All posts by K S Krishna

January 15, 2025: Globe Textiles (India) Limited, a prominent force in the textiles and apparel industry, has announced its Rights Issue, offering eligible shareholders a valuable opportunity to enhance their engagement and equity ownership in the company.

The company seeks to raise upto ₹4,504 lakhs through the Rights Issue to support strategic investments aimed at long-term growth, including initiatives in R&D, product development, and market expansion. The proceeds from the Rights Issue will also be used to strengthen its working capital, thereby boosting growth.

Below are the key details:

Right issue price: ₹ 3 per Rights Equity Share
Record Date: January 17, 2025
Rights Issue Opening Date: January 24, 2025
Rights Issue Closing Date: February 6, 2025
Renunciation of Rights Entitlement Period: January 24, 2025 to January 31, 2025
Rights Issue Size: ₹ 4,504 Lakhs
The company reported Net Profit up by 102.20% to ₹ 380.76 lakhs in Sep-24 compared to ₹188.31 lakhs in Sep-23. The company also reported revenue up by 35.12%.

The company reported Net Profit up by 85.48% to ₹ 271.38 lakhs in June-24 compared to ₹ 146.31 lakhs in June-23. The company seeks to sustain this momentum through strategic initiatives focused on driving sustained growth and profitability.

The Rights Equity Shares are being offered to Eligible Equity Shareholders on a rights basis in the ratio of 1 (One) Rights Equity Shares for every 2 (Two) fully paid-up Equity Share held. It presents an exciting chance for investors to participate in the offering within the designated period, thus it gives investors the opportunity to purchase company shares at favourable price

The Company’s rights issue demonstrates the dedication towards the responsible growth and financial resilience. By offering existing shareholders a chance to increase their stake, we acknowledge their faith while securing vital funds for strategic expansion / acquisition of a Company which promotes sustainable growth and work environment friendly. This strategic initiative aligns with our commitment to creating long-term value for all stakeholders and capitalizing on growth opportunities said Mr. Bhavik Parikh, Chairman and Managing Director of Globe Textiles.

15th January 2025 – Sky Gold Ltd., a leading player in the Indian jewellery manufacturing sector, is pleased to announce significant milestones that underscore its commitment to innovation, client partnerships, and market expansion.

v New Client Onboarding: Aditya Birla Jewellery

Sky Gold has successfully onboarded Aditya Birla Jewellery, operating under the brand name Indriya. Launched by the Aditya Birla Group in July 2024, Indriya stands as a luxury jewellery brand that intricately blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design. With ambitions to become one of the top jewellery retailers in India within the next five years, this collaboration marks a major step for Sky Gold Ltd. in aligning with premier brands that echo its values of quality and design excellence.

v Diversification into New Jewellery Segments

Strengthening its market presence, Sky Gold has received multiple orders in new categories, including:

18K Gold
Natural Diamond Jewellery
Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery
This diversification complements its stronghold in the 22K lightweight jewellery segment, demonstrating the company’s ability to adapt to evolving market trends and cater to a diverse clientele. In parallel, the company is actively expanding its distribution network in the Singapore market to further boost its export revenue

v Successful Participation at IIJS Signature 2025

Sky Gold Ltd. recently participated in the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) – Signature 2025, held from January 4th to 8th, 2025. The event served as a platform for the company to showcase its unique jewellery designs, exceptional quality, and unparalleled finishing. Sky Gold unveiled an exclusive collection that highlights its top-notch artistry, further distinguishing its offerings from competitors.

Commenting on the milestone and recent developments, Mr. Mangesh Chauhan, MD & CFO of Sky Gold Ltd. said that,

“2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Sky Gold Ltd., marked by our collaboration with Aditya Birla Jewellery under the prestigious Indriya brand. This partnership reaffirms our reputation for unmatched craftsmanship and innovation. With India’s top jewellery retail chains set to open over 500 stores in the next three to five years, we are well-aligned with this growth trajectory, supporting our ambition of becoming a leading jewellery manufacturer.

Our success lies in our deep understanding of both retail partners and end customers, enabling us to design products that resonate with evolving tastes and preferences. As we diversify into new segments like 18K gold and lab-grown diamonds, our focus remains steadfast on delivering exceptional quality and sustaining strong growth.”

January 15, 2025 – NPST, a leading provider of digital banking and payment processing solutions, is proud to announce its recognition as the Company of the Year in Payments Technology by Frost & Sullivan. This prestigious award highlights NPST’s unwavering commitment to innovation, consistent growth, and its transformative role in shaping India’s banking and payments ecosystem.

The Company of the Year award is presented annually by Frost & Sullivan to an organization that demonstrates outstanding technology excellence and delivers superior customer value through groundbreaking innovations. This recognition underscores NPST’s leadership in the digital payments sector.

Frost & Sullivan commended NPST for its pioneering solutions, including the Evok Payments Platform-as-a-Service, the Risk Intelligence Decisioning Platform, and PayJoy, the company’s real-time UPI-based consumer credit product. The company’s strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies has further solidified NPST’s position as a PayTech innovator, setting new benchmarks in operational excellence, customer-centricity, and efficiency.

Rahul Agarwal, Associate Director for Growth Advisory at Frost & Sullivan, commented, “NPST exemplifies industry leadership through best practices in growth, innovation, and strategy. With its visionary approach, exceptional execution, and steadfast commitment to innovation, NPST continues to reset industry standards and drive significant growth and transformation.”

Deepak Chand Thakur, CEO and Co-Founder of NPST, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Being recognized as a top player in India’s payment technology industry is both a privilege and a responsibility. This award affirms our vision to deliver innovative solutions that empower all players in the financial value chain — banks, payment aggregators, and fintechs — while advancing their digital transformation goals. We are excited to continue expanding our solutions and making a lasting impact on the industry.”

15th January 2025: In a bid to meet the evolving demands of modern consumers for convenience, ASUS, the Taiwanese tech giant, has joined hands with the quick commerce platform Zepto to provide swift delivery of its popular accessories’ lineup in major cities including NCR, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, starting today. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility of ASUS products, redefining customer convenience in the process. The range of accessories available includes premium mouse and keyboards designed to elevate your setup to the next level.

Having established itself as one of India’s leading technology accessories brands in 2024, ASUS is now taking a step further to align with modern lifestyles and minimize consumer wait time through this collaboration. With over 30% of urban consumers in India now turning to quick commerce platforms for tech products, ASUS aims to leverage this trend and strengthen its market presence, particularly in metro cities where rapid delivery services are becoming the norm.

Speaking on the partnership, Arnold SU, Vice-President of Consumer and Gaming PC, ASUS India said “Considering the rise in demand for ultra-fast deliveries particularly in urban areas where consumers are increasingly turning to quick commerce platforms, ASUS is keen to tap into this trend to deliver unparalleled convenience. Moreover, 2024 was a defining year for ASUS in the accessories segment, with the exceptional response to our accessory portfolio underscoring its significance as a key growth driver. As a brand committed to innovation and elevating the consumer experience, entering the quick commerce space with Zepto is a natural next step. This partnership goes beyond just fast delivery – it’s about ensuring our customers have instant access to the tools they need, solidifying our promise of accessibility.”

With the convenience of quick commerce, consumers in major metro cities in—NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru—can now access ASUS’ most sought-after accessories, including:

ASUS Marshmallow Keyboard KW100 (Oat Milk and Green Tea Latte variants)
ASUS Marshmallow Mouse MD100 (Blue and Grey variants)
ASUS MW203 Multi-Device Wireless Silent Mouse Black
ASUS WT300 Mouse Black

he launch of ASUS’ accessories on Zepto is part of its larger commitment to address evolving consumer expectations. By adopting quick commerce as a distribution channel, ASUS is addressing the growing demand and setting a new standard for accessibility. Building on this momentum, ASUS also plans to expand its presence on other quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Instamart further broadening its reach and ensuring greater accessibility for consumers across India.

15January — Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan  and a global leader in helping clients achieve their investment objectives, shape the future of work, and enhance health and retirement outcomes, has released its annual Total Remuneration Survey (TRS). The survey projects a 9.4% overall salary increase across industries in India for 2025, reflecting strong economic growth and an intensifying demand for skilled talent.

More than 1,550 companies in India participated in the survey, spanning diverse industries, such as technology, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, manufacturing, automotive, and engineering.

Over last five-year period, salary increments have steadily increased rising from 8% in 2020 to a projected 9.4% for 2025. The Automotive sector leads with anticipated increments of 10%, up from 8.8%, driven by the surge in electric vehicles and government led “Make in India” initiatives. Manufacturing and engineering follow closely with increments rising from 8% to 9.7%, reflecting a resurgence in the manufacturing ecosystem.

In 2025, 37% of organizations plan to increase their headcount reflecting India’s vibrant talent demand across diverse sectors. Voluntary attrition is expected to stabilize at 11.9%, with Agriculture & Chemical (13.6%) and Shared Services Organizations (13%) experiencing the highest rates, indicating a competitive talent market. It is also expected some organizations will focus on strategic recruitment, competitive compensation, upskilling, and employee engagement to attract talent, reduce turnover, and sustain growth to address workforce demands.

Mansee Singhal, Mercer’s India Careers Leader, said, “India’s talent landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Pay premiums are also reshaping the workforce, additionally, the increased adoption of performance-linked pay plans by more than 75% of organizations, signify a holistic shift towards performance orientation, both in the short term and long term. Companies that prioritize these trends will be better positioned to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.”

Mercer’s survey also examined the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and digital transformation on India’s talent landscape. India has emerged as a leading global hub for AI adoption, with 55% of organizations actively integrating AI into operations. CEOs in India anticipate AI to be one of the key drivers of growth and productivity in the coming years.

Malathi KS, Mercer’s Rewards Consulting Leader for cross industry, India, added, “The Total Remuneration Survey highlights the strategic shifts organizations are making to attract and retain top talent. From adopting AI-driven solutions for personalized rewards to redefining the Employee Value Proposition with flexibility and wellness at its core, businesses in India are prioritizing value-driven approaches. These trends reflect a transformative era for the workforce, positioning India as a talent hub.”

To support the adoption of emerging technologies, Mercer recommends organizations to conduct comprehensive skills assessments to identify existing gaps and future needs. Employers are also encouraged to invest in reskilling initiatives, focus on employee engagement, and refine their Employee Value Proposition (EVP) to address evolving workforce expectations.

January 15, 2025: In today’s dynamic business landscape, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a strategic imperative for senior executives. Mastery of AI-driven insights empowers leaders to make data-informed decisions, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge. By understanding AI’s transformative potential, executives can effectively integrate it into their strategies, fostering agility and resilience in the face of rapid market shifts. Equipping professionals with AI knowledge is not just about staying relevant—it is about leading with vision in an increasingly technology-driven world.

To prepare leaders to drive strategic adoption of AI, unlocking its potential for real-world transformative outcomes, Berkeley Executive Education announces the launch of its 3-month Artificial Intelligence & GenAI: Business Strategies and Applications Program in India, in collaboration with Emeritus.

According to the 2024 Global AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, India ranks among the top 20 countries demonstrating rapid strides in AI readiness, with a focus on government initiatives and a burgeoning tech talent pool. Another research by Amazon Web Services highlights a significant training awareness gap, whereby 91% of employers indicated that they don’t know how to run an AI workforce training program. Meanwhile, 86% of workers said they aren’t sure about relevant career paths where AI skills are useful.

These data showcase the critical need to help professionals enable AI adoption effectively by mastering implementation and leadership capabilities. Delivering business value in India and globally requires robust strategies to harness AI across diverse industries and management functions. While many AI-focused online programs emphasize the technical aspects of AI, they often fall short in addressing real-world execution—underscoring the need for programs that bridge this gap and meet the market demand for AI-fueled innovation.

The Berkeley Executive Education Artificial Intelligence & GenAI: Business Strategies and Applications program provides a forward-thinking perspective on how businesses can leverage AI to drive innovation and transform industries—all without requiring participants to have extensive technical expertise. This comprehensive, hands-on program is tailored to equip mid-level and senior professionals across diverse sectors with the insights and tools needed to effectively integrate AI into their business strategies.

Through this program, participants will develop critical thinking skills and gain actionable insights to foster success across various industries. While the curriculum delves into the current capabilities and future potential of GenAI, it also offers an in-depth exploration of automation, machine learning, and robotics and their transformative impact on business. The program emphasizes practical applications, preparing participants with AI-driven strategies to enhance organizational growth, optimize product marketing, and build high-performing teams through a mix of theoretical foundations and applied learning.

Key features of the program include industry-relevant case studies, select live sessions led by globally-acclaimed faculty, and the development of a capstone project, ensuring a holistic and immersive learning experience. The curriculum encompasses modules such as machine learning fundamentals, neural networks and deep learning, robotics, and the future of AI in business, designed to provide participants with a competitive edge and strategic acumen in the evolving AI landscape.

15 January, 2025: Guess? Inc., which operates the GUESS brand in India under its subsidiary, Guess? India Pvt Ltd, will launch GUESS JEANS, a California-based denim lifestyle brand, in the country through a strategic long-term franchise partnership with Tata Group’s multi-category e-commerce platform, Tata CLiQ (Tata UniStore Limited).

As part of this partnership, Tata CLiQ will be the official retailer for GUESS JEANS in India, expanding their retail presence through brick-and-mortar stores along with digital storefronts, thus building an omnichannel presence for the brand.

Nicolai Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer at Guess Inc., conceived and launched the brand GUESS JEANS. Known for its quality, style, and commitment to sustainability, GUESS JEANS is poised to captivate the discerning Indian consumer. The brand’s partnership with Tata CLiQ ensures a seamless shopping experience, enabling fashion-forward individuals to effortlessly access the latest collections.

The partnership between GUESS JEANS and Tata CLiQ will play a crucial role in expanding distribution channels, supporting GUESS JEANS’ strategy to roll out its network of stores nationwide. This expansion marks a significant milestone, not just for GUESS JEANS but also for the GUESS? Inc business.

Nicolai Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer, Guess Inc., said, “As the next step in our global growth initiative for GUESS JEANS, we expect a rapidly expanding and prosperous partnership with Tata CLiQ, which is part of the Tata Group in India. Our brand’s legacy, heritage, and innovative outlook on denim, paired with the local knowledge and expertise of Tata Group, ensure a strong and enduring partnership. GUESS JEANS will complement and create significant incremental growth in India for the GUESS? Inc portfolio by targeting a new customer with accessible pricing, a casual aesthetic, and a modern communication strategy. We are confident that the reimagined GUESS JEANS brand, accompanied by our innovative GUESS AIRWASHTM technology, has long-term potential within the Indian market.”

Commenting about this partnership, Gopal Asthana, CEO, Tata CLiQ, said, “At Tata CLiQ, our mission is to partner with renowned global brands that align with the aspirations and needs of consumers in the country. We are thrilled to be the preferred partner of GUESS JEANS for their India launch. With our shared vision of bringing trendy merchandise and innovative shopping experiences to consumers, at Tata CLiQ, we are committed to offering an elevated brand experience across different channels. We look forward to building and growing the brand by strategically bolstering its omnichannel presence across the country.”

Founded in the casual ease at the heart of the Californian lifestyle, GUESS JEANS refines wardrobe classics central to the brands heritage, focusing on seasonless core styles from outerwear and knitwear to denim. The brand offers a diverse range of denim styles for both men and women. From classic straight-leg jeans to contemporary skinny fits, each piece embodies the brand’s signature blend of timeless appeal and modern edge.

GUESS JEANS reconnects with the essence of the brand that changed the culture of denim. The timeless proposal reimagines and refines the authentic West Coast wardrobe epitomised by GUESS through contemporary values and vision. When the Marciano brothers founded GUESS in 1981, they brought to fashion the stone washing process that would transform the face of denim forever. Its modern-day counterpart, GUESS AIRWASHTM is the future of denim: a cutting-edge technology that recreates the stone washed look through a sustainable lens.

In 2024, Nicolai Marciano and GUESS JEANS worked with Jeanologia to reinvent the mechanics of the brand’s own making, creating the innovative and sustainable GUESS AIRWASHTM technology. GUESS AIRWASHTM largely replaces the water used in stone washing with air and bubbles. The practice – which also eliminates the use of pumice stones – significantly decreases the water and energy consumption of stone washing.

GUESS JEANS encompasses a complete wardrobe with GUESS AIRWASHTM denim as its focal point.

By Chef Shriya Shetty at Chor Bizarre

Chor Bizarre, the newly reopened restaurant at Asaf Ali Road, serves regional Indian cuisine and authentic signature Kashmiri dishes in a setting that is unabashedly Indian. Originally debuting in 1990 as India’s first theme restaurant, Chor Bizarre gained iconic status with its unique ‘thieves market’ ambience and authentic regional Indian cuisine.

It is especially known across the world for its Kashmiri dishes and was the first to bring the Wazwan as well as other delicacies from the kitchens of Kashmiri pandits out of the valley through its pop-ups across the country and the world. However, Chor Bizarre has always been proud of the ever-changing regional favourites too on its menu.

Chor Bizarre recently hosted a pop up of Odia Cuisine by the actor-filmmaker Nandita Das. Last year, it also held a pop-up featuring Purani Dilli cuisine as well as brought its sister restaurant, Hosa from Goa, for a pop up to New Delhi. Its last pop-up was bringing 40 dishes from the Kashmiri Wazwan for its regulars.

From January 17th, Mangalorean cuisine shall take centre stage at Chor Bizarre. Mangaluru based chef Shriya Shetty is known for her unique take on Mangalorean and other South Indian dishes. She is dedicated to preserving the foundations of traditional recipes while giving them a new avatar. This pop-up promises to bring unique flavours from Mangaluru to Delhi, further enriching the culinary experience for its regular guests.

Says Chef Shriya Shetty, “I’m most excited to be creating a special Mangalorean menu at Chor Bizarre. Growing up in Mumbai, my childhood always revolved around food. My ideology remains simple – You could be making the best pasta but still, there’s a reason why people want to go to Italy and enjoy pasta from a chef who grew up eating and making it. That’s when it hit me that I might be a good chef and can master different cuisines, but the one I would make the best was the one I grew up eating and that was Mangalorean cuisine for me. So, I was delighted when Chor Bizarre asked me to put together some of my favourite dishes and give a little taste of Mangalore. This pop-up is my way of introducing the vibrant flavours of Mangalore to Delhi”.

Says Chef Srinivas, Brand Chef of Chor Bizarre, “We are delighted to welcome Chef Shriya to Delhi, who we have long admired. We feel that the unique flavours of Mangaluru would find great favour with Chor Bizarre’s regular clientele and introduce them to a cuisine that is not too prevalent in Delhi.”

15th January 2025: Indian cities cannot breathe, both literally and figuratively. Green spaces in metros like Mumbai and Delhi have dwindled to a dismal 3%, compared to 30% in cities like London, making urban life in India increasingly difficult. The lack of sustainable planning not only threatens quality of life and shortens it by five years, but also poses grave environmental risks. How can India’s urban centres balance rapid infrastructure development with sustainability?

Ashish Kukreja, the CEO and Founder of Homesfy, India’s first listed real estate brokerage firm, emphasised these critical challenges on the latest episode of the “What India Needs!” podcast with media entrepreneur and author Shutapa Paul. Together, they explored how smarter urban planning, green spaces, and sustainable development are essential to India’s infrastructural ambitions.

While addressing the challenges of urbanisation, he said the world is watching India closely as the nation embarks on its ambitious $1.4 trillion infrastructure development journey. However, he warned, “Infrastructure accounts for nearly a quarter of carbon emissions. Without smarter planning, we risk repeating mistakes made by other nations.” With ₹10 lakh crore allocated to the sector in Union Budget 2023-24, this journey reflects the government’s commitment to Indian infrastructure and its growth.

“I firmly believe that not everything should be provided by the government. As citizens, consumers, and individuals, we must demand the inclusion of green spaces, open spaces, and public spaces in our urban environments. It’s essential for our collective well-being and the future of our cities,” Paul said.

Kukreja also drew attention to the role of public-private partnerships, policy frameworks, and meticulous planning in overcoming these challenges. “With the world closely observing India’s progress, our ability to integrate advanced technologies and green infrastructure can set a global benchmark,” he added.

Highlighting the potential of green building technologies and renewable energy, Kukreja said India’s carbon footprint from infrastructure could be reduced by up to 35% by 2030. He underscored the importance of decentralising development to create thriving commercial and residential hubs beyond India’s six major cities.

Urgent Need for Green Spaces

Commenting on green spaces in Indian metros being alarmingly low, Kukreja noted, “A city with such minimal green cover isn’t just inconvenient; it’s unliveable.” He called for citizens and governments to demand higher standards for public spaces, sustainable construction, and stricter accountability for developers. While praising initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, Kukreja acknowledged that achieving even modest targets like 8-9% green coverage would require robust public-private partnerships and community advocacy.

Infrastructure with Intent

From quality education to accessible housing, Kukreja also stressed the need to plan for the next generation: “We’re not just building for today but for decades ahead. This requires intent, continuity in policies, and swift execution elements often missing in our governance.”

He pointed to how citizens in Tier-2 cities like Indore and Surat are leading the way in adopting sustainable practices, saying, “The future of India lies not just in its metros but in empowering smaller cities to emerge as economic and sustainable powerhouses.”

“The first phase of growth is always centred around the top 7-10 cities, where 60-70% of the business comes from. Currently, we are (Homesfy Realty) present in five of them, and in the next couple of years, we aim to expand into Tier-2 cities to tap into emerging opportunities,” Kukreja explained.

Michelin, the world’s leading tyre technology leader, today announced the appointment of Vitor Silva as President of the Africa, India, and Middle East (AIM) Region. He will be based out of Pune, India.

Across his 28-year plus tenure with the Michelin Group, Vitor has held several key leadership roles in sales, marketing and other commercial functions across North America, Europe and Asia.

Most recently, Vitor was the Chief Operating Officer at Euromaster, a wholly owned Michelin Group subsidiary and Europe’s leading service provider for car, van and truck fleets, that operate in over 2,500 centres across 18 countries. Earlier in his career, he has held several other leadership positions within the Michelin Group in various domains such as Two-wheel, Truck, Retread and Distribution.

In his new role, Vitor will steer Michelin’s growth in the Africa, India, and Middle East region, in addition to enhancing customer experiences, and drive innovation that aligns with the company’s vision of sustainable mobility.

An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Vitor is married and has a daughter.