Category Archives: Business

MediBuddy Launches MakeItCount Campaign to Transform New Year Health Resolutions into Reality

Mumbai, 02 January 2025 – MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, is entering into the New Year with a powerful campaign that addresses one of the year’s most pressing questions: ‘How to make health resolutions stick.’ With millions pledging to live healthier each year, the campaign sheds light on the reality of New Year’s resolutions and inspires individuals to adopt a more effective, sustainable approach to achieving their health goals.

With studies revealing that 80% of New Year resolutions fail by February, the campaign tackles a critical pain point in personal health journeys. The narrative is built around striking statistics: while 50% of people aim to get more active, 43% want to improve their diet, 36% focus on weight loss, and 22% prioritise better sleep—highlighting the diverse aspects of health goals that people struggle to maintain.

The campaign centres on a simple yet powerful equation: small, sustainable goals plus persistence equals long-term success. By breaking down ambitious resolutions into manageable steps, this approach tackles the common reasons why health goals fail and provides a practical pathway to success through MediBuddy’s comprehensive healthcare support system.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Saibal Biswas, SVP and Head of Marketing, Partnerships & PR at MediBuddy, said, “The New Year symbolises an opportunity for fresh and healthy start, but achieving meaningful change requires a disciplined and consistent approach. We understand that the journey to better health isn’t about dramatic transformations but about taking consistent, small steps. Our #MakeItCount campaign demonstrates how MediBuddy’s ecosystem supports users in breaking down overwhelming health goals into achievable milestones. By providing accessible healthcare support and expertise, we are helping users actualise their New Year resolutions into sustainable lifestyle changes.”

This campaign is conceptualised and produced by MediBuddy’s in-house creative team. The campaign video is titled #MakeItCount and is 1 minute and 09 seconds in duration. The video will be amplified across all social media platforms of the brand.

SANY India Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Factory Expansion to Maximize Production Accuracy

Mumbai, 2nd January 2025: SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art factory at its sprawling 90-acre manufacturing facility in Pune. This expansion is a significant stride in enhancing production capacity & localized manufacturing in India. Further reinforcing SANY`s commitment to the Indian market and developing India as a global sourcing hub.

Designed with advanced, process-driven manufacturing methodologies, the new facility is a testament to SANY India’s focus on delivering high-quality, reliable products tailored to diverse customer needs. With an annual production capacity exceeding 14,000 units, the facility also supports a robust fabrication capacity over 100,000 metric tons per year. These capabilities position SANY India to efficiently cater to increasing demands across construction, mining, and energy sectors in India and overseas while maintaining flexibility and accuracy in its operations.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Sany India‘s Pune facility, was graced by Mr. Xiang Wenbo, Chairman of SANY Group, who was joined by senior leadership team. Together, they unveiled the new production facility, designed to support Sany India’s mission of enhancing its product offerings and delivery timelines.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Xiang Wenbo, Chairman of SANY Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the expanded facility. He stated, “This new factory represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering world-class products with utmost precision. By incorporating the latest manufacturing technologies, we are positioning ourselves to meet both the challenges of today and the demands of tomorrow.”

Mr. Wenbo further underscored India’s long-term potential, describing the country as a critical operational hub for SANY’s overseas business and a cornerstone of the company’s global strategy.

Adding to this, Mr. Deepak Garg, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, SANY India, remarked, “The inauguration of our new factory Expansion represents a significant leap in SANY India’s manufacturing capabilities. This facility also supports our commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ by enhancing exports to key markets and driving increased localization in our manufacturing processes. These efforts not only boost India’s manufacturing prowess but also strengthen our role in the nation’s infrastructure development story.”

This investment not only enhances production efficiency but also underscores SANY India’s focus on streamlined operations, reduced timelines, and superior customer satisfaction.

As a leader in the heavy equipment industry, SANY India continues to set benchmarks for innovation and excellence. With this expansion, the company reinforces its position as a key driver of India’s infrastructure development, meeting the evolving needs of a dynamic and competitive market.

JSW MG Motor India to showcase Drive.Future at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

National, Jan, 2025: JSW MG Motor India has announced participation in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, accelerating into ‘Drive.Future’ as the theme. After making strides in the electric vehicle market, the brand is set to bolster its foothold with new-age products that offer new-age mobility solutions. With innovation in its DNA, MG is all set to showcase the future of mobility through an immersive line-up of product experiences, design language, technology & innovation and will also unveil the next level of immersive customer experience.

 Unveiled earlier this year, Drive.Future is the brand’s vision of an innovative, sustainability-led future, driven by its intuitive technology. On the product front, JSW MG Motor India will be showcasing three all-new models across three all-new categories, each one catering to a completely different set of customers. The MG Cyberster, the world’s fastest MG Roadster, will headline India’s newly launched luxury brand channel, MG Select.

 Drive.Future is the brand’s vision to build a new ecosystem for mobility altogether and pans across product experiences, technology use-cases and a new customer-centric approach/offering of ‘accessible luxury’ to engage with the new-age customer.

 The theme and set-up of the pavilion echo the Expo’s theme of ‘Beyond Boundaries: Co-creating Future Automotive Value Chain’. Visitors will also be able to spot showstoppers from MG’s global portfolio, along with flagship Indian models that have been redefining the industry with their best-in-segment features. The pavilion will also house a host of unique experience zones that will demonstrate its holistic EV ecosystem along with infrastructure, and multiple use-cases of battery technology and second life.

NTPC achieves 326 BU generation upto Q3 of FY 25

New Delhi, 1st Jan 2025: NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated power utility, recorded a generation 326 BU at the end of third quarter (Q3) of FY 2024-25 registering a growth of 3.82% compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year.

NTPC coal stations achieved cumulative plant load factor (PLF) of 76.20% by the end of third quarter (Q3) of FY 2024-25.

By the end of calendar year 2024, NTPC Group installed capacity stands at 76,598 MW with an addition of 2724 MW during the year.

These accomplishments reinforce NTPC’s commitment to delivering reliable and affordable power to the nation.

Apart from operational capacity of 76.6 GW, additional 29.5 GW capacity including 9.6 GW Renewable capacity is under construction. The company is committed to achieve 60 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2032.

Along with power generation, NTPC has also ventured into various new business areas including e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro storage, Waste-to-Energy, Green Hydrogen solutions etc. and participated in the bidding for power distribution of Union Territories.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of the power requirement of the country. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the Nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

Mutual Funds, Stocks, and Beyond: Unlocking Growth in 2025

As 2025 approaches, the investment landscape is evolving rapidly, fueled by innovation and disciplined financial strategies. Insights from Mirae Asset Capital Markets, StoxBox, Abans Investment Manager and NMIMS highlight emerging themes and provide a roadmap for investors aiming to capitalize on dynamic market trends.

The journey of wealth creation is not just about accumulating money to enjoy later in life. Many people tend to delay experiences and luxuries, but true wealth planning involves being disciplined and balanced. The stages of wealth management are protection, accumulation, and harvest. The first step is to secure sufficient life insurance for the family’s breadwinner, typically 10 to 20 times their annual income. It’s also essential to obtain adequate health insurance coverage for all family members. Once these priorities are addressed, you can begin planning for goal-based savings and investments.

Mutual funds continue to dominate investment portfolios, driven by diversification and cost-effectiveness. November 2024 saw a significant rise in index funds, with 10 new schemes introduced, bringing the total to 270 and attracting inflows of ₹43 billion. Hybrid funds and multi-asset funds, combining equities, debt, and gold exposure, saw inflows of ₹41 billion and ₹24 billion, respectively. Manish Jain, Director of Institutional Business at Mirae Asset Capital Markets said: “As we move into 2025, the key to navigating the complexities of the market will be aligning investments with both global trends and individual financial goals,”

Amit Patel, a Senior Leadership Member at Mirae Asset Capital Markets added: “Staying informed and adaptable will be crucial for investors to harness the full potential of evolving opportunities.”

StoxBox has unveiled its top 10 stock picks for 2025, emphasizing companies with strong fundamentals and sectoral growth potential. Among these are Ambuja Cements, with a target price of ₹600 offering a 19% upside; Federal Bank, projected to reach ₹250 for an 18% gain; HDFC Bank, expected to achieve ₹2,105 with an 18% increase; and Hero MotoCorp, poised for an 18% upside with a target of ₹5,717. “The Indian stock market in 2025 presents a wealth of opportunities for investors. Our top picks reflect a blend of robust fundamentals, sectoral growth, and strategic initiatives that will drive value over the long term”, said Manish Chowdhury, Head of Research at StoxBox.

Bhavik Thakkar, CEO of Abans Investment Manager said: “For short-term goals, such as going on vacation or buying a gadget, consider using savings products like fixed deposits or short-term debt mutual funds. Additionally, it’s wise to set aside at least three months’ worth of living expenses in accessible savings options to handle any emergencies, such as job loss.”

Equity markets remain pivotal, though patience is necessary during periods of moderated returns. Fixed-income instruments, like long-duration funds, may gain appeal amidst anticipated interest rate cuts. Bhavik stated: “The ideal investment mix varies by risk appetite. As we enter 2025, return expectations from equity markets are likely to be more moderate compared to the past few years. Equity markets often deliver non-linear returns, and these times are valuable for understanding market behavior. As Warren Buffett says, many miss out on compounding because they prefer quick gains.”

Dr. Niranjan Shastri, Associate Professor (Finance), School of Business Management, NMIMS Indore says: “The evolving dynamics across key sectors highlight the need for a nuanced investment approach. Renewable energy, healthcare services, and digital payments are at the forefront of transformation, driven by global sustainability goals, increasing healthcare demand, and the rapid adoption of cashless transactions.”

He further added: “Meanwhile, agriculture and food processing stand as resilient pillars of growth, backed by government initiatives and export potential. However, the information technology sector demands cautious optimism, given global uncertainties. Investors should prioritize companies with robust fundamentals, innovative capabilities, and long-term growth strategies to navigate these dynamic markets effectively.”

Investors should only engage with cryptocurrencies and derivatives if they fully understand them. As 2025 unfolds, staying informed and adaptable will empower investors to achieve financial goals while navigating market complexities.

NUCFDC aims for Urban Co-operative Banks’ growth and profit surge, zero closure on account of compliance and technological infrastructure

The National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) convened a key meeting in Mumbai, setting the stage for a new phase of modernization in the Urban Co-Operative Banking sector. The gathering focused on the future of the UCBs and the role of Umbrella Organizations, marking a significant step toward fostering dialogue and ensuring sustainable growth for these institutions.

The meeting, which included participation from key stakeholders from Ministry of Co-operation, Reserve Bank of India, the Registrar of Co-operative Societies, and the UCBs, also focused on strengthening governance frameworks to ensure the long-term stability of UCBs, and digital transformation within the sector. Speakers highlighted the need for greater collaboration between UCBs, regulators, and government agencies to tackle challenges and unlock growth opportunities.

In his inaugural address, Shri Jyotindra Mehta, Chairman, NUCFDC outlined an ambitious roadmap that aims to double the profits of urban co-operative banks (UCBs) by 2029, positioning the sector for long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Shri Jyotindra Mehta underscored the importance of robust governance and operational improvements. “The UCB sector must keep pace with the evolving banking landscape. They must adopt modern technologies and ensure compliance to thrive”, he said.

One of the central themes discussed was the role of umbrella organizations – NUCFDC in guiding UCBs towards greater profitability and operational efficiency. Launched earlier this year by the Ministry of Cooperation, the NUCFDC aims to serve as a pivotal force in the modernization of the urban cooperative banking sector. The organization aims to support UCBs through a series of initiatives focused on digital transformation, compliance & governance, and upskilling of human capital of the sector. He revealed that the organization is preparing to launch several products & services that will help banks meet regulatory requirements efficiently. NUCFDC envisions to introduce centralized IT platform to offer secure, scalable solutions to address the cybersecurity vulnerabilities and resource constraints that many UCBs face.

In addition to cybersecurity enhancements, NUCFDC is also pushing for improved vendor management and software support for the sector. NUCFDC is working to standardize core banking software (CBS) across the sector. The organization has already initiated discussions with leading CBS providers to implement a system that is both cost-effective and meets cybersecurity standards.

The overarching goal of these efforts is to foster a unified, upgraded UCB ecosystem where no bank is left behind due to compliance failures or technological limitations. “Our first priority is ensuring zero closures of UCBs due to these issues, and we aim to create a sustainable and profitable future for all UCBs ,” Mehta said.

A total of 185 UCBs and 7 state federations have already signed up with the NUCFDC. The organization is working towards the RBI’s Rs 300 crore capital target. Having raised ₹118 crore so far, plus commitments worth Rs 56 crore, the organization aims to meet the remaining target by February 2025. Mehta acknowledged that the integration of all UCBs into the NUCFDC’s framework will be gradual due to the sector’s fragmentation. He emphasized that the capital infusion is critical for driving growth and modernization within the sector. However, achieving this goal will require UCBs to unite under a single umbrella organization, a model that has proven successful globally. The broader objective is to ensure the long-term sustainability of UCBs, helping them avoid penalties and strengthen their position in the financial system.

Federal Bank Pune Marathon

31st December 2024, Pune: Federal Bank is thrilled to announce the launch of registrations for the inaugural Federal Bank Pune Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, January 05, 2025. This premier event, executed in partnership with Striders, aims to celebrate Pune’s diversity, unity, and commitment to an active lifestyle.

The marathon, aptly named ‘The Sahyadri Run,’ embraces the cultural and geographical significance of Pune. It promises to inspire community pride and self-betterment, resonating with Pune’s energetic, fitness-focused residents. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner, there is a race for everyone. We are also excited to announce that Milind Soman, the renowned fitness icon, will be the brand ambassador for the inaugural Federal Bank Pune Marathon 2025. Milind’s involvement is set to inspire and motivate runners of all levels to participate in this vibrant event, promoting health, fitness, and community spirit in Pune.

 M V S Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer, Federal Bank said, ” It is an exciting moment for us to lunch the 1st Edition of the Federal Bank Pune Marathon. Pune, is an important growing market for Federal Bank. As we grow our Business across Nagpur, Satara , Nashik, Kolhapur etc. Marathons provide us community connect.

With its cosmopolitan texture connectivity across other state capitals, we expect The Federal Bank Pune Marathon, not just to bring runners but also friends and families to cheers their strides. We would like everyone to experience the service orientation and strong community connect that colleagues in our Bank take pride in.

I am sure the weather will set the tempo for a lovely run. Looking forward to all the social media posts and stories of beating their person best at the Federal Bank Pune Marathon.”

 Federal Bank as a brand has always been a strong proponent of sports and fitness, consistently promoting healthy lifestyles through various initiatives and events. The Federal Bank Pune Marathon is yet another step in our commitment to supporting sports and community well-being. Over the years, Federal Bank has sponsored and supported numerous marathons and sports events across the country, encouraging participation and fostering a culture of health and wellness. By investing in sports, the Bank aims to inspire individuals to lead active lives and achieve their fitness goals.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable marathon experience. Register now and take advantage of early bird discounts.

McCoy Mart expands its footprint to Lucknow, strengthening its presence in Northern India

New Delhi, December 31, 2024 – McCoy Mart, a leading digital procurement platform for construction professionals specializing in construction and building materials announces the expansion of its services into Lucknow, building on its success in regions like Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh, McCoy Mart is poised to cater to the growing demands of construction professionals across Lucknow and surrounding areas, including Kanpur, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Raebareli, Sitapur, and Hardoi.

With the Northern region witnessing remarkable growth, Lucknow has emerged as a key hub for development. The city’s proximity to regions like Ayodhya, which is projected to attract investments of ₹10,000 crore in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, positions Lucknow as an ideal location to serve neighboring cities efficiently.

Amit Malhotra, Founder and CEO of McCoy Mart, expressed his vision for this expansion “Lucknow represents a tremendous opportunity for us to bring our seamless procurement solutions to a region with dynamic growth in infrastructure, real estate, and industrial sectors. Our platform is designed to ensure timely delivery and reliable service, enabling construction professionals to focus on quality and deadlines without logistical worries. We aim to be a trusted partner in Lucknow’s development journey, providing top-notch solutions to the needs of the region.”

McCoy Mart will address the challenges faced by construction professionals in the region by offering a streamlined digital procurement process. By ensuring access to high-quality materials at wholesale prices and timely deliveries, the company aims to bring efficiency and peace of mind to builders, contractors, architects, and interior professionals.

Rahul Sahani, Co-Founder and COO of McCoy Mart, added “Our success in other regions, such as the Chandigarh Tri-city area, has validated the demand for reliable procurement solutions. Lucknow, with its strategic importance and burgeoning real estate market, is a natural next step for us. We look forward to replicating the same impact here, fostering long-term relationships with professionals, and contributing to the region’s growth.”

To communicate its entry effectively, McCoy Mart is leveraging its strong digital presence and deploying a dedicated sales force in Lucknow. This dual approach ensures first-level customer interaction and a deeper understanding of local requirements, allowing the company to serve its clients with precision.

10 NGE Payloads successfully Deployed on POEM-4 of PSLV-C60 Mission

Ahmedabad, December 31st 2024 – The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) facilitated the successful establishment and operationalization of 10 hosted payloads from Non-Government Entities (NGEs) on board the POEM-4 module of the PSLV-C60/SPADEX mission by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The mission that launched today, carried out in-orbit scientific experiments at an altitude of 350 km with a 55-degree inclination, utilizing the spent PS4 stage repurposed as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4).

POEM, an innovative platform that repurposes the fourth stage of the PSLV into an orbital experiment module after the primary mission. It conducts scientific and technological experiments in orbit. Equipped with essential capabilities like power supply, telemetry, and command support, POEM enables seamless operations for on board experiments. By leveraging existing infrastructure, it offers a cost-effective and rapid development approach for diverse research pursuits.

Commenting on the POEM deployment Dr Pawan Goenka- Chairman IN-SPACe said, “The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) is a practical solution deployed by ISRO that allows Indian start-ups, academic institutions, and research organizations to test their space technologies without the need to launch entire satellites. By making this platform accessible, we are reducing entry barriers and enabling a wider range of entities to contribute to the space sector. At IN-SPACe, our role is to create opportunities for such collaborations and ensure that India’s private sector can grow alongside advancements in space technology. Missions like these will be instrumental in capacity building by enabling NGEs to get their payloads space qualified, thus augmenting their future satellite launch missions.”

The POEM-4 mission marked a significant milestone with the deployment of 24 non-separable payloads, supporting a wide array of scientific and technological endeavours. Of these, 10 payloads from 10 NGEs were selected based on recommendations from the Standing, Selection, and Advisory Committee as given below:

The Technical centre of IN-SPACe in Ahmedabad provided critical support for this mission by enabling several payloads to undergo rigorous environmental testing, ensuring they met all mission requirements.

India’s Tech Sector Set for 10-12% Growth in 2025, Driven by Emerging Technologies: FirstMeridian Report

2024 has been a pivotal year for the Indian IT sector, shaped by both domestic and global economic shifts, technological advancements, and changes in workforce dynamics. Anticipated to contribute 10% to India’s GDP by 2025, Indian IT/tech ecosystem is poised for a promising growth trajectory in the coming years, with workforce expansion being a crucial element of this journey.

Looking back at 2024, the Indian IT/tech ecosystem witnessed a 17% surge in new employment opportunities, driven by rapid digital transformation and the concurrent rising demand for emerging tech niche job profiles. After a muted H1, the sector regained momentum, As we gear up for 2025, these trends will continue, while also eyeing an average 20% rise in profiles like application developers, software engineers, DevOps engineers, AI, ML, and Cyber Security.

Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) which was a major trend in 2024, is expected to further accelerate in 2025. The sector is set for remarkable expansion, with high demand for roles such as data analysts, data engineers, data scientists, and others. The Gen-AI industry alone is projected to 1 million new job opportunities by 2028, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. Salaries for Gen-AI positions like Generative AI engineer, Algorithm engineer, AI security specialist are forecasted to rise from the previous year, indicating a 25 -30% upward trend in compensation for mid-level category .

As businesses expand and innovate, this surge in hiring will support new projects, enhance digital infrastructure, and keep pace with technological advancements. For instance, Industries like Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have created over 600,000 jobs between 2018-19 and 2023-24. By 2030, they are projected to employ 2.5 to 2.8 million professionals. Additionally, other non tech sectors like BFSI and Telecom are also likely to increase their intake of IT/tech professionals in the coming year.

As we move towards an evolving IT landscape in 2025, there will be an essential focus on tech upskilling to cultivate a robust workforce pool. Majority of large enterprises and mid-sized companies are expected to marginally increase their upskilling budgets by an average of 15-20% in 2025. Additionally, individuals will continue taking initiative for their own upskilling efforts to prepare for promising new-age tech roles.

An emerging sector set to thrive in 2025 is the Indian IT gig economy, projected to grow by 3X and employ 24 million people by 2030 in which a majority will be created in 2025 and 2026 in high-demand skill areas such as AI Engineers, Data Analysts, and Cybersecurity professional. This demand is expected to follow a 1:1 ratio between Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. This growth underscores a rising dependence on flexible talent solutions to address the evolving needs of the tech landscape. Companies are increasingly turning to gig workers for their specialized expertise and adaptability, driving hiring trends toward niche technical roles and project-based engagements, making the gig economy a key player in shaping the future of IT talent.

A new wave of growth is emerging in the Indian IT sector, extending beyond Tier 1 cities to include Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. With companies embracing flexibility and operating in smaller cities, job seekers now have the chance to work closer to home. This shift is expected to fuel a 35%+ increase in hiring across these regions by 2025 with Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Indore and Coimbatore leading the way.

Although the Indian IT ecosystem stabilised to a larger extend, the sector still faces few challenges, including a talent shortage in emerging fields like AI and cybersecurity, and the impact of global economic instabilities. While initiatives like Digital India and Skill India are beneficial, further strategies to upskill talent and enhance value amid cost pressures are essential for navigating the next phase of technological transformation.