Category Archives: Business

A Decade of Tata Steel Kalinganagar: Forging India’s Self-reliance

Chandigarh, Nov,18: Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) completes a decade of operations, marking a significant milestone in its journey of industrial leadership and community development. Commissioned in 2015, TSK has not only emerged as a formidable force in steel manufacturing but has also set new benchmarks in operational efficiency, technological advancement, safety, and sustainable practices, while deeply integrating with its surrounding communities.

From an initial capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), TSK has now expanded to 8 MTPA production capacity with a cumulative investment of over ₹50,000 crore — the largest organic capacity expansion in Tata Steel’s history. A key highlight of this expansion was the commissioning of India’s largest blast furnace. Today, TSK plays a crucial role in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat story by producing over 100 different types of high-quality steel, significantly reducing the nation’s import dependence.

T. V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Steel, said: “For all of us at Tata Steel, Kalinganagar holds a very special place in our hearts. It represents a new era — one where we combined a century of experience with a vision for the future, creating a living blueprint for Indian manufacturing. Kalinganagar tested our resilience, teamwork, and faith, and each time, our people rose to the occasion. Over the past decade, Kalinganagar has demonstrated how growth, technology, and sustainability can work in harmony to build lasting value. Today, as we celebrate this 10-year milestone, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey – community, Odisha government, our employees past and present, customers, suppliers & vendor partners – for their unwavering support and belief in our vision.”

The establishment of TSK holds a unique place in the history of Tata Steel; For many years, the rich mineral resources of Odisha primarily served as raw material sources for the Jamshedpur plant. TSK fundamentally altered this dynamic by bringing large-scale steel production directly into Odisha. Odisha has emerged as the largest investment destination in India for Tata Steel, with a total cumulative investment of over ₹100,000 crore in the last 10 years.

TSK’s leadership in leveraging digital and smart manufacturing earned it global recognition from the World Economic Forum, making it the first manufacturing plant in India (and the second worldwide) to be designated as an Advanced 4th Industrial Revolution Lighthouse.

Sustainable growth is at the heart of TSK’s philosophy; The plant minimises its environmental impact through efficient supply chain management and reduced carbon emissions. Notably, 33% of its area is dedicated to green cover. TSK also operates as a Zero Effluent Discharge (ZED) site and ensures 100% solid waste utilisation, highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2024, TSK achieved the prestigious ResponsibleSteel^TM certification, which validates its commitment to ethical sourcing and responsible production practices.

TSK is also a frontrunner in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace; The plant proudly reports that 30% of its workforce comprises women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), LGBTIQA+ individuals, and members from Affirmative Action communities.

The positive impact of TSK extends well beyond its industrial operations into the local communities. Through robust collaborations with the Tata Steel Foundation, the plant has touched more than 14 lakh lives in the past 10 years. Community benefits include access to quality education through institutions like the Loyola School and advanced medical care at the 100-bed multispecialty Tata Steel Medica Hospital. TSK also supports local empowerment initiatives, such as the Navjeevan Cooperative Ltd., a self-help group of women artisans from Kalinganagar, which provides sustainable livelihoods to over 100 individuals.

The future holds even greater promise for Tata Steel Kalinganagar as it is poised to become a 16 MTPA complex – continuing to innovate, grow, and uplift the lives of countless individuals.

Godrej unveils ‘Accidental Invitation’ initiative’ Under Har Ghar Surakshit 2025

Chandigarh, Nov 18th: Locks & Architectural Solutions (LAS), a key business of the Godrej Enterprises Group, today announced a strategic scale-up of its flagship initiative Har Ghar Surakshit as it enters its ninth year. The expansion reflects LAS’s aggressive push into the high-growth smart home segment, targeting double-digit growth through a robust portfolio of digital locks. With an aim to democratize smart security solutions for India’s mass-premium consumers, the brand continues to focus on design and price innovation across its range of made in India digital locks. Godrej has demonstrated remarkable growth in its digital locks category, with a 35% growth and a leading position in the market.

On the occasion of Har Ghar Surakshit, Godrej’s flagship home safety awareness program, the brand introduced the Accidental Invitation App—a first-of-its-kind digital platform aimed at educating citizens on how oversharing on social media can compromise home security. Supported by Meta, the campaign highlights the risks of online oversharing by providing individuals with a personalized ‘Accidental Invitation Score’ and tailored safety solutions. Completely created on AI, the campaign features films that depict real-life scenarios, reinforcing the message that in today’s connected world, true security begins with mindful behaviour- both online and offline.

Social media-related cybercrimes in India have nearly tripled in the last five years. With cybercrimes becoming an increasing threat, digital safety is gaining precedence not just for security but also convenience. In response, Godrej has introduced a slew of affordable digital locks. The all-new Neo Digital Locks Range represents the next evolution in intelligent security for modern Indian homes. Combining advanced technology, elegant design, and affordability, the range includes models equipped with features such as built-in video door phones, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, multiple access modes, anti-theft alarms, and emergency power backup. With prices starting at INR8,999, the Neo range is positioned to meet the diverse needs of urban consumers seeking convenience, security, and style.

Speaking on the occasion, Shyam Motwani, Business Head, LAS, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, 

“For eight years, Har Ghar Surakshit has championed home safety as a shared responsibility. With the Accidental Invitation App, we are extending this mission into the digital realm. The launch of the Neo Digital Locks Range marks a strategic step in redefining intelligent security for modern Indian homes and driving growth in the smart home category.”

With over 1.7 lakh home safety check-ups conducted to date and 21,000+ in FY26 alone, Har Ghar Surakshit continues to drive awareness and adoption of smart safety solutions. This effort has delivered double-digit year-on-year growth in the adoption of home safety solutions, as well as digital locks, last year, reinforcing Godrej’s leadership in the category. The initiative has not only strengthened consumer trust but also delivered strong business performance, with the digital locks category contributing an increasing share to overall revenue. The launch of the Neo Digital Locks Range is expected to further boost category growth and capture a larger share of India’s fast-growing smart home market.

South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, Coimbatore

18 November 2025, Coimbatore – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 3-day South India Natural Farming Summit that begins tomorrow in Coimbatore. As part of its commitment to strengthening rural heritage rooted in natural farming, Ramraj Cotton will be participating in this summit hosted by Farmers’ Associations in Tamil Nadu.

By responsibly managing natural resources through pure cotton, bamboo fibres, and silkworm cultivation, Ramraj Cotton continues to preserve agricultural heritage and culture. Additionally, through the establishment of the World Coconut Farmers Producers Organisation, the company promotes the natural beverage Thenneera, ensuring the welfare and upliftment of coconut farmers. Another agriculture-focused community initiative supported by Ramraj Cotton, the Vanam India Foundation, will also take part in the summit.

Speaking about this, Ramraj Cotton Founder & Chairman Shri K. R. Nagarajan said: “What began as our humble journey in handloom weaving has today expanded to embrace our farmers and our soil, creating meaningful change for the future. Through garments made from pure cotton, towels crafted from bamboo fibre, and silk dhotis, Ramraj Cotton not only supports natural farming but has also grown into a truly Swadeshi movement.”

The South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 is poised to become an important platform bringing together leading experts, farmers, and organisations that champion chemical-free, heritage-based agriculture.

Swiggy signs MoU with upGrad to enhance skill development for Delivery Partners

New Delhi,Nov,17 – Swiggy Ltd (NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with upGrad, one of Asia’s premier integrated skilling and lifelong learning platforms, to provide skill development and higher education opportunities for its delivery partners.

The initiative aims to offer Swiggy’s delivery partners access to university-certified higher education programs and professional development certifications, specifically tailored for India’s frontline workforce. Many delivery partners face financial or personal constraints that limit their ability to pursue higher education or professional learning. This collaboration addresses these challenges by providing affordable academic pathways, supported by need-based scholarships, along with a Career Udaan Pack—a curated soft skills module covering communication, digital fluency, workplace readiness, and confidence—designed by upGrad for last-mile delivery professionals.

Saurav Goyal, Senior Vice President – Driver and Delivery Org, Swiggy, said;
“Our delivery partners are a key pillar of Swiggy’s business, and we are committed to supporting their professional growth. Through this partnership with upGrad, we aim to provide quality learning opportunities, combining formal upskilling with emerging tech certifications and soft skills training. This initiative empowers our 6.9 lakh-strong frontline workforce with credible, sustainable career pathways, moving beyond convenience to create a ladder of opportunity that strengthens their careers and elevates India’s collective skilled advantage.”

Built on upGrad’s tech-led online learning ecosystem and robust LMS infrastructure, this initiative makes job-relevant upskilling accessible at scale, recognising last-mile delivery workers as a vital part of India’s formal skilling revolution.

Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO – Higher Education, upGrad, added;
“India’s demographic advantage can translate into true economic strength only if every section of the workforce—not just white-collar professionals—is equipped with quality education and job-relevant skills. Delivery executives, like millions of frontline workers across sectors, have long been excluded from formal upskilling pathways. This partnership with Swiggy recognizes their untapped potential. By equipping them with credible qualifications and essential workplace skills, we are enabling access to formal employment opportunities and contributing to a stronger, future-ready economy.”

Domestic Glass Launches Its New State-of-the-Art Showroom in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, November 15, 2025: Domestic Glass, led by Directors Abde Ali and Mustafa, has officially inaugurated its new state-of-the-art showroom at Banjara Hills Road No. 12, Zoom Tower,2nd Floor, above HDFC Bank, marking an important milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to premium glass solutions for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces.

Senior Architects Sunil Pillai and Madhu Kabra, along with their family members, and Srihita Reddy, Marketing Head, Domestic Glass, participated in the launch event. They joined guests for a simple walkthrough of the space, which featured displays of façades, sliding doors, partitions, railing systems, and other glass installations.

Products from well-known partners such as Technal, Technoraill, and Canvas were also showcased at the venue, giving attendees an idea of the different systems and materials available in the market.

Speaking at the launch, Director Abde Ali said, “This showroom represents our journey and our vision. It is a space where clients and designers can experience glass in all its creative and functional possibilities.”

Co-Director Mustafa added, “Through our partnerships with Technal, Technoraill, and Canvas, we are bringing global standards and design-driven systems to Hyderabad and beyond.”

According to the team, the showroom has been set up to help customers and design professionals understand how various glass solutions can be used effectively in real projects.

172nd SLBC Meeting and 173rd Special SLBC meeting held in Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.

Bengaluru 15th November,  2025:- The 172^nd SLBC meeting at 2.30 PM and 173^rd Special State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting at 5 PM, of Karnataka was successfully conducted on 14^th November 2025. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including:

• Smt. Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka
• Sri Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director, Canara Bank
• Dr. Vishal R, Secretary to Government (FR), Finance Department, GoK
• Sri. Sameer Shukla, Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, GoK
• Smt. Kaya Tripathi, Regional Director, RBI
• Sri. P C Dash, General Manager, NABARD
• Sri. Shambhu Lal, Chief General Manager, Canara Bank and SLBC Karnataka.
• Sri Bhaskara Chakravarthy M, General Manager, Canara Bank and Convenor, SLBC Karnataka
• State Controlling Heads of various banks and senior officials from line departments.

Sri. Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director, Canara Bank informed that as on 30.09.2025 under agriculture sector achieved Rs. 1,16,105 crores against target of Rs. 2,22,203 crores and achieved 52% of allotted target in Second quarter. Under MSME Banks achieved 69% and total Priority Sector it is 56% and exhorted the Banks to continue the good performance.

The Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka reviewed the State’s performance under Total Credit, Total Deposits, Priority Sector Target achievements, under various sub sector bank wise and district wise. The Chief Secretary also advised the bankers and Government departments to work in unison for smooth and seamless integration of developmental activities for implementation.

The Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka instructed e-Governance, Women & Child Welfare department to provide list of deceased Gruhalaxmi beneficiaries list to respective Banks for operational issues.

The Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, GoK has reviewed all the Developmental schemes and advised the Banks to clear all the pending applications. She also appealed to all the Bankers to onboard the NRLM SHG BC Sakhi’s as BC agents in all the Gram Panchayat locations.

Dr. Vishal R, Secretary to Government (FR), Finance Department, GoK stressed the importance of coverage of all eligible population under the ambit of Jansuraksha schemes and advised Agriculture department to monitor the 100% KCC saturation in Vijayanagara District.

Smt. Kaya Tripathi, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India instructed banks that DFS, GoI has launched DEAF campaign from 01.10.2025 to 31.12.2025 to settle unclaimed deposits of Govt. accounts, institutional accounts & Retail accounts. All Banks have to create awareness among public regarding unclaimed deposits and adopt strategies to boost the pace of claim settlement during the campaign.

P C Dash, General Manager, NABARD informed the house that Banks have to focus on achievement of targets under Agriculture sub sectors. Also informed that Development of 100 coastal Fishermen Villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada in across the Country. In Karnataka, five coastal villages have been selected for development under CRCFV. NABARD, in coordination with the Department of Fisheries and CMFRI, is facilitating various livelihood and infrastructure initiatives in these villages.

CK Kumaravel Family’s Next Gen Launches NXTFACE, India’s First AI-Driven Gen Z Skincare Brand

Chennai, November 14, 2025: India’s Gen Z population is reshaping how beauty, identity, and technology intersect. Yet, while this generation contributes nearly 40 per cent of online beauty and personal-care purchases, there remains a significant gap in skincare designed around their biology, behaviour, and lifestyle. NXTFACE, India’s first AI-driven Gen Z skincare brand, officially launched today to empower the ‘second-face’ transition from adolescence to young adulthood. This defining stage in every young person’s life marks not just a physical change, but also a transformation in confidence, identity and self-expression.

Founded by Ms Dhamyanthi Kumaravel, a young second-generation entrepreneur from the family behind Naturals, India’s leading salon chain, NXTFACE marks the next chapter in India’s beauty revolution, driven by innovation and intelligence. Having personally experienced the post-teenage shift in her own skin, Dhamyanthi spent nearly two years travelling across countries, meeting scientists, and studying how hormones, stress, and environment affect young skin.

On returning to India, she partnered with Connell R&D, a global leader with proven experience in developing state-of-the-art formulations backed by years of research and testing. This collaboration allows NXTFACE to create skincare that is suitable for Gen Z skin and smarter in performance, which is tailored specifically for Indian skin tones and climate.

Commenting on this launch, Ms Dhamyanthi Kumaravel, Founder-CEO of NXTFACE said, “When I came back, I told my parents that the future of beauty won’t come from experience alone. It has to come from intelligence and an understanding of Gen Z. Our generation doesn’t need what our parents used; we need something that understands our transforming skin. NXTFACE does exactly that. It talks about change, not just glow or radiance. Your skin goes through another transformation as you step into young adulthood, and that’s your second face. NXTFACE was created to help our generation understand that phase, not fear it.”

NXTFACE also introduces India’s first real-time, camera-activated AI skincare interface, where users can simply look into their screen to receive instant, unbiased skin insights along with lifestyle recommendations. Built on AI, ML, and LLM technology, this proprietary system analyses visual data instead of prompts or uploads, creating a seamless and human-like experience of understanding the skin.

Commenting on technology adoption, she added, “Our AI doesn’t rate beauty, it explains biology. It helps users see their skin clearly, not filtered, not judged, but understood. I’m excited about what AI can do. It’s like a supreme human brain that can analyse millions of data points in minutes to deliver unbiased and authentic information. This is incredibly important for consumers today, and that’s why I decided to make AI the heart of our innovation. By leveraging AI across our R&D and digital platforms, we stay laser-focused on understanding Gen Z’s evolving needs across a country as diverse as India, where every region brings its own skin tones, lifestyles, and climates.”

Adding to this, she also said, “NXTFACE harnesses advanced small molecule technology to enable deeper penetration and faster absorption, ensuring every ingredient performs at its highest potential. Our formulations are proactive, adaptive, and transformative — designed not just to treat today’s skin, but to prepare it for tomorrow. Select products feature Exosomes, celebrated for their exceptional cell-repair and rejuvenation properties, bringing cutting-edge biotechnology into the masstige skincare space. By merging innovation with accessibility, NXTFACE delivers next-generation skincare that evolves with your lifestyle — intelligent, results-driven, and made for skin that never settles. And with today’s launch, we’re not just introducing a brand—we’re unveiling a vision. We aim to scale NXTFACE to ₹500 crore in revenue by 2030, driven by innovation, intelligence and a deep understanding of Gen Z.”

The launch range includes serums, sunscreens (gels, sprays, and sticks), lip balms, day creams, sleeping masks, and face washes, priced at an accessible average of ₹550, with all products being vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free.

Commenting on her association, Ms Kayadu Lohar, Actor and Brand Ambassador, NXTFACE said, “I connected with NXTFACE instantly because it speaks to what we all experience – change. It’s not about hiding it or fighting it, but embracing it with confidence. That’s what makes it more than just skincare. It’s self-understanding.”

NXTFACE also sets a new benchmark in distribution strategy, combining retail, technology, and experience in one ecosystem. The brand will be available across modern trade, general trade, and pharmacy stores, leading e-commerce platforms, and its AI-powered official website. Additionally, it will debut through over 800 Naturals Salons, offering direct consumer trials, making NXTFACE one of India’s first skincare brands to exist simultaneously across store, salon, and screen.

MRF Reports Strong Q2 Performance with 7% Growth in Total Income

November 14, 2025 | Chennai: MRF Ltd. today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2025, delivering steady growth in revenue and profitability supported by favorable raw material prices and robust operational performance.

Financial Performance

MRF’s consolidated total income increased by 7% to Rs 7,487 Crores for the quarter ended 30th September 2025, compared to Rs 6,994 Crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The consolidated profit before tax stood at Rs 699 Crores, up from Rs 631 Crores recorded in the same quarter last year.

The provision for tax for the quarter amounted to Rs 173 Crores. After accounting for taxes, the consolidated net profit for the quarter stood at Rs 526 Crores, compared to Rs 471 Crores in the corresponding quarter ended 30th September 2024.

Overall, the financial performance for the quarter showed improvement, with profit growth primarily driven by the softening of raw material prices.

Operational Highlights

Traditionally, the second quarter experiences lower sales due to monsoon-related impacts. Despite this, OEM (Original Equipment) sales continued to register strong double-digit growth, and exports performed well even amidst tariff-related challenges.

Towards the latter part of the quarter, the Government’s announcement on GST rate reduction led to a temporary slowdown in replacement sales. However, the revised GST structure is expected to positively influence market demand in the upcoming quarters.

Dividend Declaration

The Board of Directors has declared an Interim Dividend of Rs 3/- per share (30%) on equity shares of Rs 10 each, for the financial year ending 31st March 2026.

Parle 20-20 Cookies Partners with ChildSafe Foundation to Make Children’s Day Sweeter

Mumbai 14th November, 2025:- Parle Products, India’s leading manufacturer of biscuits and confectionery, celebrated Children’s Day with a heartwarming initiative under its popular Parle 20-20 Cookies brand. As part of the brand’s latest campaign “Cookies Bole Toh… Parle 20-20,” Parle collaborated with ChildSafe Foundation to bring moments of joy and celebration with children through interactive sessions, games, and parle products hampers.

The initiative was conceived to spread joy and foster a sense of belonging among children, reflecting Parle’s enduring belief in the power of simple gestures to create lasting happiness. The activity reflected Parle’s belief that childhood is best celebrated with warmth, laughter, and shared moments much like the joy of enjoying a cookie together.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mayank Shah, Vice President, Parle Products, said, “We have always believed that our role goes beyond creating products, it’s about creating joy and memories. This Children’s Day, our collaboration with ChildSafe Foundation allowed us to give back to the community in a way that truly embodies the spirit of Parle 20-20. Through simple yet meaningful interactions, we wanted to make every child feel valued, seen, and celebrated.”

Through this initiative, Parle Products reaffirmed its belief that true brand purpose lies in bringing joy to children’s lives. Renowned for its crispy, buttery taste and melt-in-the-mouth delight, Parle 20-20 celebrates everyday happiness, a sentiment echoed in its partnership with ChildSafe Foundation. The effort reflects Parle’s ongoing commitment to nurturing joyful communities and spreading goodness that goes well beyond the pack.

Qatar Airways Partners with Indian Chef Garima Arora to Launch Exclusive Business Class Menu

 India 14th November ,2025 :- Qatar Airways announces the launch of an exclusive Business Class menu in collaboration with celebrated chef and restaurateur, Garima Arora (Chef Garima). Officially launched on 15 November 2025, the Business Class menu features an all-vegetarian, Ayurvedic-inspired offering, available on routes from Doha to India. The special menu will be refreshed every three months with new dishes curated by Chef Garima to offer the best variety to Business Class passengers. In the next phase, Chef Garima’s menu will also be extended to routes from Doha to the United States.

Chef Garima, a trailblazer in modern Indian cuisine, became the first Indian woman to earn a Michelin star in 2018 for her Bangkok-based restaurant, Gaa. In 2023, Gaa was awarded a second Michelin star, making it one of the few Indian restaurants globally to achieve this distinction. With this, Chef Garima also became the first female Indian chef to lead a two-Michelin star kitchen.

This menu collaboration is testimony to Qatar Airways’ commitment to elevating the Business Class dining experience. The new menu draws inspiration from Chef Garima’s culinary philosophy of creating one-of-a-kind dining experience that showcases modern Indian cooking techniques – a bold reinterpretations of Indian flavours with fresh local ingredients.

Xia Cai, Senior Vice President of Product Development & Design at Qatar Airways, commented: “At Qatar Airways, we continue to set new benchmarks in luxury travel by curating experiences that are as refined as they are memorable. Our collaboration with Chef Garima Arora—celebrated for her modern take on Indian cuisine—reflects our commitment to innovation and culinary excellence at altitude.”

“Dining onboard should evoke the same sense of indulgence as a fine-dining experience on the ground. This bespoke menu, crafted especially for our Indian passengers, honours regional authenticity while embracing global sophistication. It is yet another step in our ongoing mission to delight our customers with world-class quality in every detail.”

Chef Garima Arora said, “For me, this partnership is about reimagining how Indian food can be experienced at 30,000 feet. The menu celebrates the richness of our culinary traditions, while presenting them with the elegance and comfort that define premium travel.”

This culinary partnership between Chef Garima Arora and Qatar Airways debuts with a refined Business Class menu:

Appetiser

• Chaat

Berry sorbet, dal dumplings, pomegranate drizzle and sweet yoghurt

Main Course

• My Grandmother’s Millet Khichdi

A traditional Ayurvedic Sattvik serving designed for easy digestion during travels

Served with homemade pickles, condiments and warm shorba

Dessert

• Masala Chai Mousse

Delicately infused aromatic tea, dipped Parle-G, raspberries stuffed with candied ginge