Hyderabad, 10 February 2025: AlphaGrep announced a strategic academic collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad’s Precog group of researchers who study, analyse, and build various aspects of AI (including social) systems.

Spanning several areas, including Applied Machine Learning, Responsible and Safe AI, Natural Language Processing, and Social Network Analysis, Precog develops solutions that contribute to society’s greater good.

As part of this collaboration, AlphaGrep has committed ₹3.5 crores to support groundbreaking research, skill-building, and real-world applications of AI/ML in quantitative finance. The initiative, spearheaded by Prof. Ponnurangam KumaraguruPK, Mr. Mohit Mutreja, and Mr. Hemang Mandalia, will facilitate faculty and student-driven research, foster technical advancements, and strengthen the bridge between academia and industry.

“We are excited to expand our academic partnerships and work with IIIT Hyderabad’s Precog to push the boundaries of machine learning research in quantitative finance,” said Mohit Mutreja, Managing Director, AlphaGrep.

“By providing students with access to adequate resources, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving opportunities, we aim to drive impactful innovation in AI and quantitative research.” This initiative marks AlphaGrep’s second major academic partnership, reinforcing its commitment to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) research.

Commenting on the collaboration, Prof P J Narayanan, Director, IIITH said, “Quantitative finance is a highly data-intensive area. Given its strengths in AI and data analytics, IIIT Hyderabad can achieve much by partnering with a top company in that space like AlphaGrep. I am looking forward to the activities emanating from the collaboration.”

New Delhi, February 2025— Ladurée India is delighted to announce the launch of its exclusive Valentine’s Day collection, bringing the timeless charm of Parisian romance to India. This limited-edition collection celebrates love with elegance and indulgence, offering exquisite creations that are perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.

Amour Toujours – Love Always

Romance knows no bounds, and every moment is an opportunity to express affection. Ladurée honors the sweetness of feelings with creations crafted to be given or enjoyed together:

Heart-Shaped Box of 15 Macarons: A grand gesture of love, this selection is perfect for expressing heartfelt emotions.

Quilted Box of 8 Macarons: Adorned with delicate golden hearts, this box is reminiscent of Parisian elegance.

These exclusive offerings are available for a limited time across all Ladurée boutiques in India, including our locations in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata.

“We are thrilled to bring Ladurée’s Valentine’s Day collection to India,” said Chandni Nath Israni, Managing Director and Co-Founder of CK Israni Group. “Our collection is a tribute to love, indulgence, and the art of gifting, encapsulating the essence of Parisian romance.”

Gurugram, Haryana (India), 10th February 2025 – Dreamfolks Services Limited (herein referred to as “DreamFolks”), India’s largest travel and lifestyle service aggregator, today announced the financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024.

Ms. Liberatha Kallat, Chairperson and Managing Director, commented on the performance: “During the first nine months of FY25, the two main revenue drivers i.e. Air Traffic and Credit card growth, grew by 6.7% and 13.7% respectively. Dreamfolks revenue grew by 14.5%, beating industry growth, on account of addition of new clients. Our strategic focus of expanding our services beyond travel to lifestyle services will provide tailwinds to our topline growth in the coming years.

This quarter, we have added a significant number of enterprise clients, with organisations like MakeMyTrip, TBO, and 11 others joining our client base. Furthermore, we have also welcomed new banking clients, some of whom transitioned to us from competitors, demonstrating our excellent service quality and offerings.

The revenue contribution of “Services other than India Airport Lounge” increased to 6.9% in 9MFY25, as compared to 5.2% in 9MFY24. This growth of the other services is a testament to our strategic focus on expanding our service portfolio, to become a complete travel and lifestyle services aggregator.

During this period, bank clients continued to increase their minimum spending threshold on cards thereby maximising their return by spending money on right set of users, leading to a slight change in our volume mix and hence our Gross Margins. However, Gross Margin remain within the guidance of 11-13% for FY25. We are witnessing structural change by our bank clients as part of the Spend based program implementation, so as to offer the benefits to the right set of users.

The company’s strategic focus on diversification has led to notable expansion in services, client base, and geographic reach. In the realm of services, we introduced new services – Baggage Wrapping and Coffee at Malls during the quarter. Additionally, our domestic lounge presence has grown with the addition of 2 new airport lounges at Ayodhya Airport and Goa Dabolim Airport, bringing the total to 76 airport lounges.

Our global presence has increased notably, with the addition of 16 global lounges to our network. This was complemented by 18 new airport F&B outlets in the Middle East and our M&A service extending to more than 380 airport terminals worldwide.

Our strategic endeavours in diversifying services, expanding our clientele, and extending our global reach are stepping stones to a future where our brand is synonymous with excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We are building a business that sets new benchmarks in the industry and focuses on sustained growth of the company.”

Key Financial Highlights of the Quarter (Consolidated): 

Particulars (Rs Million)	9MFY25	9MFY24	Growth (YoY)	Q3FY25	Q3FY24	FY24
Revenue from Operations	9,777	8,539	14.5 %	3,401	3,051	11,350
Gross Profit	1,150	1,017	13.1 %	383	383	1,368
Adjusted EBITDA*	771	761	1.4 %	258	297	1,033
Profit After Tax	501	507	(1.2) %	169	200	686

February 10, 2025, Hyderabad – Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited, a SaaS fintech player which provides spend management products and solutions, has announced its unaudited Financial Results for the quarter & nine months ended December 31, 2024.

(₹ Million, unless stated otherwise) (standalone)	Q3FY25	Q3FY24	YoY	Q2FY25	QoQ	9MFY25	9MFY24	YoY
Revenue from operations	3,364.4	1,995.1	68.6%	3,025.6	11.2%	8,912.0	5,022.3	77.4%
Adjusted EBITDA	314.6	228.6	37.6%	295.2	6.5%	865.6	584.0	48.2%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin	9.4%	11.5%		9.8%		9.7%	11.6%
ESOP Cost	20.1	24.7		28.2		79.8	150.3
Reported EBITDA	294.4	203.8	44.4%	267.1	10.3%	785.8	433.7	81.2%
Reported EBITDA Margin	8.8%	10.2%		8.8%		8.8%	8.6%
Profit After Tax	202.4	152.2	32.9%	185.6	9.0%	555.2	248.6	123.3%
PAT Margin	6.0%	7.6%		6.1%		6.2%	5.0%
Cash PAT	262.1	195.0	34.4%	238.2	10.0%	720.2	461.1	56.2%

Q3 & 9MFY25: 

• The YoY growth in the topline is attributed to:
  • A notable 54% rise in program fees resulting from an expanded portfolio of prepaid and credit cards along with rise in clients spending
  • Strong 86% growth in the propel revenue platform, fueled by increased redemptions on account of festive season
• The rise in employee costs is primarily due to an expanded workforce aimed at supporting business growth
• The increase in incentives, cash-back expenses, and operational expenditures aligns with the overall expansion of the business
• The total ESOP expenses in FY25 are expected to be INR 95 Mn to 100 Mn

Commenting on the performance Raj P Narayanam, Founder and Executive Chairman, Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited said,

“This has been a milestone quarter for us with our highest ever quarterly & nine monthly performance, in terms of Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and PAT.

During Q3FY25, the company delivered a topline of INR 3,364 Mn, growing by 69% YoY basis, adjusted EBITDA of INR 315 Mn, increasing by 38% compared to Q3FY24. The Adjusted EBITDA margins stood at 9.4%. The PAT increased by 33% YoY to INR 202 Mn.

We successfully completed of our QIP of Rs. 5,950 Mn in line with our growth strategy of inorganic expansion.

With respect to strategic collaborations, we signed a 3-year partnership with the largest private bank in India, HDFC Bank, to provide the credit card solution. Additionally, we stitched a long-term referral partnership program with Mastercard, which will extend our reach in the market.

Banking on our comprehensive product portfolio, we expanded our customer base to 3,300+ and signed contracts with several major brands including Blinkit, CanFin homes, BigBasket, Mumbai Metro One, Mahindra First Choice Wheels, and Hitachi India.

For FY25, we are confident of achieving a 58-63% growth in our top line. We are also evaluating inorganic growth opportunities to expedite this growth and the discussions are at advanced stages.”

Kochi, February 08th, 2025: CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading real estate consulting firm, and CREDAI Kerala, today released a joint report titled, ‘Kerala’s Ascent: The Pulse of India’s Progress’, at the CREDAI Kerala Statecon 2025. The report comprehensively analyses Kerala’s dynamic real estate landscape, highlighting Kochi’s growing prominence as a promising destination. According to the report’s findings, Kochi boasts a vibrant commercial real estate market, with the office and retail sectors demonstrating a notable upward trend over the past few years. The city’s total office space stock grew by ~28% in the last three years and stood at 17 mn. sq. ft as of December 2024; the total retail space stock in Kochi grew at a CAGR of ~9% since 2020 and stood at 3.4 mn. sq. ft as of December 2024.

Kochi’s office sector

In CY 2024, technology firms led the city’s office leasing activity with a 44% share in the overall space take-up. In addition to technology firms, research, consulting, and analytics (RCA) firms accounted for ~25% of the leasing share in Kochi’s office market, followed by flex space operators at 12%, the aviation sector at 11%, banking, finance, and insurance (BFSI) companies at 4%, engineering,g and manufacturing (E&M) at 3%, and other sectors contributing 1%.

The report further indicates that domestic companies were the leading contributors to office space leasing in 2024, accounting for 57% of the overall leasing activity, followed by American-origin companies at 29%, EMEA firms at 11%, and APAC companies at 3%. Additionally, small-sized transactions (less than 50,000 sq. ft) dominated the office absorption, accounting for 78% of total space take-up in CY 2024.

The report highlighted key factors to Kochi’s office real estate growth story and highlighted the state government-led initiatives positioning the city as a cost-effective destination for Indian & global technology companies. Notwithstanding competition from other established centres in South India, Kochi is progressively solidifying its position as a future IT hub. Kochi Infopark Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Supportive government policies, transforming infrastructure, and a growing pool of skilled professionals underpin the city’s attractiveness to IT firms.

Kochi’s evolving retail landscape

Kochi’s retail landscape is supported by a growing consumer base with high disposable incomes, fuelling demand for premium products and lifestyle services. The city’s organised retail sector features several large-format malls offering a diverse selection of domestic and international brands.

As of December 2024, Kochi’s retail stock stood at 3.4 mn. sq. ft., reflecting a notable growth of ~42% since 2020. The retail leasing in the city in CY 2024 was primarily driven by the fashion and apparel segment, which accounted for a 55% share in total retail leasing. This was followed by homeware and department stores, contributing 27%, while hypermarkets constituted an 8% share. The luxury segment and health and personal care held a 3% and 2% share, respectively. This diverse retail composition highlights the evolving consumer preferences and the city’s expanding retail landscape.

Kochi’s Residential Growth Story

Total residential unit stock in Kochi stood at over 17,000 units by the end of 2024, driven by its status as a key port city and commercial hub. As a major port city and the commercial nucleus of Kerala, Kochi attracts a significant influx of professionals employed in the IT, shipping, and trade industries, thereby generating substantial demand for residential properties. Moreover, the city’s robust social infrastructure and comprehensive transportation network, comprising highways, a metro system, and an international airport, play a crucial role in maintaining the vitality of its residential real estate sector.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, said “The Kerala government is ready to implement the changes in building regulations. We are committed in ensuring that development remains sustainable. It is essential to consider the carbon footprint, its impact on future generations, and ways to mitigate such effects. We expect the construction sector to contribute to the Nava Kerala Nirmanam (New Kerala Development). Instead of traditional expansion, we should explore vertical habitats, like vertical gardens, to accommodate the growing population.”

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “Kochi’s commercial real estate and residential sector is witnessing sustained momentum, driven by the presence of technology firms. As we move forward, continued investments in office spaces and the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) will further strengthen Kochi’s position as a key commercial hub in South India.”

Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transaction Services, CBRE India, said, “Kochi’s retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, fuelled by rising consumer demand and increasing urbanization. Looking ahead, strategic developments in connectivity, sustainability, and smart urban planning will be crucial in shaping Kochi’s next growth phase.”

Other emerging cities in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: A Prominent Urban Centre

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is rapidly evolving into a significant urban centre, driven by a confluence of key factors. The city’s IT sector is expanding, spearheaded by Technopark, one of India’s largest IT parks, attracting a large pool of skilled professionals and fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem..

Thrissur: A Thriving Real Estate Market

Thrissur’s central location within Kerala presents various advantages — the city benefits from robust connectivity via road, rail, and air networks, providing convenient access to major urban centres such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode.

Kozhikode: A Vital Hub for Investment and Growth

Kozhikode’s strategic advantages, including its coastal location on the Malabar Coast, proximity to key cities such as Kochi and Bengaluru, and robust transportation network, position it as a growing investment destination.

National, February 7, 2025: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, is setting the stage for an electrifying Valentine’s season with the release of two highly anticipated films – the heartfelt romance Loveyapa and the action-packed spectacle Badass Ravi Kumar. As love and adrenaline take center stage, audiences can expect an exhilarating movie experience featuring fresh faces, iconic performances, and unforgettable storytelling.

Loveyapa, directed by Advait Chandan, marks the grand debut of Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, and the big-screen debut of Sridevi’s daughter, Khushi Kapoor. This refreshing rom-com takes a lighthearted yet thought-provoking look at modern relationships. The film delves into themes of love, trust, and the ever-evolving dynamics of romance in the digital age. Loveyapa has already sparked major industry buzz, positioning itself as a must-watch for Gen Z audiences seeking romance and relatability on the big screen.

Adding an electrifying contrast to the season’s love stories, Badass Ravi Kumar brings back Himesh Reshammiya in a never-seen-before avatar. A spin-off of The Xposé, the film blends high-energy music with action-packed spectacle as Ravi Kumar takes on ten formidable villains. Featuring Prabhu Deva, Kirti Kulhari, and Sunny Leone, it promises gravity-defying stunts, grand monologues, and a nostalgic nod to over-the-top entertainers of the 80s—now with a modern twist. With its trailer already taking social media by storm with viral story threats and millions of views, anticipation is sky-high for this nuanced larger-than-life cinematic experience.

Speaking on the upcoming releases, Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO, Revenue and Operations, PVR INOX Ltd said, “Valentine’s season at PVR INOX is all about giving audiences an unforgettable time at the movies. With Loveyapa bringing fresh love stories and Badass Ravi Kumar delivering high-voltage action, we are thrilled to offer a lineup that blends heart and adrenaline. We invite movie lovers to come together, celebrate, and experience the magic of cinema on the big screen.”

Be it romance, thrill, or sheer entertainment. As a special treat, movie tickets for Loveyapa and Badass Ravi Kumar will be available at just ₹149 on February 7th, making it the perfect opportunity for audiences to experience these films on the big screen.

Mumbai, 7th February: ECCO, a renowned premium Danish Footwear brand, is excited to announce the opening of its first signature store at Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai in partnership with Jaipuria. This marks a significant step in ECCO’s retail expansion in India.
The new store, which spans 1200 square feet of carpet area, showcases ECCO’s complete collection, including ECCO Biom, ECCO Cozmo, ECCO Metropole, ECCO Street, S-Three, ECCO Sculpted, and the Shoe Care Kit. Thus, it is a one-stop destination for shoe enthusiasts of all types.

Located in one of Mumbai’s premier shopping destinations, the ECCO store offers customers an elevated retail experience. It offers a full range of ECCO products for both men and women, presenting the finest expression of the brand and catering to all occasions and styles.

Sumeet Lohia, Country Manager of ECCO, shared, “The launch of our store at Phoenix Palladium marks an important milestone for ECCO in India. This prime location allows us to engage with Mumbai’s premium customers, introducing them to our signature craftsmanship, innovative designs, and high-quality materials. We are excited to showcase our finest collections and provide an exceptional shopping experience that reflects ECCO’s commitment to comfort, style, and innovation.”

Anurag Sharma, CEO of Jaipuria Brandz also added, “We are thrilled to bring ECCO’s renowned craftsmanship and comfort to the Indian audience, and we look forward to introducing more customers to the brand’s signature style and quality. Through strategic partnerships and upcoming store launches, we are focused on expanding our presence and making ECCO more accessible to consumers across key markets in India.”

The Phoenix Palladium store sets the tone for ECCO’s presence in India, focusing on its core values of comfort, technology, and premium craftsmanship. As ECCO continues to expand across India, customers can expect to experience the brand’s high-quality footwear and innovative designs.

The ECCO store is located at Phoenix Palladium Mall, 1st Floor, Near PVR, Lower Parel, Mumbai.

The store launch event was attended by Patrick Sønderskov Iversen, Regional Director of South East Asia and Pacific Region, ECCO Global, and Sumeet Lohia, Country Manager, ECCO India, Anurag Sharma, CEO Jaipuria Brandz along with notable guests like Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, Anshula Kapoor, Mandira Bedi, Seema Sajdeh, Producer Tanuj Garg, Mother-daughter designer duo Neeta Lulla and Nishka Lulla Mehra, Atul Kasbekar, Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta and wife Bijal, and many more.

India, 7th February 2025- As India experiences a vibrant renaissance in the live music industry with classical music gaining more mainstream appreciation, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the youngest and last disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, and a scion of the esteemed Rikhi Ram musical instrument dynasty, announces India’s biggest ever classical music national tour under brand new IP Team Innovation Cultural.

Titled ‘Sitar For Mental Health’, this immersive, multi-sensory 10-city tour presented and produced by Team Innovation, India’s leading live entertainment management company, is poised to redefine the connection between classical music and contemporary well-being. The family-friendly tour designed to delight audiences across all ages will travel to cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Chandigarh between April and May of 2025.

This tour arrives at a pivotal moment, coinciding with a remarkable surge in classical music consumption among millennial and Gen Z demographics, as evidenced by recent streaming platform data. Sharma’s visionary approach seamlessly blends the profound traditions of Indian classical music with cutting-edge wellness modalities. Following a successful series of performances across the United States and Canada, this extensive India tour represents the most ambitious presentation of ‘Sitar For Mental Health’ to date.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma states, “We are witnessing a fascinating cultural shift. Ancient ragas are resonating with contemporary listeners in profoundly new ways. Classical music isn’t just surviving in the digital age; it’s thriving. Young people are increasingly drawn to the transformative power of these age-old melodies, recognizing the emotional depth and resonance they offer, often absent in much of today’s music.”

Mohit Bijlani, Founder, of Team Innovation, underscores the tour’s cultural significance and adds, “We stand at the threshold of a transformative chapter in India’s musical history. Classical music has transcended traditional boundaries, evolving into a dynamic force within mainstream culture. At Team Innovation Cultural, we understand that today’s audiences crave authentic and meaningful experiences. This tour embodies that fusion of tradition and innovation, demonstrating the enduring power and relevance of classical music in the 21st century.”

The 120-minute performances offer a reimagined concert experience, seamlessly weaving the enchanting sounds of the sitar with innovative sound healing techniques. Each event creates a unique, contemplative atmosphere where timeless ragas intersect with contemporary wellness practices, highlighting the profound ability of classical music to address modern challenges, particularly in the realm of mental health. The tour invites audiences to explore the therapeutic potential of these ancient musical forms, offering a powerful and deeply moving experience.

Launched in December 2024, Team Innovation Cultural is a groundbreaking initiative launched by Team Innovation bridging India’s rich heritage and contemporary artistic expression. This visionary platform fosters cultural sustainability and artistic innovation by cultivating dialogue between traditional art forms and modern interpretations. Its inaugural event, headlined by global spiritual mentor Radhika Das, exemplified this mission, creating a transformative experience resonating with diverse audiences while honoring the spiritual foundations of Indian culture. Looking ahead, Team Innovation Cultural will curate immersive experiences, foster collaborations, create platforms for dialogue, develop sustainable preservation models, and facilitate audience engagement, ultimately serving as a catalyst for cultural renaissance.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma belongs to a world-renowned family of musical instrument makers, a business started by his grandfather in 1920, in Lahore of undivided India. He picked up the instrument at the age of 10 and is the youngest and last disciple of world icon Pandit Ravi Shankar. In 2022, he was invited to perform his ‘Sitar For Mental Health’ set in the U.S. President Joe Biden’s annual Diwali celebrations and even made it to the President’s Instagram account. His admiration within the music industry has been significantly notable that he became the first sitarist of his generation to give a solo performance at the NGR Stadium in Houston Texas that attracted a live audience of 60,000+ people and 500+ million at-home live viewers. He also performed at Woodstock 50 Reunion (50 years of Woodstock Festival), paying tribute to the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. Rishab has a bachelor’s degree in music production and economics from Queens College, The City University of New York.

By Ashwin Bhadri, CEO, Equinox Labs

India is facing a major health crisis. The Economic Survey 2024 reports that 54% of the country’s disease burden is unhealthy diets. This highlights an urgent need for better eating habits and stronger policies to reduce diet-related diseases. Rising obesity and growing consumption of processed foods make this issue more pressing than ever.

The Rise of Obesity and Processed Foods

Obesity in India has more than tripled in recent years. The increase is especially steep among children, making India one of the fastest-growing nations for childhood obesity. The main cause is a shift in the dietary patterns and habits. People are consuming more processed foods, which are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt. At the same time, physical activity levels have dropped.

This combination has led to more cases of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Many Indians also suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to poor diet quality. As the economy grows and eating habits change, the need for healthier food options is becoming more urgent.

Taxing Junk Food

The Economic Survey suggests several steps to fight obesity and poor nutrition. One key proposal is enforcing higher taxes on junk food. This would make unhealthy food more expensive and encourage people to choose healthier options.

The survey also recommends better regulation of processed foods. This includes requiring clearer nutrition labels on packaging so consumers can make informed choices. Promoting balanced diets with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is another major focus.

Improving nutrition education is a critical part of the plan. Schools, healthcare providers, and public campaigns can help people understand the importance of healthy eating. When people know more about nutrition, they are more likely to make better food choices.

A Global Problem with Local Challenges

India’s health crisis is part of a global trend. Around the world, diabetes cases have more than doubled in the past 30 years. More than 800 million adults now live with the condition. This shows the importance of reforming eating habits and reducing the consumption of processed foods.

India’s problem is made worse by rising food prices. Many people struggle to afford fresh, healthy food and instead rely on cheaper, processed options. To solve the crisis, the government must promote better diets and make nutritious food more affordable for everyone.

The Path to a Healthier India

India has a clear opportunity to improve public health. Taxing unhealthy foods, promoting better diets and increasing nutrition education are all important steps. These actions can help reduce obesity and diet-related diseases.

For lasting change, the country must also make healthy food more accessible. A well-rounded approach that includes policy changes, public awareness and economic support will create a healthier future for all Indians.