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Over 100 Luminaries of Performance and Growth Marketing Address CLICK 2025

CLICK 2025, India’s leading performance and growth marketing conference, organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), concluded yesterday at Andaz, New Delhi. The conference, registering over 6000 footfalls, brought together marketers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss emerging trends and strategies in performance marketing. More than 100 speakers from the digital marketing ecosystem addressed over 20 sessions across two days, including 25+ masterclasses and case studies.

Speaking at a session on high-performance new-age brands, Sidharth Shakdher, CMO & Business Head – Paytm commented, “High performance brands are able to build sustainable growth loops. They use data very effectively, whether deterministic or probabilistic, to learn consumer cohorts and intelligently drive the next step in growth.”

During his panel discussion,Rajiv Dubey, VP Marketing Experience at Dabur India Ltd., said, “Connected TV is going to be mainstream as every TV is turning into a smart TV and screens are only getting bigger. What’s lacking is a unified measurement system – we need a framework that brings TV and CTV together. But one thing is certain: If you continue to advertise, you will see results.”

“We’ve done early experiments to bring interactivity to CTV, because the next big play is about personalisation. Whether it’s contextual ads, QR code scans, or chatbot engagement during live matches, we are only scratching the surface,” commented Aakash Gupta, VP Product- Monetization & Creators at JioStar.

At another panel discussion, Vikar Shaikh, Head-Digital Strategy at Valueleaf, said, “Q-commerce is reshaping consumer behaviour-what was once a monthly purchase cycle is now weekly, with apps being opened 4-5 times a week. While ROI is vital, brands must also set aside budgets for long-term brand building beyond pure performance.”

Among the major speakers at CLICK 2025 were Lee-Ann Johnstone – Founder, Affiverse; Rajiv Dubey – Vice President – Marketing, Dabur India; Sidharth Shakdher – CMO & Business Head, Paytm; Vikram Singh – Digital Marketing Head, ITC Hotels; Anchit Chandra – Digital Marketing Head & CRM, Muthoot Fincorp ONE; Dennis Yu – CEO, Blitz Metrics; Parul Bhargava – CEO, vCommission; Srikanth Bureddy – Co-founder, Valueleaf; Sanjay Sindhwani – CEO, Indian Express Digital; Meetu Mulchandani – Head, Brand Factory, Honasa Consumer; Prajakta Rathe – Deputy General Manager, Reliance Retail; Chanpreet Arora – Chief Business Officer, Wholsum Foods (Slurrpfarm & Mille); Simon Stanley – Head of Affiliates, Kaspersky; and Pankaj Sharma – CEO & Director, MGID.

The partners for CLICK 2025 are vCommission, Valueleaf, Singhtek, Apptrove by Trackier, Confluencr, MGID, Affise, GrabOn and Offer18. The conference is also supported by ONDC.

About Internet and Mobile Association of India
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 600 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety.

SBI General Insurance Launches Specialized Health Insurance Branches in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as a Social Push to Provide Better Access to Health Insurance for All

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading and fastest growing private general insurance companies, has announced the launch of ‘First-of-its-kind’ Health Insurance Branches across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with plans to extend nationwide. This strategic expansion is part of the Company’s broader mission to strengthen its footprint in underserved markets, ensuring greater accessibility to health insurance solutions for millions of individuals and households.

SBI General unveiled 30 Specialized Health Insurance Branches across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

A large section of our population is uninsured and this problem is more severe in smaller towns and remote areas. SBI General Insurance has taken this initiative to launch 30 specialized Health Insurance Branches which will offer health protection via a comprehensive bouquet of products, completely digital journey and backed by the widest network of more than 2100 hospitals in the states and rapid cashless response of average half an hour to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Health Insurance branches are strategically located across key areas in Telangana, including Bhuvanagiri, Jagityal, Kamareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Kothagudam, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Miryalaguda, Nirmal, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Suryapet, Wanaparthy and Zaheerabad. In Andhra Pradesh, they are present in Anakapalli, Anantapur, Bheemavaram, Eluru, Jangareddigudem, Kadapa, Kakinada, Nellore, Ongole, Pallakollu, Rajam, Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Tenali and Vizianagarm.

These branches will offer a range of specially curated health insurance products such as Arogya Supreme Policy, Super Health Insurance, SBIG Health Super Top-Up, Arogya Sanjeevani and Personal Accident Insurance. With these tailored products, SBI General Insurance seeks to address the unique healthcare needs of local communities, delivering affordable coverage and enhancing financial protection for a broader and more diverse population.

The launch event was held in SBI General Insurance Hyderabad branch office in the presence of Shri. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI Group, Shri. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO of SBI General Insurance, Shri Rajiv Kumar, DMD, Internal Audit Department (SBI) , Shri S Radhakrishnan CGM Hyderabad Circle (SBI), Shri Rajesh Kumar Patel CGM Amravati Circle (SBI) and Shri. Mohd Arif Khan, Deputy CEO, SBI General Insurance along with senior leadership and other key dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. CS Setty, Chairman, SBI Group said “Leveraging SBI’s expansive network, we are committed to empowering citizens with greater access and security through financial services. We believe that our efforts will strengthen our connections with customers and contribute towards IRDAI’s vision of Insurance for all by 2047‘. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive, reliable & accessible health insurance to every Indian.”

Shri. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD and CEO at SBI General Insurance added, “At SBI General Insurance, our goal is to make insurance accessible across India, and this expansion is a key step in that direction. With the addition of these 30 branches, now SBI General has one of the largest branch network in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana covering 40 districts. Every such branch reflects our commitment to bring our services closer to our customers, understanding their needs and delivering innovative solutions

This initiative is part of SBI General Insurance’s overarching strategy to enhance insurance penetration in semi-urban and rural geographies, where access to insurance coverage has been limited. By focusing on health insurance, these offices will offer localized service delivery, ensuring that the offerings are not only accessible but also relevant and responsive to the unique challenges of each region.

As part of its commitment to building a more inclusive and customer-centric ecosystem, SBI General Insurance aims to significantly enhance the awareness and adoption of health insurance in these underserved regions, ensuring that families, businesses, and individuals are financially protected in times of need.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as Indias most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 145 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named the winner in the Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

For more details: www.sbigeneral.in

Nora Solomon Foundation and Chintels CSR Empower Bajghera with New School Building for Underprivileged Children

In a landmark step towards empowering underprivileged communities through education, the Nora Solomon Foundation (NSF), the CSR arm of Chintels India, has laid the foundation stone for a new school building at Government Senior Secondary School, Bajghera, Gurugram.

Foundation laying ceremony for the new wing of Govt. Senior Secondary School at Bajghera, Gurugram

The initiative, carried out in partnership with Chintels CSR, aims to provide free and equitable access to quality education and skilling opportunities for children from Bajghera and nearby areas. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Shri Rao Narbir Singh, Hon’ble Industries and Forest Minister, Government of Haryana, who hailed the project as “a milestone in bringing quality education to underprivileged children.”

The upcoming building will house classrooms, a principal’s office, a staff room, and other essential facilities, creating a holistic environment for learning. The school is designed to become a centre of hope and opportunity for hundreds of children who otherwise face barriers to quality education.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rao Narbir Singh underlined the larger vision behind the initiative, saying, “Education and skilling are the strong pillars of progress, and this school will be a foundation for hope, learning, and a better future, opening doors of opportunity for countless young minds. It will provide access to quality education and skillsets, thereby contributing to the holistic development of the community. True development is meaningful when it empowers the next generation while safeguarding our environment. I urge all citizens to support this cause by planting trees, refraining from the use of single-use plastic, and actively participating in nature conservation.”

For the Nora Solomon Foundation, which has long been working in education, healthcare, and social welfare, this project represents a continuation of its mission to create sustainable, long-term impact.

“Through the Nora Solomon Foundation, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people around us. Building this school is our way of giving back to the community, and we believe it will create lasting value by empowering the next generation through education,” said Mr. Ashok Solomon, Trustee and Chair, Nora Solomon Foundation.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Prashant Solomon, Director, Chintels India, highlighted the company’s vision of inclusive growth. “We believe that development should go hand in hand with social responsibility. We are proud to contribute to shaping a brighter future for the children of Bajghera. This school is a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that every child has the necessary tools to dream, learn, and succeed in life. Maybe one of these children will find a cure to dangerous diseases or invent a way to travel to Mars. Dreams are made into reality through hard work and opportunity. That is what I wish for the children of this school.”

Beyond this school project, NSF has consistently extended its support to local communities through initiatives such as sponsoring education, offering vocational training, supporting healthcare programmes, and partnering with charities and organisations in need.

Dave & Buster’s Debuts in Mumbai with a High-Energy Grand Opening at Infiniti Mall, Andheri

Dave & Buster’s, the iconic American entertainment and dining brand, has officially arrived in Mumbai with a spectacular grand opening on August 14 at Infiniti Mall, Andheri. Following its successful India debut in Bangalore, the launch marks another milestone in the brand’s expansion journey across the country.

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The Malpani Group Directors Rajesh, Manish, Ashish, Jai & Shreya Malpani inaugurated Dave & Buster’s, launching Mumbai’s largest indoor entertainment & dining hub

The inauguration was led by Rajesh Malpani, Manish Malpani, Ashish Malpani, Jai Malpani, and Shreya Malpani, Directors of the Malpani Group, the exclusive franchise partner for Dave & Buster’s in India. Together, they unveiled Mumbai’s largest indoor entertainment and dining destination, designed to redefine the way the city plays, dines, and socializes.

Spanning 22,000 sq. ft., Dave & Buster’s Mumbai offers an unmatched blend of games, dining, and social experiences. The venue features more than 60 cutting-edge arcade and VR games, Nitro Bowling lanes with high-energy lighting, Hi-Tech Darts, and vibrant restaurant. A full-service sports bar and live mega screening arena will showcase cricket, football, F1 and global sporting events. The space also includes private party rooms catering to birthdays, corporate gatherings, and group celebrations. Complementing the entertainment is a bold food and beverage menu that combines global flavors, chef-curated Indian dishes, and signature Dave & Buster’s beverages.

Dave & Buster’s is not just a restaurant or arcade, it’s an experience – one that combines the thrill of play with amazing food and drinks,” said Shreya Malpani, Director, Malpani Group. “With this launch in Mumbai, we are bringing together everything the city loves – entertainment, sports, great food, and high energy – under one roof. We’re excited to make this a new go-to destination for Mumbaikars.”

The launch was also attended by Antonio Bautista, Global Chief International Officer of Dave & Buster’s, who congratulated the Malpani Group on successfully expanding the brand’s footprint in India and shared his excitement for the brand’s long-term vision in the market.

About Dave & Buster’s
Founded in 1982, Dave & Buster’s is an iconic American experiential hospitality brand known for its dynamic blend of food, drinks, games, and sports viewing. With over 200 locations across the U.S., it has built a legacy of social entertainment. In India, the brand is being developed exclusively by the Malpani Group under a long-term franchise agreement.

About Malpani Group
The Malpani Group is a diversified business house with ventures in real estate, hospitality, FMCG, media, and entertainment. It is widely recognized for delivering landmark projects in the leisure sector, including the acclaimed Imagicaa World Entertainment Ltd. As the driving force behind Dave & Buster’s India entry and growth, the group continues to innovate the Indian consumer experience landscape.

PNB MetLife Survey Identifies Indian Fathers’ Financial Saving Habits into Three Distinct Personas

Nearly two thirds of Indian fathers now see themselves as “Hero Dads”, according to new PNB MetLife survey. Recognising the vital role fathers play in our lives, PNB MetLife India Insurance Limited (PNB MetLife), one of India’s leading life insurers explored how they perceive their role in financial decision making. The nationwide survey which kickstarted on Father’s Day and spanned across India in June, July and August engaged fathers in identifying their ‘Dad Type’ based on their financial attitudes, classifying them into three distinct personas. A significant 62% of respondents identified themselves as ‘Hero Dads’ – guardians of their family’s financial security. 29% of fathers emerged as ‘Thoughtful Dads’ – strategic planners who take a cautious, long-term approach to managing their family’s finances. The remaining 9% were identified as ‘Disciplined Dads’ – consistent savers who prioritize routine, control, and structure in their financial decisions.

The survey conducted PAN India across urban and semi-urban cities through an interactive microsite and QR code-led activations, gathered insights from over 6000 fathers across the country, making it one of the most comprehensive surveys on the modern Indian dad’s financial mindset.

Sourabh Lohtia, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, PNB MetLife said, “Today’s Indian father is not just a provider; he is a protector, planner, and nurturer – someone who is not only emotionally present but also increasingly financially aware. The ‘Dad Type’ survey showcases how deeply committed fathers are to building a secure and meaningful future for their families. At PNB MetLife, we are proud to support them on this journey with protection and savings plans that reflect their evolving aspirations and responsibilities.

Key Findings:

Evolving Financial Priorities

Children’s education continues to be the top financial priority for Indian fathers, with 51% placing it above all else. However, there is a noticeable rise in focus on areas that were once lower on the list-14% now prioritize planning for a comfortable retirement, and another 14% aspire to take their families on a grand vacation. This marks a growing emotional shift toward long-term security and experience-led living.

Investment Time Horizon: Long-Term Is the New Norm

Indian fathers are increasingly adopting a long-term mindset when it comes to financial planning-thinking in decades rather than years. A majority, 53%, are willing to invest for a period of 10 to 15 years. Another 14% prefer a horizon of 15 to 20 years, while 13% are comfortable investing for 20 to 30 years. Notably, 20% are committed to staying invested for over 30 years, highlighting a strong shift toward sustained wealth-building and financial security for future generations.

Such long-term commitment to financial planning reflects a growing maturity in India’s savings culture. This is further evident in the investment choices of Indian fathers-30% prefer the safety of fixed deposits, 22% opt for the protection and long-term value of life insurance, and 17% favor mutual funds for balanced growth. These preferences highlight a strong inclination toward low-risk, stable financial instruments that align with their long-term goals.

About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited

PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of the Indias oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLife’s positioning, Milkar Life Aage Badhaein, is demonstrated through its customer-centric innovations and employee empowerment practices.

With a strong presence in 155 branches and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The Company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales channel of over 36,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India.

For more information, follow us on:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/PNBMetLife

Instagram – www.instagram.com/pnb_metlife or visit – www.pnbmetlife.com

Masai and XLRI Launch 6-Month Entrepreneurship Program to Nurture India’s Next Generation of Startup Leaders

Masai, one of India’s leading outcome-based platforms, in collaboration with XLRI, has announced the launch of a 6-month entrepreneurship program designed to equip recent graduates, working professionals and aspiring founders with practical skills, mentorship, and industry exposure.

The launch comes at a time when the global digital economy, largely driven by entrepreneurial ventures, is projected to reach $23 trillion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 15-20%. In India, startups attracted a record $35 billion in funding in 2024, underscoring the strength and vibrancy of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Against this backdrop, the Masai-XLRI program aims to prepare the next generation of founders with the skills and confidence to turn ideas into scalable ventures.

Mr. Prateek Shukla, Co-Founder & CEO, Masai

Delivered through live interactive sessions, hands-on mentorship, and real-world projects, the program is structured into six modules: Founder’s Mindset, Problem-Solving and Idea Discovery, Prototyping and Product-Market Fit, Marketing and Brand Building, Business Models and Fundraising, and Scaling and Demo Day. Participants will work on projects such as creating financial plans, building MVPs using no-code tools like Webflow and Bubble, running marketing campaigns, conducting customer interviews, and delivering investor-ready pitch decks. The program culminates with a Demo Day, where top teams present their startups to industry mentors and investors during a two-day in-person pitch challenge at the XLRI campus.

Commenting on the launch, Prateek Shukla, CEO & Co-founder of Masai, said, “India is brimming with entrepreneurial energy, but structured, outcome-driven pathways to turn ideas into ventures remain scarce. With this program, we aim to provide aspiring founders with the mindset, skills, and mentorship to navigate challenges and build sustainable businesses. By combining the academic strength of XLRI with Masai’s practical approach, we are creating a learning experience that prepares participants for the realities of entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Arindam Mondal, Program Director, XLRI added, “Entrepreneurship has the potential to create not only businesses but also long-term social and economic impact. This program reflects XLRI’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who are equipped with resilience, ethical grounding, and practical skills. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and real-world exposure, we want to help participants develop ventures that are innovative, responsible, and scalable.”

The curriculum features XLRI’s distinguished faculty alongside seasoned startup founders, investors, and industry leaders. Participants will also gain access to AI-powered and no-code platforms for product development, content generation, analytics, and automation. To strengthen industry readiness, the program incorporates case studies, collaborative peer learning, and direct engagement with the startup ecosystem.

Eligibility requires a graduation degree in any stream. Candidates must clear a qualifier test conducted by Masai, followed by a counselling process before enrolment. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate from XLRI Leadership Education and Development. Applications are now open on Masai’s official website.

About Masai

Established in June 2019, Masai embarked on its journey as a military-style coding school, committed to shaping individuals into skilled programmers and data analysts through an intensive curriculum. This immersive educational experience involved rigorous training from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, with the goal of equipping students with industry-ready skills within a span of 7-8 months.

In its fifth year of existence, Masai has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a distinguished career institute. With over 800,000 applications, Masai has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to bridging the skill gap in the industry. The institute has been instrumental in the continuous skilling of talent for more than five years, and its impact extends to the placement of 4000+ candidates in various enterprises and 6000+ students currently in the system, focusing on individuals with a family income of less than or equal to 7.5 lakhs per annum. Masai is extremely proud of achieving the goal of bringing 350+ families out of poverty.

Masai has attained remarkable milestones, successfully securing employment for over 3,500 candidates in key roles as Software Developers and Data Analysts. These placements have extended to prominent unicorn startups like Ola, PayTM, Meesho, Swiggy, as well as multinational corporations, including Capgemini, Uber, JP Morgan, and GlobalLogic.

About XLRI

Established in 1949, XLRI – the oldest management school in India, introduced a range of management-focused courses for trade unions.

Over the years, XLRI has consistently expanded its academic offerings and enhanced its infrastructure to cater to the increasing demand from students, establishing itself as a leading management institution in India. XLRI is the first management school in India to internationalize our academic programmes. XLRI has always had and maintains a global outlook. True to its vision, XLRI strives to offer an education which just does not culminate in a mere degree, but one that inspires future business leaders to respond to the unmet needs of the society.

A key characteristic that sets apart XLRI students from other management schools is MAGIS – a quest for the best, never to settle down for mediocrity and always aspire to excel. They relentlessly strive for more, for something better than the best. Instead of wishing circumstances to change and become different, MAGIS-driven persons either make them happen or make the most of them; instead of waiting for golden opportunities, they turn all that they touch into gold.

Over the years, XLRI has launched quite a few short and long-term programmes for working executives to help upgrade their management-centric knowledge base and become more competent business leaders.

Vingroup Ranked Vietnam’s Largest Private Contributor to the State Budget

Vingroup (Ticker: VIC) has been recognized as the largest private contributor to Vietnam’s state budget, with total payments exceeding VND 56.2 trillion. This figure accounts for nearly 40% of the total contributions from the Top 10 enterprises on the list.

The National Exhibition Fair Center, inaugurated on August 19, is a testament to Vingroups reputation and implementation capacity

According to the PRIVATE 100 ranking of Vietnam’s top 100 private enterprises by tax contribution, published by the CafeF, Vingroup paid more than VND 56.2 trillion into the state budget in 2024, representing an 82% increase compared to 2023. Vingroup’s payments made up 23% of the Top 100’s total contributions and nearly 40% of the Top 10.

This is the second consecutive year CafeF has published the PRIVATE 100 list, which is based on actual payments made during a full fiscal year. Vingroup’s continued leadership in the ranking is a clear testament to its credibility, social responsibility, and the effective, sustainable business model of its entire ecosystem.

In addition to being the largest taxpayer, Vingroup is also Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate and one of the nation’s leading corporations. As of June 30, 2025, Vingroup’s total assets reached VND 964,439 billion; consolidated net revenue and post-tax profit for the first half of 2025 were VND 130,366 billion and VND 4,509 billion, respectively.

Vingroup’s two core business pillars, Technology – Industry and Real Estate & Services, achieved impressive growth. In the Industrials & Technology segment, VinFast delivered 72,167 electric vehicles worldwide in the first six months of 2025, a 3.2-fold increase year-on-year. In Vietnam, VinFast maintained its position as the market leader with 67,569 cars delivered, while also setting a new record in electric two-wheelers with 114,484 units handed over. These results reinforce VinFast’s pioneering role in driving the green transition.

In Real Estate & Services, Vinhomes remained Vietnam’s real estate leader, recording VND 67,504 billion in contracted sales and an additional VND 138,208 billion in unbilled bookings (as of June 30, 2025). Vinhomes was also the top real estate taxpayer in 2024, according to the PRIVATE 100 ranking. Other key subsidiaries, including Vincom Retail and Vinpearl, posted revenues of VND 4,274 billion and VND 5,912 billion respectively, maintaining their leadership in retail real estate and tourism.

Notably, on August 11, 2025, Vingroup announced the addition of two new pillars, Infrastructure (high-speed rail, bridges, ports, logistics, etc.) and Green Energy (solar, wind, and energy storage systems). These sectors are expected to unlock breakthrough growth potential, further contribute to the state budget, and strengthen the role of the private sector as the new driver of Vietnam’s development.

Vingroup contributes meaningfully to society through its Social Enterprises pillar. In August 2025, the Group’s Kind Heart Foundation was awarded the First-Class Labor Order, recognizing 19 years of tireless charitable efforts, supporting millions of disadvantaged individuals, and promoting sustainable community development with total disbursements of VND 30 trillion.

On August 19, 2025, Vingroup also proudly received the First-Class Labor Order for completing the National Exhibition Fair Center 15 months ahead of schedule. This milestone was dedicated to Vietnam’s 80th National Day and marks a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Hanoi and the nation.

Vingroup’s repeated recognition at the national level, alongside its consistent top rankings in reputable business evaluations, is clear evidence of its growth potential, social responsibility, and long-term commitment to sustainable development.

Netrack Highlights iRack Innovation at BICSI India Technology Seminar 2025 in Chennai

Netrack participated in the BICSI event in Chennai. Being the leading provider of data center and IT infrastructure solutions, Netrack highlighted its innovative solutions to address the growing demands of high and medium-density environments. With an impressive participation of 60 industry professionals, Netrack met with enthusiastic engagement and insightful discussions.

Netrack Highlights iRack Innovation at BICSI India Technology Seminar 2025 in Chennai

The event gained momentum with the presentation by Mr. Ramesh – Sales general manager, who delivered a comprehensive and engaging session on Netrack’s iRack and Edge Data center solution. His presentation focused on critical technologies which became the game-changer for organizations that require security, monitoring, and cooling combined in one unit. It is, in fact, a cutting-edge solution designed to optimize cooling and energy efficiency in a high-density data center ecosystem. By addressing key industry challenges like thermal management, this solution gained interest from the participants, who recognized its potential to streamline operations while reducing costs.

Along with Mr. Ramesh on stage was Mr. Subramanya – Marketing manager and Mr. Satish Chandra – Senior solution architect. They are an integral member of the Netrack team. Together, they addressed audience questions and provided real-time insights into how Netracks solutions are shaping the future of IT infrastructure management. They also highlighted the aspect of sustainability and efficiency that makes Netrack unique in its offering.

Netrack is not just about products, it is about building partnerships and staying aligned with market needs. Hence, as business grows, the need arises for intelligent and space-saving solutions – this is where iRack and iRack Block solution works the best. Netrack’s iRack and iRack Block is an intelligent, self-cooled, and integrated rack solution which drew significant attention for its ability to deliver high performance, energy efficiency, and scalability. This makes it ideal for edge computing environments and compact data centers. Such a demonstration in the BICSI event in Chennai further enhanced Netrack’s reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet global standards.

The event provided an excellent platform for Netrack to connect with key stakeholders in the IT and data center industry, as well as to showcase its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.

BonV Aero Wins ELCINA Honour for Manufacturing Excellence, Cementing Its Status as a Deep-Tech Leader

BonV Aero, India’s fast-growing deep-tech aerospace startup, has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Merit by the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) under the SME category for Excellence in Manufacturing. This recognition is a testament to BonV Aero’s commitment to quality-driven production, its robust operational discipline, and its indigenous capabilities in building advanced aerial platforms for India’s toughest terrains.

Roshan Senapati, Head of Marketing, BonV, receiving the Award

From High Altitude Labs to Manufacturing Recognition
For a company that began with a clear mission – to transform aerial logistics in India’s most inaccessible frontiers – this award marks a significant validation. The ELCINA Awards, established in 1976, celebrate excellence in electronics and IT hardware manufacturing, pushing Indian firms toward global competitiveness. BonV Aero’s inclusion signals not just compliance with quality standards, but a rising stature in Indias electronics and defence manufacturing space.

This recognition validates our collective focus on manufacturing fundamentals,” said Roshan Senapati, Head of Marketing, BonV Aero, who received the award on behalf of the team.

We continue to build. This supports our progress.”

The jury that recognised BonV Aero included some of the nation’s most distinguished defence and manufacturing leaders – Lt. Gen. AKS Chandele (Retd.), Mr. N. Ramachandran, Mr. V.V.R. Sastry, Col. K.V. Kuber, and Mr. S. Ullal- underlining the weight of this endorsement.

A Continuum of Manufacturing Excellence

This is not BonV Aero’s first nod for its manufacturing discipline. The startup was previously:

  • Recognised by the Indian Army for operational UAV deployments in remote forward areas.

  • Selected by the I2A Launchpad (US-India Defence Corridor) for dual-use UAV technology.

  • NITI Aayog’s 2022 Coffee Table Book honoured BonV Aero as a leading example of Make in India innovation in aerospace

  • Acknowledged by STPI & MeitY as one of the emerging aerospace startups shaping India’s drone future.

Together, these honours reinforce BonV Aero’s role as a manufacturing-led, engineering-first company shaping real-world impact.

Built in Bhubaneswar. Proven on the Frontlines

Headquartered in Bhubaneswar, BonV Aero is a pioneering OEM and UAV design house developing fully electric eVTOL platforms optimised for high-altitude logistics, disaster relief, and defence operations. In August 2023, the company created history by lifting a 30 kg payload at Umling La (19,024 ft AMSL) – the world’s highest motorable pass.

In June 2025, BonV’s GPR drone was deployed during the Sikkim landslide response, supporting terrain scanning operations in collaboration with the Indian Army. These real-life deployments reflect the rigour of BonV’s design-to-manufacture process.

Odisha: Future Hub for Drone Manufacturing
With a futuristic vision for India’s aerospace future, BonV Aero has proposed developing an integrated UAV Drone Park in Khurda, Odisha, dedicated to drone research and development, full-scale manufacturing, and industry-led training. Backed by single-window clearance efforts, the initiative aims to put Odisha on the map as a national leader in aerial mobility and UAV innovation.

BonV Aero – Engineering Indias Drone Future
The ELCINA Certificate of Merit is more than an award – it’s a signal to the market that India can build world-class aerospace products from the ground up. For BonV Aero, this is not the finish line, but a milestone in its journey to power the next generation of defence and disaster-response systems – proudly made in India.

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Duracell Introduces Innovative Range of Lithium Coin Batteries with Bitter Coating to Help Discourage Swallowing by Toddlers

Duracell, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeables, has launched its new range of Duracell Lithium Coin Battery in India, available in three sizes – CR2025, CR2016, and CR2032. With this launch, Duracell now also offers bitter coating along with child resistant packaging into some of its lithium coin batteries, combining trusted performance with a safety-first approach designed for modern households in order to help reducing battery ingestions by young children.

Help Keep Your Kids Safe

Accidental ingestion of button batteries can pose a serious health risk to young children requiring immediate medical attention. These small, shiny batteries are commonly found in household devices, making them easily accessible to curious young children. Despite growing safety concerns, most products available in the Indian market still lack protective features that could reduce the risks.

Duracell is addressing this issue head-on with a solution that prioritizes both performance and protection. The range of lithium coin batteries features a safety-first design:

  • A unique non-toxic bitter coating on the battery surface specifically developed to discourage ingestion with release of bitter taste when in contact with saliva.

  • A tamper-proof double blister packaging that requires scissors to open, making it virtually impossible for children to access the battery on their own for kids below 6 years.

These child safety features are reinforced through visual safety identifiers, such as the “child spitting out” symbol, “bitter coating” label and clear on-pack warnings, enabling parents to instantly recognize the specific range of Lithium coin batteries reaffirming Duracell’s position as a brand that not only provides products which deliver long lasting power but also leads in helping to prevent accidental child ingestion.

Duracell offers two ranges of child-safe lithium coin batteries across CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016.

Range with Child-Resistant Packaging: We already started the path of child security by supplying a battery that comes in a tamper-proof double blister pack that can only be opened with scissors. Designed to be difficult for children to access, the packaging is clearly marked with safety warnings and is available across key battery sizes.

Range with Bitter Coating along with Child Resistant packaging:A new innovative range of lithium coin batteries that combines child-resistant packaging with a non-toxic bitter coating on the battery surface itself to discourage swallowing.

Both ranges are suitable for a wide variety of devices including key fobs, small remotes, scales, wearables, sensors, and medical devices like glucometers and thermometers, as well as sports gear and home security systems. With an in-storage guarantee of up to 10 years, it’s a dependable choice for both everyday and essential electronics.

Speaking about the new range, Sunil Gadgil, General Manager, Duracell India said, “At Duracell, safety and performance go hand in hand. As a brand trusted by families across the world, we are constantly innovating to meet real-life challenges. The accidental ingestion of lithium coin batteries is a serious concern for parents, and as the number of devices that require lithium coin batteries rises, the child safety risk associated with coin battery ingestion also grows accordingly.Parents/caregivers should ensure that Lithium coin batteries are kept out of reach of young children at all times and battery compartment of devices are safely secure. To prevent children from getting their hands on the Lithium coin batteries out from the packaging, all Duracell Lithium coin batteries are packed in child resistant packaging. For additional layer of defense against accidental lithium coin ingestion, we’ve designed our new Lithium Coin Battery range by pairing a non-toxic bitter layer with tamper-proof packaging. It’s a category defining launch in India’s battery segment – one that reflects our proactive approach to helping consumer safety along with the long-lasting power Duracell is known for. We’re also proudly partnering with European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) since 2023 to raise awareness of the dangers related to battery ingestion. The partnership comprises of prevention campaigns for parents, and we are also addressing paediatricians, particularly EAP members, and other health care professionals to improve their knowledge about detection, treatment and cure.”

Sania Mirza, Indian Former Tennis Player said, “As a parent, the safety of our children is always top of mind. That’s exactly why I’m supporting the #BunnyKids campaignby Duracell because spreading awareness is the first step towards building safer homes. It’s about being more mindful, more informed, and helping fellow parents take small but significant actions that help keeping their little ones safe.”

The new Duracell Lithium Coin Battery range is currently available exclusively on Amazon India. With a strong focus on child safety, innovative packaging, and trusted performance, Duracell is not just delivering power but leading a safety-first movement in India’s lithium coin battery space. By prioritizing protection in product design, the brand is raising awareness and setting a new benchmark for innovation in the battery industry.

Reel Link: www.instagram.com/p/DNk1-rkiRS5

Disclaimer: Duracell Specialty Lithium Coin Batteries should be kept out of reach of children. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Always store batteries in a secure location to prevent access by children.

About The Company
Started in the 1920s, the Duracell brand and company was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE-BRK.A, BRK.B) in 2016. The iconic Duracell brand is known to the world over. Our products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them, and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a $250B holding company owning subsidiaries that engage in diverse business activities.

Visit www.Duracell.in for more information.