999, inclusive of GST. The bike is available for purchase directly from the official website

It also comes with a comprehensive warranty package, including a lifetime warranty for the frame, and 6 months on all remaining parts, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind for riders.

The Hydra X 29T 21-Speed is ideal for those who crave adventure, offering an unparalleled experience for mountain biking enthusiasts, whether you’re hitting the trails or exploring new paths in the great outdoors.

Chandigarh, Jan 28, 2025: After achieving a robust 46% CAGR volume growth over the past 3 years, Mahindra’s Truck and Bus Division (MTBD) today inaugurated a state-of-the-art dealership in Lakhimpur, Assam. With 4 service bays, the facility can service more than 10 vehicles per day while also providing driver lodging, 24-hour breakdown assistance, and AdBlue (include AdBlue short description) availability.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head – Mahindra Truck and Bus & Construction Equipment, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., emphasized MTBD’s strong presence in the Indian CV market, securing the No. 3 position in various sectors. He highlighted the addition of new dealerships and the BLAZO X, FURIO, & CRUZIO range of commercial vehicles, equipped with Best-in-Class Mileage Guarantee and Double Service Guarantee, as key factors to elevate partners, customers, and the entire ecosystem, further strengthening their market position.

Dr. Venkat also emphasized their vehicle’s superior technological prowess with the re-launched Mileage Guarantee “Get More Mileage or Give The Truck Back” for the BS6 OBD II range of trucks, which promises unmatched value by increasing profitability for transporters. He further added that the state-of-art 3S facility coupled with strong dealer partners will set high customer service standards and expand the MTBD business.

Mr. Sateesh Machiraju, Head of Sales & Customer Care – Mahindra Truck and Bus division, said, “Our R&D team’s customer-centric approach has resulted in higher fluid efficiency for the entire product range of truck & bus division. Our vehicles is equipped with the most advance telematics solution – iMAXX, which give complete control over the transport business with real time monitoring of fuel, drivers behavior, and vehicle health parameter. The new mileage guarantee, embodied by the motto “Zyada Mileage Nahin toh Truck wapas” will provide unmatched value to our customers.”

Mahindra BLAZO X, FURIO, OPTIMO and JAYO are the only CV truck range in India that gives double service guarantees including best in class fuel efficiency. MTBD has also guaranteed uptime on its Breakdown service by getting the truck back on road in 48 hours, else the Company will pay the customer Rs. 1000/- per day. Additionally, guaranteed turnaround of vehicle in 36 hours at the dealer workshop or company will pay 3000/- per day. Continuous product innovation and customer centricity is at the core of MTBD which has made these guarantees possible.

Pune, January 28, 2025: The prestigious Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune unveiled the Dr. Jayshree Arun Firodia Center for Fetal Medicine, marking a significant milestone in advancing fetal healthcare. The state-of-the-art centre is named in honour of Dr. Jayshree Arun Firodia, a distinguished paediatrician and a beacon of excellence in healthcare. This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of the Firodia family, including Dr. Arun Firodia, a Padma Shri awardee and renowned industrialist, and their son, Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Kinetic Engineering Limited.

Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital has long been a leader in fetal medicine, offering a wide range of services such as advanced maternity care, fetal diagnostics, clinical genetics, and neonatal intensive care. The new centre enhances these offerings with cutting-edge medical technology and expert care, ensuring comprehensive support for expecting mothers and their families.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman and MD of Kinetic Engineering said, “This centre is a reflection of my parents’ unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality. The upgraded facility will play a crucial role in providing world-class fetal medicine services under one roof, greatly benefiting mothers-to-be and their families.”

Dr. Jayshree Arun Firodia’s immense contributions to pediatric healthcare were commemorated during the event where she was awarded the “Distinguished Services in Pediatrics Award” by Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

The event was graced by eminent personalities from the medical fraternity, including Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Medical Director of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, and leading fetal medicine specialist Dr. S. Suresh. An educational seminar on advancements in fetal medicine followed the inauguration, attracting over 80 gynaecologists and medical professionals.

Ahmedabad, 28th January, 2025: Best-ever trailing-twelve-months (TTM) performance with operating EBITDA at INR 2,390 crores and PAT at INR 1,192 crores on TTM basis.

Highest-ever revenue of INR 16,859 crores in Q3, up by 31% YoY, with underlying volume growth of 5% YoY

Highest-ever quarterly operating EBITDA of INR 792 crores in Q3 ’25, up by 57% YoY

Highest-ever quarterly PAT of INR 411 crores in Q3’25, up by 105% YoY

Food & FMCG recorded revenue growth of 22% YoY in Q3, with an underlying volume growth of 23% YoY. TTM revenue at INR 6,150 crores.

The Company achieved a healthy volume growth of 5% YoY in Q3 FY’25, despite significant price-hikes driven by a surge in raw material costs.

The Company recorded revenue of INR 16,859 crores in Q3’25, which is a growth of 31% YoY with an underlying volume growth of 5% YoY. Edible oils and Food & FMCG segments delivered strong double-digit revenue growth of 38% YoY and 22% YoY respectively. The Company has been delivering strong profits over the last five quarters. For Q3’25, operating EBITDA was at INR 792 crores and a PAT of INR 411 crores. The Company has been expanding its distribution network to access more towns, reaching over 43K rural towns directly by the end of December 2024. This marks a substantial progress from just over 5,000 towns in March 2022. The goal is to reach over 50,000 rural towns by the end of FY’25 and drive the penetration of outlets as well as volume offtake in these new outlets.

The integrated distribution model is enabling us to leverage the strength of our oil distribution network to boost the reach of our food products, particularly in urban markets. This has been accomplished through a range of initiatives, such as loyalty programs for retailers, bundling offers for both retailers and consumers, targeting high-potential outlets, and refining salesman incentives.

In Q3, revenue from alternate channels increased at a strong double-digit rate YoY, with revenue over the past 12 months at around ₹3,300 crores. The e-commerce (including quick commerce) sales volume continued to grow rapidly at 41% YoY. The Company enhanced its capabilities in leveraging data and data visualization for better decisionmaking, resulting in improved fulfillment rates and more efficient ad spends. This also Press Release – Q3 FY25 adani wilmar forahutthygrowingnatlon fortune provided better visibility of competitors’ pricing, allowing us to price our products more effectively. By leveraging strong sell-through rates, we have proactively expanded our product assortment in this channel across all markets. This channel is also facilitating the rapid growth of value-added products such as Fortune Pehli Dhaar Mustard Oil, Fortune Xpert, Sharbati Atta, Poha and Biryani Kit.

The HORECA channel grew at a volume growth rate exceeding 35% for YTD FY’25, generating over INR 600 crores in revenue on a Last Twelve Months (LTM) basis, with a well-balanced contribution from both edible oils and foods. Furthermore, the company is developing a network of HORECA wholesalers to meet the demand from smaller customers.

The company has launched a year-long celebration for the 25th anniversary of the ‘Fortune’ brand, with digital storytelling and consumer campaigns, aimed at strengthening consumer trust in the brand. We have done one-of-its-kind activation at Ayodhya, where MyFM radio collected over 6-lakh diyas (lamp) from people, which were lit during Diwali festival using our Fortune Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil, fostering greater engagement with our brand.

The company was awarded the ‘SKOCH Award’ for its digital transformation in the supply chain, specifically for its ‘Integrated Logistics Management System’.

ESG Update

Fortune SuPoshan, AWL’s flagship CSR initiative, has been honored with the prestigious Indian CSR Awards 2024 in the category of ‘Best Rural Children Healthcare Initiative of the Year – 2024.’ AWL’s Mundra and Hazira Plants received a Gold Medal and Silver Medal, respectively, at the 10th edition of the India Green Manufacturing Challenge (IGMC), organized by the International Research Institute for Manufacturing (IRIM). Additionally, our Vidisha factory earned the Safety Award at the Global Safety Summit 2024, demonstrating AWL’s dedication to maintaining high safety standards across its manufacturing facilities.

Edible Oils

In Q3, our edible oil volume grew by 4% YoY and recorded revenue of INR 13,387, up by 38% YoY. Branded sales declined in low single digits, primarily due to double-digit decline in packed palm oil sales and downtrading by consumers. Branded sales increased across all other edible oils. To strengthen consumer connections, we introduced special packs of soybean oil in Bihar to celebrate Chhath Puja, an important festival in the region. AWL won two awards from Mad Over Marketing – winner of ‘Best Regional Campaign’ for its ‘Ilish Campaign’ in West Bengal and Runners up for ‘Best OOH for an Occasion.’

Food & FMCG

The Food & FMCG segment recorded revenue of INR 1,558 crores in Q3, up by 22% YoY. The segment continued to experience double-digit growth in both General Trade and E-commerce channels. Bundling our low-penetration products with fast-selling items continued to drive consumer trials and adoption. On LTM basis, the segment recorded revenue of ~INR 6,150 crores.

In wheat flour, we outpaced industry growth and gained market share during the current financial year. The introduction of small pack sizes (up to 2-KG) continued to play a key role in driving strong growth in the South and West regions.

In rice, the Company is working on its supply chain to improve product availability in the market. The Kohinoor brand also launched a video series on social media, featuring renowned food critic and historian, Padma Shri Dr. Pushpesh Pant, narrating the stories behind various recipes made with Basmati rice.

Industry Essentials

In Q3, the Industry Essentials segment’s revenue increased by 4% YoY to INR 1,915 crores. The lower sale in castor meals and oil meal led to a decline in the segment’s volume during the quarter.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Angshu Mallick, MD & CEO, Adani Wilmar Limited said:

“The Company’s revenue grew by 31% YoY to INR 16,859 crores. We have delivered another strong quarter, with double-digit growth in both edible oils and Food & FMCG segments. The edible oils revenue grew by 38% YoY and the Food & FMCG revenue grew by 22% YoY.

The Company has been delivering strong profits over the last five quarters. We have delivered record profits during the quarter, with EBTIDA at INR 792 crores and PAT at INR 411 crores. This has led to best-ever trailing-twelve-months (TTM) performance with operating EBITDA at INR 2,390 crores and PAT at INR 1,192 crores on TTM basis. Our overall Food & FMCG business has crossed INR 6,150 crores on TTM basis and we stay committed to building a very large packaged food business in India. The Company has been becoming stronger and more diversified. Most of our strategies have been yielding positive results. Our edible oils have gained market share in underindexed markets and under-indexed categories like Sunflower oil and Mustard Oil. In wheat flour, we outpaced industry growth during the year.

Additionally, the company has significantly expanded its direct rural coverage crossing 43,000 rural towns as of December ’24, up from 5,000 towns in March 2022, positioning us well for future growth. E-commerce revenue has grown by 41% YoY on TTM basis. The company has made strong inroads in the South, with a 15% YoY volume growth in branded products during Q3. Additionally, the ‘Fortune’ brand is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a year-long series of consumer campaigns to mark this significant milestone.”