Archives March 2025

Hyderabad, March 1, 2025: South Indian cinema, known for its rich storytelling and artistic excellence, is set to captivate audiences as the groundbreaking Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse, makes its spectacular debut in Hyderabad from March 21st to 23rd, 2025 at Prasads Multiplex. This extraordinary celebration unveils a grand line-up of over 70 exceptional titles, showcasing the festival’s passionate commitment to cinematic diversity and unparalleled quality. Movie enthusiasts will be treated to a dazzling array of global and Indian films, with a special spotlight on the vibrant world of Telugu cinema, offering everything from beloved classics that defined generations to cutting-edge contemporary masterpieces that push the boundaries of filmmaking.

The second edition of Red Lorry Film Festival is brought to you by BookAChange, by BookMyShow Foundation, empowering emerging artists through the transformative power of cinema.

As a tribute to some of the best of filmmaking, the film festival will feature dedicated categories such as ‘Timeless Tales’ and ‘Legacy Rewind’, each designed to offer cinephiles a nostalgic journey through the most influential films, some from South Indian cinema as well. The category’s lineup includes some of the most celebrated works from across the world and Indian cinema, offering a rare opportunity to experience these masterpieces on the big screen once again.

‘Mayabazar’ (1957), the legendary fantasy epic by K. V. Reddy, continues to be one of the most cherished films in Indian cinematic history, weaving mythology with mesmerising storytelling. Adding to this esteemed collection is ‘Missamma’ (1955), L. V. Prasad’s poignant yet humorous narrative that seamlessly blends social commentary with timeless entertainment, making it a treasured masterpiece for generations. Speaking about his father’s film, Ramesh Prasad said, “I remember watching my father meticulously craft each scene of Missamma, balancing religious harmony with romantic comedy in ways that were revolutionary for the 1950s. Seeing this cherished family legacy featured at Red Lorry Film Festival is a reminder that his intuitive understanding of human nature created characters that still appeal to new generations.”

‘Pushpaka Vimana’ (1987) and ‘Aditya 369’ (1991) will spotlight the extensive line-up, paying tribute to the renowned director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao at the film festival. ‘Pushpaka Vimana’, the silent classic celebrated for its innovative storytelling and satirical undertones remains a cinematic feat that continues to inspire filmmakers. It stands as one of Indian cinema’s boldest experiments – the silent black comedy masterpiece that broke new ground and at its core, delivered a scathing critique of socio-economic inequality in 1980s India. It follows an unemployed graduate, brilliantly portrayed by Kamal Haasan whose performance as the unnamed protagonist showcased his extraordinary versatility. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, shared, “When I conceptualised Pushpaka Vimana, I was struggling with my own questions about wealth and fulfilment. I deliberately stripped away dialogue to challenge myself as a storyteller and to capture the irony of 1980s India where educated youth faced crushing unemployment. Seeing this silent experiment still resonate decades later at Red Lorry Film Festival validates my belief that visual storytelling transcends language barriers.”

‘Aditya 369’ (1991), a visionary sci-fi film featuring Nandamuri Balakrishna and Mohini, led the way for Indian science fiction with its time-travel narrative. Nandamuri Balakrishna, whose recent release ‘Daaku Maharaj’ performed phenomenally well at the box office, is often praised for his high-energy sequences and powerful dialogues. With the 1980s and 1990s being a period of exploration for him, ‘Aditya 369’ was a product of that urge to think beyond the usual. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao said, “Creating India’s first major time travel narrative with Aditya 369 was a personal obsession that many thought would fail. I spent countless nights reading mythology, trying to merge scientific concepts with our rich cultural history. Watching audiences experience that sense of wonder we saw years ago, once again at Red Lorry Film Festival, makes me remember why we pushed our boundaries.”

Rounding off this stellar lineup is ‘Manmadhudu’ (2002), a cult romantic comedy featuring Nagarjuna and Sonali Bendre that continues to enchant audiences decades after its release. Directed by K. Vijaya Bhaskar with music by Devi Sri Prasad, the film is celebrated for its witty dialogue, charming performances and exploration of modern relationships through a traditional lens. About his role in Manmadhudu, Mr. Nagarjuna Akkineni went on to say, ” I enjoyed playing Abhiram who has a quirky sense of humour in Manmadhudu. Every dialogue in the film has a deeper sense of meaning if you look into the layers. And that’s what turned it into a cult romantic comedy, which uplifts and makes people smile whenever they watch it. I am sure the film fans who are coming to the Red Lorry festival will enjoy this movie.” Ms. Supriya Yarlagadda, Executive Director, Annapurna Studios stated, “Manmadhudu is a landmark film for us at Annapurna Studios. Making this film with layered characters and light-heartedness at every point makes it a film that people keep going back to smile. We are happy that Manmadhudu is being showcased at the Red Lorry Film Festival.”

‘Kshana Kshanam’ (1991) brings Ram Gopal Varma’s visual wizardry to life in this thrilling escapade where a bank robbery accidentally entangles an ordinary woman with a charming thief. Sridevi delivers a captivating performance balancing vulnerability and resilience, while Daggubati Venkatesh’s roguish charm creates irresistible on-screen chemistry. This 1991 classic redefined Telugu thrillers with its innovative cinematography, pulsating Ilaiyaraaja soundtrack and perfect blend of humour, romance and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Capturing the spirit of youth, ‘Happy Days’ (2007) remains a nostalgic coming-of-age drama that beautifully encapsulates the essence of friendships and aspirations, starring Tamannah Bhatia, Varun Sandesh, Nikhil Siddhartha, Sonia Deepti and Kamalini Mukherjee. ‘Happy Days’ was Tamannah Bhatia’s big break into Telugu films and the start of a flourishing career in South Indian cinema.

‘Chandamama’ (2007), starring Kajal Aggarwal and Navdeep Pallapolu, delivers a heartwarming tale of love and camaraderie. Set against a picturesque village backdrop, the film weaves together elements of romance, friendship and personal growth as the characters navigate life’s unexpected challenges. Director Krishna Vamsi’s nuanced storytelling brings depth to this memorable cinematic experience. Krishna Vamsi added, “The folklore, the community celebrations, the simple joys of a village that we see – I poured these deeply personal memories into every frame. Red Lorry Film Festival’s selection of this film feels like a validation of the authenticity that the story displayed and the legacy of my storytelling.”

‘Nene Raju Nene Mantri’ (2017) with Rana Daggubati and Kajal Aggarwal in lead roles, is a gripping political thriller that explores the intricate dynamics of power, ambition and moral compromise. The film follows the journey of an ordinary man who enters politics and gradually transforms as he navigates the treacherous landscape of governance and authority. Cinematographer Venkat C. Dileep added, “My camera became Jogendra’s conscience in Nene Raju Nene Mantri. I deliberately created a visual language as his moral compass deteriorated. Seeing our work appreciated at Red Lorry Film Festival validates the sleepless nights and creative risks we undertook.”

Complementing the film screenings, the festival will feature exclusive masterclasses and panel discussions with renowned filmmakers and industry veterans who will offer insights into their craft and the evolution of Indian cinema.

Make this Eid unforgettable with a meal that transcends expectations. Savour the flavours of tradition where every bite is a blessing. Indulge into a collection of our most celebrated Kebabs, Biryanis, Curries and Meetha as Ruhaniyat at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar brings with its delicious gourmet delights for everyone! Celebrate the spirit of the season with exclusive meal boxes with your loved ones. These offerings are available till 31st March, 2025. Savour the thoughtfully curated a la carte and set menu, featuring an exquisite blend of traditional treasures like Haleem, Shahi Nehari, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, to name a few.

Gourmet Couch, a specially curated menu from globally acclaimed restaurants brings together delectable offerings, with signature preparations carefully prepared to suit tasteful palates.

Immerse yourself in our Iftar specials set menu and experience a symphony of flavours that encapsulates the essence of Ruhaniyat, all from the comfort of your home. The menu includes – Khajoor, Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht, Sheermal, Dal Bukhara, Murgh Yakhni Pulao, Shahi Nihari, Haleem, Indian Breads, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, Anaar Kheera Raita, Nehari Accompaniments under Ruhaniyat Royal Table, priced at INR 5999 plus taxes for table of two and INR 8799 for table of four. The Ruhaniyat Table includes delicacies like Khajoor, Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht, Sheermal, Haleem, Murgh Yakhni Pulao, Anaar Kheera Raita, Seviyon Ka Muzzaffar, priced at INR 3199 plus taxes for table of two and INR 5199 plus taxes for table of four.

The menu is also available as an A la carte option. It includes Seekh Gilafi Dum Pukht (Minced chicken kebab laced with aromatic spices and chopped belle papers complimented with pungent green chillies and onion) at INR 1999 + taxes; Haleem (A traditional recipe dating back in time. This preparation is made with ground wheat, lamb, lentils and select spices) at INR 1299 plus taxes; Murgh Yakhni Pulao (spring chicken and long-grain basmati rice pulao is flavoured with aromatic spices and generous amounts of slow cooked onions that both tinge and enrich this preparation); Shahi Nehari (prime cuts of lamb cooked overnight on low heat, in a sealed handi with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs, sprinkled with mace and cardamom) at INR 2150 plus taxes; Murgh Handi Qorma (morsels of chicken simmered in brown onion, garlic and yoghurt gravy. Perfumed with saffron, rose water and garnished with almond silvers) at INR 2125 plus taxes and Seviyon Ka Muzzafar (a classic dessert of saffron infused vermicelli, doused in sugar syrup and garnished with almonds and cashews) at INR 699 plus taxes. You can enjoy assorted Indian breads like Lachha Paratha (whole wheat, layered bread, baked in a tandoor), Roomali Roti (thin and soft flat bread that can be folded like a handkerchief), Pudina Paratha (whole wheat layered bread baked in a tandoor and sprinkled with a tangy masala) and Taftan (leavened bread baked in a clay oven) – each priced at INR 225 plus taxes.

This Eid, elevate your celebrations with Ruhaniyat and bring the essence of luxury straight to your doorstep. Ruhaniyat by Gourmet Couch isn’t just food – it’s a moment of indulgence wrapped in elegance. From assorted kebabs to delightful sweets – experience one-of-a-kind taste, texture, and heritage. Order now, and let us bring the soul of Eid to your home, without stepping out!

New Delhi, 1 March 2025: Tata Communications has successfully completed the divestment of its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL), to Transaction Solutions International (India) Pvt Ltd (TSI), a majority-owned subsidiary of Australian digital payments and financial services provider Findi (ASX: FND).

On 13th November 2024, Tata Communications had entered into a definitive agreement with Findi, to divest its 100% equity stake in TCPSL. The transaction has now been completed following the receipt of regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the fulfilment of all conditions agreed between the parties under the relevant definitive agreement.

For Tata Communications, this move aligns with its strategic focus on high-growth areas such as network, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, interactions, and media services, enabling the Company to sharpen its core capabilities while unlocking greater value.

For Findi, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion of its financial services ecosystem, enhancing its capabilities in digital payments and ATM operations. The acquisition immediately equips Findi with a White Label ATM platform and license, a Payments Switch, and a network of over 4,600 ATMs. Additionally, it enables Findi to deploy ATMs across its extensive network of 180,000+ merchants (under its FindiPay and BankIT brands).

Kabir Ahmed Shakir, CFO, Tata Communications, said: “This divestment marks a significant milestone in our journey to streamline our portfolio and focus on areas that drive long-term growth and innovation. We are confident that TSI is well-positioned to drive the next phase of growth for TCPSL and will further strengthen and scale this business, ensuring continued value for customers and stakeholders.”

Deepak Verma, MD and CEO, Findi , said: “The acquisition of Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd is a critical piece in our journey to become the most trusted enabler of financial empowerment for India’s underserved. TCPSL’s current ATM portfolio, white label license and Payment Switch give us immediate scale, as well as the ability to deploy ATMs to our merchant network, transforming them to a full stack financial hub, and empowering them to expand their services and better serve underbanked communities.”

New Delhi, March 1, 2025: Today, the UPES School of Design hosted renowned automotive designer Maurizio Corbi for ‘L’Arte Dell’Auto – The Art of the Automobile’ in Delhi. The event celebrated the fusion of art, engineering, and automotive design. Corbi, known for creating iconic Ferrari models like the F355, 456, 550, and California at Pininfarina, inspired guests with insights into his design journey. Corbi conducted an exhibition of his work and delivered a compelling talk titled ‘My Design Journey’. His visit to India marked a milestone for the UPES School of Design, providing a unique learning experience for students and industry professionals alike.

The event featured an exhibition of Maurizio Corbi’s work, an opening address by Prof. Bhaskar Bhatt, Dean, School of Design, and an inspiring talk by Corbi on his design journey. A panel discussion on the evolving world of automotive design brought together industry leaders such as Saurabh Singh, Senior Vice President at Maruti Suzuki India; Sivakumar S., Head of Industrial Design at Royal Enfield; Anuj Prasad, CEO of Desmania; Shantanu Jog, Studio Lead for Vehicle Design, Founding Designer at Ather Energy and Prof. Jayant Sankrityayana, Head of MVD at UPES Dehradun and Former Head of Tata Motors India Studio. The evening concluded with a special announcement and a networking dinner.

Maurizio Corbi’s visit to India was part of a broader initiative by the UPES School of Design to bring global industry leaders to the university to inspire and mentor the next generation of designers. Corbi’s journey began in Dehradun on 22 February, where he conducted intensive hands-on workshops, engaging with students in live sketching sessions and providing direct mentorship. During his sessions, Corbi emphasised the importance of storytelling in design and how emerging technologies like generative AI and 3D printing are transforming the industry.

At the event, in Corbi’s esteemed presence, UPES School of Design announced that it is exploring a strategic tie-up with a world-renowned Italian design firm – Icona Design Group, known for their groundbreaking work in automotive, transportation, product, and urban design. Over the years, the firm has pioneered several innovations like the AI-integrated autonomous Icona Nucleus (2018) and the titanium-bodied, 1,000-horsepower Icona Vulcano (2013), exemplifying its fusion of technology, sustainability, and design excellence. This potential collaboration aims to assess opportunities for a high-performance future mobility and product design center in India. Speaking on this engagement, virtually, Dr. Gjoko Muratovski, Chief Innovation Officer, Icona Design Group, said, ‘We appreciate UPES School of Design’s vision and look forward to exploring opportunities that can create new energy in design across India and the globe.”

The event marked the culmination of Corbi’s current visit to UPES. Speaking about his experience, Maurizio Corbi said, “It was a great experience interacting with the talented students at UPES. While they excel at problem-solving, I encourage them to express their artistic selves more through design, creating a strong visual language driven by passion and identity. Also, today, the discussions with industry peers on innovation and future trends have been insightful, and I hope these ideas inspire the next generation of designers to embrace both creativity and functionality.”

Prof. Bhaskar Bhatt, Dean, School of Design UPES, said, “Having a designer of Maurizio Corbi’s calibre with us was a significant milestone. His extensive experience has offered our students priceless industry insights, strengthening our mission to integrate creativity with technology. We look forward to having more of such engagements that inspire and prepare our students to become leaders in the global design industry.”

Corbi’s expertise in harmonising form and function has set benchmarks in automotive design, making his visit to UPES a valuable experience for students keen to explore design intricacies. This collaboration reflects UPES’ commitment to global industry engagement and its reputation as a forward-thinking design school that blends creativity with technology. Starting in 2026, all senior studio projects will be mentored or sponsored by industry partners. Students gain global exposure through exchange programs and study tours to countries such as the UK, France, Japan, and Korea. They also secure internships with top brands like Hero MotoCorp, Accenture, LTI Mindtree, Maruti-Suzuki Ltd and more.

In a competitive market where fragrance is perceived as a luxury that comes with a hefty price tag, Aromahpure has raised the bar by showing that premium fragrances can be both high-quality and affordable. In just two years since its debut in 2022, Aromahpure has earned the trust and admiration of over one million customers, securing a stronghold in India’s fragrance industry. The brand has successfully bridged the gap by offering an array of home and car fragrances that combine style, functionality, and affordability. The brand currently offers 60+ products across both categories, from soothing fragrance oils, candles, and diffusers for the home to a wide selection of car fragrances, including best-selling products like hanging pods, flakes, and Hunny Bunny, meeting diverse customer needs.

 Speaking about the milestone, Akshit Mittal, Founder and Director of Aromahpure, shared a few words, stating, “Our journey started with a simple yet powerful belief – fragrance is not a luxury, but an essential part of everyday life. With our “Khushboo Zaroori Hai” campaign, we’ve aimed to showcase the power of fragrance to influence emotions and transform the ambiance of any space. Reaching 1 million satisfied customers validates our mission, and we’re excited to expand the positive impact of fragrance for more people.”

 Aromahpure has achieved remarkable success thanks to its wide variety of products at affordable prices and its unwavering dedication to formulating long-lasting, safe fragrances. Its IFRA-compliant formulations are a testament to the brand’s commitment to safety, ensuring each product is safe for all. By focusing on both quality and affordability, Aromahpure has built a loyal and expanding customer base across India.

 The brand’s online success has been a key driver of its rapid growth, and it is now eager to reach even more customers through a wider range of channels. Currently, Aromahpure sells its products across multiple e-commerce platforms, including its website, Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, as well as quick-commerce platforms like Zepto and Swiggy Instamart.

 While online sales have been a cornerstone of Aromahpure’s growth, the brand’s expansion isn’t limited to the digital world. Aromahpure has also ventured into brick-and-mortar retail, with select car dealerships in the Delhi NCR region. With these efforts, Aromahpure is set to become a well-established omnichannel brand, seamlessly blending online and offline experiences for its customers.

 Aromahpure’s growth story is an inspiring one, with a clear vision for the future. By remaining dedicated to offering high-quality, long-lasting products at accessible prices, the brand has created a loyal customer base that continues to expand. With its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and widespread availability through online and offline channels, Aromahpure is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the ambient fragrance industry, offering a diverse range of fragrances for homes and cars that meet the needs of all consumers.

Bengaluru, March 1, 2025 – Redseer Strategy Consultants has released its latest logistics report titled “Delivering the future: How New-Age Logistics is Transforming Brand Success”, shedding light on the role of logistics in driving growth for brands in India’s retail and e-commerce markets. The report underscores how the logistics sector, particularly third-party logistics (3PL) providers, is becoming indispensable in navigating the increasingly complex distribution networks of brands and delves into the complexities of distribution networks and the technological innovations reshaping logistics operations.

 India’s Consumer Market: A $1+ Trillion Opportunity
India is set to become the world’s third-largest consumer economy, set to cross $3.5 Tn in private consumption in the next 5 years. The country’s consumer base is highly diverse, requiring brands to adapt to varied consumption patterns. By FY34, branded retail—both traditional and new age—will account for over 50% of the total retail market unlocking a $1+ trillion opportunity from brands, which is almost 4x of today.

 E-commerce is also set for remarkable growth, with a minimum $100-120 billion incremental opportunity projected over the next five years, driven by multiple constructs including traditional e-commerce (across models like value commerce, vertical commerce and same day delivery) along with quick commerce and brand.com. Brand.com is expected to grow to >$20 Bn in GMV by FY29 given the continued importance of the channel and brand investments made therein. Further, rise of Tier 2+ city consumers is also going to share the consumption landscape dramatically for brands and marketplaces alike.

 Growing distribution complexities for brands and role of 3PLs
As India’s branded and online retail markets expand, the report highlights the increasing complexity of distribution networks such as omnichannel platforms, D2C storefronts, E-Com/Q-Com warehouses and storefronts, dark stores and the indispensable role of 3PL providers.

 ● Growing Network Complexity: Distribution models have evolved from linear structures to intricate networks comprising omnichannel platforms, D2C storefronts, e-commerce warehouses, and quick-commerce hubs.
● Distribution Challenges for New Age Brands: Up-and-coming new-age brands face unique challenges- including supplying goods to over 100 warehouses across distribution partners, managing fluctuating demand across channels with different timeline and fleet, navigating low-demand volumes in certain channels, leading to partial truckloads, parcel deliveries and low fill rates that pressure margins. Further, handling unplanned and non-transparent returns also put pressure on 3PL supply chains and needs support from the right 3PL partners.
● Growing need for Delivery Timeliness combined with Reach- The demand for faster deliveries is rising across all categories, increasing complexity for 3PLs and in-house logistics providers. This puts pressure on them to deliver more sophisticated, timely solutions that meet consumer expectations for speed across different city tiers and pin codes.

 “3PL providers are an important pillar for Retail and E-commerce growth in India,” said Mrigank Gutgutia, Partner at Redseer Strategy Consultants. “Brands and 3PL providers must work collaboratively to address the rising complexities of multichannel distribution, ensuring consistent and seamless customer experiences across channels and geographies and scalable operations.”

 He further added that, “They are key to enabling brands to scale effectively. Their ability to offer services like express parcel delivery, hyperlocal fulfillment and seamless integration with brand operations ensures timely and reliable delivery. Leading 3PLs are setting benchmarks by providing extensive pin-code coverage, advanced supply chain technology, and customizable solutions for brands across categories.”

 Importance of choosing the right 3PL partners for brands
Redseer’s report indicates that outbound logistics have become increasingly challenging for brands to manage in-house. Third-party logistics providers play a vital role in meeting rapid delivery timelines, managing returns, and ensuring consistent customer experiences across channels. Annual logistics spending by brands is projected to exceed $50 billion by FY29 – almost twice that of FY 24, underscoring the importance of efficient supply chain management.

 The report further delves deeper into the major challenges faced by brands across categories in dealing with 3PLs and the suggested strategic selection approach of 3PL partners for new-age brands.

 Basis Redseer’s research with new age brands, they have the option of choosing multiple 3PL players in the market, each of which brings a unique value proposition to the table. For example, the study indicated that as per brands Delhivery had robust strengths in ‘Delivery Timeliness’, ‘Geographical Coverage’ and ‘Shipment Protection’ metrics and emerged as the most well-rounded player across the key need areas as perceived by brands. While strengths of Bluedart in ‘Delivery Timeliness’ and ‘Shipment Protection’ were also highlighted. Whereas for Ecom Express, ‘Competitive Pricing’ and ‘Geographical Coverage’ emerged as key strength areas.

 This evaluation reaffirms the importance of balancing reach, speed and delivery timeliness with right pricing to effectively cater to brands. It further serves as a timely reminder of the dynamic strengths present across the 3PL landscape and the need for brands to partner with the right 3PL player basis their growth aspirations.

Mumbai, 1st March 2025: Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business to enhance energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy. This initiative is a key step under ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise’, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. As part of the partnership, up to 13.6 MW of solar power will be installed across six major Bisleri International plants in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “Our collaboration with Schneider Electric underscores our commitment to sustainable solutions and the economic benefits of renewable energy. The project is set to increase Bisleri’s green energy usage to nearly 33% while improving energy efficiency by 2.5% across its manufacturing plants. Additionally, this initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 16,000 tons per year, further advancing Bisleri’s sustainability goals”.

Adding to this, Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, shared, “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to enabling businesses to reduce their environmental footprint by embracing cleaner and smarter energy solutions. Our Sustainability division has been a pioneer in enhancing energy efficiency across sectors. Our association with Bisleri International will further optimize the use of renewable energy. We congratulate Bisleri in their quest to become a Green Yodha for the planet. Collaborations like these are pivotal for a sustainable future, and by integrating innovative energy solutions, we will collaborate with Bisleri to bolster efficiency and foster a sustainable future for all.”

As part of ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise’, the company has already deployed rooftop solar panels that generate 2.5% of its energy from renewable sources. Furthermore, Phase 1 of the lightweighting of PET bottles has successfully reduced the company’s CO2 footprint by 15,000 tons per year.

New Delhi, 1 March 2025 – Country of Chief Mass, a premium car manufacturing company, received the iconic “Great Place to Work” certification for the period from February 2025 to February 2026. This recognition highlights the company’s unbreakable commitment to creating a faith-based, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture, where employees feel valued, powerful, and inspired.

With over 92% of employees from nationwide corporate, regional, and plant offices participating, this achievement reflects India’s employee-friendly policies, which prioritize the all-round professional development of its employees.

Commenting on this achievement, Shri Guanggu, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, said, “Receiving the ‘Great Place to Work’ recognition is a proud moment for all of us. Our customer-focused, people-centric approach, combined with a team culture that is rooted in collaboration and trust, is what makes our working style unique. This certification is proof of our continuous journey. We are committed to listening to our people, learning from their insights, and investing in their development, which has helped make Kia India one of the most inspirational workplaces. Our mission is clear: to redefine mobility through innovation and development, and build a workplace culture that remains unshakable.”

The authentication process followed the Great Place to Work® model, which evaluates five key dimensions of workplace culture: trustworthiness, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. Kia India excelled in all these areas, demonstrating a strong commitment to employee participation, welfare, and excellence. Kia India is now one of the select few automobile manufacturers to receive this prestigious recognition.

1 March 2025

Healthy cash accruals to fund expansion plans; credit profiles to remain stable

Private hospitals in India will increase their capacity by over ~4,000 beds next fiscal, at an investment of ~Rs 11,500 crore, after an aggressive addition of around ~6,000 beds this fiscal. The bed addition in just these two fiscals will equal those added between fiscals 2020 and 2024.

A Crisil Ratings analysis of 91 private hospitals, with a combined revenue of about ~Rs 64,000 crore last fiscal, indicates as much.

For the record, private hospitals account for ~63% of the sectoral revenue in India. Over fiscals 2020-2024, private hospitals clocked a compound annual growth rate of ~18% in revenue and healthy operating profitability of ~18%, ensuring strong cash flow. Their strong performance and the relatively low bed capacity per person in India vis-a-vis developed and developing nations has spurred substantial investments through private equity and initial public offerings (IPOs). This has strengthened balance sheets and enabled hospitals to pursue ambitious bed additions without materially impacting their credit profiles.

Says Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, Crisil Ratings, “With occupancy close to the peak of 65-70% and continued demand for quality healthcare, private hospitals are investing ~Rs 25,000 crore this fiscal and the next, nearly 80% higher than the average annual investment in the previous four fiscals. Three-fourths of the capex will be funded through internal accruals. Plus, healthy return metrics have attracted a substantial investment of Rs 55,000-60,000 crore from private equity and equity markets since fiscal 2022.”

Half of the new beds will come from greenfield expansions, highlighting significant investment in new healthcare infrastructure. About 40% will comprise brownfield development, focusing on modernising and optimising existing facilities. The remaining 10% will result from large players taking over under-construction hospitals and small and mid-sized hospitals, reinforcing organic growth efforts.

Says Naren Kartic.K, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings, “The large proportion of greenfield expansion poses risks related to timely completion and ramp-up in occupancies. However, given that ~70% of these projects are in metropolitan/Tier 1 cities, where hospitals reach optimal occupancy and breakeven in 12-15 months, the pressure on profitability and associated return metrics is likely to be limited. Moreover, recent equity raises have strengthened balance sheets, allowing for absorption of capex debt without materially impacting debt protection metrics.”

Interest coverage ratio and total debt to Ebitda1, both key debt protection metrics, are expected to stay healthy at ~8.0 times and ~1.2 times, respectively, mirroring last year’s performance and lending stability to credit profiles.

While healthy demand for quality healthcare should keep occupancy high despite the bed addition, the ability of hospitals to sustain operating profitability and regulatory changes will remain monitorable in the road ahead.

1 March, 2025: Oven Story, from the house of Rebel Foods, the world’s largest Internet restaurant company, has announced the launch of its flagship store at Pili Kothi, Moradabad, UP. This is the third such flagship outlet after its launches in Patna and Anand last year.

Attributed to the city’s growing enthusiasm for new food missions, coupled with a growing appetite for pizza, Oven Story’s Moradabad outlet covers an area of 1,600 square feet, designed to provide an inviting dine-in experience, with takeaway and delivery services too built in. This launch marks a milestone for Oven Story, bringing its delicious and innovative pizza offerings to one of the fastest-growing markets in India.

Commenting on the launch of the outlet, Raghav Joshi, Co-Founder, Rebel Foods, stated, “We are delighted to open our third flagship store in Moradabad after Patna and Anand. Our vision is to create spaces where Indians come together to enjoy our unique topping pizzas and make Oven Story the go-to place for gatherings. This store marks further growth of our expansion plan, and we look forward to bringing Oven Story to over 200 stores across India soon.”

The Moradabad Oven Story store has many exciting offers, such as free garlic bread and a free cheese burst upgrade for dine-in customers. Staying true to its commitment of quality and freshness, customers of this outlet too will witness pizzas being served hot in a pan. With its commitment to growth strategy and aim to open over 200 stores over the next two years, Rebel Foods’ focus is sharp on Tier I & Tier II cities. The ambitious expansion plan reflects the firm’s dedication to making its delectable pizzas accessible to more consumers across India. With this launch, Oven Story also plans to bring an enhanced customer service experience with diverse topping options such as Dragonfire, Feta, Pesto, Veggie Fantasy and an extra burst of cheese.