Vietjet Offers 20% Discount on Business & Skyboss Fares for Feb 20
(Mumbai, February 20, 2025) – Vietjet is offering an exclusive discount of up to 20% (excluding taxes and fees) on Business and SkyBoss fares across its entire flight network. This special promotion is available only on February 20, 2025, for travel dates from March 5 to May 29, 2025 (excluding national holidays and peak travel periods).
Vietjet’s growing flight network offers non-stop flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to Vietnamese key hubs, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Starting March 2025, Vietjet will also launch two new direct services linking Bangalore and Hyderabad to Ho Chi Minh City, bringing the total to 10 routes with 78 weekly flights between India and Vietnam. With Vietjet’s affordable fares and extensive connections, Indian travellers can easily transit through Vietnam to popular destinations, including Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and major Australian cities.
Vietjet consistently ranks among the best and safest low-cost carriers worldwide. The airlline has recently been honored with three international HR awards at the 33rd edition of the World HRD Congress in Mumbai, India, including “Dream Company to Work For,” “Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practices,” and “Global Best Employer Brand.”
As a new-age airline, Vietjet is recognized for its effective human resource management system, competitive employee benefits, and dynamic working environment. Operating a new and fuel-efficient fleet, the airline pursues sustainable growth in alignment with its ESG goals. Vietjet also invests in developing aviation human resources through comprehensive international training programs at Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA)
Abans Financial Services Advises Vaishali Pharma on Kesar Pharma Acquisition
Mumbai, February 20, 2025- Vaishali Pharma announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Kesar Pharma Limited. Abans Financial Services Limited served as the exclusive financial advisor for this transaction.
Founded in 2008, Vaishali Pharma Limited specializes in pharmaceutical APIs, formulations, surgical products, and nutraceuticals. It became public in 2017 and have international presence with headquartered situated in Mumbai.
Kesar Pharma Limited, operating WHO-GMP certified facilities, specializes in manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and private label production of diverse pharmaceutical formulations, including tablets, syrup and ointments.
The cash and stock deal combines Vaishali Pharma’s market presence with Kesar Pharma’s manufacturing expertise and R&D. With this acquisition, Vaishali Pharma gains a manufacturing facility that complies with WHO-GMP and other international regulatory guidelines. Leveraging Kesar’s manufacturing and supply chain strengths alongside Vaishali’s global reach, the merged entity is poised for accelerated growth in domestic and international markets.
Atul Vasani, Chairman of Vaishali Pharma, stated, “This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies. By joining forces with Kesar Pharma, we aim to maximize the utilization of its advanced manufacturing facilities while maintaining the highest industry standards. This strategic move will allow us to scale our operations, enhance our global reach, and continue delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions. We are confident that this partnership will create long-term value for our stakeholders and help us achieve our ambitious growth targets.
Further, we extend our gratitude to Investment Banking team of Abans for their comprehensive support from deal conceptualization and structuring, bringing a unique value proposition and seamless execution of all facets of the transaction process resulting in this successful acquisition.”
Nirbhay Vassa, Whole Time Director and CFO, Abans Financial Services Limited said, “Abans is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Kesar Pharma Limited by Vaishali Pharma Limited. This strategic acquisition brings together two organizations anchored in similar values. We remain excited about its future prospects, given a large global market opportunity. We wish the companies success in their continued quest to create sustainable value for all their stakeholders.”
Ketur Shah, Investment Banker at Abans Financial Services Limited added, “Abans was privileged to partner with Vaishali Pharma, supporting their acquisition, business strategy and growth needs. We are pleased to have guided them through the acquisition of a majority stake in Kesar Pharma Limited. We wish Vaishali and Kesar Pharma Limited continued success in their next phase of growth.”
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Vaishali Pharma and Kesar Pharma, strengthening their market position and unlocking new growth opportunities. The combined entity is poised to drive innovation, expand product offerings, and enhance operational efficiencies by integrating its expertise, resources, and global networks.
With a shared commitment to quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction, this strategic move reinforces its mission to deliver high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions worldwide. As Vaishali Pharma and Kesar Pharma move forward together, with Abans Financial Services playing a key advisory role, they remain dedicated to creating long-term value for stakeholders and advancing their presence in the pharmaceutical industry.
Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program Awards INR 3.38 Crore to 783 Students
New Delhi | February 20, 2025: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), proudly announces the disbursement of scholarships worth INR 3.38 crore under its Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program. Launched in August 2024, the program carefully reviewed all applications from 23 states across the country and is now awarding scholarships to 783 talented and deserving students from underprivileged socio economic backgrounds. These young minds include 440 aspirants preparing for the Union and State Civil Services examinations and the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), along with 343 students representing 100 differentteams from various Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campuses, working on innovative projects with potential impact on society and environment.
The scholarships were awarded by Shri. Kiren Rijiju, Honorable Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Government of India, in the presence of Mr. Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Trustee – HMIF, Mr. Jeongick Lee, Function Head – Corporate Affairs, HMIL, and Mr. Puneet Anand, Vertical Head – Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL.
Commenting on the significance of the Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program, Shri. Kiren Rijiju, Honorable Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Government of India, said, “The Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program is a commendable initiative by Hyundai Motor India Foundation, reflecting its deep commitment to the progress of our nation. By supporting underprivileged yet talented students, this program goes beyond providing financial aid, well towards enriching lives, nurturing ambition and empowering young changemakers. Education and technological advancements are key to India’s growth, and initiatives like this help build a skilled and self-reliant nation.”
Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Trustee – HMIF, said, “Aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ the Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program is nurturing future policy makers, innovators, and nation builders, creating a ripple effect, impacting not just these talented students and their families, but humanity at large. The project supports underprivileged yet meritorious students to turn This document is protected as Hyundai Motor’s intellectual property under relevant laws and regulations their dreams into reality, shaping a brighter future for themselves and the nation. Through Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program, we aim to level the playing field and empower the next generation of leaders in India contributing to our nation’s social and economic progress.”
The Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program is implemented by BharatCares on behalf of Hyundai Motor India Foundation.
Mappls App Breaks Language Barriers, Now in 9 Regional Languages
New Delhi, 20 February 2025: Marking its 30-year milestone, Mappls MapmyIndia, India’s leading digital maps, IoT, and deep-tech company, has launched another groundbreaking initiative with Indic language maps & navigation support for 9 regional languages on its flagship Mappls App, accessible to all it’s 30mn+ app users and counting. The feature was launched by Surveyor General of India, Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, IAS at an event held at India International Center, New Delhi. This initiative reinforces Mappls’ commitment to inclusivity, making map and navigation seamless and accessible to all Indians, in their native languages and the company expects to further increase its user base with a slew of such India-centric features.
Users can have a fully native language experience with maps, search, turn-by-turn navigation and voice guidance in 9 Indian languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Gujarati – across the entire country. All 9 languages are available for the entire country and not just for the state/region, meaning a user in one state can read the map in their native language, travel to another state and continue to interact with the map in their native language.
This feature is one amongst a series of India-first features that have contributed to the app gaining 30m+ users in a short period. Other popular features that users rely on include Junction Views (for better, safer guidance, particularly around flyovers in 3D mode), traffic monitoring alerts, speed breakers, trip cost estimates, Mappls Pin and many more.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, IAS, Surveyor General of India stated “I commend MapmyIndia for taking up this great initiative which is a strong example of ease of use of geospatial for the common man for their everyday needs. This also serves as the national digital infrastructure for location-based technology.”
Further, Mr. Rakesh Verma, Co-Founder & CMD, MapmyIndia, added, “India’s rich linguistic diversity is a strength, and at MapmyIndia, we believe in empowering every Indian with technology that speaks their language. With a fully native Indic-language experience in our Swadeshi Mappls App, we are taking a giant leap toward making navigation more inclusive. This initiative aligns with our vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Sarvottam Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, for India, and for the World.’
“With over 700 million smartphones in India, accessing navigation in their native language is essential. The Mappls App will feel as familiar as a local newspaper, ensuring seamless understanding and accessibility.”
This launch also marks a first for iOS users in India, as Mappls App becomes the only navigation platform to offer maps, search & turn-by-turn guidance in 9 Indic languages—a feature unavailable on other map apps.
Key Features of the Initiative:
- Multi-Language Support: Easily switch between Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Punjabi, English, Telugu, and Marathi for a personalized experience anywhere in the country.
- Voice Navigation: Get turn-by-turn voice guidance in all supported languages, ensuring safe, hands-free navigation in your favourite language.
- Localized Search: Find addresses, points of interest, and businesses in your preferred language, enhancing search convenience and accuracy.
The Mappls App is built on MapmyIndia’s industry-leading digital maps, covering:
- 99.9% of India’s road network encompassing 6.6 million kms
- 30 million+ businesses
- 550 million geo-referenced images
- 7,900+ towns and 637,000+ villages covered
Beyond traditional 2D maps, MapmyIndia is innovating with 3D landmarks, terrain models, 4D real-time updates, HD high-accuracy maps, and RealView 360-degree geo-tagged panoramas, continually enhancing its AI-powered Digital Metaverse Twin of the Real World.
With this launch, MapmyIndia reaffirms its leadership in digital mapping and navigation by prioritizing India’s diverse linguistic landscape. By integrating technology with cultural and linguistic inclusivity, Mappls App ensures that every Indian, regardless of their native tongue, can navigate the country with ease and confidence.
SIMSREE Launches M.Sc. Finance with FPSB India as Knowledge Partner
Mumbai, February 20, 2025 – Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) launches the M.Sc. Finance degree program. Knowledge Partner is FPSB India that awards globally recognized CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) Certification.
This M.Sc. Finance degree program full-time, two-year course opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including roles in financial planning, portfolio management, investment analysis, wealth management, and corporate finance to name a few, in both domestic and international markets. Graduates will benefit from lucrative job prospects and entrepreneurial opportunities. FPSB India, as a knowledge partner, will facilitate the integration of CFP® certifications into the academic journey of M.Sc. Finance students, enabling them to earn this prestigious credential alongside their degree, and join the network of 3,215 CFP professionals in India and more than 230,648 CFP professionals worldwide. With an impressive 17.7% growth rate, India is one of the fastest-growing markets for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) professionals in the world.
Key Features of the Program:
- Forward-thinking curriculum to develop expertise in financial planning, portfolio management, investment analysis, and tax planning
- Summer internships and live projects providing hands-on industry experience.
- Guidance by renowned faculty and mentoring from industry leaders.
- Access to global career pathways, leveraging the prestigious CFP® certification.
Speaking on becoming the Knowledge Partner for the M.Sc. Finance program of prestigious B-School SIMSREE, Krishan Mishra, CEO, FPSB India, said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in developing a workforce equipped with both the technical expertise and professional ethics required in today’s financial services sector. With the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification enabled into the program, students will not only gain academic excellence but also a globally recognized professional credential that sets them apart in the industry.”
Lending SIMSREE’s vision to the launch of the M. Sc. Finance, Dr. Shriniwas S Dhure, Director, SIMSREE stated, “At SIMSREE, we are committed to delivering educational excellence that bridges the gap between academia and industry. The M.Sc. Finance program reflects our mission to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving financial landscape. Through partnerships like this with FPSB India, we aim to equip our graduates with future-ready skills and an edge in the competitive global market.”
Recognizing the importance of financial planning education in shaping future-ready professionals, Prof. Rajanish K. Kamat, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Homi Bhabha State University, emphasized the value of empowering students with globally recognized credentials and future-focused skills and said, “Financial planning education is essential for building a secure future and we are proud to equip students with globally recognized skills through the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, preparing them to excel as ethical and skilled professionals in the evolving financial planning landscape.”
Dr. Sangeeta Pandit, HOD Finance, SIMSREE, was also present at the signing ceremony, underscoring the institute’s commitment to offering best-in-class education and career opportunities.
ICCPL, India’s leading PR firm, bags the account of Ocus Group
20th February 2025:
With this, the PR firm would now be responsible for managing the media & communication strategies for Ocus Group.
As a trusted name in the real estate industry, Ocus Group is renowned for its contributions to the hospitality, commercial, and mixed-use development sectors. With a focus on delivering projects that elevate urban living and business standards, the group has set benchmarks in creating high-street retail, premium office spaces, and world-class service apartments.
At the heart of the organization lies the expertise of Prakash Mehta, the Chairman and Managing Director of Ocus Group. With over four decades of experience in the real estate industry, Mehta’s journey began in Kuwait in 1982, where he cultivated deep insights into global business practices. He returned to India in 1989 to make his mark in the domestic real estate sector. Under his leadership, the group has not only created iconic developments but has also built enduring relationships, embodying its core philosophy of trust and reliability in every venture.
Ocus Group is dedicated to shaping the future of real estate with a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, customer satisfaction, and delivering spaces that inspire and empower. The group offers a diverse portfolio to meet the needs of modern consumers
With a diverse portfolio and a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth, the group is dedicated to offering unmatched business exposure and lifestyle solutions in Gurugram.
With the bagging of this account, ICCPL now has a diverse client base from the Real Estate Sector. The agency has previously managed a considerable portfolio of Real Estate, Start-ups, Education & Healthcare clients.
Freudenberg Gala Expands Production in Adas for Local and Global Markets
February 20th, 2025 – Adas, Gujarat: Freudenberg Gala Household Products (FGHP) has expanded its production and office facilities in Adas, Gujarat. The inauguration marks a milestone in enhancing the site’s capacity to meet the growing demand for innovative solutions in household products in India and around the world.
The new production area spans over 3086 square meters and is dedicated to manufacturing spin mop floor cleaning products and foot pedals. The spin mops will be sold under the Gala brand, the number one cleaning brand in India. The foot pedals are intended for assembly in cleaning products sold in the United States. The expansion adds a production capacity of over one million spin mops and five million foot pedals to the existing capacity of 20 million brooms and brushes.
Jatin Gala, General Manager India at FGHP, said “By expanding our premises we significantly boost production capacities and efficiency, while optimizing workflows. This enables us to meet increasing domestic demand for spin mops. Also, we reinforce the site’s status as a hub for innovation and productivity within FHCS by supplying pedals for our O-Cedar products in the US.
Karin Overbeck, CEO of Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS), said “Our joint venture with FGHP has been very fruitful. In just over a decade, we have increased net sales tenfold, and we see great potential for further growth. By investing in the site’s expansion, we bolster our strategic position in India and underpin the market leadership of Gala.”
The new production space will house advanced equipment, including 21 molding machines, 2 assembly lines for spin mops and 5 cutting-edge manufacturing lines for pedals. The site continues to uphold its ISO-14001 and ISO-45001 certifications, showing adherence to highest quality and sustainability standards. A new three-story office facility will provide a modern, collaborative workspace for the local teams.
Freudenberg Gala Household Products Pvt. Ltd., was founded in 2009, following a joint venture agreement between Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions and the Mumbai-based company Gala Brush. The Adas production site was established in 2011, and has grown into a key contributor to the success of the joint venture, accounting for 35 percent of FGHP’s turnover.
Solitario Diamonds Shines in World’s Biggest Women’s Cricket League
India – [20th February 2025]: Solitario Diamonds, the world’s fastest-growing lab-grown diamond brand proudly announces its official partnership with Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). With this, Solitario becomes the first lab-grown diamond brand to align with the world’s biggest women’s cricket tournament. As the third most-watched cricket event globally, following the IPL and ICC T20 World Cup, the WPL presents an unparalleled platform for Solitario to connect with millions across India.
With Gujarat, the diamond capital of India, at the heart of this association, the synergy between Solitario and the WPL is a natural fit. The partnership represents an appreciation for women’s achievements across professions, celebrating their grit, brilliance, and resilience.
Ricky Vasandani, CEO & Co-Founder of Solitario Diamonds, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are incredibly proud to be associated with the Women’s Premier League, a tournament that is not just revolutionizing women’s cricket but also inspiring millions across the country. As a brand dedicated to brilliance and resilience, we see this partnership as a tribute to women who shine in every field. Just like our diamonds, these athletes embody strength, perseverance, and excellence.”
To honor this alliance, Solitario Diamonds will be hosting the entire WPL team in Bengaluru on February 25th. In a special ceremony, CEO Ricky Vasandani, will present each team member with a stunning tennis bracelet—a symbol of strength and elegance, much like the athletes themselves.
This partnership is set to hit it out of the park, making waves across India with a power-packed marketing campaign. Solitario Diamonds is stepping up to the crease with a strategic mix of digital promotions, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, and extensive bus branding across key cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Baroda.
With stadium branding, in-game digital integrations, and high-impact activations, Solitario will be front and center as the WPL unfolds. The brand is also going big on digital, ensuring a strong presence across live-streaming platforms and social media, keeping the momentum high throughout the tournament. As the WPL takes center stage, Solitario is ready to knock it out of the park, cementing its place as a game-changer in the world of luxury diamonds.
This wide-reaching campaign ensures maximum visibility, celebrating both the brand and the tournament in a grand way.
This strategic association reflects Solitario’s commitment to empowering women, drawing a powerful parallel between the brilliance of diamonds and the rising success of Indian women in sports and beyond. Cricket, revered as a religion in India, provides the perfect avenue for Solitario to inspire and engage with its audience on a grand scale.
ISB MIHM Study Mixed Views on AI for TB Diagnosis in India’s Informal Healthcare
National, February 20, 2025: A study by researchers at the Max Institute of Healthcare Management (MIHM) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has uncovered significant insights into healthcare providers’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in implementing AI-based healthcare solutions in India.
Published in JMIR Formative Research, a peer-reviewed journal, the study titled ‘Understanding Providers’ Attitude Toward AI in India’s Informal Health Care Sector: Survey Study’ surveyed 406 Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) and informal healthcare providers (collectively called AIPs) across Gujarat and Jharkhand. They found that while 93.7% of providers believed AI could improve TB diagnosis accuracy, only 69.4% were willing to adopt the technology.
Sumeet Kumar, Assistant Professor, Information Systems, ISB and lead author of the study said, “The gap between belief in AI’s potential and willingness to adopt it suggests that technological superiority alone may not guarantee successful implementation”. He added that regional differences and existing healthcare infrastructure play crucial roles in technology adoption.
TB remains a global health crisis, claiming 1.5 million lives in 2020 alone, with India bearing a substantial burden. Early and accurate diagnosis is key to TB treatment, but accurate diagnostic tools like molecular diagnostic tests are expensive, difficult to access and challenging to maintain. AI-augmented chest X-ray (CXR) scans offer a viable solution, especially in underserved Indian settings. Since AIPs are often the first point of contact for TB patients in India, understanding their perspectives on AI-based TB diagnosis is crucial for its effective implementation.
The key findings of the research include higher adoption readiness in Gujarat (73.4%) compared to Jharkhand (58.4%), reflecting the impact of regional healthcare infrastructure development. Providers who were more confident in diagnosing TB showed greater willingness to adopt AI. Also, providers’ trust in local radiologists influences AI adoption differently across regions.
The research suggests that successful AI implementation in healthcare requires tailored approaches considering regional infrastructure differences, additional support, and training programmes for healthcare providers, focus on providers with limited access to diagnostic infrastructure and consideration of cost implications.
Explaining the significance of this study, Professor Sarang Deo—Deputy Dean, Faculty and Research at ISB and Executive Director – MIHM, who is also the co-author of this research paper—said: “Our study shows the importance of including behavioural and implementation science elements in the evaluation of AI, moving beyond the technical aspects that currently dominate the discourse. The finding that providers with weaker diagnostic skills are less likely to adopt AI indicates that the overall impact of AI on health outcomes might be more muted than predicted by technical specifications alone.”
Acerpure’s New Chef 2-in-1 Air Fryer Brings Versatility to Your Kitchen for Rs. 10,990
Bangalore/Mumbai, India – 20 February 2025 – Acerpure India, a division of the global Acer Group, has introduced the Acerpure Chef 2-in-1 Flip Air Fryer, a sleek and versatile kitchen appliance designed for healthier and more convenient cooking. This all-in-one device seamlessly integrates air frying, grilling, and hot pot functions, making it a must-have for modern kitchens.
Available in elegant matte black and matte white, the air fryer not only enhances kitchen aesthetics but also delivers top-tier performance. Equipped with 360° Turboheat Air Fry Technology, it ensures even cooking with up to 80% less oil than traditional methods (based on lab testing, the Acerpure Chef 2-in-1 Flip Air Fryer reduces oil by 80% compared to traditional deep fryers when cooking frozen fries). With a 5.5L air fryer capacity and a 2.5L cooking pot, it caters to various culinary needs. The intuitive LED touch panel provides precise temperature control, ranging from 80°C to 200°C for air frying and 80°C to 220°C for the cooking pot, making it perfect for frying, grilling, baking, and sautéing.
The Acerpure Chef 2-in-1 Flip Air Fryer is crafted for seamless meal preparation, featuring five intelligent cooking modes that streamline the process. Designed for versatility, it caters to bachelors, married couples, and individuals on a diet by making soups, sautéing, and grilling effortless. The innovative flip mechanism enhances usability and prevents residue accumulation, ensuring hassle-free maintenance, while its durability is proven through over 3,000 flip tests. The borosilicate glass air fryer basket minimizes food odors, maintaining a fresh kitchen atmosphere. Certified by Germany’s LFGB and the U.S. FDA for food safety, the appliance meets the highest quality benchmarks. Thoughtfully equipped with an exclusive cooking pot lid, silicone clip, and anti-scald gloves, its user-friendly design supports effortless cleaning and adaptable cooking, making it perfect for everything from quick bites to elaborate meals.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vasudeva G, Director of Acerpure India, said, “At Acerpure, we are redefining home appliances with innovation, quality, and smart technology at the core of everything we do. As a new-age brand, we are thrilled by the overwhelming response from Indian consumers to our growing portfolio, including TVs, water purifiers, air purifiers, air circulator fans, hair dryers, and stylers. In just eight months, we have expanded into six product categories, a testament to our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, user-friendly solutions. The Acerpure Chef 2-in-1 Flip Air Fryer is another step in this journey, designed to make cooking healthier, easier, and more versatile. We aim to bring thoughtful innovations that enhance everyday living, making homes cleaner, safer, and happier.”