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.”

New Delhi, February 4, 2025: Godrej Properties Limited (GPL), a leading national real estate developer, announced its financial results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024.

CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS:

A record-breaking calendar year 2024

• Booking value grew 69% to INR 28,800 crores from the sale of 26.38 million sq. ft. of area, a volume growth of 54%. This is the highest-ever booking value achieved by any listed developer in India in a calendar year.
• Collections and operating cash flow were INR 14,779 Crore, a YoY growth of 40%, and INR 6,043 crore, a YoY growth of 52%, respectively
• Delivered projects aggregating ~18 million sq. ft. across 7 cities
• Added 16 new projects with an estimated saleable area of 29.1 million sq. ft. and an expected booking value of INR 36,250 crore
• Net profit grew by 124% to INR 1,489 crores

Sales Highlights for Q3FY25 and 9MFY25

Booking value in 9M FY25 grew 48% to INR 19,281 crores from the sale of 18.21 million sq. ft. of area, a volume growth of 54%. This is the highest ever 9M booking value and area sold achieved by Godrej Properties and the highest ever by any Indian Real estate developer.

• Booking value in Q3FY25 was INR 5,446 crore from the sale of 4.07 million sq. ft. of area, a decline of 5% year-on-year and a growth of 5% quarter-on-quarter. This is the 6th consecutive quarter in which GPL has delivered more than INR 5,000 crore of booking value
• GPL has achieved 71% of its annual guidance for booking value for FY25
• MMR has achieved a booking value of INR 5,155 crores, a Y-o-Y growth of 104%, and Bengaluru has achieved a booking value of INR 4,807 crores, a Y-o-Y growth of 145% in 9M FY2025
• 7 new projects and phase launches during the quarter across 4 cities

Business development momentum continues

• Added 4 new projects with an estimated saleable area of 5.9 million sq. ft. and an expected booking value of INR 10,800 crore in Q3FY25
•  In 9M FY25, GPL added 12 new projects with a total estimated saleable area of approximately 16.9 million sq. ft. and a total estimated booking value potential of ~INR 23,450 Crore and have thereby surpassed the full-year guidance of INR 20,000 crores.

Other Highlights

Raised INR 6,000 crore of equity for growth capital through largest ever QIP by a real estate company in India in Q3FY25.
Delivered projects aggregating ~2.6 million sq. ft. across 2 cities in Q3FY25 taking the year-to-date total to ~11.9 million sq. ft.

Commenting on the performance of Q3 FY2025, Mr. Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Chairperson, Godrej Properties Limited, said:

“Godrej Properties delivered a record-breaking calendar year 2024 with its highest ever bookings, collections, operating cashflows, earnings and deliveries. The third quarter of financial year 2025 was the 6th consecutive quarter of more than INR 5,000 crores bookings underlying the sectoral tailwinds for the residential real estate sector in India. With a robust launch pipeline, strong balance sheet, and resilient demand, we are on-track to surpass our bookings guidance of INR 27,000 cores in FY25 while also achieving our highest ever cash collections, deliveries, earnings and operating cash flow.

We remain focused on building scale through continued market share gains and margin expansion.”

Financial Overview (Consolidated)

Q3 FY25 performance overview compared with Q3 FY24

•  Total Income grew by 133% to INR 1,222 crore as compared to INR 524 crore
•  EBITDA grew by 85% to INR 280 crore as compared to INR 152 crore
•  Net Profit grew by 161% to INR 163 crore as compared to INR 62 crore
•  EPS# amounted to INR 5.70 as compared to INR 2.24

#not annualised

9M FY25 performance overview compared with 9M FY24

•  Total Income grew by 74% to INR 4,203 crore as compared to INR 2,410 crore
•  EBITDA grew by 144% to INR 1,336 crore as compared to INR 548 crore
•  Net Profit grew by 301% to INR 1,018 crore as compared to INR 254 crore
•  EPS# amounted to INR 36.29 as compared to INR 9.14

Mumbai, 4th February 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, recognized Mr. Pranav Soorma, an Officer of the Bank and recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award 2024.

At the Paris Paralympic Games 2024, Mr. Soorma won a Silver Medal for India in the Men’s F51 Club Throw event. He was presented with the Arjuna Award 2024 on January 17, 2025, for his outstanding achievements in Para Athletics and for bringing glory to the nation.

Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, of Bank of Baroda said, “Pranav’s remarkable accomplishments are a result of his relentless dedication and perseverance, and as an organization, we stand by him as he continues to make the country proud. Our sports quota initiative is designed to support and empower talented individuals by providing them with the necessary institutional backing to excel in their chosen fields. We remain committed to fostering a culture that nurtures talented sportspeople like Pranav and encourages excellence in all spheres of life.”

Shri Chand honored Mr. Soorma in recognition of his accomplishments by granting an out-of-turn promotion as Manager, a cash reward of Rupees Ten Lakh, and acknowledging him as a ‘Sportsperson’ within the Bank.

National, India, 4th February 2025-Following the announcement of investing 500 Crore in AI Centers of excellence; in a ground-breaking initiative set to change the face of management education in India, IIM Sambalpur has joined hands with Breakout Learning Inc. on AI-driven digital case study solutions. The objective of this collaboration is to pursue India as a hub for a technology-driven and globally competitive management learning system.This trailblazing collaboration will see IIM Sambalpur use Breakout Learning’s cutting-edge AI-enabled case platform in its MBA; Executive MBA; and Ph.D. programs, which will be the new benchmark for digital learning in India. Premium case studies from the world’s best institutions like “Ivey and Harvard” will be accessible to students and faculty members exclusively, thereby bringing international academic excellence with high legal and financial standards.This partnership will also allow students to extend beyond adoption, fostering innovation.

Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for faculty and students at IIM Sambalpur to co-create cutting-edge management cases, hosted on Breakout Learning’s platform, positioning India as a leader in AI-driven business education. Intellectual property rights for these AI-generated cases will be jointly owned, empowering faculty with discounted access for teaching and research purposes.

Highlighting the significance of this alliance, Prof MahadeoJaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur said, “Following the announcement of 500 Crores investment in AI centres of excellence in Union budget, this momentous collaboration with Breakout Learning is a game-changer for Indian management education, addressing long-standing challenges in traditional teaching methodologies. By integrating AI-driven case-based learning, we are preparing future leaders with unparalleled decision-making and analytical skills, propelling India into the global forefront of business education. As we look at global rankings, Indian B-schools are still not placed in the top 200. In terms of innovation and research, faculty members are often occupied with teaching responsibilities and don’t have enough time for research. However, with the integration of AI, teachers will receive support, allowing them more time for research, innovation, and case writing. This shift will contribute to enhancing their academic output and, ultimately, help improve global rankings.”
He further added, “With this strategic alliance, IIM Sambalpur further forges its front-runner position as an innovation-led education provider while aligning itself with India’s vision of emerging as a knowledge powerhouse and shaping the next set of management professionals ready to compete with the Harvard University in terms of Case Projects.”

Ramit Varma, CEO and Co-Founder, Breakout Learning, USA, said, “Our project involves classroom discussion, we learned that this is the optimal size for small groups. We realized this format is fundamental to our experience as humans. Learning is one of our deepest desires and needs. However, if you look at the way our classrooms are set up, they aren’t engaging. They almost feel like factories, where students are workers, and the system is a factory mindset. At Breakout Learning, we break students into small groups, focus on areas with no answers at all, and then allow students to discuss among themselves creating a pool of ideas. This helps students to learn, communicate and engage. IIM Sambalpur is the first institute in India to bring transformative change and is ready to compete with Harvard University.”

He further added, “At Harvard University, the case project involves PDFs and immerses students in realistic business scenarios. However, their traditional approach, which relies on physical interactions, can be time-consuming and hectic. Additionally, students often come unprepared, while instructors are well prepared. In contrast, the integration of AI in our approach forces students to think critically, communicate, discuss, evaluate, create, implement, and innovate. This not only better prepares students for the real world but also surpasses Harvard’s traditional method in terms of engagement and effectiveness.”

Breakout Learning will ensure the smooth integration of its AI-driven platform into IIM Sambalpur’s curriculum, which will be supported by dedicated technical support. Financial agreements, including access fees and case development royalties, will be structured under a separate agreement to ensure mutual benefit and long-term sustainability.

[February 4, 2025]: As part of its multi-pronged approach, ISB’s Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise brought together thought leaders and experts to share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in family business at the 9th Asian Invitational Conference on Family Business.

Themed – ‘Revitalising the entrepreneurial spirit of business families’ – the two-day conference organised at the Hyderabad campus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) examined topics such as stewardship, innovations, women and Gen Next leadership, emerging geopolitics, entrepreneurship ecosystem, conflict resolution, AI, digital transformation, among others. At the conference, over 30 family business leaders and thought leaders shared their rich and varied experiences and insights with nearly 250 delegates. The conference offered an excellent platform to learn, share, and build capabilities in family businesses.

The Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise engages closely with leading family businesses in India and Asia through collaborations, conferences, roundtables, workshops, and forums. These engagements have helped the Centre contribute significantly to the growing body of research on various aspects of family business and emerge as the face of family business scholarship in India.

New Delhi, February 04, 2025: Satya Intl, a leading global conglomerate in automotive and consumer products, is delighted to announce that it has entered into a licensing agreement with DURACELL, a globally recognized brand for batteries & power products. Satya Intl’s focus is to deliver an extensive range of lead acid, tubular, inverter, and ups batteries to consumers under the Duracell Brand. Alongside the battery range, Satya Intl will launch a series of automotive power accessories such as battery chargers/maintainers and jump starters, offering consumers a complete solution for maintaining and enhancing their vehicles.

“At Satya Intl, we are dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality products that meet the diverse needs of our global customers,” said Rakesh Sharma – Managing Director at Satya Intl. “Our licensing agreement with Duracell Inc., of USA marks a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the automotive & tubular batteries and automotive accessories market in Asia and Africa. We aim to bring unparalleled value, performance, and convenience to our customers. Notably, we have a strong presence in India, where the demand for high-quality automotive products and power accessories is rapidly growing.”

Satya Intl has been granted the authority to manufacture, market, and distribute the products under the Duracell brand in various Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and New Zealand along with African countries such as Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Iberia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The new range of products will be officially launched in mid-February 2025 and available to customers through Satya Intl’s distribution channels starting April 2025. Satya Intl is confident that they will set a new standard in the industry, delivering outstanding value and satisfaction to their customers.

Kolkata, India, 4 February 2025 – The Annual Cosplay Workshop ahead of Maruti Suzuki Arena Kolkata Comic Con 2025, powered by Crunchyroll, was an unforgettable gathering of creativity, passion, and craftsmanship! Held on February 1, 2025, at Musafir, Kaikhali, the event brought together cosplayers and enthusiasts from all walks of life.

The event was hosted by Saurabh Singh Rawat, Indian Cosplay Champion 2024 and founder of a renowned cosplay studio; Souvik Mitra, a Kolkata-based IT professional known for his tech-driven, interactive cosplay; and Pracheta Banerjee, an internationally acclaimed artist and cosplayer celebrated for her award-winning work in comics, animation, and cosplay.

The trio led an interactive session that inspired aspiring cosplayers in attendance. During the hands-on demonstration, they showed the audience how to create intricate costumes using simple materials such as foam, fabric, glue, and scissors. They aimed to prove that cosplay is accessible to everyone, even with basic supplies. Attendees were not only wowed by the simplicity of their hacks but were also thrilled by the encouragement and practical advice shared by our talented cosplayers.

The energy in the room was palpable as participants walked away with newfound confidence, ready to take their cosplay game to the next level at the upcoming first-ever Kolkata Comic Con!

Mumbai, 4th February 2025: Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles under the brands ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik’, has announced its entry into fleet operations and last-mile delivery mobility under its flagship brand, Joy e-bike. In collaboration with SpeedforcEV under the banner of Optimotion, the company deployed its first batch of 100 electric two-wheelers in Hyderabad today. This strategic move marks a significant step toward providing sustainable, technology-driven solutions for delivery partners and fleet operators.

Unlike traditional fleet operations that focus solely on vehicle deployment, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited is introducing a first-of-its-kind holistic approach in India to ensure seamless operations for delivery partners. The initiative encompasses vehicle supply, 24/7 maintenance, spare parts availability, charging infrastructure, financing solutions, and insurance support—all provided through strategic partnerships. This integrated approach ensures zero downtime for fleet operators, maximizing vehicle uptime and optimizing revenue potential. Cashless Insurance services will be managed by Bluebells, financing by Mangalam Industrial Finance Limited, charging stations by Ampvolts Limited, and spare parts and maintenance by SpeedforcEV.

With an initial deployment for Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, Amazon, and BigBasket, the company plans to expand rapidly across major metropolitan cities beyond Hyderabad, including Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore and Surat.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, said: “This is a landmark moment for the Indian EV industry, as we are building endeavoring a complete end-to-end ecosystem to support fleet operations. Our partnership with SpeedforcEV for fleet operations, Mangalam Industrial Finance Limited, Mufin Green Finance, Bluebells Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd., Ampvolts Limited, and other key industry players ensures a hassle-free experience for businesses, maximizing uptime and revenue potential. We are targeting the deployment of 8,000 vehicles by March 2025, and scaling up to 50,000 vehicles by March 2026, reinforcing our commitment to driving EV adoption in the country. We are dedicated to revolutionizing last-mile mobility and fleet operations with innovative and sustainable solutions.”

This initiative represents a first-of-its-kind fully integrated smart mobility solution for fleet and logistics operations. Looking ahead, Wardwizard plans to extend its partnerships to B2B, B2C, and retail players, further strengthening its presence in the rapidly growing electric mobility sector.