Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

“The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate to 6.25%—its first reduction in nearly five years—signals a pro-growth shift aimed at sustaining India’s economic momentum. With GDP growth projected at 6.7% for FY26, this move will enhance liquidity, encourage investments, and stimulate demand across key sectors.

For real estate, a rate cut after such a long period is a significant boost. Lower borrowing costs will improve home affordability, strengthening buyer sentiment, particularly in the mid-income and premium housing segments. Historically, reduced interest rates have triggered an upswing in housing demand, benefiting both homebuyers and developers. Additionally, improved credit access will support developers in securing funding for project execution, ensuring steady supply and timely deliveries.

The real estate sector, contributing nearly 7% to India’s GDP and projected to reach 13% by 2030, will gain further momentum as urbanization accelerates and infrastructure investments expand. This move will also positively impact allied industries such as cement, steel, and construction materials, creating a multiplier effect on employment and overall economic activity. With a sustained focus on affordability and sustainable development, India’s housing market is well-positioned for long-term growth.”

Mr. Akash Khurana, President and CEO, Krisumi Corporation

The Central Bank’s unanimous decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.25 percent is a welcome move that will enhance liquidity in the economy, making credit more accessible and boosting overall consumption. This follows the last MPC’s decision to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points, which has already injected significant funds into the banking system. Lower interest rates are expected to stimulate housing demand by making home loans more affordable, strengthen market confidence, and provide much-needed momentum to the real estate sector, ultimately supporting economic growth.

Mr. Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group

We welcome the RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate. There were strong expectations for a modest 25 bps rate cut in today’s monetary policy meeting, and the RBI has delivered on those expectations. The decision was driven by the need to support GDP growth, inflation remaining within a comfortable range for the past few quarters, and prevailing tight liquidity conditions. Additionally, global trade dynamics and financial market trends further reinforced the case for a rate reduction.

The repo rate cut will not only improve liquidity but also boost consumption and purchasing power, ultimately driving economic growth. Lower borrowing costs are set to provide a significant push to the real estate sector, as reduced home loan interest rates make homeownership more accessible. This move is expected to encourage higher demand for housing, benefiting both end-users and investors alike.

Mr. Udit Jain, Director, OneGroup

The 25 basis point cut in the repo rate is a welcome move, particularly for homebuyers in the affordable and mid-segment categories. Given that these housing segments are highly cost-sensitive, a lower EMI burden will undoubtedly encourage more buyers to take the plunge into homeownership.

Additionally, the rate cut is expected to provide a strong boost to housing demand in Tier II and Tier III cities, where affordability plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions. Combined with other favorable factors—such as increased savings from revised tax slabs in Budget 2025-26 and the upcoming implementation of the 8th Pay Commission—this move sets the stage for sustained growth in the real estate sector. The combined impact of these measures will give a much-needed boost to industries linked to housing, enhance home loan eligibility, improve affordability, and drive higher demand for housing in the near future.

Mumbai, 07th February 2025 Motherson, a global engineering, manufacturing, and assembly conglomerate, announces a strategic partnership with Sanko Japan, a leader in material handling solutions such as sustainable packaging solutions. This collaboration is another step in line with Motherson’s vision of becoming a globally preferred sustainable solutions provider. By focusing on developing reusable and sustainable packaging solutions, this partnership integrates well with Motherson’s efforts toward decarbonization.

Sanko, founded in 1951, is Japan’s No.1 manufacturer of plastic material handling products and a leading company in sustainable packaging solution business. It serves its customers across a diverse range of industries. Sanko has strong engineering capabilities and an in-house technical center to develop products that are structurally and technically engineered for durability, reusability, and full recyclability.

The joint venture will contribute to greater efficiencies in material handling with cost reduction in overall logistics spending. By combining Sanko’s engineering expertise and decades of innovation with Motherson’s extensive presence across India C Europe, we aim to provide innovative, sustainable solutions for both automotive and non-automotive industries.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman Motherson, said,

“We are excited to announce that this partnership with Sanko is a strategic, synergistic diversification for our Group. We believe that reimagining packaging as an engineered solution versus a simple commodity can bring immense logistics, cost, and value efficiencies to supply chains. More importantly, we see this collaboration as another way to support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.”

Commenting on this development, Mr. Toshihiko Goto, President Sanko, said,

“We are delighted to create a strategic partnership with Motherson, which can contribute to our expanding business globally. We believe we can contribute more to Motherson’s and our valuable customers by combining Motherson’s strong global presence and our long experience and rich expertise in the sustainable packaging solution business.”

Mumbai, January 07, 2025: Gensol Engineering Limited (BSE: 542851, NSE: GENSOL), a leading player in the renewable energy sector, has further solidified its position as a key driver of India’s energy transition by securing a significant EPC contract. The company has been awarded a contract by a renowned public sector undertaking for the development of a 245 MW Solar PV Project at the prestigious Khavda RE Power Park in Gujarat. This contract, valued at approximately INR 967.98 Crores (inclusive of GST), includes three years of comprehensive O&M services.

This marks Gensol’s second major project win at the Khavda Solar Park within a short span, underscoring the company’s strong market presence and execution capabilities. Earlier this month, the company secured an EPC contract worth INR 1062.97 Crores for a 275 MW Solar PV Project – part of the larger 795 MW Solar PV Development Package – at the same location. With these two significant projects, Gensol will now be responsible for the cumulative development of 520 MW of Solar PV capacity at the Khavda Solar Park, a site poised to become the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park.

Anmol Singh Jaggi, MD and Chairman, of Gensol Engineering, shared, “These back-to-back orders at Khavda Solar Park are a testament to Gensol’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions. India is on a remarkable journey towards energy independence, and renewable energy is at the forefront of this transformation. Gensol is proud to be a key contributor to this national endeavor.”

Commenting on the win, Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer, Solar EPC (India) in Gensol Engineering Ltd., stated, “We are deeply honored to have signed the contract with a leading public sector undertaking for this prestigious project. Securing two major projects at Khavda within a short timeframe reflects the trust and confidence placed in Gensol’s engineering expertise, and firm commitment to customer satisfaction. We are excited to contribute to the nation’s renewable energy goals and further strengthen our position as a leading EPC player in the Indian market.”

By leveraging its expertise in solar EPC services, Gensol remains committed to driving sustainable energy solutions that align with the nation’s vision for a greener and more energy-efficient future. By harnessing innovative technologies and fostering a culture of excellence, the company aims to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the nation’s energy landscape, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.

Mumbai, February 2025: Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, has always been a city of contrasts, blending tradition with modernity. Now, the city’s discerning residents have a new destination to indulge their passion for luxury home decor. Sobé Decor, the renowned name in the world of exquisite home decor and tableware, has opened its doors to a stunning new store in the heart of Indiranagar, Bangalore.

Located in the iconic Falaknuma Building, the neighborhood known for its upscale lifestyle and discerning clientele, makes it easily accessible to those who appreciate the finer things in life. The new store boasts a curated selection of premium brands, including the latest collections from Gloss from Norway, Shabby Chic, Copacabana, and Christina Oliver. Each collection is a masterpiece, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design, elevating your living space tenfold.

Originally established as an exclusive Noritake showroom, the space has been rebranded as Sobé Decor to include a curated selection of other premium brands, tapping into the city’s evolving tastes for global luxury. The new store offers the widest range of Noritake collections in India under one roof, along with other renowned brands. Its premium setup reflects Sobé Decor’s ethos of providing an unparalleled luxury shopping experience, making it a standout destination for home and tableware enthusiasts. The prime location and the store’s elegant ambiance create an immersive shopping experience that is both luxurious and inspiring. Bangalore, known for its cosmopolitan culture and discerning taste, was a natural choice for Sobé Decor’s expansion.

“Bangalore, a city of dreams and aspirations, has always captivated us with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. We are thrilled to bring the world of luxury home decor to the discerning people of Bangalore. Our new store is more than just a retail space; it’s a destination where elegance meets functionality. Our goal is to elevate the home decor experience, offering a curated collection of exquisite pieces that resonate with the city’s discerning taste. We’re confident that our new store will inspire homeowners to create spaces that are not just beautiful, but also deeply personal.” said Nivedita Jegadeesh, Founder of Sobe Decor.

Finding the perfect partner is about discovering qualities that complement your life—just like Tramontina’s All-in-One Pan complements your kitchen. This Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved one with a gift that’s as dependable, stylish, and full of charm as they are.

Like a partner who checks all the right boxes, this pan is your all-in-one kitchen hero—perfect for baking cakes, simmering Thai curry, or serving right at the table with its chic design. The non-toxic ceramic-coated interior is like finally saying goodbye to that toxic boyfriend—no bad stuff sticking around, just healthier meals and effortless cleanup that make life so much better.

Ever feel like your partner is also your parent—fun but always watches out for you? This pan is just that, ready to easily handle every kitchen adventure with an aluminum lid, steamer insert, and easy-pour spouts. Induction-ready, dishwasher-friendly, and bursting with vibrant colors—this pan is here to steal the show, it is designed to impress.

From whipping up a romantic dinner for two to crafting everyday favorites, the All-in-One Pan is as dependable as true love. This Valentine’s Day, gift the ultimate cookware companion—a symbol of love that lasts.

Chandigarh Feb 7, 2025: TP Solar Ltd, Tata Power’s Solar manufacturing arm & a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited has achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey with the inauguration of its 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility at TP Solar Ltd., Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, formally inaugurated the state-of-the-art plant, marking a significant milestone in the state’s industrial growth. The inauguration ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister for Industries & Commerce, Thiru T.R.B. Rajaa, Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD of Tata Power, and Mr Deepesh Nanda, CEO & MD of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited.

The new 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing plant is India’s largest single-location solar manufacturing facility, equipped with cutting-edge TOPCon and Mono Perc technologies. Designed to meet India’s growing renewable energy demand, it will produce high-efficiency solar cells and modules, contributing significantly to the country’s clean energy transition.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, of Tata Power, said: “We are immensely proud to launch this advanced solar manufacturing facility, which is a testament to Tata Power’s commitment to building a sustainable and self-reliant India. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, for inaugurating Tata Power’s solar manufacturing plant. We are also deeply grateful to the Honourable Minister for Industries & Commerce, Thiru T.R.B. Rajaa, and other dignitaries for their presence and support. Not only does it showcase innovative technology, but it also plays a crucial role in community development by creating job opportunities, with 80% of the workforce comprising women. We look forward to continuing our contribution to Tamil Nadu’s economic growth and India’s clean energy transition.”

This facility not only strengthens India’s solar manufacturing capabilities but also reinforces Tata Power’s vision of driving sustainable growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector. By creating local employment, empowering women, and promoting green entrepreneurship, it is poised to become a catalyst for Tamil Nadu’s economic development and India’s clean energy transformation. The solar cells and modules produced at the Tamil Nadu facility will initially cater to the company’s ongoing projects, further strengthening its supply chain. With an eye on future expansion, Tata Power also plans to explore opportunities for wider market distribution.

In addition to the Tirunelveli plant, the company also operates a world-class manufacturing facility established in 1992 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, has a production capacity of 682 MW for solar modules and 530 MW for solar cells.

Tata Power remains committed to contributing to the nation’s journey toward energy security and a Net-Zero carbon future.

Chandigarh February 7, 2025: Mahindra, in association with the India Today Group, has proudly flagged off the second edition of the Mahindra Rise ‘Drivers of Change’ initiative. This year, ‘Drivers of Change’ will celebrate change makers who are pushing the boundaries of progress as well as proponents of India’s richest traditions, reflecting the Republic Day theme of ‘Swarnim Bharat — Virasat aur Vikas’.

India stands as a unique intersection of history and innovation, seamlessly blending its glorious past with a dynamic future. Reflecting this spirit, ‘Drivers of Change’ will honor individuals who are not only shaping the nation’s progress but also preserving its cultural and historical legacy.

These changemakers have been carefully selected for their outstanding contributions across diverse fields – including social work, arts, technology, science, sports, and medicine, spanning from grassroots activism and scientific breakthroughs to pioneering innovations and cultural excellence. Their achievements reflect Mahindra’s Rise philosophy – Rise for a more equal world, Rise to be future-ready, and Rise to create value.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “At Mahindra, we are driven by Rise philosophy – to fuel progress that is deeply rooted in our heritage. ‘Drivers of Change’ is a reflection of this belief, celebrating those who are shaping India’s future while staying true to its traditions. Their journeys inspire us all, and we are proud to share their stories as we embark on this remarkable journey across the country.”

Yogendra Pratap, Editor, of Auto Today, said, “Auto Today and Mahindra Automotive, in our continued commitment to driving meaningful change, are proud to embark on the second edition of ‘Drivers of Change.’ Every journey leaves an impact, and this year, through our extensive 10,000km plus expedition in the Mahindra XUV700, we aim to spotlight individuals who are reshaping India’s future and, in some cases, taking care of our heritage as well. This journey is more than just a drive—it’s a mission to celebrate change makers who are transforming communities while preserving the cultural and historical fabric that makes India truly unique.”

The Auto Today Team from the India Today Group is set to travel over 10,000km across India in a convoy of Mahindra XUV 700 SUVs. They will visit handpicked achievers—from conservationists to social reformers—spending time at their workplaces to share their stories in their own words. The journey will take them along Southern India’s coastal roads, through the lush Northeastern States, past the historic town of Dandi, and finally to Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Delhi NCR, 06/02/2025: trackNOW, a leading Gujarat-based women-led award-winning fleet management and advanced telematic tracking solution company has recently raised an extended seed fund of an undisclosed amount. The funding round was led by Yohan Poonawalla, Chairman of the Poonawalla Group, and Michelle Poonawalla, Managing Director of the Poonawalla Companies. The company had previously secured seed funding in FY24, led by GI Ventures and BluSmart co-founder Anmol Jaggi, which successfully led the company to accelerate its business growth plans.

The latest investment from the Poonawalla Group will enable trackNOW to expand its R&D and boost operational efficiency, which will further solidify its position in the Indian logistics market.

Founded in 2016 by Pooja Khemka and Suyash Khemka, trackNOW has emerged as a leader in delivering cutting-edge solutions to streamline fleet management and tracking processes. Known for its focus on minimizing turnaround times and reducing operational costs across various industries, trackNOW has garnered immense recognition for its intelligent, technology-driven innovations.

“Investing in promising startups like trackNOW is not just about financial returns,” said Yohan Poonawalla, Chairman of Poonawalla Group. “It’s about mentoring and empowering young, visionary entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed. We believe in the transformative power of innovation and are committed to fostering an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.”

Michelle Poonawalla, Managing Director of the Poonawalla Companies, added, “We are thrilled to partner with trackNOW and support their growth journey. This investment reflects our commitment to empowering Indian entrepreneurs. The partnership has the potential to unlock significant value for both trackNOW and the broader Indian economy by driving job creation, enhancing operational efficiencies across sectors, and strengthening India’s position in the global logistics market.”

Commenting on the investment, Pooja S. Khemka, Co-founder, trackNOW said, “The investment from the Poonawalla Group is a significant endorsement of our vision and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We are honored to receive the support of such a respected group. This partnership will not only provide us with the capital required to scale operations but also invaluable mentorship and industry expertise.”

The Poonawalla Group, known for its pioneering ventures in engineering, pharmaceuticals, real estate, socio-economic initiatives, and green technology, brings strategic mentorship and investment expertise to trackNOW. This strategic investment by Poonawalla Group highlights their vision to empower next-generation entrepreneurs and fuel innovation across key sectors of the Indian economy.

trackNOW leverages innovation and technology to deliver real-time tracking solutions for fleet management, mobility, and IoT. Its user-friendly app, available on Android and iOS platforms, offers graphical reports, AI-based driver behavior scoring, and advanced analytics to optimize turnaround times. The platform serves diverse industries, including Coal, Oil & Gas, FMCG, Cold Chain, Education, Agriculture, Construction, and Healthcare. Additionally, trackNOW provides Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) for seamless ERP integration and highly customizable solutions. Recently, the company was honored with the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ award at the Logistics & Supply Chain Conclave for its transformative impact on logistics and fleet management.

National, February 6, 2025: Steered by diversified sales, Shriram Life Insurance Company Ltd grew its Retail New Business to Rs 865 crore for December 2024, a 49% rise over the same period in the previous year.

For the period April-December 2024, the company’s key focus area Individual New Business APE grew by 49% compared to the same period the previous year, growing faster than the private industry at 19%. The total premium for the April-December 2024 stood at Rs 2,782 crore at a y-o-y growth of 21%.

Sequentially, the company’s premium from group business in the third quarter more than doubled from Q2, from Rs 174 crore to Rs 336 crore. The insurer reported an individual new business premium income of Rs 322 crore for its third quarter. Renewal premiums for both individual and group policies stood at Rs 494 crore compared to Rs 447 crore last quarter. Total premium increased by 21% to Rs 1,151 crore in Q3FY25 from Rs 952 crore in Q2.

Year-on-year, New Individual Business Premium increased by 36% to Rs 322 crore in Q3 FY25, up from Rs 237 crore in Q3 FY24. New Individual Business APE (Annual Premium Equivalent) rose by 36% to Rs 301 crore in Q3 FY25 from Rs 221 crore in Q3 FY24.

Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, of Shriram Life Insurance, said, “Our quarterly results show our commitment to reaching and securing more customers, which also reflects the need for affordable life insurance solutions among various segments of the society. This success highlights the effectiveness of our approach to providing accessible, comprehensive solutions, ensuring more families, especially in rural areas, have financial security.”

“At Shriram Life, we remain dedicated to meeting the unique needs of the customers, ensuring that no family in the rural segment is left behind. We go above and beyond to ensure seamless service delivery, no matter where our policyholders live,” he added.

The company’s solvency ratio stands at 1.76. Its claim settlement ratio for FY24 was at 98%, with non-investigated claims being settled within 12 hours from the time of full document submission.

New Launch
Promoted by Shriram Group and Africa’s Sanlam Group, Shriram Life serves the rural and middle-income segment where its customers are mostly first-time insurance buyers. During the quarter, Shriram Life launched Sunishchit Laabh – a non-participating individual savings plan that guarantees high returns of up to 668% of the total premium paid. The plan offers flexible entry options with ages ranging from 30 days to 60 years, and a minimum ticket size starting at ₹30,000 annually, ₹15,500 half-yearly, ₹8,000 quarterly, and ₹3,000 monthly.

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha are proving that love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s built in the little moments. After three years of marriage, their bond is stronger than ever, thanks to Raj’s everyday acts of partnership. The couple recently moved into a new house and despite their packed schedule, he ensures they share household responsibilities equally, making their relationship a true team effort.

Raj remembers seeing Patralekha in an ad film for the very first time and soon after meeting her knowing without a doubt that she is the one! He says, “When we took our vows we said that we will be there for each other always and there will be no hierarchy, we will both do everything equally.” Patralekha lovingly refers to Raj as her soulmate—not just for the love they share but because they understand the importance of equal partnership in every aspect of their lives.

The kitchen has become the couple’s favorite spot, where they share not only meals but also moments of pure connection. Raj, with his neat and tidy habits, keeps everything organized, whereas Patralekha loves being there with him, whether it’s chopping vegetables or deciding late-night snacks. It’s never about who does what; it’s about doing it together, as a team.
From washing dishes to making decisions together, they’re reshaping what modern relationships look like. Their #EqualVow isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement towards balance, respect, and shared commitment. Because real equality isn’t about words; it’s about showing up every single day.

And this is just the beginning! Are you ready to take the #EqualVow? Stay tuned, there’s more to come!