January 28, 2025: Navi Finserv Limited successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship event, the Navi Lenders Summit 2025, at its headquarters in Bengaluru. The event brought together over 135 senior leaders from banks, NBFCs, family offices, and other financial institutions, along with representatives from rating agencies and bureaus reaffirming Navi Finserv’s position as a trusted partner in the financial ecosystem.

The full-day summit kicked off with a management presentation that outlined Navi Finserv’s strategic vision and future roadmap. Renowned industry leaders, including Mr. Srinivasan Kannan, India Head of Innovation Economy at JP Morgan; Mr. Gaurav Goel, National Head for Fintech & New Economy Business at Yes Bank; Mr. Ajit Velonie, Senior Director at Crisil Ratings, and Mr. Anshul Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Wint Wealth shared their insights on emerging trends in the financial sector, enriching the experience for all attendees.

In the latter half of the day, the team at Navi Finserv showcased its cutting-edge technological capabilities, including proprietary in-house tools and applications, demonstrating its tech-first approach to solving problems in the financial services industry and enhancing customer experience.

Since December 2024, Navi Finserv has successfully raised over ₹1,200 Crores across multiple instruments, including NCDs, Commercial Papers, Term Loans, Securitization and Co-lending. This milestone includes a fundraise of ₹295 Crores through a securitization transaction rated AAA by a reputed rating agency — the highest ever in a single transaction, for the company through PTCs.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Bansal, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Navi Finserv, said, “Over the years, Navi Finserv has built strong and enduring collaborations with its partners, and I am grateful to each one of our partners who have stood by their conviction in the company, its processes and systems. The success of this summit is a testament to the strength of our partnerships. I am excited for the next stage of the company’s growth story, and I look forward to sustaining and building on these partnerships.”

The University of Tasmania (UTAS), is now inviting applications for its Master Strategic Communication program for 2025.

The Master of Strategic Communication at the University of Tasmania equips students with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to navigate diverse communication landscapes, spanning the sciences, creative industries, and politics. Designed for those looking to drive and implement change across social, environmental, political, and business settings, this program prepares graduates for the complexities of a global, digital-first communication environment in sectors spanning Arts, Law, Education, Engineering, Sciences and Health professionals among others.

With jobs requiring communication skills growing rapidly, this degree caters to students from various backgrounds—whether fresh from undergraduate study or transitioning from professional roles in the sciences, arts, or business. Graduates will develop advanced analytical abilities and professional-level communication expertise, tailored to tackle real-world challenges.

Program Delivery: The postgraduate program is provided full-time in English for two yearsThe program offers the chance to specialise in areas that leverage Tasmania’s unique industry connections and the Media School’s reputation for cutting-edge research. Students can choose from specialisations including Environmental Conservation and Management, Marketing Communication, Public and Environmental Health, and Tourism and Experience.

Entry Requirements: Eligibility requires meeting the minimum grade requirements in prior studies, satisfying any prerequisite subject criteria, and demonstrating proficiency in English.

English Language Requirements: Applicants who do not meet the English language requirement through citizenship or prior education in an approved English-speaking country must provide evidence of an approved English language test taken within the last two years. Detailed information is available on the English Language Requirements page.

The minimum English proficiency standard for this course is an IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.

Course-Specific Requirements: For entry into the Master’s program, candidates must have either:

• A Bachelor’s degree in any field with a credit average; or
• A minimum of three years’ professional experience in journalism, public relations, event management, or related industries.

Bengaluru, 28th January 2025: JK Cement Ltd., one of the leading building materials company and one of India’s leading manufacturer of grey cement, as well one of the largest producers of white cement globally, announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Saifco Cements Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading cement brands in the Kashmir valley and having an enterprise valuation of INR 290 Crores. JK Cement will acquire 60% stake in Saifco Cements at a value of INR 174 Crore.

This acquisition marks a strategic step in expanding JK Cement’s presence in one of the fastest growing regions of the country and furthering its footprint in Northern India.

Saifco Cements brings strong manufacturing capabilities and an impressive presence in Jammu & Kashmir market, which will scale up to meet the business plan objectives for JK Cement over the next few years. This move aligns with the government’s focus on boosting infrastructural growth in Jammu and Kashmir region, accelerating the development journey.

Expressing his delight, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement Ltd. said “Known for its rich culture and resilience, Jammu & Kashmir brings a special meaning to us, this acquisition is a significant step forward in accelerating JK Cement’s growth journey. We are committed to ensuring a seamless and successful integration of our businesses, bringing together our combined expertise and experience. The state of J&K holds not only holds strategic importance but also has immense potential for infrastructural development and partnering with Saifco Cements is a step towards solid cementing goal to manufacture the best for our customers and nation.”

Saifco’s integrated manufacturing unit at Khunmoh in Srinagar is spread across 54 acres of land and has a clinker capacity of 0.26MTPA and grinding capacity of 0.42MTPA. It has captive limestone reserves spread on an area of 144.25 hectares with a total minable reserve of 129MnT.

Sharing his views on the acquisition, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint MD and CEO, JK Cement Ltd. said “With this acquisition, we are strategically positioned to build a robust presence in Jammu and Kashmir. The location and rich limestone reserves of Saifco offer a unique opportunity to significantly increase our overall capacity. Currently, per capita cement consumption in Kashmir stands at approximately 168 kilograms, nearly 55% of the national average, presenting a vast growth potential. Cement demand typically leads economic expansion by a factor of 1.2X in regions with significant infrastructural development opportunities, and Kashmir is undoubtedly one of these regions. This acquisition opens up limitless possibilities to drive growth and foster progress in the region.”

The government is committed to Jammu and Kashmir’s progress and has undertaken multiple projects and initiatives for the states’ growth and infrastructural development. The acquisition will involve both the companies working together to increase the capacity of the cement production by leveraging the expanse of the limestone reserves in the next 5 years.

Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Guna, Chairman, Saifco Cements Pvt. Ltd. said “We are very happy to join hands with JK Cement who are deeply committed towards nation’s growth, people, and communities. We are excited about the opportunity to work together to scale our operations and establish ourselves as the leading cement players in the Kashmir Valley. At Saifco, we take pride in our endeavour towards bringing the country’s leading business houses to the valley and contribute to its growth and development through such strategic alliances. We are confident that this partnership will empower us with the expertise and resources needed to drive continued success.”

Mumbai, January 28, 2025: Serentica Renewables (“Serentica” or the “Company”), a leading renewable energy company in India, has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® in its maiden participation, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Established in 2022, Serentica has rapidly emerged as a key player in the sector and this recognition reflects their commitment to business innovation and empowering an outstanding workplace culture.

The Great Place to Work® Certification, awarded by the global authority on workplace culture, recognizes organizations that foster outstanding employee experiences and demonstrate a high-trust, high-performance workplace culture. Being recognized as a GPTW-certified organization highlights the strength of Serentica’s workforce and its ongoing efforts to create an exceptional employee experience.

Commenting on the company’s first Great Place To Work Certification, Akshay Hiranandani, Chief Executive Officer, Serentica Renewables said, ” What we have achieved here goes beyond business metrics. We believe that our journey towards renewable energy leadership is essentially linked to our people-first approach. This certification reflects our employees’ trust in our vision and their confidence in our ability to create meaningful impact.”

Commenting on this achievement, Ruhie Pande, Group CHRO added, “Since Serentica’s inception, we have established a workplace built on transparent communication and a strong focus on employee growth. We have cultivated a culture that balances rapid progress with effective practices and this recognition reinforces our commitment to setting higher standards as we continue to attract and foster top talent in the sector.”

Great Place To Work® is a globally recognized authority in elevating employer brands. Their certification process, based on feedback from over 100 million employees worldwide, evaluates workplace culture through employee feedback and people practices. Serentica Renewables earned the first-ever certification by excelling in key areas such as credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie, solidifying its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mumbai, 27th January 2025: The unaudited financial statements for the Q3FY25 results have been released by Supriya Lifescience Ltd., a cGMP-compliant business with a strong track record in API manufacturing and a focus on products from a variety of therapeutic segments, including anti-histamine, anti-allergic, vitamin, anaesthetic, and anti-asthmatic. The company has spread its business in more than 86 countries across the globe.

Key Consolidated Financial Highlights:

Particulars	Q3 FY25	Q3 FY24
Revenues (in Rs Cr)	185.65	140.07
Gross Profit (in Rs Cr)	123.87	85.45
EBITDA (in Rs Cr)	65.95	41.49
EBITDA Margin	35.50%	29.60%
PAT (in Rs Cr)	46.78	29.78
PAT Margin	25.2%	21.30%
Quarterly EPS (in Rs)	5.82	3.70

 Key Highlights for Q3 FY25:

In the third quarter of FY25, Supriya Lifescience Ltd. witnessed remarkable growth in its revenue, reporting a 33% year-over-year increase, reaching Rs. 185.65 crore compared to Rs. 140.07 crore in Q3 FY24.

Gross Profit for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs. 123.87 crore, with a growth of 45% compared to Rs. 85.45 crore in Q3 FY24.

EBITDA for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs. 65.95 crore, with an EBITDA Margin of 35.50%, as opposed to an EBITDA of Rs. 41.49 crore in Q3 FY24 with an EBITDA margin of 29.60%. This marks an improvement of 591 bps YoY.

The Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 57% for Q3 FY25 to Rs 46.78 crore, compared to Rs 29.78  crore in Q3 FY24.

The PAT Margin stood at 25.2% in Q3 FY25, compared to 21.30% in Q3 FY24.

Dr. Satish Wagh, Chairman and Whole Time Director, Supriya Lifescience Ltd, commenting on the results, said, “Our Q3FY25 results underscore Supriya Lifescience’s commitment to delivering value through operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives. The 33% year-over-year revenue growth and a remarkable 45% surge in gross profit reflect our strong market presence and efficient execution across therapeutic segments. The steady improvement in our EBITDA and PAT margins, reaching 35% and 25% respectively, highlights our ability to maintain profitability while investing in sustainable growth.”

Mumbai, 28 January 2025 – Škoda Auto India’s first-ever sub-4-metre SUV, the Kylaq, has officially arrived on Indian roads, marking a significant milestone for the brand. With its launch, the Kylaq opens new horizons for Škoda in India’s booming SUV market. It is the brand’s first offering in the high-demand sub-4m segment and the first model in India to showcase Škoda’s new Modern Solid design language, emphasising robustness, functionality, and authenticity. Customer deliveries and test drives to begin from today.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India shares, “The Kylaq has officially arrived and is set to drive Škoda’s growth trajectory in India over the coming years. Its availability from today marks the New Era for Škoda Auto India. It combines safety, exceptional driving dynamics, and segment-leading features. Following the success of the Kushaq and Slavia, the Kylaq continues our India-focused product strategy, helping us tap into new markets and bring even more customers into the Škoda family. With its accessible pricing, we can say the Kylaq truly democratises European technology on Indian roads.”

With the overwhelming response to the Kylaq and its strong appeal in the competitive sub-4m SUV segment, Škoda Auto India is confident of achieving robust sales momentum. The company has outlined its goal of reaching 1 lakh annual sales by 2026, driven by the Kylaq’s segment-leading features, exceptional safety standards, and European technology for Indian roads, which resonate with consumers. This strategic focus aligns with Škoda Auto India’s commitment to expanding its footprint and bringing premium mobility solutions to a broader customer base across the country.

5-star rated at BNCAP

The Škoda Kylaq has set a benchmark in safety, emerging as the best-performing vehicle in the ICE sub-4-metre compact SUV segment. It achieved an impressive 30.88 points out of 32 (97%) in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 points out of 49 (92%) in Child Occupant Protection. For child safety, the Kylaq excelled with a perfect score of 16 points (100%) in the frontal offset barrier test and 8 points (100%) in the side-moving deformable barrier test for 1.5 and 3-year-old children. Additionally, it earned maximum points in the recommended child seat assessment and 9 points out of 13 (69%) in the vehicle-based assessment, highlighting Škoda‘s commitment to safety across all parameters.

Tailored features

The Kylaq introduces several segment-firsts, including six-way electric seats with ventilation for both the driver and front passenger. A dedicated stowing space for the parcel tray further enhances the boot’s usability and versatility. The Kylaq’s boot offers a segment-best 446 litres of capacity, which expands to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded down. features Auto Climatronic, with ventilation for the electrically adjustable front seats. Select variants are also available with an electric sunroof. Also on offer are cruise control, steering-mounted paddle-shifters with the six-speed automatic gearbox, leatherette seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and wireless charging among other features. Taking centre stage is a 25.6cms infotainment screen with an even more intuitive user interface, while the driver gets a 20.32cms Virtual Cockpit with a renewed interface.

Modern Solid: A new interpretation of familiar Škoda lines

As the first Škoda model in India to adopt the new Modern Solid design language, the Kylaq’s exterior is defined by a distinctive shape and clean lines. front is characterised by a shiny black grille with 3D ribs, while the hallmark Škoda SUV “four eyes” headlights graphic has been completely reinterpreted. The Kylaq is also the first model in India to feature the all-new Škoda wordmark on the rear. Also new is a bold front lower spoiler in aluminium optics in the front.

Precise Daytime Running Lamp signature

With the Modern Solid era, the headlights feature slim lines and a minimalist, purposeful design. While the narrow upper segments of the headlights serve as daytime running lights, position lights and indicators, the larger lower modules provide the important low-beam and high beam functions with crystalline designed LED elements.

Compact dynamic silhouette

The sides of the Kylaq are adorned with clean and modern lines. It has a robust cladding around the wheel arches and sills that accentuate the high ground clearance and space around the wheel. This lends the Kylaq that SUV character within its compact dimensions. Adding more value to the design of the Kylaq is a hexagon pattern along the side and rear of the car.

Robust proportions, soulful colours

The Škoda Kylaq is 3,995mm long, 1,783mm wide, and 1,619mm, with a wheelbase measuring a generous 2,566mm. Most importantly, the Kylaq stands a comfortable 189mm off the ground. These compact, yet elegant proportions are rounded off at the rear with the all-new Škoda wordmark on a wide black stripe flanked by the rear lights. The rear lamps themselves reveal a distinct T-shaped light signature. This is supported by the distinct rear bumper equipped with a 3D diffusor insert in aluminium optics. The Kylaq is available in seven paint finishes and making its debut in the Kylaq is the Olive Gold colour. This colour is exclusive to the Kylaq and is inspired by the rich greens and versatile fauna of Lonavala during the monsoon season.

Power with performance and safety

The Kylaq accelerates to a 100kph in 10.5 seconds with the manual transmission. The SUV also has a top speed of 188kph. Its 1.0 TSI engine produces 85kW of power and 178Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic with paddle shifters in select variants. The car is based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform as the Kushaq and Slavia. These two cars have already scored a full 5-stars in Global NCAP tests for adults and children. The Kylaq comes standard with over 25 active and passive safety features, including standard equipment includes six airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection, Motor Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Passenger airbag de-activation, Multi Collision Braking, ISOFIX child seats, and more. The manual variant claims a fuel efficiency of 19.68 km/l.

Tested to the moon and back

The Kylaq has undergone more than 800,000 km of testing on diverse Indian terrains – including urban roads, highways, steep inclines, and rough surfaces – exceeding the distance from Earth to the moon and back and amounting to over 20 trips around the Earth’s circumference. This all-new sub-4m segment SUV has been put through temperatures varying from -10 to +85 degree Celsius and across elevation ranging from sea level to 3,000 metres above sea level. To ensure thorough monsoon preparedness and perfect sealing from the elements, 100 random samples of the Kylaq have been exposed to 25-30 litre per minute/sq mt. of water at an angle of up to 16 degrees. This ensures the Kylaq has zero water ingress in extreme monsoons. The Kylaq has also been put through a vehicle shaker test to ensure the interiors remain silent and rattle-free on all road surfaces. The car has also spent two years in open weather to test all the polymeric parts to ensure highest quality standards.

Quality at its roots

Numerous quality measures are integrated into the Kylaq’s manufacturing processes, resulting in class-leading safety and driving dynamics. The roof and other joints are laser-blazed, the geometry setting of the Kylaq is robotised, inline measurements of the chassis are done at two locations and AI cameras at the assembly line inspect for variations and inconsistencies on the engine surface. And the use of hot-stamped steel, with a redone crash management system ensures the best possible safety in the Kylaq.

Comprehensive options

The Škoda Kylaq presents a wide range of choices, including two transmission options, four variants, and seven colours. Powered by the high-performance, efficient and reliable 1.0 TSI engine delivering 85kW of power and 178Nm of torque, it is available with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic. Customers can choose from four variants – Classic, Signature, Signature+, and Prestige – and seven striking colour options, including Tornado Red, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Lava Blue, Deep Black and the Kylaq exclusive Olive Gold.

Variants for an enhanced ownership experience

The entry-level Classic variant comes equipped with six airbags and over 25 active and passive safety features as standard, including ESC, LED lighting, rear parking sensors, and automatic speed-sensitive central locking. The Signature variant goes up a notch and includes a tyre pressure monitoring system, Cruise Control, a 17.7cms infotainment system, and adjustable rear AC vents. Signature+ adds Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a larger 25.6cms infotainment system, and a virtual cockpit. The top-of-the-line Prestige is packed with features like an electric sunroof, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, and segment-first six-way electrically adjustable seats.

Segment-best ownership

The Kylaq offers a 3-year/100,000kms whichever earlier, standard warranty. Along with this, it also offers six-year anti-corrosion warranty as standard across the range. This SUV, like the Kushaq and Slavia, is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. It was developed jointly by teams in India and the Czech Republic with an eye on low maintenance costs, while retaining Škoda’s traditional qualities of dynamics and safety.

Sustainably manufactured

The Kylaq is produced at the Chakan plant, where 30% (18.5 MW) of the power is generated from solar energy – a figure Škoda aims to increase to 75% by 2026. This water-positive facility returns more water to the environment than it consumes. With over 660,000 trees planted, the plant has earned Zero Waste to Landfill and Zero Liquid Discharge Certifications. The Kylaq itself uses a sustainable bamboo-fibre infused pad with a textile finish creating a speckle effect in the dashboard area.