By Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO, Ageas Federal Life Insurance

Life Insurance 2025 – Exploring New Frontiers

As we reflect on the transformative journey of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, we are heartened by the steady growth of the Indian life insurance sector. With an 11% CAGR over the past three years, the industry has reached premiums of $107 billion, cementing its crucial role in driving financial security and inclusion.

The Assets Under Management (AUM) of the insurance industry forms a formidable part of the Indian financial markets, highlighting its significant contribution to capital formation and economic stability. Beyond its economic impact, insurance plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of society at large by fostering resilience and safeguarding livelihoods.

Despite global economic uncertainties, the sector has shown remarkable resilience by embracing technology and innovative distribution models to cater to a digitally savvy population. Looking forward, we anticipate the sector will continue to grow at 11% to 13%, fuelled by GDP expansion, urbanization, and a rising demand for savings and protection products.

To further accelerate this growth and move towards the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ we urge focusing on key reforms in the upcoming Budget:

Tax Relief for Annuity Plans:
With the retirement savings gap projected to reach $85 trillion by 2050, simplifying or removing taxes on annuity and pension products, including those under the National Pension System (NPS), will encourage greater participation in retirement planning. Extending the ₹50,000 tax exemption for NPS contributions to annuities and pensions will help millions secure post-retirement income.

Enhanced Tax Benefits for Life and Health Insurance:
Many Indian families still face financial vulnerability in case of an untimely loss of a breadwinner. Offering a separate limit for deductions under Section 80C for insurance premiums will make insurance more accessible and attractive, helping bridge the coverage gap.

GST Reforms for Greater Access:
Revising the GST on term life insurance policies will reduce the cost of essential protection plans. A ‘zero rating’ for schemes like Pradhanmantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, smaller policies (up to ₹2 lakh), and annuity products for NPS subscribers will expand access to insurance, ensuring inclusivity and sustaining growth.

Universal Digital Insurance Accounts:
Establishing a government-backed Digital Insurance Repository System to store and manage all insurance policies on a single platform can simplify claims processing and policy management, improving transparency and trust.

Retirement Security Bonds:
Introducing long-term Retirement Security Bonds that combine insurance and guaranteed returns, will encourage long-term savings with tax-free maturity benefits.

Flexible Microinsurance Framework:
Implementing flexible microinsurance guidelines will encourage insurers to design products for underserved rural areas and informal sectors, supported by targeted government subsidies.

Incentives for InsurTech Innovation:
Providing fiscal benefits to companies investing in InsurTech startups and AI-driven solutions will modernize underwriting, claims, and risk management systems.

Public-Private Partnerships for Insurance Awareness:
Allocating funds to promote insurance literacy through joint campaigns involving the government and insurers, especially targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

In 2024, Ageas Federal Life Insurance demonstrated its commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions through innovative initiatives such as the launch of the MAGIC Savings Plan, Golden Years Plus Plan (GYPP), and strategic partnerships like our association with PhonePe. These efforts were further complemented by grassroots initiatives like Bima Vahak and Bima Vistaar, along with the digital platform Bima Sugam, underscoring the company’s focus on customer-centricity and financial inclusion. We remain agile in adapting to regulatory changes to ensure the success of these efforts. As we reflect on the past year’s achievements and challenges, these milestones inspire us to move towards a future where insurance is not just a transaction but a vital component of financial well-being for all, making a meaningful impact on lives.

New Delhi, 30th January 2025: Raymond Lifestyle Limited today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 31st December 2024.

Amidst weak consumer demand and subdued sentiments, Raymond Lifestyle Limited reported a decent quarterly performance in Q3 FY25 with a total income of ₹ 1,796 Cr. EBITDA stood at ₹ 221 Cr in Q3 FY25 with an EBITDA margin of 12.3% during these challenging market conditions. Additionally, we have reclaimed our net debt-free status, which had gone into borrowing in the previous two quarters. Our primary objective remains to establish a long-term sustainable business, by continued investments in our retail store expansion, product innovation, and marketing.

Commenting on the performance, Sunil Kataria, Managing Director of Raymond Lifestyle Limited said; “Q3FY25 continued to be a challenging quarter for our business. Despite weaker market conditions, our efforts have resulted in low single-digit revenue growth. Our continued focus on retail expansion led to the opening of 135 new stores during the current financial year, reaching a total of 1,653 stores including 143 stores in Ethnix by Raymond. During the quarter we have expanded into the Innerwear Category by launching Park Avenue Innerwear, which has received positive feedback from the trade channel. Our focus remains on our strategy to build a long-term sustainable and profitable business.”

Q3 FY25 Segmental Performance (Post IND AS 116)

Branded Textile segment revenue declined by 6% to ₹ 856 Cr in Q3 FY25 vs ₹ 909 Cr in Q3 FY24 predominantly on account of weaker consumer demand. EBITDA margins at 18.0% were impacted due to scale deleverage.

Branded Apparel segment revenue stood at ₹ 458 Cr in Q3 FY25 as compared to ₹ 437 Cr in the same quarter last year. The performance was on account of the new range of product launches during challenging market conditions and muted consumer demand. The segment reported an EBITDA margin of 9.6%, impacted by upfront investments in retail store expansion.

During the quarter we have opened 61 new stores including 14 ‘Ethnix by Raymond’ stores. The total retail store network now stands at 1,653 stores as of 31st December 2024.

The garment segment reported revenue at ₹ 309 Cr in Q3 FY25 as compared to ₹ 261 Cr in the same quarter the previous year. EBITDA margin for the quarter was 7.8%, impacted on account of adverse sales mix, higher freight costs, and additional cost of training of manpower for the new lines within our manufacturing facilities.

High-Value Cotton Shirting segment reported revenue of ₹ 201 Cr in Q3 FY25 as compared to ₹214 Cr in Q3FY24, lower on account of weak consumer demand. The segment reported an EBITDA margin of 10.3% due to scale deleverage.

National, January 30, 2025: Shriram General Insurance (SGIC) has launched its first-ever indemnity health insurance plan – Shri Health Suraksha Insurance, designed to cover a wide variety of treatments, including modern procedures and AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), offering flexible options to meet the insured’s diverse healthcare needs. The new offering provides nationwide coverage, allowing access to cashless treatments at over 13,000 network hospitals with a range of options enabling individuals to choose a plan suitable to their needs.

Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO, of Shriram General Insurance Company, says, “Apart from being emotionally depleting, health emergencies or conditions can drain your finances. Shri Health Suraksha offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable premium with easy-to-understand terms, safeguarding one’s finances against any untoward medical emergencies. It enables the customer to provide medical treatment to their loved ones, unhindered by any financial challenges. We have priced premiums competitively for a family floater plan. The offering aligns with our vision to allow every Indian to access comprehensive and quality medical care.”

Key features of Shri Health Suraksha Insurance:

• Coverage for a wide variety of treatments, including modern procedures and AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) for greater flexibility and versatility.
• Nationwide access to cashless treatments across over 13,000 network hospitals.
• Multiple sum-insured options to suit individual needs.
• The policy is available as individual coverage or as a family cover, with coverage for children aged 3 months or above, and parents and in-laws.
• Coverage for a wide range of hospitalization costs, including room charges, ICU fees, doctor and surgeon’s fees, blood and oxygen costs, and more.
• Comprehensive coverage for long-term hospitalization, including pre and post-hospitalization expenses and ambulance costs, besides daycare procedures involving anesthesia.
• Increase in the sum insured in the of form a cumulative bonus on every claim-free year.
• Grace period of 15/30 days as per the mode of premium installment to maintain continuity benefit on a waiting period.
• Yearly policy term with the option of annual renewal.

Shriram General Insurance has been writing benefit-based health insurance products such as the Shri Criticare Policy, which provides a lump-sum payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specified critical illness or medical condition. In the event of a health emergency, it covers 22 critical diseases including cancer, open heart surgery, permanent paralysis of limbs, loss of speech, blindness, major head trauma, and more.

When there is required due to a medical emergency, the daily expenses often exceed the coverage provided by the health insurance policy. SGIC’s Shri Hospital Daily Cash Benefit helps address these daily cash needs during the hospitalization period.

Modern home lifts are no longer just functional utilities; they’ve evolved into integral components of contemporary architecture. With advancements in surface customization, today’s home lifts from companies like Nibav Lifts offer superior finishes such as hydro-dipped textures, leather wrapping, and carbon fiber coatings. These innovative technologies elevate lifts from purely functional devices to design elements that add value and sophistication to your home. Here’s why:

1. Precision-engineered customizable Surface Finishes
   Modern lifts employ technologies like powder coating and hydro-dipping to achieve seamless application of patterns such as wood grain or metallic effects. These finishes are precision-engineered for durability, ensuring they maintain their aesthetic appeal while resisting wear and fading. The ability to tailor surfaces to match other interior elements ensures a cohesive aesthetic while meeting rigorous engineering standards.
2.  Enhanced Durability and Longevity
   Home lifts today are designed to withstand demanding conditions while retaining their finish quality. Advanced materials and processes, like UV-resistant coatings and wear-resistant surfaces, ensure that the lift remains functional and visually appealing over the long term.
3.  Blending Functionality with Design
   A high-quality home lift doesn’t compromise on either functionality or aesthetics. Smooth, silent operations paired with customizable finishes ensure that lifts integrate seamlessly into residential layouts. They enhance accessibility while maintaining a sophisticated, high-performance appearance.
4.  Architectural Impact
   With the ability to incorporate advanced surface finishes, a home lift becomes a striking architectural feature. Whether placed in a central living area or an entryway, its design can complement or elevate the overall interior theme, making it a standout element in the home.
5.  Staying Ahead with Modern Lighting in Home Lifts
   Investing in a home lift equipped with advanced LED lighting options ensures your space remains stylish and adaptable to future design trends. LED lighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides functional benefits like energy efficiency and customizable ambiance. Modern lifts now offer a range of LED color options, allowing homeowners to personalize the lighting to match changing interior aesthetics or set a specific mood. These lights can be adjusted to complement seasonal decor, special occasions, or even specific times of the day, adding a dynamic touch to your living space.

Conclusion
Home lifts are no longer confined to basic functionality; they are now key contributors to modern interior design. Technologies such as hydro-dipping, leather wrapping, and carbon fiber finishing offer homeowners the opportunity to combine practicality with cutting-edge style. By investing in a home lift that incorporates these advanced finishes, you enhance both the usability and visual appeal of your home, creating a solution that is as durable as it is elegant.

The global baby care market has witnessed significant growth, with projections indicating that India’s Baby Care Product Market will reach USD 24.27 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 14.35%. A key factor driving this surge is the increasing disposable income of middle and upper-middle-class families, alongside the changing priorities of millennial and Gen Z parents. Today, parents are not just looking for functionality—they are seeking products that offer premium quality, and sustainability, and reflect their ethical values.

This demand for premium baby products is reflected in the rise of brands that combine luxury with eco-conscious craftsmanship. The Baby Trunk, a leading luxury baby essentials brand, is setting a benchmark in this sector by offering sustainable, handcrafted, and organic products. The Baby Trunk’s latest product lineup includes:

Dreamland Reversible Quilts: Designed for children aged 5 and above, these quilts are hand-painted on GOTS-certified organic Egyptian cotton, offering a blend of comfort and imaginative design.

Mascot Collection: A charming range of plush companions crafted from natural materials, offering comfort and joy while promoting sustainability.

Plush Co-Ord Sets: Made from breathable, natural fabrics, these velour sets keep babies warm and stylish, with playful prints that resonate with modern parenting.

The Baby Trunk is not just meeting market demand but also addressing the rising consumer concern for the environment. Their products are free from harmful chemicals and made using sustainable practices, contributing to a healthier world for future generations. By prioritizing eco-conscious materials, fair trade craftsmanship, and minimalistic packaging, The Baby Trunk is aligning with the growing consumer preference for responsible luxury.

With India’s upper-middle class expected to make up more than 50% of overall consumption by 2030, the luxury baby product market is set for further expansion. Brands like The Baby Trunk are well-positioned to cater to this underserved segment, offering families a combination of style, comfort, and sustainability.

We would be delighted to discuss how The Baby Trunk is contributing to this booming market and the rising demand for luxurious, eco-friendly baby products. Please let us know if you’d like to explore this growing sector and the exciting opportunities it holds for both brands and consumers.

BENGALURU, INDIA – January 30, 2025 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that customers can pre-order its latest Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 smartphones that set a new standard as a true AI companion with Samsung’s most natural and context-aware mobile experiences ever created.

Galaxy S25 series represents the first step in Samsung’s vision to change the way users interact at every touchpoint by seamlessly integrating AI agents and multimodal capabilities. A first-of-its-kind customized Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset delivers greater on-device processing power for Galaxy AI and superior camera range and control with Galaxy’s next-gen ProVisual Engine.

“Samsung unveiled the era of mobile AI with the launch of Galaxy AI last year. We are now opening the next chapter of Galaxy Al with the Galaxy S25 series, your true AI companion. Galaxy S25 series brings you the most context-aware, personalized AI yet so that you can receive tailored, actionable insights with personal privacy. I am happy to share that the new Galaxy S25 series will be manufactured at our Noida factory,” said JB Park, President and CEO, of Samsung Southwest Asia.

Galaxy S25 series is the first smartphone series that comes with One UI 7, Samsung’s AI-first platform that is designed to provide the most intuitive controls, enabling AI-powered personalized mobile experiences. AI agents with multimodal capabilities enable the Galaxy S25 series to interpret text, speech, images, and videos for interactions that feel natural. With the Galaxy S25 series, you can also perform actionable searches with context-aware suggestions for the next steps. Plus, it is frictionless to switch between apps for quick follow-up actions, like sharing a GIF or saving event details. These smartphones also represent a breakthrough in natural language understanding, making everyday interactions easier. Simply ask and intuitively find a specific photo in Samsung Gallery or adjust the size of display fonts in settings.

Just press and hold the side button to activate Gemini and perform seamless interaction across Samsung and Google apps, plus third-party apps such as Spotify. For example, find your favorite sports team’s season schedule and add it to Samsung Calendar – with a single command.

The Galaxy S25 series brings a range of upgrades to Galaxy AI’s popular tools for communication, productivity, and creativity. Google’s Circle to Search now quickly recognizes phone numbers, emails, and URLs on your screen. Your calls are organized with a Call Transcript and summary. With Writing Assist, you can summarize content or automatically format notes. Drawing Assist unlocks fresh ways to bring ideas to life through combinations of sketches, text, or image prompts.

The 

Galaxy S25 series comes with a Personal Data Engine for personalized AI features by safely analyzing your data on-device to deliver highly tailored experiences that reflect your preferences and usage patterns. These insights enable tailored experiences such as searching for an old photo in the Gallery using natural language or being guided through the day with Now Brief, which proactively offers suggestions accessible via Now Bar8 on the lock screen.

All personalized data is kept private and secured by Knox Vault. Galaxy S25 also introduces post-quantum cryptography, safeguarding personal data against emerging threats that could increase as quantum computing evolves.

Galaxy S25 Series is the Most Powerful Galaxy

Galaxy S25 series is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy – the most powerful processor ever on Galaxy S series, delivering a performance boost of 40% in NPU, 37% in CPU and 30% in GPU compared to the previous generation. ProScaler helps to achieve a 40% improvement in display image scaling quality, while incorporating custom technology with Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) embedded within the processor using Galaxy IP to enable greater display power efficiency. The Vulkan Engine and improved Ray Tracing makes for smoother and more realistic mobile gaming.

All intense device usage and AI processing run smoothly thanks to changed heat dissipation structure with a 40% larger vapor chamber and a tailored thermal interface material (TIM) that delivers extra improvement in thermal efficiency.

Galaxy S25 Series Unleashes Truly Pro Creation

Galaxy S25 series delivers ultra-detailed shots at every range with high resolution sensors and ProVisual Engine, setting a new standard for mobile photography. With a new 50MP ultrawide camera sensor upgraded from the previous 12MP, Galaxy S25 Ultra provides exceptional clarity and vibrancy. 10-bit HDR recording is now applied by default, offering four times richer colour expression compared to 8-bit. These smartphones can thus capture details in any lighting conditions. Plus, low-light videos have never been clearer than with Galaxy S25 series.

Galaxy S25 Series comes with Audio Eraser to remove unwanted noise in videos. For a DSLR-like experience on mobile, these phones provide depth-of-field control with Virtual Aperture, integrated in to the popular Expert RAW. Galaxy S25 series also elevates cinematic creativity with Galaxy Log, enabling precise colour grading options for more professional video production.

Portrait Studio has also been enhanced, allowing users to create personalized avatars with more true-to-life facial expressions. Filters introduces new analog-style filters, delivering film-like aesthetic for their photos and videos.

Durable Design

Galaxy S25 Ultra is the slimmest, lightest and most durable Galaxy S series yet. It features durable titanium and the new Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2. Every external component of Galaxy S25+ and S25 now includes at least one recycled material, as their metal frame incorporates recycled armor aluminum for the first time. Combined with seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, Galaxy S25 series ensures a reliable and optimized performance over a longer lifespan.

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.