Pokkido Jr., an international brand renowned for delivering innovative and engaging play experiences has emerged as one of the most loved destinations among its kids. India’s first Pokkido Jr. located in Lower Parel, Mumbai, will serve as a destination where kids can step into a world of limitless possibilities. From becoming doctors, firefighters, or chefs in realistic roleplay scenarios to zooming through exciting play racing tracks, the brand’s offerings are carefully crafted to inspire and educate while ensuring endless fun.

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure at Pokiddo Jr., the coolest new spot for kids in Mumbai! This vibrant hotspot, spanning an incredible 11,000 sq. ft., was created by the fantastic team at Pokiddo and Prasuk Jain Hospitality and is bursting with thrilling experiences for children up to 12 years old. Let the fun begin, and discover a world of excitement waiting just for your little ones!

• Princess Power!

Say goodbye to ordinary playdates and get ready for an enchanting experience! Step into the extraordinary Princess Room, where your dreams sparkle to life! Slip into glamorous gowns, experiment with stunning makeup, and accessorize with fabulous sparkly purses. In this magical space, You’ll feel like royalty in no time!

• Vroom! Vroom! It’s Race Time!

Get ready to rev your engines, little racers! The kiddie-karting track is waiting just for you. Feel the exhilarating rush of wind in your hair as you speed past your friends, racing towards victory. It’s an action-packed adventure to the finish line—who will be the ultimate champion? Buckle up and let the race begin!

• Shop ’til You Drop!

Ever wanted to run your supermarket? Now’s your chance! Step into the Supermarket Room, brimming with an incredible selection of goodies, shopping carts, and more just waiting for you. Who knows? You might just unlock the entrepreneur within you!

• Barnyard Buddies Await!

Head over to the Farmland and tend to some adorable animals. Learn how to take care of them and have some fun on the farm. Every moment is packed with joy and laughter as you discover the magic of caring for these delightful creatures. This isn’t just about fun; it’s a heartwarming experience that teaches kids about responsibility and the joy of caring for creatures.

• Futuristic Fun Galore!

The arcade games here are nothing short of extraordinary. With vibrant lights flashing and exhilarating sounds ringing out, each game lures you in with the thrill of epic challenges and the chase for legendary high scores. It’s an unforgettable, immersive experience that will leave you breathless and wanting more!

Pokiddo Jr. is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories with your little ones. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to have a blast! the story of Pokiddo Junior will forever remain a celebration of the magic of childhood, waiting to welcome those who believe in the endless possibilities of their imagination.

January 22, 2025, Mumbai: L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India has recorded a consolidated PAT at Rs. 2,007 Crore for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, a growth of 14% over nine months ended December 31, 2023. The consolidated PAT for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024, stood at Rs. 626 Crore.

The Company has recorded quarterly retail disbursement of Rs. 15,210 Crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024, up 5% YoY. The retail book size reached Rs. 92,224 Crore during the quarter, implying a growth of 23% YoY.

Furthermore, the Company’s customer-facing PLANET app, which has emerged as a powerful digital channel for customers, has crossed more than 1.5 Crore downloads as of December 31, 2024, comprising more than 13.8 lakh downloads from rural areas. As of date, this channel has done collections of over Rs. 3,100 Crore and has done sourcing of over Rs. 10,500 Crore (including web).

Commenting on the financial results, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO of LTF said, “Despite certain macro challenges within the microfinance sector, we have managed the situation effectively. We are hopeful that the environment will be much better over the next couple of quarters.

Our investments and efforts towards building a world-class credit underwriting and monitoring infrastructure continued unabated. Apropos to the same, our next-generation three-dimensional credit underwriting engine ‘Project Cyclops’ was extended to 100% of dealerships in Two-wheeler Finance and was also operationalized for the Farm Equipment Finance business.

In our pursuit of innovation within the lending landscape, LTF launched a strategic partnership with Amazon Pay to develop and offer cutting-edge credit solutions through the platform. We also extended the PhonePe partnership to Personal Loans, delivering a seamless digital lending experience to our consumers.

Additionally, we have launched Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered chatbot that revolutionizes the home loan experience. We were also delighted to host RAISE’ 24, India’s premier AI-themed event in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector focused on Al’s real-world applications. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to driving innovation and enhancing our offerings to better serve our customers.”

Healthy retail disbursements and book for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024:

• Rural Business Finance:

o Book size at Rs. 26,231 Crore vs. Rs. 23,110 Crore, up 14% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 4,599 Crore vs. Rs. 5,476 Crore, down16% YoY
o A risk calibrated disbursement strategy was followed in the business owing to a challenging macro environment

•  Farmer Finance:

o Book size at Rs.15,075 Crore vs. Rs. 13,845 Crore, up 9% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 2,495 Crore vs. Rs. 2,027 Crore, up 23% YoY
o Growth in the segment aided by a better than average monsoon and festive season demand

•  Two-wheeler Finance:

o Book size at Rs. 12,676 Crore vs. Rs. 10,447 Crore, up 21% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 2,414 Crore vs. Rs. 2,540 Crore, down 5% YoY
o Calibrated disbursements owing to the strengthening of documentation and credit guardrailsfor sourcing of better-quality credit tested customer and shift towards prime customer

•  Personal Loans:

o Book size at Rs. 7,820 Crore vs. Rs. 6,427Crore, up 22% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 1,642 Crore vs. Rs. 847 Crore, up 94% YoY
o Growth was aided by digital partnerships and tapping growth in prime segments

•  Housing Loans and Loans Against Property:

o Book size at Rs. 23,461 Crore vs. Rs. 16,654 Crore, up 41% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 2,475 Crore vs. Rs. 1,998 Crore, up 24% YoY
o Growth on the back of focus on distribution channels and partnerships. Maintained a pristine secured portfolio performance

•  SME Finance:

o Book size at Rs. 5,817 Crore vs. Rs. 3,078 Crore, up 89% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 1,249 Crore vs. Rs. 965Crore, up 29% YoY

In a monumental fusion of haute couture, music, and cultural integration, acclaimed Punjabi music phenomenon AP Dhillon joined an elite roster of global celebrities as Pharrell Williams headlined the official launch of Paris Men’s Fashion Week on Tuesday night with his highly anticipated Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 show.

This historic appearance marked the first time an India-born Punjabi music artist attended Paris Men’s Fashion Week, further cementing the luxury house’s commitment to cultural diversity under Williams’ creative direction.

The show, which marks Nigo’s return to Louis Vuitton following his celebrated 2020 capsule collection with the late Virgil Abloh, drew an exceptional array of cultural luminaries, including Jackson Wang, Bam Bam, Victor Wembanyama, Leon Marchand, BTS’s J-Hope, AP Dhillon, Travis Scott, Future Pluto Hendricks, Don Toliver, Pusha T, Big Smoke, Boozy, Sabrina Elba, Idris Elba, Bradley Cooper, ASAP Nast, Aron Pierre, Adrien Brody, J Balvin, Dylan Wang, Slick Rick the Ruler, and Tyshawn Jones. These attendees, representing a wide range of artistic and cultural influences, contributed to a night that celebrated global diversity and creativity.

Dhillon, representing a new wave of South Asian influence in luxury fashion, commanded attention in a meticulously crafted Louis Vuitton ensemble — a masterful blend of streetwear aesthetics and traditional Louis Vuitton luxury, featuring innovative interpretations of the house’s iconic design aesthetics. The singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer wore an elevated workwear blouson, crafted from silk-wool double-face fabric layered over Japanese denim skate jeans in a versatile light blue wash, paired with the signature LV Checker range of military-inspired boots. The look highlighted the marriage of streetwear utility with traditional luxury that has become Williams’ hallmark.

AP Dhillon, who made his debut at the fashion week, shared: “Being present at this intersection of culture and luxury, especially in a space as iconic as the Louvre, represents a pivotal moment not just for me, but for the entire creative community. Pharrell’s vision for Louis Vuitton embraces authentic multiculturalism, and I’m honored to be part of this narrative that’s reshaping the fashion landscape.”

The show, which transformed the Louvre into an unprecedented fashion spectacle, continues Williams’ tradition of utilizing Paris’s most prestigious landmarks as backdrops for his collections, following his previous presentations at the Pont Neuf, Jardin d’Acclimatation, and UNESCO headquarters.

Dhillon’s presence at this landmark show, alongside the collaboration between Williams and streetwear pioneer Nigo, underscores Louis Vuitton’s commitment to bridging diverse cultural influences in contemporary luxury fashion and popularizing streetwear’s visibility in high fashion.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: Uno Minda, a pioneer in driving technological advancements in the automotive sector, made a resounding impact at the 4-day Auto Expo Components Show hosted by Bharat Mobility at Yashobhoomi. The company showcased its latest innovations aligned with the megatrends of Personalized, Autonomous, Connected, and Electric (PACE) mobility, solidifying its position as a leader in future-ready automotive solutions. Uno Minda displayed their products and concept vehicles at their pavilion spread across 800 meters, one of the largest at this year’s Auto Expo Components Show and received overwhelming response from the customers.

Driven by its tagline, ‘Driving the New’, Uno Minda has collaborated with global technology leaders, to bring world-class solutions to India under the ‘Make in India for the World’ initiative. Following mobility solutions were showcased:

•  Advanced Lighting Solutions: Connected pixel-based digital tail lamps, OLED lamps, adaptive lighting, and more.
• Personalized and Smart Innovations: Augmented reality heads-up displays, Capsense switches, AVAS, ADAS, and vehicle control units, Software defined vehicles controls.
• Electrification Solutions: A dedicated Green Mobility Zone featuring three technology demonstrators—TD125 (electric skateboard), TD425 (electric buck), and TD225 (electric bike)—highlighting cutting-edge product portfolio for e-2W, e-3W, and e-4W specific solutions.

Uno Minda also unveiled state-of-the-art products like highly integrated e-axles, advanced range extenders, intelligent battery management systems, dual charging capabilities and seamless Connectivity, all designed to redefine the electric mobility experience.

Uno Minda also elevated personalization with advanced lighting solutions such as Panolamp Ambient Lighting to set the mood, gesture controls for intuitive interaction, and capacitive switches for 2W and 4W vehicles. Safety takes center stage with cornering bending lamps, adaptive braking, blind spot detection, lane change warnings, and cruise control—ensuring a safer, smarter driving experience.

With its focus over R&D, Uno Minda continues to spearhead innovation, enhancing safety, personalization, and connectivity in the automotive space. From gesture controls to adaptive braking systems, the company’s solutions aim to create immersive, safe, and sustainable driving experiences.

O3+ introduces its latest skincare essential this winter – the O3+ Ideal Hydration Daily Moisturising Cream. Designed for all skin types, the cream provides long-lasting moisture, ensuring your skin feels soft, smooth, and refreshed throughout the day.

Its gentle yet effective formula is enriched with powerhouse ingredients Butylene Glycol, a moisture magnet that draws hydration into the skin, Capryl Triglyceride, a natural emollient that smooths and nourishes, and Dimethicone, that forms a protective barrier, locking in essential moisture.

Whether you’re combating the drying effects of winter or maintaining your skin’s balance year-round, this versatile cream is your go-to for hydrated and healthy-looking skin. Suitable for both men and women, the O3+ Ideal Hydration Daily Moisturising Cream redefines your daily skincare routine with its gentle, effective, and skin-loving formula.

India, 22nd January 2025: Knauf, World’s No. 1 company in Drywall & Ceiling Solutions, has appointed Mr. Vijay Mishra as its Commercial Director for India operations. With over 23 years of extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development, Mr. Mishra brings a wealth of expertise and leadership that will propel Knauf India into a new era of growth and innovation.

Prior to joining Knauf India, Mr. Mishra held key roles at various reputed brands, like, H & R JOHNSON, RAK Ceramics, Kajaria Ceramics Limited, Saint – Gobain India Pvt Ltd and Century Plyboards, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in strategic planning, market expansion, and establishing robust distribution networks. Known for his out-of-the-box thinking and ability to drive revenue growth, Mr. Mishra has successfully explored new markets, introduced innovative product categories, and streamlined business operations to enhance profitability and efficiency.

In his new role as Commercial Director, Mr. Mishra will oversee Knauf India’s strategic commercial initiatives, focusing on expanding the company’s footprint in the Indian market and solidifying its position as a leader in the building materials industry. His responsibilities will include driving revenue growth, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing distribution networks while ensuring that Knauf India continues to deliver unparalleled quality and value to its customers.

Expressing his excitement for his new role, Mr. Vijay Mishra said, “I am thrilled to join Knauf India, a company that embodies excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity. My goal is to leverage my experience to build strong partnerships, drive growth, and deliver exceptional value to our customers. I look forward to working with a talented team to further strengthen Knauf’s position in the Indian market and beyond.”

Mr Sumit Bidani, CEO of Knauf India, shared his confidence in Mr. Mishra’s appointment, stating, “Vijay’s extensive experience and strategic vision make him the perfect choice to lead our commercial operations. His expertise in business development and market expansion aligns with Knauf’s long-term goals of achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional solutions to our customers. We are confident that Vijay’s leadership will drive our company to new heights.”

Under Mr. Mishra’s guidance, Knauf India is committed to exploring new opportunities, introducing innovative products, and enhancing its operational efficiency to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry. This appointment is a significant milestone in Knauf India’s journey to becoming a market leader, underscoring the company’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

With Mr. Mishra at the helm, Knauf India is poised to achieve greater market penetration, expand its reach, and deliver on its promise of providing world-class building solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Indian market.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025 – Tajurba, India’s leading business networking platform for SMEs, successfully organized a full–day workshop on the topic “SME to IPO” at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Okhla. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 200 SME business owners from across India attending to explore the potential of taking their businesses public through SME IPOs.

The workshop was conducted by Suresh Mansharamani, India’s top SME IPO coach, celebrated for his unparalleled expertise in guiding small and medium-sized enterprises on the path to growth, fund-raising, and stock market listing.

During the session, Suresh Mansharamani shared deep insights on every critical aspect of the IPO journey, including:

• Fundraising Strategies

• Valuation Essentials

• Step-by-Step Process of Listing on the SME Exchange

He also stressed the importance of building a strong financial foundation for businesses aspiring to go public. “SMEs must ensure their books are clean, all compliances are strictly adhered to, and their balance sheets are healthy and transparent. These are essential prerequisites for a successful listing,” Mr. Suresh Mansharamani, co-founder of Tajurba Business Network emphasized.

The workshop provided attendees with actionable strategies and practical knowledge, empowering them to scale their businesses and unlock new opportunities through public listings.

Speaking about the workshop’s success, Tajurba’s co founder Uma Mansharamani said, “Our mission is to help SMEs scale up and achieve their true potential. This workshop is another step towards enabling business owners to realize their IPO dreams and become key contributors to India’s economic growth.”

In a monumental fusion of haute couture, music, and cultural integration, acclaimed Punjabi music phenomenon AP Dhillon joined an elite roster of global celebrities as Pharrell Williams headlined the official launch of Paris Men’s Fashion Week on Tuesday night with his highly anticipated Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 show.

This historic appearance marked the first time an India-born Punjabi music artist attended Paris Men’s Fashion Week, further cementing the luxury house’s commitment to cultural diversity under Williams’ creative direction.

The show, which marks Nigo’s return to Louis Vuitton following his celebrated 2020 capsule collection with the late Virgil Abloh, drew an exceptional array of cultural luminaries, including Jackson Wang, Bam Bam, Victor Wembanyama, Leon Marchand, BTS’s J-Hope, AP Dhillon, Travis Scott, Future Pluto Hendricks, Don Toliver, Pusha T, Big Smoke, Boozy, Sabrina Elba, Idris Elba, Bradley Cooper, ASAP Nast, Aron Pierre, Adrien Brody, J Balvin, Dylan Wang, Slick Rick the Ruler, and Tyshawn Jones. These attendees, representing a wide range of artistic and cultural influences, contributed to a night that celebrated global diversity and creativity.

Dhillon, representing a new wave of South Asian influence in luxury fashion, commanded attention in a meticulously crafted Louis Vuitton ensemble — a masterful blend of streetwear aesthetics and traditional Louis Vuitton luxury, featuring innovative interpretations of the house’s iconic design aesthetics. The singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer wore an elevated workwear blouson, crafted from silk-wool double-face fabric layered over Japanese denim skate jeans in a versatile light blue wash, paired with the signature LV Checker range of military-inspired boots. The look highlighted the marriage of streetwear utility with traditional luxury that has become Williams’ hallmark.

AP Dhillon, who made his debut at the fashion week, shared: “Being present at this intersection of culture and luxury, especially in a space as iconic as the Louvre, represents a pivotal moment not just for me, but for the entire creative community. Pharrell’s vision for Louis Vuitton embraces authentic multiculturalism, and I’m honored to be part of this narrative that’s reshaping the fashion landscape.”

The show, which transformed the Louvre into an unprecedented fashion spectacle, continues Williams’ tradition of utilizing Paris’s most prestigious landmarks as backdrops for his collections, following his previous presentations at the Pont Neuf, Jardin d’Acclimatation, and UNESCO headquarters.

Dhillon’s presence at this landmark show, alongside the collaboration between Williams and streetwear pioneer Nigo, underscores Louis Vuitton’s commitment to bridging diverse cultural influences in contemporary luxury fashion and popularizing streetwear’s visibility in high fashion.

Chandigarh, January 22, 2025: Venus Remedies Limited (NSE: VENUSREM, BSE: 526953), a premier player in the global pharmaceutical industry, has announced the successful renewal of its European Good Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP) certification by Infarmed, the National Authority of Medicines and Health Products in Portugal. This renewal, applicable to the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Cephalosporin, Carbapenem, and Oncology (Liquid and Lyophilized Injectable) formulations, not only reaffirms Venus Remedies’ commitment to the highest European quality standards but also enhances its growth trajectory within and beyond the European Union.

The company, a market leader in the production of the broad-spectrum antibiotic meropenem, particularly in Italy, has expanded its reach across more than 15 European countries, including key markets like the UK and France. The Infarmed audit, focused on our rigorous quality control systems, validates our ongoing initiatives to deliver superior pharmaceutical products, capable of treating a broad range of severe and drug-resistant infections.

“Since our first EU GMP certification in 2007, we have not only maintained but strengthened our foothold in the European market. This latest certification renewal enables us to leverage our established presence and continue our expansion into new markets. We expect this to significantly contribute to our sales, with anticipated revenues of at least €14 million annually from Europe alone,” remarked Mr. Saransh Chaudhary, President of Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies, and CEO of Venus Medicine Research Centre.

With the antibiotics market in Europe projected to grow to USD 10.9 billion by 2023 and the oncology drugs market expected to reach USD 36.95 billion by 2025, Venus Remedies is poised for significant growth. The company’s extensive marketing authorizations across Europe reinforce its status as a trusted supplier of high-quality antibiotics and oncology treatments.

Aditi Chaudhary, President of International Business at Venus Remedies, emphasized the strategic importance of this renewal: “This EU-GMP certification is pivotal, ensuring that Venus Remedies continues to provide dependable and effective healthcare solutions across Europe. It positions us to expand our reach not just within the EU, but also into Rest of World (ROW) markets, capitalizing on emerging opportunities and fostering growth in regions that demand high-quality pharmaceutical products.”

By securing this critical certification, Venus Remedies not only consolidates its role as a key player in the European market but also sets the stage for accelerated global expansion, driving forward its mission to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions worldwide.

Venus Remedies has consistently strengthened its manufacturing capabilities and global exports, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing high-quality and equitable healthcare. It is one of India’s largest manufacturers and exporters of meropenem—a critical broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used primarily for treating severe or drug-resistant infections. With multiple marketing authorizations across Europe, Venus Remedies has solidified its position as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality antibiotics and oncology products. As the global leader in Italy and holding a significant market share across the EU, Venus Remedies continues to set benchmarks in the pharmaceutical industry, reinforcing its standing as a dependable and influential entity in the global healthcare landscape.