Category Archives: Business

Gokaldas Exports 4QFY25 Total Income up 27%; EBITDA Margins improve 272 bps, PBT up by 84%

Gokaldas Exports registered a total income growth of 27% and 84% growth in profit before tax on a YoY basis in 4QFY25. The company, during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, reported a consolidated total income of ₹ 1,035 Crore and a consolidated profit before tax of ₹ 79 Crore. The EBITDA margins improved by 272 bps on a YoY basis during the quarter, supported by productivity gains and robust cost management efforts.

FY2025 total income touched ₹ 3917 Crores, the highest in its history, and a consolidated profit before tax of ₹ 218 Crore. The company’s full-year total income and profit before tax registered a growth of 63% and 37%.

Commenting on the company’s fourth quarter and full year performance, Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Gokaldas Exports, said, “The year marks an important milestone for Gokaldas Exports as it was a period of consolidation of the acquisitions. We reported a healthy growth in total income and profits for the full year as well as the quarter. There is a considerable amount of effort required to improve the margins further over the next few years as we continue to consolidate and grow the business. As we step into FY2026, the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US poses a formidable challenge by inducing business volatility and margin pressure. The recently concluded India-UK FTA, however, presents an opportunity as and when it is implemented.”

Vietjet adds 2 new routes to China, offering Indian travellers more connecting flights via Vietnam

(Mumbai, May 22, 2025) – Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age airline, has introduced two new direct routes connecting Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, with Chengdu and Xi’an in China. The inaugural flights on these routes are scheduled for July 1 and July 6, 2025, respectively, with each route offering four round-trip flights per week.

These additions bring Vietjet’s total number of Vietnam–China direct routes introduced only in the first half of 2025 to seven. The airline now connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s two largest hubs, to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xi’an.

This expansion is particularly beneficial for Indian travellers, who can now enjoy seamless connectivity to China via Vietnam. An increasing number of Indian passengers are choosing to travel to China with a transit in Vietnam, as Vietjet offers a wide range of convenient connecting options. The airline’s strategic network makes travel to China more accessible and affordable, while also providing an opportunity to explore Vietnam.

Further strengthening its flight network, Vietjet launched non-stop services from Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City in March. The airline currently operates 10 India-Vietnam routes, offering a total of 78 flights per week—making it the airline with the most extensive flight network between the two countries. These routes connect New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru with Vietnam’s key destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

These strategic expansions reflect Vietjet’s strong commitment to enhancing international flight network and providing more budget-friendly travel options across the Asia-Pacific region. With modern, eco-friendly aircraft and professional, dedicated service, the airline offers a comfortable and seamless travel experience. As part of its commitment to passenger care, Vietjet also provides complimentary SkyCare travel insurance and exclusive rewards through its SkyJoy loyalty program.

Laxmi Dental Limited Launches Digital Film Featuring Kareena Kapoor for ‘Illusion Aligners Teen’

Mumbai, May 22nd, 2025: A new smile revolution begins, designed especially for growing teens — where ‘INNOVATION’ meets ‘confidence’ and ‘style.’ Laxmi Dental Limited, a pioneer in dental innovation, has launched its latest digital film introducing the ‘Illusion Aligners Teen.’ This fresh campaign showcases the aligners as the smart, comfortable, and stylish solution to straighten growing smiles. The film features acclaimed actress Kareena Kapoor, bringing star power to this exciting new chapter in advanced orthodontic care.

In the digital film, the prolific actress educates viewers on the importance of looking good and highlights how a confident smile tops it all, regardless of age. She emphasizes that Illusion Aligners Teen are not only cost-effective and comfortable but also designed to empower users to smile freely all the time. Suitable for ages 11 to 18, these aligners offer a stylish, comfortable, and effective alternative to traditional braces, helping users embrace their smiles with confidence.

Engineered for comfort, the aligners use BPA free plastic with memory to gently and accurately correct teeth misalignment. The digital film, full of youthful charm, presents the product as an ‘ideal choice’ for teens seeking confidence through a straighter smile. As the film conveys, “No confusion, only Illusion” — capturing the simplicity and clarity this product brings.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajesh Khakhar, Chairperson & Whole-Time Director, Laxmi Dental Limited, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Kareena Kapoor to reveal the Illusion Aligners Teen campaign. Our mission is to make advanced orthodontic care accessible, comfortable, and stylish for teenagers, helping them adopt confident smiles. Traditional braces can be difficult to maintain, especially for young individuals, which is why we crafted the Illusion Aligners Teen as a smarter, more comfortable alternative. This digital film campaign aims to connect with young individuals and their families across India, highlighting the aligners’ innovative design, convenience, and effectiveness in achieving straighter smiles.”

Hats On, the creative agency added, “Working on the Illusion Aligners Teen digital film with Laxmi Dental and Kareena Kapoor was truly inspiring. Our goal was to create a vibrant, relatable, and impactful narrative that resonates with young audiences and their parents. The film highlights the aligners’ unique blend of comfort, style, and innovation, positioning them as the go-to choice for teens seeking a confident, straighter smile without the hassle of traditional braces.”

Illusion Aligners Teen are available pan-India and have already made a global mark under the Illusion Aligners brand. Crafted by orthodontists, exclusively for orthodontists, they ensure precision and quality.

Wooden Street Launches New In House Brand – Penguin Sleep With a Unique AI Based Campaign

Wooden Street, India’s leading home furniture and furnishing brand, is proud to announce the launch of its new in-house vertical – Penguin Sleep. With this launch, the brand takes a bold leap beyond furniture and into the world of sleep solutions, offering a premium mattress range that blends innovation, comfort, and storytelling like never before.

To mark this milestone, Wooden Street has rolled out a visually captivating AI-driven campaign that introduces Penguin Sleep not just as a mattress brand, but as a lifestyle upgrade. The campaign’s tagline, “Sleep Smart, Live Better,” sets the tone for a new era of sleep experience — one that is functional, emotional, and deeply personal.

In a soft launch narrative unlike any other, the campaign takes viewers on a surreal journey from the icy wilderness of Antarctica, where a group of penguins embark on an extraordinary voyage. Carried by a Wooden Street plank, they cross oceans and arrive in India — not just as wanderers, but as creators. Within the Wooden Street warehouse, they craft something magical — a mattress that feels like a warm, cozy hug. The campaign emphasized on – “Have you ever hugged a penguin? Now you can — because we made one for you to cuddle on.” To check out their campaign, you can head over their social media.

Penguin Sleep is built with advanced materials, ergonomic design, and a thoughtful approach to comfort. It’s more than just a sleep product — it’s an invitation to pause, reset, and embrace restful living.

Penguin Sleep mattresses will be available for customers to experience firsthand in all 100+ Wooden Street stores and across major online marketplaces, ensuring easy accessibility and a tactile, in-store engagement for curious shoppers.

As Wooden Street expands from stylish furniture to holistic home solutions, Penguin Sleep marks the beginning of a new chapter — one where design meets dreams, and comfort finds its most playful form yet.

Renox Group acquires Nivas Promoters, all set to infuse 300 Cr. in Renox Thrive

Greater Noida, May 21, 2025: Prominent name in the real estate sector, Renox Group has completed acquisition of Nivas Promoters. The group is investing Rs. 300 Cr. on the land parcel of the erstwhile promoter, 3.30 acres, situated in sector 10, Gr. Noida West to develop Renox Thrive, a new and luxurious group housing project. Renox Group has already liquidated the project related liabilities of Nivas Promoters, the previous owners of the plot, by fulfilled the terms and conditions of the competent institutions.

According to Shailendra Sharma, Chairman of the Renox Group, “We have completed the acquisition of Nivas Promoters by paying all the liabilities of the development authority, financial institutions and former allottees.”

In this way, Renox Group successfully protected the interests of all the stakeholders of the real estate sector before development of the project. The old allottees of the project, who were stuck for about 12 years, got their stuck investment so that they could use their money as per their wish. The claims of financial institutions were paid which reduced the NPA (Non- Performing Assets).

He added further that the approval of new maps and layouts was obtained by paying the dues to the development authority. Finally, by getting the liabilities and claims resolved and payments verified in UP RERA, the registration of the old project was being cancelled and secured the registration of the new project, Renox Thrive, having state-of-the-art amenities and future ready residential project.

“Initially, we have invested Rs. 120 crore in Renox Thrive, which includes complete demolition of the decade old construction and commencement of the new construction as per the new approved plan. The remaining investment will be raised by the institution itself and through sale. Even after permissible FAR of 3.5, the project will have only 25-floors to keep it limited density project. We are providing more than 2 dozen world class facilities keeping in mind the preferences of all age groups, especially the youth.” Shailendra Sharma further added.

In terms of location, Renox Thrive is connected with 130 meter road of Noida Extension in sector 10 which is known as Rajesh Pilot chowk. The plot of the project is 3-sided open which is surrounded by 24 meter roads from two sides and a park from third side. On the other

side of the roads, there is an authority park and a row of G+4 houses, due to which the project is completely open. These towers being developed on stilt base with G+25 floor in which double basement parking will be available so that covered parking can be provided for all the units. The project has 4 towers in which units of 3 and 4 BHK will be constructed and each floor will have only 4 units.

To make its mark in Gr Noida West/ Noida Extension, Renox Thrive is being developed on the basis of Mi-One or Aluminum Shuttering to provide world class quality in construction. The project is designed 100% Vaastu compliant so that all the residents get a feeling of happiness, prosperity, peace and enjoy an ever green life. As per IGBC standards, the project has been provided abundant greenery, open areas, rain water harvesting, sewer treatment facility, theme parks, and equipped with ultra-modern gym, multi-purpose indoor and outdoor sports venues, open theatre, yoga and meditation venues and jogging tracks so that the residents could upgrade their lifestyle without any compromise.

Keeping in mind the diversity and convenience of the residents, the project will be provided with high quality and efficient lifts, huge club, banquet hall, separate swimming pools for adults and children, 24×7 power back up, multi-level security system, commercial plaza, double height lobby area for visitors, units with 12 feet ceiling, large sliding doors for natural air and light in the units, electrical equipment, pipes, fittings, fixtures and other products as per ISI standards. Loan facility is being provided in the project from banks like Indian Bank, Canara Bank, Punjab and Sindh Bank, UCO Bank and HDFC. The RERA registration number of Renox Thrive is UPRERAPRJ742692/09/2024 and its completion date is April 2029. Complete information about the project can be seen on the RERA portal – www.up-rera.in.

Apart from Renox Thrive in Greater Noida West, Renox Group, which has been in the real estate sector for a decade, is also developing Navrang Square Mall on the city’s busiest GT Karnal Road in Ghaziabad, which will have facilities like retail, commercial, multiplex, food court, gaming zone, etc. Apart from this, the group has already delivered 4 real estate projects, including Lotus Shristi – Crossing Republic, Lotus Park and Lotus Villa – residential projects in Greater Noida and Avantika Retail Street – commercial project in Ghaziabad.

France’s Excelia Business School launches 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Recognises India’s growing role in global business education

21st May: Excelia Business School (France) has officially launched its 2025–2030 strategic roadmap, “Business Education for our Futures,” aimed at reinforcing its position as a global benchmark in business education while fostering meaningful societal impact. The plan builds on the achievements of the last strategic cycle, which include the full renewal of the School’s triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA). Excelia Business School currently ranks 8th among French Master in Management programmes and 30th globally, according to the Financial Times 2024 ranking.

Recognising India’s expanding economy, rapidly growing demand for quality business education, and strong emphasis on sustainability and digital innovation, Excelia Business School intends to deepen academic partnerships and increase its engagement with Indian institutions. As part of this outreach, the School is also keen to welcome more Indian students and professionals into its diverse academic community in France. As one of the most strategically important markets in Asia, India represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for Excelia Business School’s mission to shape responsible global leaders.

The strategic plan is built around three major objectives.

1 – DEPLOY a forward-looking education model for life-long employability
Excelia Business School aims to implement a responsible, innovative, and impactful pedagogy of excellence. The School is investing in student digital learning intelligence to foster autonomy in using digital tools and is expanding interdisciplinary learning through hybrid programmes that combine business with subjects like law, history, and geopolitics. Executive education will be a strong focus, with the launch of an Executive MBA, an Executive Master in Management, and two Executive MScs in Cybersecurity & Performance and Sustainable Finance.

2 – BECOME a benchmark in sustainability issues for companies and on the international stage
Excelia Business School aims to be a leader in sustainability through excellence in research on ‘Sustainability and Change’. Innovative teaching methods, such as solution-focused approaches and increased use of real-world case studies, will prepare students to address ecological and societal challenges. A dedicated ‘sustainability challenge’ will also connect students with companies and local authorities on live transition projects. Public-interest research initiatives and a new chair in sustainability will support these efforts.

3 – TRAINING for the world
The internationalisation of Excelia Business School continues with the creation of new programmes, such as a dual-qualification DBA in China and executive education in Morocco. The School aims to expand its network to 250 academic partners, 10% of which will be privileged collaborations covering areas such as research, education, and exchanges. The launch of CLUB 100 – Alumni from the Planet will connect senior alumni worldwide, including in India, to support the transformation of organisations. Unveiled on the same day, the broader strategic plan of the Excelia group prioritises reimagining learning to develop the skills of the future in an age defined by multi-faceted forms of intelligence – an ambition that will also be fully implemented within Excelia Business School.

● One such initiative is AIcité, a six-week immersive programme that engages students

in real-world projects with NGOs and local authorities, using AI ethically and

creatively to address societal challenges.

● Another example is Excelia Play, which transforms learning into a gamified,

neuroscience based experience that strengthens engagement and long-term

retention.

● Finally, the group is pioneering the integration of adaptive skills as a core component

of its management education model. These new competencies are essential for

enabling managers to help their organisations respond effectively to economic,

technological, ecological, sociological, and political changes in the wider world.

Tamym Abdessemed, Assistant CEO of Excelia, Dean of Excelia Business School, said:“Through Business Education for our futures, Excelia Business School is reinventing its model to meet the challenges of this century: anticipate, transmit, transform. We are educating future professionals capable of imagining sustainable futures, inspired by different types of intelligence, and firmly rooted in impact-based pedagogy, fuelled by research that strongly addresses the major challenges facing society. India, with its fast-evolving economy and young, ambitious population, plays a key role in our strategy to shape the future of global business education.”

LinkedIn launches AI-powered job search to help professionals look for new roles in their own words

Bengaluru, 21st May 2025: Two-thirds (61%) of professionals in Bengaluru say they’re open to new opportunities but don’t know what job titles or industries to search for, according to new research by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network. The top three ways Bengaluru define professional progress today are (#1) learning something new, (#2) taking the next step with confidence, and (#3) finding a role that truly fits. While the desire for purposeful growth is clear, finding the right opportunity remains a challenge.

LinkedIn has introduced a new AI-powered job search experience to help job seekers find relevant roles that align with what matters most to them. Available for Premium subscribers, the tool uses generative AI to understand a job seeker’s intent, skills, and goals, even if they don’t know the exact title or keyword, so they can discover opportunities in their own words. At a time when 80% of professionals in India are seeking better tools to assess fit and potential, AI-powered job search is designed to make job discovery more relevant, helping them make career moves with greater confidence.

Premium subscribers will get added benefits, including scenario-based role play like interview prep and My Career Journey — a personalised learning plan to help them build in-demand skills on LinkedIn Learning. They’ll also be able to view Hiring Insights, showing how active a hirer is, how quickly they respond, and whether they’re reviewing applications, offering more visibility into the hiring process.

India Sr. Managing Editor and LinkedIn Career Expert Nirajita Banerjee shares tips to help young professionals stand out from the crowd:

• “Be strategic in your applications: Work smarter, not harder when it comes to job hunting. Almost five in 10 (49%) people say they’re applying to more jobs than ever, but hearing back less* and hirers are also finding the process increasingly challenging. Instead of mass applying, get strategic. LinkedIn’s job match helps you zero in on roles that actually suit your skills and helps you quickly understand how your qualifications match any job postings in seconds.
•  Get comfortable with AI: The technology is becoming increasingly integrated into all aspects of work, and the more you understand it, the more you can use it to your advantage in your career growth. Whether it’s brushing up on prompt writing or diving into a free course, such as Job Hunting for College Grads, How to Boost Your Productivity with AI Tools, and The Step-by-Step Guide to Rock Your Job Interview, available until June 30. A little know-how could majorly pay off later.
• Make adaptability your new BFF: As AI becomes integrated, companies are looking for people who keep up with new tech and still bring the human touch (spoiler: people skills are in, according to this year’s Skills on the Rise).
• Build your network: Don’t be afraid to start growing your network by connecting with alumni, new colleagues and friends. Building your connections and engaging with posts on LinkedIn from time to time can help foster stronger relationships, keep you on people’s radar and open doors to opportunities such as job referrals and even the inside track on job openings.
• Embrace the journey: The path to success is not always a straight line and it might take a while before you find what’s right for you – and that’s ok. Say yes to the random networking event, volunteer for the side projects and grab a flat white with someone outside of your team. Professionals entering the workforce today are on track to hold nearly 2x as many jobs over their careers compared to 15 years ago, so take your time, explore and trust the process.”

Aegis Vopak Terminals Limited’s Rs. 2,800 Crore IPO to Open on Monday, May 26, 2025

Chennai, May 21, 2025: Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd (“AVTL” or “The Company”) shall open its Bid / Offer in relation to its initial public offer of Equity Shares on Monday, May 26, 2025.

 The Anchor Investor Bidding Date shall be Friday May 23, 2025. The Bid/Offer will open on Monday, May 26, 2025 for subscription and will close on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

 The Price Band of the Offer has been fixed at ₹ 223 to ₹ 235 per Equity Share. Bids can be made for a minimum of 63 Equity Shares and in multiples of 63 Equity Shares thereafter.

 The total offer size of equity shares with face value ₹ 10 each aggregating up to ₹ 28,000 million [₹ 2,800 crore] comprises only fresh issue of equity of issue shares. (“Total Offer Size”)
The company proposes to utilize the net proceeds from the issue towards the following objects – (i) Repayment or prepayment of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the company estimated to be ₹ 20,159.5 million [₹ 2,015. 95 crore]; (ii) Funding capital expenditure towards contracted acquisition of the cryogenic LPG terminal at Mangalore estimated to be ₹ 6,713 million [₹ 671.30 crore]; and balance towards General corporate purposes.

 The Equity Shares are being offered through the “Red Herring Prospectus” of the Company dated May 20, 2025 filed with the Registrar of Companies, Gujarat at Ahmedabad (“RoC”) and are proposed to be listed on the BSE Limited (“BSE”) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”).

 This Issue is being made in terms of Rule 19(2) (b) of the SCRR, read with Regulation 31 of the SEBI ICDR Regulations. The Issue is being made through the Book Building Process in terms of Regulation 6(2) of the SEBI ICDR Regulations, wherein at least 75% of the Issue shall be allocated on a proportionate basis to the Qualified Institutional Buyers (“QIBs” and such portion, the “QIB Portion”), provided that our Company in consultation with the BRLMs, may allocate up to 60% of the QIB Portion to Anchor Investors on a discretionary basis (the “Anchor Investor Portion”), out of which one-third shall be reserved for domestic Mutual Funds only, subject to valid Bids being received from domestic Mutual Funds at or above the price at which Equity Shares of face value of ₹ 10 each are allocated to Anchor Investors (“Anchor Investor Allocation Price”), in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations. In the event of under-subscription, or non-allocation in the Anchor Investor Portion, the balance Equity Shares of face value of ₹ 10 each shall be added to the QIB Category (excluding the Anchor Investor Portion) (“Net QIB Portion”).

Further, 5% of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to Mutual Funds only, and the remainder of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to all QIB Bidders (other than Anchor Investors), including Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Issue Price. If at least 75% of the Issue cannot be allotted to QIBs, then the entire application money will be refunded forthwith. However, if the aggregate demand from Mutual Funds is less than 5% of the Net QIB Portion, the balance Equity Shares of face value of ₹ 10 each available for allocation in the Mutual Fund Portion will be added to the remaining Net QIB Portion for proportionate allocation to QIBs.

Further, not more than 15% of the Issue shall be available for allocation to Non-Institutional Bidders (“NIBs”) of which (a) one-third portion shall be reserved for applicants with application size of more than ₹200,000 and up to ₹1,000,000; and (b) two-thirds portion shall be reserved for applicants with application size of more than ₹1,000,000, provided that the unsubscribed portion in either of such sub-categories may be allocated to applicants in the other sub-category of Non-Institutional Bidders, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Issue Price and not more than 10% of the Issue shall be available for allocation to Retail Individual Bidders (“RIB”) in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Issue Price.

All Bidders (except Anchor Investors) are mandatorily required to utilize the Application Supported by Blocked Amount (“ASBA”) process by providing details of their respective ASBA accounts and UPI ID (defined hereinafter) in case of UPI Bidders (defined hereinafter), as applicable, pursuant to which their corresponding Bid Amount will be blocked by the Self Certified Syndicate Banks (“SCSBs”) or by the Sponsor Banks under the UPI Mechanism, as the case may be, to the extent of the respective Bid Amounts. Anchor Investors are not permitted to participate in the Issue through the ASBA Process. For details, see “Issue Procedure” on page 452.

Rosatom’s Machine Builders Made First RITM-400 Reactor Unit for Rossiya Nuclear Icebreaker

Moscow, 21st May 2025 – ZiO-Podolsk (Rosatom’s Machine-Building Division) finished manufacturing the first RITM-400 reactor unit for Rossiya nuclear icebreaker, which will be the most powerful in the world. The command to finish the work on the first RITM-400 was given by Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom Director General. The ceremony was broadcast in the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, where Rosatom’s exposition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry opened on May 20.

“The completion of the RITM-400 reactor is a significant event for the icebreaker fleet, for Rosatom and for our entire country. The reactor units of the next-generation Rossiya nuclear icebreaker will allow it to break over 4 meters thick ice. We decided to name each of the two reactors, which will make the ship extraordinary powerful, after the Russian legendary heroes, Ilya Muromets and Dobrynya Nikitich. They performed feats in the name of Russia, while the new reactors named after them will help Rossiya icebreaker overcome the special ice conditions of the Arctic,” Alexey Likhachev noted during the ceremony.

“Today we have completed the first RITM-400 for Rossiya icebreaker; in a couple of months we will complete the second one. Both units will be sent to the shipyard for installation on the Rossiya nuclear ship and will be a gift from Rosatom’s machine builders to mark the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry. The completion of this project opens up new opportunities in developing the Northern Sea Route,” added Igor Kotov, Head of Rosatom’s Machine Building Division.

JACK&JONES x Smiley World Just Dropped the Ultimate Manga-Inspired Streetwear Collab

PSA to all streetwear stans: JACK&JONES just teamed up with Smiley World and launched a limited-edition collection that’s straight out of your anime dreams. Think bold manga vibes, oversized fits, and graphics that scream main character energy.

This isn’t your basic drop. We’re talking loud back-prints, mood-matching colours, and silhouettes so cool they basically walk themselves. From statement shirts and oversized tees to chill sweatpants, sliders, and caps, this collection is made to turn heads—whether you’re hitting the streets or the ‘Gram.

Scene-stealers? The oversized manga-art shirts that serve drama and comfort. The palette hits different too—moody, grungy, yet bold enough to pop in your feed. It’s the kind of drip that doesn’t just fit in; it stands way out.