CHENNAI PLUS

Indian Bank presented the  Financial Results for the Quarter/Nine Month ended 31st December 24 at a press conference held on 29th January 2025 at Indian Bank, Corporate Office, Royapettah, Chennai. It is reported that  Indian Bank's Global Business increased to ₹ 12. 61 lakh Cr, marking an 8% year-over-year growth. The Net Profit surged by 35% YoY to ₹ 2852 Cr in Dec’24 from ₹ 2119 Cr in Dec’23, with Operating Profit also rising by 16% YoY to ₹ 4749 Cr in Dec’24.  Key metrics like Net Interest Income, Fee-based income, and various ratios like Return on Assets, Return on Equity, and Cost-to-Income Ratio improved compared to the previous year. The bank saw growth in Gross Advances, Domestic Deposits, and digital banking channels. Furthermore, it received several awards and accolades for its digital transformation initiatives and performance in the banking sector. Indian Bank's focus is on providing tailored solutions to customers through an omni channel experience, with a s...

Chalet Hotels Limited has released its results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2025, ending December 31, 2024.In Q3FY25, the company reported total income of INR 4. 6 billion, a 22% increase from Q3FY24. The total EBITDA was INR 2. 1 billion, up by 23% compared to the same period last year. In the hospitality segment, revenue reached INR 4. 0 billion, a 17% increase, with an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of INR 12,944, marking an 18% rise. The occupancy rate was 70%, and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) improved by 16% year-over-year to INR 9,090, leading to an EBITDA of INR 1. 8 billion. Other highlights include additional leasing in the Rental and Annuity segment, being recognized as one of India's top hotel developers, and receiving the Great Place to Work® certification for the sixth year.The development pipeline includes expansions and renovations in various locations, with several hotel projects scheduled for completion in the coming years. CEO Sanjay Sethi noted the...

ITC’s Sunfeast, known for bringing differentiated senatorial experiences to consumers in the biscuits category, announces its latest launch - Sunfeast Wowzers. Designed to redefine the cracker segment with an unparalleled blend of crunchiness and delightful flavours, Sunfeast Wowzers is here to redefine snack time, and bring a sweet, indulgent twist to the savoury cracker category. ‘Crunchiness’stood out as one of the key factors driving consumer preference in crackers, and Sunfeast Wowzers boasts a remarkable 14-layer enrobed cracker design, offering exceptional crispiness and an indulgent texture. Breaking away from conventional flavours, Sunfeast Wowzers introduces two delightful variants– Cheese crème enrobed cracker and Lemon crèmeen robed cracker. These distinctive flavours, combined with a sprinkle of sugar for added delight and 14 crispy layers, gives a truly multi textural experience that appeals to both homemakers seeking indulgent treats for their families and young adu...

TANKER Foundation held its 32nd Annual Charity and Awards Nite on January 27, 2025, at Hotel Savera, RK Salai, Chennai.The program started with the Mr. Venkatesan & Mrs. Malathi Venkatesan TANKER Foundation Memorial Lecture by Mr. V. Gururajan, a 32-year post transplant survivor. He shared his personal journey, including his brother's decision to donate a kidney to him and the support he received from family and friends. He discussed how he maintains his health through diet, exercise, yoga, and meditation. Dr. Georgi Abraham, Founder Trustee of TANKER Foundation, emphasized the importance of research in preventing kidney disease, highlighting TANKER's collaborative efforts with doctors and specialists across India. The Chief Guest, Thiru Ma. Subramanian, the Honourable Minister of Health & Family Welfare of Tamil Nadu, praised TANKER's dedication and called attention to chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a significant public health challenge. He urged for more ...

Godrej Agrovet Limited has launched Argo Rid, a fish lice controller developed with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE). This product not only heals lesions caused by parasitic attachment on fish but also boosts their immune systems, helping aqua farmers improve fish health. Argulus infections impact about 48% of Indian aquaculture ponds, causing annual losses of around USD 62. 5 million. Argo Rid is designed to be user-friendly and can be easily integrated into existing feeding practices for both small and large fish farmers. Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director of Godrej Agrovet, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing research-based solutions that improve efficiency and support farming families sustainably. He expressed confidence that partnerships like the one with ICAR-CIFE will drive significant progress in the aquaculture industry and enhance India's global fisheries standing. Dr. Mohammad Aklakur...

Amazon India has launched # DikhogeTohBikoge (which translates to 'If you're visible, you'll sell'), a new brand campaign to strengthen awareness about how selling on its digital marketplaces is simple and effective for small businesses in India. The campaign features three creative and humorous commercials - each showing a different scenario where sellers take unconventional routes to promote and sell their products. These videos highlight the benefits of Amazon’s marketplaces for sellers, such as wide customer base, access to 100% of India's serviceable pin codes and 18+ global marketplaces. The campaign emphasizes Amazon’s commitment to empowering businesses of all sizes by making online selling accessible and impactful. It has been designed, conceptualized and produced by Enormous Brands LLP. #DikhogeTohBikoge Campaign: ·          Ad Film 1: Reach crores of customers with Amazon ·          Ad Film...

The Vidyodaya Schools Alumni Association (Poorva Vidhyarthini Samaj) held its Annual Reunion on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Vidyodaya School, with over 200 former students attending from various years. The school's Correspondent and Heads shared updates on current students' achievements in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Eighteen old and three retiring teachers were honored, including Mrs. Victoria, a beloved Sports Teacher who reflected on her 40 years at Vidyodaya. The alumni presented 12 scholarships, totaling Rs. 1. 44 Lakhs, to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, with plans to increase this to Rs. 15,000 per child next year. Varied stalls were well appreciated, and the 1975 batch donated smart boards worth Rs. 2 Lakhs for their 50th anniversary. Many contributed to scholarships, including Ms. Dakshayani, who donated Rs. 50,000 for a sports scholarship. The evening concluded with games and a delicious high tea, creating a nostalgic atmosp...

Almost 250,000 people die of kidney failure in India every year, making it the third leading cause of death after cancer and heart disease. Globally, one in ten people suffers from some form of kidney disease, and many, especially in India, lack the financial means for treatment. In Tamil Nadu, approximately 14,440 people face kidney failure annually, yet only 10% can access necessary care. To help those in need, the TANKER (Tamilnad Kidney Research) Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established in June 1993. Its mission is to provide subsidized dialysis, one-time financial support for medications, investigations, and transplants, while also promoting awareness about kidney diseases. TANKER serves underprivileged individuals suffering from any kidney-related issues, regardless of their background. TANKER operates 14 dialysis units, with 11 located in Chennai and others in Madurai, Vellore, and Tiruppur. The Ambattur unit is supported by the Ambattur Rotary Club and Hospita...

PURE EV , one of India’s leading electric two wheeler manufacturers, announced a significant upgrade to X Platform , the X Platform 3.0 . This new platform powered by advanced AI technology, marks a significant step forward in enhancing the user experience, delivering advanced features aimed at improving vehicle performance, connectivity, and overall rider convenience. One of the standout features of the X Platform 3.0 is the introduction of Thrill Mode, which boosts torque and overall performance by 25%, offering users a more exhilarating riding experience. This feature is designed for those who seek a dynamic and powerful drive, setting new benchmarks in electric vehicle performance. Commenting on the launch, Dr. Nishanth Dongari, Founder and MD of PURE EV said, "With the introduction of X Platform 3.0, we are stepping into the next phase of the electric mobility revolution by seamlessly integrating advanced AI technologies. This platform is unique to PURE EV and represents ...

The Government of Telangana has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JSW UAV Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Defence, to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to make Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the state. As part of this strategic initiative, JSW UAV is set to invest approximately ₹800 crores in the project, through a technology arrangement with a leading US-based defence technology company. The MoU was signed in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Telegana, Shri Revant Reddy and Parth Jindal of JSW Group in the presence of senior dignitaries from the state on the side lines of the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Revanth Reddy, Honorable Chief Minister of Telengana, said, “Hyderabad, and Telengana, was long positioned in the global market as software and pharma leader. With clear vision and diligent efforts, we are now establishing Telengana as a clear leader for investments in ...

Hitachi Payment Services, a leading end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider in India, has announced a strategic partnership with IvyCamp, a global alumni-based engagement initiative of IvyCap Ventures to propel digital payment innovation through Hitachi Payments Accelerator (HPX) program.A groundbreaking program, Hitachi Payments Accelerator ( HPX)aims to engage with fintech startups and  foster innovation by accelerating the development of technology solutions. The collaboration will identify and mentor promising startups in domains such as ERP/Billing, Segmented Payment Solutions, Embedded Finance, Issuance, Payments Compliance, Banking as a Service, AI/Gen AI, Core Banking, Web 3.0/CBDC and more.  Selected startups will gain access to §   Extensive customer networks and a platform to launch and scale their innovations. §   Integration with Hitachi Payment Services’ advanced technology stack. §   The opportunity to pilot their solutions, wi...

LG Electronics India, is proud to celebrate the spirit of Republic Day with its exclusive campaign, ‘The Nation Calls for Celebration.’ This special promotion brings an array of exciting offers and benefits, aiming to make this Republic Day truly memorable for its customers.   Customers can avail themselves of exclusive deals across LG’s product range, designed to cater to every household need. Key highlights include paying just ₹26 now and restin easy EMIs, cashback of up to 32.5% (equivalent to savings up to ₹50,000) on select models, and fixed EMI options starting at ₹888 . Special Free Gifts and Benefits For Home Appliances , LG offers a mini refrigerator worth ₹11,999 free with select InstaView Refrigerator models, an 8-piece Borosil glass lock kit worth ₹5,000 free with select refrigerator models, and a glass bowl kit free with select microwave oven models. Additionally, a 5-year warranty on PCB and motor is provided for select LG home appliances.   In the Home E...

Apollo Research Academy hosted an exclusive guest lecture by Prof. Peter Coveney on the topic "The Role of Digital Twins in Healthcare" today at Madras Club for senior healthcare consultants. The event was organised by Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO of Apollo Hospitals Division, along with Prof. Ravi Mahajan, Director – Research & Innovation, Apollo Hospitals Group.   Digital twin technology is a tool which involves the creation of a detailed, real-time virtual replica of a physical object or a system. When applied to the medical field, this technology can have a profound impact, as creating a ‘twin’ of a patient’s body may help visualize and predict how their body may react to certain treatments. With today’s computing power at hand, a complete simulation of the physical body of a patient, including internal systems, biological processes and genetic makeup as well as patient history can be created. Using this virtual twin, doctors can then prescribe highly per...

The Energy Solutions business of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has announced its strategic focus on driving significant investments towards power infrastructure projects supporting India’s clean energy drive. Aligning with company’s broader vision of “Nation Building” to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions, the business will prioritize Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh for its Power Infrastructure and green energy projects. With a strong focus on these states, Godrej Enterprises Group seeks to play a key role in building power infrastructure for renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting the country’s commitment to achieving 500GW of non-fossil fuel-based power by 2030. The business is targeting to grow at a CAGR of over 20% in the next 3-5 years, driven by its growing portfolio of Extra High Voltage Power Transmission Projects up to 765kV and strategic investments in solar power and green energy infrastructure. ...

In its first 'Careers of the Future' summit held in Delhi, Amazon announced that its Amazon Future Engineer program, launched in 2021, has trained 3 million government school students and over 20,000 teachers across 272 districts in 8 Indian states. This program aims to reduce the gender gap in the technology field by targeting students in grades 6 and above from tier 2 cities. It offers multi-lingual learning materials in seven Indian languages, allowing students to engage with advanced computer science modules. Students learn to build applications and gain insights into AI, coding, and the impact of technology through hands-on projects.   To specifically support young women in technology, Amazon will provide 500 merit-based scholarships, each worth INR 2 lakhs, for female students studying computer science or related fields. This initiative not only provides financial support but also includes mentorship from Amazon staff, personalized coding boot camps, and access to perso...

Leading independent brand  valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance today announced HCLTech  as the world's fastest-growing IT services brand in its 2025 Global 500 and IT Services Top 25 Report released in Davos. HCLTech’s brand value increased by 17% year-on-year to $8.9 billion. This recognition highlights the sustained growth of the HCLTech brand, which in last year’s report was the fastest growing among the top 10 IT services brands. "FY24 saw HCLTech deliver solid market performance with our revenue growth rate the highest among tier 1 global IT services companies and our early leadership in the AI and GenAI space. This exceptional performance is directly mirrored in our brand valuation, showcasing the strong correlation between our business achievements and our brand's market perception," said Jill Kouri, Chief Marketing Officer at HCLTech. David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, remarked: "HCLTech has once again exhibited exceptional growth in ...

A.M. Jain College, a leading institution in Chennai dedicated to academic excellence, soft launched the college’s Nalanda Library, a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve as a hub of knowledge. Nalanda Library Hosted the book review of the renowned journalist and author Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai’s latest release‘ 2024: The Election that Surprised India’ . The library is equipped with an extensive collection of books, digital resources and dedicated study spaces, providing students and faculty with an enriching environment for learning and research.The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including Shri. R. Ganapathi (Former President - SICCI), member of the advisory council of the institution Shri. K.S. Sripathi, (Former Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu), Dr. Krishna Balasubramaniam (Professor, IIT Madras) and Mr. Jayaramakrishnan (Managing Director, MITRAA).   Shri. Mahendra Dadha, Joint Secretary of the Sri S.S. Jain Educational Society graced the function and felicitate...

Neeraj Parakh appointed CEO of Reliance Power Ltd. Neeraj Parakh joined the Reliance Group 21 years ago, in June 2004, as an Additional Manager in the Central Technical Services team at Reliance Infrastructure (Reliance Infra). Over the years, he has steadily taken on increasingly challenging roles and responsibilities. From his initial focus on planning, project monitoring, technical services, and project execution, he advanced to operations and maintenance roles in both Reliance Power and Reliance Infra. He later transitioned to the Central Procurement Group and Indirect Taxation, gaining diverse experience that has honed his leadership skills and developed his expertise across technology, commercial operations, and taxation. With 29 years of professional experience, including more than 20 years with Reliance, he has been instrumental in delivering numerous large-scale projects such as Yamuna Nagar, Hisar, Rosa, Sasan, Butibori, Damodar Valley Corporation, and renewable energy ven...

  Infrastructure company PNC Infratech has received in principle approvals from NHAI to transfer 100% stake held by it in two subsidiaries (SPVs) for the Bundelkhand and Khajuraho road projects to the KKR-backed Highways Infrastructure Trust. With this, the PNC-KKR deal is on track for closure by 31 st March 2025 as PNC Infratech is in the process of fulfilling the conditions precedents (CPs) for the transaction. One of the major CPs under the deal included change in control approvals from the highway authorities and no objection certificates from the lenders to the projects, according to a person aware of the development.   PNC has now obtained a change in control approval from NHAI for 8 of the assets, and the approvals for 2 more assets are expected by January 2025, NOCs have also been obtained almost from all the lenders, said the person quoted above. The Company shall be able to close the deal for 10 of the 12 assets by the close of this financial year, comprisin...

Veritas Finance Limited, a retail focused non-deposit taking NBFC registered with the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”), and under the scale-based regulations of the RBI, classified as an ‘NBFC-Middle Layer’, has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). As a diversified, retail-focused NBFC, it primarily provides small business loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”) and self-employed individuals, and over the years, has expanded its business to include home loans and used commercial vehicle loans. The public offer aggregating up to Rs. 2,800 crore comprises of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs. 600crore (“THE FRESH ISSUE”) and an offer for sale of equity shares aggregating up to Rs. 2,200 crore by the Selling Shareholders (“OFFER FOR SALE”) with a face value of ₹ 10 each per equity share. The public offer includes a reservation of equity shares for subscription by Eligible employees (“EMPLOYEE RESERV...

NITI Aayog and the Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) are working together to protect and educate vulnerable children in India. Their goal is to declare 15,000 villages in 104 blocks as 'Child Marriage Free' within a year. The Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) supports this effort and aims to make the Salem and Chennai Districts free from child exploitation, including child labor, trafficking, marriage, and abuse. Both ICWO and AVA are part of Just Rights for Children, a network of over 250 NGOs focused on child protection across 416 districts.   A Statement of Intent (SoI) has been signed to target Aspirational Blocks in 73 districts and create Bal Surakshit Grams, a model to build communities free from child marriage and exploitation. This initiative supports the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.   A. J. Hariharan from ICWO emphasizes their ongoing efforts to eliminate child marriage in accordance wit...