Category Archives: News

Asian Energy Services Expands Globally with 9.25 Million Dollar Kuiper Group Acquisition

22^nd April 2025, Mumbai: Asian Energy Services Limited, a leading integrated service provider to the energy and mining sectors, has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Kuiper Group, UAE from Gulf Capital (a marquee private equity fund), for a consideration of US$ 9.25 million in an all-cash deal. The acquisition is expected to be completed within the next two months, following which Asian Energy will acquire Kuiper Group along with its global management team and normalized working capital. The acquisition will be funded through a combination of internal accruals and debt.

Kapil Garg, Chairman and Managing Director, Oilmax Energy Pvt. Ltd.

Kuiper Group is a globally recognized provider of comprehensive and integrated manpower solutions, specifically tailored for the energy sector across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Kuiper Group has recorded revenue of ~ US$ 68 million in year ending December 2024 and is a profitable business, further strengthening the strategic value of the acquisition.

The acquisition of Kuiper Group is a strategic initiative by Asian Energy Services to expand its services offering of integrated operations and maintenance (O&M) across the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries leveraging Kuiper’s presence. Kuiper has well-established presence in energy-rich nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. This positions Asian Energy Services to scale its operations, access this larger addressable market, and support its long-term growth ambitions.

Commenting on this, Mr Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited said, “The acquisition of Kuiper Group marks a pivotal milestone in Asian Energy Services’ journey to expand its footprint across key energy markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This strategic move enables us to participate more actively in global energy projects and establish a scalable, future-ready platform for long-term growth. Kuiper Group’s strong presence in these regions will serve as a foundation for Asian Energy to broaden its integrated O&M services offering. We also aim to support and grow

Kuiper’s existing business. I warmly welcome Kuiper’s management team and employees to the Asian Energy family and look forward to working together following the completion of the acquisition.”

ATAL PENSION YOJANA (APY) SEES 1.17 CRORE NEW ENROLMENTS IN 2024-25

New Delhi, 22nd April, 2025.As of March 31, 2025, the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has surpassed 7.60 crore gross enrolments, marking a milestone in its 10th year. In 2024-25, the scheme enrolled over 1.17 crore new subscribers, continuing its strong momentum with more than 1 crore new subscribers in each of the past three financial years. The total assets under management (AUM) now exceed Rs. 44,780 crore, with annual returns of 9.11 percent since inception.

In 2024-25, a record about 55 percent of new enrolled subscribers were women, reflecting increasing financial awareness and gender balance.

As part of the key new initiatives undertaken in 2024-25, PFRDA conducted 32 APY Outreach programs pan India at various locations, in coordination with SLBCs and LDMs; regular training and awareness sessions for bank officials, SLBCs/UTLBCs, subscribers and general public; mass media campaigns in Print, Radio, TV, social media and Theatres. Special radio campaigns were launched during events like Mahakumbh and ICC Champions Trophy.

Under APY, a subscriber would receive a lifelong minimum guaranteed pension of Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 per month from the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions. The same pension is passed on to the spouse of the subscriber after the demise of the subscriber and on the demise of both the subscriber and spouse, the pension wealth as accumulated till age 60 of the subscriber would be returned back to the nominee.

Nine Indian Banks Recognized as Global Digital Champions in Deloitte Report

22 April 2025, National: According to the 6th Deloitte Global Digital Banking Maturity (DBM) survey, nine Indian banks have been recognised as ‘Digital Champions’ among 40 banks that received the title globally. Since 2022, India’s DBM Index has grown from 43 percent to 59 percent, witnessing a 16-percentage point (pp) increase. Indian banks have observed the most notable gains in day-to-day banking (+9.8 pp) and expanding relationships (+3.4 pp). This change reflects Indian banks’ increasing digital maturity, showcasing their focus on customised advisory, rapid technological advancements, AI integration and beyond-banking offerings.

The Global DBM study, conducted biennially, surveyed 349 banks in its latest edition, assessing participants based on their retail banking maturity across three main channels: public websites, internet banking and mobile banking, which includes application messenger service-based banking. Using mystery shopping methodology, the banks’ features were evaluated across six customer journey steps, namely information gathering, account opening, customer onboarding, day-to-day banking, expanding relationships and end relationships. The latest edition of DBM has improved the methodology by adding UX insights as a benchmarking segment in addition to the customer journey steps.

The survey further highlights that Indian Digital Champions have outperformed their global peers across most journey steps, with India’s overall DBM Index exceeding the global average index by 20 pp. Indian Digital Champion banks scored significantly higher in information gathering, customer onboarding, day-to-day banking and overall user experience.

However, there is room for further improvement, especially across day-to-day banking and expanding relationships, focusing on areas such as personal finance management, conversational solutions for hyper-personalised support and product cross-selling.

Himanish Chaudhuri, Partner and Financial Services Industry Leader, Deloitte India, said, “As we unveil the sixth edition of Digital Banking Maturity report, the world’s largest and most comprehensive digital banking study, we are proud to share that Indian Banks have made significant progress across digital banking services, outpacing global average on most fronts, aligning with our 2022 predictions. In only its second year of participation, India has already asserted itself as a rising force among global powerhouses such as the US, China, Brazil and the European Union. This year’s DBM survey extends its reach to 349 banks, spanning 44 key markets across six continents. This remarkable trajectory underscores India’s growing capability to shape the future of digital banking. With regulatory support, the rise of GenAI, industry convergence and a sharper focus on fraud prevention, Indian banks are well-positioned to support the country’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’.” The Indian banking sector’s digital transformation is driven by a favourable regulatory environment, expanding digital public infrastructure, increased investment and spending capacity and enhanced internet connectivity and mobile penetration. However, this progress is accompanied by challenges such as macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, rising deposit costs and concerns over credit quality. 

Suchintan Chatterjee, Partner, Deloitte India, said, “While Indian banks have effectively mastered the account opening and customer onboarding steps, there is a need to continue prioritising day-to-day banking and expanding customer relationships to enhance service delivery and meet growing customer expectations. To achieve scalability, banks must address data architecture and skill gap issues and ensure enterprise-wide data agility.”

While taking a deep dive into day-to-day banking and expanding relationships journey steps, where Indian banks observed the most notable gains, the survey report highlights significant progress within the key components of these areas. In day-to-day banking, Transfers & Payments saw a 2.4 pp increase since 2022, surpassing the 1 pp global average. Personal Finance Management improved by 1.9 pp compared with the 0.1 pp global rise, while Account and product management services recorded a 2 pp increase against the 1 pp global benchmark. On the other hand, Card Management services showed a notable ~2 pp rise, driven by seamless services and a secure banking experience, compared with a 3 pp global average rise.

In expanding relationships with banking services, Indian banks achieved a 1 pp increase in beyond banking offerings, outperforming the 0.1 pp global average rise. However, the ecosystem and account aggregation services, a key area for further focus, registered a modest 0.5 pp rise.

“India’s Digital Story Gets a Marathi Voice with ‘Atulniya’ Launch at WeSchool

India’s remarkable rise as a global technology powerhouse found a new voice in Marathi with the launch of ‘Atulniya’, the regional adaptation of Harish Mehta’s acclaimed book The Maverick Effect. The event was hosted at the Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Matunga,Mumbai, where WeSchool played a pivotal role as both Venue Partner and Knowledge Partner. The launch marked a significant step toward making India’s digital narrative more inclusive and accessible to regional audiences.

The ceremony was graced by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, as the Chief Guest. Joining him were distinguished personalities including Mr. Deepak Ghaisas, celebrated entrepreneur, and Padma Shri awardee, Professor Dr. Deepak Phatak from IIT Bombay. The Marathi translation, undertaken by Madhavi G. R. Kamat, was widely appreciated for preserving the essence, depth, and energy of the original work—offering Marathi-speaking readers a compelling insight into India’s IT revolution.

Chief Guest Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe shared valuable insights and key takeaways from the book, offering his perspective on the IT revolution through a mix of humorous anecdotes and socio-cultural reflections.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director of WeSchool, reflected on the power of storytelling in shaping future generations. He highlighted how regional language narratives like ‘Atulniya’ can create stronger emotional and cultural connections, ultimately fostering a deeper impact on aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers.

He further added, “The Marathi edition of The Maverick Effect is more than a translation—it’s an invitation to every student, educator, and changemaker to witness how conviction, collaboration, and courage built a revolution. As someone who believes that learning goes beyond the classroom, I feel this book should be read by everyone—because it teaches us that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about purpose, passion, and perseverance.”

Mr Anand Limaye the Publisher of the book at the event said “The Marvik Effect is more than just a book on India’s IT revolution—it’s a compelling story of grit, vision, and transformation. What struck me most was how it captures the human side of technology, the courage to innovate, and the resilience behind real change. We decided to publish the Marathi edition so this powerful story could reach readers across Maharashtra, inspiring young minds, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to believe in the impossible.”

Mr Harish Mehta the author of the book and founding member of NASSCOM said “The evolution of India’s IT sector is not just a story of technology, but of vision, resilience, and nation-building. Through my book, I’ve chronicled this incredible Indian journey from its nascent stages to its global standing today. With the Marathi edition now available, I’m hopeful this story will resonate even deeper—reaching grassroots readers across Maharashtra and inspiring a new generation of changemakers.”

Adding to the spirit of celebration, the event also recognised three young entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to innovation and enterprise: Aditya Kulkarni (Co-founder, CareNX Innovations), Jaideep Pawar (Founder & CEO, GRAMePAY), and Alisha Shirodkar (Co-founder & CEO, Hotchaa). Their journeys mirror the core themes of ‘Atulniya’—vision, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. With the combined efforts of Inking Innovations and WeSchool, the event became more than a book launch—it was a tribute to India’s entrepreneurial spirit and an invitation to the next generation to dream, lead, and build.

Brookfield Properties Launches ‘Powered by Purpose’ Campaign on Earth Day 2025

22^nd April, 2025: Brookfield Properties, a leading global operator and developer of high-quality real estate assets, has launched its Earth Day 2025 campaign titled ‘Powered by Purpose’. It is a six-week initiative focused on encouraging sustainable behavior and building awareness on climate impact.

In a unique digital-first approach, the company released what it calls “the least impactful video ever”—a deliberately low-resolution film designed to highlight the environmental cost of high-definition streaming and excessive content consumption. Aligned with this year’s Earth Day global theme “Our Planet. Our Power”. The campaign invites people to take a digital sustainability pledge and reflect on the unseen environmental impact of their online habits.

“The video is symbolic and represents a much deeper commitment. The real impact lies in the work we do every day—across our campuses, within our communities, and through our long-term focus on renewable energy and climate-positive development. Powered by Purpose reflects how we build, operate, and contribute to a more sustainable future” said Reema Kundnani, Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing and Key Account Management, Brookfield Properties in India.

As part of its on-ground efforts, Brookfield Properties will plant 5,000+ native trees across Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR. This builds on the success of its ‘Forest of Hope’ initiative, through which over 3,000 trees have already been planted—estimated to sequester 1,500 tonnes of CO₂ and generate more than 2,700 tonnes of oxygen annually.

This campaign reinforces Brookfield Properties’ larger environmental commitment:

• 40% of Delhi-NCR energy needs already transitioned to renewable power through Brookfield’s Bikaner Solar Power Project.
• 1.5 million+ sq. ft. of green cover created across campuses in India.
• 20,000+ metric tons of CO₂ eliminated annually—equivalent to removing 4,300 cars from the road.

The company remains on track to power 100% of its India portfolio with clean energy by 2027, and to achieve net-zero emissions across its 55 million sq. ft. portfolio by 2040 or earlier.

Today Group Makes Real Estate Branding ‘Gen Z’ Friendly With New Sports Series

 22 April, 2025: When a brand with a rich legacy comes together with India’s youngest sportscaster, India’s longest standing ‘favorite sport’ gets the Gen Z upgrade it needs.

Kiara Powar, former badminton player and India’s youngest sports presenter and Today Group, Navi Mumbai’s paramount player in the real estate realm have joint forces to bring the world of cricket to younger viewers through snackable content with the series ‘Bat, Ball, aur Baatein’.

For Today Group, this move bears testimony to their vision of building authentic connections with a younger generation. Since their rebranding in January, 2025, Today Group has embraced the future-forward attitude which becomes apparent with the format of the series.

Bat, Ball, Aur Baatein sheds traditional commentary style for bite-sized content pieces in a relatable style for Kiara’s younger audience.

Commenting on this collaboration, Bhavesh Shah, Joint Managing Director, Today Group said, “Today Group’s constant endeavor is to empower the younger generation, whether it be in the form of giving them their own home or in the form of promoting young talent, such as Kiara. Platforms like hers have tapped into the pulse of this demographic, and as a brand, collaborations like this allow us to make a mark on and appeal to all audiences.”

Kiara Powar, the host of Bat, Ball, aur Baatein said this about the collaboration, “I started this series with one simple goal: share my love for cricket in a way that would get my peers excited for the sport just as I am. With Today Group, the boost the series got has been phenomenal!”

Sinch Appoints Suphal Mehrotra as CRO for India Business

New Delhi, April 22, 2025: Sinch (Sinch AB (publ) – XSTO: SINCH), which is pioneering the way the world communicates through its Digital Customer Communications Cloud has today announced the appointment of Suphal Mehrotra as Chief Revenue Officer for the India Business.

Suphal Mehrotra, Chief Revenue Officier, Sinch

With nearly three decades of experience in building high-performing B2B businesses, Suphal brings a proven track record in driving growth, leading large-scale transformations, and cultivating customer-first cultures across some of the most respected names in the telecom industry.

In his new role, Suphal will lead Sinch’s revenue strategy across India, with a focus on strengthening enterprise relationships, driving commercial innovation, and unlocking new avenues of growth.

In his most recent role at Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd, Suphal successfully built and scaled the enterprise business division from the ground up, delivering significant revenue growth and expanding the company’s presence across key markets. “We are thrilled to welcome Suphal to the Sinch leadership team,” said Nitin Singhal, Managing Director, Sinch India. “His visionary approach, strong customer orientation, and expertise in leading revenue-focused teams will play a pivotal role in accelerating our next phase of growth in India”.

Speaking on his appointment, Suphal Mehrotra said: “I’m excited to join Sinch at such a transformative time for the communications and customer engagement industry. I believe that a customer-first approach, strong collaboration, and a motivated team are critical to success. I look forward to working closely with our talented teams and partners to drive impact and build long-term value.”

Maxvolt Unveils Smart Lithium Inverter Series at Ride Asia 2025

Earth Day Call to Take Green Pledge to Enrich Biodiversity and Fight Climate Change

The theme for Earth Day 2025, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ aims to support the tripling of renewable energy by 2030 and also calls on individuals and communities to take meaningful action through education, advocacy, and hands-on environmental initiatives. The UN Environment Programme’s Earth Action Pledge encourages people and organisations to share their commitment on social media by taking steps that contribute to environmental protection. Among the many ways to participate, planting a tree remains one of the most impactful gestures to support nature.

This is at the heart of what Grow-Trees.com, the social enterprise focused on afforestation, is championing this year. To mark Earth Day 2025, Grow-Trees.com is inviting individuals and corporate entities to take a green pledge through their official website, https://www.grow-trees.com. Users can enter their name, mobile number, and email address to commit to planting trees and advocating for change. “By making conscious choices, planting trees, reducing waste, and conserving resources, we can restore what’s been lost. Together, we can reverse the damage and create a healthier, greener world- for today and future generations,” reads the pledge. Those wishing to greet loved ones with trees this Earth Day can also click on the relevant link and select from a wide range of projects listed on the website.

Some of their initiatives include Trees for Elephants® in Singhbhum, Jharkhand, Trees for Tigers® around the Pench Tiger Reserve and the Sundarbans National Park, Trees for Leopards®, Nainital, and Trees for Hornbills™ at Phek, Nagaland, India, all aimed at strengthening wildlife habitats. Meanwhile, projects like Trees for Ram Bhoomi® and Trees for Delhi are focused on improving the ecological balance in urban areas. Internationally, Grow-Trees.com works in Uganda through its Trees for Refugee Wellness programme, in Lela Village, Indonesia with Trees for Sunda Pangolins, and in West Usambara, Tanzania with Trees for Colobus Monkeys. Tree species for each location are carefully selected to match the local ecology and support habitat needs.

The contributors will receive an eTreeCertificate®, recognising their support for nature.

 “We remain committed to expanding green cover and helping the planet to breathe better. This Earth Day, we are renewing our efforts to expand our reach, involve more communities, and continue our role in addressing environmental challenges,” says Pradip Shah, co-founder of Grow-Trees.com.

As part of its efforts, Grow-Trees.com has already planted 20,497,414 trees as of April 2025, which, upon maturity, are expected to absorb 409,948,280kg of CO₂ annually. Further, its projects have generated 1,691,037 employment days through community engagement.