PUNE: India’s No. 1 tractor export brand, Sonalika Tractors, has marked a strong and strategic beginning to its FY’27 journey with best-ever April overall sales of 16,223 tractors and stands tall among the highest market share gainers in the industry. This is driven by its staggering overall growth of 35.6%, and it has also beaten the industry performance of 27% growth (est). The company has continued to bank upon its farmer-first philosophy of delivering ‘Jeetne ka Dum’ in its landmark 30^th year, supported by advanced agri-innovations for greater farmer efficiency and income potential.

With record foodgrain production and increasing mechanisation after GST rate reductions, the next phase of India’s agri-growth story will be defined by a technology-led product portfolio and relentless execution speed. At a time when rural sentiment is being shaped by weather volatility and rising performance expectations, Sonalika continues to stand tall as a dependable partner to 19+ lakh farmers and ensures its high-quality tractors perform seamlessly across applications. Backed by the world’s largest integrated tractor manufacturing plant and advanced R&D capabilities, the brand continues to lead the transformation of Indian agriculture with powerful and future-ready solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Limited, said, “In our landmark 30th year, our highest-ever April performance of 16,223 overall tractor sales signals a strong shift towards technology-driven farming as we step into a new FY’27 journey with even greater commitment to deliver ‘Jeetne ka Dum’ to farmers. We have also clocked our robust growth of 35.6% to beat industry performance and stand tall among leading market share gainers in the industry.

The momentum we are building for FY’27 remains anchored in building sharper innovations and deepening farmer connect in India’s agri transformation. The future of farming is set to be bolder than ever, and we are ready with sharper focus, futuristic products such as Gold Series, and an unshakable commitment to strengthen Indian farmers’ aspirations.”

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MUMBAI: Godrej Industries Group today announced a new purpose and brand identity, marking a defining moment in the Group’s evolution as it aligns its identity, strategy, and ambition for its next phase of growth. Rooted in the strength of a 129-year legacy and the energy of a Group just two years old in its new form, the new purpose and identity reaffirm both where the Group comes from and where it is going, bringing sharper strategic coherence across its diverse portfolio spanning consumer products, real estate, financial services, agriculture, and chemicals. The announcement was made at a media gathering at Godrej One, the Group’s headquarters in Mumbai.

At the heart of the refresh is a new Group purpose: “Crafting tomorrow since 1897.” It captures both the Group’s heritage and its ambition to build businesses that combine innovation with responsibility to create enduring value. This purpose was inspired by the Godrej Group’s Founder, Ardeshir Godrej, whose life embodied the power of always holding innovation and values together. The Group reiterated three core values—Inspire Trust, Create Delight, and Be Bold—that will continue to guide leadership and decision-making across the organization.

Pirojsha Godrej, Chairperson Designate, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Crafting tomorrow since 1897 reflects the belief that values and results must go hand in hand. As we scale, this philosophy will continue to guide how we build businesses that are both successful and responsible.”

The Group has demonstrated a strong growth track record, compounding both sales and net profits at over 20% CAGR over the past five years. It has outlined clear ambitions for the next phase of growth, including >15% annual sales growth and >20% EPS growth as a Group. It also expects each business to deliver >18% return on equity at steady state. The Group intends to expand from three (Consumer Products, Properties, and Agrovet) to five publicly listed platforms. These actions are expected to result in a combined market capitalization of ₹5,00,000 crore over the next five years.

The Group’s growth strategy is anchored in its long-standing belief that strong financial performance must go hand in hand with positive outcomes for society and the environment. In 2025, Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Properties were both ranked number one globally in their respective categories on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Sustainability Indices. Building on this foundation, the Group has outlined ambitions including net-zero operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2035 and a planet-positive supply chain by 2047. The Group also aims to achieve 40% representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities across the Group over the next five years, a goal which has already been achieved by Godrej Properties and the Group’s corporate center. Additionally, in 2025, the Godrej Foundation, which owns 15% of the Godrej Industries Group, created a cash corpus that will enable it to increase its annual philanthropic spend by 5X over previous levels.

Alongside its new purpose, the Group unveiled a new brand identity crafted by DISCO, the Group’s in-house design team. The brand identity is designed to create a more unified and future-facing corporate brand system, introducing a new visual language, bespoke typography (GI Sans), a proprietary sonic identity, and a signature fragrance—creating a cohesive, multi-sensory expression across digital, physical, and experiential touchpoints. 

Tanya Dubash, Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Industries, said, “This refreshed brand identity reflects both who we are and where we are going. It reinforces the strength of the Godrej brand while creating a more contemporary and unified expression of our ambitions for tomorrow. It enables each of our businesses to connect more powerfully to a shared purpose while remaining true to their distinct roles.”

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PUNE: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today said it has deployed more than 3,400 new 5G sites across Maharashtra & Goa over the last 12 months, delivering faster speeds, wider coverage, and a significantly improved network experience for customers.

The company’s network expansion across 36 districts now brings dependable, high‑speed coverage to 22 million+ customers in bustling cities, fast‑growing towns, and even remote rural villages. Thus, customers in emerging and underserved districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, and Sindhudurg are seeing the benefits of the site additions, which effectively bridge connectivity gaps, foster digital inclusion, and enable reliable access.

With more than 9 new sites going live every day, customers across the districts of Maharashtra and Goa can now count on smoother streaming, faster downloads, uninterrupted online work and learning, and more reliable digital payments—no matter where they live or travel. This enhanced 5G footprint has enabled seamless access to high-speed services that power the everyday digital needs of citizens, students, micro-businesses, tourists, and government institutions, among others. 

“Data demand across Maharashtra and Goa continues to grow rapidly, and our focus is to stay ahead by consistently strengthening our network. With the addition of 3,400+ new 5G sites, we are delivering faster speeds, wider coverage, and a more reliable experience for over 22 million customers. Our continued investments, especially in underserved districts, reflect Airtel’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps and powering the region’s digital growth with a future-ready network,” said Rabi Shankar Mishra, CEO – Maharashtra & Goa, Bharti Airtel.

Additionally, to empower customers with uninterrupted digital access across Maharashtra & Goa, Airtel now offers a fully unlimited data plan in its ₹399 recharge pack for smartphone users – designed for seamless streaming, studying, working, and staying connected, without worrying about data limits. Backed by sustained investments in network density across rural, semi-urban villages, highways, border areas, and key economic and cultural corridors, Airtel ensures robust, future-ready connectivity even in high mobility and high usage zones.

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This initiative acts as a catalyst for the IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ mission, evolving life insurance from a “push-product” into a grassroots necessity. By expanding its agency footprint into India’s emerging economic corridors, Axis Max Life aims to serve as a critical last-mile enabler, bridging the protection gap and driving financial inclusion.

Sumit Madan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Axis Max Life, said, “Our commitment is to ensure financial protection reaches every corner of India, starting with a tangible presence where customers are underserved. The addition of 50 offices reflects our focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets to respond directly to the protection needs of emerging India. By nurturing local advisory talent, we are creating a ‘Bharose Ka Address’ that empowers communities and enables us to meaningfully contribute to IRDAI’s vision of Insurance for All by 2047.”

Beyond insurance coverage, the ‘Bharose Ka Address’ offices will unlock significant employment opportunities for the local communities. A structured recruitment and empowerment program supports each branch, equipping new advisors with the digital tools and training necessary to deliver relevant financial advice. This hyperlocal approach ensures that financial advice is culturally resonant and seamlessly integrated into the unique financial journeys of households across the country.

While this rollout is a key FY26 milestone, ‘Bharose Ka Address’ represents a long-term commitment to India’s protection ecosystem. This expansion provides the foundational infrastructure to support a future-ready agency network capable of delivering consistent, high-quality protection solutions.

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Over the past three years, the Tooling business has demonstrated steady progress, with orders growing by nearly 25% in the current year. The accelerating shift towards electric mobility continues to be a key growth driver, with EV‑related projects now accounting for close to 20% of the overall order book. This reflects the growing need for advanced tooling capabilities to support new‑age vehicle platforms, lightweight materials, and evolving component architectures.

At TAGMA 2026, GEG’s Tooling business is showcasing its advanced tooling and precision engineering capabilities at Hall 2, H02, highlighting its integrated strengths across tooling, automation, and digital manufacturing. The showcase features IoT‑enabled tools for real‑time performance monitoring, additive manufacturing solutions such as 3D printing for complex tooling elements, and connected technologies that enable remote diagnostics and improved operational efficiency. These capabilities underscore the business’s focus on delivering scalable, high‑accuracy, and future‑ready solutions aligned with evolving customer and industry needs.

Commenting on this, Pankaj Abhyankar, Business Head – Tooling, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “India’s manufacturing landscape has entered a transformative phase, driven by deeper localisation, increasing product complexity, and the rapid shift towards electric mobility. Having been closely associated with TAGMA since its inception, Godrej Enterprises Group has both witnessed and contributed to the evolution of India’s tooling ecosystem. Today, we are focused on combining advanced engineering expertise with tooling, automation, and digital manufacturing to deliver high‑precision, reliable, and future‑ready solutions. Our presence at TAGMA 2026 reflects our continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strengthening India’s position as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.”

Godrej Enterprises Group continues to strengthen its role within India’s tooling ecosystem through sustained investments in engineering capability, technology adoption, and localisation. With a repository of over 10,000 commercially manufactured tools and decades of experience, the Tooling business is well-positioned to address rising component complexity, shorter development cycles, and evolving industry requirements. The growing adoption of additive manufacturing is enabling the production of intricate tooling geometries, while collaborations with local MSMEs further reinforce domestic manufacturing capability and value‑chain resilience.

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With close to four decades of experience in surgical oncology, Dr. Chaturvedi returns to Apollo, bringing unparalleled clinical expertise and deep institutional leadership shaped over years of advancing cancer care in India. His return marks a significant step in Apollo’s long-term commitment to building a cancer care system that is not only expansive in reach but consistent in quality, ensuring that patients across India have access to the subspecialised, organ-specific, and technology-driven treatment they deserve. 

Dr. Chaturvedi holds an M.B.B.S., M.S. in General Surgery, and M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology. Over 38 years, he has managed complex cases across head and neck, breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal, gynaecologic, and other malignancies, with specialised expertise in robotic and minimally invasive procedures and radiofrequency ablation. He established one of North India’s leading cancer ecosystems, implementing organ-specific units, multidisciplinary tumour boards, and national research collaborations. As organising secretary of the first Indian Cancer Congress in 2013, he co-created and executed a landmark oncology event that set a benchmark for future platforms. He has also served as the president of leading professional bodies, including the Indian Society of Oncology, the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, and the Oncology Forum, further strengthening his leadership in the field.

Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said: “At Apollo Hospitals, we firmly believe that health is a national priority and a shared responsibility. Further, cancer care in India demands availability, precision, consistency, and institutions that are built to deliver outcomes at scale. Dr. Chaturvedi is one of the finest surgical oncologists, renowned worldwide.  An institution builder, his acumen in assembling the right teams, introducing contemporary processes, and creating a culture of clinical excellence is exactly what the Apollo Oncology Network needs at this stage of its growth. His return to Apollo is a homecoming, and we are confident that under his leadership, we will reach significantly more patients with the quality of care they deserve,  and take us closer to our mission.”

A longstanding advocate for cancer prevention and tobacco control, Dr. Chaturvedi has played an influential role in shaping the policy of oncology and awareness at a national level.

Further, it is a homecoming for Dr Chaturvedi, who previously served as Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals between 2000 and 2004.

Dr. Harit Kumar Chaturvedi, CEO and Clinical Head, Apollo Oncology Network, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said: “I am deeply honoured to return to an institution that has consistently set the benchmark for cancer care in India. Apollo has built something truly remarkable, a network with the scale, the technology, and the clinical intent to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. My goal is to build on this strong foundation by deepening subspecialisation, expanding robotic and minimally invasive surgical capabilities, and strengthening multidisciplinary care protocols across every facility. I look forward to contributing to Apollo’s vision of making world-class oncology accessible to every Indian who needs it, regardless of where they live.”

He is joined by a team of over 25 highly specialised oncologists, further strengthening Apollo’s capability to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and efficient cancer care across diverse treatment pathways. Apollo Hospitals remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming cancer care in India through subspecialisation, early detection, and equitable access to treatment. Dr. Chaturvedi will lead the Apollo Oncology Network, which has been breathing hope into lives for over 30 years. With over 400 oncologists to oversee the delivery of high-end precision Oncology Therapy, the Network is spread across India to help people win over cancer.

Today, people from 147 countries come to India for cancer treatment at Apollo Hospitals.  With the first Pencil Beam Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & the Middle East, Apollo Hospitals has all that is needed to strengthen the fight against cancer. 

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BENGALURU: In the presence of His Excellency Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, Scania Commercial Vehicles India today inaugurated its new corporate office in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in strengthening its footprint in the country. Reinforcing its long-term commitment to India, Scania also confirmed that its Regional Product Centre (RPC) in Narasapura remains fully operational with end-to-end capabilities, supporting customers with tailored solutions across key segments.

Building on the strong momentum following the recent launch of Scania Super in India, the company also announced the introduction of a white-label financing program in partnership with Axis Bank. This initiative is aimed at providing customers with accessible and competitive financing solutions for purchasing Scania trucks in India. Together, these developments reflect Scania’s continued focus on expanding its presence, strengthening its ecosystem, and building a more locally anchored and responsive business to meet evolving customer needs.

As the commercial vehicle sector places increasing emphasis on uptime, efficiency, and business resilience, Scania is strengthening both its market presence and the support ecosystem around its customers. The new Bengaluru office plays a key role in this effort by enabling stronger collaboration, faster decision-making, and closer engagement with customers, dealer partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. It also serves as a hub for attracting and nurturing a strong talent pool, bringing together skilled professionals who will drive innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth for Scania in India.

Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, said: “It is a pleasure to witness this important milestone for Scania in India. The inauguration of the new Bengaluru office reflects not only Scania’s continued commitment to the market but also a strong vote of confidence in India’s growth and long-term potential.

Sweden and India share a deep and expanding partnership, built on collaboration across trade, innovation, and sustainability. This occasion is a strong example of how our countries are working together to drive meaningful progress.

Scania’s focus on future-ready mobility solutions and sustainable development aligns closely with our shared ambition to enable innovation-led industrial growth. I am confident that initiatives like this will further strengthen collaboration between our businesses, institutions, and people, deepening ties between Sweden and India in the years ahead.”

Silvio Munhoz, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd., said: “India is a strategically important market for Scania, and our focus is on building a business that is closer to customers, faster in response, and stronger in execution. The new Bengaluru office not only enhances our ability to collaborate more closely with customers and partners but also strengthens our access to a highly skilled talent pool, enabling us to build a future-ready organization. We are honoured to have His Excellency, the Ambassador of Sweden to India, inaugurate this important milestone. At the same time, our Regional Product Centre in Narasapura remains fully operational with end-to-end capabilities, continuing to support customers with tailored solutions. Through our partnership with Axis Bank, we will be able to offer structured financing solutions that make it easier for customers to invest in high-performance Scania trucks and expand their operations.”

Martin Stahlberg, Senior Vice President Asia and Oceania at Scania CV AB, said: “From a global perspective, India represents a key market for Scania’s long-term growth and capability development. The inauguration of our Bengaluru office reflects our commitment to strengthening our local presence while enhancing how we support customers and partners in the region. We are honored by the presence of His Excellency, the Ambassador of Sweden to India, which highlights the strong and evolving partnership between Sweden and India. This milestone reinforces our focus on building sustainable capabilities and delivering long-term value in markets that are central to Scania’s global growth journey.”

Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank, said: “As the commercial vehicle market evolves towards higher efficiency and sustainability, financing plays a critical role in enabling operators to invest with confidence. Through Scania Financing, powered by Axis Bank, we are combining strong product capability with structured financing expertise to support long-term fleet growth. This partnership reinforces our focus on building solutions-led ecosystems that create durable value for customers.”

Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the office reflects Scania’s intent to operate with greater proximity to the market while reinforcing its long-term commitment to India. It will serve as a hub for key functions, supporting closer coordination across teams and enabling greater agility and responsiveness in a market that continues to be central to Scania’s regional ambitions.

The new office was inaugurated in the presence of senior Scania leadership, key customers, dealer partners, senior members from Business Sweden, and finance partners. Designed in line with the Scania Way and Swedish open work culture, the office features collaborative layouts, functional design, and sustainability-focused elements such as energy-efficient lighting, climate control systems, and the use of sustainable and recyclable materials where feasible.

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Held at the iconic Gateway of India, the awards ceremony brought together leading policymakers, industry leaders, and prominent personalities from business and entertainment. The event was attended by the Chief Minister, Sri. Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister, Sri. Eknath Shinde of Maharashtra,  Sri. Vijay Darda, Chairman of Lokmat, alongside ministers, bureaucrats, and distinguished figures from across sectors.

Presented by Lokmat Media Group, the awards celebrate individuals whose vision, leadership, and achievements have significantly shaped industries while contributing meaningfully to society. Mr. Ahammad’s recognition highlights his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and the role he has played in building Malabar Gold & Diamonds to become the 5^th largest global jewellery retailer and the largest jewellery retailer of Indian origin.

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the honour, Mr. M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Business Bhushan award at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards. This recognition reflects the collective dedication of the entire Malabar family and the trust our customers have placed in us over the years. Our journey is founded on the principle of collective growth of all our stakeholders guided by responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to creating lasting value for society while continuing to pursue excellence in everything we do.”

Founded in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has been a pioneer in fostering responsible and transparent jewellery retail, contributing significantly to employment generation, strengthening the organised retail ecosystem, and enhancing customer experience through access to world‑class designs and services.

Today, the brand stands as a true flag bearer of India, showcasing the nation’s craft and soul to the world through its 425 showrooms across 14 countries. The brand has reimagined the jewellery industry by integrating the entire value chain, from design and manufacturing to retail and beyond.

Maharashtra remains a key market for Malabar Gold & Diamonds, now with 34 showrooms across major cities. This growth has boosted employment, strengthened the organised jewellery ecosystem, and improved access to quality designs. His substantial contribution to the state earned him this honour, and the Group is committed to further expansion, targeting 64 stores in Maharashtra by 2029.

Beyond business growth, Mr. Ahammad advanced a purpose‑driven model by embedding CSR/ESG commitments into the company since inception, consistently contributing 5% of profits to education, healthcare, housing support, and women’s empowerment programmes, benefiting the society across regions of operations.

His recognition with the Business Bhushan Award further reinforces his stature as one of India’s most respected business leaders whose entrepreneurial vision and values-driven leadership serve as an inspiration and a blueprint for collective progress for future global enterprises.

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TenSteps is a ~1.1 million sq. ft IGBC LEED Platinum pre-certified office development, acquired through a joint venture structure, with PRIME holding a 51% stake and Keppel retaining the balance stake. Following the transaction, PRIME’s portfolio will scale to ~3.8 million sq. ft. across Delhi NCR, Chennai, and Pune.

This acquisition builds on PRIME’s earlier transactions and underscores its consistent execution track record. The Fund’s calibrated expansion into Pune reflects its conviction in markets that offer depth of occupier demand, strong talent ecosystems, and long-term institutional relevance. Pune’s established position as a technology and Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub aligns well with PRIME’s focus on acquiring high-quality assets in key office markets.

Gaurav Puri, Chief Investment Officer, NCW, said, “This transaction reinforces the investment principles we set out with —disciplined capital deployment in prominent growth markets with a clear focus on asset quality. As we deploy the Fund corpus, our priority remains building a portfolio of Grade-A+ assets in key office markets that offer long-term visibility on demand and value creation for our investors. Pune fits squarely within this framework.”

TenSteps is a contemporary, institutional-grade office development, combining sustainability credentials with efficient design in a well-established office corridor. Its Platinum certification and design-led efficiencies support occupiers increasingly focused on operational performance, workplace quality, and long-term relevance, particularly among technology-led and global enterprises.

With this acquisition, PRIME continues to advance its portfolio build-out through a selective, asset-led approach, adding a high-quality office development in India’s key office corridors.

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PUNE: In its landmark 30th year of nation-building through agricultural mechanisation, Sonalika Tractors has added a new golden chapter to its journey by recording its highest-ever February overall sales of 12,890 tractors in FY’26. The new historic performance is a powerful affirmation of its robust execution at scale and embodiment of Sonalika’s core belief of delivering ‘Jeetne Ka Dum’ – an inherent strength promising a vibrant future for farmers. As precision farming and advanced agri-technologies gain ground across regions, Sonalika continues to combine product innovation with deep farmer engagement and agile market outreach to stay ahead of the curve.

India’s agricultural ecosystem is witnessing a defining phase with strong policy support, accelerated mechanisation through digital initiatives, improved credit accessibility, and enhanced rural infrastructure spending aimed at increasing farm productivity and income. Sonalika has consistently pushed global engineering excellence by developing future-ready tractors such as the recently launched Sonalika Gold series, which is aligned with grassroots agricultural realities, ensuring future security like gold and long-term value creation for farmers. Sonalika believes mechanisation is more than a necessity for sustainable farming and remains aligned, agile, and ambitious to further strengthen its role as a long-term growth partner to the Indian farmer.

Sharing his thoughts on the new record performance, Mr. Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Limited, said, “The real ‘Jeetne ka Dum’ has always belonged to farmers who rise every day to cultivate progress in their fields. We take it as our responsibility to engineer heavy-duty tractors that amplify farmers’ ambitions and determination to succeed in life. Clocking our record February performance of 12,890 overall tractor sales in this special 30th year milestone is indeed special for us and reinforces the brand’s position as a growth catalyst for India’s agricultural transformation. This landmark year also renews our responsibility to transform farmers’ potential into measurable progress and accelerate India’s growth story to strengthen rural prosperity.”

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