Paresh Pahuja Announces Voice Notes Concert India Tour

India, 11th February 2025 – Acclaimed singer-songwriter and composer Paresh Pahuja, celebrated for his captivating portrayal of Mahi in Amazon Prime Video’s Bandish Bandits, today announced a first-of its-kind six-city concert tour produced and presented by Team Innovation in association with Bluprint. Titled ‘The Voice Notes Concert by Paresh Pahuja & Friends’, innovative undertaking reimagines the live music experience, seamlessly blending immersive storytelling with captivating musical performances and promises to redefine the Indian live music landscape

This tour, spanning March and April 2025, will grace six meticulously selected venues across India: Chandigarh, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Each performance space has been thoughtfully chosen for its ability to foster an intimate and intensely personal atmosphere, accommodating a carefully curated audience of approximately 1,000-1,500 guests per show, ensuring a profound connection between the artist and his audience.

Inspired by the evocative narratives of cinematic masterpieces such as La La Land and Past Lives, each 120-minute performance will unfold as a meticulously crafted journey. Twelve original compositions will be interwoven with six carefully curated voice notes, narrating a poignant and emotionally resonant story of love’s evolution—from its incandescent beginnings to its inherent complexities and enduring power. Pahuja’s celebrated repertoire will be featured prominently, including acclaimed tracks like ‘Dooron Dooron’, ‘Botalaan’ and ‘Mascara’, showcasing his mastery of blending contemporary pop and indie-rock sensibilities with the rich tapestry of traditional Bollywood influences.

The tour will commence at the iconic Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh on March 6, followed by a performance at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on March 27. Subsequent shows will be held at HK Hall Auditorium Ahmedabad on March 30 and at the prestigious Sangit Kala Mandir in Kolkata on April 6, culminating in performances at Prestige Centre For Performing Arts in Bengaluru on April 12 and lastly Mumbai on April 27.

Reflecting on his vision Paresh Pahuja states, “This isn’t just a concert; it’s a cinematic exploration of modern love. Every voice note and song has been carefully designed to take the audience on a demonstrative odyssey, resonating on both a personal and universal level. Our aim is to elevate the fan experience, making it more intimate, narrative-driven, and profoundly meaningful. This tour marks a bold step forward in live entertainment, perfectly aligned with the growing demand for authentic experiences that break free from conventional performance boundaries. The carefully curated blend of contemporary pop, indie rock, and classical Bollywood influences creates a rich and dynamic soundscape that pays homage to musical tradition while embracing modern innovation.”

Mohit Bijlani, Co-Founder, Team Innovation states, “The Voice Notes Concert is poised to redefine the very concept of the live music experience, masterfully intertwining the power of poetry, the artistry of music and the emotional resonance of storytelling into a bespoke event unparalleled in the Indian entertainment landscape. This meticulously crafted experience caters to those who appreciate the profound value of true intimacy. We transform the conventional concert into a deeply immersive sensory and emotional journey that lingers long after the final note has faded. Paresh Pahuja’s unique position at the intersection of digital streaming and independent music makes him ideally suited to spearhead this artistic endeavor. His work eloquently bridges generational and cultural divides, resonating with audiences across a wide spectrum of musical sensibilities.”

The Voice Notes Concert is curated for a discerning audience of urban cultural enthusiasts in the age group of 20-40 years who value artistic authenticity and deeply resonate with emotionally evocative experiences. The experience extends beyond the stage, with exclusive offerings such as meet-and-greet sessions and limited-edition memorabilia, providing fans with an unparalleled connection to the artist.

Agastya Foundation Hosts Creativity Fair for 2,000 Bangalore Students

Bangalore, February 11, 2025: A unique celebration of creativity and innovation is set to unfold as Agastya International Foundation hosts an interactive fair designed to ignite curiosity and artistic expression among 2,000 middle and high school students from government schools across Bangalore. The event, titled Aha! Kollective 2025, will showcase the power of art, photography, digital media and sculpture as tools for sparking innovation and fresh thinking in young minds.

Taking place on February 12-13, 2025, at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur, the fair will feature immersive workshops led by local college students, established photographers and professional artists. Through hands-on experiences, students will explore how traditional and modern artistic mediums can be harnessed to fuel out-of-the-box thinking. A curated exhibition will also display the creative works of the participating students, offering a glimpse into their boundless imagination and creative potential.

Children participating in the fair will showcase original films, photographs, and stories, sharing their voices and celebrating their artistic skills. Alongside their works, professional artworks and photographs will be exhibited to serve as inspiration and demonstrate the impact of storytelling and artistic expression.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, creativity is more than an artistic skill—it’s a vital component of problem-solving and innovation,” said Ramji Raghavan, Chairperson of the Agastya International Foundation. “By integrating traditional art forms with digital tools and emerging technologies, we aim to equip these students with the confidence to experiment, think differently, and embrace innovation in all aspects of their learning.”

The event will highlight the growing role of technology in artistic expression, from digital painting and animation to photography and mixed-media installations. With the advent of AI, virtual reality, and digital design tools, the boundaries of creativity are expanding, offering young learners an exciting playground for exploration and self-expression.

Featured sections of the fair include:

  •  Resonate: A showcase of films, photo stories, and digital media projects created by students in Agastya’s Dhwani programme, supported by Adobe.
  •  Remix: Collaborative installations where professional artists reimagine and transform student works into new artistic expressions.
  •  Reflect: A gallery of professional artists’ works that serve as inspiration for students, demonstrating the potential of creative storytelling and innovation.

Attendees can also participate in interactive workshops, including:

  •  Music Workshop by Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts
  •  Zine-Making Workshop with Megha Vishwanath
  •  Silly Billy Mimes with Suhasini Seelin
  •  Math in Music with Sujatha Thiagarajan
  •  Printmaking for Kids with Ananya Ghadge

Additional highlights include immersive installations, an Adobe Creative Skilling Exhibition, and Create Change Stations, where visitors can experiment with Adobe’s digital tools for creative expression.

The fair aligns with Agastya’s mission to empower underprivileged students by providing them with creative opportunities that nurture curiosity and confidence. In an age where innovation is key to future success, this initiative aims to inspire students to see themselves as creators, problem solvers, and pioneers of new ideas.

Uttar Pradesh’s Path to a USD 1 Trillion Economy Marked by Strong Growth: PHDCCI

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the strong economic powerhouse of India’s economy with robust growth of GDP, Ease of Doing Business, attractive destination for investments and State of the art infrastructure, says the industry body, PHDCCI in a press statement issued today.

The research report prepared by PHDCCI on Uttar Pradesh – Marching towards USD 1 trillion economy indicates that state is poised to become USD 1 trillion economy.

Dr Ranjeet Mehta, Secretary General and CEO of PHDCCI while meeting Shri. Abhishek Prakash, IAS, CEO Invest UP and Secretary, Department of Infrastructure and Industry, said that drivers of the economy growth of Uttar Pradesh have become robust as economic and business environment in the state improves each day.

With the diverse industrial base, rich cultural heritage, and a growing consumer market, Uttar Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has seen impressive growth, rising from ₹16.44 lakh crore in 2020-21 to over ₹25.47 lakh crore in 2023-24, said Dr Ranjeet Mehta.

The economy of the state between 2017-18 and 2019-20 (current prices) expanded at an average rate of 9.6%, and despite setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, Uttar Pradesh rebounded strongly, recording growth of 15.7% (average) from 2021-22 to 2023-24, said Dr Mehta.

PHDCCI projects that Uttar Pradesh is on a strong path towards USD 1 trillion economy, positioning it as a key economic hub for both domestic and international investors with its increased significant role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, said Dr Mehta.

The state’s economy is driven by three key sectors: services, agriculture, and industry. The services sector, which includes tourism, real estate, finance, and hospitality, contributes 46.5% to the GSDP. Agriculture remains crucial, with two-thirds of the workforce engaged in farming, contributing 27% to the economy, he said.

The state government has introduced agricultural reforms, including improved irrigation, advanced crop varieties, and farmer training, which have boosted productivity and increased farmer incomes, he said.

Industry, contributing 26.5% to the GSDP, has become a strong accelerator for economic growth. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major manufacturing hub, particularly in sectors such as electronics, textiles, handicrafts and handlooms, automobiles, leather, food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and among others, said Dr Mehta.

The state’s strategic location, coupled with significant investments in infrastructure, has enhanced its attractiveness as an industrial center. Moreover, Uttar Pradesh has made strides in improving its Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) ranking, simplifying regulations, and establishing a single-window clearance system, he said.

These reforms, along with enhanced digitalization and infrastructure development, have created a conducive environment for business, said Dr Mehta.

The state is significantly improving in the logistics infrastructure with the seamless connectivity in rail, road and waterways, he said.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in Uttar Pradesh’s economic landscape, with nearly 90 lakh units contributing significantly to manufacturing output and employment generation.

The state government’s support for MSMEs with access to finance and research and innovation have boosted the competitiveness of the MSMEs, said Dr Mehta.

Uttar Pradesh has seen increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with cumulative inflows reaching USD 1.68 billion between October 2019 and June 2024. The state ranks 10th in India for FDI, driven by investments in IT, textiles, electric vehicles, and logistics, he said.

The state’s export sector, particularly in handicrafts, which make up 60% of total exports, has been another strong growth driver, connecting the state with the global supply chains, he said.

The state has immense potential to enhance the volumes of exports in meat and edible meat offal, sugars and sugar confectionery, plastic and articles thereof, articles of leather, saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm), footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles, articles of iron or steel, machinery and mechanical appliances ,electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television, aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof, furniture bedding mattresses.

These products have been identified in the PHDCCI report on States’ Policy Conclave 2022 – Make in India, Make for the World: Mapping 75 potential exports products in States.

With its diverse economic base, expanding infrastructure, and focus on sustainability, Uttar Pradesh is set to become a key player in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, he said.

Going ahead, Uttar Pradesh needs continued investments in infrastructure, industry, and technology. Enhanced Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will help private sector to expand more for infrastructure development, said Dr Mehta.

Furthermore, the state’s focus on skill development, employment generation, and industrialization has resulted in a notable increase in per capita income, which reached ₹93,514 in 2023-24, reflecting a 14% growth from the previous year, said Dr Mehta.

Looking ahead, Uttar Pradesh’s dynamic economy, supported by strategic investments, industrial growth, and agricultural reforms, is well-positioned to contribute significantly to India’s development, said Dr Mehta.

The state has significant potential to attract investments in high-growth sectors like energy, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, information technology (IT), electronics manufacturing, and textiles, he said.

The state is attracting both domestic and foreign investments with simplified regulations, reduced time to start a business and improved transparency, he said.

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches Love Yourself Campaign for Valentine’s Season

Mumbai / Hyderabad, 11th February 2025: This Valentine’s season, Novotel Hyderabad Airport introduces the new wellness initiative – The Love Yourself Campaign. A thoughtful, designed experience focused on the power of self-love and all-around well-being, it is curated for those who seek the opportunity to rediscover self, embracing the path of self-care. While Valentine’s Day is often about celebrating love for others, this unique initiative encourages guests to embrace the most important love of all self-love.

Novotel Hyderabad Airport invites guests to indulge in serene spa indulgences, precisely curated with a focus on wellness and relaxation to soothe the senses and promote inner harmony. Clean eating options further enhance this experience, ensuring nourishment from within. Guests can also indulge in a solo retreat, providing a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, relaxation, and reconnection with oneself.

“At Novotel Hyderabad Airport, we believe that self-care is the foundation of a fulfilling life. This Valentine’s season, we want to remind everyone that love begins within. Our Love Yourself campaign is designed to create meaningful moments where guests can truly indulge in self-appreciation and well-being,” said Mr Sukhbir Singh, General Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Airport.

This campaign is a testament to the wellness commitment that Novotel Hyderabad Airport embodies, offering guests a holistic approach to relaxation and self-discovery. By joining this transformative journey, each moment becomes an opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and truly love oneself.

Satin Creditcare Achieves 10% AUM Growth, Reinforces Financial Strength with Rs. 31 Crore Profit Reports 14 Profitable Quarters Consecutively

11th February 2025, New Delhi

Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL) (NSE: SATIN, BSE: 539404) has announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024. The financial numbers are based on IndAS.

Consolidated Highlights

Particulars (Rs. crore) 9M FY25 9M FY24 % Change Q3 FY25 Q3 FY24 % Change
Assets under Management (AUM) 12,128 11,074 10% 12,128 11,074 10%
Disbursement 7,568 7,445 2% 2,835 2,921 -3%
Total Revenue 1,979 1,594 24% 688 596 15%
Net Interest Income (NII) 1,194 945 26% 420 349 20%
Pre-provision Operating Profit (PPoP) 625 494 26% 214 189 14%
Profit After Tax (PAT) 164 308 -47% 14 113 -87%

Footprints and Outreach

Particulars 9M FY25 9M FY24
States & UTs 29 24
Branches 1,535 1,386
No. of Employees 16,970 13,046
No. of Loan Officers                   11,922 9,128
No. of Clients (Lacs) 33.9 34.2

Standalone Highlights

Particulars (Rs. crore) 9M FY25 9M FY24 % Change  Q3 FY25 Q3 FY24 % Change
Assets under Management (AUM) 10,778 9,811 10% 10,778 9,811 10%
Disbursement 6,955 6,881 1% 2,683 2,698 -1%
Total Revenue 1,815 1,457 25% 632 548 15%
Pre-provision Operating Profit (PPoP) 610 472 29% 212 179 18%
Profit After Tax (PAT) 176 298 -41% 31 108 -71%

Update on Q3 and 9M FY25

  • Consistency in disbursement on a QoQ basis, leading to growth in AUM of 3% QoQ & 10% YoY
  • PAT for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs. 31 crore; reported 14 consecutive profitable quarters despite sector headwinds
  • PAR reversal visible from Nov’24 onwards
    1. Net fresh PAR flow is seeing a reversal; significantly reduced from 1.61% in Oct’24 to 0.45% in Jan’25
    1. PAR 1 for Satin vs Industry stood at 6.4% vs 13.9%; Satin’s performance better than the industry
    1. PAR 1 in top 5 states for Satin vs Industry at 5.6% vs 15.3%; strong client connect is helping us in key states
  • Collection Efficiency of X bucket stood at 99.8% during Q3 FY25
  • Credit cost for 9M FY25 stood at 5.0% (annualized); within the guided range
  • Raised Rs. 6,216 crore during 9M FY25 at group level; maintaining healthy liquidity
  • Stable and competent management team; more than 9+ years of vintage of core team in the company

Capital Adequacy and Liquidity

  • Our capital base is strong with a capital adequacy ratio of 27.4% as on 31st December’24
  • Book Value per share at Rs. 232 on a consolidated basis
  • The Company continues to maintain a healthy balance sheet liquidity of Rs. 1,581 crore as on 31st December’24 and has undrawn sanctions worth Rs. 1,435 crore as on date

Borrowing Profile

  • Total on-book borrowings stood at Rs. 7,829 crore as on 31st December’24
  • Debt-to-equity ratio as on 31st December’24 stood at 2.8x
  • 62% of our borrowings are from banks, followed by overseas funds at 20%, NBFCs at 11% and DFIs at 7%
  • The Company has a diversified and large lender base of 75 active lenders

Asset Quality

  • On-book Gross Non-Performing Assets stood at 3.9% amounting to Rs. 324 crore
    1. ~69% of portfolio across states has GNPA less than the national average of 3.9%
  • We have sufficient on-book provisions amounting to Rs. 322 crore as on 31st December’24, which is 3.9% of on-book portfolio. Provisions required as per RBI is Rs. 136 crore
    1. Management Overlay on provisions of Rs. 16 crore; creating buffer for coming quarters
  • During 9M FY25, collection against write-offs were Rs. 27 crore
  • Collection efficiency for 9M FY25 stood at 96%

Subsidiaries  

Satin Housing Finance Ltd., witnessed YoY growth of 44% in AUM, which stood at Rs. 872 crore, having presence across 19 states with 8,464 customers

  • 100% retail book
  • GNPA stood at 1.7%
  • 31 active lenders including NHB refinance
  • CRAR of 59.6% and gearing of 1.9x
  • PAT for 9M FY25 stood at Rs. 2 crore
  • Credit Rating of A- (Stable) from ICRA & Infomerics

Satin Finserv Ltd., our MSME arm, has an AUM of Rs. 479 crore

  • Focus on growing MSME on-book portfolio; grew by 50% YoY
  • Consciously bringing down JLG BC book
  • PAR 90 of ~ 4.94% for sub Rs. 3.5 Lacs ticket size loans, comprising ~98% of total MSME portfolio
    1. The GNPA is elevated as we cater to the microfinance graduated clients and currently, the microfinance sector is facing headwinds
  • CRAR of 40.2% and gearing of 1.8x
  • PAT for 9M FY25 stood at Rs. 5.2 crore
  • Credit Rating A- (Stable) from ICRA

Commenting on the performance, Dr. HP Singh, Chairman cum Managing Director of Satin Creditcare Network Limited, said, “Resilience and adaptability have always been at the core of our journey. Over the years, we have built a business that is not only strong but also agile and responsive to changing market dynamics. Our focus has always been on ensuring financial discipline, operational efficiency and a deep commitment to inclusion at large.

Our performance in Q3 & 9M FY25 reflects this approach as we achieved AUM growth of 10% YoY to Rs. 10,778 crore, against our guided range of 8% to 10%, while maintaining a disciplined credit cost of 5.0%, which continues to be one of the best in the industry. Additionally, this quarter, we registered a profit of Rs. 31 crore, further reinforcing our track record of 14 consecutive profitable quarters. The third quarter also demonstrated improvements, with a steady reversal in delinquency trends starting from November 2024 and further strengthening in December 2024 and January 2025. This momentum has contributed to both AUM growth and enhanced portfolio quality. Our PAR 1 stood at 6.4%, outperforming industry benchmarks, while PAR 1 in our top five states also remained strong, supported by our deep client connections in key regions. Moreover, collection efficiency in the X bucket stood at an impressive 99.8%, reflecting our success in arresting fresh flows through a focused recovery strategy.

As we look ahead, we are confident that the momentum will only improve as our recovery strategies gain traction. With a strong focus on operational excellence and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, with certain measures being undertaken, we are poised to deliver on a long-term sustainable basis, even better numbers, setting the stage for growth and long-term success.”

Namma Singara Chennai Challenge Sparks a New Era with AI Solutions for a Smarter Chennai

Chennai, (11 February 2025): Blackstraw AI, an enterprise-grade AI Solutions Provider, presents the Namma Singara Chennai Challenge, a platform to bring innovative minds together to solve some of Chennai’s biggest urban challenges. Focused on safety, community engagement, and sustainability, the challenge offers a platform for individuals, startups, and organizations to submit bold, practical ideas that can make a lasting impact. Submissions are open until March 15, 2025, with exciting prizes in funding from a total prize pool of ₹50 lakhs for the top three winners, to bring their visions to life.

The challenge will unfold in three stages:

  1. Share Your Vision: Submit your application and a short video detailing your solution by March 15, 2025.

  2. Impress the Panel: Shortlisted candidates will participate in virtual interviews. The top 10 finalists will be announced by March 31, 2025.

  3. Celebrate Your Success: Finalists will present their ideas to Chennai‘s leading changemakers on April 12, 2025, for a chance to win the grant.

This challenge is an open invitation to forward-thinkers and changemakers who are passionate about shaping a better future for Chennai. Blackstraw AI’s initiative seeks to ignite innovation and demonstrate the transformative power of AI in addressing real-world urban challenges. Open to students, researchers, tech enthusiasts, and businesses, the challenge welcomes anyone with a vision for a safer, greener, and more connected Chennai. It’s about turning bold ideas into practical, sustainable solutions that can drive meaningful change for the city and its people in the long run.

“We are thrilled to launch the Namma Singara Chennai Challenge, an initiative that aligns with our vision of empowering communities through AI,” said Atul Arya, Founder and CEO at Blackstraw.AI. “Our goal is to inspire innovative minds to come together and propose solutions that will help create a better future for Chennai. By supporting local talent, we hope to drive impactful change in the city’s urban landscape.”

As Blackstraw continues to champion AI-driven solutions for a variety of sectors, the Namma Singara Chennai Challenge represents an important step forward in fostering community-centered innovation. This challenge is designed to inspire further collaboration, helping to address urban challenges while promoting AI education and skill development.

Celebrate Love and Joy this February at Ronil Goa A JDV by Hyatt

February 11th 2025: This February, Ronil Goa – A JdV by Hyatt hotel, invites you to celebrate love in all its beautiful forms—with heart, soul, and a whole lot of joy. With 135 cozy rooms featuring private balconies, two distinct pools—the Energy Pool for vibrant gatherings and the Tranquil Pool for laid-back moments—and a signature vibe that blends comfort with charm, JdV by Hyatt, Goa sets the perfect stage for unforgettable memories. Nestled on the lively Calangute-Baga Road, just minutes from Goa’s most iconic beaches, it’s the ideal spot to toast with your girl gang or indulge in a romantic escape with someone special.

GALENTINE’S DAY – A TOAST TO YOUR GIRL GANG

At JdV by Hyatt, Goa we believe love is best celebrated with those who bring you the most joy—your girl gang. Gather your tribe at Patrao’s – our 24X7 bar and let the night be about sisterhood, laughter, and vibrant cocktails crafted just for the occasion. Sip on Galentine’s Special Cocktails featuring Punk Gin at INR 499 while soaking in the lively energy of Pataro’s.

VALENTINE’S DAY – ROMANCE WITH A TOUCH OF SUSEGAD

Price: INR 4,999 per couple 5-course menu, paired with house wine and two signature cocktails.
Ronil Bistro & The Hub set the stage for an unforgettable evening with a five-course dining experience, crafted to celebrate love. From indulgent seafood bisque and truffle-scented asparagus soup to herb-crusted lamb, slow-braised duck leg, and decadent chocolate fondant, every dish is designed to spark joy and connection. Savor delicacies like prawns à la plancha with zucchini salsa, smoked salmon and avocado tartare, wild mushroom risotto with crispy enoki, and beetroot Wellington with truffle cheese sauce. Indulge in sweet endings such as strawberry mille-feuille, molten chocolate fondant with cinnamon ice cream, and passionfruit cheesecake with white chocolate drizzle.

Beverage offerings include a welcome glass of house wine, signature Valentine’s cocktails, and an exquisite selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines in collaboration with Rock Paper Rum and Fratelli wines.
Entertainment for the evening will feature a live performance by Agnes La Minotte, a French singer, adding the perfect romantic ambiance to your Valentine’s celebration.
Add on: Poolside Table: INR 1,999 for an exclusive table by the pool with unlimited mimosas.
Cabana Experience: INR 2,999 for a private cabana setup with a bottle of sparkling wine.

UP YOUR VACAY – A VALENTINE’S GETAWAY TO REMEMBER

Make it a Valentine’s weekend getaway with Ronil Goa – A JdV by Hyatt Hotel’s Up Your Vacay Room Package is inclusive of accommodation for two adults in a King Room, with a complimentary mini-bar stocked with local beers and snacks, arrival and departure shots to set the mood, and a Farmhouse Breakfast with a Bloody Mary Bar at Ronil Bistro. Guests can indulge in a Chef’s Choice Set Menu for lunch or dinner at Ronil Bistro daily, along with access to both pools—The Energy Pool for vibrant gatherings and The Tranquil Pool for laid-back moments.
Guests can also enjoy an exclusive 20% off on BBQ Picnics, Garden Picnics, Floating Breakfasts, food and soft beverages across Ronil Bistro, Patrao’s, The Hub, and In-Room Dining. Additionally, 20% off is available on laundry services and Spa Rituals treatments at The Spa.

At Ronil Goa – A JdV by Hyatt Hotel, Valentine’s isn’t just a day—it’s a celebration of love, friendship, and the joy of togetherness. Whether you are raising a toast with your best friends, planning the perfect romantic escape, or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-love, February at Ronil Goa promises unforgettable memories in the heart of Goa.

EY GDS Reinforces Environmental Commitment on World Wetlands Day

Pune, India – February 11, 2025: EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) had launched a series of programs across the country on the occasion of World Wetlands Day. The initiative is part of the dedication of EY GDS to support the preservation of wetlands across India, highlighting the organization’s broader commitment toward environmental conservation.

To mark the event, around 200 EY GDS volunteers constructed 15 floating wetlands at the Pashan Lake in Pune, each measuring three feet by four feet, and planting close to 240 saplings of the Canna Indica species. The Pune event is part of a larger project undertaken by EY GDS on World Wetlands Day. Apart from Pashan Lake in Pune, the other lakes selected for this initiative include: Chacharia Lake, Kolkata, on 07 February; Ulsoor Lake, Bengaluru, Karnataka, on 14 February; and Durgam Cheruvu Lake, Hyderabad, on 14 February.

Floating wetlands enhance wetland biodiversity by promoting the growth of vegetation, which plays a key role in improving water quality, controlling shoreline erosion, and mitigating climate change. The initiative incorporates hydroponic technology for water filtration, potentially improving the overall water quality. This global observance of the event highlights the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Manesh Patel, Global Operations Leader, EY GDS, said, “At EY GDS, we believe in driving meaningful change through collective action. On World Wetlands Day, our initiatives across the country showcase our commitment to environmental sustainability as our volunteers actively contribute to wetland restoration across India. By protecting these vital ecosystems, we take a step toward a greener, more sustainable future.”

Rumi Mallick Mitra, Director, Corporate Responsibility, EY GDS, said, “At EY GDS, we believe that even small actions can lead to a significant collective impact in protecting our planet. Our initiatives are designed to foster a culture of sustainability, and through our latest project, we aim to improve the ecological health of some of India’s most important water bodies.”

EY GDS has undertaken several initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainability. In FY24, globally, EY GDS planted 150,000 saplings as part of its sustainability program. By investing in such impactful sustainability initiatives, the organization continues to play a key role in fostering environmental stewardship and driving positive change for communities and ecosystems alike, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation.

Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad, conducts International Conference 2025

February 11th 2025: Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad, conducted its two-day International Conference on Emerging Frontiers (ICEF) 2025 on February 7 and February 8 at the institution’s campus.

The prestigious two-day conference was held under the patronage of Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, and focused on the theme ‘Digital Innovation and Sustainable Business Practices.’ The conference brought together scholars, researchers, and industry experts from around the globe to discuss and explore the latest trends and innovations in these crucial areas.

The inaugural function was graced by eminent speakers including Manjeev Singh Puri, former ambassador to Nepal; Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO, NASSCOM; Prof. Joseph M. Cheer, Western Sydney University; Vinod Malhotra, former civil servant and adviser to the Jaipuria Group; Prof. Weng Marc Lim, Dean of Sunway Business School, Sunway University, Malaysia; Prof. Emeritus Dr. Sushil, IIT Delhi and Prof. Ravinder Rena, Professor of Economics at University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Dr. Rajiv Thakur, Director General of Jaipuria School of Business, set the tone for the event, describing ICEF as a “magical conference” that brings together innovators and thought leaders.

In his address, Manjeev Singh Puri emphasized the imperative of business transformation in today’s fast-evolving landscape. Prof. Ravinder Rena emphasized on the need to adopt sustainable practices. He said, “As we navigate this complex landscape, it is crucial that we prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring that the benefits of digitalization are shared equitably and that its negative consequences are mitigated.”

Prof Joseph Cheer underscored the importance of adopting responsible tourism practices. He said, “By prioritizing responsible tourism practices, respecting local cultures and environments, and being mindful of our footprint, we can ensure tourism benefits both travelers and host communities alike.”

Joining virtually, Prof. Weng Marc Lim spoke of the need to embrace the philosophy of science, which emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning, the need for businesses to navigate complex challenges and discover new opportunities. Prof Emeritus Dr. Sushil talked about innovation as the means to drive the change.

ICEF 2025 featured a series of keynote speeches, and paper presentations on a broad range of topics, including business, technology, and management. A key highlight of the event was the Best Paper Awards, recognizing outstanding research contributions in the field. The conference served as a platform for participants to share their research findings, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future projects. The conference also featured distinguished international speakers, including Dr. Kim Lim, TAN, faculty and researcher at James Cook University Singapore, and Dr. Cordelia Mason, Professor at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School, Malaysia.

In addition to these international speakers, several other eminent speakers and contributors shared their valuable insights and expertise, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of emerging domains.

The conference allowed participants to network with peers and industry leaders and explore potential associations for mutual growth.

ICEF also featured discussions on the partnership proposal with the delegation of James Cook University, Singapore and signing MOU with DAV College, Nepal, which marked a significant step towards academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Kapston Services Ltd: Standalone Financial Results – Q3 & 9M FY25

Hyderabad, February 11th, 2025: Kapston Services Ltd., an end-to-end manpower solutions provider, has declared its financial results for the Q3&9MFY25 ended December 31, 2024.

Particulars   Q3FY25 Q3FY24 YoY (%) 9MFY25 9MFY24 YoY (%)
Total Revenue 182.41 137.47 32.69 504.40 379.72 32.83
EBITDA 8.34 5.88 41.84 22.49 16.76 34.19
PAT 4.53 2.69 68.40 11.79 9.81 20.18

Q3FY25 – Highlights

  •  Total Revenue in Q3FY25 was at Rs. 182.41 crore, as compared to Rs. 137.47 crore in Q3FY24, up by 32.69%
  •  EBITDA was at Rs. 8.34 crore as compared to Rs. 5.88 crore in Q3FY24; registered a growth of 41.84%
  •  PAT stood at Rs.4.53 crore, as compared to Rs. 2.69 crore, grown by 68.40%

9MFY25 – Highlights

  •  Total Revenue was at Rs. 504.40 crore, as compared to Rs. 379.72 crore in 9MFY24, up by 32.83%
  •  EBITDA was at Rs. 22.5 crore as compared to Rs. 16.76 crore in 9MFY24; registered a growth of 34.19%
  •  Net Profit was at Rs. 11.79crore, as compared to Rs. 9.81 crore, grown by 20.18%

Shareholders of the company had approved the sub-division of one equity share of face value of Rs. 10 each in to two equity shares of face value of Rs. 5 per share, the effective date for the same was August 09, 2024.

Operational Highlights

Commenting on the results, Mr. Srikanth Kodali, Managing Director said,

“We are delighted to declare good set of numbers.

The growth in PAT is improved on both QoQ and YoY due to increase in scale of operations and increasing contributions from newer geographies.

Our client addition during the quarter and last nine months has been strong and we continue to add marquee clients to our current clientele.

Having said that our endeavour to expand across India would continue and would adopt same strategy of continuous investment in expanding in newer geographies consolidate and again expand with a great focus on profitability of the company.”