antiSOCIAL [HYD] Unveils The Indian House Music Project Featuring Fake Tattoos (IN)

Hyderabad: April 18 2025: Blazing a trail through the global underground scene, Fake Tattoos is a DJ, producer, and performer who’s redefined what it means to be an Indian electronic music act on the international stage. In 2024 alone, he performed in 9 countries, headlining clubs and festivals across Italy, Germany, Japan, Poland, Thailand, and more.

His breakout track ‘Haseen Raatein (Happy Nights)’ became a nightlife anthem, hitting #1 in India and resonating across borders. With 4 tracks simultaneously in the global Top 100, Fake Tattoos holds the distinction of being the only Indian House & Techno artist to reach that milestone.

Having shared stages with legends like Bart Skils, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Eli & Fur, Stephan Jolk, and Oliver Huntemann, and earning support from names like Tiesto and Shiba San, Fake Tattoos is pushing boundaries with every set.

Currently working on his 4th studio album, this artist is not just riding a wave — he’s building his own movement. Expect raw grooves, hypnotic layers, and pure energy on the dancefloor.

  • Date: 19th April 2025
  • Time: 8:00 pm onwards
  • Venue: Mindspace SOCIAL, Hyderabad
  • Line-up: Fake Tattoos, Paper Planes
  • Genre: House & Techno
  • Booking link: https://www.skillboxes.com/events/antisocial-hyd-presents-the-indian-house-music-project-with-fake-tattoos

Nagpur Emerges as Cardiac Surgery Hub; KIMS Kingsway Performs Central India’s First Robotic MVR

Mumbai, 18 April: KIMS Kingsway Hospitals has successfully performed Central India’s first robotic-assisted Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) using the advanced da Vinci platform. The procedure was carried out on a 55-year-old female patient diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis, a condition where the mitral valve, located between the heart’s left atrium and left ventricle, narrows, restricting blood flow.

Dr. Saurabh Varshney, Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon at KIMS Kingsway Hospitals, led the team in the procedure. “Mitral valve replacement is a complex procedure which is traditionally performed through open-heart surgery, requiring a midline incision and cutting through the breastbone. With robotic-assisted surgery, we achieved the same outcome with minimal incisions, reducing recovery time and avoiding visible scars,” said Dr. Varshney.

Using the advanced robotic-assisted surgery technology, da Vinci, surgeons performed the procedure through a minimally invasive approach, replacing her diseased mitral valve with a mechanical valve. The robotic approach was chosen to minimize surgical invasiveness and avoid the need for a large midline incision through the breastbone. The mitral valve replacement proceeded smoothly, with no complications.

Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which necessitates a midline incision and prolonged ICU stays, the robotic-assisted approach led to reduced blood loss, significantly less pain, faster mobilization, and an overall quicker recovery. The patient was able to walk within hours of the procedure and was discharged in just four days.

“Conventional heart surgery often requires prolonged ICU stays and extended rehabilitation. Remarkably, within a week of returning home, our patient resumed her household activities. Within two weeks, she had returned to her normal routine, as if she had never undergone surgery,” Dr. Varshney pointed out. “This case highlights the benefits of robotic-assisted cardiac surgery in improving patient recovery.

In addition to this mitral valve replacement procedure, Dr. Varshney and his team had also recently perfomed Central India’s first robotic-assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery which was a success.

“Bringing this technology to a non-metro city like Nagpur allows patients to receive specialized treatment locally without traveling to metro cities. The cost of the surgery is also less in Nagpur, compared to bigger cities. As robotic surgery becomes more common and accessible, the costs may further reduce over time, making this advanced technique even more affordable for a broader patient base,” added Dr. Varshney.

The da Vinci robotic system has enhanced the precision of surgeries. From the moment I began using it, I noticed a remarkable improvement in control and refinement. The risk of arterial damage is significantly reduced, making the procedure more efficient. Given my 20 years of experience in the field, I can confidently say that adopting new technology is essential for improving patient outcomes. By continuously refining our skills and adopting cutting-edge technology, we aim to set new standards in cardiac surgery, making complex procedures more effective,” explained Dr. Varshney.

KIMS Kingsway Hospitals is the first hospital in Central India to introduce a robotic cardiac surgery program. The hospital has been at the forefront of pioneering this technology in the region, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Patients from nearby states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, as well as metro cities like Mumbai, have sought robotic cardiac procedures at KIMS Kingsway Hospitals ever since its inception.

Burnett Homeopathy Creates History at WHS 3 in Germany

New Delhi, 18th April 2025: On the special occasion of the birthday anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the Father of Homoeopathy, Burnett Homeopathy Pvt. Ltd. officially organized the World Homoeopathy Summit 3 during World Homoeopathy Week in 2025 in Köthen, Germany, which is popularly referred to as the global capital of classical homeopathy. Burnett is one of a kind of organization that represents the Indian Homoeopathy industry on the global front. They successfully hosted the 2nd summit in the world’s cosmopolitan city, Dubai.

The prestigious summit had more than 200 eminent Homoeopathy doctors and professionals from across the globe to discuss, share knowledge, and celebrate the legacy of Homoeopathy. Prominent attendees were Dr. Lorie Grossman, President of the National Center for Homoeopathy, USA; Prof. Ronald Morie from the UKDr. Nitish DubeyCMD of Hariom Homeo, IndiaProf. Dr. Dorly and Prof. Leoni from Brazil; Dr. Vesna Marinkovic from Serbia; and Dr. Martin from the Netherlands.

The Scientific Society for Homoeopathy, Köthen, renders homage through a special luncheon, offering an occasion for international delegates to warmly and informally network and collaborate. Furthermore, the summit was full of exciting activities, including a unique trip to the birthplace and practice of Dr Hahnemann, an event greatly deepened into the history of classical Homoeopathy for the participants. This was followed by a       knowledge-exchange program and presentation of case studies to exhibit the success ratio. Later, experts had a prolonged research discourse at the European Library of Homoeopathy to reinforce the value of academic collaboration towards new advancements in this field.

Award Ceremony was one of the key attractions of the summit, where 60 doctors were acknowledged for their contribution to homoeopathy. With attendance by Eoin Morgan, former World Cup-winning captain of the England cricket team, and Bastian Bernhagen, Member of Parliament from Köthen, this ceremony was made even more memorable.

Dr. Nitish Dubey, CMD of Burnett Homeopathy Pvt. Ltd., expressed heartfelt thanks to Wiss Homoeopathy, the European Library of Homoeopathy, the House of Hahnemann, and Dr. Stefanie Jahn for their help and support throughout their path to making the summit a historic success. He further mentioned that “Köthen is not just a place; it is a pilgrimage for every Homoeopath. To hold the summit here was thus both an honor and a responsibility to advance Dr. Hahnemann’s legacy with all the passion and purpose he envisaged. This summit has reinstated our common commitment to advancing homoeopathy as a global healing science.”

The enchanting Köthen, a dream city for homoeopath, provided the ideal platform for a landmark occasion. Participants expressed sincere gratitude to Burnett Homeopathy Pvt. Ltd. for organizing such a meaningful and far-reaching global gathering to explore the ever-growing opportunities in homoeopathy.

Gunjur Housing Prices in Bengaluru Surge 2.5x Since 2020

Bengaluru, April 18 2025 : Gunjur, located in the East of Bengaluru, has witnessed nearly 2.5 times growth in housing prices since 2020 due to strong demand for premium homes, said a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity.

Mr-Umesh-Gowda-H.A-Chairman-and-Founder-Sanjeevini-Group

The report also highlighted the substantial growth in housing sales and launches between 2020-25 reinforcing the impact that Gunjur’s proximity to major office hubs including Whitefield, Brookefield and Bellandur has on its housing demand.

According to the report posted by PropEquity, the average housing prices in Gunjur has risen to Rs 11,850 per square feet in 2024 from Rs 4,800 per sq. ft. in 2020, up 146 per cent or nearly 2.5 times. The micromarket has seen 29 per cent average annual growth in prices indicating strong demand from investors and homebuyers.

Bengaluru-based real estate developer Sanjeevini Group Chairman and Founder, Umesh Gowda H.A said Gunjur is a very strategic micro-market that provides a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural tranquillity.

Gunjur provides easy access to major business corridors like Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, ORR, and Electronic City. It is located at an accessible distance to the education, healthcare and leisure centres. This makes it an ideal destination for homebuyers. To add to this, the 2.5X growth in prices in the last five years and the limitless possibilities that this micromarket present in the future make it worthwhile for investors and homebuyers to stay invested for the long-run.

Sanjeevini Group is coming up with a residential group housing project in Gunjur and is currently awaiting RERA approval. In the past, the company has delivered high-end residential projects in East Bengaluru.

During this period, 22 projects were launched adding 8558 units between 2020-24, a sharp increase from 2015-19 when only 13 projects were launched supplying 3421 units; an increase of 150 per cent.

Between 2020-24, 7,745 units were absorbed as compared to 3804 units in 2015-19, an increase of 103 per cent.

In the last 5 years, 12 projects comprising 3172 units have been delivered indicating growing habitation in the region.

The large-scale infrastructure development like 150 ft. CDP Road, which seamlessly connects to the Outer Ring Road and Varthur–Sarjapur/Chennai Highway; and Peripheral Ring Road will be game-changers for the real estate market in Gunjur.

“Rapid infrastructure development, upcoming transport links, and increasing demand make Gunjur a hotspot for real estate investment,” Gowda added.

Discover the New Barbie Mini Game on Kiddopia®

Mattel in collaboration with Nazara Technologies Limited, today announced the launch of Chef Barbie™, an all-new cooking mini game within the educational kids app, Kiddopia® that allows players to cook with Barbie and prepare dishes like sushi, tacos, ramen, and waffles.

 This is the first of several Barbie-themed mini games set to roll out on Kiddopia throughout the year. In Chef Barbie, kids get to do everything from chopping vegetables to making guacamole, all the while building their vocabulary, boosting their general knowledge, and developing their motor skills.

Since 1959, Barbie has inspired limitless potential in every girl, sparking imaginations and shaping futures through play. With over a billion dolls sold—more than 100 every minute—Barbie is the number one doll property. As the most diverse doll line on the market, the Barbie brand brings a unique voice across multiple platforms to engage a wide range of audiences. From highlighting global role models to having a resume with over 250 careers and counting, Barbie continues to show that you can be anything.

Chef Barbie marks Nazara Technologies Limited’s second IP-based partnership for Kiddopia, reinforcing its mission of blending fun with education and offering exciting games that entertain and promote learning among preschoolers.

The mini game is now available for download in the Kiddopia app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.  A subscription is required to access the app and play all games.

TMM 2025 Reaffirms Sport’s Role in Social Change, Raises 53.62 Crores for Causes

Mumbai, 18th April 2025: As the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) draws the curtain on the successful conclusion of its landmark 20th edition, it continues to stand as a shining example of how sport can serve as a powerful driver of social change. What began as a vision to inspire and unite communities—and bring pride to the host city—has now firmly established itself as a movement for social good and catalyst for a health and fitness revolution that is sweeping across the nation. With the support of 275 NGOs, TMM 2025 has raised an outstanding sum of INR 53.62 crores for social causes, underscoring the spirit of #ChangeBegan Here and the power of collective action.

Spearheaded by United Way Mumbai, the official philanthropy partner, the Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to inspire individuals and institutions alike by fostering deeper community engagement, driving social change, and enabling corporates to run for a cause.

This year’s milestone is a powerful reflection of the dedication shown by its participants—963 individual fundraisers, 165 corporates, 20,358 donors, and 13,000 runners—united in support of 275 NGOs working across vital sectors such as healthcare, education, animal welfare, environment, women’s empowerment, livelihood, and community development. While TMM provides the platform, the true credit goes to these organizations and their steadfast commitment to driving grassroots impact. By bringing together diverse stakeholders for a shared purpose, the Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to champion the spirit of collective action for a better tomorrow – #HarDilMumbai.

Since its inception, the Tata Mumbai Marathon has consistently broken barriers, serving as a platform that has helped raise over INR 483.20 crores, benefiting 1000+ NGOs across various causes.

 Shri Rahul Narvekar Hon’ble Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Govt. of Maharashtra, said “The Tata Mumbai Marathon is not just a sporting event—it is a celebration of unity, resilience, and collective progress. Unlike many events that focus solely on brand-building or generating wealth, this marathon stands as a symbol of nation-building and community empowerment. Year after year, it brings people together across social and economic backgrounds, offering a platform not only to athletes but to every individual striving for change, support, or recognition. It gives Mumbai a renewed identity—beyond monuments and festivals, it now stands as a city of spirit, inclusivity, and strength. Events like this deserve wholehearted support, for they reflect the very best of what society can achieve when it moves forward together.”

Adrian Terron, Head, Corporate Brand and Marketing, Tata Sons, said “At the Tata Group we see the Tata Mumbai Marathon, as yet another beacon of hope and a catalyst for social change. This platform exemplifies the power of collective action and the spirit of giving back to the community at the heart of our organization’s own purpose. The positive impact on various social causes reaffirms our commitment to building a better, more inclusive society. Together, we are not just running a marathon; we are running towards a brighter future for all.”

Shri Bhushan Gagrani, IAS, Commissioner, MCGM, said “The Tata Mumbai Marathon exemplifies how the spirit of giving enriches us all. It is heartening to witness sports and philanthropy come together so seamlessly, creating a platform that not only celebrates human endurance but also uplifts countless lives. My compliments to Procam and all those associated with this remarkable initiative that continues to inspire and make a lasting impact.”

Ujjwal Mathur – President, India Business & Strategic Accounts – Growth Markets, TCS, said “The Tata Mumbai Marathon is not just a sporting event — it’s a movement for social good. Every step taken in the marathon echoes with the spirit of giving, resilience, and unity. As the marathon continues to achieve new milestones, TCS is proud to see the event evolve into Asia’s biggest and most prestigious marathon. It has become one of India’s largest sporting platforms for philanthropy, powering causes that range from healthcare and education to women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability. Together, we’re not just running a marathon — we’re accelerating meaningful change, one cause at a time.”

George Aikara, CEO, United Way Mumbai, said, “Each year at the TMM, I’m filled with awe and gratitude for the extraordinary commitment shown by our partner NGOs in building the TMM philanthropy platform. Every philanthropic milestone we celebrate is a direct result of their tireless efforts in galvanizing supporters, individuals, and corporates alike, to embrace this powerful sporting platform for a greater social purpose.

We witnessed nearly a thousand remarkable individuals stepping up, raising funds and rallying support for causes they deeply believe in. It was especially gratifying to see exceptional philanthropists like Dr. Bijal Mehta, Shyam Jasani, Dr. Meera Mehta, Sadashiv S Rao, Utppal Mehta, Sunit Kothari, and Villy Doctor once again achieve Change Legend status by raising over ₹1 crore each. We are equally delighted to welcome Ajay H Mehta and Gagan Banga into this illustrious group. Their efforts remind us that when purpose meets passion, the impact can be truly transformative.”

Naarayan TV, CMO, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “At IDFC FIRST Bank, we believe in the power of community to inspire meaningful change. The Tata Mumbai Marathon exemplifies this spirit—bringing together individuals and organizations in pursuit of a common purpose: to uplift lives and support impactful causes. As a bank with a deep-rooted commitment to social good, we are honoured to support an event that transcends sport, celebrates inclusivity, compassion, and real progress in society.”

Launched in 2024, the TMM Agro Forest initiative has proven that small steps by a community can lead to large-scale environmental and social change. Last year, over ₹32.48 lakhs were raised, enabling the plantation of 5,116 trees and offering direct livelihood support in Solapur district, Maharashtra.

Continuing its upward journey, over ₹41.57 lakhs was raised through contributions from 2,200+ runners and corporates this year, leading to 6,547 trees to be planted through integrated agroforestry practices. Guided by United Way Mumbai, the initiative supports both the environment and farmer livelihoods, each tree aiding in soil conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable farming. What began in Solapur has grown into a long-term TMM commitment, with a growing community of changemakers turning strides into sustainability.

Cause, Neutrality, Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability form the core principles of the Tata Mumbai Marathon’s philanthropy pillar. Through consistent efforts, this platform has helped establish a more structured and credible model of giving for  CSO’s  across India. With sustainability as its cornerstone, the initiative has also seen a steady rise in corporate participation, with more companies choosing to invest in social good through these charities year after year.

Vivek Singh, Jt. MD. Procam International said When Anil and I dreamt of bringing a marathon to India, we knew it had to be more than just a race. We planted five seeds of purpose—one of which was to create an inclusive charity platform that gave back to the very society we were running in. From day one, the Tata Mumbai Marathon was about meaning and movement—and today, its most significant legacy is purpose.

The philanthropy pillar has only grown stronger with every edition. The Tata Mumbai Marathon has become a platform where individuals, corporates, NGOs, and communities unite to drive change. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and United Way Mumbai for their tireless commitment towards anchoring the philanthropy pillar. The Tata Mumbai Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a reminder that when a community runs with heart, it doesn’t just cross finish lines, it redefines them.”

2025 IN NUMBERS: 

  • NGOs participating – 275
  • Corporates participating – 165
  • Corporate teams – 246
  • Individuals signing up to raise funds – 1446
  • Active fundraisers – 963
  • Change Runners (fundraisers who raise over INR 1.75Lakh) – 203

AWARD RECIPIENTS – INSPIRING CHANGE & TRANSFORMING LIVES 

Highest fundraising NGOs:

  1. Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care – INR 13,67,39,437
  2. Light of Life Trust – INR 5,12,74,405
  3. United Way Mumbai – INR 4,74,09,382
  4. ADHAR – INR 2,36,83,068
  5. Isha Education – INR 1,88,55,820

Highest fundraising Corporate Team:

  1. Me-Hin Tech Edge Solutions – INR 1,19,74,704, for ADHAR
  2. Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. –  INR 76,11,144 for NASEOH, NCC EXPA, and War Wounded Foundation
  3. Panasonic Life Solutions India Private Limited – INR 13,45,207 for  United Way Mumbai

TMM Change Legends (Individuals who have raised ₹ 1 crore and above):

  1. Dr. Bijal Mehta –  INR 3,26,60,000 for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care
  2. Shyam Jasani – INR 1,87,00,026 for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care
  3. Dr. Meera Mehta – INR 1,25,00,026 for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care
  4. Sadashiv S Rao – INR 1,18,77,300 for Isha Education
  5. Utppal Mehta – INR 1,13,25,026 for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care
  6. Sunit Kothari – INR 1,10,00,026 for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care
  7. Ajay H Mehta – INR 1,09,92,552 for ADHAR
  8. Villy Doctor – INR 1,09,32,405 for Light of Life Trust
  9. Gagan Banga – INR 1,03,82,007 for Seva Sadan Society

Change Icons (Individuals who have raised between INR 50,00,000 to INR 99,99,999):

  1. Vivek Kudva – INR 70,44,547 for United Way Mumbai
  2. Fr. George Vattamattathil – INR 50,12,700 for Karunya Trust

Change Champions  (Individuals who have raised between INR 25,00,000 to INR 49,99,000):

  1. Dr. Nirmal Surya – INR 46,00,593 for Epilepsy Foundation
  2. Naveenchandra Hegde – INR 33,00,628 for Tapasya Foundation
  3. Sudhir Shenoy – INR 32,19,451 for Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation
  4. Rakesh Palakurti – INR 31,62,198 for Isha Education

Young Leaders (Individuals below 21 years of age who have raised a minimum of INR 1,00,000):

  1. Shaurya Gagan Banga – INR 61,02,500 (also a Change Icon for OSCAR Foundation)
  2. Anyssa Kothari – INR 25,11,200 (also a Change Champion for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care)
  3. Anaisha Talsania – INR 1,825,000 (also a Change Leader for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care)

Good News for Skilled Indian Construction Workers

Construction was placed at the heart of the UK’s economy during Rachel Reeves’ spring statement. She pledged that a total of 1.3 million homes will be built in the UK by the financial year 2029-2030, boosting the stock of affordable housing by £2bn.

£600 million has been allocated to train up to 60,000 new British construction workers through various educational and apprenticeship programs, but Mr Yash Dubal, Director of London-based A Y & J Solicitors believes this will not be enough, and that in order to meet the targets, construction firms will have to recruit from overseas.

“Despite these initiatives, the UK construction sector faces significant labour shortages,” said Mr Dubal. “Recent data indicates that 16% of construction businesses are experiencing worker shortages, making it the second-most affected sector in the UK.”

The Construction Skills Network (CSN) reports that approximately 225,000 new construction workers are needed by 2027 to meet demand. And certain trades within the construction industry are experiencing more acute shortages. Specific roles such as bricklayers and civil engineers are in particularly high demand.

For this reason, Indian construction professionals seeking employment in the UK should investigate opportunities under the Skilled Worker visa route, which requires a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor and covers a range of skilled roles within the construction sector.

Jobs eligible for skilled worker visas include bricklayers, stonemasons, roofers, roof tilers and slaters, carpenters and joiners, window fitters, plasterers and painters and decorators. While there is a salary threshold attached to most Skilled Worker visas of £38,700, many construction roles benefit from a reduction to this due to acute shortages, down to £30,960. Bricklayers, roofers and carpenters fall into this category.

Mr Dubal continued, “Skilled tradesmen in the UK can earn high salaries. The UK’s ambitious construction targets and existing labour shortages create substantial opportunities for skilled Indian construction workers. By understanding the visa options and aligning their skills with the UK’s needs, Indian professionals can significantly contribute to the UK’s construction industry while advancing their careers.”

Dream, Together’ with Sonata’s Wedding Collection for the Modern Couple

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.

Axiro Drives India’s Semiconductor Growth with High-Scale Chip Design Launch

Bengaluru 18th April 2025 : Axiro Semiconductor Pvt Ltd today announced the grand opening of its state-of-the-art fabless semiconductor design centre in Whitefield, Bengaluru. As India’s first fabless semiconductor company operating at scale—with millions of ICs shipped monthly to global leaders like Ericsson, Nokia, Hughes, and Siemens—Axiro is poised to fuel innovation across high-impact sectors including 5G/6G, strategic defence, satellite communications, and industrial IoT.

Axiro is an innovation-led company building next-generation chip solutions designed in India and manufactured globally through strategic partnerships. With a focus on cutting-edge semiconductor design, Axiro is empowering India’s technology landscape by delivering world-class silicon that meets international performance and reliability standards.

Strengthening this commitment, CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd, a Murugappa Group company, recently invested $36 million, marking CG Power’s formal entry into the semiconductor design business and positioning the Murugappa Group at the forefront of India’s ambition to become a global semiconductor hub.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent leaders from industry and government, including Mr. Sushil Pal, CEO of ISM; Mr. Vellayan Subbiah, Chairman of CG Power and Industrial Solutions (Axiro’s parent company) and Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company; Mr. R. R. Tiwary, Representative from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY); Mr. Gauraw Srivastava, Representative from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT); Dr. Naveen Yanduru, CEO of Axiro Semiconductor; and Mr. Anshumaan Ravi Swaminathan, Non-Executive Director of Axiro Semiconductor.

Axiro’s fabless model enables a sharp focus on chip design and IP creation while leveraging global foundries for production, ensuring rapid scalability, cost optimization, and high performance.

Its new Bengaluru facility is designed as a modern innovation hub, with advanced design labs, ergonomic collaborative spaces, and expansion-ready infrastructure to accommodate a doubling of its R&D team in 2026. The company is also committed to environmentally sustainable operations with a strategic ESG roadmap underway.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Sushil Pal, CEO of ISM, emphasized the national strategic importance of indigenous semiconductor design capabilities. “Axiro is a milestone for India’s semiconductor mission. It reflects the vision of self-reliance with global relevance,” he stated.

Highlighting the importance of close collaboration with technology partners and academic institutions to foster innovation in semiconductor design, Mr. Vellayan Subbiah, Chairman of CG Power and Industrial Solutions (Axiro’s parent company), stated that breakthrough innovations and an unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to propel Axiro Semiconductor forward. The company aims to deliver cutting-edge solutions for AI, automotive, and IoT applications, further accelerating India’s integration into the global semiconductor value chain.

Mutual Fund Trends: Strategic Discipline Amid Uncertainty

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.