Category Archives: Business

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.

Raffles Udaipur Welcomes Twinkle Khanna for a Memorable Book Reading Session at The Writers Bar

February 2025, National – Embark on a captivating journey at The Writers Bar for an unforgettable book reading session with Indian Author and Columnist, Twinkle Khanna.

 On 17th February 2025, Raffles Udaipur invites you to an enchanting evening in the esteemed presence of Twinkle Khanna. Dive deep into the pages of her latest masterpiece and experience a literary evening like no other. The evening will begin with the Anandini & Bili Hu experience upon arrival, accompanied by live acoustic music, setting the stage for an unforgettable night filled with excitement and anticipation.

Bathed in the gentle glow of ambient lighting, Twinkle Khanna will grace the stage, offering a glimpse into her creative world as she shares captivating insights and powerful excerpts from her latest book, Welcome to Paradise. Following this enthralling reading, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with Twinkle Khanna in a thought-provoking interactive session, delving deeper into her creative journey and the inspiration that fuels her work.

The Writers Bar is timeless and elegant, with colonial-inspired design that exudes sophistication. A bibliophile’s discreet haven, it boasts a well-stocked intimate library, brass counters, textured walls, and chandeliers that shimmer with pearls of light.

 With over 3,000 books lining its shelves, the space invites guests to immerse themselves in the history of great literary works created within its walls. To make the evening even more special, attendees will have the chance to get their personal copies of the book signed by Twinkle herself. As the night unfolds, guests will be treated to a delightful hi-tea spread, offering a chance to mingle, converse, and enjoy the company of fellow literature lovers in an atmosphere of charm and warmth.

“Raffles Udaipur is delighted to host this extraordinary book reading session. We are pleased to welcome Twinkle Khanna, whose literary brilliance will undoubtedly captivate our guests. The audience at Raffles Udaipur is in for a truly immersive experience, as they indulge in a night of insightful conversation and literary discovery,” said Mr. Rajesh Namby, General Manager of Raffles Udaipur.

Team MRF Tyres Enters The British Rally Championship

James Williams & Max Mcrae To Lead MRF Challenge

Chennai, February 17, 2025: MRF, India’s No 1 Tyre Manufacturer, today announced their participation in the prestigious and highly competitive British Rally Championship 2025 and inclusion as official tyre suppliers for the 2025 season. Having dominated the European Rally Championships, Team MRF Tyres now seeks to extend their superiority in the UK. Leading the MRF challenge will be drivers James Williams and Max Mcrae.

The decision to participate in the BRC 2025 underscores MRF’s commitment to showcasing the capabilities of Indian engineering and manufacturing on the international stage. With a rich heritage in the Motorsport Tyres and a reputation for producing high-performance tyres, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the world of rallying.

“We are excited to take on this new challenge and represent India on the global motorsports platform,” said Arun Mammen Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF. “The British Rally Championship is a prestigious event that attracts the best drivers and teams from around the world. Our participation in this event will not only demonstrate the quality of our products but also inspire Indian motorsports enthusiasts and foster a sense of national pride. We are confident that our tyres will perform exceptionally well in the BRC 2025. Our engineers have been working closely with rally experts to develop the right products that can withstand the rigors of the sport and provide our drivers with the necessary grip and stability to compete at the highest level.”

The two professional drivers will leverage the company’s extensive research and development capabilities to develop tyres that are specifically tailored for the demanding conditions in the nine round event throughout the year in 2025. The first round of the 2025 season gets underway in Beverley- East Yorkshire UK ,at the East Riding Stages Rally on 23 February

TEAM MRF Tyres are winners in the FIA European Rally Championship in 2022 and 2023. Dominating the Italian Gravel Rally Championship for 4 years in a row, MRF tyres has also succeeded in Norway and Latvia IN January 2025 with the Snow Tyres. Brand MRF is already a tyre of choice in Hi performance rallies in Australia , New Zealand and South America. The company’s commitment to developing high-performance tyres has been evident through its participation and successes in various national and international championships.

Profile – James Williams, is a Professional Rally Driver. In 2015 he was adjudged as the UK young driver of the year. And from then on he has had good success in various championships. He was the winner of the Rally Isle of Man in 2024 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed winner in the same year. Apart from Rally driving, he is also a brand ambassador and public speaker.

Profile – Max Mcrae UK based Max McRae is excited by his first full British Rally Championship campaign. The 20-year-old Scot tackled four BRC rounds last season, but will step-up to the full six-event calendar in 2025. He closed out last year on the highest possible note, with fastest time on the final stage of the season-closing Cambrian Rallly. Max comes from a family with a rich history in rallying. With eight British titles to the McRae name already (five for Jimmy, two for Uncle Colin and one for father Alister), Max is well aware of the weight of expectation. Much as Max is keen to continue in that same vein, he’s realistic about his experience of – and the competition in – the premier British series. Of the four events he started in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 last season, he finished three of them comfortably in the top-10, including a fine fourth on the Cambrian.

Genesys International 9MFY25 profit soars 444 Percent | EBITDA up by 98 Percent

Mumbai, 17th February 2025: Genesys International Corporation Limited, a company providing advanced mapping, survey, and geospatial services announced its financial results for the quarter that ended December 31, 2024

Key Highlights:

•  Consolidated Revenue for Q3FY25 stood at Rs. 90.93 Cr.
•  Consolidated EBITDA increased to Rs.44.40 crs from Rs.33.30 crs in the same quarter the previous year constituting 33.32% growth on a y-o-y basis.
•  Consolidated EBITDA increased to Rs.44.40 crs from Rs.30.38 crs in the previous quarter constituting 46.16% growth on a q-o-q basis. EBITDA Margin stood at 48.83 % compared to 41.60% on a q-o-q basis
•  Consolidated PAT increased to Rs. 20.66 Cr from Rs.15.86 Cr constituting 30.33% on a y-o-y basis and Rs.20.66 Cr from Rs.11.23 Cr constituting 84% on a q-o-q basis. PAT margin for the quarter was 22.73%

Commenting on the Results, Mr. Sajid Malik – Chairman & Managing Director said, “The results of this quarter reflect the ongoing execution of and increasing acceptance of our map stack. The use of Location intelligence will become more pervasive to solve many consumer, enterprise, and governance applications. The company has developed a wide array of capabilities in many critical applications and the results of that will also continue in the coming future. Notably, our performance reflects the successful delivery of key geospatial projects in the 3D digital twin space, paving the way for increased traction going forward.”

Innisfree Expands Its Quick Commerce Footprint with Zepto

[Delhi, 17th Feb 2025] – Innisfree, the globally loved K-beauty brand, is accelerating its Quick Commerce journey by partnering with Zepto, one of India’s leading Quick Commerce platforms. After establishing a foothold in this rapidly growing sphere, Innisfree is now expanding its reach by making its best-selling skincare products available to more consumers with the convenience of ultra-fast delivery.

Innisfree had recently forayed into the Quick Commerce space, and this partnership with Zepto is a further step to amplify its presence on these channels. Whether it’s a quick restock of the iconic Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum or a last-minute skincare essential, Zepto’s rapid delivery will ensure Innisfree’s nature-powered products are just a tap away.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Paul Lee, Country Head of Amorepacific said, “At Innisfree, we’re all about empowering our customers to take control of their beauty routines. With Zepto, we’re taking that empowerment to the next level by giving them the freedom to shop with us whenever, wherever they want.”

Ms. Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant Director & Head of Marketing added, “The future of commerce is quick, and we’re excited to partner with pioneering platforms to lead the charge. We’re all set to deliver fast, seamless, and quality experiences for our supportive consumers and help them make the most of their precious time.”

Axis Rolls Out Reliable Thermal Cameras for Precise Detection in Any Weather or Lighting

India, 17th February, 2025 – Axis Communications the market leader in network video, announces three robust thermal cameras offering outstanding thermal imaging, regardless of light and weather conditions. These cameras deliver reliable detection and verification with a low false alarm rate—all while protecting privacy. They feature a powerful sensor with extremely high thermal sensitivity.

AXIS Q1972-E offers high-resolution thermal imaging in a bullet form factor. With four lens alternatives (10 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, and 35 mm), it ensures optimal installation. There are also two box thermal cameras available. AXIS Q2111-E comes with a 60 mm lens making it ideal for long-range detection to capture events taking place at great distances. AXIS Q2112-E offers high-resolution thermal imaging and a choice of lens options (10 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm, 60 mm) for a wider or narrower field of view, including long-range detection. The thermal box cameras can be mounted on a positioning unit (sold separately) to deliver a 360° unobstructed field of view.

These powerful thermal cameras deliver actionable insights to support informed decision-making. They come with AXIS Motion Guard, AXIS Fence Guard, and AXIS Loitering Guard preinstalled for proactive surveillance. Plus, AXIS Perimeter Defender is available with AI-based functionality for enhanced protection. Built on a powerful analytics platform, it’s also possible to add custom-made third-party analytics.

Key features include:

• High-resolution and long-range thermal detection
• Flexible mounting options
• Support for powerful analytics
• Lens options available
• Built-in cybersecurity with Axis Edge Vault

Giri Trading Agency Boosts Hyderabad Footprint with New Showroom in Padmarao Nagar

Hyderabad, 17th February 2025: Giri, India’s leading provider of spiritual and cultural products, proudly inaugurated its newest showroom in Padmarao Nagar, Secunderabad. This marks the third showroom in Hyderabad, further strengthening Giri’s presence in the region and reaffirming its commitment to serving the spiritual and cultural needs of devotees.

The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Swami Pujanananda Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad, as the Chief Guest. His presence added a spiritual significance to the occasion, highlighting Giri’s mission to provide authentic Vedic and traditional products to customers seeking divine and cultural enrichment.

Giri has long been a trusted name, offering an extensive range of products including divine idols, puja essentials, spiritual books, Carnatic music, traditional textiles, and much more. With the opening of this new showroom in Padmarao Nagar, Giri aims to make its vast collection of high-quality, authentic products more accessible to devotees and culture enthusiasts in the region.

“We are thrilled to open our third showroom in Hyderabad, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting and promoting India’s rich heritage. The Padmarao Nagar showroom will serve as a hub for spiritual seekers, providing an extensive range of products that cater to their devotional and cultural needs,” said Mr. Amar Girish, Sales Head, Giri Trading Agency Private Limited.

The inauguration event featured special pujas, spiritual discourses, and exclusive launch offers. Devotees and patrons are encouraged to visit the new showroom to explore the divine offerings of the Giri.

Indian Standards should be accorded top priority: Centre

India, 17th February 2025:- Implementation of Indian Standards should be accorded top priority, said Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India while chairing an inter-ministerial meeting on Implementation of Standards – Bringing more products under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in New Delhi.

The Secretary emphasized on the role of QCOs in achieving the aim of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat” considering its twin objectives of uplifting quality ecosystem in domestic market and curbing sub-standard imports. Referring to the speech by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 78th Independence Day, wherein a thrust on Indian Standards has been envisioned to make Indian products stand out in the global market, she appealed to all the Ministries to prioritise Indian Standards.

The discussions during the meeting focused on the importance of Standards and its benefits through QCOs, which enforce mandatory compliance to standards for various products and play a vital role in protecting public health & safety and enhancing the competitiveness of industry, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The implementation of QCOs provides these businesses with a level playing field by ensuring that all market players meet the same quality standards. This initiative not only boosts the competitiveness of MSMEs in the domestic market, but also facilitates access to global markets, opening up new avenues for growth and exports.

The meeting witnessed participation from representatives of nearly 17 Union Ministries and Departments, including Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), and Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), among others.

The Department of Consumer Affairs briefed on the positive impact of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on the toys industry. The introduction and implementation of the QCO for Toys has led to remarkable improvements in both safety and quality standards for toys manufactured and sold in India.

The status of 628 products which are under consideration at the Ministries/Departments for bringing them under QCOs was also reviewed during the meeting. The discussions concluded with consensus for expediting the timelines for implementing QCOs for these products, which will further strengthen India’s commitment to improving product quality and impetus on Atma Nirbhar Bharat across different sectors.

Compliance with standards is voluntary unless made mandatory under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. All ministries and departments of the Government are empowered in this regard. A detailed stakeholder consultation is carried out with industry before notifying and implementing QCOs.

A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors at Sunset Story, Westin Gurgaon

February 2025, Gurgaon – Westin Gurgaon presents A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors, an exclusive three-day pop-up at Sunset Story, running from 21st to 23rd February 2025. Curated by the acclaimed Chef Ankit Malhotra, this immersive dining experience redefines Indian cuisine by blending traditional flavors with modern techniques, offering an innovative and artfully crafted culinary journey. Drawing inspiration from India’s rich gastronomic heritage, Chef Malhotra has meticulously designed a multi-course menu that seamlessly weaves together flavors, textures, and aromas from different regions of the country.

The adventure begins in the vivid gullies of Banaras, where chaat reigns supreme. Diners will begin their experience with an Amuse Bouche, where the sweet and tangy Melon Terrine Chaat meets the creamy richness of Mascarpone Yogurt, elevated with Chutney Caviar and Smoked Chaas, setting the stage for a journey of bold flavors.

As the journey ascends into the snow-laden valleys of Kashmir, warmth embraces diners with a selection of soulful Shorbas. The First Course brings a warming selection of soups, balancing earthy and nutty notes—guests can choose between the velvety Broccoli Almond Shorba, paired with a crisp and tangy Blue Cheese Kulcha, or the Kashmiri classic Yakhni Shorba, slow-cooked to perfection and served with the same delightful bread.

From the heartland of India’s most indulgent flavors, Punjab comes an unexpected fusion of Italian craftsmanship and North Indian soul. The Tandoori Paneer Tortellini, nestled in a silky Makhani Sauce and topped with a delicate Parmesan Cracker, offers a bold yet familiar taste. Alternatively, the Charcoal Chicken Ravioli, infused with smoky flavors and bathed in the same rich sauce, reimagines comfort food with finesse.

From the spice-laden kitchens of Maharashtra, the Bridging the Feast course brings together Puneri Potato Wada, topped with a crunchy Bakarwadi Crumble, and the unexpected yet comforting pairing of Tapioca Khichdi. For those craving a meatier option, the fiery Kolhapuri Chicken Drumstick makes a striking impression, complemented by the same textural contrast of the Bakarwadi crumble.

The journey reaches a crescendo in the coastal paradise of Kerala, where the fragrance of coconut and curry leaves lingers in the air. Chef Malhotra draws inspiration from the Malabar Coast, offering a fragrant Malabar Paneer Curry, paired with crispy Urlai Roast, or a beautifully Grilled Sea Bass, immersed in the same aromatic curry and plated with vibrant Green Asparagus. These mains are accompanied by comforting South Indian staples—Tomato Dal, flaky Malabar Paratha, Kerala Red Rice, and crispy Appalam—adding layers of flavor and authenticity to the meal.

The journey ends on a sweet note with The Finale, where tradition meets elegance. A decadent Milk Almond Tart, adorned with Gold Leaf and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, creates a luxurious conclusion, while handcrafted Aniseed 72% Dark Chocolate Bark and Sweet Boondi Macarons provide a final flourish of indulgence.

Chef Amit Dash, Multi-Property Executive Chef, Westin Gurgaon & Sohna Resort & Spa said, “At Westin Gurgaon, we are not just redefining dining; we are pioneering a culinary revolution in the heart of the city. Our philosophy is rooted in innovation, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to crafting experiences that celebrate India’s rich gastronomic heritage while embracing contemporary techniques. ‘A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors’ is a testament to this vision—a journey through India’s diverse culinary landscapes, thoughtfully curated to surprise and delight our guests. Through such unique dining experiences, we continue to push boundaries, making Westin Gurgaon a destination for food connoisseurs who seek both tradition and innovation on their plate.”