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.

TKM Reinforces Commitment To Road Safety, Launches Road Safety Awareness & Health Initiative For 1,250+ Drivers In Mizoram

Reinforcing its commitment to promote safe driving practices, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of awareness and health check-up initiative for over 1,250 drivers in Mizoram. Coinciding with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), the initiative is in response to rising road accidents across the state. The occasion was graced by the distinguished presence of the chief guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl, Mr. Zorammawia Tochhawng, Dealer Principal, Zote Toyota and executives from TKM.

In 2023 & 2024, Mizoram witnessed 106 and 124 road accidents respectively with corresponding fatalities at 96 and 112. Lack of driving discipline, over-speeding, violation of traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement measures have contributed to these accidents. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in collaboration with local authorities, is actively engaging with commercial drivers to educate them on responsible driving behaviours while ensuring their physical and mental well-being through dedicated health screenings.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s comprehensive safety initiative for commercial drivers such as truck, bus and van drivers comprise of two key components:

1. Road Safety Awareness Sessions

Designed to educate and empower drivers, the sessions cover:

Importance of road safety and responsible driving practices

Rules and regulations for commercial drivers

Awareness on penalties for traffic violations

Mental and physical well-being for professional drivers

Importance of vehicle insurance and compliance

2. Comprehensive Health Check-ups

Ensuring the physical and mental well-being of drivers, the initiative includes:

Screening for common health conditions (Blood Pressure, Sugar, Eyesight, Hearing etc) affecting driving performance

Prescription of essential medicines and health advice

Referral to government healthcare centres for further treatment, if needed

Moreover, as part of broader road safety measures, 34 units of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition system) & 20 units of CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations to enhance road monitoring, deter traffic violations, and improve enforcement measures, ensuring a safer driving environment for all. Through this structured approach, TKM aims to equip drivers with the right knowledge and health support, enabling them to make informed, responsible decisions on the road.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Chief Guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl said, “Ensuring safe roads requires a multi-faceted approach that includes awareness, enforcement, and community engagement. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s initiative is a commendable step in educating drivers about responsible driving while also prioritizing their health.  68 percent of road accidents take place due to carelessness of the drivers which can be avoided. Drivers should also focus on the fitness of vehicles as this also leads to accidents. I urge all commercial vehicle drivers, especially truck drivers, to participate in the event. By empowering commercial drivers with knowledge and support for their well-being, we are not only enhancing road safety but also fostering a more disciplined driving culture. Collaborative efforts like these are essential in making a lasting impact, and we appreciate Toyota’s dedication to this crucial cause.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs and Governance, said, “At Toyota, road safety is more than just a responsibility; it is a mission. Our goal is to actively engage with drivers, empowering them with the right knowledge and health support. Through our structured awareness sessions and physical health screenings, we are committed to making a tangible impact on driving behaviour, ensuring safe roads. Our ‘People First’ philosophy drives us to support initiatives that improve lives, and this program is a step forward in our long-term vision for road safety in India.”

Towards reaffirming its commitment to education and road safety, TKM also announced the successful culmination of the second year of its inaugural batch at the Annual Toyota Safety Education Program (TSEP) event, held at Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore. Further strengthening its dedication to fostering road safety innovation, TKM also marked the successful completion of the 24-hour Toyota Hackathon in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore where participants addressed critical road safety challenges, including awareness and education, community engagement, school zone safety, road infrastructure and pollution, IoT/ICT in road safety, traffic easement, and making roads more inclusive. By bringing together students, developers, and innovators to solve real-world road safety issues, Toyota continues to drive forward its vision of creating a safer, more responsible, and technologically advanced mobility ecosystem.

Renault Kiger & Triber MY 25 Augmented With Enriched Features And Smart Upgrades

*  Renault elevates drive experience with the most accessible automatic turbo variant in its segment with Kiger RXT(O) Turbo CVT priced at INR 9.99 lacs

* Renault Kiger and Triber range now equipped with all four power windows & remote central locking as standard across variants.

* Renault Kiger and Triber range enriched with smart features such as 8-inch touch screen infotainment with android auto & apple car play, rear view camera from RXL and upward variants.

* Pushing further the Human First initiative Renault India enriches Kiger and Triber Model Year 2025 with 17 safety features across all variants.

Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, launched the refreshed version of “Kiger” and “Triber”, enhancing their appeal, drive experience and performance with a range of intelligent and well thought upgrades.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Venkatram M, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India, said, "India holds a significant place in Renault's global strategy, and we are committed to making mobility smarter, more accessible, and tailored to the evolving needs of Indian customers. The refreshed Renault line-up brings intelligent enhancements that strengthen their appeal, offering a well-balanced combination of style, comfort, and modern features."

Based on customer and market feedback, the refreshed Kiger and Triber will have features like all four power windows & remote central locking as standard across the range.  The latest in-car technology such as 8-inches infotainment system with apple carplay & android auto and rear-view camera to boost customer convenience and experience have been added from RXL onwards, making the cars more appealing and accessible.

Renault has augmented the Kiger in RXT(O) variant with Turbo Petrol CVT gearbox at INR 999995, offering exceptional and premium value to customers who seek modern design, technology and fun to drive elements.

All Renault models are now E-20 compliant. Pushing further the Human First initiative Renault India enriches Kiger and Triber Model Year 2025 with 17 safety features across all variants.

Renault Kiger upgrades: Smarter Features, Greater Appeal

RXE Variant – Now includes all four power windows and central locking as standard, ensuring enhanced practicality.

RXL Variant – Now equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with android auto & apple carplay, rear view camera, and steering-mounted controls, offering a seamless and connected drive.

RXT(O) Variant – Features flex wheels, while also offering the Turbo engine with CVT at a segment-best price, making it a compelling choice for performance seekers.

RXZ Turbo variant – addition of smart access card with remote engine start further enhancing customer comfort

Renault Triber upgrades: Enhanced Comfort & Technology

RXE Variant – all four power windows and central locking as standard for added convenience.

RXL Variant – Introduces 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with android auto & apple carplay, rear view camera, rear power windows, and rear speakers, elevating in-cabin comfort.

RXT Variant – Now upgraded with 15-inch flex wheels, adding a stylish and sturdy touch.

Renault India has kickstarted 2025 with a slew of customer-centric announcements. Earlier this year, the company launched a Standard 3-Year/1,00,000 km Warranty for all its new customers with the industry's best Extended Warranty Programme of 7 years/Unlimited km coverage. The company recently launched its flagship outlet new'R store in Ambattur, Chennai. The outlet is based on the company's global architecture concept for its network. It is globally first to be launched in India, hinting at the significance of the country in its global strategy.

Mind The Gap: Dale Carnegie Training Unveils “Latest Global Study On Workplace Misalignment”

"We all work at the same company; but is everyone on the same page?” Dale Carnegie Training’s latest global study reveals that for many organizations, the answer is no. Despite shared goals, a significant disconnect exists between leaders, managers, and individual contributors, creating hidden barriers to engagement, trust, and sustainable performance.

The white paper, "Bridging the Gap: Aligning Workplace Perceptions Across Organizational Levels," offers groundbreaking insights from over 3,375 professionals across 18 countries. It reveals a consistent negative trend in perception as one moves down the organizational hierarchy, with far-reaching implications for employee satisfaction, talent retention, and productivity.

Revealing the Disconnect

The study uncovers key areas where misalignment leads to critical challenges:

Trust Erosion: Only 15% of individual contributors feel there is trust in their workplace, compared to 45% of leaders.

Engagement Divide: While 42% of leaders are highly engaged, this number drops to 22% for managers and just 9% for individual contributors.

Goal Clarity Gap: Half of leaders (50%) report a clear understanding of company goals, but only 26% of individual contributors share this perspective.

Perception of Success: Only 35% of respondents collectively said their teams exceeded goals, with leaders reporting significantly higher success rates than managers and individual contributors.

Turnover Signals: Employees consistently cite feeling undervalued and a lack of career advancement opportunities as key reasons for leaving.

A Blueprint for Alignment

Dale Carnegie’s research identifies key drivers of engagement and retention common across roles—such as feeling valued and effective communication—while also addressing role-specific needs:

For Leaders: Clarity in organizational goals enhances strategic alignment and engagement.

For Managers: Career advancement opportunities build loyalty and motivation.

For Individual Contributors: Connecting daily contributions to the company’s success fosters a sense of purpose.

Reflecting on the findings, Pallavi Jha Chairperson and Managing Director of Dale Carnegie India, stated “Alignment across hierarchies is not just a strategic priority—it is the foundation for high-performing teams. Businesses that proactively address these gaps cultivate innovative and inclusive work cultures, driving measurable gains across productivity and growth. For over a century, Dale Carnegie has empowered organizations worldwide to transform cultures and build exceptional teams. This research reaffirms our commitment to equipping businesses with actionable strategies to close alignment gaps- fostering trust, communication, and engagement across all levels.”

Discover How Dale Carnegie India Can Help

To access the full white paper and explore how Dale Carnegie India can help your organization foster alignment and achieve transformational results,

visit website. OR https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/resources/bridging-the-gaps-aligning-workplace-perceptions-across-organizational-levels

PNB Signs MoU With “Indo Tibetan Border Police” ITBP

Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has signed an MoU with Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The MoU was signed by Shri. S P Singh, General Manager PNB and Shri. S.C Mamgain, Inspector General (Admn) at ITBP Headquarters, CGO Complex, New Delhi. The MoU was exchanged in presence of Shri. Binay Kumar Gupta, Chief General Manager PNB, Shri. Vikash Burman DIG (Admn) and other senior officials of Bank & ITBP.

The salient features offered to ITBP personnel are:

1. Personal Accidental Insurance – Rs 100 lakhs

2. Air Accidental Insurance – Rs 150 lakhs

3. Permanent/Partial Disability Coverage – Rs 100 lakhs

4. Additional Cover of Death during Operations – Rs 10 lakhs

5. Cost of imported medicines including transportation – Up to Rs10 lakhs

6. Air Ambulance Cost - Up to Rs 10 lakhs

Apart from this, several other benefits are being offered to the dependents and families of Rakshak Account Holder. Bank is also offering lifetime PAI of Rs 50 lakhs, AAI of Rs 100 lakhs and many other benefits to all ITBP Pensioners who are drawing Pension from PNB.

The Bank is dedicated in its commitment to ‘Himveers’ and will strive to continue doing the same in future as well.