Category Archives: Business

Shefali Shah partners with Flourish to celebrate Mindful Living and Timeless Craftsmanship

National, January 18th 2025:

Acclaimed actor Shefali Shah has joined hands with Flourish, a brand committed to reviving traditional craftsmanship and promoting mindful living through exquisite home decor. This association reflects Shefali’s deep-rooted passion for sustainability and her love for thoughtfully crafted pieces that elevate a house into a warm, inviting home.

Flourish, a producer-owned e-commerce platform is known for blending heritage with functionality, offering an array of products that include handwoven apparel, handcrafted jewelry, and sustainable-artisanal home decor. The brand’s mission to promote conscious consumption resonates deeply with Shefali, who has crafted a warm, inviting space that reflects her values.

Shefali Shah shared her experience in an Instagram post, saying, “Home is where we find comfort in the little things—a cozy throw, a beautifully handcrafted cushion, or even the cup that holds your morning coffee. Flourish is a brand that believes in mindful choices and celebrates traditional craftsmanship through thoughtful home decor. Every piece, from textiles to tableware, adds a touch of warmth and heritage to my space.”

Flourish X Shefali Shah: A Story of Mindful Choices

The partnership comes to life through an exclusive Instagram post featuring Shefali in her thoughtfully curated home. The reel, titled “Flourish Your Space, Flourish Your Life,” beautifully captures moments of Shefali enjoying the simple joys of home. From journaling in a serene corner to arranging vibrant, upcycled coasters and lighting a T-light in a handcrafted sherpai bowl, each scene showcases how Flourish’s products enhance her daily life.

In the video, Shefali narrates, “My home tells a story—a reflection of my choices, my growth, and the life I’ve crafted. I used to think sustainability was complicated. These upcycled plastic coasters showed me it’s about simple, mindful steps.”

Commenting on the association with her, Pragati Tripathi, COO at Flourish said, “Shefali Shah truly personifies mindful living, effortlessly weaving sustainability into her everyday moments. Her collaboration with Flourish beautifully showcases how thoughtful choices can create a home that is both elegant and conscious, inspiring many to embrace a more intentional lifestyle”.

United Way Bengaluru Partners with GE India to Support Women’s Livelihoods through e-Autos

January 17, 2025: In a significant move towards empowering marginalized women, United Way Bengaluru with financial support from GE India Industrial Pvt Ltd (GEIIPL), a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for aviation aircraft, has distributed six e-autos, each equipped with a smartphone, to distressed women from marginalized communities.

The announcement was made through an event that took place at the Office of the Commissioner of Police in the presence of Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner, Shri B. Dayananda, IPS, along with Sanjeev Jha, India Volunteering Leader, GE Aerospace and Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru.

Supported by Parihar, an initiative from the Bengaluru City Commissioner’s Office, this program is dedicated to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women from vulnerable communities. It offers training to equip these women with the skills needed to operate e-auto and partner with cab aggregators. Each e-auto is fitted with a smartphone to efficiently manage ride requests through aggregator apps. The eco-friendly transport helps to reduce air pollution, lower carbon emissions, and decrease noise levels in Bengaluru’s urban areas.

“Our long-standing collaboration with GE has been instrumental, and this is yet another program we are privileged to partner with. The E-auto program will empower women to take charge of their lives and earn a livelihood for themselves,” – said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

“At GE Aerospace, we are committed to supporting community initiatives that bring meaningful change for the society. The E-auto program in partnership with the Bengaluru City Commissioner’s Office and United Way Bengaluru is a significant stride towards livelihood generation for women with dignity and respect,” said Sanjeev Jha from GE Aerospace.

This initiative showcases the strength of Public-Private Partnerships in creating meaningful change. By empowering marginalized women with the support of GEIIPL through United Way Bengaluru, and promoting eco-friendly mobility, we are driving both social and environmental progress for a better Bengaluru.” said Sri B. Dayananda, IPS, Police Commissioner, Bengaluru

Mukuru Launches Mobile Wallet in Zimbabwe to Bolster Financial Inclusion

Jan 17, 2025 Harare, Zimbabwe

Next-generation financial services platform Mukuru (www.mukuru.com) has launched a mobile wallet in Zimbabwe called Mukuru Wallet. The secure digital store of value follows Mukuru’s award of a Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution (DTMFI) licence in Zimbabwe by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Building on Mukuru’s trusted capabilities, which support more than three-million Zimbabwean customers, the wallet has several benefits, including its standout features: two pockets that allow users to send and receive money locally and internationally from mobile phones, safe storage of funds as well as a free cashout on international transfers.

Marc Carrie-Wilson, Mukuru Send Money Home Zimbabwe CEO

Marc Carrie-Wilson, Send Money Home Zimbabwe CEO says, “The Mukuru Wallet is a significant development in the country because we have built a reputable brand by consistently ensuring cash availability when needed. To avoid disappointing people who travel long distances to receive their remittances which they use for food, school fees and other essential services, we now have 250 of our own service points. With a network stretching across urban and rural areas, we can reach more people than ever, providing constant cash availability and valuable digital solutions, such as the Mukuru Wallet, to the underserved communities.”

Doug Tait-Knight, Mukuru Zimbabwe Financial Services CEO

Mukuru Zimbabwe Financial Services CEO, Doug Tait-Knight, says, “Mukuru takes its role as a fintech driving financial inclusion seriously. With this wallet, we tap into our strength which lies in our robust network and technology, as well as our crispy notes that are always available, making this an exciting moment in our evolution in Zimbabwe.

“The wallet environment enables us to start providing additional value such as allowing more affordable domestic money transfers, supporting safety by eliminating the need for customers to walk around with large sums of money, and providing convenience and cost savings, such as paying for electricity, buying airtime, settling DSTV bills and paying for insurance from their couch. Our use of multiple channels also ensures accessibility for our customers,” explains Tait-Knight.

While currently focusing on private end users, soon organisations will be able to partner with Mukuru to make use of its local capabilities and global footprint to facilitate payments, such as distributing money to farmers, supporting payroll for small businesses and securing traceable aid distributions. Various organisations such as Cottco and the United Nations, through the World Food Programme, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) already partner with Mukuru.

Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s Enterprise Sales Manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia

Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s Enterprise Sales Manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia, added, “Our success in the end-user sector has enabled us to set in motion plans to enter the business sector. Whether it is for tobacco or cotton, payments made to farmers are often large sums of money. The Mukuru Wallet will make receiving these large sums of money far safer because beneficiaries won’t need to draw all their cash at the same time.”

“We have a mandate to educate the market based on trends we see, and with this wallet, we are reaching out to both organisations and individuals and giving them peace of mind to know their funds will be safe and can be collected at any time. They can draw an amount that suits them with full confidence the cash will be available wherever they are, whenever they need it,” says Nyakotyo.

GEMS Education Launches One of the Finest Schools in the World with School of Research and Innovation

GEMS Education today announces the launch of its most innovative school to date, GEMS School of Research and Innovation, set to open its doors in August 2025 to take its place among the finest schools in the world. The purpose-built English curriculum school seamlessly blends world-class teaching, cutting-edge facilities, and purposeful innovation that will create an unprecedented learning experience for students.

School of Research & Innovation-Aerial View

Designed as a global hub for educational research, the school optimises education through hand-picked specialist teachers, the transformative power of artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and values-led education. Placing wellbeing and happiness at the heart of its mission, the school breaks traditional boundaries to deliver a truly holistic education experience.

The new school has already been endorsed by a string of highly respected figures in British education, including Amanda Spielman, who served as His Majesty’s Inspector for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED) from 2017-2023.

Additionally, Julie Young, a highly renowned educator, innovator, and visionary leader from Arizona State University known for her expertise in school design for diverse educational models, including virtual, blended, and technology-enhanced learning, has also given the new school her full endorsement.

Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education and The Varkey Foundation, said, “We believe in empowering the next generation to shape a better world. GEMS School of Research and Innovation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional education based on our 65 years of experience.

“By combining the very best hand-picked educators recruited from the UK and around the world with cutting-edge technology and unmatched facilities, we are creating a unique school where every student has the opportunity to thrive and innovate, leveraging their own innate curiosity.”

At the core of the school’s philosophy are its values, which nurture students to be pioneering, empathetic, and prepared to address global challenges with care and purpose. The school’s Family First movement strengthens this approach, fostering close collaboration with parents to uphold strong family values.

Every element of the school has been meticulously crafted to provide an enhanced sensory experience. From dedicated reading and play spaces to state-of-the-art STEM and disruption labs, the environment is designed to inspire creativity and foster critical thinking.

Specialist primary spaces for technology, design, sports, and the arts, alongside collaborative tech hubs and an immersive research centre, offer unmatched opportunities for young learners to explore and excel.

Lisa Crausby OBE, Chief Education Officer of GEMS Education, said, “This is more than a school – it is a transformative space where education meets innovation. At GEMS School of Research and Innovation, students will benefit from personalised learning experiences, driven by exceptional teachers and enhanced by world-class facilities. We are preparing our students not just for the challenges of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow.”

The enhanced British curriculum is meticulously designed to blend academic excellence with future-focused subjects. Students will engage with computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, esports, and game design from an early age while exploring specialist languages, arts, sports, engineering, and business.

RRP Electronics enters into strategic alliance with US-based Deca Technologies

Mumbai, January 17, 2025: RRP Electronics Limited, a leading player in the semiconductor industry and backed by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has entered into a strategic alliance with US-based Deca Technologies, Inc. (Deca), to enhance its semiconductor capabilities. Under the alliance, RRP Electronics – a firm focused on assembling and testing of semiconductor components – will utilise Deca’s cutting-edge wafer-level packaging solutions to enhance its semiconductor capabilities. RRP will integrate Deca’s WLCSP and M-Series™ FOWLP technologies with the company’s assembly and testing processes. Deca, a leading technology development and licensing company in the advanced packaging industry, is backed by major industry investors such as Qualcomm, Infineon, and ASE Group.

Currently, RRP is collaborating on a high-profile project for a Swiss customer, focused on the production of sophisticated ASICs in QFN packages, further demonstrating commitment to excellence and innovation in the electronics sector.

Commenting on the alliance, Rajendra K Chodankar, Chairman and CEO, RRP Electronics said, “We are prepared to invest in a large-scale Technology Transfer License Agreement (TTLA) with potential exclusive terms for the complete automated infrastructure and take this alliance beyond horizons. The present infrastructure will also significantly contribute to the Deca ecosystem. We envisage the set up functional operations after a qualification test in August 2025. This collaboration has the potential to generate revenue of over USD 30 million (about ₹260 crore) in the second year of operation, with quantum jumps in subsequent years.”

Tim Olson, Founder and CEO of Deca said, “We are excited to be an integral part of India’s exciting journey to become a prominent player in the growing global semi-conductor industry. I am deeply impressed by the focus of the RRP Electronics team and believe that the relationship with Deca will accelerate their ambitious plans.”

RRP Electronics is developing Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) initiative with a total investment of ₹24,000 crore. The OSAT initiative aims to establish a state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing and assembly facility in Maharashtra. RRP Electronics is being supported by the Government of Maharashtra to foster technological advancements and economic growth in the region. In September 2024, RRP inaugurated its cutting-edge facility featuring the latest in advanced manufacturing equipment. This project is expected to create about 4,000 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy and positioning Maharashtra as a key player in the global semiconductor market.

PM POSHAN, Assam Takes Exemplary Steps to Combat Malnutrition and Develop Nutritional Status of School Children in Collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust

Malnutrition remains a significant barrier to the proper growth and development of children. The Government of Assam is deeply committed to improving the nutritional status of children, enabling them to pursue proper education and unlock their full potential.

Under the PM POSHAN initiative in Assam, numerous exemplary steps have been taken to address malnutrition among children studying in Ka-shreni to Class VIII. These efforts aim to ensure better health and learning outcomes. Key initiatives include:

• Sampriti Bhojan: A community-driven program where local members voluntarily contribute food items to schools on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and national importance days.
• Additional Egg Provision: Weekly provision of two extra eggs for children in government schools located in Tea Garden and Char/Chapori areas to improve their nutritional intake.

 Recognizing that many children worldwide, including in Assam, attend school hungry, the State Government has intensified its focus on alleviating malnutrition and ensuring that children have the nutrition they need to thrive.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust under the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission has joined hands with PM POSHAN, Assam. Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust nourishes over 10 million schoolchildren across 143,000 schools in India and abroad, providing essential nutrients for their growth and development.

At the core of this partnership a Multi Nutrient drink which is scientifically formulated will be provided to the students of Assam. When this powder is mixed withwater and jaggery delivers around 50% of a child’s Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), ensuring their essential nutritional needs are met.

As part of this collaboration, PM POSHAN, Assam has decided to provide a glass of multi-nutrient drink every morning to children in Government schools in Tea Garden and SC/ST dominated areas on pilot basis during the year 2024-25. The drink will be prepared using 10 grams of SaiSure Ragi mixed with 10 grams of jaggery, yielding 250 ml of a nutritious beverage that can be served to two children.

This pilot initiative, launched on January 9, 2025, under PM POSHAN in convergence with the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, marks a significant step forward in addressing malnutrition. It is anticipated that this intervention will:

• Eradicate malnutrition among school-going children.
• Improve children’s overall health and well-being.
• Reduce school dropout rates in underserved communities.

 By serving SaiSure multi nutrient drink mixed with jaggery, the Government of Assam is laying the foundation for a brighter, healthier generation of students, committed to holistic development and education for all.

In-Line with Global Trends: Juice Cosmetics on the path to redefine beauty for 2025

Back in October 2024, ‘Wish A Color, We Deliver’ was a contest held by Juice Cosmetics to celebrate the milestone of a decade of excellence in the beauty industry and showcase the creativity of participants from across India. Ms. Agriti Khurana was crowned as the Face of Juice for her winning nail polish shade, ‘Agriti’s Latte. In a delightful turn of events, the winning shade from our ‘Wish A Color, We Deliver’ contest, ‘Agriti’s Latte,’ bears a remarkable similarity to the color that has gained prominence for 2025. Agriti wished, Juice Cosmetics delivered, and the world chose! This beautiful alignment underscores their ability to intuitively resonate with global beauty trends, reflecting the desires and aesthetics of our community.

Latte is a color representing a meticulously handpicked shade of coffee. Juice cosmetics recognized its warm hue that closely mirrors the rich, comforting tones of freshly brewed coffee, offering a sophisticated yet inviting appearance that embodies both elegance and warmth. Interestingly, this color was highlighted long before it aligned with the global color trends, highlighting how Juice Cosmetics’ intuitive approach to beauty resonates with the desires of its community.

Mr. Amrit Kamra, Project Lead at Juice Cosmetics stated: “Agriti’s Latte is a testament to how individual inspiration can resonate universally. It’s heartwarming to see this shade, born out of personal passion, gain widespread recognition and align with global trends. This serendipitous connection is a proud moment for Juice Cosmetics and our community.”

Juice Cosmetics continues to redefine beauty by combining trend-forward designs with a commitment to safety and sustainability. The brand also invites beauty enthusiasts to embrace the Color of the Year as a bold expression of confidence and style. Encasing elegance and quality, Juice calls upon every individual to delve into this journey of re-invention and self-discovery. Stay tuned for more inspiring initiatives and offerings as Juice continues to lead the way in the beauty industry, making every moment a celebration of self-expression.

KRAFTON Unveils ‘Franchise IP’ Strategy to Drive Corporate Value

Bengaluru, 17 January 2025 – KRAFTON, Inc. (CEO CH Kim) announced its 2025 management strategy and mid-to-long-term plans during its company-wide town hall meeting, KRAFTON LIVE TALK (KLT), held on January 16.

Marking the company’s 113th KLT, KRAFTON CEO CH Kim shared his vision under the theme of ‘KRAFTON’s Next 5 Years: Franchise IP.’ With this, Kim set his mid-to-long-term goal to secure a ‘Big Franchise IP’ and highlighted three key strategies towards growth: Increase of investment in first-party production, Expansion of publishing volume, and Optimization of resource allocation.

Increase of Investment in First-Party Production

KRAFTON plans to significantly boost investment in first-party production to secure original and competitive franchise IPs. Focusing on its 14 creative studios, the company aims to enhance its pipeline of new releases, secure top talent, and further specialize its development capabilities. These efforts are designed to create franchise IPs that are scalable with a high potential to succeed.

Expansion of Publishing Volume

In terms of publishing, KRAFTON aims to transform both quantity and quality of its IPs to grow user base and revenue. The company plans to leverage its accumulated expertise and capabilities to build core Franchise IPs, while releasing multiple new titles to the market. On its journey towards diversification, KRAFTON intends to adopt various approaches such as Second Party Publishing (2PP) and licensing. Additionally, the company will expand its platforms (e.g., PC, mobile, console), as well as strengthen its global publishing capabilities to enhance market competitiveness.

Optimization of Resource Allocation

KRAFTON plans to evolve its studio management system to reach its mid-to-long-term objectives and sustainable growth. By efficiently allocating resources throughout the entire development process, from creative discovery to production and commercialization, the company aims to maximize the potential of highly competitive IPs.

“Our new titles will officially launch starting this year,” said CH Kim. “We are committed to securing a new ‘Big Franchise IP’ that builds on the success of ‘PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS’ and look forward to driving exponential growth in corporate value through this step-by-step approach.”

Equirus Welcomes Ronak Modi as Director, Head of Strategy and Finance

Mumbai, 17th January 2025: Equirus is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronak Modi as Director, Head of Strategy and Finance. Ronak brings over 13 years of rich and diverse experience across leading organizations, including Ananta Capital, Zomato Ltd, Jindal Poly Films Ltd, Bajaj Consumer Care Limited, and Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.

In his new role, Ronak will spearhead strategic initiatives and financial planning, working closely with the leadership team to drive growth and innovation.

A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Ronak further honed his expertise by completing an Executive MBA from the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB). His extensive background and dynamic leadership approach make him a valuable addition to the Equirus team.

Ronak’s appointment underscores Equirus’ commitment to strengthening its leadership team and advancing its mission to create long-term value for clients and partners.

Siddharth Vihar: The New Address for Premium Luxury Living in NCR

Jan 16, 2025 Delhi NCR, India

The rising demand for luxury homes in Delhi-NCR has sparked the search for new ideal locations that offer a blend of convenience, modern amenities, and upscale living. As buyers increasingly seek well-connected and thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, the spotlight shifts toward emerging areas that promise unparalleled value and lifestyle benefits. Amidst this search, Siddharth Vihar in Ghaziabad is rapidly carving a niche as the new address for premium luxury living. With its strategic location and high-end residential developments, Siddharth Vihar is gaining recognition as a promising luxury hotspot in NCR.

Positioned along the NH-24 and seamlessly connected to the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Siddharth Vihar offers the perfect balance of urban accessibility and tranquil surroundings. One of its most compelling features is exceptional connectivity that ensures seamless access to key NCR cities such as Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida. Further, the proposed RRTS elevates Siddharth Vihar’s convenience quotient. Starting from Siddharth Vihar in Ghaziabad, the line will extend to Greater Noida West, Alpha One, and Noida International Airport. Once operational, the metro connectivity will drastically improve the city’s accessibility to major hubs, making the area even more attractive to homebuyers seeking efficient public transportation options.

Over the last couple of years, Ghaziabad has seen significant launches in the luxury housing segment. According to a report by PropEquity, between 2019 and September 2024, Ghaziabad witnessed a new supply jump by 14% and a capital appreciation of 139% from Rs. 3691 per sq. ft. to Rs.8823 per sq. ft. This pricing advantage allows homebuyers to access premium luxury residences without the hefty price tags often associated with traditional luxury markets, making Siddharth Vihar an attractive proposition for luxury living. Moreover, when compared to other parts of NCR, Siddharth Vihar is fast catching up with the interest of investors and end-users for luxury homes. Additionally, the upcoming Noida International Airport is set to be a massive boost for real estate demand in surrounding areas. Thus, with the area witnessing rapid appreciation over the past few years, investors can expect substantial capital gains in the future.

Besides, the residential landscape in Siddharth Vihar showcases a blend of modern architecture, sustainable designs, and premium amenities. Developers are focusing on creating world-class homes that offer spacious layouts, contemporary designs, and eco-friendly features. Among the standout developments is Prateek Grand Begonia, the latest offering from the renowned Prateek Group. Recently launched, the project is witnessing heightened interest from buyers and investors. It features thoughtfully curated theme-based design, combining colonial architecture with grand arches, elegant sculptures, and lush green landscapes. Positioned along the NH-24 corridor, this development promises an unmatched lifestyle experience for residents while offering immense potential for long-term appreciation.

Siddharth Vihar is enriched with social infrastructure, offering an excellent mix of educational, healthcare, and recreational facilities. The area is home to reputed schools that cater to families looking for quality education for their children. World-class healthcare facilities are within close reach, ensuring easy access to medical care.

Siddharth Vihar’s rapid transformation into a luxury living hub is driven by exceptional connectivity, well-planned infrastructure, and a surge in luxury housing projects. Due to its strategic positioning and upcoming infrastructure projects, it promises to continue its trajectory of growth, with further appreciation in property values expected. This offers a unique opportunity for investors and homebuyers to secure a foothold in one of NCR’s most sought-after regions for luxury real estate.