Mumbai, February 17, 2025: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Silver Shield in Category III – Life Insurance at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting 2023-24.

This prestigious award was presented to HDFC Life by the Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the ICAI Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.

Organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since 1958, these awards recognize companies that demonstrate outstanding financial reporting standards. The esteemed jury selects winners after a thorough review of the accounting practices adopted in financial statements, disclosure policies, and presentation of financial statements. The top two winners are chosen on their adherence to Indian Accounting Standards, statutory guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

What makes this recognition even more special is that HDFC Life is the only life insurance company to feature among the awardees this year.

HDFC Life has been on a continuous journey to financially secure Indian citizens by offering a wide range of life insurance solutions. Since its inception, the company has provided financial protection to millions of customers and their families, serving as a safety net in times of need while enabling them to achieve their long-term financial goals. The company’s commitment to its policyholders is reflected in its 99.5% claim settlement ratio for FY24.

Speaking on the award, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & CFO, of HDFC Life, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at HDFC Life. This award reinforces our values of transparency and good governance. At HDFC Life, we are committed not only to the financial security of our customers but also to sustainable and responsible business practices. We continue to strengthen our governance framework while driving long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing towards a more resilient future.”

New Delhi, February 17, 2025: Apollo Hospitals will host the International Health Dialogue 2025, a high-impact global forum combining the 12th International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC) and the 12th International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with IT (THIT) on February 21-22, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event will host over 3,000 global healthcare leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, and patient safety experts from more than 120 countries to explore strategies for building safer, more efficient, and digitally advanced healthcare ecosystems.

The International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC), Asia’s leading platform for advancing patient safety, will focus on the theme “A New Era of Patient Safety.” Discussions will highlight how healthcare systems can integrate AI-driven healthcare, smart diagnostics, cybersecurity, and global accreditation standards to enhance clinical excellence and risk management. A special focus will be placed on developing fail-safe healthcare organizations and embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in healthcare strategy.

Reflecting on the importance of patient safety, Dr. Preetha Reddy – Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals says, “Patient safety is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. As technology rapidly evolves, it is essential to harness advancements that enhance safety while improving access. The International Health Dialogue 2025 serves as a vital platform for collaboration and discussions on driving transformative healthcare advancements. At Apollo, we are committed to integrating cutting-edge innovations that uphold the highest standards of care, keeping patient well-being at the heart of everything we do.”

The 12th edition of the THIT Conference will focus on how data, AI, and digital transformation are reshaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Sangita Reddy – Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasizes, “International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with IT (THIT) conference continues to bring together the brightest minds to explore innovations that enhance health outcomes, healthier patients, improve workflow efficiency and shape the next generation of healthcare systems.”

The International Health Dialogue (IHD) 2025 will feature ministers from five countries and will have keynote addresses and discussions from some of the most influential names in global healthcare and technology, including Dr Jonathan Perlin- President & CEO, of Joint Commission International (JCI), Sonia Roschnik – Executive Director, Geneva Sustainability Centre, Omar Ishrak – Board, Intel Corporation, A Marc Harrison – Co-Founder and CEO, Health Assurance Transformation Corp. to name a few. These eminent voices, alongside other leading policymakers, innovators, and healthcare professionals will explore the future of patient safety, digital transformation in healthcare, and global healthcare collaborations.

Participants will also have access to hands-on training workshops, masterclasses, and live technology demonstrations that provide practical insights into infection control, surgical safety, and digital health interventions. The International Health Dialogue 2025 is set to be a landmark event, bringing together global stakeholders to drive transformative change in patient safety and digital healthcare.

Bangalore, 17th February 2025: Falak, one of the finest North Indian restaurants at The Leela Bhartiya City, unveils a Royal Mughalai new menu curated by MasterChef Farman Ali. The Royal Mughalai menu draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Mughlai cuisine, blending royal influences with a contemporary approach to health-conscious dining. Every dish reflects a balance of robust flavours, nutritional awareness, and classic cooking techniques, offering an experience rooted in heritage while catering to modern sensibilities.

The menu is inspired by the pre-partition era, reflecting the culinary grandeur of Mughal kitchens while incorporating flavours that have stood the test of time. This new offering pays homage to the sophisticated techniques and exquisite ingredients that defined an era of royal feasts. With a focus on authenticity, each dish presents a seamless blend of aromatic spices, slow-cooked preparations, and a thoughtful selection of fresh produce and premium meats. The concept embodies a refined yet nourishing approach to Mughlai cuisine, emphasizing traditional flavours without compromising on health benefits.

Speaking on the launch of the new menu, Masterchef Farman Ali shared, “Falak’s new menu is a celebration of India’s culinary heritage, offering dishes that honour forgotten delicacies while integrating a mindful approach to health. Each creation reflects our dedication to preserving age-old flavours while adapting them to the evolving preferences of today’s diners.”

The highlights of the menu include Murgh-e-Firdaus, a dish inspired by the legendary ‘Murgh Chutney Tikka’ of Delhi and Lucknow, offering a rich blend of Mughlai spices. Gosht Dil Pasand Seekh Kebab, a tender and aromatic lamb kebab, encapsulates the flavours of North Indian culinary heritage. Murgh Methi, made with fresh fenugreek and spinach, not only delivers robust flavours but also boasts immunity-boosting properties. Murgh Kashmiri, a fiery and bold dish influenced by Kashmir’s ‘March Wagan’ tradition, adds a vibrant touch to the spread. Additionally,

Gosht Saag presents a comforting combination of slow-cooked mutton with spinach puree, while the Kadhai Tossed Lobster showcases Peshawari spices, infusing the dish with a robust yet heart-healthy appeal.

Vegetarian offerings are equally captivating, with Tikki Lazeez featuring cabbage patties served alongside tamarind, yoghurt, and mint chutney. Zaitooni Paneer Tikka, marinated in olive oil and stuffed with olives and cheese, highlights the health benefits of olives, while Awadhi Tarkari pays tribute to the Awadh Dynasty with its cashew and carom seed-infused vegetable curry. The Baingan Bharta Zaitooni, cooked in a tandoor, brings forward a smoky depth of flavour while providing heart-healthy nutrients and antioxidants.

Falak is ranked 27th on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2023 Top 50 list and proudly stands as the crown jewel of The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru. Each dish at Falak is a whisper of a bygone heritage. The restaurant’s stunning interiors, with burnt orange and cloudy white silks reflecting Bengaluru’s sunset, create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.

Fact Sheet:

Where: Falak, The Leela Bhartiya City, 6/2, Thanisandra Main Road, Tirumanahalli, Bengaluru 560064

India, February 17, 2025 – As India’s agricultural drone sector prepares for exponential growth, Skylark Drones, a leading startup providing drone solutions unveiled DMO-AG at the Krishi Darshan Expo 2025 in Hisar – a first-of-its-kind software platform set to transform how agricultural drones are managed and operated across the country.

The launch is crucial when India’s agriculture sector is rapidly adopting drone technology, driven by government initiatives and increasing demand for precision farming solutions. DMO-AG addresses a critical market gap by offering a unified platform that brings together farmers, drone operators, maintenance teams, and agrochemical companies.

“With DMO-AG, we expect a transformative shift in the agricultural industry. By democratizing access to drone technology, we anticipate increased adoption of precision farming, leading to higher yields, reduced input costs, and more sustainable practices. Our DGCA-compliant platform will not only empower farmers but also Drone Service Providers and Done pilots with real-time insights, automation, and Revenue management, ultimately making Indian agriculture more efficient, data-driven, and future-ready.” – Mrinal Pai, Co-founder, Skylark Drones

The DGCA-compliant platform introduces several groundbreaking features including real-time fleet management, crop-specific recommendations, and automated health monitoring – all accessible through an intuitive interface available in local languages. This comprehensive solution is compatible with all major autopilot-enabled controllers, making it a versatile tool for India’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Skylark Drones, which has already executed more than 10 million autonomous drone flights and processed more than 100 million drone images across 120+ enterprise customers nationwide, brings substantial expertise to this sector. The launch of DMO-AG marks a significant milestone in its mission to make drone technology more accessible and efficient for India’s agricultural community.

“With India’s agricultural drone market expected to grow at 25-30% CAGR, surpassing $1 billion by 2030, DMO-AG is poised to lead this transformation. Backed by government support and the rising demand for precision farming, our platform democratizes access to advanced drone technology” adds Mrinal Pai

Mumbai / Bangalore, 17th February 2025: Sportz Village, India’s leading school sports organization, successfully hosted the 5th edition of the ‘Get Kids to Play’ (GKTP) Summit this financial year at IIM Bangalore. The event brought together educators, policymakers, corporate leaders, young athletes, and parents to discuss the importance of structured sports education in shaping well-rounded individuals, improving national health, and developing India’s future champions.

The event opened with a keynote address by Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean, IIM Bangalore, who emphasized that India must transition from being a nation of sports spectators to active participants. He urged schools to prioritize structured yet flexible sports programs that allow children to balance academics and play, ensuring sports become an integral part of a child’s growth and development.

A critical highlight of the summit was the Voice of Young People Panel, where student-athletes shared their experiences in balancing academics with sports. Shagana S (MS Dhoni Global School) and Aadhya Arun Kumar (Presidency School, Banashankari) discussed challenges such as gender biases, access to sports facilities, and balancing school with training, stressing the need for schools to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all children in sports.

The summit also featured insights from Nandan Kamath, Co-founder of Sports and Society Accelerator (SSA), the knowledge partner for the event. He emphasized that policy changes are essential in ensuring a structured approach to sports education, advocating for a national framework that integrates physical literacy into academic curriculums. He also highlighted SSA’s work in bridging gaps between grassroots sports initiatives and systemic policy reforms, ensuring that every child in India has access to quality sports education.

A panel discussion featuring Girish Dwarakinath (Founder, Equilii), Olympian Hakimuddin Habibulla, Shekhar Naik (Padma Shri Awardee and Former Captain, Indian Blind Cricket Team), and Anand Deshpande (Ex-CFO, Intel India) focused on the mental and emotional benefits of sports. Panelists emphasized that structured sports participation enhances discipline, teamwork, and resilience among children, while also advocating for mental wellness programs for young athletes.

Another key discussion explored grassroots sports development and policy interventions, featuring Annie George (Decathlon India), Dilip Kumar (Rainmatter), Shaina Ganapathy (Embassy Group), Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy (Sattva Consulting) and Deepthi Bopaiah (GoSports Foundation). The speakers highlighted the need to invest in emerging sports disciplines, noting that India currently participates in only 15 out of 33 Olympic events. The panel also stressed the importance of long-term structured programs over one-time initiatives to ensure sustainable sports development in the country.

The summit concluded with a strong call to action for educators, policymakers and communities to work together in creating a sustainable and inclusive sports culture in India. Saumil Majmudar, Co-founder & CEO, of Sportz Village, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment, stating: “At Sportz Village, we firmly believe that sports should not be seen as an extracurricular activity but as an integral part of a child’s development. The ‘Get Kids to Play’ Summit is an important step toward ensuring that every child in India has access to structured sports programs that build not just athletes but well-rounded individuals. We urge educators, policymakers, and communities to work together in creating a sustainable sports culture in India.”

Parminder Gill, Co-Founder & Head ofthe  Foundation, Sportz Village, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collective responsibility in making sports accessible to all children: “Sports education is the foundation for not just great athletes, but also healthier and more confident individuals. The discussions at this summit reaffirm the role of schools, communities, and corporate partnerships in shaping India’s sports future. We need sustained efforts to make play accessible to all children, ensuring that sports become a way of life rather than a privilege.”

With the successful conclusion of this 5th edition of the ‘Get Kids to Play’ Summit in this financial year, Sportz Village continues to lead the conversation on integrating sports into mainstream education. The event underscored the need for collaborative efforts to make sports an essential part of every child’s growth journey, ensuring that India’s next generation is healthier, stronger,r and ready to excel in the global sports arena.

By: Deepti Verma Chhabria Co-Founder & Director, Aerome

When was the last time you stopped to smell the flowers at a nearby shop? Or walk a little slow around a bakery, basking in the glorious aroma of freshly baked bread or cinnamon buns? While you may not recall the precise moment, a mere mention of these delectable aromas can transport you back in time to when you saw some pretty flowers or spent time at a quaint café. And that’s because, for us humans, the sense of smell is one of the strongest anchors; a scent can transcend into our psyches and teleport us back in time. Thus, it hardly comes as a surprise when a growing number of brands are leveraging smell or “scent marketing” to curate multi-sensory experiences for their customers.

The Interplay of Scent & Human Psychology

The power of scent emerges as a little-known and yet plausible force to be reckoned with while influencing human psychology & buying behaviors.

Various reputed studies talk at length about the influence of scent on human psychology. Research done by Sense of Smell Institute discovered that people remember smells with 65% accuracy, even after a year. For reference, people could only recall 50% of visuals following a gap of 3 months. Research from Rockefeller University supports the same argument, claiming that people can recall 35% of what they smelt vs. only 5% of what they saw. And that’s understandable – while we live in the era of information overload, where we view tons of information via content on social media apps, TV, banners, etc – a sense of smell allows us to pause time for a little bit longer, and truly engage with the environment around us.

To that end, today’s leading brands are openly embracing scent marketing to not only influence buying decisions but also establish long associations with their customers. Nike did a study that revealed that “scented environments” led to an incredible 84% increase in “buying intent”. That’s the power of “olfactory branding” and brands, ranging from retail outlets to airlines, hospitality, automotive, and more, are all here to make the most of this future of branding & marketing.

Industry-Wide Scope of Scent Marketing

As the competition intensifies, brands today are leaving no stone unturned to grab attention and build long-lasting ties with customers. Here’s how brands from diverse industries are gearing up to leverage scent marketing for profitability and long-lasting brand associations.

•  RETAIL: Scented environments are leading to customers spending more time and buying more at retail outlets. Stores like Nike, and  Abercrombie & Fitch already swear by the same. Furthermore, today’s leading retail stores, shopping malls, etc are increasingly investing in ambient scenting to provide an avant-garde multi-sensory immersive experience to their prospects and consumers.
•  HOSPITALITY: A growing number of hotel chains are utilizing signature scents to establish exclusivity and add a touch of rich luxury to the overall experience.
•  AUTOMOTIVE: A trend not limited to only high-end luxury cars, more automotive brands today are going after distinctive fragrances to create a unique experience.
•  HEALTHCARE: Tasteful ambient scenting can uplift the environment and make it more conducive for healing and rejuvenation. Thus, it hardly is a surprise when leading hospitals or healthcare providers opt for ambient scenting to make their patients feel more relaxed and comfortable.
•  OFFICE SPACES & REAL ESTAE: Scents have been accredited for boosting workspace productivity. Notes of peppermint or citrus can make people feel fresh, energized, and ready to “zone in”. At the same time, scents of vanilla or cedarwood create a distinctive homely feeling. Leading players in the real estate segment are increasingly investing in ambient scenting to boost sales & overall customer gratification.

What’s Next: The Future of Scent Marketing

As the stakes rise and more brands begin to invest in scent marketing, the entire paradigm is going to evolve and undergo massive transformation. We are already witnessing a push towards sustainability in ambient scenting, crafting fragrances that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Furthermore, we also expect to see the advent of AI-driven scent systems and smart diffusion technology. While the advent of AI will certainly help create personalized customer experiences, scent marketing is also expected to be widely used in curating truly bespoke Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality experiences.

Thus, the writing on the wall is clear: scent marketing is here to stay and redefine the future of branding and marketing. As brands compete for customers’ loyalty and mindshare, the most memorable branding experiences will not only be “seen” or “heard” but also “felt”. Join the bandwagon and craft a truly unique scent for your brand!

PhonePe, today announced the launch of a device tokenization solution for Credit and Debit cards. With this launch, users will be able to tokenize their cards on the PhonePe App, and use the card tokens seamlessly across all use cases on PhonePe such as Bill Payments, Recharges, booking travel tickets, making insurance purchases, making payments on Pincode, as well as at Online Merchants where the PhonePe Payment Gateway services are integrated.

For consumers, tokenizing their cards has several benefits. They will no longer need to save their card details on merchant platforms or enter a CVV for every transaction, leading to higher success rates and fewer drop-offs at checkout. With tokenized cards securely linked to devices, fraud risks from stolen or leaked card details are also significantly reduced, giving consumers an extra layer of security and boosting consumers’ confidence in online payments. To begin with, consumers will be able to tokenize their Visa Credit and Debit Cards.

For merchants, the advantage goes beyond security – it means tapping into a constantly expanding network of tokenized cards, ensuring faster transactions and higher conversions. As more consumers adopt this seamless payment method, businesses will naturally benefit from higher success rates, improved customer retention, and a frictionless checkout experience that fuels growth. PhonePe PG merchants will also have access to this solution.

Commenting on the launch, Rahul Chari, Co-founder & CTO,of  PhonePe, said, “This launch will be a step forward in making digital payments more secure and seamless. We plan to expand this offering by integrating with more card payment networks and enabling access to the device-tokenized cards to all PhonePe PG merchants. At PhonePe, we have always focused on building innovative solutions that enhance customer trust and convenience. As digital payments evolve, we remain committed to delivering offerings that make transactions safer, faster, and frictionless for both businesses and consumers.”

Chandigarh, 17 February 2025 – Fossil, the globally celebrated lifestyle brand known for its timeless craftsmanship and innovation, is excited to announce the launch of its first franchise store in Chandigarh at Elante Mall. This marks the brand’s 30th retail location in India, further fortifying its presence in the country. This strategic expansion aligns with Fossil’s vision of enhancing accessibility and delivering an unparalleled shopping experience to fashion-forward consumers in the region.

Speaking on the launch, Johnson Verghese, Managing Director of Fossil India, said, “Chandigarh, known for its embrace of style and sophistication, presents an excellent opportunity for our retail location. At Fossil, we are dedicated to providing our customers with an immersive shopping experience that reflects our brand’s values. Elante Mall, being a key shopping hub, offers the perfect setting to connect with our customers and showcase our latest collections. We look forward to welcoming Chandigarh’s fashion enthusiasts to explore our range of watches, accessories, and leather goods.”

The store is designed to reflect Fossil’s distinctive blend of modern aesthetics and heritage craftsmanship, creating an inviting and interactive retail space. Customers will have access to an exclusive selection of timepieces, handbags, jewelry, and lifestyle accessories, curated to complement their unique style preferences.

This launch marks another significant milestone in Fossil’s journey of expansion across India, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional retail experiences. By establishing a presence in Chandigarh, Fossil aims to engage with local customers through a thoughtfully designed retail environment that showcases the brand’s dedication to innovation and quality craftsmanship.

Castor seed production in Gujarat for 2024-25 is estimated at 14.75 lakh tonnes, down 6% from 15.74 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, according to the SEA Castor Crop Survey 2024-25. The drop is due to an 11% decline in acreage to 6.46 lakh hectares from 7.24 lakh hectares, despite a 5% increase in yield to 2,281 kg per hectare.

The Castor Crop Survey 2024-25 was presented at the Global Castor Conference organised by the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) in Gandhinagar on Saturday. According to the survey, heavy rains in August adversely affected castor crop, leading to resowing and lower plant counts in key districts like Vadodara, Surendranagar, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, which accounts for majority of the castor production in India.

Mr. Priyam Patel, Managing Director of NK Proteins Pvt Ltd and Chairman (West Zone) of SEA, said, “The estimated reduction in castor production in Gujarat can largely be attributed to a decrease in castor acreage. Excess rainfall in August and September coupled with diversification to other crops such as cotton and groundnut primarily resulted in a reduction in area under castor crop in the state. The yield has shown an increase due to favorable weather as on this date. However, future yield estimates remain subject to further revision based on weather conditions.”

Rajasthan’s production is estimated at 2.85 lakh tonnes, down 9%, with acreage dropping 12% to 1.70 lakh hectares, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will produce 0.54 lakh tonnes, down 33% due to a 38% acreage drop.

India’s overall castor production is expected to be 18.22 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, 8% lower than 19.75 lakh tonnes last year. National acreage fell by 12% to 8.68 lakh hectares from 9.88 lakh hectares, though yield improved by 5% to 2,101 kg per hectare from 1,999 kg per hectare.

Chandigarh, February 17, 2025: Bank of India, a leading Public Sector Bank, has raised 10 years Infrastructure Bonds of Rs.2,690 crore @ 7.50% p.a, today through NSE Electronic Bidding Platform. The Base Issue size was Rs.1,500 crore with Green Shoe option of Rs.3,500 crore. Bank received total of 94 bids amounting to Rs.8,845 crore, 5.90 times of the Base issue size. Bank accepted bids at cut-off coupon of 7.50% of Rs.2,690 crore. There were 26 successful bids.

The funds raised through Long Term Bonds will be used for funding long term projects in infrastructure sub-sectors and affordable housing in accordance with RBI guidelines. The funds raised by the Bank through this issue is not meant for financing any particular project.