Category Archives: Business

Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy Visits Bosch Stall at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

(Left – Right) Mr. Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited & President, Mobility Solutions, Bosch India, Mr. Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited, with Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister (HI & Steel), at the Bosch stall at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Shri Kumaraswamy had a firsthand experience of the Hydrogen powered demonstrator vehicle witnessing the technology’s potential to decarbonize transportation and transform commercial mobility with cleaner solutions.

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HDFC ERGO’s Road Safety Awareness Campaign Aims to Foster Responsible Driving on the Roads

India, 2025: HDFC ERGO General Insurance, India’s leading non-life insurance company, has launched #GalatRaastePeMatJao, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with unsafe driving practices and promoting responsible road usage.

 Indian roads have been witnessing a large number of deaths and serious injuries due to accidents caused by various factors such as over speeding, mobile phone usage, reckless driving, etc. Alarmingly, over 4.60 lakh road accidents happened in the country in 2022 in which over 4.40 lakh individuals got injured.

 To address these concerns, HDFC ERGO has unveiled a campaign titled #GalatRaastePeMatJao, to create awareness metaphorically and urge individuals to avoid unsafe practices like using mobile phones while driving, over-speeding, and other risky behaviours, thus motivating people to be responsible on roads.

 Aligned with this campaign, the Company is also distributing car danglers across select network of cashless garages across the country. These car danglers, with important road safety messages, aims to serve as reminders to the vehicle owners to follow safety measures, while they are driving.

 Speaking about the need of road safety week, Parthanil Ghosh, Director and Chief Business Officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, said, “Road crash casualties lead to tremendous emotional and financial turmoil for families. Additionally, it also significantly denting the Indian GDP, to the tune of 3% to 5% annually. As per the latest Global Status Report on Road Safety by WHO, road traffic crash numbers continue to rise in India. Sadly, young people from 18-45 age-group accounted for around 65% of total accident deaths in 2022. Road accidents are caused by various factors, with the use of mobile phones accounted for over 2% of the deaths with drunken driving accounted for over 2.5% of the persons killed in 2018. As a responsible corporate citizen, at HDFC ERGO we have always taken initiatives that can contribute towards building a Healthy and Safe India. Through #GalatRaastePeMatJao, we aim to raise awareness about the profound impact of unsafe driving habits and foster a culture of responsible road behaviour.”

 HDFC ERGO has launched various campaigns to propel the idea of road safety such as #TakeItEasyonRoads in 2015, a social media campaign to spread awareness on the impact of distracted driving, which is one of the key reasons for road accidents; Do Not Disturb an awareness campaign in 2018 around various reasons that lead to road accidents and #EyesOnTheRoad to raise awareness on the importance of being focused on the road.

 In 2020, the company also launched High beam – not OK please radio campaign, addressing the misuse of the high beam while driving and #KyaYehChaltaHai, highlighting the casual attitude of people towards Road Safety and encouraged the audience to obey even all traffic rules, no matter how small they are. Reinforcing its commitment to drive road safety, the company launched #RoadSafetyKiZimmedariHamari in 2021, highlighting the importance of working collectively towards road safety and #SadakSurakshaJeevanSuraksha in 2022 to raise awareness on various aspects of road safety that can prove to be dangerous, if not followed carefully.

New Soil and Leaf Testing Lab by Coromandel International in Kakinada Aims to Enhance Sustainable Agriculture

New Delhi, January 20, 2025: Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading agri-inputs company, has inaugurated an advanced Soil and Leaf Testing Laboratory at its plant in Kakinada. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, this facility is designed to provide precise soil and plant nutrient analysis, helping farmers across India better understand their soil and its nutrient composition. This empowers them to make informed decisions on agri-input usage, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while safeguarding soil health for future generations.

The hi-tech laboratory was inaugurated by Mr. Arun Alagappan, Executive Chairman of Coromandel International Limited, along with Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, in the presence of other senior leadership team.

The laboratory features advanced equipment such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), which provides precise detection of essential soil and plant nutrients; Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) which enables detailed leaf nutrient analysis. Other advanced technologies present at the lab include spectrophotometers, microwave digesters, and near-infrared spectrometers, ensure comprehensive and precise testing capabilities. These tools provide farmers with valuable insights into soil health and nutrient availability, allowing them to adopt precise agricultural practices that optimize fertilizer usage. By addressing nutrient deficiencies, improving crop yields, and minimizing unnecessary input costs, the laboratory supports long-term soil health and sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Coromandel International Ltd., emphasized Coromandel’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. He said, “We are focused on empowering farmers with the tools to optimize productivity and sustainability. By offering soil and leaf test-based fertilizer recommendations, we help farmers make informed, tailored decisions for specific crops, regions, and seasons. This first-of-its-kind laboratory will change the game for farmers in being able to predict better outcomes through the precise nutrient insights.”

Terribly Tiny Tales Unveils ‘Baat Pakki: A Wedding Season Web Show Featuring Apoorva

Mumbai, 20th January 2025 – Collective Artists Network’s Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT), India’s premier storytelling platform, is thrilled to announce Baat Pakki, a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the chaos and charm of the Indian wedding season. The series marks the YouTube web show debut of India’s digital star Apoorva, popularly known as The Rebel Kid. Known for her infectious energy, bold persona, and relatability, Apoorva has built a strong connection with audiences through her dynamic digital presence. Now, she steps into a new realm of storytelling, bringing her signature charm and authenticity to this vibrant and emotional narrative.

Anuj Gosalia, Founder and CEO of Terribly Tiny Tales commented, “With Baat Pakki, we are embracing the exciting possibilities of short-form video storytelling. The format allows us to craft impactful, culturally resonant narratives that fit seamlessly into the lives of our modern audiences. Baat Pakki is the perfect start to this journey, blending TTT’s storytelling expertise with the vibrant energy of India’s most loved digital star, The Rebel Kid. This is storytelling reimagined for a new generation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring it to life.”

Baat Pakki will be a 5-episode series released over two weeks on TTT’s YouTube Channel. It explores the relatable, funny, and emotional moments that make wedding season so memorable, with plenty of drama along the way. The show has partnered with Himalaya Wellness Company and Manyavar Mohey as associate partners, and Gillette and Philips Garment Steamer as category partners. Additionally, Baat Pakki features four original soundtracks by independent music artists, Akshay & IP, Charan, Tanishq Seth, and Shreya Gupta.

Baat Pakki offers a fresh canvas for The Rebel Kid to showcase her acting chops and connect with fans in an entirely new way. Commenting on her role, Apoorva (The Rebel Kid) said, “I’ve always believed in the power of authentic storytelling, and Baat Pakki feels like a celebration of everything we cherish about weddings in India but with a unique narrative. This being my first YouTube web show, I couldn’t have asked for a better platform or a more incredible team to bring this story to life and it has been an enriching experience. I’m thrilled that my fans will see a new side of me in this role. I have loved connecting with my audience through different media, across formats, and with this project, I am looking forward to bringing to them a new dimension of the Apoorva that they know.”

All the stress, laughter and ridiculous issues that come in the way of the bride-to-be as she prepares for her big day is what Baat Pakki captures over 5 episodes in this season.

ProcureYard Hits Profitability Milestone and Raises Dollar1.72 Million in Seed Round from Powerhouse Ventures

Gurugram, 20th Jan 2025: ProcureYard, a Gurugram and Bengaluru based B2B commerce platform for raw material, founded in 2023 by Anshu Kandhari, Pankaj Bisht, Somdutt Parashar, and Tushar Agarwal has raised a seed round of $1.72 million led by Powerhouse Ventures. The round also saw participation from Java Capital, 2am VC, well known angels Abhishek Goyal, Co-founder, Tracxn and Rajesh Sawhney, Founder, GSF.

The Company has also reached an important milestone of Rs. 300 crore in ARR (Annualised Revenue RunRate) and has turned profitable while growing 6X. ARR is the revenue level reached by a company after 12 months.

The capital raised will be strategically directed towards product development and working capital management. ProcureYard plans to leverage its custom-built conversational AI platform which drove success in metals and replicate it to other raw materials. The Company plans to increase their market presence with their supply chain solutions.

ProcureYard has built a smart procurement platform for EPC contractors to interact, understand their own data and digitize their supply chain. The Company has also launched a multi-lingual voice agent that understands customer enquiries and matches them with the right set of suppliers.

Sri Peddu, General Partner, Powerhouse Ventures, states, “Procureyard is redefining the digital transformation of a traditional, fragmented sector with its vertical AI approach. This is a massive industry plagued by supply chain inefficiencies, and the time is ripe for streamlining procurement processes and delivering unparalleled value to SMEs. Their ability to achieve profitability so early in their journey, coupled with their rapid growth, is a clear indicator of their strong execution capabilities and market demand. With their innovative AI agents already solving critical inefficiencies, we are thrilled to support ProcureYard as they expand into new verticals. The team’s vision and focus on profitability set them apart in a competitive market, and we believe they are well-positioned to become a market leader in this space.”

Anshu Kandhari, Co-founder & CEO, ProcureYard, says “At Procureyard, we’re using technology to revolutionize even the most traditional industries. Our AI agents, designed with deep expertise, deliver unparalleled solutions—helping SMEs find the right suppliers, negotiate deals, forecast finances, and extract actionable insights, all without complex tools. Globally, no one offers vertical AI solutions like ours in B2B raw material procurement, and it’s thrilling to witness the transformative impact on our customers and the industry.”

He further added, “Since our seed funding, we’ve achieved over 6x growth and reached profitability while targeting a $1+ trillion untapped market. As we prepare for Series A, we’re doubling down on scaling our reach, advancing AI solutions for underwriting, lending, and risk mitigation, and continuing to redefine possibilities in this sector.”

Operating across 20+ states, ProcureYard has built a robust network of over 200 suppliers serving more than 200 SMEs in India. The company aims to touch an ARR of Rs. 3,000 crore in the next 12 – 18 months.

ProcureYard is a one stop shop for all supply chain needs for construction, manufacturing and infrastructure companies. The company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, including procurement and sale of construction raw materials, excess inventory liquidation, customization services, logistics management, financing options, and cutting-edge vertical AI solutions for supply chain optimization and customer relationship management.

Shri V.L. Kantha Rao Highlights Innovation and Sustainability in Mining at 64th CGPB Meeting

Bhubaneswar,20th January 2025: The 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) convened at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. The event was chaired by Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Chairman CGPB. Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, and Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, were the other dignitaries gracing the occasion.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the exploration, research, and mining sectors to discuss advancements in geosciences, mineral exploration strategies, and critical challenges. Key discussions focused on mineral resource augmentation, clean energy initiatives, geohazard management, and sustainable development, emphasizing a collaborative approach to emerging priorities.

The proposed Annual Programme of GSI for the ensuing Field Season year 2025-26 was placed before the Board for discussion. For the upcoming year 2025-26, GSI has formulated about 1065 scientific programs, which include 402 Mineral Development projects (G2; G3; G4; and Offshore Explorations) that have the potential to generate auctionable mineral blocks soon. 167 Mineral Discovery Projects (RMT; Research Project; C-MAP; GT; MPA; Multispectral/Hyperspectral projects) have the potential to generate promising areas for future exploration in the G4 stage. Within the exploration activity, a significant focus has been placed on critical mineral exploration, with 227 dedicated projects targeting strategically important mineral commodities such as REE, RM, graphite, lithium, vanadium, and PGE, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year. The field season program of GSI for FS 2025-26 includes 25% of investigations on critical minerals, that entails out of the total budget of GSI, about 300 crores will be spent on critical mineral exploration and investigation.

In addition, GSI has outlined 141 projects under Natural Hazard Studies, Public Good Geoscience, and Fundamental Geoscience for 2025-26. These include projects on landslides, geotechnical studies, polar & glaciology research, climate change, and environmental studies, as well as initiatives in fundamental geoscience. This comprehensive approach reflects GSI’s commitment to disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and scientific innovation.

GSI has initiated 65 geoinformatics projects leveraging cutting-edge AI/ML modeling, legacy data integration, and the deployment of emerging technologies like Magnetotelluric& Heliborn survey to enhance exploration efficiency. A key highlight of the event was the announcement of the Mineral Hunt Techniques Hackathon winners, showcasing start-ups and unicorns employing AI/ML-driven prospectivity analysis to accelerate target, identification of mineral deposit discovery.

Furthermore, several publications, including on the Geology and Mineral Resources of Jharkhand and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and a Geology and Mineral Resource Map of the North Eastern Region were released.

In his address at the 64th CGPB meeting, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines & Chairman, CGPB, emphasized the platform’s vital role in fostering collaboration and advancing geosciences. He outlined key initiatives by the Ministry of Mines, aligned with two significant recent budgetary announcements, on Critical Mineral Mission and Offshore Mining.
Shri Rao highlighted the successful auctioning of 24 critical mineral blocks so far in the year 2024-25 and launch of India’s first-ever auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks. He encouraged exploration agencies to utilize NMET funding to enhance mineral exploration efforts & execution of R&D projects. Shri Rao also stressed the utilization of legacy geological data available in the NGDR portal and underscored new initiatives to issue more exploration licenses, enabling private agencies to contribute to the mineral exploration landscape.

In the technical session of the meeting, the Hackathon winners—namely, the first prize-winning team AMD, the second prize-winning team GSI, and the third prize-winning team IIT-ISM, Dhanbad, presented their algorithms and methodologies for targeting critical minerals using AI/ML tools. These methodologies will be of immense use to GSI in their mineral exploration work by intensive use of AI/ML in the mineral exploration programme. Additionally, the session had presentations on recent changes in guidelines for forest clearance by MoEFCC and recent developments in NGDR.

In the presence of senior officials, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, inaugurated an Exhibition showcasing various exhibits on diverse themes of geoscience, in which GSI, PSUs, private exploration agencies and startups showcased their achievements.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, emphasizing the importance of progress, innovation, and a shared responsibility to shape a brighter future for generations to come.

ASICS Celebrates Mumbai’s Vibrant Culture at the 20th Edition of Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025

Mumbai, India (January 20, 2025) – ASICS, a global Japanese sportswear brand, proudly marks the 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 as the official sports goods partner. This year’s marathon held on January 19th, Sunday showcased the growing enthusiasm for running in India, with over 60,000 on-ground runners and 5,000 virtual participants. The partnership further strengthened ASICS’s presence in the Western market and reinforced its commitment to encouraging active lifestyle and supporting runners of all levels.

The iconic sporting event Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 marks a monumental milestone with its 20th Edition in the city’s long-running association with fitness and running culture. As the official sports goods partner, ASICS is empowering participants with cutting-edge footwear and apparel designed to enhance their performance and elevate the overall marathon experience. From seasoned marathoners to first-time runners, ASICS continues to serve as the brand that propels athletes forward, ensuring they can achieve their personal bests.

ASICS celebrated the remarkable achievement of Sawan Barwal, who emerged as the winner for a half marathon showcasing exceptional performance at this year’s race. ASICS’s commitment to athletic excellence shines through the stellar performances of Sawan Barwal and Harmanjot Singh, who claimed the top two positions backed by the brand’s innovative equipment and continuous support. ASICS’ collaboration with Sawan Barwal, Harmanjot Singh, and Srinu Bugatha epitomizes the brand’s ethos of nurturing talent with innovative gear and unparalleled support, helping them unlock new milestones in their sports journey.

Commenting on this milestone partnership, Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director of ASICS India and South Asia, said, “We are gratified to continue our association with the Tata Mumbai Marathon as the official Sports Goods Partner. This collaboration is a testament to ASICS’s dedication to promoting wellness and an active lifestyle through running. It’s also a great opportunity to engage with our brand athletes like Sawan Barwal, Harmanjot Singh, and Srinu Bugatha, to showcase our innovative performance gear that drives athletic excellence.”

Mr. Anil Singh, Managing Director of Procam International, added, “The partnership between the Tata Mumbai Marathon and ASICS represents a powerful collaboration in promoting athletic excellence and encouraging a culture of fitness across India. Together, we are committed to inspiring individuals to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle, while showcasing ASICS’s innovative sportswear that supports athletes at every level.”

ASICS’s remarkable growth in the running space across regions, solidifying its position as a preferred choice amongst athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. With a diverse range of products tailored with intelligent technology and innovations to meet the needs of runners through initiatives like the ASICS Running Club, brand aims to fostering a supportive and inclusive running community.

Celebrity MasterChef par Nikki Aur Gaurav ki Dushmani: Khaane ko lekar hui Takraar

Starting 27th January, brace yourselves to watch the culinary showdown of the year as Sony Entertainment Television brings viewers an exciting new reality show, “Celebrity MasterChef – Sabki Seeti Bajegi”. This season will air every Monday to Friday at 8 PM, featuring a star-studded lineup, including host Farah Khan, alongside celebrity chef judges Ranveer Brar and Vikas Khanna. Prepare to be entertained as Usha Nadkarni, Gaurav Khanna, Dipika Kakar, Tejasswi Prakash, Chandan Prabhakar, Archana Gautam, Nikki Tamboli, Rajiv Adatia, Abhijeet Sawant, Faisal Shaikh, and Kabita Singh trade their glamorous lives for aprons and chef’s hats, competing for the coveted title of Celebrity MasterChef.

Not just the stove but the atmosphere is also heating up as contestants fiercely fight for the top spot, each wanting to stay safe. The pressure of the high-stakes challenges is bringing out intense rivalries. Disappointment brewed when Nikki and Gaurav were paired for a challenge where only one dish could be presented to the Judges and Farah. Tension escalated as the duo disagreed on which dish to submit for tasting.

Adding to the drama, Nikki said, “Mujhe lagta hai mujhe jaana chahiye” while Gaurav insisted that his dish should be tasted, leading Nikki to dig her heels in and say, “I don’t want to take a risk”. When Farah counseled them saying don’t give up, Nikki and Gaurav spoke within a fraction of each other saying “Exactly” and Nikki taunted Gaurav saying, “Tum copy hi karte raho mera, kyu dala mujhe iske sath.”

Harshvardhan Nawate, KBC’s First Crorepati, Credits Show & Amitabh Bachchan for Life-Changing Impac

Sony Entertainment Television’s beloved game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, is set to celebrate a remarkable milestone—25 glorious years of knowledge, of enabling dreams to become reality, and building moments that are life-changing. The grand celebration kicks off on January 20, with the “Gyan Ka Rajat Mahotsav,” promising nostalgia, excitement, and other unforgettable memories. To make this occasion even more special, the very first crorepati who made history, Harshvardhan Nawathe, joins this iconic episode, reliving his journey and sharing his incredible experience.

Kahani Jeet Ki, a brand-new segment on Kaun Banega Crorepati, brings inspiring stories of victory and transformation. And who better to begin this journey than the first-ever crorepati, Harshvardhan Nawathe! As he steps onto the iconic stage once again, he will be welcomed with a special video showcasing the historic moment when he became the first crorepati, reliving the magic that changed his life forever.

In a heartfelt conversation with Harshvardhan, the megastar Big B asked, “Maanyawar, how does it feel to sit on the hot seat once again?”To this, Harshvardhan replied with a smile, “Sir, this is an entirely new hot seat—it feels different. And for this grand celebration of knowledge, we have a silver jubilee and a silver hot seat. After so many years, being back here feels surreal. Even the set looks different now. Back then, the lighting was different too. Since this morning, I’ve been reliving the emotions of the day I first came here—the anticipation, the anxious wait for the show to start, and the excitement of meeting you, AB Sir. Everything feels the same even today. It’s like I’m back in time, waiting to hear you say, ‘Harshvardhan, the next question is on your computer screen.’ I’m truly reliving that magical day.”

Amitabh Bachchan then asked, “Do you remember what happened on the set when you were declared a crorepati? Of course, we saw in the video the grand shower of confetti, but what was the actual atmosphere like?” With pride, Harshvardhan responded, “I remember every single detail of that day, Sir, and I always will. A person’s identity is defined by their achievements, and for me, this platform was the turning point of my life. The audience felt like my extended family; they were as happy as I was. I still remember people coming up to me—I even gave my first autograph that day. At the time, I didn’t know how to give an autograph, so I signed it the way I did at the bank. Later, a friend advised me to create a unique signature. That’s when I truly realized something extraordinary had happened.”

Harshvardhan further shared another touching memory with Amitabh Bachchan: “One moment stands out vividly, Sir. After I won, during a break, your makeup artist Deepak Dada came for your touch-up, but you told him, ‘Wait, do Harshvardhan’s touch-up as well.’ I was stunned! The person who had been doing your makeup for 50 years was now being asked to do mine too. That was the moment I truly felt my life had transformed. There’s something else I’ll always cherish, Sir. After the show, you invited us for a personal meeting. We talked for a long time, and you gave me advice that I didn’t fully understand at the time but has stayed with me ever since. You said, ‘Harsh, you don’t know what you’ve done, and you must live your life responsibly from now on.’ Back then, I thought I’d just won a quiz show—nothing more. But the very next day, when the media frenzy began, I started to understand the weight of your words. Today, after all these years, I truly understand how valuable that advice was.”

Don’t miss this unforgettable journey of Harshvardhan Nawathe, KBC’s first crorepati, only on Kaun Banega Crorepati – Gyan Ka Rajat Mahotsav, starting 20th January, every Monday – Friday at 9:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television

FedEx Surround Introduces Advanced Logistics Technology in India for Streamlined Operations

Mumbai, January 20, 2025: Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”), the world’s largest express transportation company, has launched FedEx Surround® in India, an advanced monitoring and intervention solution designed to redefine supply chain management. Built on near-real-time visibility, AI-powered predictive analytics, and advanced handling capabilities, FedEx Surround® provides businesses with unmatched shipment visibility, control, and reliability.

FedEx Surround® monitoring and intervention suite offers three service levels—Select, Preferred, and Premium—to cater wide range of industries including healthcare, aerospace, high-tech products, providing critical updates and interventions that ensure the integrity and timely delivery of sensitive shipments.

With FedEx Surround® monitoring and intervention, FedEx provides three key benefits to its customers:

· Flexibility and Control: Surround® dashboard provides near real-time global visibility and predictive analytics using AI, network sensors with add on SenseAware ID.

· Greater Value: Special handling code enhances operational capability, enabling prioritized boarding and handling, cold chain support and in and out of network intervention.

· Peace of Mind: 24×7 expert support ensures proactive monitoring and intervention with dedicated teams at hubs, ramps, and stations, including customized reporting for customers.

“At FedEx, innovation means solving real-world challenges with bold solutions,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, vice president of Marketing and Air Network, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx. “Leveraging AI, machine learning, and data, we’re transforming how businesses navigate their supply chains, making them seamless, efficient, and resilient. FedEx Surround® empowers businesses to proactively address potential disruptions, enhance decision-making, and ensure peace of mind every step of the way.”