Archives February 2025

Vadodara, February 4, 2025: Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles under the brands ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik’, has announced its entry into fleet operations and last-mile delivery mobility under its flagship brand, Joy e-bike. In collaboration with SpeedforcEV under the banner of Optimotion, the company deployed its first batch of 100 electric two-wheelers in Hyderabad today. This strategic move marks a significant step toward providing sustainable, technology-driven solutions for delivery partners and fleet operators.

Unlike traditional fleet operations that focus solely on vehicle deployment, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited is introducing a first-of-its-kind holistic approach in India to ensure seamless operations for delivery partners. The initiative encompasses vehicle supply, 24/7 maintenance, spare parts availability, charging infrastructure, financing solutions, and insurance support—all provided through strategic partnerships. This integrated approach ensures zero downtime for fleet operators, maximizing vehicle uptime and optimizing revenue potential. Cashless Insurance services will be managed by Bluebells, financing by Mangalam Industrial Finance Limited, charging stations by Ampvolts Limited, and spare parts and maintenance by SpeedforcEV.

With an initial deployment for Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, Amazon, and BigBasket, the company plans to expand rapidly across major metropolitan cities beyond Hyderabad, including Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore and Surat.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, said: “This is a landmark moment for the Indian EV industry, as we are building endeavouring a complete end-to-end ecosystem to support fleet operations. Our partnership with SpeedforcEV for fleet operations, Mangalam Industrial Finance Limited, Mufin Green Finance, Bluebells Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd., Ampvolts Limited and other key industry players ensures a hassle-free experience for businesses, maximizing uptime and revenue potential. We are targeting the deployment of 8,000 vehicles by March 2025, and scaling up to 50,000 vehicles by March 2026, reinforcing our commitment to driving EV adoption in the country. We are dedicated to revolutionizing last-mile mobility and fleet operations with innovative and sustainable solutions.”

This initiative represents a first-of-its-kind fully integrated smart mobility solution for fleet and logistics operations. Looking ahead, Wardwizard plans to extend its partnerships to B2B, B2C, and retail players, further strengthening its presence in the rapidly growing electric mobility sector.

Sudhindra Holla, Director of India & SAARC at Axis Communications

“The Union Budget 2025 sets a transformative agenda that aligns with our vision for secure and smart urban environments. With a focus on urban development and agriculture, the budget’s initiatives, such as the PM Dhan Dhyan Krishi Yojana aimed at enhancing crop yields, are crucial for fostering resilience in our food supply chains. This directly supports the security of critical infrastructure by ensuring stability in essential services.

The focus on youth empowerment and women’s welfare through targeted programs opens avenues for integrating advanced surveillance technologies. As we transition to a more digital economy, Axis Communications is dedicated to utilizing cutting-edge surveillance systems that enhance public safety and ensure robust data protection.

The proposed regulatory reforms will also play a vital role in creating a conducive environment for innovation in security technologies. As we look forward, we believe that these budgetary measures will not only strengthen India’s security landscape but also pave the way for sustainable growth in smart city projects across the nation.”

New Delhi: 04 February 2025: Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC) has signed a Long-Term Supply Agreement (LSA) with JK Cement Ltd. for the supply of 250 million tons of limestone over a period of 40 years from its upcoming Lakhpat Punrajpur Mine in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch District in Gujarat. The signing event was chaired by the Chairman of GMDC Ltd. Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, IAS (Retd.) on January 29, 2025 (Wednesday) and the agreement was officially formalized by Shri Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director of GMDC Ltd., and Shri Anuj Khandelwal, Business Head – Grey Cement of JK Cement Ltd., representing their respective organizations.

This agreement marks a strategic partnership towards monetizing the large limestone asset of GMDC Ltd. and benefiting both the partners. It will support J K Cement Ltd. in setting up a greenfield integrated mega-capacity cement plant, fostering industrial growth in the region. The collaboration will stimulate investment, enhance industrial development, and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in Kutch, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of Gujarat. Kutch’s coastal proximity, improved access to domestic and international markets, and cost-efficient logistics position it as an ideal hub for cement production. Furthermore, this initiative will contribute substantially to the State Exchequer through revenue generation in the form of Royalty, National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) contributions, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds, and Goods & Services Tax (GST) on both limestone and cement production.

MUMBAI, India, February 04, 2025- Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Global Star Ram Charan’s latest film, Game Changer. Directed by widely acclaimed filmmaker S Shankar, in his Telugu debut, this high-octane political actioner is produced by Dil Raju under his banner, Sri Venkateswara Creations. Headlined by Ram Charan in a promising dual role, the star-studded cast also boasts Kaira Advani, Anjali, S.J. Suryah, Srikant, Sunil, Jayaram, and Samuthirakani in pivotal roles. The big-ticket movie will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide from February 7 in Telugu, with dubs in Tamil and Kannada. Game Changer marks the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment.

Game Changer follows Ram Nandan, a principled IAS officer from Visakhapatnam who takes on the herculean task of uprooting the deep-seated corruption within the political system. But his efforts pit him against the formidable Bobbili Mopidevi, a ruthless and power-hungry politician determined to become the Chief Minister by any means necessary. As Ram delves deeper into the web of corruption, he uncovers the vast and sinister nexus of those who will stop at nothing to protect it. With constant threats and danger at every turn, Ram remains undeterred in his mission to expose the rot and ensure justice prevails. Packed with high-stakes action, gripping drama, and a fierce battle between power and principle, the film explores one man’s unshakable will to rewrite the rules.

Bangalore, February 3, 2025: Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & MD, Bharti Airtel and Deputy Chair GSMA has been appointed as the Acting Chair of the GSMA board following the resignation of José Maria Álvares-Pallete, Chairman & CEO, Telefónica from the company. By virtue of this resignation, he is no longer able to continue in the position of the Chair of the GSMA.

Gopal was recently re-elected as the Deputy Chair of the GSMA board. He has also served the board as a key member for the term 2019-2020.

GSMA represents the global telecommunications industry with over 1100 companies from the telecom ecosystem across the world including telecom service providers, handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent industry sectors.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2025 budget on Saturday, announcing the establishment of 200 cancer day care centers across the country. Along with this, she also declared exemptions on several essential medicines. The health sector responded positively to these announcements, expressing happiness and stating that these measures will make medical treatment significantly more accessible for people.

The government’s decision to set up cancer day care centers in district hospitals to make cancer treatment more accessible has been welcomed by the health sector. Dr. P.N. Arora, CMD of Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals, Kaushambi, praised the steps taken in the 2025-26 budget to strengthen the healthcare sector. He particularly highlighted the decision to open 200 cancer day care centers in district hospitals as a major move that will facilitate early cancer detection and treatment, especially in remote areas.

Additionally, the exemption of customs duty on 36 essential medicines and reduced taxes on cancer drugs will make treatment more affordable for patients. The government’s plan to add 10,000 new medical seats in 2025-26 and increase the total by 75,000 seats over the next five years will further enhance healthcare services.

Dr. Arora expressed hope that more such reforms will be introduced in the coming years, ensuring that every individual has access to better and more affordable healthcare facilities.

The National School of Drama (NSD) is organising its flagship Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM), International Theatre Festival of India, which completed a successful run of 25 years in 2024. Fondly called ‘Bharangam’, BRM is the world’s largest theatre festival, and is set to take place from February 9 to 13, 2025 in Jaipur. Through this pioneering effort, NSD is expanding the festival’s outreach with enhanced international engagement, building on last year’s theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam.’

“One Expression, Supreme Creation.” This slogan for Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 resonates with the spirit of unity in creative expression, and the oneness of all. Noted actor and NSD alumnus Sh. Rajpal Yadav has been named the Rang Doot (Festival Ambassador) for this year.

In collaboration with Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur the festival will flag off in the city with an inauguration ceremony on February 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Jaipur Kala Kendra featuring the play The Rose.

Take a glance at the programme schedule for Jaipur:

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, said: “Bharat Rang Mahotsav has become a quintessential theatre festival on the global stage with its expansive approach. It has not only served as a platform for theatre performances from around the world but has also offered opportunities for the amalgamation of various traditional performing art forms. Additionally, it has facilitated knowledge-sharing and idea-exchange among individuals from the dramatic arts and other creative fields.”

Shri Rajpal Yadav shared his thoughts as, “To return to NSD as a Rangdoot for Bharangam 2025, after graduating as a student in 1997, feels like life has come full circle. As I celebrate 25 years in cinema, I’m deeply moved to be part of this incredible gathering. It’s truly commendable to witness the high level of artistry achieved here, often with limited resources, a stark contrast to the world of cinema. I’m awestruck.” He further added, “With a mission to unite people through theatre and natya, I stand with you now and always. NSD, one of the world’s premier theatre institutes, has produced extraordinary talent, and under the leadership of Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, I have no doubt that we will soon be recognized as leaders on the global stage.”

Welcoming one and all to Bharangam 2025, Professor Bharat Gupt, Vice Chairperson, National School of Drama said, “As we celebrate Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025, marking the 65th Anniversary of the National School of Drama and the 60th Anniversary of the NSD Repertory Company, we embrace ‘Ek Rang, Shreshth Rang,’ (One Expression, Supreme Creation) as theatre unites us all, transcending borders through the universal language of storytelling. With the Rang Shashthi festival taking iconic productions to cities across India and beyond, we honour our legacy while looking forward to a future of limitless creativity. Welcome to a festival that celebrates unity, excellence, and the timeless power of theatre.”

BRM 2025, which spans a period of 20 days, from January 28, 2025 to February 16, 2025, will feature more than 200 unique productions from 9 different countries apart from India, showcased across 11 locations in India and 2 abroad, which are Kathmandu and Colombo. International theatre groups participating in the said festival are hailing from Russia, Italy, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Nepal, Taiwan, Spain, and Sri Lanka.

Alongside the festival’s epicenter in Delhi, Indian satellite locations include Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bathinda, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Goa, Gorakhpur, Khairagarh and Ranchi including Jaipur.

“In continuation of NSD’s legacy, we are organising the Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 in two international locations this time. In the coming years, we aim to broaden the scope of this festival further, and extend it to other continents,” Shri Tripathy added.

New Delhi, India (February 4, 2025) – Beacon, a company redefining financial services for immigrants in Canada has launched a groundbreaking feature allowing direct bill payments to India in Canadian dollars from their Beacon Money account. India Bill Pay is the newest addition to the Beacon super app, a platform designed specifically for immigrants to Canada and now available for download on Google and iOS. The first of its kind, Beacon’s India Bill Pay is a pioneering cross-border bill payment solution launched in collaboration with Bharat Connect (BBPS) and YES BANK in India.

With approximately 60% of remittances to India used for family maintenance, many Indians face the delicate balance of building their lives in Canada while fulfilling their home obligations. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are restricted in their ability to access India’s banking and payment systems from abroad.

This creates major pain points for NRIs around the world looking to pay bills in India either for themselves or for their family. Currently, people must rely on maintaining NRI bank accounts or family and friends to pay Indian bills, both of which are inconvenient. Managing multiple accounts is costly, and culturally, asking for help often leaves NRIs feeling guilty about not meeting their obligations independently. With the launch of India Bill Pay, Beacon expands its financial services for immigrants, providing a seamless way for Indians to pay bills across borders.

“As an NRI in Canada, I faced challenges paying bills in India for my family. That’s why we partnered with YES Bank and Bharat Connect to build Beacon India Bill Pay, a product designed to provide seamless experience to NRIs like me.” said Aditya Mhatre, Co-Founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer of Beacon. “With Beacon India Bill Pay, we’ve recreated the same simplicity of paying bills while in India, but tailored it for NRIs using foreign currency. So stop sending money—just pay the bill directly. We are already planning to bring Beacon India Bill Pay’s revolutionary service to more countries.”

Powered by YES BANK, the service ensures smooth payment processing for Indian billers under the Rupee Drawing Arrangement (RDA), a framework regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This system facilitates structured and compliant fund transfers from overseas to India, efficiently converting foreign currency payments into Indian rupees and settling them with Indian beneficiaries, including billers on the Bharat Connect network.

Beacon India Bill Pay also leveraged India’s national bill payment infrastructure known as Bharat Connect, previously known as Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), to enable these payments. Conceptualized by the RBI, Bharat Connect provides technology solutions that simplify collections and settlements of bill payments for millions of customers and businesses across India. It ensures convenience, end-to-end encryption for security, and strict adherence to RBI regulations, connecting billers, payment providers, and customers seamlessly.

The unique benefits of Beacon’s India Bill Pay are:

• 100% digital KYC and onboarding process that can be completed within 10 minutes to start paying Indian bills
• Users can pay over 21,000 Indian billers such as utilities, student and home loans, school fees, and hospital charges and more directly using Canadian dollars
• Beacon India Bill Pay can auto-fetch bill due amount and send bill reminders for hassle-free payments.
• 100% secure and compliant with Reserve Bank of India policies, Beacon’s integration with Bharat Connect and YES BANK’s robust infrastructure ensures efficient and secure payment settlements, delivering an enhanced user experience.

Ms. Noopur Chaturvedi, CEO of NBBL, said, “We are pleased to partner with Beacon to extend the convenience of Bharat Connect (BBPS) to users in Canada. This collaboration reflects our commitment to offering a seamless, convenient and reliable platform for bill payments, ensuring Indians abroad can easily manage essential services back home.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Rajan, Country Head – Government, Multinational and International Business, Transaction Banking and Knowledge Units, YES BANK said, “YES BANK is proud to partner with Beacon to introduce this transformative cross-border payment solution. Leveraging the Bharat Connect model and the RDA framework, we are bridging the gap between Indian and international financial ecosystems, simplifying the process for NRIs to manage their obligations back home.”

Umbergaon, Gujarat, February 04, 2025: DOMS Industries Limited (‘DOMS’), a Company focused on manufacturing and marketing a diversified product offering associated with the growing years of kids, children, and young adults, announced its Financial Results for the Q3 & 9M FY2025.

ConsolidatedPerformanceHighlights–Q3(Y-o-Y)

•  RevenuefromOperationsforQ3’FY25grewby34.9%to₹501.1crascomparedto₹371.6cr in Q3’FY24.
•  EBITDA for Q3’FY25 grew by 26.7% to ₹ 87.9 cr as compared to ₹ 69.3 cr in Q3’FY24. EBITDA margin for Q3’FY25 stood at 17.5% as compared to 18.7% in Q3’FY24.
•  PATforQ3’FY25grewby39.8%to₹54.3crascomparedto ₹38.8crinQ3’FY24.PATmargin
  forQ3’FY25roseto10.8%ascomparedto10.4%inQ3’FY24.

ConsolidatedPerformanceHighlights–9M(Y-o-Y)

•  RevenuefromOperationsfor9M’FY25grewby23.9%to₹1,403.9crascomparedto ₹1,133.4crin9M’FY24.
•  EBITDAfor9M’FY25grewby32.2%to₹260.2crascomparedto₹196.8crin9M’FY24.
• EBIDTAmarginfor9M’FY25roseto18.5%ascomparedto17.4%in9M’FY24.
•  PAT for 9M’FY25 grew by 43.9% to ₹ 162.3 cr as compared to ₹ 112.7 cr in 9M’FY24. PAT margin for 9M’FY25 rose to 11.6% as compared to 9.9% in 9M’FY24.

OperationalHighlights

•  Rewarded for Export Excellence: Awarded third time consecutively Top Exporter Award for being No. 1 Exporter for the Year 2023-24 by the Pen & Stationery Association of India, underscoring Company’s role as a frontrunner in the Indian Export market
•  RecognizingEmployeeExcellenceandGrowingTogether:Torewardhardworkandtoretain &motivatetalent,Companyapprovedgrantof117,045stockoptionsunderEmployeeStock Option Plan 2023 to eligible employees during Q3’FY25
•  Empowering Sustainable Future: Successful installation of 1 MW Solar Plant at Umergaon Manufacturing Facility
•  OngoingCapacityExpansiononTrack:44+acresgreenfieldexpansioninfullswingand

possessionoffirstbuildingformachineryinstallationinQ3’FY26

•  UniclanHealthcareacceleratingGrowthInitiatives
•  LaunchofDOMSCo-brandedDiapers:CommerciallaunchofDOMSWowper–co- branded range of diapers by Uniclan Healthcare
• Successful installation of third diaper production lineat the existing facility wideningcapacity to 65 crore diapers per annum
• Mostofrequisitepre-approvalsfromauthoritiesinplaceenablingin-house

manufacturingofwetwipesbyendof Q4’FY25

 CultivatingandNurturingCreativeExcellence:AMARIZ–Company’sFineArtRange,partners withPlazaArtistAssociationattheiconicArtPlazaGallery,KalaGhoda,Mumbaitoempower emerging artist and provide them platform to showcase their work

Commenting on the results and performance, Mr. Santosh Raveshia, Managing Director, DOMS Industries Limited said:

“Despite the tepid market conditions and festive season in India as well as globally, we continued on ourconsistentgrowthtrajectoryduringQ3’FY2025.Ourstrategicinitiativeshaveplayedapivotalrole infuellingthisgrowth.ThesuccessfulacquisitionofUniclanHealthcare,whichleadourentryintoBaby Hygiene products, coupled with our timely expansion of capacities across various product categories, have all contributed positively to our quarterly performance.

Company’smanufacturingcoststructurebroadlyremainedstableinQ3FY’25,withinputpricesholding steady,resultinginconsistentgrossmarginsonasequentialbasis.ConsolidatedEBITDAforthequarter grew 26.7% Y-o-Y and 2.2% sequentially. However, there was a slight margin compression of approximately120 bps Q-o-Q which was primarily driven by increased employeeexpenses,stemming fromadditionalhiringtosupportproductioncapacityexpansionandimpactofESOPgrantstoreward employees. Furthermore, we witnessed an increase in selling and distribution expenses primarily on account of consolidation of Uniclan Healthcare. As a result of these factors, Company’s consolidated EBITDA margin stood at 17.5%, as on expected lines, but higher than our targeted range of 16-17%.

Going forward, we remain cautiously optimistic in the near term, on improvement in demand conditions with tailwinds from the upcoming back to school season, growing emphasis on education and increased Governments’ spending in this sector, contributing to the growth momentum. Our strategicprioritiesremainunchangedwithfocusondeliveringconsistentandprofitablevolumegrowth through expanding our production capacities, investing in our brands and strengthening our supply chain, positioning ourselves for sustainable long-term growth.

Lastly, I would like to appreciate the unwavering dedication and relentless efforts of our entire team and channel partners, who have worked tirelessly to drive this growth and excellence. Further, we extendourheartfeltgratitudetoourvaluedconsumersforembracingourproducts.Theirunwavering support fuelsourpassionand inspires ourteamtoinnovate, design,anddeliver high-qualityproducts to meet the evolving needs of our consumers.”

By-Vikram Agarwal, Managing Director, Cornitos

 “The budget strategically focuses on strengthening the consumer spending and purchasing power. The proposed increase in income tax exemption slab will boost investments and consumption, which will have a positive impact on the FMCG and retail sectors. In addition, considering the growing awareness of healthier food options and the increase in the demand for nutritious food, the government’s initiative towards improving the accessibility and affordability of these essential food items in itself is a remarkable move. These significant steps along with the investments in rural infrastructure and health sectors will accelerate the overall growth of the economy.”