6th December 2024 Bangalore, Karnataka, India Truecaller, the leading global communications platform, has appointed Gaurav Loomba as India’s Senior Director of Public Affairs. Gaurav joined Truecaller following a distinguished career as the AVP of Government and Public Affairs at Paytm, and he has also held positions at the National Payments Corporation of India and ICICI Bank. This appointment comes close on the heels of another seasoned industry veteran, Seema Jindal, joining from Bharti Airtel. Seema leads Truecaller’s Public Affairs mandate on the telecom business.

With two decades of experience in financial services and digital payments, Gaurav was instrumental in fostering relationships with government and industry associations on policy and regulatory reforms in the sector, as well as managing CSR and ESG initiatives.

At Truecaller, Gaurav will work closely with government agencies to lead the implementation of a public affairs strategy that secures necessary regulatory and policy support for Truecaller’s sustained growth and innovation in India.

Speaking on his new role, Gaurav said, “I am pleased to announce my appointment as the Senior Director of Public Affairs at Truecaller. In this role, I will be tasked with enhancing the organisation’s engagement with government ministries and agencies. My primary objective will be to develop and implement strategies that ensure comprehensive policy and regulatory support, thereby reinforcing Truecaller’s commitment to the Indian market. “

Truecaller stays committed to India by continuing to expand the Public Affairs mandate in its largest market with over 383 million users. Gaurav will report directly to Kari Krishnamurthy, Truecaller’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Welcoming Senior Director of Public Affairs, Kari Krishnamurthy, Chief Commercial Officer at Truecaller, said, “Gaurav Loomba’s leadership in Public Affairs marks a pivotal step as we deepen our focus on India, our largest market. His regulatory expertise and ability to cultivate meaningful stakeholder engagement will strengthen our partnerships and advance our strategic goals in telecommunications.”

6th December 2024 Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Sushil Sharma, a visionary leader and CEO & Founder of Marwari Catalysts, is on a mission to redefine the landscape of India’s startup ecosystem by empowering entrepreneurs beyond the country’s major cities. With a deep commitment to transforming the narrative around innovation in Tier II and III cities, Sushil works closely with founders, understanding their unique challenges and aspirations. He does not just advocate for growth in these regions; he lives in them, embodying his belief that these cities hold untapped potential for creating the next wave of successful startups.

Sushil Sharma entered the industry by investing in startups, facing a few setbacks early on but refusing to quit. Over time, he evolved from a struggling founder to an angel investor, now recognized as the most influential name in the startup ecosystem.

Marwari Catalysts: A Hub for Scalable Growth

Marwari Catalysts, India’s fastest-growing Startup Accelerator & Rajasthan’s biggest Ecosystem Player, has established itself as a powerful player in fostering innovation and scaling businesses. As Rajasthan’s first SEBI-approved CAT-1 AIF, it provides unparalleled resources and mentorship to help startups with established revenue after histories grow 10X to 100X. With a team that includes successful founders, industry experts, and professionals who have been instrumental in building unicorns, Marwari Catalysts offers startups the support they need to become formidable ventures. The organization bridges the gap between traditional businesses and new-age ventures, creating opportunities for mutual growth.

Global Reach and Mentors with Skin in the Game

Under Sushil’s leadership, Marwari Catalysts supports a diverse portfolio of over 90+ startups and 500+ co-founders clubs, connecting them with international markets in the US, UK, and the Middle East. This global outlook helps entrepreneurs from smaller towns tap into opportunities across the globe.

One of the accelerator’s key strengths lies in its pool of mentors, who not only offer expert guidance but also have a stake in the startups they support. This hands-on involvement nurtures accountability and drives growth. “Our mentors have skin in the game; they understand the challenges firsthand and provide tailored guidance to our founders,” says Sushil. The success of Marwari Catalysts is evident in its track record, where successful exits significantly outnumber failures, proving its reliability as an accelerator.

Several startups from Marwari Catalysts have made waves on Shark Tank India, securing funding and receiving immense appreciation from the Sharks. In Season 1, Nuskha Kitchen impressed with its health & wellness solutions; in Season 2, Jaipur Watch Company showcased its bespoke luxury craftmanship; and in Season 3, TURMS stood out with its NanoTech approach. These success stories highlight Marwari Catalysts’ knack for nurturing impactful startups.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Inclusivity is a core tenet of Marwari Catalysts, with women entrepreneurs making up 35% of its portfolio. Sushil believes that women are key to creating a resilient and innovative India. He advocates for equal access to mentorship and resources for women, creating a more equitable business ecosystem. “Women entrepreneurs are critical for building a stronger, more diverse startup landscape,” he emphasizes.

Resilience Through Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, but it also showcased the resilience of startups in Tier II and III cities. Entrepreneurs in these regions leveraged digital transformation to find new avenues for growth, positioning themselves for long-term success. “Startups in Tier II and III cities were already well-positioned for resilience,” Sushil notes. “The pandemic opened doors for them, particularly with the rise of AI, IoT, and remote work solutions.”

Building a Global Startup Ecosystem

Marwari Catalysts, founded in Rajasthan, has expanded its reach and influence globally. Today, it serves as the backbone of India’s startup ecosystem, providing entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive on the world stage.Sushil envisions Marwari Catalysts as a key player in bringing global startups to India through reverse engineering, creating a bridge between Indian entrepreneurs and international markets. “We aim to position Indian startups as key players on the world stage,” he asserts, underscoring his vision of India becoming a global economic powerhouse.

A Future of Limitless Possibilities

Sushil Sharma exemplifies how immense potential lies beyond India’s metropolitan cities. From small-town roots, he has risen to lead the fastest-growing startup accelerator in India, reflecting his commitment to creating an environment where talent can flourish. “Creating value is essential for building meaningful relationships, and collaboration is the most powerful growth strategy,” he explains.

As the Indian startup ecosystem continues to evolve, Sushil Sharma’s efforts to empower entrepreneurs from smaller towns are helping shape an innovative future without boundaries. Through Marwari Catalysts, he is laying the foundation for an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape, where talent from India’s tier 2 and 3 cities converges to create lasting impact.

6th December 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India The Elpro Sports Fest is an annual celebration of sports and teamwork at Elpro International School, aiming to inspire students and promote holistic development through active participation. This year, the festival, held from 16th November to 2nd December 2024, was bigger and better, engaging students from Grades 1 to 12 in a wide range of individual and team sports of their choice. The event ensures 100% participation, allowing every student to compete, learn, and have fun through sports.

The idea of inviting celebrated sports personalities like Nitesh Kumar and Lakshya Sen was to motivate students by introducing them to real-life role models who exemplify perseverance, discipline, and excellence. The festival kicked off with a motivational opening ceremony featuring Nitesh Kumar, India’s Paralympic Badminton champion. His incredible story of resilience and success inspired everyone in attendance, setting a positive tone for the weeks ahead.

Throughout the fest, students participated in a variety of sports, including cricket, football, badminton, long jump, throwball, and more. The unique aspect of the Elpro Sports Fest is its inclusivity—ensuring that every student, regardless of grade or skill level, takes part in at least one individual and one team sport, based on their preferences.

The closing ceremony on 2nd December was equally inspiring, featuring Lakshya Sen, India’s rising badminton star. His journey from a young athlete to an international sensation motivated students to dream big, work hard, and pursue their goals with passion and determination. The ceremony also honored the winners of various events and acknowledged the hard work of all participants, organizers, and volunteers.

Dr. Vohra said, “The Elpro Sports Fest is about much more than winning medals. It’s about participation, growth, and building confidence in our students. We are proud to create a space where every child can explore their potential, work in teams, and develop a lifelong love for sports. The presence of inspiring athletes like Nitesh Kumar and Lakshya Sen makes this event truly special.”

The Elpro Sports Fest has become a platform that not only celebrates athletic talent but also fosters values like inclusivity, perseverance, and teamwork. It’s a shining example of how sports can bring communities together and leave a lasting impact on young minds. To know more about Elpro International School follow @elpro_international_school on Instagram.

6th December 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India After the tremendous success of its previous Property Carnivals in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai, NoBroker, India’s first proptech unicorn, is bringing its highly anticipated Property Carnival to Pune on 7th and 8th December 2024. Homebuyers in Pune now have an exceptional opportunity to explore an array of exclusive property offers, exciting deals, and financing options from over a dozen top-tier developers in the real estate industry under one roof.

The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Hinjewadi Wakad Road, Pune, on December 7th and 8th and promises to be the ultimate destination for homebuyers looking to find their dream homes with unbeatable perks.

Event Highlights

Homebuyers visiting the NoBroker Property Carnival will enjoy a range of exclusive offers and benefits, including white goods up to Rs 4 lakhs, no GST payment, free Oxford Golf membership for 25 years, MG Comet car for every customer who books on the spot, and gold vouchers of up to Rs 5 lakhs. The event is expected to have a massive footfall of 1,000+ buyers over the course of the weekend after similar astounding success in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai which witnessed similar footfalls and over 100 property bookings on the spot.

Customers will also have the opportunity to choose from lucrative payment schemes such as:

• Fixed EMI starting at ₹33,333 for 30 months
• 5:95 Payment Scheme – Pay 5% now and enjoy an EMI holiday until December 2026
• Moratorium for 24 months
• Bullet Payment Plan – Special pricing for selective units (Pay 9% now, with the next payment due after 6 months)

Leading developers from the real estate industry such as Godrej Properties, Kolte Patil, Shapoorji Pallonji, Mahindra Lifespaces, Rohan Builders, Platinum Developers, Dosti Realty, and more will showcase their top properties at the event.

NoBroker is committed to offering homebuyers not just great deals with professional guidance but a seamless experience through technological solutions. Special benefits are available exclusively for NoBroker customers who book on during the carnival. Whether you’re a first time home-buyer looking for your dream home or an investor looking to get good returns from real estate, this carnival has you covered.

Saurabh Garg, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of NoBroker said, “Homebuying is a big decision and our experts would help customers make the right decision. This is the perfect opportunity for Pune homebuyers to explore a wide range of properties from some of the best developers in the market, all while taking advantage of exceptional offers. Whether you are looking for a 2BHK, 3BHK, or 4BHK property, flexible payment schemes, loan options, there is something for everyone at the NoBroker Property Carnival. We at NoBroker wish to make the dream of owning a home come true for our customers. The offers at this carnival are designed to make home-buying more affordable and rewarding.”

6th December 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India The much-anticipated Brand Vision: India 2030 Leadership Conclave, presented by Vritilife, an initiative by NexBrands Inc, took place on November 19, 2024, at the luxurious ITC Maratha in Mumbai. This year’s conclave celebrated extraordinary leaders from the corporate and entertainment sectors who were honored as Extraordinaires for their remarkable contributions to their industries and society.

The prestigious event brought together an exclusive gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and influencers, recognizing their efforts in transforming India’s corporate landscape, driving innovation, and influencing the entertainment world. The conclave acknowledged the visionaries whose leadership, perseverance, and trailblazing achievements continue to inspire future generations.

Key Honorees at Vritilife presents Brand Vision: India 2030 Leadership Conclave 2024

The event saw the recognition of several corporate and entertainment icons under different categories:

Corporate Icons:

• Madan Mohan Mohanka – Tega Industries – Powerful Business Icon
• Harish Kohli – Acer India – Most Powerful CEO
• Sanjay Koul – Timken India – Most Powerful CEO
• Dheeraj Arora – Hygienic Research Institute – Most Powerful CEO
• Amit Gossain – Kone Elevators – Most Powerful CEO
• Lav Chaturvedi – Reliance Securities – Most Powerful CEO
• Deepak Jain – amanté – Dynamic Business Leader
• Saurabh Munjal – Lahori Zeera – Disrupting Startup Led by Youth Leader – FMCG
• Sanjib Sahoo – Ingram Micro – Trendsetter of the Industry – IT Distribution & Services
• Gautam Boda – JB Boda Group – Powerful Business Icon
• Nitin Jain & Hemant Daga – Neo Wealth & Asset Management – Most Innovative Business Leaders – Wealth & Asset Management
• Krishnadas R Varier – Arya Vaidya Pharmacy – Leadership Par Excellence – Ayurveda
• Mathew Job – Watertec India – Most Innovative Business Leader – Bath Fittings
• Rohini Iyer – Raindrop Media – Influential Entrepreneur
• Aditya Vikram Birla – Cosmic Birla Group – Dynamic Business Personality
• Priya Anand Dakle – Dakle Industrial Plastics – Leading Ladies of Influence – Manufacturing
• Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese – Hindustan Group of Institutions – Powerful Business Icon – Education
• Aakanksha Kaur – JIS Group – Leading Ladies of Influence – Education
• Kumari Swetam – Indiana HR and Training Solutions – Leading Ladies of Influence – HR Consultancy & Training
• Arnav Vij, Karissa Gupta, Vihaan Tampi – Walking Past – Youth Leaders of the Year

Entertainment Legends:

• R. Madhavan – Game Changer of the Decade
• Anupam Kher – Change-Maker of Indian Cinema
• Nawazuddin Siddiqui – Versatile Actor of the Decade
• Fardeen Khan – Breakthrough Performer
• Raashii Khanna – Sensational Performer
• Esha Gupta – Leading Ladies of Influence
• Dhvani Bhanushali – Pop Sensation of the Year
• Ali Fazal – Global OTT Icon
• Sayani Gupta – Impactful OTT Performer
• Urvashi Rautela – Style Icon
• Adah Sharma – Power Achiever
• Pragya Jaiswal – Rising Star (Female)
• Gurmeet Choudhary – Rising Star (Male)
• Aastha Gill – Youth Icon (Music)
• Gauranga Darshan Das – Visionary Leader (Spirituality)

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration: Vritilife presents Brand Vision: India 2030 Leadership Conclave was a spectacular evening of recognition, featuring a host of luminaries from both the corporate world and entertainment industry. The event not only celebrated their outstanding achievements but also provided a platform for networking, inspiration, and vision-sharing about the future of India in the next decade. Each award recipient was celebrated for their unwavering commitment to excellence and their contributions to shaping the India of tomorrow.

6th December 2024 Hong Kong As a national treasure, the giant panda’s rarity and heartwarming, adorable appearance has captivated the world. In Hong Kong, the panda craze shows no signs of slowing down, from the anticipated arrival of two new pandas in December to the locally born panda twins earlier. After the successful summer exhibition “100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Tour (Hong Kong)”, the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) is once again setting the stage for a new wave of excitement by organising Hong Kong’s largest panda exhibition, PANDA GO! FEST HK. The exhibition will showcase 2,500 panda sculptures in eight unique designs.

The PANDA GO! FEST HK kicked off with a grand welcoming ceremony on December 2 at one of the Hangars, within the restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport, where 2,500 pandas were warmly welcomed.

These pandas will be creatively displayed across various locations around Hong Kong. They are visiting iconic landmarks with four exhibitions throughout the city, starting in December.

It was inspired by Hong Kong’s own panda family, the PANDA GO! FEST HK also features six exclusive designs and introduces the special Hong Kong intellectual property (IP) – Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong (PFF HK) ARR invites both locals and tourists to dive into this immersive celebration that blends art, exhibition, and tourism. It promises not only a citywide celebration of the pandas’ unique charm but also an atmosphere filled with joy and hope.

Organizer ARR Returns to Curate Again, Continuing a Decade-Long Bond with Pandas

The connection between giant pandas and the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) runs deep. In 2014, ARR introduced the iconic “I AM HERE” giant panda installation in Chengdu, the home of pandas, which has since become a local landmark. Later that year, ARR launched the “1600 PANDAS WORLD TOUR IN HONG KONG: CREATIVITY MEETS CONSERVATION,” captivating audiences across multiple cities worldwide and pioneering a new exhibition format by appearing at landmark locations through a series of flash exhibitions. For generations, pandas have been cherished as close companions by the people of Hong Kong, holding special meaning for both ARR and the city’s residents.

Now, a decade later, with the arrival of four new members, the total number of giant pandas has been brought to six. Also, thanks to global panda conservation efforts, the giant panda population has now grown to over 2,500. This includes wild pandas, which have increased from around 1,600 to approximately 1,900, and over 600 captive pandas. Despite these advancements, pandas remain exceedingly rare.

Panda Go! Fest HK Returns with Eight New Panda Designs as 2,500 Pandas “On the Go”! As a result, ARR has decided to bring 2,500 panda sculptures back with a fresh new look. Continuing with Hong Kong as the central hub, ARR is set to create the city’s largest panda-themed exhibition yet, gathering panda lovers and art enthusiasts while spreading panda culture to every corner of Hong Kong. For the PANDA GO! FEST HK, ARR has designed eight new panda designs, which will form a creative collection of 2,500 panda sculptures.

Visitors will have the chance to spot traces of giant pandas at various iconic landmarks across Hong Kong, bringing art closer to daily life and raising awareness about panda conservation. The highlight of the event is the appearance of 2,500 pandas in four public exhibitions starting from December 7, where they will meet locals and visitors alike. For details, visitors can check the official website pandago-fest.com.

The Exclusive Hong Kong IP, Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong, will Make Its Adorable Debut

When visiting the PANDA GO! FEST HK exhibitions, you will notice six particularly familiar and charming pandas among the crowd. ARR has specially created six new characters for Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong (PFF HK), an exclusive Hong Kong IP inspired by the city’s panda family. These characters include Ying Ying, Le Le, and the newly added members—Keke*, An An*, and the twin pandas, “Big Sister*” and “Little Brother*” (*existing names). Each character incorporates their distinct personalities and physical traits with anthropomorphic elements, blending local cultural and lifestyle features to create a one-of-a-kind Hong Kong exclusive IP.

PFF HK will not only be part of the exhibition but also serve as Hong Kong’s giant panda ambassadors. This IP may appear in other panda-related events hosted by various organisations. ARR has gifted this IP to Hong Kong. Organisations are incorporating PFF HK into different settings, actively driving culture and tourism. This initiative aims to spread joy, boost the economy, and infuse new energy into Hong Kong. During this event, all royalties generated from commercial activities will be fully donated to Ocean Park to support giant panda conservation efforts.

This exhibition also features renowned French artist Paulo Grangeon as the artistic consultant. With his meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of artistic creation, he has further refined and elevated the essence of pandas, ensuring that every sculpture and movement captures the panda’s spirit to the fullest.

PANDA GO! Fest HK has also invited 11 renowned figures from various fields to create one-of-a-kind special-edition panda designs. The lineup includes Pharrell Williams, a renowned musician, artist, producer, and fashion designer; Huang Bo, a celebrated actor and director; Du Juan, a supermodel and actress; and Kasing Lung, the artist behind the creation of LABUBU, among others.

Most of these special-edition panda sculptures will be auctioned online for charity, with the highest bidder winning. Proceeds from the auction, with no deductions, will be donated in full to Ocean Park, supporting giant panda conservation efforts. Details of the charity sale will be announced later.

A National Treasure Promoting Cultural Exchange

The giant panda, a national treasure, carries profound cultural and ecological significance. As a Class I protected animal in China, the panda is an endemic species found only in the bamboo forests of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Its rarity makes it incredibly precious. Symbolising good fortune and friendship, pandas often serve as cultural ambassadors, gifted to countries around the world. The two pairs of pandas previously sent to Hong Kong have accompanied generations of locals, and the new arrivals will continue to bring joy to the people of Hong Kong.

6th December 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has released the latest edition of Life Freedom Index (LFI). The LFI is a study that was established by HDFC Life in 2011. This index measures the level of ‘financial freedom’ among Indian consumers, and has been instrumental in providing deep insights into the ever-evolving financial needs of consumers across segments. It covers key adult life-stages, bucketed into three cohorts: Young Aspirants, Proud Parents, and Wisdom Investors.

The LFI comprises four sub-indices:

• Financial Awareness & Familiarity Index
• Financial Planning Index
• Financial Sufficiency & Adequacy Index
• Financial Liberty Index

This edition (2024) of the study was conducted by NielsenIQ across 15 cities (good representation of 4 zones, and Tiers 1, 2, 3) with 2076 respondents.

The latest 2024 study reveals that the Life Freedom Index stands at 70.8, (up by 9 points as compared to 2021). This upward movement indicates a bounce-back in consumer sentiment after the pandemic, and an overall improvement in terms of confidence in consumers’ financial outlook.

This upward movement is attributed to growth across all of LFI’s sub-indices, particularly Financial Planning and Financial Sufficiency & Adequacy indices. However, the relatively lower growth in the Financial Awareness & Familiarity Index highlights the need for better knowledge of financial products.

Another aspect where LFI throws light is the list of top priorities for consumers. Children’s financial security, fitness (both physical and mental) and improving one’s standard of living feature on this list. An interesting development noticed is that retirement planning is gradually gaining importance as a financial responsibility, becoming more important with age. While planning for retirement, consumers are taking into account the expenses towards health, daily living, and supporting children.

In terms of ranking among consumer segments, as per the LFI, Wisdom Investors are at the top, displaying maximum growth, followed by Young Aspirants and Proud Parents.

One of the highlights of LFI’s latest edition is that Tier 3 Consumers & Working women have displayed a notable increase in LFI, reflecting a positive shift in their financial planning and confidence.

The upward trend among Tier 3 consumers is likely to have been driven by improved financial access through digital advancements and greater connectivity.

The increase in the index for Working Women is attributed to easier access to financial education through digital advances and initiatives to empower women.

Since the last edition, HDFC Life has also been monitoring the Life Insurance Confidence Index, which measures the role of Life Insurance in the consumers’ financial planning & goal achievement. There has been a growth of 9.3 points in this index, which indicates the rising recognition of life insurance as a vital component of the financial strategy for individuals. This gain rides on the increased consumer confidence that life insurance provides, to meet financial needs and long term financial goals.

West Zone displays the highest index score, while East exhibits the highest growth. There has also been notable improvement in Tier 3 markets which denotes that life insurance is gaining significance as an important financial product. Overall, life insurance offerings are witnessing improved familiarity and needs such as financial security, returns, child’s future and maintaining lifestyle are the key triggers, driving life insurance purchase.

Speaking on the launch of this study, Vishal Subharwal – Group Head Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer, HDFC Life said, “We created Life Freedom Index (LFI) to serve as an indicator of overall financial preparedness among Indian consumers. We have seen the Index evolve over the years, and with each new study, we mostly found the levels of consumer confidence in terms of financial preparedness, improving. This indicates development and a positive approach towards the future with a focus on financial security.

This year’s study has highlighted improved levels of financial freedom among Working Women and in Tier 3 markets. The Life Insurance Confidence Index has grown significantly, reiterating the importance of life insurance in a well-rounded financial plan. We believe this will give further impetus to our efforts at HDFC Life and across the life insurance industry in our journey towards ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.”

6th December 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India Deutsche Bank and The Akshaya Patra Foundation have further strengthened their long-standing partnership to combat classroom hunger by initiating the construction of a state-of-the-art kitchen in Shivajinagar, Pune. The groundbreaking ceremony for this innovative facility marks a major milestone in their joint efforts to enhance the lives of underprivileged children through the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the implementing partner of the PM POSHAN initiative and world’s largest NGO-Run school meal program.

Expected to be operational by early 2026, the multi-level kitchen will provide over 25,000 daily hot, nutritious meals to students in government and government-aided schools across Pune. This initiative is aimed at improving school attendance, academic performance, and the overall health and well-being of marginalized children. The facility will adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and safety and is designed to serve as Akshaya Patra’s central kitchen in Pune. Beyond addressing nutrition and education, the project is poised to create employment opportunities and support local agriculture, fostering economic development within the community.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of Deutsche Bank Group, India, along with Shri Sampati Dasa, Regional President – Pune, The Akshaya Patra Foundation; Shri Shridhar Venkat, CEO, of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Ms Ruchi Khemka, Head – CSR, Deutsche Bank Group, India, Praveen NR, IFS, Sri Prithviraj BP, IAS & other senior representatives from the Pune Government department & The Akshaya Patra Foundation and other dignitaries.

Mr. Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of Deutsche Bank Group, India, highlighting the significance of this initiative, said, “At Deutsche Bank, we believe collaboration is vital to creating lasting social impact. This new kitchen in Pune reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing hunger and education, empowering students to realize their full potential. With our strong presence in Pune, we also look forward to engaging our employees in advancing this meaningful cause and fostering sustainable change.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, from The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey with Deutsche Bank to eradicate classroom hunger and foster educational opportunities for children across Pune. Through this state-of-the-art kitchen facility, we are set to enhance our operational capabilities significantly, thereby ensuring that over 25,000 students receive nutritious meals every school day. This initiative not only supports academic excellence but also strengthens the fabric of our communities by promoting better health and creating economic opportunities locally. We are immensely grateful to Deutsche Bank’s for their support over the years. We also want to thank the Government of Maharashtra for providing us the opportunity to serve the children in the state. They have been instrumental in helping us make an impact and nurture the potential of every child we serve.”

Since 2014, Deutsche Bank has supported Akshaya Patra’s efforts to provide mid-day meals to students in Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Pune. Over the past decade, this partnership has facilitated the provision of over 8 crore meals to children, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities. In addition to the Pune kitchen, Deutsche Bank is extending its support to Akshaya Patra by funding meals for an additional 2,000 children in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad.

The Pune kitchen is set to play a critical role in scaling Akshaya Patra’s Mid-Day Meal Programme in Maharashtra, furthering its mission of eliminating hunger and ensuring access to education for all.

6th December 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India SMFG India Credit (SMICC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), has been awarded an international credit rating of “AA-” with a stable outlook by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). This exceptional outcome places SMICC four notches above India’s sovereign rating and only one notch below its parent financial group SMFG’s own “AA” rating.

JCR highlighted SMICC’s strategic importance to SMFG’s Asia Multi-Franchise Strategy, which is supported by robust governance and alignment with SMFG’s ethos of promoting financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities in India.

Mr. Pankaj Malik, Chief Financial Officer, SMFG India Credit, said, “This AA- rating by JCR is a testament to SMFG India Credit’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth with the help of innovative products offerings. SMICC’s consistent growth trajectory and strategic alignment with SMFG’s global objectives position us as a key player in India’s rapidly expanding retail loan market. This recognition further motivates us to continue fostering financial inclusion and delivering value to our stakeholders.”

JCR also observed that SMICC’s business scale has grown significantly, driven by the expansion in the domestic consumer credit market and strong support from SMFG. The company’s growth trajectory remains robust and it continues to maintain a healthy loan book. The company has also kept its interest rate risk and liquidity risk appropriately managed through risk management committee.

6th December 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Blue Dart, South Asia’s leading express air and integrated transportation company, announces the launch of its first-of-its-kind Blue Dart Affiliate Program (BDAP) for technology partners and ecosystem enablers. This innovative program is designed to foster collaboration with top technological enablers in the industry, offering seamless integration of Blue Dart’s advanced logistics solutions while creating new revenue opportunities for affiliates. Participants can promote Blue Dart’s suite of services, onboard new customers, and earn attractive monthly incentives.

This is a perfect blend of path-breaking technology providers and an industry-leading logistics network to collaborate and bring to their customers the best mix of both. Affiliates benefit from partnering with a trusted, market-leading brand, gaining access to the world-class and industry-best network and early access to Blue Dart’s cutting-edge technology solutions and APIs. A dedicated support team ensures smooth collaboration, allowing affiliates to focus on building their solutions while Blue Dart handles all logistics needs. Looking ahead, the program will offer future-ready integration, including access to Blue Dart-DHL product lines through a single-window solution, driving long-term growth and innovation.

On the launch, Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart said, “At Blue Dart, innovation is at the core of everything we do. The launch of our Affiliate Program strengthens our commitment to collaborating with technology providers and offering world-class express logistics solutions. This program represents a unique opportunity for technology partners to expand their service offerings, increase revenue, and deliver best-in-class logistics capabilities to their customers.”

Blue Dart, with over four decades of industry experience, stands at the forefront of express logistics, celebrated for its reliability, resilience, and innovative approach. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and deep operational knowledge, Blue Dart ensures seamless end-to-end logistics solutions.