The upcoming tracks of &TV shows Bheema, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai will entertain the audience and keep them glued to the screens. Talking about &TV’s Bheema track, Amit Bhardwaj, who plays Mewa in the show, says, “Kailasha Bua sends people from the asylum to take Dhaniya while Bheema is at school. Sensing something is wrong, Bheema rushes to rescue her in time. Meanwhile, Phulmatiya teams up with Kailasha Bua to frame Dhaniya, planning to send her away. However, Bheema’s aunt, Babita, arrives just in time to save Dhaniya. Bheema thanks Babita for her help.”

About &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan’s upcoming track, Yogesh Tripathi, who portrays Happu Singh, shares, “Happu (Yogesh Tripathi) dreams that he has been promoted. The next morning, he shares this dream with his family, but Malaika (Sonal Panwar) makes fun of it. Happu then discusses this with Beni (Vishwanath Chatterjee), who suggests an idea: create your case and solve it; this will ensure your promotion. Happu likes the idea and, with Beni’s help, sneaks into the Commissioner’s house and steals his wife’s necklace. However, just then, Happu receives a call from a blackmailer who says he has recorded a video of Happu stealing the necklace. Happu has no choice but to follow the blackmailer’s instructions, which creates tension and arguments in his family.” About &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’s upcoming track, Shubhangi Atre, who plays Angoori Bhabhi, shares, “Anita (Vidisha Srivastava) comes up with the idea of starting a winter clothing business. Tiwari (Rohitashv Gour) shows interest and agrees to invest in the business. It is decided that Vibhuti (Aasif Sheikh) and Chacha (Anup Upadhyay) will manage the stall. Initially, Vibhuti hesitates but eventually agrees. The next day, when the stock of winter clothes arrives, Vibhuti suggests that Chacha wear a trench coat to scare Angoori Bhabhi (ShuhangiAtre). He plans to intervene, scold at Chacha, and chase him away to appear heroic. Chacha follows the plan and scares Angoori by wearing a trench coat. However, Angoori gets so frightened that she is reminded of a childhood trauma. When Angoori regains consciousness, she starts tearing everyone’s winter clothes and attacks anyone wearing warm clothes. Everyone tries to figure out what has caused Angoori’s sudden change in behavior and begins avoiding her out of fear. The situation escalates to the point where the police announce that no one should pass through Angoori Bhabhi’s lane, and if anyone does, the police will not be held responsible. Meanwhile, a client comes to meet Anita, and Tiwari sneaks him into her house. However, Angoori sees them and ends up beating both the client and Tiwari mercilessly.”

Chandigarh, January 29, 2024: The Board of Directors of Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance), a leading provider of financial services in Emerging India, at its meeting held today, announced the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 (Q3FY25).

Standalone:

Key Points:

•  AUM (Business assets): ₹ 1,15,126 crores v/s ₹ 97,048 crores, YoY 19%á
•  Disbursement: ₹ 16,467 crores v/s ₹ 15,436 crores, YoY 7%á ; YoY 4% á for 9M FY25
• Total Income: ₹ 4,144 crores v/s ₹ 3,490 crores, YoY 19% á ; YoY 20% á for 9M FY25
•  While Market Share in Tractors was stable there was stiff competition in Passenger Vehicle, CV, and Used vehicle business
•  Asset quality: GS2+GS3 @ 10.2%. Stage-3 @3.9%. Credit Cost: 0.0% v/s 1.2% (Q3FY24)
•  Capital Adequacy healthy at 17.8%, Tier-1 Capital @ 15.1%. Provision coverage on Stage 3 loans is prudent at 50.1%. Total liquidity buffer comfortable at ₹ 9,322 crores

Operations: Q3 FY25

The company leveraged the buoyancy of the festive season demand in Q3 with disbursements of Rs. 16,467 crore reflecting a YoY growth of 7%. The disbursement for the first nine months stands at approximately Rs. 42,370 crore, which is 4% over the previous year. The gross assets under management increased by 19% compared to the previous year, reaching Rs. 1,15,126 crore.

The collection efficiency remained stable at 95%, consistent with the same quarter of the previous year. With a continued focus on maintaining underwriting standards and addressing early-stage delinquencies, asset quality remained steady. Stage 3 assets stood at 3.9%, versus 4.0% as of December 31, 2023, while Stage 2 assets were at 6.3%, compared to 6.0% on the same date. The company continued to maintain a comfortable liquidity position on its balance sheet, with a liquidity chest of over Rs. 9,322 crore.

CORE

Wheels Business:

During the third quarter of the year, the Company saw 5% YoY growth in disbursements for Wheels, while business assets grew by 18% YoY. Tractor financing segment disbursements grew by 24% YoY in Q3FY25. Mahindra Finance continues to be a leader in the tractor-financing segment and remains the top five NBFCs for financing three-wheelers, passenger vehicles (PVs), Used passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and small commercial vehicles (SCVs).

During the quarter, the company stabilized the operating model changes brought about in the previous quarter across the Centralized processing center (CPC), and the new retail branch structure. These changes will drive improvements on efficiency, standardization, controls, customer service, and cross-sell in the future.

NEW ENGINES

The company continues to expand into new categories beyond vehicle financing through a focus on SME lending, leasing, insurance, payments, and mortgages. The company is driving these new engines by broadening its product offering, improving its technology stack, strategic partnerships, data analytics, and equipping its workforce to meet customer requirements. The non-vehicle finance portfolio grew by 27% over the past year.

SME:

The company recognizes the growth potential within the MSME sector in India, with specific focus on the micro and small enterprises segment. During the quarter, this segment delivered a Disbursement growth of 60% YoY (9MFY25 YoY growth: 60%), which drove asset book expansion by 20% on a YoY basis and was at ₹ 5,464 crore as of December 31, 2024. The growth is driven through its secured product offering, Loan against property (LAP) which now

accounts for 42% of the overall SME assets. Asset quality remains strong, with stage-3 assets at 1.10% as of December end.

Leasing:

Leasing disbursement grew 51% YoY in Q3FY25 & 36% YoY in FY25 YTD. The company is working to increase customer engagement through dedicated Account Managers, customized portal & cross-sell. The business is also focusing on augmenting B2C subscription business with increased dealer & OEM tie-ups, and curated offerings for self-employed, professionals & salaried employees.

Insurance:

The company has increased its number of partners to nine leading insurance providers across life, non-life, and health categories with the objective of offering comprehensive insurance offering solutions to customers. The company continues to evaluate partnerships with Insurtech’s to improve the customer onboarding experience. As part of its commitment to be a responsible financial services provider, the company is training its employees as per regulatory guidelines on insurance cover selling.

Mortgage:

The company is in investment mode, and is currently focused on recruitment, infrastructure build out, and technology setup towards building up its mortgage capabilities.

Partnerships, Payments, and Fixed Deposits (FD):

During the quarter, the company inked a co-branded credit card partnership with RBL bank and was granted a TPAP license that will allow it to offer payment solutions to its customers. Mahindra Finance is one of the few deposits taking NBFCs and the company’s FDs are an attractive investment avenue, with an AAA rating from both CRISIL and India Ratings, reflecting the highest safety standards. The company has increased the contribution of FDs in its total borrowings from 8.6% on September 2024, to 9.2% on December 2024.

Mahindra Finance is advancing its digital transformation capabilities and integrating these technologies into its operations to enhance customer experiences, streamline loan processing, and reduce turnaround times. New and upgraded tech & digital solutions across loan journeys are being adopted which aims to deliver superior and seamless experience to customers, channel partners and employees.

Recognitions

Mahindra Finance received multiple recognitions during the quarter. The company was named among the best workplaces in the categories of ‘Top Rated Large Company’ and ‘Top Rated Financial Services Company’ at the AmbitionBox Employee Choice Awards 2024. It also won the ‘Best Learning & Development Program of the Year – NBFC/HFC/MFI’ for its Transformational Leadership Development Program at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024. Additionally, it was awarded ‘Best NBFC in Talent & Workforce’ at the Business Today Banking and Economy Summit 2025.

Ahmedabad, 27 January 2025: ACC Limited, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio today announced a steady financial performance during the third quarter and nine months (9M) of FY’25 ended December 31, 2024. The performance comes on the back of volume growth, cost optimization, and improved efficiency parameters.

Mr. Ajay Kapur, Whole Time Director & CEO, ACC Ltd, said, “Our Q3 results demonstrate our strategic focus on driving growth through higher volumes, cost optimization, and enhanced efficiencies. With strong demand for our premium cement products and our commitment to excellence on all parameters in line with our ESG leadership, we are leveraging innovation and sustainability to maintain our competitive edge and maximize stakeholder value. We are well-poised to achieve sustained profitability and capitalize on our strategic vision set forth for our business.”

Operational Highlights

•  The engines of efficiency drive, cost initiative, and investments to overhaul all plants have delivered phenomenal results on overall cost reduction and volume improvements.
•  All business KPIs like volumes, efficiencies, cost, and capex have shown healthy improvements, reinforcing the cost leadership journey.
•  Volume increased by 21% YoY supported by an increase in trade volumes and higher premium product volumes (11% YoY), ensuring market leadership.
•  Optimised Fuel Basket, with the use of low-cost imported petcoke improved linkage and captive coal consumption, and synergies with Group companies have resulted in a 10% reduction in Kiln fuel cost Rs. 1.86 to Rs. 1.68 per ’000 Kcal.
•  Thermal value reduced from 739 kCal to 732 kCal, expect further improvement in coming quarters.
•  Logistics costs reduced by 9% @Rs 939/ton, driven by efficiency improvement journey (Secondary lead reducing by 3 Km, direct dispatch up by 7 pp @51%). Through various freight negotiation initiatives, road PTPK has decreased by 6% YOY. This is going to be further reduced with the rollout of initiatives viz. wheeler rationalizations, BCFC rakes, etc.

Financial Highlights

•  Highest ever revenue in Q3 Series over last 5 years at Rs. 5,927 Cr, driven by higher trade sales volume (up by 11%) and premium product as % of trade sales at 32%.
•  Higher volume along with improved operational parameters resulted in growth in all business parameters.
•  Operating EBITDA at Rs. 1,116 Cr, EBITDA margin at 18.8%.
•  Cash & Cash equivalent at Rs. 2,526 Cr, with highest ever Net Worth at Rs. 17,816 Cr, up by Rs. 1,091 Cr during the current quarter
•  EPS (Diluted) at Rs. 58.0 during the quarter.

ESG Updates

•  200 MW Solar Power at Khavda started, will lead to reduction in power cost in upcoming quarters.
•  Committed to Net Zero by 2050, with ACC and Ambuja Cements being the only 2 cement companies in India undergoing Net Zero target validation from SBTi.
•  Became member of United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a global initiative to implement universal sustainability principles.
•  Undertaken noteworthy initiatives on renewable power, water conservation, circular economy, TSR, tree plantation along with high share of blended cement in product mix.
• Created societal value for over 1.22 lakhs people by contributing to fields like healthcare, education, employment, and sustainable livelihoods.
•  Range of innovative products, including ACC ECOMaxX, ACC AEROMaxX, and ACC Coolcrete, continues to expand, adding to the wide array of eco-friendly options.

Branding and Technical Services

•  Partnered with the Gujarat Giants in Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, one of India’s premier sports leagues.
•  ACC Certified Technology implemented at 37,214 customer sites, making their homes stronger.
•  Trained 10,300+ Contractors under various skill upgradation workshops with 3,300+ plant visits, aimed at deeper understanding of our products.
•  Launched thematic Ad films for Durga Puja and Diwali reflecting the festive fervour of our customers and partners.
•  Various knowledge sharing technical events conducted for 6,300+ construction professionals.

Digitalisation

•  Launched ‘RewardsConnect’, a rewards hub loyalty portal, enabling pan-India online reward point redemption for contractors.
•  Deployed OT Security Monitoring solution for real-time monitoring of OT systems strengthening cybersecurity.
•  Completed Asia’s largest legacy SAP upgrade to Suite on HANA.
•  Implemented Electronic Proof of Delivery system, improving invoicing efficiency and reducing processing/documentation cost.

Outlook

The cement sector experienced modest growth of 1.5-2% during H1 FY’25. Looking ahead, cement demand is expected to rebound in Q4 FY’25 as construction activity accelerates in the infrastructure and housing segments. The pro-infra and housing Budget 2025, along with increased government spending on infrastructure and construction activities, is anticipated to further support this growth. Cement demand is projected to grow in the range of 4-5% for FY’25.

Achievements

•  Gold at the Arogya World Healthy Workplace Awards 2024.
•  IconSWM-CE Excellence Award 2024 for excellence in co-processing and AFR.

MUMBAI, India—January 29, 2025—Prime Video today revealed that the Spanish Original young adult movie Culpa Tuya has taken the world by storm, becoming the most-watched International Original on Prime Video ever at launch. The sequel from Mercedes Ron’s best-selling Culpables book trilogy, Culpa Tuya, launched on Prime Video on December 27, 2024, in 240 countries and territories worldwide. At launch, Culpa Tuya, ranked number 1 title on Prime Video in over 170 countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Canada, Top 3 in the U.S. and U.K., and Top 10 in over 220 countries. It has now become the most-watched International Original movie or series on Prime Video globally at launch, with 90% of streams coming from viewers outside of Spain.

Prime Video also released the list of the Top 10 most-watched non-English language International Originals from 2024 that saw record-breaking viewership outside their country of origin. In 2024, some Prime Video International Originals debuted with international success, setting a new bar for viewership of international programming. Seven different countries feature in the Top 10 list of International Originals, reflecting the diverse viewing habits of Prime Video customers.

Top 10 Non-English Language International Originals on Prime Video in 2024 (based on performance outside their country of origin):

• Culpa Tuya (Movie, Spain, December 2024)
• Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (Movie, Spain, October 2024)
• Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (Series, Germany, May 2024)
• Citadel: Diana (Series, Italy, October 2024)
• Citadel: Honey Bunny (Series, India, November 2024)
• Red Queen (Series, Spain, February 2024)
• Marry My Husband (Series, Korea, January 2024)
• No Gain No Love (Series, Korea, August 2024)
• Betty La Fea, The Story Continues (Series, Colombia, August 2024)
• Like A Dragon: Yakuza (Series, Japan, October 2024)

*Ranking based on total viewing figures outside the country of origin in first 4-weeks of launch, with titles that launched in 2024

Most Popular Genres and Countries Bringing in International Audiences

Young adult is a leading genre generating huge audiences and fandoms. Culpa Tuya comes out top, with German Original, Maxton Hall: The World Between Us, based on the bestselling novel series Save Me by Mona Kasten following closely behind. Young adult, female skewing korean dramas (or ‘K-dramas’) like Marry My Husband and No Gain No Love also reach Top 10 in the charts. Younger demographics are increasingly consuming content across borders, regardless of its language or origin.

Spanish language Originals continue to drive big international audiences on Prime Video. Spanish Originals in the Top 10 list include young adult movie Culpa Tuya, post-apocalyptic action thriller film based on the successful book trilogy, Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End, series adaption of the hit thriller book trilogy Red Queen, and Colombian Original series following “Betty’s” iconic comeback Betty La Fea, The Story Continues.

Other stand outs include international stories from known brands, including action-packed, Italian Original spy series Citadel: Diana and Indian Original Citadel: Honey Bunny, both born from the world of Citadel, Prime Video’s Global Original series. As well as titles from known IP, including Japanese Original, Like A Dragon: Yakuza, the TV adaptation of SEGA’s iconic video game series.

“It’s been a landmark year for International Originals on Prime Video as we see customers increasingly watch international programming from inside and outside their country of origin,” said James Farrell, VP International Originals, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios. “Our International Originals strategy is built on the belief that great stories can come from anywhere and resonate everywhere, and the success we’re seeing across genres and regions encourages us to continue investing in locally-produced stories for a local and international audience.”

“We’re thrilled to see Culpa Tuya connect with viewers on such a huge global scale becoming our most-watched International Original ever at launch, and I’m delighted we’ll keep Culpables fans satisfied with more to come from the trilogy and author Mercedes Ron,” said María Contreras, Head of Movies & Scripted TV, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios. “The continued international success of Spanish Originals with Apocalypse Z and Red Queen joining Culpa Tuya in the Top 10 list, demonstrates the universal appeal of compelling storytelling, regardless of language or origin.”

International Originals Also Setting Local Prime Video Viewership Records

As well as travelling to international audiences, International Originals launched in 2024 broke records in the country they were produced in. Break out hits included Mirzapur, Season 3 (India), which was the most-watched show ever on Prime Video in India during its launch weekend; Oshi No Ko (Japan), which had the biggest first month performance for a Japanese Original ever in Japan; Who Killed Him? (Mexico), the most viewed title of all time in Mexico; The Park Maniac (Brazil), the most-watched Brazilian Original of all time; Nahir (Argentina), the most-viewed title in Argentina in its first month; Ourika (France), the most watched French Original scripted series in France; and Operación Triunfo (Spain), the most-watched local premiere and the Spanish Original that has driven the most sign-ups to Prime in the history of Prime Video in Spain, amongst others.

“Our goal has always been to produce International Originals which make an outsized impact with audiences in their home country first,” said James Farrell, VP International Originals, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios. “It’s great that our investment in fostering local talent, production and storytelling continues to connect with customers locally by breaking more viewership records in their country of origin in 2024.”

Coming in 2025 and Beyond

Prime Video will continue to invest in diverse, high-quality international programming that resonates with audiences locally and internationally. Seven out of the Top 10 list of International Originals will return for sequels, new seasons, or adaptations of known IP and brands in 2025 and beyond. Customers can look forward fan-favourite movies like Culpa Nuestra, and the UK adaptation of the first movie, My Fault: London, as well as more from Mercedes Ron with the first from the Dímelo book trilogy titled Tell Me Softly in English, and the sequel to Apocalypse Z. Returning seasons include Maxton Hall: The World Between Us, Red Queen, and Betty La Fea, The Story Continues. New titles include Newtopia (Korea), Superboys of Malegaon (India), Unburied (Mexico), Graduation Trip: Mallorca (Spain), and Costiera (Italy). All movies and series are available to Prime Video customers in 240 countries and territories worldwide, offering up to 34 subtitles and 18 dubbed language options.

Mumbai, January 28, 2025 – R R Kabel (RRK), one of the leading consumer electricals players with a strong presence in Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) has announced its Unaudited Financial Results for the quarter and nine months that ended on December 31, 2024.

 

 

Commenting on the Results, Mr. Shreegopal Kabra, MD said, – “RR Kabel has delivered its highest-ever revenues in 9M FY25, despite overall moderate volume growth in Wires & Cables business, while the FMEG segment recorded solid revenue performance, driven by robust volume growth and an improved product mix. Despite volatility in commodity prices, demand has remained fairly stable. Looking ahead, we expect margin improvements in the coming quarters. We continue to focus on our long-term vision of achieving double-digit EBITDA margins, breakeven in the FMEG segment, capacity expansion, and diversifying into newer and emerging market opportunities.”

29th Jan, Mumbai: Mr. Andre Eckholt, Managing Director of Hettich India, has been reappointed as Co-Chair of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Furniture Committee for 2025.

Established in April 2020, the FICCI Furniture Committee has been working towards addressing industry challenges and fostering collaboration between the Government, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The committee focuses on initiatives such as improving raw material availability, reducing logistics costs, increasing capacity utilization, and promoting the development of furniture hubs across the country.

Mr. Eckholt’s reappointment comes at a time when the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative is boosting the visibility and growth of the furniture sector.

Speaking about the role, he noted, “India’s furniture industry holds vast potential to compete on the global stage. We look forward to continuing the collaborative efforts needed to address industry challenges and position India as a leader in furniture manufacturing and exports.”

As a key industry player, Hettich India has supported the committee’s goals through its work in sustainability, skill development, and fostering ease of doing business – efforts that perfectly align with the committee’s vision for building a globally competitive furniture industry.

With a skilled labor force, abundant raw materials, and rising global demand, India’s furniture industry is well-poised to become one of the top three global players. The FICCI Furniture Committee, under the guidance of its leadership, aims to contribute meaningfully to this progress, supporting the industry’s self-reliance and export capabilities.

New Delhi, 29th January 2025: In a strategic move to advance senior health and wellness, Antara Senior Care, part of the $5 billion Max Group, has partnered with Wellbeing Nutrition, a pioneer and leader in nutraceutical innovation. The collaboration will leverage Antara’s deep understanding of senior health needs and Wellbeing Nutrition’s expertise in creating clinically accurate, evidence-based nutraceuticals to co-create products designed specifically for older adults. These products will address identified nutritional gaps, offering seniors and their caregivers easy access to high-quality, research-backed solutions through online and offline channels.

Nutritional deficiencies among older adults in India remain a pressing concern, with 27% of seniors aged 60 and above being underweight. Nearly 76% of seniors have low vitamin D levels, and over 42% suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to serious health complications like cognitive decline and weakened immunity. These figures highlight the critical need for targeted interventions that cater to the specific nutritional requirements of seniors.

“Antara’s AGEasy platform, a key initiative under its Assisted Care Services, will play a central role in distributing these products. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Antara’s mission to provide seniors with accessible, innovative care solutions, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in senior wellness. This partnership represents not only the convergence of two forward-thinking organizations but also a commitment to transforming the landscape of senior care in India. By addressing nutritional needs with precision and care, Antara and Wellbeing Nutrition aim to enable seniors to lead lives marked by vitality, dignity, and ease,” said Ishaan Khanna, CEO, of Antara Assisted Care Services.

He added, “By co-developing tailored products that bridge critical nutritional gaps, the collaboration is poised to set a new benchmark for senior wellness in India. Recognizing the need for a partner that shares our ethos and vision for senior wellness, we sought a collaboration that could complement our efforts. In Wellbeing Nutrition, we have found the perfect partner, one that combines innovation, scientific rigor, and clinically validated solutions tailored to seniors’ unique nutritional needs. Together, we aim to provide seniors with transformative products that empower them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Avnish Chhabria, Founder of Wellbeing Nutrition, said, “As seniors navigate evolving health challenges, their nutritional needs require targeted and thoughtful solutions. At Wellbeing Nutrition, we’ve spent the last three years dedicated to research and development to create clinically accurate, evidence-based solutions tailored for seniors. Our approach combines cutting-edge science with the best global ingredients to ensure that our products are both effective and safe. We recognize that seniors often face dual challenges of lifestyle-induced risks and core morbidities, which is why our solutions are meticulously crafted with rigorous scientific validation.”

He added, “This partnership with Antara enables us to extend our mission of enhancing overall well-being to a segment that deserves dedicated care. By addressing specific needs with products backed by robust clinical evidence, we aim to empower seniors to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Together with Antara, we’re not just filling nutritional gaps—we’re setting a new standard for senior wellness in India.”

New Delhi, January 28th, 2025: The Bird Education Society for Travel & Tourism (Bird Academy), a leader in career-oriented aviation training, skilling, and placements for over 27 years, is proud to announce that it has been accredited as an Aviation Security Training Institute (ASTI) by the Directorate General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. This prestigious accreditation authorizes Bird Academy to conduct BCAS-endorsed Aviation Security (AvSec) training programs, including:

•  AvSec Induction Training (5 Days)
•  AvSec Basic Training (14 Days)
•  AvSec Basic Refresher Training (3 Days)

Conducted as per the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP 2024), these programs are designed to prepare aviation security personnel with critical skills, ensuring the highest industry standards.

Mr. R.N. Choubey, IAS (Retd. Secretary, Civil Aviation) congratulated Team Bird Academy through a video message and said, “The launch of ASTI marks a significant milestone, not just for Bird Group but for the entire aviation security ecosystem in India. Known for their unmatched standards in the aviation sector, the Bird Group is now poised to set new benchmarks in training and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Radha Bhatia and her dedicated team, I am confident that ASTI, Bird Academy will not only stand out as a center of excellence but will soon rise to be the premier aviation security training institute in the country, serving as a model for others to emulate. This initiative will undoubtedly strengthen our nation’s aviation security framework and inspire a new era of professional excellence.”

Mr. M.T. Baig, Senior Advisor, Aviation Security, Bird Group inspired the batch of students to present there with his experiences and shared that nowadays private security agencies are being deployed at the airports to perform non-core aviation security functions and access control duties at the entry point of the airports as well as check-in area. Hence, these personnel are required to undergo certain AVSEC training approved by regulatory authorities, who can be trained at this state-of-the-art facility.

Mr. Syed Sarosh Khushbakht, Sr. Manager-Head-ASTI, Bird Academy, and Ms. Vineetha G., Manager – Training, Bird Academy shared the pride of having the ASTI accreditation as a new feather in the cap and said that this will align with the vision of BESTT of creating deeper synergies with global aviation.

On this occasion, Mrs. Radha Bhatia, the visionary Chairperson of Bird Group said, “Since the last 5 decades Bird Group has stayed deeply entrenched and committed towards the progress of the Indian aviation and travel industry. Bird Academy has served on the frontlines for more than 27 years by offering meaningful, gainful education and skilling, as a result of which thousands of its alumni are today successful professionals who are further contributing towards the industry’s growth. In the aviation industry, security is of paramount importance. The ASTI center, Bird Academy is indeed a promise of excellence for the future of aviation. We are immensely grateful to BCAS for their invaluable trust in us and this accreditation. It makes us want to soar even higher as the burgeoning industry grows.”

Benefits of Accreditation:

•  Delivering BCAS recognized AVSEC (Aviation Security) training for a secure aviation ecosystem.
•  Bridging skill gaps in aviation security and empowering professionals.
•  Providing accessible, high-quality security training to aviation personnel.
•  Offering joint certification with BCAS certified credentials for greater employability.

Bird Academy (BESTT), the educational division of the esteemed Bird Group, boasts of decades of excellence in aviation training and skill development. Recognized for its industry-aligned programs and outstanding placement record, it has established itself as a trusted leader in aviation, travel, and tourism education. The addition of BCAS-accredited ASTI training to Bird Academy’s portfolio marks a significant step in its commitment to delivering high-quality training. This inclusion ensures the provision of mandatory aviation security training to relevant professionals, further strengthening its mission to uphold industry standards and enhance professional competencies.

Jaipur, 28th January 2025:IIHMR University, a leading health management research university, successfully conducted an Orientation Program for the National Service Scheme (NSS). The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 60 volunteers who pledged to dedicate their time and energy toward NSS activities. These initiatives include community service projects aimed at strengthening the fabric of the nation through impactful grassroots work.

The event was graced by Shri S.P. Bhatnagar, Regional Director of NSS, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, as the keynote speaker. He provided an insightful orientation to the NSS volunteers, emphasizing the core objectives and functioning of the NSS and its pivotal role in fostering nation-building and the personal development of India’s youth. Shri Bhatnagar also highlighted the profound meaning of the NSS motto, “Not Me But You,” underscoring the spirit of selfless service.

Dr. PR Sodani, President, of IIHMR University, inspired the volunteers to contribute wholeheartedly to nation-building through community service, and shared, “At IIHMR University, we firmly believe in empowering youth to lead transformative change through selfless community service. The National Service Scheme is a powerful platform that instills a sense of responsibility, compassion, and leadership among students. By working with marginalized communities, our volunteers will not only contribute to building a stronger nation but also enrich their personal growth through meaningful experiences. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.”

As part of the event, nine students were felicitated for their outstanding contributions in competitions such as quizzes, e-poster designs, and reels conducted on the 150th Birth Anniversary of Shri SardarVallabhbhai Patel and Constitutional Day.

28th January 2025: As India eagerly anticipates the Union Budget 2025, industry leaders across the food and beverage, startup, beauty, and sustainable luxury sectors share their expectations and key recommendations for policy reforms that could drive growth and innovation. Addressing sector-specific challenges and introducing progressive measures will be pivotal in shaping a resilient and forward-looking business environment.

By – Mr. Ganesh Sonawane, Founder and CEO of Frido

 “India’s startup ecosystem is a thriving hub of innovation, and we hope that the Union Budget 2025 reflects its potential. Startups, particularly those focusing on health-focused innovations, stand to benefit greatly from policies that streamline GST processes, introduce R&D tax incentives, and provide easier access to funding could ignite a wave of innovation, empowering manufacturers and startups to meet the increasing demand for wellness products. Encouraging startups to scale manufacturing for global markets will also be crucial in reinforcing the Make in India for the World initiative. With the right support, entrepreneurs can position India as a global hub for wellness and ergonomic solutions, showcasing the country’s ingenuity and innovation on the world stage.”

By – Aji Nair, CEO at Mirah Hospitality

“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, the F&B sector looks forward to measures that address key challenges such as rising food inflation, operational costs, and the intricate tax structures on alcohol and aerated beverages that impact profitability. A progressive framework that fosters innovation, simplifies policies and enables sustainable growth will be pivotal for the industry’s success.

The restaurant sector specifically urges the restoration of the GST Input Tax Credit, which would significantly ease operational expenses and enhance efficiency.
Additionally, revisiting the GST notification on commercial leases under the Reverse Charge Mechanism is essential to reduce financial burdens. With these steps, the sector can focus on innovation, customer experiences, and long-term growth.”

By – Shrishti Yadav and Shubham Godara, Co-founders at SCINQ Neurocosmetics

 “We are optimistic that the 2025 Union Budget will address critical areas like streamlining the GST framework to reduce complexities, particularly for the beauty and skincare industry, where multiple tax slabs create challenges. A more uniform and industry-friendly tax structure would ease operations and lower costs, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Support for the retail and e-commerce sectors through industry-friendly policies would further encourage growth and innovation, creating a more dynamic marketplace. These steps can help Indian beauty and skincare space to reach a broader audience and contribute to the overall growth of the economy.”

By – Ricky Vasandani, Co-founder and CEO of Solitario

 “As India increasingly embraces sustainable luxury, this year’s Union Budget presents a valuable opportunity to encourage eco-conscious consumption. By fostering an environment that supports sustainable businesses and innovation, particularly in sectors like lab-grown diamonds, we can create a thriving ecosystem for luxury brands. Simplified regulations and forward-thinking policies will enable brands to flourish in an evolving market, helping India strengthen its position as a leader in environmentally responsible luxury while promoting a new era of conscious consumerism.”