Archives January 2025

10 January, India: BDO India, one of India’s leading professional services organizations, part of BDO International, the 5th largest network globally with a presence in 166 countries and territories, launches ‘Electric Vehicles – Green Roads Ahead: Steering Through India’s Electric Mobility Journey’ publication which offers a deep dive into India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, transformative trends, funding patterns, and investment opportunities, as well as provides a roadmap for navigating this ecosystem.

In 2023, India became the third-largest recipient of EV funding globally. The country reported a 45% year-on-year surge in EV sales, with 1.8 million vehicles sold in FY24. The Government of India has accelerated the adoption of EVs through targeted subsidies, 100% FDI permission, and an increasing focus on building a robust charging infrastructure. As India aspires to become a USD 7tn economy by 2030, the automotive industry presents an opportunity of ~USD 500bn.

Samir Sheth, Head of Deal Advisory Services, also the International Liaison Partner, at BDO India, says, “With record-breaking growth in EV funding, advancements in technology, and strategic policy support, the sector is poised for transformative expansion, creating significant opportunities for investors, manufacturers, and consumers alike. With investor conviction evident in the rising cheque sizes and the Government’s proactive policies, India’s EV industry is well-positioned to lead the global transition to sustainable transportation”

Ashish Bagadia, Corporate Finance and Investment Banking Partner at BDO India, says, “The era of experimentation with various business models is drawing to a close. The focus is now on operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. As the EV revolution gains momentum, India has emerged as a key player in the global ecosystem. With key players consistently scaling their operations and demonstrating growth, each segment within this sector is securing regular funding.”

Expert Recommendations from the Publication

India, the sixth-largest trucking market globally, has significant untapped opportunity in e-trucks which should be capitalized on.
Collaboration with OEMs and other players will strengthen operational efficiency. Sustainable practices and ESG compliance are essential for market growth and attracting investments.

Offering global features at affordable prices has been a hallmark of India’s automobile industry and will remain central to its EV narrative. India’s per capita income being one-eighth of the global average, low-cost two-wheelers play a crucial role in the country’s transportation landscape. E-commerce companies are increasingly turning to electric two-wheelers for last-mile delivery to reduce costs and boost profitability. The Indian EV sector’s evolution will be driven by companies that demonstrate sustainable scaling, adopt omnichannel strategies, and consistently innovate to meet user needs. With a maturing market, increased funding, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the EV sector is passing through an exciting phase of transformation.

India is at the cusp of an electric mobility revolution, where innovation and sustainability converge. As investors double down and the Government lays a solid foundation with policy incentives, the EV sector is no longer just an opportunity—it’s the future of transportation.

January 10, 2025 – In a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence, Mr. Amit Raman, General Manager of Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, has been celebrated as one of Hospitality’s Best 30 GMs in India for 2024. This distinguished accolade was conferred during the Indian Hospitality Excellence Awards 2024, an event that honors the pinnacle of talent and leadership in the hospitality industry. Graced by the presence of renowned Indian wrestler Sangram Singh as the Chief Guest, the event served as a beacon of inspiration, recognizing those who have set exemplary standards in their respective domains.

Organized by the prestigious Hospitality Group, the Indian Hospitality Excellence Awards stands as a cornerstone event in the sector, spotlighting unparalleled achievements and innovations. The fourth edition of this celebrated gathering drew over 200 luminaries from the hospitality world, all united in the celebration of transformative contributions that have indelibly shaped the industry’s landscape.

With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Amit Raman’s tenure at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi is marked by visionary leadership and strategic acumen. His extensive expertise in hotel operations, guest relations, and strategic foresight has propelled the hotel to new heights to deliver memorable moments. His relentless pursuit of innovation and adept management of diverse teams have not only enhanced the hotel’s competitive edge but have also reinforced its reputation as a paragon of hospitality excellence.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Raman has held pivotal roles with globally acclaimed hotel brands, consistently demonstrating his prowess in delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a culture of continuous upliftment. His unwavering commitment to operational excellence and his ability to inspire and lead have garnered him widespread respect and admiration, cementing his position as a formidable force in the industry.

In his heartfelt acceptance of this prestigious honor, Mr. Amit Raman expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive this esteemed recognition. This award is a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of my talented team at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi. Together, we have strived to craft memorable moments for our guests”.

Bangalore, January 2025:

Max Furn, a part of the esteemed Majestic Furniture Group, proudly announces the grand opening of its third flagship Furniture Mall in Bangalore, located in Nelamangala. Spanning a massive 30,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art furniture mall is not just a store—it’s an unparalleled destination that promises to redefine furniture shopping in India and is the biggest furniture mall in the city.

A Legacy Built on Passion and Innovation

The Majestic Furniture, founded in 2002 by Tanveer Ahamed and Shabeer Ahamed, began as a small retail store in Royapettah, Chennai. With a vision to revolutionize the furniture industry, the brand grew from retail to exhibition sales, then into importing furniture in 2005, and eventually manufacturing. In 2018, Max Furn was launched in Bangalore as a wholesale unit, starting with a modest 7,000-square-foot facility.

What started as a small wholesale unit has transformed into something far greater—not just a store, but a Furniture Mall. This evolution reflects the brand’s commitment to scale, innovation, and meeting the diverse needs of its customers.

Today, Max Furn is a destination that seamlessly blends world-class design, functionality, and affordability under one massive roof.

The Journey of Expansion

Max Furn’s journey from its roots to its massive Furniture Malls has been remarkable:

● 2022: First flagship Max Furn Furniture Mall in Hoskote, spanning 25,000 square feet.
● 2024: Second Max Furn Furniture Mall in Yelahanka, covering 20,000 square feet.
● 2025: Third Max Furn Furniture Mall in Nelamangala, an impressive 30,000 square feet.

Unmatched Expertise and Reach

Today, Max Furn stands tall as one of South India’s largest sofa manufacturers and a leading importer of international furniture. With an 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and a
60,000-square-foot warehouse in Bangalore and Chennai, Max Furn’s expertise ensures unmatched quality. Every piece undergoes a multi-layer quality control process and is sourced only from certified global manufacturers, promising customers the finest furniture for their homes.

The Visionaries Behind Max Furn

The dynamic duo of Tanveer Ahamed and Shabeer Ahamed is the driving force behind Max Furn’s success.
● Tanveer Ahamed travels across the globe, curating timeless and innovative furniture pieces to bring the best to Indian homes.
● Shabeer Ahamed ensures smooth operations and financial excellence, turning their vision into reality.
Together, they’ve built a brand that’s a testament to their passion for furniture design and aesthetics. With a dedicated and professional team, they aim to open 10 more Furniture Malls across India in the next 12 months.

A Furniture Mall Like No Other

The Nelamangala Max Furn Furniture Mall offers an unmatched range of furniture for every space in your home. With:
● 1500+ customizable sofa options to suit your style and comfort.
● The largest collection of imported dining tables in Bangalore, blending elegance with functionality.
● A dedicated floor for office furniture, bringing productivity and design together.
● A curated space for stunning lights and fixtures, offering a wholesome experience to redefine your home spaces.

“This is more than just a store—it’s a mall dedicated to reimagining how people furnish their homes,” says Mr. Chandru Gowda, General Manager at Max Furn. “We’ve curated a wide range of options to ensure every customer finds exactly what they need to turn their house into a home.”

Join Us for the Grand Opening

Max Furn invites you to celebrate the launch of its new Furniture Mall and experience a world where comfort meets design, and quality meets innovation. Step into the future of furniture shopping at Nelamangala’s newest landmark.

January 10th, 2025: Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has been named as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Lighthouse for its to support to the Economic and Social Development of Women through Renewable Energies in the Sahel (DESFERS) program in partnership with Plan International. This initiative empowers women in Senegal, Mali, and Niger through green skills training, investments in technical school upgrades, and entrepreneurship support for women entering the growing renewable energy sector.

The DEI Lighthouse Program, organized by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society, annually highlights impactful DEI initiatives. It identifies proven strategies from various industries and shares key lessons with global business and public sector leaders to foster resilient and inclusive economies.

Schneider Electric and the Schneider Electric Foundation’s DESFERS program was selected by a panel of global DEI experts as a Lighthouse in the Gender Parity in the Green Economy category.

“We are honored to be named as a Lighthouse for our efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Charise Le, Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Electric. “We believe that true impact comes from bringing everyone along, nurturing a culture that values all stakeholders in our ecosystem, from employees to supply chain partners, to customers, and local communities.”

In 2019, Schneider Electric and its Foundation, in partnership with Plan International and a consortium of stakeholders, launched the DESFERS program to empower women socioeconomically in rural areas, where restrictive social norms often limit economic participation. Through a collaborative approach, DESFERS builds a strong ecosystem of support by leveraging collective expertise and specialized partnerships. The initiative is part of the Youth Education & Entrepreneurship program and the Youth Impact Through Learning initiatives’ global commitment to train one million youth, especially women, to take part in the energy transition and support 10 thousand entrepreneurs by the end of 2025.

Schneider Electric’s DESFERS program has achieved several key outcomes, including providing green skills training to 7,204 women, generating 6,099 women-led green enterprises, and improving access to renewable energy solutions and credit facilities for 21,000 women. By building the right ecosystem with training, mentorship and access to funding, the consortium of partners empowers women to lead a just energy transition.

“Shaping a just energy transition is a collective effort. It requires all of us to work together to turn ambitions into meaningful actions,” said Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric. “Through our Youth Education & Entrepreneurship programs, together with the Schneider Electric Foundation, we are empowering women and championing gender equality. By fostering specialized partnerships and ensuring women’s participation at every stage of the energy value chain, we unlock the full potential of sustainable progress empowering women to lead the energy transition with inclusivity at its core.

January 10, 2025: Swiggy, India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today launches “Swiggy Serves”, a flagship program aimed at minimizing waste across its value chain and addressing hunger. As part of this campaign, Swiggy announced its inaugural partnership with the Robin Hood Army (RHA), a volunteer-driven organization. Together, Swiggy and RHA aim to create a meaningful impact by redistributing surplus food from Swiggy’s restaurant partners to underserved communities. Through this collaboration, the two organizations have set an ambitious goal of providing 50 million meals by 2030, by leveraging technology to reimagine food redistribution.

The pilot phase of the Swiggy Serves-RHA partnership has already delivered encouraging results. Over 2,000 meals have been redistributed across 33 cities, with more than 126 restaurant partners joining the initiative. This program aligns with Swiggy’s vision to transform surplus food into a resource to combat hunger while reducing food waste.

Brands like Bikkgane Biryani, Biryani by the Kilo, Dana Choga, Vardhas, Charcoal Eats – Biryani & Beyond, Dabba Garam, House of Biryani, B.Tech Momos Wala, Samosa Singh, Babai Tiffins, Dosa Anna, Urban Tandoor, have signed up to be a part of the Swiggy Serves- RHA initiative.

The Robin Hood Army (RHA) is a volunteer-based, zero-funds organization with thousands of young professionals, retired folks, homemakers, college students as volunteers. These volunteers, called Robins, collect surplus food from restaurants/weddings/events and distribute it to the less fortunate. In ten years, RHA has served over 153 million meals across 406 cities globally. Present in 13 countries, they are a family of 260,000+ registered Robins all working towards zero hunger with zero funds approach.

Speaking at the launch, Rohit Kapoor, CEO, of Swiggy Food Marketplace shared, “At Swiggy, we’ve always seen ourselves as experts in logistics and consumer experience. With ‘Swiggy Serves,’ we are leveraging our strengths and privilege to address a larger societal need and tackle the issues of food wastage and hunger. We are excited to partner with RHA to redistribute surplus food from our restaurant partners to those in need. Currently, we are live in 33 cities and we plan to take this initiative to more cities. This isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s about creating a meaningful impact, ensuring that no meal goes wasted.”

On their partnership with Swiggy, Neel Ghose, Co-Founder, Robin Hood Army shared, “Robin Hood Army is thrilled to come together with Swiggy for this shared mission of reducing hunger. When an industry leader like Swiggy collaborates with a community-driven movement, it amplifies the impact, inspiring others to join the fight against hunger. Together, we’re creating a stronger, united front to ensure no plate goes empty.”

Restaurant partners can join Swiggy Serves by filling out a form on the Swiggy Owner app, indicating their willingness to donate surplus or fresh food. Once onboarded, RHA will add these restaurant partners to dedicated WhatsApp groups for seamless communication and coordination. RHA volunteers will be responsible for picking up surplus food from these partners and ensuring it is distributed to communities in need.

India has nearly 195 million undernourished people, one-fourth of the undernourished population of the world, as per the United Nations. In 2024, India’s Global Hunger Index (GHI) score was 27.3, citing hunger as a serious problem. Also, India ranked 105 out of 127 countries in the 2024 GHI. As per United Nations, India wastes 55 kg of food per head, every year.

10 January 2025: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, enters 2025 with the launch of its OBD-2B compliant motorcycles in India. The updated line-up, which includes the V-Strom SX and the GIXXER Series (GIXXER SF 250, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF and GIXXER), now comes in vibrant new color options, offering a fresh and stylish appeal to two-wheeler riders.

Introducing the latest range of motorcycles, Mr. Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “With the launch of OBD-2B compliant motorcycles, we are aligning with the upcoming government regulations while delivering the performance in our products. This updated range of motorcycles not only offers advanced technology but also provide new color options for our customers to choose from.”

New V-Strom SX – The Everyday Explorer:

The Suzuki V-Strom SX is now available in three latest colour schemes: Champion Yellow No.2, Glass Sparkle Black, and Metallic Sonoma Red.

Powering the new V-Strom SX is a 249cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that is now compliant with the upcoming OBD-2B government norms. It delivers 26.5 Ps @ 9,300 rpm of Power and 22.2 Nm @ 7,300rpm of peak torque. Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) and Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technologies ensure a smooth and efficient ride.

Inspired by Suzuki’s legendary DR-Z desert racer and DR-BIG production model, it inherits the iconic “beak” and adventure DNA of the V-STROM family. Its features include LED headlights and taillights, a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument cluster with Suzuki Ride Connect, knuckle covers for added comfort, and a sturdy aluminium rear carrier with a 6 kg capacity. The short, all-black dual-exit muffler and engine under-cowling add to its adventure-inspired look.

New GIXXER Series – Never Lets Me Down:

The Suzuki GIXXER series, a ‘Straight Ahead Sports Bike’, is a blend of style and performance. The new tagline ‘Never Lets Me Down’ defines the durability of engine that offers lasting reliability, making it a true companion for riders. With its styling inspired by European design trends, the series offers a choice between a sports naked bike and a faired sports bike.

Powered by a 250cc BS-VI OBD-2B compliant engine, the GIXXER 250 and GIXXER SF 250 now come in three fresh colour choices: Metallic Mat Black No. 2, Metallic Mat Black No.2/ Metallic Mat Bordeaux Red, and Metallic Triton Blue/Pearl Glacier White,  (Ex-showroom Delhi).

Delivering 26.5 Ps @ 9,300 rpm and 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm, the engine features Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) and Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technologies for high output, low fuel consumption and easy maintenance. Lightweight and easy to handle, the GIXXER 250 and GIXXER SF 250 are equipped with Bluetooth enabled multi-function digital instrument console with Suzuki Ride connect application, Dual Channel ABS, a 6-speed gearbox, sporty dual mufflers, and rear tyre huggers for enhanced appeal. Premium brushed alloy wheels further elevate their sporty and premium look.

Suzuki’s 150cc motorcycles, the GIXXER and GIXXER SF now sport three new colours: Metallic Triton Blue/Pearl Glacier White, Glass Sparkle Black, and Metallic Oort Gray/ Metallic Lush Green.

These motorcycles, powered by OBD-2B compliant BS-VI engines, deliver 13.6 Ps @ 8,000 rpm and 13.8 Nm @ 6,000 rpm. Featuring Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology for optimized power and fuel efficiency, they offer a lightweight and sporty ride. Their bright LED headlights ensure enhanced visibility, while the GIXXER-styled LED tail lamp retains the original GIXXER design essence. Six-spoke alloy wheels complete the look with a modern yet functional design.

10 January 2025: Fernandez Foundation, in collaboration with the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS), organized a highly successful blood donation drive on 8 January 2025, commemorating the 14th anniversary of Fernandez Hospital, Hyderguda. This initiative was aimed to save lives and ensure an adequate supply of blood for patients in need, particularly those battling conditions like Thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

The drive saw an overwhelming response, with over 100 donors coming forward to contribute. Participants included Fernandez Foundation staff, members of the TSCS, patients’ families, and members of the community, showcasing a strong collective effort toward a vital cause.

Dr Tejaswini Kushnoor, Associate Director, Administration & Operations, Fernandez Foundation, expressed gratitude to all the donors, saying, “Each unit of blood donated today represents a lifeline for patients in need. This overwhelming response reflects our community’s commitment to supporting healthcare beyond hospital walls.”

Mr Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary, the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, emphasised the importance of such initiatives: “Regular blood donations are crucial for individuals with chronic blood disorders who require ongoing transfusions. We are proud to partner with Fernandez Foundation to make a meaningful impact.”

The blood donation drive collected 100 units of blood, which will directly benefit patients requiring transfusions, particularly those under the care of the TSCS. Volunteers from both organizations ensured a seamless experience for donors, and attendees were educated on the importance of regular blood donation.

The event not only marked the anniversary of Fernandez Hospital, Hyderguda but also underscored its commitment to giving back to the community.

January 10, 2025: Captain Fresh, a global leader in tech-led seafood supply chain, has further strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Rupali Gupta as Group Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

In her new role, Rupali will oversee People & Culture across the company’s international operations, including its offices in India, the US, Europe (Spain, France, and Poland), and the UAE. As Captain Fresh accelerates its growth globally, Rupali’s expertise will be instrumental in aligning talent management efforts, driving organizational scalability, integrating diverse cultures, and building a high-performance organization across these regions.

With over 20 years of experience in human resources and consulting, Rupali has held senior leadership roles at organizations including Korn Ferry, Mercer, Mundipharma, Standard Chartered Bank, and Accenture. Her track record in spearheading culture transformation, organizational design, leadership development, HR transformation, and change management uniquely positions her to drive Captain Fresh’s ambitious growth.

“Captain Fresh is scaling rapidly – as we expand, maintaining our unique culture with a unified, high-performance team is essential. I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to ensure we attract top talent, foster a culture of collaboration and engagement, and drive organizational success across all regions,” said Rupali Gupta, Group CHRO, Captain Fresh.

“Captain Fresh has been growing organically and inorganically, with more than half our workforce based internationally now. With her extensive experience across diverse global organizations, we are confident in Rupali’s leadership playing a pivotal role in strengthening our organizational culture as we continue to scale,” said Utham Gowda, Founder and Group CEO, Captain Fresh.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Captain Fresh is a tech-led seafood player, building a truly global supply chain network that seamlessly integrates multi-species supply with multi-geography demand.

Previously based in Singapore for the past 12 years, Rupali is relocating with her family to join the company’s global leadership team in India. Rupali’s appointment reinforces Captain Fresh’s focus on developing a strong talent ecosystem and fostering a cohesive culture as it prepares for its upcoming IPO and scales to new heights in the global markets.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh/9th January 2025: The Badminton Association of Agra is proud to host the UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025, a celebration of skill, determination, and the enduring love for badminton. Scheduled from 10th January to 12th January 2025, the tournament will take place at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, and is dedicated to the memory of the late Shri Vijay Sharma Ji, whose legacy continues to inspire the sporting community.

This championship brings together over 300 veteran players from across Uttar Pradesh, competing in age categories ranging from 35+ to 70, for both men and women. It’s not just a competition; it’s a stage where seasoned players come to relive their passion for the sport, connect with their peers, and inspire the next generation of athletes.

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on 10th January 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, graced by Smt. Anupam Kulshreshth, IPS, Additional Director General, Agra Zone, as the Chief Guest. The tournament will conclude with a Closing Ceremony on 12th January 2025, at 3:00 PM at the same venue, with Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Government of India, honoring the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The championship will also welcome some of the most distinguished names in Indian badminton, including Arjuna awardees and renowned national players, whose presence will serve as a beacon of inspiration for both participants and spectators.

A Message from the President

Speaking about the event, Dr. Beena Lawania, President of the Badminton Association Agra, shared: This championship is more than just a tournament. It is a tribute to resilience, a platform for veterans to showcase their talent, and an opportunity to rekindle the camaraderie that sports bring to life. Hosting this event in memory of Shri Vijay Sharma Ji is our way of honoring his immense contribution to the sport and to our community. We invite everyone to be a part of this remarkable journey and cheer on these exceptional athletes.”

Join Us

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 is not only a competition but also a testament to the timeless spirit of sportsmanship. We warmly invite media personnel to cover this inspiring event, as we celebrate the unwavering dedication of these remarkable players and shine a spotlight on their extraordinary stories.

09 January 2025: Rajisha Vijayan was honored as the Fashion Icon of the Year at the prestigious Indian Fashion Fair (IFF) Awards during the grand finale of the third edition of the IFF Fashion Expo. The award night held as part of the expo was inaugurated by Hibi Eden MP, who lauded the IFF officials for their dedication to staying abreast of evolving industry trends and fostering entrepreneurship among the younger generation. He emphasized the pivotal role such initiatives play in elevating Kerala’s fashion and business landscape.

The event, held at the Adlux International Convention Centre, also honored actress Anjali Nair with the Excellence Award for her contributions to the industry.

The IFF Fashion Awards celebrated excellence across a spectrum of categories, some of them including Best Child Artist (Davinci Santhosh, Aavni Anjaly Nair) Businessman of the Year (E Ayoobkhan), Legend of Garments industry (Mujeeb Family), Young Businessman of the Year (Malik KMT Silks), Social Media Influencer (Iype Vallikkadan), Fashion Entrepreneur (Navas MP-RK Wedding Mall),etc,. and the catogories like Unity Award (Shobhika Wedding), FashionStore of the Year (Wedland Weddings, Retail Chain of the Year (Century fashion City ).

Touted as Kerala’s largest B2B fashion event, the IFF Fashion Expo-2025 brought together over 200 exhibition stalls and welcomed more than 5,000 attendees from across the country. The three-day extravaganza, which commenced on 7th January, provided a platform for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging talents to network, showcase innovations, and explore new business opportunities. Sadique PP (Chairman), Sameer Moopan (Convener), Shanir J (Vice Chairman), Shanavas PV (Joint Convener), and Shafeek PV (Program Director) spoke during the function.