Archives February 2025

Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman & MD of Bharat Forge Ltd.

“ The budget presents a strong focus on the inherent strengths of the Indian economy and key economic drivers of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The 3M’s that bring me cheer are – Middle Class, MSMEs, and Make in India!

•  A big boost to the salaried middle class will accelerate economic growth
•  Revised Classification and Exports push to help Indian MSMEs go global!
•  Focussed attention on ‘Make in India’ in HiTech and labor-intensive industries will attract investments.

I also welcome the launch of the Manufacturing Mission, the Exports Promotion Mission, and the Nuclear Energy Mission.

Initiatives such as Cancer Care Centers in every district across the country will further modernize the Healthcare and Medical Infrastructure across the country.

Special development measures to boost agriculture productivity, self-reliance in pulses, and leveraging ‘India Post’ to deliver financial services are expected to drive Rural Growth.

What is noteworthy is a special mention of revamping the Bilateral Investment Treaty Model – a sign of following an India First model amidst heightened global volatility.

The hallmark of successive governments under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister has been continued thrust on ease of doing business, fiscal prudence, and investment-led growth.

Today’s Budget continues to deliver on these three levers, and I am confident that these initiatives collectively signal a robust blueprint for India’s progressive and inclusive development.”- Baba Kalyani, Chairman & MD, Bharat Forge Ltd.

After a six-year leap in Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo, the drama has intensified with unexpected twists and intriguing new characters. Among them is Aditi Patwa, whose entry is set to shake things up. She joins the show as Kajal, a character full of surprises, ready to stir emotions and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Talking about her role, Aditi shared, “I feel extremely happy and grateful to be part of Sun Neo’s Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya. The show is special to me, especially since it has become very popular in my city, Patna. Being part of such a well-loved show makes this experience even more meaningful. I am also thankful for the chance to play a character with both positive and negative shades, which adds depth to my role. Kajal is complex, with different sides to her, and she keeps me challenged as an actor. I’m enjoying playing this role because it constantly surprises me with new twists and turns.”

The Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya actress further added, “I am really looking forward to the audience’s reaction to my character’s journey. Kajal brings a lot of drama and depth to the story, and I’m excited to see how viewers respond to the unfolding twists.”

With the leap, Chatti Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo has taken an exciting turn. Vaishnavi and Karthik’s lives have changed, but is their love strong enough to withstand the test of time? Will Chatti Maiyya guide Vaishnavi back to Kartik, or will fate take them on separate paths? With new challenges, deep emotions, and unexpected twists, the story is about to get even more gripping.

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.”

Dubai, February 04th, 2025: With the battlelines drawn for the DP World ILT20 Season 3 finale, Pakistan bowling legend and former captain Wasim Akram put his weight behind the Desert Vipers to outshine. While the Vipers were the first team in this season to book a berth in the play-offs with their dominating show with the bat and the ball, defending champions MI Emirates finished second in the points table to qualify. Sharjah Warriorz and Dubai Capitals became the third team and fourth team respectively to sneak into the play-offs after their commanding victories on Super Sunday buoyed by incredible crowd support during the double-header held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Underscoring the fierce competition to find a place in the top four, Akram said, “I love coming here for the DP World ILT20. I have thoroughly enjoyed being here as a commentator and watch closely some very fresh talent coming out of this league.

Until yesterday, we only had one team sure of their place in the play-offs. This shows the quality of the competition here; it shows the consistency of the wickets. There were five teams who still stood a chance to make it to the top four.”

With seven wins from nine games, Desert Vipers have been in top form through the league stage and have turned their performance around this season after a poor outing last edition. “For me, Desert Vipers are my favourite team and there is a reason why they are my favourite,” he further explained. “It is not because they are table toppers but because they had three Pakistani players in their squad and we saw some good performances from them in the league stage. Though Azam Khan needs to fire yet but we still have another week’s play left where he could score a quick-fire 50 to help his team win,” Akram expressed.

With the league providing a golden opportunity for the UAE players to rub shoulders with global icons of the game, Akram believes the exposure is paying off with players like Muhammad Waseem, Aayan Afzal Khan and Muhammad Rohid living up to the billing. “There are quite a few UAE players who have stood out this season. Waseem has been quite consistent as an opener and he is quite senior. If we were to speak about fast bowlers, then Rohid is doing well. Aayan came in, scored a six to help his team win by chasing. He has been a good all-rounder for his team.”

“What I look forward to from these young players is to take the experience from here, be consistent and be on top of the ladder in their performance. Spending over a month with some of the best players in the world is a big bonus for them. They should be learning about their mindset, how they train and what they eat. The vision behind this league is to groom players for UAE and that is happening. It is now time for UAE to be one of the top performers among Associate Member nations,” Akram signed off.

Cricket fans can watch this action-packed tournament on ZEE’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD and &Flix HD.

World Cancer Day, observed on February 4th every year, is a global initiative that unites people in the fight against cancer. With millions affected worldwide, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and support for those battling the disease.

Cancer is a leading cause of death, but the good news is that many types of cancer are preventable, and early diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Through research, innovative treatments, and collaborative efforts, survival rates have steadily increased, offering hope to many.

World Cancer Day also encourages conversations surrounding the emotional and financial toll that cancer takes on individuals and families. It is a call to action for governments, healthcare professionals, and communities to work together to provide better access to treatment and care.

As we observe World Cancer Day, let us stand together in support of those impacted by cancer, remember the lives lost, and advocate for continued progress in research and care. Awareness is the first step toward a world where cancer is no longer a threat to our loved ones.

Dr. Padma Venkat, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST)

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, serves as a global initiative to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in improving survival rates, as “cancer can be treated well if detected early”. Advances in technology, such as liquid biopsy, artificial intelligence in imaging, and multi-omics approaches, have revolutionized early cancer detection, allowing timely and more effective treatment interventions. At UPES, World Cancer Day will be celebrated to bring awareness among faculty, staff, and students about the importance of cancer control and prevention strategies nationwide. The event will emphasize the significance of routine screenings, lifestyle modifications, and the latest technological developments in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. UPES houses state-of-the-art cancer research facilities that enable researchers to work on groundbreaking strategies for early cancer detection and the development of effective cancer treatments. With a strong commitment to translational cancer research, scientists at UPES are dedicated to discovering novel therapies that can improve patient outcomes and contribute to the global fight against cancer. Through education, research, and awareness, we can work together to reduce the burden of cancer and save lives.

Bengaluru, February 4, 2025: As part of the renowned Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025, the world’s largest theatre festival, Bengaluru witnessed an alluring international production of ‘The Marriage of Balzaminov’ on Day 2 of its satellite chapter, presented by the esteemed Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, GITIS.

The occasion was graced by eminent personalities including senior theatre practitioner Kappanna, renowned writer and theatre enthusiast K. Marulasiddappa, B Suresha, Indian Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter & Actor, Banashankari V Angadi, Joint Director Kannada and Culture, Nirmala Mathapathi, Registrar, Karnataka Nataka Academy, and Dr. K V Nagarajamurthy, Chairman, Nataka Academy.

The play, written by the legendary playwright Ostrovsky, and directed by Nina Chusova, was performed at the Kalagrama Auditorium at 6:30 PM on February 2, 2025.

Set in the 1990s, during a time of profound societal and economic change in Russia, The Marriage of Balzaminov explored the universal human pursuit of happiness. The story followed Mishenka Balzaminov, an ordinary man navigating a world filled with dreams of wealth, while ultimately seeking personal fulfillment. The play masterfully captured the essence of human aspirations and desires, portraying the timeless theme of searching for happiness amidst uncertainty.

In collaboration with Karnataka Nataka Academy the Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 continues with exciting performances:

• Monday, February 3, 2025 sees the NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, presenting Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahun, written by Vijaydan Detha and directed by Ajay Kumar. This Hindi play will be performed at 6:30 PM and has a duration of 110 minutes.
• Tuesday, February 4, 2025 features Tajmahal ka Tender, a Hindi play written by Ajay Shukla, and directed by Chittaranjan Tripathy, who is currently serving as Director of National School of Drama. The NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, will stage this performance at 6:30 PM, with a running time of 130 minutes.
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025 brings Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, translated by Vindhya Harankaha. V4 Theatre from Sri Lanka will stage this sinhala-language production at 6:30 PM, directed by Jayanath Bandara. The performance will last 120 minutes.
• Thursday, February 6, 2025 features Paakuduraallu, a Telugu-language play written by Raavuri Bharadwaja and directed by Nasreen Ishaque. Presented by Nibha Theatre Ensemble from Hyderabad, this performance will begin at 6:30 PM and run for 110 minutes.
• Friday, February 7, 2025 showcases ‘Yayati’, written by Girish Karnad and translated by B. R. Narayan. The Bagban Theatre Group from Georai, Beed, Maharashtra, will perform this Hindi play at 6:30 PM, directed by Aslam Yunus Sheikh. The play will have a duration of 160 minutes.
• Saturday, February 8, 2025, marks the closing of the festival with ‘Jasma Odan’, written by Shanta Gandhi, and directed by B. Jayashree. Performed by the NSD Bengaluru Centre, this Kannada-language play will begin at 6:00 PM and last 105 minutes.

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.

Mumbai,4th February 2025 –Sky Gold Limited (SGL), a leading Mumbai-based jewellery company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of gold jewellery, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 31st December 2024.

Q3FY25 Consolidated Financial Performance Snapshots (Y-o-Y)

·       Revenue from Operations: Increased by 116.74% year-on-year to Rs. 997.97 crore.

·       EBITDA: Rose by 217.60% to Rs. 57.29 crore.

·       Profit After Tax (PAT): Grew by 309.10% to Rs. 36.54 crore.

 Key Financial Highlights

Operational Highlights

·       Revenue Growth: Consolidated revenues for Q3FY25 reached Rs. 997.97 crores, marking a 116.74% increase year-on-year.

·       EBITDA Performance: Achieved Rs. 57.29 crores in EBITDA, reflecting a 217.60% growth compared to the same quarter in the previous year.

·       PAT Achievement: PAT stood at Rs. 36.54 crores, a 309.10% increase year-on-year, marking the third consecutive quarter of significant PAT growth.

 Commenting on the Results, Mr. Mangesh Chauhan, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, said:

“Sky Gold Ltd continues its exceptional growth trajectory in the third quarter of FY25. Our Revenue from Operations surged by 116.74% year-on-year to Rs.997.97 crore. EBITDA increased by 217.60% to Rs. 57.29 crores, and Profit After Tax grew by 309.10% to Rs. 36.54 crores.

This growth is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational efficiency. During the quarter, we successfully approved a 9:1 bonus share issue, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing shareholder value. The acquisitions of Starmangalsutra and Sparkling Chains have significantly bolstered our market position by expanding product offerings and leveraging operational synergies.

We are also excited to announce our upcoming entry into the lab-grown diamond segment, which aligns with global trends and customer preferences. This initiative will allow us to diversify our portfolio and tap into a burgeoning market, both domestically and internationally.

Our recent fundraising through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) of Rs. 270 crores has further strengthened our financial position, enabling us to invest in cutting-edge technology and scale operations effectively. Additionally, the reduced import duty on gold has provided a strong tailwind, increasing consumer preference for organized markets and driving growth in demand for gold jewellery.

As we progress through FY25, our focus remains on increasing capacity utilization at our Navi Mumbai facility, strengthening our mid-management and regional sales teams, and optimizing financials through gold metal loans. These measures, combined with investments in IT, automation, and ERP systems, position us to achieve our long-term revenue target of INR 6,300 crores by FY27 and expand our production capacity to 1,050 Kgs/month within the next three years.”

Strategic Growth Initiatives

Sky Gold remains committed to:

·       Increasing Capacity Utilization: Enhancing production efficiency at its new facility.

·       Investing in Technology: Implementing IT solutions and ERP systems to streamline operations.

·       Strengthening Human Resources: Building a robust mid-management and regional sales team.

·       Financial Optimization: Utilizing gold metal loans to improve profitability and reduce borrowing costs.

Mumbai/Delhi, 4th February 2025: Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL), a leading multimodal logistics company in India, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31st December 2024.

 CFS revenue includes adjustment of reduction of INR 32.04 crores on account of change in accounting method for YTD FY25 and INR 11.85 crores for Q3 FY25.

 Financials include Total Revenue of INR 10.03 crores, EBIDTA of INR 1.24 crores, PBT of INR (-0.31 crores) and PAT of INR (-0.33) crores due to consolidation of accounts after Snowman Logistics went from being an Associate Company to a Subsidiary from December, 24 2024.

 PBT and PAT includes exceptional income of Rs. 390.77 Crs. due to fair valuation of equity on consolidation of Snowman Logistics Limited, which became subsidiary from December 24, 2024.

Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, said, “Despite the Red Sea impact, especially in Q1, volumes and margins have recovered and remained steady in Q2 and Q3 for the Company. There is a healthy pipeline as the focus remains on increasing our market share, especially in the Rail Vertical. We are hopeful that the Red Sea crisis will come to an end soon and if shipping lines start using this route again there will be a significant boost to EXIM volumes for India. We continue to explore opportunities for developing new rail terminals to further expand our network. In December, GDL also met its target of crossing 50% shareholding in Snowman Logistics and is now a subsidiary.”

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.