New Delhi, February 4, 2025: Union Minister of Law & Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal has awarded the Women Chartered Accountant of the Year Award to Ashwini Sawrikar, Chief Operating Officer of Artha Bharat Investment Managers IFSC LLP at a grand function that was also attended by Ranjit Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI; Charanjot Singh Nanda, Vice President, ICAI and Priti Paras Savla, ICAI Central Council Member & Chairperson, WMEC of ICAI.

Artha Bharat is the investment manager of the Rs 1100 crore Artha Global Opportunities Fund the first distressed debt fund established in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), India’s only International Financial Services Centre. Ms. Sawrikar oversees risk management, compliance, back-office operations, HR, finance, and administration at Artha Bharat.

The award has been instituted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the supreme regulatory body for CAs in India.

“This award is a tribute to the power of women professionals in finance who are lending their might to usher India towards its Amrit Kal and helping the government realise its vision of Viksit Bharat. I hope this award inspires every woman to dream big and aim for the stars, in the process doing their families and the nation proud,” said Ms. Sawrikar upon receiving the honour.

‘The CA Woman of the Year Award, instituted by ICAI, recognizes women CAs who are making outstanding contributions to the profession, members, and students. It honours those whose passion, dedication, and determination have created a positive societal impact. The awardees are selected from among women members who have significantly contributed to ICAI by mentoring members, conducting sessions, spreading awareness, imparting knowledge, and embracing societal change,’ stated an ICAI explanatory note on the CA Women Excellence Awards.

Ashwini Sawrikar who interned at the CA firm, Gokhale & Sathe qualified as a Chartered Accountant at the age of 22 years, completing the rigorous qualification alongside her graduation.

With an illustrious career spanning multinational auditing firms and foreign banks in India, Ashwini Sawrikar has further distinguished herself by earning globally recognized certifications, including:

• Certificate in Operational Risk Management from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, UK
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter from the CFA Institute, USA
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification from The Institute of Internal Auditors, USA

She served as the Finance Director of Indian Schools in Oman from 2021-24 and currently chairs their Academic Committee.

Beyond her financial acumen, Ashwini Sawrikar is an accomplished Hindustani classical singer and an avid traveller, having visited every continent, including the North Pole and Antarctica. Coming from a family of Chartered Accountants, she continues to set a remarkable example in the profession.

With her exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to her profession, Ashwini Sawrikar stands as a beacon of inspiration for women professionals across India and beyond.

Mumbai, Feb 04: The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI commenced its 75th year on the 3rd of February 2025, celebrating a rich legacy of leadership, advocacy and industry excellence. HRAWI is a part of the national body of FHRAI, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950, by the late Mr. J.R.D Tata. Established in 1951 by hospitality visionaries including A.P. Sabavala, Maneck S. Shaw and other pioneers, HRAWI has played a crucial role in shaping the hospitality landscape of Western India. Representing over 1,500 hotels and restaurants across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, HRAWI has been instrumental in driving policy reforms, industry growth and sustainable hospitality practices.

Over the past seven decades, HRAWI has set numerous benchmarks, including being the first hospitality association to receive ISO certification, securing trademark registration and introducing IHQS – an independent hospitality qualification system.

“Our 75th year is a testament to the resilience, innovation and commitment of our members. HRAWI has been at the forefront of industry transformation, ensuring that the hospitality sector thrives amid evolving challenges. The Association has been instrumental in designing hospitality education syllabi for Mumbai University, NCHMCT and MSBTE-affiliated colleges. Additionally, it has played a crucial role in urban planning by helping identify tourism zones and residential-commercial areas in Mumbai. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting growth, advocating for progressive policies and strengthening India’s position as a global tourism hub,” says Mr Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

Over the decades, HRAWI has actively collaborated with the Government and industry stakeholders, facilitating initiatives such as skill development programs, regulatory advocacy and sustainability efforts. As a part of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), HRAWI continues to influence national hospitality policies. The Association has been led by esteemed industry stalwarts who have left an indelible mark on the sector. Their leadership has guided HRAWI in navigating economic shifts, regulatory changes and technological advancements.

“Our journey has been one of progress, innovation and perseverance. The hospitality industry is a key driver of India’s economy, and as we move forward, our focus remains on enhancing Ease of Doing Business, advocating tax rationalization and promoting an inclusive and sustainable hospitality ecosystem. HRAWI will continue to champion initiatives that empower our members and contribute to the growth of Indian tourism,” says Mr Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI.

HRAWI has hosted prestigious regional conventions across Lavasa, Pune, Colombo and Nashik, focusing on themes such as sustainable development, global tourism and industry resilience. In 2024, the Association launched the ‘Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards’ series, successfully hosting events in Pune, Ahmedabad and Nagpur. These conclaves have become key platforms for knowledge exchange, industry networking and policy discussions.

“With a focus on sustainability, HRAWI is planning to sign MoU with AIC-BARC to implement solid waste management technologies in hotels and resorts. In partnership with FSSAI, the Association has trained and certified close to 3,300 hospitality professionals in food safety under the FoSTaC program. Additionally, HRAWI has promoted green initiatives by collaborating with organizations like IGBC, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism,” adds Mr Shetty.

HRAWI’s Scholarship Trust, established in 1974 has been a cornerstone of our commitment to hospitality education, offering grants to IHM students for decades. Several industry stalwarts have contributed to this initiative, nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals.

“As we step into our 75th year, HRAWI remains dedicated to promoting industry growth, advocating for policy reforms and driving sustainability. The Association is set to roll out special initiatives and commemorative events throughout the year, further strengthening its mission to elevate the hospitality sector. Our journey has been one of progress, innovation and perseverance and as we move forward, we will continue to champion initiatives that empower our members and contribute to the growth of Indian tourism. We will continue to be the voice of the hospitality sector, ensuring that our industry thrives in the years to come,” concludes Mr Shaw.

Mumbai, 4th February 2025 – Veefin Group (through their subsidiary Estorifi Solutions), a global leader in working capital technologies, has announced the acquisition of TradeAssets, a Dubai-based company specializing in the digital trading of trade finance assets. This strategic move marks a significant step in the Group’s mission to become a one-stop shop for the financial needs of banks and financial institutions, enhancing their ability to manage liquidity, distribute risk, and access global markets. This also marks Veefin’s fifth acquisition in the past eight months, making the Veefin Group a total of ten companies.

TradeAssets, based out of UAE, co-founded by senior ex-bankers Lakshmanan Sankaran and Sumit K Roy, creates efficiency and transparency between financial institutions, development banks, and commodity traders in the buying and selling of trade finance assets. TradeAssets revolutionizes banking operations with a powerful platform that facilitates the trading of trade finance assets like Letters of Credit, Guarantees, Open Account payables and receivables including Islamic products. In just three years, the platform has handled over USD 4 billion in deals, connecting more than 120+ banks across over 35 countries. This pivotal service empowers banks constrained by Basel regulations to swiftly liquidate assets, liberating capital for new lending opportunities and boosting financial agility.

The acquisition is a natural fit within Veefin Group’s overarching strategy to streamline and strengthen financial operations for institutions worldwide. With the integration of TradeAssets, the Group elevates its portfolio and cements its position as a key ally for banks, ushering in a new era of collaborative financial solutions.

Strategic Benefits of the Acquisition:

• Integrated Offerings: Veefin Group’s current suite includes solutions for supply chain finance, trade finance, and cash management. Adding TradeAssets will allow banks to originate, distribute, and manage trade finance assets seamlessly under one unified ecosystem.
• Enhanced Collaboration with Banks: The inclusion of TradeAssets in Veefin’s portfolio solidifies its role as a collaborator, aiding banks in unlocking more value from their trade finance operations and navigating regulatory landscapes more effectively.
• Cross-Selling Opportunities: This acquisition opens new avenues for Veefin Group to deepen relationships with existing customers and extend its comprehensive range of solutions—including trade finance, cash management, and automated receivables—to TradeAssets’ clientele.

Raja Debnath, Chairperson, Co-Founder & CEO, Veefin Group said, “Today’s announcement is a milestone not just for Veefin Group but for the entire financial technology sector. Integrating TradeAssets into our ecosystem allows us to offer even more comprehensive solutions to global financial institutions. This move aligns with our goal to provide an integrated platform that covers all aspects of trade finance, from origination to distribution and beyond. We will continue to acquire companies to add to the Veefin Group’s ecosystem to better serve our banking and corporate clients”.

Lakshmanan Sankaran, Co-Founder & Chairman, TradeAssets, “The TradeAssets platform operates in a large market base consisting of over 10,000+ banks, with estimated secondary asset sales of USD 1tn and primary asset origination of USD 2tn. The trade finance industry is at a critical juncture, with banks seeking smarter ways to manage liquidity, distribute risk, and access global opportunities. By joining the Veefin Group, we bring our expertise in trade asset distribution to a comprehensive platform that empowers banks to seamlessly originate, syndicate, and manage trade finance portfolios. Together, we would endeavour to redefine how financial institutions maximize value from their trade finance operations”.

Mumbai, 4th Feb 2025: Quess Corp’s subsidiary, Alldigi Tech Limited (formerly Allsec Technologies Limited), a leading provider of Payroll and HRMS solutions processing over 1.5 million payslips monthly, has entered into a strategic collaboration with LuLu Financial Holdings, a UAE-based global financial services conglomerate. This partnership aims to redefine payroll and HRMS services in the MEA region by delivering integrated, technology-driven solutions tailored to the diverse needs of LuLuFin’s extensive customer base.

This collaboration will enable LuLuFin to elevate payroll and HR management for its clients through the integration of Alldigi Tech’s advanced payroll platform and HRMS capabilities. By simplifying salary calculations, generating accurate disbursement reports, and integrating seamlessly with LuLuFin’s offerings, the solution provides businesses with a comprehensive and hassle-free experience. By reducing manual effort, minimizing errors, ensuring compliance with local payroll regulations and streamlining HR processes, it not only saves time but also allows businesses to focus on growth and delivering value to their employees.

Mr. Richard Wason, CEO of LuLu Financial Holdings, commented, “Our mission has always been to provide innovative and accessible financial solutions that meet the diverse needs of community. Partnering with Alldigi Tech will enable us to offer a simple, cost-effective solution for payroll management, helping SMEs reduce administrative burden and focus on growth.”

Mr. Naozer Dalal, CEO of Alldigi Tech, added, “We are excited about this partnership as it combines our payroll expertise with LuLuFin’s deep understanding of the SME sector. Together, we are creating a solution that not only addresses the growing demand for payroll automation but also helps businesses run more efficiently and enhance employee satisfaction.”

LuLu Financial Holdings and Alldigi Tech have partnered to offer SMEs a simplified payroll processing solution featuring strong customer support and query resolution. By combining LuLuFin’s local expertise with Alldigi Tech’s robust system, SMEs can immediately streamline payroll operations, freeing up resources to focus on growth and core business activities.

Gurugram | February 04, 2025: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), made a transformative impact in 2024 by uplifting over 2 million lives through holistic, inclusive and sustainable social initiatives. With a substantial investment of INR 400 Crore since 2020 through multi-year mid-to-long term social projects, HMIF has strengthened its commitment to Hyundai’s global vision of “Progress for Humanity,” bringing progress to communities across 26 states and 1,250 villages in India.

Touching upon HMIF’s efforts towards responsible corporate citizenship, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director – Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “2024 has been a defining year for the Hyundai Motor India Foundation, as we have strengthened our commitment towards driving transformative change at the grassroots across Bharat. Addressing critical challenges in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, we are not only driving tangible impact, but also laying the foundation for a brighter, more resilient, and inclusive future. Guided by Hyundai Motor Company’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ we strive to empower individuals and communities to thrive with self-reliance and a deeper sense of purpose. As we step into 2025, we remain committed towards building a better world, for what we sow today, will our future generations reap tomorrow.”

Through various CSR initiatives under the core pillars of Earth, Mobility, and Hope, HMIF has championed change for good. Promoting community-driven economic initiatives, HMIF helped generate income benefits worth over INR 40 Crore, empowering local communities to achieve self-reliance. The Foundation also made significant strides in environmental stewardship by reducing 21,811 tons of CO2 emissions by planting over 21,000 trees to enhance green cover, and recycling 7,52,250 kg waste to promote sustainable and circular economy practices.

HMIF also awarded scholarships worth INR 3.38 Crore, enabling young talent across India to pursue their academic aspirations, extended support to 481 specially-abled people through focused projects, and nurtured creativity and cultural diversity by providing grants totalling INR 1.65 Crore to 150 multidisciplinary artists since 2021.

With a vision to continue its transformative journey, HMIF reaffirms its promise to spread hope, and build a better and more inclusive tomorrow.

Fashion is not just about clothing; it is an expression of personality, culture, and cherished memories. For many, certain pieces in their wardrobe hold a special place, telling unique stories that represent not only style but also sentiment. &TV actors Smita Sable (Dhaniya from Bheema), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) talk about their special collection that beautifully reflect their love for both traditional and contemporary fashion. Smita Sable, aka Dhaniya from Bheema, shares, “My love for kurtis began during my college days, and it has only grown since then. I have a variety of kurtis in my wardrobe, catering to every occasion and mood. From chic, contemporary prints that exude modern elegance to those adorned with intricate hand embroidery highlighting India’s rich heritage, my collection is incredibly diverse. I particularly enjoy wearing flowy Anarkali kurtis during festive seasons, as they make me feel regal and festive. For casual outings or day-to-day wear, nothing beats the comfort of soft cotton kurtis in vibrant hues. Then, there are my boho-style kurtis with tassels and mirrors, which are perfect for adding a touch of playfulness to my look. Each piece in my collection reflects my personality and allows me to experiment with style while staying true to my love for tradition and comfort.”

Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, says, “I am absolutely in love with jhumkas, and they are an integral part of my jewellery collection. There is something so enchanting about how a jhumka dangles and sways, adding charm to even the simplest outfit. My collection is like a treasure filled with jhumkas of all styles and sizes. I have traditional jhumkas, perfect for festive occasions and weddings; meenakari jhumkas in vibrant colours that brighten up even plain outfits; and oxidized silver jhumkas that lend a contemporary, bohemian vibe. I also adore pearl-studded jhumkas for their sheer elegance, as they can elevate any look instantly. Every piece in my collection feels special, reflecting India’s rich culture and artistry. Wearing them not only makes me feel beautiful but also deeply connected to our traditions.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, adds, “Sarees are not just garments for me; they are an emotion and a connection to my roots. Ever since I was a little girl, I admired the way my mother draped her sarees with such elegance and grace. Today, my collection includes a variety of sarees, each with its own story. I cherish my Kanjeevaram sarees with intricate zari work, representing the rich culture of South India, and my Banarasi silk sarees, which are symbols of timeless grandeur and opulence. For casual outings, I adore my soft, flowy chiffon sarees. Among all my sarees, one holds an incredibly special place in my heart—a royal blue Kanjeevaram saree gifted by my mother 15 years ago. It is more than just an outfit; it is a bundle of emotions and memories that make me feel her warmth and love every time I wear it. Draping a saree makes me feel powerful, graceful, and deeply connected to our Indian traditions. It is a timeless attire that will always be my favourite. Recently, I have been fortunate to showcase my love for sarees in some of my photoshoots, where I got to experiment with a variety of drapes and styles. Whether it is a traditional look or a modern twist to saree draping, the shoot allowed me to express my deep admiration for this beautiful attire.”

As the Indian real estate market continues its upward trajectory, 2025 is expected to be a landmark year for property investments. With growing infrastructure developments, improved connectivity, and evolving buyer preferences, certain locations in Mumbai stand out as top investment destinations. Industry leaders share insights on why these areas are poised for significant growth.

Mulund: The Gateway to Luxury Living

Known as the ‘Prince of the Suburbs,’ Mulund offers a perfect mix of connectivity and lifestyle amenities. Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner of Sugee Group states, “Mulund’s proximity to both Thane and Mumbai’s central areas, along with its green surroundings and premium residential projects, makes it highly attractive for those seeking a balance between luxury and convenience. Further, its strong social infrastructure and upcoming projects are reshaping it into a hub for modern urban living.”

Borivali: The Urban Oasis

Borivali’s seamless connectivity and thriving social infrastructure have made it a favorite among investors. Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director of CCI Projects notes, “Borivali’s proximity to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and its excellent connectivity to the rest of Mumbai and Thane make it a hotspot for families looking for a balanced lifestyle. The steady development of retail and recreational spaces in Borivali enhances its appeal as a vibrant urban oasis.”

Malad-Goregaon: Western Suburbs on the Rise

The Malad-Goregaon belt continues to see an uptick in demand, driven by infrastructure advancements and lifestyle enhancements. Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director of Transcon Developers shares, “The area’s connectivity via the Western Express Highway and metro lines has drastically improved, enhancing its appeal. It’s a perfect blend of residential and commercial growth. With new-age developments, this area is becoming a preferred choice for young professionals and families alike.” Mr. Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer of Omkar Realtors adds, “Malad-Goregaon offers excellent rental yields and long-term value due to its growing IT, corporate and entertainment industry presence. The steady influx of working professionals ensures sustained demand for high-quality housing in this region.”

Panvel: The Emerging Investment Hotspot

Panvel has emerged as a prime destination for property investments, thanks to its strategic location and burgeoning infrastructure projects. Mr. Sandeep Sonthalia, CEO of Wadhwa Wise City, explains, “With the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and the now operational Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Panvel is becoming a hub of connectivity. The area offers a blend of affordability and future appreciation potential, making it an ideal choice for investors and end-users alike. We foresee Panvel evolving into a self-sufficient ecosystem with a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces.”

Chembur: A Neighborhood of Transformation

Chembur’s transformation into a premium residential and commercial hub is undeniable. Mr. Govind Krishnan Muthukumar, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Tridhaatu Realty comments, “With excellent road and metro connectivity, Chembur offers a mix of modern housing and traditional charm. The area’s redevelopment projects and enhanced infrastructure make it a promising destination for long-term investments.”

Sion: Central Location with High Potential

Sion’s strategic location in the heart of Mumbai makes it a sought-after area for real estate investments. Mr. Samyak Jain, Director of Siddha Group remarks, “Sion offers unmatched connectivity to major parts of the city and is witnessing a steady rise in premium residential developments. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking central living with modern amenities. The area’s ongoing transformation into a premium real estate destination is attracting a new wave of discerning buyers.”

With a mix of established hubs and emerging hotspots, Mumbai’s real estate market in 2025 promises diverse opportunities for investors. Whether it’s the affordability of Panvel, the luxury of Mulund, the convenience of Malad-Goregaon or the connectivity of Sion, each location offers unique advantages that cater to varied preferences and investment goals. As the city continues to evolve, these areas are set to redefine urban living and investment potential.

New Delhi, India – February 04, 2025 – Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, today announced the findings of its 17th Annual Global Shopper Study. The study clearly reflects Indian consumers’ expectations from retailers to embrace AI / GenAI to transform their shopping experiences. Retailers recognize the potential of this technology to revolutionize customer engagement and enhance personalization, highlighting a clear demand for innovative and tailored retail solutions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are currently viewed as the most helpful with loss prevention, closely followed by cameras, sensors, and RFID. A significant majority of retail associates (84% globally, 72% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the lack of technology to detect safety threats or criminal activity. In response, 78% globally and 80% in APAC (including India) are investing in technology tools to support frontline workers and monitor operations from behind the scenes.

While only 3-in-10 retailers (38% globally and in APAC, including India) currently use AI-based prescriptive analytics for loss prevention, more than half surveyed (50% globally, 52% in APAC, including India) plan to use it in the next 1-3 years for this purpose. Over three in 10 retailers say they also plan to use self-checkout cameras and sensors (45% globally, 52% in APAC, including India), computer vision (46% globally and in APAC, including India), and RFID tags and readers (42% globally, 38% in APAC, including India) within the next three years, specifically for loss prevention.

This should come as a relief to shoppers, as 78% say it is annoying when products are locked up or secured within cases. Adding to that frustration is that it is hard to find an associate while shopping in stores these days, according to 70% of consumers. This resonates with 79% and 70% of APAC shoppers, including India, respectively.

Increasingly over the past two years, the reason why one in five shoppers (21% globally, 22% in APAC, including India) left a store without getting what they needed was due to a lack of available retail associates to help. Other Issues Contributing to Associate Frustration, Decline in Shopper Satisfaction

Although consumers are still generally satisfied with their shopping experience and global consumer spending is holding steady, fewer shoppers overall are satisfied with their shopping experiences this year. In 2023, 85% were satisfied with both the in-store and online experiences – this stood at 81% and 80% respectively for APAC shoppers, including India. This year, only 81% are satisfied with the in-store experience and 79% with online shopping. Satisfaction similarly decreased for APAC shoppers, including India, to 78% for in-store experience and 75% for online shopping.

Generally, most shoppers expect retailers to offer easy click-and-collect and returns options, yet retailers (79% globally, 85% in APAC, including India) and associates (85% globally and in APAC, including India) admit challenges with both. Most retailers also say it is a struggle to confirm current inventory and pricing. Plus, with more shoppers returning to stores, lingering labor shortages and increasing loss incidents are having a greater impact on service levels. For example:

• 78% of global shoppers (81% in APAC, including India) say self-checkout options improve their shopping experience, yet 68% of global shoppers (67% in APAC, including India) identify that self-checkout (SCO) lanes are lacking, with some reporting they have left a store without making a purchase because there were no SCO (shelf-checkout kiosks) or contactless payment options.
• 71% of global shoppers (70% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the lack of help associates can offer, while 82% of global associates (76% in APAC, including India) say it is even difficult for them to find help or ask for timely support when needed.

Nearly 90% of retail associates believe they can provide better customer experience when they have mobile technology tools to help simplify real-time communication and prioritize tasks as well as check prices and inventory. Most retailers agree technology enables associates to do their jobs better, and as a result, 75% of global retailers (79% in APAC, including India) say they plan to increase their technology investments in 2025.

“Many retailers are laying the groundwork to build a modern store experience,” said Subramaniam Thiruppathi, Director of India sub-continent business, Zebra Technologies. “By investing in mobile and intelligent technologies to provide greater visibility, help inform operational decisions and enable great mobility for associates, this ladders up to elevate the customer experience for retail’s long-term longevity.”

Along with enhancing customer experience, the study shows retailers’ top priorities include improving mobile workforce efficiency and productivity along with inventory management. More than one-third of them (39% globally, 41% in APAC, including India) believe that GenAI will have an extremely significant impact on inventory management and demand forecasting. They will also be automating product locating and item-level RFID (46% globally and in APAC, including India), video monitoring (45% globally and 36% in APAC, including India), and stock-out alerts (45% globally, 49% in APAC, including India) to give associates and shoppers real-time inventory visibility, which is a leading profitability driver.

Retailers can exceed shopper expectations, drive profitability and empower engaged associates if they:

• Get to know their customers. Three-quarters (75% globally, 77% in APAC, including India) of shoppers are more willing to try and buy items when retailers know their personal preferences and associates make recommendations.
• Make it easier to find, pay for, and return items and find item–related information. Shoppers want associates to be available, and they are driven to retailers who can help them more easily find or return items.
• Keep shelves stocked. While fewer shoppers are complaining about out-of-stocks, this remains the top reason why over half (57% globally, 49% in APAC, including India) of shoppers leave a store without items they want, and more associates (86% globally and in APAC, including India) are now struggling with real-time out-of-stock tracking.
• Protect shoppers without over-indexing on loss prevention. Most shoppers (71% globally, 65% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the stores at which they shop are experiencing high levels of theft and crime. Like associates, they worry threats can’t be spotted or stopped. However, 77% of global shoppers (68% in APAC, including India) are also concerned retailers may raise prices to cover the cost of increasing theft and crime.
• Avoid passing operational costs onto customers. Shoppers are more price sensitive than ever, with over three-quarters (between 71% to 86% of those surveyed) worried inflation will drive up the prices of both everyday essentials and big-ticket items and force them to reduce overall spending.
• Give associates more technology. Most associates (85% globally, 82% in APAC, including India) feel strongly that their store needs more associates, and majority of retailers agree (81% globally, 85% in APAC, including India). Associates also believe stores that leverage retail technology and mobile devices attract and retain more associates, and shoppers have a better experience when associates use the latest technology to assist them.

Mumbai, February 3, 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India today announced its sales numbers for the month of January 2025.

The company’s total sales for January’25 stood at 4,44,847 units, recording a 6% YoY growth. This includes domestic sales of 4,02,977 units and 41,870 units exports. The domestic sales for the month registered 5% YoY growth while exports grew 14% over the same period of last year.

It is worth mentioning that HMSI’s YTD FY25 (April’24 – Jan’25) total sales stand at 49,81,767 units. This includes domestic sales of 45,41,323 units and 4,40,444 units exports.

HMSI’s Key Highlights of January 2025:

• Product: HMSI introduced the updated OBD2B compliant versions of the Activa, Livo, and Dio with advanced new features. Moreover, the company’s premium motorcycle portfolio has been further strengthened with the launch of latest editions of the CB650R and CBR650R.

• Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: HMSI took the center stage at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, showcasing an exciting line-up of innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. The company announced the prices of the all-new ACTIVA e: and QC1. In addition, the CB300F flex-fuel, Honda’s portable electric scooter Motocompacto, Electric Racing Go-Kart and advanced battery swapping technology with the dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: were also on display.

• Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 11 cities across India – Zirakpur (Punjab), Bhopal & Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), Bahula (West Bengal), Ongole (Andhra Pradesh), Chiplun & Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), Davanagere (Karnataka), Palakkad (Kerala), Rajkot (Gujarat), and Dhanbad (Jharkhand). Additionally, HMSI organized Road Safety Convention with school principals in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) as a part of ongoing project – Mindset Development for our Future Generation. HMSI also hosted an engaging Road Safety Kids Carnival for school students at its Global Resource Factory in Manesar, Haryana.

• Motorsports: There was a double celebration in Saudi Arabia with a second consecutive Dakar Rally double podium for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren took 2^nd and 3^rd place at the 47th edition of this world-famous motorsport event.

Gurgaon, 4th February, 2025 – K2 Infragen Limited, one of the fastest-growing players in India’s infrastructure and EPC sectors, has secured a road project contract worth INR 142.14 Crores for the “Strengthening and Maintenance works/activities on the section from Km 0.00 to Km 123.454 of the Jetpur-Somnath Section (excluding Junagarh Bypass, 103 Km) in the state of Gujarat, under a Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC).” The contract was awarded by NHAI to M/s SRM Contractors Ltd. and will be executed by K2 Infragen Ltd.

This order further strengthens K2 Infragen’s credentials and enhances its ability to bid for direct contracts from NHAI in the future. With this addition, the company’s total order book under execution now stands at INR 550 Crores, providing strong growth visibility.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Pankaj Sharma, Managing Director at K2 Infragen, stated:, “We are honored to have secured this landmark project-our largest single order in the Roads & Transport infrastructure domain. While the scheduled completion is set for September 2026, we expect to complete most of the construction within this year. The company continues to secure significant contracts of NHAI while diversifying into the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. We have developed in-house expertise across design, procurement, and construction supervision, delivering comprehensive EPC solutions spanning roads, railways, water supply, and civil construction. By integrating AI-driven solutions to optimize efficiency in turnkey projects, we are reinforcing our position as a leader in multi-sector infrastructure development. Additionally, we are also actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC space, anticipating a major breakthrough soon and are actively engaging in discussions with financial institutions to enhance fund-based and non-fund based credit limits.”

Additionally, K2 Infragen is actively engaged in discussions with large financial institutions to enhance its banking limits, which will enable the company to:

• Execute the current order book efficiently.
• Continue bidding for attractive opportunities across various infrastructure verticals to further expand its order pipeline.

With a continuously expanding sales pipeline and enhanced execution capabilities, K2 Infragen is on track for consistent, sustainable growth over the next three years, driven by strategic expansion across India. The company is also making steady progress towards its vision of becoming a multi-sector, diversified infrastructure EPC player. Earlier this year, K2 Infragen secured significant orders in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. Additionally, the company is actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC sector and expects a major breakthrough soon.