Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Has Partnered ith Policybazaar To Offer SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Pension Fund

Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (SUD Life) has partnered with Policybazaar to offer SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Pension Fund, a new, high-potential equity fund designed for its ULIP Pension product, SUD Life Pension Plus. This innovative fund is set to empower customers by offering a strategic avenue for long-term wealth creation, aiming to deliver superior returns that can significantly bolster their retirement savings and help build a more resilient financial future.

SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Pension Fund brings a focused approach to long-term wealth creation by investing in 50 high-performing stocks selected from the Top 300 companies. The fund strategically diversifies across a spectrum of vital and high-growth sectors, including Financial Services, Consumer Goods, Capital Goods & Infrastructure, Healthcare, Technology, Oil, Metals & Mining, Automobiles & Ancillaries, and Construction & Realty. To stay aligned with dynamic market opportunities, the portfolio undergoes a strategic refresh every quarter, ensuring consistent relevance and optimal performance.

SUD Life's Fund tracks the benchmark "NIFTY Alpha 50 Index" which boasts a proven track record, having demonstrated strong performance over its 12-year market presence. Notably, a benchmark has achieved a 5-year CAGR return of ~ 33.29% (as on 30/04/2025) showcasing its ability to generate substantial value. By combining strategic sector allocation with rigorous stock selection, SUD Life's fund offers investors a powerful channel to build a robust retirement corpus while actively participating in India's market growth story.

Commenting on the launch, Abhay Tewari, MD & CEO of Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company Limited, said, "With the SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Pension Fund, we are introducing a strategic asset for our customers. This fund is a direct reflection of our commitment to providing high-performance investment pathways specifically designed for long-term retirement planning. We are confident it will serve as a powerful tool, empowering our customers to forge a resilient financial future."

This fund will now be available to Policybazaar customers, marking a unique collaboration that highlights both the organizations’ commitment to delivering value-driven, innovative financial solutions.

Vivek Jain, Chief Business Officer of Life Insurance at Policybazaar, says, “In India, retirement planning is often seen as a balancing act between cautious savings and the hope of market-linked growth. With evolving aspirations and economic shifts, there’s a rising demand for smarter, more dynamic solutions. Recognising this need, Policybazaar has partnered with SUD Life to offer the SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Pension Fund, a new, high-potential equity fund designed for its ULIP Pension product, SUD Life Pension Plus. It's a first-of-its-kind equity fund designed to utilise India’s high-growth sectors while prioritizing long-term stability. We’re empowering customers to build a retirement corpus that’s not just secure but also aligned with the momentum of India’s thriving economy.”

Johnson Controls Heat Pumps: Boosting Customer Success By Driving Down Costs And Carbon

* In 2024, Johnson Controls heat pumps cut customers’ annual heating costs 53% while reducing emissions by 60%

Johnson Controls commercial heat pumps are delivering competitive advantage to customers and partners across all industries – from global industrial and manufacturing organizations to hospitals, local municipalities, and utilities – while having a positive impact on the environment. The results are significant: In 2024, Johnson Controls helped cut customers’ expenses by 53% and reduce emissions by 60% compared to conventional natural gas boilers.  

“In this dynamic world, we are working in true partnership with our customers to deliver on multiple key priorities. Our state-of-the-art heat pumps ensure uptime, runtime and reliability. At the same time, cash is being conserved for growth as heating costs are cut by more than half, providing a significant competitive advantage,” said Johnson Controls Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer Katie McGinty. “Achieving these outcomes while also accelerating climate action is just the kind of all-in partnership that our customers are calling for. We are honored to join with them in making the vision a reality today.”

According to the European Heat Pump Association, more than 60% of the energy used by European industries is for heat. Similarly, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that heat pumps could replace up to 80% of industrial boilers in the U.S. by 2050. Both estimates indicate that heat pump-driven electric systems have immense potential to drive energy security, affordability and sustainability. 

The transformative impact of heat pumps on communities and businesses globally is demonstrated through several Johnson Controls projects across the world. For example, a leading food company in Spain saved €1.5 million annually and reduced CO2 emissions by nearly 2,000 tons—the equivalent of the annual emissions of around 400 homes—by installing heat pumps at two manufacturing facilities. In Germany, a hospital utilized a heat pump to tap heat energy 200 meters below the facility, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy costs and producing enough heat to cover 80% of the hospital’s demand, while Children’s Hospital of Alabama in the U.S. put heat pumps and OpenBlue digital solutions to work to reduce natural gas needs by 69% and annual energy costs by $680,000. Starting in 2026, four large-scale heat pumps in Hamburg, Germany, will extract heat from treated wastewater and feed it into the central district heating network, heating around 39,000 homes. And in the U.K., Hounslow Council transitioned from gas boilers to Johnson Controls air source heat pumps, cutting energy costs and CO2 emissions by 50% across more than 60 schools and public buildings. 

Johnson Controls was among the first providers of heat pumps and today offers one of the world’s most comprehensive portfolios for commercial, institutional and industrial organizations. Johnson Controls is helping to lead the transition to more sustainable refrigerants as well, offering heat pumps that use low and ultra-low global warming potential fluids.

Recent innovations include the 400-ton YORK® CYK Water-to-Water Compound Centrifugal Heat Pump, which meets high-temperature requirements of up to 180°F and is up to four times more efficient than traditional boiler and chiller combinations, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. Similarly, the YORK® YMAE modular air-to-water heat pump provides hot water up to 140°F and ensures reliable heating even in harsh winter conditions, making it a versatile and resilient solution for various climates. In Asia, two new heat pumps were recently launched—the YORK ® HPS-H 200 Screw High-Speed VSD Permanent Magnet High Temperature Heat Pump and the YORK Next-Generation YSPA-V Air Source VSD Screw Heat Pump, which provide efficient, energy-saving and low-carbon solutions for various industries. 

To learn more about efficient and cost-saving heat pump solutions, visit the Johnson Controls website.

About Johnson Controls: 

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.  

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.  

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.  

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms. 

Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks Opens Its New Showroom In Davanagere, Karnataka

* It’s 69th showroom of the company and 5th showroom in Karnataka

Sai Silks Kalamandir Ltd (SSKL), one of India’s leading ethnic wear retailers, has launched its 69th showroom under the Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks format in Davanagere, Karnataka. The grand inauguration was graced by Sri Sri Nalvadi Shantalinga Shivacharya Swamiji on June 13.

Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks is renowned for its premium-quality silk sarees at the lowest prices in the market. With its own exclusive looms and in-house designs, the brand ensures direct sourcing and cost efficiency, offering unmatched value to customers. Its extensive collection features Kancheepuram Silk Sarees, Banarasi, Patola, Kota, Paithani, Organza, Kuppadam, Ikkat, Bandhani, and many more – catering to weddings, festive occasions, and everyday elegance.

Speaking on the occasion, Durgarao Chalavadi, Director, Sai Silks Kalamandir Ltd, said, "We are excited to bring the legacy of Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks to Davanagere with our 69th showroom. Our commitment is to provide customers with the best Price, premium Quality, and widest Range (PQR) of ethnic sarees at the most competitive prices. With a strong presence in Karnataka, we aim to redefine the saree shopping experience by offering the best of traditional and contemporary weaves at unbeatable prices."

To strengthen its foothold in Karnataka, SSKL is also investing in a state-of-the-art warehousing facility to support its growing retail network. The brand continues to expand aggressively in South India, which accounts for 50% of saree sales in India, reinforcing its position as a market leader in ethnic wear. 

HRX Expands Fitness Offerings With Launch Of Oat Milk Protein Shakes

HRX, fitness and lifestyle brand, has entered the nutrition space with the launch of its new plant-based Oat Milk Protein Shakes. HRX’s first product in the range, is now available on Curefoods partner cloud kitchens on Swiggy and Zomato, Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and across HRX’s online & offline retail outlets nationwide.

HRX’s Oat Milk Protein Shake is a 100% dairy-free and lactose-free beverage, specially crafted for today’s health-conscious and active individuals. Using oat milk as its base, this plant-powered shake delivers 25g of protein per 200ml serving, making it a clean and effective option for daily protein intake. It contains no processed sugar, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a natural, nutritious boost.

In addition to its high protein content, the shake offers solid nutritional value per 100ml: 12.52g of protein (25.04% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance), 120mg of calcium (12% RDA), 415mg of sodium (20.75% RDA), and 114.54 kcal of energy. These benefits make it not only a convenient post-workout option but also an addition to a balanced, active lifestyle.

The product packaged in a glass bottle is enhancing nutrient retention and reducing plastic waste. With the brand’s core fitness mantra, HRX is redefining what it means to live well and fuel better.

Ankit Nagori, Curefoods, said, “The HRX Protein Shake reflects our commitment to creating convenient, clean-label nutrition that fits today’s active lifestyles. With 25g of plant-based protein and no processed sugar, it offers a practical and wholesome option for those looking to refuel on the go. It’s a product born from the growing demand for accessible, dairy-free, and performance-driven nutrition.”

HRX plans to expand the range with Vanilla (25g), Cold Coffee (18g), and a lighter Chocolate (18g) protein shake. All upcoming products will continue to follow the brand’s commitment to plant protein, oat milk, and natural sweeteners.

About Curefoods: 

Curefoods is a Bangalore-based house of food and beverages brands, founded by Ankit Nagori in 2020. It houses brands like Kitchens of EatFit, CakeZone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai, Olio Pizza, Frozen Bottle, Krispy Kreme, Arambam, and many more. Additional information on Curefoods is available at https://curefoods.in. 

SMEs Are The Quiet Force Behind Karnataka’s Big Business Boom – Kotak

In Karnataka’s thriving business landscape, a quiet force is driving the state’s economic ascent. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), once considered peripheral players, are now at the centre of the state’s industrial and technological boom. From aerospace to electric vehicles, semiconductors to green manufacturing, SMEs are no longer just supporting actors—they’re powering the main stage.

These enterprises have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from traditional setups into digitally empowered, growth-oriented businesses. At the heart of this shift is a new wave of digital banking solutions tailored to their needs. Platforms like Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Kotak fyn are enabling SMEs to operate with agility, precision, and scale. Offering paperless trade finance, seamless collections and payments, and AI-driven analytics, Kotak fyn is helping SMEs manage working capital and unlock new growth opportunities.

“Karnataka’s entrepreneurs are bold, visionary, and digitally fluent,” says Shekhar Bhandari, President – Small and Medium Enterprises at Kotak Mahindra Bank. “They’re not just keeping up—they’re leading. Our Kotak fyn platform is designed to support that ambition, offering universal access across mobile, web, and APIs. It’s intuitive, integrated, and built ‘For Your Needs’.”

This financial empowerment enables SMEs to tap into high-growth sectors and become strategic collaborators in Karnataka’s industrial ecosystem. With over 21.25 lakh registered MSMEs, the state is a powerhouse of entrepreneurial energy—driving innovation, employment, and exports.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is expanding its footprint across key hubs like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi-Dharwad, reinforcing its commitment to SME growth. By investing in digital infrastructure and customer-centric platforms, the bank is helping SMEs become more resilient, productive, and globally competitive.

As Karnataka continues to attract global investments and scale new industrial heights, its SMEs are quietly but powerfully shaping the future. Their rise is a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets the right support—and Kotak is proud to be part of that journey.

Capri Global Capital Limited Successfully Raises Rs 2,000 Crores Through Qualified Institutions Placement

* Offering receives overwhelming response from investors – a testimony to robust financial performance, positive outlook, and the strong growth potential of the company

Capri Global Capital Limited (“Capri Loans”), a non-banking financial company, announced the successful completion of its Qualified Institutions Placement (“QIP”), raising primary equity capital of Rs 2,000 crores by issuing approx 136.5m shares to Qualified Institutional Buyers in compliance with SEBI ICDR Regulations. The QIP Committee authorised by the Board convened on June 12, 2025, to approve the pricing and allotment in the QIP.

This marks the first QIP by the Company in the last decade. The issue witnessed overwhelming response led by diverse pool of institutional investors including foreign and domestic long only funds, mutual funds and insurance companies notably Quant Mutual Fund, 3P Investment, BlackRock, Think Investments, Allspring Global Investments, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, HDFC Life Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, SBI General Insurance, HDFC Ergo General Insurance, TATA AIF, MK Ventures Capital and many other long only investors, reaffirming Company’s execution and technological strength, robust governance and long-term vision.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Managing Director, Capri Global Capital Ltd, said, "The successful QIP marks a significant milestone in Company’s growth journey. The capital raised will enable us to capitalise on growth opportunities across key lending verticals, expand our geographical presence, invest in AI & data science capabilities and strengthen our capital base. This will also open up new avenues for us to diversify our borrowings and further solidify our liability franchise. As we scale responsibly, our focus remains on driving inclusive credit access, higher productivity and efficiency while building a resilient portfolio. We are encouraged by the continued trust of our existing shareholders and welcome the new shareholders. We remain committed to deliver a robust financial performance and create long-term value for all our stakeholders."

About Capri Global Capital Ltd:

Capri Global Capital Limited (“Capri Loans”) is a well-diversified retail focused Non-Banking Financial Company listed on the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited. With an AUM of over Rs 22,857+ Crore and serving customer base of over 5.5 Lakhs through more than 11,400 employees and 1,100+ branches  as of March 31, 2025 across Northern and Western geographies, Capri Loans offers a wide range of secured and collateralized loans through four primary lending segments such as MSME Loans, Gold Loans and Construction Finance and offers Housing Loans through its 100% subsidiary Capri Global Housing Finance Limited (“CGHFL”). Capri Loans also has fee-based businesses such as distribution of car loan products in partnership with 12 banks and financial institutions and has a composite license for distribution of Life, General and Health insurance policies.

For further information, visit:  www.capriloans.in   

Isuzu Motors India Appoints Pristine ISUZU As New Dealer Partner In Bengaluru, Karnataka

-       Inaugurates Pristine ISUZU’s 3S facility in Hosur Main Road

In a move to further strengthen its footprint in Karnataka, Isuzu Motors India inaugurated its lifestyle 3S facility – Pristine ISUZU in Bengaluru today. Located on Hosur Main Road near Silk Board, one of the city’s key auto and commercial corridors, the expansive 11,000 sq. ft. outlet is designed to offer a superior and seamless brand experience for ISUZU vehicle owners.

The 3S facility was inaugurated by Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President & Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India along with officials from Isuzu Motors India and Pristine ISUZU. This marks Pristine’s second ISUZU facility after Hubballi and contribute to the brand’s overall network of five outlets currently in Karnataka.  

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President & Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, “We have built a strong partnership with Pristine ISUZU and are delighted to expand our association with the launch of this new 3S facility in Bengaluru. Karnataka is a key market for us, and we remain committed to expanding our service network across the country to ensure seamless support and foster meaningful relationships with our customers throughout their ownership journey. Our collaboration with trusted partners like Pristine enables us to deliver on that promise consistently.”

Mr. D V Badrinath, Manging Director, Pristine ISUZU and Shivashankar K, Director, Pristine ISUZU jointly expressed that this touchpoint reflect their continued focus on delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence for the brand.

“With over two decades of industry expertise, we aim to uphold the standards of quality and reliability that have long defined us. Our focus will remain on delighting customers and providing a superior sales and service experience to ISUZU owners in and around the Bengaluru region,” Mr. Badrinath, added.

The integrated service facility features modern layout along with 9 service bays and a dedicated paint-booth. It is staffed by trained professionals to ensure high-quality, efficient service delivery. With a strong emphasis on reliability and customer satisfaction, the new centre is poised to deliver consistent, dependable support while further strengthening ISUZU’s presence in the region.

About Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd.

Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012. Headquartered in Chennai, the company sells the popular ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross – India’s First Lifestyle and Adventure Pick-up, the Hi-Lander - All-rounder Pick-up and the ISUZU mu-X, premium 7-seater SUV in the personal vehicle segment and variants of ISUZU D-MAX pick-ups – S-CAB, S-CAB Z and Regular Cab, for the commercial segment. ISUZU vehicles are known for their reliability and performance around the world. Recently, IMI launched its fully-built Ambulance model that meets AIS-125 Type C specs. Renowned the world-over, ISUZU vehicles are gaining huge significance in the Indian market as well, thanks to the ‘value proposition’ it offers the customers.  

Isuzu Motors India manufactures these products at its modern manufacturing plant in Sri City, spread over an area of 107 acres in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The company began its manufacturing operations in April 2016, with strong focus on quality and commitment to Indian market. In February 2020, Isuzu Motors India commenced the start of its Phase-II operations with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Press Shop facility and engine assembly plant. 

IMI started export of its ‘Made-in-India’ vehicles and has emerged as the India’s top exporter of commercial vehicles (CVs) in FY2024-25, as per SIAM report. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Isuzu Motors India is committed to providing products and services of the highest level of quality to ensure customer delight.  The company has dedicated dealer touch-points, conveniently located in 90 locations across the country. For more information on the company, and its products/services. www.isuzu.in