Bengaluru, April 18th 2025: Weddings mark the beginning of a new chapter, where connections, values and aspirations seamlessly intertwine to create a shared future. Today weddings are evolving to embrace each other’s personal identity while building a relationship that fosters support and mutual growth. Embracing this evolving narrative, Sonata, India’s largest-selling watch brand from Titan, unveils its latest wedding collection centered around the ‘Dream, Together’ theme, reinforcing its position as the ultimate destination for wedding watches.

Marriage is more than just a union of two individuals; it is a start of a new chapter, a fresh journey into shared dreams, aspirations and a lifetime of experiences. Dream, Together captures the essence of what this milestone means to a modern couple: a blend of tradition and modernity, commitment and conviction. The narrative positions Sonata as an ideal companion for those who carve out their identity in relationships and build a shared future, with thoughtfulness and confidence.

The wedding collection reflects this very sentiment, making it perfect for young couples who wish to leave a lasting impression on their special day. Blending traditions with new-age design, the collection features sleek, well-defined silhouettes and an artful medley of detailing and bold accents. Featuring designs that combine contemporary sophistication, a hint of sparkle and a whole lot of glamour, Sonata’s wedding range is more than a statement piece or a thoughtful gift; it is a reflection of the wearer’s personality and aspirations, as they prepare to walk the aisle. Whether paired with a traditional ensemble or a contemporary look, these timepieces elevate every wedding celebration with effortless style and refined confidence.

With this, the brand reflects the spirit of the upstart generation who embrace new beginnings with passion, enthusiasm and ambition. As a gift or symbol of self-love, these timepieces become the perfect choice for brides, grooms, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and loved ones who wish to mark the occasion with something truly meaningful.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Prateek Gupta, Marketing Head, Sonata said, “Today’s ambitious upstarts are apprehensive when it comes to commitment because they think it may hinder their personal growth. However, partnerships are pathways to broaden dreams, not limit them. At Sonata, we recognize that weddings symbolize the union of two futures. Through our ‘Dream, Together’ narrative, we highlight the transformative power of shared time over individual time, celebrating the synergy of two individuals who, when together elevate each other’s goals.”

Starting at INR 2495, explore the Sonata Wedding Collection at Titan World outlets or online at www.sonatawatches.in. Embrace your new journey with style and celebrate your shared journey with Sonata.

By Rishabh Goel, Managing Director, Tailwind Financial Services

March 2025 marked a period of significant flux in India’s mutual fund industry, shaped by shifting investor sentiment, global economic uncertainty, and market volatility. Amid falling inflows and rising stoppage rates, the underlying story remains one of resilience, long-term opportunity, and the importance of smart investing.

A Dip in Equity Inflows, But Retail Interest Holds Strong

Net inflows into equity mutual funds dropped to an 11-month low of Rs 25,082 crore in March, continuing a three-month downward trend. This 40% decline compared to October 2024 may be attributed to global trade tensions, rising interest rates, and fears of a broader economic slowdown. However, a notable counter-trend emerged: the number of equity folios grew by 14.5 lakh, suggesting strong retail investor interest. Equity-oriented funds now account for nearly 70% of all mutual fund folios.

Risk-On Behavior: Small and Mid-Cap Preference

Despite increased volatility, investors continue to favor mid and small-cap funds, with March inflows of Rs 3,439 crore and Rs 4,092 crore, respectively. While these categories offer the potential for higher returns, they come with higher risk—a tradeoff not all investors are equipped to manage.

Sectoral Funds See Sharp Pullback

Contrasting the enthusiasm for mid and small caps, sectoral and thematic fund inflows collapsed from Rs 5,712 crore in February to just Rs 170 crore in March. This suggests a pullback from high-risk, concentrated investment themes.

Large Cap Funds: An Underappreciated Safe Haven

In a surprising twist, large cap funds received relatively muted inflows of Rs 2,479 crore. Given their historical stability and ability to weather downturns, investors may be missing an opportunity to balance their risk exposure.

SIP Stoppage Ratio Rises Sharply

A critical indicator of investor sentiment, the SIP stoppage ratio jumped to 128.27% in March, up from 122.76% in February. Over 51 lakh SIPs were closed or matured, compared to just 40 lakh new registrations. This suggests investors are becoming more cautious or reevaluating their investment choices. For FY 2024-25, the stoppage ratio stood at 75.63%, up from 52.41% the year before.

Marginal Dip in SIP Inflows, but AUM Continues to Grow

SIP inflows dipped slightly to Rs 25,926 crore in March from Rs 25,999 crore in February, reflecting marginal caution. Yet, overall Assets Under Management (AUM) for equity mutual funds grew 7.5% to Rs 29.5 lakh crore, supported by a market rally that saw the BSE Sensex gain 5.8%.

Total AUM for the mutual fund industry reached Rs 65.74 lakh crore in March, a 23% year-over-year increase, reflecting overall industry resilience.

What Should Investors Do?

Given the current environment, here are some thoughtful strategies for investors:

1. Don’t Chase Past Returns: Avoid investing in funds solely based on recent performance, especially small cap, mid cap, and thematic funds. Past returns do not predict future outcomes.
2. Understand Risk-Return Tradeoffs: Recognize the risk profile of each fund category. Higher returns typically come with higher risk. Align your choices with your personal risk appetite.
3. Evaluate Fund Fundamentals: Look beyond returns. Assess risk ratios, fund manager credentials, the consistency of performance, expense ratios, and the fund house’s investment process.
4. Be Selective with NFOs: Not every New Fund Offer is worth your money. Only consider NFOs with a strong investment rationale and robust management pedigree.
5. Personalize Your Portfolio: There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Choose schemes based on your age, financial goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance. Avoid herd behavior.
6. Use Volatility to Your Advantage: Use market corrections to make staggered lump-sum investments. Volatility can be an opportunity when approached with discipline.
7. Stay Committed to SIPs: Avoid stopping SIPs mid-way. Doing so can interrupt compounding and derail your financial goals. SIPs are designed to thrive through market cycles.

Final Thoughts

While the mutual fund industry is navigating a phase of increased caution and realignment, the long-term outlook remains strong. Investors who stay focused on fundamentals, follow a disciplined approach, and align their investments with personal goals will be better positioned to benefit from market recovery.

The road ahead requires clarity, patience, and prudence. But with the right strategy, mutual funds continue to offer a powerful pathway to long-term wealth creation.

Mumbai, 18^th Apr, 2025: The Board of Directors of HDFC Life approved and adopted the audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025. The Company grew faster than the sector, whilst delivering healthy performance across all key metrics.

Performance Highlights: 

• Topline Growth: Delivered strong individual APE growth of 18%, supported by increase in both number of policies sold and ticket size and a balanced product mix
• Market Share: Overall market share (individual WRP) increased by 70 bps to 11.1% for the period 11MFY25. Private sector market share stood at 15.7%, an increase of 30 bps
• Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 13% to ₹ 3,962 crore, reflecting robust growth in profitable business
• Assets under Management (AUM): AUM stood at ₹ 3,36,282 lakh crore as on 31^st March 2025, an increase of 15% YoY
• Persistency: Our persistency for the 13th and 61st months stood at a strong 87% and 63%, Notably, our 61st-month persistency saw a significant improvement of 1000 basis points, demonstrating the company’s deep customer engagement and effective retention initiatives
• Embedded Value (EV) grew by 17% and stood at ₹ 55,423 crore, with 7% operating return on EV, showcasing sustained long-term value creation for shareholders
• Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹ 1,802 crore was achieved in 12M FY25, clocking a steady growth of 15% year-on-year, helped by an 18% increase in profit emergence from our back book. The Board has recommended a final dividend of ₹ 2.1 per share, in line with our dividend payout policy, aggregating to a payout of about ₹ 452 crore.
• Solvency Ratio stood at 194%, comfortably above the regulatory threshold of 150%
• Employee Focus: certified as Great Place to Work in 2025, highlighting commitment to employee well-being. Also recognized amongst the top 50 organisations for building a culture of innovation by Great Place to Work. HDFC Life was recognised for its inclusivity and employee-friendly policies, being awarded the Best Companies for Women in India 2024 in the BFSI sector and Exemplar of Inclusion (Most Inclusive Companies India 2024) by Avtar & Seramount

CEO’s Statement:

Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life, commented: “FY25 was a year where we deepened our reach, continued sharpening our value propositions and demonstrated the resilience of our business model. We are happy to report an 18% growth in Individual APE for FY25, in line with our stated growth aspirations for the year. Our overall industry market share expanded by 70 bps to 11.1% and by 30 bps to 15.7% within the private sector.

Retail protection continued to show strong momentum with APE growth of 25%. All channels registered double-digit growth. We continue to enhance customer experience through intuitive digital platforms, with over 90% of service requests now handled via self-service.

As we enter our 25th year of existence, our aspiration remains, against a backdrop of a stable regulatory regime, to consistently outpace sector topline growth, deliver VNB growth in line with APE growth and double key metrics every 4 to 4.5 years.”

Key Financial Summary

₹ Crore	12M FY25	12M FY24		YoY
Key Financial and Actuarial Metrics
Individual APE	13,619	11,509		18%
Total APE	15,479	13,291		16%
New Business Premium (Indl + Group)	33,365	29,631		13%
Renewal Premium (Indl + Group)	37,680	33,445		13%
Total Premium	71,045	63,076		13%
Assets Under Management	3,36,282	2,92,220		15%
Profit After Tax	1,802	1,569		15%
Indian Embedded Value	55,423	47,468		17%
Value of new business	3,962	3,501		13%
	12M FY25		12M FY24
Key Financial Ratios
New Business Margins	25.6%		26.3%
Operating Return on EV	16.7%		17.5%
Total Expenses / Total Premium	19.8%		19.4%
Solvency Ratio	194%		187%
13M / 61M Persistency	87%/63%		87%/53%
Individual WRP market share (Overall)1	11.1%		10.4%
Product mix by Indl APE (UL / Non par savings /Annuity/ Protection / Par)	39/32/5/5/19		35/30/6/5/23

Distribution mix by Indl APE (Corp Agents/ Agency/ Broker/ Direct)

65/18/7/10

65/18/6/11

Note: 1. For the period ending 11M

Percentages may not add up due to rounding off effect

Definitions and abbreviations

• Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) – The sum of annualized first year regular premiums and 10% weighted single premiums and single premium top-ups
• Assets under Management (AUM) – The total value of Shareholders’ & Policyholders’ investments

managed by the insurance company

• Embedded Value Operating Profit (EVOP) – Embedded Value Operating Profit (“EVOP”) is a measure of the increase in the EV during any given period, excluding the impact on EV due to external factors like changes in economic variables and shareholder-related actions like capital injection or dividend pay-outs
• First year premium – Premiums due in the first policy year of regular premiums received during the financial year. For example, for a monthly mode policy sold in March 2025, the first monthly instalment received would be reflected as First year premiums for 2024-25 and the remaining 11 instalments due in the first policy year would be reflected as first year premiums in 2025-26, when received
• New business received premium – The sum of first year premium and single premium, reflecting the total premiums received from the new business written
• Operating expense – It includes all expenses that are incurred for the purposes of sourcing new business and expenses incurred for policy servicing (which are known as maintenance costs) including shareholders’ expenses. It does not include commission
• Operating expense ratio – Ratio of operating expense (including shareholders’ expenses) to total premium
• Operating return on EV – Operating Return on EV is the ratio of EVOP (Embedded Value Operating Profit) for any given period to the EV at the beginning of that period
• Persistency – The proportion of business renewed from the business underwritten. The ratio is measured in terms of number of policies and premiums underwritten
• Premium less benefits payouts – The difference between total premium received and benefits paid (gross of reinsurance)
• Renewal premium – Regular recurring premiums received after the first policy year
• Solvency ratio – Ratio of available solvency margin to required solvency margin
• Total premium – Total received premiums during the year including first year, single and renewal premiums for individual and group business
• Weighted received premium (WRP) – The sum of first year premium received during the year and 10% of single premiums including top-up premiums

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.– April 18, 2025 – NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, today announced the release of the first sustainability report for its data center division, NTT Global Data Centers. The report highlights NTT DATA’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and its accelerated progress toward achieving Net-Zero emissions within its data centers.

In FY23, NTT Global Data Centers achieved 51% renewable energy usage for non-IT load globally and secured 1.7 TWh of renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to support its transition to achieving Net-Zero emissions in our operations by 2030.

“The rise of AI and digital infrastructure brings unprecedented opportunities, but also a responsibility to build sustainably,” said Doug Adams, CEO and President, NTT Global Data Centers. “We believe technology and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand. Our commitment to Net-Zero extends beyond reducing emissions; it’s about fostering a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem.”

Global Sustainability Report Highlights

NTT Global Data Centers continues to drive measurable progress toward its Net-Zero goals with ambitious targets: achieving Net-Zero across Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and across Scope 1–3 by 2040, ten years ahead of the timeline of the Paris Agreement.

To improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, NTT Global Data Centers is advancing AI-driven cooling technologies, optimizing Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) across its facilities, and deploying battery energy storage systems to store renewable energy and enhance grid resilience, reducing reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand. These innovations ensure that as AI and digital demands grow, data center sustainability keeps pace.

NTT Global Data Centers’ sustainability initiatives continue to deliver real-world impact across its global operations:

• Germany: Waste heat reuse of 2MW will supply heating and warm water to over 1,000 buildings in the Marienpark Berlin commercial district, reducing fossil fuel dependency and maximizing efficiency. Future plans include expanding this initiative to extract up to 37MW of thermal output of the campus in total. NTT Global Data Centers also recently announced another new heat waste recovery project in Berlin that will supply 8MW of thermal waste heat from its data center to a residential district in Berlin.
• United Kingdom: Implementation of a reverse osmosis filtration system reduced annual water usage by 35,000m³, cutting chemical waste and generating $120,000 in cost savings per year. Additionally, a smart sensor upgrade in U.K. data centers cut fan energy use by 50%, saving 2.6 GWh annually through optimized temperature and pressure settings, further enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Mumbai, India: Deployment of liquid immersion cooling and direct contact liquid cooling improved energy efficiency by 30%, enabling high-density AI workloads while reducing power consumption.

Looking forward, NTT Global Data Centers is committed to deepening its impact by focusing on emissions reduction through renewable and low-carbon energy procurement and energy efficiency, circular economy principles, and innovative data center design development. The company is expanding its heat reuse initiatives, aiming to provide heating and warm water to even more buildings in multiple communities.

“Sustainable digital infrastructure isn’t just a goal — it’s an imperative,” said Adams. “As AI and digital transformations accelerate, we are committed to integrating smarter energy solutions, advanced technologies, and AI-driven efficiencies to reduce our environmental impact at scale. Driven by innovation and a bold vision for the future, we are reimagining what’s possible for a sustainable, more resilient digital world.”

As the world’s third-largest data center provider, NTT Global Data Centers is backed by more than $10 billion in capital development through 2027 to drive future expansion of its data center business in current and new markets.

Ahmedabad, India and Sao Jose do Rio Preto, April 18, 2025,Zydus MedTech Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences Limited specializing in medical technology development, has entered into a strategic partnership with Braile Biomédica Indústria, Comércio e Representações Ltda., (Braile Biomedica) – an innovative cardiovascular device manufacturer based in Brazil – to exclusively commercialize its Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) technology across Europe, India, and other select markets.

This agreement marks a significant step in Zydus MedTech’s strategic expansion into the fast-growing interventional cardiology segment. The global TAVI market, currently valued at over USD 6 billion, continues to witness strong growth driven by the increasing incidence of aortic stenosis and the rising demand for minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

Zydus MedTech, which is actively building its interventional cardiology portfolio, will introduce Braile Biomedica’s advanced balloon-expandable TAVI system to international markets, leveraging its commercial and regulatory expertise. Braile Biomedica – with a proven track record in cardiovascular innovation, particularly in Latin America – will manufacture and supply the product for these markets.

In addition to spearheading commercialization, Zydus MedTech will also retain rights to manufacture select components of the TAVI system. This collaboration provides operational flexibility while laying the foundation for further product innovation and development.

This agreement aligns with both companies’ shared commitment to delivering life-saving technologies to a broader patient population. The TAVI procedure is a recognized breakthrough in structural heart care, particularly for elderly patients or those at high surgical risk. By replacing the diseased aortic valve through a catheter-based approach – without the need for open-heart surgery – patients often experience significantly shorter recovery times and reduced procedural risks. The expansion of TAVI indications to all-risk patients has further accelerated its adoption.

What sets this TAVI solution apart is not just its clinical benefits, but also the technological and scientific foundation behind it. The system was developed based on the doctoral thesis of Dr. Domingo Braile, a pioneer of cardiac surgery in Brazil. Braile’s valve features a unique bovine pericardium sheet, used as a single piece rather than three separate leaflets, ensuring exceptional biocompatibility, durability, and performance.

The device must be collapsible, navigable through complex vascular anatomy, and fully functional upon deployment — all while maintaining structural integrity. This engineering precision and real-time deployment capability exemplify the fusion of innovation and performance, making it a next-generation, high-value product in cardiac care.

The synergy between Zydus MedTech’s marketing and regulatory strengths and Braile Biomedica’s deep technological expertise is expected to accelerate the global adoption of this life-saving therapy. Over the next three years, the partnership aims to launch a series of new innovations, supported by a robust clinical research program beginning next year in the regions covered under the agreement.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said “We stand united with Braile to improve patient outcomes and expand access to advanced, critical cardiovascular care globally. This innovative, cutting-edge technology will offer a minimally invasive approach that also supports faster recovery, reduced hospital stays, and greatly improved quality of life for patients.”

Patricia Braile, CEO of Braile Biomedica, said “This partnership with Zydus MedTech powerfully reinforces Braile’s mission to care for people and help save lives. Seeing our TAVI technology — the result of decades of dedication to cardiovascular innovation — reach new continents is the fulfilment of a purpose that has driven us for nearly fifty years. By joining forces with a partner that shares our values and commitment, we expand our global impact and bring hope and quality of life to even more patients around the world.”

Mahabaleshwar, 18th April 2025: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is proud to announce the appointment of Siddharth Chitnis as the new Operations Manager. With a distinguished career spanning nearly 13 years with Marriott International, Siddharth brings a wealth of operational expertise, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of guest service excellence.

Siddharth Chitnis 

In his new role, Siddharth will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences, enhancing operational efficiencies, and supporting the strategic direction of the hotel. His proven track record in hospitality operations across multiple Marriott brands makes him a strong asset to the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar leadership team.

Siddharth joins the property from Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute, where he served as Operations Manager for two years. Prior to that, he held key leadership positions across several prominent Marriott hotels including Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, and Fairfield by Marriott Goa Anjuna. His journey through varied roles—from Front Office Associate to complex Front Office Manager—highlights his growth mindset, operational excellence, and dedication to elevating service standards.

Speaking about his new role, Siddharth said, “I am excited to join Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, a destination known for its scenic beauty and warm hospitality. I look forward to contributing to the guest experience by fostering a culture of service excellence and innovation.”

Siddharth is known among peers for his strong team leadership, guest-centric approach, and hands-on operational style. His commitment to Marriott’s core values and passion for hospitality continues to inspire those around him.

Please join us in welcoming Siddharth Chitnis to the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar family. We look forward to his leadership in taking operational excellence to greater heights.

Hyderabad, April 17, 2025: H.E. Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, has been conferred the prestigious ‘AsiaOne Diplomatic Excellence Award for 2024-25. The award ceremony took place at the SIT20 Saudi Arabia India Thailand 20 Summit under the aegis of the 25th Edition of the Asian Business and Social Forum at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, today.

The award recognizes Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan’s exceptional efforts in boosting trade, tourism, and cultural links between India and Kazakhstan. Mr. Yermek Aitmagambetov, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India; received the award on behalf of Dr. Khan.

This recognition highlights Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan’s dedication to fostering bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. As Honorary Consul, Dr. Khan has been instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation between India and Kazakhstan.