Archives February 2025

11 February 2025:

VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST), India’s leading farm equipment manufacturer, today announced their financial results for the quarter and nine months ended Dec 31, 2024.

For the third Quarter, VST achieved a turnover of Rs 219.10 Cr, up of 29% from Rs 169.96 Cr in the Third quarter of last year. The operational EBITDA is 19.55 Cr, up of 104% from 9.54 Cr in the Third quarter of last year. The profit before taxes is Rs 3.84 Cr, down by 81% against Rs 20.33 Cr in the same period of the previous year in the Third quarter. The drop in profit before tax in Q3 is due to mark-to-market losses on investments of Rs 11.04 crores as against Rs 15.42 Cr profit in Q3 of last year.

On a year-to-date basis, the turnover is Rs 693.12 Cr, compared to Rs 694.61Cr for same period of last year. The PBT (profit before taxes) is Rs 89.32 Cr as compared to Rs 112.58 Cr of last year. PAT (Net profit) stood at Rs 69.49 Cr as against Rs 86.39 Cr last year.

Chandigarh, February 11, 2025: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar, India’s official broadcasters of International Cricket Council’s (ICC) tournaments have launched the latest installment in its campaign for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, this time headlined by the most-anticipated match of the year when India takes on Pakistan. Building on the unrelenting format of the tournament where each match impacts qualification outcomes, coupled with the euphoria surrounding the India-Pakistan games, Star Sports’ latest promo film captures the essence of cricket’s #GreatestRivalry with MS Dhoni featuring in a cheeky avatar. The film spotlights historical moments and unforgettable encounters that this rivalry has produced over the years to whet fans’ appetite for the drama that will unfold on the stage of champions when both nations lock horns on February 23.

The film opens to the setting of Dhoni guiding a room full of ‘fans-in-training’ at a yoga studio. He calmly instructs his ‘students’ who initially are in a meditative state, but the serenity is short-lived as the scene rapidly transforms into a high-energy fan rally. The fans decked out in traditional fan gear, wielding placards, dhols, and team cutouts, chanting slogans for the high-octane clash. Playfully recalling crucial match-ups and unforgettable moments from India-Pakistan encounters, Dhoni leads the charge with lines like “Maachis ki tilli, Shami udao Babar ki gilli!”, “Aasmaan mein chaayega, Kohli Rauf ke chakke chhudayega”, “Ek, do, teen, chaar, Hitman Shaheen ko chauka maar!”, “Aasmaan mein kitne tare? Tutenge TV unke saare”, and “Apna number agla hai, 2017 ka lena badla hai” encapsulate the excitement and spirit of Indian fans. The promo culminates in Dhoni breaking the fourth wall with a cheeky quip: “Ab aayi na feel, India-Pakistan waali?”

Speaking on the promo film, MS Dhoni said, “India vs. Pakistan is cricket’s greatest rivalry, and the energy around it is something else. Shooting this promo was a lot of fun because it’s exactly how our fans prepare for the big clash—with full passion, crazy chants, and unmatched excitement. Even I had to let go of my calm side and join in because when the stakes are this high, staying cool isn’t easy. The India vs. Pakistan fixture is going to be special, and I can’t wait to see fans bring their energy to this iconic match.”

Sharing the thought behind the promo, Vikram Passi, Head of Marketing, at JioStar Sports said, “Few rivalries in sport match the sheer excitement of India vs. Pakistan—a game fuelled by passion, pride, and unshakable devotion. But in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, one misstep could mean the end of the road to the semi-finals. Our campaign highlights what’s at stake, while this promo celebrates the raw energy of cricket’s most intense showdown, brought to life with MS Dhoni’s charismatic charm.”

As fans across the globe gear up for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are firmly set on the centerpiece of the tournament when India takes on Pakistan on February 23. Team India commences their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign under Rohit Sharma against Bangladesh on February 20. India will also face New Zealand on March 2 in their final group-stage encounter. All India matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar at 2:30 PM IST. With the stakes higher than ever in ICC’s most challenging cricket tournament, the #GreatestRivalry is set to create another unforgettable chapter in cricket history.

Chandigarh, February 11, 2025: Amazon today announced investments in three new wind projects in India, emphasizing the company’s broader commitment to matching the electricity consumed by our operations with renewable energy, and advancing progress toward its Climate Pledge goals.

Across India, Amazon has now enabled a total of 53 solar and wind projects to date, which together will provide more than 4 million megawatt hours (MWh) of new carbon-free energy in the country, providing sufficient energy capacity to power the equivalent of more than 1.3 million Indian homes. The projects include 9 utility-scale solar and wind farms across the country, as well as onsite solar arrays on 44 local buildings that host Amazon operations.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Electronics & Information Technology, and Information and Broadcasting, stated, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the clean energy transition. Investments from companies like Amazon are accelerating this progress. Clean energy is not only about sustainability; it is central to our goal of producing 50% of our electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. As we expand our digital and transportation infrastructure, renewable energy will play a crucial role in powering the next wave of connectivity and innovation.”

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State of Power and New and Renewable Energy, said, “I welcome Amazon’s continued commitment to India’s renewable energy transition. Investments in wind and solar projects are crucial for achieving our renewable energy targets and ensuring energy security. These projects will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also generate employment and foster economic growth in local communities. The Government of India remains committed in its efforts to support such initiatives, and I encourage other global corporations to invest in our green energy future.”

“Amazon is committed to driving the carbon-free energy transition forward in both India and around the world, which will help us all address climate change at scale,” said Avinash Shekhar, Head, of APJC Energy and Water Strategy, AWS. “As the top corporate purchaser of solar and wind since 2020, we’ve invested in more than 600 solar and wind projects globally, including more than 50 in India, which is part of our Climate Pledge commitment to attempt to reach net zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040.”

The latest projects that Amazon has signed include three new wind energy projects, which are CleanMax Koppal, BluPine Solapur, and JSW Energy Dharapuram. CleanMax Koppal is a 100 Mega Watt (MW) wind farm located in Karnataka. BluPine is also a 99 MW wind project located in Maharashtra. The JSW Energy Dharapuram is a 180 MW wind project located in Tamil Nadu, South India.

These projects will contribute to India’s renewable energy goals and help create numerous construction jobs in their respective regions, according to the developers.

Supporting local communities
Amazon is proud to have met its 100% renewable energy goal seven years early in 2023 and has invested in more than 600 projects globally, which are capable of producing enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 8.3 million US homes. The renewable energy projects we support not only help match the electricity consumed by our operations, but also provide new sources of carbon-free energy to the local communities where our customers, vendors, and employees live and work. They also help create jobs, support local businesses, and boost the local tax base, which is all part of Amazon’s commitment to becoming a more sustainable company.

Chandigarh, February 11, 2025: PNC Infratech Limited (“PNC Infra”) has announced that the Company and its SPVs are now eligible to bid for new projects from 17th February 2025, allowing it to actively pursue fresh projects in the infrastructure sector and reinforcing its commitment to national development.

This is after the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) reduced its previously imposed restrictions on the Company and its two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) from one year to four months now, which is culminating on February 17th 2025. The revised order, issued by the MoRTH on February 6, 2025, modifies the original restriction starting October 18, 2024 to a period of 4 months, subject to the completion of certain procedures by the Company with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

This will also help the company in expanding its order book and increase its topline. PNC Infratech has a robust order book of over Rs. 19,900 crores (as of September 30, 2024), with several key EPC projects under construction. This includes the Prayagraj – Kaushambi project with the MoRTH, Jalna-Nanded and Pune ring road projects with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and the Akkalkot Pkg-II (Badadal-Maradgi S), Sonali – Gorukhpur and Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway Pkg-2 with the NHAI. Road highway, road expressway, railway and canal EPC projects constitute 84% of total order-book.

PNC has now obtained a change in control approval from NHAI for 8 of the assets, which it will be transferring to KKR-backed Highways Infrastructure Trust. With this, the PNC-KKR deal is on track for closure by 31st March 2025 as PNC Infratech is in the process of fulfilling the conditions precedents (CPs) for the transaction. One of the major CPs under the deal included change in control approvals from the highway authorities and no objection certificates from the lenders to the projects.

11th February, NewDelhi, India: TheHonestHome Company(HonestHome) has successfully secured US$ 0.8Min its Pre-Series A funding round, led by OrtellaGlobalCapital(OGCapital), founded by ex-IFC executiveSayan Ghosh and consumer industry veteran Gaurav Verma. Shark Tank judge- Anupam Mittal and other key angel investors have also invested in the company.

The Honest Home Company, India’s topmost sustainable home and kitchenware brand, has announced the successful closure of a US$ 0.8M funding round to scale its operations and speed up its mission of making eco-friendly living affordable for Indian families. Since launching in 2019, TheHonestHome Company has established itself as a trusted name in the sustainable living space, helping families adopt eco-conscious lifestyles and reducing 250 tonnes of plastic.

Founded by Mayank Sisodia, a former senior executive at Hindustan Unilever and Parle, The HonestHome Company has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception and is now targeting an INR 100Cr (US$ 12M) annualized run rate in the current year. With an expanding portfolio of affordable, high-quality products—including air fresheners, bamboo-based goods, and eco-friendly cleaners—HonestHomeis leading the way in fulfilling the growing need for sustainable and eco-friendly home products.

“Our vision has always been to redefine the way Indian households approach sustainability. It is not just about offering eco-friendly products but creating a lifestyle movement that is affordable, practical, and accessible to everyone. This funding reflects the strong trust and confidence that both our customers and investors have in our mission”, says Mayank Sisodia.

Ranked among the top three brands in its category on platforms like Amazon, Zepto, Blinkit, and Flipkart, The Honest Home Company is making a significant impact beyond market success. Gaining national recognition through Shark Tank India Season 3 and receiving grants from the DBS Foundation, it has positioned itself as a leader in the eco-friendly market. “What sets The HonestHomeCompany apart is strong product-market fit, exceptional supply chain capabilities, in-house production, and a strong distribution network. They have built a portfolio of high-quality products that resonate with consumers while ensuring seamless availability across multiple platforms. Co-building alongside Mayank, we are aiming to reach over 1M households monthly by next year—driving India towards a major leap in sustainable living.” says Gaurav Verma, Co-Founder and Head of Consumer Investments at OG Capital.

Sayan Ghosh, Co-Founder& Managing Partner, of OG Capital, said, “Mayank’sdeep-rooted passion for sustainability and his ability to address a significant gap in the market made The Honest Home

The company is a perfect fit for OG Capital. Together, we aim to build a brand that not only thrives in the eco-conscious space of our country but sets new standards for purpose-driven, profitable growth—taking it to the next level as a globally recognized brand.”

Backed by a US$ 0.8M infusion from OG Capital and angel investors like Anupam Mittal, The HonestHomeCompanyissetforremarkablegrowth.Thebrandisgearinguptoscaleoperations, expanding its product range, and strengthening its sustainability promise. With a focus on innovation that blends affordability with eco-consciousness, The Honest Home Company is on a mission to transform each Indian household into the champion of sustainable living—cementing its place as the largest eco-friendly home and kitchenware company.

Mumbai, 11th February, 2025: Syntel by Arvind, a technology solution provider who has 30+ years of experience in enterprise communication Digitally launched NEOS NexGen Lite with their Distributors and Partners, a next-generation hybrid IP PBX designed to revolutionize business telephony.

This version is a scale down version of their existing IP PBX Nexgen which they launched in 2023 which had 128 & 256 ports but because of more demand for 64 ports they have taken this step without compromising on any features.

The R&D team of Syntel by Arvind has made this product for seamless integration with Analog, SIP, PRI, and GSM connectivity, NEOS NexGen Lite is engineered to meet the evolving communication needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Backed by a powerful 1 GHz processor and a robust Linux operating system, this innovation offers exceptional performance and reliability.

Key Features of NEOS NexGen Lite:

•  High-Capacity Connectivity: Supports up to 64 IP extensions or IP KTS and 64 TDM ports in a single cabinet.
•  Advanced Call Control & Routing: Includes multi-level auto attendant, IVR (8 channels), and advanced junction call distribution for seamless communication.
•  Enhanced Conferencing Capabilities: Features Meet Me Conferencing, Adhoc Conference, and concurrent TDM-IP calls (up to 20) for efficient collaboration.
•  Smart System Management: Web-based interface, remote programming, and GUI-based system configuration for effortless control.
•  Superior Call Handling: Includes call forwarding, call transfer, least-cost routing, CLI-based routing, and smart callback for optimized operations.
•  Robust Security & Performance: Equipped with 4-channel voicemail (4-hour backup), system logs for maintenance, and voice guidance.
•  Seamless Integration: Supports 3rd party SIP phones, making it adaptable to diverse enterprise telephony needs.

Why NEOS NexGen Lite?

•  Made in India – A homegrown innovation tailored for Indian businesses.
•  Value for Money – High-performance capabilities at an affordable cost.
•  Scalable & Future-Ready – Ideal for growing enterprises looking to streamline communication.
•  Certified for Safety & Compliance – TEC & EMI-EMC certified for reliable operations.

“NEOS NexGen Lite is a game-changer for SMEs, offering enterprise-grade telephony solutions without complexity or high costs. Our focus is to deliver a high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective communication solution that businesses can rely on,” said Mr. Sandeep Kerulkar, COO-Syntel by Arvind during its one kind of digital launch where many distributors from across the country participated.

Hyderabad, February 11th, 2025: Bollywood couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha Paul Rao have joined hands with Vim to share the social message of equality at home. With their recent campaign, they encourage couples to pledge for an #EqualVow and rethink household dynamics, embracing equality in everyday mundane tasks like dishwashing, made easy with Vim’s innovative products.

Marriage marks a significant transition where gender roles become more pronounced. Household chores have predominantly been viewed as a woman’s responsibility, and research confirms this disproportionate mental burden placed on women. As per the Time Use Survey by the National Sample Survey Office (2019), 92% of women aged 15 to 59 are responsible for daily domestic chores, while only 27% of men contribute.

Having been married for three years now, Rajkummar and Patralekha exemplify a balance in their own relationship, emphasizing that equality is the foundation of their bond. Their wedding vows, though unplanned, centered on the simple yet powerful promise to always support each other and divide everything equally. “We agreed from the start that there would be no hierarchy in our relationship. Everything would be shared – big or small,” says Patralekha. From then, this mutual understanding extends into everyday tasks like cooking and laundry to dishwashing.

She adds, “He’s so impeccably organized; he even knows where the smallest things are kept! I love cooking, and Rajkummar always has my back by taking care of the dishes. These small acts of partnership bring us closer and reflect the equality we believe in.”

Rajkummar Rao shares, “The idea of ‘Equal Vows’ resonates deeply with us. In our relationship, we believe that equality starts with simple actions. I love doing the dishes when Patralekha has done the cooking, or handling chores when she’s away – it’s about making life easier for each other. For us, it’s not about keeping score but about being there for one another. I hope this campaign encourages others to bring that same sense of balance into their homes.”

Ashwini Rao, Head of Home and Hygiene, HUL, shares, “In many households, especially after marriage, the responsibility for managing household chores often falls disproportionately on women. Through our ‘Equal Vows’ campaign, we want to challenge the deeply ingrained thought process and inspire a shift toward true equality in relationships. We believe that sharing responsibilities, like dishwashing, isn’t just about dividing tasks – it’s about recognizing each other as equals in every aspect of life. By partnering with Rajkummar and Patralekha, we bring this important message to life, urging couples to embrace equality and make a commitment to share responsibilities equally in their homes.”

In a world where balance is key, small gestures of shared responsibility can make a big difference. Vim is now inviting consumers to be a part of the change. By taking the #EqualVow pledge on Vim India’s social platforms, consumers can join the revolution and embrace equality in their everyday lives. To make it even more exciting, a host of celebrity couples will be sharing their personal commitments to equal partnerships, inspiring their followers to take the pledge and become part of the movement!

Delhi, February 2025: The electrifying 2nd edition of Drift N Drunch at Formula Karting, Noida, on the 8th of February, raised the bar for thrilling entertainment, bringing an even greater rush of excitement to motorsport fans and guests. Drift N Drunch is a celebration of live food stations, drinks, a lively DJ, and exciting music, and this year, to accelerate the experience, a karting championship was added. Winners of the thrilling race walked away with exciting prizes. The audience also became part of the action through the Predict & Win game, making the experience even more immersive as they enjoyed the high-energy races.
Priyanka Jain, co-founder of Snow World Entertainment, Formula Karting, said, “Drift N Drunch has elevated the go-karting experience to great heights. The overwhelming response from our guests fuels our vision to push boundaries in motorsport entertainment. The addition of competitive kart racing this year brought an unparalleled thrill, making the event a true celebration of speed, skill, and fun.”

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the high-speed karting championship, where winners Tiger Yadav, Devesh Rathore, Harsh Verma walked away with exciting prizes from top brands. The thrilling showdowns ignited the spirit of competition and camaraderie, as roaring engines, sharp turns, and picture-perfect moments kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Adding to the excitement, the event featured an electrifying DJ set, energetic cheerleaders, and a spread of delicious food and drinks, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The interactive fun games further ensured an engaging and immersive experience, making it a weekend to remember.

Beyond the track the entire event was a celebration of fun, speed, and great company, leaving everyone eager for the next edition. The beats of a high-energy DJ set created an infectious party atmosphere, while cheerleaders amplified the excitement with their dynamic performances. Guests indulged in an exquisite spread of gourmet delights and signature cocktails, seamlessly blending brunch with drinks to create the perfect “Drunch” experience. With an electric vibe and a stellar lineup of entertainment, Drift & Drunch 2.0 was an ultimate adrenaline rush combined with indulgence, leaving guests already anticipating its next edition.

10th Feb, 2025 , Bareilly : Invertis University, an NAAC-accredited institution, is now offering Microsoft and Adobe certification exams on campus, giving students the opportunity to earn globally recognized credentials that will enhance their career prospects. No need to travel to distant centers—students can now conveniently take these industry-leading certification exams right on campus.

As part of its commitment to digital learning, Invertis has also partnered with LinkedIn Learning, providing students with free access to over 16,000 courses. With personalized recommendations, students can gain valuable skills that will help them stand out to future employers. Plus, they can showcase these newly acquired skills on their LinkedIn profiles, further boosting their employability.

With more than 6,000 successful placements and international academic partnerships with esteemed institutions like Livingstone College (USA) and the University of South Carolina Upstate (USA), Invertis is dedicated to providing students with global exposure and career opportunities. Students can also apply for paid internships in countries like Dubai, Mauritius, France, Sweden, and more.

At Invertis University, the focus is on holistic development by blending academics, industry expertise, global exposure, and skill-building initiatives to ensure that students are well-prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Admissions for the 2025 session are now open—join Invertis University and take the first step toward a bright future!

February 10, 2025, Mumbai: The Maharashtra Defence and Aerospace Venture Fund (MDAVF), a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) managed by IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Limited (ICMS) focused on supporting innovative companies in the defence and aerospace sectors, recently announced its successful exit from two of its portfolio companies, viz., Cyronics Innovation Labs Private Limited (CILPL) and JSR Dynamics Private Limited (JSR Dynamics) realizing ₹14.46 crores and ₹59.15 crores respectively.

Mr. Amey Belorkar, Fund Manager – Maharashtra Defence and Aerospace Venture Fund (MDAVF), IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Ltd, speaking about the exits said, “Both, Cyronics Innovation Labs and JSR Dynamics, are instrumental in driving technological progress and self-reliance within India’s defence and aerospace industries with a focus on enhancing the operational effectiveness of defence forces. MDAVF remains focused on supporting India’s journey towards self-reliance by investing in high-potential ventures that foster technological breakthroughs and enhance indigenous capabilities. These milestones reflect the strength of our investment strategy and our ongoing commitment to driving innovation in India’s defence and aerospace sectors. By backing sustainable growth in these critical industries, we’re proud to contribute to India’s defence ecosystem and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

MDAVF, to date, has invested approximately ₹406 crore in 22 MSMEs. The fund has successfully executed full and partial exits from 12 companies, realizing divestment proceeds of around ₹281 crore and achieving a strong Internal Rate of Return that highlights the fund’s disciplined and strategic approach to value creation.

Cyronics Innovation Labs Private Limited (CILPL)
CILPL, founded in 2020, operates in the AI and Machine Learning sectors, specializing in software-defined radio technologies for the defence and aerospace sectors. CILPL has served leading defence and aerospace organizations, including Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., Navstar Integrated Systems Pvt. Ltd. (Navy) and Theta Controls (Army), among others.

JSR Dynamics Private Limited (JSR Dynamics)
JSR Dynamics was founded in 2018 with an intention to contribute in a big way towards achieving self-reliance in the defense sector through indigenous Design, Development and Manufacture. JSR Dynamics is engaged in the development and manufacturing of advanced munitions, including glide bombs and loitering munitions. The company’s products are poised to play a significant role in both Indian and international defence markets.

These exits showcase MDAVF’s commitment to supporting high-potential ventures in the defence and aerospace industry, driving technological advancements, and generating strong returns for its stakeholders. Both exits have been marked by impressive internal rates of return (IRR), underscoring the fund’s effective investment strategy and its ability to identify high-growth companies.