Category Archives: Business

Toyota Kirloskar Unveils Exclusive Innova HyCross Edition with 19 Premium Features

Bangalore, 3 May 2025: Staying true to its customer-first philosophy, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of the Exclusive Edition of the Innova HyCross available in the ZX(O) grade. Building upon the remarkable success of the Innova HyCross, this new rendition offers distinguished styling and enhanced cabin experience with the below offerings:

• Dual Tone Exterior 
• Black Elements  
  • Roof
  • Front Grill 
  • Rear Garnish
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Hood Emblem
• Front Under Run
• Front Grill Garnish
• Wheel Arc Moulding
• Outside Rear View Mirror (OVRM) Garnish
• Exclusive Badge
• Rear Under Run
• Rear Door Chrome Lid Garnish
• Dual Tone Interior

• Instrument Panel
• Door Fabric
• Seat Material
• Center Console Lid

• Air Purifier
• Leg Room Lamp
• Wireless Charger

Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition available in ZX (O) Grade

Trusted by over a lakh customers across the country, the Innova HyCross continues to impress with its exceptional spirit of glamor and efficiency. Crafted to make every journey as distinctive as the individual behind the wheel, the Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition of ZX(O) will be available from May 2025 through July 2025, in two colors—Super White and Pearl White, in limited quantity. 

Speaking on the introduction, Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “The Innova HyCross has consistently garnered strong customer appreciation for its proportions & poise of an SUV with the spaciousness of an MPV, and we are truly humbled for their continued trust placed in the brand. Today, we are delighted to launch the Innova HyCross Exclusive Edition in ZX(O), thoughtfully crafted to meet the evolving aspirations of our discerning customers. This special variant embodies Toyota’s commitment to exclusivity and elevated customer experience. 

With this introduction, we aim to offer enhanced value and added convenience features, while continuing to build on the strengths of the versatile Innova HyCross – perfect for families wanting a car that can deliver a seamless, fatigue-free drive.”

Since its debut in November 2022, the Innova HyCross has emerged as a preferred choice among customers, epitomizing Toyota’s renowned Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR). Powered by the 5th Generation Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric System, built on the advanced Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Innova HyCross is much celebrated for delivering outstanding performance, unmatched fuel efficiency, and superior driving dynamics. Equipped with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an e-drive sequential shift, it delivers an impressive power output of 137 kW (186 PS) while offering best-in-segment fuel efficiency. The hybrid electric system is capable of operating the vehicle upto 60% of the time in electric (EV) mode, providing a seamless combination of power, efficiency, and environmental consciousness, giving customers a wise choice for a greener tomorrow.

With its class-leading features such as Powered Ottoman Second Row Seats, Front Ventilated Seats, Dual Zone Air Conditioning, Panoramic Sunroof, Toyota Safety Sense™, and connected infotainment experience, the Innova HyCross has set new benchmarks in the premium MPV segment, delighting our customers across India

Avaloq Builds Momentum in India, Debuts Community Connect Event in Pune

Avaloq, a global leader in wealth management technology and services, successfully hosted its first-ever Avaloq India Community Connect event in Pune. The event brought together key industry leaders from India’s wealth management and technology sectors to discuss how digital transformation is shaping the future of financial services.

Since entering the Indian market in 2019, Avaloq has built a robust presence in Pune, growing to over 170 employees across project delivery, product development, banking operations, cloud technology, and corporate services. As a key orchestrator in the financial ecosystem, Avaloq welcomed leading banks, wealth management firms, and fintech companies to explore the trends driving innovation in the industry. Attendees included representatives from NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, DBS, Accenture, Infosys, HCLTech, Synpulse, TecFinics, and Tech Mahindra.

The event provided a platform for insightful discussions on critical advancements shaping the wealth management sector, with a focus on cloud transformation, strategic partnerships, and enhancing operational efficiency. Key topics covered included:

 India’s growing wealth and investment needs
India’s financial wealth is projected to grow significantly. This is mostly driven by economic expansion, rising affluence, and increasing demand for professional financial advice. Avaloq showcased its wealth management and private banking solutions, emphasizing how digitalization can support the growing demand of India’s affluent population. The discussions highlighted India’s readiness for more sophisticated investment solutions and the role of technology in meeting these needs.

 Cloud transformation
Cloud technology is revolutionizing the wealth management industry. The adoption of cloud solutions is enabling financial institutions to enhance operational efficiency and scalability, crucial for meeting the evolving expectations of investors.

 Artificial intelligence
The collaboration with NEC Corporation drives controlled innovation in AI, focusing on responsible and transparent use. AI is transforming the wealth management industry by enhancing operational efficiency and providing personalized client experiences. AI-driven tools can analyze vast amounts of data to offer tailored financial advice and automate routine tasks, allowing experts to focus on more complex issues.

 Enhancing operational efficiency
Various strategies to improve operational efficiency were explored, including the consolidation of technology systems Various strategies to improve operational efficiency include the consolidation of technology systems into a single platform with harmonized data. This approach helps financial institutions reduce costs and streamline processes. Operational efficiency is critical for maintaining competitiveness, especially as firms face increasing regulatory pressures and the need to deliver high-quality client service.

 Integration capabilities
As financial institutions expand their service offerings, especially in growth markets, they often rely on a complex ecosystem of point solutions to meet evolving client needs. However, managing multiple disparate systems can lead to inefficiencies and higher operational costs over time. Avaloq emphasized the importance of consolidating technology systems in a single platform with harmonized data for enhanced operational efficiency and long-term scalability.

Anirban Mukherjee, Managing Director for India at Avaloq, commented, “India’s financial landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and within this dynamic environment, Avaloq, a specialist in wealth management and private banking solutions, is poised to carve a significant niche. While the nation’s focus often gravitates towards the mass-market digital banking revolution, a quieter yet equally potent shift is occurring: the rapid expansion of India’s affluent population. As India’s wealth accumulates, the demand for personalized, robust and technologically advanced wealth management platforms will inevitably surge. Our goal at Avaloq is to help financial institutions address the specific wealth management needs of these new investors.”

Reflecting on the event, Pascal Wengi, Managing Director for Region International at Avaloq, stated, “India’s wealth management industry is evolving rapidly, driven by economic growth, rising affluence and increasing demand for professional financial advice. Our first Avaloq India Community Connect event in Pune provided a valuable forum for industry leaders in Pune to discuss key trends and strategies to improve client service and scale operations efficiently. As the market develops, technology will be a key factor in enabling firms to offer seamless, personalized and efficient wealth management services. With 40 years of experience in wealth management technology, we look forward to supporting financial institutions in establishing and expanding their specialized wealth management services to better meet the needs of affluent investors in India.”

ASUS ROG Unveils Next-Gen Laptops with Exclusive Pre-Order Deals

New Delhi 3 May 2025: Today, ASUS India, Republic of Gamers (ROG), India’s No.1 Gaming brand, today unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ROG laptop lineup. This next generation of gaming machines includes the all-new ROG Strix Scar 16/18, ROG Strix G16, ROG Zephyrus G16, ROG Zephyrus G14, and the ROG Flow Z13, each designed to push the boundaries of innovation, performance, and portability for gamers and creators alike. With top-tier hardware, immersive displays, and AI-accelerated capabilities, the new ROG series is primed to lead the future of gaming laptops in India.

Starting at just INR 99, pre-orders come bundled with benefits worth up to INR 34,498 — including a 2-year extended warranty, 3 years of local damage protection, and a premium ROG gaming backpack. A perfect blend of peace of mind and performance for creators and gamers alike. 

Commenting on the new range of gaming lineups, Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer and Gaming PC, ASUS India, stated, “Our goal with ROG is to continuously reimagine what gaming laptops can achieve. With the 2025 lineup, we are introducing a powerful fusion of performance, design, and AI acceleration—tailored precisely to what Indian consumers are asking for. Each laptop in this series caters to a new-age gamer and creator, someone who needs their machine to be as fast, flexible, and future-ready as they are. We’re proud to bring this innovation to our Indian audience, and we believe this lineup sets a new benchmark for what high-performance computing should look like in 2025.”

ROG Strix Scar 16/18

Built for pro-level gamers and creators, the Strix Scar 16/18 packs the Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX processor, up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 GPU, up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, and up to 2TB SSD for ultimate speed. Advanced cooling with a vapor chamber and Tri-Fan Tech ensures sustained performance. A new tool-less design with SSD Q-latch makes upgrades easy, while the AniMe Vision LED lid and 360° RGB lightbar add unmatched flair. The 240Hz WQXGA Mini-LED ROG Nebula HDR display with 3ms response and 1200 nits brightness delivers an immersive visual experience.

ROG Strix G16 (2025)

Made for FPS-focused gamers, the Strix G16 runs on Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX and up to NVIDIA® RTX™ 5070Ti GPU. A new Tool-less design, along with our latest Q-latch system for the SSD slots, makes it super quick & easy to upgrade. Its 16-inch 2.5K ROG Nebula display hits 240Hz with 100% DCI-P3 color, powered by DLSS 4.0, Dynamic Boost, and Advanced Optimus. Easy upgradability, RGB accents, and vapor chamber cooling complete this stylish gaming beast, backed by 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD.

Side note: The Strix G16 (2025) will be made available with the RTX 5080 variant in limited quantities for consumers who would like a SCAR like experience with a minimalistic Strix G design.

ROG Flow Z13 (2025)

The Flow Z13 is a 2-in-1 gaming machine with the AMD Ryzen™ AI Max 390 processor and 50 TOPs AI NPU performance. Redesigned vapor chamber and dual 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans™ boost airflow by 70%, keeping performance smooth and thermals in check. Its 13.4-inch 2.5K ROG Nebula touchscreen runs at 180Hz with 3ms response and 100% DCI-P3 color. With 32GB LPDDR5X unified RAM running in quad channel configuration, 1TB SSD, and Wi-Fi 7, it blends power with flexibility. A 170° kickstand, detachable RGB keyboard, and advanced cooling make it a top pick for creators and gamers on the move.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025)

The Zephyrus G16 is a powerhouse in a portable form, featuring the Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 285H CPU and NVIDIA® RTX™ 5080 GPU. The 16-inch 2.5K OLED screen offers a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and perfect contrast ratios, making it ideal for content creation & gaming with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 support. Weighing just 1.95 kg and 1.49 cm thin, it combines portability with performance. Up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, 2TB SSD, and enhanced cooling ensure seamless multitasking and creative workflows on the go.

ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)

Compact yet powerful, the Zephyrus G14 features the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 CPU and NVIDIA® RTX™ 5070Ti GPU, ideal for AI-driven tasks and 4K content creation. Weighing 1.57 kg, it sports a 14-inch 3K OLED Nebula Display with 120Hz refresh and factory-calibrated colors. With up to 32GB RAM, 120W max GPU power, it’s made for creators who demand performance in a small form factor.

TiE Delhi-NCR Celebrates Indicorn Momentum: Region Leads with 51 High-Revenue Startups

Gurugram, 3 May, 2025: India Internet Day (iDay), India’s definitive startup event for tech entrepreneurs hosted by TiE Delhi-NCR at The Leela Ambience, concluded today, marking a high point in redefining India’s position as a rising global digital power. In its 14th edition, the event brought together more than 1,200 attendees, 60+ investors, over 50 speakers, and 40+ partners, alongside policymakers and industry leaders. The focus was on driving collaboration to propel India toward its predicted $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.

India’s digital economy is expanding at double the pace of overall GDP growth, with projections showing it will contribute to one-fifth of national GDP by 2029. By 2025, India’s internet user base is expected to cross 900 million, with rural adoption playing a significant role in driving growth. Event sessions discussed how this momentum creates a fertile ground for startups, digital platforms, and tech ventures to scale, positioning India as a leader in the global tech landscape.

Opening the conversation on India’s policy environment shaping the future of the digital economy, Dr Abhijit Phukon, Economic Adviser, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, stated, “As innovation evolves rapidly, our regulatory approach must be equally adaptive and predictive. The goal is to ensure that digital and financial ecosystems remain secure while enabling innovation to thrive. A balanced regulatory environment builds trust, protects consumers, and allows startups to grow responsibly. The government remains deeply committed to collaborating with industry to strike that balance and drive inclusive digital growth.”

“India Internet Day 2025 reaffirmed its role as the crucible where India’s digital doctrine is not just discussed—but actively redefined,” said Upasana Sharma,

Executive Director, TiE Delhi-NCR. “With over 1,200 attendees, 60+ investors, and 50+ speakers, the event became a high-voltage hub for bold ideas on artificial intelligence, startup scaling, and Bharat’s digital acceleration. At a time when India is poised to lead the global AI revolution, iDay provided a critical platform for innovators, policymakers, and technologists to converge. The space tech session led by IN-SPACe was particularly electric—signaling India’s next leap into frontier technologies and deeptech. Events like iDay are no longer just conferences; they are launchpads for India’s tech-powered future.”

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder and CEO, One97 and Paytm, joined a discussion on “Keynote – Dreaming Big, Building Bold: India’s Road to Tech Superpower.” Vijay compared the 2014 era of startup funding to “crossing flyovers in Delhi’s Outer Ring Road.” He explained, “The first flyover you cross is angel funding. For the second flyover, there’s no series A funding because all are tourist VCs. At that time, VCs were opening a few bases in India. Now, Outer Ring Road has all the flyovers. I think funding in India is not that big of a problem. Now, investors will value you if you are building for India in India.”

On AI, he noted, “So it is my reading that currently we consider AI as an agent, saathi, or assistant for us. I’ve started using it for many deep insights. But actually, after a few days, we will be the agents of AI. It will no longer be just an agent to us.”

iDay 2025 became a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their tech-driven startups. The event focused on cutting-edge topics such as AI, 5G, fintech, digital public infrastructure, e-commerce, space tech, startups, policies, smart cities, and regional internet trends. Experts discussed how these technologies are creating opportunities for businesses to accelerate and how government initiatives, like the Digital India Programme, are facilitating growth. These initiatives aim to position India as a digital superpower by 2030.

At iDay 2025, transformative sessions inspired the ecosystem—Col Sanjeev Yadav, Director, UIDAI, explored how Aadhaar authentication can power startup innovation, while Air Vice Marshal Retd. Dhananjay V Khot, AVSM, VM; Director, Strategy and Planning, IN-SPACe, highlighted India’s bold leap into the spacetech frontier.

The event also highlighted India’s digital economy growth, the expansion of internet connectivity, and how AI is shaping industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and innovation. Experts discussed how other open tech frameworks are reshaping India’s digital landscape, empowering startups to scale while improving access to services for underserved communities.

With indicorns on the rise, Kunal Bahl, Co-Founder, Titan Capital and Snapdeal, joined the discussion on “Indicorns: Building India’s Enduring Startup Foundation—Release of India’s Indicorn List 2025.” Kunal shared, “India’s startup engine is thriving. 202 Indicorns with over ₹1.5 lakh crore in revenue and ₹7,393 crore in profits prove that building profit-first businesses at scale is not only possible but already happening. With 51 Indicorns, Delhi-NCR is leading the charge, powering jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Delhi-NCR Tops the Charts with 51 Indicorns as India’s Profit-First Startups Cross ₹1.5 Lakh Crore in Revenue

Indicorn—a Titan Capital initiative—highlights the rise of 202 “Indicorns,” or Indian startups with over ₹100 crore in annual revenue. Together, these companies generated ₹1,51,137 crore in revenue and ₹7,393 crore in profits while employing over 1.46 lakh people. Delhi-NCR leads the pack with 51 Indicorns, followed by Bengaluru (42) and Mumbai (35), reinforcing India’s shift toward scalable, profit-driven entrepreneurship.

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including event co-chairs Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO, Leverage Edu; Apurva Chamaria, Global Head, VC and Startup Partnerships, Google; and Upasana Taku, Co-Founder and CEO, MobiKwik; alongside industry leaders such as Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO, Startup Policy Forum; Akshat Babbar, Managing Director, ChrysCapital; Shantanu Deshpande, Founder and CEO, Bombay Shaving Company; Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder, One97 and Paytm; and Ankur Warikoo, Founder, WebVeda. These leaders shared their insights through fireside chats, panel discussions, and keynote speeches.

iDay 2025 facilitated unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with decision-makers and fostering collaborations that will drive future innovation. The discussions equipped attendees with the knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.

Havas Media Network India served as the Silver Partner to this milestone event. Spotlighting the importance of iDay and its association with the Indian startup ecosystem, Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India, said, “At Havas Media Network India, we take great pride in our consistent partnership with TiE, which continues to be a powerful force in shaping India’s startup ecosystem. iDay2025 brought together some of the most inspiring minds driving innovation and transformation. As champions of meaningful brands, we are committed to being enablers in this journey of entrepreneurial growth and digital progress.” TiE Delhi-NCR remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation within India’s rapidly growing digital economy. iDay 2025 served as a milestone in this journey, laying the foundation for India to not only participate but also lead the global tech narrative.

Tres 2025 Reinforces Indias Role in Global Boutique and Mindful Luxury Travel

Delhi, May 3, 2025 – The sixth edition of Très, South Asia’s premier boutique travel showcase, concluded successfully at Andaz Delhi on May 2. Spanning two days, Très 2025 featured over 80 boutique hotels, retreats, lodges, camps, and innovative travel concepts rooted in luxury and mindful tourism experiences across the subcontinent.

The event attracted more than 60 overseas travel operators from key markets, including the UK, France, Australia, the US, and Germany, alongside over 100 Indian travel companies from across the nation.

This year, the event was proudly supported by Gujarat Tourism and its Heritage Tourism Association as the Principal Sponsor, with Uttar Pradesh Tourism serving as the Lead Sponsor. Additional support came from Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Rajasthan Tourism, all receiving enthusiastic appreciation from both the domestic and international travel trades, as well as the boutique hospitality community.

“We believe the subcontinent is a premier global destination for leisure, luxury, and inspirational travel, distinguished by its unique diversity and transformative experiences. Très serves as an ideal platform to showcase these exceptional travel offerings. We are immensely grateful to our lead sponsors for their significant support, which has been a tremendous source of motivation for all involved,” said Sowmya R Vijaymohan, Director of Très.

The guiding vision of Très is to connect a select group of meticulously curated properties and travel experience providers with a precisely targeted audience of tour operators and travel facilitators. This collaboration aims to stimulate travel within India as well as neighboring regions like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, fostering broad and sustainable industry growth. Unlike traditional trade shows, Très facilitates bespoke, one-on-one appointments between buyers and sellers tailored to business interests, strengthening partnerships and exploring new markets for positive business opportunities.

The Très 2025 exhibitors, ranging from boutique properties to historic forts and palaces, wildlife lodges, wellness retreats, private villas, and glamping sites, share a unifying philosophy built on a concept-driven approach that celebrates the unique stories and identities behind each property. Every exhibitor is committed to offering personalized, immersive hospitality experiences while remaining mindful of their environmental impact and local communities.

Adding to the event’s value, Très Ignite sessions led by travel, destination, and industry experts addressed relevant topics shaping the region’s travel landscape. Discussions included “Kerala’s Earthlore, Lorekeepers & More!”, an insightful conversation with Gujarat Tourism’s Heritage Tourism Association, a panel exploring responsible and sustainable tourism through “Tourism at Crossroads”, and a vital discussion on “Preserving Heritage & Promoting Indigenous Communities” featuring Dr. Madan Meena, artist, writer and researcher  and Sapna Bhatia, owner of Kaner Retreat.

Coca-Cola Showcases Foodmarks 2.0 Innovation at NRAI Food Delivery Summit

Bengaluru, 03 May 2025: Coca-Cola India announced its partnership with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) at the 4th Edition of the NRAI Food Delivery Summit 2025, held at Le Meridien, New Delhi. This collaboration marks the official launch of Coca-Cola Foodmarks 2.0, an initiative that celebrates India’s most iconic culinary destinations. Each foodmark spotlights places where the perfect meal, the perfect moment, and an ice-cold Coca-Cola come together to create unforgettable food landmarks.

Inspired by culture and powered by the Real Magic of Coca-Cola, Foodmarks 2.0 is built on the successful collaborations with legendary establishments like Paradise in Hyderabad and Embassy in Delhi’s Connaught Place. Creating moments of connection, culture, and refreshment, Coca-Cola and NRAI are scaling the program to new heights by collaborating with India’s most loved restaurants to drive culinary discovery and enrich India’s food culture. This initiative not only strengthens industry partnerships but also opens new avenues for restaurants to become part of India’s evolving cultural narrative.

Abhishek Gupta, Chief Customer Officer, Coca-Cola India said “This partnership with NRAI reflects our commitment to building platforms that drive growth for India’s restaurant industry. Foodmarks 2.0 turns iconic dining experiences into cultural destinations, fueled by the Real Magic of connection and discovery. At the core of every Foodmark is the simple pleasure of a hot meal, shared with an ice-cold Coca-Cola. Together, we are creating new opportunities for restaurants to become landmarks in India’s culinary landscape.”

Sagar Daryani, President NRAI & CEO & Co-Founder, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd. said, ” Restaurants have always taken pride in their recipes, their stories, and their journeys. But in today’s world, excellence alone isn’t enough, discovery matters just as much. Coca-Cola Foodmarks addresses this opportunity by celebrating what makes each restaurant special and bringing it to the forefront. Given its global success, we believe India’s diversity of cuisines makes Foodmarks an even stronger fit, delivering authentic content and real visibility for the industry.”

With Foodmarks 2.0, Coca-Cola India and NRAI are ushering in a new chapter in India’s food culture. By uniting the country’s diverse flavors with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, the initiative is set to create lasting food landmarks that resonate with people. As the program expands, it will continue to strengthen the connection between people, food, and shared moments of Real Magic — one Foodmark at a time.

BOI Signs MoU with Sa Dhan to Boost Micro and Women Led Enterprise Financing

Chandigarh, May 03, 2025: Bank of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sa-Dhan, an RBI-appointed self-regulatory for microfinance and impact finance institutions, to enhance financing access for small, micro and women-led enterprises. The two organisations will collaborate to achieve key National Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The MoU is a non-commercial arrangement outlining key areas of collaboration, including enterprise finance for SHGs and non-SHG members, climate-resilient technologies and green financing, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) financing, co-lending to MFIs, digital transformation and technology adoption, and, most importantly, financial literacy and awareness of government schemes.

The MoU aims to enhance collaboration with microfinance institutions to provide affordable, flexible financing to underserved communities, particularly women entrepreneurs. Loan disbursement and monitoring will be enabled through digital platforms. Bank of India and Sa-Dhan will drive initiatives to raise awareness of government schemes, financial services, and social security programmes among rural entrepreneurs.

Bank of India Executive Director P.R. Rajagopal said, “BOI’s partnership with Sa-Dhan will strengthen small, micro and women-led enterprises by enabling timely and seamless access to finance, and supporting key financial inclusion and sustainable development goals. It will benefit SHG and non-SHG members, promote climate-resilient technologies through green financing, and expand the scope of WASH and digital literacy initiatives.”

 Jiji Mammen, Executive Director and CEO, Sa-Dhan, said, “Our collaboration with Bank of India marks a significant step toward equitable access to affordable finance for enterprises, including SHGs and non-SHGs, while achieving sustainable development goals such as climate financing. Coupled with digital adoption and financial literacy, we aim to expand enterprise financing to rural and semi-urban areas, empowering small businesses and women-led enterprises with flexible lending for inclusive development.”

Corona Remedies Files DRHP with SEBI to Raise Up to 800 Crore Through IPO

Chandigarh, May 02, 2025: ChrysCapital affiliate, Sepia Investments-backed Corona Remedies Limited, an India focused branded pharmaceutical formulation company has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).

The company is engaged in developing, manufacturing  and marketing products in women’s healthcare, cardio-diabeto, pain management, urology and other therapeutic areas and it plans to raise funds through initial public offerings (IPO) aggregating up to ₹800 Crore. The entire ₹800 Crore is an Offer For Sale. 

The Equity Shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE Limited (“BSE”) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”).

JM Financial Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited (formerly known as IIFL Securities Limited) & Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the issue.

Hilton Bengaluru Manyata Marks 3rd Anniversary with Sustainability Focus

Bengaluru, May 2, 2025– Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park celebrates three transformative years of hospitality by planting roots—literally. In partnership with environmental NGO SayTrees Environmental Trust, the hotel has launched a meaningful green initiative: for every room booked in May 2025, a tree will be planted in the guest’s name, creating a living legacy of sustainability and community impact.

Far from a symbolic gesture, this initiative offers a deeply personal connection to nature. Each tree will be geotagged, cared for by a dedicated local farmer, which will further support their livelihoods, and visible to the guest via a digital dashboard. Part of a farmer-managed program, these trees will have a survival rate exceeding 90%. This initiative represents more than carbon offset—they represent continuity, care, and contribution.

 “Our third anniversary is not just a celebration — it’s a reaffirmation of our values,” said Mr. Manish Garg, General Manager, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. “This year, we wanted to create something lasting. Planting a tree for every booking is our way of saying thank you — to our guests, to our community, and to the planet we all share.”

This milestone initiative aligns with the hotel’s broader sustainability ethos. Hilton Bengaluru Manyata is already home to a range of eco-forward practices: a solar-powered hot water system heating 15,000 liters daily, an in-house glass bottling plant eliminating 2,500 plastic bottles each day, and the complete removal of single-use plastics from guest rooms. From eco-mugs to refillable amenities, every detail reflects thoughtful hospitality that treads lightly on the earth.

Since opening in 2022, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata has redefined premium business travel in North Bengaluru. With nearly 60,000 sq. ft. of versatile event space across 22 cutting-edge venues, the hotel is a preferred destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Its strategic location — just 30 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport and within the Embassy Manyata Business Park — makes it an ideal choice for both domestic and international travelers.

 The dual-brand complex, housing both Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn under one roof, is among the largest of its kind in South India, seamlessly integrating work, leisure, and wellness. Guests also enjoy proximity to some of Bengaluru’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment destinations, making it as much a lifestyle destination as a corporate haven.

In an industry driven by moments, Hilton Bengaluru Manyata is choosing to make a mark. With every guest contributing to a greener India, the anniversary campaign serves as a powerful reminder that hospitality can go hand-in-hand with healing the planet.

Manual Labour Sector Hits New Highs Despite Economic Headwinds, Reveals WorkIndia

National, 2 May , 2025: In a surprising turn amid broader economic shifts, India’s manual labour market is witnessing an unprecedented boom. According to new data released by WorkIndia, the leading blue and grey-collar recruitment platform, job applications by manual labour workers rose by 44%, salaries climbed across all job categories, and smaller cities, led the charge with a staggering 105% increase in applications.

The rise is widespread across industries, including delivery, hospitality, maid services, and driving, pointing to stronger hiring activity and improved compensation. Delivery job salaries alone rose by 24%, and wages for factory labourers increased by 21%, indicating better earnings across traditionally low-paying sectors. Importantly, this growth is not just in numbers; it’s in quality too. Employers are increasingly favouring semi-skilled and experienced workers, even for roles that historically demanded little to no prior experience. In fact, while overall job opportunities expanded, openings exclusively for freshers plummeted by 73%, signalling a clear shift in employer expectations.

The report highlights a story of upward mobility within India’s blue-collar workforce. Workers with education levels of tenth grade or below saw job opportunities rise by 24% to 33%, while male candidates saw a notable 42% growth in openings across key industries. Job applications have increased across all genders, showcasing greater inclusivity within this booming segment.

While the overall outlook is optimistic, a few traditional roles such as office boys, peons, security guards, cooks, beauticians, housekeeping staff, and ward boys recorded a dip in job postings. Certain regions, like Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa, also saw a slight decline, but these exceptions do little to dent the strong national growth story.

Mr. Nilesh Dungarwal, CEO and co-founder of WorkIndia, commented, “The manual labour workforce is the backbone of India’s economy, and today, they are finally seeing the recognition they deserve, through better pay, more opportunities, and a stronger push for skills. At WorkIndia, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, connecting talent from every corner of the country to opportunities that uplift lives and build a stronger nation.”

WorkIndia’s findings showcase an evolving blue-collar economy, one that is not only expanding but also raising the bar for talent, wages, and expectations, ushering in a new era of opportunity for millions across the country.