Dr. Fixit marks its 25 Years with KBC’s Silver Jubilee Season
Chandigarh, January 27, 2025 – Dr. Fixit, the leading waterproofing solutions brand from Pidilite Industries Ltd., announced its collaboration with Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) for its landmark Silver Jubilee Season airing on Sony Entertainment Television. Both brands celebrate their 25th anniversary this year. The partnership will run across 40 special episodes, delivering impactful visibility and meaningful audience connection.
Speaking about the collaboration, Sandeep Tanwani, Chief Marketing Officer, Pidilite Industries Ltd., said, “Over the last 25 years Dr. Fixit’s expert waterproofing solutions have ensured that consumers’ most significant investment—their home—is protected against leakage and damage. Our association with KBC aligns perfectly with the ethos of using one’s expertise to bring meaningful change to lives. This partnership is a step forward in reinforcing our commitment to providing pioneering solutions to Indian consumers.”
Celebrating its 25th year, KBC continues to inspire millions with its intellectually inspiring and captivating format. This collaboration will see Dr. Fixit seamlessly integrated into the show’s format, strengthening its positioning as the ‘Waterproofing Expert’ through various high-engagement elements.
Leveraging the platform’s prominence, Dr. Fixit’s key integrations will include featuring in the “Expert Play of the Day” segment during every episode. Additionally, some winners who have used their expertise to reach a milestone in the show will receive an exclusive Dr. Fixit hamper—enhancing the brand’s association with expertise and reliability.
The collaboration aims to build awareness and engage meaningfully with audiences while further cementing Dr. Fixit’s position as the preferred expert in waterproofing solutions.
Sahiba Bali Energizes Coldplay’s Pre-Concert Show in Ahmedabad
27 January 2025: While the Coldplay phenomenon sweeps Indian fans, Ahmedabad was entertained as Sahiba Bali hosted the pre-concert show for the Ahmedabad leg of the band’s iconic ‘Music of Spheres’ tour on January 26th, 2025.
The Grammy-winning quartet delivered an epic performance, but not before Sahiba pumped up the energy for both fans and celebrities through a fun, interactive prelude to the memorable evening. Sahiba Bali is on her way to becoming the ultimate millennial icon. She is smart, witty, and grounded. Straddling the corporate and entertainment worlds, she has developed the ability to connect with the audience through quick wit and intelligence. This versatility helped her keep the fans engaged before the musical experience. She has done everything from hosting to acting to being a sports presenter, and with great skill!
For the pre-concert show, she became the hype queen, keeping the spirits of around 1.2 lakh audience members alive with fun games, trivia, and celebrity interviews. The fans enjoying the concert from their homes on Disney+ Hotstar also witnessed the allure of Chris Martin and co., as they painted the arena into colors of love, peace, and hope! This was not Sahiba’s first rodeo! She has proven her mettle at major sporting events in the past. Sahiba has carved her niche in the sports world, having a successful association with Star Sports for the IPL season and the T20 World Cup.
The pre-concert show highlighted that she can easily command any environment, be it a film set, concert arena, or boardroom. From being a marketing maven to delivering a critically acclaimed performance in ‘Laila Majnu’ and hosting Zomato’s star-studded food series on YouTube (racking up millions of views), this Delhi girl’s limit is beyond the sky. With the Coldplay moment, she has proved that staying grounded, smart, and passionate is the ultimate recipe for success.
ParkMate Welcomes Union Budget 2025-26: Boost for R&D and Startups
By: Dhananjaya Bhardwaj, CEO And Founder, ParkMate
At ParkMate, we’re thrilled with the incredible opportunities presented in the Union Budget 2025-26. The announcement of a 1 lakh crore fund for private sector R&D, backed by a 50-year interest-free financing scheme, is a game-changer for us. It empowers our team to dream bigger, work on groundbreaking ideas, and develop innovative solutions that can transform parking and mobility as we know it. This isn’t just about research-it’s about creating technologies that solve today’s challenges while preparing for a smarter sustainable tomorrow. On top of this, the extension of tax benefits for startups until March 31, 2025, is a significant boost for companies like ours. It reinforces the government’s trust in startups and provides the support we need to stay focused on building advanced parking solutions that genuinely make life easier. These measures fuel our commitment to innovation and inspire us to contribute even more to the nation’s progress.
Fleetguard Filters Supports ‘Prabhaar’ to Promote Girl Child Education
Pune, 27th January, 2025: On the occasion of International Day of Education, a short film titled ‘Prabhaar’—a poignant narrative promoting girl child education was released. Directed by Rahul Panshikar and inspired by a true story of Heena Mistry, ‘Prabhaar’ sheds light on the deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes that hinder the educational aspirations of young girls in certain communities.
The film revolves around the journey of Neena, a determined young girl who defies societal norms and overcomes significant hardships in her quest for education and self-reliance. Through its emotionally charged storytelling, ‘Prabhaar’ captures the resilience and indomitable spirit of Neena as she navigates the challenges posed by her environment.
Speaking at the event, Heena Mistry today a practicing Bombay High Court Lawyer, shared her emotional and inspiring story with the audience highlighting the struggles of girls to get an education and its prevalence to this date in society. She wishes to motivate many other girls facing similar circumstances and take control of their lives.
Saloni Kumari, another student who faced similar challenges spoke of her journey from Darbhanga to Delhi facing similar challenges. Navnath Shinde also told from his own experience of getting educated and spoke of how one can live a golden life by getting education if he/she gets help at the right time.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Sanjay Kulkarni, President of FFPL, said “Today, the issue of girls’ education is a serious issue at various levels in the country. Many problems such as the lack of toilets in schools stopping girls ‘ education after menstruation and the patriarchal male mentality, hinder the education of girls. We under FFPL’s CSR have constructed toilets for girls in over 30/35 schools so far.” He also expressed that when mothers stand firmly by their girls, girls get the strength to face problems and can progress well in academics. He also highlighted the need to shift the community mindset regarding girls’ education.
FFPL has long been committed to driving positive social change through its comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which span Health & Safety, Education & Promotion of Art & Culture, Environment & Local Community Infrastructure Development, and Social Justice. With ‘Prabhaar,’ FFPL continues to reinforce its dedication to education and empowerment as key pillars of its CSR efforts.
Jyoti Mayal Calls for New Era in Indian Tourism on National Tourism Day 2025
By: Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, CEO of Redhat Communications and Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)
National Tourism Day ‘25 is an opportunity to celebrate India’s incredible journey in travel and tourism while welcoming the future with renewed aspirations. As Indian travellers increasingly venture beyond borders and explore global destinations, Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, CEO of Redhat Communications and Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), highlights how the World Travel & Tourism Festival 2025 will set the stage for a more empowered and inclusive tourism industry.
Scheduled from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, India Gate, the festival represents a landmark collaboration between TV9 Network and Redhat Communications. This one-of-its-kind event aims to bring the entire travel and tourism ecosystem together, from industry leaders to grassroots entrepreneurs, while creating immersive and memorable experiences for attendees. Spanning over 45,000 sq. ft., the festival offers an unparalleled immersive experience with personalized travel consultations, expert-led talks, and extensive networking opportunities with industry leaders. The event features a top music concert, cultural performances, a food zone, travel tech showcase, competitions, and more.
Reflecting on the significance of this year’s National Tourism Day, Mrs. Mayal remarked, “Tourism is not confined to discovering new places. It is also about connecting hearts, instilling understanding, and driving economic growth. With India’s tourism sector on the cusp of a new era, the World Travel & Tourism Festival 2025 will provide an unparalleled platform to celebrate, collaborate, and innovate.”
The festival is set to redefine how travel is experienced and celebrated. From cultural performances that showcase India’s heritage and global traditions to travel technology exhibits that highlight the role of innovation in transforming the travel experience, the event will explore every facet of the industry. Attendees will also have access to personalised travel consultations, allowing them to craft itineraries tailored to their unique preferences. Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to a dedicated food and cuisine zone, while families, solo travellers, and adventure seekers can engage in a variety of competitions and activities designed to inspire wanderlust.
Mrs. Mayal also emphasised the need to prioritise skilling within the tourism sector, an area she has championed tirelessly. She explained, “For India to emerge as a global tourism leader, we must invest in our people. Skilling is the backbone of this industry. Right from training hospitality staff to meet international standards or equipping artisans and small business owners with the tools to thrive, skilling ensures that every part of the tourism value chain is prepared for the future.”
The festival’s vision goes beyond creating extraordinary experiences. It promotes collaboration and opening up opportunities for small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs who form the backbone of India’s tourism ecosystem. It is set to provide a unique platform for these stakeholders to connect with a global audience, unlocking new avenues for growth and visibility.
Motu and Patlu Join BSF at Attari-Wagah for Republic Day Celebration
Hyderabad, January 2025: Republic Day is a time to celebrate the values of equality and liberty in the Constitution of India that make our nation so special. Nick India celebrated the day this year by partnering with the Border Security Force (BSF) at the iconic Attari-Wagah Border. True to their tradition of engaging children in meaningful ways, Nick India brought kids from FTE School of Round Table India and their favourite Nicktoons, Motu and Patlu, to experience a day filled with pride and joy alongside our brave jawans.
The day started with the beloved Motu and Patlu, known for their humour and playful charm cheering with the crowd. Euphoria filled the air with infectious energy. The National Flag was hoisted after the ceremony followed by the kids from FTE School of Round Table India, and Motu Patlu standing proudly alongside the BSF jawans as the tricolour waved against the backdrop of the border – a true symbol of the Republic Day spirit of togetherness and respect for those who serve the nation.
TR Anterpreet Singh Sahni, Chairman Area 18, Round Table India and TR Nitin Mehra, Chairman, Amritsar Round Table said, “It was a wonderful experience for our children from the FTE School of Round Table India to celebrate Republic Day at the Attari-Wagah Border with Nick India and the Border Security Force (BSF). Witnessing the ceremony up close, especially with their favourite Motu Patlu, truly made them feel connected, proud and excited about the significance of Republic Day”
The kids learned about the significance of Republic Day and the values embedded in the Constitution. As part of the celebrations, children were asked questions like “What does Republic Day mean to you?” and “What are some ways people can help the country?” The answers were simple but powerful, like, “Helping others makes our country stronger.” and “keeping our surroundings clean”.
SPPNPA Hosts Blood Donation Camp for Thalassemia on 76th Republic Day
Hyderabad, January 27, 2025: To commemorate the 76th Republic Day, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in partnership with the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society, organized a special successful blood donation camp at the National Police Academy. The camp aimed to provide vital support to individuals suffering from thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder. All the blood units collected was donated to the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society.
SVPNPA Director, Amit Garg, IPS and Dr. Chandrashekar along with Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society and Mr. Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary, TSCS attended the event and expressed their gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, and blood donors.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President, TSCS said, “We are truly grateful to the donors and others who have come forward and donated blood to meet the blood requirements of thalassemia patients. We are extremely honored that the National Police Academy members have participated in the blood donation camp.”
Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary of TSCS, spoke about the blood donation camp, saying, “TSCS has been at the forefront of conducting mega blood donation camps in Hyderabad. We thank all the guests and donors who have extended their support to us and also promise to continue promoting awareness of thalassemia and its eradication.”
Actors recall their fond Republic Day memories from School days
Republic Day is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, symbolizing the spirit of unity and patriotism. &TV actors, take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing how they celebrated Republic Day during their school years. These include Smita Sable (Dhaniya from Bheema), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai).
Smita Sable, aka Dhaniya in Bheema, adds, “For me, Republic Day was synonymous with cultural programs at school. I loved being part of skits and dances that showcased India’s freedom struggle and vibrant culture. The rehearsals were as enjoyable as the performances. Those celebrations were not just about the performances but about being part of a larger celebration of our nation and its incredible journey. May we all work together to uphold the values of our Constitution and create a brighter future for our nation.”
Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, recalls, “As a child, Republic Day celebrations at school began with an inspiring assembly, where we recited patriotic poems like ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai.’ I eagerly participated in elocution competitions, diving deep into stories of India’s independence and the making of our Constitution. The flag hoisting ceremony, with the national anthem playing, was deeply moving. We stood still, saluting the flag with immense pride and respect. At home, my family and I would watch the Republic Day parade on television, admiring the bravery of soldiers and the colorful tableaux representing India’s diverse states. Those moments taught me the importance of unity, diversity, and service to the nation—lessons I carry with me today.”
Vidisha Srivastava, aka Anita Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “Republic Day celebrations in school were grand events that brought everyone together. I have vivid memories of participating in group dances and wearing outfits in the colors of our national flag—orange, white, and green. Performing songs like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Desh Rangeela’ was exhilarating. The stories and speeches shared by our teachers about the making of the Constitution inspired us to dream big and contribute to our nation’s progress. Those celebrations instilled in me eternal love for our country that only grows stronger with time.”
SKYFORCE Soars as Akshay Kumar’s Big-Screen Comeback Leads Republic Day Celebrations at PVR INOX
January 24, 2025: This Republic Day, PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, presents the highly anticipated action-packed thriller SkyForce, marking the first mega blockbuster release of 2025. A gripping tale based on true events, SkyForce celebrates the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of Indian Air Force, offering an exhilarating cinematic experience perfect for the Republic Day weekend.
The film marks the highly anticipated return of Bollywood’s Khiladi Akshay Kumar to the big screen and introduces Veer Pahariya, who makes his acting debut as a fearless air force officer. Pahariya’s performance has already generated significant buzz, and moviegoers are eagerly awaiting his portrayal of a hero in the sky. Paired with a strong supporting cast including Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur, SkyForce promises to deliver a cinematic experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
SkyForce follows India’s elite air force squadron as they undertake daring aerial combat missions to defend the skies, delving into themes of valor, dedication, and love for the nation. This high-energy film, made for the grand theatrical experience, offers breathtaking visuals and a strong patriotic theme, making it the perfect choice to honor the nation during this significant occasion.
“SkyForce, with its patriotic theme, is the perfect cinematic experience that brings families together to celebrate. This highly anticipated Akshay Kumar blockbuster is made for the big screen, and we expect a 20% surge in footfalls during the Republic Day weekend. The response has been highly encouraging, and we’re excited to offer audiences the chance to experience it in all its glory.” – said Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Ltd.
Don’t miss out on this chance to soar high with SkyForce, celebrate the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces, and kick off 2025 with an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Granules India Records 21% (QoQ) PAT Growth in Q3 FY25
Mumbai, India, January 24, 2024: Granules India Ltd., a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
Financial Summary (All numbers in INR Mn., except Margins)
QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIALS | Q3FY25 | Q2FY25 | Growth (QoQ) | Q3FY24 | Growth (YoY) |
Revenue from Operations | 11,377 | 9,666 | 18% | 11,556 | -2% |
EBITDA | 2,303 | 2,033 | 13% | 2,505 | -8% |
EBITDA % | 20% | 21% | 22% | ||
PAT | 1,176 | 972 | 21% | 1,257 | -6% |
PAT % | 10% | 10% | 11% |
Financial and Business Summary for Q3FY25
- The Company voluntarily paused the production at the Gagillapur plant in Sep-24 for risk assessment on account of the US FDA observations. Subsequently, the production resumed in October in a staggered manner.
- Revenue from Operations of Q3FY25 stood at INR 11,377 , a decline of 2% YoY.
- Revenue share from North America increased to 77% in Q3 FY25, compared to 66% in Q3 FY24.
- Finished dosages (FD), Active Pharmaceuticals Ingredients (API) and Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates (PFI) contributed 76%, 12%, and 12% of revenue from operations respectively for Q3FY25.
- ROCE for Q3 FY 25 is at 4% as compared to 15.3% for Q3 FY 24.
- Net debt stood at INR 8,289 and Net debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.90.
Commenting on the results, Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman & Managing Director of Granules India Limited said, “We continue to sustain our profitable growth in the finished dosages segment, driven by our North America business. We are enhancing quality and compliance through systemic improvements across our operations, including Gagillapur. Progress on our greenfield formulation expansion at GLS remains on track, reinforcing our capabilities and driving future growth.”