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GreenPro Summit 2025 Inaugurates with Strong Industry and Global Commitments Towards Low Carbon Innovation

Chennai, 14 August 2025 – The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) inaugurated the 8^th edition of GreenPro Summit 2025 at the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, under the theme “Advancing Towards Net Zero Through Low Carbon Products, Materials and Technologies.” The two-day summit began with a high-powered inaugural session that brought together industry stalwarts, global ecolabeling leaders, and policymakers who collectively called for accelerated adoption of low-carbon products, sustainable materials, and innovative technologies to achieve Net Zero targets.

During the summit, GreenPro announced the milestone of surpassing 11,500 certified green products in India, a significant leap in the nation’s journey towards sustainable adoption. This achievement signals to manufacturers that ecolabelling is rapidly becoming a driver of competitiveness and innovation. From the construction sector to manufacturing hubs, the adoption of green practices is gaining unprecedented momentum. Each new certification brings India closer to its vision of net zero and builds a future where sustainability is the standard, and the country positions itself as a global leader in low carbon production.

A landmark moment of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CII GreenPro and the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). The MoU aims to foster collaboration on ecolabeling, encourage mutual recognition of certified products, and advance sustainable procurement in the Asia Pacific region. By aligning India’s green product certification framework with global best practices, the partnership is expected to create new market opportunities for eco-friendly products and services across borders.

The inaugural was graced by Thiru A R Rahul Nadh, IAS, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu; and Ms Isabella Huang-Loh, Chairman, Singapore Environment Council in the presence of Mr. Unnikrishnan, Chairman, Green Products and Services Council; Mr. K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII GBC; and Mr. S Karthikeyan, Deputy Executive Director, CII GreenPro.

At the inaugural, the Chief Guest Thiru AR Rahul Nadh, IAS, Director – Department of Environment and Climate Change, Govt. of Tamil Nadu said, “Climate science tells us that the decisions we take in this decade will shape the future of the planet for decades to come. While governments worldwide are strengthening climate policies, it is the collective power of industries, innovators, and consumers that will turn these policies into reality. The GreenPro Summit stands as a shining example of how we can accelerate this transformation. GreenPro continues to provide credible certification for projects and products that meet rigorous environmental criteria. It empowers consumers to make informed, sustainable choices and motivates manufacturers to innovate responsibly. This is not just about products, it is about building a new culture of production and consumption. The most important thing you can do to fight climate change is talk about it; the next crucial step is to act on it.

Net Zero is a complete system transformation. To achieve this, we need policy alignment between government, industry, and civil society; investment in green research and development; and consumer awareness that lets demand drive the market for low-carbon products. The journey to Net Zero is a shared responsibility. The GreenPro Summit is a platform to forge partnerships, share solutions, and commit to tangible targets. Let us make a renewed commitment to adopt and advocate for ecolabelled products, invest in technologies that put the planet first, and make low carbon living the norm, turning Net Zero into a reality for Tamil Nadu, India, and the world.”

Mr. Unnikrishnan, Chairman, Green Products and Services Council proudly expressed how “GreenPro’s journey over the years reflects India’s growing commitment to sustainable consumption and production. With over 11,500 certified products from 450+ companies across 39 categories, the ecolabel has already helped reduce 7.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, save 175 billion liters of water, and conserve 6,500 GWh of energy. Our expansion into sectors like heavy mobility vehicles, consumer appliances, and facility services demonstrates our ability to adapt and lead in emerging areas of sustainability. By integrating verified carbon footprint data into all certifications and forging global collaborations, GreenPro is not only greening India’s supply chains but also setting the stage for a low-carbon, resource-efficient future.”

Ms. Isabella Huang Loh, Vice Chair, Global Ecolabelling Network and ESG Advisor, highlighted the importance of international cooperation and harmonized ecolabeling standards to build trust and scale green markets globally.

As a part of the inaugural, John Deere India was bestowed with Leadership award for “Excellence in Green Supply Chain,” which was received by Mr Sri Krishna Kulkarni, Commodity Lead, Global Strategic Sourcing, John Deere India and Rane (Madras) Ltd., was awarded with “Green Champion in Supply Chain” which was received by Mr. Lakshmanan, Vice President, Rane (Madras) Ltd.

The inaugural was followed by an insightful Session on Sustainable Procurement for Enabling Net Zero – moderated by Mr. Karthikeyan. Panelists included Mr. Aun Abdullah, Head ESG, Lodha Group; Mr. Nirbhay Lumde, Senior Vice President – ESG, Prestige Group; Mr. Jayasankar Kentinkara, Senior Vice President (Technical & Customer Solutions), Ultratech Cement Limited; Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Founder & CEO, NEXGEN Procurement Solutions; and Mr. Sachin Joshi, Sustainability and ESG Advisor. The discussion explored how procurement policies can influence supply chains, spur demand for low-carbon materials, and catalyze a shift towards circular and resource-efficient products.

The day’s proceedings also featured a Master Speaker session by Mr. Sumit Bhatia, Vice President, ARS Steel, who spoke on the pivotal role of low-carbon steel in achieving Net Zero building goals. A fireside chat between Mr. K S Venkatagiri and Ms. Isabella Huang Loh offered a global perspective on ecolabeling trends and their potential to reshape procurement standards.

In the afternoon, delegates engaged in sessions that delved into practical strategies for selecting low-carbon products and sustainable materials, with case studies from LEAD Consultancy, Godrej Enterprises Group, and L&T Construction. Technical deep dives explored emerging materials such as Net Zero cement and concrete, zero-carbon glazing, and innovative sustainable surfaces. The day concluded with an international dialogue on green trade in the Asia Pacific, featuring UNEP, Thailand Environment Institute, SIRIM, and the Global Ecolabelling Network, reiterating the summit’s commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships for climate action.

The day concluded with a session on Accelerate Green Trade (Asia Pacific) – Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward moderated by Mr. Unnikrishnan A R, Green Products and Services Council, where Dr. Chuttree Phurat, Director, Thailand Environment Institute, provided insights into integrating low-carbon standards into trade and policy frameworks in the Asia Pacific. Adding further international perspectives, Mr. Gareth, Secretariat, Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), highlighted the critical role of cross-country ecolabel alignment. Mr. Kamarul Arieffin Bin Rosli, Group Leader, SIRIM (Malaysia), spoke on creating robust certification pathways to strengthen green trade in the region, Ms. Bruna Tiussu, Ecolabel and Consumer Information Expert, Consumption & Production Unit, Industry & Economy Division, UNEP spoke on how leveraging the region’s economic growth and growing consumer demand for sustainable products will drive the adoption of eco-friendly practices though ecolabels.

TNAU Signs MoU with VST Tillers Tractors to Promote Small Farm Mechanization in Tamil Nadu

Coimbatore, 14 August 2025: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., a leading manufacturer of compact agricultural machinery in India, to promote greater awareness and training on small farm mechanization across Tamil Nadu.

This strategic collaboration aims to develop small farm machinery along with advanced technological, agronomic, and educational solutions to support sustainable food production locally and globally.

The MoU focuses on key areas including frontier research in the area of small farm machinery, Training students in the latest innovations and modern farm technologies, creating awareness among both students and farmers on small farm mechanization, testing and evaluating VST’s farm machinery under local conditions, supporting students on future research on technological evolutions, providing project opportunities for TNAU students in the area of farm mechanization, offering internships for TNAU students with VST Tillers Tractors Ltd for on ground contribution.

Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. and Dr. R.Thamizh Vendan, Registrar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University signed and exchanged the MOU in presence of Dr. A Raviraj, Dean, Agriculture Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU; Dr. R Tyagarajan, Associate Professor, Department of Farm Machinery; Dr. R Kavitha, Professor and Raja Chidambaram, DGM, SFM, VST Tillers Tractors.

Speaking at the MoU signing, representatives from TNAU and VST emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical agricultural solutions, especially in the context of small and marginal farmers.

According to Mr. Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd “we are delighted to collaborate with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, a premier institution in agricultural education and research. “This MoU aligns with our vision to empower small and marginal farmers through innovative research and affordable mechanization solutions. By working closely with TNAU’s faculties and talented students, we aim to develop practical, field-ready technologies that can transform agricultural practices and improve farmer livelihoods across the state. Through this collaboration, talented university students will also have the opportunity to engage at our upcoming Global Technology Development Centre in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, to develop cost-efficient, benchmark solutions that blend innovative technology with the needs of India’s small and marginal farmers.

Dr. R.Thamizh Vendan, Registrar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) said “this partnership with VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. marks a significant step towards enhancing the practical exposure of our students and bridging the gap between research and real-world application. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring the benefits of small farm mechanization to the grassroots level, ensuring that farmers across Tamil Nadu can access and adopt modern, efficient farming technologies.”

Dr. A Raviraj, Dean, Agriculture Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, said “This collaboration is expected to empower the next generation of agri-tech professionals and enhance productivity through farm mechanization suited to the diverse agricultural landscape of Tamil Nadu”.

The Oberoi Group Announces Second Edition of The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program

The Oberoi Group Announces Second Edition of The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program Following Resounding Success of Inaugural Year

New Delhi, 14 August, 2025 – Building on the success of its inaugural year, The Oberoi Group is delighted to announce the second edition of The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program. This pioneering initiative honours the legacy of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi and Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi as it creates the next generation of hospitality leaders through world-class education and international exposure.

Launched in 2024, the program received exceptional interest from hospitality professionals across India, reaffirming the Group’s position as a global icon in luxury hospitality. Inspired by the vision of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the father of the Indian hotel industry, and Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, who elevated Indian luxury hospitality to global acclaim, the program is designed to foster leadership in the industry and excellence in hospitality.

The Oberoi Group will once again offer two prestigious scholarships:

Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi – ‘Dare to Dream’ Scholarship: Open to hotel operations executives from hotels outside The Oberoi Group in India, this scholarship encourages hospitality professionals to aim high and pursue excellence in their careers, embodying Rai Bahadur’s belief in ambition and perseverance.

Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi – ‘Be the Best’ Scholarship: Available for hotel operations executives from The Oberoi Group in India and overseas, this scholarship inspires recipients to set new benchmarks in luxury and service, reflecting Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi’s commitment to perfection in guest experiences.

Each scholarship recipient will pursue a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality at École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland – one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality management schools. The two-year MBA combines virtual learning with a three-week immersive experience at the EHL campus in Lausanne each year, complemented by a Best Practice Tour at some of the world’s finest hotels.

First Edition Highlights

The inaugural edition in 2024 saw two outstanding hospitality professionals earn these coveted scholarships after a seven-stage selection process involving interviews, psychometric assessments, and personality evaluations.

Dare to Dream Scholarship: Ms. Kritika Sharma, Executive Housekeeper, Taj Westend, Bangalore
Be the Best Scholarship: Ms. Alisha Rampal, Hotel Manager, Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai

Both recipients are currently enrolled in the EHL MBA program, embarking on an extraordinary learning journey that combines academic excellence with international exposure.

Ms. Kritika Sharma, Taj West End, Bengaluru recipient of the Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi – ‘Dare to Dream’ Scholarship, said: “This has been a life-changing opportunity. It has given me the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to turn those dreams into reality. The program at École Hôtelière de Lausanne is not only expanding my knowledge of hospitality management but also broadening my perspective on global best practices. I am deeply grateful to The Oberoi group for investing in the growth of hospitality professionals across the industry.”

Ms. Alisha Rampal, Director – Food & Beverage, Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai, and recipient of the Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi – ‘Be the Best’ Scholarship, said, “The Oberoi Group Scholarship has been an inspiring journey of learning and self-discovery. The exposure to world-class education at École Hôtelière de Lausanne, coupled with the opportunity to engage with some of the finest minds in hospitality, has strengthened my resolve to deliver excellence in every aspect of guest experience. I am honoured to carry forward the values and vision of The Oberoi Group and am committed to applying this learning to elevate our industry’s standards.”

Mr. K.B. Kachru, President – Hotels Association of India, said, “ The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program is a transformative step towards shaping the future of hospitality in India. By empowering young talent with world-class education, The Oberoi Group is fostering innovation and excellence that will resonate across the industry. The Hotels Association of India fully endorses this inspiring initiative.”

Mr. Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, commented, “The inaugural edition of the Scholarship Program reinforced our belief in the importance of nurturing talent for the future of hospitality. We are proud to launch its second edition, carrying forward the legacy of our founders by supporting exceptional individuals to become world-class hoteliers.”

Mr. Vikram Oberoi, CEO – The Oberoi Group, further added, “Our founders believed in the transformative power of continuous learning and mentorship. Building on the success of the first edition, inspires us to continue investing in people who will shape the future of hospitality with a deep understanding of our business, innovation, leadership, and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences.”

The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program remains a testament to the Group’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality and its vision to cultivate leaders who will continue to raise the standards of hospitality worldwide.

Aptus Value Housing Finance Gets Back to Back Rating Upgrades from CARE and ICRA

Chennai, August 14, 2025: Aptus Value Housing Finance India Limited, a leading housing finance company, announced that ICRA Limited has upgraded the credit rating of the Company’s long-term bank facilities and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) to [ICRA] AA (Stable); from [ICRA] AA- (Stable).

Key Highlights:

· Upgraded Rating: Rating upgrade by ICRA, reflects Aptus’ strong capitalisation, healthy asset quality, prudent risk management, and consistent growth in assets under management. It also underscores the Company’s focus on leveraging its varied customer base through a well-balanced mix of housing finance and loan against property products.

· Facilities Covered:

1.  Long-Term Bank Facilities
2. Non-Convertible Debentures

Commenting on the rating upgrade, Mr. P. Balaji, Managing Director said, “The back-to-back rating upgrades from CARE Ratings and ICRA, reaffirm the strength of our business model, the quality of our portfolio, and the trust we have built with our customers and investors. We will continue to focus on sustainable growth while maintaining our strong asset quality and service standards.”

Tata Motors Enters the Dominican Republic with Versatile Range of Commercial Vehicles

Bengaluru, August 14, 2025: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and a global leader in mobility solutions, has officially entered the Dominican Republic market through a strategic partnership with Equimax, its authorised distributor. This launch marks a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ global expansion strategy and introduces a tailored portfolio of commercial vehicles designed to meet the evolving needs of the region’s logistics, infrastructure, and last-mile delivery sectors.

The product lineup includes the Tata Super Ace for agile last-mile delivery, the Tata Xenon pickup for rugged utility, the Ultra range of trucks (T.6, T.7, T.9) for smart intra-city logistics, and the LPT 613 tipper for construction and infrastructure applications. These vehicles are engineered to deliver superior performance, durability, and total cost of ownership—hallmarks of Tata Motors’ global reputation.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Asif Shamim, Head – International Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Dominican Republic presents a high-potential market aligned with Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles’ global growth ambitions. With its growing economy and infrastructure, our advanced commercial vehicle solutions are well-positioned to support national development goals. Backed by Equimax’s strong local presence, we aim to deliver unmatched value through reliable products, efficient service, and long-term customer support for meeting the aspirations of transporters and businesses in the country.”

Mr. Gabriel Tellerias, President, Equimax, added, “The introduction of Tata Motors’ globally trusted commercial vehicles marks an important milestone for the Dominican Republic’s transport and logistics sector. These vehicles have been carefully selected from Tata Motors’ expansive portfolio and reflect a clear understanding of local business needs. Our priority will be to ensure a superior ownership experience through Equimax’s strong commitment to exceptional after-sales service, offering customers timely support and long-term value. We value our partnership with Tata Motors and look forward to driving growth and progress together in the Dominican Republic.”

Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles are sold in over 40 countries worldwide, with a portfolio that spans sub-1-tonne mini-trucks to 60-tonne heavy-duty trucks and 9- to 71-seater passenger transport solutions. With over seven decades of experience in commercial mobility, the company continues to deliver on its promise of performance, durability, and total cost efficiency — built on a foundation of frugal engineering and global innovation.

Key Highlights of the Launch:

Segment-Centric, Application focused Vehicles:

• Super Ace: Ideal for FMCG, e-commerce, and food delivery
• Xenon: Available in single and double cabin, suited for cargo and utility
• Ultra Range: Built on a next-gen smart truck platform for urban logistics
• LPT 613: Designed for construction and infrastructure sectors

Customer-Centric Services:

Extended warranty of up to 5 years or 200,000 km on select models
Equimax’s strategically located service centers ensure easy access to genuine spares and timely maintenance

Why India’s Architects, Designers, and Luxury Clients Are Turning to Lumeil for Intelligent, Curated Lighting

13th August 2025: In the rarefied world of bespoke interiors — where a Hermès throw speaks volumes and the lines between art and utility blur — procurement has quietly undergone a revolution. The age of spreadsheets, late-night supplier calls, and sample-room chaos is over. Today’s most celebrated interior designers and luxury homeowners demand more than access; they demand elegance, efficiency, and an ecosystem that speaks their language.

Enter Lumeil — India’s definitive digital destination for premium decorative lighting. A brand born not just from a love of lighting, but from an understanding of the new-age design economy — intelligent, intuitive, and uncompromising.

With its meticulous curation, swift timelines, and quietly powerful tech backbone, Lumeil is rewriting what procurement looks like for India’s luxury design community.

Here is how:

1. Procurement but Make It Couture

What Net-a-Porter did for fashion, Lumeil is doing for lighting — bringing the boutique experience online without losing the soul. Gone are the days of generic B2B catalogues and fragmented sourcing.

Lumeil offers a curated vault of hand-selected designs — each chosen for its story, silhouette, and soul.
This is not mass retail. This is digital discovery for the discerning.

Designers can now specify with confidence, knowing every piece has been reviewed not just for quality, but for its relevance to a global luxury aesthetic — timeless, tasteful, and tailored.

2. One Platform. Many Possibilities. No Chaos.

For architects and studios managing multi-million-rupee projects across continents, time is not just money — it is brand equity. Lumeil’s platform integrates selection, coordination, and client approvals into one elegant interface.

Whether tagging a chandelier for a Mediterranean villa in Goa or shortlisting dimmable wall sconces for a penthouse in Mumbai, designers now work in a space that mirrors the elegance of their vision.

Live inventory visibility, premium supplier coordination, and personalized recommendations mean your time is spent designing — not chasing.

3. A Digital Concierge with a Designer’s Eye

What sets Lumeil apart is its understanding of who it serves. This is a brand that knows its clients fly first class, collect contemporary art, and treat interiors as legacy statements.

Behind every project dashboard is a team that blends tech fluency with impeccable design sensibility — offering advice, assistance, and alternatives that do not feel transactional, but tailored.

From supporting complex lighting schedules to ensuring white-glove delivery across India’s top postcodes, Lumeil offers the kind of proactive service usually reserved for haute couture maisons.

“We built Lumeil for the kind of clients and creators who do not compromise. Our goal is to offer a platform that is not just smart and seamless — but soulful. One where every product is a piece of art, and every order — personal.”
— Naman Jain, Co-Founder, Lumeil

Instamart Expands Home and Lifestyle with ‘Home Stop’ by Shoppers Stop in Key Metros

August 13, 2025: Strengthening its growing household and lifestyle portfolio, Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, has partnered with Home Stop by Shoppers Stop, offering premium crockery, serveware, home décor, and furnishings. With this collaboration, Instamart becomes the first quick commerce platform to offer over 100 curated Home Stop products for discerning online shoppers. The platform will enable 10-minute delivery of a wide range of products across stores in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon.

The launch features a curated range of products spanning linen and furnishings, home décor, dinnerware, serveware, and kitchen storage. Offerings include artisanal candle holders, modern serveware, Buddha figurines, jharokha t-light holders, and other items designed to enhance everyday living.

Sharing insights on quick commerce’s expanding role beyond groceries and essentials, Manender Kaushik, AVP & Category Head – Instamart, shared, “Since the launch of the Home & Lifestyle category on Instamart, we’ve witnessed robust growth in the segment. This signals that quick commerce has evolved from a simple grocery delivery service into a more sophisticated marketplace encompassing larger and diverse categories. Traditionally, home and furnishings were planned purchases; however, today, the needs of Indian online shoppers are rapidly evolving. By closely understanding consumer preferences, we have prioritized expanding our assortment of lifestyle products. Our partnership with Home Stop marks a significant step towards making curated home décor and furnishings accessible to shoppers within minutes.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Kavindra Mishra, MD & CEO, Shoppers Stop, said: “Home Stop offers a curated selection of contemporary, classic, and innovative home solutions that blend quality, style, and value. It’s a one-stop destination for everything from bed and bath to living, dining, and kitchen, thoughtfully curated to help our customers build homes that truly reflect their personality. This partnership with Instamart marks a significant step in making the Home Stop experience instantly accessible through the power of quick commerce, allowing us to meet our customers at their doorstep, quickly and effortlessly. Together, we’re reimagining how modern India discovers and shops for premium home living.”

Instamart’s entry into the home and lifestyle segment started with essentials such as pillows, blankets, and décor accents, which quickly gained popularity. In 2023, items like blankets ranked among the most searched on the platform. Since then, the lifestyle range has expanded considerably, now offering thousands of curated products across home décor, furnishings, serveware, and storage.

Instamart is now live across 127+ cities, offering lightning-fast 10-minute delivery and an expanded assortment through new megapods that stock up to 50,000 SKUs. The platform also recently introduced Maxxsaver, a feature designed to unlock maximum savings and support more planned, affordable purchases for users across India.