Action TESA launches Studio on wheels 3.0 at MATECIA 2025

24th Feb 2025, Bangalore: Action TESA, the largest manufacturer of engineered wood panel products in the country and leader in the category, proudly announces the launch of its innovative revolutionary mobile experiential center “Studio in wheels 3.0” at MATECIA 2025, the premier exhibition for architecture and interior products.

Studio on wheels 3.0 is the upgraded version of Action TESA’s revolutionary mobile experiential center designed to bring the latest trends and sustainable innovations in interior and building solutions directly to customers’ doorsteps. The experiential center will also showcase Action TESA’s cutting-edge products, including HDHMR, BOILO, MDF, Particle Boards, and Flooring solutions, all under one roof. Visitors to MATECIA 2025 will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the “Studio on Wheels 3.0” and experience the superior quality and versatility of Action TESA’s products firsthand. Interior designers, architects, students etc. shall also benefit from the knowledge sharing and insights as they interact with the studio during its national journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Aggarwal, Managing Director, Action TESA said, “Since its inception, Action TESA has been driven by a simple yet powerful goal – delivering best-in-class products that combine innovation, quality, and reliability. As a testament to our KOI NAHI AISA philosophy, we are extremely delighted to introduce the new version of the mobile experiential center “Studio on wheels 3.0” aimed at providing first-hand opportunity for all stakeholders to experience the cutting-edge products and design innovations in the INR8000crore engineered wood industry”.

He further added that, “As a market leader and responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to creating sustainable solutions that allow us to give back to the environment what we consume. To achieve this goal, we plan to invest in research and development of innovative solutions while collaborating closely with farmers and other channel partners as well. These initiatives represent our modest contributions to the national agenda of promoting sustainable living and growth across all segments.”.

MATECIA 2025 will bring the business ecosystem in the building material and interior products industry under one roof. The annual event encourages dialogue, discovery, research and analysis and promotion of best market practices through various programmes organized as part of the exhibition. Action TESA’s showcase at MATECIA will grow the company’s exposure to and visibility among global peers, and also deepen its network in cities where the housing and real estate market is experiencing rapid growth.

Bank of Baroda Gets ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Certification

Mumbai, 24th February, 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has been awarded the ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) reaffirming that the Bank’s Operational Resilience, Business Continuity Planning and Risk Management capabilities are consistent with global best practices. The ISO 22301:2019 BCMS accreditation recognises the Bank’s ability to maintain robust business continuity practices, ensure uninterrupted services even during unforeseen disruptions and effectively manage risk.

ISO 22301:2019 is an international benchmark for business continuity management, focusing on minimizing operational disruptions and ensuring swift recovery in times of crisis. Achieving this certification enhances Bank of Baroda’s reputation as a resilient organisation that is well-prepared to ensure continuity of services even in the face of unexpected challenges that may arise and serve customers seamlessly.

Speaking on this milestone, Ms. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “As a financial services institution, we place utmost value on the trust and confidence that our customers and other stakeholders have in us. Receiving the prestigious ISO 22301:2019 certification stands as a testament to our commitment to ensuring business continuity in the face of any disruptive events and safeguarding the interests of our stakeholders, further strengthening confidence in Bank of Baroda.”

Founded in 1901, the British Standards Institution (BSI) is the UK’s national standards body and is a leading certification body for management systems and standards. ISO 22301:2019 is recognised as the international benchmark for business continuity management and is being adopted by banks and other financial institutions to ensure operational resilience and continuity of services.

KLF Nirmal Celebrates Love with a Tribute to Purity & Tradition

KLF Nirmal,

24th February 2025: KLF Nirmal, a leader in the production of coconut-based FMCG products, has unveiled a unique video campaign honoring Love in its purest form. Released in observance of the month of love, this video encapsulates KLF Nirmal’s love for coconuts and how that’s transformed KLF Nirmal into a company with the largest range of coconut products.

A company that started with coconut oil more than 80 years ago, today has a long list of products and brands. The products which were later launched include coconut milk powder, coconut milk, coconut chutneys, etc. The products are available across India and also exported.

With the help of the nourishing properties of coconuts, KLF Nirmal skillfully demonstrates the enduring connection between humans and the natural world in this visually stunning video. With a legacy of excellence, KLF Nirmal has been a trusted name in households for generations, delivering high-quality coconut oils and products that preserve the natural benefits of coconuts. The brand’s commitment to authenticity and sustainability continues to make it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers.

‘As the season of love unfolds, we launched this campaign to showcase how our deep passion for coconuts has led KLF Nirmal to create the largest range of coconut products. As a company, we also wish for everyone’s love stories to last as long as our enduring love for coconuts. A huge credit goes to our Marketing team for conceptualizing this campaign. Since its launch, we have received immense appreciation for the thought behind it,” said George, Business Head- KLF Nirmal.

ASUS Announces Pre-Order Offers on Zenbook A14 & Vivobook 16

India, 24th February: ASUS India is excited to introduce exclusive pre-order offers on its latest laptops, the Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16. Launching the world’s lightest Copilot+ PC featuring a sleek aesthetic of Ceraluminum chassis, the newest Zenbook A14 UX3407QA with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X chipset and the Zenbook A14 UX3407RA with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, deliver exceptional AI-driven performance and efficiency, transforming the way users engage with their devices and streamlining everyday tasks with the power of AI.

The sleek, lightweight and stylish Vivobook 16 X1607QA powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor comes with an unmatched battery of 20 plus hours will become the perfect companion for professionals and students.

For those pre-order any variant of the Zenbook A14 (UX3407QA or UX3407RA), ASUS is offering branded earbuds, a 2-year additional warranty, and 3 years of local accidental damage protection, with total benefits worth INR 15,998 available only at INR 1.

On preordering the Vivobook 16 X1607QA offer includes a 2-year warranty extension, 3 years of local accidental damage protection, and an ASUS Marshmallow Keyboard & Mouse set, with total benefits worth INR 11,197 available at a sweet price of INR 1.

Bhumika Bahl’s Birthday Extravaganza A Celebration of Beauty & Legacy

New Delhi, February 24, 2025 – Renowned Celebrity makeup artist, Educator and Consultant Bhumika Bahl (@bhumikabahlofficial) marked her birthday with a star-studded celebration with her beloved son Kabir (@iamkabirdhingra), bringing together industry peers, celebrities, and close friends for a night of glamour and gratitude. The exclusive event held in Zura, New Delhi, organised by Sakshi Binjola & Simran Kashyap was a testament to her illustrious career and unwavering passion for the beauty industry.

This evening was filled with joyous moments as guests celebrated Bhumika’s contributions to the world of makeup, education and styling. Known for her impeccable artistry and transformative makeup skills, she has worked with top Bollywood stars, influencers, fashion icons and successfully trained over 50,000 plus students online & offline, making her one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the country.

Attendees at the event were treated to a dazzling ambiance, exquisite cuisine, and heartfelt speeches honouring Bhumika’s journey. Bhumika was seen wearing the label Lalit Dalmia for this event. Industry veterans and celebrities expressed their admiration for her dedication to setting new benchmarks in the world of beauty. From bridal makeovers to editorial shoots and red-carpet appearances at fashion weeks & industry events, her expertise continues to make waves across the industry.

With a commitment to excellence and a passion for empowering individuals in the beauty industry, Bhumika Bahl Makeup Academy & Studio, Sector 29, Gurgaon (@bhumikabahlacademy) has developed a comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional techniques with the latest trends and technologies. This unique approach sets the academy apart, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the ever-evolving world of beauty. Under Bhumika’s guidance, aspiring makeup artists receive hands-on training, industry insights, and mentorship, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in the competitive beauty landscape.

Beyond her academy, Bhumika has collaborated with top fashion designers, luxury brands, and international beauty campaigns. Her work has been featured in prestigious fashion weeks and magazine covers, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the beauty industry. Her upcoming offline makeup class starting March 24th is a programme for creating flawless bridal looks or avant-garde editorial masterpieces reiterating her ability to enhance natural beauty while pushing creative boundaries makes her an inspiration to many.

Reflecting on the celebration, Bhumika expressed her heartfelt gratitude. “I am truly overwhelmed by the love and support from my family, friends, and colleagues. This birthday has been a reminder of the incredible journey I’ve had, and I look forward to continuing to innovate and inspire in the beauty industry” she shared.

Social media was abuzz with warm wishes and admiration for Bhumika, as fans and well-wishers flooded platforms with messages celebrating not just her birthday but also her remarkable impact on the beauty world. As she steps into another year, Bhumika remains committed to pushing boundaries and inspiring aspiring makeup artists with her creativity and vision.

Study Group Hosts ‘Destination USA’ to Empower Indian Students

24th February 2025: Study Group, a global leader in international education, expanded student opportunities with its much-awaited event, ‘Destination USA: Your Route to Success’. The mega event was designed to bridge the gap between ambitious Indian students and top-tier U.S. educational institutions. The recently conducted landmark event represented a pivotal moment for students seeking higher education in the U.S.

The event stood out as a comprehensive education fair featuring direct access to representatives from 11 prestigious U.S. universities, including California State University San Marcos, DePaul University, Florida Atlantic University, James Madison University, Long Island University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Towson University, University of Hartford, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Western Washington University. With the U.S. emerging as the foremost destination for higher education among Indian students, the event offered some exclusive perks, including direct meetings with university experts, a visa masterclass with expert tips to simplify the complex process of the visa journey and a hands-on STEM session, highlighting the USA’s role as a global hub for innovation and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. More than 200 students attended the event which also presented an opportunity for participating students to earn exclusive scholarships along with big savings on application fees through visa fee waiver (exclusive attendee perk).

Mr. Alex Marston, General Manager, North America for Study Group, said, “Destination USA: Your Route to Success is not a run-of-the-mill event. By bringing multiple U.S. university partners under one roof, we are addressing the evolving international education landscape, focusing on the premium benefits of enrolling at a U.S. university and helping Indian students make informed decisions for their futures. It has served as a substantial opportunity for students to explore, understand and realize their global academic aspirations in a convenient, student-centric event. Today, and with our ongoing bespoke partnerships and admissions services, Study Group provides a solid foundation for future global leaders by simplifying their path to premier U.S. institutions.”

Poonam who attended the event, shared, The event was very helpful. University booth representatives carefully reviewed the profile and shared details like program overviews, intake details, and university offerings. During the event, the staff was friendly and patient with every student. Overall, it was a great experience.

The mega event also facilitated student counseling and supported their applications to U.S. universities while providing insights into educational opportunities across premier U.S. locations like California, Florida, New York City and Chicago. Mr. Marston’s comprehensive Visa Masterclass session equipped students with crucial insights into navigating the U.S. F-1 visa process successfully. Additionally, the event also featured a networking junction that provided a dynamic platform for students to connect, share experiences, and forge collaborative relationships.

The event featured university representatives Dr. Mahadevan Subramaniam (Subu), Chair of Computer Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Dr. Sven Thijssen, Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University; and Mr. Edwin Christian Allen, Assistant Director of Graduate & International Recruitment, Towson University, to name a few.

Study Group remains committed to providing Indian students with world-class international education opportunities. The ’Destination USA: Your Route to Success’ event demonstrates this dedication by offering a gateway to the U.S.’s excellent academic avenues and global career prospects.

INOX India First to Receive IATF 16949 Certification for Cryogenic Fuel Tanks

Vadodara/Mumbai, 24th February, 2025: INOX India Limited (INOXCVA), one of the world’s leading cryogenic technology solution providers, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first cryogenic equipment manufacturer to receive the prestigious IATF 16949 certification for cryogenic fuel tank manufacturing. The certification, issued by Bureau Veritas Certification covers the design and manufacturing of vacuum insulated cryogenic fuel tanks.

The IATF 16949 certification, a mandatory requirement for automotive OEM suppliers, validates INOX India’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality management standards in the automotive industry. This certification positions INOX India as a pioneer in bridging the gap between cryogenic technology and automotive applications, particularly in the growing LNG fuel tank sector in India, as well as opens the door for entering the global market of heavy duty vehicle fuel tanks.

Commenting on the achievement, Deepak Acharya, Chief Executive Officer- INOX India Ltd said, “This certification represents a significant breakthrough for INOX India in this industry. Being India’s first to receive this certification for cryogenic fuel tanks demonstrates our technological leadership and commitment to quality in supporting the automotive industry’s transition to alternative fuels. There is an evident intent across the globe towards shifting to greener transport fuels, and we firmly believe that our fuel tank solutions, especially for LNG, are capable to service this complex yet burgeoning demand. We are proud of our technical capabilities, and certifications like this underscore our commitment to enhance our Quality Management Systems consistently, and assures our esteemed customers, looking for dependable quality suppliers.”

This achievement strengthens INOX India’s position as a qualified supplier to automotive OEMs, opening new opportunities in the growing market for LNG-powered vehicles. It also reflects the Company’s dedication to meeting the stringent quality requirements of the automotive industry while maintaining its expertise in cryogenic technology. The certification was awarded following a comprehensive audit of INOX India’s facility located in Kalol, in Panchmahal, Gujarat. The certification’s scope encompasses the complete spectrum of design and manufacturing processes with no exclusions, underlining the Company’s comprehensive capabilities in this specialized field.

The IATF 16949, is a leading international automotive quality management standard. Being a requirement for supplies to automotive industry, IATF 16949 is a global technical specification based on ISO 9001 specific to the automotive industry. Amidst increasingly complex supply chains and regulatory frameworks, achieving the IATF 16949 certification demonstrates the Company’s solid commitment to quality.

CREDAI to Host 6th New India Summit in Nashik on 7th-8th March

24th February 2025, New Delhi: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) is set to host the 6th edition of the CREDAI New India Summit in Nashik, Maharashtra, on March 7-8, 2025. Themed “Viksit Bharat: Unlocking Potential of Emerging Cities,” the summit will bring together key stakeholders to discuss and explore strategies for accelerating growth in India’s rapidly developing Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities.

The summit will serve as a platform to address critical challenges faced by developers in emerging cities and facilitate discussions on innovative solutions to unlock their full potential. With participation expected from over 400 developers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders, this event aims to drive forward-looking strategies for sustainable urban development. This year’s summit will feature an esteemed lineup of eminent speakers, including renowned policymakers and industry leaders, among others.

At the summit, CREDAI will reinforce its commitment to the growth and transformation of India’s real estate sector by unveiling key industry initiatives and policy recommendations. The event will also highlight the significance of emerging cities in India’s economic trajectory and their role in fulfilling the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”

“India’s Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities are emerging as the backbone of the country’s urban transformation. With increasing infrastructure investments, improved connectivity, and rising real estate demand, these cities are poised to become the next hubs of economic growth and urban innovation. The CREDAI New India Summit is a testament to our commitment to unlocking the potential of these emerging cities by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and policy interventions that will shape their growth trajectory. As we collectively work towards a New India, this summit will play a pivotal role in addressing industry challenges, exploring innovative solutions, and driving sustainable urban development” said Mr. Boman Irani, President, CREDAI.

The CREDAI New India Summit continues to be a marquee event in the real estate sector, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among developers, policymakers, and industry leaders. As India moves towards a more dynamic and inclusive growth trajectory, this summit will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban development

The Shopping Trends That Defined Kirana Commerce on udaan in CY24

National, February 24, 2025: udaan, India’s largest e-business-to-business (eB2B) platform, today announced the shopping trends that defined eB2B in Calendar Year 2024 (CY24) on the platform, offering key insights into how the shopping patterns of Indian retailers have transformed over the past year. With key achievements in business performance, rapid growth in private label adoption, and exceptional engagement across FMCG and other key categories, the trend highlights udaan’s transformational impact on the kirana ecosystem.

The Shopping Trends That Defined Kirana Commerce on udaan:

udaan shipped over 2.45 Billion units in the FMCG business alone, with the tonnage of all food products delivered (FMCG, Staples and Fresh) exceeding 7 lakh Metric tonnes. The platform recorded ~ 65% increase in overall business, driven by a ~70% growth in the daily buyers, marking 2024 as the year with the highest-ever daily buyers on the platform. Additionally, repeat rate reached an all-time high, rising 1,000 bps above last year, reaffirming strong customer stickiness and trust. This milestone highlights the value udaan delivers to a diverse and expanding network of kirana partners, empowering them to grow and succeed in a dynamic retail market.

Further, udaan processed 85.85 million lines of orders, highlighting its growing role as a trusted partner for retailers. This growth reflects not only increasing daily reliance but also udaan’s ability to seamlessly manage diverse inventory needs. Backed by a robust network and operational excellence, udaan remains committed to delivering value to kirana partners across Bharat.

Vaibhav Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, udaan, said, “This has been a defining year for us with strong sustainable growth highlighting the success of the eB2B cluster playbook that udaan has developed to empower small retailers across India. With 85%+ growth in FMCG and 250% growth in staples private labels business, we are not just enabling kirana commerce but actively leading its transformation. The rapid adoption by kiranas also highlight udaan’s acceptance as the most trusted eB2B partner for small businesses. As we look forward to 2025, our focus remains on customer-centric innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable value creation —strengthening the backbone of Bharat’s kirana ecosystem and driving the future of retail distribution.”

Essentials category (FMCG, Staples and Fresh)

The FMCG business achieved a 85%+ Year-on-Year (YoY) growth in its revenue run rate. The growth was driven by an increase of 50% in the number of products ordered by retailers, demonstrating udaan’s strong distribution capabilities to meet the diverse and evolving needs of buyers. Additionally, the FMCG business witnessed 60% increase in buyers, highlighting the growing trust and dependence of retailers on udaan for their everyday business essentials requirements.

udaan’s private label brands continued to accelerate and recorded 250% Y-o-Y growth in its revenue run rate. This remarkable performance reflects the increasing demand for udaan’s high-quality, value-driven products that have become a preferred choice among kirana retailers. The success of private labels not only signifies deep customer trust but also aligns seamlessly with udaan’s strategy to enhance profitability by offering superior margins through exclusive, high-performing products.

The udaan platform witnessed a strong surge in demand, with Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata continuing to drive growth among Metros. At the same time, non-metro cities like Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Indore saw rapid adoption, highlighting the deepening penetration of eB2B commerce.

Additionally, Pune, Mysore, and Mumbai emerged as high-growth markets, reinforcing the growing acceptance of eB2B trade among small businesses and strengthening udaan’s position as the preferred partner for retailers across Bharat

udaan’s Sustainability Initiative: Expanding EV Adoption in Last-Mile Delivery

As part of udaan’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, in CY24 udaan introduced and deployed Electric Vehicles (EVs) for last-mile deliveries in Bengaluru. This initiative marked a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly logistics in the eB2B sector.

Overall Business Performance: Key Highlights

In CY24, udaan achieved consistent growth highlighting the strength of its strategic approach and implementation of the new design playbook in the marketplace. The company is on track to achieving profitability, with an impressive 65% ARR growth and over 70% increase in daily transacting buyers, driving deeper market penetration and increasing wallet share among retailers. Additionally, gross margins improved by 200 basis points and contribution margins by 320 basis points, alongside a 20% increase in buyer wallet share and monthly repeat ratio of over 90%. Most notably, during the period the company achieved a 30% reduction in absolute EBITDA burn, underscoring consistent focus on driving sustainable growth through efficiency enhancement and superior execution in the marketplace.

Mehtab Niazi Indian Classical Music Now in Stadiums at Ideas of India 2025

Mumbai, 24 February 2025: At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Mehtab Ali Niazi, Mahesh Raghavan, and Nirali Kartik discussed the healing power of music during their session titled ‘Healing Power of Music, Touching the Divine Within’. The artists engaged in a captivating session that emphasised how music transcends boundaries, providing comfort and connection to the soul.

Mahesh Raghavan, Music composer spoke of his introduction to music, saying, “I grew up learning Carnatic music and the keyboard. I started when I was three and was always drawn to music. I bought an iPad just to play games, but soon realized its potential for music. Traditionally, Indian classical music had no use for synthesizers, but with an iPad, I could shift between notes seamlessly. It opened up a whole new way to explore music”.

Mehtab Niazi, Sitarist and vocalist from the Bhendi Bazar Gharana remarked,” As I grew older, I realized that music was the only thing I was truly good at, even though I tried sports and academics. Indian classical music has now moved to larger auditoriums and stadiums. With advancements in technology, we can capture even the subtlest resonances of instruments, preserving the richness of sound like never before.”

Nirali Kartik, Classical vocalist said, “My mother, a music lover, encouraged me to learn music, and thankfully, our dreams aligned. Today, many Gujaratis are taking up music and we are witnessing a cultural shift.”

On using technology for classical music, she said,” Technology is a broad term when it comes to music. If I record something in my voice, AI can replace it with someone else’s voice entirely. While some may see this as concerning, I view AI as a powerful tool for musicians.”

Mahesh Raghavan, Music composer further added,” Technology has significantly improved the clarity of recordings. I consider myself a fully digital musician, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what we want our audience to hear. I use AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI, after all, learns from us.”

The session concluded with a soulful performance by Mahesh Raghavan, Nirali Kartik, and Mehtab Niazi, leaving the audience mesmerized with their unique blend of tradition and technology in music.

ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions for a better, more sustainable world for all.