23 January 2025: Summercool Group, the parent company of Summercool Home Appliances Ltd. and Thermocool Home Appliance Ltd., is proud to announce their strategic advertising initiatives with Indian Railway, Prayagraj city authorities, and Kumbh authorities, enhancing the brand presence during the sacred Mahakumbh Mela. By committing to the “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” initiatives, Summercool Group embarked on an advertising initiative that reflects its dedication to innovation, community, and cultural heritage.

Summercool has partnered with Indian Railways for train body branding on local UP trains connecting Uttar Pradesh. The vibrant and engaging branding on these trains reaches thousands of passengers daily, fostering a sense of pride and support for locally manufactured products and manufacturers.

Along with that, the brand has showcased its brand advertisement on approx 500 boats at Kumbh Mela, providing a convenient way for pilgrims to reach Sangam Ghat for the sacred bath. Furthermore, massive advertising hoardings have been placed at all entry and exit locations of Kumbh Mela, as well as across Prayagraj city, to maximize exposure and ensure the brand’s presence during the pilgrimage.

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CMD, Summercool Home Appliances Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to be a part of this holy Mahakumbh Mela to connect with a diverse and vast audience of India coming from different regions and places. The Mahakumbh, recognized as one of the largest human gatherings globally, offers a unique platform for businesses like us to connect directly with millions of people as their customers. Our marketing initiatives during kumbh align with the government’s vision of promoting and supporting locally manufactured products and contributing to India’s economic growth. By supporting PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives, we are not only enhancing our brand presence but also encouraging consumers to choose homegrown solutions and support them.”

Summercool Appliances has been a trusted name in Uttar Pradesh for years, offering an array of affordable, high-quality, and energy-efficient home appliances designed to cater to the evolving needs of every Indian household. With this campaign, the brand underscores its mission to blend tradition and technology, providing sustainable and innovative solutions.

Nellore: 23rd January 2025: Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC), the skilling arm of Adani Foundation, celebrated a significant milestone recently with the culmination of a 90-day training program at Krishnapatnam port. This is the first time that international participants joined ASDC’s maritime training course, which embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — The World is One Family. The batch comprised 10 trainees from Tanzania and 20 students from India, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.

“The achievements of our Tanzanian trainees exemplify our belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. This initiative reinforces our mission to empower individuals across borders and build a skilled workforce equipped for the challenges of modern maritime industries,” Mr Jatin Trivedi, CEO, of ASDC, said.

Launched in October 2024, the port training programs were designed to equip participants with world-class maritime skills. The curriculum is a mix of theoretical and practical modules on industry-grade simulators. The program trains participants in rubber-treated gantry (RTG) crane operations, heavy motor vehicle (HMV) driving, and marine engine and mechanical systems (MEMS).

“The training program was more than just learning for us. From mastering RTG cranes to understanding the details of port operations, we’ve gained skills and confidence that will shape our future,” Frank Daud Mgendi, a Tanzanian trainee, said.

Tanzania resident Lameck Rojas Kidasi said this was his first visit to India. “Coming to India and getting a chance to learn and work along with other students was so much fun. I am very excited about future opportunities,” he said.

A certification ceremony for the students was held at the Krishnapatnam facility and Mr Vijay Singh Rathod, dry cargo head at Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL), was the chief guest for the event. Mr Koushal Singh, head of safety and environment, AKPL, and Mr Siddharth, head of marketing, AKPL, were the guests of honor.

ASDC’s Krishnapatnam facility, spanning over 20 acres and offering 21 simulation-based programs, is a hub of excellence in skilling. Since 2016, ASDC has trained over 1,60,000 youth, with 68% securing sustainable livelihoods, collectively generating an economic impact exceeding Rs 1,400 crore annually.

Mumbai, January 23, 2025: Republic Day is an important day in the lives of every Indian. It is the day the Constitution of India took effect in 1950. On this occasion, the actors of Sony SAB come together to express their heartfelt gratitude to the brave soldiers who selflessly serve the nation, ensuring the safety and security of the citizens. As India celebrates the spirit of unity, democracy, and freedom, noted artists – Sumit Kaul, Sumeet Raghvan, Pankaj Berry, Jayesh Bharbhaya, and Sachin Parikh, known for spreading smiles and positivity through their shows, take a moment to salute the tireless efforts of the brave heroes serving the nation.

Sumeet Raghvan who plays the role of Rajesh Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya-Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, said, “Growing up, I remember hearing countless stories of how our soldiers faced unimaginable challenges at the border, battling extreme weather conditions and unpredictable threats, all while maintaining an unwavering sense of duty. As we celebrate Republic Day today, it’s hard not to reflect on their sacrifices. Because of their dedication, we can live in a free, peaceful country. Every day they inspire me, reminding me that true courage often comes in the quiet moments, far from the spotlight. Thank you to our soldiers for being the silent warriors of our nation. Jai Hind!”

Sumit Kaul who plays the role of Girgit in Tenali Rama said, “There’s a story I once heard from a retired soldier who served at the Siachen Glacier—he spoke about the sheer isolation and brutal cold, yet he carried on because he knew it was his duty to protect the nation. As we observe Republic Day, I think of all those who do not get the recognition they deserve, but who continue to serve with integrity and valor, day in and day out. They are the unsung heroes, defending not only our borders but also our Constitution’s very spirit. We owe them everything. Jai Hind!”

Jayesh Bharbhaya who plays the role of Dilip Patel in Pushpa Impossible said – “On this Republic Day, I think about an old family friend of mine, a war veteran, who once told me: ‘When you’re on the battlefield, you realize that nothing in life matters more than the safety of your fellow soldiers and the love for your country.’ It’s their unspoken camaraderie, their deep commitment to something greater than themselves, that makes them the true pillars of our nation. As we celebrate today, I remember those who have stood tall, faced immense adversity and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and resilience are what make India truly strong. Jai Hind!”

Sachin Parikh who plays the role of Manish Parekh in Pushpa Impossible – “I once had the honor of speaking with a soldier who had spent years in the coldest, most remote corners of our borders. He shared with me how he would write letters home, but not once did he complain about the harsh conditions. His sense of duty was unwavering. This Republic Day, I think of him and all the soldiers who serve selflessly, far away from their families. Their sacrifices ensure that we, as civilians, continue to live in peace and harmony. Their quiet strength is a constant reminder of what true patriotism is. Jai Hind!”

Pankaj Berry who plays the role of Tathacharya said, “Today, we extend our love and respect to our brave soldiers who stand at the border day and night, safeguarding our nation and its values. Your dedication and selflessness are the foundation of our freedom, and we thank you for your immense service to our country. I salute you all. Jai hind!”

What if your dreams held the key to a connection you never imagined? Disney+ Hotstar, in collaboration with Jio Studios and Mango People Media, is set to take audiences on a one-of-a-kind journey with Sweet Dreams, streaming from January 24, 2025. Directed by the visionary Victor Mukherjee, the film weaves an extraordinary tale of two strangers linked by the surreal world of dreams. With a star-studded cast featuring Mithila Palkar, Amol Parashar, Meiyang Chang, and Sauraseni Maitra, Sweet Dreams is brought to life under the expert production of Jyoti Deshpande, Neha Anand, and Pranjal Khandhdiya.

The film’s soulful soundtrack, composed by the talented team of Mukund Suryawanshi, Shubham Shirule, Dev Arijit, and Akashdeep Sengupta, perfectly complements its dreamy, whimsical tone. Adding to this musical magic is the multi-talented Meiyang Chang, who, along with being an actor, is also an accomplished singer—a gift that shines through in his portrayal of Kenny.

Mithila Palkar, who plays Dia, brings a deeply relatable and grounded charm to her character. Dia is an artist, a singer, and a songwriter, attributes that resonate with Palkar’s love for music. In a candid conversation, we asked Mithila about the striking similarities between her character and herself, particularly her passion for music.

When asked if she secretly aspires to be a singer-songwriter, Mithila said with a smile, “Why secretly? I’d love to be known as a singer! For now, I think I’d just like to admit that I’m someone who can sing. And there’s a big difference between that and being a ‘singer.’ Being a singer takes a lot of practice and dedication. The day I start truly putting in that effort into this art form, which is so close to my heart, is the day I’ll begin my journey as a singer.”

Interestingly, Mithila gets to fulfill this dream in the film Sweet Dreams, where she steps into the shoes of a pop singer. In a show-stopping moment, she performs to a packed crowd, pouring her heart into the music and bringing her character’s—and perhaps her own—musical aspirations to life.

As the film navigates through the twists and turns of serendipitous dreams and the growing bond between Kenny and Dia, the underlying message resonates: chase your dreams, but don’t lose sight of what’s real. Perhaps the real dreams are not those that come to us in the dead of night, but the ones we pursue with open eyes, right in front of us. Kyunki reality itni bhi buri nahin hoti.

Nagpur, January 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, partners with Marg ERP, a prominent player in integrated business applications, to provide simplified business banking solutions to small and medium enterprise (SME) customers. The aim is to seamlessly bring accounting and banking solutions at one place, and ensure that customers don’t need to toggle between accounting and banking applications.

This collaboration empowers Axis Bank current account holders to connect their Business accounts directly with Marg ERP software, creating a unified platform for managing all banking transactions such as NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and more. Axis Bank current account holders can simply log in to Marg ERP, select the necessary bills, and process payments through their connected Axis Bank account.

With this connected banking solution, businesses can automate their banking processes, enhance fund-flow control with real time account balances, manage payments and reconciliation, and enjoy a wide range of features directly from their ERP system.  This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces accounting errors, as transactions are automatically fetched from the ERP. Real-time visibility of bank balances and transaction statuses on the accounting software enables swift decision-making.

With the key features of the Axis Bank-Marg ERP Integration, customers can:

• Simplify the work of reconciling payments into bank accounts with Auto-Bank Reconciliation
• Initiate real-time direct payments through Marg ERP software via different payment options like NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and Intra bank fund transfers
• Schedule recurring payments as per the business requirements
• Stay updated on the status of payments with integrated banking options
• View the bank statement; download and organize reports to make informed business decisions
• Automate Ledger Entry

On the partnership, Vivek Gupta, President & Head – Wholesale Banking Products, Axis Bank commented, “This Partnership with Marg ERP is a testament to Axis Bank’s unwavering commitment to serve our SME clients better by harnessing cutting-edge technology and delivering integrated, customer-centric solutions. With secure and seamless integration of banking functions with Marg ERP, we are making it simpler for our customers to manage their financial operations with high efficiency and agility, while making quick well-informed decisions on growth. This initiative is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to significantly improve the digital experience of our clients.”

Commenting on integration, CMD & Founder Thakur Anup Singh from Marg ERP said, “This tie-up with Axis Bank is a milestone for B2B businesses across the region as it provides them with advanced digital banking solutions that will streamline their business operations. The partnership is well aligned with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote digitalization and drive economic growth. This collaborative effort, focusing on a simple, integrated business and banking offering, is expected to bring positive outcomes for regionally headquartered MSMEs, from major centres to the more remote districts.”

Reflective of Axis Bank’s commitment to innovation and digital excellence, this partnership equips businesses with advanced digital tools at no extra cost.

New Delhi, 23 January 2025 – LG Electronics India Limited announced the launch of its new Soundbars – the LG S95TR and LG S90TY with Wireless Dolby Atmos® and true wireless rear surround speakers. Designed to improve home entertainment with good sound quality, innovative features, and a sleek, modern design, these models offer a synergy with LG TVs, ensuring an improved cinematic and audio experience.

LG’s S95TR Soundbar has 810W of power output, and this flagship model contains 17 precisely arranged speakers, orchestrating an enveloping surround sound experience. Its acoustic brilliance elevates the three-dimensional soundscape, broadening the horizon of the soundstage while delivering crystal-clear dialogue.

Commenting on the launch Brian Jung, Director, Home Entertainment LG Electronics India said, “The introduction of our flagship soundbars marks a significant step in our commitment to delivering technology that improves home entertainment for our customers. These soundbars are designed to offer an immersive audio experience with features such as a center-up-firing speaker, 3D Spatial Sound Technology, and wireless connectivity with LG TVs. We have combined performance with innovations to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers.”

Key features

The LG S95TR features 9.1.5 channels with 5 up-firing speakers upgraded tweeters and integration of passive radiators. With this, the Soundbar pushes the low-frequency response down to an earthy 120Hz for balanced sound, and refined tweeters ensure that the highest frequencies are delivered with clarity for an improved audio experience. WOWCAST enables the Soundbar to connect wirelessly to select LG TVs, making the enjoyment of cinematic technologies like wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS: X®2 easier. LG’s WOW Interface provides an intuitive and user-friendly way of navigating through LG TV sound settings and, with the press of a button, utilizing LG’s WOW Orchestra technology. This alliance between the Soundbar and select LG TV orchestrates a fusion of audio channels, expanding the soundstage and adding layers of depth that improve the auditory imagery. LG’s 3D Spatial Sound Technology applies channel analysis through a 3D engine to captivate listeners with lifelike sound and an immersive sense of space. In addition, LG AI Room Calibration assesses the room’s environment and fine-tunes the settings to enhance the audio in harmony with the room’s acoustics. The AI Room Calibration introduces an extended capability to calibrate the audio of rear surround speakers, improving audio immersion and providing flexibility for installation.

The LG S90TY, on the other hand, offers a 5.1.3 channel setup with a 570W output. While it also features the center up-firing speaker, it does not include the wireless rear surround speakers found in the S95TR.

23rd January, 2025 : Absolut, as part of its long-standing commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking biases, announces the launch of its latest campaign, UNLABEL, BORN COLOURLESS. The campaign builds upon the brand’s long-standing commitment towards breaking biases, a journey that began with the ‘Born Colourless’ campaign in 2018. UNLABEL BORN COLOURLESS encourages individuals to look beyond labels and stereotypes, and instead, focus on getting to know people for who they truly are. By asking individuals to move beyond judgments and casting labels, Absolut aims to foster a more open-minded and accepting world, where everyone can thrive without the constraints of preconceived notions.

Absolut has partnered with White Label to bring this powerful message to life through a series of four compelling films. The campaign features four powerful films that aspire to spark a movement, encouraging people to look beyond labels.

Featuring personal stories from influential voices, the campaign highlights real experiences of being misjudged based on name, age, gender, profession, or background. While Ankush Bahuguna shares his journey of breaking stereotypes around men and makeup, Sunny Leone challenges the ‘item girl’ label by showcasing her life as a successful entrepreneur and a mother. Navtej Singh Johar redefines masculinity beyond traditional norms, and Deepa Malik proves that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. Through these narratives, UNLABEL reinforces the idea that we were all BornColourless—without labels or biases.

Commenting on the association, Pulkith Modi, General Manager – Marketing, International Brands at Pernod Ricard India, said, “We live in a world where people are often defined by labels based on race, gender, and societal expectations. At Absolut, we believe in a world where everyone is free to express their true selves, unburdened by these constraints. The UNLABEL BORN COLOURLESS campaign calls for a shift towards inclusivity, it is a call to action, encouraging people to look beyond assumptions and stereotypes, and to celebrate individuality and authenticity. We are thrilled to partner with such inspiring voices to bring this message to life.”

Rohit Tugnait, CEO, White Label, (a unit of White), added, “There’s a reason we’re called White Label – it’s because we believe that sticker value is just not as important as the value of the content we create. The brief from Absolut resonated with this belief system. The UNLABEL films inspire people to think beyond preconceived notions, to think beyond the sticker value of labels applied to different types of people – we love this! It’s why making these films was not just incredibly fun, it was something we, as a team, could also cherish.”

Mr. Arun Kumar Nayyar, MD, and CEO of NeoGrowth

” The contribution of MSMEs is vital in shaping the Indian economy. With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, we look forward to policies that will address key challenges, such as improving access to capital, simplifying business operations, and encouraging the adoption of new technologies for MSMEs.

Tax incentives for businesses investing in technology upgrades and expanding access to capital for underserved and unserved enterprises will play a pivotal role in strengthening the MSME ecosystem. Enhanced allocations for digital public infrastructure and innovation to improve credit accessibility are also crucial to enabling sustainable growth.

The MSME sector, comprising over 50 million businesses, contributes nearly one-third of India’s annual gross value added (GVA) and employs over 216 million individuals. Insights from the NeoInsights report, ‘Unlocking Generational Preferences among Indian Retailers’, reveal that 77% of MSMEs are actively planning to expand their operations.

To support this ambition, strengthening initiatives under Skill India can empower the workforce with the expertise needed to adapt to a rapidly evolving business landscape, enabling MSMEs to overcome challenges and realize their growth potential, ultimately driving significant economic progress.”

NATIONAL, January 23, 2025: The JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation is set to host a ‘family business’ Summit, bringing together industry leaders, wealth managers, and entrepreneurial families for a transformative day of discussions and collaboration. This event aims to empower family businesses with strategies for sustainable growth, while also fostering innovation by connecting startups with potential investors.

Family businesses, a cornerstone of India’s economic fabric, are evolving rapidly to embrace modern investment strategies. Globally, family offices have increasingly turned to direct investments in startups, with three-quarters reporting significant allocations to early-stage ventures. In India, family offices are becoming pivotal in generating domestic risk capital, contributing to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The summit will explore these trends and the critical role family businesses play in funding innovation.

D. Jeetendra Bhandari, Chairman TNAPTS Zone JIIF emphasized the need for family businesses to adapt to changing times, said “Professionalism is the need of the hour at Family Offices and managing family wealth for sustaining and expanding generational wealth in today’s dynamicinvesting market. Managing Family Wealth is as important as managing Family Businesses”.

Speaking about the SummitJeenendra Bhandari, Chairman of JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) said “The future of family businesses lies in managing the Family Wealth and well-planned transition while staying rooted in their core values. At JIlf, we aim to empower our businesses families, and entrepreneurs by providing the technology, tools, insights, and opportunities to grow sustainably. With Gen Z stepping up to lead family enterprises and their generational wealth, their fresh perspectives and digital-first approach are driving transformation not only in their businesses but also investments and wealth, ensuring these legacies adapt and thrive in this VUCA world..”

A standout feature of the event will be the inspiring stories from multigenerational family businesses, offering firsthand accounts of how they have navigated complex challenges, leveraged innovation, and embraced emerging opportunities. The engaging sessions will highlight the pivotal role of Gen Z in steering family businesses forward, as this new generation drives transformation by embracing digitalization, modernizing traditional business models, and exploring uncharted investment avenues. Their leadership and fresh perspectives are proving vital in ensuring the longevity, adaptability, and global competitiveness of family enterprises, while also serving as a blueprint for families seeking to balance modernization with preserving their heritage.
The event will also feature a series of insightful discussions aimed at equipping attendees with actionable strategies to build robust family foundations that foster long-term success and stability. Participants will gain valuable knowledge about high-growth investment sectors, including opportunities in pre-IPOs, startups, the stock market, and real estate, guided by seasoned CXOs and fund managers. Additionally, the summit will delve into achieving a harmonious balance between financial success and physical well-being, with thought-provoking sessions led by industry experts.

JITO Shark Angels, a dynamic pitch session, will cap off the day, where startups will present their ideas to an audience of seasoned investors and Ultra HNIs of Chennai. This interactive segment will provide a unique platform for innovation and funding, further bridging the gap between traditional family businesses and the entrepreneurial ecosystem while offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with some of the most influential investors in the region.
This summit is a must-attend for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring professionals looking to gain practical insights, expand their networkand stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.

by Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO Bajaj Allianz Life

India’s economic growth presents immense opportunities for the insurance sector to enhance financial resilience. Anticipated income tax cuts in the upcoming budget could boost disposable income, driving higher life insurance penetration.

With the elderly population (50+) projected to grow by 22% in the next six years, incentivizing pension product is imperative.

Aligning tax deduction of life insurance annuity products with the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and addressing the issue of tax on principal component on annuity products can evolve retirement needs effectively.

We urge the government to introduce separate tax deduction for term insurance and extending the tax deduction on life insurance premium under new tax regime as well. These measures will empower individuals to build robust financial safety nets and advance the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, thereby fostering long-term financial security and inclusivity.

by Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance.

“Health insurance has emerged as a crucial safety net for Indian families, shielding them from unexpected medical expenses. According to the IBEF report, India is the 4th largest general insurance market in Asia and the 14th largest globally. Data from IRDAI’s annual reports reveals that health insurance has grown steadily at approximately 25% annually over the past three years, highlighting its importance in protecting households.

As India advances toward financial inclusivity and universal healthcare, Budget 2025 offers a pivotal opportunity to further strengthen the health insurance sector. Anticipated policy measures include enhancing accessibility, simplifying tax benefits, and encouraging innovation in insurance products. Initiatives such as Bima Sugam, designed to achieve the goal of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047, are expected to receive regulatory and fiscal support to address the protection gap. Additionally, the budget is likely to focus on expanding access in underserved regions through government-private partnerships, targeted subsidies, and advancements in digital infrastructure. By fostering a conducive ecosystem, Budget 2025 can empower insurers to contribute to a healthier, more secure India, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

by Srikanth Kandikonda – Chief Financial Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance.

With the Hon. Finance Minister presenting the Union Budget in a few days, the health insurance sector stands at a pivotal moment where policy reforms could significantly transform the landscape of healthcare accessibility and coverage in India.

Healthcare costs are rising significantly and expected to double in six years, we urge the government to implement measures that can help make healthcare more affordable for all Indians. For a healthier Bharat, the outlay for healthcare spend has been proposed to be increased to 2.5% of the GDP by 2025 as per the National Health Policy. While India’s out-of-pocket expenditure has seen a decline from 64.2% 2013-14 to around 40% in 2021-22 as per the national health accounts estimate, we are still working towards our mission of achieving Universal Health Coverage. Hence, we request the government to increase outlay for public healthcare spend during this budget, as this is the need of the hour.

Given the rising healthcare costs and the need for higher sum insured cover, the government should reduce tax burden by increasing the limits under Section 80D of income tax for premium paid for health insurance to Rs 50,000 for all and Rs 1 Lakh for senior citizens. This is crucial for achieving the government’s vision ‘Insurance for all by 2047’ and would substantially reduce the financial burden on families investing in their health and financial wellbeing.