05 June 2025, Gurugram, Haryana- Stride Green, a climate-tech focused asset financing and lifecycle management platform, has announced the successful raise of $3.5 million as part of its Seed Funding Round, led by Micelio Technology Fund, Incubate Fund Asia, and other strategic investors. This infusion of capital is set to bolster Stride Green’s mission to provide innovative, tech-enabled financing and leasing solutions tailored for India’s burgeoning clean energy transition sectors, such as electric mobility, battery storage, renewable etc. The funds will also be used to expand the team, bringing in critical expertise to strengthen capabilities and support future growth.

Founded by Ishpreet Gandhi & Vivek Jain, Stride Green is on a mission to empower sustainable businesses through innovative asset management and finance solutions and data-driven insights, driving the transition to a greener economy. In an industry where early-stage clean technologies are usually not able to find growth capital and scalability in operations, Stride Green is providing a novel, end-to-end leasing and financing platform that is impact-focused as well as operationally optimal. The company’s in-house technology facilitates real-time data analytics, intelligent alerts, and operational insights, enhancing asset performance and longevity.

Vivek Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, Stride Green, said, “At Stride Green, we’re driven by deep domain expertise and a clear purpose to develop innovative and scalable solutions for the climate-tech ecosystem. We are grateful to have eco-conscious, mission-aligned partners like Micelio and Incubate, whose support empowers us on our journey to deliver bespoke, high-impact solutions for a more sustainable future.”

India’s clean-tech sector has witnessed a surge in investments, surpassing China in clean technology funding during the third quarter of 2024, with deals worth approximately $2.4 billion. This momentum underscores the country’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Stride Green is enabling this shift by equipping eco-conscious businesses with the tools to boost operational efficiency, cut emissions, and scale sustainable solutions across the clean energy value chain.

Rajeev Ranka, Partner, Incubate Fund Asia, said, “We are very excited to partner with Stride Green to co-create the new age green financing and asset management platform to meet the needs of the evolving energy sector, electric mobility, and financial Institutions. StrideGreen, Ishpreet, and Vivek have been at the forefront of creating scalable new age financing products, very glad to support their vision and join the journey.”

Stride Green is poised for geographical and technological expansion, aiming to broaden its presence across new regions and diversify into emerging verticals within the climate technology sector. This growth strategy reflects the company’s dedication to scaling sustainable solutions and driving innovation in the clean energy ecosystem.

Alok Chauhan, Principal, Micelio Technology Fund, added, “At Micelio, we have held a strong belief that the transition to clean mobility requires specialized financing infrastructure that can evolve with innovation. Stride Green‘s tech-first platform addresses a critical gap between traditional financing and clean mobility’s unique needs—helping unlock significant capital for the sector. We’re excited to support this ecosystem-focused approach that aligns perfectly with our portfolio’s mission to advance the clean mobility ecosystem through strategic technology investments.”

5th June 2025: Shree Cement continues to set new industry benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing with over 60% of its total electricity consumption now met through green power. The company’s renewable energy capacity has grown to 582 MW, cementing its position as a front-runner in low-carbon cement production. The recent commissioning of a 60.3 MW solar plant in Jodhpur adds significant momentum to its green transition.

With a sharp strategic focus on climate-resilient operations, Shree Cement is aggressively investing in renewable infrastructure, making sustainability a central pillar of its growth strategy. This commitment has been consistently demonstrated through large-scale deployment of solar energy, wind power and waste heat recovery systems across its manufacturing units.

Commenting on the milestone on World Environment Day, Mr MM Rathi, Joint President – Power Management, Shree Cement said, “We are building a future-ready enterprise rooted in sustainability, innovation and performance. Our transition to green power is not just a business imperative it is a long-term commitment to a cleaner, more responsible future. Through this journey, we aim to set new benchmarks for the entire cement industry.”

The company has integrated green energy solutions into every aspect of its value chain from sourcing and production to packaging and logistics. The aim is not only to reduce carbon footprint but also to ensure long-term energy security and operational resilience. This transition is further supported by data-driven energy management systems that improves efficiency and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

The company’s sustainability efforts have earned it prestigious recognition including a CareEdge ESG 1 rating and the title of “Industry Mover” in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, reflecting its leadership in ESG performance.

Bhubaneswar , 4th June 2025: In celebration of Raja Parba, Odisha’s most loved festival honouring womanhood, Smart Bazaar, a leading retail destination by Reliance Retail, has rolled out a host of unmissable festive offers and in-store engagement activities to bring the true spirit of Raja to life.  The celebrations were marked with a special event at the Smart Bazaar store in Bhubaneswar, graced by Ms. Surabhi Sen, Chief Marketing Officer – Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, along with a popular celebrity guest Lipsa Mishra Acharya & Riya Dey, who together unveiled the festive offers and inaugurated the Raja activities.

Joining the occasion, Mr. Kamadeva Mohanty, Chief Operating Officer – Reliance Retail Ltd – Value Format, also shared his thoughts on the significance of Raja Parba. “Raja Parba is a tribute to the strength, grace, and resilience of women. At Smart Bazaar, we are proud to honour this tradition by creating a vibrant, inclusive, and joyful shopping experience especially for women. From thoughtful offers to in-store activities, our celebration is dedicated to making every woman feel special and valued during this auspicious time,” said Mr. Kamadeva Mohanty.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Surabhi Sen added,

“Raja Parba is a celebration of tradition, festivity, and the spirit of womanhood. At Smart Bazaar, we’re committed to bringing unmatched value and festive joy to our customers with curated offers, engaging activities, and a complete shopping experience.”

Celebrate Raja Parba with exclusive offers at Smart Bazaar that bring joy to your shopping experience. When you shop for fashion worth ₹999 or more, you can get a designer shopping bag for just ₹99. Spend ₹999 or more and take home a Philips Hair Dryer for only ₹599. Plus, enjoy a flat 20% discount on ladies’ kurtas priced at ₹499 and above. Add a festive touch to your beauty routine with special deals on Sugar Pop cosmetics, featuring essentials like nail paints and kajals at exclusive prices. Smart Bazaar also ensures your kitchen is ready for the celebrations with unbeatable grocery deals—Loose Sugar at ₹44.50 per kg, Loose HMT Kolam Rice at ₹51 per kg, Loose Tur Dal Economy at ₹99 per kg, and Good Life Jeera Sar Rice at just ₹40 per kg (26 kg pack; terms and conditions apply). Enhancing the festive atmosphere, the store is adorned with vibrant Raja-themed décor and features a dedicated activity zone, creating an immersive and joyful experience for families and shoppers alike.

  

     By – Shankar Rajaram, Area Sales Director – Industry, INDO Region, Grundfos 

04 June 2025: On World Environment Day

“As industries evolve, sustainability must lead the way. At Grundfos, we believe that the future of manufacturing is defined not just by efficiency but by responsibility—reducing resource consumption, minimising emissions, and preserving the planet for generations to come.

Water and energy are the lifeblood of industry, yet their overuse puts immense strain on our environment. It is time for a shift—from consumption to conservation, from waste to reuse, and from outdated methods to innovative, sustainable solutions.

Our intelligent solutions help industries optimise energy and water use, ensuring that every drop and every watt counts. By integrating smarter technologies, we empower businesses to achieve their production goals while reducing their environmental footprint. The path to sustainability is not just a choice—it is imperative.

On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to driving change, enabling industries to make sustainability not just an ambition but a measurable reality. Together, we can build a future where progress and environmental stewardship are in harmony.”

 

 

3rd June 2025: India’s sneaker and streetwear culture has exploded in recent years, fueled by a growing community of enthusiasts, global collaborations, and an increasing demand for exclusive releases. Sneakerheads and fashion-forward shoppers are constantly on the lookout for limited-edition drops, rare collectibles, and premium streetwear brands that blend performance, style, and culture. Whether you’re hunting for hyped collaborations, timeless classics, or emerging streetwear labels, several multi-brand retailers across India offer an extensive selection of sneakers and apparel to help you stay ahead of the trends. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to shop for exclusive sneakers and streetwear in India.

1) VegNonVeg: VegNonVeg was one of the first sneaker boutiques in India to bring global brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Puma under one roof. They regularly stock limited-edition collaborations, making them a go-to for sneaker collectors. With flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and an extensive online store, their collection is accessible to sneaker enthusiasts across India. More than just a retailer, VegNonVeg plays a crucial role in shaping India’s sneaker culture, blending streetwear with artistic and cultural influences, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both hype and heritage in their footwear.

2) Culture Circle : Culture Circle offers a curated selection of sneakers and streetwear from global brands like Yeezy, Jordan, Essentials, and Fear of God. Known for its sneaker raffles and exclusive drops, the store is a go-to destination for fashion-forward shoppers looking to stay ahead of the latest trends. With a strong online presence and retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi, Culture Circle provides access to limited-edition footwear and apparel, making it a key player in India’s growing sneaker and streetwear scene.

3) Brandman Retail: Brandman Retail specializes in introducing premium international footwear brands to the Indian market, making high-quality, performance-driven, and lifestyle-oriented sneakers more accessible to Indian consumers. Their collection includes brands like New Balance, Timberland, GFore, On Running, Jansport, Rockport, Saucony, and Sperry, offering a diverse range of sneakers suited for both athletic performance and everyday wear. With stores in Delhi, Gurugram, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, and Jalandhar, along with locations in other key cities across India, Brandman Retail continues to expand access to premium global sneakers through select retail partners and online platforms.

4) Superkicks: Superkicks has cultivated a strong community of sneaker enthusiasts by offering a selection of sneakers from brands like Converse, Reebok, Nike, and Vans. Known for its exclusive collaborations with artists and designers, Superkicks blends sneaker culture with creativity, making it more than just a retail space. With stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, along with a robust online platform, they provide sneaker lovers across India with access to both classic staples and limited-edition drops.

5) Crepdog Crew (CDC): Crepdog Crew, or CDC, is a go-to destination for both retail and resale sneakers, offering sneaker enthusiasts access to rare and hard-to-find pairs from global brands like Nike, Adidas,Jordan, and Yeezy. In addition to sneakers, CDC also features homegrown streetwear labels alongside international brands like Cactus Plant Flea Market, Drew House, and Essentials, making it a well-rounded platform for streetwear lovers. With stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, along with availability through their online platform, CDC has cemented its place in India’s growing sneaker and streetwear culture.

6) Mainstreet Marketplace: Mainstreet Marketplace is one of India’s largest sneaker resale platforms, specializing in rare and out-of-stock pairs from top global brands. Their collection features coveted collaborations like Off-White x Nike, Travis Scott x Air Jordan, and Supreme releases, making it a trusted destination for sneaker collectors. With stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, along with a verified online marketplace, Mainstreet provides sneaker enthusiasts with a secure platform for trading and reselling highly sought-after sneakers.

These retailers are at the forefront of making premium sneakers and streetwear more accessible in India. Whether you’re looking for high-performance sports shoes, everyday streetwear staples, or rare collectibles, these platforms offer a range of options to match different styles and preferences.

June 3, 2025: Renault India, wholly owned French carmaker Renault Group, today announced the launch of Renault Discovery Days, a thrilling nationwide campaign running from June 6 to June 16, 2025. Under the initiative, Renault India is inviting customers to visit Renault showrooms across country and discover an exciting range of vehicles, now available with retrofit CNG options, along with never-before offers designed to maximize customer delight and accessibility.

Renault Discovery Days will turn showrooms into vibrant hubs of activity over two consecutive weekends, with thematic carnivals, immersive consumer events, and engaging experiences designed to connect with automotive enthusiasts, families, and first-time buyers alike.

During this limited-time celebration, Renault is rolling out special offers on the popular RXT, RXT+ and RXZ variants, which includes:

·         Attractive NRFSI 0% rate of interest across the entire Renault line-up

·         50% waiver on NRFSI processing fees

·         Exchange benefits up to ₹40,000

·         Additional loyalty and segment benefits for existing Renault customers and those upgrading within the Renault family

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Renault India  said, “We’re thrilled to introduce Renault Discovery Days to the Indian market, a campaign that drives product discovery, unmatched consumer offers, and experiential showroom interactions. Through this initiative we aim to reignite the passion for Renault, showcasing the innovation in our range and rewarding the loyalty of our customers with tangible, meaningful benefits. Whether you’re drawn to our stylish city hatchbacks, our adventure-ready SUVs, or our eco-friendly retrofit CNG options, we are there to extend an exceptional Renault experience to our consumers.”

With a wide selection of vehicles engineered for India’s dynamic roads, combining smart design, fuel efficiency, and advanced features, customers can book their test drives, explore exclusive offers, and make the most of the Discovery Days benefits before June 16.

Vietjet Charts Bold Growth Path with Record Performance, New International Routes,

and Fleet Expansion

Mumbai, June 3, 2025: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 30, outlining its strategic priorities for sustained growth within the next decade Key initiatives include continued flight network expansion, long-term fleet investments, and further digital innovation.

Strong financial growth and global expansion

The meeting highlighted Vietjet’s record-breaking performance in 2024, driven by an expanded international route network and increasing passenger demand. The airline safely operated 137,500 flights, carrying over 25.9 million passengers (excluding Vietjet Thailand), including more than 9 million international travellers—a year-on-year growth of 18%.

Vietjet launched 20 new routes in 2024, expanding its total network to 145 routes, including 101 international and 44 domestic services. Notably, Vietjet became the first airline to directly connect Vietnam with all five of Australia’s largest cities, and continues to lead the connectivity between Vietnam and India, China, South Korea, and Japan.

During 2024 and early 2025, the Vietnamese airline has strengthened its operations in India, now operating 10 routes with 78 weekly flights between the two countries. Vietjet’s network is connecting major Indian cities—New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru—to key Vietnamese destinations—Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. With its extensive route map and affordable fares, Vietjet has quickly grown into a preferred carrier for Indian travellers.

According to audited financial statements, Vietjet posted consolidated revenue in 2024 exceeding VND72.045 trillion (approx. US$2.77 billion), with pre-tax profit reaching over VND1.823 trillion (approx. US$70.17 million). Parent company revenue was VND71.734 trillion (approx. US$2.76 billion) with pre-tax profit of VND1.748 trillion (approx. US$67.27 million). By year-end 2024, total assets stood at nearly VND99.3 trillion (approx. US$3.82 billion), while key financial ratios – a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.03 and a liquidity ratio of 1.58 – remain strong by industry standards.

Growth vision for next decade

Entering 2025, Vietjet marked a milestone in its journey by operating its first flight from Vietnam to the United States. To support its growth ambitions, the airline also announced a long-term agreement with Airbus in May 2025 to purchase 20 additional A330neo wide-body aircraft, increasing its total order of the type to 40.

At the AGM, Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to becoming a key global aviation player: “Vietjet is not just a pioneering airline but a modern, flexible multinational carrier with a mission to deeply integrate into the global economy. Vietjet remains committed to bridging Vietnam with the world—connecting economies, cultures, and communities—while making air travel more accessible for millions through safe, budget-friendly, quality service and continuous innovation.”

New international routes strengthen regional footprint

As part of its 2025 expansion strategy, Vietjet has launched a new international route connecting Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s premier beach destination, with Singapore, one of the Asia-Pacific’s leading travel and business hubs. The service commenced on May 30 and operates four return flights weekly. With a flight time under two hours, the new route offers seamless and convenient access between two of Asia’s most dynamic destinations.

This launch brings Vietjet’s operations between Vietnam and Singapore to 78 flights per week, spanning four routes connecting Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang to Singapore. To mark the occasion, the airline is offering exclusive Friday fares starting from just ₹11 (excluding taxes and fees) for all international routes, valid for travel through December 31, 2025. 

Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, today announced starting of the second phase of Air Quality Action Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supported by Paytm Foundation. The initiative aims to support India’s clean air mission by fostering collaboration, driving awareness, and enabling scalable, technology-led solutions.

The Second Phase of the Air Quality Action Forum will serve as a centralized platform to share knowledge, best practices, and practical solutions for air quality management. It is designed to empower policymakers, civic agencies, researchers, and communities with access to data-driven tools and public education resources. The initiative also emphasizes citizen engagement and behavioural change as key pillars for long-term impact.

This Phase leverages technology, real-time data, and multi-sector partnerships to enable the implementation of innovative and scalable interventions for improving air quality. It aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the execution of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), supporting both policy-level planning and on-ground execution.

Announced at the event, Aironomics 2025: Unlocking India’s Blue Skies Economy is a flagship summit anchored by the Bharat Climate Forum and inspired by the vision of the Swadeshi Principles of CIEU with Dalberg and the Council of International Economic Understanding. The summit convenes national and state leaders, experts, and industry stakeholders to promote unified airshed strategies, align cross-agency policies, and scale innovation across sectors such as clean energy, mobility, and waste management, all contributing to a healthier and more resilient economy.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “Air pollution affects every one of us — in our homes, on our streets, and in the lives of our children. This initiative is a step towards enabling informed action, where science, technology, and awareness come together to make clean air a shared priority. We value the ongoing efforts by government bodies working to improve air quality and hope this platform can strengthen and support those efforts by encouraging active collaboration and citizen engagement.”

Dr. Balakrishna, Head of UNEP India said, “Tackling air pollution requires united, science-backed action across all levels of society. This collaboration with the Paytm Foundation brings together policy, technology, and grassroots engagement, a combination that is critical to building sustainable air quality solutions. The Second Phase of AQAF will serve as a key driver in India’s efforts to meet its clean air targets and protect the health of its people and environment.”

Paytm Founder & CEO has been named as UN’s environment patron for clean air. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support the UN Environment’s global BreatheLife campaign, which aims to raise awareness about urgent social and environmental challenges and address them through collaborative action.

New Delhi, 2^nd June, 2025 – CYK Hospitalities, the premier F&B consultancy in India, announces the launch of Via Bianca, a niche, regional Italian restaurant situated in the iconic N Block Market, GK I, New Delhi. With this endeavor, CYK continues to raise the bar for exquisitely crafted F&B concepts focused on a blend of authenticity, operational finesse and visionary collaborations.

Via Bianca is the dream project of Chef Kamalika Anand, an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu, London, and ALMA, Italy. After years of international experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and European culinary landscapes, Kamalika wished to create a place that would truly represent Italy’s regional cuisine and culinary culture. Via Bianca is rooted in tradition, simply presented, and served with soul. The ambiance of the restaurant is understated elegance, presenting an ambience that emulates the rustic charm of Italian homes with sleek modernity—open kitchen, pasta shaping station and wood-fired oven are some of its highlights.

The menu ventures into the realm of delicacies consisting of Strata Bianca di Zucchini, Spaghetti all’ Assassina and Tigelle ‘Nduja, among others, bringing forth an array of ingredients and techniques that honour Italy’s myriad regions. The idea goes from striving to appeal to the varied tastes of the seasoned diner and the curious one for whom the Italian food serenade should be kept a bit warmer and more familiar.

Chef Kamalika Anand shares the sentiment: “Via Bianca has lived in my head and heart for a long time. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a tribute to the Italy I studied, lived, and loved. CYK Hospitalities didn’t just consult; they helped me channel a dream into something real. Every inch of Via Bianca carries a piece of my journey and hard work, backed by their strategic brilliance.“

CYK Hospitality worked alongside the brand team to ensure the narrative was passed on to an ergonomic operational structure. Whether it was designing a back kitchen workflow or maturing the guest journey, on every touchpoint was supposed to exist the spirit of Via Bianca.

Pulkit Arora, Director of CYK Hospitalities, stated, “Via Bianca is a reflection of meaningful collaboration. We saw Kamalika’s passion and aligned it with a solid framework, from planning to execution. This project shows how soulful cuisine can meet market-smart strategy without compromise.”

 

Via Bianca is not just another restaurant; in a silent revolution, it is changing the dining world in Delhi. With heartfelt precision and determination, it has shown that a regional cuisine-led format can become a landmark of its own. With CYK Hospitalities in charge of conceptual and operational domains, Via Bianca is going to turn into the new hallmark of experiential dining in the capital.

National, 2^nd June 2025- Inspired by the overwhelming consumer love for its ‘Namak ho Tata ka… Tata Namak’ campaign last year, India’s No.1 iodized salt brand, Tata Salt, returns with a fresh new edition of ‘Namak Ho Tata Ka… Tata Namak’. This 2.0 version builds on the deep emotional connect forged with households across the country, reimagining the iconic jingle to spark renewed love, connection, and purpose.

The new campaign features eight heartwarming and playful brand films, that elevate the nostalgic melody while delivering a powerful message: Tata Salt, with the right amount of iodine, supports children’s mental development, building a sharper generation for future. Reinforcing its position as Desh Ka Namak, the campaign celebrates Tata Salt’s unmatched product trust and functionality in an entertaining, engaging, and musical format.

Conceptualized by Ogilvy, the multi-asset campaign captures slice-of-life moments, from lullabies and classrooms to kitty parties, weddings, and everyday family scenes, portraying Tata Salt as an inseparable part of Indian homes.

The films reflect everyday life across Hindi heartland families, expressive Bengali homes, and emotionally rich Marathi households. The storytelling also resonates across generations, celebrating real, authentic moments.

In one film, a teacher uses a nostalgic jingle to teach the importance of iodine in a familiar school setting, blending education with emotion. Another showcases a lively Hindi-speaking household, where Tata Salt quietly supports every culinary tradition and loving exchange. With its nostalgic yet catchy tune, the campaign proudly reaffirms Tata Salt as Desh Ka Namak, reaching millions with its rhythm and timeless message with the initial release of four films during IPL.

Commenting on the campaign, Ms. Deepika Bhan, President – Packaged Foods, Tata Consumer Products Ltd., said, “ This is a beautiful, natural follow-up to our last year’s campaign, presenting the iconic jingle again in a refreshing way. ‘Desh ka Namak’ is more than just an emotion, it’s a promise built on quality, integrity, and generations of trust built over four decades. This campaign will deepen our bond with consumers and reaffirm our commitment to happiness, and trust in every home.

Anurag Agnihotri, Chief Creative Officer – Mumbai & Kolkata, Ogilvy, added, “Tata Salt wanted to tell people about building sharper minds through iodine addition. But how do you make something as vital as child’s mental development impossible to ignore? So, we turned to the 80’s, an era that made everything unforgettable through a jingle. We took our iodine story, dressed it in 80s flair, and sent it through every corner of Indian life, from vidaais, to classrooms to kitty parties. This is our love letter to a golden era of advertising, reimagined for today’s India.”