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!

New Delhi: The Indian Hotel Academy (IHA) recently hosted the much-anticipated Buddy Chef Culinary Competition – Eggofest, a dynamic celebration of culinary talent and innovation. The event brought together 60 passionate participants, who showcased their creativity and skills across three exciting categories, all revolving around one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen – eggs.

The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of Executive Chefs from leading hotels, including Chef Sireesh Saxena, Chef Vivek Saggar, Chef Sanjay Agrawal, Chef Rajiv Malhotra, Chef Rajiv Chopra, Chef Sanjeeb Ghatak, Chef Bharat Khemani, Chef Bharat Alagh, Chef Anirudh Sethi, and Chef Kishan Kumar Anand. Their collective expertise ensured that the competition maintained a high standard, while providing invaluable insights and feedback to the participants.

Ms. Devipshita Gautam, Founder of Indian Hotel Academy, commented on the significance of the event, saying, “Eggofest was not just a competition, but a celebration of creativity, skill, and the passion that drives the culinary world. It provided a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs to innovate, interact with industry experts, and showcase their talent. Events like these are pivotal in shaping the future of the hospitality industry and fostering a new generation of culinary leaders.”

The event was further honored by the presence of key industry figures such as Mr. Anuj Soin, General Manager of Radisson Blu, Sector 29, Gurugram; Mr. Amarjit Singh Ahuja, Director of Procurement at Le Meridien; Mr. Dishant Kapil, Executive Member of the Intellectual Cell and Core Committee Member of Vishesh Sampark Samiti Delhi; and Mr. Kapil Aggarwal, Executive Member of the Intellectual Cell and Core Committee Member of Vishesh Sampark Samiti Delhi.

A masterclass titled “The Incredible Benefits of Eggs in Daily Life” was conducted by Chef Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Executive Chef at Jaypee Hotels & Resorts. The session provided valuable insights into the nutritional benefits and diverse culinary applications of eggs, further enhancing the students’ understanding of this essential ingredient.

Eggofest was supported by several prestigious brands, including Abhi Eggs as the Resource and Support Partner, the Association of Hospitality Professionals as the Hospitality Partner, Digi Uprise as the Social Media Partner, and Brand Stand as the PR Partner. Their contributions played an essential role in ensuring the event’s smooth execution.

New Delhi, 13th February 2025: BLS International Services Limited, an Indian multinational corporation and a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024.

Q3FY25 Performance Highlights

BLS International – Consolidated Financials

• The company’s Revenue from Operations expanded by 17.1% YoY to Rs. 512.8 Crores in Q3FY25 from Rs. 437.9 Crores in Q3FY24.
• The company’s EBITDA surged by 78.5% YoY to Rs. 158.1 Crores during the quarter as compared to Rs. 88.6 Crores in Q3FY24.
•  EBITDA Margin increased to 30.8% in Q3FY25 from 20.2% in Q3FY24. Margin expansion was enhanced by the ongoing transition from a partner-run to a self-managed model and the integration of newly acquired businesses.
•  PAT for the quarter scaled to Rs. 127.9 Crores as compared to Rs. 87.2 Crores reported in Q3FY24, a growth of 46.7% YoY.
•  Post acquisitions done in FY25, the company’s net cash balance stood at Rs. 690Crores as of 31st December 2024.

Segmental Performance

1. Visa & Consular Business

•  Visa & Consular business revenue grew by 3.1% YoY in Q3FY25 to Rs. 375.7 Crores as compared to Rs. 364.4 Crores reported in Q3FY24.
•  The transition from partner-led to the self-managed business model and integration of newly acquired businesses led EBITDA of the Visa business to grow by 77.3% YoY to Rs. 140.3 Crores in Q3FY25
•  EBITDA Margin witnessed a robust expansion of 1,564 bps to 37.4% in Q3FY25 from 21.7% registered in Q3FY24.
•  Net Revenue per application stood at Rs. 2,837 for Q3FY25 vs. Rs. 2,250 for Q3FY24, a robust growth of 26.2% YoY.

2) Digital Business

•  Revenue for the Digital business expanded by 86.7% YoY to Rs. 137.2 Crores in Q3FY25 from Rs. 73.5 Crores in Q3FY24. Q3FY25 revenue includes Aadifidelis Solutions’ revenue of Rs 52.7 Crores consolidated from 26th Nov 2024 onwards.
•  EBITDA surged to Rs. 17.7 Crores (including Rs 2.3 Crores EBITDA of Aadifidelis Solutions) during the quarter as compared to Rs. 9.4 Crores in Q3FY24, up by 88.1%. EBITDA Margin increased to 12.9% during Q3FY25 from 12.8% in Q3FY24.
•  The Business Correspondent business witnessed over 3.43 Crore transactions with a Gross Transaction Value of over Rs. 21,000 Crores during Q3FY25.
•  At the end of the quarter, the digital business had 41,500+ CSPs and 136,700+ touchpoints.
•  Digital business generated loan leads worth Rs. 2,900 Crores in Q3FY25 for various financial institutions. This includes loan leads of over Rs 1,600 Crores achieved by Aadifidelis Solutions.

9MFY25 Performance Highlights

BLS International – Consolidated Performance

•  The company’s Revenue from Operations grew by 22.1% YoY to Rs. 1,500.5 Crores in 9MFY25 as compared to Rs. 1,229.1 Crores in 9MFY24.
•  EBITDA of the company surged to Rs. 455.2 Crores from Rs. 255.4 Crores in 9MFY24, registering a growth of 78.3% YoY.
•  EBITDA Margin expanded to 30.3% in 9MFY25 from 20.8% in 9MFY24.
•  PAT stood at Rs. 394.4 Crores as compared to Rs. 240.2 Crores in 9MFY24, a growth of 64.2% YoY. With this, the company significantly surpassed the profits of Rs 325.6 Crores reported in FY24.

Speaking about the performance and recent updates, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International Services Ltd. said: “The company continues to report remarkable performance during this quarter as well, outlined by a robust growth across all key financial and operational metrics. In line with the company’s focus on improving EBITDA, we reported a 78.5% YoY growth in Q3FY25 and 78.3% YoY growth in 9MFY25. This growth was driven by strong operational efficiencies and supported by the transition to a self-managed model from the partner-run model, along with the integration of new businesses.
During the quarter, we completed the acquisition of a controlling stake of 57% in Aadifidelis Solutions Pvt. Ltd and its affiliates. With the total investment of over Rs 1,000 Crores done in FY25 for the new acquisitions, which were primarily funded through internal accruals, the company still has a robust balance sheet with net cash of Rs. 690 Crores as of 31 December 2024.

The company is strategically positioning itself to increase its share in the industry by penetrating newer markets worldwide, by leveraging the asset-efficient and tech-driven business model. We endeavor to continue to focus on delivering strong performances in the future and maintaining our strong balance sheet, through a balanced mix of organic and inorganic growth routes.”

Chennai, 13th February 2025: BCT Digital, a global risk technology and compliance products company, has been recognized as a category leader in Chartis Research’s 2024 Model Governance Solutions Quadrant. The company’s rt360 Model Risk Management (MRM) solution was highlighted for its comprehensive capabilities in model coverage, governance framework, model inventory management and model risk analytics.

The Chartis Research report evaluated BCT Digital’s rt360 MRM solution across several criteria, including its ability to manage the lifecycle of financial models, mitigate model risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO of BCT Digital, commented, “Being named a category leader in the Chartis Model Governance Solutions Quadrant reflects the strength and impact of our approach to model risk management. Our focus is on delivering solutions that simplify complex model governance challenges, enabling financial institutions to maintain robust control over their models while adapting to an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.”

The solution automates model governance processes, including model validation, monitoring, and risk assessment, streamlining collaboration between departments. Features such as centralized Model Register acts as the single source of truth for all model-related activities, improving transparency and traceability. The Workflow Engine automates tasks and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration for improved efficiency. The MRM solution also enables financial institutions to reduce reliance on external validation services, streamline model risk management processes, and scale operations with minimal added cost.

In recent years, banks and financial institutions have prioritized MRM solutions. They are seeking robust and sophisticated software to automate model monitoring and quarterly assessments. This focus on automation ensures compliance with the guidance and standards set by their respective central banks. For instance, the Central Bank of UAE published new regulations and standards on Model Management Standard (MMS), applicable to all models used by banks, and the Model Management Guidance (MMG), specifically focused on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) models.