Sudeep Puthyathaya Joins Salt Brand Solutions as Executive Creative Director

Mumbai, India – March 17, 2025: Salt Brand Solutions announces the appointment of Sudeep Puthyathaya as the new Executive Creative Director, marking a significant addition to its growing leadership team alongside Executive Director Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar and Director Mahesh Chauhan.

Mahesh Chauhan (Mash), Director, Salt Brand Solutions, welcoming Sudeep’s appointment said:
“This is a significant step towards further strengthening Salt’s creative leadership. He also added that with Sagar, Sudeep, and me coming together, it definitely will add great value to our clients, and this makes me truly excited for Salt 2.0”

Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar, Executive Director, Salt Brand Solutions said:

“Sudeep brings a deep understanding of storytelling that connects with real people. His craft in creating human insight-led narratives perfectly complements the creative force we are building at Salt.

Sudeep Puthyathaya, a creative leader with over 23 years of experience, has built iconic campaigns for some of India’s biggest brands, including Mercedes-Benz India, Taj Hotels, Volini, Royal Enfield, J&J, GSK India, and Citibank, among many others. His work is defined by a deep belief in human-centered narratives that drive both connection and recall.

Speaking on his new role, Sudeep Puthyathaya said:

“I’ve always believed that the most powerful brands are built on stories that resonate at a human level. Salt’s culture of bold, insight-driven thinking is a perfect fit for the kind of work I want to create. I’m excited to collaborate with Mash and Sagar to craft narratives that strengthens brand narratives and leave a lasting impact.”

A respected figure in the creative community, Sudeep has also served on the jury for the New York Festivals and Abby’s, bringing a sharp eye for creativity and effectiveness.

As Executive Creative Director, Sudeep will work closely with Sagar and Mash (Mahesh Chauhan) to sharpen Salt’s creative vision, delivering work that is strategic, authentic, and disruptive in the best way. His addition strengthens Salt’s ambition to be the creative partner that brands need in today’s fast-evolving landscape.

Shri CS Pradeep Ramakrishnan on Strengthening IFSC’s Global Standing

National/Gujarat, 14th March 2025: India’s apex industry body for the alternate capital ecosystem, Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), in collaboration with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), hosted the inaugural IFSCA-IVCA Fund Management Conclave 2025 on 12th March, held at GIFT City’s prestigious GIFT Club.

Organised in partnership with IC Universal Legal, Investec, PwC, and Peak XV Partners, the Conclave fostered conversations on accelerating capital flows through IFSC and strengthening India’s position in the global investment ecosystem. Delivering an address on “Fund Management Growth in IFSC”, Shri Pradeep Ramakrishnan, Executive Director, IFSCA, highlighted the regulatory advancements and opportunities that shape the sector.

Emphasising GIFT City’s development as a worldwide centre for fund management, Shri Ramakrishnan said, “IFSC is at a crucial point in its journey to becoming a global financial powerhouse. With nearly 200 debt issuances and growing opportunities in ETFs, we expect significant expansion. However, the ESG fund ecosystem has yet to gain momentum. To encourage participation, we have waived fees for the first 10 ESG funds, with a few slots still open.

The cost of compliance is far lower than the cost of non-compliance. IFSC must not be seen as just a branch office of Mumbai or any other financial hub—it must establish itself as an independent, thriving ecosystem. Strengthening governance, particularly through the role of Principal Officers (POs) and Compliance Officers (COs), is essential for ensuring IFSC’s credibility on the global stage.

As regulators, we remain open to industry feedback and are introducing a master circular and innovative structure like the SPV model to streamline operations. IFSC is more than just a gateway for global investments—it is a center for financial innovation and integrity. Now is the time to seize this opportunity and shape IFSC’s future as a world-class financial hub.”

With an increasing number of fund management entities (FMEs) running a range of investment schemes, such as venture capital, private equity, global debt, and alternative investment funds (AIFs), Shri Ramakrishnan emphasised the growth of fund management activities at GIFT-IFSC. He emphasised that the policy measures of IFSCA have been instrumental in luring both foreign and domestic fund managers to join IFSC.

The Conclave provided a prestigious platform for discussions among senior government officials, fund managers, and financial industry leaders, focusing on fund regulations, taxation policies, and structuring options for global investors at GIFT-IFSC.

Bank of Baroda Launches NRE & NRO Account for Women NRIs

Mumbai, March 8th, 2025: In a first amongst public sector banks, Bank of Baroda announced the launch of the bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account, designed exclusively for women NRIs to meet their global aspirations and unique banking needs. In addition, the Bank has revamped one of its flagship NRI offerings, the bob Premium NRE & NRO Savings Account, enhancing its features and benefits to provide a more rewarding banking experience to customers.

The bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account comes with a range of unique benefits such as auto sweep facility enabling customers to earn higher interest, concessional interest rates on home loans and auto loans along with reduced processing charges; 100% concession on locker rent; a customised debit card with free domestic and international lounge access at airports; and free Personal and Air Accident Insurance coverage, becoming the first public sector bank to extend insurance coverage benefits to NRIs in savings accounts.

Ms. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “As India’s International Bank, Bank of Baroda has a robust global presence and understands the evolving aspirations of its NRI customers. The bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account recognises the changing dynamics of today’s global Indian women and is designed to empower them by providing premium banking privileges and thoughtfully curated features that address their specific needs. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Bank of Baroda stands ready as a trusted banking partner as women chart their global journey.”

Key Features and Benefits of the bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account:

  • Customised debit card with nil issuance charges and concession on annual renewal fees.
  • Complimentary Domestic and International Airport Lounge access.
  • Concessional Interest Rates on Home Loans and Auto Loans, along with reduced processing charges.
  • 100% concession on Locker rent.
  • Free Air Accident Insurance Coverage of Rs 50.00 lakh and Personal Accidental insurance of Rs 5.00 Lakh with many add-on benefits.
  • Auto sweep facility available on demand to earn more interest.
  • All the above benefits come with a Quarterly Average Balance (QAB) requirement of Rs 1 lakh only in CASA or Rs 10 lakh in CASA + Term Deposits.

The Bank has also revamped its bob Premium NRE & NRO Savings Account. This upgraded account comes with a host of benefits designed to provide a premium banking experience including a customised debit card with enhanced transaction limits, complimentary domestic and international lounge access, free safe deposit locker, free Personal and Air Accident Insurance coverage and concessional interest rates on home and auto loans with reduced processing charges.

Bank of Baroda Celebrates Financial Literacy Week, Empowering Women

Chandigarh, 5 March, 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, celebrated the 10th edition of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) ‘Financial Literacy Week 2025’ from February 24 to 28, 2025 to promote financial awareness. This year’s theme, “Financial Literacy: Women’s Prosperity” (‘वित्तीय साक्षरता, समृद्ध नारी’), highlights the importance of equipping women with financial knowledge to enhance their economic independence and security.

Bank of Baroda celebrated Financial Literacy Week 2025 across its branches including 2907 rural branches as well as 85 Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs) in 12 states through a range of financial literacy camps and workshops aimed at strengthening financial literacy across communities, reaffirming its commitment to financial inclusion and women’s empowerment.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Financial literacy is a critical enabler of economic empowerment. At Bank of Baroda, we are committed to ensuring that individuals—particularly women—have the desired knowledge to make informed financial decisions by equipping them with the right tools and resources. During the course of the Financial Literacy Week 2025, we have not only deepened financial awareness but also played a role in fostering long-term financial inclusion and security. We will continue to drive efforts in promoting financial literacy and contribute to a financially resilient society.”

During Financial Literacy Week 2025, Bank of Baroda’s 85 Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs) conducted 364 financial literacy camps, benefiting over 9,500 participants in both rural and urban areas. These interactive sessions covered crucial topics such as financial planning for homemakers, credit access for women entrepreneurs, risk management, cyber security, and government financial schemes.

Tailored workshops for women entrepreneurs were organised to provide insights on MSME financing, government schemes, and strategies for business growth, empowering them to scale their enterprises.

Special workshops, awareness camps, and helpdesks were set up across Bank of Baroda branches to guide women on digital banking, UPI transactions, and financial planning. The Bank also collaborated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs, and local authorities to expand the reach of its initiatives.

Further, recognising the power of user-generated content in driving engagement, Bank of Baroda initiated an innovative social media campaign during Financial Literacy Week 2025 by encouraging its employees to act as financial literacy advocates and leveraging their expertise to create user-generated content that resonates with the masses. These authentic insights in the form of videos and reels on financial planning, digital banking, responsible use of credit etc were amplified across the Bank’s official social media channels.

NMDC Steel Limited Press Release with Photograph

Nagarnar, 28th February 2025: Shri MNVS Prabhakar, Executive Director, took charge as Head of NMDC Steel Ltd.s’ integrated steel plant on 21st February 2025.

“It is an honour for me to head the dynamic team at NSL, Nagarnar which has, in a short span since its commissioning, established several records. I look forward to the support of all stakeholders of the steel plant, both internal and external, so that we may collectively establish it firmly as the pride of Bastar, Chattisgarh and the nation at large” stated Shri Prabhkar on assuming office.

Shri Prabhkar’s appointment comes at a time when India’s youngest steel plant which has created a place for itself in the domestic Hot Rolled Coils (HR Coils) market is poised to reach the 3 million tonnes mark in hot metal production, and is striving to break-even soon.

An experienced technocrat, Shri Prabhakar is a B.Tech.(Metallurgy) and a MBA in HR & Marketing. Prior to taking over the reins of NSL Steel Plant, he was the Chief General Manager (In-Charge, Services) at SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). He has been in charge of many important areas of operations at RSP where he has successfully accomplished organizational objectives and pioneered new initiatives.

In a career spanning over 34 years, he has shouldered various responsibilities; he was one of the key members of the Blast Furnace (BF) team, playing a vital role for stabilization of BF No.5, “DURGA”, he has been at the forefront of RSP’s decarbonisation initiatives, has been instrumental in debottlenecking and smoothening of raw material management, as also finished goods transportation, and has played a key role in resolving issues of contractors working at RSP through a novel initiative called ‘Samanvaya.

Given his wide exposure to various aspects of steel production, Shri Prabhakar’s appointment as head of NSL’s integrated steel plant at Nagarnar is expected to herald an era of greater stability and fast growth for the fledging steel plant.

Bank of Baroda Gets ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Certification

Mumbai, 24th February, 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has been awarded the ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) reaffirming that the Bank’s Operational Resilience, Business Continuity Planning and Risk Management capabilities are consistent with global best practices. The ISO 22301:2019 BCMS accreditation recognises the Bank’s ability to maintain robust business continuity practices, ensure uninterrupted services even during unforeseen disruptions and effectively manage risk.

ISO 22301:2019 is an international benchmark for business continuity management, focusing on minimizing operational disruptions and ensuring swift recovery in times of crisis. Achieving this certification enhances Bank of Baroda’s reputation as a resilient organisation that is well-prepared to ensure continuity of services even in the face of unexpected challenges that may arise and serve customers seamlessly.

Speaking on this milestone, Ms. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “As a financial services institution, we place utmost value on the trust and confidence that our customers and other stakeholders have in us. Receiving the prestigious ISO 22301:2019 certification stands as a testament to our commitment to ensuring business continuity in the face of any disruptive events and safeguarding the interests of our stakeholders, further strengthening confidence in Bank of Baroda.”

Founded in 1901, the British Standards Institution (BSI) is the UK’s national standards body and is a leading certification body for management systems and standards. ISO 22301:2019 is recognised as the international benchmark for business continuity management and is being adopted by banks and other financial institutions to ensure operational resilience and continuity of services.

Tata Power & Bank of Baroda MOU to Finance Residential PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Mumbai, 7th February, 2025: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited and a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, and Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing of residential rooftop solar power systems. The MoU will facilitate financing options for residential customers under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY). The collaboration will leverage on the wide branch network and financing capabilities of Bank of Baroda and the market leadership and dealer network of Tata Power Renewable Energy, enabling seamless sourcing and loan processing for customers. This strategic partnership is set to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country by providing affordable and accessible financing, thereby supporting India’s transition to renewable energy.

By providing access to affordable, hassle-free financing options, Bank of Baroda and Tata Power Renewable Energy will enable Indian households to adopt sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Under the MoU, applicants can avail loan amounts up to ₹6 lakh at an attractive interest rate starting at 7% p.a., with both fixed and floating rate of interest options available.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, customers installing residential rooftop solar systems with capacities of up to 3 kW can avail loans up to ₹2 lakh with no income documentation required. The scheme requires only a 10% margin contribution and offers an attractive interest rate of 7% p.a. The loans are collateral-free and come with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 10 years, making solar installations affordable for households.

For larger installations ranging from above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, customers can avail loans of up to ₹6 lakh under the regular scheme. These loans require a margin money contribution of 20%. Bank of Baroda’s Home Loan customers will enjoy special concessional interest rates ranging from 9.15% to 11% p.a. For non-Home Loan customers, interest rates will range from 10.15% to 12% p.a. The loans are collateral-free with a maximum repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, residential consumers installing rooftop solar systems are eligible for government subsidies, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installation. For solar systems up to 2 kW, customers can avail a subsidy covering up to 60% of the benchmark cost, while for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, the subsidy covers 40% of the benchmark cost. Installations above 3 kW receive a fixed subsidy for the first 3 kW, with additional capacity receiving support as per scheme guidelines. These subsidies, combined with affordable financing options, make rooftop solar more accessible, helping households lower electricity bills while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, TPREL said, “This strategic collaboration with Bank of Baroda marks a significant step forward in our mission to make clean energy solutions accessible to every household in India. By offering affordable and convenient financing options, we are enabling residential customers to embrace rooftop solar technology with ease. This initiative not only empowers individuals to reduce their energy costs but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s renewable energy goals and efforts to combat climate change. Together, we are fostering a sustainable future, one home at a time.”

Shri Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, with solar energy accounting for almost 100 GW. This significant growth is driven by robust policy support, enhanced competitiveness, and rising investor confidence. At Bank of Baroda, we are strongly committed to expand our engagement in the renewable energy sector, in line with the government’s vision to maximise power generation through sustainable sources. We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tata Power Renewable, a key leader in India’s renewable energy landscape.”

TPREL, recognised as India’s No. 1 solar rooftop company, leads the market with over 100,000 satisfied customers. The total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 10.9 GW (PPA capacity is 8.9 GW) including 5.5 GW projects under various stages of implementation and its operational capacity is 5.4 GW, which includes 4.4 GW solar and 1 GW wind.

Tata Power and Bank of Baroda MOU to Boost PM Surya Ghar Yojana Financing

Mumbai, 6th February, 2025: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited and a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, and Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing of residential rooftop solar power systems. The MoU will facilitate financing options for residential customers under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY). The collaboration will leverage on the wide branch network and financing capabilities of Bank of Baroda and the market leadership and dealer network of Tata Power Renewable Energy, enabling seamless sourcing and loan processing for customers. This strategic partnership is set to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country by providing affordable and accessible financing, thereby supporting India’s transition to renewable energy.

By providing access to affordable, hassle-free financing options, Bank of Baroda and Tata Power Renewable Energy will enable Indian households to adopt sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Under the MoU, applicants can avail loan amounts up to ₹6 lakh at an attractive interest rate starting at 7% p.a., with both fixed and floating rate of interest options available.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, customers installing residential rooftop solar systems with capacities of up to 3 kW can avail loans up to ₹2 lakh with no income documentation required. The scheme requires only a 10% margin contribution and offers an attractive interest rate of 7% p.a. The loans are collateral-free and come with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 10 years, making solar installations affordable for households.

For larger installations ranging from above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, customers can avail loans of up to ₹6 lakh under the regular scheme. These loans require a margin money contribution of 20%. Bank of Baroda’s Home Loan customers will enjoy special concessional interest rates ranging from 9.15% to 11% p.a. For non-Home Loan customers, interest rates will range from 10.15% to 12% p.a. The loans are collateral-free with a maximum repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, residential consumers installing rooftop solar systems are eligible for government subsidies, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installation. For solar systems up to 2 kW, customers can avail a subsidy covering up to 60% of the benchmark cost, while for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, the subsidy covers 40% of the benchmark cost. Installations above 3 kW receive a fixed subsidy for the first 3 kW, with additional capacity receiving support as per scheme guidelines. These subsidies, combined with affordable financing options, make rooftop solar more accessible, helping households lower electricity bills while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, TPREL said, “This strategic collaboration with Bank of Baroda marks a significant step forward in our mission to make clean energy solutions accessible to every household in India. By offering affordable and convenient financing options, we are enabling residential customers to embrace rooftop solar technology with ease. This initiative not only empowers individuals to reduce their energy costs but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s renewable energy goals and efforts to combat climate change. Together, we are fostering a sustainable future, one home at a time.”

Shri Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, with solar energy accounting for almost 100 GW. This significant growth is driven by robust policy support, enhanced competitiveness, and rising investor confidence. At Bank of Baroda, we are strongly committed to expand our engagement in the renewable energy sector, in line with the government’s vision to maximise power generation through sustainable sources. We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tata Power Renewable, a key leader in India’s renewable energy landscape.”

TPREL, recognised as India’s No. 1 solar rooftop company, leads the market with over 100,000 satisfied customers. The total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 10.9 GW (PPA capacity is 8.9 GW) including 5.5 GW projects under various stages of implementation and its operational capacity is 5.4 GW, which includes 4.4 GW solar and 1 GW wind.

Madame Expands Fashion Presence with New Store in Dimapur, Nagaland

Dimapur, Nagaland – January 29th, 2025 – Madame, India’s leading women’s fashion brand, proudly announces the launch of its sixth outlet in Northeast India, marking its debut in Nagaland. Located in the vibrant city of Dimapur, the store offers a curated collection of the latest trends in women’s apparel and accessories, reinforcing Madame’s commitment to delivering contemporary fashion to its growing customer base.

Adding a touch of glamour to the launch, the event was graced by the presence of Ruopfuzhano Whiso, Miss Universe Fourth Runner-Up 2024 and a celebrated figure in the region.The new store, located on Nyamo Lotha Road, Dimapur, strengthens Madame’s presence in Northeast India, complementing its existing stores in Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar, and Siliguri. This expansion underscores the brand’s commitment to bringing contemporary western fashion across the region.

Speaking about the expansion, Akhil Jain, Executive Director, Madame, said, “Northeast India has always been a significant market for us, given its vibrant fashion culture and discerning customer base. The fashion-forward women of Nagaland have always impressed us with their unique sense of style. The opening of our first store in Nagaland is a step towards bringing our unique fashion collections closer to the people of the region and we are excited to become a part of their fashion journey. We look forward to fostering a strong connection with our customers in Dimapur and beyond.”

From its humble beginnings Madame has evolved into a powerhouse of fashion with over 900 points of sale nationwide. The brand’s journey to becoming a retail giant reflects its deep understanding of changing consumer preferences and its ability to adapt to evolving fashion trends.

The Dimapur store features Madame’s complete range of western wear, including casual wear, workwear, and party wear, catering to various lifestyle needs of contemporary women. With the launch of its Dimapur outlet, Madame continues its mission to inspire fashion-forward choices and strengthen its foothold in the Northeast. The brand’s philosophy of Be Everyone U R encourages women to embrace their multifaceted lives. Offering looks for every season and styles for every reason, Madame aims to empower women through fashion.