Category Archives: Business

CaratLane launches ‘Born of Her’ — a diamond-studded tribute to motherhood

New Delhi, May 8th, 2025: CaratLane, India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brand, has unveiled Born of Her — a heartfelt Mother’s Day campaign and special edition pendant collection celebrating the love, strength, and quiet heroism of mothers. Timed with Mother’s Day, this launch reimagines gifting as a deeply personal tribute to the woman who shaped our beginnings.

Crafted in gold and diamonds, the three limited-edition pendants feature an elegant depiction of a mother carrying her child — a timeless gesture of care and connection, now immortalised in precious jewellery. Designed to sit close to the heart, each piece is more than a gift; it is a keepsake of unconditional love, meant to be passed down through generations.

Born of Her is more than a campaign — it’s an emotional invitation to honour the person who gave us everything. As part of the campaign, CaratLane will also release a special Mother’s Day song, conceptualised by BBH India—encouraging people to celebrate their bond by posting cherished photos and memories with their moms, set to this exclusive track on social media.

Shaifali Gautam, Chief Marketing Officer at CaratLane, shared her personal perspective:

“The love of a mother often goes unspoken — it’s in the everyday, the quiet gestures, the unseen sacrifices. With Born of Her, we’re inviting people to Khul Ke Karo Express — to celebrate that love more openly and meaningfully. The collection features three specially crafted pendants, each symbolising the tender bond between a mother and child. It’s our way of turning that eternal connection into something tangible — a piece she can wear close to her heart.”

The Born of Her campaign will be amplified across digital platforms, social media, and retail stores nationwide. This campaign reinforces CaratLane’s mission to transform jewellery into a meaningful expression of life’s most important relationships — not just a gift, but a memory made tangible.

Emkay Global Financial Services

The Fed remained in a wait-and-watch mode yesterday, with rates on hold at 4.25-4.5%, frozen by what it described as ‘increasing but balanced risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation’. It, however, reiterated that policy is “well positioned†to wait for further clarity. The statement indicates that the FOMC is looking through the 1Q GDP contraction and still sees growth at the start of the year as “solid†.

Powell did not add much color to the presser beyond underscoring the balanced albeit increasing risks and the need to remain data dependent. Powell referred to “waiting†over 20 times. One notable is that despite risks being balanced, Powell did indicate a kind of ranking on dual mandates preferring inflation, by stating that “without price stability, we could not achieve the long periods of stronger labor market conditions†.

 This is neither a hawkish nor a dovish change – simply an acknowledgement of the stagflationary risks imparted by trade policy.

It appears that this classic supply-shock conundrum will keep the Fed on hold till there is a clearer sign of weakening in the labor market, implying that the summer could stay dry as far as the Fed’s additional easing is concerned. The next Fed move could be delayed till September.

In fact, Powell did not bite on the query about the June FOMC in his presser, though his tone indicated that staying on hold on this policy was an easy call for the Committee, thereby raising the bar to act as soon as next month. The OIS market is still pricing around three 25bp cuts in 2025.

Tactical easing to continue in rest of the world

 While the Fed grapples with at least a temporary rise in inflation due to tariffs, central banks across Europe (including EMs) and Asia are clearly in an easing mode. Among G-3, the ECB is at the forefront of this move and will diverge from the Fed by easing this quarter. China, on the other hand, has continued its easing bias.

Meanwhile, patchy global narrative on growth and tariff noise, and a generally weaker broad USD, has allowed EM central banks, including the RBI, to be less focused on the FX fight and enjoy some policy flexibility on rate settings in general.

We maintain we could see RBI’s terminal rate at 5.25% (+/-25bps) in this cycle, no doubt contingent on the extent of the global slowdown/recession. However, we are keeping a tab on fluid global dynamics and FX moves as well – both of which would be imperative inputs in the RBI’s reaction function. Besides, policy focus toward keeping liquidity in surplus and toward, or even higher than, 1% of NDTL should be seen as a de facto rate cut which could thus lead to reassessment of the depth of conventional rate cuts. We note that India has been the best-performer among key sovereign debt markets, with 10-year easing ~44bps CYTD vs 26-27bps in same-tenor USTs and +17-18bps in German Bund.

Mother’s Day Gifting Essentials by Fiama, Charmis & EDW Essenza

Fiama Joyous Celebration Gift Set

Celebrate love and indulgence this Mother’s Day with our Joyous Celebration Pack—a gift that embodies care, freshness, and the essence of nature. With 85% natural origin content, it transforms every bathing ritual into a refreshing and uplifting experience, making it the perfect way to pamper your special someone.

EDW Essenza Ignite

This Mother’s Day, celebrate with EDW Essenza’s new fragrance – Ignite. A mesmerising blend of Black Currant, Mandarin, Jasmine, and Patchouli, Ignite radiates sensuality, sophistication, and irresistible charm. Let this exquisite fragrance weave an unforgettable tale of romance, making every moment magical, every memory eternal, and every spritz a celebration of passion.

Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum

Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum is a skincare product designed to enhance your skin’s radiance and vitality. This 30ml serum is formulated to provide deep hydration and improve your skin’s overall texture, leaving you with a more radiant and youthful complexion.

Beyond Swiping: Aisle’s Wine & Sushi Experience Redefines Modern Dating in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 08, 2025 – In response to the growing demand for more meaningful, face-to-face connections in an increasingly digital dating landscape, Aisle Network recently hosted the fourth edition of its signature event series, Aisle Experiences. This time, the event’s theme was a ‘Wine & Sushi Afternoon’, and the event brought together a curated group of like-minded singles in an intimate setting. The experience highlighted Aisle’s commitment to fostering genuine connections in an era where conversations often remain transactional.

Building on the success of its earlier Single Mixers, Aisle, in its latest edition of Aisle Experiences — Wine & Sushi Afternoon — welcomed 25 attendees, all eager to explore the possibility of genuine connections. The event featured a guided, hands-on sushi-rolling session led by an expert chef, complemented by curated cocktails, fine wine, and delicious appetizers.

Chandni Gaglani, Head of Aisle Network, shared her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “At Aisle, we believe that while dating apps are a great starting point for sparking connections, it’s through real-world interactions that our most authentic selves truly shine. Aisle Experiences creates that space for singles to connect in a relaxed, genuine setting, where shared interests and meaningful conversations can naturally unfold. The Wine & Sushi Afternoon perfectly captured this spirit, showing how an easy-going, engaging environment can lead to real, lasting connections.”

Aisle ensured a warm and welcoming environment, with engaging icebreaking activities and attentive hosts who helped participants ease into conversations. The experience offered a refreshing alternative to typical dating formats, fostering a safe and friendly space for like-minded singles to interact meaningfully. This hybrid model leverages the advantages of online dating while offering a balanced and inclusive physical environment. For singles ready to trade endless swiping for real conversations and seeking relationships built on shared experiences and genuine chemistry, Aisle Experiences offers the perfect starting point.

Mother’s Day: gadgets to gift your mother to make her day extra special

Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a celebration of the endless love, strength, and warmth that only a mother can give. And what better way to show your appreciation than by gifting her something truly meaningful? This year, surprise your mom with smart, stylish gadgets that seamlessly blend into her lifestyle and add a spark of joy to her everyday moments. From immersive sound experiences and creating memories, Sony India’s premium range of devices offers the perfect way to say ‘Thank you, Mom’. We have curated a list of thoughtful tech gifts that she will not just love, but use, enjoy and remember for a long time.

LinkBuds Fit

The recently introduced LinkBuds Fit make an ideal gift for your mother as they deliver exceptional sound quality and have a long-lasting battery, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable listening experience.

WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N
The newly launched WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N wireless headphones make for an ideal Mother’s Day gift, combining style, comfort and impressive performance. These elegant headphones deliver loud and clear sound ensuring an immersive listening experience. With seamless connectivity and a long-lasting battery, they facilitate a hassle-free user experience.

ULT Field 1 Bluetooth Speaker

The Sony ULT Field 1 Bluetooth speaker is the perfect gift for your mother. This compact yet powerful speaker is an amalgamation of class and powerful sound. With its punchy bass, sleek design and water-resistant build, it is ideal for both indoor relaxation and outdoor fun. The long-lasting battery and seamless Bluetooth connectivity ensure uninterrupted music all day long, because mothers deserve a soundtrack as vibrant as they are.

ED0C2421SRS-XV800 speaker

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together or surprising your mom with an impromptu karaoke session, this premium speaker is designed to make every moment unforgettable. With its deep, room-filling audio and IPX4 splash-proof design, it’s ready for both living room sing-alongs and garden parties alike.

Offline retail remains remunerative in a disruptive online world

While online is the disruptive buzzword, offline still rules the roost, according to experts speaking at the two-day Phygital Retail Convention 2025 organized by the Images Group.

“Online is a matter of discount in India,” said Kumar Nitesh, CEO – Ajio Business, Trend Footwear – Reliance Retail indicating that margins are much better offline. Average online business is 25%, experts at the panel discussion said beyond, which can drive valuations, but bottom-line bleeds and rest on the offline business.

Earlier in the day, talking about profitability, P Senthilkumar, Senior Partner, Vector Consulting indicated that fast moving trends in fashions in India is leading to high gross working capital and in turn low inventory turnover.

The long lead time to forecast a trend is leading to inaccuracy in predicting demand as product lifecycle is getting limited to four months, Senthilkumar said, “What was sold in the previous session is no more relevant in the next season in a fast paced industry with changing demand profile,” he said.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal appointed as Director – Finance & CFO at Exide Industries Ltd

Kolkata, 7th May 2025: Exide Industries Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal to the position of Director – Finance& CFO, effective 1st May 2025. The decision was taken at the board meeting of Exide held on 30th April 2025, which took a note of retirement of Mr. Asish Kumar Mukherjee after serving 18 long years in the same position.

Mr. Agarwal joined Exide on 2nd February 2023 as Deputy CFO. Since then, he has provided leadership and supervision across key functions such as Finance, Accounts, Audit, Treasury, Taxation, Information Technology (IT) and Procurement. In a short span of time, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities in his areas of responsibility.

In his new role as Director – Finance & CFO, he will continue with his supervision across the diverse functions and will be responsible to further strengthen the company’s financial and operational framework.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Avik Roy, MD & CEO of Exide Industries Ltd said “Manoj’s acumen, proven track record and insightful experience will further strengthen our capabilities in finance, accounts, treasury and many other functions, thus driving greaterefficiency and positive changes in the Company. Manoj takes the baton from Mr. Asish Kumar Mukherjee, who has been a long-standing pillar and has been instrumental in shaping up the company as it stands today.”

Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary. He brings with him over 30 years of extensive experience across finance, accounts, audit, treasury, taxation, insurance, procurement, IT, merger & acquisition, IPO, export & import, compliance and managing overseas subsidiaries.Prior to joining Exide, he held senior positions at several companies, notably Tega Industries Ltd and Vedanta Limited.

GreenLine Partners with Shriram Finance to Scale Up Green Logistics

Mumbai | Chakan, Pune | May 07th, 2025: GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd., an Essar venture and India’s only green logistics operator of LNG and electric-powered heavy commercial trucks, today flagged off a new fleet of LNG-powered trucks at Chakan, Pune. The deployment is supported by Shriram Finance Limited, one of India’s largest NBFCs and the flagship company of the Shriram Group.

GreenLine continues to lead India’s low-carbon logistics transformation. Its current fleet of over 650 LNG trucks serves marquee companies across sectors such as FMCG and e-commerce, metals and mining, cement, oil and gas, and chemicals. The fleet has already covered more than 40 million kilometres, reducing CO₂ emissions by over 10,000 tonnes.

The company plans to deploy over 10,000 LNG and EV trucks, supported by a nationwide network of 100 LNG refuelling stations, EV charging stations, and battery swapping facilities. This comprehensive initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by up to 1 million tonnes annually.

This partnership marks a significant step in GreenLine’s ongoing mission to decarbonise India’s transportation sector, which contributes nearly 15% of the country’s total carbon emissions. With over 4 million trucks currently in operation—and the number continuing to grow—India’s road logistics sector remains one of its most carbon-intensive industries. Aligned with the government’s ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, GreenLine is committed to transitioning the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) fleet to LNG and EV trucks to promote cleaner, more sustainable transport. With Shriram Finance’s backing, the deployment of these vehicles is faster and more efficient, making green logistics more financially accessible for businesses across the country.

Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd., said: “This fleet expansion, supported by Shriram Finance, is a key step towards transforming India’s logistics with sustainable, high-performance solutions. The trucks, manufactured by Blue Energy Motors (BEM), play a critical role in decarbonising the logistics sector and align with our vision for a greener future. With growing investments in LNG and other alternative fuels, we are seeing tangible progress towards reducing India’s carbon footprint.”

Sharvari Prabhu, CFO, GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd., added: “As we scale our LNG fleet, the role of strategic financial support becomes increasingly critical. Shriram Finance’s involvement helps us offer viable green alternatives to conventional trucking while supporting India’s broader decarbonisation goals.”

G. M. Jilani, Joint Managing Director, Shriram Finance Limited, commented: “We congratulate Greenline Mobility Solutions on the expansion of their green fleet with the addition of LNG-powered trucks which reinforces their unwavering commitment to sustainable logistics. At Shriram Finance, we’re proud to support this forward-looking initiative, which aligns with our commitment to responsible financing and environmental stewardship. This partnership marks a significant milestone as our first investment in cleaner fuel technology, showcases our commitment to expand our green financing beyond electric mobility, and underscores our resolve to drive meaningful change across the transportation ecosystem. We remain dedicated to driving positive change, accelerate sustainable initiatives and supporting environmentally responsible growth across the transportation sector.”

Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Launches India’s First AI-Focused Institute

India ,07th May2025: Symbiosis International (Deemed University) announced the launch of the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute, SAII, a visionary initiative billed as India’s first dedicated AI-focused institute. SAII is poised to shape the future of intelligent learning by integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence into academic programmes and research, preparing students to lead in a technology-driven world.

 The institute will offer specialised programmes in AI and related fields, ranging from machine learning and data science to robotics and neural networks, ensuring that students gain deep expertise in the technologies redefining our future.

 The programmes offered under the institute are:
B.Sc. (Artificial Intelligence) Honours/Honours with Research
Emphasising application-oriented learning, the curriculum spans key sectors including Health Sciences, Agriculture, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Sports Sciences, enabling students to address real-world challenges through AI. The programme prioritises ethical and responsible AI, ensuring graduates understand its societal impact. Students can additionally specialise in areas such as Financial Technologies, Marketing Technologies, Global Supply Chain, Human Resource Technologies, and Media and Creative Industries, each tailored to build industry-specific AI expertise.

 B.B.A. (Artificial Intelligence) Honours/Honours with Research
Through a practical, industry-oriented curriculum, students learn to leverage AI tools to solve business challenges, enhance operational efficiency, and drive data-informed decision-making. Specialisations in Financial Technologies, Marketing Technologies, Global Supply Chain, Human Resource Technologies, and Media and Creative Industries allow for targeted expertise, while minors in Health Sciences, Sports Sciences, Agriculture, Data Science, and Cybersecurity offer additional domain insights.

 A distinctive feature of the curriculum is the ability to combine majors and minors across programmes. A B.Sc. student majoring in Health‑Sciences AI can, for instance, choose a FinTech minor from the B.B.A. stream, while a B.B.A. student specialising in Marketing Technology can add a Data-Science minor drawn from the B.Sc. offerings. This mix-and-match ecosystem ensures that learners develop both technical depth and interdisciplinary breadth.

 Structured as a “three-year core plus optional fourth‑year Honours or Honours‑with‑Research” model, each programme enables seamless progression from foundational principles to advanced specialisations. Throughout their studies, students will work in SAII’s state‑of‑the‑art AI super‑lab equipped with high‑performance GPUs, an extended‑reality studio, and a data‑visualisation arena.

 Getting Future-ready with SAII
Graduates from Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute, SAII, are equipped for diverse roles, including AI business analyst, Digital transformation consultant, Date-driven marketing specialist, Product manager (AI-enabled platforms), Operations and Process automation Manager, Tech Strategy analyst, Business Intelligence analyst & Innovation and technology manager positions, supported by interdisciplinary learning, industry projects, and mentorship that facilitate innovation and prepare them for global careers or further study in the AI ecosystem.

 “Symbiosis has always believed in staying ahead of the curve in education,” said Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor and Founder of Symbiosis International (Deemed University). “The launch of SAII is a testament to our commitment to prepare students for the future. By focusing on AI, we are not only keeping pace with global innovation but also allowing our students to become innovators and problem-solvers who will shape tomorrow’s world responsibly.”

 Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute stands apart through several key features:
● Exclusive Focus on AI: SAII is dedicated solely to AI education, offering deep specialisation from basics to advanced applications, making it a distinctive AI hub in India.
● Innovative Programmes & Curriculum: Programmes are designed with industry input and cover key areas like machine learning, NLP, computer vision, and AI ethics, keeping content cutting-edge and market-relevant.
● State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Students access modern AI labs, high-performance computing, and real-world tools, enabling hands-on learning with advanced AI technologies.
● Industry & Global Collaboration: Partnerships with global tech firms and universities offer internships, live projects, expert sessions, and research, ensuring strong industry exposure.
● Interdisciplinary & Ethical Approach: SAII integrates AI with sectors like healthcare, finance, and sustainability, emphasising ethical use and social impact in every programme.

 Echoing the institute’s mission, Dr. Ketan Kotecha, The Dean and Director of SAII, highlighted the practical, student-centric approach of the new institute. “At SAII, our curriculum blends strong theoretical fundamentals with real-world application from day one,” he said. “Students will work on actual industry and research projects, leverage internships with our partner companies, and engage in innovative research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. We are committed to nurturing graduates who can not only adapt to the AI revolution but also drive it forward with creativity and responsibility.”

 Eligibility and Admission
The programme welcomes applicants from every academic stream—Science, Commerce, and Arts; provided they have passed Class XII with a minimum aggregate of 50 percent, or 45 percent for candidates from SC/ST categories. It is conducted as a non‑residential course.
Admissions for the first cohort are now live on the institute’s website. Prospective candidates must register online for either programme by 30th May 2025. Names of eligible candidates shortlisted for personal interaction will be declared on 4th June 2025, followed by booking slots for the online PI for B.Sc. AI/B.B.A. AI between 5th and 8th June 2025, and the final merit list will be published on 19th June 2025.

Tally Solutions Launches TallyPrime 6.0, Revolutionizing Financial Operations for SMEs with Connected Banking

Kanpur, 7 May 2025: Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd, India’s leading business automation software provider, introduces its latest release, TallyPrime 6.0, designed to simplify financial operations for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and make it seamless via Connected Banking experience. This advanced upgrade revolutionizes bank reconciliation, banking automation, and financial management for businesses and accountants. Building on its expertise in delivering connected services such as e-invoicing, e-way bill generation, and GST compliance, Tally takes another significant step towards empowering SMEs with integrated banking capabilities. This new release reinforces Tally’s commitment to connecting businesses with their ecosystems and enabling them to operate with unparalleled simplicity.

 Uttar Pradesh is home to the highest number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, with around 90 lakh registered units within the state. These units span across numerous sectors majorly concentrating in the areas of leather products, food processing, readymade garments, and hardware products. As of September 2023, Kanpur alone contributed approximately 72,533 registered MSME units, according to figures from the District Industries Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development Centre. With nearly 14% contribution to India’s overall MSME numbers, Uttar Pradesh is an important contributor to the industrial growth of the nation. The booming MSME industry in the state is also a significant employment generator, supporting livelihoods for more than 14 million individuals in urban and rural regions.

 Keeping with its vision of making the business network seamless TallyPrime’s Connected Banking feature takes integration to the next level by bringing banks inside Tally. Unifying accounting and banking into a single system, with secure login and real-time connectivity through partnerships with Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Users can access live bank balances and transaction updates directly within the platform, ensuring they always have the most updated information and insights about their working capital, empowering businesses to make smarter financial decisions. With the ability to process payments, instantly reconcile transactions, and monitor bank balances within Tally businesses can stay agile, optimize resources, and maintain full control over their financial operations.

 While launching TallyPrime 6.0, Mr. Samir Dixit, Director- Sales, Tally Solutions said, “TallyPrime 6.0 is built to simplify and strengthen financial operations for small and medium businesses by seamlessly integrating banking within the platform. With features like live bank balances, automated reconciliation, and real-time transaction updates, businesses can now manage their finances without switching systems, enabling them to save 30-50% of their time. This release is a step forward in helping SMEs stay agile, save time, and maintain full control over their operations. It also introduces capabilities like working capital optimization, stronger GST compliance through connected e-invoicing and e-way bill generation—all designed to reduce complexity and let business owners focus on growth and innovation.”

 TallyPrime’s smart bank reconciliation transforms how SMEs and accountants manage their books by seamlessly aligning financial records with banking transactions. Enabling faster reconciliation, timely account finalization for audits, and real-time operational insights—all within a unified, intuitive platform. Additionally, the integration of UPI payments and payment links simplifies collections, ensuring smoother cash flow.

 Security remains a cornerstone of TallyPrime 6.0, incorporating end-to-end encryption, multi-layered access controls, and real-time fraud detection to ensure safe banking transactions. This launch reaffirms the company’s commitment to ensuring complete security and privacy of its customers’ financial data.

 Tally continues to enhance business management with advanced technology, offering a seamless and holistic experience through TallyPrime 6.0. From connected GST and e-invoicing to WhatsApp-based alerts (WABA), cloud access, and integrated financing, Tally empowers businesses with simplified, efficient, and connected solutions for smoother operations.