Archives May 2025

Collaboration would support UAE’s humanitarian aid mission by improving access to medical supplies and services across the continent.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 06 May 2025: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global enabler of integrated trade, transport and logistics solutions, and Burjeel Holdings (ADX: BURJEEL), a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in MENA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore creating a joint venture (JV) that would fast-track the delivery of high-quality medical supplies and services across Africa.

The effort seeks to support the UAE’s broader humanitarian aid mission to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure timely access to essential medicines and services in underserved regions of the African continent.

AD Ports Group, with Burjeel Holdings’ subsidiaries and its healthcare-management arm Operonix, will assess opportunities to leverage AD Ports Group’s extensive logistics footprint to facilitate the handling, inland transportation, specialised warehousing, and distribution of medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals across Africa.

A collaboration would combine AD Ports Group’s physical and digital distribution networks with Burjeel’s platforms and services to optimise healthcare supply and services delivery through smarter inventory management, and efficient logistics. The JV partners could also co-invest in each other’s projects within the scope of their shared objectives, jointly advancing healthcare logistics projects that bring a long-term impact across Africa.

The MoU seeks to build on the healthcare logistics expertise AD Ports Group developed as a member of the Hope Consortium, an Abu Dhabi emirate global medical supplies and services distribution effort set up during the COVID-19 pandemic that distributed millions of vaccines and testing kits to Africa and countries around the world.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “This MoU has the potential to accelerate AD Ports Group’s transformation into an essential provider of logistics solutions in Africa, by making quality healthcare supplies and services more accessible and affordable. As Africa’s population grows, the continent is becoming an increasing driver of the global economy. Sub-Saharan African GDP is expected to rise 3.5% this year, and accelerate to 4.3% annually through 2027, according to the latest World Bank forecast. With Burjeel, AD Ports Group is committed to following the guidance of our wise leadership in the UAE by deploying the commercial potential of our African business assets to produce tangible benefits for the societies in which we operate, in this case potentially through the delivery of a new long-term source of high-quality medicines, medical supplies, and treatments.”

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, said: “We look forward to working closely with AD Ports Group, an established logistics and supply chain expert in Africa, to explore the possibility of expediting our delivery of life-saving medicines, medical supplies, and critical care services to the people of Africa. This MoU with AD Ports Group would allow us to capitalise on its advantages and accelerate the delivery of exemplary medical care combined with state-of-the-art technology.”

AD Ports Group has an extensive portfolio of port terminal, economic zone, and logistics business assets across Africa in Egypt, Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Angola, and Tanzania. The Group’s Noatum Maritime fleet also provides regional service to Africa.

Burjeel Holdings has proven expertise in establishing healthcare projects across Africa, delivering high-quality services, and supporting the development of sustainable health systems, in South Sudan, Liberia, Ethiopia, Chad Republic, and Somalia.

Mumbai, 6th May 2025: Celebrity chef, author, and MasterChef judge Gary Mehigan captivated the audience at ABP Network’s India @ 2047 Summit with his passionate insights on food as a unifying force. Highlighting India’s global influence, he declared, “India has the best street food in the world.”

ABP Network, the country’s leading multi-language news network, had organised India @ 2047 Summit, a defining platform that sets the national discourse on India’s transformation into a Viksit Bharat by the centenary of its independence.

Sharing personal anecdotes and bold visions for India’s culinary future in the session Food as Unifier: The World on Our Plate, Mehigan celebrated the country’s rich food culture by expressing, “Food is a great unifier. When people ask me what’s special about food, the answer is really simple: food brings everybody together.” Recalling his childhood, he shared, “My mother cooked everything from scratch, and we always sat together as a family, which is very critical from where I come from. We may laugh, we may cry, but we do it together with a full tummy.”

 Mehigan, a brand ambassador for Conosh, praised India’s culinary landscape, “Food is quite rightly the centre of any celebration in India. I love Holi, and love watching the story of Radha and Krishna while also enjoying a little bit of bhaang. The act of taking prasad in your hand is captivating and brings tears to your eyes, which is what food does to you.”

 Reflecting on his MasterChef journey, Mehigan noted the series’ role in uniting families, “In India, 67 million people watched it for 11 years, and three of us (Gary alongside George Calombaris and Matt Preston) gave the show a little bit of magic. MasterChef brought families together because it is the perfect antidote for a chaotic world.” He contrasted the show’s approach with typical reality TV, saying, “We did it exactly opposite of what TV expected of us, for us, it was all about appreciation and glory.”

While addressing challenges like climate change and the rise of food supplements, emphasising the irreplaceable role of home-cooked meals, Mehigan reflected, “The idea of kitchens disappearing is terrifying, and dark kitchens replacing normal kitchens is scary. The most personal thing you can do for somebody is cook for them.” On climate change, he highlighted, “What we require of farmers is the willingness to change, we need to adopt, we need to change. If we look back at history, climate has always changed and nature has adapted.”

Mehigan also criticised food supplements and excessive plastic use, “I am terrified of food capsules; you can walk into any pharmacy today and get food supplements there. It is like life without art or love, I hope this never becomes a norm. As a chef, if I am wearing gloves while cooking like a nurse or a doctor, I would probably go through 60 pairs, and the statistics might become overwhelming.”

 Looking ahead, Mehigan envisioned a vibrant future for India, “In 2047, farmers will be flourishing, new opportunities will thrive, exporting their produce all over the world. India has become a food lover’s dream, but we knew it always was.” He concluded the session with a symbolic chant of ‘Aum’, leaving the audience inspired.

ABP Network’s India @ 2047 Summit is a premier platform bringing together the country’s most influential voices across governance, business, history, spirituality and culture, science, international diplomacy, sports, music and entertainment to map India’s journey toward becoming a fully developed nation by the 100th year of its independence. Set against the backdrop of an emerging India, the summit serves as a powerful platform for dialogue, vision, and strategy, where national aspirations meet global perspectives. The Summit convenes changemakers and pathbreakers from India and around the world who will shape India’s future narrative in the making of Viksit Bharat.

This Mother’s Day, express your love and gratitude in the most delightful way—with an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates everything she means to you. DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad is proud to host a special brunch dedicated to honouring the most important woman in your life.

On Sunday, May 11th, join us at 3 Spices, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant, for a specially curated Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. From live cooking stations and gourmet entrées to decadent desserts and refreshing beverages, every dish is a tribute to the warmth and care that mothers embody.

This year’s celebration gets a vibrant twist with an elevated salad and dessert counter, thoughtfully designed to offer wholesome freshness and indulgent sweetness in every bite. Adding a seasonal delight to the mix, guests can also experience the Mango themed cart, serving up tropical goodness in creative, refreshing ways — perfect for the summer and even more perfect for mom.

What makes it even more special? Moms enjoy 50% off on the brunch buffet, because she deserves nothing but the best.

Let’s raise a toast to the women who’ve given us everything. This Mother’s Day, celebrate her in the most delicious way possible.

UESDAY, MAY 6, 2025, — AR.IO, the world’s first permanent cloud network built on the Arweave blockchain, has launched new fiat capability for purchases of its leading domain name service, ArNS, which offers easy access to web3 applications and permanent website hosting.

Traditional domain name platforms require ongoing subscription renewals and rely on centralized infrastructure. ArNS, however, is supported by AR.IO’s network of 400+ gateways, making it decentralized and globally accessible. Users also have the option to buy a permanent domain name that never expires, nor any data attached to it.

AR.IO users have long been able to buy credits for uploads to the network with fiat, $AR, $MATIC, $SOL, $ETH, and $ETH on Base. But, starting today, they can use a simple credit card to purchase credits in a one-time transaction. This is made possible through AR.IO’s “Turbo” – an open source bundler for the Arweave ecosystem that also bridges fiat to crypto.

Commenting on the launch of ArNS’s new credit-card capability, Phil Mataras, founder and CEO of AR.IO, says, “With ArNS and its permanent purchase option, you will never, ever, lose access to your domain name or your website because you forgot to pay a subscription or the chain or provider removed or lost your data. This is a unique feature that sets us apart from any other DNS provider out there – and this couldn’t come at a better time as we see online information being deleted and manipulated at a rapid pace.”

More than simply pointing to data, ArNS domains are programmable smart contracts designed to trigger integrations, on-chain logic, and automations. With every name, users can permanently host apps, websites, and data via Arweave. This decentralized storage solution provides an alternative to centralized services that protects users from outages due to missed payments or provider issues.

Creating a new standard for digital identities, ArNS doesn’t just replace traditional DNS, it reinvents it for a sovereign, decentralized global internet.

Mumbai, May 6, 2025: Bringing together science, skincare, and global acclaim, AESTURA, Korea’s most trusted dermocosmetic brand, is now exclusively available on Nykaa, India’s leading beauty retailer. With over 40 years of dermatological expertise, AESTURA has built a loyal following for its gentle yet high-performance formulations designed especially for sensitive skin. Endorsed by leading medical institutions across South Korea, the brand enters the Indian market with Nykaa as its exclusive partner.

AESTURA brings four decades of dermatological research, clinical innovation, and science-led skincare to Nykaa. Developed in close collaboration with 49 dermatologists, AESTURA’s formulations are grounded in medical insight and academic rigor, delivering high-performance solutions that strengthen, restore, and elevate skin health. With a deep understanding of diverse concerns, from dryness and aging to barrier repair, the brand’s approach is rooted in treating skin holistically. Backed by extensive research on sensitive skin, AESTURA’s products are thoughtfully crafted to care for even the most delicate skin types.

One of AESTURA’s most impactful innovations lies in its medical device-certified moisturizers, like the ATOBARRIER line, prescribed across all tertiary hospitals in Korea. Recognizing that skin concerns — such as atopic dermatitis, extend beyond the face, AESTURA obtained KFDA certifications to make full-body barrier-repairing skincare more accessible and insurance-supported, ensuring both efficacy and affordability.

AESTURA distinguishes itself as Korea’s No.1 dermo-cosmetic facial care brand and at the heart of this success is the ATOBARRIER365 collection, a Korean cult-favorite with one cream sold every 7 seconds globally. Formulated with one million ceramide capsules per bottle, this collection delivers 120 hours of hydration while strengthening the skin’s barrier.

The ATOBARRIER365 line, now available only on Nykaa, includes a skin barrier-repair routine, tailored for different skin types:

• Aestura Atobarrier365 Foaming Cleanser
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Essence
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Face Lotion (a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner)
• Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Soothing Cream

Commenting on the launch, a Nykaa Spokesperson said “As K-Beauty continues to gain momentum in India, we are proud to bring another leading name from Korea exclusively to our platform. As the #1 Dermatologist Recommended Dermocosmetic Brand in Korea for Sensitive Skin, AESTURA represents everything today’s skincare lover seeks. The brand’s arrival on Nykaa marks an exciting chapter in our journey of delivering science-backed skincare to Indian consumers. With its strong dermatological heritage and innovative formulations, AESTURA offers a skincare solution that is both gentle and powerful, perfectly aligned with the evolving needs of our customers.”

“For over four decades, AESTURA has led with dermatological science and pharmaceutical expertise to create advanced skincare solutions backed by clinical research. As Korea’s #1 dermatologist-recommended dermocosmetic brand, we’re excited to bring our trusted formulations to India in partnership with Nykaa. This launch marks a new chapter in our journey to make high-performance, science-led skincare more accessible—empowering consumers to make informed, confident choices for their skin health” said Aestura spokesperson.

Discover AESTURA’s iconic formulations exclusively on Nykaa; where Korean innovation meets Indian skincare needs. Shop now to experience sensitive skin care, redefined.

Ms. Aman Pannu, President, DCM Shriram Foundation, said “At DCM Shriram Foundation, we believe that the health of a mother defines the future of a family and the strength of a community. Through Khushali Sehat, we are focused on making quality maternal care accessible in remote regions. This Mother’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing maternal health risks and ensuring every mother’s right to safe and dignified care.”

Emmanuel Upputuru, founder of EFGH and the writer behind the film, said: “The idea began with a simple yet profound question: How does a child who has lost his mother celebrate Mother’s Day? For me, it was deeply personal — I lost my mother at 19, and ever since, I find a part of her in every mother I meet. The story flowed naturally from that emotion.”

Titus Upputuru the director of the film said, “For those of us who lost our mothers early in life, it’s not easy dealing with the few, rare memories. When Emmanuel shared the idea of someone being haunted by his mother, I immediately loved it. And I really commend DCM Shriram for this initiative and all the workers, doctors, nurses, along with the Ashas, working so hard at the grass root level to help bring the Maternal Mortality Rate down.”

By Mahendra Patil, Founder and Managing Partner, MP Financial Advisory Services LLP

Introduction

In a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening financial stability and accelerating asset resolution, the RBI governor, during his MPC statement on April 9, 2025, announced a proposal to enable the securitization of stressed assets in addition to the existing Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) route. This bold move, if implemented effectively, has the potential to transform the way distressed assets are handled in India. It will positively impact banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and financial institutions that have increasingly borne the brunt of asset quality.

Why Go Beyond ARCs?

While ARCs have played a pivotal role in India’s bad loan ecosystem since their inception in 2002, their effectiveness has been limited by structural inefficiencies, pricing gaps, capital constraints, and a lack of competitive pressure. As of FY2024, the total stressed assets in the Indian banking system were worth over ₹10 lakh crore (Source: RBI’s Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2023-24), with ARCs AUM at about ₹1.4 Lakh crore (Source: various media reports), and average recovery rates and speed of resolution remain far from optimal.

Introducing direct securitization of stressed assets offers a complementary – and in some cases superior – alternative by creating a broader, market-driven platform for distressed asset monetization. Rather than relying solely on ARC acquisition, NBFCs and banks could directly package and sell pools of non-performing or sub-standard loans to investors with higher risk appetites, such as private credit funds, distressed asset buyers, and alternative investment funds (AIFs).

Impact on Lenders: A Strategic Balance Sheet Reset

The proposed reform offers a much-needed lever to reset and strengthen balance sheets. Key benefits include:

Asset Quality Improvement: Offloading stressed assets reduces Gross NPA ratios, improving investor and regulatory perception.

• Enhanced Leverage and Capital Adequacy: Securitization frees up capital locked in risk- weighted assets, enhancing CAR and enabling fresh lending.
• Liquidity and Funding Access: Provides an alternative source of liquidity, easing pressure on traditional borrowing lines.
• Diversification of Resolution Tools: Complements the ARC route and enhances flexibility in stressed asset resolution.

Catalyzing a Distressed Asset Investment Market

A major outcome of the proposal would be the development of a vibrant secondary market for distressed debt instruments. Similar to how securitization enabled a deep market for mortgage-backed securities (MBS) globally, this reform could attract:

• High-yield and opportunistic investors, including global distressed asset funds and hedge funds
• AIFs seeking high-IRR opportunities
• Private equity and credit funds targeting India’s distressed credit space
• This would improve price discovery, enable faster turnaround, and introduce competitive pressure into resolution mechanisms.

Global Precedent

Developed economies have reaped significant benefits from well-functioning stressed asset markets and offer valuable lessons for India. The U.S. high-yield bond (junk bond) market exceeded $1.4 trillion (Source: Bloomberg) in 2024, while Europe’s market reached $500 billion, demonstrating how robust market mechanisms can channel capital into high-risk segments efficiently. As India takes a pivotal step by opening the securitisation route for stressed assets beyond the ARC framework, it can draw from the global experience. The success of these mature markets is underpinned by strong institutional frameworks, characterized by transparency, time-bound legal resolutions, credible credit ratings, deep secondary markets, and investor protections. If India can embed these elements, it can transform its ₹10 lakh crore distressed asset pool into a viable, investible asset class. The RBI’s move marks a crucial beginning, but its effectiveness will hinge on how swiftly and soundly the regulatory ecosystem adapts to support sustainable risk transfer and investor confidence.

Challenges and Considerations in India

Despite the promise of unlocking capital through the securitisation of stressed assets, India faces several structural hurdles that must be addressed to ensure market viability. Valuation complexities remain a core issue, as unpredictable recovery timelines make it difficult to price stressed asset pools accurately. Legal and enforcement gaps – especially delays under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and inconsistent judicial outcomes – continue to erode investor confidence. Furthermore, the absence of standardized structures for waterfalls, disclosures, and cash flow prioritization weakens investor safeguards. India’s debt markets remain relatively shallow, with limited institutional participation and an underdeveloped secondary market for distressed instruments. Besides, the lack of specialized credit rating methodologies tailored for distressed securitised pools creates challenges in risk pricing and investor assessment. Addressing these gaps will be critical to building a credible, transparent, and scalable ecosystem for stressed asset securitisation in India.

The Way Forward: Regulatory Enablers

To replicate the success of developed stressed asset markets, India must implement a comprehensive set of regulatory enablers that address both investor confidence and market functionality. Strengthening legal certainty through timely insolvency resolutions and consistent enforcement will be foundational. Equally important is enhancing investor protection by mandating standardized documentation, enforceable covenants, and transparent cash flow structures. The regulatory ecosystem must also support credit rating innovation, including dual surveillance and bespoke frameworks for distressed pools. Building market infrastructure – such as enabling the listing of securitised distressed instruments, electronic trading platforms, and mandatory trade reporting – will enhance liquidity and price discovery. Clarity around capital treatment, including provisioning norms, SPV recognition, and the obligations of originators, will be critical for accounting and regulatory compliance. Finally, India must actively attract risk capital by incentivizing participation from AIFs, distressed asset funds, and global investors with a high-risk appetite. Together, these measures can lay the groundwork for a deep, transparent, and investor-friendly market for stressed asset securitisation in India.

Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Reform

The proposal to allow the securitization of stressed assets beyond ARCs is a progressive move aligned with India’s financial deepening goals. If executed with regulatory clarity, institutional support, and market readiness, it can unlock billions in locked credit, strengthen balance sheets, and create a thriving distressed asset market, much like the junk bond markets of the West. It holds the potential to improve credit intermediation, reduce systemic stress, and channel private capital into sectors poised for recovery, fueling India’s march toward a $5 trillion economy.

New Delhi, May 6 2025: Vedanta Limited announced its Consolidated Results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended 31st Mar 2025. Vedanta delivered robust financials with FY25 revenue soaring 10% YoY to ₹ 1,50,725 crores1, its highest ever. The company’s EBITDA for FY25 stood at ₹ 43,541 crores1, up 37% YoY, second highest for the company. Vedanta’s profit after tax for FY25 jumped 172% YoY to ₹ 20,535 crores.

The company’s Q4 revenue reached an all-time high at ₹ 39,789 crores, up 14% YoY. In Q4, the company’s EBITDA surged 30% YoY to ₹ 11,618 crores with an EBITDA margin of 35%2, up 465 bp YoY, highest in the last 12 quarters. The company’s profit for the quarter was up 118% YoY at ₹ 4,961 crore. Vedanta’s cash and cash equivalent for the quarter improved by 34% YoY on the back of Free cash flow (pre-capex) of ₹ 7,814 crore.

The company’s total capital expenditure in the year stood at ₹ 12,626 crores, focused on volume expansion and supply chain integration. During the quarter, Vedanta’s Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) improved by 371 bps YoY to 27%. The company’s net debt for the quarter reduced to ₹53,251 crores with Net debt/ EBITDA at 1.2x (vs1.4x in Dec’24). Vedanta has received credit rating upgrades from both CRISIL and ICRA to AA.

The company recorded its ever-highest production of aluminium at 2,422 KT. While the company’s zinc operations in India achieved highest ever mined and refined metal production at 1,095 KT and 1,052 KT respectively. Vedanta’s iron ore business posted a growth of 12% with 6.2 Mt of iron ore production and the copper business posted annual copper cathode production at 149 KT.

Commenting on Q4FY25 results, Mr Arun Misra, Executive Director Vedanta Limited said. “I’m pleased to report strong Q4 FY25 results, reflecting our consistent focus on operational discipline. This quarter concludes a year of exceptional achievement in FY25, where we not only delivered the highest-ever annual volumes for Aluminium and Zinc but also drove costs of production down significantly, reaching four-year lows for Zinc India CoP and ex-Alumina CoP at Aluminium. Our outlook for FY26 is firmly focused on growth and efficiency. We are accelerating our transformation, driven by strategic projects like the Lanjigarh Alumina Refinery Expansion and Sijimali Bauxite Mine in Odisha, which are on track to significantly improve our cost position next fiscal. With multiple volume expansions projects set for completion in FY26, we remain confident in our ability to deliver another strong year. We remain vigilant, responsive to market dynamics, and fully committed to seizing opportunities for long-term value creation.”

Mr Ajay Goel, CFO, Vedanta, said “This quarter, Vedanta has delivered an unprecedented financial performance, achieving the highest- ever quarterly revenue of ₹ 39,789 crore, reflecting robust 14% YoY growth. Our EBITDA surged to ₹ 11,618 crore, marking a 30% growth year-on-year, accompanied by an EBITDA margin of 35%, which is highest in last 12 quarters. Our PAT soared to ₹4,961 crore, reflecting an exceptional 118% YoY growth, underscoring the unparalleled resilience and strength of our business. This outstanding performance has been driven by our continuous focus on operational excellence, disciplined cost optimization, and the advantage of buoyant market dynamics. Furthermore, Vedanta Limited balance sheet deleveraged by ~$500 mn in Q4 with a closing Net Debt of $ 6.2 bn, enabling substantial improvement in leverage to 1.2x, reinforces our robust financial foundation.”

FY25 ESG Highlights

• ESG Leadership: Vedanta Limited’s subsidiary Hindustan Zinc secured the top position, while Vedanta Aluminium ranked 2nd among its global peers in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2024.
• Renewable Energy (RE): RE Power Delivery agreements (PDAs) of 1906 MW are in place. Overall, FY25 RE utilization at 2.61 bn units.
• Gender Diversity: Achieved our workplace gender diversity target for full-time employees 7 years in advance. Gender diversity for full-time employees stands at 22% (FY24: 20%)
• Waste Utilization: FY25 HVLT waste usage at 95%
• Water recycling: 29% in FY25
• Tree Plantation: 3+ million trees planted as part of commitment to plant 7 million trees by 2030
• Women & Child Welfare: 8,045 Nand Ghars created for women and child welfare
• CSR contribution: Spent ₹ 584 crore in FY’25 on CSR initiatives for communities, positively touching ~6.8 million lives

Revenue:

4QFY25 consolidated revenue at ₹39,789 crore, up 3% QoQ and 14% YoY driven by favorable market prices and higher premiums

EBITDA and EBITDA Margin:

• 4QFY25 EBITDA increased by 3% QoQ to ₹11,618 crore mainly driven by higher volumes, higher premiums partially offset by input commodity inflation
• 4QFY25 EBITDA higher by 30% YoY on account of structural cost saving initiatives across businesses, favorable output commodity prices, partially offset by input -commodity inflation
• EBITDA margin1 at 35% in 4QFY25, improved ~465 bps YoY highest in 12 quarters

Depreciation & Amortization:

o 4QFY25 Depreciation & Amortization ₹2,988 crore increased QoQ 11% and 9% YoY mainly at Oil & Gas and Zinc India

Finance Cost:

4QFY25 increased to 6% QoQ due to a change in the borrowing mix and one offs partially offset by lower interest rates and 7% YOY in line with average borrowing

Investment Income:

4QFY25 lower 7% QoQ and 35% YoY due to change in investment mix

Taxes:

Normalized ETR for 4QFY25 is 28% as compared to 46% in 4QFY24, mainly due to changes in profit mix and reduction in tax rate of a foreign subsidiary

Profit After Tax:

4QFY25 Profit after tax at ₹ 4,961 crore, higher 2% QoQ and 118% YoY.

Leverage, liquidity, and credit rating:

o Gross debt at ₹ 73,853 crore as on 31st Mar 2025
o Net debt at ₹ 53,251 crore as on 31st Mar 2025. Net debt to EBITDA ratio improved to ~ 1.2x vs ~ 1.4x in Dec 2024 and ~ 1.5x in Mar 2024
o Cash and cash equivalents position remains strong at ₹20,602 crore. The Company follows a Board-approved investment policy and invests in high quality debt instruments with mutual funds, bonds, and fixed deposits with banks
o Both ICRA and CRISIL have provided AA rating while continuing on Watch with developing implications

4QFY25 Awards and Recognitions:

Safety:

• HZL and BALCO received multiple accolades for safety excellence at 2025 British Safety Council International Safety Awards
• VGCB won Silver at CII Andhra Pradesh Safety Excellence Awards

CSR:

o BALCO Honoured at the BCC&I Social Leadership Conclave and Awards
o Vedanta Jharsuguda honored with Two Prestigious Awards at the World CSR Congress 2025

Business Excellence:

o Vedanta Jharsuguda won three Gold Awards at the 3rd TQM-India Summit 2025 by Quality Circle Forum of India.
o Hindmetal Exploration Services secured Category-A exploration agency accreditation from National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)

Sustainability:

o HZL received the Water Stewardship award (2nd Position) and Sustainability Performance award (2nd Position) at the 15th India Corporate Governance & Sustainability Vision Summit & Awards organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

Chennai, India – May 06, 2025: Tropical Agro, a pioneer in agri-input innovation, has unveiled a game-changing breakthrough – Tag Stem Lee, a patented, first-of-its-kind granular insecticide powered by three active ingredients. This cutting-edge solution is designed to combat two of the most devastating pests in paddy cultivation — Stem Borer and Leaf Folder — which continue to significantly impact rice productivity across India.

Rice stem borer infestations in India cause substantial economic losses, with yield reductions ranging from 10% to 40%. Their damage is most severe in the form of ‘dead heart’ during the vegetative stage and ‘white earhead’ during the reproductive stage. Studies indicate that just 1% dead heart can lead to a 0.3% yield loss (approx. 12 kg/ha), while 1% white earhead can result in a 4.2% yield loss (around 183 kg/ha).

Similarly, rice leaf folder infestations can reduce yields by 30% to 80%, posing a serious threat to productivity. These challenges highlight the urgent need for effective and long-lasting pest control solutions to safeguard food security and protect farmer livelihoods.

With the Second Advance Estimates projecting 136.437 million metric tonnes (MMT) of rice output for India in 2024–25 (Kharif and Rabi), the urgency for smarter pest solutions has never been higher.

Tag Stem Lee addresses this need with a dual-action, triple-protection formula, delivering superior pest control with just 2 kg per acre. It effectively eliminates key symptoms like Dead Heart and White Earhead, ensuring long-lasting protection and sustainable results with minimal environmental impact. The product is easy to apply—simply mix with FYM (farmyard manure) or sand and broadcast — making it ideal for widespread adoption across both Kharif and Rabi seasons.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. V. K. Jhaver, Founder, Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., stated: “At Tropical Agro, we are committed to pioneering innovations that help farmers overcome challenges and shape a stronger agricultural future for India. Tag Stem Lee is a major leap forward in offering smarter, safer, and more sustainable crop protection. This patented innovation is only the beginning — many more transformative solutions are in the pipeline.”

He also shared the inspiration behind the product’s name:

“The name Tag Stem Lee was envisioned to reflect the product’s powerful dual action against Stem Borer and Leaf Folder — a name that captures both its purpose and impact.”

Mr. R. Shanmuga Sai, Vice President – Sales, Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., added:

“What sets Tag Stem Lee apart is not just its unique three-active-ingredient formulation, but also its effectiveness at a low dosage and ease of application. It holds immense promise for improving farmer outcomes, particularly in rice-producing states”.

Key Highlights of Tag Stem Lee:

• India’s First Granular Insecticide with 3-Active Ingredients
• Dual Action: Controls both Stem Borer and Leaf Folder
• Only 2 kg per Acre: Maximum effectiveness with minimum input
• Convenient Application: Mix with Farmyard Manure (FYM)/ sand and broadcast
• Effective Across Seasons: Works in both Kharif and Rabi
• Triple Protection for paddy crops – Ensuring healthier yields

As a brand trusted by millions of farmers, Tropical Agro continues to lead India’s agri-innovation journey with both Chemical & Biological solutions that are science-backed, farmer-centric, and environmentally responsible. The launch of Tag Stem Lee reaffirms the company’s mission to secure the future of farming — and many more patented products on the horizon.