Archives July 2025

National, July 22, 2025: Bengaluru-based fitness start-up ApClub has raised ₹2 Crores in its maiden pre-seed funding round. The fundraise was led by prominent fitness brand Curefit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and enabled through the support and guidance of renowned start-up accelerator PedalStart, who also actively contributed as a strategic investor for this round. It also witnessed participation of a few angel investors, including Pranay Jivrajka (Founder & CEO of Allo Health, Ex-CEO of Ola Foods).

ApClub will utilize the pre-seed investment to bolster their signature coaching programs, and build a robust backend team to manage 10x scale, as they continue to grow aggressively and make key hires across customer experience, operations, and fitness instructors. A significant portion of these funds shall also be deployed to enhance existing offerings and introduce new wellness programs, including group classes and sports coaching for both adults and children, thereby taking a leap towards becoming a comprehensive platform for all coaching needs.

Owing to its strong focus on quality, customer-centricity and in-house team of fitness experts and trainers, ApClub has gained strong traction, and is aiming to generate USD 1 Million Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) by 2026. The start-up, currently operating through a web-based platform, is working on a customer-facing mobile app – which will be launched in the second half of 2025. In the long run, ApClub envisions to set up and manage apartment clubhouse facilities and gyms, and introduce a plethora of wellness programs and outdoor activities.

Speaking about the fundraise, Shalabh Malhotra, Founder and CEO, ApClub said, “We are thrilled to announce our first pre-seed funding round – a major milestone in ApClub’s journey of reimagining healthy lifestyle for urban Indians. With today’s fast-paced lifestyle in our cities where both spouses are often working, balancing demanding careers with personal fitness and wellness goals becomes a major challenge, even for fitness-conscious individuals. After a hectic workday, people are often left with little or no time and energy to commute to pursue their fitness goals. We at ApClub successfully identified this gap, and are addressing it by providing convenient, personalized fitness solutions at people’s doorsteps – at their homes or within the housing complexes. The latest funding will empower us to significantly expand our services, strengthen offerings, and bring high-quality, structured training programs across Bengaluru and other cities, paving the way for a healthier India”. 

Manas Pal and Adiya Darolia, Co-Founders, PedalStart commented, “We at PedalStart are excited and proud to support ApClub in promoting holistic wellness at or near individuals’ doorsteps. With their emphasis on offline coaching and serving where the customer is i.e. at their homes/society – so that one doesn’t need to step out of their homes and battle traffic, pollution etc. to reach a gym or coaching facility – ApClub has differentiated itself and showcased immense potential to scale. Besides, we at PedalStart were equally impressed by Shalabh and his team’s domain know-how and conviction to revolutionize the country’s urban fitness services market. We look forward to continue helping them as they optimize and expand in the near future.”

ApClub is currently present across over 40 apartments across Bengaluru, wherein till date they have served nearly 500 customers. Some of the notable apartments in Bengaluru where ApClub has established active presence are: Godrej United, Prestige Kew Gardens, Purva Skydale, Brigade Lakefront, among others. After dominating the at-home and near-home fitness segment in Bengaluru, the start-up would be venturing into other metros and tier-1 cities over the next few years.

Founded in October 2023, ApClub is on a mission to redefine India’s urban fitness space by offering tailored fitness, personal training and coaching programs at people’s residences – from strength training, weight loss, Yoga classes, Pilates, diet-and-nutrition plans, and much more, users can choose and opt from a wide variety of programs. The start-up has been a part of PedalStart cohort since its early stage, receiving support from the latter on critical aspects such as marketing, hiring, etc. Moreover, the recent strategic investment and backing from cult brings ApClub additional support in driving growth for their business in the upcoming years; whereby cult will help them to amplify value-addition to customers by providing access to cult instructors and programs, and enable speedy user acquisitions through cross-promotions.

Avon launches its new Anew Skin Renewal range, co-created with DERMATOLOGISTS and SCIENTISTS, a powerful trio designed to transform your skin from within. Featuring the Skin Renewal Power Serum, Eye Cream and Power Cream, this advanced collection is powered by breakthrough Protinol™ Technology to visibly boost collagen, reduce fine lines and restore youthful radiance. From firmer skin to brighter eyes, each product is designed to deliver visible results in just 7 days. Loved by millions globally, the range is backed by a consumer study with 129 participants. Dermatologically tested and expertly formulated, the range promises smoother, firmer and healthier-looking skin. It’s your complete anti-aging ritual made easy, effective and glow-boosting.

Suitable for all age groups, the range offers a gentle yet effective solution for achieving healthy and radiant skin.

Avon Anew Skin Renewal Power Serum: 

The Avon Anew Skin Renewal Power Serum, a clinically proven anti-aging formula powered by breakthrough Protinol™ Technology & Niacinamide. This fast-absorbing serum restores collagen levels, visibly smooths fine lines, and improves skin texture in just 7 days. Dermatologically tested and designed for daily use, it firms and revitalizes skin with every drop.

Avon Anew Skin Renewal Power Eye Cream:

The Anew Skin Renewal Power Eye Cream, a high-performance formula powered by Protinol™ Technology and light-diffusion technology, to visibly reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around the delicate eye area. Designed to boost collagen and firm skin, this targeted eye treatment delivers smoother, brighter-looking eyes with every use.

Avon Anew Skin Renewal Power Cream:

The Anew Skin Renewal Power Cream, a high-performance anti-aging moisturizer powered by high-strength 10X Protinol™ & Niacinamide to accelerate surface cell renewal and strengthen the skin barrier. Clinically designed to boost collagen, it visibly reduces fine lines, enhances firmness, and delivers deep hydration for a radiant, youthful glow. With results from the first use it’s your new daily essential for revitalized skin.

Dr. Zoya Diwan, an expert in Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology from London said: “The ANEW Skin Renewal Power Cream is a remarkable innovation for anyone serious about skin health. Backed by 20 years of research through Avon’s Protinol™ technology, it delivers visible results in just seven days. As a dermatologist, I’m impressed by how easily it fits into any skincare routine while still feeling luxurious to use.”

Rohtak, Haryana: Indian Institute of Management Rohtak successfully hosted its annual HR Summit 2025, centered around the theme “Navigating New Horizons: HR’s Strategic Role in a Changing Global Environment.” The event brought together senior HR professionals from leading organizations, including GE Vernova India, Wipro, Paytm, Tata Technologies, ONGC Videsh, and Titan. With the participation of over 300 students and faculty members, the summit provided a dynamic platform for exploring the evolving role of HR to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.

The summit commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak, who highlighted the importance of continuous adaptation in a world marked by volatility and transformation. He emphasized the need for inclusive policies, evolving workplace roles, and a conscious effort to balance technological advancement with human values. He also emphasized how government policies have enabled India to transition from an economy of scarcity to one characterized by increased opportunity and abundance. Reflecting on this progress, he remarked, “We are no longer a nation defined by scarcity. The question now is, how do we keep people motivated and aligned in an age that offers comfort and presents choice while bringing new complexities?” This perspective set the tone for the day, encouraging participants to reflect deeply on the changing expectations of leaders and HR professionals.

The first panel, “Redefining Leadership: Navigating Complexity, Change & Collaboration,” examined how leadership is evolving beyond traditional hierarchies toward a more agile, emotionally intelligent model. One of the speakers remarked, “Leadership today thrives in uncertainty. It’s about fostering innovation, staying ethical, and uniting people behind a shared purpose.” The Panellists also emphasized that modern leadership is about enabling others to thrive in the face of ambiguity and constant change.

The second panel, “Distance, Diversity & Direction: The New Rules of Global People Management,” addressed the realities of managing distributed and diverse teams across geographies. From talent fluidity to cross-cultural engagement, speakers emphasized the importance of evolving people practices suiting global contexts. The conversation reflected the growing need for organizations to rethink people management through the dual lenses of empathy and agility.

The third panel, “Future-Ready Talent: Building Capacity for Disruption,” discussed the skills required to remain competitive amid rapid technological and organizational shifts. Panellists stressed the importance of internal mobility, adaptability, problem-solving, and a digital-first mindset. One speaker noted how leading firms are using AI-powered platforms to assess individual skill gaps and enable personalized learning journeys. The discussion emphasized that upskilling should be part of the company’s culture, helping employees solve problems and adapt to ongoing change.

The final session, “Leading with Why: Embedding Meaning into Metrics,” explored how purpose-driven frameworks can transform the way performance is measured and experienced across organizations. Panellists discussed how linking metrics to employee experience, culture, ESG goals, and sustainability can lead to stronger teams and better business outcomes. They emphasized the importance of redefining success not just by profits but by long-term impact and social responsibility. The panel concluded with a call for leaders to champion the metrics that not only track results but inspire them.

Throughout the summit, students engaged actively with a wide range of ideas spanning leadership, transformation, and workforce strategy. The discussions aligned closely with the discussion initiated by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, reinforcing the urgency for HR to be adaptive, ethical, and forward-thinking in the face of global challenges. The summit proved to be a valuable learning experience, broadening participants’ perspectives on how HR can catalyze organizational success in a rapidly evolving world.

With a current enrolment of over 1800 students, IIM Rohtak, an Institute of National Importance and AMBA-accredited, is ranked among the top 2 percent of global management schools. The Institute has secured 12th in the NIRF India Rankings 2024 and achieved a position in the 151+ band of the QS World University Rankings, underscoring its rising prominence in academic and policy excellence.

Roongta Cinemas Hosts NCR’s Largest Influencer-Cinema Event ‘CineFluence’ – A Groundbreaking Confluence of Cinema and Social Media

Vaishali, Ghaziabad , July 22, 2025 : Roongta Cinemas made history this weekend by successfully hosting CineFluence, Delhi NCR’s largest influencer-cinema experience . The event brought together over 150 top social media influencers from across fashion, food, lifestyle, and entertainment for a day that redefined how cinema interacts with digital culture.

From a glamorous red carpet welcome to exclusive film screenings, live content creation zones, and curated brand experiences, CineFluence transformed the cinema into a creative playground designed for the social media generation.

The initiative, conceptualized by Roongta Cinemas, was aimed at bridging traditional cinema with modern content ecosystems.

Speaking after the event, Sanjay Barjatya, CEO of Roongta Cinemas, said: “CineFluence proved that cinema today is more than just the big screen — it’s a hub for real-time storytelling, digital creativity, and cultural connection. We’re thrilled with the response.”

Ishita Bhatnagar, Vice President – Sales & Marketing at Roongta Cinemas, added: “We witnessed influencers not just attending, but co-creating moments that went viral in real time. The entire cinema came alive with energy, engagement, and innovation.”

Event Highlights:

• Red Carpet-style Influencer Walk
• Live Reel, Vlog & Story Zones
• Branded Pop-Ups, Giveaways & Experience Zones
• A massive digital buzz under the official hashtag #CineFluence

The hashtag #CineFluence trended locally on Instagram and Threads, generating over 4 million impressions in under 24 hours.

As part of its broader vision to evolve into a fully integrated pharmaceutical solutions provider, the company has laid critical groundwork over the next year focusing on international expansion, R&D enhancement, and operational transformation.

A key step in this strategy was the earlier incorporation of REMLIFE GLOBAL PTE. LTD. in Singapore, a wholly owned subsidiary that now functions as Remedium’s global commercial and capital markets interface. The move has enabled the company to tap into global investor ecosystems, streamline international operations and deepen its reach across key markets.

Aligned with this vision, Remedium had secured a ₹182.7 crore (USD 21 Million) multi-year export contract in February 2025 with a leading pharmaceutical distributor. This outcome highlights the company’s efforts to build a reliable, quality-driven, and scalable CDMO platform. The contract underscores Remedium’s growing global credibility and its transition from a trading-led model to a full-spectrum pharmaceutical solutions provider focused on compliance, quality, and innovation.

The robust participation in the recently concluded Rights Issue reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s fundamentals and future potential. The capital is being directed toward high-priority areas, including R&D upgrades, CDMO infrastructure, and expansion into regulated and semi-regulated international markets.

Remedium has invested significantly in enhancing its quality control and testing infrastructure, enabling improved product development and raw material validation—especially for its CDMO clients. While these upgrades do not immediately expand manufacturing capacity, they elevate formulation and compliance capabilities significantly.

Further advancing its sustainability agenda, Remlife Global PTE Ltd has partnered with Jia Yu Lifesciences PTE Ltd, a green chemistry platform focused on replacing animal-origin raw materials with scalable, sustainable bioprocesses.

“The incorporation of Remlife Global PTE Ltd in Singapore marked a pivotal milestone in our global strategy, enabling us to engage with international partners, raise capital more efficiently, and build long-term traction in high-opportunity markets. Our partnership with Jia Yu Lifesciences PTE Ltd further strengthens our innovation-led sustainability efforts. The strong response to our rights issue reaffirms investor belief in our vision. We remain focused on building a future-ready pharmaceutical platform that is globally integrated, compliant, and impact-driven,”—Adarsh Munjal, Whole Time Director, Remedium Lifecare Ltd.

With a growing global order book, diversified sourcing from India, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, and built-in inventory buffers, Remedium is well-positioned to manage geopolitical risks while delivering high-value pharmaceutical products.

As the global pharma landscape becomes increasingly competitive and compliance-driven, Remedium is positioning itself through complex pharma offerings, regulatory-first strategies, cost-efficient CDMO services, and a strong sustainability focus—charting a long-term path toward becoming a differentiated and trusted global pharma partner.

Mumbai, 22 July 2025 – Manubhai Jewellers proudly unveiled its much-anticipated Utsavi Collection, a vibrant celebration of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, at its Borivali and Thane showrooms. The grand launch was graced by renowned actress Sonali Kulkarni and popular actor-influencer Yogita Chauhan, marking a dazzling beginning to the festive season.

Rooted in tradition yet reimagined for today’s woman, the Utsavi Collection presents an array of Unique Maharashtrian Designs, created for the modern Maharashtrian woman who is grounded and true to her roots. This collection is brought to life through meticulous craftsmanship and timeless aesthetics. From heritage gold pieces in radiant yellow and geru finishes to a stunning selection of studded jewellery in polki, diamond, and gold, the collection is as versatile as it is culturally rich.

Utsavi features a diverse range of jewellery including gold necklace sets, rani haar, earrings, bangles, kamarbandh, bajubandh, rings, and mangalsutras—each piece thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of celebration and the elegance of Maharashtrian tradition.

Sonali Kulkarni, looking resplendent in a traditional saree and adorned with key pieces from the Utsavi line, expressed her admiration for the collection, “I like the collection. It’s beautiful, exquisite, and yet exclusive. The freshness in traditional jewellery with modern cuts is unmatched.”

Renowned for her elegance and timeless charm, Sonali’s presence added grandeur to the launch, as she interacted with guests and explored the collection, embodying the spirit of Utsavi—joy, celebration, and elegance.

Yogita Chauhan, the official face of the Utsavi Collection, brought her signature charm and authenticity to the launch in the Thane store. Dressed traditionally and styled in pieces from the collection, Yogita shared, “I feel honored to launch Utsavi at Manubhai Jewellers Thane. It’s a legacy brand we’ve known for decades. I love that their pieces are wearable—not meant just for lockers but for real, everyday moments.”

Mr. Samir Sagar, Director, Manubhai Jewellers, commented on the brand’s vision stating, “In our ever-evolving journey towards excellence, Manubhai Jewellers is elated to introduce a collection that exemplifies elegance and grandeur. ‘Utsavi’ reflects over three decades of our legacy in fine jewelry and Sonali Kulkarni perfectly represents the spirit of this collection.”

“Yogita’s persona exudes joy and celebration. She is both a grounded woman and delightfully expressive. With her as the face of Utsavi, we are confident the collection will inspire people to embrace our culture and celebrate life’s beautiful moments” added Mr. Hiren Sagar, Director, Manubhai Jewellers.

Now available at Manubhai Jewellers’ Borivali and Thane stores — the Utsavi Collection celebrates the essence of Maharashtrian culture, brought to life with Manubhai Jewellers’ signature craftsmanship.

The collaboration aims to deliver industrial-grade, wide-area wireless connectivity across key verticals through nationwide rollout and partner engagement events

22nd July 2025: Syntel by Arvind, the technology arm of Arvind Limited, and a trusted provider of integrated communication and networking solutions in India, today announced a strategic partnership with Altai Technologies, a global leader in industrial-grade Wi-Fi solutions. This collaboration aims to transform wireless infrastructure across industries, enabling seamless connectivity, enhanced productivity, and operational efficiency at scale.

Under this collaboration, Syntel by Arvind will integrate Altai Technologies’s high-performance super Wi-Fi solutions into its portfolio of wireless and network infrastructure offerings, delivering exceptional coverage, capacity, and reliability for diverse environments, from manufacturing plants and warehouses to large public venues and hospitality establishments.

The two companies will jointly launch a series of partner engagement events across four cities august onwards in Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad & Mumbai, showcasing how this alliance empowers businesses to modernize their connectivity and build future-ready digital operations.

Commenting on the collaboration, Venkatesh Palanidass, Chief Strategy Officer, Arya Omnitalk and Syntel by Arvind said, “At Syntel by Arvind, we believe reliable connectivity is the backbone of digital transformation. Our partnership with Altai Technologies brings together our integration expertise and their globally proven super WiFi technology to deliver powerful, scalable wireless solutions across key industries. Together, we’re committed to helping Indian enterprises modernize their infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and build future-ready networks that support long-term growth.”

Syntel by Arvind, with over three decades of enterprise technology leadership, is spearheading the nationwide rollout of Altai Technologies’ advanced wireless solutions in India. This strategic alliance will introduce Altai’s patented Smart Antenna Technology, AlwaysConnected™, and Smart Roaming™, delivering seamless handovers, ultra-low latency under 10ms, and zero packet loss, even in high-density or mission-critical environments. Engineered for performance, Altai’s platform incorporates advanced features like Multi-AP Steering, Mesh Technology, and Wi-Fi SON (Self-Organizing Network), enabling up to five times greater coverage with significantly fewer access points.

Talking about the partnership Danny NG,Senior Vice President Sales &Marketing (EMEA,CIS,India & America) Altai Technologies said, “India is a dynamic and demanding market where our mission has always been to transform how organizations connect and operate through industrial-grade wireless solutions. Partnering with Syntel by Arvind allows us to extend our proven super WiFi technology to new sectors across India, combining our global expertise with their local presence and integration capabilities to deliver unmatched value to customers.”

Fully integrated with enterprise-grade security through Check Point, this next-generation wireless solution is ideally suited for deployment across key sectors such as ports, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, BFSI, education, and government. Backed by Altai Technologies’ proven global footprint and Syntel by Arvind’s strong regional presence, extensive client base, implementation capabilities, end-to-end integration, deployment, and lifecycle services, the partnership will deliver scalable, secure, and future-ready Wi-Fi infrastructure, paving the way for India’s next wave of digital transformation.

Atrangii, one of India’s most disruptive OTT platforms, has officially launched its Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels on LG and Xiaomi smart TVs. Powered by Amagi’s cloud-native broadcast infrastructure and distributed via Amagi Connect, this milestone positions Atrangii as the first Indian OTT brand to debut its Hindi GEC on LG’s FAST ecosystem, setting a new benchmark in the evolution of Hindi-language entertainment. Atrangii will also launch its channel on TCL and RUNN TV, with multiple other platforms such as Yupp and CloudWalker currently under testing, further accelerating its expansion across the connected TV ecosystem.

Atrangii is known for pushing boundaries in storytelling with a rich library of hard-hitting dramas, edge-of-seat thrillers, romance, and reality programming. Its content slate includes fan-favorite originals such as NCR, KINK 2, Chitta Ve, Sabse Bada Rupaiya, Ansuni, and more. The FAST channel also brings viewers a wide range of Hari Om devotional shows and soulful bhajans, including spiritual favorites like Jai Jagannath, Jai Mahalakshmi, Mata Saraswati, Shri Tirupati Balaji, and Navgrah. This creates a diverse lineup that blends contemporary and traditional content. With this move, Atrangii offers viewers free, no-login access to premium Hindi content, delivering a familiar, TV-like experience on smart TVs with curated, scheduled programming. The content is available now on both LG and Xiaomi platforms.

Prashant Nigam, VP Revenue for Atrangii said, “At Atrangii, our mission is to lead with innovation while remaining true to our storytelling roots. Collaborating with Amagi and launching on LG and Xiaomi is not just a technological upgrade, it’s a revolution in how our audience consumes content. FAST removes barriers like subscriptions and logins, delivering our deep content library directly to viewers in a way that feels intuitive and accessible. We’re excited to be at the forefront of the Hindi-language FAST revolution.”

A spokesperson from LG added, “At LG, we’ve always believed in meaningful innovation that enriches customer experience. By bringing Atrangii’s dynamic and diverse content to LG Channels, we’re not only enriching our FAST offering but also giving our audience more ways to access quality Indian entertainment without the subscription barriers. This collaboration strengthens LG’s commitment to delivering compelling, accessible content to its users.”

Amagi is powering Atrangii’s FAST channel rollout with cloud playout, ad insertion, and global distribution. With smart TV adoption rising and FAST ad revenue projected to exceed $12B by 2027, Atrangii is tapping into this growth. Leveraging its content library, it targets the 70% of users who prefer passive viewing, driving engagement and monetization without new production costs.

This collaboration gives Atrangii a strong early-mover advantage in the FAST space, securing premium placement and greater visibility across connected TV platforms. By embracing this growing format, Atrangii is expanding access to Indian content, reaching broader audiences without subscription barriers, and reinforcing its position as a forward-looking brand in the digital entertainment landscape. Additionally, the Atrangii Hindi GEC FAST channel will enter international markets through eminent global platforms, further amplifying its reach and strengthening its global footprint in the Hindi entertainment space.

Sangli, Maharashtra, 22 July 2025 :: Quality Power Electrical Equipments Ltd., a global provider of high voltage power products and power quality solutions, has secured a significant export order exceeding INR 10 crore from a leading European customer for the supply of dry-type Shunt Reactors for a hyperscale data centre project in Finland.

This order marks a key milestone in Quality Power’s expanding role in supporting power infrastructure for mission-critical digital facilities. Modern data centres, particularly in colder European geographies, are placing increasing emphasis on grid stability, reactive power control, and power factor correction. The dry-type air core Shunt Reactors being supplied under this contract are engineered to mitigate voltage rise and manage reactive power flows under light load conditions, thereby ensuring steady voltage levels at the point of interconnection with utility grids.

The selection of Quality Power’s advanced coil technology for a hyperscale European data centre underscores the company’s technical competence and growing brand recognition in global markets. These reactors are designed in line with IEC 60076-6 and applicable data centre resilience standards and are particularly suited for continuous duty in sensitive environments where oil-filled equipment may not be preferred due to fire and environmental considerations.

The reactors will be manufactured and tested at Quality Power’s ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001- certified coil facility in Sangli, India. Execution activities shall will commence immediately.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Vivek Moroney, President – Operations at Quality Power, stated: “Securing this order following rigorous technical evaluations by Scandinavian utilities and engineering consultants reaffirms our core engineering capabilities and operational excellence. This contract not only validates our product in the European market but also marks our strategic entry into supplying high-reliability coil products for large-scale data centre applications globally.

The company remains focused on meeting customer expectations through technical innovation, timely execution, and adherence to global performance and compliance benchmarks.”

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Sign MoU to Promote Energy-Efficient Technologies in the Forging Industry

22nd July 2025: The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the Indian forging sector, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India. This landmark partnership marks a significant step toward promoting sustainable manufacturing practices within the forging industry under the Assistance for Deployment of Energy Efficient Technologies in Industrial Establishments (ADEETIE) scheme. This crucial MoU was signed in the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal.

The ADEETIE scheme, launched by the Ministry of Power and implemented by BEE, is aimed at enabling MSMEs across 14 energy-intensive sectors, including forging to adopt best-in-class energy-efficient technologies. With a comprehensive approach, the scheme offers interest subvention on technology adoption loans, handholding support for investment-grade energy audits, guidance on project implementation, and post-deployment monitoring. It also includes the establishment of a dedicated project management unit and a nodal banking partner to streamline execution.

Mr. Yash Munot, President of AIFI, emphasized the significance of the partnership, saying, “This collaboration with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency marks a significant step forward for the Indian forging industry. As one of the most energy-intensive sectors, forging stands to benefit immensely from the structured support offered under the ADEETIE scheme. By enabling access to financial incentives and technical guidance, this initiative will empower MSMEs to adopt cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies. It aligns perfectly with our vision of building a globally competitive, environmentally responsible, and innovation-driven forging ecosystem. AIFI is committed to mobilizing our members across clusters to take full advantage of this opportunity and contribute meaningfully to India’s broader sustainability and industrial growth goals”.

With a total budgetary outlay of ₹1,000 crore, the scheme will support over ₹9,000 crore in anticipated investments, including ₹6,750 crore in prospective MSME lending. Forging units will benefit from interest subvention rates of 5% for micro and small enterprises and 3% for medium enterprises, helping them overcome financial barriers to adopting energy-efficient solutions.

Mr. Deven Doshi, Chairman – Government Interface, AIFI, highlighted the strategic impact of this initiative, stating, “Energy efficiency is very essential for forging companies, but the MSME sector often faces structural barriers in adopting cleaner and more efficient technologies. The ADEETIE scheme provides a structured framework of support, including technical, operational and financial aspects, that directly addresses these challenges. AIFI is proud to be a partner in this transformative journey. This collaboration not only ensures sectoral compliance with energy norms but also paves the way for long-term industrial modernisation.”

The forging industry, especially its MSME segment, has long been a pillar of India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem, supporting critical sectors like automotive, defence, and capital goods. However, the high energy consumption in our processes has presented persistent cost and sustainability challenges. The ADEETIE scheme launched by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is a timely and forward-looking initiative that directly addresses these issues. Through this MoU, AIFI will serve as a vital link between forging enterprises and the government, facilitating access to fiscal incentives such as interest subvention, and providing technical guidance on energy audits, project formulation, and implementation.

The forging industry, known for its critical role in automotive, defence, and heavy engineering sectors, is among the most energy-intensive. Through this MoU, AIFI will actively facilitate the integration of the ADEETIE scheme across forging clusters in India, ensuring that member enterprises have access to the tools, knowledge, and financial incentives required for sustainable growth.

This strategic alignment between AIFI and BEE paves the way for a greener future in Indian manufacturing, empowering MSMEs to reduce their energy footprint, enhance productivity, and bolster India’s sustainability goals.