Archives February 2025

New Delhi/Pune, February 7th, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with NIBE Space (a subsidiary of NIBE Limited) concerning the supply of a high-resolution optical satellite, marking the first step in NIBE’s Earth Observation constellation project. This initial contract aims to establish the first operational Earth observation’s capabilities for NIBE in India by 2025.

This achievement reinforces the partnership initiated in 2024 between Thales Alenia Space and NIBE, for the deployment of India’s first private Earth Observation constellation.

The contract was signed in Pune during a ceremony graced by the presence of Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis. BlackSky also signed a service agreement for subscription- based imagery and analytics to deliver space-based monitoring services supporting NIBE’s various Indian customers.

“I am extremely pleased that Thales Alenia Space will contribute to developing sovereign Earth Observation capabilities in India,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Supporting the deployment of India’s first private Earth observation constellation means a lot to our company as this is Thales Alenia Space’s first cooperation on an Indian space program. I would like to thank NIBE for putting its trust in our company. We look forward to making available our long-standing expertise and industrial capabilities in optical and radar sensors and start a promising Space cooperation with India.”

“We are proud to see our partnership with Thales Alenia Space take another concrete step forward with the signing of the contract for a high-resolution optical satellite. This is part of our larger national endeavor, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, to bolster India’s position as a leader in space technology and applications,” said Ganesh Nibe, Chairman & Managing Director of NIBE Limited. “With Thales Alenia Space’s vast global expertise and experience, we look forward to taking India’s space capabilities to newer heights.”

INOX, A pioneer in premium kitchen and bathroom storage solutions, is thrilled to unveil its latest indoor marvels – Honeycomb Panels, Ceiling Panels, and Mesh Ceilings! Designed to seamlessly blend sophistication with functionality, these cutting-edge solutions elevate both residential and commercial spaces, offering a perfect mix of style, durability, and innovation. Upgrade your interiors, the INOX way.

INOX’s latest collection sets a new standard in indoor design, offering solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and with perfect functionality.

Honeycomb Panels: Strength Meets Versatility

Engineered for lightweight durability and elegant insulation, the Honeycomb Panel is an ideal choice for cladding, partitions, and furniture applications. Featuring an innovative core structure, it offers:

• Built for longevity without compromising on design.
• A modern aesthetic that enhances any modern space.
• Suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
• Ensuring easy installation with outstanding performance.

 Ceiling Panels: A story of Elegance

INOX Ceiling Panels redefine ceilings with a sophisticated and seamless approach. They are available in a range of textures, colors, and finishes and are perfect for residential and commercial spaces. these panels provide:

• Advanced acoustic properties for a quieter environment.
• Fire-Resistant capability added safety without compromising style.
• Designed for quick and seamless integration & Installation.

 Mesh Ceilings: Innovation at Its best

A revolution in modern ceiling design, the Mesh Ceiling transforms spaces with its open-weave pattern, offering:

• Optimized Air Circulation for a comfortable indoor environment.
• Maximizing natural and artificial light diffusion.
• A Bold Aesthetic Statement for elevating commercial spaces, lobbies, and retail environments.

 “We are constantly working to provide our clients with innovative solutions that not only meet the evolving design trends but also enhance the efficiency of their spaces. Our new range of Honeycomb Panels, Ceiling Panels, and Mesh Ceilings reflects our commitment to quality and creativity, offering various options that help architects and designers transform any space.” said Naveen Chowdhry, Director, INOX Décor Pvt. Ltd

Mumbai, 7th February: ECCO, a renowned premium Danish Footwear brand, is excited to announce the opening of its first signature store at Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai in partnership with Jaipuria. This marks a significant step in ECCO’s retail expansion in India.

 The new store, which spans 1200 square feet of carpet area, showcases ECCO’s complete collection, including ECCO Biom, ECCO Cozmo, ECCO Metropole, ECCO Street, S-Three, ECCO Sculpted, and the Shoe Care Kit. Thus, it is a one-stop destination for shoe enthusiasts of all types.

Located in one of Mumbai’s premier shopping destinations, the ECCO store offers customers an elevated retail experience. It offers a full range of ECCO products for both men and women, presenting the finest expression of the brand and catering to all occasions and styles.

Sumeet Lohia, Country Manager of ECCO, shared, “The launch of our store at Phoenix Palladium marks an important milestone for ECCO in India. This prime location gives us the opportunity to engage with Mumbai’s premium customers, introducing them to our signature craftsmanship, innovative designs, and high-quality materials. We are excited to showcase our finest collections and provide an exceptional shopping experience that reflects ECCO’s commitment to comfort, style, and innovation.”

Anurag Sharma, CEO of Jaipuria Brandz also added, “We are thrilled to bring ECCO’s renowned craftsmanship and comfort to the Indian audience, and we look forward to introducing more customers to the brand’s signature style and quality. Through strategic partnerships and upcoming store launches, we are focused on expanding our presence and making ECCO more accessible to consumers across key markets in India.”

The Phoenix Palladium store sets the tone for ECCO’s presence in India, focusing on its core values of comfort, technology, and premium craftsmanship. As ECCO continues to expand across India, customers can expect to experience the brand’s high-quality footwear and innovative designs.

By-Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

In terms of the impact on the housing sector of the RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rates by 25 bps, this piggybacks on the recent taxation benefits announced in the Union Budget. As such, it is undeniably a major boost to the homebuyers, particularly for affordable housing buyers. Many first-time homebuyers who had been hesitating to take the plunge are likely to make their move now as home loan rates will reduce – as long as banks pass on the key benefits to buyers.

This dovetails well with recent trends in the housing market, which continues to see strong momentum. Reduced home loan rates can help the overall positive consumer sentiment. Given that housing prices have risen across the top 7 cities in the last one year, this breather is welcome and timely. As per ANAROCK Research, 2024 saw average housing prices rise by anywhere between 13-30% in the top 7 cities, with NCR recording the highest 30% jump. The average prices in top 7 cities collectively stood at approx. INR 7,080 per sq. ft. in 2023-end, while in 2024-end it increased to approx. INR 8,590 per sq. ft. – a collective increase of 21% annually.

Commercial real estate, especially office spaces, can also benefit from lower borrowing costs for businesses, and lower rates also make REITs more appealing since investors look for stable returns in a falling interest rate environment.

That said, the rate cut may be less effective by rising property prices if inflation remains as high as it is now. Also, it remains to be seen if banks pass on the full benefit to borrowers in a timely and seamless manner.

Mumbai, 7th Feb 2025: Howden is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the 2025 year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at the company. This year, 82% of employees said it’s a great place To Work.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“We’re beyond thrilled to be Great Place To Work-Certified™! At Howden India, making every day awesome for our employees is our top priority,” said Amit Agarwal, CEO & MD Howden (India). “Our ongoing success is all thanks to our rockstar team. A massive shoutout and heartfelt thanks to everyone for helping us snag this incredible recognition!”

At Howden India, we are all about creating an environment where you can thrive! We emphasize employee ownership and collaboration so you can truly own your work and collaborate with amazing teams. We offer career growth opportunities through continuous learning programs, mentorship, and clear progression paths. Our transparent work culture fosters trust and mutual respect, ensuring you’re always in the loop. Plus, our empathetic leadership prioritizes understanding and supporting your needs. Join us to be part of a dynamic, inclusive, and rewarding workplace!

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

~Elevating Tradition and Luxury for Delhi’s Refined Tastes~

New Delhi, February 7th 2025 – Prithviraj Jewels, renowned for its luxury craftsmanship, recently hosted a private exhibition at Taj Palace, New Delhi, offering an exclusive glimpse into its exceptional collection. The event featured an exquisite range of diamond, Polki, and bridal jewelry, each piece reflecting the brand’s signature blend of tradition and modern elegance.

The showcase exemplified Prithviraj Jewels’ dedication to timeless luxury, with meticulously crafted pieces that captivated the most discerning guests. From diamond necklaces to intricately designed Polki earrings, the collection seamlessly merged traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, catering to a sophisticated audience.

“We are thrilled to share our creations in such a memorable setting,” said Kanika Agrawal, Founder of Prithviraj Jewels. “Each piece of jewelry tells a unique story—one of craftsmanship, heritage, and beauty. This exhibition was the perfect platform to present our vision of timeless luxury for the modern woman.”

In addition to the showcase, guests were offered personalized consultations to explore the craftsmanship behind each design. The exhibition also highlighted the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that every piece reflects not only luxury but also environmental and ethical responsibility.

Founded in 2012 by Kanika Agrawal, Prithviraj Jewels has established itself as a leader in the luxury jewelry market. Known for its exquisite diamond, Polki, and bridal collections, the brand blends traditional Indian techniques with contemporary design to create timeless pieces. With showrooms in Chandni Chowk and South Extension II, Prithviraj Jewels continues to set the standard for responsible luxury, using only the finest materials while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.

About Prithviraj Jewels

Prithviraj Jewels is a luxury jewelry brand founded by Kanika Agrawal in 2012, renowned for its diamond, Polki, and bridal jewelry collections. With a focus on traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, the brand offers luxurious, timeless pieces that are ethically sourced and crafted with precision. Prithviraj Jewels continues to lead the fine jewelry industry, offering creations that embody both beauty and responsibility.

Rajkot, February 07, 2025: In a historic move towards redefining India’s industrial landscape, Rajoo Engineers proudly announces the initiation of its ambitious business expansion project with a Bhumi Pujan ceremony held on February 5, 2025. This significant event marks the commencement of a groundbreaking development on an 80-acre non-agricultural land, setting the foundation for India’s first-of-its-kind manufacturing park dedicated to advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

The newly acquired land will house a comprehensive ecosystem where all verticals of Rajoo Engineers’ operations will be seamlessly integrated under one roof. The project will be executed in stages, starting with the development of core infrastructure, including essential facilities and key operational hubs. This will be followed by the integration of advanced technology units, R&D centers, and sustainability-driven operations. The final stage will focus on consolidating all verticals to maximize efficiency, conserve resources, and ensure seamless collaboration with 100% green energy.

With substantial investments dedicated to state-of-the-art infrastructure, this manufacturing park is designed to embody sustainability at its core. The project will incorporate lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste, optimize resource utilization, and promote environmentally responsible practices. Smart machines leveraging advanced technologies like IoT will further enhance efficiency, predictive maintenance, and resource optimization.

“This is more than just an expansion; it is a testament to Rajoo Engineers’ vision for the future. We are creating an integrated ecosystem that promotes innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.” emphasizes Khushboo Chandrakant Doshi – Managing Director of Rajoo Engineers Limited.

National, 7th February 2025; Indian music’s rising force, Mandys, is back with his latest track, ‘Kaisi Baatein,’ an anthem that drips confidence, attitude, and embraces high-end living. The song perfectly blends street smarts with a taste for luxury, painting a picture of Mandys’ world where power, status, and admiration are just a way of life. Whether you’re celebrating a win or just vibing, ‘Kaisi Baatein’ sets the right mood with its infectious energy and unapologetic attitude.

 With a hard-hitting beats by renowned producer Hiten, and Mandys’ signature rap flow, ‘Kaisi Baatein’ embodies success and confidence. The lyrics playfully tackle relationships and drama while exuding rebellious fun. His fusion of contemporary Haryanvi sounds and bold themes continues to grow his fanbase. With ‘Kaisi Baatein,’ Mandy takes his music to a whole new level, creating a vibe that is bold, confident, and undeniably catchy. The song captures the essence of ambition, style, and self-assurance, making it the perfect track for those who live life on their own terms.

 Speaking about the track, Mandys shares “‘Kaisi Baatein’ is all about living life on your own terms. It’s for anyone who knows their worth and isn’t afraid to show it. I wanted to create something that feels powerful, something you can vibe to whether you’re on the grind or celebrating your wins. I hope the audience connects with the song and embraces it with love”

 With Kaisi Baatein, Mandys delivers yet another banger that’s set to dominate playlists and turn up the energy wherever it plays. Fans can expect a track that not only showcases his signature swagger but also pushes the envelope with its infectious beat and fearless storytelling. Whether you’re hustling hard or living it up, Kaisi Baatein is the perfect soundtrack to owning your confidence and staying unapologetically bold.

Chandigarh, 7th February 2025: Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education inaugurated the NSDC International Academy, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide world-class skill development and training programs. The NSDC International Academy is a landmark initiative designed to bridge the gap between Indian youth and global employment opportunities. It will serve as a center of excellence, offering specialized training programs aligned with the skill demands of countries like Germany, Japan, and Israel. Shri Chaudhary flagged off the departure of 11 candidates headed to Germany and toured the NSDC International Academy, engaging with students enrolled in its programs and also experiencing the AI and VR facilities, and advanced labs present at the center, interacting with students about their life journeys, and offered them motivation.

Delivering his address, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India mentioned, “We must recognize that young India is breaking barriers, moving beyond traditional career paths, and looking at new opportunities. The NSDC International Academy is a testament to this shift—equipping our youth with the skills, confidence, and global exposure they need to succeed. A great building and infrastructure are important, but the real strength of any institution is its people—the trainers, students, and programs that drive it. With our skilling budget increasing from ₹3,300 crores to ₹6,100 crores, we are strengthening initiatives like this academy, ensuring young Indians get industry-relevant training, language skills, and cultural readiness. A Viksit Bharat by 2047 will be built by individuals ready to take on global challenges, and our job is to make sure they have the right support to get there.”

He added, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is very passionate about skilling, and takes pride in what our ministry is achieving. Skill India program and ITI rejuvenation program, announced in the last budget will have a huge impact, in increasing our capacity to skill our young people.”

This center aims to empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive global workforce. The academy specializes in internationally recognized language certifications, ensuring that candidates receive globally accepted qualifications. These include OSD and GOETHE certifications for German, JLPT for Japanese, and ISLETS for English, making graduates well-prepared for global opportunities.

Addressing the audience, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, of Nation Skill Development Corporation said, “In our journey of making India a global skill capital, today is a pivotal moment as our honorable minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary inaugurates this center, fulfilling the dreams of our honorable prime minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The World Economic Forum report says that in the next 25 years, 100 crore people will join the global workforce, with every third and fourth person being Indian. The coming years will ensure that India plays a dominant role in the global economy and contributes significantly to the dollar economy.

Our initiatives at this center equip youths with world-class language proficiency and advanced technical skills, preparing them for careers in Germany, Japan, Israel, and the UK. With cutting-edge training in sectors like caregiving and with the support of Industry 4.0, we are readying our talent for global opportunities.”

With a target of training over 1,000 candidates annually, the NSDC International Academy is committed to addressing the demands of both local and international job markets. As part of its mission to enhance employability, the academy will provide placement assistance and establish partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate valuable interview opportunities for its graduates.

The NSDC International Academy in Greater Noida stands as a flagship initiative of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), dedicated to transforming India’s workforce by providing training and certifications recognised globally. This premier skill development institution offers specialised courses in various fields, including foreign languages, healthcare, employability skills, and aviation, ensuring that Indian youth are well-prepared for international career opportunities.

The facility features modern classrooms equipped with interactive technology and advanced labs focused on soft skills and language learning with resources that will enable hands-on training and practical application of the learnings. The academy also includes dedicated counselling rooms to provide career guidance and psychological support, fostering holistic development among students. With residential facilities accommodating up to 500 candidates, the NSDC International Academy offers an immersive learning environment that promotes both academic and personal growth.

With a target of training over 1,000 candidates annually, the NSDC International Academy is committed to addressing the demands of both local and international job markets. As part of its mission to enhance employability, the academy will provide placement assistance and establish partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate valuable interview opportunities for its graduates.

Chandigarh, February 7, 2025: The Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has delivered unprecedented viewing figures on the JioStar network with TV viewership growing by 74% compared to the previous edition of the series in Australia. The India-Australia rivalry, branded The Toughest Rivalry by the JioStar network, has hit a new high with the series in 2024-25 becoming the second most watched Away test series for the Indian team on Television. The series was watched by 192.5M viewers on TV, recording 52 billion minutes of total Watch-time across television and digital platforms. Despite the sub-optimal match timings due to the time difference, this series also became the second most-watched test series on Indian Television (including India’s home and away test series) with the No.1 spot also belonging to this rivalry with the BGT trophy in 2017.

The five-language live broadcast of the series which produced cinematic moments of cricket, dramatic performances by cricketers from both nations, intense competition throughout, and culture-defining events, captivated the attention of fans and registered an impressive 49% increase in Television watch time compared to the 2020 edition. The viewing experience was enhanced with a meticulously selected line-up of Indian experts including Cheteshwar Pujara, Irfan Pathan, Sunil Gavaskar, Harbhajan Singh, Murali Vijay, and Ravi Shastri, combined with key Australian voices such as Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, and Matthew Hayden. The carefully crafted story-telling approach was elevated by engaging world-class neutral voices such as Mark Nicholas and Wasim Akram who joined Star Sports’ exceptional presenters Jatin Sapru and Mayanti Langer and creators Sahiba Bali and Aakash Gupta.

“We are proud to have institutionalized ‘The Toughest Rivalry’ as a unique descriptor of India-Australia matches. After the success of establishing ‘The Greatest Rivalry’ as the universally accepted nomenclature for India-Pakistan clashes, this was the next step in ‘identification’ of another key rivalry. The coverage of BGT 2024-25 also demonstrated our commitment to delivering a world-class on-screen sporting experience to millions of fans. From a brand-new design package to the advent of new cameras, we strived to provide a deeply immersive experience to sports fans. We are proud that our Hindi coverage garnered appreciation from the Indian diaspora across the world and are grateful to Cricket Australia for their trust and collaboration, which has been instrumental in bringing ‘The Toughest Rivalry’ alive in such a spectacular manner” – said Sanjog Gupta, CEO Sports, Jio Star

“We’re extremely grateful to our broadcast partners who provided world-class coverage by producing iconic images and insightful analysis throughout the summer. That 192.5 million viewers watched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on Jio Star in India again demonstrates cricket’s ability to reach vast international audiences and the enduring global interest in Test cricket.” – said Nick Hockley, CEO, of Cricket Australia

The network’s well-rounded marketing campaign, ‘The Toughest Rivalry’, promoted the Australian summer and high-quality broadcasts beginning September 2024 that fuelled the surge in viewership. These efforts were further enhanced through exclusive interviews with Australian stars Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Usman Khawaja, among others. Star Sports Network also produced ‘Boiling Point’, a critically acclaimed multi-episode docuseries, chronicling the storied 2008 tour which elevated the India-Australia rivalry.

Star Sports Network also brought viewers closer to the action with immersive storytelling through expert commentary in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, with compelling narratives that celebrated this historic rivalry across decades. Flagship shows like ‘Follow The Blues’ took viewers up-close to the Indian contingent and provided real-time updates from warm-up fixtures, press conferences, and net sessions. In addition, the JioStar network also launched fan-engagement initiatives across Disney+ Hotstar and ESPN Cricinfo including a vote to decide the greatest performance by an Indian in Australia, which witnessed participation from over 1.5M fans. JioStar network also leveraged the power of community and conversations via engaging social media initiatives across Star Sports’ handles.