Archives June 2025

National, 6 June , 2025: Leading smart device company OPPO today announced the signing of a global patent licensing agreement with Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (hereafter referred to as Volkswagen) to license OPPO’s cellular standard-essential patents portfolio to the group, including 5G. Under the agreement, OPPO’s cellular standard-essential patents will be licensed to Volkswagen to enhance user experiences for its connected vehicle offerings across its global product lineup.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Volkswagen through this patent licensing agreement,” said Vincent Lin, Head of Patent Licensing at OPPO. “Volkswagen IP team’s hard work and foresight in recognising the value of this cooperation are highly appreciated. This partnership is further recognition of OPPO’s leadership in cellular technology innovation and our commitment to creating a long-term, healthy and sustainable intellectual property ecosystem that empowers long-term innovation and industry growth.”

“The partnership with OPPO is an example of efficient, respectful, business-focused collaboration in the space of licensing of Standard Essential Patents,” said Robin Cefai, Chief IP Licensing Officer at Volkswagen. It illustrates Volkswagen’s willingness to recognise the value of IP and find sustainable solutions for all parties. 

Marking OPPO’s first ever bilateral patent licensing agreement with a connected-car company, the collaboration reflects the broader adaption of OPPO’s cellular standard-essential technologies beyond smartphones, especially in the automotive sector. OPPO’s 5G SEPs are currently distributed in over 40 countries and regions globally, and according to LexisNexis® IPlytics, a leading patent analytics platform, OPPO ranked eighth globally in overall 5G patent strength as of January 2025.

As of March 2025, OPPO has filed over 113,000 patent applications and holds more than 62,000 granted patents globally. OPPO continues to invest in core technology areas, including 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, charging, imaging, and video, reinforcing its position as a global leader in innovation and high-value intellectual property.

6th June 2025, New Delhi: OPPO is all set to introduce the newest addition to its K Series lineup—the OPPO K13x 5G. Designed for users who demand resilience and performance in equal measure, the K13x brings a durability-first approach to India’s competitive mid-range smartphone segment.

Engineered to support the dynamic needs of today’s youth, the K13x reflects OPPO’s commitment to crafting devices that go beyond the ordinary—offering dependable performance, lasting build quality, and smooth everyday functionality.

With durability at its core, the OPPO K13x continues the brand’s legacy of delivering value-driven innovations tailored for Indian consumers. The smartphone is designed to seamlessly balance strength, design, and practicality—empowering users to do more, every day.

Stay tuned as OPPO gears up to unveil a device that’s not just smart, but strong.

OPPO K13x – Coming Soon. Stay tuned!

Our capital goods and defence coverage universe reported a healthy quarterly performance with cumulative revenue growth of 8.6% YoY to Rs1.5trn and EBITDA/PAT growth of 7.2%/6.9% YoY to Rs224bn/Rs153bn despite a higher base. The product companies continued to benefit from strong domestic demand while the Chinese dumping, geopolitical and tariff related uncertainties dented the export business of product and industrial consumable companies. The project companies saw better execution and increasing traction from Power T&D, Infrastructure, Data Centers and O&G while the Defence companies outperformed on the back better execution amid push for defence indigenization. Cumulative order intake growth of 10.2% to ~Rs1.7trn was largely driven by traction in electronics, data center, power T&D, renewable energy and O&G.

Product companies reported healthy cumulative revenue growth (+9.1% YoY) against a high base primarily led by robust domestic demand. Exports were largely impacted due to geopolitical and reciprocal tariff related uncertainties. The EBITDA margins largely improved YoY driven by better operating leverage in most companies. The order intake was driven by sectors such as Data centers, T&D, electronics, O&G and Railway equipment.

Project companies (ex. Defence) reported healthy cumulative revenue growth of 11.5% YoY (+13.3% YoY ex. L&T) aided by healthy execution in Power T&D, civil infrastructure, O&G and Buildings & Factories segments. L&T’s revenue growth of 10.9% YoY was largely driven by better execution in domestic business. EBITDA margins for project companies largely improved during the quarter owing to the benefits of operating leverage and better revenue mix. Meanwhile, the labor shortages remained a headwind for the project companies.

Industrial consumable companies reported marginal improvement in the revenue (+1.2% YoY) aided by resilient domestic demand however the Chinese dumping, geopolitical and tariff related uncertainties significantly affected the export business. The margins of the consumable companies declined YoY in Q4 primarily due to an unfavorable product mix and decline in its export business.

Defence companies: HAL reported -7.2% YoY growth in Q4FY25 against a high base while Bharat Electronics (+6.9% YoY) and BEML (+9.2% YoY) reported healthy growth. The EBITDA margins of the defence companies largely increased due to better execution and operational efficiencies. Defence companies continued to benefit from the government’s push on the indigenization while the geopolitical events during the quarter led to Emergency Procurement from government which will lead to additional orders for the defence companies.

6 June  2025, New Delhi: Qubo, the smart devices brand from the Hero Group, today announced a major achievement – securing the all-important Essential Requirements (ER) clearance under the IoTSCS (Internet of Things Security Certification Scheme) administered by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. This marks a pivotal moment in Qubo’s journey of making Indian homes safer & smarter by standing out in the competitive market of security & surveillance products with their made-in-India range of Security Cameras & Video Doorbells.

In a world increasingly fraught with geopolitical complexities coupled with the government’s focus on national security & self-reliance, adherence to this certification standard is not only important but the right thing to do. Qubo remains one of the few brands to have invested in developing the entire tech stack from the ground up here in India. With their proprietary software & firmware, Qubo Smart Security Cameras offer unparalleled data security through encrypted data transmission as well as secured storage on cloud servers hosted in the country itself. 

What is ER Clearance?

The ER Clearance under the IoTSCS framework is a comprehensive government certification designed to evaluate and validate IoT products on the grounds of cybersecurity compliance, tamper-proof hardware architecture, data encryption and secure communication protocols, trusted manufacturing and supply chain practices, robust firmware and secure OTA updates, long-term operational reliability. This certification is a part of the Government of India’s larger effort to create a secure and self-reliant digital ecosystem, especially in categories dealing with consumer privacy and national security.

Why it matters?

In recent years, India has taken proactive steps to restrict the use of unregulated or foreign surveillance equipment in public and sensitive environments. Multiple non-compliant brands, particularly of foreign origin, have been barred from procurement or restricted due to their failure to meet the evolving benchmarks of trust and security. Amidst this shifting regulatory landscape, Qubo stands out as a homegrown brand offering smart security solutions that meet the highest national standards of cybersecurity and electronic performance.

Certified Product Range

The ER Clearance applies to Qubo’s flagship Smart Security Cameras and Video Doorbells. Each of these products integrates end-to-end encryption, secure cloud architecture, AI-based detection, and reliable remote monitoring, offering customers a truly smart and government-cleared security solution.

A milestone for Indian Smart Technology

Commenting on the development, Nikhil Rajpal, CEO & Founder Qubo shared: “Security and trust are at the heart of every Qubo product. Securing the Government of India’s ER Clearance is a major milestone—not just for us as a brand, but for every Indian consumer who deserves smart devices that are both innovative and safe. We are proud to lead the way in creating a more secure smart home ecosystem, designed and certified for India.”

World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder for all of us to pause, reflect, and adopt habits that contribute to a healthier planet. While the entertainment industry is often seen as glamorous, many actors are quietly championing sustainability behind the scenes. From choosing reusable alternatives to nurturing green corners on set, &TV artists are making conscious efforts to reduce their environmental impact. These include Himani Shivpuri (Katori Amma from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan) and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai).  Himani Shivpuri, fondly known as Katori Amma, shares, For me, caring for the environment is not limited to my home. It is something I carry with me wherever I go, including the sets I work on. I am always mindful about switching off lights and fans when they are not in use, whether I am on set, in my vanity van, or in public places. It is a small habit, but if more people adopted it consciously, we could collectively make a meaningful impact on energy conservation. I also make it a point to always carry a cloth or jute bag with me. As many of you know, I am a passionate animal lover. On set, I feed stray dogs and leave water and grains out for birds. I have even upcycled an old tray into a water and food bowl, which I place just outside my room so the birds can stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months. I feed the stray dogs near our studio using reusable steel plates instead of disposable ones. Growing up in Uttarakhand, surrounded by nature, has given me a deep respect and love for the environment. I believe that upbringing has made me more conscious and connected to these causes. It is also heartening to see that many of my co-stars are equally mindful. Whenever I see someone doing something eco-friendly, I feel inspired to incorporate that idea into my lifestyle. I truly believe we should all encourage and adopt such habits. Every small action counts, and together, we can make a significant difference.”

Shubhangi Atre, who plays Angoori Bhabi, adds, “We spend a significant amount of time on set, and I have made it a point to carry my eco-friendly lifestyle into that space as well. I always bring my steel cutlery and a reusable water bottle to avoid using single-use plastic. I also encouraged the team to place a recycling bin outside my makeup room to ensure proper waste segregation, something I believe every set should adopt. I have created a small green corner in my room, with potted plants that not only brighten up the space but also help purify the air. I love decorating my makeup room with upcycled and recycled handicrafts. They add character and warmth and remind me daily of the value of sustainable living. When it comes to fashion and beauty, I prefer restyling old sarees and dupattas instead of buying new ones, and I consciously choose makeup products that are organic, cruelty-free, and come in recyclable or refillable packaging. You do not have to make drastic changes to lead an eco-conscious lifestyle. Start by carrying a reusable water bottle, refusing plastic bags, or giving a second life to something old. These small, mindful habits go a long way. We may not change the world overnight, but together, our consistent efforts can make a lasting impact on the environment.”

Watch Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, every Monday to Friday, only on &TV!

By-Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India

The RBI’s 50 bps rate cut marks a strong and proactive stance aimed at lifting the low and mid value housing segments. Over the last few years, the strong housing market momentum was increasingly concentrating in the premium end even as there were signals of weakening the lower segments. With this cumulative 100 basis point cut in the policy interest rate we expect rekindling of the lower segments as affordability will witness a meaningful improvement for such homebuyers. We hope that the developer community too renews its focus in a big way to give longer legs to this housing market upcycle which is in its 5th year. Liquidity conditions remain balanced and conducive to supporting this monetary stance and we hope to see a greater transmission of this rate cycle.

Bangalore, June 6^th, 2025 — Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, is continuing to set the pace for decarbonizing buildings, industry and the cold chain by reducing energy use and carbon emissions for customers and in its own operations – while consistently delivering leading business and sustainability performance.

Trane Technologies’ 2024 Sustainability Report highlights the company’s consistent execution, focused sustainability strategy and continued investment in innovation.

“We continue to advance sustainability by reducing energy use and emissions through our innovative thermal management systems, electrification and digital enablement for our customers and in our own operations,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “Our customer solutions are green for green – good for the planet, and good for our customers’ bottom line.”

Trane Technologies has reduced customer carbon emissions by 237 million metric tons since 2019, on track to meet its Gigaton Challenge goal to reduce one gigaton (or, one billion metric tons) of customer carbon emissions by 2030. In 2024, the company launched 190 new products including a significant portfolio refresh with lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. With high customer demand for sustainable solutions, the company delivered a fourth consecutive year of more than 20% adjusted EPS growth.

“We’re setting the standard for what’s possible in sustainable innovation. While demand for our sustainable solutions and manufacturing needs have increased, we’ve simultaneously reduced carbon emissions and environmental impacts in our operations,” said Mauro Atalla, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer of Trane Technologies. “We are proving that by embedding sustainability into our purpose, strategy and culture, it is possible to be a growth company, meet ambitious sustainability commitments and add value to customers by helping them meet their goals.”

Trane Technologies’ 2024 Sustainability Report includes a comprehensive set of data, aligned with leading sustainability frameworks, that showcases how centering sustainability in business generates positive outcomes for customers, investors, employees and society.

Notable advancements made in 2024 toward Trane Technologies’ 2030 Sustainability Commitments include (compared to 2019 baseline unless otherwise noted):

• Gigaton Challenge: Reduced 237 million metric tons of carbon – equivalent to the emissions generated from using nearly 27 billion gallons of gasoline – toward the Gigaton Challenge, a pledge to reduce one billion metric tons of carbon from product use emissions by 2030.
• Carbon Neutrality: Reduced operational emissions by 44%, on track toward reaching science-based target of 50% reduction by 2030.
• Absolute Energy: Reduced absolute energy use by 3.2% toward 10% goal, even as manufacturing and production demands increased in support of company growth.
• Renewable Energy*: Met global operational electricity demands with 68% renewable energy sources.
• Water and Waste: Reduced total water usage by 49% and by 27% at facilities in water-stressed regions and achieved zero waste to landfill at 80% of global manufacturing sites.
• Embodied Carbon: In 2024, announced an industry-first, precedent-setting commitment to reduce embodied carbon in our products by 40% by 2030.
• Culture and Workforce Development*: Achieved employee engagement score of 82 (out of 100), ranking in the top quartile among benchmarked companies. Increased participation in tuition advancement program by 28% compared to prior year with nearly 600 global employees receiving an aggregate value of $2.5 million dollars in tuition assistance.
• Volunteerism: Completed more than 92,000 employee volunteer hours*, totaling more than 329,000 total volunteer hours since 2019.

A series of prominent awards, ratings and listings also recognized Trane Technologies for its industry-leading sustainability performance and company culture:

• Dow Jones Sustainability Index (14th consecutive year listed on North America Index, 4^th consecutive year on World Index)
• Just Capital’s JUST 100 List (ranked 1^st in Buildings Materials & Construction industry and 6^th overall)
• CDP Climate Change ‘A’ List (3^rd consecutive year)
• Corporate Knights (ranked 26^th on the 2025 Global 100)
• Ethisphere® Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies (2^nd consecutive year)
• Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies (13^th consecutive year)

Alongside its Sustainability Report, Trane Technologies published its Climate Transition Plan that outlines the company’s forward-looking climate strategy, including its plans for managing physical and transition climate risks and opportunities, reducing carbon emissions in alignment with international climate agreements and preparing for future policy, market and technological changes.

Actress and environmental advocate Raveena Tandon was felicitated by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the occasion of World Environment Day for her ongoing efforts towards environmental conservation and animal welfare.

Taking to social media, Raveena shared her gratitude, saying, “Honoured for my work towards the Environment, from the hands of the honourable Chief Minister @devendra_fadnavis ji.”

The event also coincided with a birthday celebration for mMother in Law Reshma Thadani and daughter (adopted) Chaya Malaney, both born on June 5. Adding a heartwarming touch to the day, Raveena shared that a rescued kitten—fostered by PETA India—was adopted into a new home, making the day even more meaningful for the actress and long-time animal lover.

Raveena Tandon is more than just a celebrated film star—she is an environmentalist, wildlife photographer, and a tireless philanthropist. At the age of 21, she broke societal norms by adopting two daughters as a single mother, a groundbreaking decision in a country where both adoption and single parenthood were still taboo. She was the youngest chairperson of the Children’s Film Society of India (CFSI) and has served on the advisory panel of CINTAA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded her efforts in promoting organ donation, and her Rudra Foundation has been at the forefront of initiatives supporting children, women, and animal welfare.

During the COVID-19 crisis, when oxygen was scarce, her foundation coordinated with DCP South to deliver truckloads of oxygen cylinders to those in need, including Radha Soami Satsang Beas, the Army Hospital in Delhi, and members of the legal fraternity through the Hon’ble Supreme Court Bar Association. Raveena is also the Wildlife Goodwill Ambassador of Maharashtra and made history as the first participant from the entertainment industry to serve as a delegate at W20, a G20 engagement group.

From commercial blockbusters to arthouse gems, from women’s empowerment to wildlife conservation—Raveena Tandon has brought commitment and compassion to every cause she touches. Her journey from a model-turned-actress to a true role model continues to inspire generations, especially the women of India.

Dubai, UAE — 6 June , 2025: Apparel Group, the global retail and fashion lifestyle conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, is proud to announce a landmark strategic partnership with Bisleri International, India’s leading premium beverage company. This transformative collaboration will see Apparel Group spearhead the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of Bisleri’s portfolio of iconic brands across the Middle East and Africa, beginning with the UAE launch in 2025.

Bisleri International, with a legacy of over 50 years, has a diverse product portfolio including Bisleri, the leading packaged drinking water brand in India; Bisleri Vedica, it’s premium Himalayan Spring water offering and a dynamic range of aerated beverages including Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri POP, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Rev and Bisleri Soda. The company’s operations span across 128 manufacturing centers with a robust distribution network catering to more than 500,000 outlets, alongside an established retail presence in the UAE Market with marquee sports sponsorships like the Dubai Marathon.

This partnership underscores Apparel Group’s ongoing mission to diversify its portfolio and introduce best-in-class consumer brands to the region. Leveraging its extensive retail and F&B infrastructure—spanning over 2,300 stores and 85+ brands in 14 countries—Apparel Group is set to unlock new avenues of growth and elevate regional beverage experiences.

Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, commented: “Our partnership with Bisleri International marks a strategic milestone in Apparel Group’s journey to diversify and scale new verticals across high-growth markets. Bisleri’s strong heritage, combined with our operational expertise and deep market understanding, presents a powerful opportunity to deliver exceptional beverage experiences to consumers in the Middle East and Africa. We look forward to building a long-term, value-driven collaboration that redefines beverage retail in the region.”

Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International, added: “The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunity for value creation in the beverage sector. There is a large Indian diaspora in the region which is already familiar with our brands. We have had sustained success in the UAE market in the past and I am delighted to announce the next chapter of our journey in the region with our strategic partnership with the Apparel Group for the Middle East and Africa markets. With Bisleri’s commitment to product quality and brand building and Apparel Group’s well-established presence and consumer understanding in the region, I am sure the partnership will be a perfect blend for success”

This partnership reiterates both organizations’ commitment to innovation, regional expansion, and elevating the consumer experience through strategic collaboration.

Gurugram, India, 05 June 2025: Syfe, APAC’s leading digital wealth platform, today announced the successful close of its Series C funding round of USD 80 million. This includes a new all equity round Series C2 of USD 53 million at a significantly increased valuation and adds to the Series C1 raise of USD 27 million in August 2024. The funding round was led by two UK family offices and supported by returning investors Unbound and Valar Ventures. 

Dhruv Arora, Founder and CEO of Syfe

Syfe is prioritising automation and the adoption of AI-assisted tools to enhance efficiency for both clients and internal operations. This funding will be used to scale Syfe’s reach across Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. A key portion of the funds will be exclusively leveraged to expand Syfe’s engineering and product teams at the Gurugram, India, the tech headquarters. It will also be used to accelerate innovation, enhance the customer experience, and expand their product suite to meet the evolving needs of their growing customer base. 

Commenting on the fundraise, Dhruv Arora, Founder and CEO of Syfe, “This fund raise comes at an exciting time as we grow our presence across the region and expand our offerings. In our markets of Singapore, Hong Kong & Australia, nearly half of all adults are in the ‘mass affluent’ segment, meaning those who have between a few hundred to a few million dollars in investable assets, and this segment is growing fast. Our team, based out of Gurugram Tech Headquarters in India, plays a critical role in driving this expansion and building a truly global offering.”

Syfe’s headcount in India has grown by nearly 15% since the C1 funding round in August 2024. The company continues to hire selectively, prioritising high-quality talent and strategic roles. Syfe’s inception and development are firmly rooted in India while serving customers in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. In the last 18 months, Syfe’s business has grown significantly, with its core business nearly doubling in the last year and with total assets now well over US$10 billion. In Hong Kong alone, the business has doubled in size since the start of 2025. The company also recently acquired Selfwealth, one of Australia’s most established and trusted online investment platforms. Syfe has been making strategic hires to strengthen key capabilities. Notable recent additions include Sanjeev Malik, former Managing Director at BlackRock for 18 years; and Dane Ricketts, Syfe’s new VP of Marketing, who brings extensive global experience from senior roles at Procter & Gamble and Grab, with a focus on consumer and growth marketing.

The investment comes at a time when capital is highly selective – Q1 2025 marked the region’s lowest funding quarter since 2014 – such international investment is a strong endorsement of the region’s emerging mass affluent segment and the opportunity to deliver differentiated, tech-driven wealth solutions. It also underscores Syfe’s strong business performance and growing investor confidence in its mission to redefine wealth management across Asia-Pacific.