Archives May 2025

Chennai, India – Brigade Enterprises Limited, the flagship company of Brigade Group and a leading real estate developer headquartered in Bengaluru, has further cemented its presence in Chennai with the acquisition of a prime 5.41-acre land parcel in Velachery, Chennai – one of the city’s most sought-after micro-markets. The deal was facilitated by Knight Frank India, the exclusive transaction advisor. The project will have a gross development value (GDV) of approximately INR1,600 Crore, with a development potential of 0.8 million square feet. The transaction value of the acquisition is INR 441.70 Crores.

This land acquisition marking another milestone in Brigade’s aggressive expansion strategy for Chennai, which is now the group’s second-largest market after Bengaluru. Strategically positioned, the project will offer seamless connectivity to both the IT Corridor of OMR, and the Central Business District (CBD), making it an ideal choice for those seeking convenience and accessibility. Brigade Group’s commitment to quality and innovation will be reflected in the signature residences that seamlessly blend aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Residents will also enjoy a host of premium amenities.

Key developments in the city by Brigade Group include:

• Brigade World Trade Centre and Tech Boulevard
• Brigade Altius- recently launched in Sholinganallur about 6.5 acres
• Brigade Xanadu – recently completed township in Mogappair about 33 acres
• Brigade Icon on Mount Road, a mixed-use development acquired from TVS in early 2022

These projects reflect Brigade’s multi-sector strategy, spanning residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality segments.

 Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Enterprises Ltd. said, “Chennai has grown into our second largest market after consistent and strategic investment in business development. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to expanding our footprint in the city with a focus on marquee land parcels in excellent locations. Our aim is to address the strong demand for thoughtfully designed high-quality residential spaces that resonate with the aspirations of modern consumers. Velachery’s prime location and connectivity make it an ideal choice for creating a vibrant community, aligning with our vision of delivering exceptional living experiences.”

Dineshkumar R. Mishra, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Finance, Audit and Legal, Raptakos Brent & Co., “We are pleased that The Brigade Enterprises Ltd. has acquired this trophy land in the heart of Chennai as this will unlock great value. The Brigade Group is well known for their landmark edifices across major cities in India and we expect that this purchase will make a great addition to their portfolio. Also, want to acknowledge the role that Knight Frank India Pvt. Ltd have played as our partners in this venture.”

Reshmi Panicker, Executive Director, Land and Residential Services, Knight Frank India, commented “Chennai has emerged as a strategic hotspot for leading South India-focused developers. This transaction highlights the increasing appetite for premium locations backed by strong infrastructure and long-term residential demand. The city is firmly on the radar for serious institutional capital and branded players, making a strong case for sustained residential investment.”  

Gaurav Lal, Executive Director, Knight Frank India further added, “The trust a brand like Brigade commands, combined with marquee locations such as this acquisition near a prominent mall and ongoing developments like Brigade Icon on Mount Road, reflects the growing confidence in Chennai’s residential potential. At Knight Frank India, we are delighted to have facilitated a transaction that aligns so closely with the city’s upward trajectory and the group’s vision.”

New Delhi, May 15, 2025 – Aksum Trademart, a Delhi-based B2B supply chain-as-a-service (SCaaS) platform, reported ₹332 crore in revenue for FY24-25, reflecting a 38% year-on-year growth, while maintaining profitability at the PAT level. Since its inception in FY22, Aksum’s topline has grown 27×.

The company’s growth stems from its expanding geographic footprint—now spanning over 40 cities across India—and an ever-broadening product portfolio. During FY24-25, Aksum delivered over 600 unique SKUs across categories including steel, scrap, chemicals, polymers, MRO items, and construction materials, solidifying its position as a one-stop procurement partner for manufacturing and infrastructure clients.

In the same period, Aksum deepened its focus on infrastructure-oriented offerings, introducing construction products such as HDPE pipes, aggregates, and other building materials to meet rising market demand. The company also made strategic inroads into India’s booming infrastructure sector and is actively pursuing EXIM (cross-border) trade opportunities to unlock new markets and revenue streams.

Investments in digital platforms and mobile apps have played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and stakeholder collaboration—seamlessly connecting vendors, logistics partners, customers, and financial institutions. Aksum’s commitment to sustainability remains a defining pillar: its scrap and secondary steel verticals continue to contribute over 50% of overall revenue, advancing circular-economy principles alongside strong unit economics.

To reinforce its institutional framework, Aksum appointed Grant Thornton as its statutory auditor, underscoring its dedication to governance and transparency. Strategic partnerships with leading banks—SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Yes Bank—have built a resilient financial ecosystem that supports both clients and suppliers.

Aksum’s SME-first approach enables small and medium enterprises to integrate seamlessly into its supply chain, granting them access to scalable procurement, financing, and logistics solutions. According to Co-Founder Sumit Bhatia, “Our 38% YoY growth in FY24-25 demonstrates the growing demand for reliable, technology-enabled supply chains. As we move into FY25-26, we remain focused on expanding into high-impact sectors, doubling our revenue, and delivering value through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.”

With a strong foundation, widening market reach, and a clear roadmap, Aksum is poised to achieve its 2X revenue growth target in FY25-26 and further cement its leadership in the B2B SCaaS space.

The global food and beverage industry has witnessed an accelerating shift towards health-centric ingredients and nutritional awareness among consumers. One such rising trend is the increasing demand for fermented sweeteners, which are gaining significant traction among health-conscious individuals seeking alternatives to traditional sugars. These naturally derived sweeteners are emerging as an attractive solution, offering both reduced caloric content and digestive benefits. As the emphasis on wellness and preventive healthcare rises, the fermented sweeteners market is experiencing robust growth, driven by changing lifestyles and evolving consumer preferences.

The global fermented sweeteners market was bustling with growth in the historical period assessment and growing at a rate of 6.0% between 2019 and 2024. According to Persistence Market Research, this market value increased and registered sales of US$ 1,364.4 Mn in the year 2025

Understanding Fermented Sweeteners

Fermented sweeteners are natural sugar substitutes produced through fermentation processes involving microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria, or fungi. This process breaks down sugars or carbohydrates into simpler compounds, often resulting in sweeteners that offer fewer calories and a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar. These sweeteners include ingredients like erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit fermented extracts, and fermented stevia, which are commonly used in low-sugar and sugar-free product formulations.

Key Drivers Behind Market Growth

• Rising Health Awareness: With increasing awareness about the adverse effects of high sugar consumption, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, consumers are actively seeking healthier alternatives. Fermented sweeteners offer a way to reduce sugar intake without compromising taste.
• Growing Demand for Clean Label Products: Consumers are prioritizing transparency in food production, pushing companies to use clean, natural, and minimally processed ingredients. Fermented sweeteners align well with the clean label movement due to their natural derivation and simple processing methods.
• Low Glycemic Index Benefits: Many fermented sweeteners do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making them ideal for diabetic consumers and those on low-carbohydrate diets. This characteristic is attracting a broad range of consumers who aim to maintain stable energy levels and overall metabolic health.
• Rise in Functional Foods: The demand for foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition is growing rapidly. Fermented sweeteners often carry prebiotic or gut-friendly attributes, enhancing their appeal in functional food categories such as protein bars, yogurts, and beverages.
• Popularity of Keto and Low-Carb Diets: Diet trends focusing on minimal carbohydrate intake, such as ketogenic and paleo diets, have driven the demand for non-glycemic and low-calorie sweeteners. Fermented sweeteners like erythritol are popular choices for such diets, contributing to their increasing market share.

Types of Fermented Sweeteners in Demand

• Erythritol: A sugar alcohol made through the fermentation of glucose, erythritol is known for its pleasant sweetness and low caloric content. It is widely used in beverages, baked goods, and confectionery due to its stability and mild taste profile.
• Xylitol: Derived from the fermentation

Mumbai 15 May, 2025: Target Learning Ventures, Pvt. Ltd, a well-known publishing house felicitated Akshada Anil Datir, an SSC Maharashtra Board student from Icon Paradise English School and Junior College at Paithan, Aurangabad, for her remarkable achievement of securing the first rank in English (First Language) subject in the entire state with a perfect score of 100 out of 100 marks. Target Learning Ventures also honoured her English teacher, Mr. B.R. Pathan, for this outstanding success. Representatives from Target Learning Ventures, Mr. R. D. Kulkarni, Regional Sales Manager and Raju Chavan, Business Development Officer, visited the school to congratulate Akshada, along with her respected principal, R. B. Ramawat, parents Anil and Swati Datir, and her English teacher. The President of the school’s trust (Vishal Bahudeshiya Pratishthan), Prof. Santosh Patil Tambe, also wished Akshada well for her bright future.

When asked how she achieved this accomplishment, Akshada said, “I used several books, including Target Learning Ventures’ materials, and solved many previous years’ question papers. This greatly helped me secure first place in English.”

Kolkata, West Bengal, May 15, 2025: The Board of Directors of Avadh Sugar & Energy Limited at its meeting held on 12th May, 2025 took on record the audited Financial Results for the Quarter and Full Year Ended 31st March 2025.

Mr. Chandra Shekhar Nopany,Co-Chairperson, Avadh Sugar & Energy Ltd

Financial Highlights:

Q4FY25

• Total Income in Q4FY25 at Rs.678 Cr as against Rs. 621 Cr in Q4FY24.
• EBITDA in Q4FY25 at Rs. 149 Cr as against Rs. 122 Cr in Q4FY24.
• PAT in Q4FY25 at Rs. 72 Cr as against Rs. 55 Cr in Q4FY24.

FY25

• Total Income in FY25 at Rs. 2639 Cr as against Rs. 2697 Cr in FY24.
• EBITDA in FY25 at Rs 280 Cr as against Rs. 334 Cr in FY24.
• PAT in FY25 at Rs. 88 Cr as against Rs. 128 Cr in FY24.
• The Board has recommended a Dividend of 100% of the Face Value, that is, Rs 10 per Equity Share for FY25.

Commenting on the results, Mr. C.S. Nopany, Co-Chairperson, Avadh Sugar & Energy Ltd said:

“With sugar production in Uttar Pradesh expected to decline due to lower yields and lower recoveries in the 2024-25 crushing season, but with strong opening stocks and higher anticipated production next season, India’s sugar industry is not only well-positioned to meet domestic needs but also to re-enter global markets confidently. We foresee a season of stability and opportunity, balancing export potential with assured supply for domestic consumers and ethanol blending programs.

At Avadh, while we acknowledge these near-term headwinds, we remain committed to sustainable growth with our ongoing capex program. We believe the sector can rebound strongly in the 2025–26 season and beyond”

Gurugram, India, May 15th, 2025: AGI Greenpac Limited, a leading Glass Container Company today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ending March 31, 2025.

AGI Greenpac Limited reported strong financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025, achieving Consolidated Revenue of ₹2529 crore, registering year-over-year growth of 5% compared to ₹2418 crore in FY24. The Company delivered EBITDA of ₹689 crore, an increase of 17% over ₹588 crore in the previous year, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 27%. Profit After Tax (PAT) for the year stood at ₹322 crore, up by 28% compared to ₹251 crore in FY24.

In the fourth quarter of FY25, the company continued its growth trajectory achieving Consolidated Revenue of ₹705 crore, a 13% increase compared to ₹622 crore in Q4 FY24. The Company’s EBITDA for the quarter stood at ₹191 crore, up 23% from ₹156 crore from the same period last year, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 27%. Profit After Tax (PAT) reached ₹97 crore, a significant 50% rise from ₹65 crore recorded in Q4 FY24.

AGI Greenpac Limited’s success in FY25 resulted from its strategic focus and careful execution in several key areas. The company enhanced its production capabilities through targeted debottlenecking, allowing it to meet growing demand effectively. Alongside these operational improvements, the company continued to strengthen its relationships with key customers while strategically growing its presence in the higher margin cosmetics, perfumery, and alcohol markets, leveraging its improved R&D and decoration facilities.

The Company proposed setting up of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Madhya Pradesh with a daily capacity of 500 tonnes, projected to increase the company’s production capacity by approximately 25%, with an investment of ~₹700 crore. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for glass packaging in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman and Managing Director, AGI Greenpac Limited said, ” Our strong performance this year reflects our focus on innovation, operational efficiencies, and delivering a premium product mix. Looking ahead, we are making strategic investments to enhance our capacity and better serve our customers. The proposed state-of-the-art in Madhya Pradesh will increase our current capacity by 25% and will help us in meeting the growing demand for high-quality glass containers in North India.”

He further added, “We will continue to seek opportunities aligned with our vision of pursuing profitable and return-accretive growth, with a strong focus on leveraging technology to make ourselves future-ready.”

Bengaluru, 14 May 2025 : KK Wind Solutions, a EUR 1 billion company owned by A.P. Moller Holding, has officially inaugurated a new factory and offices in Bengaluru, India. The expansion marks a major step in the company’s international growth strategy and its long-term commitment to supporting India’s renewable energy ambitions.

The new factory will be the company’s largest manufacturing facility in Asia, employing up to 400 people. The factory is now an integral part of KK Wind Solution’s global supply chain, servicing customers across the region and around the world.

The new site was inaugurated today at a formal ceremony attended Mr. Eske Bo Knudsen Rosenberg, Consul General of Denmark in Bengaluru, as well as partners, customers, and members of the KK global leadership team. The company also inaugurated a new office in the city of Bengaluru, where 150 employees will work in a global shared services function.

“India is an increasingly important hub in the global wind energy value chain, and Bengaluru was the clear obvious choice for our expansion in India. The city has renowned universities and technical institutes, and a large talent pool of engineering professionals.” said Mauricio Quintana, CEO of KK Wind Solutions. “With these new facilities, our supply chain is now even more global, enabling us to deliver high quality power control and converter solutions to our customers around the world.”

A growing commitment to India

The inauguration comes at a time of expanding cooperation between Denmark and India under the Green Strategic Partnership, which promotes joint innovation, sustainable development, and trade in green technologies. In India alone, meeting the country’s 2030 renewable energy target of 99 GW would mean a doubling of installed wind power capacity in just five years.

“As a global company founded in Denmark, we are proud to contribute to this partnership by creating jobs, transferring know-how, and accelerating clean energy adoption,” Mauricio Quintana added. “Together with our partners in India, we are engineering solutions for a renewable future.” 

“The expansion of KK Wind Solutions underlines the close green strategic partnership between India and Denmark. India is committed to the necessary green transition and has set ambitious renewable energy targets. From the Danish side, we are committed to working together with our Indian partners and the wind industry to help achieve these targets. The investment by KK Wind Solutions in a new factory and office facilities in Bengaluru with more than 500 jobs signifies India’s growing importance as a hub for clean technology manufacturing,” says Eske Bo Rosenberg, Consul General of Denmark in Bengaluru, India.

Expansion in Bengaluru

The investment in Bengaluru reflects KK Wind Solution’s strategic focus on building sustainable operations in close collaboration with local ecosystems — from suppliers and institutions to communities and talent. The site will support engineering, manufacturing, and customer services, tailored to meet growing demand in Asia and beyond.

KK Wind Solutions has been present in Bengaluru since 2017. The company operated an 11,000 m2 factory in the city that produced power converters and controls for the wind industry. The company’s recent growth and new business opportunities required the establishment of a new factory in the region.

The chosen site in Dobbaspet, in an industrial park on the outskirts of Bengaluru, presented the best location to build a new, larger facility of this size, benefiting from other international businesses located in the area.

The facility will become a key strategic manufacturing hub for the company, and its largest manufacturing facility in Asia. The site will create up to 400 jobs and have a significant economic contribution in Bengaluru.

In addition to the manufacturing facility in Dobbaspet, KK Wind Solutions has also opened a new office in the city of Bengaluru. The new office is three times larger than the company’s previous office and will enable the growth of the company’s global shared services function. 150 colleagues are expected to be employed at the city office.

Mumbai’s real estate sector is witnessing a new wave of growth, powered by major infrastructure enhancements—most notably, the newly operational Phase 2 of the Mumbai Metro Line 3. Also known as the Aqua Line, the 9.8 km stretch from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Worli has already begun transforming the city’s urban mobility and accessibility. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has indicated that the full 33.5 km corridor, stretching from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, is expected to be operational by August 2025. As the city makes strides toward a more interconnected future, Metro Line 3 is emerging as a key enabler of real estate expansion across both the island city and suburban zones.

The much-anticipated underground corridor has drastically reduced commute times and eased traffic congestion along the high-density north-south axis of Mumbai. Real estate consultants estimate that the areas flanking the metro line are expected to see a 10–15% rise in residential property values in the coming years, driven by the dual effect of enhanced liveability and improved transport infrastructure.

Highlighting the transformational scope of this infrastructure milestone, Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner of Sugee Group, observed, “Areas in South Mumbai like Dadar and Prabhadevi will benefit as residents will now have better access to the northern suburban belt and across the MMR region. This project will also spear economic growth and development along its route. This will enhance the appeal of neighborhoods in South Central Mumbai, potentially leading to an uptick in property prices and rental values.”

The impact of Metro Line 3 is not limited to the island city alone—it is expected to catalyze realty resurgence in the western suburbs as well. Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director of Transcon Developers, explained, “The Metro Line 3 along with the other metro links in the western suburbs will put the area on a realty growth track, catalyzing both residential and commercial growth. Improved connectivity will not only attract homebuyers looking for better work-life balance but also boost footfall and business potential for commercial establishments. Locations like Santacruz, Andheri and Malad are poised to witness renewed interest from end-users and investors alike, driving a new wave of real estate momentum.”

These developments are already influencing investment decisions, particularly in micro-markets strategically located near upcoming metro stations. A spokesperson from Chandak Group highlighted this shift, stating, “With the rise of premium residential developments, including luxury apartments and gated communities, locations like JB Nagar and Vile Parle are rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for professionals seeking both comfort and convenience. The new metro lines will further act as a game-changer for the real estate landscape in the region.”

With Phase 2 now operational and subsequent phases in the pipeline, Metro Line 3 is not just a transit project—it is a catalyst for economic rejuvenation and urban transformation. As infrastructure continues to evolve, Mumbai’s real estate market is well-positioned for sustained appreciation, offering fresh opportunities for developers, investors, and homebuyers alike.

New Delhi, May 14th, 2025:  Usha Financial Services Limited, a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), announced its audited financial results for the half year and year ended on 31^st March 2025. This marks the company’s first financial disclosure since its listing on the NSE. Usha Financial delivered a strong performance with a 33.80% year-on-year growth, achieving Rs. 41,070.17 Lakhs in its assets under management. The results reflect the company’s consistent focus on expanding its loan portfolio, improving margins, and driving operational efficiency.

For the full financial year FY 2024-25, the company reported Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 1817.00 Lakhs. While the Net Worth nearly doubled, rising 99.15% to Rs. 21,115.09 lakh. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) improved to 49.78%, up from 33.03% in FY24, indicating a stronger capital position. Loan disbursements for the year totaled Rs. 47,352.02 lakh, registering a 51.50% increase from Rs. 31,255.43 lakh reported in FY24.

In the second half of FY2024- 25, the company reported a 6.70% year-on-year (YoY) increase in total income at Rs. 3,381.08 lakh, compared to Rs. 3,168.78 lakh in H2 FY24. Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose sharply by 31.09% YoY to Rs. 1,154.93 lakh, while Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at Rs. 875.95 lakh, growing 35.30% over the corresponding period last year. PAT margin also improved significantly to 25.91% from 20.43% in H2 FY24. Loan disbursements for the period surged to an all-time high of Rs. 28,542.75 lakh, marking a robust 59.04% increase YoY.

Speaking about the performance and recent updates, Mrs. Geeta Goswami, CEO and Director of Usha Financial Services Ltd. said: “Announcing our first financial results post-listing is a significant milestone for Usha Financial Ltd. With a significant growth in AUM, strong revenue momentum, and improved margins driven by operational efficiency, FY25 has been robust. Our expanding presence across 20 states, 80% women borrower base, and a strong network of 100+ NBFC partners reflect the trust we’ve built. We remain committed to sustained, long-term growth in the periods ahead.”

As the company continues to build on its strengths and expand its reach, it is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the NBFC sector.

Himachal Pradesh; 14th May 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Crack Academy, is set to conduct the state’s biggest scholarship examination – “Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratan” – on May 20, 2025. The aim is to identify and reward academic brilliance among students from every corner of the state, creating equal opportunities for all.

Over 6 lakh students are expected to participate in this landmark exam, which will be conducted across 3,500+ examination centres, including 2,800 government schools. All Government Senior Secondary Schools, Government High Schools, and affiliated private schools are being designated as test centres, ensuring maximum accessibility and outreach across Himachal Pradesh.

This ambitious scholarship drive is being undertaken by the state government to democratize access to quality coaching and provide a platform for talented students—especially those from underrepresented or remote areas. The top 100 students from each of the 68 constituencies will be awarded full coaching scholarships by Crack Academy, amounting to a total of 6,800 full scholarships. Additionally, the next 200 students per constituency will receive a 75% concession, while the following 500 students will get a 50% concession.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed how this initiative will benefit talented students across the State. He launched the ‘Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna’ programme in March 2025, which aims to provide free coaching for various competitive examinations to 6,800 students across Himachal Pradesh.

“This initiative is a massive step toward educational upliftment and social inclusion,” said Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO, Crack Academy. “We are honoured to support the Government of Himachal Pradesh in its mission to unlock the academic potential of students across the state. This exam isn’t just about ranks—it’s about recognising dreams, regardless of background.”

With its scale and intent, “Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratan” is set to become a milestone in the educational journey of Himachal Pradesh. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to making quality education accessible and equitable for every aspiring student in the state.