Category Archives: Business

Give Your Meal a Bold New Twist with Aflatoon

India, 21st January 2025: Start the year with a feast that’s anything but ordinary! Aflatoon by SOCIAL brings bold North Indian flavors wrapped in quirky, collectible packaging, turning every meal into a delightful adventure.

Whether you’re hosting a lively party, gathering with family, or planning a cozy night in, Aflatoon promises to make every dining moment memorable. From playful twists on North Indian classics to rich gravies and fragrant pulaos, the menu is designed to excite your taste buds and spark conversation.

Dive into soul-soothing dishes like the slow-cooked Maa Ki Dal Makhani, indulgent Truffle Butter Chicken, or the rich and aromatic Bhoona Gosht Biryani, paired perfectly with buttery naans or fragrant jeera rice. These hearty, comforting options are just what you need to beat the winter chill.

For lighter moments, snack on Butter Garlic Mutton Seekh, Umami Chicken Malai Tikka, or the Lotus Stem Shami Kebab. Planning a hearty meal? The Malai Paneer Biryani or the flavorful Katey Masale ka Gosht, paired with soft naans, make for a satisfying indulgence.

Aflatoon also offers a vibrant selection of chaats that are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your day. From the zesty The Crispy Quinoa and Bhalla Chaat to the tangy and Balsamic Betroot and Crispy Papdi Chaat, each dish is crafted to deliver a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes making them ideal for lively conversations or indulgent treats.

Finish your meal with the classic warmth of Gulab Jamun or the refreshing flavors of Betel Leaf Rasmalai, each offering a perfect sweet ending.

Population Dynamics: A Comprehensive Online Course for Policymakers Launched

New Delhi, 21st January 2025 – In a groundbreaking step towards building capacity in public administration, the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), has launched a pioneering online course titled “Population Dynamics and Its Implications for Public Policy.”

 Hosted on the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform under Mission Karmayogi, this course aims to empower India’s 3.8 million civil servants with the critical knowledge and skills needed to address the complex challenges posed by demographic shifts. The initiative focuses on:

 ● Enhancing understanding of demographic shifts and their impact on society.
● Examining scenarios such as low fertility, urbanization, and the demographic dividend.
● Analyzing the influence of population dynamics for public policy.
● Exploring practical policy options to address demographic changes effectively.

 The course launch event at IIPA’s Indraprastha Estate brought together prominent dignitaries who reinforced the importance of this initiative.

 Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the centrality of data and statistical analysis in policymaking. “Demographic shifts affect every facet of development—from education and healthcare to labor markets and urban planning. This course will be instrumental in equipping government officials to proactively address these challenges,”noted Garg.

 Shri S.N. Tripathi, Director General, Indian Institute of Public Administration, emphasized evidence-based policymaking as the cornerstone of effective governance. He remarked, “This course will provide civil servants with the critical insights they need to design policies that are inclusive, targeted, and sustainable, ensuring that governance evolves with the changing needs of our population.”-

 Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative and Country Director for Bhutan, reaffirmed UNFPA’s dedication to fostering demographic resilience. She stated, “This course is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about shaping the future. India is at a demographic turning point, and the decisions today will define India tomorrow. By equipping policymakers with the tools to turn demographic trends into opportunities, India can carve a path to sustainable development.”

 Shri Jagadananda, Co-Founder and Mentor, CYSD, shared the vision behind the course, stating, “While CYSD has focused on Odisha’s demographic challenges, we recognized that these issues have national relevance. By partnering with UNFPA and IIPA, we aimed to create a course that offers valuable insights for crafting policies that are inclusive, adaptable, and responsive to the diverse needs of India’s evolving society.”-

 This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to the principles of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), advocating for rights-based population policies, gender equality, universal access to healthcare, and sustainable development.

 With its broad reach and focus on capacity-building, the course is poised to become a transformative tool in shaping a responsive and future-ready public administration.

LISSUN Eyes Major Expansion, Aims for 40+ ‘Sunshine by LISSUN’ Centres in 2025

21st January 2025, Gurugram, Haryana, India: LISSUN, one of India’s leading mental health platforms, today announced its ambitious plans to expand Sunshine by LISSUN, a specialized division focused on child development and therapy services. Currently operating nine centers, Sunshine is on track to expand to 40+ centers and reach8000+ children by the end of 2025. This expansion is part of LISSUN’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable services to children with developmental delays and special needs and helping them with issues like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Learning Disabilities.

Sunshine by LISSUN offers a wide range of services, including diagnostic evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and rehabilitation programs. Its multidisciplinary approach, which includes child psychologists, special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral therapists, ensures comprehensive care. These experts collaborate to offer services like IQ assessments, ADHD evaluations, autism screenings, and psychological counseling. In keeping with LISSUN’s innovative approach, Sunshine operates on a phygital (physical + digital) model, integrating advanced technology with top-tier physical infrastructure to deliver holistic, accessible care to children and their families.

As of January 2025, Sunshine by LISSUN operates in 13 centers across key cities in India, including East Patel Nagar, East of Kailash, and Pitampura in Delhi; Indirapuram in Ghaziabad; Sector 51 & Old Gurugram in Gurugram; Gomti Nagar and Aashiyana in Lucknow; and Magarpatta, Viman Nagar and Hadapsar in Pune, Gachibowli in Hyderabad and Domlur in Bangalore. LISSUN plans to strategically expand Sunshine to 40+ centers by the end of 2025, with a focus on metropolitan areas, educational hubs, and underserved regions. The new centers will target cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Mumbai, where the demand for child developmental and mental health services is growing. Additionally, the expansion will prioritize cities with a high concentration of schools and educational institutions, facilitating partnerships and referral networks. LISSUN also aims to enter underserved areas in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where access to quality child developmental services remains limited.

Tarun Gupta, Co-founder of LISSUN, shared his vision for the expansion, stating, “At LISSUN, our vision is to create a society where every child has access to the best developmental care possible. With Sunshine by LISSUN, we have worked tirelessly to build a robust, compassionate model of care for children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Our goal of expanding to 40 centers by 2025 is part of our broader mission to bridge the gap in access to child mental health services across India. This journey will help us positively impact the lives of thousands of children and support their developmental journey with empathy and excellence.”

The expansion of Sunshine is being fueled by the $2.5 million Pre-Series A funding that LISSUN recently secured, led by RPSG Capital Ventures, and other new and existing investors, including Multiply Ventures, Airium Angels, Ivycap Ventures, Rainmatter, and Sucseed Ventures. The capital will be used to establish modern facilities, hire skilled professionals, and enhance technological capabilities. As part of its expansion strategy, Sunshine by LISSUN will also incorporate several differentiators in its upcoming centers. Parents will be able to use digital tools to manage appointments, track therapy progress, and receive real-time updates on their child’s development. The new centers will also leverage data analytics to provide personalized, outcome-based therapy plans, ensuring that each child receives the highest quality care. In addition, LISSUN plans to integrate AI-powered tools such as chatbots to provide 24/7 support and personalized content recommendations for parents.

Looking beyond its 2025 goal, LISSUN envisions Sunshine reaching over 10,000 children by 2026. The mental health platform is also exploring international expansion, aiming to introduce its child developmental care model to global markets with high demand for such services. LISSUN is committed to establishing itself as a thought leader in the child development sector through active participation in global forums, conducting research, and advocating for policies that promote child mental health.

AGI Greenpac Q3 FY25: EBITDA Rises 20 Percent, PAT Up 35 Percent

India, January 21, 2025: AGI Greenpac Limited, a focused Packaging Products company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ending December 31st, 2024.

The Company’s Revenue from Operations was ₹658 crore. EBITDA stood at ₹185 crore, a 20% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase from ₹153 crore in Q3 FY24, representing a 28% margin. Profit after Tax (PAT) increased by 35% Y-o-Y to ₹91 crore, up from ₹67 crore in the same period last year.

In the first nine months of FY25, the Company reported Revenue from Operations of ₹1,824 crore. EBITDA was ₹497 crore, a 15% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase with a 27% margin, compared to ₹432 crore in the corresponding period last year. Profit after Tax (PAT) grew 21% Y-o-Y to ₹226 crore, compared to ₹187 crore in the corresponding period last year.

The company demonstrated exceptional financial results in Q3FY25, through a combination of strategic initiatives. These include rigorous cost management, a focus on optimizing the product portfolio by adding higher-margin offerings and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman and Managing Director, AGI Greenpac Limited said, “AGI Greenpac’s strong Q3 FY25 results demonstrate the dedication of our team and the effectiveness of our strategy. We are committed to disciplined cost management, continuous product portfolio optimization, and nurturing strong customer relationships. We are confident in our ability to maintain this momentum and drive continued growth.”

TÜV SÜD Inaugurates E-Mobility Training Laboratory in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India. TÜV SÜD South Asia, a leading certification, testing, auditing, inspection, and training company and the wholly owned subsidiary of TÜV SÜD Group, Germany, announced the launch of the E-Mobility TrainingMobile Lab. This initiative aims to provide advanced, hands-on training opportunities for technicians, engineers, and first responders, equipping them with essential skills to safely handle high-voltage systems in the rapidly evolvingElectric Vehicle (EV) industry.

The ‘TÜV SÜD E-Mobility Training Mobile Lab’ was inaugurated at the hands of Mr. Simon Lemin, CEO, TÜV SÜD South Asia, Mr. Vishal Nerurkar, Senior Vice President – Business Assurance, TÜV SÜD South Asia, Mr. Robert Kees, CEO, TÜV SÜD Business Assurance Division and Mr. Jorg Schemat, Head of BU Academy and CEO of TÜV SÜD Akademie GmbH.

TÜV SÜD offers a range of EV training programs, including the E-Mobility Course Level 1: Safe Handling of High Voltage Systems in Motor Vehicle, E-Mobility Course Level 2: Qualified Electrician for HV Systems in Motor Vehicle, and E-Mobility Course Level 3: Live Working for Qualified Electrician for HV Systems in Motor Vehicle. These programs benefit participants by enhancing their expertise in high-voltage safety, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and providing a thorough understanding of the integration of components within EV. Through the training, participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge to assess and implement risk mitigation strategies. The E-Mobility Training Mobile Lab supports both organisations lacking EV infrastructure and individuals seeking to advance their e-mobility knowledge in the evolving automotive landscape.

“The launch of our E-Mobility Training Laboratory represents a significant step forward in advancing the skills and safety standards of professionals in the e-mobility sector,” said Mr. Simon Lemin, Chief Executive Officer, TÜV SÜD South Asia. “We are proud to empower organisations and individuals through practical training solutions that deliver real-world, hands-on experience with high-voltage systems, fostering both knowledge and skill development.”

TÜV SÜD South Asia has been catering to the learning needs of professionals in India, Bangladesh, and other English-speaking countries for over two decades. With more than 300 training topics,these training programs are designed and developed by industry experts with the goal of equipping learners with the latest information, technologies, and real-world use cases, while enhancing their ability to apply this knowledge effectively in a dynamic business environment.

By providing cutting-edge training opportunities, TÜV SÜD continues to play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of e-mobility solutions and fostering a safer, more sustainable future.

IDFC FIRST Bank Launches all new FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card

21 January 2025, Mumbai: IDFC FIRST Bank, in partnership with RuPay, a global card payment network from India, proudly announces the launch of the UPI enabled RuPay Credit Card called – FIRST EA₹N. This credit card is backed by a Fixed Deposit and hence everyone is eligible to instantly avail this unique credit card, online. It also offers cashback on UPI payments thus making the product rewarding for users.

What sets it apart is that the Fixed Deposit creation is seamlessly integrated within the credit card application for all customers. Thus customers get an unmatched opportunity to avail credit on UPI, earn rewards, and simultaneously earn attractive interest rates on Fixed Deposits.

In addition to its inclusive approach, the card’s seamless integration with UPI opens a world of possibilities, offering universal access to over 60 million UPI-enabled merchants across India. With every UPI spend, customers earn up to 1% cashback, making every transaction rewarding.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card, specifically designed for first time Credit Card users as a gateway product to the financial services world said Mr. Shirish Bhandari, Head- Credit Cards, FASTag and Loyalty, at IDFC FIRST Bank”.

He further added, “This fixed deposit-backed credit card is available online and instantly makes everyday UPI payments super rewarding with a simple 1% cashback credited automatically to the card account. It inherently offers efficient money savings and growth with the linked interest-earning Fixed deposit- building credit, investment, and financial health together. It continues our philosophy of customer centricity in product conception and design – #getmorefromyourbank.”

Speaking on the development, Mr. Rajeeth Pillai, Chief of Relationship Management, NPCI said, “We are happy to launch FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card in partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank. This UPI-enabled virtual credit card is designed to make transactions both convenient and highly rewarding for cardholders. Through this offering, we are further enhancing credit accessibility while delivering greater value to users.”

Features and Benefits:

• Seamless UPI Integration: The FIRST EA₹N Credit Card is ready for UPI transactions at more than 60 million UPI QR codes
• Instant Card Issuance: Virtual credit card issued instantly with seamless UPI integration for immediate use.
• Maximum availability: This secured credit card requires a fixed deposit and is available to everyone.
•  Cash Back Launch offer: New cardholders on joining get 100% cashback on their first UPI transaction amount upto Rs. 500, within 15 days of card creation. Effectively the first year Fees is paid back as cash back.
•  Cashback Rewards:

 1% cashback on UPI transactions via the IDFC FIRST Bank app.

 0.5% cashback on transactions made through other UPI apps, as well as on insurance, utility bills, and e-commerce purchases.

•  Movie offer: 25% discount up to ₹100 on District by zomato movie tickets.
•  Interest on Fixed Deposit: Earn 7.25% p.a. interest on 1 year 1 day FD.
•  Comprehensive Protection:
•  Complimentary roadside assistance worth ₹1,399.
•  Lost card liability cover of ₹25,000.
•  Personal accident cover of ₹2,00,000.

IDFC FIRST Bank customers can apply for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card through a seamless digital process available on the bank’s website. This continues IDFC FIRST Bank’s commitment to providing unparalleled convenience and innovative products that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Fixderma Elevates Venugopal Nair as Chief Business Officer – OTC

New Delhi, January 21: Fixderma, the popular dermat-prescribed skincare brand is pleased to announce the promotion of Venugopal Nair to Chief Business Officer (CBO) for the OTC Division. Venugopal steps into this new role to lead and drive the growth of the OTC Division across India.

With over two decades of experience in the cosmetic and FMCG sectors, Venugopal has played an instrumental role in launching and scaling several major beauty and personal care brands across India. His passion for evidence-based products has paved the way for creating a strong foothold for some of the biggest beauty brands in the industry.

In his new role at Fixderma India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Venugopal will be responsible for the overall P&L management of the OTC Division on a national scale. His key focus will be to provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction while fostering a high-performance sales culture across the team.

“We are thrilled to announce Venugopal’s well-deserved promotion to CBO-OTC. His extensive experience in the industry along with his deep understanding of the beauty sector, positions him perfectly to drive the continued success and growth of our OTC division. We are excited to see the impact of his leadership in shaping the future of our brand.” said Shaily Mehrotra, Co-Founder and CEO of Fixderma.

On his promotion, Venugopal Nair shared, “In a world inundated with fleeting beauty trends, I believe Fixderma stands out as a beacon of authenticity and scientific integrity, shaping the future of skincare. We are determined to make this brand a force to reckon with in the beauty industry, and I am excited to contribute to this vision.”

Established in 2010, Fixderma is a leading dermatologist prescribed skincare company known for its innovative approach to skin health. Specializing in manufacturing, marketing, and promoting dermatology products, Fixderma has garnered global recognition, exporting to over 40 countries. Their premium skincare range serves as a bridge between prescription-based treatments and over-the-counter cosmetics, addressing various skin issues such as aging, acne, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. With a commitment to quality and efficacy, Fixderma continues to set industry standards, revolutionizing skincare through its results-driven approach and dedication to customer satisfaction.

6th Meghalaya Games Torch Relay Celebrates Unity & Excellence

Mumbai / Jowai, January 21, 2025: The 6th Meghalaya Games 2025, scheduled from January 20th to 25th, 2025, is all set to kick off with a torch relay ceremony that symbolises the anticipation and preparation for the games. The ceremony, which was flagged off on January 17th, 2025, from PA Sangma Stadium in Tura, has entered its final few laps in Jowai and will conclude with the official countdown to the games.

The Meghalaya Games will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, and graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Sports Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Shakliar Warjri, alongside other esteemed dignitaries.

The torch-bearing ceremony of the Meghalaya Games is a powerful catalyst for cultural harmony, promoting unity, inclusivity, diversity, community engagement, cultural exchange, and the preservation of traditional arts. It creates a shared cultural space that goes beyond the realm of sports, contributing to the overall social cohesion and harmony of Meghalaya. The torch transcends cultural, linguistic, and tribal differences. As the torch passes through various districts, it carries the essence of shared aspirations and collective pride, reinforcing the idea that despite diversity, Meghalaya stands united in its pursuit of sporting excellence.

This year’s games will see the participation of over 3500 athletes (the highest among all editions of the Games) competing for 1600 medals across 23 venues, including two venues in Shillong and Laitkor. Notably, for the first time, the games will feature seven para-athletes, four women, and three men who will take part in the para-shooting event (pistol and rifles).

The torch relay ceremony has been making its way across the state, promoting unity and collective pride among the people of Meghalaya. The journey that commenced from PA Sangma Stadium in Tura, by Golfer, Jason Passah, and athlete Himonki Khaii, traversed towards Shillong City in East Khasi Hills where Okitlang Syiemlieh, Constable Meghalaya Police carried the torch and brought to the MUDA complex two-wheeler parking lot in Shillong, where it was displayed for an hour, providing an excellent photo opportunity for enthusiasts, athletes and members of the public. Followed by symbolizing the unity and spirit of the games, the torch made its way to Iungwalieh, Loomkyrwiang, Jowai. The torch will make its way from Thadlaskein and will reach Wahiajer Football Stadium where the Games will be held on January 21st, 2025. As the torch will make its way to the main stage in Wahiajer Stadium, the final torchbearer will hand off the flame, symbolising the passing of the torch to the host city. The final leg of the ceremony will conclude at the Wahiajer Football Stadium, where the games will be held on January 21st, 2025.

SANY India showcases localization excellence at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

Mumbai / Greater Noida, January 20th, 2025: SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, participates at the 2nd edition of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, showcasing its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. With an impressive lineup of localized products and innovations, the company reinforces its dedication to self-reliance, sustainability, and advancing India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

SANY India’s stand at the expo demonstrates the brand’s aggressive localization strategy. Manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Chakan, Pune, these products include critical components such as engines, hydraulic pumps, travel and swing devices, track rollers, and hydraulic cylinders—all sourced and produced domestically. This strategic shift significantly reduces import dependency while boosting local manufacturing capabilities.

Highlighting its commitment to sustainable innovation, SANY India is showcasing advanced electric machinery, including electric mining dump trucks, electric forklifts, and terminal tractors. These eco-friendly solutions reflect the company’s dedication to minimizing environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency across industries.

Aligned with the expo’s theme, “विकसित भारत के विकासरथ” (Viksit Bharat ke Vikasrath), SANY India continues to lead infrastructure development and drive economic progress. By integrating cutting-edge technology with localized manufacturing excellence, SANY India empowers the nation with solutions that promote growth, self-reliance, and sustainability.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Saxena, COO Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, SANY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDIA PVT. LTD, said, “At SANY India, we take immense pride in our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Made in India’ initiatives. The Bharat Construction Equipment Expo 2025 is a platform for us to showcase our localized manufacturing capabilities and eco-friendly solutions that are shaping the future of India’s infrastructure. Our advanced electric machinery and domestically produced components reflect our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and reducing import dependency. Through these efforts, we are empowering industries and contributing to India’s journey toward becoming a global manufacturing hub.”

Visitors can experience SANY India’s innovative products and learn more about the company’s commitment to building a self-reliant India at its pavilion, which stands as a testament to the brand’s vision of contributing to a “Viksit Bharat.”

From Italy to Your Home: Antique Console by The Great Eastern Home

The Great Eastern Home is delighted to unveil an extraordinary piece from its antique collection — a magnificent Italian Console from the late 1800s. This exquisite creation is a celebration of traditional craftsmanship, bringing together the art of fine woodworking and marble detailing to create a masterpiece that transcends time.

The console is adorned with symmetrical carvings that draw inspiration from the natural beauty of shells and plants, capturing the essence of Italian design. Its robust yet elegantly curved legs create a captivating visual balance, showcasing an interplay of opposing volutes. Despite the depth of its intricate carvings, the overall effect is lightness and grace. The scrolling base provides stability, anchoring the entire piece and reflecting the artisan’s exceptional skill.

Adding to its allure is the two-toned polish, which enhances its visual harmony and balances the overall composition. Measuring 56 inches in length, 40.5 inches in height, and 24 inches in depth, this console is a statement piece that blends functionality with artful sophistication.

But this Italian Console is just one gem among many at The Great Eastern Home. The collection features an array of rare and extraordinary furniture, each telling its own unique story. From intricately carved cabinets to elegantly upholstered seating, every piece invites you to explore a world of timeless elegance and impeccable design.

Visit The Great Eastern Home to explore not just this stunning Italian Console, but a world of antique treasures and contemporary classics that promise to transform your living spaces into a haven of luxury and refinement.