Friday, April 25, 2025

Kapil Sharma And Anurag Kashyap Bring The Banter In Sprite’s Funniest Season Yet


* Coming together in the latest TVC for Sprite's 'Joke in a Bottle’, Kapil Sharma and Anurag Kashyap bring their unique comedic chemistry to the campaign, delivering a fresh and hilarious twist

Sprite, the iconic lemon and lime-flavored beverage, is back with a laughter riot in yet another humorous twist of its blockbuster, ‘Joke in a Bottle’ campaign. Building on the campaign’s signature blend of Gen Z’s humor and pop culture, the brand brings together a rather unlikely duo — comedy king Kapil Sharma and serious filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in what should be called a roast banter. The TVC packs a refreshing punch of wit and quirk, reinforcing what it means to stay cool and entertained, Sprite-style.

The brand film opens with Anurag Kashyap pitching a “relatable” ad to Kapil Sharma. What follows is a hilarious clash of creative minds—Kapil mocks Anurag’s ad world debut, Anurag defends his vision, and chaos ensues. With Kapil getting the last laugh, the battle peaks when Anurag manifests Joke in a bottle to a genie’s lamp in his flow of cinematic liberties. Sprite serves up its signature mix of refreshment and comedy, setting the right tone of the Joke in a Bottle’s third season.

Sprite’s Joke in a Bottle (JIAB) is a full-fledged entertainment property packed with bite-sized comic content. From witty punchlines to a meme studio powered by India’s top creators, JIAB is built for the swipe-happy Gen Z. Consumers can simply scan the Sprite bottle, sip, and unlock a cool stream of destressing humor anytime, anywhere.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Senior Category Director, Sparkling Flavors, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, "At Sprite, we understand that communication today has evolved beyond words. Memes have become one of the most powerful ways for the youth to share ideas and emotions with a touch of humour. Our ‘Joke in a Bottle’ platform taps into this meme culture, connecting with the generation to stay cool. This time, we’re thrilled to bring together two refreshingly distinctive personalities, Kapil Sharma and Anurag Kashyap, with a dose of laughter and entertainment to launch the third season of Joke-In-A-Bottle."

Kapil Sharma, speaking about the campaign, said, “Sprite JIAB is always fun, and I love how it always surprises the audience. Shooting this ad with Anurag was mixing Sprite with cinema- unexpected and totally fizzed up! I can’t wait for everyone to scan and enjoy.”

With a 360-degree rollout across TV, digital, and outdoor, ‘Joke in a Bottle’ ensures nationwide reach. From meme drops to creator collabs, Sprite continues to lead India’s comedy conversation bringing ‘Thand Rakh’ to life with a sip, a scan, and a laugh.

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, 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 4 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. 

Campaign Video Link:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIdQL3Ao5UH/

Sterling And Wilson Renewable Energy Limited Continues To Showcase Healthy Revenues And Strong Order Inflows During Q4 & FY25


Key Highlights

* Highest ever quarterly revenue of INR 2,519 crore since its listing

* FY25 revenue of INR 6,302 crore, more than 2 times of FY24 revenue of INR 3,035 Crore in FY24

* Gross margin of INR 263 crore in Q4FY25 and INR 638 crore in FY25

* Unexecuted order value is ~INR 9,096 crore as of Mar 31, 2025, vis-à-vis ~INR 8,084 crore during same period last year

* Robust overall order inflows with Domestic inflows showing an impressive 21% YoY rise

* Operational EBIDTA for Q4FY25 was INR 158 crore and INR 291 crore for FY25

Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited (SWREL) (BSE Scrip Code: 542760; NSE Symbol: SWSOLAR), a leading home-grown renewable EPC, announced its results for the fourth quarter and the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2025.

SWREL has achieved highest ever quarterly revenue of INR 2,519 crore since its listing, which is up by an impressive 114% YoY and 37% QoQ. The revenue for FY25 stood at INR 6,302 crore, which is also up by 108% YoY.

The unexecuted order value is ~INR 9,096 crore as of Mar 31, 2025, vis-à-vis ~INR 8,084 crore as of Mar 31, 2024.     

SWREL’s FY25 order inflows continued to remain strong at ~INR 7,051 crore thereby showcasing the industry’s strong trust in the company’s unmatched execution capabilities. Out of total FY25 order inflows, the momentum from domestic market continues to remain robust at ~INR 5,897 crore, which also reveals an impressive 21% YoY rise.

Speaking on the quarter results, Mr. CK Thakur, Global CEO, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Group shared, "We are poised for a significant growth across markets considering the commendable pipeline of projects both in the domestic and international regions. The steady flow of high-value domestic orders in the recent past reinforces our strong market position and growth momentum. Our onward journey is very promising, marked by high quarterly revenue, improved cash flow and a healthy balance sheet, all of which positions us for sustained growth. With our recent foray into Wind EPC and continued focus on hybrid energy projects, we are optimistic about expanding our renewable portfolio and delivering integrated clean energy solutions."

ABB India Integrates EVs Into Its Intra-City Commercial Logistics To Cut Carbon Emissions


In line with its global Net Zero commitment, ABB India is taking significant strides towards sustainability by integrating Electric Vehicles (EVs) into its intra-city commercial logistics. The Electrification (EL) and Motion (MO) Commercial Operations teams have initiated the use of EVs for moving finished goods and raw materials between the factory and distribution center, as well as for last-mile deliveries within Bengaluru.

In Nelamangala, the initiative was officially flagged off at the Smart Power factory campus and the Distribution Centre at Hanchipura. The ceremony was led by key leaders including Kiran Dutt, EL Commercial Lead; Saju SR, MU Manager; Jothi Prakash, Cluster Manager; Sergio Silvestri, Hub Manager, ELSP; Sergio Buttice, Commercial Operations Manager; and Kanda DB.

Meanwhile, in Peenya, ABB India marked a major milestone with the deployment of its first electric truck for internal logistics. The flag-off was conducted by Tuomo Hoysniemi, President – ABB Drive Products, along with AR Madhusudan, Local Division Manager.

By adopting EVs in its logistics operations, ABB India will significantly reduce Scope-3 greenhouse gas emissions. This transition supports the company's broader goal of creating a low-carbon, sustainable society and underscores ABB’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. With this initiative, ABB India continues to lead by example in sustainable industrial practices, aligning business operations with global climate goals and driving forward a cleaner, greener future for all.

SBI Card Q4 FY’25 Revenue Rises To Rs 4,832 Cr; PAT At Rs 534 Cr, Up 39% QoQ


The Board of Directors of SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited approved the Company’s results for Q4 FY’25 and the financial year ended March 31, 2025, at their meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Business Highlights

New accounts volume at 1,109K accounts in Q4 FY’25 vs 1,029K accounts in Q4 FY’24

Card-in-force grew by 10% YoY at 2.08 Cr as of Q4 FY’25 vs 1.89 Cr as of Q4 FY’24

Spends grew by 11% YoY at Rs 88,365 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 79,653 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Receivables grew by 10% YoY at Rs 55,840 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 50,846 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Market share - for FY’25 Card-in-force is 18.9% (FY’24: 18.6%), Spends is 15.6% (FY’24: 17.8%), as per RBI Industry report available till Feb’25

Performance Highlights Q4 FY25

Total Revenue increased by 8% YoY at Rs 4,832 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 4,475 Cr in Q4 FY’24

PAT at Rs 534 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 662 Cr in Q4 FY’24

ROAA at 3.4% in Q4 FY’25 vs 4.7% in Q4 FY’24

ROAE at 15.5% in Q4 FY’25 vs 22.1% in Q4 FY’24

Capital Adequacy Ratio at 22.9%; Tier 1 at 17.5%

Profit & Loss Account for the Quarter ended March 31, 2025

Total income increased by 8% to Rs 4,832 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 4,475 Cr in Q4 FY’24. This movement was a result of the following key factors:

Interest income increased by 13% to Rs 2,415 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 2,139 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Fees and commission income increased by 2% to Rs 2,259 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 2,209 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Finance costs increased by 10% to Rs 795 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 724 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Total Operating cost increased by 8% to Rs 2,073 Cr in Q4 FY’25 from Rs 1,918 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Earnings before credit costs increased by 7% to Rs 1,964 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 1,833 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Impairment losses & bad debts expenses increased by 32% at Rs 1,245 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs Rs 944 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Profit after tax decreased by 19% at Rs 534 Cr in Q4 FY’25 vs ?662 Cr in Q4 FY’24

Profit & Loss Account for the financial year ended March 31, 2025

Total income increased by 7% to Rs 18,637 Cr in FY’25 vs Rs 17,484 Cr in FY’24

Finance costs increased by 22% to Rs 3,178 Cr in FY’25 vs Rs 2,595 Cr in FY’24

Total Operating cost decreased by 4% to Rs 8,007 Cr in FY’25 vs Rs 8,369 Cr in FY’24

Earnings before credit cost increased by 14% to Rs 7,452 Cr in FY’25 vs Rs 6,519 Cr in FY’24

Impairment losses & bad debts expenses increased by 48% to Rs 4,872 Cr in FY’25 vs Rs 3,287 Cr in FY’24

Profit after tax decreased by 20% at Rs 1,916 Cr in FY’25 vs Rs 2,408 Cr in FY’24

Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2025

Total Balance Sheet size as of March 31, 2025 has been Rs 65,546 Cr as against Rs 58,171 Cr as of March 31, 2024

Total Gross Advances (Credit card receivables) as of March 31, 2025 were Rs 55,840 Cr, as against Rs 50,846 Cr as of March 31, 2024

Net worth as of March 31, 2025 has been Rs 13,853 Cr as against Rs 12,156 Cr as of March 31, 2024

Asset Quality

The Gross non-performing assets were at 3.08% of gross advances as of March 31, 2025 as against 2.76% as of March 31, 2024. Net non-performing assets were at 1.46% as of March 31, 2025 as against 0.99% as of March 31, 2024.

Capital Adequacy

As per the capital adequacy norms issued by the RBI, Company’s capital to risk ratio consisting of tier I and tier II capital should not be less than 15% of its aggregate risk weighted assets on - balance sheet and of risk adjusted value of off-balance sheet items. As of March 31, 2025, Company’s CRAR was 22.9% compared to 20.5% as of March 31, 2024.

The tier I capital in respect of an NBFC-ND-SI, at any point of time, can’t be less than 10%. Company’s Tier I capital was 17.5% as of March 31, 2025 compared to 16.5% as of March 31, 2024.

Rating

CRISIL Long Term - AAA/Stable

CRISIL Short Term - A1+

ICRA Long Term - AAA/Stable

ICRA Short Term - A1+

TKM, Camdir Toyota In Association With Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh Established 68th T-TEP And STAR Scholarship Program


* Hon’ble Minister Nyato Dukam Inaugurates T-TEP: Urged Students To Utilise Facility To The Fullest

Continuing its commitment to the nation’s ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ missions Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) in collaboration with the Skill Development & Entrepreneurship department instituted its 68th Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) and the “Scholarship program for Technical Education and Recognition” [STAR] initiative under T-TEP at Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Roing, Arunachal Pradesh.

Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri. Nyato Dukam launched the T-TEP by inaugurating the state-of-the-art automotive training facility and launching the scholarship program today. The initiative aims to equip students, particularly from rural and under-served communities - with job-ready technical skills in the automotive domain. Commissioner Skill Development, Shri. Saugat Biswas; Smti. Soumya Saurabh - Deputy Commissioner, Lower Dibang Valley, Shri. Sibo Passing - Director, SDE, Shri. Ringu Ngupok - Superintendent of Police, Roing, Shri R C Dutta – Principal Government ITI Roing, Country Head and Executive Vice President Shri. Vikram Gulati, Toyota Kirloskar Motor were present on the occasion.

T-TEP is a comprehensive, year-long training program tailored for final-year ITI and diploma students, combining in-depth classroom learning with On-the-Job Training (OJT) at Toyota dealerships. This dual approach ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to the latest in automotive service technologies. At ITI Roing, the program will focus on the General Technician Category, specifically catering to students in the Mechanic Motor Vehicle (MMV) and Diesel Mechanic trades.

Complementing this initiative is the STAR Scholarship Program, under T-TEP, introduced by TKM to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing technical education. Eligible students can receive scholarships of up to ?51,000 per year, covering hostel fees, educational expenses, and family support—allowing them to focus on their learning without financial burden.

Established in 1971, Government ITI Roing is the oldest technical institute in Arunachal Pradesh operated under the Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. The partnership with TKM marks a new chapter in its journey toward becoming a hub of high-quality vocational training in the region.

Camdir Toyota, a key partner in this endeavour, shares equal ownership in the T-TEP Roing initiative and is also contributing to the STAR Scholarship Program, reinforcing its commitment to community development and youth empowerment in the region.

Nationally, T-TEP has trained over 13,000 students, with more than 70% successfully placed across the automotive sector. T-TEP Roing’s workshop has been structurally remodelled, along with training aids from conventional engine, automobile components and multiple simulators which includes Toyota’s latest Hybrid technology. The newly inaugurated facility features a fully equipped workshop, modern classrooms, and trained faculty. The first batch includes 20 students, guided by two instructors, with three students selected as STAR Scholars based on academic performance and potential.

Hon’ble Minister Shri. Nyato Dukam on the occasion expressed his appreciation to the department for having partnered with Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Camdir Toyota and bringing the T-TEP Activity to Arunachal Pradesh. “This program brings global standards of training, industry exposure, and career opportunities closer to our students—many of whom come from remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The STAR Scholarship program, introduced under T-TEP, further strengthens this support by easing the financial burden on deserving students and enabling them to focus entirely on their learning journey. We believe this initiative will serve as a model for industry-academia partnerships and inspire many more such efforts to uplift skill education across the region. We are thankful to Toyota for their vision and commitment to empowering the youth of the North-East” he added.

While appreciating the speed of execution of the Project by Toyota and Camdir Toyota, Commissioner, Skill Development Shri. Saugat Biswas also highlighted the future plans of the department to expand the program to other ITIs. Biswas further informed that the department is collaborating with various top of the line companies in addition to Toyota such as Tata, L&T, Honda, NHPC to bring in collaboration in skilling and technology partnership for enhancing sustainable employment from Arunachal Pradesh. “We will also send the Principals of the ITIs and senior faculty members of ITIs to Toyota Plant in Bangalore soon for capacity building & exposure” he added.  

Speaking at the event, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs and Governance - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “Toyota Kirloskar Motor has long recognised that true progress lies in inclusive growth—where every region, every community, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. The launch of the T-TEP facility at ITI Roing marks another meaningful step in that direction. This initiative is not just about automotive skills; it’s about building aspirations, enabling self-reliance, and preparing young minds for a future shaped by innovation and mobility. Through such efforts, we hope to create a lasting impact—one where industry-academia partnerships serve as a foundation for empowering youth, uplifting local economies, and strengthening the skilled workforce that will drive India’s future.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Teli Tada, Dealership Principal of Camdir Toyota said “At Camdir Toyota, we have always believed in the power of education and opportunity to transform communities. The North-East region, and Arunachal Pradesh in particular, is brimming with young talent that often lacks access to industry-relevant training.

Through this initiative, we aim to bridge that gap by nurturing practical skills and opening pathways for meaningful employment. We remain deeply committed to supporting this mission, both through infrastructure and scholarship support, and ensuring the success of every student who walks through the doors of this facility.”

TKM has consistently championed skill development through initiatives like the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and T-TEP. These programs are designed to bridge the industry-academia gap by delivering practical, future-ready training to young talent, especially from underserved regions. Theses initiative reflects TKM’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the Government of India’s ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ missions and create a robust, future-ready workforce across the nation.

Funskool Achieves Impressive Turnover In FY25; Crosses Rs 300 Crores


Funskool India Limited, the country’s leading toy manufacturer, has recorded over 20% year-on-year growth for the FY 2024-25. The company’s long-term strategy of strengthening exports and contract manufacturing partnerships with global toy multinationals, while continuing to build a strong domestic brand presence, has proven highly successful. Notably, exports grew by nearly 30% compared to the previous year.

For the current fiscal, Funskool has set an ambitious target of achieving USD 40–45 million in revenue, capitalizing on the shifting global trade landscape and increasing preference for Indian manufacturing. Funskool now contributes close to 20% of India’s total toy exports, with exports to the United States accounting for around 40% of the company’s total outbound shipments.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. K.A. Shabir, CEO, Funskool India Ltd., said: “We are moving in the right direction. With an impressive growth trajectory, Funskool continues to play a vital role in advancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative. We are focused on deepening our partnerships with global toy brands and further positioning ourselves as a quality toy manufacturer in the international supply chain.”

The company doubled its production capacity last year through major expansions at its Ranipet facilities. In line with its aggressive growth plans, further capacity additions are planned across its Goa and Ranipet plants.

In addition to its strong export performance, Funskool has continued to expand its diverse portfolio of homegrown brands—including Giggles, Fundough, Handycrafts, Play&Learn, and its growing range of Games.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

IDEMITSU Honda Racing India Riders Arrive In Thailand For “2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship”


In a strong step towards nurturing homegrown talent and elevating Indian riders onto the global motorsport map, IDEMITSU Honda Racing India has announced its international racing squad for the 2025 season of the “FIM Asia Road Racing Championship” (ARRC). The riders have arrived in Thailand for the first round of the season scheduled this weekend from 25th to 27th April 2025.

The move underlines Honda’s commitment to grooming young Indian riders into world-class athletes while showcasing the brand’s engineering and racing prowess on Asia’s most competitive circuits. As a part of the company’s broader vision to create a pipeline for Indian riders to thrive internationally, this initiative offers young talent the opportunity to race alongside Asia’s best and bring pride to the nation. It also marks Honda’s dedication to building a strong foundation for motorsports in India.

The 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will feature six rounds, starting with the official test and season opener at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand scheduled from 25th to 27th April 2025. The second round will take place in Malaysia from 30th May to 1st June 2025, followed by Japan (Round 3) in July and Indonesia (Round 4) in August. While the venue and timeline for Round 5 is yet to be announced, the season finale will be held in December back at Thailand.

For the 2025 season, IDEMITSU Honda Racing India will be represented by two promising Indian riders in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class: the 19-year-old Kavin Quintal and 18-year-old Johann Reeves. While Kavin has already participated in the previous season of ARRC, Johann has been announced as a new rider for this season in the championship.

Kavin Samaar Quintal's performance in the 2024 ARRC season has been a testament to his skill and determination. The reigning champion of Honda India Talent Cup 2023, he joined Honda Racing India in 2019 and also represented India in Asia Talent Cup 2022. As we gear up for the 2025 season of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC), Honda Racing India is also thrilled to spotlight Johann Reeves Emmanuel, a promising talent who made waves in the IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup (HITC) in 2019. Over the years, his performance improved significantly in domestic racing, highlighting his potential and earning him a coveted spot in the Thailand Talent Cup 2024.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Samaar Quintal said, “Having raced in the previous season of the ARRC, I have gained invaluable experience and insights into what it takes to compete at this level. In 2025, I am determined to take all my learnings, sharpen my skills further, and aim for a strong finish in the top 10 rankings. I sincerely thank Honda Racing India for this continued opportunity and their unwavering support in helping me grow as a racer.”

Johann Reeves Emmanuel said, “Being a part of the 2025 ARRC is a huge opportunity for me. It’s not just about racing—it’s about learning, growing, and proving that I can compete with the best in Asia. This will be my very first ARRC season, and I am beyond thrilled to be on this journey. I will give it my all to secure a place in the top 10 rankings, and I am truly grateful to Honda Racing India for believing in me and giving me this platform.”  

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