TP Solar, Tata Power’s Plant Inaugurated by CM M.K. Stalin to Boost India’s Solar Capabilities
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.
Mahindra Launches 2nd Edition of Drivers of Change Celebrating Swarnim Bharat
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.
Poonawalla Group Backs trackNOW with Extended Seed Fund for Expansion
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.
Shriram Life’s Retail Business Grows 49 Percent, Premiums Up 21 Percent
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 & Patralekha Celebrate 3 Years of Love & Equality
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!
realme Announces Valentine’s Deals on NARZO 70 Turbo 5G, GT 6T & GT 7 Pro
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.
AKSI Aerospace to Exhibit Indigenous Drones at Aero India 2025
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.
Rediscover Romance in Patnitop’s Most Exotic Mountain Harbour
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!
Radhika & Srinivas Misunderstand Rajesh’s Plan in Wagle Ki Duniya
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.”
Anu Malik & Wife Sell Mumbai Property for Rs14.49 Cr
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.