Archives 2025

Bangalore, February 3, 2025: Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & MD, Bharti Airtel and Deputy Chair GSMA has been appointed as the Acting Chair of the GSMA board following the resignation of José Maria Álvares-Pallete, Chairman & CEO, Telefónica from the company. By virtue of this resignation, he is no longer able to continue in the position of the Chair of the GSMA.

Gopal was recently re-elected as the Deputy Chair of the GSMA board. He has also served the board as a key member for the term 2019-2020.

GSMA represents the global telecommunications industry with over 1100 companies from the telecom ecosystem across the world including telecom service providers, handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent industry sectors.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2025 budget on Saturday, announcing the establishment of 200 cancer day care centers across the country. Along with this, she also declared exemptions on several essential medicines. The health sector responded positively to these announcements, expressing happiness and stating that these measures will make medical treatment significantly more accessible for people.

The government’s decision to set up cancer day care centers in district hospitals to make cancer treatment more accessible has been welcomed by the health sector. Dr. P.N. Arora, CMD of Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals, Kaushambi, praised the steps taken in the 2025-26 budget to strengthen the healthcare sector. He particularly highlighted the decision to open 200 cancer day care centers in district hospitals as a major move that will facilitate early cancer detection and treatment, especially in remote areas.

Additionally, the exemption of customs duty on 36 essential medicines and reduced taxes on cancer drugs will make treatment more affordable for patients. The government’s plan to add 10,000 new medical seats in 2025-26 and increase the total by 75,000 seats over the next five years will further enhance healthcare services.

Dr. Arora expressed hope that more such reforms will be introduced in the coming years, ensuring that every individual has access to better and more affordable healthcare facilities.

The National School of Drama (NSD) is organising its flagship Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM), International Theatre Festival of India, which completed a successful run of 25 years in 2024. Fondly called ‘Bharangam’, BRM is the world’s largest theatre festival, and is set to take place from February 9 to 13, 2025 in Jaipur. Through this pioneering effort, NSD is expanding the festival’s outreach with enhanced international engagement, building on last year’s theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam.’

“One Expression, Supreme Creation.” This slogan for Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 resonates with the spirit of unity in creative expression, and the oneness of all. Noted actor and NSD alumnus Sh. Rajpal Yadav has been named the Rang Doot (Festival Ambassador) for this year.

In collaboration with Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur the festival will flag off in the city with an inauguration ceremony on February 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Jaipur Kala Kendra featuring the play The Rose.

Take a glance at the programme schedule for Jaipur:

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, said: “Bharat Rang Mahotsav has become a quintessential theatre festival on the global stage with its expansive approach. It has not only served as a platform for theatre performances from around the world but has also offered opportunities for the amalgamation of various traditional performing art forms. Additionally, it has facilitated knowledge-sharing and idea-exchange among individuals from the dramatic arts and other creative fields.”

Shri Rajpal Yadav shared his thoughts as, “To return to NSD as a Rangdoot for Bharangam 2025, after graduating as a student in 1997, feels like life has come full circle. As I celebrate 25 years in cinema, I’m deeply moved to be part of this incredible gathering. It’s truly commendable to witness the high level of artistry achieved here, often with limited resources, a stark contrast to the world of cinema. I’m awestruck.” He further added, “With a mission to unite people through theatre and natya, I stand with you now and always. NSD, one of the world’s premier theatre institutes, has produced extraordinary talent, and under the leadership of Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, I have no doubt that we will soon be recognized as leaders on the global stage.”

Welcoming one and all to Bharangam 2025, Professor Bharat Gupt, Vice Chairperson, National School of Drama said, “As we celebrate Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025, marking the 65th Anniversary of the National School of Drama and the 60th Anniversary of the NSD Repertory Company, we embrace ‘Ek Rang, Shreshth Rang,’ (One Expression, Supreme Creation) as theatre unites us all, transcending borders through the universal language of storytelling. With the Rang Shashthi festival taking iconic productions to cities across India and beyond, we honour our legacy while looking forward to a future of limitless creativity. Welcome to a festival that celebrates unity, excellence, and the timeless power of theatre.”

BRM 2025, which spans a period of 20 days, from January 28, 2025 to February 16, 2025, will feature more than 200 unique productions from 9 different countries apart from India, showcased across 11 locations in India and 2 abroad, which are Kathmandu and Colombo. International theatre groups participating in the said festival are hailing from Russia, Italy, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Nepal, Taiwan, Spain, and Sri Lanka.

Alongside the festival’s epicenter in Delhi, Indian satellite locations include Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bathinda, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Goa, Gorakhpur, Khairagarh and Ranchi including Jaipur.

“In continuation of NSD’s legacy, we are organising the Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 in two international locations this time. In the coming years, we aim to broaden the scope of this festival further, and extend it to other continents,” Shri Tripathy added.

New Delhi, India (February 4, 2025) – Beacon, a company redefining financial services for immigrants in Canada has launched a groundbreaking feature allowing direct bill payments to India in Canadian dollars from their Beacon Money account. India Bill Pay is the newest addition to the Beacon super app, a platform designed specifically for immigrants to Canada and now available for download on Google and iOS. The first of its kind, Beacon’s India Bill Pay is a pioneering cross-border bill payment solution launched in collaboration with Bharat Connect (BBPS) and YES BANK in India.

With approximately 60% of remittances to India used for family maintenance, many Indians face the delicate balance of building their lives in Canada while fulfilling their home obligations. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are restricted in their ability to access India’s banking and payment systems from abroad.

This creates major pain points for NRIs around the world looking to pay bills in India either for themselves or for their family. Currently, people must rely on maintaining NRI bank accounts or family and friends to pay Indian bills, both of which are inconvenient. Managing multiple accounts is costly, and culturally, asking for help often leaves NRIs feeling guilty about not meeting their obligations independently. With the launch of India Bill Pay, Beacon expands its financial services for immigrants, providing a seamless way for Indians to pay bills across borders.

“As an NRI in Canada, I faced challenges paying bills in India for my family. That’s why we partnered with YES Bank and Bharat Connect to build Beacon India Bill Pay, a product designed to provide seamless experience to NRIs like me.” said Aditya Mhatre, Co-Founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer of Beacon. “With Beacon India Bill Pay, we’ve recreated the same simplicity of paying bills while in India, but tailored it for NRIs using foreign currency. So stop sending money—just pay the bill directly. We are already planning to bring Beacon India Bill Pay’s revolutionary service to more countries.”

Powered by YES BANK, the service ensures smooth payment processing for Indian billers under the Rupee Drawing Arrangement (RDA), a framework regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This system facilitates structured and compliant fund transfers from overseas to India, efficiently converting foreign currency payments into Indian rupees and settling them with Indian beneficiaries, including billers on the Bharat Connect network.

Beacon India Bill Pay also leveraged India’s national bill payment infrastructure known as Bharat Connect, previously known as Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), to enable these payments. Conceptualized by the RBI, Bharat Connect provides technology solutions that simplify collections and settlements of bill payments for millions of customers and businesses across India. It ensures convenience, end-to-end encryption for security, and strict adherence to RBI regulations, connecting billers, payment providers, and customers seamlessly.

The unique benefits of Beacon’s India Bill Pay are:

• 100% digital KYC and onboarding process that can be completed within 10 minutes to start paying Indian bills
• Users can pay over 21,000 Indian billers such as utilities, student and home loans, school fees, and hospital charges and more directly using Canadian dollars
• Beacon India Bill Pay can auto-fetch bill due amount and send bill reminders for hassle-free payments.
• 100% secure and compliant with Reserve Bank of India policies, Beacon’s integration with Bharat Connect and YES BANK’s robust infrastructure ensures efficient and secure payment settlements, delivering an enhanced user experience.

Ms. Noopur Chaturvedi, CEO of NBBL, said, “We are pleased to partner with Beacon to extend the convenience of Bharat Connect (BBPS) to users in Canada. This collaboration reflects our commitment to offering a seamless, convenient and reliable platform for bill payments, ensuring Indians abroad can easily manage essential services back home.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Rajan, Country Head – Government, Multinational and International Business, Transaction Banking and Knowledge Units, YES BANK said, “YES BANK is proud to partner with Beacon to introduce this transformative cross-border payment solution. Leveraging the Bharat Connect model and the RDA framework, we are bridging the gap between Indian and international financial ecosystems, simplifying the process for NRIs to manage their obligations back home.”

Umbergaon, Gujarat, February 04, 2025: DOMS Industries Limited (‘DOMS’), a Company focused on manufacturing and marketing a diversified product offering associated with the growing years of kids, children, and young adults, announced its Financial Results for the Q3 & 9M FY2025.

ConsolidatedPerformanceHighlights–Q3(Y-o-Y)

•  RevenuefromOperationsforQ3’FY25grewby34.9%to₹501.1crascomparedto₹371.6cr in Q3’FY24.
•  EBITDA for Q3’FY25 grew by 26.7% to ₹ 87.9 cr as compared to ₹ 69.3 cr in Q3’FY24. EBITDA margin for Q3’FY25 stood at 17.5% as compared to 18.7% in Q3’FY24.
•  PATforQ3’FY25grewby39.8%to₹54.3crascomparedto ₹38.8crinQ3’FY24.PATmargin
  forQ3’FY25roseto10.8%ascomparedto10.4%inQ3’FY24.

ConsolidatedPerformanceHighlights–9M(Y-o-Y)

•  RevenuefromOperationsfor9M’FY25grewby23.9%to₹1,403.9crascomparedto ₹1,133.4crin9M’FY24.
•  EBITDAfor9M’FY25grewby32.2%to₹260.2crascomparedto₹196.8crin9M’FY24.
• EBIDTAmarginfor9M’FY25roseto18.5%ascomparedto17.4%in9M’FY24.
•  PAT for 9M’FY25 grew by 43.9% to ₹ 162.3 cr as compared to ₹ 112.7 cr in 9M’FY24. PAT margin for 9M’FY25 rose to 11.6% as compared to 9.9% in 9M’FY24.

OperationalHighlights

•  Rewarded for Export Excellence: Awarded third time consecutively Top Exporter Award for being No. 1 Exporter for the Year 2023-24 by the Pen & Stationery Association of India, underscoring Company’s role as a frontrunner in the Indian Export market
•  RecognizingEmployeeExcellenceandGrowingTogether:Torewardhardworkandtoretain &motivatetalent,Companyapprovedgrantof117,045stockoptionsunderEmployeeStock Option Plan 2023 to eligible employees during Q3’FY25
•  Empowering Sustainable Future: Successful installation of 1 MW Solar Plant at Umergaon Manufacturing Facility
•  OngoingCapacityExpansiononTrack:44+acresgreenfieldexpansioninfullswingand

possessionoffirstbuildingformachineryinstallationinQ3’FY26

•  UniclanHealthcareacceleratingGrowthInitiatives
•  LaunchofDOMSCo-brandedDiapers:CommerciallaunchofDOMSWowper–co- branded range of diapers by Uniclan Healthcare
• Successful installation of third diaper production lineat the existing facility wideningcapacity to 65 crore diapers per annum
• Mostofrequisitepre-approvalsfromauthoritiesinplaceenablingin-house

manufacturingofwetwipesbyendof Q4’FY25

 CultivatingandNurturingCreativeExcellence:AMARIZ–Company’sFineArtRange,partners withPlazaArtistAssociationattheiconicArtPlazaGallery,KalaGhoda,Mumbaitoempower emerging artist and provide them platform to showcase their work

Commenting on the results and performance, Mr. Santosh Raveshia, Managing Director, DOMS Industries Limited said:

“Despite the tepid market conditions and festive season in India as well as globally, we continued on ourconsistentgrowthtrajectoryduringQ3’FY2025.Ourstrategicinitiativeshaveplayedapivotalrole infuellingthisgrowth.ThesuccessfulacquisitionofUniclanHealthcare,whichleadourentryintoBaby Hygiene products, coupled with our timely expansion of capacities across various product categories, have all contributed positively to our quarterly performance.

Company’smanufacturingcoststructurebroadlyremainedstableinQ3FY’25,withinputpricesholding steady,resultinginconsistentgrossmarginsonasequentialbasis.ConsolidatedEBITDAforthequarter grew 26.7% Y-o-Y and 2.2% sequentially. However, there was a slight margin compression of approximately120 bps Q-o-Q which was primarily driven by increased employeeexpenses,stemming fromadditionalhiringtosupportproductioncapacityexpansionandimpactofESOPgrantstoreward employees. Furthermore, we witnessed an increase in selling and distribution expenses primarily on account of consolidation of Uniclan Healthcare. As a result of these factors, Company’s consolidated EBITDA margin stood at 17.5%, as on expected lines, but higher than our targeted range of 16-17%.

Going forward, we remain cautiously optimistic in the near term, on improvement in demand conditions with tailwinds from the upcoming back to school season, growing emphasis on education and increased Governments’ spending in this sector, contributing to the growth momentum. Our strategicprioritiesremainunchangedwithfocusondeliveringconsistentandprofitablevolumegrowth through expanding our production capacities, investing in our brands and strengthening our supply chain, positioning ourselves for sustainable long-term growth.

Lastly, I would like to appreciate the unwavering dedication and relentless efforts of our entire team and channel partners, who have worked tirelessly to drive this growth and excellence. Further, we extendourheartfeltgratitudetoourvaluedconsumersforembracingourproducts.Theirunwavering support fuelsourpassionand inspires ourteamtoinnovate, design,anddeliver high-qualityproducts to meet the evolving needs of our consumers.”

By-Vikram Agarwal, Managing Director, Cornitos

 “The budget strategically focuses on strengthening the consumer spending and purchasing power. The proposed increase in income tax exemption slab will boost investments and consumption, which will have a positive impact on the FMCG and retail sectors. In addition, considering the growing awareness of healthier food options and the increase in the demand for nutritious food, the government’s initiative towards improving the accessibility and affordability of these essential food items in itself is a remarkable move. These significant steps along with the investments in rural infrastructure and health sectors will accelerate the overall growth of the economy.”

Mumbai, January 2025 – Moxy Mumbai, Andheri West – Marriott International’s vibrant lifestyle brand – is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Inder Yadav as the Director of Finance. With over 18 years of extensive experience in financial management within the hospitality industry, Inder brings a proven track record of excellence and innovation to this key leadership role.

Inder Yadav’s impressive career spans leading global hotel brands, including Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and The Westin Hotels & Resorts, where he has honed his expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and operational excellence. His commitment to driving financial efficiency and implementing robust internal controls has earned him recognition for enhancing profitability and aligning business goals with long-term organizational vision.

In his most recent role as Assistant Director of Finance at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Inder played a pivotal role in streamlining financial operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and introducing efficient systems that significantly improved financial discipline and performance. He also collaborated closely with senior management to deliver strategic insights through financial analysis and forecasting, contributing to the hotel’s sustained success.

Inder’s previous experience includes serving as Assistant Financial Controller at The Westin Hyderabad and Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golf Links, where he led multi-disciplinary teams to achieve excellence in financial reporting, cost control, and statutory compliance. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver innovative solutions has been instrumental in driving growth and optimizing performance at every stage of his career.

Inder is well-versed in advanced financial tools, including SAP, Oracle, and Cognos, and holds a Master’s degree in Financial Management (MFM) from Mumbai University. His technical expertise, coupled with his ability to foster cross-functional collaboration, aligns seamlessly with Moxy Mumbai’s dynamic and forward-thinking ethos.

As Director of Finance at Moxy Mumbai, Inder will oversee the hotel’s financial strategy, ensuring operational efficiency while driving profitability. His strategic vision and hands-on approach will play a crucial role in positioning Moxy Mumbai as a leading destination for modern travelers while maintaining the brand’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Inder Yadav’s leadership marks an exciting chapter for Moxy Mumbai, as the hotel continues to set new benchmarks in style, service, and operational excellence.

Hyderabad, India – Feb 04, 2025 – nSure Healthy Spine proudly announces the adoption of an advanced data-driven Musculoskeletal Health Technology Platform in exclusive partnership with Nordic Health Finland. The state-of-the-art biomechanically optimized exercise therapy devices for Spine, Shoulder, Hip & Knee Health will be incorporated at upcoming India’s 1st Center for Spine and Sports Health (CSSH) located at Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, Hyderabad, India.

As part of a strategic collaboration to introduce cutting-edge spine and sports health technology platform in India, nSure Healthy Spine has recently hosted Technology Inventors from Nordic Health, Finland – Mr. Arno Parviainen and Mrs. Sirkka Parviainen at CSSH, Hyderabad. Their visit marks a significant milestone in integrating advanced assessments, targeted muscle-strengthening training programs for Injury prevention, and preventive musculoskeletal care solutions, aimed at enhancing the performance and well-being of athletes and individuals seeking proactive health management.

With Finland being one of the top innovative health technology ecosystems, the expertise of Nordic Health leadership has become instrumental in training our team to leverage advanced technology effectively and deliver world-class care at CSSH, Hyderabad.

During the visit, Mr. Arno and Mrs. Sirkka conducted comprehensive training & educational programs for the nSure Healthy Spine team. The sessions focused on the clinical use of biomechanically optimized exercise therapy devices to ensure precise assessments and evidence-based exercise therapy programs. Throughout the training sessions, they emphasized the latest techniques in movement health, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, to make our team remain at the forefront of spine and sports health.

Being enthusiastic about the collaboration, Mr. Arno, CEO of Nordic Health Finland and expert in movement and rehabilitation technology, stated, “The integration of this technology at nSure Healthy Spine is going to be a game-changer for spine and sports health in India. We are excited to support the team in utilizing these cutting-edge solutions and assisting athletes with injury prevention and performing better.”

Mrs. Sirkka, a specialist in preventive healthcare, added, “This technology is not just about rehabilitation but also about proactive-driven preventive spine & musculoskeletal (MSK) care. By focusing on muscle strength and functional movement, we are helping individuals prevent injuries and enhance their overall well-being.”

nSure Healthy Spine’s CEO, Naresh Kumar Pagidimarry, highlighted the long-term vision behind this collaboration, stating, “Bringing this revolutionary technology to India is a testament to our commitment to advancing spine and sports health. With the guidance of Arno and Sirkka, I am positive that our team is equipped with world-class knowledge and expertise catering the best possible care to the clients in need.”

“The visit of Nordic Health experts reinforces nSure Healthy Spine’s dedication to integrating the latest advancements in medical technology. This initiative is set to elevate Hyderabad’s standing as a hub for cutting-edge spine and sports healthcare, benefiting athletes, professionals, and individuals seeking to enhance their quality of life,” Naresh Kumar added.

Mumbai, Maharashtra – February 04- Arcil, one of India’s leading asset reconstruction companies, has once again reinforced its commitment to community development with its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in partnership with FUEL (Friends Union for Energizing Lives). The project aims to empower underserved youth by providing access to cutting-edge educational resources and skill development opportunities.

As part of this initiative, Arcil supported the establishment of the state-of-the-art computer lab at the FUEL Business School. This facility is designed to provide hands-on training in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, addressing the critical gap between industry demands and academia. The initiative is expected to impact over 1000 youth in the next five years, equipping them with future-ready skills and enhancing their employability. This project also includes a strong focus on women’s empowerment, with at least 45% of participants being underserved girls

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Pallav Mohapatra, MD, and CEO of Arcil, emphasized the company’s dedication to community development, stating, “Investing in the education and skill development of our youth is a step towards building a stronger, self-reliant future. Through this collaboration with FUEL, we aim to create opportunities for underserved communities and foster an ecosystem of innovation and growth. This partnership underscores Arcil’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to society by empowering the next generation with the skills and resources needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.”

FUEL has been a pioneer in implementing education and skill development projects, impacting over 12 lakh underserved students across India. With this initiative, FUEL’s vision of bridging the skill gap takes a significant leap forward. “We deeply appreciate Arcil’s invaluable support in empowering underserved youth. Together, we look forward to extending this partnership to our upcoming Skill Tech University, which aims to transform the lives of youth from marginalized communities through cutting-edge education and skill development,” said Ketan Deshpande, Founder-Chairman of FUEL.

Arcil’s CSR efforts continue to align with its vision of fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots of society.

Teen Shark Season 2, a groundbreaking program designed to boost financial literacy among teenagers, took place on January 31st, 2025, in partnership with the Nanhagyan Foundation and Trinity International School. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout, with four teams participating and the presence of special guest Surabhii Aplesh, adding to the program’s prestige.

The primary goal of Teen Shark was to deliver practical, real-world business knowledge to young minds in an engaging format. Throughout the event, participants explored essential concepts such as marketing, pricing strategies, product development, market segmentation, packaging, and identifying target audiences. This comprehensive approach allowed teens to gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of business.

A key highlight of this season’s program was the mentorship session led by Romal Surana, the Founder and Director of Nanhagyan Foundation. Her vast experience in business and finance gave the participants invaluable guidance, empowering them to think critically and creatively. Additionally, Rupali Damdhere, Principal of Trinity International School, played a crucial role in inspiring students to embrace entrepreneurial ventures with confidence, supporting their journey toward success.

The impact of Teen Shark Season 2 was clear from the innovative ideas and practical solutions developed by the participants. This program not only equipped the students with financial literacy but also nurtured their entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring they were well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern economic landscape.