Omaxe Group Celebrates Republic Day with a Two-Day Grand Event
Omaxe Group commemorated Republic Day with an impressive two-day celebration on 25-26 January 2025, at its Marketing Office in Fountain Chowk, Ghumar Mandi, Ludhiana. The event held a flag-hoisting ceremony, a series of patriotic activities, and an inspiring performance by the Police Band. The band captivated the audience with its powerful performance, as patriotic melodies echoed through the venue, creating an electrifying atmosphere of national pride.
The celebration was honored by the presence of Mr. Jasdev Singh Sekhon, Additional Joint Commissioner, as the Chief Guest. The Additional Joint Commissioner conducted the flag-hoisting ceremony, further enhancing the patriotic fervor of the occasion. The event unfolded a variety of engaging activities, including lawn activities such as poster making, graffiti, and the Wall of Fame. To keep the attendees entertained, a range of games was organized, including Mini Golf, Corn Throw, Tin Throw, Jamboree, and Giant Jenga, making the event enjoyable for all age groups.
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Jatin Goel, Executive Director of Omaxe Group, said, “Republic Day is a tribute to the strength of our Constitution and the democratic spirit of our nation. We celebrate this day with great pride and reverence, embracing the unity and diversity of our country with our community.”
Choice International Announces Strong 9M FY25 Performance with Robust Growth
Mumbai, India, January 29, 2025: Choice International Limited (BSE: 531358, NSE: CHOICEIN), one of the leading financial services companies operating across India (“CIL”, “Choice” or the “Company”), announces its results for quarter and nine months ending December 31st, 2024.
Consolidated Financial Performance for Q3 FY25 v/s Q3 FY24
- Total Revenue of Rs. 212 Cr v/s. Rs. 210 Cr [á 1%]
- EBITDA of Rs. 62 Cr v/s. Rs. 69 Cr [â11%]. EBITDA Margins of 29.17% v/s 33.00%
- PAT of Rs. 31 Cr v/s. Rs. 40 Cr [â24%]. PAT Margins of 14.53% v/s 19.20%
- Revenue contribution of 65% from Stock Broking, 23% Advisory and 12% NBFC
Consolidated Financial Performance for 9M FY25 v/s 9M FY24
- Total Revenue of Rs. 667 Cr v/s. Rs. 543 Cr [á23%]
- EBITDA of Rs. 198 Cr v/s. Rs. 158 Cr [á25 %]. EBITDA Margins of 30.00% v/s 29.00%
- PAT of Rs. 109 Cr v/s. Rs. 91 Cr [á19 %]. PAT Margins of 16% v/s 17%
Business Highlights
- NumberofDematAccountsstood at 998K, a growth of 24%YoY
- AUM for Stock Broking stood at Rs. 46.5K Cr, a staggering growth of 38% YoY
- AUM for Wealth Products stood at 1,090 Cr, surge of 99% YoY
- Insurance premium generated of 73 Cr, an increase of 43 % YoY
- Number of policies sold stood at 54,892, a surge of 429% YoY
- Total Loan book for NBFC segment at the end of Q3 FY25 stood at Rs. 754 Cr
- Retail Loan Book for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs. 604 Cr
- Net Non-Performing assets (NNPA) as on 31st Dec, 2024 is 0%
- Advisory segment Order book stood at Rs. 555 Cr
Commenting on the Q3 & 9M FY25 performance Mr. Kamal Poddar, Managing Director said:
India, the fifth-largest economy with a $3.89 trillion GDP, continues to demonstrate resilience, growing 8.2% in 2024. Despite market volatility at the beginning of the year, India’s financial landscape remains robust. Against this backdrop, Choice International remains steadfast in its commitment to long-term growth and value creation. Choice ended the quarter reporting revenue of Rs. 212 Cr for Q3 FY25. For the nine months ended, revenue reached Rs. 667 Cr, with EBITDA and PAT at Rs. 198 Cr and Rs. 109 Cr, respectively. This performance underscores our ability to navigate market challenges while maintaining a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Choice delivers across all key business segments:
- The broking and distribution business, which accounts for 65% of our total revenues, recorded a YoY growth of 9%, generating Rs. 135 Cr in revenue for Q3 FY25
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- The stock broking business has added 67K demat accounts, increasing the total to 998K demat accounts. Our stock broking division has seen significant growth, driven by a strong emphasis on user retention and expanding into Tier III cities and beyond.
- The Wealth Product business’ AUM has reached Rs. 1,090 Cr, marking an impressive YoY growth of 99% fuelled by cross-selling initiatives and an extensive product portfolio.
- Our insurance broking operations continue to gain momentum, driven by a customer-centric approach and innovative cross-selling strategies. Choice Insurance Broking achieved a premium of Rs. 73 Cr in Q3 FY25, demonstrating a robust YoY growth of 43%. The total number of policies sold surged to 54,892, marking a YoY increase of 429%. Our ongoing focus on corporate B2B and institutional clients has led to a higher conversion rate, achieving an impressive ratio of 74%.
- The NBFC business, which contributes 12% to total revenues, has seen strong growth, with a total loan book of Rs. 754 Cr, including Rs. 604 Cr in retail loans. The growing demand for retail lending in Tier II-III cities presents a significant opportunity. Our focus on retail loans and digital lending through our mobile app, ‘Choice Money,’ has streamlined operations and driven revenue growth in this segment.
- The Choice Consultancy subsidiary, which drives our Advisory business contributes 23% of total revenues, with an impressive order book of Rs. 555 Cr. Our strong commitment in delivering exceptional performance in executing government projects on a grassroot level, enables us to win more orders thereby strengthening our order book
The Choice Business Associate Network continues to expand, with over 48,000 CBAs playing a crucial role in our outreach. Increased financial literacy, particularly in underdeveloped regions, is fuelling this growth and supporting our broader financial inclusion goals.
A key highlight this quarter was receiving in-principle approval from SEBI to sponsor and establish a mutual fund. This milestone allows Choice International to expand its financial services and reach a wider range of investors, strengthening our position in the industry.
Additionally, during the quarter, Choice Finserv, our NBFC division, successfully acquired the retail lending business through a slump sale. This strategic move has resulted in a 61% increase in total AUM, reaching Rs.7.54 billion, further enhancing our growth and ability to offer diversified financial solutions.
While the industry has experienced temporary headwinds in recent months, we remain confident in the strength of our business model and our strategic approach to achieve our long-term targets over the next five years. Our commitment to serving customers and stakeholders remains steadfast, guided by our vision to drive financial inclusion in India.
Whistling Woods International Hosts Glorious Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2024
Mumbai, January 2025: Whistling Woods International (WWI), Asia’s premier Film, Communication, and Creative Arts institute, recently hosted its Annual Convocation for the Class of 2024, celebrating both legacy and new beginnings. The event recognised over 300 graduating students, the next wave of talent amidst applause and pride, ready to lead and innovate in the media and entertainment industry.
The convocation, held in two sessions, brought together esteemed industry stalwarts, visionary leaders, and graduates, celebrating the confluence of inspiration, education, and legacy.
In the morning session, the institute honoured two luminaries of Indian cinema: Javed Akhtar, the celebrated poet, lyricist, and screenwriter, and Pankaj Kapur, the versatile actor and filmmaker. Both were presented with the Maestro Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to storytelling, cinema, and culture.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Javed Akhtar further added, “Let there be power in your waves. Let there be determination. You lose the day you stop flowing, the day you give up.” Pankaj Kapur, reflecting on the significance of channelising energy and potential, remarked, “A wild river, when channelised, has the power to generate electricity. Similarly, through your training at Whistling Woods International, you have been equipped to harness your potential and transform it into an incredible force of creativity and energy.”
Delivering the keynote address, Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom18 Studios, spoke about the convergence of creativity and business in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. He emphasised the importance of resilience and determination, stating, “That spark, that revolution you must keep it alive when facing rejection. It is a difficult path; you have to keep the fire alive.”
The afternoon session honoured Manmohan Shetty, a visionary entrepreneur and producer who redefined the Indian entertainment industry. He was presented with the Maestro Award, acknowledging his trailblazing contributions as a producer and pioneer in cinema and experiential entertainment.
Grateful for the recognition, Manmohan Shetty shared his thoughts: “It is institutions like Whistling Woods International that provide the space and mentorship that turn ideas into reality. Thanks for bringing out new talent every day. Your dedication has made the institute the finest in the country.”
The keynote address by Roshan Abbas, Founder of Encompass and Kommune, encouraged the graduates to embrace storytelling as a powerful medium of change and innovation. Sharing a personal insight, he added, “It is an incredible time to be in this industry but strive to be the absolute best at what you do. Only then will you truly earn the pride of seeing your name roll in the credits, knowing the value of your contribution. When you step out into this world, have the best time in this industry, it needs your creativity, passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering ethics.”
As the convocation drew to a close, Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman of Whistling Woods International, addressed the graduating class with words of wisdom and encouragement. Reflecting on the institute’s journey and legacy, he urged graduates to embrace change and innovation, he said, “Embrace the evolving world by becoming seekers, inventors, and creators. Adapt to change and harness new technologies to tell your heartfelt stories.”
The convocation marked yet another step in WWI’s mission to nurture, guide, and inspire the next generation of leaders in media, arts, and communication. With over 300 graduates stepping into the world as confident and skilled professionals, the day was not just a celebration of achievements but also a promise of a brighter and more creative future for the industry.
GCPL Expands Pest Control Leadership with INR 99 HIT Anti-Roach Gel
Chandigarh,30 January 2025: Despite 93% of Indian households cleaning daily, cockroach infestations persist in 65% of urban homes, with over half reporting medium to high infestation levels. Cockroaches, known carriers of harmful bacteria and allergens, pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues and foodborne illnesses. Addressing this persistent challenge, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), under its brand Godrej HIT, has introduced HIT Anti-Roach Gel—a compact, affordable (INR 99), and effective addition to its market-leading household insecticide portfolio
HIT is one of the market leaders, extensively used by consumers to tackle cockroach infestations. Building on the success of its HIT Anti-Roach Gel, GCPL identified an opportunity to enhance accessibility with a smaller, more cost-effective variant that maintains its effectiveness. This new pack addresses the growing demand for affordable pest control solutions while combating the spread of counterfeit products in the market. This innovation has the potential to unlock a 10x growth opportunity for cockroach gels, further solidifying Godrej HIT’s position as a category leader and innovator
Commenting on the launch, Shilpa Suresh, Head of Marketing – Home Care, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “We are aware of the serious health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases, which remain a major public health concern. Similarly, cockroaches, if left unchecked, can become a growing threat to public health. Their presence in our homes can lead to long-term health issues, affecting our families’ well-being. It is critical that we provide effective solutions that are accessible to every household, ensuring that families have the first line of defence against these pests.”
She further adds, “At GCPL, customer-centricity and innovation drive everything we do. The success of HIT Anti-Roach Gel inspired us to create a more accessible, smaller version that retains the superior efficacy of the original product. With the new variant of HIT Anti-Roach Gel, we aim to empower households across India with a reliable, affordable, and effective solution to eliminate cockroach infestations from the nest, particularly in kitchens where health and safety are paramount.”
The West and South regions of the country report some of the highest levels of cockroach infestations, driven by climate, urban density, and sanitation challenges. HIT Anti-Roach Gel’s strategic focus on these regions highlights Godrej HIT’s commitment to addressing regional needs with tailored solutions.
The market for gel-based anti-cockroach products in India, valued at nearly INR 100 crore, is growing at over 25% year-on-year. This increasing demand for safe and effective pest control solutions reinforces GCPL’s dedication to delivering innovative products that cater to consumers’ evolving needs. The HIT Anti-Roach Gel, offering up to 45 days of protection with a single application, is designed for use around kitchen/rooms. Its kitchen-safe, odourless formula ensures homes remain pest-free without the use of harmful chemicals. Ideal for application in high-risk areas such as cupboard hinges, shelves, and cracks, the product provides consumers with a simple and efficient solution to control cockroach infestations.
The new variant of HIT Anti-Roach Gel pack provides the same level of protection and is priced at just INR 99 for 15g. It ensures long-lasting cockroach control while catering to a wider audience seeking value and effectiveness. With its proven expertise in pest control, Godrej HIT remains the trusted choice for millions of households, delivering effective, safe, and accessible solutions.
Godrej Remains Top Choice for Security Solutions in India
Chandigarh, 30th January, 2025: The Security Solutions business of the Godrej Enterprises Group is set to strengthen its leadership position in India’s security solutions industry, aiming for a market share of 85% in the home locker segment and 70% in the safes and vaults category by 2025. As the only organized player offering holistic security solutions across both B2B and B2C segments, the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for advanced and reliable technology-driven security systems.
This growth is fuelled by a focus on consumer-centric innovation, accessibility, and strategic market penetration. By utilizing an extensive network of channel partners and maintaining a robust presence on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Godrej ensures its solutions are easily accessible nationwide.
Mr. Pushkar Gokhale, Executive Vice-President and Business Head of the Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “At Godrej Enterprises Group, we envision a future where well-being and security seamlessly integrate into the fabric of daily life, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive without compromise. As we chart our course toward FY-26, our focus remains on harnessing technology and customer insights to deliver solutions that are not only reliable but also anticipate the needs of an ever-evolving world. By expanding our reach to underserved markets and driving innovation, we aim to redefine industry standards and contribute meaningfully to building a secure, more resilient society.”
With a diverse product portfolio, Godrej Enterprises Group is well-positioned to leverage the growth in personal consumption and premiumization trends. Godrej’s product portfolio reflects its commitment to innovation, with cutting-edge solutions such as solar-powered CCTV cameras, safes, access control devices, safe deposit lockers and vault equipments for varied needs. The company also extends its expertise to specialized solutions, such as advanced valves for defense applications, highlighting its ability to address complex and critical requirements.
With strategic investments in R&D and a customer-first approach, Godrej remains ahead of industry trends. As part of its FY-26 vision, the Security Solutions business aims to expand its footprint into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities while strengthening its global presence. Backed by a strong legacy of design-led innovation, Godrej continues to set benchmarks, ensuring its solutions remain future-ready and aligned with the needs of modern consumers and businesses.
Capital Small Finance Bank Q3 FY25 Results
Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, January 30, 2025: Capital Small Finance Bank Ltd, India’s first small finance bank commenced operations in 2016, declared its un-audited financial results for Q3 FY25 and 9M FY25 ended on December 31, 2024.
Mr. Sarvjit Singh Samra, MD & CEO of Capital Small Finance Bank, said,
“We are consistently progressing towards a promising future and have closed the Q3FY25 with a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹34.0 crores, reflecting 18% Y-o-Y growth, with Return on Assets (ROA) inched up to 1.4%, scaling from 1.3% in Q3FY24. Gross advances increased to ₹6,816 crores, registering a growth of 19% Y-o-Y, with disbursement growth of 92%, with reduction in GNPA/NNPA to 2.67%/1.35%. Our deposits continue to be retail centric with CASA of 39.1%, grew to ₹8,384 crores, with a Y-o-Y growth of 12% and an 8% Q-o-Q.
These results underscore our commitment to deliver progressive growth while remaining steadfast in our mission to accessible banking for all. As we look forward, we are optimistic towards our growth momentum and delivering value to our stakeholders.”
Key Highlights Q3 FY25:
Balance Sheet growth:
- Gross Advances increases by 19% Y-o-Y and 11% YTD to Rs. 6,816 crores, with 99%+ being secured and Zero direct MFI exposure.
- Deposit increases by 12% Y-o-Y and with Q-o-Q growth of 8% to Rs. 8384 crores, with 93.2% being the retail deposit.
- CASA ratio of 39.1% in Q3FY25 against 37.1% in Q2FY25.
- Total Shareholder’s fund stood at Rs. 1,302 crores.
Profitability Growth:
- Profit after Tax increases to Rs. 34 crore with 18% growth Y-o-Y basis.
- ROA inched up to 1.4%, scaling from 1.3% in Q3FY24
- NIM increases to 4.3% in Q3FY25 against 3.9% in Q3FY24.
- Cost to Income Ratio decreases to 62.1% in Q3FY25 against 62.8% in Q3FY24
Other Aspects:
- Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 25.8%.
- Gross NPA and Net NPA of 2.67% and 1.35% respectively in Q3FY25 against 2.97% and 1.53% in Q3FY24, with ~ZERO write offs.
Boost Coverage Not Budget with Bajaj Allianz Life’s Critical Illness Rider
Chandigarh,30 January, 2025: Bajaj Allianz Life, one of India’s leading private life insurers, has launched Bajaj Allianz Life New Critical Illness Benefit Rider, a non-linked, non-participating, individual, pure risk health rider, covering up to 60 major critical illness (CI) conditions. It is a smart add-on designed to strengthen financial protection against major health setbacks, ensuring customers’ savings stay intact during a medical crisis. Customers can avail the rider with the Company’s flagship term plan Bajaj Allianz Life e-Touch II.
Designed to bridge gaps in healthcare costs, Bajaj Allianz Life’s new Critical Illness Benefit Rider provides critical financial support across different customer needs. For those without Mediclaim, it acts as a financial cushion, preventing savings from being depleted during a medical emergency. For those with a basic Mediclaim cover (e.g., ₹5 lakh), it helps bridge the gap between policy limits and actual treatment costs, which can often exceed coverage. Even for those with a higher Mediclaim cover (e.g., ₹50 lakh), this rider ensures financial stability by covering loss of income and protecting one’s lifestyle, making it a vital addition to a well-rounded financial plan.
Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz Life said, “adding the Critical Illness Rider to your policy is like a booster shot for your financial health—an extra layer of protection against life’s medical uncertainties. A serious illness can bring unexpected expenses forcing you to dip into your savings and potentially disrupting your long-term financial plans. This rider ensures that doesn’t happen. With an affordable yet powerful safeguard, Bajaj Allianz Life helps you stay financially secure and focused on your life goals”.
Key features of Bajaj Allianz Life New Critical Illness Benefit Rider:
- Broad Coverage: With a minimum age of 18 years to maximum of 80 years, one can get protection against a wide range of critical illnesses including cancer, heart attack, stroke, and more.
- Flexible Options: Choose from three rider options like Critical (10 major CIs), Enhanced (25 major CIs), and Comprehensive (60 major CIs) tailored to individual needs.
- Tax Benefits: Offers tax deductions as per eligibility.
- Health Management Services: Access to medical second opinions and consultations from registered service providers.
Air India to Showcase Premium Offerings at OTM 2025
Chandigarh, 30 January 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, is set to showcase its premium cabin product and in-flight offerings at the upcoming Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025, Asia’s premier and most influential travel trade show, scheduled to take place from 30 January to 1 February 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai.
Taking inspiration from Air India’s signature design philosophy, the exhibition booth has been conceptualised with ‘The Vista’ as an integral part of its structure, blending aesthetics with immersive digital experiences.
The pavilion will showcase various aspects of Air India’s transformation journey, captivating audiences with a live demonstration of Business Class and Premium Economy seats that are today available on Air India’s newly retrofitted A320 family aircraft. These aircraft come with subtle cabin mood lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others.
Visitors will be able to experience the seats in real-time while also getting a glimpse of Air India’s brand new A350 product at the Virtual Reality (VR) experience zone. In addition, Air India will also display a selection of in-flight meals to showcase its refreshed menus and enhanced dining experience onboard.
“OTM 2025 presents a significant platform for Air India to engage and deepen ties with more than 40,000 key trade visitors from across the globe while highlighting the milestones of our transformation journey. With the Air India pavilion featuring unique activations and immersive experiences, including our Business Class and Premium Economy seats, we are set to demonstrate our commitment to delivering world-class product and services to our customers,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.
At the VR experience zone, visitors will embark on a virtual journey of the state-of-the-art A350 aircraft that have recently been deployed between Delhi and London Heathrow, New York (JFK), and Newark.
Air India’s A350 aircraft feature 28 private suites in Business class with full-flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration, and 264 spacious Economy seats arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration. Each suite in Business provides direct aisle access, sliding privacy doors, and a personal wardrobe. All seats across cabins on the A350 come with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and HD screens that offer more than 3,800 hours of entertainment content from around the world. The A350 flights also feature the airline’s new signature soft product and award-winning guest enhancements, including new chinaware, tableware and glassware, plush bedding, and bespoke amenity kits.
The booth will also give visitors a chance to sign up for Maharaja Club, Air India’s all-new frequent flyer program that offers a host of privileges and exclusive benefits. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to win multiple prizes, including curated gift hampers or a complimentary economy class ticket, through a raffle that will be conducted at the booth.
The European Union Back as Jaipur Literature Festival Partner
Jaipur, 30 January 2025: The European Union (EU) is set to partner again with the Jaipur Literature Festival for the upcoming edition from 30 January to 3 February in the Pink City. This partnership celebrates the vibrant cultural and literary ties between the EU and India, showcasing the rich diversity of European literature and its unique cultural and linguistic heritage at the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’. Bringing together leading voices from literature, politics, science, and the arts, the festival is a forum for meaningful exchange.
The festival will feature an impressive cohort of over 15 EU authors, including Gabriela Ruivo, the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL) 2024 nominee. Cheyenne Olivier, Philippe Claudel and Ira Mukhoty from France; Cauvery Madhavan, Jessica Traynor and Jane Ohlmeyer from Ireland; David Hernández de la Fuente, Santiago Íñiguez de Onzoño, Francesc Miralles and Santiago Roncagliolo from Spain; Bruno Maçães from Portugal; Daniil Tolstoy from Sweden; Yaroslav Trofimov and Livia Manera Sambuy from Italy; Kader Abdolah from the Netherlands; Tonio Schachinger from Austria; Zygmunt Miłoszewski from Poland; and Mark Mobius, Jenny Erpenbeck and Michael Hofmann from Germany will participate in a variety of sessions bringing stories and experiences that reflect Europe’s diversity and creativity. In addition, EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin and Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly will also join as panellists.
As part of the partnership, the EU Delegation to India will also co-host the festival’s inaugural reception, spotlighting the rich confluence of European and Indian literary traditions. This collaboration further strengthens the EU’s longstanding relationship with India, emphasizing the importance of literary and cultural connections in fostering global partnerships.
At the Festival, H.E. Hervé Delphin, European Union Ambassador to India, will join the EU authors in engaging audiences through thought-provoking discussions for the session “Books, Ideas, and Digital Ecosystem” on 30th January, along with Brian Murray, CEO of HarperCollins, and academic and writer Mukulika Banerjee, moderated by Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts.
Talking about the long-standing partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival, Ambassador Delphin said, “For the EU, partnering with the Jaipur Literature Festival is not only about celebrating a shared love of literature with India – it’s about sparking conversations that impact society, fostering creativity, and strengthening our cultural ties. By bringing together Indian and European voices, we’re creating a unique moment that showcases the richness of our combined storytelling traditions.” He added, “Our strong EU-India bilateral strategic partnership needs to be nurtured by people-to-people interaction. Culture is part of that canvas and literature is a powerful medium for building understanding and affinities. Over 15 European authors will be in Jaipur to share fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and stories that connect. This year, as we look forward to elevating our partnership with India, we’re also taking our partnership with the Festival to new heights.”
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, said: “We are delighted to partner with the European Union at the 18th Jaipur Literature Festival. With over 35 writers coming from across Europe, this collaboration is about discovering Europe through the lens of literature. It’s an honour to host the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL) and feature their 2024 nominee, Gabriela Ruivo, as part of this literary celebration.”
EUPL Nominee 2024 Gabriela Ruivo is an acclaimed Portuguese writer, and the winner of several literary awards. Celebrated for her exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the human experience, Gabriela’s works have resonated with readers worldwide. She will discuss her journey across genres and borders at the Festival at the session, ‘The Portrait of Life’ along with Tonio Schachinger and Swati Chopra. Expressing her thoughts, she said: “I am excited to participate in the Jaipur Literature Festival, a space where the world comes together through literature. I look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow authors and readers, publishers and translators, exploring how literature can inspire creativity and change.”
The Jaipur Literature Festival, held annually in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, will take place from 30 January to 3 February 2025. Drawing thousands of literary enthusiasts, authors, and cultural leaders from across the globe, the Festival is a hub for global conversations on literature, arts, and culture.
Ecozaar Revolutionizes Sustainability in India with EVs and Rooftop Solar Panels
New Delhi, January 30, 2025: Ecozaar, India’s first fully integrated marketplace for green products was officially launched in Bangalore on January 27, 2025. Born from Ecofy’s vision for a sustainable future, this platform seamlessly integrates two essential eco-friendly solutions – Electric Vehicles – Two Wheelers (EVs) and Rooftop Solar (RTS) systems to make green living simple and accessible for everyone.
Ecozaar first and foremost aims to provide the right information about various green products without being just too preachy about sustainability, it not only focuses on educating consumers about economic value or savings but also suggests the right product basis need, usage & lifestyle. It also enables its consumers to make smart choices whether it is full payment purchase, securing a fully digital loan, subscriptions for short term usage or a hassle and haggle free exchange.
The intuitive calculators designed with a lot of research around range & capacity for electric 2 wheelers and climatic, geographical & electricity consumption for rooftop solar, give its consumers an unambiguous, honest and clear output helping consumers make the right choices.
The platform is designed for a hassle-free experience and collaborates with major manufacturers and local partners to ensure a memorable purchasing experience. Ecozaar also assists with all post-purchase documentation, such as RTO registration and solar installation, ensuring a smooth transition to greener choices. Committed to accessibility, Ecozaar has partnered with leading financial institutions and insurance providers to offer flexible financing options, including full payment plans, easy loans, insurance, and subscription models.
In the near future, the platform also aims to provide easy financing options like working capital, inventory funding etc. to the MSME’s participating on the platform enabling and empowering them to participate in India’s clean energy revolution.
“The launch of Ecozaar, Ecofy’s digital marketplace for green products, marks a significant step toward accelerating India’s transition to sustainable living. By integrating electric mobility and rooftop solar solutions into a seamless platform, The platform empowers consumers to make informed green choices, driving large-scale adoption of clean technologies.” said Dhanpal Jhaveri, CEO, Eversource Capital.
Kartik Gupta, CEO of Ecozaar, stated, “Ecozaar is not just a marketplace; it’s a movement aimed at redefining sustainable living for every Indian household. We are dedicated to debunking the myths that green choices are complicated or costly. With Ecozaar, making eco-friendly decisions—whether purchasing an electric scooter or installing rooftop solar panels—is as simple as clicking a button.”
Rajashree Nambiar, Co-founder, MD & CEO of Ecofy, said, “In just a short span of time, Ecofy has become the preferred retail digital lender for green assets. Drawing on Ecofy’s market experience in the last two years and over 60,000 customers onboarded, we recognized the need for an integrated platform combining discovery and sales—leading to the creation and launch of Ecozaar. Ecozaar will currently empower households in four cities (Bangalore/Chennai for EV Purchases, Ahmedabad/Pune for Rooftop Solar purchases), with plans to expand nationwide, to help consumers choose sustainable options that are good for both their wallets and the planet. It is a key step toward our vision of making green finance accessible and eco-friendly living a reality for millions of Indians.”