Category Archives: Business

MRF Tyres honoured with FIA ERC Team Title at FIA Awards Gala 2025

Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mr Arun Mammen received the trophy at the prestigious annual event held this year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Tashkent (UZB), Dec 15 — The night of Friday, December 12th, marked a high-point for MRF Tyres as its Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Arun Mammen, stepped on stage at the FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent to collect the official Team Trophy after securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Team Title.

The FIA Awards Gala, the annual season-closing ceremony organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), brings together champions, teams and leading figures from every major branch of international motorsport to celebrate and formally recognise their achievements over the past season. It is the highest institutional moment of the sport’s global calendar, where world titles are officially awarded.

The 2025 ERC campaign saw Team MRF Tyres deliver consistently outstanding performances across diverse terrain, rally by rally. Thanks to strong results, strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination with crews and engineers, MRF Tyres secured the ERC Team Championship for the third time, following the titles achieved in 2022 and 2023. The result stands as a testament to tyre performance, reliability and to the overall strength of the programme.

At the gala, Mr. Arun Mammen, commented: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come”.

MRF Tyres extends warm congratulations to all drivers, co-drivers and team personnel who contributed to this achievement. The recognition at the FIA Awards Gala reinforces MRF Tyres’ commitment to excellence and confirms its position as a leading force in international motorsports.

TheCloudSEO Bootstrapped Marketing Firm Empowering MSMEs to Scale Category:

TheCloudSEO, founded in 2024, is a new-generation growth systems company helping MSMEs and startups simplify marketing using performance, storytelling, and AI. Bootstrapped with zero external support, the company has already served 46 clients, with 12 actively scaling today.

Born out of deep frustration with slow turnarounds, confusing agency workflows, and a massive gap in B2B lead generation, TheCloudSEO was created to fix the broken marketing processes that hold small businesses back. The company’s operating belief is simple: marketing should be fast, predictable, and system-driven.

TheCloudSEO runs on a signature 3-layer growth framework combining:

• Visibility Engine – brand story, content, ads, awareness

• Lead Engine – funnels, landing pages, AI-powered ads, audience intelligence

• Conversion Engine – CRM workflows, WhatsApp automation, retargeting, AI follow-ups

This model helps businesses build predictable revenue without increasing manpower or marketing spend.

Founder Krishna Gaur, who has led marketing transformations across India, GCC, and the US, says:
“MSMEs don’t need more manpower they need smarter systems. They don’t fail because of their product; they struggle because marketing feels overwhelming. We started TheCloudSEO to fix that with simpler, cleaner, more effective systems.”

With integrated services across performance marketing, social media marketing, AI-SEO, branding, e-commerce growth, and cloud infrastructure, TheCloudSEO is positioning itself as a dependable and system-driven growth partner for India’s emerging and fast-growing brands.

Built for Founders, Trusted by Founders

Despite being bootstrapped, TheCloudSEO has gained rapid trust because of its execution-first, operations-led culture. The agency runs its clients’ marketing “as if they were its own brands,” leading to strong retention and meaningful revenue outcomes.

With India’s MSME sector undergoing digital acceleration, TheCloudSEO aims to empower founders with the systems, tools, and execution models required to scale sustainably without complexity.

Tata AIA Delivers Benchmark-Beating Fund Performance Across Its ULIP Offerings

Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to set benchmarks in fund performance through its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The company’s funds have outperformed market benchmarks. This offers policyholders an ideal combination of long-term growth and life insurance protection.

Fund Benchmark: Multi Cap Fund, India Consumption Fund, Top 200 Fund: S&P BSE 200.

Inception Dates: Top 200 Fund: 12 Jan 2009, Multi Cap Fund: 05 Oct 2015, India Consumption Fund: 05 Oct 2015.

Tata AIA has established its expertise in investment-linked plans, consistently delivering benchmark-beating fund performance. An impressive 96.06% of the company’s assets under management (AUM) is rated 4 or 5 star by Morningstar, a globally recognised rating agency, on a 5-year basis. In contrast, the average for the private life insurance industry is only 31%.

Tata AIA’s offerings provide policyholders with access to high-growth equity opportunities, backed by robust life and health insurance benefits. The funds focus on high-performing stocks, offering a balance of risk and return across all market caps.

Harshad Patil, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Tata AIA, said,

“At Tata AIA Life, our investment philosophy is anchored in delivering sustainable, long-term value to our policyholders. India’s remarkable economic growth, powered by a young and dynamic population, rapid urbanisation, and an expanding middle class, is creating unprecedented opportunities across sectors. By leveraging rigorous research frameworks and a disciplined bottom-up stock selection process, we aim to capture this potential while ensuring consistent, risk-adjusted returns. This approach not only helps us build resilient portfolios but also reinforces our commitment to safeguarding and growing our customers’ wealth in one of the world’s most attractive markets..”

With a steadfast focus on policyholder benefits, Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to lead by delivering consistent, benchmark-beating returns and redefining life insurance through its integrated ULIP offerings.

As of 31^st July 2025, Tata AIA has grown its Assets Under Management (AUM) significantly to INR 134,215 Crores, translating to 20.55% YoY growth. This has been possible due to robust Individual New Business Premium income and exceptional investment performance.

SIMEST and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Sign MoU to Boost Italy–India Economic Ties

SIMEST, the CDP Group company supporting the international growth of Italian enterprises, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), one of India’s oldest and most influential industry bodies. The agreement was formalised during the Italy–India Business Forum in Mumbai, marking a significant step towards deepening bilateral economic engagement between the two nations.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, and India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry, Sh. Piyush Goyal, by Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, CEO, SIMEST, and Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC.

This strategic partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between Italian and Indian businesses, accelerate cross-border investments, and foster new avenues for industrial and commercial cooperation. The agreement outlines a collaborative framework built around:

• Promoting joint initiatives between Italian and Indian enterprises
• Supporting bilateral investments, leveraging SIMEST’s dedicated financial instruments
• Facilitating knowledge and information exchange, including insights into investment opportunities, M&A prospects, industrial projects, and emerging startups
• Building a long-term, structured network connecting both business communities

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, CEO, SIMEST, said:

“The signing of this agreement with the Indian Chamber of Commerce confirms SIMEST’s clear commitment to supporting the investments of Italian companies in a key market for Made in Italy such as India, providing them with dedicated financial tools and specialised know how. The MoU forms part of the wider action of the Italian System led by the Foreign Ministry together with CDP SIMEST ICE and SACE which supports the international expansion of our productive sector and expands opportunities for economic cooperation in countries offering the highest added value for Made in Italy and ICC is happy to partner.”

Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce, added:

“India is one of the priority countries of the Foreign Ministry’s Export Action Plan, and SIMEST has taken concrete steps to consolidate commercial relations between the two nations. In addition to today’s agreement, in 2025 SIMEST opened an office in Delhi and launched a dedicated measure to promote Italian investments in the country.”

The agreement reinforces the shared vision of Italy and India to expand trade, investment, and industry partnerships, contributing to long-term economic growth and enhanced global competitiveness for businesses on both sides.

Tata Steel and constructsteel unveil a Steel-Based Zero Energy Building in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Chandigarh, Dec 13: Tata Steel, in partnership with constructsteel – the steel construction market-development programme of the World Steel Association – today inaugurated a pioneering steel-based Zero Energy Building (ZEB) constructed using advanced Light-Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) technology.

T V Narendran, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Steel, inaugurated the 1,836 sq. ft. facility in the presence of Dr Edwin Basson, Director General of the World Steel Association (worldsteel). Built in just 3.5 months, the facility represents a significant step in India’s move towards net-zero, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“The steel-based zero energy building reflects the future of construction,” commented T V Narendran. “Our partnership with constructsteel showcases how modern, energy-efficient, and low-carbon solutions can be replicated at scale across India and integrated into mainstream infrastructure.”

The LGSF technology, where precisely manufactured steel sections are assembled like a frame, allows the building to achieve a tight envelope with minimal air leakage, better insulation, and reduced energy loss. Steel makes the structure lighter, faster to build, and highly durable, while its recyclability ensures lower long-term environmental impact.

Designed to produce as much energy as it consumes, the steel-based ZEB combines ultra-low operational energy demand with on-site renewable energy generation, achieving annual net-zero energy use. The building uses high-performance glazing, well-insulated walls & roof panels, and natural ventilation wherever possible. To generate clean power on-site, it uses rooftop solar panels and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). The building also includes rainwater harvesting and low-flow fixtures to optimise water consumption.

Rungta Tea Reports 92% Distributor Retention Over 24 Years, Announces Expansion Plans

New Delhi, Dec 13:- Rungta Tea, one of India’s leading regional tea brands, celebrates 24 years of operations with a rare achievement in FMCG distribution – they have maintained a 92% retention rate of its distributor network since launching operations. A retention rate, the company says is unusual in India’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Headquarters in Delhi since 2004-05, the company currently operates across North and East India with the same distributor partners it signed at inception.

“Quality, commitment, and relationships – these three principals have guided every decision for 24 years,” said Girjesh Rungta, Founder and Managing Director of Rungta Tea. “We approach all distributors as if we approach family, not channels. When you’ve sat in the distributor’s chair yourself, you understand their challenges before they even voice them.”

The company plans to accelerate expansion over the next two years, targeting growth rates that would match its 24-year trajectory, according to Mr. Rungta. He cited existing infrastructure capacity as a key enabler.

“The work we accomplished in 24 years will be replicated in the next two years,” Mr. Rungta stated. “Our infrastructure is built for companies five times our current size. We’re not building for today, we’re prepared for ten years ahead.”

Rungta Tea, operates a manufacturing facility in Siliguri with family oversight of quality control processes. The company reports testing approximately 2,000 tea samples to approve 15-20 for its premium product lines.

Known primarily through its flagship Real Gold brand, the company has expanded from its Bihar origins to serve markets in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Delhi NCR. Rajasthan has shown strong uptake for the company’s premium offerings, Mr. Rungta said.

“The business model relies on transparency and zero-cash transactions,” Mr. Rungta said. “When distributors trust the business practices, retention follows.”

Westing Management Solutions Expands into Moldova with Modern Renewable & Smart Energy Solutions

Westing Management Solutions Enters the Moldovan Market: Modern Solutions for Renewable Energy, Storage, and Smart Digitalization

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, Dec 12:  The Republic of Moldova’s energy market continues to attract international investors. The newest player is Westing Management Solutions — a company with mixed capital from Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, part of the international Westing Management group. The investor is entering the local market with an initial investment of EUR 130,000.00 allocated for organizing and operationalizing the administrative processes in the country.

With over 15 years of experience in solar projects, BESS storage systems, and microgrids across over 10 countries, Westing Management Solutions aims to become a strategic partner in modernizing Moldova’s energy infrastructure.

Digitalization a core pillar of Westing Management Solutions’ strategy in Moldova

A distinctive element of the company is the introduction of the intelligent i-EMS platform to the Moldovan market, an integrated digital solution that offers several essential components for modernizing businesses. This includes the digitalization of technological and operational processes for industrial, commercial, and logistics companies, as well as real-time dispatching of energy consumption, production, and storage (PV + BESS + load). In addition, the platform integrates smart metering solutions for electricity, gas, water, heat, and steam, as well as modern SCADA systems compatible with existing IT infrastructure. The i-EMS solution also includes AI-powered predictive analytics, enabling the estimation of consumption and production, demand optimization, and energy trading management. The system provides complete energy management services — monitoring, incident prevention, automatic optimization, and loss reduction — as well as digital energy auditing, identifying savings potential, and recommending automated solutions.

Through these technologies, Moldovan companies can achieve 15–30% energy efficiency improvements, reducing losses and aligning their operations with European standards.

The company’s operations in the Republic of Moldova are led by Marianna Bejenar, Country Director, who coordinates relations with authorities, investors, the business environment, and technology partners, with the mission of aligning local activity with the group’s international standards.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova:

“The Republic of Moldova is becoming increasingly attractive for energy investments due to its accelerated integration into the European market and strong commitment to the green transition. Energy market liberalization, infrastructure upgrades, and the adoption of European standards create a predictable and competitive environment for investors. At the same time, rising demand for renewable solutions and energy efficiency creates vast opportunities for innovative projects. All these factors position Moldova as an emerging market with strong potential in the energy sector.”

Future plans in the energy sector

According to Westing Management Solutions, the Republic of Moldova has the potential to become a key hub for digital solutions and renewable energy in the region.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova:

“Our plans focus on expanding projects in the renewable energy sector and accelerating the integration of modern energy-efficiency solutions. We are committed to developing smart infrastructure capable of supporting a flexible and competitive market. At the same time, we aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and attract advanced technologies that can transform the energy sector into one that is sustainable and future-oriented.”

The company estimates sales of approximately EUR 5 million in its first year a strong signal of the potential of the country’s energy market. In the future, the company aims to develop commercial and industrial solar projects, implement BESS storage systems and smart microgrids, digitalize the energy infrastructure of medium and large companies, and create a regional hub for i-EMS solutions and dispatching. Another strategic direction involves attracting investments in green projects and digital energy infrastructure, as well as launching partnerships with authorities, companies, and institutions to accelerate the energy transition.

Mangesh Chauhan Leads Sky Gold from INR 100 Crore to INR 5,000 Crore Market Cap, Setting New Benchmarks in Jewellery Innovation

By:-  Mangesh Chauhan, Managing Director, Sky Gold & Diamonds Ltd.

Mangesh Chauhan is the Managing Director of Sky Gold & Diamonds Ltd., a market leader in lightweight gold and diamond jewellery. An entrepreneur and financial strategist, Mr. Chauhan has over two decades of experience in the gem and jewellery industry, defined by innovation, disciplined growth, and a commitment to quality.

His journey began in 2000 at Mumbai’s renowned Zaveri Bazar, where he gained hands-on exposure to the intricacies of the jewellery trade. After a formative three-year stint with a jewellery firm, he launched his own venture in 2005 with limited capital and a clear goal to transform the way jewellery is manufactured and distributed in India. By 2008, his company evolved into Sky Gold Private Limited, pivoting to in-house manufacturing and design to enhance precision, consistency, and craftsmanship.

Recognizing early the need for structure in a traditionally unorganised sector, Mr. Chauhan pioneered India’s first organised B2B business model in jewellery manufacturing. He was also quick to identify emerging shifts in consumer behaviour, entering the chain store and corporate jewellery segments well before they became industry trends. Between 2008 and 2010, he strategically positioned Sky Gold as a reliable, large-scale manufacturer, earning the trust of leading retail clients across the country.

In 2018, under his leadership, Sky Gold Ltd. was listed on the NSE SME platform at a market capitalization of ₹100 crore. The company’s performance and sustained growth led to its upgradation to the NSE main board in 2023, with a current market cap exceeding ₹5,000 crore—a reflection of Mr. Chauhan’s unmatched ability to drive long-term shareholder value.

Over the years, he has successfully led multiple rounds of equity and bank funding (2018–2024), securing the resources required for expansion. He has also driven strategic inorganic acquisitions, broadening Sky Gold’s product portfolio and integrating them seamlessly into the group to build a more diversified offering.

Mr. Chauhan has played a dual role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and financial architecture. His blend of operational insight and fiscal prudence has enabled Sky Gold to grow sustainably in a competitive market. His interpersonal skills have fostered enduring relationships with investors, clients, and employees’ alike, making trust and transparency central to the company’s ethos.

Under his leadership, Sky Gold has embraced the philosophy of “Make in Bharat for the World,” reflecting his commitment to blending Indian craftsmanship with global standards. As the company enters new global markets, Mr. Chauhan continues to inspire the next generation of jewellery entrepreneurs to pursue scale with integrity, quality, and innovation.

From ₹100 crore to ₹5,000 crore in market value, Mangesh Chauhan’s journey is a powerful testament to foresight, resilience, and the impact of purpose-led leadership in transforming an industry.

Bamboo-based kids brand Kidbea to open 100 outlets in next 24 months, eyes Rs 500 crore revenue

 Noida, Dec  12: Kidbea, India’s first bamboo-based and leading kids’ apparel and accessories brand, has announced plans to open 100 exclusive stores across the country within the next 12 to 24 months, signaling a strategic pivot from a digital-first model to becoming a full-fledged omnichannel retail presence.

The rollout follows the successful launch of the company’s first offline store at C21 Mall in Indore. The company plans to invest between Rs 50 crore and Rs 60 crore to expand its outlets, which will include both company-owned and franchise model.

Founded in 2021 by engineers-turned-entrepreneurs Swapnil Srivastav, Mohammad Hussain, Ankita Rani, and Aman Kumar Mahto, Kidbea has carved a niche by offering organic, spill-proof, and antibacterial clothing for infants and young children. The Noida-based brand is backed by early-stage investors Venture Catalysts, Agility Ventures, and BestVantage Investments, as well as noted angel investors including Nitish Mittersain, Ritesh Malik, and Japanese actor Hiro Mizushima.

As part of its broader rollout strategy, Kidbea plans to open multiple store clusters across North and West India, even as it gears up for aggressive expansion in southern markets, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

Beyond flagship stores, the company intends to expand its reach through partnerships with over 200 multi-brand outlets, targeting both Tier 1 and Tier 2– 3 cities.

“With this expansion, we are moving beyond being a digital brand. We want to meet parents where they shop and build deeper relationships with families across India,” cofounders said in a joint statement.

The growth drive is expected to generate around 500–700 new jobs nationwide, particularly in smaller cities and towns, to build local retail teams and strengthen regional manufacturing through a network of partner factories across Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and West Bengal.

Kidbea operates a small in-house manufacturing facility and works with over 25 partner units to meet demand, maintain quality control, and keep lead times short.

India’s childcare market is expanding and is currently valued at USD 33.5 billion, of which sustainable apparel accounts for 68% of spending. Factors like urbanization, rising incomes, and a new generation of parents favoring organic fabrics are driving this trend. As per industry estimates, 67% of Indian parents factor sustainability as a major purchase decision, which is driving and the sustainable fashion market to reach USD 9 billion by 2026.

Kidbea’s products are primarily manufactured using bamboo fibre, addressing the growing demand among eco-conscious parents for safe, chemical-free, and comfortable clothing for newborns and toddlers.

The offline expansion comes at a time when Kidbea’s business is gaining momentum, with the brand currently posting a monthly revenue run rate of ₹ eight crore, translating to an annual run rate of ₹100 crore.

In FY25, it delivered ₹42 crore in revenue while remaining EBITDA-positive. Building on this foundation, Kidbea aims to scale to ₹500 crore in annual revenue while laying groundwork for an eventual IPO by 2030.

The first exclusive store in Indore showcased Kidbea’s core line, featuring bamboo rompers and nightwear, as well as newborn essentials and gifting sets, in a clean, child-friendly space designed to reflect the brand’s ethos of comfort, trust, and quality.

Backed by strong consumer appetite for sustainable kidswear and a clear retail roadmap, Kidbea’s ambitious offline push positions it at the forefront of a rapidly evolving children’s apparel market in the country.

Fed Cuts Rates to 3.5–3.75 Percent, Offering Opportunities for Indian Investors in US Assets

By:-  Subho Moulik, CEO at Appreciate.

“The Fed has been cautiously navigating a soft landing. Core PCE is at 2.8% yoy, and the labor market is gradually cooling, employment gains have slowed to 110-120K monthly, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Consequently, the Fed delivered a third and final cut of 25 bps on 10th December to bring the federal funds rate to the range of 3.5 to 3.75%. In September and October, the Fed had decreased the repo rate by 25 bps each in two consecutive policy meets to support the economy and the markets.

With the Fed funds rate at 3.5-3.75%, even US treasury yields (10Y) are likely to stabilise around 4% which is approximately 10% in INR terms in one of the lowest risk asset classes. Even as the Fed’s forward guidance on 10th December signalled a tougher road for further reductions, the market expects one to two policy rate cuts of 25bps each in 2026, dependent on labor market and inflation checks, in line with Fed’s dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. 

For Indian investors, the structural depth in terms of global AI infrastructure, energy transition, biotech, cybersecurity, consumer platforms with worldwide moats that the US equity market provides, is hard to match. A healthy mix of US-large cap, quality and AI adjacent exposure should be able to balance currency, sector and policy risks while still taking part in global innovation and earnings growth. Also, the INR depreciation trend vs the dollar means US assets could be a long-term hedge against wealth erosion, especially for future US linked costs like education, travel, global consumption.”