Category Archives: Business

BYD India Reveals SEALION 7 eSUV Price, Starting at Rs 48.9 Lakh

New Delhi, India: BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD, the world’s leading NEV (New Energy Vehicle) manufacturer, has announced prices of its all-new BYD SEALION 7 to customers. BYD India unveiled the BYD SEALION 7 Pure Performance eSUV at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on January 18, 2025. The fully electric SUV had also commenced bookings for customers on the eve of the unveiling. Priced at ₹48.9 lakh the Pure Performance eSUV has garnered over 1000 bookings within a month under the Promotional Booking Policy.

The BYD SEALION 7 is a purely performance fully electric SUV that seamlessly blends ocean-inspired aesthetics with cutting-edge innovation. It is a highly successful product with a strong global legacy. It incorporates BYD’s cutting-edge Intelligence Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) and the acclaimed CTB (Cell to Body) technology. This technology integrates BYD’s Blade Battery as a structural element of the chassis, enhancing both safety and performance while offering increased cabin space, superior handling, and an extended range. The BYD SEALION 7 is available with an 82.56 kWh battery pack and a choice of Premium and Performance variants.

Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head ofthe  Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, said, “The unveiling of the SEALION 7 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a milestone event for BYD India. Besides, SEALION 7 has witnessed an overwhelming response of over 1000 bookings within a month of announcing the car. Combined with our network expansion to over 40 dealers and counting, this response to SEALION 7 furthers our vision for innovative and sustainable mobility in India.”

The BYD SEALION 7 can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.5 secs in the Performance trim, and the Premium does the same in 6.7 seconds. The BYD SEALION 7 Performance offers a range of 542 km and the Premium can go 567 km on a full charge (both range figures as per NEDC test). The Performance takes the power figure to 390 kW and torque to 690 Nm. The Premium variant makes 230 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. The BYD SEALION 7 measures 4,830 mm in length and 2,930 mm of wheelbase ensuring solid design proportions and ample interior space.

Designed by BYD’s Global Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, the BYD SEALION 7 features sleek, flowing lines, an aerodynamic profile, and a distinctive ‘OCEAN X’ front styling. The interior is equally impressive, with a 15.6-inch (39.62 cms) rotating touchscreen, premium quilted Nappa leather seats, and 128-color ambient lighting options. Additional highlights include a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, a heads-up display, and a quiet cabin designed to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness. With its impressive performance, advanced features, and luxurious design, the BYD SEALION 7 is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market in India.

The BYD SEALION 7 offers an unparalleled driving experience, combining comfort, entertainment, and innovative design. It allows for immersive audio with 12 Dynaudio speakers, personalized comfort with ventilated and heated seats, and a 50 W wireless phone charger. The vehicle also houses an intelligent and effortless tailgate, futuristic dynamic water drop tail lamps, 11 airbags as standard, and Driver Fatigue Monitoring among other features.

BYD SEALION 7 is also equipped with VTOL (Vehicle to Load). This converts the BYD SEALION 7 into a portable power station allowing it to power any electronic device making it a boon in the outdoors or during emergencies.

Emami Realty Begins Emami Aamod Construction in New Alipore

Kolkata, 18th February 2025: Emami Realty, the prestigious real estate arm of the renowned Emami Group, performs the Bhoomi Pujan and the inauguration of the Experience Center at Emami Aamod, located on James Long Sarani, New Alipore. The project is expected to generate around ₹850 crore in revenue.

The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony to commemorate the construction at the site was conducted with great reverence and attended by esteemed guests, including Smt. Kakoli Bag- Councillor 119 Ward, Mr. Mohan Goenka, Vice Chairman & Whole-time Director Emami Ltd. Dr. Nitesh Kuma, MD & CEO Emami Realty Limited, Dr. Aditya V Agarwal – Non-Executive Director Emami Ltd. The event marked a significant milestone in the development of Emami Aamod, a project that epitomizes luxury living with its opulent amenities and serene environment.

In conjunction with the Bhoomi Pujan, Emami Realty also unveiled the Experience Center at Emami Aamod. The Experience Center offers prospective residents a glimpse into the future of luxury living, showcasing the exquisite 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments, state-of-the-art clubhouse, infinity swimming pool, and the unique musical fountain. The Experience Center is designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience, highlighting the project’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Dr. Nitesh Kumar, MD & CEO of Emami Realty Limited, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to bring to Kolkata a project that combines luxury with nature. The Bhoomi Pujan and the inauguration of the Experience Center mark the beginning of a new chapter in urban living. Emami Aamod is not just a residential address; it’s a lifestyle.”

Emami Aamod is set to redefine luxury living in Kolkata with its blend of sophistication, grandeur, and tranquillity. The project features a picturesque 1-acre lake with a captivating musical fountain, landscaped gardens, and a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Spread across 4 acres, Emami Aamod features four elegantly designed towers offering spacious air-conditioned 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments with servant rooms. With flexibility in mind, these apartments allow easy customization by adding internal walls, enabling residents to tailor their homes to their unique needs.

Every room at Emami Aamod features a panoramic balcony with stunning 180-degree views of the serene Aqua Serenity Lake, home to Kolkata’s first rhythmic musical fountain. This tranquil, iconic 1-acre lake with private cabanas offers a rejuvenating ambiance. The infinity edge pool adds grandeur to everyday relaxation, offering breathtaking lake views.

Exclusive rooftop amenities like the Yoga Deck, Stargazing Deck, and Skating Rink allow residents to soak in New Alipore’s skyline. Thematic gardens, including the Fragrance, Sculpture, and Topiary Gardens, provide aesthetic pleasure and serene spaces to unwind. Sports and fitness facilities such as cricket nets, pickleball and basketball courts, and a state-of-the-art gym cater to enthusiasts of all ages.

Entertainment and wellness are always within reach with the amphitheaters, premium club with a bar lounge, and a spa and wellness center. Emami Aamod seamlessly blends sustainability with luxury through eco-friendly features like EV charging points and VRV air conditioning systems. A 10-tier security system ensures a safe, tranquil living environment, while Vastu-compliant apartments promote harmonious energy flow.

For those seeking a refined lifestyle defined by elegance, comfort, and sophistication, Emami Aamod in New Alipore offers a rare opportunity to live in one of the city’s most promising upcoming luxury projects.

Paytm & SBI Mutual Fund Launch JanNivesh Rs250 SIP for Viksit Bharat Vision

Kolkata, 18th Feb 2025: Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and pioneer of QR codes, Soundbox, and mobile payments, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Paytm Services Private Limited (PSPL), an AMFI registered mutual fund distributor, ARN-114595, is now making it easier for millions of Indians to invest in their future. In partnership with SBI Mutual Fund, India’s largest asset management company, Paytm has launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, in line with the Government of India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by enabling financial inclusion and empowering citizens to invest in their future. This initiative, launched today by SEBI Chairperson Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch and SBI Chairman Shri C S Shetty, enables users to begin their investment journey with just ₹250, making financial growth accessible to all.

The JanNivesh SIP initiative is aimed at empowering citizens to contribute towards India’s financial and economic growth. It offers individuals a simple, affordable entry into wealth-building through small, regular investments, facilitating participation in key financial instruments with just ₹250. Additionally, it provides flexible SIP options – daily, monthly, or weekly contributions – to suit varied financial needs and preferences. This step is pivotal in encouraging financial literacy, economic inclusion, and supporting the Viksit Bharat journey.

The company aims to empower Paytm’s merchant partners by offering them the opportunity to make their first investment, helping them build long-term wealth for their business. This initiative is designed to improve their financial stability and contribute to the broader vision of financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Paytm is committed to supporting the growth of its merchant partners and strengthening the financial foundation of their businesses.

D.P Singh, DMD & Joint CEO, SBI Mutual Fund said, “We have launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, a key initiative that brings us closer to our goal of promoting financial inclusion. Through our partnership with Paytm and other Fintech players, we are offering millions of Indians an easy and flexible entry point to begin investing in their future. This is an important step in our shared vision for a Viksit Bharat, where every citizen has access to wealth-building opportunities.”

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – of Paytm said, “We are excited to participate in the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat vision with the launch of JanNivesh ₹250 SIP on Paytm, in partnership with SBI Mutual Fund. The mutual funds market currently has over 100 million investors, and we are thrilled to be part of the journey towards expanding this to 300-400 million mutual fund investors. This initiative, with its simple and low-investment amount SIP options, allows millions of Indians to start investing and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. We extend our gratitude to SBI and SEBI for making this vision a reality.”

How to Set Up Your JanNivesh SIP on Paytm:

• Open the Paytm App and tap on the JanNivesh SIP icon in the ‘Do More with Paytm’ section.
• Choose your preferred investment frequency—Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
• Select the investment amount, starting from ₹250, that you wish to contribute towards your SIP.
• Click on “Proceed” and enter your PAN details when prompted.
• Complete your SEBI-mandated KYC steps by providing the required details.
• Review your SIP details and proceed to set up UPI Autopay mandate for seamless payments.
• Once the UPI Autopay mandate is successfully set up, your SIP will be registered.

Your investments will then be processed automatically based on your selected frequency. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free way to invest and grow your wealth with JanNivesh SIP on Paytm!

Paytm’s collaboration with JanNivesh ₹250 SIP is set to transform India’s investment landscape, driving financial inclusion and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Just as Paytm pioneered QR code mobile payments and revolutionized the payment sector, it now aims to bring the same level of innovation to the investment space. This initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision, offering millions of Indians an accessible, affordable way to start investing and contribute to India’s future prosperity.

SMFG India Credit Sets Guinness Record for Largest Cattle Welfare Lesson

India, February 18, 2025 – SMFG India Credit has made history by achieving a Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Cattle Welfare Lesson (Multiple Venues)’ with 517 participants across 6 venues in India. This milestone was accomplished as part of the company’s 7th edition of Pashu Vikas Day (PVD), the largest one-day cattle care camp across the country. These camps were simultaneously held in 500 locations across 16 states, benefiting around 1,90,000 beneficiaries (1,50,000 cattle and 40,000 cattle owners).

In India, approximately 65-70% of the rural population relies on agriculture or agriculture-related activities for their livelihood. Hence, cattle and livestock play a crucial role in their livelihood generation activities and financial well-being. Recognizing this unbreakable bond, SMFG India Credit celebrated the 7th edition of Pashu Vikas Day under the theme ‘Mera Pashu Mera Parivar,’ reinforcing the importance of livestock in the lives of these rural families.

The annual PVD event also saw the active participation of more than 6,000 employees, reinforcing the company’s commitment to rural welfare.

Mr. Shantanu Mitra, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of SMFG India Credit, said, “At SMFG India Credit, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing social initiatives that create a meaningful impact. With a strong Pan-India presence of 1000+ branches, our primary focus is on Tier-2+ locations, with nearly 90% of our branches strategically positioned in these regions. In fact, over the last two years, we have added around 300 branches, all located in Tier-2+ geographies. Our goal is to drive financial inclusion by providing the right products and financial solutions, enabling us to serve communities at every stage of their life cycle.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of our dedicated employees for their outstanding commitment and hard work in achieving the Guinness World Record for the Largest Cattle Welfare Lesson across multiple venues. It is truly heartening to see that this year’s Pashu Vikas Day not only surpassed expectations in cattle care but also introduced specialized knowledge sessions across multiple venues in India, which earned us the Guinness World Record.”

Mr. Swaminathan Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer of SMFG India Credit, said, “The recognition received from Guinness World Records for holding the largest cattle welfare lesson across multiple venues is a proud and defining moment for each and everyone at SMFG India Credit. As a company, we have etched our name in the history books on an international level, and it gives us the belief to continue working towards uplifting the communities we serve at large through innovative and sustainable socio-economic initiatives. Setting a world record on Guinness World Records also reaffirms our dedication to rural welfare and motivates us to continue empowering communities by providing financial access through our financial solutions across their life-cycle.”

Building on its rich legacy of achieving world records, Pashu Vikas Day has previously been recognized by the World Records Union, Limca Book of Records, Best of India Records, and World Book of Records for hosting the largest cattle care camps organized in a single day.

Paytm Launches JanNivesh Rs250 SIP in Collaboration with SBI Mutual Fund to Contribute to Viksit Bharat

Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and pioneer of QR codes, Soundbox, and mobile payments, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Paytm Services Private Limited (PSPL), an AMFI registered mutual fund distributor, ARN-114595, is now making it easier for millions of Indians to invest in their future. In partnership with SBI Mutual Fund, India’s largest asset management company, Paytm has launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, in line with the Government of India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by enabling financial inclusion and empowering citizens to invest in their future. This initiative, launched today by SEBI Chairperson Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch and SBI Chairman Shri C S Shetty, enables users to begin their investment journey with just ₹250, making financial growth accessible to all.

The JanNivesh SIP initiative is aimed at empowering citizens to contribute towards India’s financial and economic growth. It offers individuals a simple, affordable entry into wealth-building through small, regular investments, facilitating participation in key financial instruments with just ₹250. Additionally, it provides flexible SIP options – daily, monthly, or weekly contributions – to suit varied financial needs and preferences. This step is pivotal in encouraging financial literacy, economic inclusion, and supporting the Viksit Bharat journey.

The company aims to empower Paytm’s merchant partners by offering them the opportunity to make their first investment, helping them build long-term wealth for their business. This initiative is designed to improve their financial stability and contribute to the broader vision of financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Paytm is committed to supporting the growth of its merchant partners and strengthening the financial foundation of their businesses.

D.P Singh, DMD & Joint CEO, SBI Mutual Fund said, “We have launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, a key initiative that brings us closer to our goal of promoting financial inclusion. Through our partnership with Paytm and other Fintech players, we are offering millions of Indians an easy and flexible entry point to begin investing in their future. This is an important step in our shared vision for a Viksit Bharat, where every citizen has access to wealth-building opportunities.”

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “We are excited to participate in the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat vision with the launch of JanNivesh ₹250 SIP on Paytm, in partnership with SBI Mutual Fund. The mutual funds market currently has over 100 million investors, and we are thrilled to be part of the journey towards expanding this to 300-400 million mutual fund investors. This initiative, with its simple and low-investment amount SIP options, allows millions of Indians to start investing and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. We extend our gratitude to SBI and SEBI for making this vision a reality.”

How to Set Up Your JanNivesh SIP on Paytm:

• Open the Paytm App and tap on the JanNivesh SIP icon in the ‘Do More with Paytm’ section.
• Choose your preferred investment frequency—Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
• Select the investment amount, starting from ₹250, that you wish to contribute towards your SIP.
• Click on “Proceed” and enter your PAN details when prompted.
• Complete your SEBI-mandated KYC steps by providing the required details.
• Review your SIP details and proceed to set up UPI Autopay mandate for seamless payments.
• Once the UPI Autopay mandate is successfully set up, your SIP will be registered.

Your investments will then be processed automatically based on your selected frequency. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free way to invest and grow your wealth with JanNivesh SIP on Paytm!

Paytm’s collaboration with JanNivesh ₹250 SIP is set to transform India’s investment landscape, driving financial inclusion and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Just as Paytm pioneered QR code mobile payments and revolutionized the payment sector, it now aims to bring the same level of innovation to the investment space. This initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision, offering millions of Indians an accessible, affordable way to start investing and contribute to India’s future prosperity.

Calcom Vision Q3 FY25 Revenue Up 9.25 Percent, Profit Surges 747.53 Percent

Delhi/Mumbai, [18/02/2025]: Calcom Vision Limited (BSE: 517236), is one of the leading Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) in India, engaged in the manufacturing of LED Lights, Battens & other electronic items, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024. The company reported that its revenue from operations for Q3 FY25 increased by 9.25% YoY to Rs 44.66 crore, up from Rs 40.88 crore in the same period last year.

The significant growth in revenue reflects the company’s strategic focus on augmenting LED Batten Production to support top line, automate Bulb production, Solar Light Segment, backward integration by strengthening infrastructure, and strengthen marketing function which will help in adding new customers and developing new markets

The company reported a 747.53% year-on-year surge in its Q3 FY25 profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 0.31 crore as compared to Rs 0.036 crore in the corresponding quarter last financial year.

Calcom Vision’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 101.93% to Rs 4.37 crore, as against Rs 2.16 crore for the same period last year.

Key financial highlights for Q3FY25:

• Revenue from operations grew by 9.25% YoY to Rs 44.66 crore in Q3FY25 as compared to Rs 40.88 crore in Q3FY24 driven by the addition of a few new customers.
• Profit after tax (PAT) increased by 747.53% to Rs 0.31 crore in Q3FY25 from Rs 0.036 in Q3 FY24 on account (XX reasons)
• Operating EBITDA margin declined to 9.79% from 12.27% in Q3 FY24

Commenting on the Q3FY25 performance, Sushil Kumar Malik, Chairman and Managing Director, Calcom Vision Limited. said, “We have marked the highest third-quarter sales in the company’s history. This notable uptick in sales, revenue, and net income highlights our company’s resilience and strategic acumen. Key developments include the upcoming launch of our Professional Street Light with in-house molds, the completion of solar product designs with the first order secured, and successful trials for our EV chargers. Additionally, we have finalized designs for new trade streets, flood lights, high bay lights, and well glass products, with plans for industrialization within this fiscal year.

Furthermore, we are expanding our export operations, and our order books continue to grow. With an expanding portfolio and rising demand, we remain focused on driving sustainable growth and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We are well-positioned for continued success in Q4 FY25 and beyond.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Unveils Road Safety Awareness and Health Program for 1,250+ Drivers in Mizoram

Bengaluru, 18th February 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to promote safe driving practices, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of awareness and health check-up initiative for over 1,250 drivers in Mizoram. Coinciding with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), the initiative is in response to rising road accidents across the state. The occasion was graced by the distinguished presence of the chief guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl, Mr. Zorammawia Tochhawng, Dealer Principal, Zote Toyota and executives from TKM.

In 2023 & 2024, Mizoram witnessed 106 and 124 road accidents respectively with corresponding fatalities at 96 and 112. Lack of driving discipline, over-speeding, violation of traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement measures have contributed to these accidents. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in collaboration with local authorities, is actively engaging with commercial drivers to educate them on responsible driving behaviours while ensuring their physical and mental well-being through dedicated health screenings.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s comprehensive safety initiative for commercial drivers such as truck, bus and van drivers comprise of two key components:

1. Road Safety Awareness Sessions
Designed to educate and empower drivers, the sessions cover:

•  Importance of road safety and responsible driving practices
•  Rules and regulations for commercial drivers
•  Awareness on penalties for traffic violations
•  Mental and physical well-being for professional drivers
•  Importance of vehicle insurance and compliance

 2. Comprehensive Health Check-ups
Ensuring the physical and mental well-being of drivers, the initiative includes:

•  Screening for common health conditions (Blood Pressure, Sugar, Eyesight, Hearing etc) affecting driving performance
•  Prescription of essential medicines and health advice
•  Referral to government healthcare centres for further treatment, if needed

Moreover, as part of broader road safety measures, 34 units of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition system) & 20 units of CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations to enhance road monitoring, deter traffic violations, and improve enforcement measures, ensuring a safer driving environment for all. Through this structured approach, TKM aims to equip drivers with the right knowledge and health support, enabling them to make informed, responsible decisions on the road.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Chief Guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl said, “Ensuring safe roads requires a multi-faceted approach that includes awareness, enforcement, and community engagement. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s initiative is a commendable step in educating drivers about responsible driving while also prioritizing their health. 68 percent of road accidents take place due to carelessness of the drivers which can be avoided. Drivers should also focus on the fitness of vehicles as this also leads to accidents. I urge all commercial vehicle drivers, especially truck drivers, to participate in the event. By empowering commercial drivers with knowledge and support for their well-being, we are not only enhancing road safety but also fostering a more disciplined driving culture. Collaborative efforts like these are essential in making a lasting impact, and we appreciate Toyota’s dedication to this crucial cause.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Governance, said, “At Toyota, road safety is more than just a responsibility; it is a mission. Our goal is to actively engage with drivers, empowering them with the right knowledge and health support. Through our structured awareness sessions and physical health screenings, we are committed to making a tangible impact on driving behaviour, ensuring safe roads. Our ‘People First’ philosophy drives us to support initiatives that improve lives, and this program is a step forward in our long-term vision for road safety in India.”

Chennai Welcomes Airtel’s SEA-ME-WE-6 Cable, Promising Enhanced Network Capabilities

Bangalore (India), February 18, 2025: Bharti Airtel Limited (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, landed the new SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-West Europe-6, or SMW6) in Chennai. The company had already landed the cable in Mumbai on December 30, 2024.

These cable landings were completed by SubCom, a leading supplier of subsea fiber optic cable data systems responsible for the engineering, manufacture and installation of SEA-ME-WE-6. The 21,700 Rkm submarine cable system connects India to Singapore and France (Marseille) crossing Egypt through terrestrial cables. With this, Airtel has further enhanced its network presence with diversified capacity in the submarine cable system globally.

Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business, said, “At Airtel we strive to provide the best in class services to our customers and this new investment and milestone would further improve our secure, diverse and scalable global network. We are delighted to further strengthen our global connectivity by landing one of the largest cable systems into our facilities. This complements our existing network strength of 400,000 Rkms across 50 countries. This also underlines our commitment to address Digital India’s growing demand for global connectivity & data with additional routes, diversity and capacity.”

The cable landing, both in Mumbai and Chennai, will be fully integrated with Airtel’s data centre arm, Nxtra by Airtel, at its large facilities in the respective cities with an aim to enable global hyperscalers and businesses in the country to seamlessly access international connectivity and data centre services.

As a key member of the consortium of the SEA-ME-WE-6 cable system, Airtel has investment in the core cable and has additionally co-built a private network of four Fiber Pairs between Singapore, Chennai and Mumbai. This cable system will bring a whopping 220 TBPs of global capacity to India.

Airtel’s global network spans five continents. The company has investments in 34 cables globally with some of the recent ones including 2Africa, Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 (SJC2) and Equiano. Apart from these cables that connect India to key regions like APAC, Europe, the Middle East and US, Airtel’s global subsea network investments also include large cable systems like i2i Cable Network (i2icn), Europe India Gateway (EIG), IMEWE, SEA-ME-WE-4, AAG, Unity, EASSy, Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and Middle East North Africa Submarine Cable (MENA Cable) amongst many others.

Prasanna Venkatesh Joins Novotel Hyderabad HICC as Ops Director

Hyderabad, 18th February 2025: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Prasanna Venkatesh as its new Director of Operations. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Prasanna has a proven record of driving operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences. His journey spans renowned hospitality brands such as Westin, Hilton, and Accor, as well as the prestigious Dubai Expo 2020.

A visionary leader, Prasanna has been instrumental in turning around F&B venues, optimizing service delivery, and spearheading high-impact events. His expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational efficiency has led to increased profitability and guest satisfaction across diverse properties, including luxury resorts in the Maldives and large-scale urban hotels in the Middle East.

In his previous role at the prestigious Pullman & Novotel complex in Aerocity, celebrated for its luxury and exceptional F&B offerings, Prasanna honed his expertise in crafting refined dining experiences. Throughout his career, Prasanna has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating bespoke guest experiences through innovation and collaboration. At Dubai Expo 2020, he played a pivotal role in launching iconic dining destinations, earning accolades for delivering seamless hospitality experiences at one of the world’s largest events.

In his new role at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, Prasanna will focus on enhancing operational efficiencies, driving sustainability initiatives, and elevating service standards across the property. His leadership will be key to strengthening the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination for business, leisure, and events in the region.

“We are excited to have Prasanna on board and look forward to the transformative energy he brings to our operations,” said Rubin Cherian, General Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC. “His strategic vision and passion for hospitality will undoubtedly create memorable guest experiences and propel us to new heights.”

Federal Bank Unveils Prospera, a New Offering for Non-Resident Indians’ Savings

India, 18th February 2025 – Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, unveiled a new NR Savings account variant – Prospera. The Prospera NRE Savings Account offers an impressive suite of benefits designed for the emerging affluent NRI segment which includes Complimentary Insurance Benefit up to ₹60 Lakh, complimentary airport lounge access, special rewards for debit card spends and other banking benefits. As an introductory offer, the Bank is providing discount of up to 24% on flight and hotel bookings on select travel platforms using Prospera Debit Card.

 “For over seven decades, Federal Bank has been a trusted partner for Non-Resident Indians across the globe, facilitating their financial aspirations and connections with home,” said Mr. KVS Manian. “Today, we handle approximately one-fifth of India’s inward remittances, symbolizing the immense trust that the Indian diaspora and our partners place in us. We recognize that today’s NRI customers seek more than just basic banking and want to enjoy a comprehensive financial experience that matches their aspirations and lifestyle. We are committed to continuously evolving and enhancing our products and services to meet the changing environment and the needs of our customers.”

 “Our new offerings reflect our understanding of the evolving needs of the Indian diaspora and our commitment to serving them better,” added Joy P V, Executive Vice President and Country Head – Deposits, Wealth and Banca, Federal Bank.

 The launch happened in Dubai, marking Managing Director & CEO, Mr. KVS Manian’s maiden international media interaction since assuming office in September. During the event, Mr. Manian highlighted the deep-rooted connect that the Bank has with the NRI population. The Bank also highlighted its achievements in the NRI banking space, such as market leadership in remittance services, digital innovation in cross-border banking, a strong presence across key NRI markets, a robust remittance partnership network in the UAE, and consistent growth in NRI deposits.