Archives February 2025

Bengaluru, 25 February 2025: TVS Emerald, a leading real estate developer, has purchased a 10-acre land parcel in Sathnur, Bengaluru. The acquisition comes with a development potential of 1.4 million sq ft and a revenue potential of INR 1600 Crore. With this acquisition, TVS Emerald has added land deals with revenue potential of INR 5300 crore to its portfolio in FY’25. The overall potential of projects under development by the brand now stands at 8.2 million sq ft.

This deal marks the fourth land acquisition by TVS Emerald in FY’25. The Company had earlier acquired 2 land parcels in Chennai (a 12-acre land parcel on Radial Road & a ~4.8-acre land parcel in Padur) and a 4-acre parcel in Thanisandra, Bengaluru.

Sriram Iyer, Director and CEO, TVS Emerald, said, “We have been growing steadily with multiple acquisitions across Chennai & Bengaluru. The acquisition of this land parcel – our 4th this year – will only help us further consolidate our position in the market. Our presence in key micro-markets will help us move closer to a leadership position and reinforce our position as a trusted brand in the residential space.”

Mumbai, February 25, 2025: Central Depository Services Limited Investor Protection Fund (CDSL IPF) and Branding Edge successfully conceptualized and executed an engaging Nukkad Natak campaign at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Prayagraj. centred around CDSL’s campaign of #BanoAI – Yaani Atmanirbhar Investor, the initiative reached over 3-4 million people in a span of three days, raising awareness about investment scams and the importance of making informed financial decisions.

 The Bano AI campaign by CDSL IPF delivers a powerful message to the masses through Nukkad Natak, encouraging informed decision-making and investments via SEBI-registered platforms, while making financial information simpler and more accessible. Performed by professional theatre artists, the plays, based on the theme “Scam Ki Chhoti Si Baat”—used humor, wit, and relatable scenarios to educate the audience. One play followed an investigator uncovering financial scams, while the other depicted a chai-stall discussion among three investor archetypes, highlighting the importance of vigilance in financial decisions. In addition to scripting and organizing the performances, Branding Edge also designed and developed on-ground promotional materials to amplify the campaign’s reach.

 Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Rahul Tekwani, Managing Partner, Branding Edge Strategic Communication and Advisory, said: “ “CDSL IPF’s commitment to investor protection perfectly aligned with our philosophy at Branding Edge—leveraging innovative storytelling to create meaningful impact. Nukkad Natak, a powerful yet underutilized medium by brands, proved to be an incredibly effective way to engage and educate audiences at the Maha Kumbh. Unlike traditional advertising, street plays create an immediate and personal connection, making complex topics like financial security more relatable and easy to understand. With our deep expertise in financial communication, we crafted a compelling narrative that resonated with the diverse crowd, ensuring that essential investor protection messages reached people at the grassroots level. This initiative not only raised awareness about financial safety but also showcased how creative storytelling can transform investor education. We take immense pride in executing this for CDSL IPF and remain committed to exploring new, impactful ways to communicate critical financial knowledge.”

The Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with POSSPOLE to collaborate on skill development initiatives in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. This partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the ESDM sector by providing training and upskilling programs aligned with industry requirements.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, including the establishment of a Center of Excellence (CoE), development of training programs, and facilitation of industry partnerships. The manufacturing industry has been facing a shortage of skilled workers, and through this collaboration, ESSCI and POSSPOLE aim to bridge the industry’s skill gap with innovative solutions. The key focus areas of this partnership include Skill Development Programs, Sustainability, Resource Sharing, and Continuous Improvement.

“We believe that this partnership will have a transformative impact on the ESDM sector by equipping professionals with industry-relevant skills, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to bridge the existing skill gap and create a workforce that is future-ready and globally competitive,” said Saleem Ahmed, Officiating Head of ESSCI.

As part of the MoU, ESSCI will support POSSPOLE in setting up the CoE, aligning training curriculum with industry standards, and guiding CSR initiatives. POSSPOLE will facilitate the establishment of classroom and laboratory facilities, operate the CoE, and deliver skilled manpower to the industry. The collaboration will also emphasize sustainability, resource sharing, and continuous improvement to ensure that the skill development initiatives remain effective and relevant to the industry’s needs.

“We are excited to partner with ESSCI to bridge the skill gap in the ESDM sector. This collaboration will enable us to provide high-quality training programs that meet the industry’s requirements, thereby enhancing the employability of our trainees,” said Kiran Rudrappa, CEO & Co-Founder of POSSPOLE.

ESSCI is a cutting-edge business accelerator and incubation ecosystem driving innovation in IoT, Smart Kiosks, Smart Cities, and Semiconductors. This collaboration focuses on workforce development in ATMP and IoT domains and is committed to empowering innovative enterprises and capacity building to match the requirements in technology and manufacturing within the ESDM sector.

Chennai, February 25th, 2025: Zee Tamil, known for delivering high-quality entertainment and celebrating real talent, is set to bring back one of its most popular dance reality show Dance Jodi Dance Reloaded 3. Over the years, Zee Tamil has been a pioneer in identifying and promoting exceptional talent, and Dance Jodi Dance has been a platform for aspiring dancers to showcase their skills. The new season is all set to premiere on March 1st, airing every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

 The new season of Dance Jodi Dance is all set to hit your television screens, and the new season is sure to enthral everyone. The auditions for season 3 took place all over Tamil Nadu, and 24 contestants have been selected. These 24 contestants will now compete in mega auditions, from which top 12 will be selected. These finalists will be paired with well-known celebrities, giving them a unique opportunity to perform alongside them. These 12 pairs will compete against each other, pushing their limits in their journey towards stardom.

 Adding to the excitement, this season introduces a new judge to the panel, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who will join Sneha and Baba Bhaskar in evaluating the contestants. The hosting duo also promises to be a treat, with Manimegalai joining Mirchi Vijay as the show’s anchors. Their chemistry and energy are expected to bring a fun-filled vibe to the show, making it even more engaging for viewers.

 Zee Tamil has always been committed to providing a platform for real talent, turning aspiring individuals into achievers. Dance Jodi Dance Reloaded 3 will not only showcase exceptional dance performances but also feature different dance style, testing the contestants’ versatility. With electrifying performances and top-tier entertainment, this season promises to be a visual treat for the audience. A perfect show for the entire family, Dance Jodi Dance Reloaded 3 is set to deliver non-stop entertainment and incredible talent in one stage.

Chennai, February 25th, 2025: Zee Tamil, known for delivering high-quality entertainment and celebrating real talent, is set to bring back one of its most popular dance reality shows Jodi Dance Reloaded 3. Over the years, Zee Tamil has been a pioneer in identifying and promoting exceptional talent, and Dance Jodi Dance has been a platform for aspiring dancers to showcase their skills. The new season is all set to premiere on March 1st, airing every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM

The new season of Dance Jodi Dance is all set to hit your television screens, and the new season is sure to enthrall everyone. The auditions for season 3 took place all over Tamil Nadu, and 24 contestants have been selected. These 24 contestants will now compete in mega auditions, from which the top 12 will be selected. These finalists will be paired with well-known celebrities, giving them a unique opportunity to perform alongside them. These 12 pairs will compete against each other, pushing their limits in their journey towards stardom.

Adding to the excitement, this season introduces a new judge to the panel, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who will join Sneha and Baba Bhaskar in evaluating the contestants. The hosting duo also promises to be a treat, with Manimegalai joining Mirchi Vijay as the show’s anchors. Their chemistry and energy are expected to bring a fun-filled vibe to the show, making it even more engaging for viewers.

Zee Tamil has always been committed to providing a platform for real talent, turning aspiring individuals into achievers. Dance Jodi Dance Reloaded 3 will not only showcase exceptional dance performances but also feature different dance styles, testing the contestants’ versatility. With electrifying performances and top-tier entertainment, this season promises to be a visual treat for the audience. A perfect show for the entire family, Dance Jodi Dance Reloaded 3 is set to deliver non-stop entertainment and incredible talent on one stage.

Don’t miss the ultimate dance battle! Tune in to Zee Tamil on March 1st at 8:30 PM and experience the electrifying performances that will leave you spellbound!

Tuesday, February 25, 2025: Arena Animation, India’s leading animation institute and training brand of Aptech Limited, organised a special webinar for its students, giving them an exclusive and in-depth access into understanding the evolving world of game design and how to tap into those. Over 5000 students from Arena Animation’s centres across India attended the webinar online. The masterclass session aimed to provide real-world industry exposure to the students, setting a new benchmark by leveraging strong industry ties to prepare students for successful careers in the growing Media & Entertainment industry.

The industry session was conducted by Mr. Utkarsh Veer, Founder & Director, Rocksalt Interactive Games Pvt. Ltd. to highlight the recent developments in technology and infrastructure in the world of gaming and game development. The session focused on the aspects of game development that aspiring game developers need to keep in mind, alongside identifying emerging opportunities and trends to capitalise on one’s creativity and vision. Rocksalt is a leading game art service provider, Rocksalt has been at the forefront of delivering 3D and 2D game art for over 70 game titles across multi-platforms and genres. Over the last 12 years, its team of highly talented art professionals have constantly pushed the boundaries of gaming to create high-end content and rich experiences for clients worldwide. Headquartered in Singapore, it has access to quality talent across Asia and India.

Mr. Utkarsh Veer, Founder & Director, Rocksalt Interactive Games Pvt. Ltd. shared, “It is always refreshing and enlightening to engage with the young minds who are going to enter into this industry. I had a great time talking to the students of Arena Animation and answering their numerous questions on the world of gaming. It validates how much the gaming industry in India has developed over the years and evolved into a serious business with the potential to create thousands of job opportunities, providing a sustainable economic foundation to individuals who want to channelise their passion into something meaningful. I thank the Arena Animation team for inviting me and I wish my best to the students as they enter into the professional realm.”

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation said, “At Arena Animation, we believe that initiatives & shared platforms with the industry play an important role in preparing our students for a successful career in the gaming & media and entertainment industries. The recent session with Mr. Utkarsh Veer is a testament to our belief and focus on providing our students real world insights and an idea of the opportunities straight from the leaders. This industry exposure for our students helps them understand the skills required to excel in today’s competitive world, and bridge the gap between academic training and the needs of any industry.”

With the AVGC-XR industry poised for significant growth, Arena Animation’s continued efforts to provide such platforms to students ensure they are well-prepared for future opportunities in the global media landscape. The webinar not only showcased the training academy’s commitment to skill-building but is also aligned with our honourable Prime Minister’s vision of turning India into a global hub for gaming and AVGC-XR.

Gurugram, February 25, 2025: CarDekho Group, the auto-tech and fintech solutions provider, has officially announced its entry into the UAE market in partnership with Raya Holdings under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Replicating its Indian playbook, the company will now cater to the specific needs of the UAE market, aiming to ensure a seamless experience for car buyers, brands, and dealers alike.

CarDekho’s integrated ecosystem, encompassing advertising, lead management, and digital content solutions, aims to redefine the car-buying journey for UAE consumers. By bridging the gap between digital platforms and physical dealerships, CarDekho seeks to offer an efficient and personalized experience, which aims to cater to the evolving preferences of digitally savvy buyers in the region.

The UAE market presents an opportunity for CarDekho’s services, driven by a tech-savvy consumer base increasingly reliant on digital channels for automotive needs. CarDekho’s AI-driven insights and lead management systems will be tailored to meet these needs, aiming for a seamless integration of online and offline experiences.

Amit Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of CarDekho Group, shared, “What started in a Tier 2 city to empower customers across India, has now transcended borders. This marks a pivotal step in our journey to transform the global automotive ecosystem. Our expansion into the UAE, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is pivotal in replicating our Indian business model internationally. This move also aligns with our commitment to contribute to the UAE’s ‘Vision 2030’ which focuses on sustainable transport and digital transformation. Supported by our teams, partners, and customers, we aspire to set new benchmarks and establish CarDekho as a prominent name in mobility and auto-financial space on a global scale.”

Anurag Jain, COO and Co-Founder of CarDekho Group commented, “Our expansion into the UAE reflects our commitment to harnessing technology to meet the evolving needs of car buyers. From lead management systems to AI-driven consumer insights, we aim for our platform to align with the preferences of UAE customers. By integrating innovation with market understanding, we aim to redefine the car-buying experience, empowering both consumers and businesses with solutions that are as intuitive as they are impactful.”

The UAE expansion builds upon CarDekho’s expansion in Southeast Asia, where it operates under the OTO brand in Indonesia, Carmudi, and Zigwheels in the Philippines. With the UAE launch, CarDekho aims to replicate this model by offering a range of services, while also exploring additional offerings such as auto insurance and extended warranties tailored to the local market.

New Delhi: Anytime Fitness, the world’s fastest-growing gym chain, is set to expand at an unprecedented pace by opening 8 gyms in the next 8 days across India. This rapid growth marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, sprinting towards the 150th gym milestone nationwide.

With each new opening, Anytime Fitness continues to strengthen its commitment to making world-class fitness accessible to communities across the country. Here’s a look at the upcoming launches and the passionate franchise owners leading the way over the next 8 days:

· Gomti Green, Lucknow | Owners: Mr. Rachit & Ms. Priya Aggarwal

· Kalka Ji, New Delhi | Owners: Mr. Lakhan Chabbra & Mr. Kishan Arora

· Ahinsa Khand, Ghaziabad | Owner: Mr. Sanjay Gupta

· Bapu Nagar, Jaipur | Owners: Mr. Arpit Aggarwal & Mr. Khurram Haque

· Gurgaon 92 | Owner: Mr. Abhinav

· Agra | Owners: Mr. Sahil Kushwah & Mr.Karan

· Paschim Vihar, Delhi | Owners: Mr. Abhishek & Mr. Ankur Jaiswal

· Golden I, Greater Noida West | Owner: Mr. Avdesh Yadav

The celebration of Anytime Fitness’ 150th gym will take place on March 2nd at Golden I, Greater Noida (West), U.P. The grand inauguration will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by popular actor and Bigg Boss 18 winner, Karan Veer Mehra, joined by renowned actors Shahbaz Khan, Puneet Issar, Upasana Singh, Vindu Dara Singh and Srishti Rana – Miss India Asia Pacific 2013, who will outline their own fitness experiences. The event will include major highlights, such as an opening address to this milestone by Anytime Fitness’ Key spokespersons, a motivating speech from respected guests, Bhaangra Performance, an interactive media interaction with celebrities and key speakers.

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director and Mr. Vishal Kwatra, Director, Anytime Fitness India jointly stated, “To achieve 150 gyms in India is a testament to our continuous hard work of bringing fitness to everyone and making it fun too. We believe in empowering individuals to lead healthier lifestyles, and this milestone symbolizes the start of our continuous expansion and innovation in the fitness space.”

With further discussion on brand expansion plans and marketing strategies in India, the event will be followed by electrifying dance performances and engaging fitness contests, which will lend a vibrant and festive touch to the event. The event will also witness inspiring real-life stories of members of the gym, showcasing the role of the brand in fitness transformations. This milestone event reaffirms Anytime Fitness’ mission of promoting health and wellness and making fitness a part of daily life.

Anytime Fitness has revolutionized the fitness landscape in India with its 24/7 convenience, premium equipment, and personalized training programs that are centred on individual fitness goals. Through its welcoming, community-oriented model, the brand is the most welcoming in the world, being warm, inviting, and inclusive of people of all fitness levels in a safe and non-threatening environment. With a presence in prime areas all over India, Anytime Fitness is convenient with its ‘Train Anywhere’ feature, providing members’ access to any club in the country. Added to this, expert trainers, advanced workout routines, and emphasis on overall wellness make Anytime Fitness the place for long-term health and fitness solutions.

Recent equity market volatility has significantly impacted India’s mutual fund industry, reflecting shifting investor priorities, fluctuations in equity investments, and changes in systematic investment plans (SIPs). While the closure of nearly 500,000 SIP accounts in January 2025 has raised concerns, investor confidence remains strong in large-cap funds and gold ETFs.

Rishabh Goel, MD, Tailwind Financial Services says “Despite these closures, SIPs continue to be a powerful tool for disciplined wealth creation, even in uncertain times. The stability of SIP contributions at Rs 264 billion highlights investors’ resilience and long-term commitment. The increasing preference for large-cap funds and gold ETFs indicates a strategic shift toward stability and inflation hedging amid market fluctuations.

SEBI’s recent initiatives, including sachet-sized SIPs starting at just Rs 250, are a game-changer for financial inclusion. Programs like Chhoti SIP, Tarun Yojana, and MITRA aim to lower entry barriers and encourage broader participation, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. These steps reinforce a long-term vision of democratizing investments and empowering investors across all segments.

Market volatility is inevitable, but history has shown that staying invested through cycles is key to long-term success. Corrections often present valuable buying opportunities, and investors who remain committed to their financial goals through systematic investments benefit from rupee-cost averaging. The recent market pullback—including a 12% drop in the Nifty and sharper declines in mid- and small-cap indices—underscores the importance of a well-diversified portfolio.

At Tailwind Financial Services, we advocate a balanced investment approach—continuing SIPs, prioritizing stability through large-cap funds, diversifying across asset classes, and exercising caution in high-growth but volatile segments. The future of wealth creation lies in patience, discipline, and informed decision-making. Investors who embrace these principles will navigate uncertainties with confidence and emerge stronger in the evolving financial landscape.”

Mumbai, 25th February 2025: TATA.ev, the pioneer of India’s EV revolution and leader of the Indian EV market with over 2 Lakh EVs on the road, extended the celebration of this momentous milestone by thanking its customers and unveiling a set of limited period exclusive benefits for the next 45 days to not only encourage new customers to adopt sustainable and emission free electric mobility, but also allow current Tata Motors passenger and electric vehicle owners to upgrade to a new EV.

TATA.ev’s customer base of over 2 lakh satisfied EV adopters – who have collectively covered more than 5 bn KM in just 5 years, contributing in cutting down 7 lakh ton of CO2 emissions – has solidified the company’s leadership as the highest selling 4-wheeler manufacturer in the EV space, since effectively creating the category. With over 8,000 EV users surpassing 1 lakh KM, TATA.ev’s product portfolio proves its strong value proposition for the discerning customer. In addition to this, TATA.ev is actively investing in developing the ecosystem that makes EV technology more accessible to a mass audience. It recently announced efforts to double India’s public charging infrastructure by installing over 400,000 charging points by 2027. By consistently pushing boundaries and maintaining an unwavering focus on innovation, infrastructure, and market development, TATA.ev is shaping the future of mobility and contributing to India’s global EV aspirations, one milestone after the next.

As a part of this 45 day bumper celebration, TATA.ev has unveiled a range of benefits for both new and existing customers looking to purchase their favorite Tata EV. These include an exchange bonus, lifetime battery warranty, and 100% on-road finance options. In an effort to enhance charging convenience, the company is extending the free charging benefit of 6 months at any Tata Power charging station, and is now providing free installation of a 7.2 kW AC Fast home Charger with the purchase of an EV.

TATA.ev is also thanking its EV community by offering a loyalty bonus of up to ₹ 50,000 in addition to the incentives being offered. This allows current customers of both Tata Motors passenger and electric vehicles to upgrade to an EV and accelerate India’s journey to a greener tomorrow.

Celebrating this momentous occasion, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “Our foray into electric mobility began with a bold and visionary commitment to advancing India towards a future of meaningful mobility – one that is smart, safe, and fundamentally green. Since we unveiled the Nexon.ev in 2020, we have championed EV adoption to greater heights with over 2 lakh Tata EVs on Indian roads cementing our position as India’s largest EV 4-wheeler manufacturer. We share this succes with our partners across the ecosystem – dealers, suppliers, charge point operators, and crucially, our customers, who believe in our vision to democratize cutting-edge technology. By introducing these exclusive benefits, we welcome more customers to join us in this revolution and reaffirm our commitment to grow acceptance of EVs as a technology for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.