Archives February 2025

Chandigarh, 13th February 2025: The Aerospace business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group, is strengthening its commitment to India’s self-reliance vision through signing of multiple significant MoUs during Aero India 2025 at Bengaluru to support national programs backed by the Government of India. A Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence, GoI marks a crucial step forward in Indigenous manufacturing of flight control actuators for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

This MoU builds upon Godrej’s two-decade-long partnership with ADA in developing components for flight-critical DDV-based servo actuators and associated functional elements. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in India’s journey toward self-reliance in critical aerospace technologies. Under the MoU, Godrej Enterprises Group will undertake comprehensive development of Flight Control Actuators for AMCA, including precision manufacturing, procurement of aerospace-grade raw materials, assembly and testing, and development of test rigs for qualification tests.

The business is transitioning from ‘Built to Print’ to ‘Built to Spec’ capabilities while embracing transformative technologies like 3D printing to revolutionize its manufacturing processes and design capabilities. This advanced technology enables the creation of complex components in a single printing process, eliminating multiple traditional production stages and significantly improving operational efficiency. The business is also accredited by DGAQA, DRDO labs, ISRO centers, HAL, BDL, BEL, and other leading global aerospace firms like Boeing, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, IAI, Parker Aerospace, Rafael, Rolls-Royce, and Safran.

Maneck Behramkamdin, Senior Vice President and Business Headof the aerospace business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat in the aerospace sector. We are proud to be at the forefront of India’s aerospace revolution, turning the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat into a reality through cutting-edge engineering and precision manufacturing. We continue to enable and elevate India’s manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness at a global level.”

At Aero India 2025, the business is showcasing its comprehensive range of aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The exhibition highlights include advanced aero engine components such as fans, compressors, turbines, and shafts manufactured from exotic materials, demonstrating the company’s sophisticated machining capabilities. The display features precision-engineered tubes, ducts, and brackets, Titanium, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel, alongside indigenously manufactured Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) including actuators, nose-wheel steering manifolds, lubrication pumps, and uplocks. A working model of an Ejector Release Unit (ERU) for aircraft pylons and various carbon fiber composite parts designed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) further demonstrates the company’s diverse expertise.

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025: ICICI Bank has announced the adoption of state-of-the-art technology to produce drinking water from atmospheric moisture as part of its commitment to enhancing the sustainability of its operations. The Bank has installed units to produce 8,000 liters of potable water a day from atmospheric moisture, benefitting 4,200 employees at five offices– one each in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai– and two in Chennai.

The units—known as Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs)—utilize innovative technology to convert atmospheric moisture into 100% microbe-free, fresh, and clean drinking water. The process of condensation transforms water vapor into droplets, which then undergo multiple filtration processes. Essential minerals are added at the end of the process. The AWGs can produce water throughout the year as they can operate in a wide range of ambient temperatures (18°C-45°C) and relative humidity (25%- 100%).

Mr. Soumendra Mattagajasingh, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, ICICI Bank, said, “At ICICI Bank, we are committed to conducting our business sustainably and responsibly to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment. Our strategy for environmental and ecological conservation is led by the 4R (reduce, reuse, recycle, and responsible disposal) principle of environmental stewardship. It is estimated that the atmospheric moisture holds several times of the fresh water in all rivers on the planet. To leverage this renewable resource, we have installed the AWGs at our offices to convert water vapor into drinking water. This initiative reduces our dependence on packaged water, along with making good use of the atmospheric moisture.”

ICICI Bank continues to implement initiatives towards sustainability under the aegis of its ESG policy. The Bank has set a target of becoming carbon neutral in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by fiscal 2032. Over 180 sites of the Bank covering 4.95 million sq. ft. are Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certified, as of March 31, 2024. The ICICI Service Centre at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai was declared ‘Net Zero Waste’ certified in fiscal 2024. Further, the Bank quadrupled its renewable energy consumption to 75.73 million kWh in fiscal 2024, compared to the previous year. It also planted 3.7 million trees since fiscal 2022 and created a water harvesting potential of 25.8 billion liters annually in schools and water bodies.

February 13, 2025 – New research from NTT DATA Inc., a global digital business and IT services leader, reveals that businesses are racing to adopt AI, yet a responsibility gap threatens to undermine progress. More than 80% of executives acknowledge that leadership, governance, and workforce readiness are failing to keep pace with AI advancements—putting investment, security, and public trust at risk.

The report, The AI Responsibility Gap: Why Leadership is the Missing Link, draws insight from more than 2,300 C-suite leaders and decision-makers across 34 countries, uncovering the urgent need for a leadership-driven mandate to align AI innovation with ethical responsibility.

“The enthusiasm for AI is undeniable, but our findings show that innovation without responsibility is a risk multiplier,” said Abhijit Dubey, Chief Executive Officer, NTT DATA, Inc. “Organizations need leadership-driven AI governance strategies to close this gap—before progress stalls and trust erodes.”

Key Findings: The AI Responsibility Gap is Widening
· Innovation vs. Responsibility is a Boardroom Battle – The C-suite is divided: One-third of executives believe responsibility matters more than innovation, while another third prioritizes innovation over safety; the remaining third rates them equally.

· Regulatory Uncertainty Stifles Growth – More than 80% of leaders say unclear government regulations hinder AI investment and implementation, leading to delayed adoption.

· Security and Ethics Lag Behind AI Ambitions – 89% of C-suite leaders worry about AI security risks, yet only 24% of CISOs believe their organizations have a strong framework to balance AI risk and value creation.

· The Workforce Isn’t Ready – 67% of executives say their employees lack the skills to work effectively with AI, while 72% admit they do not have an AI policy in place to guide responsible use.

· Sustainability Concerns Emerge – 75% of leaders say AI ambitions conflict with corporate sustainability goals, forcing organizations to rethink energy-intensive AI solutions.

The Leadership Mandate: Closing the AI Responsibility Gap
Without decisive action, organizations risk a future where AI advancements outstrip the governance needed to ensure ethical, secure, and effective AI adoption. Leaders must address:

1. Responsible by Design Principles – AI, including GenAI, must be built responsibly from the ground up and end-to-end, integrating security, compliance, and transparency into development from day one.

2. A Governance Imperative – Leaders must go beyond legal requirements and meet AI ethical and social standards using a systematic approach.

3. Workforce Readiness – Organizations must upskill employees to work alongside AI and ensure teams understand AI’s risks and opportunities.

4. Global Collaboration on AI Policy – Businesses, regulators, and industry leaders must come together to create clearer, actionable AI governance frameworks and establish global AI standards.

“AI’s trajectory is clear—its impact will only grow. But without decisive leadership, we risk a future where innovation outpaces responsibility, creating security gaps, ethical blind spots, and missed opportunities,” closed Dubey. “The business community must act now. By embedding responsibility into AI’s foundation—through design, governance, workforce readiness, and ethical frameworks—we unlock AI’s full potential while ensuring it serves businesses, employees, and society at large equally.”

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, delivered a successive Q3 record in line with its focus on profitable growth. Some of the key highlights are as below:

• Achieved an all-time high Q3 net profit of Rs.762 Cr, an increase of 31% over the same period last year
•  Reported all-time high Q3 EBITDA of Rs. 1211 Cr (12.8%) vis-à-vis Rs. 1114 Cr (12.0%) in Q3 FY24, registering double-digit percentage EBITDA for the 8th consecutive quarter
•  Recorded all-time high Q3 revenues of Rs. 9,479 Cr vis a vis Rs. 9,273 Cr in Q3 FY24
•  Achieved export volume of 4,151 units in Q3 FY25 against 3,128 units in the same period last year, registering a growth of 33%
•  Turned cash positive at end of the quarter with net cash of Rs. 958 Cr as against net debt of Rs. 1747 Cr at end of Q3’FY24

Ashok Leyland’s domestic MHCV market share continues to be over 30%. The Company also has maintained market leadership in the Bus segment. Ashok Leyland recently launched SAATHI, its foray into the entry-level LCV segment, opening up a new customer segment, which was previously unaddressed. At the recently held Bharat Mobility Global Expo, Ashok Leyland showcased the concept of an industry-first electric Port Terminal Tractor as well as India’s first 15-meter bus with a front engine and capacity of 42 sleeper births. At the show, Switch displayed a concept electric truck in the 7.5T GVW range, again a first in the segment. The Defence, Power Solutions, and Aftermarket Businesses continue to perform well.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, of Ashok Leyland, said “The steady progress we are making in profitability is backed by products that deliver superior performance coupled with robust customer engagement. Sales in international markets are showing strong growth, and we expect this momentum to accelerate with the launch of new products. I compliment the management and our team for delivering a record-breaking Q3 for the second year in a row. We are also continuing to invest in battery electric and alternate fuel products to maintain our technology leadership position. Switch has a healthy order book and has plans to come out with a series of products in the next 12 months.”

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, added, “Relative to Q2, the MHCV market has revived significantly in Q3, and is expected to improve further as we enter the last quarter. Our focus remains on profitable growth through product premiumization, cost leadership, better service reach, and enhanced value-added services. Non-CV businesses have done well and offer more headroom for growth. We remain optimistic about the growth of the CV industry in the medium and long term as macroeconomic factors continue to be favorable.”

Mumbai, February 13, 2025: Bandhan Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty Next 50 Index, which comprises the 50 companies ranked just beyond the Nifty 50 in India’s top 100 listed stocks. While classified as large caps, these companies exhibit mid and small-caps-like growth potential. The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open on Thursday, 13 February 2025, and close on Tuesday, 25 February 2025. Investment in the Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund can be made through licensed mutual fund distributors.

Commenting on the opportunity in the Nifty Next 50, Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC, said, “The Nifty Next 50 Index provides investors access to well-established companies that are still in their high-growth phase. Spanning sectors such as consumer discretionary, FMCG, IT, and more, the index includes industry disruptors with noteworthy potential. Over the past nine years, 24 companies from this index have moved into the Nifty 50, reinforcing it as a launchpad for potential future market leaders. Historically, it has outperformed the Nifty 50 across multiple market cycles. With the recent market correction pushing the index down over 20% and trading below its five-year average, past trends suggest that such phases have often been followed by strong recoveries. The Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund provides investors with an opportunity to participate in this segment’s longterm growth potential at an opportune time.”

Kolkata, February 13, 2025: West Bengal, which has emerged as a frontrunner in the energy space, is steadfast in its effort to ensure 20 per cent of its total energy comes from renewable sources by 2030, Md Ghulam Rabbani, Minister-in-charge, department of Non-conventional and Renewable Energy Sources.

The state government has already been taking several initiatives to achieve the target and the 900 MW Bandu Pumped Storage Project in Purulia in PPP model is a “prime example”.

“This (having 20 per cent of our energy from renewable sources) is not merely an ambitious target, it is a well-planned strategic commitment,” Rabbani said at the 6th Edition of Energy Meet & Excellence Awards organised by Assocham here on Wednesday.

According to Barun Kumar Ray, Additional Chief Secretary, department of Non-conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, there is a need to adopt innovative methods including putting in place a hybrid system by supplementing solar and wind power and integrating it with biomass in order to ramp up renewable energy adoption.

“The state government is working on solarisation of agricultural pumps. Currently huge amount of power is drawn from the State Grid or through the use of fossil fuel for operating agricultural pumps. We are looking to solarise these pumps. We are in talks with Water Resources, Agriculture and Irrigation departments for the same,” Ray said.

West Bengal government is also looking to put in place charging infrastructure in order to be able to meet the demand from EV consumers moving forward. The state has seen a significant surge in EV registrations and this is likely to grow “by leaps and bounds” moving forward, he added.

The state government is also working with Bengal Gas Company Ltd to produce large amount of gas from bio waste. “West Bengal has a huge potential to generate gas from biodegradable waste and we intend to work together with Bengal Gas to explore this opportunity,” he said.

This apart, Ray also talked about the state government initiative to utilise solar energy from rooftop panels installed in various government schools for cooking mid-day meal served to students. “Currently mid-day meal is cooked using firewood or LPG. We are looking to use solar power through rooftop panels going forward. An announcement in this regard is likely to happen soon.”

Hugh Boylan, Australian Consul General in Kolkata, said, “The Consulate General in Kolkata is engaging with state partners and businesses across east and northeast India to explore more opportunities in the energy sector. Our world class mining equipment, technology and services firms have a strong presence here. They are looking to grow existing collaborations and find new partnerships to benefit businesses.”

CESC will be working together with state government support and guidance for promoting rooftop solar project in the city of Kolkata, Vineet Sikka, MD, Distribution, CESC Ltd said. It will also work on battery storage for storage of surplus renewable energy.

Talking about cleaner fuels, Anupam Mukhopadhyay, CEO, Bengal Gas Company Ltd and ED, GAIL, said, “While fossil fuel will continue to be there for some years, it is important to look at less harmful fossil fuel and there comes the role of methane gas. The consumption of methane gas has increased substantially and it is expected to nearly double to touch 300 million standard cubic metre in the next two-to-three years, as compared to the current 180 million standard cubic metre.”

February 13, 2025 – Mumbai :

Mumbai based Brand and Communications consultancy, Tilt Brand Solutions has announced the appointment of Kushager Tuli as President – Creative. He was last, Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett.

An engineering graduate with 18 years of advertising experience across Ogilvy, McCann, JWT and a few other agencies, Kush brings with him a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking and leadership skills. Kush has led integrated teams and won national and international accolades on a plethora of brands, including Coca-Cola, Nescafe, The Times of India, BMW, Mastercard, Star Sports, Tata Motors, Perfetti, HUL, Pepsi and Visa.

Speaking of his appointment, Kushager Tuli, President – Creative, Tilt Brand Solutions said, “Tilt is already doing some industry benchmark-worthy work and I hope to add even more depth and value to our clients and our creative showcase. In an ever changing comms landscape, being able to craft brave, engaging and compelling stories across formats and platforms is something that I’m excitedly looking forward to doing, with the rest of the fabulous folks here at Tilt.”

Kush will be reporting into Adarsh Atal.

Adarsh Atal, Group Chief Creative Officer, Tilt Brand Solutions added, “Kushager joins us to not just bolster our creative team, but also to add to our carefully crafted culture. His proven record as a leader is exactly what we need, given the myriad and strong creative talent we have and nurture at Tilt. With his diversity of experience and expertise across agencies and brands, I’m certain that Kushager will help us take our creative product to newer heights.”

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025 – Is accountability in public life fading? This pressing question took center stage as the Centre for Constitutional Values at BML Munjal University hosted an exclusive discussion celebrating the legacy of Professor Upendra Baxi, Professor Emeritus, University of Warwick and Former Vice Chancellor, of Delhi University and University of Surat. The event gathered top legal minds, activists, and scholars to reflect on the impact of Prof. Baxi’s ground-breaking work, including his pivotal role in rape law reform and corporate accountability in the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

The discussion was anchored around Of Law and Life, a newly published book by Orient Blackswan that chronicles Prof. Baxi’s legal interventions over decades. Four thematic panels dissected critical issues such as judicial independence, media influence on justice, climate responsibility, and democratic suppression of activism. At a time when institutions face mounting scrutiny and legal frameworks are being tested by political and social shifts, the discussions resonated beyond academic circles. Speakers deliberated on the evolving role of courts in safeguarding civil liberties, the rise of strategic litigation to silence dissent, and the growing influence of media narratives in shaping judicial outcomes. Notable speakers included Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, VC, NLSIU Bangalore, Prof. Rajeev Bhargava, Mr. Harsh Mander, and leading civil liberties lawyers.

Prof. Baxi’s keynote speech challenged the audience to rethink the role of lawyers, activists, and academics in upholding democratic values. His reflections ignited intense discussions on whether courts are increasingly shaped by public opinion and whether legal aid systems truly serve justice.

The event concluded with a compelling public lecture by Prof. Susan Marks, LSE Law School on ‘Dignity: A Worldly Perspective’, challenging conventional notions of human dignity through global legal frameworks and real-world case studies. Her thought-provoking insights sparked an engaging discussion, leaving the audience with deeper reflections on justice, rights, and the lived realities of dignity.

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025: Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is proud to announce the prodigious success of the Jawa 42 FJ, a motorcycle that has redefined the neo-classic segment in India. Designed to celebrate the spirit of freedom and individuality, the Jawa 42 FJ has struck a chord with riders across the nation, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Named after František Janeček, the visionary founder of Jawa, this motorcycle is designed to offer a bold and modern riding experience for today’s enthusiasts. The celebrations in 120+ cities across India continue to ignite rider enthusiasm, with over 150+ events bringing together more than 5,400 passionate riders, further cementing Jawa’s legacy of excellence and redefining motorcycling experiences.

Commenting on the success of the motorcycle, Sharad Agarwal, Chief Business Officer of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles said, “The 42 FJ embodies everything we believe motorcycling should be – bold, distinctive, and thrilling. When we set out to create this motorcycle, we weren’t just aiming to set new benchmarks; we wanted to craft something that would make riders’ hearts race before they even twist the throttle. What we’ve achieved is a machine that doesn’t just perform brilliantly – it stirs the soul. It’s a testament to our belief that great design and engineering should evoke emotion. The overwhelming response from riders tells us we’ve created something truly special – a motorcycle that’s as much about the joy it brings as the technology behind it.”

The Jawa 42 FJ marks a significant advancement in the neo-classic motorcycle segment, blending the brand’s timeless legacy with modern innovation. Since its launch in September 2024, the motorcycle has captured the hearts of enthusiasts, garnering overwhelming customer acceptance. Celebrated for its striking aesthetics, powerful engine, and agile handling, its standout feature is the anodized, brushed aluminium fuel tank cladding—a segment first—offering customization options with various colours and Jawa branding. The design is further enhanced by brushed aluminium headlamp holders, grab handles, and footpegs, seamlessly merging heritage with contemporary craftsmanship. Iconic curves, an off-set fuel cap, and a premium-stitched wide seat add to its distinctive silhouette. Modern features, such as an upswept exhaust, all-LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a USB charging port, perfectly blend traditional aesthetics with current technology, positioning the 42 FJ as the ideal choice for riders seeking both heritage and innovation.

At the core of the Jawa 42 FJ lies the cutting-edge 350 Alpha2 engine, a powerhouse that sets a new benchmark in the neo-classic motorcycle segment. Delivering an impressive 29.2 PS and 29.6 Nm, this engine boasts 42% more power than other 350cc motorcycles, ensuring unmatched acceleration and thrilling performance. With smart gear-based mapping and a slick six-speed gearbox featuring A&S clutch technology, the 42 FJ is engineered for a dynamic and seamless riding experience.

Built on a robust double cradle frame, the 42 FJ offers superior handling, complemented by a long 1440 mm wheelbase for enhanced highway stability and control. Its segment-leading 176 mm ground clearance makes it adventure-ready, while dual-channel ABS paired with larger disc brakes ensures precise stopping power for heightened safety and rider confidence. Adding to its premium appeal are diamond-cut alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, offering convenience and reliability for every journey. Its exceptional engineering and appeal were further validated when it was honoured with the DNA Viewers’ Choice Award, solidifying its position as a standout in the neo-classic motorcycling space.

Mumbai, February 13, 2025: One Point One Solutions, a leader in next-generation Business Process Management (BPM) services, has announced its financial results for the third quarter ending December 31, 2024, demonstrating robust performance across key financial indicators.

Financial Performance

Consolidated for Q3 FY25                                                                                                            

Financial Highlight                                                                                                                                                       

• Total Income: Grew to ₹70.40 crore in Q3 FY25 from ₹42.11 crore in Q3 FY24, marking a substantial 67.18% year-on-year increase

• EBITDA: Increased 36.01% from ₹15.08 crore in Q3 FY24 to ₹20.51 crore in Q3 FY25

• PAT: Rose to ₹8.43 crore in Q3 FY25 up from ₹5.97 crore in Q3 FY24, reflecting a 41.21% year-on-year growth

Business Highlights:

• Company is exploring potential acquisition in the USA, Latin America and the European region and has signed a non-binding term sheet with three potential target companies.
• The company has successfully onboarded three renowned new clients to its portfolio during the quarter.
• The company has secured a major contract with one of the leading banks in the country.

Management Comment:

Commenting on the results, Mr. Akshay Chhabra, Chairman & Managing Director said, “Our Q3 numbers reflect a positive performance with a substantial increase of 67.18% in total income. This growth is primarily driven by our global outsourcing initiatives, which includes the signing of a term sheet to acquire a U.S.-based healthcare company for $45 million and a non-binding term sheet to acquire an India-based Business Process Consulting & Management (BPCM) for ₹261 crores. These initiatives align with our broader strategy for potential acquisitions in the USA, Latin America, and Europe, where we’ve signed non-binding term sheets with three potential target companies. The company also witnessed a growth in its PAT by 41.21% this year, further underscoring our commitment to sustained growth and profitability.”

Mr. Chhabra further added, “We’ve also onboarded renowned clients from the Banking, E-Sports and Fleet management sectors, further strengthening our market presence and service capabilities.”