‘Charge My Audi’ Milestone: Audi India Strengthens EV Push with Expansive Charging Network

Mumbai, April 11, 2025: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced a transformative leap in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, crossing 6,500+ charging points across the country as part of Phase II of its segment-first ‘Charge My Audi’ initiative. The brand has added 16 new partners to accelerate luxury EV adoption in the country. With 75+% of these locations equipped with DC fast-charging technology, the network is designed to enhance convenience, reduce charging times, and support the growing demand for electric vehicles in India.

The Phase-II expansion added 5,500+ new charging points in strategic locations, including highways, urban hubs, and commercial destinations, ensuring Audi e-tron owners enjoy seamless long-distance travel and daily commutes. Audi India has partnered with 16 new EV infrastructure providers to bolster this network, integrating advanced features such as real-time charger availability, route planning, easy start/stop via the ‘myAudi Connect’ app. With the additional network, ‘Charge My Audi’ now ensures coverage across 28 states and union territories, 850+ cities and 4,700+ locations.

In addition to the Phase-II expansion, Audi has extended complimentary charging for all e-tron customers until December 31, 2025. This allows e-tron owners to continue enjoying free charging across Audi’s extensive network of chargers, accessible through our CPO partners via the ‘myAudi Connect’ application.

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, “As electric vehicle adoption accelerates in India, establishing a robust charging network is crucial, and with over 6,500 charging points and a focus on DC fast chargers, we are enhancing convenience, reducing charging times, and expanding accessibility for our customers. The second phase of our ‘Charge My Audi’ initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing the EV ownership experience. Our partners remain integral to this journey, and we look forward to driving the shift toward electric mobility together.”

Audi’s Charge My Audi initiative is supported by a network of ChargePoint Operators, including: Shell India, Adani Total Energies E-Mobility Ltd. (ATEL), Charge Zone, Statiq, Gentari India, Relux Electric, Lion Charge, chargeMOD, Xobolt, Earthtron, Aargo EV Smart, Eco Plug Energy, GreenShift, Kurrent Charge, E-Fill, Electric Fuel, iONCHARGE, SR Charging, Tecell, Yo Charge.

The initiative builds on the success of Phase-I, which introduced route-mapping tools and destination charging hubs. This feature has enabled many hassle-free journeys for Audi customers by allowing pre-journey planning with chargers along the route and providing real-time charger availability status. The ‘Charge My Audi’ platform, powered by Numocity Technology’s eMSP platform, offers live updates and integration with public charging stations for a holistic charging experience.

With the total charging network with ‘Charge My Audi’ standing at over 6,500 charging points across the country, Audi India remains committed to providing an accessible, reliable, and convenient charging infrastructure. Audi’s e-tron range in India remains central to the brand’s vision for sustainable mobility. This charging infrastructure push aligns with Audi India’s broader goals, following a strong 2024 marked by the 100,000-car milestone on Indian roads and the success of its ‘100 Days of Celebration’ campaign.

Child Care Aware of Missouri Earns Accreditation

Nonprofit achieves Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity Seal Holder status for 11^th consecutive year.

(St. Louis, Mo., April 11, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) has been recognized as an Accredited Charity Seal Holder by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the 11^th consecutive year. This distinction follows a rigorous evaluation process, confirming the nonprofit’s adherence to BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability.

The BBB standards ensure that organizations demonstrate proper governance and oversight, a method to measure organizational performance and effectiveness, sound financial stewardship and practices, and complete and accurate fundraising and information materials. These benchmarks are designed to provide donors with confidence in supporting trustworthy charities.

Michelle Corey, BBB president and CEO said, “By meeting BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and displaying BBB’s seal, it gives donors the confidence needed to support Child Care Aware of Missouri’s mission. Charities that meet these best practices go above and beyond legal requirements, putting them in an elite group.”

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance, along with its predecessor organizations, has been evaluating charities for over a century, helping donors make informed decisions by verifying the integrity of organizations soliciting public support. The Alliance is a member of Charity Monitoring Worldwide (CMW), the global network of charity monitoring organizations.

“We are proud to have met all 20 BBB Charity Standards for over a decade,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “This accreditation reflects our unwavering commitment to trustworthy practices throughout our 25 years of service. It reinforces confidence in our mission to improve access to quality child care and early education across Missouri.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

Feel the Summer Vibe: V-Guard Launches ‘Hum, Tum Aur V-Guard’ Campaign

9th April 2025: V-Guard Industries Limited, India’s leading consumer electrical and electronics brand, has unveiled its latest summer campaign, Hum, Tum Aur V-Guard. This heartwarming campaign challenges the common stereotype that romance is reserved for winters. Through four captivating, scenario-driven videos featuring a young couple, the campaign showcases how summer can be just as romantic with V-Guard’s range of summer products, creating cozy vibes despite the rising temperatures.

 V-Guard’s latest campaign goes beyond merely positioning its products for cooling homes—it strives to keep love alive. Seamlessly integrating V-Guard’s coolers, fans, inverters, and stabilizers, each short video artfully weaves the campaign’s core message: rekindling romance and creating special moments, even in the peak of summer’s heat.

 To maximize the campaign’s reach, V-Guard is deploying a strategic, integrated approach. Leading with digital and outdoor promotions, the rollout is further amplified through diverse vernacular outreach to connect with a broader audience. The campaign is also airing on prominent OTT platforms, CTV, and social media, ensuring high visibility. More than just a product promotion, it aims to engage audiences in a meaningful and entertaining way—emphasizing the importance of staying cool, both physically and emotionally, through the summer heat.

 Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Nandagopal Nair VP – Brand & Communication, V-Guard Industries Ltd., said “With our newly crafted campaign Hum, Tum aur V-Guard, we reimagine summer as a season of connection and romance, where our products ensure comfort without compromise. At V-Guard, we believe summer isn’t just about beating the heat—it’s about embracing warmth in a way that brings people closer. Through an emotionally engaging narrative, we follow Rohan and Riya as they rediscover love amidst summer’s challenges—supported by V-Guard’s range of summer products.
With a comprehensive 360-degree rollout spanning digital, OOH, CTV, OTT, and influencer activations, our campaign is strategically mounted to engage our target audience and foster a strong, positive brand association.”

 Anil Ralph Thomas, Director and Chief Creative Officer, Ralph&Das, who has written & directed the film, adds, “Summers are not exactly considered a season for love and romance as much as winter is. The heat usually gets to you, making you irritable. We have thus attempted to create a campaign to show how summers can be fun with V-Guards products that aid and abet the romance in a relationship. With short and sweet moments between the couple & V-Guard”.
Mr. Kaustav Das, Director and CEO, Ralph&Das opined, “Summer is an important season for V-Guard Fans, Inverters, Air Coolers and AC Stabilizers. The challenge lay in rising above the “Buy me” category clamour in a manner that consumers find likeable yet relevant in the midst of an oppressive Indian summer.”

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 6%, Real Estate Sector Expects Rise in Housing Demand

The Reserve Bank of India’s move to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6% has been received positively by the real estate sector. As home loans are expected to become more affordable, many believe this could encourage more people to consider buying property. Developers also see this as a helpful step, as lower interest rates can ease borrowing costs and support faster project execution. With the RBI changing its policy stance to ‘accommodative’, there is also growing expectation of continued support in the coming months, which could further lift buyer confidence and market activity.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to reduce the policy rate by 25 basis points to 6 percent comes at a crucial juncture when inflation is beginning to show signs of stability and the broader economic environment appears favorable for nurturing growth through lower interest rates. This proactive move is expected to significantly boost homebuyer sentiment, as reduced interest rates translate into improved affordability, thereby encouraging a larger number of people to consider investing in real estate. On the developer front, the lower cost of borrowing will offer a much-needed cushion, enabling them to fast-track project launches, expand their portfolios, and cater to the anticipated rise in housing demand. Overall, this policy rate cut is a timely and positive step that holds promise for stimulating activity across the entire real estate value chain, benefiting both end-users and industry stakeholders alike.”

Mr. Aman Sarin, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Anant Raj Limited, said, “The RBI’s second consecutive rate cut is a welcome move and is expected to provide a strong boost to real estate demand, especially by making home loans more affordable for buyers.

In its latest review, the Monetary Policy Committee not only reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points but also shifted its stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’ — a clear signal that, going forward, the MPC is now considering only two possibilities: status quo or further rate cuts.

This change in stance is extremely encouraging, especially for the housing sector. We anticipate more rate cuts in the coming quarters, and the biggest beneficiaries will be home loan borrowers—particularly those taking large-ticket loans for mid and premium homes. Lower interest rates enhance both affordability and loan eligibility, helping many fence-sitting buyers finally make their purchase decisions.

We also expect renewed interest in the high-end and luxury segments as improved purchasing power, combined with softening rates, makes aspirational living more attainable for a wider audience.”

Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, said, “The two consecutive policy rate reductions by the RBI, of 25 basis points each, are expected to significantly benefit home buyers. Many prospective buyers who had been cautiously observing the market are now likely to take a decisive step towards purchasing their dream homes. Simultaneously, the reduction in rates will lower borrowing costs for developers, encouraging them to launch more projects in the coming quarters to meet anticipated demand. This dual impact is expected to stimulate both housing demand and supply, providing a positive momentum to the real estate sector.”

Mr. Udit Jain, Director, ONE Group Developers, said, “The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate is along expected lines. In its previous MPC review, the Governor had already hinted at the possibility of further rate cuts, and we now have a cumulative 50 basis points cut so far. The encouraging development is the RBI’s decision to shift its policy stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’. This signals that, barring any major shocks, the MPC is likely to consider only two options going forward—status quo or further rate cuts.

This move bodes well for the broader real estate sector, especially when supported by improved liquidity and relatively stable property prices. If inflation continues on its current downward trajectory and macroeconomic indicators remain supportive, we may witness further monetary easing in the upcoming policy cycles—potentially driving even more momentum in housing demand.

Lower interest rates on home loans will benefit buyers across segments, from affordable housing to premium and luxury categories, making homeownership more accessible and attractive.”

Mr. Raoul Kapoor, Co-CEO, Andromeda Sales and Distribution Pvt Ltd, said, “The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points for the second consecutive time—bringing the total cut to 50 basis points—comes as a welcome move for borrowers and the real estate sector alike. This back-to-back reduction is not only a sign of improving macroeconomic stability but also a strategic push to boost consumption and home ownership.

Lowering the repo rate effectively brings down cost of capital for banks and housing finance companies, translating into cheaper home loans for borrowers. This makes home ownership more affordable, especially for first-time buyers and middle-class households.”

Tata Steel Named 2025 Sustainability Champion by worldsteel for 8th Year Running

Chandigarh, April 9, 2025: Tata Steel has been recognised as a Steel Sustainability Champion 2025 by worldsteel for the eighth consecutive year, reaffirming the Company’s commitment to sustainable development and adherence to global standards. Tata Steel has been a champion every year since the programme’s launch in 2018. The recognition highlights Tata Steel’s leadership in the steel industry through its sustainability-driven initiatives and responsible business practices.

Tata Steel is among a select group of steel-producing companies that have been named 2025 Steel Sustainability Champions at worldsteel’s Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Board of Members held today in Sydney, Australia.

On receiving the recognition, T. V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Steel, said: “We are honoured to be recognised once again as a Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association. This achievement reflects our continued commitment to sustainable steelmaking, integrating cutting-edge technologies and responsible business practices to reduce environmental impact. We remain dedicated to driving innovation, improving resource efficiency, and contributing meaningfully to a greener and more resilient future for the steel industry.”

To qualify as a Sustainability Champion, companies must meet stringent criteria including signing the worldsteel Sustainability Charter and demonstrating commitments to environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance excellence.

The evaluation process considers key sustainability indicators such as material efficiency, environmental management systems, lost time injury frequency rate, employee training, investments in innovative processes and products, and economic value distribution. Additionally, companies must provide Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data to worldsteel’s data collection programme.

Tata Steel has been a foundational participant in worldsteel’s Climate Action programme and continues to be recognised as an accredited Climate Action member. The Company has developed expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a critical tool for measuring the carbon footprint of its products throughout their entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling. Tata Steel also maintains a long-standing record of annual disclosures to CDP, achieving a strong A- rating for its climate disclosure in 2023.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Tata Steel has pioneered several key initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. In FY25, Tata Steel India created Carbon Bank, a virtual repository of CO2, a first by any company in India. The Company plans to introduce new low-carbon offerings to its customers in the future using this repository, following the worldsteel’s Chain of Custody methodology. In 2025, Tata Steel became India’s first steel company to demonstrate end-to-end capabilities to develop steel pipes for the transportation of hydrogen. The Company was also the first Indian steelmaker to introduce biochar into its production processes to lower carbon emissions. In 2024, Tata Steel became the first Indian steel company to perform full laden leg on B24 biofuel for its raw material shipment.