All posts by Sujata Achary

Chandigarh, February 04, 2025: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), one of India’s leading automotive companies, today announced that its overall auto sales for January 2025 stood at 85432 vehicles, a growth of 16%, including exports.

In the Utility Vehicles segment, Mahindra sold 50659 vehicles in the domestic market, a growth of 18%, and overall, 52306 vehicles, including exports. The domestic sales for Commercial Vehicles stood at 23917.

According to Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd., “We began the new year by selling 50659 SUVs, a growth of 18% and 85432 total vehicles, a growth of 16%. Our Electric Origin SUVs, BE6 and XEV 9E garnered a lot of interest at the recently concluded Bharat Mobility Global Expo held in New Delhi. We commenced the test drive for these vehicles on the 14th of January and are excited about bringing these vehicles to our customers. Bookings for these vehicles will commence on 14th February.”

Chandigarh, February 04, 2025 – Human Mobile Devices today announced the renewal of its successful partnership with acclaimed actor Jimmy Shergill, extending his role as the face of HMD’s feature phone portfolio in India. The extension follows the remarkable success of the ‘Khoob Chalega’ campaign, which resonated strongly with consumers across the country.

This renewed collaboration builds upon the strong foundation established during the initial partnership, where Jimmy Shergill’s authentic persona perfectly aligned with HMD’s commitment to delivering reliable and innovative communication devices to millions of Indians.

Commenting on the extended partnership, Ravi Kunwar, CEO and VP- HMD India and APAC said, “We are delighted to extend our association with Jimmy Shergill. His genuine connection with audiences and credible screen presence have significantly amplified our brand message and innovation story to the masses. His values and appeal perfectly complement Human Mobile Device’s vision of making technology accessible to everyone.”

Jimmy Shergill expressed his enthusiasm about the renewed partnership, saying, “My journey with Human Mobile Devices has been great and our first campaign has been a huge success. I’m excited to continue this relationship. The brand’s commitment to delivering quality and dependability resonates with my principles. I look forward to being part of HMD’s continued mission to come.”

The extended partnership will see Jimmy Shergill feature in upcoming campaigns for HMD’s line-up of feature phones across various platforms. This alliance is part of the HMD marketing mix to reach out to the target audience and create buzz about the range of products to offer.

Stay tuned as Human Mobile Devices and your all-time favorite hero Jimmy Shergill embark on this exciting journey together one more time, shaping the future of mobile technology and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

National, February 4, 2025: Driven by strong growth in motor premiums, Shriram General Insurance Company (SGI) has reported a 25% year-on-year increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP) for Q3 FY25, at Rs. 1061 Cr, up from Rs. 850 Cr in the same quarter last year. For the 9M FY25, GWP grew by 23% year-on-year, rising from Rs 2160 Cr to Rs. 2654 Cr, significantly outperforming the general insurance industry’s growth rate of 8%.

Net profit for the quarter rose to Rs 131 Cr, a 12% growth from Rs. 117 Cr in the same period last year. Investment Income rose by 13%.

Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO of Shriram General Insurance Company, stated, “Our focused strategy in the motor sector is yielding positive outcomes. This quarter, we achieved significant progress in digital transformation. With our targeted growth approach, we are optimistic about our roadmap for the upcoming quarters.”

During the quarter SGI launched a new motor insurance product featuring usage-based pricing, allowing for personalized premiums. This initiative aims to improve affordability and accessibility, aligning with evolving customer needs.

The company also launched its indemnity-based health insurance product– Shri Health Suraksha Insurance, designed to cover a wide variety of treatments, including modern procedures and AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), offering flexible options to meet the insured’s diverse healthcare needs. The new offering provides nationwide coverage, allowing access to cashless treatments at over 13,000 network hospitals with a range of options enabling individuals to choose a plan suitable to their needs.

SGI issued 17.40 Lakh policies during the third quarter of FY25, up by 3.5% YoY. The company’s solvency ratio stands strong at 3.58 as of 31 Dec 2024, well above the regulatory requirement of 1.50. The number of live policies grew to 64 Lakh, up from 61.4 Lakh in the same period last year.

The drive to onboard financial advisors gained further momentum with the company recruiting 5644 financial advisors during the quarter. The plans are to increase the number of financial advisors to 2,00,000 by 2029-30.

New Delhi: The media buzzed with excitement, book lovers were pleasantly surprised, and business professionals eagerly awaited the unveiling. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity as Pendown Press proudly launched the World’s Smallest Business Book, titled “Top 10 Reasons Why You Must Write a Book”, at the World Book Fair 2025. As soon as the formal announcement was made, the hustle and bustle began. Amid the enthusiastic crowd, the author of this much-anticipated book, Mr. Dinesh Verma, who is also the Founder and CMD of Pendown Press, emerged on stage with his signature smile. With great fanfare, he officially launched the World’s Smallest Business Book, a game-changer in the realm of business communication.

A Revolutionary Concept: The New-Age Influential Business Card. Mr. Dinesh Verma shared the inspiration behind creating this unique book Today, you all have created your missile. However, as every missile needs a launcher to reach its target, you too need to develop insights on how to use this tool to its optimum potential in the market.”He continued, “Though this is presented to you in the form of a book, it is far more than just a book. It is a New-Age Influential Business Card.”

In his masterclasses, Mr. Verma emphasizes the power of handing out a book instead of a traditional business card. He explained how sharing a book can make a lasting impression, help build authority, and create deeper connections during networking events, seminars, and meetings. Solving a Common Business Challenge. However, some professionals expressed concerns about the practicality of always carrying full-sized books to events. Acknowledging this genuine challenge, Mr. Verma said:

“I started thinking—how can I solve this problem? After weeks of brainstorming, countless iterations, and permutations, I finally came up with what you see today: the World’s Smallest Business Book.” This pocket-sized book is designed to fit easily in a pocket or bag, making it convenient for professionals to carry and share at any time. It serves as a powerful marketing tool, helping business owners establish authority effortlessly.

Inspiring the Business Community. Mr. Verma concluded his address with an inspiring message: “I am truly blessed to have this wonderful opportunity to address you all from this prestigious platform on the very first day of the World Book Fair. Let us celebrate this occasion with joy, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the written word. I wish you all Grand World Book Fair Days ahead! Pendown Press: Leading the Way in Authority-Building

Pendown Press has long been recognized as a pioneer in helping business owners and professionals build authority through books. The launch of the World’s Smallest Business Book is yet another testament to their innovative approach to publishing.

Southern Cross University (SCU) is proud to announce the Access25 initiative, which will make international education more accessible for students in 2025. The initiative sets tuition fees for international students at an affordable $25,000 per year, ensuring students receive the best value for their investment while pursuing high-quality education. The university aims to build a diverse and vibrant student community by offering competitive, accessible pricing without compromising academic excellence.

The Southern Cross Delegation led by Prof Mary Spongberg, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor is currently in India to meet their key academic and research counterparts. They will be engaging with colleagues from IIBT Bombay, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India, and Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences on sustainability and partnerships in this space between universities. Professor Jon Wardle and Associate Professor Christina Aggar will host discussions on fostering sustainability partnerships, and Professor Aggar will also visit the Asha Community Health and Development Society to further explore healthcare collaboration opportunities.

Speaking about the visit, Prof Mary said, “Southern Cross University has always had a strong presence in the Indian market, and we wish to maintain and expand that presence, through collaborations in research and with industry and community. Any vision we have for our presence in the Indian market must be underpinned by genuine partnership, impactful research collaboration, co-designed projects, and curricula, and shared experiences with students. I believe that working together, forming international teams, and sharing postgraduate students, builds trust, friendships, and cooperation.”

With the ever-changing landscape for visas, Australian universities have also faced some challenges. Prof Mary emphasized that the university continues to thrive despite these obstacles and said, “While the visa situation has been challenging for many universities, it has not negatively impacted SCU. We are open for business and remain confident that our region, with its well-established Indian communities in the Northern Rivers and Coffs Harbour, offers a supportive and welcoming environment for Indian students.”

In the past few years, SCU has been broadening its research across the sciences and engineering, in nursing and education. Currently, SCU has several projects in India and researchers who frequently work with Indian colleagues and communities. Over the last six years SCU researchers have published around 5000 articles with researchers from Indian institutions -including the National Botanical Institute, the Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Public Health Foundation of India, the Universities of Calcutta, Delhi and IIHMR Jaipur. These articles represent research across all the disciplines and are evidence of SCU’s longstanding engagement and collaboration with Indian partners.

This Valentine’s Day, express your love with the gift of timeless elegance—Frederique Constant’s exquisite timepieces. A luxury watch is more than just an accessory; it’s a symbol of enduring love and impeccable craftsmanship.

Classic Worldtimer Manufacture – For Him

Now available in a striking forest green, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture expands its legacy of refined style. Housed in a 42mm steel case (limited to 718 pieces), it features a world map dial, date window, and a luxurious dark green leather strap. The in-house caliber effortlessly tracks 24 time zones, all adjusted via the crown, making it the perfect companion for the modern gentleman.

Highlife Ladies Quartz – For Her

Expanding the flagship Highlife collection, the new ladies’ Quartz models combine elegance and innovation. Featuring a slim 31mm case with a 5-year battery life, the collection includes five stunning variations—ranging from a mother-of-pearl dial to sunburst dials with diamond accents. Each timepiece comes with two straps: a steel or steel-and-gold bracelet and a matching rubber strap, offering versatility for any occasion.

Celebrate love with Frederique Constant and make this Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable.

Mr. Kahraman Yigit, Co-founder & CEO of Olive by Embassy.

“The Union Budget 2025-26 recognizes tourism as a key driver of employment-led growth and extending infrastructure benefits to hotels in 50 select destinations is a welcome move. The sector anticipated infrastructure status, GST reforms, tourism incentives, and increased investment in travel infrastructure to drive growth and ease financial access. The focus on spiritual and medical tourism, visa waivers, and regional connectivity through the UDAN scheme will further boost domestic and international travel, unlocking new opportunities for the hospitality sector. At Olive by Embassy, we see these initiatives as a step toward creating a more vibrant, accessible, and investment-friendly ecosystem for hospitality in India.”

Please find below the company profile and spokesperson’s profile for your reference.

Olive by Embassy:

Introduced in 2019, Olive by Embassy is the co-living and hospitality wing of the Embassy Group. Olive is a multi-brand hospitality tech operating platform with multiple revenue avenues from management, design, and technology.

Olive’s vision is to organize & institutionalize the accommodation market in India and beyond. The company’s mission is to become the largest hospitality company in India.

The company is currently present in 42 locations across Bengaluru, and Goa, with 1,921 keys, and is aiming to add another 4,500+ keys within the next 12 months, including entry into new markets like Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Currently, Olive runs four brands — Olive Life, Olive Zip, Olive Hotel, and Select Olive — ranging from co-living and budget stays to luxury resorts, hotels, and villas. Each Olive property operates in both short-term and long-term stay formats while providing the comfort of the home as well as the flexibility of a hotel.

Olive by Embassy aims to become the next-gen living community in India.

Sushanto Mitra, CEO, Lead Angels

“The Union Budget 2025-26 takes promising steps to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem with a dedicated Startup Fund of Funds and enhanced credit guarantees for SMEs, improving capital access and fostering innovation. The National Manufacturing Mission creates new opportunities for startups aligned with ‘Make in India.’ Simplified regulations and reduced income tax will ease compliance burdens, allowing founders to focus on scaling their businesses while managing salary costs more effectively. However, broader tax incentives for startup investors could have further boosted capital inflows. We look forward to policy refinements that drive sustained entrepreneurial growth.”

— Hanuman Tripathi, Partner – Fintech, Lead Angels

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a boost for startup founders, strengthening ease of doing business and improving access to capital. The dedicated Startup Fund of Funds and enhanced SME credit guarantees will help founders secure much-needed funding, while streamlined regulations reduce compliance burdens. The focus on manufacturing through the National Manufacturing Mission also creates new opportunities for startups aligned with ‘Make in India.’ With these measures, founders can spend less time navigating red tape and more time building and scaling their ventures. This is a step in the right direction for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Dr. Apurba Ganguly, Founder, Chairman & Chief Scientist Officer – Nano Phyto Care & bioGAN

The 2025 Budget underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and accessibility. At VarcoLegCare, we welcome the increased allocation towards digital health initiatives, preventive care, and medical R&D. These measures will enhance patient outcomes and drive innovation in the sector. The emphasis on public-private partnerships aligns with our mission to deliver advanced, patient-centric solutions. We remain dedicated to leveraging these opportunities to expand quality healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. This budget is a step forward in building a resilient, technology-driven healthcare ecosystem for a healthier future.

Abhi Sinha, Co-Founder, HealSpan

The 2025 Budget highlights a progressive approach to healthcare and insurance technology, reinforcing the need for digital transformation in the sector. At HealSpan, we applaud the government’s focus on expanding health coverage, AI-driven diagnostics, and interoperability of medical records. The push for insurtech innovation and greater accessibility to affordable policies will empower millions. Strengthening data security frameworks will also ensure patient trust in digital healthcare solutions. This budget paves the way for a more inclusive, tech-enabled ecosystem, and we remain committed to leveraging these advancements to enhance seamless, efficient, and personalized healthcare experiences for all.

Prashant Thacker, Partner at Thacker & Associates (CA Firm)

“This Budget strikes a balance between immediate tax relief and long-term structural reforms that will shape India’s economic path. The no income tax announcement up to ₹12 lakh is a transformative move, directly benefiting millions of salaried individuals and significantly boosting disposable income. This step is expected to stimulate private consumption, which is already a key pillar of India’s GDP, accounting for nearly 60% of economic activity.

On the corporate front, the rationalization of TDS and TCS addresses long-standing compliance challenges, making tax administration more efficient and reducing friction for businesses. The introduction of a three-year block approach for transfer pricing aligns India with global best practices, providing multinational companies with greater certainty and encouraging further investment in the country.By simplifying merger approvals, widening the fast-track merger framework, and expanding safe harbor provisions, the Budget takes meaningful steps toward reducing regulatory bottlenecks.

The government’s continued push for the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat, with incentives now extending to shipbuilding, ship leasing, and global treasury operations, signals India’s intent to strengthen its presence in international finance. This will make India a competitive player in the global financial ecosystem, challenging established hubs like Singapore and Dubai. Similarly,increasing the FDI cap in insurance from 74% to 100% is a strategic decision that encourages foreign investment while ensuring that premiums remain within the country—a balanced approach to attracting global capital without risking domestic outflows.
Beyond taxation, the ₹10 lakh crore asset monetization plan offers a structured financing model for infrastructure projects, particularly through the sale of road assets. This initiative is expected to unlock significant capital for infrastructure development, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Overall, this Budget does not merely introduce incremental changes—it lays the groundwork for a more streamlined and investment-driven economy.”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 which includes important steps to support India’s MSME sector and startup ecosystem. The government has launched a number of financial programs, credit facilitation initiatives, and incentives that aim to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the nation in recognition of their significance as important engines of economic growth.

Enhancing Startup Development with a ₹10,000 Crore Fund of Funds

The additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for entrepreneurs is one of the budget’s most notable announcements. By addressing the enduring problem of financial availability, this action seeks to empower both new and established companies to expand their operations and spur innovation.

Mr. Roshan Aslam, Co-founder & CEO of GoSats, views this as a pivotal move for the startup landscape, stating, “The Union Budget 2025 outlines a clearly defined future for India’s growing startup ecosystem by extending critical policies. The announcement of an additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds will be a critical boost for the growth of India’s startup ecosystem in FY 25-26. As the investment limit for MSME classifications are made 2.5 times and the turnover limits doubled, this will help the financial viability of startup businesses in the country. As easier credit lines are extended to MSMEs, it will provide the essential confidence to grow and generate employment opportunities, directly contributing towards the growth of the Indian economy.”

This infusion of funds will play a crucial role in encouraging risk-taking, technological advancements, and sustainable business models, helping Indian startups make a mark on the global stage.

Diversity and Financial Inclusivity in Entrepreneurship

The budget’s emphasis on advancing equality and diversity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is another admirable feature. More fair prospects in the industry are anticipated as a result of a new program designed to assist SC and ST business owners and first-time female entrepreneurs.

Mr. Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, welcomed this initiative, stating, “The Union Budget 2025-2026 takes a strong step toward strengthening India’s startup ecosystem with the additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds. Access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles for emerging businesses, and this fresh infusion of funds will provide critical support for startups to innovate, expand, and create jobs. Additionally, the new scheme for first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs is a commendable move toward fostering inclusivity and diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape. At QuackQuack, we understand the challenges of building something from the ground up, and we believe such initiatives will empower more founders to take bold steps toward their dreams.”

By ensuring financial assistance to underrepresented groups, the government is promoting a level playing field and encouraging a broader range of entrepreneurs to contribute to the economy.

Increased Credit Access and Investment Limits Give MSMEs a Big Push

This budget has significantly increased the MSME sector, which is sometimes considered to be the foundation of India’s economy. Businesses can now more easily qualify as MSMEs and receive related benefits thanks to the 2.5-fold rise in investment classification limitations and the doubling of turnover standards.

Mr. Jigar Kirtibhai Patel, Managing Director of G3+ Fashion, emphasized the impact of these measures, stating, “The Union Budget 2025’s forward-looking perspective to support Indian MSMEs is a commendable initiative as these businesses account for over 45% of the country’s total exports. The budget positions Indian MSMEs with enhanced scalability prospects, technological upgradation, capital accessibility, investment, and turnover growth—contributing towards their long-term success. As MSMEs grow, they will also provide millions of new employment opportunities for Indian youth, directly impacting India’s per capita GDP going forward, helping to meet the country’s target to become a developed nation by 2047.”

With easier access to credit, these enterprises can now focus on expansion, digital transformation, and innovation, which in turn will generate employment and strengthen India’s economic foundation.

Electronics Sector Gets a Major Boost
Apart from startups and MSMEs, the budget has also introduced incentives for the electronics industry. The reduction of customs duty on open cells and other critical electronic components to 5% is expected to encourage local manufacturing and make electronic products more affordable.

Mr. Prashant Bora, MD & CEO of OTEK (A Bora Multicorp Venture), highlighted the significance of these measures, saying, “The FM’s proposal to reduce the customs duty on open cells and other critical electronics components to 5% will help boost the Make in India initiative. This will help electronics brands to support customers with more cost-effective pricing, leading to enhanced scalability and growth. Furthermore, the budget’s emphasis on positioning India’s aspirations to become a global electronics hub through the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for electronics and IT hardware manufacturing, further boosted by PM Narendra Modi’s target of $500 billion by FY30, coupled with the government’s bid to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem with an additional INR 10,000 crore Fund of Funds will be a catalyst for growth going forward.”

The government’s commitment to supporting India’s MSMEs and startups through improved funding, easier access to finance, and sector-specific incentives is reaffirmed in the Union Budget 2025. A more robust and globally competitive business ecosystem is made possible by these policies, which promote innovation, inclusivity, and economic growth. India is getting closer to its goal of being a $5 trillion economy and a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship as companies use these policies to expand.