05 June 2025, Gurugram, Haryana- Stride Green, a climate-tech focused asset financing and lifecycle management platform, has announced the successful raise of $3.5 million as part of its Seed Funding Round, led by Micelio Technology Fund, Incubate Fund Asia, and other strategic investors. This infusion of capital is set to bolster Stride Green’s mission to provide innovative, tech-enabled financing and leasing solutions tailored for India’s burgeoning clean energy transition sectors, such as electric mobility, battery storage, renewable etc. The funds will also be used to expand the team, bringing in critical expertise to strengthen capabilities and support future growth.

Founded by Ishpreet Gandhi & Vivek Jain, Stride Green is on a mission to empower sustainable businesses through innovative asset management and finance solutions and data-driven insights, driving the transition to a greener economy. In an industry where early-stage clean technologies are usually not able to find growth capital and scalability in operations, Stride Green is providing a novel, end-to-end leasing and financing platform that is impact-focused as well as operationally optimal. The company’s in-house technology facilitates real-time data analytics, intelligent alerts, and operational insights, enhancing asset performance and longevity.

Vivek Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, Stride Green, said, “At Stride Green, we’re driven by deep domain expertise and a clear purpose to develop innovative and scalable solutions for the climate-tech ecosystem. We are grateful to have eco-conscious, mission-aligned partners like Micelio and Incubate, whose support empowers us on our journey to deliver bespoke, high-impact solutions for a more sustainable future.”

India’s clean-tech sector has witnessed a surge in investments, surpassing China in clean technology funding during the third quarter of 2024, with deals worth approximately $2.4 billion. This momentum underscores the country’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Stride Green is enabling this shift by equipping eco-conscious businesses with the tools to boost operational efficiency, cut emissions, and scale sustainable solutions across the clean energy value chain.

Rajeev Ranka, Partner, Incubate Fund Asia, said, “We are very excited to partner with Stride Green to co-create the new age green financing and asset management platform to meet the needs of the evolving energy sector, electric mobility, and financial Institutions. StrideGreen, Ishpreet, and Vivek have been at the forefront of creating scalable new age financing products, very glad to support their vision and join the journey.”

Stride Green is poised for geographical and technological expansion, aiming to broaden its presence across new regions and diversify into emerging verticals within the climate technology sector. This growth strategy reflects the company’s dedication to scaling sustainable solutions and driving innovation in the clean energy ecosystem.

Alok Chauhan, Principal, Micelio Technology Fund, added, “At Micelio, we have held a strong belief that the transition to clean mobility requires specialized financing infrastructure that can evolve with innovation. Stride Green‘s tech-first platform addresses a critical gap between traditional financing and clean mobility’s unique needs—helping unlock significant capital for the sector. We’re excited to support this ecosystem-focused approach that aligns perfectly with our portfolio’s mission to advance the clean mobility ecosystem through strategic technology investments.”

5th June 2025: Shree Cement continues to set new industry benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing with over 60% of its total electricity consumption now met through green power. The company’s renewable energy capacity has grown to 582 MW, cementing its position as a front-runner in low-carbon cement production. The recent commissioning of a 60.3 MW solar plant in Jodhpur adds significant momentum to its green transition.

With a sharp strategic focus on climate-resilient operations, Shree Cement is aggressively investing in renewable infrastructure, making sustainability a central pillar of its growth strategy. This commitment has been consistently demonstrated through large-scale deployment of solar energy, wind power and waste heat recovery systems across its manufacturing units.

Commenting on the milestone on World Environment Day, Mr MM Rathi, Joint President – Power Management, Shree Cement said, “We are building a future-ready enterprise rooted in sustainability, innovation and performance. Our transition to green power is not just a business imperative it is a long-term commitment to a cleaner, more responsible future. Through this journey, we aim to set new benchmarks for the entire cement industry.”

The company has integrated green energy solutions into every aspect of its value chain from sourcing and production to packaging and logistics. The aim is not only to reduce carbon footprint but also to ensure long-term energy security and operational resilience. This transition is further supported by data-driven energy management systems that improves efficiency and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

The company’s sustainability efforts have earned it prestigious recognition including a CareEdge ESG 1 rating and the title of “Industry Mover” in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, reflecting its leadership in ESG performance.

Bhubaneswar , 4th June 2025: In celebration of Raja Parba, Odisha’s most loved festival honouring womanhood, Smart Bazaar, a leading retail destination by Reliance Retail, has rolled out a host of unmissable festive offers and in-store engagement activities to bring the true spirit of Raja to life.  The celebrations were marked with a special event at the Smart Bazaar store in Bhubaneswar, graced by Ms. Surabhi Sen, Chief Marketing Officer – Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, along with a popular celebrity guest Lipsa Mishra Acharya & Riya Dey, who together unveiled the festive offers and inaugurated the Raja activities.

Joining the occasion, Mr. Kamadeva Mohanty, Chief Operating Officer – Reliance Retail Ltd – Value Format, also shared his thoughts on the significance of Raja Parba. “Raja Parba is a tribute to the strength, grace, and resilience of women. At Smart Bazaar, we are proud to honour this tradition by creating a vibrant, inclusive, and joyful shopping experience especially for women. From thoughtful offers to in-store activities, our celebration is dedicated to making every woman feel special and valued during this auspicious time,” said Mr. Kamadeva Mohanty.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Surabhi Sen added,

“Raja Parba is a celebration of tradition, festivity, and the spirit of womanhood. At Smart Bazaar, we’re committed to bringing unmatched value and festive joy to our customers with curated offers, engaging activities, and a complete shopping experience.”

Celebrate Raja Parba with exclusive offers at Smart Bazaar that bring joy to your shopping experience. When you shop for fashion worth ₹999 or more, you can get a designer shopping bag for just ₹99. Spend ₹999 or more and take home a Philips Hair Dryer for only ₹599. Plus, enjoy a flat 20% discount on ladies’ kurtas priced at ₹499 and above. Add a festive touch to your beauty routine with special deals on Sugar Pop cosmetics, featuring essentials like nail paints and kajals at exclusive prices. Smart Bazaar also ensures your kitchen is ready for the celebrations with unbeatable grocery deals—Loose Sugar at ₹44.50 per kg, Loose HMT Kolam Rice at ₹51 per kg, Loose Tur Dal Economy at ₹99 per kg, and Good Life Jeera Sar Rice at just ₹40 per kg (26 kg pack; terms and conditions apply). Enhancing the festive atmosphere, the store is adorned with vibrant Raja-themed décor and features a dedicated activity zone, creating an immersive and joyful experience for families and shoppers alike.

     By – Shankar Rajaram, Area Sales Director – Industry, INDO Region, Grundfos 

04 June 2025: On World Environment Day

“As industries evolve, sustainability must lead the way. At Grundfos, we believe that the future of manufacturing is defined not just by efficiency but by responsibility—reducing resource consumption, minimising emissions, and preserving the planet for generations to come.

Water and energy are the lifeblood of industry, yet their overuse puts immense strain on our environment. It is time for a shift—from consumption to conservation, from waste to reuse, and from outdated methods to innovative, sustainable solutions.

Our intelligent solutions help industries optimise energy and water use, ensuring that every drop and every watt counts. By integrating smarter technologies, we empower businesses to achieve their production goals while reducing their environmental footprint. The path to sustainability is not just a choice—it is imperative.

On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to driving change, enabling industries to make sustainability not just an ambition but a measurable reality. Together, we can build a future where progress and environmental stewardship are in harmony.”

3rd June 2025: India’s sneaker and streetwear culture has exploded in recent years, fueled by a growing community of enthusiasts, global collaborations, and an increasing demand for exclusive releases. Sneakerheads and fashion-forward shoppers are constantly on the lookout for limited-edition drops, rare collectibles, and premium streetwear brands that blend performance, style, and culture. Whether you’re hunting for hyped collaborations, timeless classics, or emerging streetwear labels, several multi-brand retailers across India offer an extensive selection of sneakers and apparel to help you stay ahead of the trends. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to shop for exclusive sneakers and streetwear in India.

1) VegNonVeg: VegNonVeg was one of the first sneaker boutiques in India to bring global brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Puma under one roof. They regularly stock limited-edition collaborations, making them a go-to for sneaker collectors. With flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and an extensive online store, their collection is accessible to sneaker enthusiasts across India. More than just a retailer, VegNonVeg plays a crucial role in shaping India’s sneaker culture, blending streetwear with artistic and cultural influences, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both hype and heritage in their footwear.

2) Culture Circle : Culture Circle offers a curated selection of sneakers and streetwear from global brands like Yeezy, Jordan, Essentials, and Fear of God. Known for its sneaker raffles and exclusive drops, the store is a go-to destination for fashion-forward shoppers looking to stay ahead of the latest trends. With a strong online presence and retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi, Culture Circle provides access to limited-edition footwear and apparel, making it a key player in India’s growing sneaker and streetwear scene.

3) Brandman Retail: Brandman Retail specializes in introducing premium international footwear brands to the Indian market, making high-quality, performance-driven, and lifestyle-oriented sneakers more accessible to Indian consumers. Their collection includes brands like New Balance, Timberland, GFore, On Running, Jansport, Rockport, Saucony, and Sperry, offering a diverse range of sneakers suited for both athletic performance and everyday wear. With stores in Delhi, Gurugram, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, and Jalandhar, along with locations in other key cities across India, Brandman Retail continues to expand access to premium global sneakers through select retail partners and online platforms.

4) Superkicks: Superkicks has cultivated a strong community of sneaker enthusiasts by offering a selection of sneakers from brands like Converse, Reebok, Nike, and Vans. Known for its exclusive collaborations with artists and designers, Superkicks blends sneaker culture with creativity, making it more than just a retail space. With stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, along with a robust online platform, they provide sneaker lovers across India with access to both classic staples and limited-edition drops.

5) Crepdog Crew (CDC): Crepdog Crew, or CDC, is a go-to destination for both retail and resale sneakers, offering sneaker enthusiasts access to rare and hard-to-find pairs from global brands like Nike, Adidas,Jordan, and Yeezy. In addition to sneakers, CDC also features homegrown streetwear labels alongside international brands like Cactus Plant Flea Market, Drew House, and Essentials, making it a well-rounded platform for streetwear lovers. With stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, along with availability through their online platform, CDC has cemented its place in India’s growing sneaker and streetwear culture.

6) Mainstreet Marketplace: Mainstreet Marketplace is one of India’s largest sneaker resale platforms, specializing in rare and out-of-stock pairs from top global brands. Their collection features coveted collaborations like Off-White x Nike, Travis Scott x Air Jordan, and Supreme releases, making it a trusted destination for sneaker collectors. With stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, along with a verified online marketplace, Mainstreet provides sneaker enthusiasts with a secure platform for trading and reselling highly sought-after sneakers.

These retailers are at the forefront of making premium sneakers and streetwear more accessible in India. Whether you’re looking for high-performance sports shoes, everyday streetwear staples, or rare collectibles, these platforms offer a range of options to match different styles and preferences.

June 3, 2025: Renault India, wholly owned French carmaker Renault Group, today announced the launch of Renault Discovery Days, a thrilling nationwide campaign running from June 6 to June 16, 2025. Under the initiative, Renault India is inviting customers to visit Renault showrooms across country and discover an exciting range of vehicles, now available with retrofit CNG options, along with never-before offers designed to maximize customer delight and accessibility.

Renault Discovery Days will turn showrooms into vibrant hubs of activity over two consecutive weekends, with thematic carnivals, immersive consumer events, and engaging experiences designed to connect with automotive enthusiasts, families, and first-time buyers alike.

During this limited-time celebration, Renault is rolling out special offers on the popular RXT, RXT+ and RXZ variants, which includes:

·         Attractive NRFSI 0% rate of interest across the entire Renault line-up

·         50% waiver on NRFSI processing fees

·         Exchange benefits up to ₹40,000

·         Additional loyalty and segment benefits for existing Renault customers and those upgrading within the Renault family

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Renault India  said, “We’re thrilled to introduce Renault Discovery Days to the Indian market, a campaign that drives product discovery, unmatched consumer offers, and experiential showroom interactions. Through this initiative we aim to reignite the passion for Renault, showcasing the innovation in our range and rewarding the loyalty of our customers with tangible, meaningful benefits. Whether you’re drawn to our stylish city hatchbacks, our adventure-ready SUVs, or our eco-friendly retrofit CNG options, we are there to extend an exceptional Renault experience to our consumers.”

With a wide selection of vehicles engineered for India’s dynamic roads, combining smart design, fuel efficiency, and advanced features, customers can book their test drives, explore exclusive offers, and make the most of the Discovery Days benefits before June 16.

Vietjet Charts Bold Growth Path with Record Performance, New International Routes,

and Fleet Expansion

Mumbai, June 3, 2025: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 30, outlining its strategic priorities for sustained growth within the next decade Key initiatives include continued flight network expansion, long-term fleet investments, and further digital innovation.

Strong financial growth and global expansion

The meeting highlighted Vietjet’s record-breaking performance in 2024, driven by an expanded international route network and increasing passenger demand. The airline safely operated 137,500 flights, carrying over 25.9 million passengers (excluding Vietjet Thailand), including more than 9 million international travellers—a year-on-year growth of 18%.

Vietjet launched 20 new routes in 2024, expanding its total network to 145 routes, including 101 international and 44 domestic services. Notably, Vietjet became the first airline to directly connect Vietnam with all five of Australia’s largest cities, and continues to lead the connectivity between Vietnam and India, China, South Korea, and Japan.

During 2024 and early 2025, the Vietnamese airline has strengthened its operations in India, now operating 10 routes with 78 weekly flights between the two countries. Vietjet’s network is connecting major Indian cities—New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru—to key Vietnamese destinations—Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. With its extensive route map and affordable fares, Vietjet has quickly grown into a preferred carrier for Indian travellers.

According to audited financial statements, Vietjet posted consolidated revenue in 2024 exceeding VND72.045 trillion (approx. US$2.77 billion), with pre-tax profit reaching over VND1.823 trillion (approx. US$70.17 million). Parent company revenue was VND71.734 trillion (approx. US$2.76 billion) with pre-tax profit of VND1.748 trillion (approx. US$67.27 million). By year-end 2024, total assets stood at nearly VND99.3 trillion (approx. US$3.82 billion), while key financial ratios – a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.03 and a liquidity ratio of 1.58 – remain strong by industry standards.

Growth vision for next decade

Entering 2025, Vietjet marked a milestone in its journey by operating its first flight from Vietnam to the United States. To support its growth ambitions, the airline also announced a long-term agreement with Airbus in May 2025 to purchase 20 additional A330neo wide-body aircraft, increasing its total order of the type to 40.

At the AGM, Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to becoming a key global aviation player: “Vietjet is not just a pioneering airline but a modern, flexible multinational carrier with a mission to deeply integrate into the global economy. Vietjet remains committed to bridging Vietnam with the world—connecting economies, cultures, and communities—while making air travel more accessible for millions through safe, budget-friendly, quality service and continuous innovation.”

New international routes strengthen regional footprint

As part of its 2025 expansion strategy, Vietjet has launched a new international route connecting Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s premier beach destination, with Singapore, one of the Asia-Pacific’s leading travel and business hubs. The service commenced on May 30 and operates four return flights weekly. With a flight time under two hours, the new route offers seamless and convenient access between two of Asia’s most dynamic destinations.

This launch brings Vietjet’s operations between Vietnam and Singapore to 78 flights per week, spanning four routes connecting Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang to Singapore. To mark the occasion, the airline is offering exclusive Friday fares starting from just ₹11 (excluding taxes and fees) for all international routes, valid for travel through December 31, 2025.