Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund: A New Way to Invest in the Growing Energy Sector

Mumbai, January 21, 2025 – Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has launched the New Fund Offer (NFO) of its Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund that will open for subscription from January 21, 2025 toFebruary 4, 2025. This scheme enables investors to benefit from the expanding energy sector, as India transitions from a developing to a developed economy.

It is said that “Energy is the key to prosperity”. History shows that countries’ energy demands increase as they transition from developing to developed economies. “As India’s GDP is projected to grow by 1.9x times in the next 5 years, India’s demand for energy is also poised to grow 1.7x times. Our Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund is positioned to unlock profitable investment opportunities for investors from the developments in India’s Energy sector,” said Suresh Soni, CEO, Baroda BNP Paribas Asset Management India Pvt Ltd (AMC).

Riding India’s Energy Growth Wave

Between 2003 and 2023, Chinese energy consumption, per capita, surged from 1.5 megawatt hours (MWh) to 6.6 MWh#, reflecting strong growth tied to GDP expansion. Similarly, South Korea’s energy consumption has closely mirrored its per capita rise in GDP. India is now on a similar growth trajectory, with broad-based energy demand across households, agriculture, industry, commercial establishments, and infrastructure.

” Energy is a broad investment theme comprising almost a third of the stocks of the Nifty 500 index across a range of sectors and sub-sectors. Further, our research shows that not only does the Nifty Energy Total Return Index (Nifty Energy TRI) have a lower price-to-equity and price-to-book ratio compared to the Nifty 500 Total Return Index, but it also boasts higher dividend yield and faster earnings growth compared to the broader market,” said Sanjay Chawla, Chief Investment Officer – Equity and Fund Manager for the scheme.

Energy sources to meet the demand of the economy include coal, crude oil, gas, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and hydrogen. The Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund will allocate at least 80% of its assets to equity instruments of companies involved in exploration, production, distribution, transportation, and processing of traditional and new energy across market capitalizations.

Historically Proven Performance

Research by Baroda BNP Paribas AMC highlights that the Nifty Energy TRI has outperformed the Nifty 500 TRI over 3, 5, 7, and 10-year periods ending 31st December 2024&. This long-term outperformance underscores the potential of the energy theme to generate potential returns for investors across time horizons. “Our Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund may be considered ideal for equity investors with a holding period of three years or more,” added Mr. Soni.

A Future-Ready Portfolio

The scheme will focus on investment opportunities across the traditional energy chain as well as new energy transitions. “Indian energy demand is a secular story that will be powered by the doubling of the size of India’s middle class, lifestyle changes driven by higher incomes, and energy transition. In addition, government’s focus on improving India’s energy security by more than doubling the share of natural gas to 15% of the energy mix by 2030 and boosting our coal security coupled with, the government’s plan to invite bids for 50 Gigawatt of renewable energy capacity annually between FY24-28 will see India’s solar power capacity grow 4X and wind power by 2.5X by 2031-32^. These structural changes aim to open a whole vista of profitable investment opportunities for investors,” added Mr. Chawla.

NSDC honoured as a Great Place to Work, fostering culture of Excellence

Chandigarh, January 21, 2025- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has been recognized with the Great Place to Work® Certification for the second time in a row, affirming its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture for its employees. Awarded in the Non-Profit and Charity category, this certification reflects NSDC’s continuous dedication to employee satisfaction and organizational excellence.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, stated, “This is a testament to NSDC’s core values of integrity, inclusion, innovation, and impact, which makes it an inspiration for every member of NSDC to excel. We are committed to nurturing an environment that promotes learning, innovation, and equitable opportunities for all.” He also mentioned that NSDC celebrates its identity as a diverse and inclusive community, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and respect throughout the organization, which is essential for a productive and rewarding work environment.

The Great Place to Work® is a global leader in workplace culture, helping organizations create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience. In India, the Great Place to Work® collaborates with over 1400 organizations annually, spanning 22 diverse industries. According to its research, exemplary workplaces share attributes such as effective leadership, a consistently positive employee experience, and a commitment to sustainable financial performance.

NSDC has significantly contributed to India’s skilling ecosystem by facilitating the implementation of several successful upskilling initiatives and vocational institutions which have elevated the benchmarks of skilling in India. With more than 40,000 training centres across 750 districts, NSDC successfully placed 9.4 million candidates, trained over 40.19 million candidates, including 18 million women and 12.9 million individuals from urban and rural India. One of the NSDC’s most transformative initiatives has been the launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) which provides a comprehensive platform integrating skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This latest accolade reinforces NSDC’s position as a leader in skill development in the industry and workplace culture in India, paving the way for impactful changes at both grassroots levels and within the professional landscape.

Vedanta to Seek Final Shareholders’ & Creditors’ Approval for Demerger on Feb 18

Chandigarh, January 21, 2025: Vedanta Ltd. said in an exchange notification that it will conduct meetings of its equity shareholders and secured and unsecured creditors on February 18 to seek their approval on the proposed demerger.

The demerger aims to create five separate entities focused on aluminum, power, oil and gas, steel and ferrous, and certain existing businesses under Vedanta Ltd. As per Vedanta’s earlier exchange filing, the proposed demerger will simplify Vedanta’s corporate structure by creating sector-focused independent businesses, providing global investors, sovereign wealth funds, retail investors, and strategic investors, with direct investment opportunities in dedicated pure-play companies.

Vedanta said in September 2023 that the demerger would provide a platform for individual units to pursue strategic agendas more freely and better align with customers, investment cycles, and end markets. It will help unlock value and provide the potential for faster growth in each vertical. Each company will have its market, demand, and supply trends and the potential to deploy technology to raise productivity. At the same time, the new companies will remain committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and net water positivity by 2030, the company said.

In November, the Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal cleared the way for the meetings of Vedanta’s equity shareholders, and secured and unsecured creditors. Vedanta has already received a go-ahead/no objection from the stock exchanges.

Research firms and brokerage houses have expressed confidence in Vedanta’s demerger, seeing it as a chance of rerating. Emkay Research said in its December report on the mining sector that it believes that “Vedanta’s proposed demerger… focusing on the exposed commodity would open up a case for re-rating, as the investors would take exposure based on the outlook for that particular commodity and the business fundamentals without taking exposure to other commodities that come attached as part of the diversified group.” The brokerage sees a significant upside in Vedanta based on the expected valuation premium that pure plays get over diversified miners.

The share price of Vedanta Ltd. (VEDL) rose by 72% in the last year (2024).

Earlier this week, Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), the parent company of Vedanta Ltd. raised $1.1bn through new bond issuances. It had garnered strong investor demand with the bonds receiving final orders of $3.4bn+ representing an oversubscription of 3.1x. VRL has refinanced $3.1bn in USD bonds since September 2024 through four successive international bond transactions.

These transactions have repriced Vedanta Resource’s curve and reflect strong demand from international bond investors, including numerous marquee investors. The total quantum of USD bonds raised by VRL marks the largest amount raised by an Indian issuer over the last three years. VRL’s credit ratings have also been upgraded by multiple notches since its return to capital markets in 2024, to reflect the company’s improving liquidity, capital structure and longer debt maturity profile.

The Bangalore Hospital and Lalbagh Flower Show 2025: A Partnership for Health and Nature

Bengaluru, January 21, 2025 – The Bangalore Hospital, a pioneer in healthcare and a legacy institution in Karnataka, proudly announces its association as the official Medical Partner for the prestigious Lalbagh Flower Show 2025. The event, a hallmark of Karnataka’s rich heritage, will be held from January 16th to January 26th at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, celebrating over a century of floral magnificence.

The Lalbagh Flower Show is an integral part of Karnataka’s cultural identity, captivating visitors with its vibrant displays for over 100 years. Similarly, The Bangalore Hospital, with its 35-year legacy, has been at the forefront of delivering exceptional healthcare services in South Bangalore. This collaboration celebrates two iconic institutions—one in nature’s artistry and the other in medical care—uniting to serve the people of Karnataka.

Founded as the first corporate hospital in South Bangalore, The Bangalore Hospital continues to be run by dedicated doctors and is a testament to the state’s pioneering spirit in healthcare. Over the years, the hospital has integrated advanced medical technologies to enhance patient outcomes, including the installation of India’s first 640-slice CT scanner, which delivers unmatched precision in diagnostics.

Dr. Lahari Surapaneni, CEO of The Bangalore Hospital, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The Lalbagh Flower Show represents Karnataka’s enduring legacy of beauty and innovation. At The Bangalore Hospitals, we share the same commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to the community. We are honored to contribute to this historic event by ensuring medical support for all visitors.”

Aditya’s Life in Danger: A Birthday Celebration Turns Into a Nightmare in Ishq Jabariya

When love, faith, and destiny collide, extraordinary tales are written. Sun Neo’s beloved show Ishq Jabariya takes a thrilling turn as Gulki, played by Siddhi Sharma, and Aditya, portrayed by the talented Lakshay Khurana, face a rollercoaster of emotions in their journey of love and resilience. Known for its gripping narrative and unforgettable moments, the show now serves up an episode filled with joy, hope, and unexpected heartbreak.

Gulki has faced countless hardships and dramatic twists in her journey. Finally, she feels that brighter days are ahead, and it’s time to celebrate. Aditya’s birthday brings the perfect opportunity to spread happiness and create joyful memories. But just as Gulki begins to hope for peace, an unexpected tragedy strikes.

Aditya gets bitten by a snake, leaving everyone in shock and despair. With Aditya’s life hanging by a thread, the celebration turns into a desperate race against time. Gulki is determined to save him, but will her courage and faith be enough?

Will Gulki succeed in protecting Aditya, or is this the tragic end of their story? And if Aditya’s fate takes a dark turn, how will this change the course of the tale?

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is an engaging love story centred around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

The Secret of The Shiledars – Trailer Announcement on Disney+ Hotstar

Mumbai – 21 January, 2025: Itihas ki ek anjaani aur adbhut kahani ab Disney+ Hotstar par dekhne ko milegi! The trailer for The Secret of the Shiledars is here, teasing an unforgettable journey into the unknown, where every clue uncovers something deeper, and every discovery leads to a new mystery. As Ravi (Rajeev Khandelwal) embarks on a quest to uncover hidden secrets and untangle his true identity, the path is far from straightforward. Streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar from January 31, 2025, this captivating saga is one you won’t want to miss!

Produced by Nitin Vaidya under the banner of Dashami Creations LLP, with Aditya Sarpotdar as the showrunner and director, the series is based on the acclaimed Marathi novel Pratipashchandra[1] [2]. The Secret of the Shiledars stars Rajeev Khandelwal as the protagonist, leading the viewers on a quest for the hidden treasure, with Sai Tamhankar, Gaurav Amlani, and Ashish Vidyarthi in prominent roles.

[3] Showrunner & Director of the show Aditya Sarpotdar said, “Being a Maharashtrian, The Secret of the Shiledars is especially close to my heart. It’s my way of representing the courage and sacrifices of the Maratha Shiledars. The novel Pratipashchandra by Dr. Prakash Koyade has been a favorite of mine for a long and it’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Disney+ Hotstar and Dashami Creations to adapt this book and create this world on screen. It is a thrilling, adventurous journey that is set in the modern world but is steeped in history. It’s a treasure hunt that’ll keep you at the edge of your seats.”

Actor Rajeev Khandelwal said, “Playing a character like Ravi has been an incredible journey for me. It’s a contradiction of sorts that despite knowing what I was stepping into I actually had no idea what I was stepping into. From the moment we started shooting, I knew we may end up creating something magical under the skilled direction of Aditya. And we actually did. With The Secret of the Shiledars, he has ventured into an entirely new and intriguing genre, showcasing his brilliant creative vision. The show’s unique premise inspired me to push my limits as an actor, and working with Sai, Ashish sir and all other cast and crew members made the experience even more rewarding. I can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve made. Hope they enjoy this joyride as much as we did while creating it’’

Actress Sai Tamhankar said, “To be part of such an enriching show that challenges you at every step and shapes you as an artist is truly what an actor craves. With The Secret of the Shiledars, I’m glad to have put my best foot forward. Being from the heartland of Maharashtra, seeing it represented on-screen so authentically is immensely fulfilling. I believe this story will keep viewers hooked till the very end. Sharing screen time with stalwarts like Rajeev, with his incredible body of work, was truly inspiring. I am looking forward to what the audience has to say.”

Producer of the show, Nitin Vaidya said, “With The Secret of the Shiledars, we’ve brought together history, self-discovery and unexpected twists in an intriguing narrative that is set in the modern world. Disney+ Hotstar’s reach ensures that this story will touch a wide and diverse audience. We’re proud to share this labor of love and hope it sparks a deeper appreciation for the Shiledars’ legacy.”

Ola Enhances Maha Kumbh 2025 Experience with Digital and Green Mobility Partnership

Bengaluru, January 21, 2025: Ola announced its partnership with Maha Kumbh 2025 to reinforce its shared commitment to deliver cutting-edge digital and green mobility experience to millions of devotees attending the world’s largest congregation of people. By leveraging its comprehensive ecosystem — Artificial, Ola Electric and Ola Consumer, Ola aims to offer pilgrims a seamless, sustainable, and connected experience by integrating AI, green mobility, and enhanced options for travel during the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder, Ola, said: “Maha Kumbh 2025 is a reflection of India’s rich traditions and aspirations for a tech-driven future. We truly believe that the strategic intersection of AI, green mobility, and digital-first solutions will enhance the Maha Kumbh experience for millions of devotees. Our partnership with Maha Kumbh exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can enable efficient management of large gatherings with smart and sustainable solutions. We look forward to such partnerships going forward and remain committed to building India as the global leader in technologies of the future.”

Earlier last month, Artificial, India’s first AI unicorn, delivered cutting-edge hosted open-source LLM services for the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak app, the first-ever AI-powered chatbot for Maha Kumbh Mela. The platform offers navigation and cultural insights and creates personalised experiences for visitors. An initiative of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Kumbh Sah’AI’yak has been developed by the Prayagraj Mela Authority and UPDESCO, in collaboration with Samagra as the anchor partner.

Additionally, Ola Electric has enabled deployment of 1,000 e-scooters to ensure ease of mobility for pilgrims. The e-scooters are aimed at facilitating a green mobility experience by offering devotees sustainable and cost-effective mobility solutions, making the sacred journey both environment-friendly and convenient.

Ola Consumer has deployed affordable transit services at airports, railway stations, and cab rentals, making travel seamless during the Maha Kumbh Mela. In addition to this, Ola has deployed EV shuttle services within Mela grounds, offering convenience and accessibility to visitors throughout the congregation.

The launch of Kumbh Sah’AI’yak marked a significant milestone in Artificial’s mission to boost India’s AI capabilities. The app supports Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Malayalam, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada and Bengali, and offers a user-friendly interface with clickable options, voice commands, and media-enriched content.

Kumbh Sah’AI’yak app allows visitors to easily navigate the Mela area and offers guidance on topics like history, rituals, and significance of Maha Kumbh, travel and accommodation options, and key attractions around Prayagraj. With strong security measures to ensure privacy and prevent misinformation, the chatbot offers a seamless and enriching experience for all attendees.