Infosys and Lufthansa Group Partner to Launch GCC in Bengaluru for Aviation Technology

India is home to the headquarters of Infosys Ltd, a leading provider of next-generation digital services and consulting. Established in 1981, it offers cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI-powered solutions, and business transformation services to customers in a variety of industries.

Infosys Collaboration with LHG and LSY

Infosys Ltd. announced on February 18, that it has forged a strategic, long-term collaboration with Lufthansa Group (LHG) and Lufthansa Systems GmbH (LSY) to accelerate digital transformation and innovation within the aviation sector.

As part of this alliance, LSY and Infosys will establish a dedicated Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru, designed to elevate Lufthansa Group’s software and product development. This initiative will also extend robust support for LSY’s suite of products tailored to external airline market customers.

The GCC will drive next-gen, sustainable aviation IT solutions using Infosys Topaz, an AI-first platform powered by generative AI. These innovations will enhance safety, efficiency, customer experience, and competitiveness while adapting to dynamic demand. 

In collaboration with LSY, the GCC will accelerate Lufthansa Group’s digital transformation and refine key solutions in finance, flight navigation, scheduling, and aircraft & crew operations.

Statement From Lufthansa 

Thomas Wittmann, CEO of Lufthansa Systems, said, “At Lufthansa Systems, we champion a modular approach to solutions and collaborations, ensuring adaptability and tailoring to the unique needs of each airline. This principle extends perfectly to our collaboration with Infosys. By combining our deep aviation expertise with Infosys’s global technology prowess and establishing a dedicated Global Capability Center (GCC), we are not only enhancing our one-stop-shop offerings but also accelerating the pace of digital innovation across the aviation industry.”

Statement From Infosys 

Ashiss Kumar Dash, EVP at Infosys, said “Entering into this long-term collaboration with Lufthansa Group and Lufthansa Systems demonstrates the confidence leaders in the aviation industry have in Infosys’ cutting-edge technologies and domain expertise. By leveraging our AI-readiness with Infosys Topaz and industry cloud solutions like Infosys Cobalt Airline Cloud, we will help Lufthansa Group optimise operations and enhance customer experiences, paving the way for a new era of sustainable and efficient air travel.”

Share Price and Performance 

At 11:02 AM on February 19, 2025, Infosys Ltd. shares traded at ₹1,829.95 per share on the NSE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs License Agreement for Red Fox in Bhopal

Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new Red Fox by Lemon Tree Hotels in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels. It is expected to start operations in FY 2027.

Property Details

The upcoming hotel will have 46 rooms, a restaurant, a meeting room, a bar, and other public areas. It will be located 17 km from Raja Bhoj Airport and 6 km from Bhopal Railway Station, with road connectivity for both public and private transport.

Lemon Tree Hotels currently operates four hotels in Madhya Pradesh and has three more in the pipeline. This addition will further expand its presence in the state.

Company Background

Lemon Tree Hotels operates across upscale, upper-midscale, midscale, and economy segments under multiple brands, including:

S.No Name
1 Aurika Hotels & Resorts
2 Lemon Tree Premier
3 Lemon Tree Hotels
4 Red Fox by Lemon Tree Hotels
5 Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels
6 Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels
7 Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels

It has over 110 operational hotels and 90+ upcoming properties in India and internationally, including Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal.

On the other side, Bhopal, often called the “City of Lakes,” is known for its historical sites, including Taj-ul-Masjid, Fatehgarh Fort, Bharat Bhawan, Museum of Man, and Van Vihar National Park.

Financial Performance

In Q3 FY25, Lemon Tree Hotels reported a 76.53% increase in net profit to ₹62.49 crore, while revenue from operations grew by 22.4% to ₹355.18 crore compared to the same period in the previous year.

Following the announcement, Lemon Tree Hotels’ stock price increased by 5.25% to ₹130.59 as of 10:24 AM on February 19, despite an 11.58% decline over the past month, while maintaining an 8.36% gain over the past six months.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Mahindra Lifespaces & Livingstone Infra To Redevelop Mahalaxmi for ₹1,650 Crore

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd (MLDL) has announced a cluster redevelopment project in Mahalaxmi, South Mumbai, in partnership with Livingstone Infra Private Ltd (LS). The project has a Gross Development Value (GDV) of ₹1,650 crore and is part of Mahindra Lifespaces’ expansion in Mumbai’s premium real estate segment.

As of February 19, 10:41 AM, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd (MLDL) is trading at ₹351.35, up ₹4.75 (1.37%) today, but down 14.81% over the past month and 42.23% in the past year.

Location and Connectivity

The project is located in Mahalaxmi South Mumbai. It offers connectivity to business districts, essential services, and entertainment hubs. The upcoming Versova-Bandra Sea Link, expected to improve access across the city, is about 15 minutes away from the site.

Focus on Redevelopment

Mahindra Lifespaces’ Managing Director & CEO, Amit Kumar Sinha, stated that the project aligns with the company’s focus on redevelopment in Mumbai. The company plans to incorporate modern residential designs, sustainability features, and premium amenities as part of the project.

This is not Mahindra Lifespaces’ first large redevelopment project in Mumbai. Earlier this year, the company secured a ₹950 crore redevelopment deal for three housing societies in Lokhandwala, Andheri.

Redevelopment in Mumbai

Cluster redevelopment is a process where older, smaller buildings are demolished and replaced with new high-rises under regulatory approvals. Residents of the old buildings receive larger apartments in the new structure for free, while developers sell additional units. The government also benefits by selling the Floor Space Index (FSI) to developers.

In addition to the Mahalaxmi and Andheri projects, Mahindra Lifespaces recently acquired 8.2 acres in North Bengaluru for a housing project worth ₹1,000 crore.

Mahindra Lifespaces 

Mahindra Lifespaces has completed, ongoing, and upcoming residential projects covering 39.44 million sq. ft. across seven cities. It is also involved in developing 5,000 acres of industrial clusters.

The Mahalaxmi redevelopment is part of Mumbai’s broader real estate transformation, as older structures are gradually replaced with new residential developments.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Edelweiss Low Duration Fund Files Draft with SEBI

Edelweiss Mutual Fund has filed a draft with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its Edelweiss Low Duration Fund, an open-ended debt scheme. The fund will invest in debt and money market instruments, maintaining a Macaulay duration between 6 to 12 months. The fund will be open for subscription for a maximum of 15 days during the NFO period.

It carries a relatively high interest rate risk and moderate credit risk, classified under the Potential Risk Class Matrix (B-III), as per the filing.

Allocation and Strategy

The fund’s asset allocation ranges from 0% to 100% in debt and money market instruments. It will primarily focus on low-duration securities to provide liquidity while aiming for short-term income. 

The scheme will follow the CRISIL Low Duration Debt A-I Index as its benchmark.

Suitability and Risk

The scheme is categorized as low to moderate risk, based on its risk classification. It is positioned for investors seeking short-term income generation with exposure to debt and money market instruments. The Risk-o-Meter places the benchmark’s risk at a similar level.

Fund Structure and Liquidity

The minimum investment amount during the New Fund Offer (NFO) is ₹1,000 per unit. The fund will be available under two plans:

  • Regular Plan (via distributors)
  • Direct Plan (for direct investments)

Units can be purchased, switched, or redeemed daily. The fund aims to process redemptions within three working days.

Expense Ratio and Exit Load

The fund has no exit load. The total expense ratio (TER) is set at up to 2% of the daily net assets, covering fund management, administrative costs, and distribution expenses.

The Edelweiss Asset Management Limited (AMC) will manage the fund. The AMC has filed the draft Scheme Information Document (SID) with SEBI, along with a Due Diligence Certificate confirming regulatory compliance. 

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Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

NFO Alert: Helio Mutual Fund Launches Mid-Cap Fund

Helios Mutual Fund has launched the Helios Mid Cap Fund, an open-ended equity scheme that primarily invests in mid-cap stocks. The New Fund Offer (NFO) period starts on February 20, 2025, and closes on March 6, 2025. 

The fund has a very high risk level and is managed by Alok Bahi.

  • Fund Category: Equity – Mid Cap
  • Benchmark: NIFTY Midcap 150 Total Return Index (TRI)
  • Minimum Investment: ₹5,000
  • Additional Investment: ₹1,000 in multiples of ₹1
  • Riskometer: Very High
  • Exit Load:
    • 1% if more than 10% of units are redeemed within 3 months
    • Nil after 3 months

Objective and Strategy

The fund aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity-related securities of mid-cap companies. There is no lock-in period.

The portfolio follows a stock elimination strategy, filtering companies based on eight parameters, including corporate governance, industry potential, and financial stability. The selection process focuses on identifying companies with reasonable growth potential while avoiding businesses that show signs of weak fundamentals.

Asset Allocation and Risk

The scheme’s asset allocation structure is as follows:

  • Mid-cap equity and related instruments: 65%-100%
  • Equity securities Other than Midcap Companies: 0%-35%
  • Debt and money market instruments: 0%-35%

The fund carries a very high risk, given its focus on mid-cap stocks, which are more volatile than large-cap stocks. Investors should consider market fluctuations before investing.

Liquidity and NAV Calculation

Being an open-ended fund, units can be purchased and redeemed on any business day. The Net Asset Value (NAV) will be calculated daily and published on the fund’s official website and the AMFI platform.

Plan your SBI SIP investments better! Use our easy-to-use SBI SIP Calculator and estimate future returns with just a few clicks. Your financial growth starts here.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Axis Max Life Introduces STAR ULIP with Dual Benefits

Axis Max Life Insurance has launched STAR ULIP (Smart Term with Additional Returns), a unit-linked, non-participating life insurance plan. The policy combines life insurance coverage with market-linked investment options, allowing policyholders to customize their financial plans based on their risk appetite and long-term goals.

Coverage and Protection

The plan offers protection against accidental death and total permanent disability. Additionally, policyholders can opt for riders that provide extra coverage, including death from all causes, accidental death, and total or permanent disability due to accidents.

An important feature of the plan is its high sum assured multiple, which can go up to 215 times the base annualized premium to help provide financial security in unforeseen circumstances.

Plan Variants

STAR ULIP is available in two variants:

  • Life Secure Variant: Includes a death benefit multiple ranging from 10 to 215 times the annualized premium. Upon maturity, the total fund value is paid out.
  • 3D Life Secure Variant: Includes a lump sum death benefit along with a monthly income benefit, where 20% of the base annualized premium is paid for 10 years. If the policyholder faces death, critical illness, or dismemberment, outstanding premiums are funded up to three times. The total fund value is paid at maturity.

Investment and Flexibility

The policy allows investment in multiple market-linked funds, giving policyholders flexibility in managing their funds. Other features include emergency withdrawals and loyalty additions, which may provide returns up to three times the charges, as per the reports.

The STAR ULIP also includes the 3D Life Secure Variant, which provides coverage for critical illness and dismemberment. In such cases, future outstanding premiums are funded up to three times.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Reliance Consumer Expands Global Reach with Campa Launch in UAE

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries, has launched Campa in the UAE at Gulfood 2025, entering into the international market. This expansion follows Reliance’s acquisition of the Campa brand in 2022 and its reintroduction in India in 2023.

As of February 19, 10:33 AM, Reliance Industries Ltd is trading at ₹1,231.45, up ₹6.05 (0.49%) today but down 5.67% over the past month and 16.46% over the past year.

Partnership with Agthia Group

To distribute Campa products in the UAE, RCPL has partnered with Agthia Group, a major food and beverage company in the region. This collaboration is to help the brand establish a presence in the market, targeting both Indian expatriates familiar with Campa and local consumers.

Product Range and Positioning

The initial product lineup includes Campa Cola, Campa Lemon, Campa Orange, and Cola Zero. The brand has undergone a redesign with new packaging while keeping the original flavours. Pricing details have not been disclosed, but RCPL has stated that it aims to keep the products affordable.

Statements from the Companies

Ketan Mody, COO of RCPL, stated “We are excited to enter the UAE market with Campa, a heritage Indian brand founded more than 50 years ago. We are investing for the long term and see great potential for accelerated growth in the region. We have a track record of delivering innovative and global quality products at affordable prices to customers. We are delighted to come together with our partners today to transform the beverage experience for consumers across the UAE.”
Alan Smith, CEO of Agthia Group, said “This iconic brand holds deep nostalgia for many, and we believe it will strongly resonate with the significant Indian expatriate community in the UAE and local consumers alike. This partnership further strengthens Agthia’s diverse beverage portfolio and reinforces our leadership in the region’s dynamic market. With our robust distribution network and market expertise, we’re excited to reintroduce Campa Cola to a new generation of consumers in the UAE.”

Campa’s History and Expansion 

Campa was a popular soft drink brand in India during the 1970s and 1980s before it faded from the market. After acquiring it in 2022, Reliance reintroduced it in India with updated branding. The UAE launch is the first in its expansion beyond India, though there is no official confirmation about further international markets.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Nazara Technologies Increases its Stake in Datawrkz to 55%

Nazara Technologies has increased its ownership in Datawrkz Business Solutions to 55%. This move strengthens Nazara’s presence in the digital and gaming industry while enhancing its advertising capabilities.

Acquisition Details

Nazara Technologies Limited has acquired 14,999 equity shares of Datawrkz Business Solutions Private Limited. This purchase represents a 22% stake in the company, bringing Nazara’s total ownership in Datawrkz to 55%. As a result, Datawrkz will continue operating as a subsidiary of Nazara.

Financial Consideration

The acquisition deal is valued at ₹21 crore. The first instalment of ₹12 crore has already been paid, while the remaining balance will be settled according to the terms outlined in the investment agreement. 

Strategic Purpose

This acquisition aligns with Nazara’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in the digital and gaming ecosystem. The company aims to leverage Datawrkz’s expertise to enhance its business operations and explore new opportunities in the digital advertising space.

About the Companies 

Nazara Technologies Limited is a leading gaming and digital entertainment company with a strong presence across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. It specialises in interactive gaming, e-sports and gamified learning, catering to a diverse audience. 

Datawrkz Business Solutions Private Limited- is a digital advertising technology company specialising in programmatic advertising and customer engagement solutions. It helps businesses optimise their digital marketing efforts through data-driven strategies.

Share Performance 

As of February 19, 2025, at 9:30 AM, the shares of Nazara Technologies Ltd are trading at ₹917.55 per share, down 0.18% from the previous day’s closing price. Over the last month, the stock has fallen by 13.78% and over the last year it has decreased by 9.17%. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹1,117 and its 52-week low is ₹591.50 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

China’s Scientists Develop Ultra-Hard Hexagonal Diamond

A groundbreaking discovery by Chinese scientists has led to the creation of an artificial diamond that surpasses natural diamonds in strength and heat resistance. This new form, known as hexagonal diamond or lonsdaleite, has long been theorised to be harder than traditional diamonds but has remained difficult to synthesise in the lab. Recent advancements in material science have now made it possible, opening up exciting possibilities for industrial and commercial applications.

Breakthrough in Artificial Diamond Production

Scientists at Jilin University in China have successfully created an artificial diamond that surpasses natural ones in hardness and heat resistance. By heating compressed graphite under precise conditions, they have produced high-quality hexagonal diamonds, a structure known as lonsdaleite. This rare form, typically found in meteorite impact sites, has long been difficult to replicate in laboratories. The newly developed material exhibits remarkable structural integrity, promising advancements in various industries.

Exceptional Strength and Industrial Applications

Tests have shown that the artificial hexagonal diamond boasts a hardness of 155 GPa, significantly exceeding the 100 GPa of natural diamonds. Additionally, it withstands extreme temperatures of up to 1,100°C. These properties make it highly suitable for industrial applications such as cutting, drilling, and high-performance tools. With improved fabrication techniques, this discovery may pave the way for the production of ultra-hard materials with broad commercial potential.

Future Implications and Potential Uses

Beyond industrial applications, this breakthrough offers insights into diamond formation and advanced material engineering. While previous attempts to synthesise hexagonal diamonds have seen limited success, the new method represents a significant step forward. Although primarily intended for industrial use, researchers suggest that these super diamonds could eventually find a place in jewellery, redefining the luxury gemstone market.

Conclusion

The development of high-quality hexagonal diamonds marks a significant scientific achievement. With superior hardness and thermal resistance, these artificial diamonds hold immense potential across multiple industries. As fabrication techniques advance, they may revolutionise both manufacturing and luxury markets.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

SEBI Proposes Stricter Financial Disclosure Norms for REITs and InvITs

Understanding REITs and InvITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are investment vehicles that pool funds from investors to invest in income-generating real estate and infrastructure projects, respectively. 

These trusts are listed on stock exchanges, enabling investors to trade shares like regular stocks. They offer an opportunity to invest in large-scale assets without direct ownership, making them attractive to institutional and retail investors alike.

SEBI Proposes Enhanced Financial Disclosures

SEBI’s proposal mandates that REITs and InvITs must present detailed, combined financial statements in their public offer documents, ensuring a comprehensive view of the trust’s financial health. 

Even newly established trusts will be required to disclose consolidated financials, including linked entities, to provide investors with greater clarity. Additionally, for follow-up offerings, they must submit fully audited financial statements instead of summarised versions.

To further tighten transparency, SEBI proposes eliminating the use of condensed financial statements, which currently allow for selective disclosure. Instead, trusts will need to provide complete financial reports, ensuring that investors have access to the full picture of their investments.

Ongoing Compliance and Reporting

After listing, REITs and InvITs will have to comply with stricter reporting requirements. SEBI suggests transitioning from semi-annual to quarterly reporting on the utilisation of funds raised. This move is aimed at keeping investors informed about how their money is being deployed.

Moreover, SEBI plans to introduce mandatory disclosure of the net borrowing ratio, which will indicate the trust’s level of debt relative to its assets. This requirement is expected to help investors assess financial risks associated with REITs and InvITs, thereby enabling more informed decision-making.

Conclusion

SEBI’s proposed amendments aim to enhance financial transparency and safeguard investor interests. By enforcing stricter disclosure norms and increasing the frequency of financial updates, SEBI seeks to build greater trust in REITs and InvITs. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.