Uno Minda Highlights Future-Forward Innovations at Auto Expo 2025 Under PACE Megatrend
New Delhi, January 22, 2025: Uno Minda, a pioneer in driving technological advancements in the automotive sector, made a resounding impact at the 4-day Auto Expo Components Show hosted by Bharat Mobility at Yashobhoomi. The company showcased its latest innovations aligned with the megatrends of Personalized, Autonomous, Connected, and Electric (PACE) mobility, solidifying its position as a leader in future-ready automotive solutions. Uno Minda displayed their products and concept vehicles at their pavilion spread across 800 meters, one of the largest at this year’s Auto Expo Components Show and received overwhelming response from the customers.
Driven by its tagline, ‘Driving the New’, Uno Minda has collaborated with global technology leaders, to bring world-class solutions to India under the ‘Make in India for the World’ initiative. Following mobility solutions were showcased:
- Advanced Lighting Solutions: Connected pixel-based digital tail lamps, OLED lamps, adaptive lighting, and more.
- Personalized and Smart Innovations: Augmented reality heads-up displays, Capsense switches, AVAS, ADAS, and vehicle control units, Software defined vehicles controls.
- Electrification Solutions: A dedicated Green Mobility Zone featuring three technology demonstrators—TD125 (electric skateboard), TD425 (electric buck), and TD225 (electric bike)—highlighting cutting-edge product portfolio for e-2W, e-3W, and e-4W specific solutions.
Uno Minda also unveiled state-of-the-art products like highly integrated e-axles, advanced range extenders, intelligent battery management systems, dual charging capabilities and seamless Connectivity, all designed to redefine the electric mobility experience.
Uno Minda also elevated personalization with advanced lighting solutions such as Panolamp Ambient Lighting to set the mood, gesture controls for intuitive interaction, and capacitive switches for 2W and 4W vehicles. Safety takes center stage with cornering bending lamps, adaptive braking, blind spot detection, lane change warnings, and cruise control—ensuring a safer, smarter driving experience.
With its focus over R&D, Uno Minda continues to spearhead innovation, enhancing safety, personalization, and connectivity in the automotive space. From gesture controls to adaptive braking systems, the company’s solutions aim to create immersive, safe, and sustainable driving experiences.
O3 Plus Launches Ideal Hydration Daily Moisturising Cream for All-Day Skin Care
O3+ introduces its latest skincare essential this winter – the O3+ Ideal Hydration Daily Moisturising Cream. Designed for all skin types, the cream provides long-lasting moisture, ensuring your skin feels soft, smooth, and refreshed throughout the day.
Its gentle yet effective formula is enriched with powerhouse ingredients Butylene Glycol, a moisture magnet that draws hydration into the skin, Capryl Triglyceride, a natural emollient that smooths and nourishes, and Dimethicone, that forms a protective barrier, locking in essential moisture.
Whether you’re combating the drying effects of winter or maintaining your skin’s balance year-round, this versatile cream is your go-to for hydrated and healthy-looking skin. Suitable for both men and women, the O3+ Ideal Hydration Daily Moisturising Cream redefines your daily skincare routine with its gentle, effective, and skin-loving formula.
Knauf India Names Vijay Mishra as Commercial Director to Lead Market Expansion
India, 22nd January 2025: Knauf, World’s No. 1 company in Drywall & Ceiling Solutions, has appointed Mr. Vijay Mishra as its Commercial Director for India operations. With over 23 years of extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development, Mr. Mishra brings a wealth of expertise and leadership that will propel Knauf India into a new era of growth and innovation.
Prior to joining Knauf India, Mr. Mishra held key roles at various reputed brands, like, H & R JOHNSON, RAK Ceramics, Kajaria Ceramics Limited, Saint – Gobain India Pvt Ltd and Century Plyboards, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in strategic planning, market expansion, and establishing robust distribution networks. Known for his out-of-the-box thinking and ability to drive revenue growth, Mr. Mishra has successfully explored new markets, introduced innovative product categories, and streamlined business operations to enhance profitability and efficiency.
In his new role as Commercial Director, Mr. Mishra will oversee Knauf India’s strategic commercial initiatives, focusing on expanding the company’s footprint in the Indian market and solidifying its position as a leader in the building materials industry. His responsibilities will include driving revenue growth, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing distribution networks while ensuring that Knauf India continues to deliver unparalleled quality and value to its customers.
Expressing his excitement for his new role, Mr. Vijay Mishra said, “I am thrilled to join Knauf India, a company that embodies excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity. My goal is to leverage my experience to build strong partnerships, drive growth, and deliver exceptional value to our customers. I look forward to working with a talented team to further strengthen Knauf’s position in the Indian market and beyond.”
Mr Sumit Bidani, CEO of Knauf India, shared his confidence in Mr. Mishra’s appointment, stating, “Vijay’s extensive experience and strategic vision make him the perfect choice to lead our commercial operations. His expertise in business development and market expansion aligns with Knauf’s long-term goals of achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional solutions to our customers. We are confident that Vijay’s leadership will drive our company to new heights.”
Under Mr. Mishra’s guidance, Knauf India is committed to exploring new opportunities, introducing innovative products, and enhancing its operational efficiency to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry. This appointment is a significant milestone in Knauf India’s journey to becoming a market leader, underscoring the company’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
With Mr. Mishra at the helm, Knauf India is poised to achieve greater market penetration, expand its reach, and deliver on its promise of providing world-class building solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Indian market.
Tajurba Organizes Comprehensive SME to IPO Workshop at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Okhla
New Delhi, January 22, 2025 – Tajurba, India’s leading business networking platform for SMEs, successfully organized a full–day workshop on the topic “SME to IPO” at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Okhla. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 200 SME business owners from across India attending to explore the potential of taking their businesses public through SME IPOs.
The workshop was conducted by Suresh Mansharamani, India’s top SME IPO coach, celebrated for his unparalleled expertise in guiding small and medium-sized enterprises on the path to growth, fund-raising, and stock market listing.
During the session, Suresh Mansharamani shared deep insights on every critical aspect of the IPO journey, including:
• Fundraising Strategies
• Valuation Essentials
• Step-by-Step Process of Listing on the SME Exchange
He also stressed the importance of building a strong financial foundation for businesses aspiring to go public. “SMEs must ensure their books are clean, all compliances are strictly adhered to, and their balance sheets are healthy and transparent. These are essential prerequisites for a successful listing,” Mr. Suresh Mansharamani, co-founder of Tajurba Business Network emphasized.
The workshop provided attendees with actionable strategies and practical knowledge, empowering them to scale their businesses and unlock new opportunities through public listings.
Speaking about the workshop’s success, Tajurba’s co founder Uma Mansharamani said, “Our mission is to help SMEs scale up and achieve their true potential. This workshop is another step towards enabling business owners to realize their IPO dreams and become key contributors to India’s economic growth.”
AP Dhillon Debuts at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Attends Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton Show
In a monumental fusion of haute couture, music, and cultural integration, acclaimed Punjabi music phenomenon AP Dhillon joined an elite roster of global celebrities as Pharrell Williams headlined the official launch of Paris Men’s Fashion Week on Tuesday night with his highly anticipated Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 show.
This historic appearance marked the first time an India-born Punjabi music artist attended Paris Men’s Fashion Week, further cementing the luxury house’s commitment to cultural diversity under Williams’ creative direction.
The show, which marks Nigo’s return to Louis Vuitton following his celebrated 2020 capsule collection with the late Virgil Abloh, drew an exceptional array of cultural luminaries, including Jackson Wang, Bam Bam, Victor Wembanyama, Leon Marchand, BTS’s J-Hope, AP Dhillon, Travis Scott, Future Pluto Hendricks, Don Toliver, Pusha T, Big Smoke, Boozy, Sabrina Elba, Idris Elba, Bradley Cooper, ASAP Nast, Aron Pierre, Adrien Brody, J Balvin, Dylan Wang, Slick Rick the Ruler, and Tyshawn Jones. These attendees, representing a wide range of artistic and cultural influences, contributed to a night that celebrated global diversity and creativity.
Dhillon, representing a new wave of South Asian influence in luxury fashion, commanded attention in a meticulously crafted Louis Vuitton ensemble — a masterful blend of streetwear aesthetics and traditional Louis Vuitton luxury, featuring innovative interpretations of the house’s iconic design aesthetics. The singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer wore an elevated workwear blouson, crafted from silk-wool double-face fabric layered over Japanese denim skate jeans in a versatile light blue wash, paired with the signature LV Checker range of military-inspired boots. The look highlighted the marriage of streetwear utility with traditional luxury that has become Williams’ hallmark.
AP Dhillon, who made his debut at the fashion week, shared: “Being present at this intersection of culture and luxury, especially in a space as iconic as the Louvre, represents a pivotal moment not just for me, but for the entire creative community. Pharrell’s vision for Louis Vuitton embraces authentic multiculturalism, and I’m honored to be part of this narrative that’s reshaping the fashion landscape.”
The show, which transformed the Louvre into an unprecedented fashion spectacle, continues Williams’ tradition of utilizing Paris’s most prestigious landmarks as backdrops for his collections, following his previous presentations at the Pont Neuf, Jardin d’Acclimatation, and UNESCO headquarters.
Dhillon’s presence at this landmark show, alongside the collaboration between Williams and streetwear pioneer Nigo, underscores Louis Vuitton’s commitment to bridging diverse cultural influences in contemporary luxury fashion and popularizing streetwear’s visibility in high fashion.
Venus Remedies Strengthens European Market Presence with EU GMP Renewal from INFARMED
Chandigarh, January 22, 2025: Venus Remedies Limited (NSE: VENUSREM, BSE: 526953), a premier player in the global pharmaceutical industry, has announced the successful renewal of its European Good Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP) certification by Infarmed, the National Authority of Medicines and Health Products in Portugal. This renewal, applicable to the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Cephalosporin, Carbapenem, and Oncology (Liquid and Lyophilized Injectable) formulations, not only reaffirms Venus Remedies’ commitment to the highest European quality standards but also enhances its growth trajectory within and beyond the European Union.
The company, a market leader in the production of the broad-spectrum antibiotic meropenem, particularly in Italy, has expanded its reach across more than 15 European countries, including key markets like the UK and France. The Infarmed audit, focused on our rigorous quality control systems, validates our ongoing initiatives to deliver superior pharmaceutical products, capable of treating a broad range of severe and drug-resistant infections.
“Since our first EU GMP certification in 2007, we have not only maintained but strengthened our foothold in the European market. This latest certification renewal enables us to leverage our established presence and continue our expansion into new markets. We expect this to significantly contribute to our sales, with anticipated revenues of at least €14 million annually from Europe alone,” remarked Mr. Saransh Chaudhary, President of Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies, and CEO of Venus Medicine Research Centre.
With the antibiotics market in Europe projected to grow to USD 10.9 billion by 2023 and the oncology drugs market expected to reach USD 36.95 billion by 2025, Venus Remedies is poised for significant growth. The company’s extensive marketing authorizations across Europe reinforce its status as a trusted supplier of high-quality antibiotics and oncology treatments.
Aditi Chaudhary, President of International Business at Venus Remedies, emphasized the strategic importance of this renewal: “This EU-GMP certification is pivotal, ensuring that Venus Remedies continues to provide dependable and effective healthcare solutions across Europe. It positions us to expand our reach not just within the EU, but also into Rest of World (ROW) markets, capitalizing on emerging opportunities and fostering growth in regions that demand high-quality pharmaceutical products.”
By securing this critical certification, Venus Remedies not only consolidates its role as a key player in the European market but also sets the stage for accelerated global expansion, driving forward its mission to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions worldwide.
Venus Remedies has consistently strengthened its manufacturing capabilities and global exports, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing high-quality and equitable healthcare. It is one of India’s largest manufacturers and exporters of meropenem—a critical broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used primarily for treating severe or drug-resistant infections. With multiple marketing authorizations across Europe, Venus Remedies has solidified its position as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality antibiotics and oncology products. As the global leader in Italy and holding a significant market share across the EU, Venus Remedies continues to set benchmarks in the pharmaceutical industry, reinforcing its standing as a dependable and influential entity in the global healthcare landscape.
Mahindra Susten Gets SBTi Nod for Emissions Target
Chandigarh, January 22, 2025: Mahindra Susten, the clean-tech arm of the Mahindra Group, has secured approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its near-term climate commitment targets. This extraordinary achievement is a testament to Susten’s pursuit of excellence and steadfast commitment to a sustainable future.
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature. The corporate climate action organisation defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets.
SBTi has endorsed Mahindra Susten’s commitment to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 51.8% by FY30, from a FY21 base year. Susten also commits to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions 51.6% per megawatt peak (MWp) over the same period. These targets align with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, positioning Susten as a critical player in the global fight against climate change.
“Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering. Securing the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation underlines our dedication to aligning responsible business growth with global climate goals, and reaffirms our mission to reimagine clean energy and empower lives,“ said Deepak Thakur, MD & CEO, Mahindra Susten.
“We have already achieved 100% water positivity, ensuring we replenish more water than we consume, and obtained a Zero-Waste-to-Landfill certification for our 1.5 GWp developed portfolio by rigorously reducing and recycling material waste. Additionally, to foster a resilient and sustainable supply chain, we have taken proactive steps to assess the ESG practices of key suppliers. We uphold operational excellence and transparency by maintaining a strong compliance record and diligent data validation. Looking ahead, we aspire to generate energy from the world’s greenest and most efficient renewable power plants—setting a benchmark for sustainable green power generation on a global scale,“ Mr. Thakur added.
Tata AIA Life’s ‘Shubh Muhurat’ Aims to Turn Dream Weddings into Reality for Indian Families
Mumbai, 22 January 2025: Weddings in India are more than just ceremonies—they are grand celebrations of culture, love, and sharing happiness, marking one of the most significant milestones in a family’s life. At the same time, weddings have become a matter of social status, leading to the emergence of themes and destinations spreading over days and even weeks. As a result, ensuring adequate funds for the occasion requires meticulous financial planning, not just over a few months but over many years.
Historically, Indians have relied on gold, fixed deposits, and other community saving methods to prepare for wedding expenses. Investments in real estate and traditional savings schemes have also been common, offering stability and long-term value. However, these options often lack flexibility or the ability to grow wealth significantly over time.
Here is why life insurance solutions can provide a disciplined approach to goal-based savings. They combine wealth creation with financial security, ensuring the child’s wedding aspirations are fulfilled even in unforeseen circumstances.
A report by investment banking and capital market firm Jefferies highlights that India hosted over 80 lakh weddings in 2024, making the Indian wedding system the second largest globally, with an estimated spend of INR 10.7 lakh crore. On average, Indian weddings cost around INR 12.5 lakh—twice as much as the expenditure on education from preschool to graduation. Luxury weddings dominate the market, with expenses often rising above INR 1 crore.
Recognising the significance of weddings and their monetary impact on consumers, Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurers, has introduced ‘Shubh Muhurat,’ an innovative life insurance solution. It features capital guarantee with equity exposure, certainty of benefits to the desired beneficiary, life cover, immediate death benefit, and more to help parents save for their child’s dream wedding and ensure the occasion becomes memorable for a lifetime.
Commenting on the launch, Venky Iyer, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tata AIA, said: “At Tata AIA Life, we endeavour to understand and address the unique needs of our consumers based on their life stages. Further, we understand the significance of weddings for parents. A marriage is not only a celebration of love and togetherness but also a testament to familial emotion and aspirations. Shubh Muhurat is intended to help families plan well in advance.”
“Also, we wanted to provide a solution that in the unforeseen event of the loss of life of the parent, the goal is protected. With Shubh Muhurat, we aim to help families confidently plan these joyous moments and ensure that they are taiyaar (prepared) to celebrate one of the most important milestones in their life.”
This solution is best suited for parents aged between 31 and 50 years, having children in the age group of 1 to 20 years. Investing in this solution early can give the parent long enough to accumulate the desired corpus for the child’s grand wedding.
Tailored Benefits of Shubh Muhurat
Shubh Muhurat is designed to make wedding planning a joyous, stress-free experience with the following unique benefits:
- Planning for the various wedding-related expenses: A wedding involves significant expenses spread across multiple stages—from booking venues, hosting ceremonies, expenditures on food and drinks, buying jewellery and wedding outfits, arranging accommodation for the guests, etc. Shubh Muhurta’s planned payouts ensure funds are available precisely when needed, allowing parents to focus on celebrating rather than arranging for money at the last minute.
- Capital Guarantee with Equity Exposure: The assurance that the premium paid will be protected provides parents financial security and peace of mind. Even if markets fluctuate, the guaranteed lump sum ensures that wedding plans remain on track, unaffected by market uncertainties.
- Long-Term Wealth Growth: Weddings often come with grand aspirations. Shubh Muhurat helps build a substantial corpus over time through market-linked investments. This ensures that the financial resources are adequate to meet even extravagant wedding dreams, such as destination venues or high-end arrangements, without compromising other life goals.
- Exclusive Protection under MWPA: By safeguarding the policy proceeds under the Married Women’s Property Act (MWPA), Shubh Muhurat ensures that the funds intended for the child’s marriage are legally protected and will only be available to the nominee regardless of external financial claims.
- Benefit Protection Rider: This rider provides unparalleled security:
- Immediate Death Benefit: In the unfortunate event of the insured’s demise, the family receives financial assistance to continue their life’s aspirations without disruption.
- Premium Waiver: Future premiums are waived, ensuring policy continuity without financial strain on the family.
- Maturity Benefit for Nominees: Even in the insured’s absence, the intended maturity benefit is paid, ensuring the child’s marriage goals are fulfilled.
Shubh Muhurat is part of the broader Shubh Solutions suite being introduced by Tata AIA, offering tailor-made life insurance products for every stage of life—from wealth creation in the early years to funding for child’s education to marriage, fulfilling aspirations and legacy planning during the golden years. It aligns beautifully with Tata AIA’s brand promise of empowering its consumers to be ‘Har Waqt Ke Liye Taiyaar.’
Recognising that every family’s aspirations are diverse and may be different from child’s wedding at a particular time, Tata AIA is simultaneously introducing the second offering in this series – Shubh Fortune.
Shubh Fortune is a comprehensive financial solution created to address diverse life milestones. Whether it is wealth creation in the early part of your career, planning for child’s education or fulfilling aspirations like buying a house, Shubh Fortune is designed to help individuals seamlessly navigate life’s major events.
Empowering Indian Families to Celebrate Without Compromise
With these innovative offerings, Tata AIA Life reinforces its dedication to helping Indian families plan and celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones. It reflects Tata AIA’s mission to create solutions that blend financial stability with cultural values, enabling families to cherish life’s special moments without financial strain.
IIT Roorkee licensed technology with Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited
Roorkee, 22-01-2025: Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) and Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited have signed a Technology Transfer Agreement on the technology related to biomass torrefaction developed at IIT Roorkee by Prof. Sonal K Thengane of Hydro and Renewable Energy Department.
The design provides an effective solution that obviates the existing limitations by providing a system and a method for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass through an auger-based continuous moving bed reactor using air that enhances the efficiency of a torrefaction process through the use of an annulus cooling the torrefied biomass.
S. Dharam Singh, Chairman and Jagatjit Singh, Managing Director of Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited said regarding the technology transfer, “We are pleased to collaborate with IIT Roorkee on this promising technology for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass. This agreement marks the beginning of a journey toward leveraging innovative solutions for sustainable energy practices. The innovative system aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable practices and technological advancement that embraces delivering tools that revolutionize farming practices. This collaboration is a crucial step toward leveraging biomass as a renewable resource and addressing the challenges of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.”
Speaking on the collaboration with Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited, Prof. Akshay Dvivedi, Dean of Sponsor Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC), IIT Roorkee, said, “This technology transfer is a significant milestone in IIT Roorkee’s efforts to transform cutting-edge research into impactful industrial applications. The development of this system for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass demonstrates our focus on sustainable and scalable innovations. We are confident that this collaboration with Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited will pave the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly biomass utilization solutions.”
Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted, “This technology transfer underscores IIT Roorkee’s commitment to translating innovative research into practical solutions that address critical global challenges. The system for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass is a testament to the ingenuity of our researchers in developing sustainable technologies. We are delighted to collaborate with Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited and are confident this partnership will contribute significantly to the efficient utilization of biomass resources.”
The transfer agreement was also attended to and coordinated by Prof. Vivek Malik, Coordinator of IPR Cell, Mr Vikrant Kaushik, IPR Cell Office and Prof. M. K. Singhal, Head, HRED, who congratulated Prof. Sonal on this milestone transfer.
FIEO and Credlix Sign MoU to Empower Indian Exporters with Financial and Logistical Support
Mumbai, January 22, 2025: The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has partnered with Credlix, a global leader in supply chain financing solutions, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the growth of Indian exporters and strengthen their global presence. This collaboration focuses on streamlining international trade by providing exporters with innovative financial solutions, logistical support, and other critical resources.
By combining FIEO’s extensive network with Credlix’s expertise in financial services, the partnership aims to address key challenges faced by exporters. Initiatives include workshops, training, financing advisory, and technological support to raise awareness — a solution that helps businesses scale their operations effectively.
Mr. Rahul Garg, Founder & CEO, of Credlix, stated, “We are proud to collaborate with FIEO to empower Indian exporters on their path to growth and self-reliance. This partnership shows our shared commitment to overcoming key trade challenges. Through innovative financial and logistical support, we aim to simplify export operations and help businesses establish a strong presence in global markets.”
The partnership includes technological and logistical solutions from Credlix, such as warehousing and supply chain management, to address exporters’ operational hurdles. FIEO will actively promote the initiative, encourage exporter participation, and guide businesses in navigating complex global markets.
Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, FIEO, remarked, “This collaboration with Credlix marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s vision of self-reliance and strengthening its export sector. By providing SMEs with financial and logistical resources, we aim to help them overcome barriers, enhance operational efficiency, and capitalize on opportunities in international trade.”
Dr. Sahai further highlighted the liquidity gap and lack of credit flow in the Indian economy, which has posed persistent challenges for exporters. “Export finance remains a critical issue for various segments, particularly for MSMEs, which are the backbone of India’s export ecosystem,” he noted.
The MSME sector contributed 45.73% of India’s exports in 2023-24, yet it continues to struggle with limited access to export finance. With 35,000 members, primarily from the MSME segment, FIEO sees this MoU as a pivotal step in addressing these challenges and unlocking growth opportunities for exporters.
This alliance is set to simplify export operations, enhance business capabilities, and accelerate the growth of Indian exporters, contributing to India’s economic progress and reinforcing its position in global trade.