Category Archives: Business

Mumbai to ignite India’s fitness revolution with electrifying HYROX debut

Mumbai, 5 May 2025: Mumbai is set to witness a historic fitness spectacle as it hosts India’s first-ever HYROX race. The NESCO Center will transform into a fitness party-cum-battleground for fitness enthusiasts, with an incredible showing of 1650 participants. The field will also include enthusiastic HYROX lovers from 24 countries. All these athletes will converge tomorrow to test their mettle in this unique fitness challenge.

HYROX is a one-of-a-kind fitness race that combines the best of both worlds, challenging athletes with 8 gruelling 1 km runs alternating with 8 functional fitness workouts like SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. It’s a true test of endurance, strength, and willpower.

“This is a monumental race for fitness in India. HYROX is more than just a race; it’s going to inspire and challenge individuals to embrace hybrid fitness encompassing both endurance and strength. In the last 2 years itself, over 5,00,000 people across the world have taken part in HYROX races. The larger number of participants at the Mumbai race are a celebration of this rapidly growing community of hybrid athletes who are embracing this sport of fitness racing,” said Deepak Raj, Country Head – HYROX India.

HYROX Mumbai will host people of varying fitness levels in a range of race categories – HYROX Singles, Doubles, Relay and HYROX Pro. At 78 years, Virendra Sood from Pune will be the oldest competitor at HYORX Mumbai tomorrow.

“The love for this race we’ve seen from the Indian fitness community is truly inspiring. We’re excited to open the HYROX India series with Mumbai. We believe HYROX will not only challenge people physically but also ignite a fire within, encouraging them to redefine their boundaries and achieve new levels of fitness,” says Moritz Fürste, Co-Founder of HYROX and retired field hockey Olympian added.

Sports brand PUMA is the official apparel and footwear partner for all HYROX races worldwide from 2024 to 2027. Under the multi-year deal, besides working closely with the HYROX team to build the sport in India, PUMA has also developed a full range of HYROX apparel and footwear. At the event tomorrow, participants and fans in the country can look forward to choosing from cutting-edge HYROX gear, designed for both performance and style.

The debut HYROX event in Mumbai will also witness PUMA athletes including Indian footballers Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Sahal Abdul Samad, national swimmer Srihari Nataraj, and track and field athlete Tejas Shirse as they test the new sport and challenge their individual fitness levels.

Commenting on the occasion, Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India, said, “The ultimate sport of fitness racing is here, and PUMA is extremely excited to evolve India’s dynamic sporting ecosystem through our vital association with HYROX. For PUMA, sports is the centre of everything we do and community fitness experiences such as HYROX truly bring out the best in people. We will be backing athletes and enthusiasts with high-performance products designed exclusively to boost their speed, stability and endurance. As a leading sports brand, we continue to actively invest in the future of sport and we are confident that HYROX is going to be the next generation fitness experience for India.”

The HYROX fever doesn’t stop in Mumbai. Fitness enthusiasts in India can look forward to the upcoming HYROX Delhi race, promising another opportunity to be part of this global fitness phenomenon.

The excitement isn’t limited to the athletes, spectators too are welcome to be part of the electrifying atmosphere. Gates will open at 7:30 am and tickets are available for those who want to witness the fitness frenzy firsthand.

Centr and Concept2 are the official equipment partners, Red Bull the official energy partner and Myprotein the official nutrition partner of HYROX.

UTI Asset Management Company : Q4FY25 Result Update

UTIAM saw a soft quarter as core income missed PLe by 7% led by higher opex. Revenue yields were in-line at 42.2bps (PLe 42.4bps) as AMC yield was stable QoQ at 33.9bps. Equity performance in 1-yr bucket has been consistently improving since Mar’24, and 59% of equity AUM is in quartile 1 & 2 as of Mar’25. A dilution of 1-2bps is expected in yields which will be cushioned by commission rationalization carried out in Q4FY25. Staff cost is guided to grow by 3%/5% at the standalone/consol level; we envisage other opex to grow at an 11% CAGR over FY25-27E. Due to operating leverage, opex/AuM could fall from 24bps to 21bps over FY25-27E, which would translate to a core PAT CAGR of 15%. Stock is valued at 10.5x suggesting a 62% discount to NAM. We tweak multiple to 16x and TP to 1,300 as we roll forward to Mar’27 core EPS. Retain ‘BUY’.

• Soft quarter; core income miss due to higher opex/tax: Overall QAAuM came in at Rs3.41trn,(-3.6% QoQ) while equity QAAuM de-grew by 5% QoQ to Rs1.22trn. Revenue was in-line at Rs3.6bn; annualized yields declined to 42.2bps (PLe 42.4bps). Opex was a miss at Rs2.1bn (PLe Rs2.0bn); staff cost and other expenses were higher due to branch expansion. Core income at Rs1.5bn was 7% below PLe. Resulting operating yields were lower at 17.3bps (PLe 18.7bps). Other income was a miss at Rs60mn (PLe Rs200mn) due to MTM losses in UTI international. Tax rate was higher at 33.8% (PLe 23%) owing to change in DTL on account of withdrawal of indexation benefit. Core PAT was Rs980mn (20% miss to PLe). PAT was Rs1.02bn.
• AMC yields were stable QoQ: Equity share declined QoQ to 35.8% from 36.4% in Q3’25; debt/liquid share inched up by 0.8%/0.2% to 10.8%/9.8%. ETF share decreased by 0.8% QoQ to 31.3%. AMC yields were steady QoQ at 33.9bps as equity yields saw a slight uptick QoQ to ~75bps. Company rationalized commissions during Q4FY25, the impact of which will be visible Q1FY26. Equity performance in the 1-yr bucket, a lead indicator, has been consistently improving since Mar’24. As per the company, 59% of equity AUM is in quartile 1 & 2 as of Mar’25. 3-yr performance is also enhancing since Aug’24. Market share in net flows has turned positive in FY25, as against outflows for FY24.
• Opex leverage to continue led by controlled staff cost growth: Consol other opex was elevated due to i) NFO expenses ii) opening of 91 branches iii) branch renovation. Expenses in UTI International have also gone up due to expansion in Europe & USA. As per UTIAM, staff cost might increase in FY26 by 3%/5% at the standalone/consol considering wage hike of 7-8%. Capex increase in FY25 was majorly due to branch expansion and IT upgradation; these are expected to slow down in FY26. Hence in our opinion, other opex could grow at a lower pace in FY26 than FY25. However, we are conservatively factoring an 11% CAGR in other opex over FY25-27E (10% YoY growth in FY25). Tax rate is expected to normalize to 23-24%.

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Welcomes Rajinikanth Ramadass as Director of Sales & Marketing

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa announces the appointment of Rajinikanth Ramadass as Director of Sales & Marketing, bringing nearly 15 years of luxury hospitality expertise to the property.

Having shaped an impressive journey through prestigious hospitality brands and delivering standout performance at Park Hyatt Chennai and Grand Hyatt Goa, Rajinikanth brings strategic insight and market intelligence to his new role.

Rajinikanth Ramadass aims to redefine the resort’s approach to luxury celebrations and corporate events. Recognizing the blurring lines between business and leisure travel, his vision includes curated wedding packages and immersive retreats that harness the resort’s spectacular Himalayan setting. The resort’s future now aligns with an ambitious vision to strengthen its position as a leading luxury destination in North India, particularly within the high-value destination wedding and competitive MICE markets.

His commercial philosophy focuses on forging premium brand partnerships to elevate guest touchpoints and launching targeted digital campaigns to boost direct bookings. Under his leadership, the sales and marketing team will adopt a multi-pronged strategy—deepening ties with luxury travel partners while crafting exclusive offerings that highlight the resort’s unique blend of Himalayan tranquility and world-class hospitality.

“I am honored to join Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa as Director of Sales & Marketing. This exceptional resort stands at the crossroads of luxury and nature, offering unparalleled experiences for leisure travelers, corporate guests, and wedding celebrations. My goal is to build on the resort’s strong foundation and drive strategic growth through innovative sales and marketing initiatives. I look forward to working with a dynamic team and elevating the guest experience to new heights.”, mentioned Rajinikanth Ramadass.

Amidst an ever-shifting hospitality landscape where guest expectations continuously evolve, success under Rajinikanth will hinge on the delicate balance of data-informed agility and experiential innovation.

Through engaging initiatives, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa stands positioned to not merely respond to market fluctuations, but to define new standards of luxury hospitality in the region, driving sustainable growth while delivering the exceptional experiences that cultivate guest loyalty.

The Future Is Sound: Rajeev Raja Joins Global Speakers at Cairns Crocodiles Awards

Mumbai, 5th May 2025: Rajeev Raja, Founder and Soundsmith – BrandMusiq, will take the stage at the prestigious Cairns Crocodiles Awards 2025, held from May 13–15 in Cairns, Australia. Raja will join a distinguished lineup of marketing, media, and creative visionaries from across the Asia-Pacific region in what promises to be a bold celebration of brand-building brilliance.

As part of the Cairns Masterclasses segment, Rajeev Raja will deliver a compelling session titled “The Future is Sound: How Music Drives Brand Influence” on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:05 AM at the Cairns Convention Centre.

In a world where brands are battling for consumer attention—literally and figuratively—Raja’s session will explore how music and sound can elevate brand influence, deepen emotional connections, and future-proof brand communication. Drawing from over a decade of pioneering work at BrandMusiq—and his dual legacy as both a musician and a marketer—Raja will share insights into how brands can sound as distinctive as they look.

In addition to speaking, Rajeev has also been invited to serve on the Craft and Execution Excellence jury, where he’ll judge the Audio Craft, Design, and Music categories—recognizing work that pushes creative boundaries and elevates storytelling through sound.

This year’s Cairns Crocodiles Awards—the Asia-Pacific region’s newest and most dynamic celebration of creative excellence—will also debut three new award categories: Effectiveness, Inclusivity, and Strategy. Curated by the Awards’ Advisory Board, these categories will be judged by senior marketing leaders from across the region.

Alongside other global leaders shaping the future of marketing and media Rajeev Raja joins a stellar group of Indian-origin thought leaders featured at the event, including:

● Subhash Kamath – Brand Consultant and Former Chairman, ASCI

● Arushi Srivastava – Director, Client Success JAPAC, Flashtalking by

Mediaocean

● Srishti Narayan – Chief Marketing Officer, Tourism Fiji

● Santosh Murthy – Managing Director, Identity Communications

● Saurabh Singhal – Fractional CMO, KRSV Consulting

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns Crocodiles has quickly become the creative industry’s most inspiring new gathering—uniting Cannes flair with APAC storytelling.

Gift India’s First Multi-Peptides Infused Eyebrow Enhancing Serum by Re/do Beauty this Mother’s Day

Eyebrows! The one beauty regimen we have all seen our mothers following every month without fail. While she neglects her skin, her diet, her choice and a lot more, her care for EyeBrows and an appointment with Parlour wali Didi is constant. So this mother’s day, why not gift her something that enhances the beauty of her eyebrows and her overall look even more with Re/do Beauty’s Eye Brow Serum!!

Re/do beauty is a premium beauty brand and has launched India’s first and only eyebrow serum infused with peptides complex and high quality Redensyl that helps achieve longer, fuller and healthier looking eyebrows. The unique blend of four peptides and Redensyl stimulates hair growth and reduces hair fall, making it the only brow serum in India with proven efficacy! and is clinically proven to improve your eyebrows within 3-4 weeks. This serum works along your natural brow hair cycle for sculpted and fuller brows. The customized applicator ensures that serum application is quick and precise. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly and works overnight to enhance your eyebrows.

Your mother deserves nothing but the best, gift her fuller, defined brows with Re/do beauty’s eyebrow enhancing serum on her special day!!!

Remedium Lifecare Rights Issue Gains Momentum: 26% Subscribed Within First Two Days

Mumbai, 5th May, 2025: The Rights Issue of Remedium Lifecare Ltd marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey. Remedium Lifecare is a rapidly growing company specializing in the trading and distribution of raw materials as part of supply chain management for the pharmaceutical industry. The issue has been receiving tremendous response from investors and shareholders, with a subscription of 26.03% by the end of Day 2.

The capital raised will be strategically utilized to accelerate global expansion initiatives, strengthen the company’s footprint in key international markets, and strengthening working capital, Investment in R&D capabilities thereby improving the overall financial health of the organization. By reinforcing its balance sheet and enhancing operational capabilities, Remedium Lifecare aims to unlock significant long-term value for its investors, positioning itself as a leading player in the global specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors.

Adarsh Munjal, Whole Time Director of Remedium Lifecare Ltd said: “This move will not only improve our financial health but also set the stage for significant growth. Our focus is on expanding our global footprint and advancing in research and manufacturing to serve a broader market. This approach will ensure our long-term sustainability and success.”

This strategic shift follows the company’s recent achievement of securing a ₹182.7 crore multi- year export order from a prominent UK-based pharmaceutical distributor in February 2025. The order positions Remedium as a credible global supplier of pharmaceutical intermediates in the anti-infective, cardiovascular, and CNS therapeutic segments.

Participation in the rights issue represents more than a capital contribution; it reflects alignment with a company prioritizing sound financial management, enhanced operational flexibility, and strategic global expansion.

SAKU expands retail footprint with second Gurugram store, strengthening its vision of everyday Designerwear Fashion

May 5, 2025, Gurugram: Saku, a homegrown Indian Fashion brand, has opened its second retail store in Gurugram. This milestone reinforces the brand’s growing presence in India’s fashion landscape by bringing its full portfolio of women’s, men’s, and kidswear collections under one roof, designed to reflect SAKU’s core philosophy: Nothing but Fine Living. With a commitment to offering premium designerwear at affordable prices, Saku makes high-quality fashion accessible to Modern Indian families.

The new store, located in Gurugram, is thoughtfully designed to make shopping feel more personal, comfortable, and immersive across the brand’s portfolio. From its curated layout and fabric-first displays to warm, attentive store assistance, the space is crafted to offer a calm and engaging alternative to the typical fast-paced fashion environment.

“Our vision at Saku is to build a house of brands that feels both aspirational and wearable, especially for everyday moments.. We are seeing strong traction in both our physical and digital channels, and are targeting 45% year-on-year growth with plans to scale our presence to 10+ cities in India,” Sandeep Sampla, Co-founder & CEO, SAKU, added. “We started SAKU to bridge the space between aspiration and access — to bring designer-led, thoughtfully crafted fashion into everyday lives. You shouldn’t have to compromise on quality, design, or comfort to find something that feels truly you. That’s the heart of everything we create.”

The new store also introduces the brand’s seasonal womenswear capsule — The Neela Collection — a poetic exploration of blue through clean silhouettes and soft detail. However, it is part of a larger offering that includes SAKU (flagship womenswear brand), Stoik (menswear), and Picaasu (kidswear), collectively positioning SAKU as a distinctive, family-first fashion destination, catering to the diverse needs of modern families.

With strong momentum across both digital and physical platforms, SAKU is targeting 45% year-on-year growth and plans to open five additional stores across key Indian cities in the next 12–15 months. The brand also continues to scale its D2C website and grow through strategic marketplace partnerships.

Airtel Business Launches ‘Business Name Display’ to Boost Call Trust

(India), May 5, 2025: Airtel Business today announced the launch of ‘Business Name Display’ (BND), an industry-first solution designed to enhance customer engagement for enterprises. The service enables businesses to display their brand name on the recipient’s mobile screen during outgoing calls, thereby fostering trust and helping customers distinguish legitimate business calls from spam.

Airtel solved the spam challenge for its customers with the launch of India’s first spam-fighting network, supported by a nationwide awareness campaign to educate users. While these initiatives have significantly increased customer awareness, leading more people to ignore calls flagged as spam or from unknown numbers, it also resulted in unintended consequences where call from brands got tagged as spam. Consequently, customers were missing on critical calls from banks, food delivery, courier delivery, hospital for critical doctor’s appointment et al. The “Business Name Display” solves for this challenge and facilitates a relevant yet safe communication environment enabling end customers to make informed decisions on all incoming calls, which will  display the name of the company the call is from. In turn, businesses can stand-out to their customers even as they protect them from fraudulent callers.

  Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO, Airtel Business, said, “At Airtel, we are constantly innovating to create a communication experience that is smarter, safer and more transparent for everyone. With “Business Name Display”, we will be helping businesses establish trust and stand out with every call while simultaneously giving customers the confidence of knowing who is reaching out to them. It is about making communication more personal, secure and seamless for both sides.”

The solution was successfully piloted with over 250 businesses across sectors including banking, retail, food delivery, mobility, Quick commerce, courier and logistics. These businesses used 1.5 million+ phone numbers to make 12.8 million calls in the last 30 days, leading to an impressive increase in customer engagement.

 By displaying a verified name at the onset of each call, businesses can:

• Clearly distinguishes themselves from unknown calls
• Build trust and enhance their brand reputation
• Provide context that improves the customer experience as well as the call answer rates

Serentica Powers INOX with 75 MW Green Energy in New Supply Agreement

Mumbai, 5 May 2025: Serentica Renewables, a leading renewable energy provider in India, has signed a Power Supply and Consumption Agreement (PSCA) with INOX Air Products (INOXAP), India’s largest manufacturer of industrial, electronic and medical gases. Under this agreement, Serentica will supply 75 MW of hybrid renewable energy to INOXAP – its marquee customer – through Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project, enabling competitive tariffs and flexible power usage across multiple locations in different states.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in Serentica’s growth journey as it expands its clean energy solutions beyond state borders, enabling large-scale, multi-location industrial customers to transition to sustainable operations. The 75 MW of hybrid energy will significantly increase INOX Air Products’ renewable energy portfolio, spanning four of its key manufacturing sites in four different states.

Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment in driving decarbonization across India’s industrial ecosystem. The scale and inter-state nature of this project showcases our evolving capabilities to deliver firm, reliable, and geographically flexible clean energy to large enterprises. This project represents a major step forward in enabling large industrial customers like INOX to seamlessly transition to sustainable operations across the country.”

Commenting on the partnership, S K Jena, Head – Operations (LASU & Onsite plants), INOX Air Products, said, “With decarbonization as a priority, we are committed to integrating sustainable practices into every facet of our operations. This agreement with Serentica is a major leap in our decarbonization journey, as this would enable us to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in our energy consumption mix and get closer to our Net-Zero target. We are excited to reinforce our commitment to clean energy, while ensuring operational excellence across our facilities.”

Serentica’s hybrid renewable solutions integrate wind, solar, and storage assets to ensure 24X7, reliable clean power delivery. Through such partnerships, Serentica continues to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors and contribute to India’s broader net-zero ambitions.