India, 6th February 2025: The business era is transforming rapidly, and so should the opportunity for entrepreneurs. SHARKZ is here to break barriers and create fair and safe opportunity space for innovations. SHARKZ offers a level playing field where dedication, passion, creativity, and talent are the only things that matter.

Entrepreneurs around India can now have access to expert guidance, funding, and global networking opportunities, regardless of their background or the language they speak, without limits. SHARKZ makes sure that every aspiring entrepreneur gets the equal support that they deserve, making it easier for them to launch and expand their business.

“Great purposes don’t have any language, and neither should opportunities,” says Mr. Arun Kumar, co-founder of SHARKZ. “Our goal is to build a business space where success is committed by passion, vision, innovation, and hard work—not by the language you speak.

”SHARKZ is more than just an investment stage—it is a complete habitat for aspiring business leaders. On SHARKZ, startups will not only receive financial support but will also earn access to top industry mentors, business development tools, and strategically planned guidance. The platform will connect entrepreneurs with knowledgeable, experienced investors and business leaders from across the industry, ensuring that they receive proper guidance and support to expand their business successfully.

By excluding language barriers. SHARKZ allows entrepreneurs to present their business ideas confidently, whether they are from small towns or big cities. The platform promotes collaborations, allowing founders to learn from each other and grow in supportive environments and have healthy competition.

As SHARKZ continues to scale, it remains committed to a healthy environment, fairness, inclusivity, and empowering entrepreneurs to grow in a global marketplace. Success will no longer be scaled by language but by determination, innovation, and the craze to create and achieve the extraordinary.

Mumbai, 06 February 2025: The latest instalment of ACCA’s sustainability reporting series is Sustainability Reporting: Risk and Materiality, which takes a practical approach to helping businesses determine material information for sustainability reporting.

Author Aaron Saw, head of corporate reporting insights – financial, at ACCA said: ‘Many organisations have siloed management and reporting of financial and sustainability-related matters. As a result, they don’t realise they already have access to insights they need for reporting. To streamline cost and effort and to produce connected information, it makes sense to leverage existing risk-management processes to identify and manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities.’

The article sets out three steps to determine material information to be disclosed:

1. Identify the organisation’s sustainability-related risks and opportunities (SRROs)
2. Assess whether SRROs could affect the organisation’s prospects
3. Determine material information for disclosure

Each step is supplemented with illustrative, anonymised real-life examples to inspire our community of accountants, finance and business professionals to learn, adapt and improve their approaches to identifying and communicating risks and opportunities.

Given the severe operational disruptions that weather-related events are causing many businesses, the examples featured are biased towards climate-related risk. Small and medium sized entities (SMEs) also feature in the examples to demonstrate how smaller organisations approach reporting.

The article emphasises the importance for organisations to take a holistic approach in creating and communicating material information about their SRROs and recommends all organisations to:

• allocate resources to start identifying SRROs arising from the resources and relationships in the value chains on which they depend and those that their activities would affect
• provide the most relevant sustainability-related information they can and continue to improve the reporting process over future reporting cycles
• use knowledge and expertise gained in determining material information in one reporting cycle to improve the communication of material information in the following cycle.

Aaron Saw concludes: ‘We encourage everyone to work collaboratively with peers in the same industry, or within the same value chain. In this way we can further refine the approach to identifying SRROs, manage the risks or realise identified opportunities, and measure the relevant metrics and provide better information to support decision-making.’

New Delhi, 6th February 2025: As FlowerAura marks 14 years of spreading love, the brand is set to redefine Valentine’s Day celebrations with its latest digital video campaign (DVC). The brand film is a playful yet heartfelt reminder that love doesn’t always need grand gestures; sometimes, the simplest acts, like gifting flowers, make the deepest impact. With a blend of humour, fun and sentiment, FlowerAura encourages men to embrace thoughtful expression, proving that flowers remain the most timeless way to convey love.

The brand film captures everyday moments where men find it challenging to express their feelings, showcasing how a simple bouquet can turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Whether it’s bringing a smile to a loved one’s face or adding a spark to relationships, FlowerAura ensures that love is celebrated and beautifully delivered.

Speaking about the brand film, Shrey Sehgal, Co-founder, FlowerAura, said, “At FlowerAura, we believe that love is best expressed through meaningful gestures. Our Ad film is a way of encouraging men to embrace the beauty of small yet impactful expressions of love. Flowers have an innate charm that words sometimes cannot capture, and through this campaign, we aim to help you earn some extra aura points this Valentine’s Day and make it truly special.”

As India’s leading online gifting brand, FlowerAura continues to bring out campaigns with which the younger audience can relate and resonate, reinforcing its promise of making gifting more meaningful. This Valentine’s Day, FlowerAura invites everyone to celebrate love in its simplest yet most profound form—one flower at a time.

On the day of love this year, make it truly meaningful and exciting with your Valentine! Choose a destination where you both can immerse yourselves in nature’s purest beauty , bond over adventures, indulge in premium hospitality and find your own rhythm in an enchanting world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Skyview by Empyrean, a 22-acre mountain harbour located in Jammu’s Patnitop-Sanget valley is the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway offering all this and much more against the backdrop of the most romantic setting!

Here’s why you need to surprise your partner with a stay at this premium property:

Views To Take Your Breath Away
Imagine waking up to the sight of mist-kissed Pir Panjal mountains and lush, verdant valleys- all from the comfort and warmth of your elegantly designed yet cosy suite! Skyview by Empyrean offers the perfect blend of luxurious opulence and nature’s simplicity. Snuggle up, unwind, and let the magic of the hills take over.

Culinary Excellence at the Banana Leaf
What is romance without food for the soul? After all, a heart full of love needs fuel, right? At the in-house Banana Leaf restaurant, you’ll be treated to a feast you won’t forget.. Enjoy the lovingly curated menu featuring exquisite regional and global flavours Let the ambiance, flavours, and warmth of hospitality create the perfect setting for your special moments, turning your dining experience into a cherished memory that lasts forever.

A Special Package, Packed with Love
Want to sweep your partner off their feet? The luxurious property’s exclusive Valentine’s Day package offers everything you can dream of, for an unforgettable celebration! Enjoy a 1-night stay in a room of your choice on 14th and 15th February 25, wake up to a delightful breakfast for two, indulge in a private barbecue dinner under the stars. A decadent cake and a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage add a touch of sweetness to your evening, while heart-shaped balloon decorations create the perfect romantic ambiance. Complete your experience with a scenic return Gondola ride – all starting at just ₹12,999! Did your heart just skip a beat?

Adventures For the Daring Duo
For fun-loving, adventurous couples who crave excitement, the mountain harbour offers an adrenaline-packed lineup of activities to choose from! Race each other in archery challenges , speed through thrilling ATV rides, glide down the magic carpet, or take on Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline. Elevate your experience with India’s highest Gondola ride (in terms of ground clearance). Ramp up the thrill factor with each activity you tick off and create memories that will last a lifetime!

A Local touch
Who doesn’t love receiving gifts, especially something handmade with love ? Treat your partner to a shopping spree at Hands of Gold, Skyview’s very own artisanal boutique store where you’ll find beautifully handcrafted souvenirs. From exquisite pashmina shawls and Kashmiri saffron to organic Himalayan honey, there’s plenty to explore and take home for your loved ones too!

This Valentine’s, leave a piece of your heart at Skyview and carry back priceless memories of your time spent amidst the charm and beauty of the mountains!

New Delhi, 6th January, 2025 – Today, Space Matrix announced its commitment to joining the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) membership program as a Cornerstone member. Space Matrix joins like-minded companies from across the globe that are committed to enhancing buildings and communities to help people thrive.

The membership program at IWBI convenes, celebrates, and fosters collaboration with companies and organizations who are leading the movement to advance human health in buildings and communities around the world. This dynamic framework allows Space Matrix to tap into IWBI’s expansive resources and knowledge and demonstrates Space Matrix’s alignment with IWBI’s mission.

“Joining the IWBI membership program as a Cornerstone member signifies our unwavering commitment to our people and the Space Matric community. This program strengthens our resolve to integrate health and well-being at the core of our design solutions, driving us to deliver spaces that not only inspire productivity but also nurture the well-being of those who use them,” said Arsh Chaudhry, CEO of Space Matrix.

“The IWBI membership community’s steady growth complements a growing global commitment to people-first places,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president & CEO of IWBI. “Health and well-being are investments that we know pay dividends in times of struggle and of success. We’re excited and humbled to work alongside these global leaders to advance this movement toward a better and healthier future for everyone, everywhere.”

As a Cornerstone member, Space Matrix will leverage IWBI’s programs to enhance its design approach and integrate WELL principles into its projects worldwide. This membership will enable Space Matrix to access IWBI’s comprehensive resources, collaborate with global thought leaders, and further its mission to create people-first spaces that contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities.

Space Matrix has certified over 2.1 million square feet of projects for WELL Certification and employs over four WELL AP accredited professionals. Further demonstrating its leadership in the field, Space Matrix recently signed the International Healthy Building Accord at the IWBI RECHARGE Summit 2024 in Bangalore, India. Notable achievements include the Space Matrix Gurugram Office (Beta Lab) Platinum WELL certification and precertification of Space Matrix Bangalore, Chennai offices, a testament to the company’s commitment to creating healthier, people-first workplaces.

Mumbai, 6th February, 2025 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today released the third edition of its consumer survey in a white paper titled Evolving home energy consumption: Intentions, actions and hurdles to greater home energy efficiency. It surveyed 13,000 people from 11 countries across the world, with 1,000 respondents from India, uncovering global attitudes toward household energy efficiency, sustainability and smart home technology.

Gap between awareness and action

Home energy consumption is the main driver of home emissions and has increased steadily over recent years with the spread of energy-consuming devices and appliances. This trend, coupled with skyrocketing energy costs and dramatic real-life impacts of climate change, has driven awareness of home energy consumption.

Given this, the report focuses on behaviors, barriers and readiness to adopt energy-saving solutions. Notably, this year’s results highlight a wide gap between awareness and action. 82% of respondents consider energy efficiency “somewhat important” or “very important,” whilst 84% said energy efficiency is the top desired home improvement, and 70% responded that reducing their carbon footprint is ‘important’ to them.

However, only a few are taking the most impactful actions to reduce their energy consumption; just 44% regularly adjust their ambient temperatures, despite this being one of the highest-impact actions. At the same time, 58% of homeowners turn off lights as their primary strategy for saving energy, while lighting only comprising around 5% of electricity bills. The second-most popular method, unplugging unused chargers (48%), also has minimal impact — saving only $0.26 per charger annually.

Home energy technology

The report reveals another overemphasis on lighting when it comes to the types of home energy technology consumers have in their homes, with 52% of consumers believing that smart lighting enhances energy efficiency. While 24% own smart lighting, only 21% have a smart thermostat, with less than half (46%) acknowledging its energy-saving benefits, despite evidence showing it could reduce bills by up to 30% annually.

For the first time, the survey explored attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI). Despite predictions that AI and automation could help mitigate up to 10% of global GHG emissions, 44% of respondents said they would never rely on AI for household tasks, 35% don’t fully understand it, and 41% want to actively avoid it. In addition, 52% believe smart home technology is too expensive, even though connected homes can achieve energy savings of up to 22%.

The survey also shows an awareness gap for more traditional home technology: 30% of respondents don’t know what their electrical panel does, and 16% don’t know its location. The electrical panel is at the heart of the home’s power system and acts as the gatekeeper for ensuring the safety of electrical devices and appliances, therefore this lack of knowledge poses potential serious safety risks if the condition of the panel is ignored as homes become more electrified.

Ms. Sumati Sahgal, Vice President, Retail, Schneider Electric India, said, “While there is an intent from consumer for increase energy efficiency, there is a crucial gap between awareness and action. While a majority of consumers recognize the importance of energy efficiency, the most impactful solutions remain underutilized. As India moves towards a more sustainable and electrified future, it is imperative to empower homeowners with the right knowledge of how to bring efficiency in their energy consumption. At Schneider Electric, we are committed to bridging this gap by offering innovative, connected solutions like WISER that offers easy and scalable automation for enhanced comfort and convenience along with advanced energy management capabilities.”

India – Feb. 6, 2025 — Appdome, the leader in protecting mobile businesses, today announced a platform upgrade that includes 24 new dynamic defense plugins targeting hundreds of Banking Trojans, Trojan Spyware, and Remote Access Trojan malware across Android and iOS apps. The new plugins for Appdome’s patented AI-Native XTM Platform are designed to use in-app behavioral analysis to combat the prolific rise in trojan malware targeting mobile banking, fintech, trading, mCommerce, and other Android and iOS apps. Like all Appdome defenses, each of the 24 new dynamic defense plugins targeting trojan attacks is available by choice using the Appdome platform without the need to integrate code, perform manual coding, implement SDKs, or deploy servers.

“The surge of trojan malware and fraud is top of mind in the mobile economy,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO of Appdome. “We study more than 5 billion data points every week to understand how polymorphic trojan malware behaves and design defenses that are purpose-built for the job of defeating each type of trojan threat.”

The rise of Mobile Banking Trojans, Trojan Spyware, and Remote Access Trojans (RATs) has become a significant threat to the mobile economy. Attackers are developing increasingly sophisticated trojan malware to exploit users of Android and iOS applications. These attacks are no longer limited by geographic boundaries. In addition, AI-powered attack generation and mutations have arrived in full force. Banking Trojans like Xenomorph and SharkBot target mobile banking apps, overlaying fake login screens to steal credentials and bypass multi-factor authentication. Meanwhile, Trojan spyware such as Pegasus has demonstrated how nation-state-grade surveillance tools can infiltrate mobile devices, exfiltrate sensitive data and track users. RATs, like BRATA, take the threat further by granting attackers full control over infected devices, allowing them to siphon funds, intercept communications, and even perform factory resets of devices to erase attack residue. As AI-driven automation, on-device fraud (ODF) tactics, and sophisticated evasion techniques proliferate, mobile commerce, fintech, and mobile banking platforms are at increasing risk of exploitation and compromise.

“Banking Trojans, Trojan Spyware, and Remote Access Trojans present multiple threats to a mobile business and user,” said Richard Stiennon, Chief Research Analyst at IT-Harvest. “Appdome’s model of using defense plugins gives mobile brands and businesses the power to choose which threat to detect and how to defend against that threat.”

The Appdome platform generates dynamic defense plugins to protect mobile applications based on business needs. Once added to a mobile application, these plugins analyze mobile application behavior, user interactions, and network and system operations at runtime, enabling proactive detection and prevention of attacks. Where SDKs deliver static defense checks or route traffic to attestation servers, Appdome’s dynamic defense plugins do the work inside Android & iOS applications to provide an inherently self-adaptive, self-intelligent detection scheme capable of detecting even the most sophisticated and polymorphic Trojan malware. These dynamic defense plugins can also inform, instruct and take instruction from the mobile application or mobile backend, providing seamless defense to any class of attack.

6th February 2025, Ahmedabad: Textile major, Vishal Fabrics Limited (VFL), has appointed Suketu Shah as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Suketu will lead the next phase of growth agenda at VFL. Erstwhile CEO Mr. Vinay Thadani has now been elevated to lead a broader management role within the Chiripal Group. Vinay is the Director & CEO of GREW Solar, the renewable energy arm of the Chiripal group.

Suketu Shah, a highly accomplished professional and gold medallist from MS University in Vadodara, holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree along with a Diploma in Textile Chemistry (DTC), showcasing a strong academic foundation that complements his extensive experience.

His experience spans more than 40 years in the textile industry including key roles at renowned organizations such as LNJ Denim, part of the RSWM Group, Mafatlal Industries Limited, Aarvee Denims & Exports Ltd., APAC Inti Corpora in Bawen, Indonesia, and Raymond UCO Denim Pvt. Ltd. He has also contributed to the growth of Modern Denim Ltd. and Arvind Limited, where his strategic acumen was pivotal in driving significant advancements within these firms.

Commenting on his new role, Suketu Shah said, “I am truly honored to be part of Vishal Fabrics Limited, a company renowned for top quality denim fabric. I am excited about embarking on our journey to chart out the next phase of growth in Vishal Fabrics. We are dedicated to enhancing stakeholder value through sustainable business practices”

Brijmohan D. Chiripal, Managing Director, Vishal Fabrics Limited (VFL) said “We are delighted to welcome Suketu to the Chiripal family. VFL is at an inflection point and Suketu’s strong business acumen coupled with his vast knowledge of the sector will help us to navigate the growth journey. We look forward to greater success ahead.”

Thiruvananthapuram, 6th February 2025: Smart Freight Centre India (SFC) hosted a workshop on Zero Emission Trucks (ZET), in Thiruvananthapuram today as part of its nationwide program aimed at driving the adoption of ZETs in India’s medium and heavy-duty truck (MHDT) sector. The workshop, supported by EV Accelerator Cell of Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), convened key stakeholders from across the ecosystem to discuss challenges, opportunities, and actionable strategies for accelerating ZET adoption.

This workshop was a part of a pan India campaign under Niti Aayog’s e-FAST initiative aimed at enhancing the regional ecosystem readiness with curated knowledge share and deliberations on Zero Emission Trucks, covering topics across technological and operational aspects, global ecosystem developments, Government of India e-truck initiatives, city level ZET adoption opportunities, operational risks and deployment SOPs. SFC collaborated with GIZ as a knowledge partner to deliver this workshop and activate the sustainable logistics ecosystem in Kerala.

The workshop included a dynamic roundtable discussion, moderated by Shirish Mahendru, Transport, Infrastructure Advisor, GIZ, featuring key leaders such as Rakesh Kumar Meena (Director, DPIIT, Logistics, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India), Manoharan J. (Head, E Mobility Cell and Technical Manager, ANERT), Johnson Daniel (Energy Technologist, Energy Management Centre, Kerala), Asha V (Chief Engineer, Renewable Energy & Energy Savings, KSEBL), Kulbhushan Kumar (Partner e-mobility and energy efficiency, Grant Thornton). Together, they deliberated on strategies to overcome barriers to ZET adoption and explored opportunities for collaboration aimed at driving long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Sri. Biju Prabhakar, Chairman & Managing Director CMD – KSEBL, in his keynote address, said, “Thiruvananthapuram’s commitment to developing a comprehensive plan for reducing carbon emissions stands as a remarkable example of its environmentally conscious initiatives. Kerala, second only to Maharashtra in EV adoption, is expanding its charging infrastructure. KSEB is also rolling out a statewide unified app-free ecosystem for charging. By leveraging innovative solutions, we have embraced technology and remain dedicated to integrating it into our trucking systems to minimize carbon emissions within the logistics sector. Achieving this ambitious goal requires collaborative support in the form of policies, resources, and economic measures, which can help establish a replicable model for the rest of the nation. I also applaud initiatives like the ZET Enablement Workshop by SFC, as they foster an ecosystem where stakeholders can share insights and address challenges collectively, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient freight industry in India.”

The workshop highlighted that India’s booming economy, with a GDP nearing $4.11 trillion, offers significant opportunities for decarbonizing the freight sector. Road transport, responsible for 70% of domestic freight, contributes 213 Mt of CO2 annually, with heavy goods vehicles accounting for 83% of these emissions. The PM E-Drive scheme, through ZETs, presents a transformative pathway to reduce diesel dependence. Projections for 2050 highlight ZET adoption’s potential to eliminate 838 billion litres of diesel use, save ₹116 lakh crore in oil expenditures, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46%. The discussions also highlighted that zero emission trucks can reduce CO2 emissions by 46% by 2050. This underscores the need for collaborative efforts across industry and policy frameworks to unlock these substantial benefits.

OEMs like Ashok Leyland and Montra shared valuable insights on accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. They highlighted opportunities in the sector, and their latest EV product ranges, emphasizing advancements in technology, efficiency, and sustainability.

Shri Rakesh Kumar Meena, Director, DPIIT (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, shared his thoughts during the workshop in Thiruvananthapuram, stating, “I extend my sincere gratitude to Smart Freight Centre and GIZ for this initiative. DPIIT has developed a Freight Greenhouse Gas (GHG) calculator, an online tool that helps users estimate the environmental impact of freight transportation. I am delighted that states in India are taking multiple steps to promote low-emission vehicles. The adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs) is a vital step towards cleaner transportation and aligns with India’s sustainability vision under the PM E-Drive initiative.”

The ZET Enablement Workshop Series brings together city authorities, OEMs, policymakers, LSPs, and shippers to shape sustainable logistics solutions. Previous consultations in cities like Indore, Chennai, and Delhi have addressed operational risks and SOPs to facilitate ZET adoption.

Delhi, 6th February 2025: Basil Alliance, a new-age AlcoBev company, has raised undisclosed amount from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). As a very early-stage startup, this seed round will help Basil Alliance strengthen its presence in the Indian market and drive its next phase of growth and expansion.

Founded by Vibhuti Dixit, Basil Alliance is driven by deep expertise in the AlcoBev industry. Vibhuti spent 15 years in Australia, where he gained significant experience in wine exports to Southeast Asia and Europe. His return to India marked the beginning of Basil Alliance, leveraging global industry insights to create a premium portfolio of liquor brands.

Ankur Mittal, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says, India’s alcohol industry is witnessing a robust growth driven by evolving consumer preferences and growing appreciation for diverse alcoholic beverages. Understanding the consumers taste and market needs, Basil Alliance is committed to delivering high-quality and innovative alcoholic beverages specifically tailored to the Indian palate. We, at IPV, will continue to provide our strategic insights to help the brand achieve a significant scale and market penetration.”

Vibhuti Dixit, Founder, Basil Alliance, says, “India’s AlcoBev industry is no longer just about quenching thirst; it’s about experience, innovation, and a taste of the future. From craft distilleries to premium imports, the spirit of the times is intoxicating. At Basil, we are revolutionizing the AlcoBev industry by bringing premium, innovative and quality international products to the Indian consumers. In a short span of 3 years, Basil has created a diverse portfolio of imported wines, RTDs, gins etc. and forged strong relationships with suppliers and retailers. Partnering with IPV has been a transformative experience for us at Basil. Their belief in our vision to revolutionize the AlcoBev industry with technology-driven solutions fuels our ambition to make it a unicorn.”

With a strong distribution network, Basil Alliance has expanded its presence across seven states, fully owning all its AlcoBev brands. The company is scaling its presence strategically to capture a larger share of the Indian AlcoBev market. The brand’s portfolio includes leading wine brands like Glenside D’Vine and Jacobson, which have gained traction in Delhi NCR, along with Sky Shots, a ready-to-drink product that has seen increasing demand.

The Indian market for imported liquor is valued at $1.3 billion, growing at 25% per annum. India is also the world’s second-largest liquor market, as per Pernod Ricard, highlighting immense potential for brands like Basil Alliance.