ORRA Fine Jewellery Presents the ‘Diamond Festival’ with Beautiful Collections and Fantastic Offers
January 22, 2025, ORRA Fine Jewellery is inviting patrons / customers to bask in the brilliance of their ‘Diamond Festival.’ This exclusive festival promises an unforgettable journey through the world of fine jewellery, where customers can explore our latest collection, showcasing the finest diamonds in captivating designs. The Diamond Festival has emerged as a celebration of luxury, and this year, each piece has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of contemporary fashion while preserving the timeless charm of diamonds. What’s more is that the brand will also have some first-time offers that you surely don’t want to miss!
The Diamond Festival holds profound significance at ORRA Fine Jewellery, transcending beyond a mere showcase of exquisite diamonds. It symbolizes a commitment to everlasting beauty, precision, and trust. In a world where trust is paramount, ORRA’s Diamond Festival becomes a trusted companion in crafting unforgettable memories.
Starting from 18th January to 17th February, patrons will have the unique opportunity to discover an array of stunning diamond pieces that reflect the vibrant energy of the season. And for the first time ever, ORRA will be offering an exclusive discount on the diamond value—a truly unique offering to elevate your jewellery collection.
To make it even more special, ORRA will offer additional discounts and special offers for its curated collections, promising a seamless blend of grace and style for every discerning customer.
Additionally, customers will also get an opportunity to explore a limited-edition diamond jewellery box-sets curated for Republic Day and Valentines Day, allowing them to mark the occasion with patriotic elegance.
Paresh Rawal Supports Creative Connect Launch
India Education is evolving, and creativity is taking center stage! Celebrated actor and education advocate Paresh Rawal lent his support to the launch of Creative Connect: Art Across the Curriculum, a groundbreaking book by Dr. Swaroop Sampat Rawal in collaboration with Chetana Education Limited. The book highlights the significance of integrating art into learning, fostering creativity, and shaping young minds for a brighter future.
The event also marked the grand inauguration of Chetana Education’s OTT platform by Shri Paresh Rawal, a pioneering step in digital education. Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students, the platform personalizes learning experiences, ensuring accessibility, engagement, and effectiveness. By integrating cutting-edge tools and methodologies, Chetana Education is set to transform the way schools and students interact with educational content.
As part of the launch, Chetana Education Limited invited esteemed educators and thought leaders for a stimulating panel discussion titled “Creative Connect: Sparking Conversations, Sharing Visions.” The session featured distinguished educationists including Dr. Swati Popat Vats – President, ECA-APER, Kavita Sanghvi – Head of SVKM’s CNM School, Francis Joseph – Executive Director (India), GEMS Education, Fatema Agarkar – Founder, Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE). Together, they explored the transformative power of art in education, emphasizing the importance of creativity in holistic learning.
Dr. Swaroop Sampat Rawal, a passionate educator and advocator for creative learning, shared her vision behind the book, “Education is not just about memorizing facts; it is about exploration, reflection, and transformation. With Creative Connect: Art Across the Curriculum, we have created a ‘third space’ a safe, stimulating environment where structured learning blends seamlessly with a child’s innate curiosity, fostering creativity and deep understanding. True learning happens when children are encouraged to think freely, express themselves, and take risks without fear of criticism. Art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit; it is a powerful tool that encompasses Action, Reflection, and Transformation. Through this book, we aim to make education more dynamic, ensuring that both students and teachers find joy in the process. My lifelong goal has been to positively impact the lives of every child in this country, and I believe that integrating art into education is a significant step in that direction. Learning should not be confined to textbooks; it should be an immersive, enriching experience that stays with children for a lifetime.”
South Indian Bank Q3 Profit Hits Rs. 342 Cr
South Indian Bank had declared highest ever quarterly net profit of Rs. 341.87 Cr for Q3 FY 2024-25 registering a growth of 11.96% compared to Rs. 305.36 Cr in Q3 FY 2023-24.
Key Highlights
- Operating profit for the quarter increased by 9.39% from Rs. 483.45 Cr in Q3 FY 24 to Rs. 528.84 Cr in Q3 FY 25
- Net profit of the Bank for quarter is up by 11.96% from Rs. 305.36 Cr in Q3 FY 24 to Rs. 341.87 Cr in Q3 FY 25
- Gross NPA came down by 44 bps from 4.74% to 4.30% on Y-o-Y basis
- Net NPA dropped by 36 bps from 1.61% to 1.25% on Y-o-Y basis
- Net interest income went up from Rs. 819.03 Crore to Rs. 869.26 Crore, registering a growth of 6.13% on Y-o-Y basis
- Return on Assets increased by 5 bps from 1.07% to 1.12% Y-o-Y basis
- PCR excl. write off increased by 465 bps from 67.08% to 71.73% Y-o-Y basis
- PCR including write off increased by 310 bps from 77.97% to 81.07% Y-o-Y basis
o Deposits
- Retail Deposit grew by Rs. 7,332 Crore from Rs. 95,088 Crore to Rs. 1,02,420 Crore, showing an increase of 7.71% on Y-o-Y basis
- NRI Deposit grew by Rs. 1,896 Crore from Rs. 29,236 Crore to Rs. 31,132 Crore, showing an increase of 6.49% on Y-o-Y basis
- CASA grew by 4.13% on Y-o-Y basis with growth in Savings Bank by 3.37% and Current Account by 7.73% respectively
Advances
- Gross advances grew by Rs. 9,280 Crore from Rs. 77,686 Crore to Rs. 86,966 Crore, showing an increase of 11.95% on Y-o-Y basis
- Corporate Segment went up by Rs. 5,064
Crore from Rs. 29,892 Crore to Rs. 34,956
Crore, showing an increase of 16.94% on Y
o-Y basis
- Share of A and above rated accounts in large
corporate segment grew from 96% to 99.6% on Y-o-Y basis
- Personal Loan book grew by Rs. 63 Crore from Rs. 2,186 Crore to Rs. 2,249 Crore, showing an increase of 2.88% on Y-o-Y basis
- Gold Loan portfolio went up by Rs. 1,597 Crore from Rs. 15,369 Crore to Rs.16,966 Crore, showing an increase of 10.39 % on Y-o-Y basis
- Housing Loan grew by Rs. 3,195 crore from Rs. 5,000 Crore to Rs. 8,195 Crore registering a growth of 63.9%
- Vehicle Loan grew by 24.71% Y-o-Y from Rs. 1,554 Crore to Rs. 1,938 Crore
Y-o-Y growth
Rs. in Crore
Quarter Ended | Quarter Ended | |||
31-12-2024 | 31-12-2023 | Growth | % | |
Gross Advance | 86,966 | 77,686 | 9,280 | 11.95% |
Retail Deposits | 1,02,420 | 95,088 | 7,332 | 7.71% |
NRI Deposit | 31,132 | 29,236 | 1,896 | 6.49% |
Current Deposits | 5,927 | 5,502 | 425 | 7.73% |
Savings Deposits | 26,903 | 26,027 | 876 | 3.37% |
CASA | 32,830 | 31,529 | 1,301 | 4.13% |
CASA % | 31.15% | 31.80% | -65 bps | |
Gross NPA % | 4.30% | 4.74% | -44 bps | |
Net NPA % | 1.25% | 1.61% | -36 bps | |
Net Interest Income | 869.26 | 819.03 | 50.23 | 6.13% |
Operating Profit | 528.84 | 483.45 | 45 | 9.39% |
Provisions excl. tax | 66.04 | 48.55 | 17 | 36.02% |
Profit before tax | 462.80 | 434.90 | 28 | 6.42% |
Net Profit after tax | 341.87 | 305.36 | 37 | 11.96% |
Mr. P R Seshadri, MD & CEO of the Bank, while
announcing the results, stated that the strategy
adopted by the Bank continues to enable the business
performance. During the period, Bank registered
growth in all the desired segments with a focus on
quality asset across all verticals Corporate, Housing loan, Auto Loan, Personal Loan, Gold Loan etc.
He also stated that, in line with the strategic intent of the Bank viz, “Profitability through quality credit growth”, the Bank could on board fresh advances with low risk profile.
Capital adequacy of the Bank stood at 18.00% in December 2024 compared to 15.60% in December 2023.
NTPC-CEB JV Secures Landmark Tariff for Large-Scale Solar Power Project in Sri Lanka
New Delhi, 22 January 2025: The joint venture (JV) between NTPC Limited and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), TPCL (Trincomalee Power Company Limited, a 50:50 JV company registered in Sri Lanka) is developing a 50 MW (extendable to 120 MW) solar project in Sampoor, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka and has finalized a landmark tariff for the project after rounds of deliberations with various stakeholders in Sri Lanka.
It is learnt that the Hon’ble President of Sri Lanka, Mr Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a public meeting confirmed that the final tariff for the Sampoor Solar project in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka has been set at 5.97 US cents per unit. This initiative will help diversify Sri Lanka’s energy mix with a significant boost to the country’s clean energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The finalized tariff structure ensures long-term energy security while aligning with Sri Lanka’s ambitious renewable energy goals. With the increasing focus on renewable energy, the Sampoor Solar Project represents a major leap forward in Sri Lanka’s green energy agenda.
NTPC Limited is actively pursuing international investments in the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy (RE) projects, including solar, wind, and hybrid power. The Sampoor project aligns with NTPC’s vision of “becoming the world’s leading power company” and reflects NTPC’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions in key international markets.
India Assist Joins Forces with Uttar Pradesh Government for Mahakumbh 2025 and Tourist Information Centres Across the State
New Delhi, 22 January 2025: India Assist, a leader in tech-enabled travel assistance, has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh Government to upscale the travel experience for millions of visitors during Mahakumbh 2025 and beyond. This ongoing collaboration sees India Assist actively operating Tourist Information Centres (TICs) within the Mahakumbh area in Prayagraj, along with additional TICs located at the city’s railway station and airport.
As Mahakumbh 2025 unfolds, drawing over 40 crore pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, India Assist’s dedicated TICs are proving to be pivotal in enhancing the travel experience. These centers are offering real-time assistance to visitors, providing guidance on navigation, local attractions, and crucial emergency support, such as medical aid and theft resolution. The initiative continues to showcase how technology and human-driven support come together to ensure travelers can confidently navigate the Mahakumbh, one of the largest human gatherings in the world.
Mr. Harish Khatri, Founder of India Assist, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “India is a country of diverse experiences and cultural treasures, and Mahakumbh stands as an incredible amalgamation of spiritual and cultural unity. Through this ongoing partnership, we are privileged to help millions of visitors celebrate this extraordinary event with ease and confidence. By blending innovative technology with on-ground human support, we ensure that every visitor feels guided and cared for throughout their journey.”
As the event continues, the TICs are not only offering immediate travel assistance but are also introducing visitors to the benefits of tech-enabled services, encouraging the use of digital tools for ongoing travel support. By seamlessly combining cutting-edge technology with local expertise, India Assist is enhancing the Mahakumbh experience and setting new standards for tourism across Uttar Pradesh.
Beyond Mahakumbh, India Assist’s role extends to managing a network of TICs in key cities across Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and others. These centers are providing visitors with timely information and assistance, ranging from basic inquiries to urgent support, ensuring that travelers’ journeys remain safe, enjoyable, and worry-free.
With the Ongoing Mahakumbh 2025, India Assist’s ongoing efforts reflect the growing potential of travel technology to elevate visitor experiences and strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s position as a leading global travel destination.
CloudTV Broadens Content Selection with New Partnerships: Aha TV, Mask TV, JOJO, KLiKK, NeoTV Plus, and TravelXP
Mumbai 22 January 2025: In a quest to meet the growing demand for a seamless and user-friendly entertainment experience, CloudTV, India’s first and only TV operating system announced strategic partnerships with Aha TV, Mask TV, JOJO, Ultra Jhakass, KLiKK, NeoTV+, and TravelXP. These collaborations are set to enhance CloudTV’s robust content offerings, catering to the unique entertainment preferences of viewers across India by delivering diverse, genre-specific programming tailored to regional and cultural sensibilities.
This collaboration with streaming services across multiple regional languages in the country will help build an extensive content repository to serve CloudTV’s ever-expanding 12-18 million user base. Bringing together a rich blend of content that will power its 6+ million devices and is set to pave the way for India’s rapidly growing Smart TV OS industry.
In light of the recent partnerships, Abhijeet Rajpurohit, COO and Co-Founder, CloudTV, said, “Our goal has always been to provide the best content for the users and expand the range of offerings to our customers. Understanding the Indian market, and with our goal to also support local and regional partners, we want regional entertainment to be more accessible to our viewers. With these partnerships, our users will have access to the most popular and widely spoken languages in the country such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu. This partnership is aimed at advancing the digital entertainment sector and establishing CloudTV as the go-to platform for Smart TV brands seeking to offer a content-rich experience to their users.”
CloudTV, an Indian TV operating system designed to cater to the distinct tastes of Indian viewers, is redefining the Smart TV experience. Its recent collaboration with ZEE5 brings an expansive content library to CloudTV-powered Smart TVs, complemented by a rich selection of diverse applications, including
- Aha TV: A Telugu and Tamil content platform featuring blockbuster movies, shows, and originals.
- Mask TV: Offering fresh entertainment through movies, series, and unique storytelling.
- JOJO: A platform for kids and families, packed with engaging and educational programs.
- Ultra Jhakass: A Marathi OTT platform offering films, shows, and kids’ content.
- KLiKK: Bengali streaming platform offering a mix of movies, series, and original content.
- NeoTV+: A FAST channel platform offering live TV channels across news, sports, lifestyle, and entertainment in multiple regional languages.
- TravelXP: TravelXP is a global travel media network offering immersive travel content, including documentaries, destination guides, and lifestyle shows.
In addition to the several content partnerships, CloudTV and JioAds recently announced their partnership to revolutionize CTV advertising in India. This collaboration aims to unlock the next generation of innovative advertising solution for India’s diverse market. This partnership will be driving the growth of CTV ads landscape in India delivering value to advertisers and the consumers with content that resonates.
CloudTV’s rising adoption rates in Northern (50%) and Western (35%) markets highlight its success in meeting the entertainment demands of Indian viewers. Featuring an intuitive interface and user-friendly design, CloudTV enables seamless channel navigation and personalized Smart TV experiences. By offering effortless access to a wide variety of content, it bridges the gap between technology and entertainment, delivering a tailored, immersive, and hassle-free viewing experience for audiences across India.
ZF Aftermarket Announces Major Expansion of TRW Brake Pad Range in India
New Delhi, India: ZF Aftermarket, a leading global supplier of aftermarket components, shared that as on date TRW Brake Pads, part of its extensive portfolio, now cover nearly 90% of the Indian vehicle parc, providing high-quality and reliable braking performance to a vast majority of Indian drivers. This significant and extensive coverage of its product range underscores ZF Aftermarket’s commitment to safety and its focus on providing enhanced convenience for motorists across the country.
ZF Aftermarket’s has been committed to providing comprehensive braking solutions for the Indian market. The current coverage of 90% Indian Vehicle Parc has been built over a steady expansion of the parts over 2023 and 2024. In 2023, TRW Brake Pads with 56-part numbers covered only 80% of Indian vehicles. But in 2024, the coverage has risen to 90% with an infusion of additional 50-part numbers.
At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, TRW showcases its TRUE Originals Brake Pads alongside its latest advancements in automotive safety technology, which along with TRW’s products are designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
“At ZF Group, our unwavering commitment to the Indian market is reflected in our dedication to innovation and excellence. Through ZF Aftermarket’s cutting-edge and dependable solutions, we are elevating safety and reliability for Indian drivers, addressing their unique mobility needs with precision. Our expanded coverage in the Aftermarket sector seamlessly complements our extensive portfolio in the OEM segment, empowering ZF Group to meet the diverse demands of the market with advanced technology and unparalleled quality.” says Mr. Akash Passey, President, ZF India.
TRW TRUE Originals Brake Pads, which are a part of the ZF Aftermarket portfolio, are engineered and manufactured to the highest standards, delivering consistent and dependable braking performance, ensuring driver safety and vehicle longevity and meet the diverse demands of Indian roads and vehicles. With a launch of over 56 -part numbers only for brake pads and more than 250 active distributor codes across India, it is convenient for customers to find the right parts for their vehicles.
Vijay Khorgade, Head of Business Line Pass Car for India, MEA and CIS, mentioned, “ In a concentrated effort over the past two years, ZF Aftermarket has launched 109-part numbers under its TRW brand ensuring an ever-expanding coverage for both brake pads and brake discs. The 90% coverage proves that our high-quality products are now widely available and well accepted by our end customer. This facilitates our goal of providing a one-stop solution to our customers with our chassis products. Designed for excellence, these brake pads and discs cater to nearly all vehicle models in the Indian market, reinforcing ZF Aftermarket position as a trusted partner in Maximizing Mobility Uptime.”
ZF Aftermarket’s extensive portfolio of high-quality components enhances the longevity and reliability of vehicles. At the same time, ZF Aftermarket’s specialists provide expert support and services for its partners, ensuring that any issues are efficiently resolved, Maximizing Mobility Uptime Together.
Schbang Elevates Dipshika Ravi to National Creative Director, Digital
Schbang, the leading creative, media, and technology transformation company, is excited to announce the appointment of Dipshika Ravi as its new Digital National Creative Director, West & North. With over 17 years of experience in the advertising industry, Dipshika brings a wealth of expertise in creating compelling stories and cutting-edge campaigns that have shaped some of the most influential brands in the world.
In her new role, Dipshika will oversee and enhance the creative vision for Schbang’s diverse portfolio. She will lead a talented team of creatives, driving innovation, strategy, and excellence while ensuring that the agency’s output resonates deeply with audiences across India and globally.
Dipshika’s career has been marked by a passion for storytelling and an ability to understand people and cultures, which has helped her craft work that truly connects with audiences. She has been recognized as one of India’s Top 40 Creative Leaders and is also recognised as one of the ‘Top 40 Under 40’ leaders by e4m and Social Samosa, and was also honored as a ‘Superwoman’ by Social Samosa. Over the years, she has contributed to over 600 digital campaigns for renowned brands such as PepsiCo, Singapore Tourism Board, HDFC Life, MakeMyTrip, Mahindra Auto, Godrej, Kellogg’s and Canon and her work has earned over 80 national and international awards. She has also served on multiple global and Indian juries. Her previous roles include working with agencies such as Creativeland Asia, Hungama (a WPP company), iProspect, and LS Digital.
Commenting on the appointment, Harshil Karia, Founder, Schbang, said, “We have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of digital innovation, and I am thrilled to welcome Dipshika to the team. Her expertise will further strengthen our capabilities across clients, enabling us to deliver greater value and help them achieve their goals.”
Umma Saini, Chief Creative Officer, Schbang expressed, “We are super excited to have Dipshika join our team. With her exceptional drive, deep experience, and enterprising spirit we are looking forward to taking Schbang further on an exciting creative journey for our clients and us.”
Expressing her excitement about the new role, Dipshika said, “I have always followed Schbang’s work and culture closely for years, and this felt like the natural next step for me. It’s wonderful to be part of a culture that thrives on high standards, equal opportunities, and a collaborative spirit where everyone is encouraged to bring their best ideas to the table. I am looking forward to creating some great campaigns that not only bring us awards but also solve bigger brand challenges.”
JSW Group Signs Rs 3L Crore Deal with Maharashtra
Chandigarh, January 22, 2025: In a major step towards boosting industrial growth and sustainable development, the JSW Group – one of India’s fastest-growing conglomerates – signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra here today.
Announced at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, this ambitious partnership will see the JSW Group investing Rs 3 Lakh Crores across critical sectors in the state of Maharashtra, further cementing the state’s position as India’s leading industrial hub.
The investment will focus on key sectors, including:
• Steel: Expansion and enhancement of steel manufacturing capacities with clean green technology
• Renewable Energy: Pioneering green energy projects for a sustainable future
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Establishing advanced manufacturing units for new-age electric vehicles
• Lithium-Ion Batteries: Developing facilities for high-performance EV batteries
• Solar Wafer and Cell Modules: Strengthening the solar energy ecosystem
• Infrastructure and Cement: Driving Maharashtra’s infrastructural transformation
This strategic initiative aims to create thousands of jobs, enhance industrial capabilities, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. As per the MoU, the Government of Maharashtra will facilitate the investment by expediting clearances, providing fiscal incentives, and ensuring the availability of land, water, power, and other infrastructure as per state policies.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said “Signing of an MoU with JSW Steel, a company with diverse investments across key sectors such as steel, solar, auto, and cement in Maharashtra, is a significant step in fulfilling our vision to developing Gadchiroli as the ‘steel city’ of India. JSW’s continued commitment to Maharashtra, including their focus on electric vehicles and sustainability, is a clear testament to their confidence in our state’s potential. I am confident that this collaboration will further strengthen Maharashtra’s position as an industrial and economic powerhouse, driving innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity for our people.”
Mr. Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group, said, “This MoU reflects our unwavering commitment to Maharashtra, a state that has been pivotal to JSW Group’s journey of growth and innovation. Through this partnership, we take another step towards Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Clean and Green Bharat. This investment will not only boost industrial development but also drive India’s green transition with sustainable technologies, clean mobility and renewable energy solutions. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Maharashtra, led by Honorable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, for their visionary approach and industry-friendly policies, which make transformative initiatives like these possible.”
Advait Energy Transitions Secures Strategic Contracts for Solar and Green Hydrogen Ventures in India
January 22, 2025 — Advait Energy Transitions Limited (formerly Advait Infratech Limited), a leading name in the renewable energy sector, has announced significant milestones that reinforce its position as a pioneer in the industry. The company has recently secured prestigious projects across key renewable energy initiatives, emphasizing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth.
Milestone Achievements
- Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Project: Advait Energy Transitions Limited has secured a prestigious order from Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) for the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of a web-based online portal and mobile application to facilitate the implementation of 40,000 off-grid or standalone solar pumps under the PM KUSUM Component ‘B’ scheme. The project encompasses several key aspects, including the integration of solar pumps with SCADA software, the deployment of cloud services, integration with payment and SMS gateways, and RMS device configuration. Additionally, Advait Energy Transitions Limited will undertake a 5-year operations and maintenance commitment, ensuring the seamless functioning of the system over the long term.
- The project’s execution will go live within 30 days and will last for over a period of one year, followed by sustained maintenance for five years.
- Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI): Advait Energy Transitions Limited has received a Letter of Award from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) under Tranche II of the PLI Scheme. The project involves establishing a 200 MW Alkaline Electrolyser manufacturing capacity in India, a significant step under the Green Hydrogen Mission to drive the country’s energy transition. This initiative highlights Advait’s commitment to aligning with the Government of India’s mission for renewable energy and green hydrogen development. Spanning five years, the PLI scheme aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen manufacturing, further reinforcing the nation’s leadership in sustainable energy solutions.
Commitment to a Greener Future
These projects highlight Advait Energy Transitions Limited’s dedication to advancing India’s renewable energy goals. The company’s collaboration with domestic entities like KREDL and SECI is a testament to its robust capabilities in executing high-impact, technology-driven projects.
Deepa Fernandes, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of Advait Energy Transitions Limited, commented, “These projects mark a significant step forward in our journey towards creating a sustainable future. We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that align with India’s renewable energy and sustainability goals.”