Every year, nearly two lakh newborns in India are affected by this condition, with its prevalence observed in 8 out of every 1,000 births in North India. Among various types, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is the most common. Experts from Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, highlighted the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Shantanu Singhal, a cardiologist at Fortis, Greater Noida, stated that many congenital heart diseases go undetected in infancy due to mild symptoms. He said, “Signs such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the body are often overlooked. Regular echocardiography and neonatal screening enable early diagnosis. If detected within the first year and treated appropriately, the child can lead a healthy life.” He also emphasized that timely diagnosis during pregnancy and referrals to specialized heart centers can significantly reduce CHD-related mortality and disability rates.

Certain factors during pregnancy can increase the risk of CHD in newborns, including smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to harmful chemicals, uncontrolled diabetes, and folic acid deficiency. Additionally, a family history of CHD, genetic disorders, and Down syndrome can further elevate the risk. Experts advise pregnant women to maintain a balanced diet, stay up to date with vaccinations, manage conditions like diabetes, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and consume 400 micrograms of folic acid during the first trimester.

India has made significant advancements in CHD treatment through both government and private healthcare facilities. Fortis, Greater Noida, offers device-based treatments for ASD, VSD, and PDA, balloon procedures for narrowed valves, complex heart surgeries, and conduit reconstructions. In recent years, pediatric interventional cardiology has also seen major developments, including three-dimensional (3D) imaging, advanced cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, and modern post-surgical cardiac care.

With timely screening and proper treatment, children affected by congenital heart disease can lead normal lives. Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, is committed to raising awareness and ensuring a healthier future for children. If a child exhibits symptoms of CHD, consulting a specialist at the earliest is crucial.

New Delhi, February 21st,2025 – Aza Fashions, India’s premier luxury fashion retailer, has launched its latest flagship store in the exclusive Dhan Mill area of Chattarpur, New Delhi. Spanning an expansive 12,000 sq. ft. across two beautifully designed floors, this new store is set to redefine the luxury shopping experience in the capital. With this launch, Aza now proudly operates eleven stores across the country, underscoring its commitment to expanding its footprint in India’s luxury fashion landscape.

The store brings together a meticulously curated selection of over 100 iconic and emerging designer labels, including Amit Aggarwal, Anamika Khanna, Anand Kabra, Anushree Reddy, Aseem Kapoor, Jayanti Reddy, Mayyur Girotra, Mishru, Nupur Kanoi, Rimple & Harpreet Narula, Tarun Tahiliani, TIL, 431-88, and many more. From wedding wear to contemporary prêt, the store offers a comprehensive selection of designer apparel, accessories, and statement pieces, ensuring every client finds their perfect style.

Dhan Mill has evolved into a thriving cultural and luxury retail hub in New Delhi, attracting artists, designers, and high-end clientele. Known for its unique mix of creativity and exclusivity, this prime location perfectly aligns with Aza’s ethos of delivering premium experiences. The store’s strategic placement allows Aza to cater to New Delhi’s affluent shoppers while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the area.

To mark the launch in style, a glamorous celebration set the stage as Neha Dhupia and Angad Singh inaugurated the store with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. The evening came alive with an engaging and interactive session featuring Devangi Parekh (Managing Director of Aza Fashions), where the couple shared their passion for all things fashion. The event was attended by Delhi’s elite, including prominent socialites, making it an unforgettable affair.

Dr. Alka Nishar, Founder & Chairperson of Aza Fashions, expressed her excitement about the new opening “Since our inception, Aza has been committed to elevating Indian fashion and offering clients the best shopping experience. This new store at Dhan Mill is not just a retail space but a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation. We are thrilled to bring the finest in Indian couture to this exquisite location.”

Devangi Parekh, Managing Director of Aza Fashions, highlighted the importance of this new milestone “Delhi has always been a key market for us, and the Dhan Mill store is a testament to our commitment to expanding Aza’s footprint in India’s fashion landscape. With its thoughtfully curated collection and immersive design, this store promises to deliver an unmatched luxury shopping experience for our clients.”

The two floors of Aza’s new store offer a seamless blend of contemporary elegance and traditional elements, creating a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. From expansive display areas and private consultation zones to dedicated sections for bridal trousseau shopping, the store is designed to cater to every need of its elite clientele. Personalized service by trained fashion consultants further elevates the customer experience, ensuring each visit is memorable.

New Delhi, 21st February 2025: WoCO (World of Cool Offices), a boutique workspace development company, has launched a luxurious commercial space for setting a new benchmark in workspace leasing. The launch marks the venture of the company into the real estate sector, where it aspires to become the ultimate destination for businesses seeking a premium and prestigious office environment.

Guided by its core philosophy of Smart, Suave, and Sustainable Design, WoCO creates workspaces that blend cutting-edge technology, refined aesthetics, and environmental consciousness. Its latest development, WoCO One, is a testament to this vision—an iconic Grade A commercial building that seamlessly integrates world-class amenities with sustainable solutions. Designed to inspire productivity and well-being, it prioritizes comfort, convenience, and efficiency, setting a new paradigm for modern office environments.

Situated at the prime NH-8 intersection in Gurugram, WoCO One enjoys excellent connectivity to renowned hotels, transit hubs, and commercial centers, making it a highly strategic location for businesses. Built with a commitment to sustainability, the building has been awarded the prestigious IGBC Platinum rating. It incorporates smart building technologies and eco-friendly design principles, including optimal natural lighting, energy-efficient ventilation, and high-performance VRVs. With a robust 45 KW solar power capacity, provision for zero liquid discharge and dedicated EV charging stations, WoCO One significantly reduces its environmental footprint while enhancing
operational efficiency.

Speaking on the occasion, Angad Singh Pasricha, Founder of WoCO, said, “The opening up of a new facility marks a new beginning for WoCO. Working towards elevating the offering of luxury workspaces, we are committed to bringing about the confluence of elegance, innovation,
functionality, and sustainability in one place. At WoCO we harbour the vision to create a niche for distinctive architectural structures exhibiting grandiose in the real estate market and the launch of the new building is a testament to our commitment.”

Elaborating on the same, Anand Sharma, Design Director of WoCO, said, “As architects, our vision is to create workspaces that embody the ‘spirit of design panache.’ In the quest, we seek sophistication that resonates with the diverse needs of workspace environments and solutions that convey sustainability as the cornerstone of the design approach. Beyond architects, we are also recognized as developers, who pride ourselves on ‘walking the talk’ that brings about the confluence of silent satisfaction and creative contentment.”

Adding to this, Goonmeet Singh Chauhan, Design Director of WoCO, stated, “We were keen to create an iconic showstopper and therefore chose to design the whole building like a giant white picture frame. Endless research helped us to zero in on the white terrazzo stone, which we’ve employed as a cladding material. The result is a stunning white edifice, standing crisply like a sovereign in white! The horizontal plane is entirely comprised of shades of grey with resplendent greenery jumping out of all corners and crevices along the perimeter. It has turned out to be a very refreshing building—luxury with delight!”

The development of the premium building was done under the guidance of leading industry players such as Design Forum International, Bobby Mukherjee Architects, Avante Facades, BMSF Designs, and Bikramjiet Kukreja, who all came together to create this grand architectural
landmark.

New Delhi, 21 Feb 2025: Signature Global (India) Ltd., one of India’s leading real estate companies, today announced that its affordable housing project, Signature Global Prime, located in Sector 63A, Gurugram at Golf Course Extension Road has received the prestigious Platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). It is among the few affordable housing projects in the country to achieve this recognition.

With this milestone, Signature Global Prime becomes the company’s first-ever project to receive Platinum-level certification, further cementing Signature Global’s commitment to sustainable development. The IGBC Platinum certification is awarded to projects that meet the highest standards of sustainability and environmental performance, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, the use of eco-friendly materials, and overall environmental impact.

On this development, Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice Chairman, of Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to sustainable and responsible development. By integrating eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices, we aim to set new benchmarks in green real estate. At Signature Global, our focus remains on creating environmentally responsible homes that enhance the quality of life while contributing to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. We will continue to adopt innovative green building solutions that align with global sustainability standards and redefine sustainable housing in India.”

Spread over 5.7 acres, Signature Global Prime comprises 817 residential units and 118 high-street retail units. Signature Global Prime has elevated its sustainability benchmark from Gold to Platinum certification, recognizing its best-in-class green practices and environmental stewardship. This certification recognizes buildings that are leaders in sustainable design and construction and serves as a globally recognized benchmark. The evaluation parameters included an eco-design approach, water conservation, energy efficiency, green interior materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in interior design.

The IGBC Platinum certification highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the real estate sector, especially in affordable housing. Projects that meet high environmental standards contribute to resource efficiency by reducing energy and water consumption and lowering operational costs over time.

Thrissur, 21-February-2025 –As Kerala reels from a string of horrifying elephant-related tragedies, Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAE) is stepping up with an urgent, revolutionary solution. The organization, committed to ending elephant captivity and safeguarding endangered Asian elephants, has announced the launch of Shiva Shakthi—a life-sized robotic elephant—at Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple near Mala, Thrissur. This bold initiative aims to transform temple traditions, offering an ethical and cruelty-free alternative while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. This launch follows a successful pilot project at Sree Sankaran Kovil, a Malayali temple on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, where VFAE introduced Tamil Nadu’s first robotic elephant.

“Science has proven that elephants are highly intelligent, social creatures who belong in the wild with their families—not in captivity where they suffer unimaginable torment,” said Sangita Iyer, Founding Executive Director of Voices for Asian Elephants and award-winning filmmaker of the UN-nominated documentary Gods in Shackles, which exposed the brutal exploitation of festival elephants. “Robotic elephants provide a groundbreaking alternative that allows us to honor sacred traditions without perpetuating unimaginable cruelty. Ahimsa—non-violence—is deeply woven into our culture, and it is our moral responsibility to uphold it.”

Temple authorities are embracing this change. “With their lifelike appearance, robotic elephants ensure that traditions thrive without causing pain and suffering to sentient beings. More temples are realizing that live elephants pose ethical concerns and serious safety risks. We are grateful to Voices for Asian Elephants for generously sponsoring Shiva Shakthi and look forward to welcoming our own life-sized robotic elephant,” said C.D. Sreenath, President of Vijnanadayini Sabha, the public trust managing the temple.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. In just the first two months of 2025, six people have lost their lives due to captive elephant-related incidents. Most recently, on February 13th, a temple festival in Koyilandi, Calicut district, turned into a nightmare when two elephants, spooked by fireworks, deprivation, exhaustion, and relentless abuse, attacked each other. The resulting chaos left three people dead and around 50 injured. Earlier in the month, a captive elephant at a festival in Elavalli, Thrissur, gored two people, including his mahout, who later died. In a desperate bid for freedom, the elephant ran 14 kilometers before being recaptured.

The numbers paint a grim picture. In 2024 alone, 24 captive elephants in Kerala perished due to neglect, brutal mistreatment, and fatal diseases such as foot rot and severe digestive disorders. Over the past six years, a staggering 154 captive elephants have died in Kerala. Mahouts, too, suffer, facing dangerous and often deadly encounters with stressed, enslaved elephants pushed beyond their limits.

Beyond temple traditions, VFAE is making a tangible impact on wild elephant conservation. The organization recently donated a 4.00-acre private plantation to the Kerala Forest Department, securing a vital corridor for approximately 340 wild elephants in South Nilambur. Their efforts have also prevented over 1,139 train-elephant collisions in West Bengal between January 2023 and November 2024, thanks to the implementation of the cutting-edge AI-based EleSense technology. The organization has also planted 50,300 elephant-friendly saplings across the Pallahara and Balasore ranges of Odisha, employing around 200 tribal individuals and creating eight large waterholes to support elephant populations.

With a legacy dating back to 1888, Swiss watch brand Atlantic is renowned for its precision, innovation, and classic design. Blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics, Atlantic timepieces embody superior craftsmanship and timeless appeal. The brand’s latest offering, the Seapair Collection, is a testament to its dedication to excellence, featuring perfectly paired watches for men and women.

For Him: Seapair Gents Blue Steel

Designed for the modern gentleman, the Seapair Gents Blue Steel watch is a statement of refined masculinity. The 42mm stainless steel case houses a quartz Ronda 715.2 movement, ensuring reliability with effortless precision. The striking blue dial, featuring an engraved structure and hand-applied indexes, is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. A stainless steel bracelet and 30-meter water resistance complete its sophisticated yet durable design, making it an impeccable choice for any occasion.

For Her: Seapair Ladies Blue Dial

Exuding grace and elegance, the Seapair Ladies Blue Dial watch is designed for the woman who values style and precision. With a 28.5mm stainless steel case and a slim profile, this timepiece is powered by a quartz Ronda 763.2 movement. The blue dial, adorned with an engraved texture, hand-applied indexes, and sparkling zirconia stones, adds a touch of luxury. A stainless steel bracelet and sapphire crystal protection ensure durability, while 30-meter water resistance makes it both practical and elegant.

The Atlantic Seapair Collection is the perfect balance of masculine strength and feminine charm, making it an ideal choice for couples who appreciate fine watchmaking. Whether worn individually or as a matching pair, these timepieces celebrate timeless sophistication with the excellence of Swiss craftsmanship.

Axis Securities continues to maintain BUY on Kirloskar Brothers with a Target Price of Rs. 2100 reflecting a 19% upside from the current market price (CMP)

Kirloskar Brothers recorded 19% YoY revenue growth in the December 2024 quarter, with the domestic business growing by 3% and the international business expanding by 23%. With an order inflow of Rs. 818 Crores, the domestic order book stands at Rs 1,967 Crores as compared to Rs 1,954 Crores in Q2FY25. Growth in overseas markets was fuelled by strong performance in SPP UK and Dutch subsidiaries, while SPP US saw increased traction post-elections

Kirloskar Brothers has been actively shifting towards high-value products while reducing dependence on low-margin and lumpy EPC orders. Investments in technological upgrades have enhanced operational efficiency and product value, contributing to significant margin expansion over the last two quarters. The management remains confident in sustaining this positive margin trajectory moving forward.

With a robust order book of Rs 3,094 Cr, the company maintains its double-digit revenue growth guidance for FY25, driven by sustained demand across key markets and a strong order book. Order intake is expected to remain robust, while cost optimization initiatives and an enhanced product mix should further support margin expansion. Axis is very Positive in the Sector and for Kirloskar Brothers, the key growth sectors include Building & Construction, Industrials, Water & Irrigation, Power, and Oil & Gas.

Casagrand Millenia Private Limited has acquired a land parcel in Wagholi, Pune, for Rs. 126.04 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR)  The transaction was registered in January 2025.

Anand Moorthy, Co-founder and CBO, Capital Market & Services, Square Yards said, “Pune’s eastern micro market is emerging as the most dynamic commercial hubs, witnessing the highest office offtake in the city. This surge coupled with well-developed physical and social infrastructure, seamless connectivity via the Pune-Ahilyanagar Highway, proximity to the airport and city center, and upcoming metro line is solidifying its position as a preferred residential destination. Key micro-markets such as Kharadi, Wagholi, Hadapsar, and Viman Nagar amongst others are seeing heightened property demand, as the workforce continues to gravitate towards the eastern region. Recent land transactions highlight this momentum, with developers strategically expanding their footprint and focusing on mid-to-high segment projects and gated communities with modern amenities in these localities.”

Wagholi’s strategic location along the Pune-Ahilyanagar Highway and near the Kharadi IT Hub has fueled its transformation into a thriving residential destination. The upcoming ~11 km Ramwadi-Wagholi Metro extension, with 11 new stations, will further enhance connectivity, reinforcing its appeal for businesses and homebuyers alike. With proximity to commercial hubs, reputed schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, Wagholi continues to emerge as a key residential hotspot.

According to IGR property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, Casagrand Millenia Private Limited purchased a land parcel spanning a total of 1.18 hectares (~14,113 square yards) from Krishna Realtors Skyscraper LLP. The transaction incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 8.82 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000.

According to Square Yards’ Locality Data Intelligence, 5,367 transactions amounting to a gross transaction value of Rs. 4,925 crore were registered with IGR in Wagholi, Pune, between January 2024 and December 2024. Currently, the average property price of Wagholi stands at Rs. 10,823 per sq. ft.

Casagrand Millenia Private Limited is a privately held company that was established on December 25, 2019. It operates as a non-government entity and is officially registered with the Registrar of Companies in Chennai.

India, 21st February 2025: Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL), one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, has been assigned an SQS2 Sustainability Quality Score (Very Good) for its Social Financing Framework dated January 2025. Moody’s Ratings, as a party Opinion, has evaluated and assigned this rating, recognizing SCNL’s strong alignment with international sustainability standards.

SCNL has undertaken this assessment for the first time and received a Very Good (SQS2) rating, which is among the highest ratings awarded within the BFSI sector, reflecting the company’s robust sustainability framework and responsible financing approach.

SCNL’s Social Financing Framework adheres to the highest international standards, including the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) Social Bond Principles (SBP) 2023, and the Loan Market Association, Asia-Pacific Loan Market Association and Loan Syndications & Trading Association’s (LMA/ APLMA/LSTA) Social Loan Principles (SLP) 2023. In addition to full compliance with these principles, SCNL has incorporated all best practices identified by Moody’s Ratings across its framework components, reinforcing its dedication to transparency, impact measurement and sustainability in social financing.

21 February 2025, Bengaluru: The Centre for Management Communication (CenComm), a Centre of Excellence at IIM Bangalore, in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), organized a roundtable discussion on the role of sub-national policies in tackling climate change on 19th February 2025, at the IIMB campus. Following a recent publication from CEE titled, ‘Role of Sub-National Policies in Addressing the Climate Change Challenge – Learnings from Karnataka’s SAPCC’, the discussion sought to bridge the gap between global commitments and local execution.

Amid the evolving geopolitical landscape, effectively communicating climate policies and ensuring their grassroots implementation remain key challenges. To address these complexities, the centers convened an elite panel of climate justice stakeholders to shed light on the power of localized policymaking in driving meaningful global climate reparations.

Dr. Deepti Ganapathy, Chairperson, Centre for Management Communication, IIM Bangalore, and Rejini Simpson, Programme Director, CEE South, set the stage for the discussions. As moderators, they guided the discourse on ‘Bridging Global Commitments to Local Impact: Collaborative Pathways for Climate Resilience’, emphasizing the need for multistakeholder cooperation.

One of the panelists, Judith Weinberger-Singh, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation India, highlighted the role of multilateral and bilateral collaborations in advancing climate action, drawing key insights from the European Union’s initiatives. She emphasized the significance of joint efforts in addressing pressing environmental challenges, referencing policy frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the role of climate finance in the global system. Citing the strategic EU-India partnership for environmental protection as an example, she underscored the need for inclusive collaboration. She further stressed the importance of engaging a diverse range of stakeholders including academics, private sector leaders, government officials, and local communities to leverage their unique strengths and develop tailored solutions for the challenges ahead.

Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), underscored the pivotal role of subnational governments in strengthening climate resilience, with a specific focus on water management and urban sustainability. He highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on the urban poor, emphasizing its adverse effects on their livelihoods. Drawing from his on-ground observations during Bengaluru’s water crisis last year, he urged various associations to collaborate in implementing policies aimed at curbing groundwater over-extraction. His perspective on viewing challenges and crises as opportunities for resource innovation offered the audience an optimistic and strategic approach to navigating climate-related challenges.

Bringing a corporate perspective, Srinivasa C. K., General Manager – Sustainability (ESG), Promotion Division at Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd., discussed Sustainable Mobility & Industry Leadership in Climate Action, emphasizing the automotive sector’s role in driving a greener future. He broadened the conversation to address the wider industrial impact on climate change, highlighting that the energy sector contributes approximately 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation’s share steadily increasing. He emphasized Toyota’s commitment to sustainable innovation through the development of electrified and hybrid vehicles, the adoption of circular economy practices, and a strong focus on water sustainability—achieving over 90% reliance on recycled and rainwater. Stressing the critical role of private enterprises in mitigating climate impact, he called for enhanced subsidies, collaborative research and development, and open dialogue between government, industry, and local communities, reinforcing the need for a unified, cross-sectoral approach to tackling climate challenges.

Dhenuka Srinivasan, Environment & Sustainability Manager at ABB India, provided insights into Corporate Sustainability & Climate Action – Driving Innovation & Responsibility in a Changing World, emphasizing the imperative for businesses to embed sustainability within their core strategies. She underlined the significance of public-private partnerships, behavioral change, and early climate education at the school level as key drivers of a positive shift in climate impact—an idea that resonated strongly with the audience. She further stressed that individual actions play a crucial role in addressing climate change, with students, as future leaders, holding the responsibility to champion and implement effective mitigation measures.

The event was attended by a diverse audience, including members of the IIM Bangalore community, industry professionals from top consulting firms, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs, and students from institutions such as Christ University and S P Jain, amongst others. Additionally, the discussion was live-streamed on YouTube, enabling a broader audience to engage with the discourse on sustainable policymaking and climate resilience.

Through this roundtable, CenComm and CEE reinforced the urgency of translating policy frameworks into actionable solutions and fostering multi-sectoral partnerships for long-term climate commitment along with action.