Cube Highways Trust Announces Successful INR 600 Crore Bond Issuance
New Delhi, India, February 24, 2025: Cube Highways Trust (Cube InvIT) [NSE/BSE: CUBEINVIT/543899], managed by Cube Highways Fund Advisors Pvt. Ltd., has successfully concluded a ₹600 crore bond issuance arranged by Axis Bank Limited. The issuance saw participation from banks, insurance companies and development financial institutions. Cube InvIT’s Board approved the allotment of 60,000 Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) with a face value of ₹1 lakh each, aggregating to ₹600 crores, with a tenor of 19 years and 1 month on a private placement basis on February 21, 2025. The issue will be listed on the wholesale debt market segment of BSE Limited.
The funds raised from the issuance of these listed, secured Non-Convertible Debentures will be used to refinance the debt of Cube InvIT’s recently acquired Special Purpose Vehicle. This issuance follows the successful issuance of an ₹860 crore Sustainability-Linked Bond earlier this month.
Commenting on the transaction, Pankaj Vasani, Group CFO of Cube InvIT, said:
“The feedback from capital markets during this raise accentuates strong investor confidence in Cube InvIT’s financial prudence and growth potential. The issuance has attracted new investors as well as deepened relationships with the existing ones. Investors recognize Cube’s solid capital foundation, transparent operational strategies, and disciplined approach to risk management – factors that position Cube InvIT for sustained performance and long-term value creation.”
Crisil and India Ratings rated the issuance AAA.
With a proven track record of securing capital efficiently, Cube InvIT continues to strengthen its position as a leading infrastructure investment platform, leveraging diversified funding sources to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Trilegal and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas acted as legal advisors for the issuance. Catalyst Trusteeship Limited supported the issuance as the debenture trustee.
Primus Partners & Maharashtra Govt Release INR 3.5B Zero-Waste Fashion Report
Mumbai, India, 24.02.2025: Primus Partners, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, has released a thought leadership report outlining a clear and actionable path toward a zero-waste textile industry in India by 2047. The report was presented by Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Mr. Sanjay Savkare, at Bharat Tex 2025, with Maharashtra serving as the Knowledge Partner.
Titled ‘Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country’, the report provides a strategic framework to integrate sustainability, circular economy principles, and resource efficiency across the textile value chain—from farm to foreign. The opportunity to address textile waste is valued at $3.5 billion over the next five years, requiring robust policy support, industry collaboration, and active consumer engagement.
Dignitaries and leaders from Maharashtra, including Chief Minister Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri. Eknath Shinde and Shri. Ajit Pawar, Industry Minister Shri. Udit Samant, Textile Minister Shri. Sanjay Savkare, and the Principal Secretary of Textiles, Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles Department Smt. Anshu Sinha, contributed invaluable insights to the report. They emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to transforming India’s textile sector through sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Additionally, input from government officials, industry leaders, and academics provided a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in making India a global hub for zero-waste fashion.
Emphasizing Maharashtra’s proactive approach, Mr. Virendra Singh, Secretary of Public Health and Former Secretary of Textiles, outlined the state’s initiatives to promote sustainable practices. He highlighted key measures such as fiscal incentives, research initiatives, and skill development, encouraging the sector to adopt these advancements for a greener and more competitive future.
The report presents a comprehensive analysis identifying key barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices, based on a survey conducted among industries and citizens. These challenges include financial constraints, limited adoption of green technologies, skill gaps, low awareness and demand for sustainable products, and fragmented policies. Additionally, the growing influence of ultra-fast fashion, driven by social media trends, has further exacerbated the issue of textile waste.
The report integrates the 5F approach—Farm, Fiber, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign—to ensure sustainable practices are embedded at every stage of the textile value chain. By addressing key sustainability challenges, it promotes organic farming, eco-friendly fiber production, waste-reducing manufacturing techniques, circular fashion principles, and alignment with global sustainability standards. This holistic strategy not only minimizes environmental impact but also strengthens India’s position as a leader in sustainable textiles.
The report outlines key recommendations to drive sustainability in India’s textile industry. It emphasizes financial incentives and support, including subsidies for green initiatives and the establishment of a dedicated fund for circular economy projects. To enhance textile-waste infrastructure and market development, it proposes setting up Textile Waste Collection Centres. Strengthening the policy and regulatory framework, the report calls for a National Policy for Sustainable Textiles and an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme for the sector. Additionally, it highlights the need for transparency and awareness through revised textile labelling regulations, public education campaigns on eco-friendly fashion, and skill development initiatives to position Inida to lead globally in zero-waste fashion, setting a benchmark for the world.
Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Primus Partners, expressed his optimism and commitment to a sustainable future while also expressing his gratitude, stating,” We are incredibly optimistic about the future of India’s textile industry and deeply grateful for the invaluable support of Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Shri. Eknath Shinde, Shri. Ajit Pawar and the highly accomplished industrial leaders and academicians. With their backing, we are not just envisioning a zero-waste future – we are making it a reality. To tackle India’s textile waste issue, a comprehensive approach is essential, including a unified B2B digital marketplace for pre-consumer waste, consumer education, revised textile labelling, and skill development. The introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will also be transformative, holding producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products and positioning us at the forefront of a sustainable, circular economy.”
Sajjan Jindal Recognized as ‘Business Leader of the Decade’ at AIMA Awards
New Delhi, February 24, 2025 – JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal has been conferred with the coveted ‘Business Leader of the Decade’ honour at the 15th AIMA Managing India Awards, in recognition of his transformative leadership in expanding JSW Group into a global conglomerate.
The award was presented to Mr. Jindal at a ceremony here today in the presence of Chief Guest Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, and Guest of Honour Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; Electronics and IT. . The citation was read by Mr. Yezdi Nagporewalla, Chief Executive Officer, KPMG India.
Under Mr Jindal’s stewardship, JSW Group has achieved remarkable growth, more than doubling its revenues to US$24 billion. His strategic vision has led to JSW nearly tripling its annual steel production capacity to 39 million tonnes, whilst establishing the group as a major force in renewable energy and cement manufacturing.
The award recognises Mr Jindal’s pivotal role in aligning JSW Group with India’s infrastructure modernisation initiatives. Under his leadership, JSW has emerged as the second-largest private player in India’s ports sector, whilst also venturing into future-focused sectors including electric vehicles and military drones through international partnerships.
The AllIndia Management Association (AIMA) Managing India Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to India’s business landscape. The ceremony brought together distinguished award winners, industry leaders and AIMA office bearers for this landmark 15th edition of the awards.
Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay Shares Sunita Williams’ Return Date: March 19
Mumbai, 24 February 2025: “There is no conspiracy theory here. NASA is not keeping Sunita Williams in space. Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch, but on March 19, they will be safely back home. In fact, we are using this opportunity to explore space further,” Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Visiting Professor at Caltech said on NASA’s Sunita Williams stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 in Mumbai, today.
Against the backdrop of India’s growing leadership in space exploration, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, exploring humanity’s latest discoveries in the quest to understand the universe, said, “Can life exist outside of Earth? The answer is yes. But we have not found life outside of Earth; not even a single cell. But with 400 billion stars and the majority having planets revolving around them, the probability of life existing beyond Earth is there. Our goal is to find a planet where life is sustainable.”
Speaking at the session ‘Adventures in Space – Our Place in the Universe,’ Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, added, “We search for the unknown with the knowledge of the known. But we don’t even know what kind of life could start or where it may exist. That is what we are trying to figure out. The best place to live a happy life in this universe is our Earth. Why should we go live on Mars? We can send you there if you want, but it’s a one-way ticket.”
Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay also spoke on India’s unmatched potential in the global landscape, stating, “ISRO and NASA are collaborating on a project right now. ISRO is doing great and executing successful missions.”
Talking about how astronomy is different from astrology, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay said, “Astronomy truly opens up your vision to the universe and it is a big mystery that we are trying to solve.”
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brought together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.
Asim Hussain Joins CG Corp Global as Global Head of Category Dev & R&D
24th February 2025: Asim Hussain’s appointment as the Global Head for Category Development and R&D at CG Corp Global is a significant milestone in the food technology industry. With over 18 years of experience, Mr Hussain brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, positioning him as a key driver of innovation and quality enhancement in the food processing sector.
In his previous stints, he served as R&D Head at Mrs Bectors Cremica, Lead NPD in Future Group Own Brand, and Food Scientist in his initial career with Nilons & Tata Tea.
He has gained expertise in processing areas like bakery, extrusion, frying, roasting, dehydration, emulsions, gelatinisation, curing, IQF, and freeze-drying.
He holds a B.Tech. in Process & Food Technology from AAIDU, Allahabad.
Earned a Management diploma in Operations from Welingkar’s Mumbai, blending technical knowledge with strategic acumen.
He is expected to lead innovation in Noodles, Biscuits and Snacks through cutting-edge technology in R&D.
- Aim to address the evolving challenges of a competitive market while driving sustainable growth.
- Sets new benchmarks for innovation, quality, and efficiency in food science.
Hussain’s appointment is widely regarded as a catalyst for innovation in food science. His strategic vision and proven track record are anticipated to inspire peers and stakeholders, paving the way for a future where scientific rigour meets forward-thinking.
As the food technology industry continues to evolve, Hussain’s role at CG Corp Global will be closely watched, with high expectations for groundbreaking advancements and sustainable practices under his guidance.
Aster DM Healthcare Reaffirms RS. 850 Crore Investment in Kerala at Global Summit
Kochi, February 24, 2025: Aster DM Healthcare, one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, has reinforced its deep-rooted commitment to Kerala with a strategic vision for expansion and long-term investment. Aligned with the state’s efforts to attract and facilitate high-impact investments under the ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ initiative held in Kochi, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, and Mr. Anoop Moopen, Director at Aster DM Healthcare met Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and Shri P Rajeev, Minister of Law, Industries, and Coir to discuss the current healthcare landscape and explore opportunities for growth and innovation. As part of the engagement, Aster has said that it plans to invest around ₹850cr in the next 3 years towards scaling up its infrastructure, medical services, and employment generation in the region. This commitment builds on the ₹500cr Aster has already invested in Kerala during the last 3 years, further solidifying its leadership in the state’s healthcare landscape.
Looking ahead, Aster has an aggressive investment plan in Kerala that will result in a significant increase in bed capacity, bringing the total number of beds in the state to 3,453 by FY27. Aster currently operates seven hospitals in Kerala, with a total capacity of 2,635 beds, contributing to 53% of the company’s India revenue (9M FY25).
Aster DM Healthcare’s expansion in the state will be driven by two greenfield projects that are coming up namely Aster Capital Trivandrum with a 454-bed facility and Aster MIMS Kasargod with 264 beds. The flagship hospital Aster Medcity will expand to 962 beds by FY27 as well. In Q3FY25, 100 beds were added to Aster Medcity’s existing capacity, further cementing Aster’s leadership in Kerala’s healthcare sector.
Participating in the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “Kerala has always been at the heart of Aster’s journey, and our commitment to the state is stronger than ever. We are delighted to reaffirm our long-term vision to expand our footprint, bringing world-class healthcare closer to the people of Kerala while fostering employment and medical excellence in the region. The ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ is a pivotal initiative that underscores the state’s potential as a hub for high-impact investments, and we are proud to be a part of this transformative journey. We plan to invest an additional ₹850cr in the next 3 years to further strengthen Kerala’s healthcare landscape. Our expansion plans reflect our unwavering belief in Kerala’s potential as a leader in healthcare innovation and accessibility.”
Mr. Anoop Moopen, Director, Aster DM Healthcare said, “Aster DM Healthcare has been a significant contributor in creating thousands of opportunities for skilled professionals in Kerala. Today, Aster provides direct employment to over 12700 professionals in Kerala, including thousands of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. With our expansion plans, we anticipate creating an additional 4200 jobs, further strengthening Kerala’s healthcare workforce and economy. Being part of the ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ reinforces our commitment to not only building infrastructure but also nurturing talent, empowering communities, and reinforcing Kerala’s reputation as a centre for medical excellence.”
Aster DM Healthcare’s ambitious expansion plans underscore its commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services in India. With a focus on strategic growth, patient-centric care, and regional expansion, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape, ultimately benefiting communities and individuals across the country.
Aster’s commitment to Kerala extends beyond infrastructure and employment, with the organisation playing a crucial role in community healthcare initiatives. Through ‘Aster Volunteers’, the company has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, responding to emergencies with medical aid and humanitarian support. During the devastating landslide in Wayanad, Aster’s medical teams mobilised swiftly, providing critical emergency care, rehabilitation assistance, and ongoing medical support to affected families. This unwavering dedication to community service underscores Aster’s broader mission – to not only deliver advanced healthcare but to stand in solidarity with the people of Kerala in times of crisis.
Chef Ranveer Brar Discusses Lucknow at ABP Ideas of India 2025
Chandigarh, 24 February 2025: “Coming from a small city like Lucknow has been a significant advantage for me. In such an environment, the need to prove oneself becomes second nature. Additionally, hailing from a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage has had a positive impact on me.”, says Ranveer Brar at ABP Network’s Ideas of India.
Speaking in the session themed ‘What We Eat Is Who We Are: The Palate on a Plate’, Ranveer Brar said, “After Lucknow, I went to Delhi, and then to the US. I realized that being a great cook is not enough; you need to connect with the people you are cooking for. I make food that is ‘from India,’ not ‘Indian food’ as such. Indian food prioritizes nourishment, with taste being an added accent. Some people think that because India is a land of spices, adding all the spices makes any dish the so-called – “Indian food”. This attitude towards Indian food is changing now. Today, Indian food doesn’t need a title. Previously, when we spoke about Indian food, we always attached a title, for example, food from progressive India or from modern India; there was always a need for a title. The world has now realized that wellness has more value than fitness, and Indian food is all about nourishment and wellness. The root of all culture is agriculture, and because there is agriculture, there is food. The biggest building block of our culture is agriculture. I am fortunate to be able to incorporate a farmer’s sentiment into the food that I make.”
“I have discovered a powerful medium—cooking—through which I can understand people, places, and everything in between. I did not want to pursue conventional paths like others do. That is why I chose to cook.”, Brar added.
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier,’ will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brought together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.
Mgmt Conclave 2025 Vision 2030 – AI & Sustainability
Chandigarh, February 24, 2025: The School of Commerce at NMIMS Chandigarh successfully hosted its highly anticipated Management Conclave 2025, an event that brought together some of the brightest minds to discuss a truly timely and transformative topic – Vision 2030: AI-Driven Business and Sustainable Practices. The event featured an engaging panel discussion where industry leaders and experts shared their thoughts on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing business and paving the way for sustainable practices.
The event kicked off with a heartfelt lamp-lighting ceremony led by Prof. (Dr.) Rashmi Khorana Nagpal, the esteemed Campus Director, alongside Dr. Ankita Bhardwaj, Program Chairperson of the School of Commerce, and faculty members Dr. Naimitya Sharma, Dr. Kunal Pasari, Dr.Poonam Sharma, Dr. Parul Mahajan Grover,Dr.Rahul Rangotra,Dr.Pankaj Kapoor, Dr.Vanita Sharma & Dr.Deepa Guleria. This symbolic moment set the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions, eager minds, and a sense of excitement about the future.
In her opening remarks, Prof. (Dr.) Rashmi Khorana Nagpal emphasized the importance of staying curious and committed to continuous learning, especially as the world of business evolves at lightning speed. She inspired the students to remain adaptable and embrace the changes brought on by AI, noting that the event’s theme was not only relevant but essential for shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
The conversation began with Mr. Ashish Grover, Co-founder of uTrade Solutions, who shared his thoughts on AI’s growing influence in sectors like microfinancing and manufacturing. He pointed out that AI is poised to automate about 50% of tasks across industries and highlighted how countries are racing to lead in AI innovation. His insights sparked a discussion on the balance between AI’s potential and its challenges.
Next, Mr. Vishal Sachdeva, CEO of STGI Technologies Consulting Pvt Ltd., took the stage and shared his perspective on the fast-paced arrival of AI technologies. He spoke about the ease of adaptation to AI, especially for engineers and professionals, but also warned that certain sectors—like banking—might be disrupted by the rise of AI-powered systems. His words underscored the importance of being prepared for rapid technological changes.
Mr. Suneel Saxena, Former VP and Cluster Business Head at Vodafone Idea Ltd., focused on how AI can contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He explained how AI is helping businesses meet compliance standards and make more efficient decisions, reinforcing the idea that AI is a key enabler of sustainable practices in business.
Mr. Tarun Girdhar, Senior Manager of Talent Development at Zscaler, reflected on the historical impact of computers in the workplace and how AI is now playing a similar role in HR management. He discussed how AI helps streamline tasks like performance reviews and instructional design, freeing up time for human creativity and strategic thinking.
Finally, Ms. Bhavya Kalra, People Manager at GyanDhan, talked about the role of AI in talent acquisition, sharing how AI tools are transforming the candidate experience by enhancing engagement and simplifying the interview process.
The Management Conclave 2025 was not just a conversation about technology, but a reflection on the incredible potential of AI to shape the future. The event sparked meaningful discussions about how businesses can harness AI while staying true to sustainable practices, ensuring that innovation aligns with global well-being.
With a full audience of enthusiastic students, faculty, and industry professionals, the conclave proved to be a thought-provoking and inspiring experience. It brought together diverse voices and perspectives, all united in their belief that AI will play a key role in building a better, more sustainable future.
For more information about the event or to learn more about the initiatives of the School of Commerce at NMIMS Chandigarh, please reach out to the Event Coordination Team.
Atlys and ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card Partner to Simplify Visa Applications for Travelers Worldwide
New Delhi, February 24, 2025 — International travel will be redefined for India’s elite globetrotters. Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is transforming international travel by partnering with Atlys, a cutting-edge visa processing platform that eliminates the complexity of visa applications with guaranteed on-time approvals.
The partnership marks a first in India’s credit card industry, offering cardholders complete visa fee waivers for select countries and an AI-powered application process that guarantees on-time visa delivery. Times Black ICICI Bank cardholders will now have their visa applications fast-tracked through Atlys’s automated system, which has already successfully processed over 2 million visas across 150 countries.
“International travellers spend countless hours struggling with visa paperwork. We’re changing that,” says Mohak Nahta, Founder of Atlys. “Times Black ICICI Bank cardholders can now secure visas with the same ease as booking a flight.”
This launch comes at a crucial time, as outbound travel from India continues to surge. Cardholders will receive real-time updates on their applications, eliminating the uncertainty of traditional visa processing.
The Times Black ICICI Bank Card, which features metal crafted from historic Times of India printing plates, has been pushing boundaries in the premium credit card space since its launch. This partnership with Atlys adds to its travel benefits, including access to exclusive business events and significant savings on international transactions.
Toprankers Sets Sights on Nationwide Growth with New Centres Opening in Key Cities in 2025
Delhi 24 February 2025 Toprankers, India’s leading ed-tech company, is gearing up for an extensive expansion in 2025 with the launch of multiple new centers across the country. Known for its diverse house of brands—LegalEdge, SuperGrads, Judiciary Gold, CreativeEdge, Udaan, LegalEdge After College by Toprankers these brands together cater to management, law & design careers from UG to PG to professional level competitive exams preparation.
Toprankers continues to redefine education for careers beyond engineering and medicine. With its growing offline and online presence, the platform is now set to bring its world-class learning ecosystem to more cities.
CreativeEdge, by Toprankers’ premier brand for design and architecture entrance exam preparation, is making significant strides in 2025. It recently launched its latest franchise center in Navi Mumbai and opened its company-owned center in Lucknow. With plans to establish more centers in buzzing cities, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for CreativEdge. They are also expanding their LegalEdge and SuperGrads brands, with new centers in Noida, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad and Trivandrum. These centers will serve as a next level of service for students given that Toprankers will now be helping students from North to South with its quality preparation.
These centers will serve as a hub for students preparing for competitive exams in law, management, and design, further strengthening Toprankers’ commitment to making quality education accessible across regions. With this expansion, Toprankers’ total center count is expected to reach 50 by end of 2025-26, with more announcements anticipated in the coming months.
As per Mr. Gaurav Goel CEO & Co-Founder, Toprankers “Both offline and online divisions are on track to achieve their projected targets for FY25, delivering enhanced efficiency and outstanding results for students nationwide.
Speaking about the expansion, Mr. Karan Mehta Co-Founder, Toprankers – “2025 is going to be a landmark year for Toprankers as we expand our footprint across India. Our goal has always been to empower students with the best resources, mentorship, and technology to help them achieve their dreams. These new centers will bring us closer to students, enabling us to make a greater impact.”
Toprankers Co-founder Mr. Harsh Gagrani exuberated confidence in the path breaking learning model of toprankers given it has clocked AIR 1,2,3 in 4 out of last 5 years.
With this strategic expansion, Toprankers continues to solidify its position as a leader in the ed-tech space, delivering excellence in education and shaping the future of India’s youth.