Shahi Engages With Industry Leaders To Drive India’s Textile Vision

Shahi Exports, one of India’s leading apparel manufacturers and exporters, recognizes the significance of the Government of India’s Vision 2047. This vision aims to position the country as a global textile powerhouse with $600 billion in textile exports. To support this vision, Shahi continues to prioritize sustainable manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development to adapt to changing global standards.

Mr. Harish Ahuja, Managing Director and Chairperson of Shahi Exports, stated, “The future of India’s textile sector lies in collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Platforms like Bharat Tex provide valuable opportunities for industry and policymakers to work together. We appreciate the government’s initiatives and remain dedicated to contributing to this shared vision.”

HDFC Life Wins ICAI Award For Best Financial Reporting For 2023-24

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Silver Shield in Category-III – Life Insurance at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting 2023-24.

This prestigious award was presented to HDFC Life by Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the ICAI Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.

Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since 1958, these awards recognise companies that demonstrate outstanding financial reporting standards. The esteemed jury selects winners after a thorough review of the accounting practices adopted in financial statements, disclosure policies, and presentation of financial statements. The top two winners are chosen on their adherence to Indian Accounting Standards, statutory guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

What makes this recognition even more special is that HDFC Life is the only life insurance company to feature among the awardees this year.

HDFC Life has been on a continuous journey to financially secure Indian citizens by offering a wide range of life insurance solutions. Since its inception, the company has provided financial protection to millions of customers and their families, serving as a safety net in times of need while enabling them to achieve their long-term financial goals. The company’s commitment to its policyholders is reflected in its 99.5% claim settlement ratio for FY24.

Speaking on the award, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & CFO, HDFC Life, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at HDFC Life. This award reinforces our values of transparency and good governance. At HDFC Life, we are committed not only to financial security of our customers but also to sustainable and responsible business practices. We continue to strengthen our governance framework while driving long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing towards a more resilient future.”

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.

Angel One Launches The Fin Scene By Fin One: India’s First Finance Creator Chapter In Bangalore

* Empowering the next-gen of finance content creators to shape the future of financial awareness

Angel One Limited, a leading FinTech player,  introduces The Fin Scene by Fin One - an industry-first event designed to shape the future of finance content creation. Hosted at LIT Campus in Bangalore, this transformative initiative brings together the sharpest minds in finance and digital media, redefining how young investors learn, engage, and thrive in the financial landscape.

With millions of digital-first users in India, the appetite for financial content is greater than ever. Social media has become the go-to source for investment insights, yet the demand for well-researched, credible information has never been more critical. The Fin Scene steps in to bridge this gap, equipping the next generation of finance creators with the skills, tools, and expertise to craft compelling, trustworthy content. The event witnessed a strong turnout, with nearly 150 students and creators in attendance.

The Fin Scene: Redefining Financial Storytelling

The success of The Fin Scene underscores the growing role of digital education in democratizing financial awareness. Through a blend of expert-led discussions, hands-on workshops, and exclusive industry insights, the event provided participants with an unparalleled opportunity to master the art and science of finance storytelling.

Key Takeaways from The Fin Scene:

*        Expert-Led Conversations – Renowned finance creators, including [Names], shared strategies on building credibility, engaging audiences, and establishing a powerful digital presence.

*        Hands-On Content Workshops – Attendees gained first-hand experience in content strategy, social media algorithms, and video production techniques to elevate their financial storytelling. developing high-quality, responsible financial content.

The event was graced by famous Finance Creators

* Anmol Sharma – Finance simplified, no jargon! @financebyanmoll

* CA Manav – Breaking down investing for everyone! @learnwithcamanav

* Deepak Bhati – Tax hacks & smart money moves! @cadeepakbhati

* Riya Upreti – Mastering personal business the fun way! @riyaelity

* CA Meenal Goel – Practical money tips that actually work! @ca.meenalgoel

Angel One, through Fin One, remains committed to fostering financial awareness by empowering creators with the knowledge and credibility to inspire a new generation of investors. Aspiring finance creators and students are encouraged to join Fin One to access continued learning opportunities and industry mentorship. With the Bangalore chapter, Fin One looks forward to launching many more event initiatives across various colleges and cities.

BIT Mesra Celebrates Its Platinum Jubilee In The Presence Of Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India

BIT Mesra, founded in 1955 by visionary industrialist B.M. Birla, one of India’s premier technology institutions, celebrated its 70th anniversary on 15th February 2025 at the Ranchi campus.

The chief guest at the event was Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India joined by the Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Hon’able Minister of Jharkhand Shri Sudivya Kumar and Chairman of the CK Birla Group, CK Birla, and Vice Chancellor Indranil Manna on the dais.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, said “The Platinum Jubilee is an apt occasion to celebrate and honour BIT Mesra’s contribution to education, research and innovation in engineering, technology, and allied fields. BIT Mesra has been ahead of the curve by introducing a B-Tech course in AI and ML in 2023.  I am also happy to see our daughters raising the bar of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The enthusiasm and commitment of the youth will be the key ingredient in the making of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.”

Guest of honour and Governor of Jharkhand, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, said “The establishment of BIT Mesra was a commendable initiative by its visionary founder, Shri B. M. Birla, who truly understood the importance of engineering and technological advancements for the development of this nation. Since then, BIT has come a long way and has trained a large number of students who have brought glory to the institute and the country through their skills, both nationally and internationally.”

Shri Sudivya Kumar, Minister of Jharkhand, said “BIT Mesra has remained one the most sought-after institute, and the credit for this goes to its management, faculty, alumni, and most importantly the students who are receiving their education here.”

Reflecting on BIT’s institute’s enduring impact, CK Birla, Chairman of the CK Birla Group, mentioned, “Today, we have over 20 disciplines, with more than 10,000 students and 600+ faculty members, and we take immense pride in the 50,000-strong alumni network worldwide. Through systematic efforts in nurturing talent and creating opportunities, we have made significant progress in increasing representation of women, to 30% of our student body. BIT Mesra is the third-oldest institute of technology established in the post-independence era and a pioneer in establishing the first-ever Space Engineering and Rocketry Department in 1964. Our continued investments in research and technology reaffirm BIT’s commitment to nation-building.”

Vice Chancellor, Indranil Manna spoke about BIT Mesra being the leading center for technology, research and entrepreneurship.  The highlight of the event was release of a special commemorative silver medal, stamp and envelope by President Murmu and Governor Gangwar, symbolizing the institution’s remarkable contributions to education, innovation and nation-building. The celebrations also included activities such as tree plantation and research exhibition inauguration by The President across the 780-acre campus.

Photo Caption: Honorable guests being presented with silver medals during the prestigious Platinum Jubilee celebration of BIT Mesra.

Bank of India Raises Rs 2,690 Crore Through 10-Year Infrastructure Bonds At 7.50% P.A

Bank of India, a leading Public Sector Bank, has raised 10 years Infrastructure Bonds of Rs.2,690 crore @ 7.50% p.a, today through NSE Electronic Bidding Platform.  The Base Issue size was Rs.1,500 crore with Green Shoe option of Rs.3,500 crore.  Bank received total of 94 bids amounting to Rs.8,845 crore, 5.90 times of the Base issue size.  Bank accepted bids at cut-off coupon of 7.50% of Rs.2,690 crore.  There were 26 successful bids. 

The funds raised through Long Term Bonds will be used for funding long term projects in infrastructure sub-sectors and affordable housing in accordance with RBI guidelines. The funds raised by the Bank through this issue is not meant for financing any particular project. 

Reviving White Gold And Revolutionizing Cotton Farming; San-Vardhan Project Helps Farmers To Increase Income

“San-Vardhan” (Cotton You Can Trust) project was launched in Punjab and Haryana during Kharif 2024. Sportking India funded this project in 3 districts of Punjab and Haryana to support cotton farmers. ATGC Biotech provided its eco-friendly CREMIT technology, while Reviving Green Revolution Cell (RGR) - an associate organization of Tata Trusts & Team Athena Pvt. Ltd provided ground expertise to help farmers combat the Pink Bollworm issue (PBW). To celebrate the successful conclusion of this CSR initiative, a Stakeholders Meet was convened to explore the revival of cotton in northern India. 

The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Baljinder Saini, Executive Director of RGR Cell, who emphasized the necessity of initiatives like San-Vardhan, citing a 31% decline in cotton cultivation area and a 38% drop in production over the past few years. He shared the project, funded by Sportking India, demonstrates its potential to make a significant difference in the lives of cotton farmers and the environment in northern India, and marks a promising beginning to help cotton farmers across India.

.         He also highlighted on the project's key accomplishments:

·         660 farmers across 2000 acres in 3 districts of Punjab and Haryana benefited from the project and found cotton as a better alternative to paddy

·         Average yields increased by 21%, leading to a 30% rise in farmers' incomes

·         Chemical usage reduced by 2.1 sprays, improving soil health, environmental sustainability and creating positive impact on the environment

Rakesh Rathi, Director at Indian Cotton Association, highlighted the huge demand-supply gap in cotton in the northern region, with a requirement of 9 million bales annually, but availability of less than 3 million bales and hence sourcing from other states and outside India. Cotton cultivation in Punjab has declined drastically from 7.5 million hectares to just 90,000 hectares last year, impacting Punjab’s economy and cotton industry. Rathi suggested the government withdraw the mandi tax on cotton and moreover support farmers in accessing good hybrid seeds in the northern belt to increase cultivation.

Representing Sportking India, Naresh Behl participated in the event, conveying Managing Director Munish Avasthi's pride and enthusiasm for being part of this innovative initiative. He emphasized the initiative's demonstration of collaborative power in driving positive change and encouraged fellow industry stakeholders to continue supporting such impactful endeavours.

Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana, highlighted the challenges faced by cotton farmers in Punjab. He said “The decline in cotton cultivation to increased costs in cotton farming and paddy encroachment in cotton-growing areas. Hel appreciated the efforts of the San-Vardhan team in helping cotton farmers and emphasized the need for mass adoption of technologies to reverse the paddy trend in north India”. Specifically, he mentioned that PAU has recommended the CREMIT technology to the state government for Pink Bollworm management.

Farmers from Bathinda and Sirsa shared their positive experiences with the CREMIT technology, expressing enthusiasm to continue using it in the upcoming cotton season.

Coke Studio Bharat Season 3 Unveils An Iconic Line-Up – Get Ready For The Drop!

Coke Studio Bharat is set to return with an all-new Season 3, bringing together India’s most powerful voices and diverse musical influences. Coke Studio Bharat is renowned for crafting cultural experiences that blend traditional stories with contemporary beats, resonating with Gen Z. This season is a bold reimagination of India’s rich sonic heritage, seamlessly blending folk traditions with contemporary sounds to create an unforgettable musical experience. From the heart-thumping beats of Punjab to the soul-stirring melodies of the Northeast, Coke Studio Bharat continues to push the boundaries of musical storytelling, uniting legendary maestros with fresh, upcoming talent.

Season 3 will feature an exceptional mix of voices, each representing the soul of their regions. Among the line-up are Vishal Mishra, Malini Awasthi, Shalmali Kholgade, Santhosh Narayanan, Shankuraj Konwar, Dhanda Nyoliwala, Prateeksha Srivastava, Ofro, Thiarajxtt, Gulab Sidhu, Jassa Dhillon, Raaginder, Aditya Gadhvi, Madhubanti Bagchi, Siddharth Amit Bhavsar, Jayamoorthy, Xvir Grewal, Dabzee, SVDP, Mehak Sidhu, Bhargav Purohit, and the Indian Choral Ensemble. Each track in this season will be a tribute to India’s vast musical heritage, spanning Awadhi folk, Punjabi hip-hop, Assamese alternative rock, Tamil Folk, and more.

Popular singer, Vishal Mishra, said, “Coke Studio Bharat has always been a platform that celebrates different shades of India’s diverse musical landscape. I’m excited to contribute my sound and see how the fusion of different genres comes together to create a unique narrative for the audience.”

Greishma Singh, Vice President, Coca-Cola India & South-West Asia, said, “At its core, Coke Studio Bharat is all about storytelling and culture – bridging traditional and modern with a unique and recognizable sonic & visual identity. Built around a handpicked set of artists representing different parts of Bharat, Season 3 brings a fresh youthful take on unique sounds that cover a rich tapestry of genres of music”

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, India & South Asia, added, “At the Universal Music Group, we have always considered the world and not just India to be our marketplace for our music. As the global sonic expands to include sounds & melodies of the most beautiful cultures around the world, we are beyond excited to offer “Coke Studio Bharat” to the mix as Season 3 has a very high cultural quotient of the young & fearless sounds of the now but also steeped in the learnings and storytelling of our storied heritage. It's an exciting chapter in the evolution of the platform.”

Renowned folk legend Malini Awasthi said, “Folk music is always nostalgic because it carries the soul of our history, our region, our people. With Coke Studio Bharat’s deeply rooted connections, we are reintroducing these timeless sounds to a new generation, proving that tradition and innovation can sing in perfect harmony.”

With a stellar line-up and groundbreaking compositions, Coke Studio Bharat Season 3 is set to redefine India’s musical identity once again. Stay tuned for the first track drop on 21st February!

About Coca-Cola India:

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 5 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.