Archives July 2025

Mumbai / Chennai, 09th July 2025: Phoenix Palladium, Chennai’s premier luxury destination, came alive in a spectacular display of elegance, craftsmanship, and curated fashion with the debut edition of Walk of LUXURY—an exclusive fashion showcase that brought together global brands, fashion connoisseurs, and style enthusiasts under one glamorous roof.

Curated by India’s legendary fashion expert Prasad Bidapa, the event unfolded as a captivating and immersive experience—an elegant runway presentation featuring over 40 professional models showcasing tailored ensembles from some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. Bringing together designers from across India, including Rehane, Vaishnavi Reddy, and Geisha Designs, the event beautifully highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage. It wove a visual story centered on traditional fabrics like Kancheepuram, Banaras, and Kota, blending them seamlessly with Indo-western, ethnic, casual, and formal styles.

Speaking at the event, Prasad Bidapa remarked, “Luxury is rare and that’s exactly why I choose it. I gravitate toward the handmade and the handwoven because that’s where true artistry lies. For this showcase, I have personally handpicked weavers and artisans, giving them a platform and purpose. This is about celebrating their skill while also providing meaningful employment.”

The Walk of LUXURY took center stage as Phoenix Palladium’s Ground Floor transformed into a vibrant runway, where Chennai’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals gathered to witness signature pieces from global luxury brands like Canali, Boss, Coach, Michael Kors, TUMI, Kate Spade, Dune, Diesel, Armani Exchange, Breitling, The Collective, Ethos Summit, and more. The immersive showcase seamlessly blended couture, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling—elevating the mall into a stage where global fashion met Indian heritage.

With Walk of LUXURY, Phoenix Palladium has once again reaffirmed its position as South India’s definitive destination for luxury retail and experiential fashion—where global style finds its stage and discerning audiences discover endless inspiration.

“Elegance walked. Luxury spoke. And Chennai watched in awe.”

Digital payments have made everyday transactions faster, easier, and more accessible for millions of users across India. As this convenience grows, it is important for users to remain aware and informed. Safe payment practices are simple to follow and go a long way in ensuring secure digital experiences.

• Always check before you pay: Before making any payment, check the name that appears on the screen. Make sure it is the person or business you want to pay. Taking a few seconds to confirm can help avoid mistakes.
• Use only trusted payment Apps and websites: Make payments only through official and well-known Apps or websites. Do not download Apps or click on links sent by people you do not know or trust.
• Do not share your PIN or OTP with anyone: Your UPI PIN, OTP, or bank details are private and confidential. Never share them with anyone, even if they say they are from a bank or police or any government office.
• Do not rush into any payment: If someone asks you to make a payment quickly or share your details urgently, take a moment. You can always say you will check and call back. It is okay to take your time.
• Keep payment alerts on and check them often: Turn on SMS and App notifications for your payments. Read each alert carefully. If something looks wrong, contact your bank or payment App immediately.

By adopting a few mindful habits, every user can ensure they take charge of their digital safety. With awareness and responsible use, digital payments can continue to be a trusted and empowering part of daily life. Report suspicious number to the national cybercrime helpline by dialling 1930 or the Department of Telecommunication (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/). Save messages, take screenshots and document interactions. This can help authorities if you need to file a report.

Gyanjyot Project promotes girl child education, community engagement, and environmental responsibility

Pipavav, Gujarat|July 9, 2025: APM Terminals Pipavav extended its support to the Kanya Kelvani Mahotsav and Shala Praveshotsav, a school enrolment drive conducted across six villages—Kadiyali, Pipavavdham, Devpara, Rampara, Shiyalbet, and Bherai. The initiative aimed to ensure smooth enrolment of young children into the formal education system, while also reinforcing awareness around girl child education and environmental responsibility.

This initiative reached over 615 students and 540 parents demonstrating strong community participation. As part of APM Terminals Pipavav’s flagship education program, the Gyanjyot Project, the drive ensures that every child in the village begins their educational journey with dignity, support, and excitement.

To motivate and prepare students for the academic year, the company facilitated the distribution of educational kits to both primary and secondary students to support their school readiness. Adding an environmental touch to the celebrations, a tree plantation drive was also conducted. Students, parents, and teachers came together to plant saplings, encouraging children to value sustainability from a young age and take pride in protecting their surroundings.

The school enrolment drive remains a cornerstone of APM Terminals Pipavav’s holistic approach to social responsibility—integrating education, environment, and empowerment to build brighter futures for rural communities.

New Delhi – July 9, 2025 – KLK Ventures, a leading name in sustainable energy solutions, has partnered with the Jammu & Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) to implement a large-scale Solar Street Lighting System for the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025.

As part of this partnership, a Rate Contract has been signed for the Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of 400 White LED-based Solar Street Lighting System to be powered by Li-Fe-PO4 batteries. Moreover, the installation process has now been successfully completed. This project also contains a five-year Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC) in which KLK Ventures will provide maintenance and service support at no cost to the ADB, thus providing uninterrupted operation during the term of the contract.

These Solar Street Lighting Systems are being deployed in strict accordance with the latest specifications and standards laid out by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, along with relevant BIS/IEC certifications, ensuring high performance, safety, and reliability.

The goal of this strategic project is to improve lighting and visibility along the yatra route for the thousands of people traveling to Shri Amarnathji Yatra in order to improve safety and accessibility. After the yatra ends, KLK Ventures will dismantle the streetlights it installed and return carriage to JAKEDA’s stores located in Bemina, Srinagar, so that we can be assured of the sustainable treatment of all equipment.

Speaking on the collaboration, Akshat Jain, CEO of KLK Ventures stated, “We are honored to support this important religious event with a sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solution. Our focus remains on delivering reliable technology backed by long-term service to meet the unique environmental and logistical demands of the yatra.”

This partnership emphasizes a shared dedication by both KLK Ventures and JAKEDA to integrate technology, sustainability and service level excellence in one of the most spiritually important and logistically difficult environments in the country.

New Delhi, India, July 09, 2025: Saraf and Partners acted as legal counsel to Gaja Capital (“Gaja”) in USD 20 million Series C investment round in Nupa Technologies Private Limited, an egg supply chain company operating under the brand name ‘Eggoz’ (“Nupa Tech” or “Eggoz”). The funding round was led by Gaja, with participation from existing investors IvyCap Ventures and Rebright Partners (the “Transaction”).

For Gaja, the transaction was a mix of primary and secondary investments. As part of the secondary, Gaja acquired securities from various stakeholders, including promoters, individual shareholders and institutional investors

Saraf and Partners advised Gaja Capital across the entire transaction lifecycle, including legal due diligence, negotiation of complex multi-party documentation, regulatory advisory, and closing assistance.

The transaction was led by Partner, Vivek Pareek.

SEOUL, July 8, 2025 — LG Electronics (LG), at a press conference held on July 8 at LG Sciencepark in South Korea, presented a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming its ES Company into a top-tier global provider of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions by 2030. To achieve this goal, the company plans to drive growth by expanding its industrial and commercial B2B revenue – including from AI data center cooling – and by providing regionally tailored heating and cooling solutions. In line with its “3B strategy” (Build, Borrow, Buy), LG will also pursue serial acquisitions to enhance core capabilities and diversify its business portfolio.

By strengthening its competitiveness in both high-efficiency HVAC hardware and non-hardware solutions, LG aims to achieve KRW 20 trillion in HVAC revenue by 2030 as part of its mid- to long-term growth strategy.

Boosting Industrial B2B Sales as Demand Surges in the AI Era

LG continues to scale its presence in the B2B sector, supplying advanced chiller systems for data centers and large-scale commercial buildings. With the global chiller market expected to reach USD 12 billion by 2027, the company aims to reach USD 720 million (KRW 1 trillion) in sales within two years, establishing the business as a core future growth driver.

LG’s portfolio includes diverse data center-specific cooling technologies – such as liquid cooling systems using coolant distribution units to directly cool server chips, chiller-based air cooling systems and HVAC solutions compatible with direct current power environments. In 2025, LG expects to more than triple orders for its data center cooling solutions compared to the previous year, marking it as a key growth engine.

To develop optimized solutions for AI data centers, LG established a dedicated testbed – the LG AI Data Center HVAC Solution Lab – at its Pyeongtaek chiller plant earlier this year. The facility simulates a wide range of AI server environments to conduct systematic performance testing of LG’s advanced cooling solutions. Most recently, the company began pilot testing its liquid cooling technology in collaboration with LG U+, a leading South Korean telecommunications and digital services provider, to further validate and refine its thermal management capabilities.

Strategic Acquisitions Fueling HVAC Capabilities and Portfolio Expansion

As part of its growth strategy, LG is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to reinforce its HVAC expertise and broaden its portfolio. Most recently, the company acquired a 100 percent stake in OSO, a leading Norway-based water heating solutions provider, to solidify its position in the European heating market.

Guided by its 3B strategy, LG is simultaneously building internal capabilities through initiatives like the Air Solution Lab and HVAC Academy (Build), forming R&D partnerships with academic institutions (Borrow), and continuing to identify high-impact M&A opportunities (Buy).

Expanding B2B Reach via Deep Localization and Non-Hardware Revenue Growth

LG is rapidly expanding its presence in the commercial HVAC market, delivering solutions to logistics centers, retail complexes and other large infrastructure projects. Recent highlights include the installation of its high-efficiency Multi V i™ system at a major logistics hub in Tuas, Singapore, and the supply of 28,000 RT of chillers to The Avenues-Riyadh, a major mixed-use complex in Saudi Arabia. These projects showcase LG’s ability to meet local regulations and customer requirements through tailored, region-specific solutions.

The company is also accelerating growth in non-hardware revenue, aiming to increase its share from 10 percent to 20 percent. This includes offerings such as Building Energy Control (BECON), an AI-based integrated building management platform that provides real-time energy analytics. LG is also nearing commercialization of a digital twin system for data centers that can accurately predict server heat generation and optimize HVAC efficiency using AI-powered control systems.

Strengthening Global South Presence to Achieve Global Leadership

With strong localization at its core, LG is strengthening its presence in the rapidly expanding markets of the Global South through end-to-end localized operations that encompass R&D, manufacturing, sales and maintenance. While maintaining a strong presence in North America and Europe, the company is now accelerating its B2B expansion in emerging regions by delivering tailored solutions and strengthening its on-the-ground capabilities.

In India, LG is launching a new product development organization this year and establishing a new production line at its Sri City plant, scheduled to open in 2026. This new line will support regional demand with an annual capacity of up to 1.5 million air conditioning units.

Globally, LG is leveraging its HVAC Academy training centers to cultivate top-tier service, sales and engineering talent, while also using these facilities as strategic hubs to support regional expansion. The company currently operates HVAC Academies in 65 locations across 43 countries and plans to expand the network to 70 locations by the end of 2025.

“HVAC demand is rising in tandem with the growing number of data centers being built worldwide,” said James Lee, president of the LG ES Company. “Leveraging decades of experience and core technological excellence, LG is committed to becoming a leading HVAC solution provider in the AI era.”

Chandigarh, July 8th, 2025: Smartworks Coworking Spaces Limited (“Smartworks” or “The Company”), proposes to open the Bid / Offer Period in relation to its initial public offer of the Equity Shares (“Offer”) on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

The Total Offer Size comprises a fresh issue of number of Equity Shares by the Company aggregating up to ₹4,450 million (the “Fresh Issue”) and offer for sale of up to 3,379,740 Equity Shares (“Offer for Sale”) by certain existing shareholders of the Company (the “Selling Shareholders”) (the “Total Offer Size”).

A discount of ₹ 37 per Equity Share is being offered to Eligible Employees bidding in the Employee Reservation Portion.

The Company proposes to utilise the Net Proceeds towards repayment/ prepayment/ redemption, in full or in part, of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company to the extent of ₹1,140 million, capital expenditure for fit-outs in the New Centres and for security deposits of the New Centres to the extent of ₹2,258.40 million and balance amount towards general corporate purpose (the “Objects of the Offer”).

The Offer for Sale comprises up to 490,000 Equity Shares by NS Niketan LLP, up to 310,000 Equity Shares by SNS Infrarealty LLP (“Promoter Selling Shareholders”) and up to 2,579,740 Equity Shares by Space Solutions India Pte. Ltd. (formerly Lisbrine Pte Limited) (“Investor Selling Shareholders”) (collectively, the “Investor Selling Shareholders”).

The Anchor Investor Bid/Offer Period opens and closes on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The Bid/Offer Period will open on Thursday, July 10, 2025 for subscription and close on Monday, July 14, 2025.

The Price Band of the Offer has been fixed at ₹387 to ₹407 per Equity Share. Bids can be made for a minimum of 36 Equity Shares and in multiples of 36 Equity Shares thereafter.

This Equity Shares are being offered through the Red Herring Prospectus of the Company dated July 4, 2025 filed with the Registrar of Companies, Delhi & Haryana at New Delhi. (The “RoC”)

The Equity Shares to be offered through the Red Herring Prospectus dated July 4, 2025 are proposed to be listed on the stock exchanges being BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. For the purposes of the Offer, NSE is the Designated Stock Exchange. ”)

JM Financial Limited, BOB Capital Markets Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited (formerly known as IIFL Securities Limited) and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited are the book running lead managers to the Offer.

All capitalised terms used herein but not defined shall have the same meaning as ascribed to them in the RHP.

The Offer is being made in terms of Rule 19(2)(b) of the SCRR read with Regulation 31 of the SEBI ICDR Regulations. This Offer is being made through the Book Building Process in accordance with Regulation 6(1) of the SEBI ICDR Regulations wherein not more than 50% of the Net Offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to Qualified Institutional Buyers (“QIBs”) (the “QIB Portion”), provided that the Company, in consultation with the Book Running Lead Managers may allocate up to 60% of the QIB Portion to Anchor Investors on a discretionary basis (the “Anchor Investor Portion”). One-third of the Anchor Investor Portion shall be reserved for domestic Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received from the domestic Mutual Funds at or above the price at which allocation is made to Anchor Investors (“Anchor Investor Allocation Price”) in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations. In the event of under-subscription, or non-allocation in the Anchor Investor Portion, the balance Equity Shares shall be added to the QIB Portion (other than Anchor Investor Portion) (“Net QIB Portion”).

Further, 5% of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to Mutual Funds only, and the remainder of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to all QIBs, including Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Offer Price. However, if the aggregate demand from Mutual Funds is less than 5% of the Net QIB Portion, the balance Equity Shares available for allocation in the Mutual Fund Portion will be added to the remaining Net QIB Portion for proportionate allocation to QIBs.

Further, (a) not less than 15% of the Net Offer shall be available for allocation to Non-Institutional Bidders (“Non-Institutional Portion”) (out of which one third shall be reserved for Bidders with Bids exceeding ₹ 0.20 million up to ₹ 1.00 million and two-thirds shall be reserved for Bidders with Bids exceeding ₹ 1.00 million, provided that the unsubscribed portion in either of such sub-categories may be allocated to applicants in the other sub-category of the Non-Institutional Portion, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Offer Price); and (b) not less than 35% of the Net Offer shall be available for allocation to Retail Individual Bidders (“RIBs”) in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations, subject to valid Bids being received from them at or above the Offer Price. All potential Bidders, other than Anchor Investors, are mandatorily required to participate in the Offer through the Application Supported by Blocked Amount (“ASBA”) process by providing details of their respective ASBA Account (as defined hereinafter) and UPI ID in case of UPI Bidders (defined hereinafter), which will be blocked by the SCSBs or the Sponsor Banks, as the case may be, to the extent of their respective Bid Amounts. Anchor Investors are not permitted to participate in the Anchor Investor Portion through the ASBA process. Further, Equity Shares will be allotted on a proportionate basis to Eligible Employees applying under the Employee Reservation Portion, subject to valid Bids received from them at or above the Offer Price (net of Employee Discount, if any). For details, see “Offer Procedure” on page 488 of the RHP.

Chennai, get ready to experience the allure of red carpet beauty! Max Factor, over 100-year-old iconic international beauty brand, is now making its dazzling mark in the heart of Tamil Nadu. Renowned as the “Make-Up of Make-Up Artists,” Max Factor is bringing its professional-grade formulations and Hollywood legacy to Chennai’s beauty lovers. You can now explore Max Factor’s most-loved collections at Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle and Beauti & Nutri.

With a heritage in crafting iconic beauty looks for film stars and celebrities, Max Factor has become a symbol of elegance, performance, and innovation. Its arrival in Chennai marks a new chapter for beauty lovers who seek high-performance makeup that delivers both artistry and everyday wearability.

“At Max Factor, We believe, when we step into the spotlight of our own life, that’s when magic really happens—it’s about transformation, confidence, and creative self-expression. Launching in Chennai allows us to connect with a city known for its vibrant culture and love for timeless beauty,” says Kumar Prashant, Business Head, International Brands, House of Beauty.

From velvety foundations and seamless compacts to bold lipsticks and lash-lifting mascaras, Max Factor’s expertly curated range is tailored for Indian skin tones and suited for Chennai’s unique climate. Whether you’re heading to a classical concert in Mylapore, brunching at a chic café in Nungambakkam, or attending a beachside wedding in ECR, Max Factor ensures your look is flawless and photo-ready.

Step into the world of Max Factor and discover why it continues to be a favorite among generations of makeup artists, stars, and beauty enthusiasts across the globe.

Thiruvananthapuram, 08-07-2025: The second edition of the India International Industrial Expo will be held from January 16 to 18, 2026, at the Adlux International Exhibition Centre, Kochi. The three-day industrial fair is being organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and Metro Mart, with the support of the Department of Industries, Government of Kerala, and the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Around twenty affiliated associations of KSSIA will also collaborate in hosting the India International Industrial Expo.

Over 500 leading machinery manufacturers from across India and abroad will showcase their products and equipment at the expo. Exhibitors from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and countries including China, the UK, UAE, Germany, Korea, and Japan will participate in the event.

The expo will also feature seminars, presentations, product launches, and interactive sessions on various industry-related topics. Buyer-seller meetings, vendor development programs, and other initiatives will be held over the three days.

Aspiring entrepreneurs will be connected with machinery manufacturers to help them start new ventures. Help desks from various banks will be set up at the expo to support individuals and institutions seeking loans for business expansion. Special stalls under the MSME Ministry of the Government of India will be arranged to support enterprises within the MSME sector.

“This edition will be the largest industrial exhibition and business summit ever held in Kerala,” said KSSIA State President A. Nisarudheen. He added that an industrial summit with participation from over 5,000 industrialists from different districts of Kerala will also be conducted as part of the expo. A special pavilion for startups and panel discussions featuring prominent media personalities and young political leaders will also be organized. Providing technical knowledge to entrepreneurs will help improve productivity and ensure financial sustainability of companies,” he noted.

“More than 20,000 trade visitors are expected to attend the event”, said K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Chairman of the India International Industrial Expo Organizing Committee. He emphasized that the event will include several programs aimed at connecting local industries with the global trade ecosystem.

“There will be special training sessions for industrialists in areas like Artificial Intelligence and Digital Marketing,” said Siji Nair, CEO of the India International Industrial Expo. “The display of various robots, sensors, AI-integrated machinery, and equipment useful in sectors like construction, automobile, manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture will significantly contribute to Kerala’s industrial growth,” he added.

The press meet was attended by KSSIA State President A. Nisarudheen, Expo Organizing Committee Chairman K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Expo CEO Siji Nair, KSSIA State Vice President Fazaludheen, Kozhikode District President Ishaq K, Thiruvananthapuram District President Pradeep Kumar C.S., and KSSIA News Editor Saleem.

Mumbai, July 8, 2025 – Ventive Hospitality Limited , along with its Promoter Group Companies, announced the expansion of their strategic partnership with Marriott International, by signing management contracts for seven luxury, upper upscale and upscale hotels comprising of 1,548 rooms across India and Sri Lanka. This partnership marks multiple brand debuts in key locations including Sri Lanka, Varanasi, Mundra, Pune, and Navi Mumbai. Further, Ventive Hospitality also announced its plans to develop a hotel on its existing leasehold land in Mundra, India.

Of the seven hotels, three hotels are being developed by Ventive Hospitality and its subsidiaries – the Ritz-Carlton Reserve (73 villas along with 80 branded residences[1] for sale) at Pottuvil, near Yala East National Park in Sri Lanka; Varanasi Marriott Hotel (161 rooms) at Varanasi, India and Courtyard by Marriott (200 rooms) at Mundra, India.

The remaining four hotels – the proposed JW Marriott Navi Mumbai (450 rooms), Moxy Navi Mumbai (200 rooms), Moxy Pune Wakad (264 rooms) and Moxy Pune Kharadi (200 rooms), are being developed by the Promoter Group companies on Right Of First Offer (ROFO) or alternative structure basis for the Ventive Hospitality and will be transferred to the Company under a suitable arrangement that maximizes value for all stakeholders equitably.

This partnership, one of India’s largest in the luxury and upper-upscale hotel sector, leverages the strength of Ventive Hospitality’s project execution capabilities along with Marriott International’s renowned brands and hotel management expertise. Both companies are poised to unlock significant growth opportunities by capitalizing on a favorable demand-supply dynamics.

This strategic partnership was formally announced by Atul Chordia, Chairman and Executive Director of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. Also present at the event were Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International Ranjit Batra, CEO, Ventive Hospitality Ltd, Milind Wadekar Executive Vice President Finance and Investor Relations, Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, Hotel Development, Marriott International and other senior leaders from Ventive Hospitality, Panchshil Group and Marriott International.

Commenting on the announcement, Atul Chordia, Chairman and Executive Director of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, said “We’re excited to begin FY 2025-26 on a strong note, particularly as it is our first financial year post listing. This partnership not only strengthens our two-decade-long relationship with Marriott International but also marks a pivotal moment in our journey to redefine India’s hospitality sector. By leveraging Marriott’s global expertise and our deep real estate knowledge, we aim to create distinctive

destinations that elevate guest experiences for both business and leisure travelers, driving growth in the luxury and upper-upscale segments and expanding our footprint beyond Pune, Bengaluru, and the Maldives. This collaboration underscores our commitment to aggressive growth while maintaining prudent leverage.”

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, remarked “Our growth strategy focuses on being present where our guests are looking to travel. We are thrilled to work with Ventive Hospitality, as we continue to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and world-class hospitality services. We are especially excited to have signed the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, that is expected to mark the brand’s debut in Sri Lanka. Today’s signed agreement underscores our long-standing relationship with Ventive Hospitality, and we look forward to bringing these exciting projects to fruition.”

Ranjit Batra, CEO of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, shared his thoughts, “At Ventive Hospitality, we are committed to driving aggressive growth, enhancing stakeholder value, and redefining India’s hospitality landscape with globally benchmarked destinations. Our strategic partnership with Marriott International is a pivotal step towards this vision, delivering exceptional guest experiences and contributing to the industry’s growth. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to a successful journey.”