Ageas Federal Life Insurance Bets On India’s Economic Growth Launches “Momentum Growth Fund”

Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading private life insurer in India, has launched its latest investment offering—the “Momentum Growth Fund”. Opening February 10th – February 21st 2025, this new offering presents an attractive opportunity for investors aiming to benefit from India's robust long-term economic growth within the ULIP segment. It is strategically aligned with the Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Index, which has delivered remarkable returns of 25.97%* CAGR over the past five years, and 22.90% CAGR since its inception.

With a focus on delivering strong returns over the medium to long term, the fund diversifies investments across a wide range of companies and sectors within the index, helping to mitigate risk while promoting steady, sustainable growth. This disciplined, strategic approach offers customers a rewarding and resilient investment strategy that is well-aligned with India’s thriving economy.

Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, “With a GDP of 6.4% in FY 25, India still remains the fastest growing economy. At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we support the government’s vision for India’s growth story. The Momentum Growth Fund reflects our commitment while empowering customers with solutions that meet their long-term financial aspirations. With this launch, we aim to bridge individual wealth creation and national progress, contributing to India’s extraordinary growth story and fostering a future of shared prosperity."

The fund empowers investors to navigate the ever-changing stock market trends effectively, while removing any potential fund manager bias. Additionally, it offers the advantage of comprehensive life coverage through Ageas Federal’s innovative and customer-centric insurance plans. The Momentum Growth Fund will be available alongside Ageas Federal Life Insurance’s flagship offerings.

Navneet Education Limited Introduces ‘Navneet AI’ Across India

~ Aims to Enhance the Teaching Experience for Educators Across India ~

Navneet Education Limited, a leader in the education sector, is excited to announce the launch of Navneet AI, an innovative platform designed to empower teachers with easy access to knowledge and resources. Leveraging Navneet's extensive catalogue of educational materials, Navneet AI's tools will help teachers deliver lessons more effectively by offering an interactive, user-friendly platform to create quizzes, homework, PPTs, Flashcards, summaries, and more.

For decades, teachers and students across India have relied on Navneet's renowned educational resources, including the popular Navneet Digests, comprehensive workbooks, Navneet 21 Most Likely Question Sets, Pre-Primary and various Children’s books. Navneet AI is based on 50,000+ Navneet resources and delivers interactive output to make classes more engaging and effective. By equipping teachers with a powerful tool to enhance classroom experiences, Navneet Education aims to bridge traditional educational resources with modern technology.

"Our goal with Navneet AI is to make learning resources more accessible and adaptable to the needs of today's educators," said Devish Gala, Director - Branding, Marketing and Sales at Navneet Education Limited. "By integrating digital technology with trusted content, we support teachers in their mission to inspire young minds. Navneet AI represents our commitment to staying current with technological advancements and catering to evolving educational demands."

Harshil Gala, CEO TopTech, Navneet Education Limited says, “With Navneet AI, we are revolutionizing the ways education is delivered, making learning more interactive and engaging for both teachers and students. At Navneet, we have always been at the forefront of innovation in education, and with this tool, we are taking a bold step towards the future, where technology empowers educators and enhances student learning outcomes like never before."

Navneet AI is India's first custom education model. In a world where generic AI chatbots are being marketed as study assistants for students, Navneet has deliberately chosen to create a platform designed specifically to support teachers. It operates on a multi-agent architecture, where each specialized agent plays a key role in shaping the output. These include the Curriculum Alignment Agent, Content Structuring Agent, Visual Design Agent, Assessment Creation Agent, Quality Verification Agent, and others, working together to ensure accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness in educational content.

This ensures strong alignment with educational standards and provides a solid foundation for effective learning. All of this is made possible by leveraging Navneet’s trusted content, built over six decades. This innovation is backed by years of expertise and experience, making it both groundbreaking and cost-effective, from innovation to delivery.

Navneet Education Limited will also host a series of workshops, titled ‘Q&AI’ with Navneet AI to introduce the platform to educators and guide them in maximising its potential. The workshops aim to provide hands-on experience, answer teachers' questions, and ensure educators feel confident using the platform to enrich their teaching methods.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, Navneet is proud to offer teachers a digital assistant with tools that combine its legacy of academic excellence with the promise of digital innovation. With Navneet AI, the company reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of learning in India, blending tradition with technology to create a brighter, smarter classroom experience.

Carlsberg Strengthens Commitment To Brewing Excellence In Karnataka

As Carlsberg celebrates 177 years of brewing excellence with iconic brands of world-class beers from its global portfolio. From the crisp refreshment of Tuborg Green to the bold character of Carlsberg Elephant and the refined citrus notes of 1664 Blanc, Carlsberg continues to delight consumers with exceptional brews crafted with international quality brews with its nearly 200 years of history and heritage of brewing.

Carlsberg India has strong presence in Karnataka, achieving strong double-digit growth in sales—a testament to evolving consumer preferences and the growing demand for premium beer experiences. The recent relaunch of Carlsberg Elephant and Tuborg Classic, along with the expansion into the super-premium category with 1664 Blanc to follow, underscores Carlsberg’s dedication to offer consumers wide range of tastes with innovative choices.

“As one of the world’s most recognized brewing brands, we are committed to providing superior beer experiences through time-honored techniques, premium quality ingredients, and cutting-edge brewing technology,” said Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Carlsberg India, “Karnataka is a key market for us, and we are proud to be part of its vibrant beer culture, bringing consumers a portfolio that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.”

Beyond great beer, Carlsberg believes in brewing for a better today and tomorrow. With a strong focus on sustainability, responsible consumption, and community engagement, the brand is committed to fostering meaningful connections and contributing to the growth of the Indian beer industry.

As part of its continued investment in the region, Carlsberg India will participate in the upcoming Invest Karnataka 2025 summit, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the state.

About Carlsberg India

Carlsberg India is a part of the globally renowned Carlsberg Group from Denmark, bringing nearly two centuries of brewing heritage to Indian consumers. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Carlsberg India offers a diverse portfolio of brews in India, including Carlsberg Smooth, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong, Tuborg Ice Draft, Tuborg Classic, and 1664 Blanc.

Eurogrip Marks Entry Into USA Two-Wheeler Tyre Market Showcases Flagship Range At “AIM Expo 2025”

Eurogrip Tyres, India’s leading 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler tyre brand, is participating in AIM Expo 2025 - North America’s powersports tradeshow. This is the first ever showcase of Eurogrip’s two-wheeler tyre range in the USA, marking a new beginning.

Eurogrip Tyres showcased its premier 2-wheeler tyre range representing its range in sport touring, off-road and trail categories amongst others. Prominent products on display include Climber XC, Bee Connect, Roadhound, Trailhound STR, Trailhound SCR and Protorq Extreme. Eurogrip is present at Booth No 3167, Las Vegas Convention Centre, South Hall, Las Vegas. The show is on from 5th to 7th February.

Speaking about Eurogrip Tyres participation at AIM Expo, Mr. P Madhavan, EVP - Sales and Marketing, TVS Srichakra Ltd said, “We are delighted to be entering the USA market with our high performance 2-wheeler tyre range. AIM Expo is a great platform that offers us the opportunity to engage with the right business prospects. We look forward to interesting discussions with potential trade partners, media and automotive influencers, and are optimistic about the brand’s presence in North America in the near future. This is another step towards our ambition of becoming a global 2-wheeler tyre specialist.” 

As North America’s largest Motorcycle and Powersports Tradeshow with international reach, AIM Expo 2025 is expected to draw a huge crowd with more than 3000 participants from more than 50 countries.  Organized by Motorcycle Industry Council, it brings together industry, media and dealers in a single arena.

Marriott International Asia Pacific Excluding China Region Celebrates Year Of Record-Breaking Growth With Over 100 Signed Deals In 2024

* With record annual deals and rooms signings, the company’s APEC region added over 21,000 rooms to its development pipeline in 2024, driven by strategic conversion and multi-unit agreement strategy

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced another year of strong growth in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region, signing a record 109 deals across 11 markets, contributing 21,439 rooms to the region’s development pipeline, closing the year with 77,532 total rooms in the region’s year-end pipeline. The company continues to expand its portfolio in the region across market segments, including its debut in the midscale segment and its expansion of its luxury portfolio, reinforcing Marriott’s lead in the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.

“2024 was a record-breaking year for Marriott International in APEC, with exceptional growth driven by key development milestones, market expansions, and the introduction of new brands in sought-after destinations,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “As we continue to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers, APEC remains a pivotal region in our company’s growth strategy, reinforcing our position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.”

Accelerated Growth Across Segments

In 2024, Marriott signed 109 deals representing 21,439 rooms in APEC, bringing its regional pipeline to 363 properties and 77,532 rooms — a 12% year-over-year increase. India, Japan and Indonesia were the highest growth markets in the region, comprising 72% of the region’s deal signings in the year.

Growing the luxury portfolio in the region remains a key focus, accounting for 19% of signed deals in 2024. More than 20 agreements were signed representing 4,600 rooms in the region across six Marriott International Luxury Group brands, meeting the increasing demand from affluent travelers seeking high-end, experiential stays in both established and emerging destinations. This includes the expected debuts of EDITION in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Mumbai, India; The Ritz-Carlton in Jaipur and Udaipur, India; a second W Hotels in Singapore; and more.

Multi-unit agreements and conversion opportunities played a key role in the region’s pipeline growth, with conversions representing 36% of 2024 signings. Marking the company’s regional debut in the affordable midscale space, Marriott launched Four Points Flex by Sheraton in Japan, as part of a strategic multi-unit agreement with KKR to convert 14 properties across 10 cities in Japan. In November 2024, the brand celebrated its official debut in the region and the company’s 100th property in Japan with the opening of the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda. 

“As Marriott continues to expand its presence across APEC, we aim to continue broadening our portfolio of best-in-class brands and unforgettable experiences to meet the growing demand for travel,” said Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “By enhancing our offerings and entering new markets, we’re not only aiming to deliver greater value to owners, franchisees and developers, but also adapting to the evolving needs of today’s travelers — across all stay purposes and experiences.”

Market Expansion and Brand Debuts

In 2024, Marriott entered new destinations and celebrated brand debuts in the region, centered around its growing traveler base. The company debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby, increasing its operating presence to 22 countries and territories in APEC.

Following the brand’s success in Japan, South Korea and Australia, the lifestyle-focused Moxy Hotels brand also made its debut in key cities, including Moxy Bengaluru Prestige Tech Cloud in India, Moxy Putrajaya in Malaysia, and Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong in Thailand, catering to a new generation of travelers seeking vibrant and design-forward stays.

Celebrated Milestone Openings

Building on a record-breaking year of development and pipeline growth, the company also celebrated significant opening milestones in APEC, including:

600th property in APEC – Adelaide Marriott Hotel, Australia

150th property in India – Katra Marriott Resort & Spa

50th property in Malaysia – Penang Marriott Complex

100th property in Japan – Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda

 With an expanding portfolio, Marriott International in APEC closed 2024 with 635 open properties across 25 brands in 22 countries and territories, underscoring its position as a hospitality leader in the region. As Marriott continues to expand its offerings, the breadth and depth of the company’s portfolio remains well-positioned to offer a compelling value proposition for developers and real estate investors.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Expands Road Safety Commitment With Successful Conclusion Of Toyota Safety Education Programme In Delhi

Reinforcing its commitment to road safety, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today successfully concluded its flagship initiative, the Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP) – "Road Safety – My Right, My Responsibility"— at KV No. 2 Cantonment, Dr. Sarvapalli Auditorium, Delhi. This impactful event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Rajnesh Singh – Director, Ministry of Heavy Industries alongside esteemed Guest of Honour Mr. S.K. Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and TKM's senior leadership, including Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

Designed to instil a sense of responsibility among young road users, TSEP actively engages school children, empowering them to become road safety ambassadors within their communities. This initiative is part of TKM's broader vision to achieve zero road fatalities by nurturing future generations to adopt safer and more responsible road usage.

Building on the success of TSEP Batch 1 in Bangalore and today’s event in Delhi, TSEP will continue its expansion with sessions scheduled for Batch 2 in Bangalore on 8th February and Mumbai on 11th February. In 2025, the program aims to reach over 70,000 students and 600 teachers across 140 schools, demonstrating TKM's unwavering commitment to nationwide road safety education.

A highlight of the event was the creative involvement of students in engaging activities such as poster-making, skits, songs, Mad Ads, and fact-based video presentations. These interactive sessions offered a platform for students to showcase innovative solutions for promoting road safety, making the learning experience both enriching and enjoyable. The event also featured award ceremonies recognizing the exceptional efforts of participants in advancing road safety awareness.

The program’s measurable impact is evident, with participant awareness levels rising from 39% to 60% underscoring TSEP's effectiveness in instilling vital road safety knowledge and fostering positive behavioural change. To sustain momentum, each participating school established dedicated Road Safety Clubs led by teachers, fostering peer-to-peer learning and ongoing student engagement. These clubs have become pivotal in sustaining road safety initiatives within school communities.

TKM's holistic "Real World Safety" approach integrates safe vehicle manufacturing, user education, and traffic environment improvements to tackle India's road safety challenges. Since its inception in 2007, TSEP has impacted over 800,000 students nationwide, leveraging its "Child to Community" model to encourage students to become proactive advocates for road safety within their families and communities.

TSEP employs a distinctive and impactful ABC Approach:

Awareness: Raising awareness about road safety rules.

Behavioural Change: Encouraging positive behavioural shifts.

Campaigns: Engaging communities through innovative campaigns.

This comprehensive framework nurtures responsible behaviour and a lifelong commitment to safer road practices. Additionally, TSEP empowers educators by providing structured road safety training, enabling teachers to effectively guide students. The program also advocates for integrating road safety education into school curricula, ensuring sustained learning and lasting community impact.

Present at the occasion, the Chief Guest – Mr. Rajnesh Singh – Director, Ministry of Heavy Industries said, “Road safety is a critical concern in India, and it is imperative that we address it through sustained and impactful educational initiatives. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s Safety Education Programme is a commendable step in this direction, engaging young minds to become ambassadors of road safety within their communities. By instilling the right knowledge and behaviours at an early age, we are not only shaping responsible citizens but also contributing significantly to the vision of safer roads across the nation. I am confident that programs like TSEP will inspire more organisations to take active roles in promoting road safety.”

Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour – Mr. S.K. Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) said, “Ensuring road safety requires collective responsibility, and education plays a pivotal role in shaping responsible road users from an early age. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s Safety Education Programme is a remarkable initiative that empowers students to become proactive advocates for road safety, extending its impact beyond schools into communities. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by these young minds today are truly inspiring, and I commend Toyota for its unwavering commitment to making India’s roads safer. By nurturing awareness, fostering behavioural change, and driving community engagement, this program is paving the way for a safer and more responsible future.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, safety is not just a priority—it is a core value. Being part of the automobile industry, our focus is not only on manufacturing safe cars but also on ensuring people’s safety on roads. Through the Toyota Safety Education Programme, we aim to nurture responsible road behaviour among the youth, driving a long-term impact in building safer communities. The overwhelming participation and creativity displayed by the students today reaffirm our belief in the power of education to bring about meaningful change. Our vision is to build a culture where safety is second nature to every individual, and I believe that by educating the youth today, we are building a safer tomorrow.”

TKM extends its sincere appreciation to all partner schools, teachers, and students whose unwavering support and creative contributions have significantly amplified the program’s outreach. Since 2001, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has been deeply engaged in community development through diverse initiatives in Education, Environment, Road Safety, Skill Development, Health, Hygiene, and Disaster Management. Through these sustained efforts, TKM has positively impacted over 2.3 million lives, reaffirming its commitment to fostering safer, healthier, and more empowered communities across India.

Radisson Hotel Group Marks Debut of Park Inn & Suites Brand In Yelahanka, Bengaluru

This opening marks the debut of the Park Inn & Suites brand in Bengaluru and will be the second operational hotel under this brand in India. The Group currently has five operational hotels across Bengaluru under multiple brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, and Radisson Individuals.

Radisson Hotel Group expands its brand presence in Bengaluru with the opening of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Bengaluru Yelahanka, marking its sixth operational property in the city. As part of the Group’s master franchise partnership with Treebo Hospitality Ventures (THV), this launch contributes to the ambitious goal of establishing 150 hotels under the ‘Park Inn & Suites by Radisson’ brand over the next 10 years. This milestone reflects the Group’s vision to provide midscale hospitality solutions tailored to middle-income travellers in emerging markets. in emerging markets.

Strategically located in Yelahanka, the hotel blends leisure and business with its proximity to industrial areas like Doddaballapur and Bengaluru International Airport. Guests will also have convenient access to the city’s cultural and business landmarks, including Bangalore Palace, Nandi Hills, Vidhan Soudha, Manyata Business Park and UB City. Situated on the Yelahanka-Doddaballapur Highway, the property is a 25-minute drive from Kempegowda International Airport and just 15 minutes from Yelahanka Railway Station, making it ideal for travellers arriving by air, road, or rail.

“Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Bengaluru Yelahanka, our second operational hotel under this brand, marks a key step in Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion strategy. The brand’s conversion-friendly model and strong value proposition have driven its rapid growth. This opening reinforces our presence in Bengaluru and aligns with our long-term growth strategy in high-demand urban markets across India. Yelahanka, with its blend of business hubs and cultural landmarks, is an ideal location for this opening. We remain committed to expanding our presence and providing quality hospitality in key cities across South Asia,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group

The hotel features a range of modern amenities designed to provide guests a memorable and comfortable stay. Guests can unwind and rejuvenate at the fitness center or indulge in a soothing experience at the wellness spa. For those looking to relax, the swimming pool provides the perfect escape, while the all-day dining and beverage options cater to every culinary need. For business or special events, the hotel has versatile banquet and meeting facilities with dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces.

“We are delighted to see Park Inn & Suites by Radisson establish its presence in Bengaluru with the opening of this property in Yelahanka. The brand’s ability to deliver world-class amenities and exceptional value at accessible price points resonates strongly with both travelers and hotel owners. This launch reflects the growing demand for midscale accommodations in key urban markets, and we are proud to contribute to Radisson Hotel Group’s vision of redefining hospitality standards across India. We look forward to building on this momentum and further expanding the brand’s reach with the trust and support of our partners,” said Sidharth Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, Treebo Hospitality Ventures.

“We are honored to collaborate with Radisson Hotel Group and Treebo Hospitality Ventures to bring Park Inn & Suites by Radisson to Bengaluru. This hotel is thoughtfully positioned to address the growing need for quality midscale accommodation in Yelahanka, a rapidly developing hub for industrial activities, connectivity, and cultural heritage. We are grateful to our partners for their trust in this venture and are committed to delivering a hospitality experience that aligns with Bengaluru’s dynamic growth and evolving needs” said Mahesh N R of Sai Leela Hospitality, the hotel’s Owner.

“We are thrilled to bring the debut of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson to Bengaluru, offering guests a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and world-class hospitality in the dynamic hub of Yelahanka. With our strategic location and modern amenities, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for both business and leisure travelers” said, M. Sathya, General Manager of the hotel.

Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 199 hotels in operation and development. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in a tier-1 market like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and 3 markets. With hotels in over 114 destinations across India, Radisson Hotel Group has properties located within a 4-hour drive of each other. The Group has successfully introduced various brands to the growing Indian market, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Radisson Individuals and its extension Radisson Individuals Retreats