Archives 2025

Mumbai, February 13, 2025: Bandhan Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty Next 50 Index, which comprises the 50 companies ranked just beyond the Nifty 50 in India’s top 100 listed stocks. While classified as large caps, these companies exhibit mid and small-caps-like growth potential. The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open on Thursday, 13 February 2025, and close on Tuesday, 25 February 2025. Investment in the Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund can be made through licensed mutual fund distributors.

Commenting on the opportunity in the Nifty Next 50, Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC, said, “The Nifty Next 50 Index provides investors access to well-established companies that are still in their high-growth phase. Spanning sectors such as consumer discretionary, FMCG, IT, and more, the index includes industry disruptors with noteworthy potential. Over the past nine years, 24 companies from this index have moved into the Nifty 50, reinforcing it as a launchpad for potential future market leaders. Historically, it has outperformed the Nifty 50 across multiple market cycles. With the recent market correction pushing the index down over 20% and trading below its five-year average, past trends suggest that such phases have often been followed by strong recoveries. The Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund provides investors with an opportunity to participate in this segment’s longterm growth potential at an opportune time.”

Kolkata, February 13, 2025: West Bengal, which has emerged as a frontrunner in the energy space, is steadfast in its effort to ensure 20 per cent of its total energy comes from renewable sources by 2030, Md Ghulam Rabbani, Minister-in-charge, department of Non-conventional and Renewable Energy Sources.

The state government has already been taking several initiatives to achieve the target and the 900 MW Bandu Pumped Storage Project in Purulia in PPP model is a “prime example”.

“This (having 20 per cent of our energy from renewable sources) is not merely an ambitious target, it is a well-planned strategic commitment,” Rabbani said at the 6th Edition of Energy Meet & Excellence Awards organised by Assocham here on Wednesday.

According to Barun Kumar Ray, Additional Chief Secretary, department of Non-conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, there is a need to adopt innovative methods including putting in place a hybrid system by supplementing solar and wind power and integrating it with biomass in order to ramp up renewable energy adoption.

“The state government is working on solarisation of agricultural pumps. Currently huge amount of power is drawn from the State Grid or through the use of fossil fuel for operating agricultural pumps. We are looking to solarise these pumps. We are in talks with Water Resources, Agriculture and Irrigation departments for the same,” Ray said.

West Bengal government is also looking to put in place charging infrastructure in order to be able to meet the demand from EV consumers moving forward. The state has seen a significant surge in EV registrations and this is likely to grow “by leaps and bounds” moving forward, he added.

The state government is also working with Bengal Gas Company Ltd to produce large amount of gas from bio waste. “West Bengal has a huge potential to generate gas from biodegradable waste and we intend to work together with Bengal Gas to explore this opportunity,” he said.

This apart, Ray also talked about the state government initiative to utilise solar energy from rooftop panels installed in various government schools for cooking mid-day meal served to students. “Currently mid-day meal is cooked using firewood or LPG. We are looking to use solar power through rooftop panels going forward. An announcement in this regard is likely to happen soon.”

Hugh Boylan, Australian Consul General in Kolkata, said, “The Consulate General in Kolkata is engaging with state partners and businesses across east and northeast India to explore more opportunities in the energy sector. Our world class mining equipment, technology and services firms have a strong presence here. They are looking to grow existing collaborations and find new partnerships to benefit businesses.”

CESC will be working together with state government support and guidance for promoting rooftop solar project in the city of Kolkata, Vineet Sikka, MD, Distribution, CESC Ltd said. It will also work on battery storage for storage of surplus renewable energy.

Talking about cleaner fuels, Anupam Mukhopadhyay, CEO, Bengal Gas Company Ltd and ED, GAIL, said, “While fossil fuel will continue to be there for some years, it is important to look at less harmful fossil fuel and there comes the role of methane gas. The consumption of methane gas has increased substantially and it is expected to nearly double to touch 300 million standard cubic metre in the next two-to-three years, as compared to the current 180 million standard cubic metre.”

February 13, 2025 – Mumbai :

Mumbai based Brand and Communications consultancy, Tilt Brand Solutions has announced the appointment of Kushager Tuli as President – Creative. He was last, Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett.

An engineering graduate with 18 years of advertising experience across Ogilvy, McCann, JWT and a few other agencies, Kush brings with him a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking and leadership skills. Kush has led integrated teams and won national and international accolades on a plethora of brands, including Coca-Cola, Nescafe, The Times of India, BMW, Mastercard, Star Sports, Tata Motors, Perfetti, HUL, Pepsi and Visa.

Speaking of his appointment, Kushager Tuli, President – Creative, Tilt Brand Solutions said, “Tilt is already doing some industry benchmark-worthy work and I hope to add even more depth and value to our clients and our creative showcase. In an ever changing comms landscape, being able to craft brave, engaging and compelling stories across formats and platforms is something that I’m excitedly looking forward to doing, with the rest of the fabulous folks here at Tilt.”

Kush will be reporting into Adarsh Atal.

Adarsh Atal, Group Chief Creative Officer, Tilt Brand Solutions added, “Kushager joins us to not just bolster our creative team, but also to add to our carefully crafted culture. His proven record as a leader is exactly what we need, given the myriad and strong creative talent we have and nurture at Tilt. With his diversity of experience and expertise across agencies and brands, I’m certain that Kushager will help us take our creative product to newer heights.”

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025 – Is accountability in public life fading? This pressing question took center stage as the Centre for Constitutional Values at BML Munjal University hosted an exclusive discussion celebrating the legacy of Professor Upendra Baxi, Professor Emeritus, University of Warwick and Former Vice Chancellor, of Delhi University and University of Surat. The event gathered top legal minds, activists, and scholars to reflect on the impact of Prof. Baxi’s ground-breaking work, including his pivotal role in rape law reform and corporate accountability in the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

The discussion was anchored around Of Law and Life, a newly published book by Orient Blackswan that chronicles Prof. Baxi’s legal interventions over decades. Four thematic panels dissected critical issues such as judicial independence, media influence on justice, climate responsibility, and democratic suppression of activism. At a time when institutions face mounting scrutiny and legal frameworks are being tested by political and social shifts, the discussions resonated beyond academic circles. Speakers deliberated on the evolving role of courts in safeguarding civil liberties, the rise of strategic litigation to silence dissent, and the growing influence of media narratives in shaping judicial outcomes. Notable speakers included Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, VC, NLSIU Bangalore, Prof. Rajeev Bhargava, Mr. Harsh Mander, and leading civil liberties lawyers.

Prof. Baxi’s keynote speech challenged the audience to rethink the role of lawyers, activists, and academics in upholding democratic values. His reflections ignited intense discussions on whether courts are increasingly shaped by public opinion and whether legal aid systems truly serve justice.

The event concluded with a compelling public lecture by Prof. Susan Marks, LSE Law School on ‘Dignity: A Worldly Perspective’, challenging conventional notions of human dignity through global legal frameworks and real-world case studies. Her thought-provoking insights sparked an engaging discussion, leaving the audience with deeper reflections on justice, rights, and the lived realities of dignity.

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025: Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is proud to announce the prodigious success of the Jawa 42 FJ, a motorcycle that has redefined the neo-classic segment in India. Designed to celebrate the spirit of freedom and individuality, the Jawa 42 FJ has struck a chord with riders across the nation, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Named after František Janeček, the visionary founder of Jawa, this motorcycle is designed to offer a bold and modern riding experience for today’s enthusiasts. The celebrations in 120+ cities across India continue to ignite rider enthusiasm, with over 150+ events bringing together more than 5,400 passionate riders, further cementing Jawa’s legacy of excellence and redefining motorcycling experiences.

Commenting on the success of the motorcycle, Sharad Agarwal, Chief Business Officer of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles said, “The 42 FJ embodies everything we believe motorcycling should be – bold, distinctive, and thrilling. When we set out to create this motorcycle, we weren’t just aiming to set new benchmarks; we wanted to craft something that would make riders’ hearts race before they even twist the throttle. What we’ve achieved is a machine that doesn’t just perform brilliantly – it stirs the soul. It’s a testament to our belief that great design and engineering should evoke emotion. The overwhelming response from riders tells us we’ve created something truly special – a motorcycle that’s as much about the joy it brings as the technology behind it.”

The Jawa 42 FJ marks a significant advancement in the neo-classic motorcycle segment, blending the brand’s timeless legacy with modern innovation. Since its launch in September 2024, the motorcycle has captured the hearts of enthusiasts, garnering overwhelming customer acceptance. Celebrated for its striking aesthetics, powerful engine, and agile handling, its standout feature is the anodized, brushed aluminium fuel tank cladding—a segment first—offering customization options with various colours and Jawa branding. The design is further enhanced by brushed aluminium headlamp holders, grab handles, and footpegs, seamlessly merging heritage with contemporary craftsmanship. Iconic curves, an off-set fuel cap, and a premium-stitched wide seat add to its distinctive silhouette. Modern features, such as an upswept exhaust, all-LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a USB charging port, perfectly blend traditional aesthetics with current technology, positioning the 42 FJ as the ideal choice for riders seeking both heritage and innovation.

At the core of the Jawa 42 FJ lies the cutting-edge 350 Alpha2 engine, a powerhouse that sets a new benchmark in the neo-classic motorcycle segment. Delivering an impressive 29.2 PS and 29.6 Nm, this engine boasts 42% more power than other 350cc motorcycles, ensuring unmatched acceleration and thrilling performance. With smart gear-based mapping and a slick six-speed gearbox featuring A&S clutch technology, the 42 FJ is engineered for a dynamic and seamless riding experience.

Built on a robust double cradle frame, the 42 FJ offers superior handling, complemented by a long 1440 mm wheelbase for enhanced highway stability and control. Its segment-leading 176 mm ground clearance makes it adventure-ready, while dual-channel ABS paired with larger disc brakes ensures precise stopping power for heightened safety and rider confidence. Adding to its premium appeal are diamond-cut alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, offering convenience and reliability for every journey. Its exceptional engineering and appeal were further validated when it was honoured with the DNA Viewers’ Choice Award, solidifying its position as a standout in the neo-classic motorcycling space.

Mumbai, February 13, 2025: One Point One Solutions, a leader in next-generation Business Process Management (BPM) services, has announced its financial results for the third quarter ending December 31, 2024, demonstrating robust performance across key financial indicators.

Financial Performance

Consolidated for Q3 FY25                                                                                                            

Financial Highlight                                                                                                                                                       

• Total Income: Grew to ₹70.40 crore in Q3 FY25 from ₹42.11 crore in Q3 FY24, marking a substantial 67.18% year-on-year increase

• EBITDA: Increased 36.01% from ₹15.08 crore in Q3 FY24 to ₹20.51 crore in Q3 FY25

• PAT: Rose to ₹8.43 crore in Q3 FY25 up from ₹5.97 crore in Q3 FY24, reflecting a 41.21% year-on-year growth

Business Highlights:

• Company is exploring potential acquisition in the USA, Latin America and the European region and has signed a non-binding term sheet with three potential target companies.
• The company has successfully onboarded three renowned new clients to its portfolio during the quarter.
• The company has secured a major contract with one of the leading banks in the country.

Management Comment:

Commenting on the results, Mr. Akshay Chhabra, Chairman & Managing Director said, “Our Q3 numbers reflect a positive performance with a substantial increase of 67.18% in total income. This growth is primarily driven by our global outsourcing initiatives, which includes the signing of a term sheet to acquire a U.S.-based healthcare company for $45 million and a non-binding term sheet to acquire an India-based Business Process Consulting & Management (BPCM) for ₹261 crores. These initiatives align with our broader strategy for potential acquisitions in the USA, Latin America, and Europe, where we’ve signed non-binding term sheets with three potential target companies. The company also witnessed a growth in its PAT by 41.21% this year, further underscoring our commitment to sustained growth and profitability.”

Mr. Chhabra further added, “We’ve also onboarded renowned clients from the Banking, E-Sports and Fleet management sectors, further strengthening our market presence and service capabilities.”

Dr. N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

With sudden shifts in weather cool mornings giving way to scorching afternoons doctors across the city are witnessing a rise in urinary tract infection (UTI) cases. The primary culprit is Dehydration.
Doctors are seeing around 50 cases a week and a 20% increase over recent weeks. Explaining the cause behind the spike, she said: “UTIs can be triggered by dehydration, holding urine for long periods or untreated previous infections. They also experience hot flashes because of sudden climate change, which worsens their condition.”

She highlighted that while such infections can occur to anyone, women and children are highly susceptible. “The most common treatment for UTIs is drinking plenty of water or pain relievers,” she added.
But what is the link between dehydration and UTI?

“Dehydration happens when the body loses more water than it takes in, upsetting its natural balance. One major factor influencing dehydration is extreme heat. When temperatures soar, we lose fluids rapidly through sweat. If we don’t replenish this lost water, urine becomes concentrated and sits in the bladder longer, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth and increasing UTI risk. Doctors say that the hospital sees a minimum of three cases a day.

She emphasized how temperature fluctuations worsen symptoms for those already dealing with UTI. “A key impact is increased urinary frequency, especially at night. Dehydration caused by abrupt heat spikes leads to concentrated urine, which irritates the bladder and intensifies discomfort. These rapid shifts highlight the need for extra hydration, proper hygiene, and preventive care,” she added.

Hyderabad, India – February 13th, 2024: The Indian Garage Co. (TIGC), India’s leading homegrown fast-fashion brand launched two new Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) in Hyderabad. The first store was opened in Vanasthalipuram on December 7, 2024, followed by another highly anticipated launch at Sarath City Mall opening on February 15th, 2025.

The brand has received immense love for its e-commerce platform from Hyderabad and is confident that the city will embrace this new venture with equal enthusiasm. The highly anticipated opening of the stores marks a significant milestone in the brand’s offline expansion, aimed at providing Hyderabad’s fashion enthusiasts with a cutting-edge and immersive shopping experience.

Spanning 2,300-square-foot complex outlet in Vanasthalipuram features the brand’s latest collections, offering customers a curated selection of trendsetting styles. This addition strengthens the brand’s presence in Hyderabad, following the recent opening of a 3,746-square-foot store at Sarath City Mall. Both stores are part of The Indian Garage Co. ‘s broader offline expansion strategy, which includes a 20% budget allocation to support growth. With a goal of having 100 stores across India, the brand aims to make Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) contribute 30% of total revenue within the next 3 to 5 years, while empowering young fashion entrepreneurs along the way.

Speaking on the launch, Anant Tanted, Founder & CEO of The Indian Garage Co., said, “We are excited to introduce The Indian Garage Co.’s distinctive blend of fashion, innovation, and customer-centricity to the vibrant city of Hyderabad. This launch marks a key milestone in our mission to make our signature style accessible to a global audience. By creating immersive shopping experiences, we aim to bring our unique vision of fashion to even more customers. As we continue to expand our offline presence across India, we are committed to reshaping the fashion retail landscape and paving the way for our future growth in international markets”.

As part of its strategic offline expansion, The Indian Garage Co. plans to open new stores in key cities such as Lucknow, Pune, as well as two additional locations in Bengaluru and Cochin, continuing its nationwide growth trajectory.

“The brand has received immense love for its e-commerce platform from customers in Hyderabad and is confident that the region will warmly embrace this new venture,” said Alka Dembla, Head of Retail, The Indian Garage Co. “At The Indian Garage Co., we are committed to creating exceptional shopping experiences that perfectly combine style and accessibility. The launch of our Exclusive Brand Outlets in Hyderabad represents a significant milestone in our mission to connect with fashion enthusiasts Pan-India. These stores reflect our dedication to offering vibrant spaces where customers can explore, engage, and shop with style. We’re delighted about this new chapter and excited to continue expanding our offline presence in key markets across India.”

To celebrate the grand opening of the second store, customers can look forward to the exclusive in-store collections, exciting inaugural offers, and a special treat for the first 100 shoppers, who will receive ₹1000 worth of free shopping. The festivities kick off at 11 AM and the queue starts at 10.30 AM on launch day at the store—don’t forget to queue up early!

Something big is brewing in the world of music and cinema, and it involves none other than the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. For the first time, the maestros are stepping into the Malayalam film industry, but that’s just the beginning of the intrigue. This isn’t just any film, it’s set to be a high-energy, action-packed spectacle, inspired by WWE and the raw, electrifying world of wrestling. But what makes this project truly special?! With the trio known for crafting unforgettable soundtracks across industries, what kind of musical magic will they bring to a story built on adrenaline and combat?

Produced by Ramesh Ramakrishnan, Ritesh Ramakrishnan, and Shihan Shoukath, this ambitious project is backed by Reel World Entertainment, a collaboration between the globally renowned Transworld Group and the creative force of Lensman Group. At the helm is debut director Adhvaith Nayar, who, alongside Sanoop Thykkudam, has crafted a story that promises to be as intense as it is groundbreaking.

The film is already making waves in industry circles, and while the official cast remains a closely guarded secret, whispers suggest it features a stellar ensemble unlike anything seen before. Who will step into this thrilling world? The suspense builds, with an official cast and title announcement just a few weeks away.

Adding to the excitement, the film is set to begin shooting in May 2025, setting the stage for what could be a game-changer in Indian cinema. But the biggest question remains, “What kind of soundtrack will Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy create for a film rooted in power, action, and emotion?!” Their history suggests something unforgettable, but will it be a pulsating rock anthem? A soulful melody? A fusion of sounds never heard before?!

As more of our daily activities move online—whether for work, socializing, or shopping—scammers use sophisticated methods to steal information and money from unsuspecting consumers. This Safer Internet Day on February 11th, Visa shares tips to help you protect your digital information.

1.  Secure Your Devices with Biometrics: Use biometric security features in your phones and laptops like fingerprints or facial recognition – these provide a higher degree of security compared to traditional PINs and passwords that may get compromised, especially for digital payments.
2.  Tokenize your cards if you have not done it yet: The RBI made it compulsory for cards to be tokenized for online transactions so your payments are safe and secure. In a market where almost 100% of cards are now tokenized, don’t get left behind!
3.  Use trusted websites: The most common red flag is a website address that does not start with https:// which means there is a potential security issue on it. For an app, download from a trusted app store to protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of malicious software.
4.  Read privacy policies: It might not be the most exciting read, but checking privacy policies helps you understand how your data is being used. Know what you’re agreeing to so you make informed decisions.
5.  Know What to Do if You’re a Victim of Fraud: If you suspect online fraud, immediately contact your bank or payment provider as well as log a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Helpline by dialing 1930 to report any unauthorized transactions.

By following these tips, you can make your digital experience more secure. Stay vigilant and proactive to protect yourself from the growing risks of the digital world, this Safer Internet Day!