TVS Motor & Petronas Strengthen Partnership for Indian Motorsport
Bengaluru, March 13, 2025: TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker in the two and three-wheeler segment – has further strengthened its partnership with PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) to elevate the Indian motorsport landscape. Under this expanded alliance, PLI will continue to be the title sponsor of TVS Racing – the country’s first factory racing team – for the next three years, supporting the team’s participation in the Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC), Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), and Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC). This partnership reaffirms the shared commitment of two companies towards promoting motorsports in India while reinforcing PLI’s position in the country’s high-performance lubricants market.
PETRONAS has been the title sponsor of TVS Racing across the 2022-2023 season, complementing the team’s four-decade legacy in Indian motorsports. As part of this partnership, PLI will continue as the official supplier of after-market oils to TVSM’s extensive dealership network. The PETRONAS TVS TRU4 product range will offer premium semi and full synthetic lubricants designed for high-performance TVS motorcycles, further enhancing engine efficiency and longevity. This collaboration not only reinforces PLI’s footprint in India’s two-wheeler market but also aligns with TVS Racing’s commitment to innovation and excellence in motorsports.
Speaking on the partnership, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Racing is a pioneer of motorsports in India and has consistently secured more than 80% win rate across multiple formats of racing. This racing pedigree directly influences our Apache series, bringing race-derived performance and technology to our customers. With over four decades, TVS Racing has played a pivotal role in democratizing motorsports in India and nurturing world-class talent with its programs like the TVS One Make Championship. Strengthening our partnership with PLI underscores our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. Their cutting-edge technology and experience in premier racing events perfectly compliments our vision for the sport. PLI’s expertise in fluid technology, combined with our racing heritage, will continue to shape the future of two-wheeler racing in India.”
Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants India (Pvt) Ltd said, “Our collaboration with TVS Racing has been instrumental in demonstrating the synergy between high-performance lubricants and motorsport excellence. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in India’s dynamic two-wheeler market but also aligns with our broader energy ambitions in the country. Our motorsports legacy, combined with TVS Racing’s dominance in Indian motorsports for over 40 years, positions us to drive the sport forward. We are excited to support TVS Racing as we continue this journey together.”
TVS Racing continues to dominate national and international motorsports, with Aishwarya Pissay extending her winning streak at the Bajas Championship and the TVS Asia One Make Championship (OMC) concluding a successful third season with 15 racers from nine countries. On the national stage, the team secured Teams & Manufacturer titles in INMRC Pro Stock (165cc & 301-400cc), championships across all INRC categories, and strong podium finishes at the INSC. The 14th season of TVS Indian OMC also wrapped up successfully, featuring 50 of India’s top racing talents.
With its ‘Track to Road’ philosophy, TVS Racing continues to shape the TVS Apache series, integrating race-derived technology into high-performance motorcycles. The PETRONAS TVS Racing Team remains committed to pushing the boundaries of motorsports excellence, setting new benchmarks across key racing formats.
As TVS Racing and PLI strengthen their partnership, their shared expertise and vision will continue to inspire riders and motorsports enthusiasts, driving new milestones in two-wheeler racing.
Raffles Udaipur Welcomes Guests to a Grand Holi 2025 Experience
Finland Unveiled: A Stunning Summer Escape Beyond the Snow
New Delhi, 14 March 2025: Often associated with icy winters and the enchanting Northern Lights, Finland may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a summer holiday. However, beyond its snow-covered landscapes lies a hidden gem for travelers seeking a refreshing escape from the summer heat. With its pristine lakes, unspoiled wilderness, and the extraordinary phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, Finland transforms into an idyllic retreat during the warmer months.
Offering an ideal balance between relaxation and adventure, the country provides endless opportunities to embrace nature, explore cultural traditions, and enjoy long sunlit days. Here are five reasons why Finland is the perfect destination for a summer getaway.
Escape to a Lakeside Paradise
Finland’s summer offers an opportunity to retreat from urban life and immerse in nature’s tranquility. The Finnish tradition of spending time in lakeside cottages provides a serene escape, where fresh air and picturesque surroundings create a setting for relaxation. Renting a cabin by the lake allows visitors to experience this cultural hallmark, with activities such as swimming in pristine waters, rowing across scenic landscapes, and engaging in traditional fishing practices.
Chase the Midnight Sun
A defining feature of Finland’s summer is the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon where the sun remains above the horizon for an extended period. This occurrence, visible in regions within the Arctic Circle from May to August, bathes the landscape in a surreal glow. The phenomenon is particularly striking at elevated vantage points and is celebrated through cultural events such as the Sodankylä Midnight Sun Film Festival, which attracts renowned filmmakers and audiences from across the world.
Nature’s Playground Awaits
Finland is home to 40 national parks, each offering an opportunity to explore unspoiled wilderness. The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in Lapland, Oulanka National Park in Kuusamo, and Nuuksio National Park in Southern Finland are among the notable destinations. Visitors can enjoy hiking through dense forests, taking in panoramic views, and experiencing some of the world’s cleanest air and purest water. These parks provide a setting for both adventure and solitude.
Sun, Sand, and Seaside Bliss in Helsinki
Despite being primarily associated with its lakes and forests, Finland also offers appealing coastal retreats. Helsinki features a selection of picturesque beaches, such as Hietaniemi Beach, known for its sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere, and the tranquil Pihlajasaari Island with its historic villas and secluded beaches. Mustikkamaa provides a family-friendly environment, while the Allas Sea Pool offers a modern urban retreat with heated seawater pools in the heart of the city. These coastal locations present an alternative way to experience Finland’s summer charm.
With its distinctive natural phenomena, rich cultural traditions, and diverse landscapes, Finland stands out as an exceptional summer destination, easily accessible via regular direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki.
Analysis of IIP Growth by Jahnavi Prabhakar, Economist, BoB
By: Jahnavi Prabhakar, Economist, BoB.
Manufacturing sector made a remarkable recovery and pushed IIP growth higher in Jan’25. Stronger growth from mining sector provided much need support. Within use-based classification, output of primary goods, infrastructure and capital goods registered an uptick in Jan’25 against growth noted in Jan’24. Overall, on a FYTD basis, IIP growth weakened to 4.2% against 6% growth registered last year. Despite the moderation, we expect growth in Q4 to fare better amidst the pickup in investment activity with thrust on capex and policy continuity by RBI. However, escalated concerns surrounding global tariff war poses as headwinds to exports and requires careful monitoring.
IIP growth expands: IIP growth rose to 5% in Jan’25 compared with a growth of 4.2% in Jan’24. This was much higherthan our estimate of 3% increase. The improvement was led by manufacturing sector which expanded to 5.5% in Jan’25 (3.6% in Jan’24). Mining sector growth decelerated to 4.4% against a growth of 6.6% last year. Electricity output also moderated down to 2.4% (3-month low) compared with a growth of 5.6% in Jan’24. On a FYTD basis, IIP growth eased to 4.2% (6% growth last year) and registered much slower growth across the board. Mining and manufacturing growth eased down to 3.4% (from 8.3%) and 4.2% (5.5% last year) respectively in FYTD’25. Even electricity growth turned out to be slower at 5.1% against 6.8% growth noted last year for the same period.
Within manufacturing, out of 23 sub-sectors, 13 of them resulted in stronger growth in Jan’25. These included, manufacture of other transport equipment, pharma, other non-metallic minerals, coke & refined products, food products and motor vehicles amongst a few. Notably, only 10 sectors have recorded weaker growth during this period including, manufacture of electrical equipment, wood products, machinery equipment, printing and leather products.
Primary good strengthens: Within use-based classification, primary good outshined and registered a growth of 5.5% (6-month high) against a growth of 2.9% in Jan’24. Infrastructure and construction good output registered higher growth of 7% in Jan’25 (5.5% in Jan’24). This was led by improvement in cement output. Output of Capital goods edged up, registering a growth of 7.8% in Jan’25 compared with 3.2% growth in Jan’24. On the other hand, FMCG output contracted to (-) 0.2% in Jan’25 compared with a 0.3% increase in Jan’24. Marginally slower growth was noted for intermediate goods at 5.2% in Jan’25 compared with a growth of 5.3% last year for the same period. Moreover, consumer durable output softened to 7.2% in Jan’25 from 11.6% growth in Jan’24.
Way forward: Industrial production is expected to grow at a stronger pace in Q4 with support from government capex which is expected to pick up further pace. RBI tinkering with policy rates will also bodes well for the economy. However, there are downside risk pertaining to the external sector amidst the enveloping threat of tariff war.
Lulu Mall Secures Shoppers’ Trust with Safety Week Initiatives
Lucknow, March 14, 2025: Lulu Mall, the city’s premier shopping destination, successfully hosted “Safety Week” from March 4th to March 10th. The event highlighted various aspects of safety, including road safety, electrical safety, escalator and elevator safety, chemical handling safety, emergency preparedness, and fire and life safety. A special fire and life safety quiz competition was also organized as part of the week-long activities.
The event was graced by the presence of Chief Fire Officer Mr. Mangesh Kumar and PGI Fire Officer Mr. Mamchand Badgujar, who emphasized the importance of safety and encouraged participants to stay vigilant in their day-to-day lives.
On this occasion, Mr. Sameer Verma, General Manager of Lulu Mall, shared his thoughts and said, “The safety of our lives should always be our top priority, be it road safety, fire safety, or any other form of safety. Lulu Mall not only offers entertainment and shopping but also prioritizes the safety and well-being of its customers, and it will continue to do so in the future.”
World Kidney Day 2025 Early Detection Saves Lives
Mumbai- “Are Your Kidneys OK?” is the theme of World Kidney Day 2025, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about kidney health and the importance of early detection and prevention. Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining fluid balance. However, kidney disease often develops silently, with no noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Early screening and proactive care are essential to protecting kidney health and preventing serious complications. On the occasion of World Kidney Day, Dr. Amit Jain, Nephrologist at Apex Group of Hospitals, highlights the silent yet serious threat of kidney disease, affecting millions worldwide. Often undiagnosed until advanced stages, kidney disease can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.
“Kidney disease is often called a ‘silent killer’ because it progresses without noticeable symptoms. Many people remain unaware of their condition until it reaches a critical stage,” says Dr. Amit Jain. “However, with routine screenings and timely intervention, kidney disease can often be slowed or prevented.”
He further added,. Millions of people worldwide are at risk, yet many remain unaware until they face severe complications. Early detection and timely intervention are key to preventing kidney disease and managing existing conditions effectively. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. When they fail, harmful toxins build up in the body, leading to serious health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, and even kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation. However, with routine screenings and proactive care, kidney disease can often be slowed or prevented.
This year’s World Kidney Day emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis in preventing kidney disease and maintaining kidney health. Kidney ailments often develop silently, without clear symptoms, making early detection essential for effective treatment and intervention.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain individuals face a higher risk of kidney disease, including those with:
✔ Diabetes (the leading cause of kidney failure)
✔ High blood pressure (damages kidney blood vessels)
✔ A family history of kidney disease
✔ Heart disease or obesity
✔ Chronic use of painkillers or nephrotoxic drugs
Apex Group of Hospitals remains dedicated to fostering a culture of care, inclusivity, and excellence in healthcare. Apex Group of Hospitals is a trusted chain of healthcare facilities, managed and operated by expert medical professionals with over 25 years of experience. With a capacity of 350+ beds, Apex Hospitals is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Our hospitals are strategically located in Borivali, Kandivali, and Mulund, ensuring
Poonawalla Fincorp Expands Portfolio, Introduces Education Loans up to INR 3 Crore
Chandigarh, March 14, 2025 – Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Cyrus Poonawalla Group promoted NBFC arm focused on Consumer & MSME Lending, has launched an education loan business focusing on students pursuing higher education in international universities. The offering aims at providing faster turnaround time and quick sanctions to deliver a hassle-free experience. As part of this launch, the company has also announced an industry-first initiative of providing instant sanction for education loans. This seamless, technology-driven financing experience is available to both new and existing PFL customers.
Why This Matters for Students & Parents
· Loan up to INR 3 Crore with collateral: Covers tuition, living, travel, books, and insurance premiums for students and co-applicants, with hassle-free approvals
· Loan up to INR 1 Crore: Option available with zero collateral
· Instant Sanctions: An industry-first initiative for loan up to INR 75 Lakh, ensuring faster decision-making process
· Interest Rates: Offering competitive interest rates, making financing more accessible for all students planning to study in international universities
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arvind Kapil, Managing Director & CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp, said, “Education is the most powerful investment in the future, and finance should never be a barrier to ambition. With our education loan solutions, we are committed to empowering students to access world-class learning opportunities and build a brighter tomorrow.”
Tapping into a Growing Market
As an emerging economy, India’s emphasis on education and student aspirations has led to robust growth in the education loan segment. PFL identifies this as an attractive industry and aims to become a household name by partnering with families and focusing on a customer cohort aligned with its business model. The company has partnered with educational counsellors across India and has onboarded professionals from the industry to deliver need-based financial solutions and elevate customer experiences.
The launch of the education loan business is part of PFL’s strategic expansion plan to diversify its product offerings and deliver comprehensive financial solutions. The company recently launched the digital prime personal loan for salaried professionals.
PFL remains committed to a risk-first approach, delivering innovative solutions that address the current credit environment’s demand. It continues to focus on simplifying lending, creating customer delight, and enhancing experiences which are the company’s top priorities.
Holi Special: Enjoy Vibrant Colors Without Damaging Your Skin & Hair
March 13,2025:Holi is all about vibrant colors, joyous celebrations, and letting loose. But while your spirit soaks in the festivities, your skin and hair often take a hit—hello, dryness, irritation, and stubborn color stains! That’s why a solid pre- and post-Holi skincare routine is the secret to keeping your skin protected, nourished, and glowing long after the colors fade.
PRE HOLI
| Skin | Hair | |
| Protect | Nykaa Naturals Almond Cold Pressed Oil | Nykaa Hair Strengthening Onion & Fenugreek Oil |
| HYDRATE | Nykaa SKINRX 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Serum | Tresemme Gloss ultimate serum |
| Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre | ||
| PREVENT | Sulwhasoo UV Daily Essential Sunscreen | |
| Eucerin Oil Control Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel-Cream SPF50+ | ||
| LIP PROTECTION | Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Lip Mask |
POST HOLI
| Skin | Hair | |
| CLEANSE | Gunam Beauty Daily Liquid Exfoliant | Tresemme Silk Press Smoothing Shampoo |
| Gunam Beauty Gentle Foam Cleanser | Nykaa Hair Damage Repair Shampoo with Rice Water & Bamboo | |
| REPAIR | Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream | Tresemme Silk Press Sculpting Hair Mask |
| Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream | ||
| HYDRATE | Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask | Tresemme Lamellar Gloss Conditioner |
| Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream |
Colors of Love: Survey Shows Holi Connections Lead to Happily Ever After for Some
March 13,2025:Holi, the festival of colors, is now also a festival of connections. As the country gears up for celebrations, dating apps across India are seeing a surge in matches, interactions, and spontaneous meetups. India’s most popular dating app, QuackQuack, revealed that their new survey shows 2 in 7 matches formed around the festival turned into real-life connections. The app’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said, “Holi is all about embracing joy, which makes it an exciting time to begin something new. The new survey data shows that beyond flirting online and the festive spirit, many users are forming real relationships. We noticed that it happens often around auspicious days and group celebrations.”
The study was conducted by QuackQuack in the first week of March, with responses from more than 9500 users from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Participants varied between 20 and 35 and belonged to a range of professions, including IT, healthcare, sales and marketing, social media content creators, finance, and more.
Color-Coded Connection
Holi has always been the perfect backdrop for chemistry and connection, and this year, in the digital dating world, GenZ singles have come up with a fun and unique new trend- daters are deciding compatibility based on color choices. QuackQuack’s data shows more than 21% of matches initiated a conversation about “favorite gulal colors.” Daters between 20 and 26 revealed people who chose red, blue, and yellow were categorized in the easy-going category. The ones who picked purple, green, and pink were put in the complicated category. If two users picked the same color, it was considered a sign to continue the match and see where it goes! Ishita from Gurgaon said, “It’s nothing serious, just a cute way of finding your kind of people. The first category of people are ones who are happy with the basics, and the second category of people are more meticulous and specific. It was a fun little way of understanding and guessing each other’s personality.”
Bhaang bonds and Buddy system
QuackQuack revealed that Bhaang-fueled conversations have always been a Holi specialty, but this year, the interesting trend was how daters from Tier 1, 2, and 3 chose safety as their top priority. While over 3266 users from metros and suburbs disclosed starting a conversation with a stagnant match, they also revealed maintaining “the buddy system,” where their closest friends would monitor the conversation to keep an eye out for red flags and warning bells. Tanmay (27) from Varanasi shared, “I decided to finally send that first message to my online crush, and I had my best friends reviewing all my messages, making sure I wasn’t being inappropriate or “too out there” in any way.”
Pakka Pyar Vs. Gulaal ghosters
This Holi, QuackQuack’s female users explained how every festivity comes with its fair share of genuine connections and fleeting ones, too. While 9% of women revealed having met people who disappeared before the Holi colors could fade, and most of these were matches under 25, over 32% of women shared having met their perfect match and planning to meet IRL on Holi. Nimisha from Hampi said, “I met two people before Holi, one 25 and the other 29. I think the older ones are looking for serious connections while the younger men are still exploring. It’s perfectly fine, and importantly, I struck up a great conversation with my second match.”
Holi Safety Checks
While the festival of color is famous for carefree fun, QuackQuack users maintain strict Holi Safety Checks. 19% of men shared how their matches were insistent on public meetups and group events, and they also explained how that also takes off the pressure of a one-on-one setup. Sober Flirting was the trending word of the pre-Holi week.
Securing Memories in Every Hue: Must-Try Shots for Nikon Rangotsav
National, 13th March 2025 – Holi is more than just a festival—it’s an explosion of color, energy, and joy! From playful splashes of Gulaal to heartwarming family moments and the vibrant chaos of celebrations, every frame holds a story waiting to be captured. With the right Nikon camera and lens, you can transform these fleeting moments into stunning masterpieces. Whether you’re a beginner documenting Holi or a seasoned photographer looking to elevate your shots, Nikon’s cutting-edge cameras and lenses ensure every click is breathtaking. Get ready to capture the true essence of Holi like never before!
Holi is a festival of vibrant colours, laughter, and unforgettable moments, and your camera should be just as lively! The Nikon Z50II is the perfect companion for vloggers, creators, and live streamers, ensuring you capture every splash of colour and joyous celebration with stunning clarity. With a 20.9MP CMOS Sensor, it brings out Holi’s rich hues, while the EXPEED 7 Image Processor allows continuous shooting at 30 fps, so you never miss a moment. Its advanced autofocus system effortlessly tracks multiple subjects, making it ideal for capturing the fast-paced energy of the festival. For those looking to record the celebrations, 4K video at 60fps delivers smooth, high-quality footage, perfect for sharing your Holi stories. Plus, with 31 Picture Controls, you can add a creative touch to your images and videos. Compact and lightweight, the Nikon Z50II is easy to carry through the festive chaos, letting you focus on enjoying the celebrations while creating memories that last a lifetime. This Holi don’t just play with colours—capture the magic with Nikon!
Whether you’re a budding creator or a seasoned pro, let the Nikon Z50II bring your Holi celebrations to life! Capture the festival’s vibrant energy, dazzling colours, and joyful moments with stunning clarity, and make your Holi vlogs as lively and dynamic as the festival itself.
For videographers looking to capture the electrifying spirit of Holi, the Nikon Z6III is the ultimate creative companion. Featuring the world’s first-ever partially-stacked CMOS sensor and superior autofocus, this powerhouse camera ensures every colour, emotion, and joyful moment is brought to life with cinematic brilliance. Holi is a festival of vibrant hues and spontaneous celebrations, and the Z6III is designed to capture its energy in breathtaking clarity.
With 6K internal recording and 4K 120p slow-motion capabilities, every splash of colour and every candid expression is transformed into stunning visuals. Its fast and precise autofocus, including Eye-Detection AF, keeps subjects sharp amidst the lively chaos of Holi. Plus, with built-in N-Log, N-RAW, and 10-bit HLG support, videographers have incredible flexibility for professional-grade storytelling.
This Holi, let the Nikon Z6III turn your creative vision into visually immersive masterpieces that truly capture the festival’s magic like never before!
Paired with a Nikon Z series camera, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is the perfect companion to capture the vibrant energy of Holi in stunning clarity. Its fast f/1.4 aperture creates a large, dreamy bokeh that beautifully separates the subject from the riot of colours, making every shot feel immersive and dynamic. Designed to minimize chromatic aberration, this lens ensures that Holi’s dazzling hues are captured with absolute precision, free from colour fringing. Whether you’re freezing fast-paced action or capturing heartfelt portraits amidst a flurry of gulaal, the swift and accurate autofocus keeps your subject sharp, ensuring no magical moment of the festival is missed.
Whether you’re capturing the carefree laughter of friends drenched in colour or the intricate details of Holi rituals, this lens transforms every shot into a masterpiece. Let the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 bring your Holi memories to life with rich detail, vibrant hues, and an artistic depth that makes every frame unforgettable.
Videographers aiming to create immersive Holi videos will find the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens to be an invaluable tool. Designed with professional videographers in mind, this lens boasts smooth operation, comprehensive functionality, and convenient power zoom control. Versatile Zoom Range of 28-135mm focal length covers wide to medium telephoto shots, allowing for flexibility in framing various scenes during Holi. The constant f/4 aperture that provides consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, essential for professional-quality video. Power Zoom Control enables smooth and precise zooming, crucial for dynamic event coverage. Silent Operation that minimizes noise during focusing and zooming, ensuring clear audio capture.