Godrej Launches ‘GEEVEES Awards 2025’ for Design Excellence

Chandigarh, 28 January 2025: The Locks and Architectural Solutions, a business unit of Godrej Enterprises Group, a name synonymous with trust, quality is pleased to announce the launch of the fourth season of the GEEVEES Awards 2025, a platform dedicated to recognizing innovation and excellence in architecture and interior design. The award has been conceived as an extension of the Godrej Value Co-Creators Club (GVCC) that was launched by the brand in 2021. Currently, there are over 2100+ architects who are part of this incentive program.

This year’s awards feature 15 categories, providing a platform to showcase outstanding projects across residential, commercial, institutional, and hospitality spaces. With eligibility limited to completed projects from November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the GEEVEES Awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the creativity shaping the design industry.

Important Dates to Remember:

  • Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025
  • Finalists Announcement: February 7, 2025
  • Live Jury Presentations: February 13–14, 2025
  • Winners Announced: March 8, 2025

The GEEVEES Awards 2025 celebrate visionaries in the design and construction industry who demonstrate creativity, environmental responsibility, and a commitment to enhancing community safety. The theme “Sustainability” reflects the commitment of Locks and Architectural Solutions, a business unit of the Godrej Enterprises Group, to fostering a culture of safety and sustainable practices.

Looking forward to the GEEVEES Awards 2025, Mr. Shyam Motwani, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Locks and Architectural Solutions, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, we’re delighted to return with the fourth season of the GEEVEES Awards. This platform is not just a celebration of architectural and design excellence but also a reflection of our deep respect for the creativity and innovation within the fraternity. We are proud to provide a platform that brings together architects and designers, offering them an opportunity to showcase their innovative work across 15 diverse categories. With over 2,100+ architects in our Godrej Value Co-Creators Club and more than 4,000+ entries already submitted; we look forward to seeing more outstanding projects that set new benchmarks in design excellence.”

The distinguished jury for the awards includes some of the most eminent names in the field of architecture and design. The panel features Sonali Bhagwati, Partner at DPA; Ratan Batliboi, Principal Architect at Ratan J. Batliboi Consultants; Dr. Oscar G. Concessao and Dr. Ponni M. Concessao, Principal Architects at Oscar & Ponni Architects; Karl Wadia, Senior Design Principal at Architect Hafeez Contractor; Suchrita Joshi, Senior Architect at Godwin Austen Johnson; Tushar Sogani, Principal Architect & Managing Director at TSDPL; and Abhigyan Neogi, Principal & Founder of Chromed Design Studio, Abin Chaudhuri, Founder & principal, Abin Design Studio, Sarabjit Singh, Principal at Interior Design & Fab Studio, Prasenjit Sanyal, Proprioter at Subhashree Design Cell Rashmi Tiwari, Principal Designer at Tathaastu Interiors, Rahul Tyagi, Managing director at RTA, Sandeep Shikre, Principal Architect at Sandeep Shikre & Associates their collective expertise and vision promises to bring unparalleled insight and fair evaluation.

Entries are open across 15 categories, including Safest Projects and Healthcare for Architecture.

Winners will be recognized during a dedicated award ceremony in March 2025, with their achievements highlighted across various Godrej Locks platforms, further amplifying their impact within the community.

The GEEVEES Awards 2025 invite practicing architects and interior designers to participate, offering an opportunity to present their work to a jury of experienced professionals from India and beyond. This initiative reflects Locks and Architectural Solutions’ commitment to fostering creativity and supporting professionals in the architecture and design fields.

Supriya Lifescience Q3FY25 PAT Jumps 57% YoY to Rs 46.78 Crore

Mumbai, 27th January 2025: The unaudited financial statements for the Q3FY25 results have been released by Supriya Lifescience Ltd., a cGMP-compliant business with a strong track record in API manufacturing and a focus on products from a variety of therapeutic segments, including anti-histamine, anti-allergic, vitamin, anaesthetic, and anti-asthmatic. The company has spread its business in more than 86 countries across the globe.

Key Consolidated Financial Highlights:

Particulars Q3 FY25 Q3 FY24
Revenues (in Rs Cr) 185.65 140.07
Gross Profit (in Rs Cr) 123.87 85.45
EBITDA (in Rs Cr) 65.95 41.49
EBITDA Margin 35.50% 29.60%
PAT (in Rs Cr) 46.78 29.78
PAT Margin 25.2% 21.30%
Quarterly EPS (in Rs) 5.82 3.70

 Key Highlights for Q3 FY25:

In the third quarter of FY25, Supriya Lifescience Ltd. witnessed remarkable growth in its revenue, reporting a 33% year-over-year increase, reaching Rs. 185.65 crore compared to Rs. 140.07 crore in Q3 FY24.

Gross Profit for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs. 123.87 crore, with a growth of 45% compared to Rs. 85.45 crore in Q3 FY24.

EBITDA for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs. 65.95 crore, with an EBITDA Margin of 35.50%, as opposed to an EBITDA of Rs. 41.49 crore in Q3 FY24 with an EBITDA margin of 29.60%. This marks an improvement of 591 bps YoY.

The Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 57% for Q3 FY25 to Rs 46.78 crore, compared to Rs 29.78  crore in Q3 FY24.

The PAT Margin stood at 25.2% in Q3 FY25, compared to 21.30% in Q3 FY24.

Dr. Satish Wagh, Chairman and Whole Time Director, Supriya Lifescience Ltd, commenting on the results, said, “Our Q3FY25 results underscore Supriya Lifescience’s commitment to delivering value through operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives. The 33% year-over-year revenue growth and a remarkable 45% surge in gross profit reflect our strong market presence and efficient execution across therapeutic segments. The steady improvement in our EBITDA and PAT margins, reaching 35% and 25% respectively, highlights our ability to maintain profitability while investing in sustainable growth.”

Skoda Kylaq Hits Indian Roads After Official Launch

Mumbai, 28 January 2025 – Škoda Auto India’s first-ever sub-4-metre SUV, the Kylaq, has officially arrived on Indian roads, marking a significant milestone for the brand. With its launch, the Kylaq opens new horizons for Škoda in India’s booming SUV market. It is the brand’s first offering in the high-demand sub-4m segment and the first model in India to showcase Škoda’s new Modern Solid design language, emphasising robustness, functionality, and authenticity. Customer deliveries and test drives to begin from today.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India shares, “The Kylaq has officially arrived and is set to drive Škoda’s growth trajectory in India over the coming years. Its availability from today marks the New Era for Škoda Auto India. It combines safety, exceptional driving dynamics, and segment-leading features. Following the success of the Kushaq and Slavia, the Kylaq continues our India-focused product strategy, helping us tap into new markets and bring even more customers into the Škoda family. With its accessible pricing, we can say the Kylaq truly democratises European technology on Indian roads.”

With the overwhelming response to the Kylaq and its strong appeal in the competitive sub-4m SUV segment, Škoda Auto India is confident of achieving robust sales momentum. The company has outlined its goal of reaching 1 lakh annual sales by 2026, driven by the Kylaq’s segment-leading features, exceptional safety standards, and European technology for Indian roads, which resonate with consumers. This strategic focus aligns with Škoda Auto India’s commitment to expanding its footprint and bringing premium mobility solutions to a broader customer base across the country.

5-star rated at BNCAP

The Škoda Kylaq has set a benchmark in safety, emerging as the best-performing vehicle in the ICE sub-4-metre compact SUV segment. It achieved an impressive 30.88 points out of 32 (97%) in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 points out of 49 (92%) in Child Occupant Protection. For child safety, the Kylaq excelled with a perfect score of 16 points (100%) in the frontal offset barrier test and 8 points (100%) in the side-moving deformable barrier test for 1.5 and 3-year-old children. Additionally, it earned maximum points in the recommended child seat assessment and 9 points out of 13 (69%) in the vehicle-based assessment, highlighting Škoda‘s commitment to safety across all parameters.

Tailored features

The Kylaq introduces several segment-firsts, including six-way electric seats with ventilation for both the driver and front passenger. A dedicated stowing space for the parcel tray further enhances the boot’s usability and versatility. The Kylaq’s boot offers a segment-best 446 litres of capacity, which expands to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded down. features Auto Climatronic, with ventilation for the electrically adjustable front seats. Select variants are also available with an electric sunroof. Also on offer are cruise control, steering-mounted paddle-shifters with the six-speed automatic gearbox, leatherette seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and wireless charging among other features. Taking centre stage is a 25.6cms infotainment screen with an even more intuitive user interface, while the driver gets a 20.32cms Virtual Cockpit with a renewed interface.

Modern Solid: A new interpretation of familiar Škoda lines

As the first Škoda model in India to adopt the new Modern Solid design language, the Kylaq’s exterior is defined by a distinctive shape and clean lines. front is characterised by a shiny black grille with 3D ribs, while the hallmark Škoda SUV “four eyes” headlights graphic has been completely reinterpreted. The Kylaq is also the first model in India to feature the all-new Škoda wordmark on the rear. Also new is a bold front lower spoiler in aluminium optics in the front.

Precise Daytime Running Lamp signature

With the Modern Solid era, the headlights feature slim lines and a minimalist, purposeful design. While the narrow upper segments of the headlights serve as daytime running lights, position lights and indicators, the larger lower modules provide the important low-beam and high beam functions with crystalline designed LED elements.

Compact dynamic silhouette

The sides of the Kylaq are adorned with clean and modern lines. It has a robust cladding around the wheel arches and sills that accentuate the high ground clearance and space around the wheel. This lends the Kylaq that SUV character within its compact dimensions. Adding more value to the design of the Kylaq is a hexagon pattern along the side and rear of the car.

Robust proportions, soulful colours

The Škoda Kylaq is 3,995mm long, 1,783mm wide, and 1,619mm, with a wheelbase measuring a generous 2,566mm. Most importantly, the Kylaq stands a comfortable 189mm off the ground. These compact, yet elegant proportions are rounded off at the rear with the all-new Škoda wordmark on a wide black stripe flanked by the rear lights. The rear lamps themselves reveal a distinct T-shaped light signature. This is supported by the distinct rear bumper equipped with a 3D diffusor insert in aluminium optics. The Kylaq is available in seven paint finishes and making its debut in the Kylaq is the Olive Gold colour. This colour is exclusive to the Kylaq and is inspired by the rich greens and versatile fauna of Lonavala during the monsoon season.

Power with performance and safety

The Kylaq accelerates to a 100kph in 10.5 seconds with the manual transmission. The SUV also has a top speed of 188kph. Its 1.0 TSI engine produces 85kW of power and 178Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic with paddle shifters in select variants. The car is based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform as the Kushaq and Slavia. These two cars have already scored a full 5-stars in Global NCAP tests for adults and children. The Kylaq comes standard with over 25 active and passive safety features, including standard equipment includes six airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection, Motor Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Passenger airbag de-activation, Multi Collision Braking, ISOFIX child seats, and more. The manual variant claims a fuel efficiency of 19.68 km/l.

Tested to the moon and back

The Kylaq has undergone more than 800,000 km of testing on diverse Indian terrains – including urban roads, highways, steep inclines, and rough surfaces – exceeding the distance from Earth to the moon and back and amounting to over 20 trips around the Earth’s circumference. This all-new sub-4m segment SUV has been put through temperatures varying from -10 to +85 degree Celsius and across elevation ranging from sea level to 3,000 metres above sea level. To ensure thorough monsoon preparedness and perfect sealing from the elements, 100 random samples of the Kylaq have been exposed to 25-30 litre per minute/sq mt. of water at an angle of up to 16 degrees. This ensures the Kylaq has zero water ingress in extreme monsoons. The Kylaq has also been put through a vehicle shaker test to ensure the interiors remain silent and rattle-free on all road surfaces. The car has also spent two years in open weather to test all the polymeric parts to ensure highest quality standards.

Quality at its roots

Numerous quality measures are integrated into the Kylaq’s manufacturing processes, resulting in class-leading safety and driving dynamics. The roof and other joints are laser-blazed, the geometry setting of the Kylaq is robotised, inline measurements of the chassis are done at two locations and AI cameras at the assembly line inspect for variations and inconsistencies on the engine surface. And the use of hot-stamped steel, with a redone crash management system ensures the best possible safety in the Kylaq.

Comprehensive options

The Škoda Kylaq presents a wide range of choices, including two transmission options, four variants, and seven colours. Powered by the high-performance, efficient and reliable 1.0 TSI engine delivering 85kW of power and 178Nm of torque, it is available with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic. Customers can choose from four variants – Classic, Signature, Signature+, and Prestige – and seven striking colour options, including Tornado Red, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Lava Blue, Deep Black and the Kylaq exclusive Olive Gold.

Variants for an enhanced ownership experience

The entry-level Classic variant comes equipped with six airbags and over 25 active and passive safety features as standard, including ESC, LED lighting, rear parking sensors, and automatic speed-sensitive central locking. The Signature variant goes up a notch and includes a tyre pressure monitoring system, Cruise Control, a 17.7cms infotainment system, and adjustable rear AC vents. Signature+ adds Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a larger 25.6cms infotainment system, and a virtual cockpit. The top-of-the-line Prestige is packed with features like an electric sunroof, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, and segment-first six-way electrically adjustable seats.

Segment-best ownership

The Kylaq offers a 3-year/100,000kms whichever earlier, standard warranty. Along with this, it also offers six-year anti-corrosion warranty as standard across the range. This SUV, like the Kushaq and Slavia, is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. It was developed jointly by teams in India and the Czech Republic with an eye on low maintenance costs, while retaining Škoda’s traditional qualities of dynamics and safety.

Sustainably manufactured

The Kylaq is produced at the Chakan plant, where 30% (18.5 MW) of the power is generated from solar energy – a figure Škoda aims to increase to 75% by 2026. This water-positive facility returns more water to the environment than it consumes. With over 660,000 trees planted, the plant has earned Zero Waste to Landfill and Zero Liquid Discharge Certifications. The Kylaq itself uses a sustainable bamboo-fibre infused pad with a textile finish creating a speckle effect in the dashboard area.

Godrej Agrovet Launches Argo Rid for Fish Lice Control

Chandigarh 28January, 2025: Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet) today announced the launch of Argo Rid, a fish lice controller. Developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), the product helps in healing of lesions due to parasitic attachment (Argulus Spot) on the fishes in addition to boosting their immune system thereby aiding enabling aqua farmers take better care of their fish’s health.

Argulus infections have long plagued the Aquaculture industry, affecting nearly 48% of Indian aquaculture ponds and causing an estimated annual loss of USD 62.5 million.[1] ArgoRid addresses this challenge through its farmer-friendly, easy-to-use formulation, making it accessible to both small-scale and large commercial fish farmers who can seamlessly integrate it into their existing feeding practices.

Commenting on the launch, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet said, “At Godrej Agrovet, we are committed to offering research-driven solutions that enhance farm efficiency and uplift farming families while maintaining sustainability. Hence in our quest to contribute to nation’s Blue Revolution, we delighted to empower fish farmers with a reliable, easy-to-use, and effective tool to combat one of the industry’s biggest challenges. Leveraging the technical expertise of ICAR-CIFE and our distribution reach, we certainly believe that such public-private partnerships will play a critical role in driving meaningful advancements in the industry and strengthen the position of our country’s Fisheries sector on the global map.”

Dr. Mohammad Aklakur, Scientist, ICAR-CIFE also shared his views on the product. “The introduction of ArgoRid is a breakthrough from a scientific perspective because it proves that nutraceuticals can be effective treatments in controlling fish lice infestations. Its formulation not only eliminates fish lice but also enhances immunity, promotes wound healing, and improves overall fish health. Developed through extensive research at ICAR-CIFE, ArgoRid provides a scalable and effective solution to one of the industry’s major challenges.”

Dhrubajyoti Banerjee, CEO-Aquafeed Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd said, “India ranks third in global fish production, contributing 8% to the total output. Inland aquaculture, which is the main contributor with 2.36 MN Ha of pond area[2], has registered tremendous growth but still has significant potential to improve productivity.[3] Hence for a sector that plays a crucial role in nutritional security, foreign exchange earnings, and employment generation, ArgoRid represents a significant innovation for strengthening India’s aquaculture sector and ensuring long-term economic benefits for farmers by improving fish survival rates and boosting productivity.”

ArgoRid should be mixed uniformly with farm-made or commercial feed, with a recommended dosage of 3 kg per 100 kg of feed. The feeding regimen involves an initial two-day series, followed by a dose on the seventh day, and two additional applications at 15-day intervals if infestation persists. For optimal results, feeding should be carried out on clear and sunny days, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness.

By bridging technological advancements with on-the-ground support, Godrej Agrovet’s Aqua Feed Business is creating an ecosystem of support that addresses critical gaps in scientific fish farming. Creating a comprehensive ecosystem that has the potential to transform how fish farmers manage seasonal productivity challenges, company is committed to building a stronger aquaculture ecosystem through enhanced farmer empowerment and sustainable practices.

FLAME University Hosts B.S. Nagesh to Explore Retail Trends and Industry Insights

Pune, Maharashtra, India — January 28, 2025: FLAME University, a pioneer in interdisciplinary education, recently hosted B.S. Nagesh, Non-Executive Chairman, Shoppers Stop Ltd. & Founder, Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN), a trailblazing figure in the Indian retail industry, as part of its Industry Connect Initiative led by Dr. Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor, FLAME University. As a university that fosters holistic learning by connecting academic pursuits with real-world industry insights, the Industry Connect Initiative at FLAME University serves as a consolidated platform for students to engage with thought leaders and industry stalwarts, providing them with invaluable exposure to diverse sectors and contemporary business practices.

In this Industry Connect Initiative session, B.S. Nagesh shared his profound thoughts on customer centricity through an engaging session that emphasized the importance of placing customers at the core of business strategies. He also highlighted the key takeaways from his recently launched book, SERVE, which encapsulates his philosophy of service excellence and offers valuable lessons for businesses and individuals alike.

Beyond his corporate achievements, B.S. Nagesh is celebrated for his impactful social initiatives. He received the Helen Keller Award for his exemplary efforts in creating livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and has been recognized as an Ashoka Fellow for his commitment to social entrepreneurship. As the first employee and Non-Executive Chairman of Shoppers Stop Ltd., he has been the guiding force to expand the operations of the retail giant since the inception of its first store in 1991. The session proved to be an enlightening experience for students, offering them knowledge of industry trends, challenges, and innovative retail strategies. It not only broadened their understanding of the dynamic retail landscape but also inspired them to think creatively and adapt to evolving market demands.

Speaking about the session, Dr. Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor, FLAME University, shared, “FLAME University remains focused on creating opportunities for our students to engage closely with the industry in various ways, such as interacting with business leaders, internships, organizing conferences, study treks to companies, and more. These activities allow them to get an understanding of the real world as we prepare them to become future-ready. It was an honor to host B.S. Nagesh, the retail luminary and founder of TRRAIN, which empowers the differently-abled and low-income women in the retail sector. His talk was a tale of success and innovation peppered with real-world examples and personal anecdotes, which illustrated how customer-centric practices drive long-term success. His insights resonated with the students of FLAME, encouraging them to prioritize empathy, innovation, and service excellence in their future careers.”

Sharing his thoughts, B.S. Nagesh, Non-Executive Chairman, Shoppers Stop Ltd. & Founder, TRRAIN, said, “Interacting with the students at FLAME University was a great opportunity for me to learn how the young mind thinks. My interaction with the faculty was not just academic in nature, but the discussions were a mix of real-world issues and the rigor of learning through the classroom and cases. I was mesmerized with the campus and the facilities it offers. It also gave me great pleasure to see some of the Shoppers Stop alumni teaching at FLAME. I would love to go back to FLAME as and when the team requires me to be part of their projects.”

The Industry Connect Initiative was a grand success. In the past, FLAME University also hosted other prominent industry leaders such as Don Norman, who is also known as the Father of User Experience. These important industry collaborations underline FLAME University’s dynamic approach to a well-rounded education that is offering students opportunities to engage with diverse industries, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and enhancing their understanding of real-world applications across multiple fields.

Garuda Aerospace Helps Protect Olive Ridley Turtles with Free Drone Surveillance Effort

28th January 2025, Chennai, India- Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone technology company in India, is deploying free drone surveillance for the next three months along Chennai’s coastline to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. This initiative comes in response to recent reports of over 300 mass turtle deaths in the last three weeks and aims to support conservation efforts by combating illegal fishing practices. Garuda Aerospace is partnering with the Tree Foundation and the Departments of Forest and Fisheries for this operation.

Garuda Aerospace’s advanced drone technology offers a crucial solution. These drones provide efficient, non-invasive aerial surveys, identifying nesting sites, tracking hatchling progress, and monitoring coastal areas for illegal fishing activity. Equipped with speakers, the drones can issue warnings to fishermen violating Marine Fishing Regulations within five nautical miles of the coast, as stipulated by Section 5 of the Tamil Nadu Marine Regulation Act, 1983.

Olive Ridley turtles face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, habitat loss, predation, and human interference. Recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and enforcement of existing regulations. The nesting season, typically from January to April, is a particularly vulnerable period. Garuda Aerospace’s free drone surveillance, covering 5 to 10 km of the ocean, will provide critical support during this time, helping to protect nesting females and ensure the safe passage of hatchlings to the ocean.

“We are deeply concerned by the recent mass deaths of Olive Ridley turtles,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “The plight of the Olive Ridley turtles demands immediate action and long-term solutions. By deploying our drones free of charge for the next three months, we’re directly intervening to protect nesting sites, deter illegal fishing, and give these hatchlings a chance at survival. We believe this initiative will not only help these endangered creatures but also drive future innovation and growth for Garuda in the vital field of environmental protection.”

Dr. Supraja Dharini of The Tree Foundation, a leading expert in Olive Ridley turtle conservation, added, “The Olive Ridley turtle population is facing a critical threat. The combination of habitat destruction and accidental entanglement in fishing nets has led to a drastic decline in their numbers. This initiative by Garuda Aerospace to provide drone surveillance is a welcome and essential step in protecting these magnificent creatures. Real-time monitoring and rapid response to illegal fishing activities are vital for the success of conservation efforts.”

With over 3,000 drones sold and serving clients like DRDO and the NDRF, Garuda Aerospace has a pan-India presence and the largest drone fleet in India. The Company has versatile drones equipped with various payloads, including cameras and loudspeakers, to tailor solutions for specific needs. As the only NDRF-empaneled drone company for disaster response, and holding dual DGCA certification, Garuda Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support this vital conservation effort. Garuda Aerospace has the technology that is ideally suited to protect Olive Ridley turtles by monitoring coastal areas and deterring illegal fishing. The next three months are the crucial breeding period when turtles migrate from the Gulf of Munnar to the Northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coast to nest.

Ashok Leyland Expands with Three Dealerships in Jharkhand

Chandigarh, 28th January, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today inaugurated three new M&HCV dealership outlets of Sahu and Sons Truckings in Jharkhand. These include two outlets in Ranchi and one in Serengdag. With these additions, Ashok Leyland now has 30 M&HCV touchpoints across the state.

The advanced 3S dealership in Ranchi, is strategically located at NH20 (connecting Jamshedpur to Barhi), spanning across 60,000 sq. ft and features ten bays. This newly launched dealership will serve the districts of Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Gumla, Chatra, Koderma, Ramgarh, Khunti, and Simdega. The outlet will cater to M&HCV vehicles, and are equipped with modern tools and equipment, including wheel alignment machines, pneumatic systems and four dedicated accident repair bays with modern repair system facilities. The second outlet inaugurated in Ranchi is a dealership sales (1S) outlet.

The third outlet, a state-of-the-art 2S facility, is located in Serengdag in the Chatra district. Spanning across 25,000 sq. ft, it features seven service bays and is strategically positioned near the Chatra Coal Mines and NTPC, Tandwa ensuring efficient access for vehicles moving to the eastern, and northern regions of the state.

The newly launched dealerships will play an important role in helping Ashok Leyland strengthen its footprint in the eastern region.

Ms. Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “Jharkhand is an important market for us, and we are delighted to expand our presence in the region with three additional touchpoints. We aim to leverage the region’s thriving economic activity, expanding infrastructure projects, and increasing demand for commercial vehicles. Our partner, Sahu and Sons Truckings, through these new outlets, will help us meet the distinct demands of our customers in this region by offering tailored solutions. We want to be a part of the growth and help our customers with the best products. We, as always, remain committed to enhancing customer service and satisfaction. We will help our consumers achieve their dreams as we believe that Koi Manzil Door Nahin.”

Mr. Vivek Vishal, Director, Sahu and Sons Truckings said, “We are thrilled to partner with Ashok Leyland and expand our presence in Jharkhand. The three new outlets will solidify the brand’s position as a significant player in the region. Ashok Leyland has consistently been a trusted and preferred brand in Eastern India. With this partnership, we aim to take its legacy forward by reaching more customers and providing end-to-end mobility solutions for their unique transportation needs.”

Ashok Leyland has one of the largest and fastest-growing networks in the commercial vehicle industry, and the company is expanding its brand presence through a robust network of dealerships and service centres to provide best-in-class after-sales support to its customers. The company will cover the major transport hubs offering Haulage, Tractor trailers, ICV Goods, Tippers, Fully Built RMC, Haulage, and School/Staff Buses through these dealerships.

EDT Offshore Teams Up with Synergy Marine Group to Establish EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd

Chennai, January 28, 2025: EDT Offshore, a leading provider of integrated marine and subsea services, and Synergy Marine Group, a global ship management company, have launched EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd, a joint venture designed to deliver tailored ship management solutions to the offshore industry.

Registered in Cyprus, this new entity combines EDT Offshore’s extensive expertise in offshore operations with Synergy Marine Group’s reputation for quality-driven technical management and innovative maritime solutions. Together, the joint venture aims to address the unique challenges of offshore operations while aligning with global priorities in decarbonisation and digitalisation.

Synergy Marine Group is the world’s second-largest ship manager and the largest third-party manager of Indian-flagged vessels. Founded in 2006 by Captain Rajesh Unni, the company employs over 28,000 seafarers worldwide, 90% of whom are from India. The Group plans to increase this number by 5,000 by 2026 and to have at least 1,000 female seafarers by 2030.

Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO Ship Management at Synergy Marine Group, suggests that the launch of EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd will help empower Indian seafarers and strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global maritime industry.

He said, “As India positions itself as a $5 trillion economy, its workforce will play a pivotal role in adapting to the demands of automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging industries. Synergy Marine Group remains committed to fostering innovation, empowering our Indian seafarers, and championing sustainability and diversity across the global maritime ecosystem. This partnership with EDT highlights our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions and strengthening India’s position as a key player in the global maritime industry.”

With an extensive presence in India, including offices in eight cities employing more than 2,000 shore-based personnel, Synergy complements its global operations across 15 maritime hubs, delivering unmatched depth and breadth of service to ship owners.

Speaking about the new venture, Giles Heimann, Director-Shipmanagement & Operations, EDT Offshore said, “This joint venture represents a strategic evolution of our shared vision for operational excellence.” He added, “By combining our expertise, EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd is well positioned to meet the demands of the offshore sector and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.”

Ajay Chaudhry further said “This partnership highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and delivering customised solutions for the offshore industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to elevate operational efficiency and tackle critical challenges like decarbonisation and digitalisation.”

EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd will address key challenges in offshore vessel management, including the high energy demands of dynamic positioning, limited access to alternative fuels and the growing need for sustainable retrofitting. Leveraging advanced technologies and best practices, the joint venture aims to provide customised management solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the offshore sector.

This collaboration also aligns with the increasing growth in subsea and renewable energy projects, as well as offshore terminal operations—areas where EDT Offshore has long-standing expertise. The joint venture will support the maintenance and upgrading of offshore facilities and the expansion of exploration and production activities worldwide.

HDFC Securities and KFin Technologies Partner to Accelerate NPS Adoption

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025HDFC securities, a leading stock broking company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank, announced a strategic partnership with KFin Technologies Limited (KFintech), one of the largest Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) in the country, to enhance the accessibility and adoption of National Pension System (NPS) amongst its subscribers. HDFC Securities has an extensive network of over 3.5 lakh subscribers and over 2700 corporate clients.

CRAs are crucial to the NPS ecosystem, providing centralized management of subscriber records, ensuring transparency, and streamlining account management. It enables subscribers to track contributions, monitor investments, and make changes easily. KFintech’s CRA platform offers several innovative features designed to enhance user experience and security, with subscribers benefiting from flexible transaction statement downloads across any date range, and real-time SMS notifications for all contribution modes. The platform combines enhanced security features like dual-factor authentication through password and SMS OTP with dedicated portals for subscribers, complemented by WhatsApp services and a missed call facility for easier access.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC securities, said, “We’re excited to partner with KFintech to enhance our service offerings. This collaboration will enable us to provide our subscribers and corporate clients with a superior technological platform for NPS management. The timing couldn’t have been better, as we’re seeing increased interest in Corporate NPS following the enhanced tax benefits, and typically, these are the initial months of the year.”

“KFintech has demonstrated its technological leadership in the industry by contributing to 47% of new registrations growth, the highest among CRAs. This partnership will leverage the technological advantage to streamline the onboarding process and enhance the user experience for our new subscribers and corporate clients. Together with KFintech, we’re well-positioned to drive greater pension penetration in the corporate sector.” added, Mr. Relli.

Sreekanth Nadella, MD & CEO at KFin Technologies, said, “The rapid digitization of financial services has created a unique opportunity to reshape the pension landscape in India. As part of our commitment to democratizing pension coverage across the country, this partnership with HDFC securities marks a transformative step forward. By leveraging our comprehensive digital solutions, combined with HDFC securities’ robust corporate network, we aim to create a powerful synergy that will significantly enhance access to NPS across the country.”

The partnership comes at an opportune time as the Government of India has recently enhanced tax benefits under corporate NPS from 10% to 14% of basic income, driving increased interest in the corporate NPS market. Currently, with only 18,700 corporations registered under Corporate NPS and 21.6 lakh subscribers, there is substantial growth potential in this segment.

Padmashri Dr. Deepa Malik’s Autobiography ‘Bring It On’ Launched at Prestigious Presidential Awards Ceremony

New Delhi, January 28, 2025: The launch ceremony of Padmashree Dr. Deepa Malik’s autobiographical book “Bring It On” was organized by Presidential Awards, Banyan Tribe, Blanky, and Straight Angle at Hotel Umrao, Delhi. Deepa Malik launched her book “Bring It On” at the book launch ceremony. After the book launch, Deepa Malik announced that much waited Presidential Awards will be held on 18th June 2025. . On this occasion, many dignitaries including the organizer of Presidential Awards Akhil Ghai, Abhishek Anand, Anu Agarwal, Saurabh Sharma, Sumit Gautam were present.

Deepa Malik said on this occasion that “Bring It On” not only a book, it is an adventurous journey of my life. It is a campaign to give new hope to people’s lives. It is the spirit of never giving up and making difficulties easier with your courage. Dr. Deepa Malik is a Padma Shri Khel Ratna Arjuna Award winner and is also the first Indian female Paralympic medalist.

Braving chest below paralysis for the last 25 years, Dr. Deepa Malik is India’s first Woman Paralympic Medalist and winner of 5 President of India awards, 4 Limca world records, 3 International Awards, 68 national & state medals, 23 international medals. Beyond sports, Deepa Malik is also India’s first paraplegic woman biker, swimmer & rallyist; a policy maker & social activist championing inclusion of persons with disabilities. Belonging to the defence family, Deepa Malik is an Army wife, daughter & daughter in law. In 2024, Dr. Deepa Malik has been appointed the South Asian Sub-Region Representative of the Asian Paralympic Committee. In her autobiography published with Harper Collins, Deepa Malik recounts her journey of saying ‘Bring It On’ to every challenge life has thrown her way