Category Archives: Business

POWERCON® Group Publishes ESG & Sustainability Report, Highlighting Progress Towards Net Zero

Pune, Jan 12: The POWERCON® Group, a global leader in renewable energy (RE) asset creation and management, has released its ESG & Sustainability Performance Report, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards responsible growth and Net Zero operations. The report highlights strong advancements in carbon reduction, circularity, governance, and renewable asset performance, reflecting POWERCON’s commitment to sustainable and resilient energy solutions.

During the reporting period, POWERCON achieved a reduction of 5.6 lakh tons of CO₂ emissions, driven by enhanced energy efficiency, digital O&M technologies, and optimised operational practices across its sites. The company also reported notable year-on-year gains in energy generation, reflecting stronger asset reliability and improved field performance.

Environmental and Circularity Achievements

• 60% reduction in plastic usage, with near-total elimination of Single-Use Plastics (SUP) across offices, warehouses, and O&M sites

• 85% of total waste diverted from landfills, with 55% of components refurbished rather than replaced

• 70% renewable energy usage across offices and operations

• Strengthened supplier compliance: 65% of suppliers under circularity compliance, 100% adherence to the Supplier Code of Conduct

Social Initiatives
Through its CORE Academy, POWERCON trained over 6,000 renewable energy professionals, contributing to local skill development and supporting India’s clean-energy transition.

Governance and Compliance
The Group maintained zero non-compliances, zero data breaches, and zero human rights violations, underscoring a strong commitment to ethical operations and robust internal controls.

POWERCON’s efforts have been recognised through the ‘EcoEdge’ Certificate of Recognition by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for integrating sustainability into operations and the ‘Bronze’ certification under the Government of India’s ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) initiative, signifying zero environmental harm.

Commenting on the report, Mr. Praveen Kakulte, CEO & Founder, POWERCON® Group, said:

“Our journey towards Net Zero goes beyond offsetting emissions. Sustainability is embedded across our operations—from energy efficiency and circularity to ethical supply chains and workforce development. These milestones reflect the collective commitment of our teams and partners to building renewable energy operations that are responsible, resilient, and future-ready.”

POWERCON continues to align its systems with ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 26000, ISO 50001, and SA8000, reinforcing its leadership in environmental management and ethical business governance. Looking ahead, the Group aims to expand across major Indian renewable corridors, extend its footprint in Africa and Southeast Asia, and achieve an additional 5% reduction in GHG emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 2030.

Drychem India Earns Great Place To Work® Certification for Second Consecutive Year

Navi Mumbai, Jan 12: Drychem India Private Limited has been certified as a Great Place To Work® for the second consecutive year by the Great Place To Work® Institute, India. This back-to-back recognition highlights the company’s sustained commitment to fostering a high-trust, people-centric workplace culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth.

The certification is based entirely on employee feedback collected through the Trust Index® Survey, reinforcing the credibility and authenticity of the recognition. Employees expressed strong confidence across key dimensions of workplace culture, including leadership credibility, respect and fairness, pride in the organisation, and a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

As part of the assessment, Drychem achieved an impressive overall average score of 84% on the Great Place To Work® Model, with employees affirming that Drychem is truly a Great Place To Work. The survey also recorded a 93% participation rate, significantly surpassing the benchmark for mid-sized organisations. Employees cited pride in the organisation, effective team collaboration, approachable managers, and a safe, supportive work environment as some of the company’s key strengths.

The survey was conducted anonymously and confidentially, covering all eligible employees across locations and independently administered by Great Place To Work®. This ensured candid participation and an accurate reflection of the employee experience across the organisation.

Recognition and development are central to Drychem’s workplace culture. Programs such as the Hi-Five Program, Emerging Leaders Club (EL), and the DSC and GEM Programs are designed to recognise real-time achievements, reward consistent performance, and celebrate impactful contributions across functions. By integrating recognition into everyday work life, these initiatives strengthen engagement and reinforce a sense of shared ownership.

Commenting on the achievement, Kaushal Mehta, Managing Director, Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., said,

“This certification matters because it reflects how our people experience Drychem every day. We focus on keeping leadership approachable, recognising effort as it happens, and creating real opportunities for learning and movement within the organisation. Whether it’s through open conversations, leadership development programs, or making it easier for teams to work across functions, our intent is to build trust through action. The feedback from our employees tells us we’re moving in the right direction, and it motivates us to keep improving.”

Drychem’s leadership philosophy is built on accessibility, transparency, and empathy. Leaders actively engage with teams, encourage cross-functional collaboration, and maintain open communication channels. Regular surveys and ongoing dialogue help align organisational initiatives with employee aspirations, while internal success stories are shared to inspire learning and motivation across teams.

Continuous learning remains a cornerstone of Drychem’s people strategy. Through its Learning Management System (LMS) and role-transition opportunities, employees are supported in developing new capabilities and exploring growth pathways aligned with organisational priorities. Data-driven insights are used to continuously refine policies and programs, ensuring they remain relevant, practical, and impactful.

The consecutive Great Place To Work® Certification further strengthens Drychem’s employer brand, reinforces its position as an employer of choice, and validates its internal culture against a globally recognised benchmark. Above all, it reflects the company’s long-term commitment to building a workplace founded on trust, recognition, and shared success.

Coromandel International to Set-up Corporate Research Centre at IIT Madras Research Park to Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration

Mumbai, Jan 12:  Coromandel International Limited, one of India’s leading agri-solutions providers, has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) for the establishment of a Corporate Research Centre at the IITM Research Park. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the IITM Global Research Foundation, presided over by Dr. S. Jaishankar,  Minister of External Affairs, Government of India.

During the ceremony, the MoU copy was formally handed over to Mr. Narayanan Vellayan, Whole-time Director – Strategic Sourcing, Coromandel International Limited, by Dr. Jaishankar, in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras. The event witnessed participation from IIT Madras’ global partners across the USA, UK, Germany, Malaysia, UAE, and Singapore, underscoring the institute’s expanding international research footprint.

The partnership will enable Coromandel to leverage the world-class research, innovation, and technology infrastructure of the IIT Madras ecosystem in India and abroad, fostering advanced collaboration in areas of strategic importance to agriculture, sustainability and emerging technologies.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Narayanan Vellayan, Whole-time Director – Strategic Sourcing, Coromandel International Limited, said: “Coromandel has always believed that innovation and research are critical to strengthening India’s agricultural ecosystem and driving sustainable growth. Our collaboration with IIT Madras Global will enable us to work closely with leading researchers, scientists, and global partners to develop breakthrough solutions in crop nutrition and advanced agri-inputs. The Corporate Research Centre will serve as a strategic platform to translate cutting-edge science into scalable technologies that benefit farmers, industry, and the nation’s innovation agenda.”

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Mr. T. Madhav Narayan, CEO, IITM Global, said that the MoU with Coromandel represents a powerful step toward deep industry–academia engagement, accelerating translational research and innovation with real-world impact.

The Corporate Research Centre will act as a hub for joint research programs, technology incubation, talent development, and international collaboration, supporting Coromandel’s long-term focus on science-led growth and future-ready agri-solutions.

Apparel Start-Up Brand Odd Not Even Enters Strategic Partnership With Live Events Mogul Team Innovation

India, Jan 9 – Odd Not Even, the Mumbai-based contemporary lifestyle start-up brand recognized for its culture-led storytelling and experimental scribble-first design language, today announced a strategic partnership and significant investment from Team Innovation, India’s youngest live events, nightlife, and hospitality enterprise, founded by Mohit Bijlani, Siddhesh Kudtarkar and Akash Jain.

This marks Team Innovation’s first foray into India’s youth fashion ecosystem, signalling a strategic expansion beyond experiential platforms to support culture-driven, youth-focused lifestyle brands that celebrate individuality. The partnership also represents the first external funding for the homegrown apparel brand which was launched in 2023. The brand, currently valued at over $ 1 million USD, has achieved 10% YOY growth since inception.

The first globally available collection following this investment features the official merchandise for Punjabi music stars AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla, with plans to expand from e-commerce into retail formats. Currently, Odd Not Even sells online through its official website as well as the Crepdog Crew online marketplace and its offline retail stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad. With this new investment, the brand targets a year-on-year growth of 100% over the next year.

The capital infusion will be strategically deployed to expand production capabilities, strengthen marketing, scale digital and website-driven growth, and develop experiential drops and artist-led campaigns. This partnership positions Odd Not Even to enter a new phase of growth, with a focus on scaling into the concert and artist merchandise space with enhanced access and execution. Leveraging Team Innovation’s extensive pan-India and international reach, the brand aims to broaden visibility, engage new audiences, accelerate entry into newer markets, and reinforce operations, experiential drops, and marketing initiatives that seamlessly integrate lifestyle, music and art. Through these efforts, Odd Not Even is committed to establishing itself as a leading culture-first lifestyle brand with a long-term global roadmap, while continuing to be creatively led by co-founders Bhavya Shah and Stuti Sharma, supported strategically by Team Innovation.

Mohit Bijlani, Founder, Team Innovation, shares, “Odd Not Even stands out because it has authenticity, culture and community at its core. India is at the cusp of a transformative growth phase, with consumption poised to be a primary driver. We see massive potential in the brand and are excited to support its next chapter. We aim to build India’s first portfolio of billion-dollar homegrown brands in the fashion and lifestyle segment.”

Bhavya Shah, Co-Founder, Odd Not Even states, “For me, this partnership is very personal. Mohit, Siddhesh and Akash have been friends for years, and it’s special to see our journeys align at a moment where we’re all building with intention. Odd Not Even has always been more than clothing – it’s culture, attitude and individuality. We’ve grown organically by staying honest to who we are, and this investment allows us to take that energy to a larger audience. Team Innovation operates at a massive scale, and combining that reach with our creative direction gives us the perfect push to shape Odd Not Even into a strong lifestyle and culture brand with global ambitions. This is the foundation for something much bigger than apparel, and it’s only the beginning.”

Stuti Sharma, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Odd Not Even adds, “Our design identity has always been rooted in expression — raw, bold and very human. Whether it’s through custom merchandise with artists like Diljit Dosanjh, AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla, or projects with brands like BoldCare and Sunburn, every piece we create is meant to feel personal to the person wearing it. Odd Not Even has become a space where people who love individuality, art and high-energy culture naturally gravitate. With Team Innovation’s support, we get to scale that emotion into a larger community, newer markets and eventually global audiences. There’s a very exciting journey ahead, and this moment is a big step toward building the lifestyle brand we’ve always envisioned.”

India’s homegrown apparel market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, projected to reach $130–$150 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10–12% over the coming decade. Growth is driven by a diverse consumer base, including value-conscious millennials and status-seeking Gen Z, who are increasingly open to new brands and comfortable purchasing through both organized retail and online channels.

Over the past year, Odd Not Even has achieved several key milestones, including producing the official merchandise for RUSS India Tour & Karan Aujla’s global tour, to designing custom merchandise for artists like Diljit Dosanjh, AP Dhillon & KING. Beyond artist collaborations, Odd Not Even has partnered with leading brands and high-profile events such as BoldCare and the Sunburn Festival, further reinforcing its presence at the intersection of fashion, music and experiential culture. This track record, combined with the strategic partnership with Team Innovation, lays a solid foundation for Odd Not Even to scale rapidly and expand its influence in both national and international markets.

Starting as bootstrapped nightlife event promoters, Team Innovation has grown into a ₹500 crore-plus enterprise with over 200 workforces. The company has hosted sold-out multi-city tours featuring artists such as Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Krishna Das, Sagar Qawalli, Talwiinder, Sunidhi Chauhan, G-Eazy, Black Coffee and DVLM across India and the UAE, and maintains strategic partnerships with Sunburn and Live Nation. Team Innovation is renowned for building large-scale shows, cultural IPs, artist-led experiences and youth-focused entertainment events, shaping some of the most influential cultural experiences in India.

Matrix Geo Solutions and DRIIV Foundation Partner Through Strategic MoU to Drive Drone, GeoAI, and National Science & Technology Missions

New Delhi , Jan 12: Matrix Geo Solutions Limited, a leading Indian geospatial technology and engineering consultancy, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DRIIV Foundation (Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation). DRIIV Foundation is the flagship Science & Technology cluster programme of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, operating under the guidance of PM-STIAC.

Under this MoU, DRIIV Foundation will act as the Project Management Partner and Implementing Agency, while Matrix Geo Solutions will serve as the Delivery Partner, jointly executing national and state-level projects for government, public bodies, and third-party stakeholders.

The collaboration establishes a framework to translate advanced research into field-deployable solutions across drone and UAV surveys, LiDAR and 3D digital twins, GeoAI and spatial analytics, satellite data applications, cloud-native GIS platforms, and collaborative R&D and capacity-building initiatives. The MoU is intended to enable pilots, demonstration deployments and government programmes that can convert into scoped, executable projects.

Mr. Rahul Jain, MD at Matrix Geo Solutions said, “Partnering with DRIIV Foundation, a PMO-monitored and nationally significant S&T platform, advances Atmanirbhar Bharat by accelerating the conversion of advanced research into scalable, real-world solutions across key sectors. We are grateful to have this opportunity to be able to contribute to this greater vision for our nation. By combining DRIIV’s policy, research, and institutional ecosystem with Matrix Geo’s execution and delivery strength, we aim to create scalable, sustainable, and future-ready solutions for water, infrastructure, environment, and governance.”

“This partnership with Matrix Geo Solutions reinforces DRIIV’s mandate of converting cutting-edge research into deployable solutions aligned with national missions. Their proven expertise in drones, geospatial engineering, and large-scale infrastructure projects will significantly enhance our ability to deliver impact-driven outcomes for government and society, said Prof. Ambuj D. Sagar, CEO, DRIIV Foundation.

“Industry collaboration is critical to taking innovations from laboratories to the field, and this MoU exemplifies the kind of ecosystem-driven partnerships envisioned under PM-STIAC and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser,” Krishna Kumar Gaur

Head, Institutional Relations, DRIIV Foundation, added.

Matrix Geo’s role under the MoU will focus on on-ground delivery, technology deployment and project execution while DRIIV will provide programme management and institutional coordination. The parties are in active discussions to identify pilot projects and scoped engagements that may be converted into executable contracts.

The MoU also focuses on training, skill development, and workforce creation in drone and geospatial technologies.

Valid for five years, it enables joint pilots, R&D, and government collaborations to drive technology-led governance and infrastructure planning.

Edge by Titan Launches Fumage – A New Ceramic Case After 3 Years

Jan 12- Edge by Titan launches Fumage- defined by new geometry, redesigned ceramic bracelet and a fumé dial. Marking a strategic product milestone, Fumage sets the stage for the launch of a new ceramic shape to the Edge portfolio after three years, signalling a material shift towards a sleek profile, more durable case architecture paired with a hand-finished gradient dial. Inspired by the fluidity of smoke, the new structure captures movement with control, creating form without constraint.

Edge by Titan evolves its slim, modern language with Fumage. A new case architecture and integrated ceramic bracelet reshape the glossy silhouette, keeping the signature lightness intact while adding dimension and presence. The satin bezel, polished bevels and ceramic links create a controlled play of light, durable enough for daily wear yet still refined on the wrist. The collection takes its cue from the art of fumage, translating the drift of smoke into a hand-crafted fumé dial built through a multi-stage lacquering process that moves from light to shadow. This introduces the idea of controlled chaos- movement held in precision, expression guided by restraint. It remains recognisably Edge: slim, minimal, and disciplined, but now with a sharper point of view and a sense of tension that makes the watch feel more alive. This balance defines the collection’s aesthetic: refined yet expressive, restrained yet impactful.

Fumage arrives at a moment when design takes centre stage. The introduction of a new ceramic case marks a clear material upgrade and reflects a willingness to make bolder design moves, not merely refine what already exists. By bringing together a new material, a fumé-inspired dial, and Edge’s signature slimness, the collection signals that Edge is confident enough to experiment while staying anchored to its core values.

Key specifications of Fumage

Resorts Turn to Activity-Led Experiences to Drive Revenue and Guest Engagement

Step Into the Upside Down: Samsung and Netflix Offer Exclusive ‘Stranger Things’ Theme for Galaxy

As the door closes on “Stranger Things,” Samsung Electronics and Netflix are giving fans a chance to celebrate the final season of the iconic show that has shaped pop culture for nearly a decade. Starting Jan. 12, Samsung Galaxy users in 186 countries can download an exclusive “Stranger Things” theme and wallpapers via Galaxy Store — available at no additional cost for a limited time to those who download or launch the Netflix app. 

Iconic Imagery From a Cultural Phenomenon

Since its debut in 2016, “Stranger Things” has been one of the defining titles behind Netflix’s rise as the world’s leading entertainment service. The series became a global megahit, driving viewership and conversation across regions and generations. Following the release of Season 5, Part 1 on Nov. 27, 2025, it ranked No. 1 in 91 countries and recorded 59.6 million views in its first five days, marking the strongest opening performance for an English-language series on Netflix to date. It also became the first series in Netflix history to place all five seasons in the Global Top 10 at the same time, holding that record for five consecutive weeks. All episodes from the final season are now streaming globally, only on Netflix.

Samsung’s exclusive content inspired by Season 5 builds on that momentum. Available from Jan. 12 through Feb. 22, the collection includes a special theme and five wallpapers featuring live-action characters and settings from the show, including Hawkins and the Upside Down. Reflecting the unique atmosphere of the show, the visuals allow fans to bring elements of the series into their everyday lives.

A Long-Standing Partnership Celebrating Great Storytelling

Samsung and Netflix have a long-running partnership, bringing compelling, high-quality content inspired by some of the world’s best-loved shows. The latest collaboration follows their recent partnership to offer special themes for the worldwide hit film “KPop Demon Hunters,” while the companies previously worked together to celebrate the launch of Season 4 of “Stranger Things.”

Kotak Mahindra Bank strengthens Leadership Team with appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director

Bengaluru, Jan

12:  Kotak Mahindra Bank (“Kotak”) announced the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director, subject to regulatory approvals. Till such time, Anup will act as Whole-time Director (Designate) and will be a part of Senior Management from January 12, 2026.

Anup most recently served as Managing Director at Bajaj Finance, where over eight years he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into one of India’s leading and most profitable NBFCs in consumer finance. He led business transformation, digital innovation and customer-focused strategies, expanding the customer base to 100 million and diversifying the product portfolio.

Anup previously spent 14 years at ICICI Bank in senior leadership roles, building deep expertise in consumer and retail banking, data analytics and digital transformation.

At Kotak, Anup will oversee Consumer Banking, Marketing and Data Analytics functions, reinforcing Kotak’s leadership depth and driving customer-centric transformation, digital innovation and data-led strategies.

Welcoming him, CS Rajan, Chairman of the Board, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “We are delighted to welcome Anup to Kotak’s Board. His leadership in scaling businesses, driving digital transformation and building customer-centric organizations will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position in the financial sector.”

Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank added, “Anup’s appointment underscores Kotak’s commitment to building a market-leading financial services business and a strong bench of experienced leaders. His extensive understanding of retail finance, data-driven growth and innovation will help us accelerate our strategy and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

“I am excited and honored to join Kotak, one of India’s most trusted financial services conglomerate. I look forward to working with the leadership team to build on this strong foundation, drive innovation, deepen customer relationships and create value for all stakeholders,” said Anup Kumar Saha.

Haier India Expands Its Entertainment Footprint as Official Appliance Partner of Telugu Blockbuster Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu

India, Jan 12:  Haier Appliances India, the No.1 global major appliances brand for 17 consecutive years, marks another shining presence on the Telugu big screen as the Official Appliance Partner of the upcoming blockbuster Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu. Building on its growing presence in the entertainment ecosystem, this association reflects Haier’s long-term brand strategy of becoming an integral part of culturally significant moments that resonate deeply with Indian audiences.

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu brings together a stellar ensemble cast featuring Megastar Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara and Venkatesh Daggubati is slated for a grand theatrical release on January 12, 2026. Haier’s branding takes centre stage from the very first consumer touchpoint, with a prominent presence in the trailer unveiled on January 4, ensuring strong visibility and reinforcing the brand’s seamless integration into this much-anticipated cinematic experience.

As the Official Appliance Partner, Haier brings its Lumiere refrigerator and Mini LED television to life on the Telugu big screen, seamlessly integrated into the film’s narrative and reinforcing the brand’s presence in home settings that audiences naturally relate to. These appearances do more than showcase products; they capture the rhythm of modern Indian living, where innovation, comfort and style coexist effortlessly. By becoming part of the narrative, Haier moves beyond visibility to meaningful connection, allowing viewers to experience the brand as a reflection of contemporary lifestyles and aspirations. 

This collaboration marks a new milestone in Haier India’s brand journey. By partnering with high-impact regional cinema that commands massive fan engagement and cross-generational appeal, Haier strengthens its cultural relevance in South India while reinforcing its pan-India presence. Through its growing presence in the film ecosystem, Haier India is redefining brand engagement, moving beyond functional leadership to become an integral part of the stories, aspirations and everyday moments that matter most to consumers.