HDFC Life Announces Corporate Agency Tie-Up With CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has recently entered into a Corporate Agency tie-up with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd.

CARS24 Financial Services Private Limited ("CARS24 Financial Services") is a professionally managed Non-Banking Financial Company ("NBFC") registered with the Reserve Bank of India and with IRDAI as an Insurance Corporate Agent. The Company is a part of CARS24 group and offers a variety of vehicle financing solutions to customers. INSURE24, a major milestone for CARS24, is set to transform the digital insurance landscape for India’s rapidly growing online consumer base.

This partnership will enable CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. to distribute products of HDFC Life to existing and future customers of CARS24. The life insurance solutions of HDFC Life will be offered across the branches as well as the digital platforms of the partner. Both partners aim to work together with the objective of increasing the reach of life insurance across locations where CARS24 has a presence. This in turn would contribute towards the larger objective of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’.

HDFC Life, with 70 products (including individual and group products) and a claim settlement ratio of 99.50% and CARS24 with a strong presence of over 280 branches across the country look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that will play a significant role in financially securing more Indians.

Speaking on the partnership, Vineet Arora – Chief Business Officer, Distribution, Data & technology, HDFC Life, commented “We are pleased to partner with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. Their focus on innovation and technology complement our wide range of offerings and together we can reach out to a wider audience thereby providing them with life insurance solutions. We believe life insurance is a must-have for every individual with responsibilities. Financial security is the foundation stone to building a strong future for oneself and one’s family. This partnership with Cars24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. will further strengthen our efforts to reach out to individuals across the country and secure them, financially.”

Vikram Singh Pathania, Vice President of Consumer Finance at CARS24 and Head of INSURE24, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to join hands with HDFC Life to take our product offerings to the next level. HDFC Life’s forward-thinking strategies, and profound understanding of the digital landscape, perfectly complement our mission to make insurance simple and accessible for all consumers.

HDFC Life's strengths in product innovation, digital expertise, and seamless technology integration will empower INSURE24 to effectively engage with today’s digitally-savvy consumers.”

About HDFC Life

Founded in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

Recognised as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About Cars 24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd.

Founded in 2015, CARS24 set out to revolutionize the pre-owned car industry by transforming how people bought and sold used cars. With a natural progression to meet evolving customer needs, CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. (CFSPL) was launched in 2018 to provide seamless and holistic support for their financial needs.

INSURE24 by CARS24, launched in 2024 expanded the mission, to establish it as the preferred destination for comprehensive insurance solutions. Innovative and tailored solutions are designed to offer seamless flexibility and affordability, ensuring peace of mind. With a focus on delivering fast, reliable services at competitive rates, every step is designed to empower customers with confidence and security.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Celebrates Excellence In Health With Annual District-Level Quiz And Drawing Competition

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the successful culmination of the Annual District-Level Quiz and Drawing Competition under ABCD (A Behavioural Change Demonstration) program, held at Krishi Vignana Kendra, Raichur. This event marked a significant milestone in TKM's ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable health, hygiene, and sanitation practices among school children in the region. The event was graced by Mr. K.D Badiger, Deputy Director of School Education (DDPI) - Admin, Raichur and Mr. Soppa Eswar Babu, Manager at TKM, whose presence further underscored the significance of this initiative.

Launched in 2015, the ABCD program has been instrumental in driving behavioural change towards sanitation and hygiene across Karnataka, particularly in the Ramanagara district. Revitalized in August 2023 the program now supports more than 100 government schools in Raichur, benefiting over 26,000 students. The program aligns with the national "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" mission, reinforcing India's efforts towards a cleaner and healthier future.

The Annual District-Level Quiz and Drawing Competition was designed to:

Encourage students to openly discuss sanitation and hygiene, breaking social taboos.

Motivate and reward outstanding performers, fostering a spirit of healthy competition.

Promote the long-term sustainability of hygienic practices through a competitive learning environment.

The drawing competition, themed, "My Envisioning of the Future for My School," inspired students to creatively  express their aspirations for cleaner, healthier learning spaces. The quiz competition featured five rounds, including Q&A sessions, buzzer rounds, jumble words, pictorial questions, and a rapid-fire round, ensuring an engaging and dynamic experience for all participants.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students who showcased their knowledge and creativity on topics related to health, hygiene, and sanitation. The competition also highlighted the program's impact, as students actively engaged in spreading awareness within their families and communities, exemplifying a successful child-to-community approach.

Present at the occasion, Mr. K.D Badiger, Deputy Director of School Education (DDPI) - Admin, Raichur said, “It gives me immense pride to witness the remarkable impact of the ABCD program in shaping the future of our youth. Programs like this are vital in encouraging open dialogue around critical issues such as hygiene and sanitation, which are often surrounded by taboos. I sincerely appreciate Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s unwavering dedication to community development and their collaborative approach with the Education Department and local stakeholders. Together, we are laying the foundation for a healthier and more informed society. Such initiatives are crucial for sustaining the positive momentum toward a cleaner and safer environment for all.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sudeep S Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we have always believed that true progress stems from empowering communities through sustainable and impactful initiatives. The ABCD program is a testament to our commitment toward fostering behavioural change among young minds, ensuring that critical aspects like health, hygiene, and sanitation become integral parts of their daily lives. Through interactive activities like the Annual District-level Quiz and Drawing Competition, we aim to inspire students to break barriers, openly discuss sanitation, and champion healthier practices in their families and communities. This event is not just a competition but a celebration of knowledge, creativity, and a shared commitment to sustainable change.”

The ABCD program's focus on fostering a culture of hygiene and sanitation aligns with TKM's broader mission of driving sustainable community development. Through partnerships with the Education Department and local authorities, TKM continues to make meaningful contributions toward creating healthier and cleaner communities.

Dalmia Bharat Limited Growth Story Remains Intact

Q3 FY25 Highlights

Volume declined 2.0% YoY to 6.7 MnT

EBITDA/T stood at Rs 765/T

Executed Renewable Power Agreements under Group Captive for 21 MW (in addition to 278 MW already executed in H1FY25)

Net Debt to EBITDA stood at 0.55x

Dalmia Bharat Limited, (BSE: 542216, NSE: DALBHARAT), a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “After multiple years of high growth, India witnessed a slightly slow start to the year, but government's continuous focus on investment-led growth coupled with the strong structural growth drivers underpin my confidence in a rebound of the Indian economy. In this backdrop, I believe cement demand growth will regain momentum. Our capacity expansion plans are on track as we will reach 49.5 MnT by the end of this year.”

Mr. Dharmender Tuteja, Chief Financial Officer – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said “Cement demand growth in Q3 fell short of our earlier expectations. Our volumes de-grew by 2% YoY while EBITDA fell 34.5% YoY to Rs 511 Cr with persistent softness in cement prices. With demand now gaining traction and prices showing signs of optimism, we are confident about a stronger performance in the upcoming quarters.” He further added, “Our strong Balance Sheet with a healthy leverage ratio ensures that we are well-positioned to pursue the next phase of expansion.”

Key updates

Completed debottlenecking at Rajgangpur, Odisha (0.6 MnT) and Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh (0.3 MnT). Total Clinker capacity increased to 23.5 MnT.

In line with the commitment towards RE100 by 2030, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into multiple Renewable Power Agreements under the Group Captive, which will secure 21 MW of RE power. This is in addition to 278 MW of power agreements signed earlier in H1 FY25. Thus, we have collectively signed agreements for 299 MW of RE power. Commissioning of these are ongoing and will continue in phases in FY25 & FY26.

Commissioned 4 MW captive solar power plant at Medinipur, West Bengal and 46 MW RE capacity under Group Captive, increasing our total operational RE capacity to 252 MW.

ICRA ESG has assigned a Combined ESG rating of 78 (strong) to Dalmia Bharat, underscoring our status as one of the leaders in sustainability within the Indian cement sector.

Key Recognitions during the quarter

Won 1st Prize in National Energy Conservation Award by Bureau of Energy Efficiency in energy conservation - Cement Sector for Kapilas Cement Works

Won Tamil Nadu Best Employer Brand Award 2024 by HRD Congress

Won ISEI Safety Award for excellence in Safety, Health & Environment for Dalmiapuram.

Coca-Cola India’s Maidaan Saaf initiative At Maha Kumbh 2025 Is Enabling A Swachh Kumbh Experience For Devotees

As the world gathers for Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest cultural events, India’s commitment to environmental sustainability is highlighted through the Swachh Kumbh initiative. At the heart of this effort is the ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, a partnership led by Coca-Cola India in partnership with PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF) and the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) highlighting social and environmental innovation.

As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, Coca-Cola India has created and distributed 21,500 jackets made from recycled PET for sanitation workers, boatmen, and waste management volunteers. This includes 10,000 jackets for sanitation workers involved in the Swachh Kumbh initiative, 10,000 life jackets for boatmen across 4,000 boats to ensure their safety during river crossings, and 1,500 jackets for volunteers working on waste management. These jackets not only ensure the safety and easy identification of workers but also highlight the potential of recycled plastic, encouraging visitors to rethink how waste can be repurposed.

Additionally, Coca-Cola India has installed 1,000 changing rooms for women, made entirely from recycled multi-layer plastic waste, along the 12 km stretch of the river ghats. These rooms, designed to provide privacy and ventilation, feature illustrations by top Indian artists that turn waste segregation and recycling into engaging, fun, and educational visuals.

“At Coca-Cola India, we are committed to creating impactful change by integrating sustainability into large-scale events like Maha Kumbh 2025. The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a testament to how partnerships for collection and innovative practices can turn waste into opportunity. By encouraging collective responsibility and promoting recycling, we aim to inspire visitors to adopt environmentally conscious habits and contribute to a cleaner, greener future, " said, Saloni Goel, Senior Director, ESG Value Creation, Coca Cola India

Coca-Cola's hydration carts, positioned every 400 meters, include built-in bins for bottle collection and feature creative artwork that encourages visitors to participate in waste segregation, turning waste into a valuable resource. Additionally, Coca-Cola India has placed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at railway stations, food courts, and key locations to collect and recycle PET waste, alongside partnerships for effective waste management. Additionally,

Through the ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, Maha Kumbh 2025 demonstrates how faith and sustainability can coexist, setting a global example of environmental stewardship. By making small, conscious efforts, participants contribute to a cleaner and greener planet, ensuring that the legacy of both the event and the environment is safeguarded for future generations.

Bengaluru Based AJAX Engineering Unveils SmartBots Powered By Concrete AI At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

 

* The SmartBots by Concrete AI represent an upgraded version of the Concrete GPT, the first of its kind AI driven platform for the construction and concreting industry in India, launched by AJAX Engineering

* The newer version of the platform features Smart Audio and Video Bots that support advanced voice and visual interactions, currently available in English and Hindi languages

AJAX Engineering, India’s leading concreting equipment manufacturer, unveiled SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, an upgraded version of its AI-driven platform launched earlier in July 2024. Building on the capabilities of the earlier version, ConcreteAI introduces Smart Audio and Video Bots to address the industry’s growing demand for intuitive and role-specific guidance. The addition of the bots takes user interaction to the next level by offering highly contextual, real-time assistance tailored to the unique challenges of the construction industry.

For professionals operating within the construction industry, the Smart Audio Bot enables instant voice-driven access to troubleshooting guides, maintenance protocols, and compliance requirements, cutting downtime on project sites. The Smart Video Bot introduces dynamic, role-specific visual guidance, with avatars designed to walk users through intricate processes such as equipment calibration, workflow optimization, or advanced technical training. By delivering step-by-step instructions in an intuitive, multimedia format, it helps bridge knowledge gaps and reduces dependency on external expertise. These bots also address a critical need for inclusivity in a multilingual workforce, currently supporting interactions in English and Hindi. This ensures that diverse user groups—from site operators to decision-makers—can navigate complex operations effortlessly, making the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI a more accessible, efficient, and productivity-driven solution.

Building upon the foundation of Concrete GPT by retaining key features like its integration with OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Perplexity Models, the platform’s vast repository of research materials and technical resources has been updated with the latest industry trends and regulatory guidelines. Beyond offering immediate technical support, the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI continues to serve as a hub for skill development and training, empowering professionals, students, and suppliers to optimize workflows, adopt sustainable practices, and make data-driven decisions for enhanced project outcomes.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shubhabrata Saha, Managing Director and CEO of AJAX Engineering, said, “The construction industry is evolving, and it is imperative to provide tools that simplify decision-making and improve productivity. The SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, offers a more intuitive way for professionals to access vital technical insights, streamline workflows, and enhance project outcomes. This platform reflects AJAX’s vision of empowering the industry with cutting-edge, AI-enabled solutions while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.”

During the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, visitors experienced live demonstrations of the Smart Bots, which showcased real-time interactions and insights tailored to user needs. AJAX’s stall also featured interactive stations equipped with tools for exploring the platform’s functionalities. Apart from this, AJAX Engineering also showcased live demonstrations of their 3D Concrete Printing machine, an immersive VR experience of their SLCMs, and their Self Propelled Boom Pumps. They also announced the launch of their CEV 5-compliant machines, reinforcing their commitment to building sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced solutions for the construction industry.

o9 Opens Office In Hyderabad To Support Global Workforce And Client Base

* o9 launches a strategic collaboration with Young India Skills University to enhance training among graduates in supply chain and logistics management

o9, a leading enterprise AI software platform provider for transforming planning and decision-making, today announced the opening of its newest office in Hyderabad, India, the Company’s third in the country. The Hyderabad office will support o9’s growing global workforce and client base. The o9 team in India carries out research and development, product management, software implementation, and customer support, and the Hyderabad office will be a hub to support the expansion of these operations in the region. 

Additionally, on January 27, o9 will launch “o9 Digital Supply Chain Essentials Professional Certification” program, through a strategic collaboration with Young India Skills University (YISU), Telangana, a State University located in Hyderabad that aligns skills-integrated education with industry demand. This certification program pilot is expected to help upskill recent university graduates with the practical knowledge and industry-relevant training necessary to enhance job readiness. Through this strategic collaboration, o9 and YISU aim to further develop the skills of emerging supply chain professionals and build specialized expertise to support Telangana's strategic partners.

“As Hyderabad and the greater Telangana region continue to invest in technology infrastructure and attract world-class software and technology talent, o9 is dedicated to supporting the professional development and advancement of the region’s workforce by providing an innovative hub to foster professional collaboration and world-class supply chain management training opportunities through our partnership of Young India Skills University,” Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-Founder and CEO of o9, said. “We look forward to contributing to the continued development and growth of the technology sector in Hyderabad for many years to come.”

Learn more by visiting www.o9solutions.com.

AI, Reels, Creators, And WhatsApp Driving Lead Gen For Auto OEMs And Dealerships, Reveals Meta And FADA Whitepaper

Meta, FADA’s ‘Move With Meta’ Initiative Has Successfully Upskilled 6,000+ Auto Dealerships Since 2023, surpassing the initial commitment of 3,000 dealerships, and taking the total number of upskilled dealerships to 10,000

72% of new automotive buyers have discovered a brand on the Meta family of apps: Meta x Kantar study

* 72% of automotive buyers find creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation: Meta x Kantar study

Meta and Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) unveiled a joint whitepaper and playbook highlighting the changing consumer behavior and preferences in the automotive segment driven by digital adoption. With digital influencing consumer behavior and powering the growth of the sector, the findings and recommendations from the whitepaper can unleash digital transformation of auto OEMs and dealerships across India.

In 2023, Meta and FADA had launched ‘Move with Meta’, an upskilling and enablement program to upskill more than 3000 auto dealers across the country. The initiative aimed to help them build a social presence and digitize their customer outreach and lead generation using the Meta Platforms.

Since its launch, the program has delivered exceptional results, driving a 3X growth in dealer digitization and successfully upskilling 6,000+ dealers through the hyperlocal program, surpassing the initial commitment of 3,000 dealers. More than 3000 auto dealers had been upskilled before the start of the program, which takes the total number of auto dealers that have been upskilled to 10,000.

The program resulted in improving leads and sales for auto dealers with 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency reported by dealers. In addition, the program has directly impacted sales for leading auto OEMs across the country.

C S Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said, “At FADA, our vision is to empower dealers nationwide with the right digital tools and insights to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Through our partnership with Meta, we’ve not only exceeded our commitment of upskilling 3,000 dealers—surpassing 6,000—but we’ve also seen a 3X increase in digitization and a marked 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency. This whitepaper underscores the potential of AI, Reels, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to strengthen customer relationships and drive growth. We look forward to scaling this collaboration further, bridging the digital gap in automotive retail, ensuring that dealers across India are future-ready, and remain agile in these dynamic times.”

Saugato Bhowmik, Director, Auto, CPG, and D2C for Meta in India said, “Our platforms and products are well positioned to enable rapid and efficient digital customer acquisition and engagement for auto dealers in a hyperlocal manner. Over the last two years we’ve upskilled nearly 10,000 dealers along with FADA to digitize their outreach and experiences through our unique hyperlocal solutions and key products ranging from Reels and AI to messaging. We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with FADA and take on the ambitious target of upskilling 5000 more dealers in the next 2 years. This program has not only benefitted thousands of auto dealers but also proven to drive strong sales results for leading OEMs.”

Auto OEMs have reported strong sales and lead generation impact because of the program.

Virat Khullar, Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited said “We’re excited to see outstanding business results through our partnership with Meta and OnlineSales on the Hyperlocal program. Together, we’ve developed a custom model that efficiently onboarded over 600 dealers in record time. In H2 '24, Meta’s hyperlocal program drove a remarkable 37% growth in sales compared to H1, while delivering 29% reduction in Cost per Retail.  As we move forward, we’re eager to scale this partnership further, leveraging cutting-edge AI and messaging solutions to unlock even greater opportunities.”

Manjari Upadhye, Chief Marketing Officer, Auto, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited said “Our partnership with Meta has helped amplify the impact of our passenger vehicle launches. Mahindra has leveraged the best and latest in technology to drive launch impact through Meta’s family of Apps. Some of the key activations include leveraging WhatsApp for Thar ROXX launch, using Partnership ads for driving consideration for XUV 700 (Intent went up +3.3 pts) and the Auto Industry’s first chat-based car configurator on Messenger and Instagram Direct for XUV 3XO, which saw 29% increase in conversation volumes. Our collaboration with Meta has driven significant impact, leading to bookings and sales, and setting new benchmarks in the industry.”

Looking ahead, Meta and FADA aim to further scale the program by upskilling 5,000 additional dealers over the next two years, reinforcing their commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the automotive sector. FADA currently represents 15,000 auto dealers across the country.

Key Insights from the Auto Playbook 2025

Source: New Automobile Buyers Consumer Journey Study by Kantar Profiles. Meta-commissioned online survey with respondents aged 18-64, India, 2023.

Meta’s influence in driving discovery & evaluation, powered by AI: 72% of new automotive buyers who were surveyed in this research discovered the brand on the Meta family of apps. Further, 69% stated that the Meta family of apps played a role in their purchase decision.

WhatsApp Leads Buyer-Dealer Communication: Among new automobile buyers, 48% used WhatsApp to directly connect with dealerships for vehicle availability inquiries, making it the most preferred communication channel. Moreover, 47% expressed interest in receiving service reminders via messaging platforms.

Advantage+ Placements Revolutionizing Advertising: To improve cost per lead and lead volume by Meta for their Hyperlocal dealer campaigns, Hyundai India, used AI-powered Advantage+ Placements to place their dealer ads across all Meta surfaces. They saw 18% an increase in Lead Volume and 34% decrease in Cost Per Lead.

Reels and Creator Content Drive Purchase Decisions: 72% of automotive buyers find creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation, with 41% regularly engaging with vehicle-related Reels. By partnering with creators, dealers can build authenticity and amplify their reach.