6, Sep 2024
Prime Video to Premiere Tamil Comedy Drama ‘Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam’ on September 20

MUMBAI—September 06, 2024— Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global premiere date for its upcoming Tamil Original comedy-drama series Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. Directed by Naga, written by Balakumaran Murugesan, the eight-episode series is and produced by The Viral Fever (TVF). It offers a heartwarming glimpse into rural Tamil Nadu brought to life by a superbly talented cast, including Abishek Kumar, Chetan Kadambi , Devadarshini, Niyathi, Anand Sami, and Paul Raj in pivotal roles. Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on September 20 in Tamil, with subtitles in English. Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is the latest addition to the Prime membership.
The comedy drama series follows Sidharth (Abishek Kumar), an engineering graduate from Chennai, who reluctantly takes on a job far outside his comfort zone as a secretary in the remote village of Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. As he navigates the quirks of rural life and its eccentric villagers, he finds himself caught up in a comedy of errors full of twists and turns.
“The ever-evolving tastes and preferences of our diverse audience drive us to expand our local language content with authentic, relatable, and engaging stories. Collaborating with longstanding partners like TVF, who share our vision of delivering fresh, innovative, and rooted narratives, we are excited to present the Tamil Original comedy-drama Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. Written by Balakumaran Murugesan, this series brings a delightful blend of humour with heartwarming moments through a simple yet gripping narrative, making it an irresistibly binge-worthy entertainer. With its authentic rural charm and universal themes of community dynamics, brought to life by an exceptionally versatile ensemble cast, it is sure to captivate audiences,” said Manish Menghani, Director of Content Licensing at Prime Video India. “We are confident that Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam will engage viewers not just in Tamil Nadu, but across India and worldwide.”
Vijay Koshy, President, The Viral Fever (TVF), shared, “It has been wonderful to partner with Prime Video to present the Tamil Original series Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. The entire team has done a fantastic job of authentically capturing the simplicity and sometimes challenging aspects of everyday life in a small rural village, with humour and authenticity. I’m deeply grateful to our phenomenal cast and every crew member whose passion and hard work have brought this show to life. We couldn’t have done this without TVF’s in-house stalwarts Deepak Mishra who is the director of Panchayat (S1-S3) and Shreyansh Pandey who is the head of TVF Originals. We are confident that Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam will strike a chord with viewers both in India and around the world when it premieres globally on Prime Video on September 20.”
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- By Rabindra
6, Sep 2024
SBI General Insurance Donates INR10 Lakhs for Wayanad Relief through Akshaya Patra
Bengaluru – September 06, 2024 – In response to the recent natural disaster that has severely affected Wayanad, SBI General Insurance has announced a donation of ₹10 lakhs to The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This contribution aims to support the Foundation’s crucial relief operations in the disaster-stricken region.

This significant contribution will aid The Akshaya Patra Foundation in their ongoing efforts to provide critical relief services, including emergency food supplies, medical aid, and essential resources to the affected communities in Wayanad. The donation underscores SBI General Insurance’s commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis and contributing to their swift recovery.
The recent disaster has left many families displaced and in urgent need of assistance. The Akshaya Patra Foundation, renowned for its efficient and effective relief operations, is on the ground providing essential support to those in need. SBI General’s contribution will bolster these efforts, ensuring that affected families receive timely aid and support as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
5, Sep 2024
ISST Announces Scholarships for deserving Athletes to Foster Holistic Sports Education
September 05, 2024: The Institute of Sports Science & Technology (ISST) is proud to announce the launch of the Dr. P. C. Shejwalkar Athlete Scholarship Program, designed to provide deserving candidates with the opportunity to enhance their sports training with academic excellence. Recognizing the growing importance of a holistic approach to sports education, ISST is offering these scholarships to ensure that athletes are not only physically prepared but also equipped with the management and strategic knowledge required to succeed in the competitive world of sports.
These scholarships are available for a variety of classroom and distance education courses, making it possible for athletes to pursue their academic goals alongside their sports training. By providing this support, ISST aims to create a new generation of well-rounded sports professionals who can excel both on and off the field.
Dr. Vipul Lunawat, Director of ISST, shared the institute’s vision behind the scholarship program: “With initiatives like Khelo India and various government schemes supporting athletes, it is imperative for us as educators and sports enthusiasts to contribute to their development. The Dr. P. C. Shejwalkar Athlete Scholarship Program is our commitment to ensuring that athletes are not only physically prepared but also academically equipped to face challenges on the global stage. By offering this scholarship, we aim to provide them with the strategic knowledge and management skills necessary to represent India with excellence.”
Ms. Tanvi Lunawat, Director of Operations at ISST, highlighted the importance of supporting women athletes through the scholarship program: “As India continues to rise in the global sports arena, it’s our duty to support athletes, especially deserving women athletes, in every possible way. Women athletes often face unique challenges, and our scholarship program is designed to empower them by bridging the gap between sports training and academic education. By providing them with the resources and knowledge they need to excel both on and off the field, we are committed to helping shape a future where Indian women athletes can confidently represent our nation on the world stage.”
Since its founding in 2008, ISST has been at the forefront of sports and fitness education in India. As the country’s first dedicated sports and fitness education institute, ISST offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs aimed at developing athletes, managers, and sports support staff. The institute is committed to equipping aspiring sports professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the sports industry. ISST looks to cater to the globally rising demand for sports management professionals within the sports and fitness industry.
ISST’s offerings include the MBA in Sports Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management, and a full-time UGC-recognized BSc in Sports Management. These programs cover crucial areas such as sports event management, facility management, sports law and governance, athlete management, sports tourism, and strategic management. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of the sports industry.
5, Sep 2024
Tenable Enhances Nessus Risk Prioritization to Help Customers Expose and Close Exposures
New Delhi, 5th September, 2024 – Tenable®, the exposure management company, today announced new risk prioritization and compliance features for Tenable Nessus, the #1 vulnerability assessment solution in accuracy, coverage and adoption. Nessus supports new and updated vulnerability scoring systems – Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) and Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) v4 – to help customers implement more effective prioritization for risk reduction and maintain compliance.

Due to evolving threats and expanding attack surfaces, organizations rely on multiple risk scoring systems, which are not effective risk qualifiers on their own to determine criticality. With Tenable Nessus, customers can take advantage of the latest industry-adopted vulnerability scoring systems – EPSS and CVSS v4 – and Tenable Vulnerability Priority Rating (VPR) to identify and take action on the vulnerabilities that pose the greatest risk specific to their environment. Leveraging an advanced data science algorithm developed by Tenable Research, Tenable VPR combines and analyzes Tenable proprietary vulnerability data, third-party vulnerability data and threat data to effectively and efficiently measure risk.
“EPSS and CVSS are single variables in the risk equation – context around exposures delivers a deeper level of understanding around true risk,” said Shai Morag, chief product officer, Tenable. “Recent Tenable Research found that only 3% of vulnerabilities most frequently result in impactful exposure. We’ve optimized Nessus to meet the evolving needs of our customers, empowering informed vulnerability prioritization strategies to address these critical few.”
Key features in this release include:
EPSS and CVSS v4 Support enables users to see and filter plugins by EPSS and CVSS v4 score, further informing prioritization strategy. This feature enables security teams to remain compliant with organizational policies that require the use of EPSS or CVSS as the primary scoring system.
Nessus Offline Mode addresses challenges with conducting vulnerability scans offline in air-gapped environments. Building upon existing offline scanning capabilities, Nessus runs critical services only, removing unwanted traffic generated by functions that rely on an active internet connection, thereby ensuring the security of sensitive data within a secure environment.
Declarative Agent Versioning On-Prem enables users to create and manage agent profiles in Nessus Manager for Tenable Security Center. Users can specify a product version for an agent deployed in an environment, thereby reducing disruptions in day-to-day operations and enabling users to adhere to enterprise change control policies.
Learn more about vulnerability and risk scoring by checking out the Inaugural Study of EPSS Data and Performance developed by Cyentia Institute and the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST).
Join the upcoming Tenable webinar titled, From Data to Defense: Harnessing Predictive Scoring to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity on September 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm ET, by registering here. Please notice that the webinar will be held in English language.
5, Sep 2024
Nanavati Max Hospital Gains an EDGE in Cancer Care
Mumbai, September 5, 2024: Nanavati Max Hospital has taken a significant step forward in the fight against cancer by introducing the EDGE radiosurgery system, one of India’s most advanced cancer treatment technologies, complemented by HyperArc, a cutting-edge stereotactic radiosurgery solution. This marks a revolutionary advancement in cancer care for Western India.

The Edge Radio Surgery System was formally inaugurated by Shri Amitabh Bachchan in the gracious presence of Shri Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director of Max Healthcare.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
The EDGE system, represents a significant leap in the delivery of radiosurgery and radiotherapy treatments. The system allows clinicians to treat a wider array of cancers with unmatched precision, flexibility, and efficiency. The EDGE system’s ability to deliver sub-millimetre accuracy in treatment, coupled with the efficiency of HyperArc’s automated radiosurgery, significantly reduces treatment times and enhances patient comfort.
Speaking at the event, Shri. Amitabh Bachchan congratulated the hospital for introducing the cutting-edge treatment technology to fight cancer. “It signifies a powerful step forward in our collective fight against cancer. Today, with rising incidents, morbidity, and mortality due to cancer, clinical expertise and technological innovation can offer hope to cancer patients and their families. I wish the best to Nanavati Max Hospital to keep pushing the boundaries of medical science and alleviate the burden of cancer in India,” said Shri. Bachchan.
EDGE HyperArc ensures that patients in Western India have access to world-class cancer treatment options without the need to travel to other parts of the world. It not only allows for more precise targeting of tumors but also minimizes the impact on surrounding healthy tissues, leading to better overall outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.
Speaking on the occasion, Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director, Max Healthcare said, “At Max Healthcare we believe in being at the apex of cutting-edge technology. To further strengthen our range of offerings to combat cancer, we are introducing the state-of-the-art EDGE HyperArc machine at Nanavati Max Hospital. This is intended to complement our existing world class Halcyon machine and will allow us to combat the entire range of disease with higher precision and efficiency.”
Dr Kaustav Talapatra, Director, Radiation Oncology who will spearhead the programme said, “EDGE with HyperArc technology provides advanced radiosurgery treatment with specialised algorithms for automatic planning and delivery, optimised dose distribution, and better sparing of healthy organ tissue. With this technology, we will be able to treat multiple tumours at the same time, by targeting them all from a single point, called a ‘single isocenter.’ With no requirement of manual adjustments, patients receive a precise, faster and comfortable treatment.”. He added that the machine can treat primary and metastatic tumours of the brain, prostate, lung and pancreas.
With the introduction of this revolutionary system, Nanavati Max Hospital has reaffirmed its position as a leader in oncology care, offering hope and advanced treatment options to cancer patients across Western India.
5, Sep 2024
NxtWave and NSDC Launches SkillUp India 4.0
New Delhi, September 05, 2024: In a historic moment for India’s education landscape, NxtWave, a leading player in the nation’s tech education sector, in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), has successfully launched NxtWave SkillUp India 4.0, one of India’s unique tech upskilling initiative.

NxtWave SkillUp India 4.0 is country’s unique upskilling program, designed to empower the nation’s youth by equipping them with advanced skills in 4.0 technologies such as AI, ML, and Full-Stack Development. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of tech leaders and innovators by bridging the gap between industry and academia.
This initiative will empower over 30 lakhs students across India in 4.0 technologies and connect them with right career opportunities. NxtWave’s efforts will play a pivotal role in transforming these students into skilled professionals who can contribute to India’s growth and global standing.
The momentous occasion also witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, all united in their commitment to building a Naya Bharat.
Speaking to the industry stakeholders at the press conference today, Mr Rahul Attuluri, Co-Founder and CEO of NxtWave said, ‘’We are honored to partner with NSDC, under the guidance of the Skill Development Ministry, to equip deserving students with the tools and skills they need to unlock their full potential. NSDC’s unwavering commitment to empowering India’s youth is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their support. Together, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for young minds to explore, innovate, and contribute to India’s growth story. SkillUp India 4.0 is born from our shared vision of nurturing a highly skilled, future-ready workforce, as AI and emerging technologies promise to create vast opportunities in the Indian market.”
Amid the rising uncertainties in the job market, NxtWave, under the SkillUp India 4.0 initiative, will conduct a free software job employability test for more than 5 lakh students to assess their skills and connect them with the right opportunities. Additionally, to remove barriers to top software jobs, NxtWave is providing free access to its 2-year Full Stack + AI/ML program, for meritorious students across 500 NIRF-ranked colleges.
Mr Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC took the opportunity to add, “Our Hon’ble Prime Minister has set a visionary goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. This initiative is a significant step towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, where every young Indian is empowered with the skills needed to shape the future. With initiatives like SkillUp India 4.0, in collaboration with NxtWave, we are not only advancing the Skill India Mission but also positioning India as the skill capital and innovation hub of the world. Today, with 45% of global capacity centers already based in India, we are creating cutting-edge technologies for global giants.”
As part of the SkillUp India 4.0 initiative, NxtWave is democratizing tech education by reaching over 25 lakh students through Generative AI workshops at more than 3,000 colleges nationwide.
5, Sep 2024
Finance teams – evolve now or become irrelevant: ACCA – Chartered Accountants ANZ – PwC Report
Mumbai, September 05, 2024: Finance teams have just five years to transform or risk becoming irrelevant, according to a new report by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and Chartered Accountants ANZ in association with PwC. The report, Finance Evolution: Thriving in the Next Decade, stresses the vital role finance teams play in building sustainable businesses and urges CFOs and finance leaders to take immediate action.

Drawing on insights from over 150 finance professionals and 2,300 survey responses, the report shows that businesses now demand a broader skill set from their finance teams, as retrospective reporting and traditional approaches to planning and forecasting alone no longer meet key decision-makers’ needs. Being pre-emptive is the order of the day.
Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA, said: ‘74% of respondents in India and South Asia said that their organisation had a vision, either fully or partially, for the finance function which looked three to five years hence, the greatest proportion of respondents to this question. This compares favourably to 66% globally.’
The three most significant barriers to enhancing the role of the finance function in South Asia were:
· a lack of organisation wide collaborative culture
· a lack of understanding as to the areas where finance can add business value; and
· that finance is being treated as a cost.
Other findings from India and South Asia revealed that the balance of effort in the finance function changes, 83% of the survey respondents in South Asia saw an increase in compliance and control and 82% in report compilation and data visualisation as the most significant however increases were expected in all areas of the function.
The autonomous function opens up new roles within finance although, at the present time, the survey respondents indicated a reluctance to embrace some of these. The South Asian respondents indicated that 30% already had recruited a data analyst, 8% a sustainability controller and 3% an algorithm auditor.
Globally, the report revealed that finance teams must embrace technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics, to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. These technologies help finance teams reduce manual tasks, boost efficiency, and be recognised as key drivers of growth rather than merely number crunchers. The role of finance has also expanded to include leadership on long-term value creation including sustainability issues.
However, the report also emphasises that as finance teams undergo this transformation, the importance of ethics must remain at the forefront. With the increasing reliance on technology and data, maintaining a strong ethical foundation is crucial to building and sustaining trust.
Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA, said, ‘For finance teams to stay relevant, they need to look ahead. CFOs and finance leaders must ensure they are measuring both the long-term and short-term goals of sustainable business models effectively. The role of the CFO is fast evolving beyond finance to encompass wider value creation and management.’
Ainslie van Onselen, Chief Executive Officer of Chartered Accountants ANZ, stated, ‘While the arrival of new technology presents exciting opportunities to radically transform and improve the way we work, the one thing that must never change is our profession’s strong ethical standing. While we upskill and future proof our technology capabilities, we must also remain firmly focused on the ethical role that financial professionals – especially Chartered Accountants – must play.’
Moreover, the report highlights significant skill deficits in the areas of digital, data, and sustainability. Addressing these gaps is essential for finance teams to lead effectively in the next decade.
Simon Seymour, Partner at PwC, noted, ‘Respondents highlighted their biggest skills gaps as digital skills, data skills and sustainability skills. A critical question for the industry, as a whole, is why these skills gaps remain so pronounced and how far organisations should go to own the skills agenda, and not just rely on traditional training.’
The report is a clear call for action: finance teams must embrace new technologies, develop critical skills in digital, data, and sustainability, and uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure they remain integral to their organisations’ success in the years to come.
Disclaimer: The information in this press release is provided for general informational purposes only. All content is accurate as of the date of publication but may be subject to change. The company assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions, and all opinions expressed are those of the author.
5, Sep 2024
Thums Up Partners with Ranveer Brar for a Sizzling New Season of Toofani Biryani Hunt on Disney+ Hotstar
National, 5 September 2024: Thums Up, India’s billion-dollar, homegrown beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, is thrilled to announce Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2. A sequel to the successful first, this new chapter seeks to rekindle the taste for the perfect biryani pairing. With celebrity chef Ranveer Brar back at the helm, the upcoming edition is all set to deliver an exceptional culinary adventure.

Conceptualized and created by Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, join the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2 as the esteemed chef Ranveer Brar explores seven diverse regions — Hyderabad, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata — to understand the toofani origin of each biryani. Through its one-of-kind storytelling, the hunt brings alive the untold stories of 21 of the hottest biryani makers in the country with the Chef uncovering the inspiration behind each hotspot. The indomitable combination of Thums Up, Biryani and Chef Brar aims to settle the age-old question of “Kaunsi Biryani hai Sabse Toofani?”
Commenting on Season 2 of Toofani Biryani Hunt, Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head, Sparkling Flavours, India & Southwest Asia at The Coca-Cola Company said, “We’re excited to present ‘Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2,’ in partnership with Disney+ Hotstar, serving up a sizzling flavour expedition on screen. This season, we celebrate the crisp chill of Thums Up paired with a steaming plate of rich, smoky biryani. With Chef Ranveer Brar bringing his exceptional talent back on board, the journey is set to be more delicious than ever as we uncover the best of biryani from seven diverse regions across India.”
On his exciting collaboration with the brand, Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar said, “Biryani is not just a dish; it’s a journey through time and taste, rich with history and fragrant with tradition. I am elated to return for another season of the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt, as we uncover the history, legacy and bold flavours of biryani from various regions in India. Each episode is an adventure—seeking out the best biryani spots, learning their stories, and savoring the bold flavors that make this dish so beloved.”
Speaking about the show, Dhruv Dhawan, Head of Ads at Disney+ Hotstar, added, “At Disney+ Hotstar’s CreativeWorks, we continue to leverage the power of storytelling and solve the complex marketing needs of advertisers who want to forge meaningful connections with their audiences. Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season 1 resonated well with our audiences and we are excited to bring in another season which exemplifies how we combine creativity and cultural relevance to craft memorable experiences. With season 2, we’re taking this journey with Thums Up to new heights, exploring the rich flavors and traditions that make biryani a dish close to every Indian’s heart.”
Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2 is set to kick off with the pilot episode on August 28, 2024. This season promises a feast for the senses, the local pride for their culinary best and biryani fans across regions vouching that their biryani is most toofani.
5, Sep 2024
Building Champions: How Future Indian Athletes Train for Success
In the world of sports, where every millisecond and inch matters, the path to becoming a champion is built on dedication, strategy, and resilience. From rigorous core strength exercises that enhance performance to advanced equipment and a solid understanding of nutrition, every element of their training is carefully designed.

Let’s celebrate the dedication and effort shaping the next generation of Indian sports stars, featuring the inspiring stories of athletes like Shaili Singh and Poorva Hitesh Sawant, nurtured by the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation and supported by Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation.
As Anju Bobby George, Olympian Indian Long Jumper & Chairperson – Anju Bobby Sports Foundation, aptly puts it, “Becoming a champion is not just about talent; it’s about building the right foundation. Strengthening the core, mastering nutrition, and investing in recovery separate good athletes from great ones. This journey requires more than just physical effort—it’s about commitment and smart training.”
1. Focus on Core Strength
Core strength is crucial for athletic performance as it enhances stability, agility, and power. A strong core stabilizes the spine and pelvis, enabling efficient energy transfer during physical activities. Sports science shows that a robust core can improve overall biomechanics, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance performance in dynamic sports.
Incorporate compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, and lunges. Add kettlebell swings, medicine ball throws, and hip thrusts to build functional strength. Start at 25% intensity and gradually increase to 60-70%. These exercises not only build strength but also improve agility and coordination. For instance, Shaili Singh, a rising star in the long jump, emphasizes the importance of core stability in her training regimen, which has helped her achieve national records and compete on the international stage.
2. Contrast Training
Contrast training is an effective technique for enhancing various physical attributes critical to athletic performance, such as strength, power, speed, and agility. This method involves performing a heavy resistance exercise set immediately followed by a power exercise with a similar biomechanical pattern (e.g., a barbell back squat followed by a squat jump). Athletes like Poorva Hitesh Sawant have benefited from this method, which has improved her explosive power and overall performance in the triple jump. The advantages of contrast training include efficient results, high work density, and potential injury prevention.
3. Master Nutrition Fundamentals
Nutrition fuels training, aids recovery and supports overall health. A balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is essential for optimal performance. Sports science emphasizes that proper nutrition can enhance muscle recovery, improve endurance, and optimize energy levels for peak performance.
Focusing on macronutrient balance—carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for endurance. Proper hydration and the intake of essential vitamins and minerals are vital to supporting the body’s physiological functions, enhancing endurance, and preventing injuries.
4. Invest in Advanced Equipment
Advanced equipment plays a pivotal role in giving athletes that crucial edge. From cutting-edge footwear designed to enhance speed and stability to state-of-the-art gear, that minimizes the risk of injury, the right equipment can be a game-changer.
Moreover, top-quality track, field, and gym equipment are essential for athletes aiming to excel. Susmita, a long jump competitor, has greatly benefited from advanced equipment tailored to her needs. Her high-performance gear, developed with insights from sports science, has contributed to her consistent improvements and reduced the occurrence of injuries.
Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation, has been supporting the women athletes of the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation by providing essential amenities and world-class gym equipment, enabling them to train effectively and reach their full potential.
5. Prioritize Recovery and Rest
Recovery is when the body repairs and grows stronger. Incorporate strategies like active recovery sessions, and proper sleep hygiene, and opt for ice baths and compression therapy. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injury; hence athletes prioritize recovery as part of their training regimen. Listening to their bodies and allowing ample time for recovery is crucial for maintaining peak performance.
Including active recovery sessions, maintaining proper sleep hygiene, and using recovery tools like ice baths and compression therapy could help athletes maximize recovery.
5, Sep 2024
Marudhar Rocks International Private Limited raises INR 150 crores in Private Placement Round from BVF
Mumbai / Bangalore / Hosur, Sep 05, 2024 : Leading Building Materials Company Marudhar Rocks International Private Limited (Marudhar) secured INR 150 Crores from Bharat Value Fund (BVF), managed by Pantomath Capital Management Pvt Ltd, through a private placement round. BVF picked up 6.5% stake valuing the company at Approx INR 2300 Crores
Bharat Value Fund, launched in August 2024 as the second series Category II AIF under the India Inflection Opportunity Trust (IIOT), is managed by the esteemed industry leader Madhu Lunawat. With a targeted corpus of INR 2,000 crores, the fund has successfully raised INR 1200 Crores from 950 investors to date. Of this amount, INR 150 crores has been invested in Marudhar Rocks International. BVF primarily focuses on pre-IPO investment opportunities in Indian growth-stage enterprises. The fund targets companies that promote the “Made in India” ethos, substituting imports, fostering exports, and supporting India’s vast rural consumption.
Marudhar Rocks, founded in 2010 is the largest manufacturer of Premium Engineered Quartz Surfaces (Premium EQS) in India, with a production capacity of approximately 2 million square meters per annum, spread across three strategically located facilities in Jaipur, Rajasthan; State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Hosur, Tamil Nadu); and Kelamangalam (Hosur, Tamil Nadu). The company also produces Premium Stone Plastic Composite Flooring (Premium SPC Flooring), diversifying its product portfolio to meet the growing demand in both domestic and international markets. Notably, Marudhar generates 100% of its revenue from exports to USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, Middle East and Vietnam, serving marquee global surfaces brands and maintaining a strong distribution network worldwide.
Marudhar has deployed state of the art, patented technologies from renowned global technology vendors. It’s SIPCOT and Jaipur plants are equipped with the Most Advanced Technology available globally, called Bretonstone Technology, for Premium Quartz. The Company had both Super Jumbo and Jumbo size Premium Surfaces manufacturing capabilities, one of the only few companies to have it.
Marudhar’s founding team has more than 40 years of experience of dealing in Premium Surfaces for Global Markets. The team has strong understanding of global demand and pricing scenarios, which helps in better positioning of Premium Surfaces like EQS and SPC Flooring. The experience has helped Quartz segment achieving impressive scale within just 5 years of commencement of operations and placing the Company as largest manufacturer in India.
In 2021, Marudhar acquired a fully Bretonstone powered Engineered Quartz Surfaces manufacturing at facility at Jaipur, Rajasthan from ASI Industries Limited. The Facility is having a installed capacity to manufacture 6 Lakh Sq. Mtr. of Engineered Quartz surface per annum.
Premium Engineered Quartz is a USD 25-30 bn market globally. India is one of the largest exporters into USA, the largest market for Quartz globally; SPC is also estimated to be USD 30 bn global opportunity. The Indian market for SPC is also showing promising growth led by variety of factors including the upgradation of lifestyle, increase in disposable income, growing urbanisation, increase in housing and commercial real estate demand, amongst others.
Commenting on the fund raise, Mr. Jitendra Kothari, Mr Vikas Kothari, Mr Avinash Mehta and Mr Ronak Kochar, Directors at Marudhar Rocks International said “We are thrilled to receive this significant investment from Bharat Value Fund. This infusion of INR 150 crores has come at a very crucial time as we continue to solidify our position as the largest and most profitable manufacturer of Premium Surfaces in India. With this funding, we aim to accelerate our growth trajectory by enhancing our production capabilities, investing in cutting-edge technologies across our Premium Surfaces portfolio, and expanding our market reach both domestically and internationally, to cater to the increasing demand.
This partnership with BVF not only validates our business model and strategic vision but also empowers us to innovate further and meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability in our products, and this investment will help us in achieving these goals more effectively.
At Marudhar Rocks International, we believe in pushing boundaries and setting new standards, and this collaboration with BVF is a significant milestone in our journey towards excellence. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will drive our mutual growth and success.”
With Bharat Value Fund coming aboard, we believe that the journey to financial success is paved with innovation, resilience, and strategic thinking. With BVF partnership, we are confident in our ability to navigate the complexities of the market and seize opportunities that will yield mutually beneficial returns. Together, we can build a future of prosperity and growth” Directors added.
Speaking about its investment in Marudhar, Ms. Madhu Lunawat, CIO of Bharat Value Fund said, “Our decision to invest in Marudhar is driven by their impressive track record, robust business model, premium product portfolio, experience of the Founders and their commitment to quality and sustainability. We see tremendous potential in Marudhar’s ability to scale further, enhance their production capabilities, and expand their market presence both domestically and globally.
At BVF, we are dedicated to supporting businesses that are poised for significant growth and impact. Marudhar Rocks International embodies these qualities, and we are confident that this partnership will lead to remarkable advancements in the sector. We look forward to working closely with the Marudhar team and contributing to their continued success and industry leadership.” added Ms Madhu Lunawat.
Marudhar clocked revenue of INR 518 crores in FY24 growing at CAGR of 73% over Fiscal 2020 to 2024. The Company had EBITDA margin of 36% and PAT margin of 27% respectively with robust Average ROE and Average ROCE of 46% and 31% respectively during FY24.