Archives April 2025

India, GURUGRAM – April 1st 2025: Samsung Electronics today announced the addition of the Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo1 — an All-in-One Washer and Electric Dryer with a 7-inch AI Home touchscreen – to its lineup of Bespoke AI Laundry appliances. The combined unit eliminates the need to transfer laundry between washing and drying, while also bringing fast drying performance and intelligent functionality that makes laundry remarkably convenient.

Samsung has continued to innovate in the laundry room to offer consumers a wide array of washer and dryer models for spaces of all sizes and layouts. The Bespoke AI Laundry Ventless Combo was a standout in 2024, as it raised the bar for all-in-one washer-dryers by eliminating the common performance sacrifices associated with the format. The new Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo builds on its innovation and success, giving consumers another stylish and convenient space-saving option.

“At Samsung, our mission is to create smart home solutions that make life easier, more efficient and more sustainable, elevating home space to the next level in both performance and style,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo brings exceptional time-saving efficiency to the laundry room in a compact all-in-one solution.”

Convenient, Time Saving Functionality

The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is a powerful model that washes and dries clothes completely in a single machine in just 68 minutes2 when using the Super Speed cycle. Its roomy 5.3 cu. ft. Ultra Capacity drum lets users do more laundry in a single load, and its vented design uses the internal heater and fan to move hot air through clothes and vent out moisture, ensuring clothes are always dried quickly and thoroughly. For even more convenience, the Vented Combo can simply swap out the currently installed washer and electric vented dryer.

And with Samsung’s AI Bubble™ technology, users can enjoy clean clothes, cycle after cycle. Water, air and detergent combine to create a cleansing foam that seeps into fabrics for an effective wash. To tackle tough stains without spending time pretreating them, the Steam Wash cycle comes into action. The drum releases steam to thoroughly saturate every item in the load and ensure an effective deep clean.

Effortless Operation

Like the other products in Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry lineup, the Vented Combo automates the process of washing and drying clothes, streamlining laundry routine and making it faster, easier experiences. Its intuitive 7-inch AI Home display is simple to use and gives a quick access to the Combo’s settings for effortless operation. And for those busy moments when the user is multi-tasking or has their hands full, convenient Voice Control capabilities let them give commands to turn the Combo on or off, access settings and more.3

Samsung’s AI Opti Wash & Dry™ technology uses powerful AI sensors to detect soil levels and fabrics, automatically adjusting settings as needed during the cycle to deliver a better wash and dry.4 For added convenience, the Flex Auto Dispense System automatically dispenses up to 47 loads5 of detergent — or users can choose to split the compartment, so it dispenses up to 34 loads of fabric softener and 25 loads of detergent. And when the clothes are finished drying, the Auto Open Door pops open, allowing leftover moisture to evaporate, preventing unpleasant, musty odor so clothes are fresh and dry when taken out.

And with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, users can also get end-of-cycle alerts and remotely start, stop or delay the Combo from their mobile phone, using the SmartThings app.

Innovations To Improve Energy Efficiency

The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is engineered for seamless sustainable living. As an ENERGY STAR® Certified washer-dryer, it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for delivering energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation.7

SmartThings Energy allows them to monitor power consumption and estimate their monthly electricity bill for improved control over their energy usage.8 They can also turn on AI Energy Mode9 to have the Vented Combo automatically optimize its energy consumption and reduce usage by up to 30%.10 The Vented Combo is also equipped with Samsung’s Less Microfiber™ cycle setting, which allows users to gently clean synthetic textiles while reducing 39% of microfibers released into the ocean.11

India, April 1st, 2025: – AGI Greenpac Limited, India’s largest manufacturer of container glass, today announced setting up of a state-of-the-art greenfield, high-output and high-efficiency manufacturing plant in Madhya Pradesh with capital expenditure outlay of ~₹700 Crore. This expansion will increase the company’s container glass manufacturing production capacity by ~25% to meet the rising demand for high-quality glass packaging products.

The new plant, designed with a planned daily production capacity of 500 tonnes, will produce commercial glass for key sectors including alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, and food. AGI Greenpac anticipates commencing commercial production within 24 months. The timeline demonstrates the company’s commitment to efficient project execution and rapid market responsiveness.

Madhya Pradesh provides AGI Greenpac a strategic advantage through its central location, robust infrastructure, and readily available raw materials. These combined benefits will significantly enhance AGI Greenpac’s container glass production capabilities and support its strategic expansion across India.

Commenting on the investment, Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman and Managing Director of AGI Greenpac Limited, stated, “Madhya Pradesh’s favorable business environment and strategic location aligns with our growth strategy. This state-of-the-art plant will enable us to meet the rising demand for tailored glass packaging solutions, providing our customers with enhanced quality products and will further expand our share in the Indian container glass market.”

The facility will expand AGI Greenpac’s geographical spread, integrating advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainable practices, demonstrating the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term growth. This expansion strengthens the company’s manufacturing footprint, complementing its existing glass plants in Telangana.

Mumbai, 1 April 2025: Bajel Projects Limited, a Bajaj Group company and a leader in power transmission and distribution solutions, has announced the successful commissioning of two significant 400kV transmission line projects including Raipur Pool – Dhamtari (CKT-I & CKT-II) and Navsari – Magarwada (CKT-I & CKT-II). With proven expertise, the firm has executed both power projects under challenging conditions.

Commissioned on March 22, 2025, the Raipur Pool – Dhamtari transmission line spans 88.65 km. It involved the supply and installation of specialised 400kV Dwarf Towers, enabling seamless execution in space-restricted locations. Despite numerous challenges such as Right-of-Way constraints, waterlogged areas, and high-voltage crossings, the project was delivered seamlessly.

Similarly, the Navsari – Magarwada transmission line, spanning 44 km commissioned for Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL), achieved an outstanding 1.5 million safe man-hours last week. The project, delivered ahead of schedule, maintained the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety despite complex terrain and stringent optimisation criteria.

Commenting on the success Mr. Rajesh Ganesh, MD and CEO, of Bajel Projects said, “Our proficiency in EXECUTION positions us as a trusted partner for our customers as we ensure efficiency, quality and safety at every stage. With the latest technology, best-in-class practices, and a relentless pursuit of progress, we shall continue to set new benchmarks.

He added, “The two projects are part of our continuous commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable EXECUTION in power transmission for furthering the energy sector in India.”

As India accelerates its transformation capacity, the projects aim to strengthen the power grid and its ability to support increased power flows. It plays a vital role in helping India achieve its ambitious target of adding 1,274 GVA of transformation capacity by 2032. This is in line with the National Electricity Plan (Transmission) by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to convene on April 7, 8, and 9, 2025, to assess the current economic landscape and determine the direction of interest rates. Experts and industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the meeting, as any decision regarding a potential change in the repo rate could have significant implications for borrowing costs, market liquidity, and overall economic momentum. The outcome of this review will play a crucial role in shaping financial and investment strategies across various sectors.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 6%, in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. This move is aimed at stimulating consumption and driving economic growth. A lower policy rate serves as a catalyst for increased borrowing, encouraging more individuals to invest in home purchases, thereby boosting demand in the housing market.

However, the actual impact of this rate cut will largely depend on how effectively and swiftly commercial banks transmit the RBI’s policy decision to borrowers. For the intended benefits to materialize, the transmission of the reduced rates must be both faster and smoother. Ensuring a seamless and timely pass-through of the rate cut will lead to a higher demand for retail loans, including home loans, ultimately benefiting the real estate sector and contributing positively to overall economic expansion.”

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “In the upcoming Monetary Policy Review Meeting, the first MPC meeting of FY26, the Apex Bank is expected to further support the economy and borrowers by reducing the policy rate by 25 basis points, bringing the repo rate closer to 6%. This anticipated rate cut would not only inject more liquidity into the market but also stimulate borrowing and spending, leading to increased economic activity. The housing sector, in particular, stands to benefit significantly, as lower interest rates would further reduce home loan EMIs, making homeownership more affordable for a larger section of buyers. The expected policy rate cut is likely to sustain the strong sales momentum in the housing sector in the upcoming quarter.”

Mr. Udit Jain, director, ONE Group Developers, said, “Home loans play a pivotal role in home buying, particularly for end-users, as the majority rely on financing to purchase their dream homes. A reduction in interest rates directly impacts affordability, making homeownership more accessible and boosting demand across all segments of the housing market.

A sustained decline in interest rates is expected to act as a catalyst for the residential real estate sector in FY 2025-26. Lower home loan rates will not only reduce the overall cost of borrowing but also enhance loan eligibility, encouraging more buyers—both first-time homeowners and upgraders—to enter the market. Additionally, with increasing urbanization and strong demand for quality housing in metro and Tier II cities, favorable lending conditions will further accelerate the growth of the housing sector in the coming year.”

Mr. Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Developers, said, “Real estate demand continues to remain robust, particularly in the high-end and luxury segments, driven by strong investor confidence and rising aspirations for premium living. The anticipated softening of home loan interest rates is expected to further fuel this momentum, making homeownership more attractive for both end-users and investors.

In the last MPC meeting, the RBI Governor indicated that macroeconomic conditions are aligning favorably, paving the way for further measures to support economic growth. A repo rate cut is one such key intervention that could significantly impact borrowing costs. Economists and market experts anticipate an additional reduction of 25 to 50 basis points in the upcoming monetary policy review, which, if implemented, will provide further stimulus to the housing market by enhancing affordability and improving loan eligibility for buyers.”

Mr. Raoul Kapoor, Co-CEO, Andromeda Sales and Distribution Pvt Ltd, said, “We anticipate further rate cuts in the upcoming RBI monetary policy review in April, given the continued decline in inflation and improved liquidity conditions. The RBI’s rate cut cycle, which began with a 25-basis point reduction in February, is expected to see another cut of approximately 50 basis points in April, with the possibility of an additional cut in the June review meeting.

Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs for consumers, thereby increasing their affordability and eligibility for loans. If the RBI proceeds with a 50-basis point rate cut in April, coupled with the previous 25-basis point cut in February, the cumulative reduction in repo rates will stand at 75 basis points (0.75%). This will have a significant impact on home loan borrowers.”

India, 1 April 2025: inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has redefined mobility in India through its unique model. The company has pioneered the ‘Set your Fare and Choose your Driver’ in India, which allows passengers to decide the price, driver, and type of vehicle, irrespective of the smartphone model, battery time, and other parameters. This is unlike other ride-hailing services, where pricing is determined by AI models and algorithms. Global ride hailing giants and homegrown startups in India are now adopting inDrive’s model which is a testament to its astounding success.

The company clocked a 18% year-on-year (Y-O-Y) increase in rides across India in 2024. The company attributes its success to its unique model which ensures greater customer satisfaction compared to other models.

Pavit Nanda Anand, Communication Lead-APAC, inDrive said: “We launched inDrive in India 6 years back with the ‘Set your Fare and Choose your Driver’ model. inDrive was the first ride hailing player in the market to bring such a feature which enables people to offer their fare and choose the drivers based on driver ratings, vehicle model, pick up time and distance. The Indian consumer has shown a strong preference for this feature, which provides fare flexibility and customized ride options. It’s inspiring to see that both established RH giants and emerging Indian RH startups are recognizing the value of this unique feature and are exploring similar features to achieve their product-market fit. inDrive remains the pioneer of the fair pricing model, making it the second most downloaded app globally and the fifth most downloaded app in the travel category.”

inDrive has been the world’s second-most downloaded ride-hailing app for the third year in a row, according to leading market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. It also ranks as the fifth most downloaded app globally in the travel category. Globally, the inDrive app was downloaded over 6.1 million times in December 2024 alone.

“inDrive is built on fairness, creating an ecosystem where both passengers and drivers thrive. They decide the price and choose their ride themselves. This is the reason why our users, both passengers and drivers love us and every ride with inDrive is a happy ride.” she added.

India, 1st April 2025 – Society Tea, a brand synonymous with excellence and tradition, proudly announces its partnership with Indian billiards sensation Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja) as he competes on the global stage at the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) Championship, set to take place from April 12 to 16, 2025, in Ireland. In a gesture of unwavering support, Raja will sport the Society Tea logo on his waistcoat, symbolizing a bond that goes beyond sponsorship—one of trust, encouragement, and shared values.

Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja), a name that stands out in the Indian cue sports arena, has carved an inspiring journey marked by unwavering dedication and skill. Rising from local circuits to representing India on the global stage, he embodies perseverance and excellence. Remarkably, Raja is among the very few sportsmen who, despite facing multiple disabilities, competes against the world’s top able-bodied cueists, demonstrating exceptional resilience and determination.

Chintan Shah, Director, Society Tea, expressed his enthusiasm for the association, “Raja is more than just a champion in his sport—he is family. We have seen his journey up close, and supporting him as he represents India on the global stage is an absolute honor. At Society Tea, we believe in standing by our own, and Raja is a perfect example of that. We are proud to support him in this journey and look forward to celebrating his achievements as he represents India at the IBSF Championship.”

Expressing his gratitude, Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja) said, “India has secured an impressive 45 World Championships in the twin sports of Billiards and Snooker, showcasing its rich legacy of excellence. It is truly commendable that Society Tea is stepping forward to support and promote this magnificent sport, setting an example for corporate backing in the sporting arena.”

From dressing your best to gifting your loved ones with special eidi, Rangriti celebrates joy and happiness with its beautiful Eid collection that is a combination of unique ethnic, contemporary fusion wear, and Indo-Western styles. Celebrations become even more special and memorable with the fashionable silhouettes and voguish designs that enriches your ethnic vibe. From dazzling mix-and-match, stylish traditional, all-time classics, dresses, festive wear, and matching bottoms, Rangriti is one stop destination for all your festive shopping experiences.

The Colour of Hope

Your Eid celebrations come to a climax when you dress for the D-day in Rangriti’s Emerald Green Embroidered Anarkali Kurta Set. The lightweight Chanderi fabric and intricate embroidery flow gracefully for a flattering silhouette. Ideal for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, this set steals the show with its stunning amalgamation of traditional craftsmanship and modern flair.

The Colour of Excitement

Make your rozas brighter with our Red Tiered Color Block Kurta Set that is not just comfortable but also gives off a luxurious look. The Chanderi fabric in vibrant hues with elegant embellishments creates a sophisticated and polished aesthetic. The complementary churidaar and a printed dupatta make your celebrations even more grand and opulent.

While some stumble upon their passion, others seem born for it—like Aditya Syal, who plays Vyom in Ishq Jabariya on Sun Neo. Aditya’s journey into entertainment began long before he stepped onto a television set, and he recently shared how it all started.

Speaking about the artistic influence his family had on him, Aditya said, “My father was involved in theatre in Nainital, working with renowned artists such as Nirmal Pandey and acclaimed NSD actors like Idris Malik. So, I grew up in a household filled with creativity. Since childhood, I’ve been doing voice-overs, mimicking famous actors, capturing their voices, and closely observing people around me. Sometimes, I would mimic Amitabh Bachchan, sometimes Farhan Akhtar, and sometimes even my teachers and friends. My journey started with imitation, but over time, I became serious about acting.”

Recalling an early moment that ignited his passion, Aditya shared a fond childhood memory: “When I was in fifth grade, I visited Mumbai during my holidays. At the time, there was a popular show called Boogie Woogie, and my father’s friend, who was a writer for the show, noticed my playful nature. He said, ‘Your son is very mischievous; I think he should say a fun punchline about Nag Panchami as a filler with Javed Jaffrey and Naved.’ I was thrilled and immediately agreed! When I performed, it was done perfectly in just one take. That day, I felt an undeniable excitement, a spark that hinted at my future in acting.”

The Ishq Jabariya actor also shared the moment he realized the power of being on screen: “After my three-month winter vacation in Mumbai, I returned to school, and my classmates told me, ‘Hey, we saw you on Boogie Woogie!’ That was the moment I understood how even a small appearance on television could leave an impact. I thought, ‘If such a tiny role can make a difference, imagine what would happen if I pursued this seriously.’ Thankfully, my family supported me. My mother was also into English theatre—she performed in plays by Anton Chekhov and Shakespeare and had a passion for modeling as well. So, I guess, from both sides, art and creativity were always in my blood.”

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 10:00 PM, is an engaging love story centered around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Dipshikkha Nagpal, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup:

• The annual Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 is India’s premier polo tournament, attracting some of the finest players from both India and around the world.
• This prestigious event honors the late Shri Aditya Vikram Birla’s deep passion for horse riding and polo and was created to celebrate his love for the sport. In 2018, the Aditya Birla Group, in collaboration with the Amateur Riders Club, launched an annual National Polo Championship to inspire polo enthusiasts both in India and globally, fostering a greater appreciation for this magnificent game.
• Over the years, the Annual Championship has evolved into a prestigious tournament, attracting numerous dignitaries and celebrities.
• For the 2025 finals of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup, the Aditya Birla Group has partnered with the Army Polo & Riding Centre in New Delhi.

 Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025: the game

• The Grand Finale of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 was nothing short of thrilling, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The esteemed trophy was lifted by the Rajnigandha Achievers consisting of Dino
• Dhankhar, Shamsheer Ali, Abhimanyu Pathak, Bk Mr Daniel Otamendi after a fiercely contested match against Jindal Panther.
• The coveted cup was presented to the winning team, Rajnigandha Achievers, by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Honourable Vice President of India, Mrs Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiative and Rural Development and Mr Askaran Agarwala, Group Advisor, Birla Group Trusts and special community projects.
• Jindal Panther team consisted of Naveen Jindal (captain), Hurr Ali, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Bk Mr JP Clarkin
  This year’s edition featured three teams battling it out, with polo enthusiasts cheering for their favourite team.
• Participating teams included Jindal Panther, Rajnigandha Achievers, and Cavalry Royal Enfield.