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!

New Delhi, February 6th, 2025: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, is excited to announce exclusive Valentine’s Week offers on a range of its best-selling smartphones. Running from February 6th to February 14th, the sale will be available across e-commerce platforms, realme.com and mainline channels, giving customers an opportunity to grab their favorite realme devices at incredible prices.

As part of this special Valentine’s Week celebration, customers can enjoy discounts of on selected realme smartphones, along with easy EMI options. Whether gifting a loved one or upgrading to a new device, this limited-time sale ensures the perfect tech companion for the season of love.

Bengaluru, 6th February 2025: AKSI Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based emerging UAV innovator in India, is set to participate in Aero India 2025 from February 10th to 14th at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru. The company is at the forefront of indigenous UAV manufacturing, producing not only high-performance drones but also critical subsystems—including navigation systems, cameras, propulsion systems, batteries, battery management systems, and airframe composites—ensuring self-reliance, security, and efficiency in India’s drone industry.

By manufacturing key drone subsystems in-house, AKSI Aerospace and its specialized group companies reduce dependence on imports, reinforcing India’s strategic independence in UAV technology. This strengthens the Make in India initiative by ensuring secure, high-performance, and scalable UAV solutions, reducing dependency on foreign technology that may pose security and operational risks. By integrating its indigenously manufactured components, AKSI Aerospace delivers UAV solutions across agriculture, industrial applications, logistics, security, and retail.

Backed by a leadership team with over 50 years of collective experience in UAV development, AKSI Aerospace operates a 40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, has developed 25+ drone models, and offers 35+ UAV-based services. Its solutions address industry challenges such as high costs, regulatory complexities, and operational inefficiencies, making drone technology more accessible and scalable.

“For any nation aspiring to lead in technology, self-reliance in critical subsystems is non-negotiable,” said Pankaj Akula, CEO, of AKSI Aerospace. “At AKSI Aerospace, we are not just manufacturing UAVs; we are developing the fundamental building blocks that ensure performance, security, and reliability. Aero India 2025 is an opportunity to showcase our indigenous capabilities and collaborate with global partners who share our vision for a secure UAV ecosystem.”

During Aero India 2025, AKSI Aerospace will sign strategic MoUs with a European aircraft design developer to export its indigenous UAVs under the Make in India initiative, reinforcing India’s position as a global drone technology provider.

Visit Hall A, Stall AS1.5 & AS1.6 at Aero India 2025 to explore AKSI Aerospace’s cutting-edge UAV solutions, discuss collaborations, and experience how the company is shaping the future of UAV technology.

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 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 cozy 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 flavors Let the ambiance, flavors, 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, and 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 harbor 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!

Mumbai, January 06, 2025: Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey’ follows the daily struggles and triumphs of the middle-class, Wagle family. In recent episodes, Rajesh (Sumeet Raghavan) gets a baffling premonition that Srinivas (Aanjjan Srivastav) and Radhika (Bharati Achrekar) are on their knees begging him to spare them. Rajesh later finds himself tasked with choosing the old age homes for his company’s CSR initiative. To assess them, he pretends he wants to admit his parents to the old age home, testing firsthand how genuine their services are.

In the upcoming episodes, a major misunderstanding shakes the Wagle household. Radhika and Srinivas overhear Rajesh’s conversation and mistakenly believe he plans to send them to an old age home. Deeply hurt, they decide to leave the house themselves rather than being sent away. Lost and distraught with nowhere to go, the senior Wagles struggle, while Rajesh frantically searches for them, unaware of what triggered their decision. Will he be able to clear the misunderstanding and reunite with his parents before it’s too late?

Sumeet Raghvan, who essays the role of Rajesh Wagle, said, “Rajesh is someone who would never think of sending his parents to an old age home. His entire life revolves around his family, and they mean everything to him. But the way this situation unfolds, with his parents overhearing a certain part of his conversation and misunderstanding his intentions leads to complete chaos. This track beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of miscommunication within families. Rajesh’s premonition, which at first made no sense, ties back to this moment, making the situation even more intense. It’s an emotional track and I think the audience will connect with it.”

Indian music composer and singer Anu Malik, along with his wife, Anju Malik, has sold two apartments located in the same residential project and on the same floor in Santacruz West, Mumbai, for a total of Rs. 14.49 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 February 2025.

Santacruz West is a strategically located suburban neighbourhood in Mumbai’s western region, characterized by excellent connectivity and robust infrastructure. The area is well-served by major roads and a railway station and is situated near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This, along with its proximity to Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai’s key commercial hub, adds to its appeal.

As per the IGR property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, the two apartments sold by the couple are located in Khushi Belmondo on the same floor. The total built-up area of these apartments is 233.64 sq. m. (~2,515 sq. ft.), and the agreement also includes a total of two car parking spaces. The transaction incurred a total stamp duty payment of Rs. 86.91 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

Khushi Belmondo is a ready-to-move-in residential project developed by Khushi World Developers. According to Square Yards’ Project Data Intelligence, one transaction amounting to a gross transaction value of Rs. 19 crore was registered with the IGR in Khushi Belmondo between January 2024 and December 2024.

Anu Malik is a renowned Indian music composer and singer known for his versatility and contributions to Bollywood music. With a career spanning over four decades, he has composed music for numerous hit films, earning widespread acclaim for his distinctive style. He won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for Refugee (2001) and multiple Filmfare Awards, including Best Music Director for Baazigar and Main Hoon Na. His work in movies like Border, Judwaa, Ishq, and Mohra remains iconic. Anu Malik has also been a prominent judge on reality shows like Indian Idol, further cementing his legacy in the Indian music industry.

By – Prathamesh Masdekar, Research Analyst, StoxBox

The chemical sector saw agony in recent quarters across all segments, severely impacted by supply chain disruptions, pricing pressure, and changing market conditions in the broader industrial landscape. We expect 2025 to be better than the previous year and expect production levels to continue to rise as the destocking cycle worries fade and demand rises across most products. We hope various headwinds, such as volatile crude oil prices, higher logistic costs, and demand-supply dynamics for specialty chemicals, will normalize in 2025 and expect chemical companies to perform better. Many chemical players are witnessing demand recovery from various end-user industries and utilization levels of most chemical companies have increased. We expect changing industry dynamics and prudent operational management to start reflecting in their financial performance from 2025 onwards. Given the changing landscape and growing reliance on India by international customers, we anticipate a rapid 8-10% growth in the chemical sector over the coming period as conditions stabilize.

The Indian government recognizes the chemical industry as a key growth element and is forecast to increase its share of the chemical sector to ~25% of the GDP in the manufacturing sector by 2025. The government has started various initiatives such as mandating BIS-like certification for imported chemicals to prevent dumping of cheap and substandard chemicals into the country. PLI schemes have been introduced to promote Bulk Drug Parks, with a budget of Rs. 1,629 crores. The Indian chemical industry has numerous opportunities considering the supply chain disruption in China and the trade conflict between the US, Europe, and China. Anti-pollution measures in China will also create opportunities for the Indian chemical industry in specific segments.

Indian chemical firms are actively enhancing their research and development (R&D) capabilities, adopting new chemistries, and expanding their product offerings. These initiatives align with a global trend toward supply chain diversification, presenting significant growth opportunities for Indian companies that emerge as a hub for exports. With contracts secured from various global innovators, the industry is increasing capacity and improving technical skills, process innovations, and cost optimization strategies to strengthen its competitive moat. China’s recent push toward producing value-added chemical products for sectors like EV batteries, solar cells, and semiconductors could Intensify the competitive landscape, posing risks to players in the generics segment. However, Indian companies could benefit from their niche offerings and backward-integrated operations, allowing them to capture market share from China and Europe through higher volumes, process innovations, and new product introductions.

Overall, the collective sector capex of Rs. 116 billion in the FY2022-FY24 period on multiple projects is on track and expected to be operational in the upcoming years. Despite the near-term headwinds, the chemical companies have delayed but not toned down their capex plans, which signifies long-term growth visibility for the sector. Indian chemical companies have been expanding their production facilities in a well-planned manner, investing heavily in R&D and securing contracts to make supply chains safer. Indian market is poised to grow substantially as global supply chains continue to diversify away from China. This put them in a good position to benefit from the global shift towards outsourcing. With high cost in Europe and companies to reduce dependence on China, Indian firms are stepping in to fill the gap.

Stocks to likely perform better in 2025: Aarti Industries Ltd., Archean Chemical Industries Ltd., Clean Science and Technology Ltd., Navin Fluorine International Ltd., SRF, and Tata Chemicals Ltd.

February 6th, Mumbai: Climbing unimaginable peaks is a test of endurance, courage, and sheer determination, pushing adventurers to their limits as they navigate breathtaking yet untamed landscapes. With the rich legacy of 137 years of powerful and inspiring storytelling, National Geographic’s thrilling documentary ‘The Devil’s Climb’ is all set to premiere on February 9th at 10 PM on the National Geographic Channel. From Plimsoll Productions, The Devil’s Climb follows world-class rock climbers Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell on an epic expedition to tackle one of the most daunting challenges of their careers: summiting the infamous Devil’s Thumb, a sinister tower and legendary 9,000-foot peak in the Alaskan wilderness surrounded by old-growth rainforest and known as one of the most dangerous mountains in North America.

Alex and Tommy are two of the greatest rock climbers of all time — and best friends. Together, they set off on an emotional and physical journey, traveling 2,600 miles by bicycle, sailboat, and on foot through the American West, Canada, and Alaska to a daring climb of the Devil’s Thumb. Tommy makes a heroic comeback to climbing from a career-threatening Achilles injury, while Alex expresses his commitment to Tommy’s return to climbing as he joins the greatest adventures of his life. The 74-minute film sheds light on the rich shared history of adventurous speed climbing and a record-setting partnership between the two friends.

Directed by fellow climber Renan Ozturk, the film will take viewers on a breathtaking extraordinary adventure as Alex and Tommy attempt to accomplish the first-ever single-day traverse of all five peaks of the Devil’s Thumb massif, pushing their bodies and bond to the absolute limit.

– Shaina Ganapathy, Head – Community Outreach Initiatives for Embassy Group

“The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme marks a significant step forward in empowering India’s youth by providing them with hands-on experience in prominent companies. By allowing the use of CSR funds for training costs and stipends, this initiative ensures that businesses play an active role in shaping the future workforce. Similarly, the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Program seeks to uplift rural communities by addressing underemployment and enhancing livelihoods. Its focus on women, young farmers, and landless families represents a positive move towards inclusivity. Further, the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 guarantees ongoing efforts to provide clean drinking water to rural households, underscoring the government’s dedication to meeting basic needs for everyone. The introduction of 50,000 adult tinkering labs in government schools is set to nurture curiosity and innovation, equipping young individuals with a scientific mindset and essential problem-solving abilities. As a responsible corporate entity, we are proud to continue our support to such initiatives through our CSR activities and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.”