Category Archives: Business

IHCL Goa Resorts Joins Forces with Bisleri International on their ‘Bench of Dreams’ Project, Paving the Way for Sustainability and Community Impact

Jan 13, 2025 India

In a landmark initiative that underscores the commitment to sustainability and community well-being, IHCL, Goa resorts have partnered with Bisleri International on their inspiring ‘Bench of Dreams’ project. This collaborative effort aligns seamlessly with IHCL’s forward-thinking Paathya framework, which focuses on sustainability, social impact, and fostering holistic experiences for guests and the larger community.

A Commitment to Sustainability

The partnership between IHCL, Goa and Bisleri International is a shared vision of promoting sustainable future. The ‘Bench of Dreams’ initiative entails the creation and installation of benches made from recycled plastic, reflecting a clear commitment to reducing plastic waste while delivering meaningful community impact. Each bench is a symbol of environmental responsibility and serves as a functional asset to in house guests at Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.

“Sustainability is at the core of IHCL’s Paathya initiatives, and our collaboration with Bisleri International exemplifies our dedication to creating tangible change,” said Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa. “Through the ‘Bench of Dreams’ project, we aim to inspire individuals and organizations to think innovatively about recycling and to join us in building a greener tomorrow.”

“At Bisleri International, we are honoured to partner with IHCL on our ‘Bench of Dreams’ initiative. This project highlights our commitment to closing the loop in plastic waste management and showcases how innovative solutions can drive sustainable development, and circular economy,” said Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International. “Through this collaboration, IHCL, and Bisleri International invite all stakeholders, guests, and residents to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we aspire to create a future where sustainability is an integral part of everyday life.”

Ikonic India: A Revolutionary Partnership for Indian Creators Between Dhandeel and Ikonic Global

Jan 13, 2025 New Delhi, India

Dhandeel, an AI-driven funding platform for Indian creators, has partnered with UAE-based Ikonic Global to introduce a transformative initiative, Ikonic India, set to launch on January 18, 2025. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to empower Indian creators by providing the resources, funding, and global distribution tools needed to thrive on an international scale. This partnership is set to redefine the Indian creator landscape by bridging the gap between creativity and international opportunities, thereby fostering a new era for globally recognized Indian talent.

Rohan Gurram, CEO of Dhandeel, expressed his excitement about the partnership, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Ikonic Global, which signifies a new era for Indian talent. Together, we are building a bridge that connects India’s immense creative potential with global opportunities, enabling creators to scale their careers and captivate audiences worldwide.”

The partnership combines Dhandeel’s expertise in funding and strategic growth with Ikonic Global’s robust international distribution network. By leveraging these strengths, Ikonic India will support creators across music, fashion, film, and digital media, unlocking new possibilities in markets such as the U.S., U.K., and the Middle East.

Ikonic India in 2025 heralds a transformative era for Indian creators. Combining Dhandeel’s AI-driven funding capabilities with Ikonic Global’s international distribution expertise, this initiative is set to empower Indian artists to scale their careers, grow their presence across the diaspora, and maximize their earnings. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, including tailored Artificial Intelligence tools, this partnership will open global opportunities and showcase the best of Indian talent to audiences worldwide.

The launch of the Ikonic India partnership will kick off with a flagship event in New Delhi, bringing together prominent creators, industry leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate the future of the Indian creator economy. This initiative marks a significant step in redefining the global impact of Indian creativity.

VIRGIO Unveils its First Store in Bengaluru

Bangalore, India, 13th January 2025: VIRGIO, India’s first sustainable & trend-focussed fashion brand that offers high-quality, trendy products made from sustainable materials. Going beyond fashion, the brand leverages technological innovation to drive a sustainable future, promoting longevity, quality, and less environmental impact. In line with its mission, VIRGIO has launched its first-ever retail store in Bangalore, at M5 ECity Mall Electronic City, marking a significant milestone toward making sustainable fashion more accessible to all.

Reflecting on the brand’s pro-planet ideology, the store’s design too prioritises the environment, the design incorporates eco-friendly elements such as energy-efficient lighting ensuring minimal impact on the environment. Each element, from layout to operations, represents the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, offering visitors not only a shopping experience but also an immersive journey into conscious fashion.

Amar Nagaram, Co-Founder, VIRGIO expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We’re thrilled to introduce the first-ever sustainable store in India to our community. This store is more than just a place to shop; it’s a hub where sustainability, style, and social responsibility come together. Our customers will have the chance to explore our collections in person, discover how our garments are made, and leave with a deeper understanding of how fashion can be both beautiful and planet-friendly. We are committed to prioritizing customer privacy while providing a seamless checkout experience. To respect and safeguard your privacy, we do not request any contact details from our customers.”

The new store displays its entire collection of sustainable apparel, including everyday essentials, statement pieces, and exclusive limited-edition designs. Each piece is deliberately designed with care for both people and the environment, using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled textiles, and cruelty-free leather substitutes. In addition to the curation, the brand provides an interactive and immersive experience unlike any other. It is more than just a store; it is a pathway to the future.

Customers are empowered to make thoughtful decisions through dynamic educational programs on sustainable fashion practices, individualized styling consultations, and exclusive seminars. From mastering the art of clothing care to building a sustainable wardrobe and reducing fashion waste, every interaction is designed to inspire and educate, furthering their commitment of conscious fashion to end consumers.

As part of their strategic vision for 2025, VIRGIO aims to expand its physical presence across India. The brand plans to open additional stores nationwide, ensuring that customers from all corners of the country have access to VIRGIO’s sustainable fashion offerings and can engage in conscious fashion practices.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences Presents a Republic Day Celebration Wrapped in its Signature Hospitality

GURUGRAM, January 13, 2025 – As the nation prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day, Spectra at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences sets the stage for a memorable afternoon of patriotic fervor and culinary excellence. On January 26th, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, the hotel’s signature restaurant exhibits a celebration of “India and Its Diversity,” offering families and friends a chance to come together over a feast that honours our nation’s rich heritage.

 The magic of India’s kitchens comes alive at Spectra, where the chefs have poured their hearts into creating a feast that honours our country’s classic regional flavours. The menu pays homage to time-tested favorites that have been cherished for generations – from the slow-cooked Kashmiri Roganjosh to the hearty Hyderabadi Haleem, the seaside-inspired Goan Fish Curry, and the aromatic Bengali Egg Biryani. Each dish is presented with a special tricolor touch, perfectly suited for the occasion.

 For those looking to turn their Republic Day celebration into a memorable weekend getaway, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences presents the Timeless Travel staycation. This stay offer enhances the experience with daily gourmet breakfast, an additional meal to enjoy at leisure, and a 15% discount on rejuvenating spa treatments. It’s a thoughtful way to extend the festivities into a weekend of luxury, wrapped in the warmth of Indian hospitality.

 The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences opens its doors to a celebration that captures the essence of India – diverse, vibrant, and welcoming. Through carefully crafted experiences, from the tricolor-themed brunch to the indulgent staycation package, the hotel creates moments that echo with patriotic pride. Step in, and be part of a celebration that makes every Indian proud.

SEBI and NISM Host ‘Samvad’ – A Symposium on Securities Market

The Securities and Exchange Board of India and National Institute of Securities Markets in collaboration with NSE, BSE, NSDL and CDSL hosted Samvad – A Symposium on Securities Market on the theme – ‘Capital for Growth’ during 10-11 January, 2025 at NSE in Mumbai. The event was streamed live by NISM, NSE, BSE, NSDL and CDSL.

The Symposium brought together a galaxy of experts including government officials, regulators, industry leaders, market experts and academicians for wide ranging discussions on the evolving dynamics of India’s securities market and its pivotal role in driving economic growth.

The event was graced by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, as the Chief Guest with Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairperson of SBI, delivering the keynote address. Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson of SEBI, addressed the gathering, sharing her vision on the way forward for India’s capital markets.

The inaugural day featured four panel discussions under the overarching theme “Plotting the Future Path”, moderated by SEBI’s Whole-Time Members. The discussions covered following critical areas:

● Ideas on Capital Formation;

● Investors First: Building Trust through Awareness and Transparency

● Social Stock Exchange (SSE) 2.0: Scaling Social Impact

● The Future of Market Intermediaries: Adoption of Digitization and AI

The day concluded with valuable insights on ways to facilitate even greater capital formation, strengthen investor awareness and transparency, augment the existing social stock exchange mechanism and leverage technology to further improve operational efficiencies across the market ecosystem.

The second day, held under the theme “Reflections and Ideas,” featured five thought-provoking sessions:

● Bonds for Viksit Bharat: New Products and Strategies to deepen the Corporate Bond Market;

● Financial Inclusion through Securities Markets: Opportunities and Barriers;

● Fostering Securities Market Beyond Equities: Strategies for Market Expansion and Asset Allocation Towards a wider range of Instruments;

● RegTech and SupTech: The Future of Supervision and Compliance and

● Capital Formation and Financing Infrastructure: Ideas for Balancing Supply and Demand.

The two-day Symposium reaffirmed SEBI’s commitment to addressing policy challenges and opportunities through consultation and collaboration. Ideas emanating from this Symposium would go a long way in achieving sustainable economic growth, deepening market resilience, and enhancing investor confidence in the securities market.

Puravankara Pre-Sales at Rs 1,265 crores in Q3FY25, collections up 6% Y-o-Y at Rs 993 crores

Mumbai: Puravankara Limited, one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, recorded sales of Rs 1,265 crores for Q3FY25 vs Rs 1,241 crores in Q3FY24, up by 2%. The company also achieved a sale value of Rs 3,724 crores in 9MFY25.

Customer collections reached Rs 993 crores in Q3FY25 compared to Rs 941 crores in Q3FY24, up 6% Y-o-Y. For 9MFY25, customer collections increased to Rs 2,991 crores, up by 19% compared to Rs 2,515 crores for 9MFY24.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Ltd., said, “The growth in collections is a clear reflection of our strong operational efficiency. In 9MFY25, we achieved collections of Rs 2,991 crore, a 19% Y-o-Y increase, with Rs 993 crore in Q3FY25, a 6% increase Y-o-Y. Pre-sales for Q3FY25 reached Rs 1,265 crore, up by 2% Y-o-Y. Keeping in line with our acquisition strategy and our growth plans for the current and next financial year, we have invested approximately Rs 1,100 crores this fiscal, adding a potential GDV of around Rs 10,500 crores. This includes our most recent acquisition in Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru.”

Key Highlights

● Achieved customer collection of Rs 2,991 crores in 9MFY25, up by 19% compared to Rs 2,515 crore in 9MFY24.

● Achieved quarterly customer collections from the real estate business of Rs 993 crores in Q3FY25 compared to Rs 941 crores in Q3FY24, up by 6% y-o-y.

● Achieved quarterly sales value of Rs 1,265 crores for Q3FY25 vs Rs 1,241 crores in Q3FY24, up by 2% Y-o-Y; and Rs 3,724 crores for 9MFY25.

● Average price realisation in Q3FY25 increased to Rs 8,848/sft, up by 16% from Rs 7,621/sft in Q3FY24.

● An overall spend of over Rs. 1,100 crores for land acquisition in the fiscal, with a potential GDV of Rs. 10,500 crores.

● Appointment of Mr. Deepak Rastogi as Group CFO and Key Managerial Personnel, effective January 15, 2025.

Outlook

Foreign equity investments in real estate reached an all-time high of $11.4 billion in 2024. Additionally, the absorption of over 70 million square feet of office space in CY24 across six major cities underscores strong commercial demand driven by GCCs and an expected increase in hiring.

While a downward revision of advance estimates for FY25 indicates GDP growth of 6.4%, this slowdown is seen as temporary, with India’s economic fundamentals remaining strong. In the upcoming budget, increased government spending on infrastructure, tax reform, incentives to spur private investments, and FDI in manufacturing are expected to boost the economy.

Puravankara is strategically positioned to increase its market share in a growing and consolidating real estate market. While delays in approvals have led to fewer launches in 9MFY25, the company plans to catch up with its launch pipeline of 15.70 million sq. ft between Q4FY25 and Q1FY26.

Sleeplessness: A Modern Problem and the Promise of Melatonin Sublingual Sprays

The fast-paced modern lifestyle, compounded by stress, excessive screen time and irregular schedules, has fuelled a growing “epidemic of sleeplessness”. This condition severely affects both mental and physical health. Insufficient sleep is now recognised as a public health crisis — often overlooked and under-reported — despite its significant economic and societal costs.

 The Central Government revised India’s National Health Policy in 2017, updating it after nearly 15 years (the previous policy was introduced in 2002). This revision aimed to achieve the highest possible level of health and well-being for all citizens without imposing financial burdens. The policy marks a significant shift from selective to comprehensive primary healthcare, addressing major concerns such as non-communicable diseases, mental health, geriatric health, palliative care, and rehabilitative services. However, it overlooks an important public health issue: the impact of sleep restriction, deprivation and disorders on the nation’s health.

 According to the World Health Organization, over 30% of the global population struggles with insomnia. In India, recent studies show that 33% of adults suffer from this condition, making people more prone to emotional distress and putting them at a higher risk of developing obesity and coronary heart disease.

 Central to this process is melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that plays a pivotal role in promoting restful sleep and overall well-being. Melatonin is essential for regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. It signals the body to prepare for sleep by inducing relaxation and lowering alertness. Incorporating melatonin into daily routine through dietary supplements, such as tablets, gummies or sprays can be an effective way to support healthy sleep patterns.

 Among these, Vestige Prime Absorvit Melatonin Sublingual spray is a revolutionary product. The product offers a convenient and innovative solution for individuals with inadequate or irregular sleep patterns. This sublingual spray delivers melatonin directly into the bloodstreams by spraying it under the tongue, where it dissolves and is absorbed through the issue for faster and more efficient delivery. Formulated to induce natural sleep, it provides a 90% absorption rate and delivers quick results, allowing users to wake up refreshed and relaxed. This fast-acting sleep supplement is ideal for those seeking a non-addictive remedy to regulate sleep cycle.

 By aligning the sleep-wake cycle, melatonin not only enhances sleep quality but also supports overall health, as restorative sleep is essential for immune function, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Emerging research highlights its antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress and support cellular health. It also plays a role in regulating mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety, further contributing to a sense of overall wellness. Integrating such products into the routine, one can create a proactive approach for achieving healthier sleep and overall well-being.

 Sleep specialists call sublingual sprays a game-changer because they provide almost immediate effects, unlike tablets or capsules, which can take up to an hour to work. As sleeplessness continues to affect millions worldwide, innovations like sublingual sprays provide hope for restoring restful nights. Along with adopting healthy sleep habits—such as limiting screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a calming bedtime routine—these sprays can be a valuable tool in achieving the restorative sleep.

Ageas Federal Life Launches New Super Cash Supreme Plan with Critical Shield and Accident Care Riders

Mumbai, January 13th, 2025: Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading private life insurer in India, introduces two unique riders – Critical Shield Rider and Accident Care Rider along with its latest offering, the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Super Cash Supreme Plan. The plan combines immediate liquidity with long-term financial security, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a stable income and comprehensive protection for their families.

The Super Cash Supreme Plan is a flexible life insurance solution designed to meet diverse financial goals while ensuring family security. It offers the first-of-its-kind Guaranteed Supreme Advantage Benefits in the first policy year, providing assured returns. Policyholders can choose from options which provide guaranteed returns thereby receiving uninterrupted income benefits. With life cover throughout the policy term, the Super Cash Supreme Plan is an ideal choice for securing one’s family’s future while achieving financial goals.

Benefits of Critical Shield Rider:

• The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Critical Shield Rider is designed to enhance policyholders’ base life insurance policy with financial protection against critical illnesses.
• Offering coverage for up to 50 critical illnesses, it comes in two variants, Critical Protect, covering 30 illnesses, and Critical Protect Plus, covering 50 illnesses.
• The rider provides flexibility to choose the sum assured, policy term, and premium payment mode, ensuring it meets diverse needs. It offers a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of a covered critical illness, allowing buyers to manage medical expenses, recovery costs, or other financial needs.

 Benefits of Accidental Rider:

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Accident Care Rider is designed to offer robust financial protection against unexpected accidents.
This rider ensures enhanced security for the policyholder’s family, providing coverage for accidental death, including an exceptional 200% payout of the rider sum assured in the event of airplane or train accidents.
Policyholders can opt for a comprehensive benefit option covering a wider range of illnesses and offering peace of mind and financial stability during challenging times.

 Mr. Amitabh Verma, Chief Transformation Officer, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, “At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, our goal is to equip our customers with the flexibility and financial resilience needed to navigate today’s dynamic environment. Our new Ageas Federal Life Insurance Super Cash Supreme Plan, which offers a range of benefits designed to ensure our policyholders’ families’ security along with the Critical Shield Rider and Accident Care Rider, with enhanced financial protection, helps us realize this goal. Competitively placed, these new offerings, showcase our keen understanding of people’s evolving needs and our ability to cater to them.”

Bank of Baroda launches bob Liquid Fixed Deposits: Redefining Fixed Deposits with Partial Withdrawal Flexibility

Mumbai, 13 Jan, 2025: In today’s dynamic financial environment, customers are seeking innovative deposit solutions that blend assured & competitive returns, liquidity and flexibility. To cater to the evolving needs of savers, Bank of Baroda has introduced a unique alternative to the traditional fixed deposit (FD) —bob Liquid Fixed Deposits.

bob Liquid FD combines the benefits of earning higher returns from Fixed Deposits with the convenience of easy liquidity associated with a Savings Account. It gives depositors the flexibility of a partial withdrawal facility without having to close the entire FD, which ensures that depositors can address their urgent financial needs as and when required, while the balance funds continue to earn interest at the contracted rate in the same FD. This ensures that depositors get the benefits of higher returns, lower prepayment penalty and quick access to funds when needed.

Addressing Changing Financial Needs

India’s financial landscape is witnessing significant shifts in consumer behaviour. Customers are in search of more flexible deposit products that prioritize both returns and liquidity. Whether it’s to address an unexpected emergency or meet an unforeseen expense, the bob Liquid FD gives quick access to part fund withdrawals without having to close the FD from where the partial withdrawal is made.

For example, in a bob Liquid FD of Rs. 5.00 lakh, a customer can prematurely withdraw Rs. 1.00 lakh. The remaining deposit of Rs 4 lakh will continue to earn interest at the original rate, and the customer will have to pay the prepayment penalty, if applicable, on the withdrawn amount of Rs 1 lakh only, and not on the entire amount.

FHRAI Raises Concerns Over Zomato and Swiggy’s Private Label Food Delivery and Data Misuse

India, 13th January, 2025 – The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the third largest hospitality association in the world, has expressed serious concerns over Zomato and Swiggy’s recent move to enter the private label food delivery business. The association points out several issues, including unfair competition, misuse of restaurant data, and potential risks to food safety. Zomato and Swiggy are now using their market dominance to directly compete with the very businesses they were meant to support. FHRAI is set to meet with the Ministry of Commerce to discuss these concerns and push for regulatory action to ensure fair practices in the food service industry.

The aim of raising this issue is to address the growing concerns about the misuse of restaurant data by food delivery platforms and the unfair competitive advantage these platforms now hold over restaurants. By leveraging data from restaurants, such as customer preferences and sales trends, Zomato and Swiggy can create personalized deals that directly impact the restaurant’s business. This not only threatens the livelihoods of small and medium-sized restaurants but also raises questions about data privacy and consent.

Pradeep Shetty, Vice President of FHRAI, said,, “We are meeting with the Commerce Ministry very soon and have requested an expedited appointment to discuss this serious issue. The actions of platforms like Zomato and Swiggy represent a direct violation of established e-commerce regulations. These companies were originally designed to function as neutral marketplace platforms, connecting consumers with restaurants, not as direct competitors. By introducing and selling their own food products, they undermine the very essence of a marketplace model, creating an uneven playing field that disproportionately harms restaurants. What is particularly alarming is the use of years’ worth of proprietary data collected from restaurants on customer preferences, order history, and sales trends to develop and promote their own branded products. Restaurants are excluded from access to this data, making it even more challenging for them to compete. This creates a dangerous environment for small and medium-sized enterprises and raises significant ethical and legal concerns around the misuse of sensitive data.”

“Additionally, there are serious questions surrounding the food safety standards applied to these private label products. While restaurants are subject to stringent safety regulations, there is no transparency regarding whether the same standards are being enforced for products sold by these platforms. The lack of fairness and a level playing field exacerbates the challenges faced by our members, making it difficult for them to survive, let alone thrive, in this competitive landscape. This not only risks consumer trust but also threatens the reputation of the entire restaurant industry.” he further added.

Zomato and Swiggy, which initially operated as platforms connecting restaurants with customers, have now ventured into the quick commerce space by creating their own private label food products. These platforms use restaurant data to create personalized offers and discounts, which in turn puts restaurants at a disadvantage, as they are essentially competing with their own information. The lack of clear regulations around the production and sale of these private label products raises concerns about the safety and quality of food being delivered to consumers.

With this move, the platforms are now not only controlling the distribution of food but also the creation and sale of it, which could lead to monopolistic practices. FHRAI stresses that the food service industry needs to be regulated in a way that ensures a level playing field for all stakeholders whether they are restaurants, food delivery platforms, or consumers. It is essential that these platforms operate transparently, ensure proper consent for the use of restaurant data, and comply with the food safety standards expected from all food providers.

FHRAI aims to push for the establishment of clear and enforceable guidelines to protect restaurant data and ensure that private label food products sold by platforms like Zomato and Swiggy adhere to the same food safety and quality standards required for restaurant food. FHRAI seeks to ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive environment in the food service industry, where both restaurants and consumers are protected. The association urges regulators to take swift action to address the growing concerns related to data misuse, unfair competition, and food safety in the wake of these new developments in the food delivery market.