Mohali,10th December 2024  CP67 Mall was buzzing with energy and rhythm during its latest shopping festival, hosting an unforgettable Latin Salsa performance by renowned Russian artists. The mall turned into a vibrant dance floor, with performers showcasing mesmerizing moves to infectious beats that had everyone swaying in delight.

Chandigarh, 19th December, 2024: Vi Business, the enterprise arm of the leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi), launched Easy+, a new innovative proposition on corporate post-paid plans, offering subscribers an option to select and purchase services like International roaming, OTT Subscriptions and others for their personal needs on their existing corporate plans. This service can be availed by downloading the Vi App.

This first-of-its-kind proposition introduces a simplified approach by making it seamless for employees to purchase services of their choice on their corporate post-paid plans, thus enhancing the overall customer experience.

Commenting on the launch, Roerich Kaushal, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Mobility Business & Marketing, said, “With Easy+, Vi Business is taking the lead to transform corporate postpaid plan experience by giving employees the flexibility to select and buy services for their personal needs. In today’s connected world, employees look for an effortless experience that offers them a greater choice on services like international roaming, OTT subscriptions, data packs and more without the hassle of securing approvals or managing multiple mobile numbers.”

“This proposition not only supports convenience but also reflects our commitment to aligning with the modern workforce expectations. In the upcoming holiday season, we look forward to our customers using Easy+ for international roaming packs, enjoying the ease and convenience it offers on their corporate post-paid plans” he added.

Vi Business’s Easy + offers include:

· International Roaming: Customers can easily purchase international roaming packs for personal travel across 29 countries, with options for 24-hour, 10-day, and 14-day validity packs ranging from Rs 749 to Rs 4999

· *OTT Subscriptions: For entertainment, customers can now enjoy OTT subscriptions like SonyLIV, ZEE5 and others to access their favourite entertainment

· Gifting Feature: The feature allows corporate users to gift OTT subscription packs to others, directly from their corporate number, offering a seamless way to share entertainment.

· Easy+ can be availed easily on Vi App. Download link https://vi.app.link/viappisnt

Chandigarh, 10th December 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today confirmed it has placed an order to purchase 100 more Airbus aircraft, comprising 10 widebody A350 and 90 narrowbody A320 Family aircraft, including A321neo. These 100 new aircraft are in addition to the firm orders of 470 aircraft that Air India had placed with Airbus and Boeing last year.

The latest order takes the total number of aircraft that Air India ordered with Airbus in 2023 from 250 aircraft, comprising 40 A350 and 210 A320 Family aircraft, to 350.

Air India also announced it has selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to support the maintenance requirements of its growing A350 fleet. The new materials & maintenance contract will help Air India to optimise the reliability and performance of its A350 fleet, with comprehensive engineering services and integrated component services including on-site stock at Delhi provided by Airbus.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Air India, said, “With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world, its significantly improving infrastructure and an aspirational young population increasingly going global, we see a clear case for Air India to expand its future fleet beyond the firm orders of the 470 aircraft placed last year. These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will help to position Air India on the path to greater growth and contribute to our mission of building Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every corner of the world.”

Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, said, “Having personally witnessed the formidable growth of the Indian aviation sector in recent months, I am glad to see Air India renew its trust in Airbus with this additional order for both our A320 Family and A350 aircraft. Through this continued partnership, we are committed to supporting the success of Air India’s “Vihaan.AI” transformation plan under Tata’s vision and leadership.”

With the order for 100 additional aircraft, Air India currently has a total of 344 new aircraft incoming from Airbus, having received six A350s so far. Air India in 2023 had also placed orders for 220 widebody and narrowbody aircraft with Boeing, of which 185 aircraft remain to be delivered.

Air India is the first Indian airline to operate the Airbus A350, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Delivering exceptional fuel-efficiency, passenger comfort, and long-range capabilities, the A350s now offer an all-new Air India flying experience to travellers flying non-stop from Delhi to London and New York.

The A320 Family fleet, powered by CFM LEAP 1-A engines, is a backbone of Air India’s domestic and short-haul operations, delivering world-class flying experiences to millions of the airline’s customers as well as remarkable operational efficiency and flight economics.

This year’s summit aims to deliberate upon the key developments, emerging opportunities and sustainable developments in the sector. It also intends to serve as a platform for convergence of key stakeholders from Government, Private Sector (including Residential, Commercial, Capital Markets, Technology among others), and Research Institutes for brainstorming and exchange of ideas.

Key Discussion Points of the Summit:

• Navigating the Landscape of Commercial Real Estate in India
• Innovation and Growth in Indian Residential Real Estate
• Emerging Building Materials and Construction Technologies
• Digital Transformation in Real Estate Marketing

Details:

Day & Date: Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Time: 1000 hrs – 1600 hrs
Venue: Federation House, FICCI, New Delhi
Mandatory Registration URL: https://registrations.ficci.com/fireal/online-registration.asp
Participation fee: INR 5000 + 18% GST
(You may avail a group discount of 10% for 3 or more delegates – non-refundable)

10th December 2024  South Africa ended last week on a positive note, with the JSE FTSE All Shares Index adding 0.11%, driven by growing investor optimism. Political stability under the Government of National Unity (GNU) has contributed to market confidence, particularly with over 250 days of uninterrupted electricity supply. Incremental reforms, such as privatization in energy and infrastructure, have also helped improve sentiment. Retail and banking stocks could see increased interest, supported by pension reforms that enhance liquidity, while South African bonds have gained on expectations of steady growth without inflationary pressures. This positive momentum suggests a bullish near-term outlook for equities, especially in sectors benefiting from reforms. However, the medium-term outlook remains uncertain due to ongoing structural challenges.

Despite these gains, South Africa faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, bureaucratic hurdles, and underinvestment in sectors like mining. While incremental improvements provide market confidence, caution remains, recalling past periods of optimism that faded without substantial change. Persistent challenges suggest a cautious investor sentiment, with risks of slower growth and potential market corrections if reforms stagnate.

Meanwhile, foreign investors continue to favour government bonds, purchasing ZAR 25.8 billion in bonds this year while selling ZAR 127 billion in equities. Bonds have delivered strong returns, while equities face external risks such as U.S. tariffs and China’s economic slowdown. This preference for bonds over equities may weigh on South African stocks and limit substantial upside potential.

Chandigarh, 10th December 2024 TVS MotoSoul 4.0, the premier celebration of motorcycling organised by the TVS Motor Company, concluded at Vagator, Goa with an impressive display of innovation, diverse racing formats, and pioneering collaborations. On the final day of the festival, the new and refreshed 2025 TVS RONIN was unveiled. The motorcycle, now available in two striking color options—Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember—perfectly balances timeless retro design with cutting-edge modern features. It has updated vibrant colours, graphics, state-of-the-art connected technology and performance tailored to suit any mood.

The final day at TVS MotoSoul 4.0 brought an adrenaline-fueled climax to the thrilling new motorcycle race formats that pushed riders to the limits. From high-speed flat track races and gritty dirt track challenges to intense obstacle courses and more, the competition was fierce and the excitement palpable. These high octane events not only showcased the riders’ skills but also elevated the energy of the festival, bringing together a community united by their shared love for the machine. With each race, the thrill of the ride reached new heights, solidifying TVS MotoSoul as the ultimate celebration of motorcycling passion.

Commenting on the last day of the festival, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “TVS MotoSoul 2024, with its theme ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove,’ has been a true celebration of passion, creativity, and community. With every edition, we aim to elevate the spirit of motorcycling, offering exciting experiences for riders and enthusiasts alike. It is inspiring to see the motorcycling community thrive, and we remain dedicated to creating unique experiences that strengthen the bond between man and machine.”

New Unveil (All New TVS RONIN):

The New TVS Ronin impressed with the unveil of two striking new color options: Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember. These colors replace the previous Delta Blue and Stargaze Black. The new colours enhance the motorcycle’s lineup and upgrade the mid-variant, reinforcing TVS Motor’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

For the first time, the mid-variant will be equipped with Dual-Channel ABS, which enhances safety and stabiliy for riders. This upgrade creates a more consistent differentiation across all three variants of the TVS Ronin, providing clear distinctions not only in color and graphics but also in functionality.

Collaboration with GIVI:

TVS Motor Company also announced an exciting new collaboration with GIVI, a global leader in motorcycle luggage systems, aimed at delivering an elevated and integrated riding experience for enthusiasts. This partnership will offer a comprehensive range of premium luggage solutions tailored to various riding styles and storage needs, seamlessly blending functionality with style. As part of the collaboration, custom-designed frames and mounts will be developed specifically for TVS two-wheelers, providing riders with a seamless, innovative luggage solution that enhances both practicality and riding enjoyment. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of two-wheeler accessories, bringing together cutting-edge design and convenience for the modern motorcyclist.

Chandigarh, 10th December 2024: Vishal Mega Mart Limited (VMM), shall open the Bid / Offer Period in relation to its initial public offer of the Equity Shares on Wednesday, 11th December, 2024 and close on Friday, 13th December 13, 2024. The Total Offer Size of equity shares (face value ₹ 10 each) aggregating up to ₹8,000 crore comprises of offer for sale by Kedaara Capital-led Samayat Services LLP.

VMM is one of India’s leading retail players, achieving ₹8,900 crore in revenues in FY24. The company has 645 stores across 414 cities in 30 states and union territories, with 11.5 million retail sq. ft. VMM offers a diversified merchandise mix, with Apparel contributing 45% of sales, General Merchandise 28%, and FMCG 27%.

• Track record of profitable and capital-efficient growth
• Double-digit same-store sales growth across categories
• Leadership in opening price points across product categories with a diverse and growing portfolio of own brands
• Capital-efficient, Omni-channel platform

The Anchor Investor Bid/Offer Period opens and closes on Tuesday, 10th December, 2024. The Equity Shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE. The Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) to the Offer are:
Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, ICICI Securities Limited, Intensive Fiscal Services Private Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited, and Morgan Stanley India Company Private Limited.

• 50% of the Offer shall be allocated on a proportionate basis to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs)
• 15% of the Offer shall be available for allocation to Non-Institutional Bidders
• 35% of the Offer shall be available for allocation to Retail Individual Bidders

Chandigarh, 10th December 2024: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched its latest campaign, ‘RuPay On-The-Go,’ to promote awareness and adoption of the RuPay National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). This campaign positions RuPay NCMC as the ultimate payment solution for transit, delivering unmatched speed, convenience, and ease of use.

The RuPay NCMC is an innovative payment solution that addresses the challenges of India’s transit ticketing systems. With its unified, open-loop, and interoperable design, the card consolidates payments for metro, bus, tolls, parking, and retail into a single, seamless solution. With the stored value function, travellers enjoy swift, offline transactions, ensuring a quick and uninterrupted journey, even without internet connectivity.

RuPay NCMC operates across a growing list of transit networks, including metros in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kanpur, as well as bus services in cities like Mumbai (B.E.S.T), Guwahati, Haryana, Jammu, Srinagar, Himachal and Aurangabad.

The ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ campaign highlights RuPay NCMC’s role as the ideal companion for dynamic individuals who value time and efficiency. By enabling multimodal utility across metros and buses, the campaign connects seamlessly with the everyday needs of commuters. The contactless symbol on RuPay cards reinforces its association with public transit, while the card’s versatility as both a transit and payment solution, cements its position as a go-to choice for modern, on-the-move lifestyles.

Kunal Kalawatia, Chief of Products, NPCI, said, “RuPay On-The-Go transforms public transportation in India, offering a quick and convenient transit payment solution. It’s not just a payment method, it’s a lifestyle enabler. Designed for those who push boundaries and demand more from every moment, this campaign positions RuPay as the perfect partner for efficient and seamless transit. By expanding this contactless payment option across metros and buses, we are committed to making the daily commute smoother for millions across the country.”

By: Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com

The GBP/USD pair faces multiple challenges as the new week begins, remaining trapped in a narrow trading range near the mid-1.2700 level during Monday’s session. Despite hovering near a more than three-week high above 1.2800, reached last Friday, the market’s fundamental backdrop, in my view, highlights the importance of patience and caution for traders betting on an upward trend.

The latest U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report is at the forefront, revealing a slight uptick in November’s unemployment rate. While the report bolstered expectations for the Federal Reserve to lower borrowing costs in December, market reactions were short-lived. Instead, fresh bets emerged that the central bank might slow down or pause rate cuts in January, stabilising the U.S. dollar above its one-month low.

This resilience of the dollar, in my opinion, weakens the pound’s attempts to gain upward momentum. The greenback continues to enjoy support from external factors, including global geopolitical tensions, economic concerns surrounding China, and the possibility of new tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. Together, these factors strengthen the dollar’s appeal as a haven, dampening investors’ appetite for the British pound.

On the other hand, the pound faces additional pressure due to the pessimistic outlook of Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey. His projections of four rate cuts in 2025 have raised concerns among investors about the British currency’s future. This negative sentiment toward the UK’s monetary policy further complicates any sustainable upward movement for the GBP/USD pair.

Amid these dynamics, traders are eagerly awaiting the release of the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, scheduled for Wednesday. This report is expected to offer clearer insights into the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path, particularly regarding rate cuts during the December meeting. In my view, this data could prove pivotal in shaping the dollar’s short-term movements, thereby determining the next directional phase for the GBP/USD pair.

Simultaneously, the market is keeping an eye on a speech by Bank of England Deputy Governor David Ramsden, also set for Monday. Any additional hints regarding UK monetary policy could impact pound movements, opening up short-term investment opportunities.

Thus, this pair remains governed by a web of complex and interconnected factors, ranging from global geopolitical tensions to market expectations for central bank decisions. With the dollar continuing to benefit from its role as a haven, the pound finds itself in a challenging position, facing both internal and external obstacles that hinder any strong upward movement.

In conclusion, I believe the future of the GBP/USD pair hinges on upcoming economic data, particularly U.S. inflation figures, and official statements from the Bank of England. As markets seek to decipher the monetary policies of both central banks, expectations are fraught with uncertainty, compelling traders to approach with caution and be ready to seize any opportunities amid the volatility.

Chandigarh, 10th December 2024: Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal today called Rajasthan as India’s sweet spot and said that sustainable exploration can increase the state’s growth manifold. Addressing the Rising Rajasthan Summit, Mr Agarwal said there is a wealth of natural resources in Rajasthan including oil, gas, potash, rock phosphate, lead, zinc and silver.

“All the successful countries of the world have developed due to below-the-ground resources. We should also move forward on that path. There are three times more building stone reserves here than Italy. Rajasthan can get a lot of benefit by being a neighbour of the most industrialized state Gujarat, which also has a port. There is oil, gas, potash, rock phosphate, lead, zinc, silver here. If you invest in Rajasthan, you will get profitability quickly,” he said in his speech.

During his speech, Mr. Agarwal announced that Vedanta will invest an additional Rs 1 lakh crore in the state in the coming years. He also announced plans to set up a non-profit zinc park that will provide land, raw materials, and energy supply to hundreds of SMEs, thereby fostering the establishment of around 500 new industries.

Vedanta’s strong and longstanding commitment to the state of Rajasthan has played a key role in driving its industrial and economic growth and is powering Rajasthan’s ambition of becoming a US$350 billion economy by 2030, further strengthening its position as a global hub for metals, minerals, and industrial innovation.

Highlighting their own contribution to Rajasthan’s growth, he shared, “Since 2002, we have invested over ₹1 lakh crore in Rajasthan, creating over 1 lakh jobs and supporting the growth of more than 5,000 companies. We are proud to be the largest taxpayer in Rajasthan, contributing ₹50,000 crore annually to the National Exchequer. We aim to triple this contribution in the coming years.”