Category Archives: Business

Axis Mutual Fund’s New Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF Aims to Tap into Value Stocks

New Delhi, 12th March 2025: Axis Mutual Fund, one of the leading asset management companies in India, announced the launch of New Fund Offer for its new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) – Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF (an open-ended exchange traded fund replicating / tracking the Nifty500 Value 50 TRI). The ETF is designed to provide investors with targeted exposure to the Indian equity markets through Value based strategies. The new ETF offers a low-cost, transparent, and tax-efficient investment opportunity for investors seeking diversified exposure to India’s growing equity markets. Karthik Kumar will be the fund manager for the scheme.

The Scheme would invest in stocks comprising the respective underlying index and shall track the benchmark index. The scheme may also invest in debt and money market instruments, in compliance with Regulations to meet liquidity and expense requirements and in line with the asset allocation pattern. Furthermore, scheme shall invest in stocks forming part of the underlying Index in the same ratio as per the index to the extent possible and to that extent follow a passive investment strategy, except to the extent of meeting liquidity and expense requirements.

The fund is an open-ended ETF, available for subscription with a minimum investment of INR 500 per application and in multiples of INR 1/- thereafter. The ETF will provide investors with access to a broad, well-diversified equity basket. The Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF will be listed on the NSE and BSE, providing investors with liquidity and flexibility to trade on the exchange.

Salient Features of the Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF:

· Value Strategy: The Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF offers a strategy for investors looking to invest in undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential.

· Low-Cost Structure: The ETF offers a low expense ratio, making them efficient investment vehicles for capturing value trends in the market.

B. Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis AMC, said, “With the launch of Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF, we are excited to offer Indian investors innovative products that align with the growing trend of value style of investing. This ETF provides a simple and cost-effective way to gain exposure to India’s rapidly expanding stock market, while focusing on strategies that have the potential to deliver superior long-term returns. We believe this ETF will enhance the diversification and performance of investor portfolios.”

Juniper Green Energy Expands Renewable Reach with 100 MW Solar Power Project for Bhutan

Gurgaon, March 12, 2025 – Juniper Green Energy announced the successful commissioning of its 100 MW solar project which will supply cross-border electricity to Bhutan. This achievement marks the company’s first merchant plant and an important development in sustainable energy. The project facilitates an important cross-border power agreement, aiming to provide 50% of the power generated to Bhutan during the winter months.

This agreement enables Bhutan to directly import power from an Indian generator under a bilateral trade framework. Such cross-border power transactions are relevant in addressing the growing energy demands of South Asian nations. The region’s geographic diversity provides a unique opportunity to integrate energy sources, promoting sustainability and energy security across borders.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Naresh Mansukhani, CEO of Juniper Green Energy stated, “We’re excited to announce our first cross-border electricity supply to Bhutan. This step for Juniper Green Energy shows our dedication to regional energy cooperation. Our first cross-border energy trademarks an important achievement in energy integration. This initiative facilitates regional energy security by providing power to key sectors.

The solar project, located in Rajasthan, contributes to a total generation capacity of 100 MW.

Ankush Malik, COO of Juniper Green Energy, added, “The commissioning of this solar power project demonstrates our commitment to addressing both local and international energy needs. By supplying power through a cross-border transaction, we are contributing to regional energy cooperation. This project highlights how energy can foster collaboration between nations while supporting sustainable development goals.”

Third Wave Coffee Reintroduces Classic Holi Flavors with a Bold, Modern Update

Mumbai, 11th March, 2025: Celebrate the festival of colours with Third Wave Coffee’s vibrant, flavour-packed Holi Specials. Inspired by the spirit of togetherness and nostalgia that Holi brings, this playful lineup blends classic flavours with a contemporary twist, delivering bold, refreshing, and irresistible creations. This season’s Holi offerings include Thandai, Thandai Milkshake, Masala Cola, Thandai Tres Leches, and French Vanilla Tres Leches – each crafted to induce flavourful twists to your colourful celebrations.

Thandai, a timeless Holi favorite, is infused with a rich blend of Indian spices and nuts, offering a refreshing taste of tradition that takes you back to cherished Holi gatherings of the past. For those craving an extra indulgent twist, the Thandai Milkshake blends the essence of Thandai into a creamy, nutty milkshake – smooth, satisfying, and perfect for cooling off post a playful Holi celebration. If you’re in the mood for something bold and bubbly, Masala Cola is your go-to refresher, delivering a spiced, fizzy kick that pairs perfectly with vibrant celebrations.

No Holi feast is complete without something sweet, and Third Wave Coffee’s Tres Leches collection is here to satisfy your dessert cravings. The Thandai Tres Leches brings together the richness of the classic Tres Leches with the festive essence of Thandai, adding a nostalgic nod to the sweets shared during Holi festivities. Meanwhile, the French Vanilla Tres Leches offers a luxurious, velvety take on the classic—perfectly balancing creamy richness with delicate vanilla notes, blending nostalgia with a modern dessert experience to end your festive feast on a high note.

“Holi is a festival of joy, vibrant experiences, and irresistible delights! At Third Wave Coffee, we strive to capture the essence of rich cultural flavors while giving them a modern, innovative twist. Our limited-time Holi specials bring together bold flavors and unique textures that celebrate nostalgia while catering to the evolving preferences of our consumers,” said Anirudh Sharma, Co-founder at Third Wave Coffee. “As traditions evolve, we aim to keep them alive through flavors that feel both familiar and refreshingly new, ensuring every Holi celebration is an unforgettable feast.”

Whether you’re gathering with friends to make colourful memories, or treating yourself and loved ones in the build-up to the festival, Third Wave Coffee’s Holi menu is designed to delight your taste buds and add different strokes to your celebrations. Available for a limited time, the Holi specials start at INR 220 and are now available across all Third Wave Coffee cafes. Join in to make your celebrations more colourful and flavourful!

Arvind Fashions Gears Up for Nationwide CLUB A Store Expansion, Delivering Sophistication to More Cities

Bengaluru, March 11th, 2025: Club A, the premium fashion retail chain store operated by Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arvind Fashions Limited will expand its presence by opening stores across Hyderabad and Bangalore. It houses a curated selection of renowned brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, U.S. Polo Assn., Arrow, Flying Machine, and Stride.

Currently Club A, a premier destination offering a curated selection of premium fashion and accessories for customers who appreciate the finer things in life, has three stores located in 100 ft Rd. Indiranagar – Bangalore, Connaught Place – Delhi, Piplod – Surat and Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport – Lucknow.

The indulgent brand, that pampers its clientele with a tailored shopping experience through a dedicated concierge, will expand its presence with the addition of two new locations this year. The stores will be located Himayatnagar, Hyderabad and HSR Layout, Bangalore. Club A customers can now also shop for the much-anticipated, refreshingly new Spring Summer-25 Collections from all the in-house brands.

Housing internationally acclaimed brands as well as collections from the Arvind Fashions Limited, Stride’s premium footwear, handbags and watches and labels like Cole Haan and Guess, Club A is the premium fashion destination with a high-end appeal for style-conscious customers.

Adani Foundation Champions Sustainable Agriculture in Katni, Empowering Local Farmers at ACC Kymore

Madhya Pradesh, 11 March 2025: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, has facilitated the launch of a Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) in Jamuwani Kalan, Katni district. This farmer-driven initiative provides small and marginal farmers with affordable access to modern agricultural equipment, reducing input costs, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

ACC and the Adani Foundation have supported Jai Shri Ram Kisan Samooh, Jamuwani Kalan in setting up the CHC by providing initial capital support of Rs 2.5 lakh, enabling farmer members to access government subsidies and acquire advanced machinery, including Super Seeders and Straw Reapers. In its first harvest cycle, the CHC has benefited 115 farmers, reducing land preparation costs by 35-45% and preventing 100 tonnes of stubble from being burnt

Additionally, the initiative has generated Rs 3.28 lakh in revenue, making it a self-sustaining model. ACC has further strengthened this effort by integrating a Smart Soil Test Lab, helping farmers make informed soil management decisions and optimise fertilizer use.

ASUS Reinvents AI Accessibility with the Launch of Snapdragon-Powered Ultra-Portable PCs

India, 11th March 2025: ASUS, a Taiwanese tech giant, renowned for its commitment to innovation, today announced the launch of the Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16. The two groundbreaking laptops powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are designed to enhance user laptop interactions while boosting efficiency. The Zenbook A14 redefines ultra-portability, weighing a mere 980g and featuring a stunning Ceraluminum™ chassis that combines durability with elegance. On the other hand, the Vivobook 16 brings the power of AI to a wider audience, offering an impressive 45 TOPS of NPU performance. This laptop empowers budget-conscious users with advanced AI capabilities, enhancing productivity, creativity, and entertainment experiences.

The Zenbook A14 with its superior Ceraluminum design, boasts the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X processor, dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support and a speedy 512GB storage drive for seamless multitasking for professionals and creators. Whereas the Vivobook 16 designed to be accessible, still delivers solid performance with advanced AI capabilities for everyday computing. These new additions reinforce ASUS’s position at the forefront of the AI PC revolution, delivering exceptional performance and intelligent features to users across India. The Zenbook A14 available in Snapdragon X Elite processor and Snapdragon X processor is be priced at INR 99,990 and INR 1,29,990 respectively, while the Vivobook 16 is be priced at INR 65,990. both available at ASUS e-shop, Flipkart, and offline (ASUS Exclusive Stores, Pegasus Stores) touchpoints and other channel of distribution.

Addressing the launch, Mr. Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, commented, “As a product and customer-first company, it is our constant pursuit to innovate and harness the power of technology to deliver premium-quality products. Our latest offerings, the Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 laptops, featuring the Snapdragon powered processors, are a testament to this. We have worked closely with Qualcomm to optimize the NPU to cater to the unique demands of our designs, fine-tuning AI capabilities for seamless performance and unlocking the full potential of on-device AI. By enhancing both hardware and software, we’ve delivered laptops offering exceptional performance, battery life, and intuitive AI experiences, making ‘AI for Everyone’ a reality and democratizing access to advanced AI features. The Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 embody our mission to make AI a seamless part of everyday life, empowering users with tools that inspire and perform.”

Zenbook A14: A Symphony of Innovation and Style

The ASUS Zenbook A14 redefines premium portability with its futuristic Ceraluminum™ chassis – a fusion of ceramic and aluminum. Weighing a mere 980 grams and 30% lighter than traditional aluminum, this ultra-sleek laptop offers a stone-like texture that’s as tactile as it is tough, boasting three times the strength and military-grade durability. Available in elegant Iceland Gray and Zabriskie Beige, it’s built to endure scratches, shocks, and daily demands with effortless grace.

Powered by the versatile Snapdragon X series processors, the Zenbook A14 comes in two variants: the Snapdragon X Elite (up to 45W) for intensive creative workloads, and the Snapdragon X (up to 28W) for efficient, on-the-go performance. Both feature the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, delivering up to 45 TOPS of AI power for features like real-time language translation, intelligent power management, and adaptive multitasking. The 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display dazzles with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 1920 x 1200 resolution, and 600 nits peak brightness. Certified with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 600 True Black, it offers vibrant, true-to-life visuals, enhanced by adaptive color gamuts and OLED Care to prevent burn-in.

With up to 32 hours of battery life, advanced ambient cooling, and connectivity like USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 (on the Elite variant), the Zenbook A14 is a portable powerhouse that blends elegance with efficiency, and a perfect partner for professionals and creators who crave style and substance.

Vivobook 16: Intelligent Performance for Everyone

The ASUS Vivobook 16, designed to outperform the expectations in the budget segment laptops, delivers premium AI capabilities in a sleek, accessible package. Powered by the Snapdragon X processor with up to 45 TOPS of NPU performance, it brings intelligent features like Live Captions for real-time translation, Cocreator for sketch-to-art transformations, and Generative Fill in Paint for effortless editing. These tools amplify productivity and creativity, making advanced technology attainable for students, professionals, and everyday users.

Sporting a slim 17.9 mm profile and weighing just 1.88 kg, the Vivobook 16 combines portability with a stunning 16-inch FHD+ IPS display. Its versatile 180° hinge and unibody design with a micro hinge cap elevate both form and function, while the AI-powered camera with adaptive dimming and lock features ensures security and clarity. With up to 27 hours of battery life, fast charging, and extensive connectivity including USB4 and HDMI 2.1 ports, this laptop delivers seamless performance. Additionally, the ErgoSense keyboard, smart gesture touchpad, and ASUS StoryCube will ensure effortless management of content and media consumption. The Vivobook 16 stands out as a powerful, affordable companion for all.

With Expansion to Southern and Eastern India, Parnika India Targets Rs 160 Crore in Revenue

New Delhi, March 11, 2025 – Parnika India, a distinguished leader in the manufacturing and global export of exquisite women’s ethnic wear based out of Surat, announces its expansion plans to southern and eastern parts of India, along its existing base in Maharashtra and Gujarat, also the company is aiming to achieve a revenue of INR 160 Crore by the end of FY 25-26. Established in 1984, primarily based in Surat, Parnika India was founded with a deep passion for celebrating the rich heritage of traditional Indian Clothing. With the vision to create a seamless channel from manufacturing to retail, Parnika India ensures quality and innovation at every stage.

Operating on a B2B model, the company is seeking to broaden its reach as well as its production capacity, which is currently more than 5 lakh pieces per month. Parnika India is actively involved in several social initiatives and empowers women by offering employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, one of their goals is to have at least 50% female staff which shows their commitment towards women empowerment.

“Parnika India is expanding its network and production capacity. We are extending our operations to the eastern and southern parts of India and adding new product lines, including uniforms and men’s wear, alongside our women’s ethnic wear. We are committed to maintaining high-quality standards and are strengthening our leadership team to support our aggressive growth plans,” said Vishal Pacheriwal, Managing Director of Parnika India.

Parnika India ensures streamlined logistics and a supply chain management system by working with reliable logistics partners. They have invested in advanced inventory and distribution systems that enable efficient management of orders, shipping, and warehousing. They also leverage technology to track and manage their operations across multiple locations, ensuring timely delivery and seamless supply chain management. The company has experienced consistent growth, with its market expanding both domestically and internationally. Parnika’s growth rate has averaged 15-20% annually, with a significant increase in demand for their high-quality fabrics and collections.

The mission and vision of Parnika India is to revolutionize the textile shopping experience for the middle class by making it more affordable and enjoyable. The company is also committed to empowering women, having already provided employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to over 2,000 female resellers, with plans to increase this number to 10,000 in the coming years.

Delhi-NCR Emerges as Housing Sales Leader with Rs 1 Lakh Crore in 2024, Overtaking Mumbai and Hyderabad

New Delhi, March 11, 2025: Delhi-NCR has pipped Mumbai and Hyderabad to emerge as the top selling housing market in 2024 owing to 66% growth in sales value in Gurugram alone. With this, Delhi-NCR has breached the Rs 1 lakh crore sales value threshold.

The total sales value of Delhi-NCR rose by 63% in 2024 to Rs 1.53 lakh crore while that of Mumbai stood at Rs 1.38 lakh crore, up 13% and Hyderabad at Rs 1.05 lakh crore, down 18%, according to a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity.

The total sales value of homes sold in 2023 in Delhi-NCR stood at Rs 94,143 crore, Mumbai at Rs 1.22 lakh crore and Hyderabad at Rs 1.28 lakh crore.

The total sales value of Gurugram, at Rs 64,314 crore in 2023, was nearly half of Hyderabad with the former surpassing the latter in 2024.

Samir Jasuja, Founder & CEO, PropEquity said: “Gurugram, with over Rs 1 lakh crore sales, alone accounted for over 66% of the total sales value in Delhi-NCR thereby helping it emerge on the top. In fact, the sales value of Gurugram is second only to Mumbai. Cities like Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Faridabad and New Delhi have also seen a substantial rise in sales value in 2024. Noida, however, saw a slight decline.”

“In Delhi-NCR, the weighted average sales price has gone up to Rs 12,469 per sq. ft. with absorption size of units rising to 2229 sq. ft. in 2024. More than half of the absorption has been in homes priced Rs 2 crore and above and a quarter in homes priced between Rs 1-2 crore.”

“Rising prices and demand buoyance in Delhi-NCR is due to the robust infrastructure development, growing corporate presence and ample employment opportunities as is evident from Delhi NCR’s rising dominance in office leasing. With the new government in place in Delhi, and MPD 2041 likely to see the light of the day, the real estate market will further see a surge with entry of new supply.”

“Hyderabad’s residential market witnessed a significant downturn in 2024 with new launches lowest since 2020 and absorption lowest since 2021. The supply and absorption have declined by 25% and 49% on Y-o-Y basis, respectively. As a result, the inventory overhang has increased from 17 months in CY’23 to 20 months in CY’24.”

The report added that with this feat, the share of homes sales value in Delhi-NCR rose from 16% in 2023 to 23% in 2024. The share of Mumbai in total sales value rose from 20% in 2023 to 21% in 2024 while that of Hyderabad declined from 21% in 2023 to 16% in 2024.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Combines AI and Women’s Empowerment in New Campaign Celebrating Intelligence

Bengaluru, March 11, 2025: As the world debates the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on humanity, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, the world’s largest manufacturer of incense and prayer products, chooses to celebrate something far more enduring—Human Intelligence; more specifically, Her Intelligence with an innovative campaign.

On the occasion of Women’s Day, Cycle Pure Agarbathi introduces ‘HI’—a philosophy that embodies Human Intelligence, Heart Intelligence, Hands Intelligence, and above all, Her Intelligence—the wisdom of Mother Earth and the countless women who shape our journey.

 Elaborating on this vision, Arjun Ranga, MD, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, says, “In all the excitement about Artificial Intelligence, we must not overlook the intelligence that makes us who we are. At Cycle, we call it Hi. Hi is the quiet strength of women, the wisdom of experience, and the fragrance of virtue that uplifts generations. It is the intelligence of the hands that craft our incense, the hearts that nurture our values, and the unwavering hope that guides us. With over 70% of our workforce being women, their intelligence has empowered us for 77 years, across 75 countries. HI has nurtured us, guided us and strengthened us. We are blessed to be in the company of feminine grace and remain committed to keeping things truly human. Since 1948, we have been proudly powered by Hi, and we will continue to be for generations to come. At Cycle Agarbathi, Hi is more than greeting.”

What began in 1948, with his grandmother running their first factory, has blossomed into a legacy spanning three generations, built on the intelligence, resilience, and faith of women. In the new campaign, the brand highlights how at a time when the world is driven by technology, Cycle Pure Agarbathi reminds us that the real power lies in people. The digital ad showcases that Her Intelligence is the light that keeps the world fragrant with hope.

ISTITUTO MARANGONI Mumbai Expands with Dynamic New Courses in Fashion Styling and Multimedia Design

Mumbai, March 2025:

Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, a leading name in fashion and design education, is proud to introduce two new cutting-edge courses: Fashion Styling & Multimedia and Visual Design. These programmes are designed to equip aspiring professionals with essential skills to navigate and innovate in the ever-evolving fashion and design industries.

Fashion Styling & Multimedia Intensive – Develop Creative Visual Content for Fashion:

Fashion Stylists play a pivotal role in shaping the success of a fashion collection, brand, or product. Beyond managing contemporary, cultural, and aesthetic influences, they craft captivating, innovative, and effective communication strategies.

This intensive course offers a comprehensive approach to fashion styling, focusing on visual communication through photography, video, styling, and art direction. Participants will explore various media to create a professional portfolio, preparing them to step into the fashion industry with confidence. With an emphasis on both strategic and creative thinking, the programme delves into historical and cultural fashion contexts, industry trends, and brand identity, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in styling and multimedia content creation.

Visual Design – A Progressive Programme for the Next Generation of Graphic Designers:

The Visual Design course is part of Istituto Marangoni’s Progression Programmes, which structure learning into two distinct levels. Starting with a foundational introduction, participants progress to a higher level of skill and study, preparing them to enter the dynamic world of design.

In today’s fast-paced creative industry, graphic designers do more than just work with images. They shape the visual language of brands, communicate compelling messages, and engage audiences through a 360° design perspective. This programme explores innovative concepts in graphic design and new media, equipping students with the expertise to thrive in all creative industries.

Elevating Design Education in India:

Istituto Marangoni Mumbai’s new course offerings cater to diverse student needs. The Visual Design programme is an undergraduate course, whereas Fashion Styling & Multimedia Intensive is one-year intensive curricula designed for distinct student profiles.

With the launch of these courses, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai continues its commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in fashion and design education. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, these programmes empower students to push creative boundaries and redefine industry standards.