CHENNAI PLUS

S. A. Jaishwin Kumar, a student of std VII - D studying at MCC Higher Secondary School, Chetpet, is creative and talented. He has received 3 distinction certificates for academics.  His goal is to become a professor to help students in their careers and engage in social service. He thanks his elders for their guidance and wishes all his well-wishers a Happy New Year 2025.

Thiru Vi Ka School Old Boys Association (19/45, 8th Cross 1 Street West, Shenoy Nagar) will be conducting an Alumni meet on 26th January 2025 at Thiru Vi Ka School (38/ discussed at the meet. 39, 1st Main Road West, Chennai. A gift pack and lunch will be Bhagavathi Amman Temple, Shenoy Nagar. A.S.Arul (President) and D. Vadivel (Secretary) of the Association told that for participating in the meet is Rs.500. A gift pack and lunch will be provided to all the participants. The Association contact numbers are 94440 45429 and 94449 06604.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life was a testament to humility, wisdom, and service to India. As the Guru Granth Sahib says, ‘Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala’—‘With the Divine Name comes eternal optimism; by Your will, may there be well-being for all.’ His vision and integrity will inspire generations. A guiding light has left us.” – Anil D. Ambani

Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, former Prime Minister of India and the visionary leader behind India’s economic liberalization. A statesman of humility and wisdom-India owes him a debt of gratitude.

Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML), known for its Ampere, Eltra, and Ele electric vehicles, has filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI to raise funds through an IPO. The IPO includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs. 1000 crores and an offer for sale of about 18. 9 crore shares by selling shareholders. Greaves Cotton Ltd. will sell 5. 1 crore shares, and Abdul Latif Jameel Green Mobility Solutions DMCC will sell 13. 8 crore shares.   GEML plans to use the fresh issue funds for technology development, battery assembly, and expanding manufacturing capacities at its subsidiaries. The company offers electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers for both personal and commercial markets. As of September 30, 2024, GEML had three manufacturing facilities and reported revenue of Rs. 611. 8 crores for Fiscal 2024. Motilal Oswal, IIFL, and JM Financial are the lead managers for the IPO.

Equitas Small Finance Bank, a leading SFB in India, celebrates its commitment to financial inclusion and making a social impact. Since it started, Equitas has focused on empowering people and communities beyond just banking, making efforts in various social and economic initiatives.   Mr. P N Vasudevan, MD & CEO, highlighted the bank's mission to empower lives and build sustainable communities. He emphasized the positive changes brought by the Equitas Development Initiatives Trust (EDIT), which receives 5% of the bank's profits each year. EDIT has helped restore vision for thousands, provided quality education, and trained many women in skills. Equitas aims to fight poverty and inequality while looking forward to a brighter future.   Over recent years, Equitas has achieved significant milestones, including 31 lakh+ eye care beneficiaries, 3 lakh+ lives affected by Job Fairs, 7000+ students in Equitas Gurukul Schools, 6 lakh+ women trained, and 5000+ pavement dwellers r...

Amidst a year of growth and multiple group-level re-ratings, Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL) received another upgrade from S&P Global on December 20. The agency upgraded VRL’s corporate family rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’. With this, VRL’s rating by S&P has gone up by five notches from ‘CC’ in Dec 2023 to ‘B’ in Dec 2024.     S&P said in its report that the upgrade comes after VRL obtained the minimum acceptances needed to close its consent solicitation exercise for 2028 bonds. “The stable outlook reflects our expectation that refinancing risks will be more manageable after the transaction given a newfound funding flexibility and improved capital market access,” the agency said in its report.   “The stable outlook also reflects the company's sound underlying operations, which should support internal cash generation and refinancing efforts,” it added.   The S&P upgrade follows a successful consent solicitation exercise initiated by VRL. In this, VRL's...

Recently the INTUC held a major protest in Thoothukudi to highlight the severe economic and employment crisis in the district. It was attended by over 1.500 people. Among them were families left without livelihoods and those businesses that do not seem to have a future.   “For the last few years, the district has not seen any economic progress, Things have only deteriorated with people losing jobs and most new jobs they get are with much lower salaries. Many families are either moving out of the district looking for jobs or families are split with the men going to other areas to find employment. Lots of businesses have closed as they do not have industries that are able to hire their services,” said a spokesperson for INTUC.   The Union sees closure of Sterlite Copper as a major reason why there are over 4,000 families without livelihoods, disruption of 400 downstream industries, and idled over 1,000 trucks and tankers critical for logistics. The closure has also slashed 4...

Schaeffler India has appointed Mr. Sharad Bhatia as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS), effective 2 December 2024. In this role, Mr. Bhatia will lead efforts to enhance Schaeffler India’s involvement in the mobility ecosystem, focusing on sustainable and advanced motion technology solutions.   Mr. Bhatia has over 24 years of experience in the automotive parts industry. He has successfully built strong business platforms and launched innovative products to meet changing customer demands. His background in the aftermarket service parts sector is particularly beneficial for Schaeffler India, especially as the company grows its VLS segment aimed at improving vehicle longevity and sustainability through advanced technology.   Mr. Bhatia has worked in various multinational organizations in markets including Indonesia, China, Singapore, and Italy. Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO of Schaeffler India, expressed excitement about Mr. Bhatia joi...

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, stated that the New Year and Christmas season is a great time for travelers seeking relaxation, whether for domestic or international trips. Travelers are increasingly willing to spend more money to create memorable experiences. During the holidays, most bookings are for pairs and families, although solo travel is also rising, especially for international trips.   The top 20 domestic destinations make up 40% of all travel searches this holiday season, with Goa being the most popular. Other cities like Manali, Varanasi, Mussoorie, and Udaipur have seen significant growth in searches. Notably, 40% of these top destinations are hill stations from North and South India. The list of the top 20 searched domestic cities includes Goa, Mumbai, Udaipur, Delhi, Jaipur, Manali, Puri, Bengaluru, Munnar, Varanasi, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Hyderabad, Ooty, Jaisalmer, Kolkata, Coorg, Mussoorie, Pondicherry, and Shimla.   For internat...

Reliance Power Limited (Reliance Power) subsidiary, Reliance NU Suntech Private Limited (Reliance NU Suntech) received the Letter of Award from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for its proposed Solar 930 MW and 465 MW/1860 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. The project will see the largest deployment of grid storage batteries at a single site, not only in India but also in Asia, besides China. The competitive tariff with assured supply of peak power for 4 hours in a day will be a welcome relief for DISCOMs that have had to consistently buy power from the power exchanges during peak hours at the cap of INR 10 per unit. Reliance NU Suntech won the landmark 930 MW solar energy contract with battery energy storage system project (BESS) from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) in an e-reverse auction held on 9 th December 2024. As per the terms of the tender, Reliance NU Suntech will also install a minimum storage capacity of 465 MW/1,860 MWh charged by solar p...

HCLTech has launched an innovation lab for SAP Business AI in Munich, Germany, allowing clients to explore industry applications and enhance their AI programs. This new facility highlights the strategic partnership between HCLTech and SAP, facilitating a smooth transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud through RISE with SAP using SAP Business AI technology. The lab is integrated with HCLTech’s global AI & Cloud Native Lab network and employs advanced AI solutions from the HCLTech AI Force platform combined with SAP AI Core infrastructure. Key focus areas of the lab include: 1. Value Stream Transformation: Accelerating the use of RISE with SAP and modernizing industry value chains with GenAI-driven products and tools, including HCLTech AI Foundry. 2. Service Transformation: Improving SAP software development with innovative delivery methods like AI Force, which utilizes GenAI acceleration. 3. Cloud Native Transformation: Enhancing cloud operations with GenAI capabilities. Vijay ...

Godrej Professional, a prominent hair brand under Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), has appointed Bollywood star Sharvari as its first brand ambassador. The announcement occurred during the Godrej Professional Spotlight finale, which honors hairstylists nationally. Sharvari, known for her roles in films like Munjya, Maharaj, and Vedaa, embodies the brand's focus on style, confidence, and empowerment. Her fashionable image aligns well with Godrej Professional, making her an excellent fit for the brand.   Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager of GCPL, expressed enthusiasm about Sharvari's appointment, highlighting her status as a fashion icon with a significant fan following. He stated that her connection with Godrej Professional comes during a period of growth for the brand in the hair and beauty sector.  Sharvari shared her excitement about the partnership, noting it is an honor to represent Godrej Professional. She acknowledged the brand's long-standing reputation in Ind...

London-based consumer tech brand, Nothing, announced the rollout of Nothing OS 3.0 (NOS 3.0), powered by Android 15. Designed to embody Nothing’s signature identity, NOS 3.0 introduces new features and enhancements that elevate the user experience while paving the way for more customizable and shareable interactions. NOS 3.0 introduces a new native Photo Gallery app packed with innovative features, including an advanced search function and expanded editing tools like filters, markups, and suggestions. This update offers users new ways to stay connected, allowing interaction with friends and family via Shared Widgets displayed on the newly designed, fully customisable lock screen . Enhanced Productivity Widgets like the new Countdown Widget allow users to stay on track, while the AI-powered Smart Drawer enables users to automatically categorize their apps into folders, for more efficient organization and access. NOS 3.0 will feature additional updates and enhancements including:...

Lava International Limited , t h e leading Indian smartphone manufacturer , announced the launch of its latest innovation, the LAVA Blaze Duo 5G. This smartphone is crafted to meet the evolving needs of today’s tech-savvy users, offering a blend of exceptional performance and innovative features at an introductory price starting ₹14,999 # (inclusive of bank offers ). The Blaze Duo 5G will be available in two variants: 6GB+6GB* and 8GB+8GB*, both offering 128GB UFS 3.1 storage. Blaze Duo exclusive sale will begin on Amazon starting December 20th. The Blaze Duo 5G is powered by the advanced MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset with AnTuTu Score of 500K+, ensuring robust performance across all applications. Its unique 4.02cm (1.58”) Secondary AMOLED Rear Display provides unparalleled convenience for tasks like taking selfies with the rear camera, receiving calls, viewing notifications, and controlling music, all without turning on the main screen. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sumit Singh...

Security Solutions business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has once again set the benchmark in security innovation by presenting its latest offerings at IFSEC India 2024, South Asia’s largest security expo held at New Delhi, from 12 th to 14 th December. The company showcased a robust portfolio of state-of-the-art home and institutional security solutions, reflecting its commitment to enhancing safety and redefining the security experience for users. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Pushkar Gokhale, Executive Vice-President and Business Head of the Security Solutions Business at Godrej & Boyce , stated, " With the growing demand for sophisticated Security solutions, IFSEC India remains an invaluable platform for us to demonstrate our expertise, showcase our latest innovations, and connect with industry leaders, partners, and customers.  The Surveillance industry is growing rapidly and is poised to reach US$ 4.3 billion by end of this year and ...

Transrail Lighting Limited (“TLL” or “The Company”), shall open the Bid / Offer Period in relation to its initial public offer of the Equity Shares on Thursday, December 19, 2024 for subscription and close on Monday, December 23, 2024. The Anchor Investor Bid/Offer Period opens and closes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The initial public offering comprises of a fresh issue of Equity Shares aggregating up to ₹4,000 million   and an offer for sale aggregating up to 10,160,000 Equity Shares (“Offer for Sale”) by one of the Promoters of the Company, Ajanma Holdings Private Limited (“Promoter Selling Shareholder”). The Company proposes to utilize the Net Proceeds towards funding (i) incremental working capital requirements of the Company; (ii) capital expenditure of the Company; and (iii) general corporate purposes. The Price Band of the Offer has been fixed at ₹ 410.00 to ₹ 432.00 per Equity Share. Bids can be made for a minimum of 34 Equity Shares and in multiples of 34 Equity...

  DAM Capital Advisors Limited (the “ Company ”), proposes to open its initial public offering (the “ Offer ”) on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Bid/ Offer Closing Date will be Monday, December 23, 2024. Anchor Investor Bidding Date is one Working Day prior to Bid/Offer Opening Date, that is, Wednesday, December 18, 2024.    The Price Band of the Offer has been fixed from ₹ 269/- per Equity Share to ₹ 283/- per Equity Share. Bids can be made for a minimum of 53 Equity Shares and in multiples of 53 Equity Shares thereafter.   The Equity Shares offered through the Red Herring Prospectus (“ RHP ”) are proposed to be listed on BSE Limited (“ BSE ”) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“ NSE ”). Nuvama Wealth Management Limited is the sole book running lead manager (“ Book Running Lead Manager ” or “ BRLM ”) to the Offer.

Concord Enviro Systems Limited (“ CESL ” or “The Company ”), shall open the Bid / Offer Period in relation to its initial public offer of the Equity Shares on  Thursday,  December 19, 2024. The Anchor Investor Bid/Offer Period opens and closes on Wednes day , December 18, 2024 . The Bid/Offer Period will close on Monday, December 23, 2024. ( “Bid Details” ) The Price Band of the Offer has been fixed at ₹ 665 to ₹ 701 per Equity Share (“ Price Band ”). Bids can be made for a minimum of 21 Equity Shares and in multiples of 21 Equity Shares thereafter. ( “Bid Lot” ). The Offer comprises of fresh issue of Equity Shares aggregating upto 1,750.00 million and the offer for sale comprises of up to 4,186,368 Equity Shares by AF Holdings (“ Investor Selling Shareholder ”); up to 150,600 Equity Shares by Prayas Goel, up to 150,500 Equity by Prerak Goel (together with Prayas Goel, the “ Promoter Selling Shareholders ”); up to 92,420 Equity Shares by Pushpa Goel, up to 31,500 Equ...

At its inaugural Smbhav Summit in 2020, Amazon had pledged to digitize 10 million small businesses, enable $20 billion in cumulative exports, and create 2 million direct and indirect jobs in India by 2025. The Company is on track to fulfil these pledges, with significant progress already achieved.   "Over the last 4-5 years, we have invested significant time and effort towards the pledges we announced at the inaugural Smbhav Summit in 2020. We are humbled to share that we have hit our pledge to digitize 10 million small businesses one year ahead of time and have enabled over 12 million small businesses to become a part of India’s digital economy. We have enabled nearly $13 billion in cumulative exports and have created nearly 1.4 million direct and indirect jobs in India," said Samir Kumar, Country Manager, Amazon India. The company has now increased its exports pledge four-fold, planning to enable $80 billion in cumulative exports by 2030.

Bike taxis, a critical lifeline for millions across Tamil Nadu, are under threat following the Transport Department's directive to tighten compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act. Zonal and regional officers have been instructed to conduct special audits, casting uncertainty over the future of this essential service. This move arises amidst complaints of alleged rule violations, jeopardizing a service relied upon daily by over 4 lakh residents , including 1 lakh women commuters , for affordable and accessible transport. With over 10 lakh registered captains , including 25,000 women captains , bike taxis have transformed urban mobility by offering rides at less than Rs 10 per km — half the price of traditional options. They empower communities economically, with 1 lakh captains earning a livelihood every day and cumulative earnings exceeding Rs 3,000 crore since inception. Initiatives like Bike Pink not only ensure safe travel for women but also create significant employment oppo...