Building a Digital Tomorrow: Algorand India Summit 2024 Unites Innovators and Startups

Digital Future

Hyderabad, 10th November 2024 – The Algorand Foundation concluded its second annual India Summit in Hyderabad this year, with two packed days of workshops, pitch competitions and project spotlights demonstrating the real-world utility of blockchain solutions being built on the world-leading Algorand protocol.

India has one of the fastest growing blockchain ecosystems in the world, with over 1000 blockchain startups and the third-largest Web3 founder base. With a growth of more than 80% from the previous year, the ecosystem attracted an investment of over $460 million in just the first nine months of 2024. The Algorand India Summit brought together hundreds of Web3 developers, startup founders, investors, and thought leaders to explore and understand the power of blockchain-based solutions.

The two-day summit exemplified Algorand’s position as a platform dedicated to advancing blockchain innovation and adoption in India. Under the theme of ‘Discover what a blockchain can do, the Summit showcased on-ground solutions already beginning to penetrate key business verticals, from supply chain tracking and traceability to trade finance, and from sustainability to financial inclusion.

Building on the momentum of last year’s summit, Algorand India Summit 2024 showcased the progress made in the Web3 space in just one year. Partnerships announced in Delhi at the 2023 Summit with reputed organizations including T-Hub, NASSCOM, Mann Deshi Foundation, Self Employed Women’s Association, drove rapid expansion in the number of developers and startups building on Algorand. In addition to the launch of enterprise solutions built in partnership with Mann Deshi and SEWA with hundreds of members already onboarded, over half of the first Startup Lab cohort at T-Hub were on hand to demonstrate their solutions. Additionally, Team Carret (Bengaluru), Team Carbon Trace (Guwahati), and Team Rejolt EdTech (Hyderabad) emerged as the winners of the Creating Impact! Pitch Competition, earning prizes in excess of $20,000.

Staci Warden, CEO of the Algorand Foundation said, “This year’s summit was a sign of the incredible progress being made in India’s blockchain landscape. At Algorand, we are committed to enabling builders, entrepreneurs, and organisations to leverage blockchain for real-world impact. With initiatives like the Startup Lab and Road to Impact, we continue to see the Algorand blockchain being used to drive sustainability, transparency, and innovation in India and beyond.”

Anil Kakani, Vice President and India Country Head at Algorand Foundation added, “Algorand India Summit 2024 was a celebration not only of what you can do with blockchain, but what India’s developers, startups and changemakers already are doing on Algorand. This event showcased the innovation and talent driving the Web3 revolution in India in alignment with India’s Viksit Bharat mission, which seeks to leverage technology to drive inclusive growth, foster innovation, and build a sustainable, equitable future for all Our approach, encapsulated in our months-long Road to Impact initiative and partnerships with leading universities across India, is key to building awareness and nurturing developers in their journey of building scalable and impactful Web3 solutions. The stories we saw and heard on the stage, in the hallways, at the project booths for the solutions being built, only strengthened Algorand’s commitment to empowering builders and entrepreneurs in India. “

Key Highlights from the Algorand India Summit 2024

1 Road to Impact: Empowering Blockchain Innovators Across India
The Road to Impact initiative brought together developers and startups through a series of workshops across eight cities, engaging several hundred participants nationwide. This initiative culminated in the final rounds of the Developer Track and Startup Pitch Competitions which saw nearly 300 submissions of groundbreaking projects tackling sustainability, financial inclusion, transparency.

2 Developer Activation:
The India Summit gathered several hundred Web3 developers from the region and across the country for an immersive experience featuring hands-on workshops, innovative project spotlights, and inspiring keynote addresses and fireside chats. Participants explored diverse topics from smart contract optimisation to blockchain analytics, and then saw fellow developers pitch their open source solutions from the stage as well as those features being utilized in live applications..

3  Startup Lab
The summit celebrated the achievements of the inaugural cohort of the Startup Lab, a collaboration between Algorand Foundation and T-Hub, while announcing plans for a second cohort in 2025.. Over half of the first year cohort hosted booths to engage with potential customers, investors and Web3 talent, several of which – LW3, FilmFinance, Astrix, ARVO, Miniland and Terano – demonstrated their blockchain-based solutions on the main stage across supply chain transparency, trade documentation, digital ticketing, real estate tokenization, climate finance and film financing. Key announcements made at the Summit from the Web3 pioneers in the Algorand Startup Lab were:

a  Terano took the lead in eco-conscious innovation as the Sustainability Partner for the summit and Carbon Offsetting Partner for TIE Delhi NCR, championing green blockchain practices.

b  Astrix launched Astrix Tribes, a revolutionary feature redefining fan engagement through digital collectibles and gamified rewards, transforming live e vents into vibrant ecosystems of loyalty.

c  FilmFinance announced a landmark collaboration with the Cine Equipment Owners Association of Kerala (CEOAK) to support regional filmmakers and unveiled four film projects leveraging its platform for decentralized funding.

d  LW3 formalized strategic MoUs with BatX Energies, Automovill, and Intu Energy Technologies to accelerate its Digital Product Passport System in the electric vehicle sector, promoting traceability and sustainability.

e  SecureDApp advanced blockchain security with cutting-edge solutions like Audit Express and SecureTrace, securing an IFSCA audit license and gaining recognition from DSCI as a top cybersecurity innovator.

4 Launch of Enterprise Solutions w Mann Deshi Foundation and Self Employed Women’s Association
Showcased with short films from the pilot launches and fireside chats with leaders from both organizations, Chetna Sinha, Founder and Chair of Mann Deshi Bank and Foundation, and Susan Thomas, National Health Coordinator at SEWA, announced the successful pilot launches of their respective programs. Mann Deshi’s Digital Credit Scorecard will empower thousands of women entrepreneurs with an alternative credit score linked to a verified identity credential enabling access to loans at private banks to grow their businesses. SEWA, with a membership of over three million women working in the informal economy, onboarded the first 200 members during the pilot phase of its Digital Health Scorecard rollout, empowering women with an identity-backed wallet with verified credentials to assist in enrollment in critical health and other safety net programs.

Future of Work: PHENOM Accelerates HR Transformation in India with AI

Hyderabad,10th December 2024 – Phenom, a global AI company, is poised to accelerate its growth in India with IAMPHENOM India on December 13, 2024, at the Trident Hotel, HITEC City, Hyderabad. The event will bring together over 500 senior HR leaders to explore how intelligence, automation, and experience are transforming talent acquisition and management and driving the future of work.

India: A Strategic Growth Hub for Phenom
India is a cornerstone of Phenom’s global strategy, offering a dynamic market where enterprises are rapidly embracing digital transformation. As Indian consumers increasingly prioritize experience across sectors, organizations in banking, insurance, and technology, for example, are demanding similar innovation in HR. By leveraging AI and automation, Phenom empowers Indian enterprises to scale talent acquisition, optimize talent management and enhance retention, while unlocking workforce productivity, to drive meaningful business outcomes.

“India is a critical growth market for Phenom, driven by its rapidly expanding enterprise ecosystem and growing adoption of digital HR technologies. With over 6,000 large enterprises, the country offers immense potential for innovation in talent experience.” said Hari Bayireddi, President, COO & Co-Founder, Phenom. “As we target exponential growth in India, we are addressing key challenges like seamless hiring and retention solutions, upskilling, personalized engagement, etc.”

“Our offices in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Vizag form the foundation of this growth, with plans to double our workforce and serve over 1,100 enterprise customers in the next two years. IAMPHENOM INDIA is more than an event—it’s a transformative platform to redefine HR through collaboration and innovation in intelligence, automation, and experience. We invite HR leaders to join us in shaping smarter, more connected workplaces for the future.” adds Hari.

The Role of AI in Redefining Talent Experiences
AI is transforming HR by making processes more efficient and experiences more personalized. Phenom’s solutions have consistently delivered results such as faster hiring cycles, reduced attrition rates, and enhanced recruiter productivity.

“Exceptional talent experiences are no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses to thrive. AI is the bridge that connects enterprises with meaningful talent outcomes, helping organizations unlock their full potential,” Hari emphasized.

IAMPHENOM: A Proven Platform for HR Innovation
Phenom’s IAMPHENOM flagship event in the U.S. has emerged as the perfect setting for HR innovation, showcasing how collaboration among HR practitioners, technologists, and policymakers drives measurable business impact. With IAMPHENOM INDIA, Phenom brings this transformative experience to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Key Highlights of IAMPHENOM INDIA

  • Visionary thought leadership into the future of AI and automation in India’s growth story during a Fireside Chat with Chief Guest D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT, E&C, Industries & Commerce & Legislative Assembly, Govt. of Telangana.
  • Exclusive insights from global industry pioneers, including Mahe Bayireddi and Hari Bayireddi, co-founders of Phenom.
  • Spotlight sessions where attendees will discover leading practices and success stories from India’s top enterprises.
  • Deep-dive sessions on AI’s transformative role in high volume talent acquisition, workforce intelligence, talent development, career pathing, and personalized talent experiences.
  • Product innovation showcase to discover how Phenom’s AI-powered solutions are empowering enterprises to hire faster, develop better, and retain employees longer.
  • Networking opportunities with over 500 HR and TA leadership, fostering collaboration and innovation to solve real-world challenges.

High Volatility Boosts Colombian Peso to Highest Levels in Months

By Quasar Elizundia, Expert Research Strategist – Pepperstone

“The Colombian peso records its best performance since mid-November, showing a notable gain against the US dollar in a context marked by key movements in international markets. Today, the USDCOP has fallen by 0.6%, establishing itself as the leading currency in gains within the LATAM region. This behavior stands out in a scenario where oil prices, one of Colombia’s main economic drivers, are rising due to announcements from China and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

Brent crude oil has climbed to around $72 per barrel, driven by the announcement of “moderately loose” monetary policies in China, the world’s largest oil importer. This easing, combined with political instability in Syria, has provided relief to the oil market. For Colombia, a nation highly dependent on oil exports, this dynamic has offered temporary respite to the peso, which last week was trading at its lowest level since 2023.

However, significant challenges remain for the COP. On the international front, markets are awaiting new inflation data from the United States, which will be crucial in shaping expectations regarding Federal Reserve policies. Higher-than-expected figures could increase pressure on the Colombian peso and other LATAM currencies by reducing the likelihood of interest rate cuts by the Fed in 2025.

Domestically, the fiscal outlook remains a cause for concern. Colombia’s high budget deficit levels limit the room for maneuver to address external pressures and could act as a structural factor preventing a sustained recovery of the peso.

In summary, while the Colombian peso has shown an encouraging recovery, this seems to reflect temporary external factors rather than a fundamental improvement in internal indicators. The COP’s ability to consolidate this progress will largely depend on the evolution of the oil market, U.S. economic data, and the Colombian government’s actions to tackle persistent fiscal challenges.

WHEF 2024: Global Hindu Business Leaders to Gather in Mumbai This December

World Hindu Economic

Mumbai, 10thDecember 2024: The annual conference of World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF)will take place from December 13th to 15th, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. Under the theme “Think in the Future, For the Future,” the event aims to inspire collaboration, innovation, and growth across industries.Key speakers at the three-day forum include Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ashishkumar Chauhan, CEO of NSE, K.V. Kamath, Chairman of Jio Financial Services, and Niranjan Hiranandani, MD of Hiranandani Group.

Founded by Shri Swami Vigyananand, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, WHEF’s vision of making society prosperous by promotingsustainable economic models and fostering collaboration continues to resonate globally. This year’s forum will feature over 24 sessions and more than 100 speakers. It will bring together 1,000+ global delegates, including influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and business visionaries.

“This forum offers an incredible opportunity for knowledge sharing, with insights from eminent speakers leading sectors like finance, technology, manufacturing, and government. It’s an exciting space for enabling collaboration on ventures that drive prosperity while staying rooted in ethical, community-driven values. We’re thrilled to connect with the brightest minds to discuss how we can shape a future of sustainable economic growth that benefits all” said Swami Vigyananand Ji at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony held at the IMC in Mumbai.

Since its inception in 2012, WHEF has held successful annual forums in Hong Kong, Bangkok, New Delhi, London, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Mumbai, as well as regional forums in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Auckland, Fiji, Durban, and Frankfurt.

“WHEF conferences have been organized across the world, and post Covid we have once again returned to Bharat which is on track to become the third largest economy and establish itself as a key pole of our multi-polar world,” said Shri Rajesh Sharma,Chairman of Organizing Committee, WHEF 2024.

“Mumbai is the growth engine of Bharat, and our new CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis has a proven track record of development, strong governance and fostering economic growth.The coming years are going to be crucial in a turbulent world, and WHEF 2024 will help us envision the future business landscape,” said Shri Sanjay Khemani, Vice-Chairman of Organizing Committee, WHEF 2024.

“Our team has curated an exceptional list of speakers from both conventional and emerging sectors. Prominent figures like S.M. Sundaresan, Head of L&T Semiconductor Technologies, Siddhartha Mohanty, Chairman of LIC, Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman of Bharat Forge and more from the world of business and finance will share their insights,” said Shri Ravikant Mishra, Secretary of Organizing Committee, WHEF 2024.

“WHEF 2024 will also introduce the WHEF Launchpad, an exciting new platform for startups to present their innovative ideas to a global audience and pitch to investors. This initiative highlights the forum’s commitment to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth,” said Shri Shailesh Trivedi, Jt. Secretary of Organizing Committee, WHEF 2024.

With an exciting lineup of discussions, networking opportunities, and strategic collaborations, the WHEF 2024 promises to be an event that will inspire and transform the future of business across sectors.

Signature Global Seeks to Drive Expansion by Resurrecting Stalled Noida Projects

Realty firm Signature Global is looking for land in Noida and Greater Noida to expand the business and will explore taking over stalled housing projects as well provided there are no legacy litigations. Signature Global, which got listed in 2023, has a significant presence in the Gurugram market of Delhi-NCR.

Signature Global founder and Chairman Pradeep Aggarwal said “We plan to expand our operations in the Delhi-NCR region beyond Gurugram. We are actively exploring land parcels in Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway. Additionally, the company intends to participate in land auctions conducted by development authorities in these areas to support its growth plans.”

That apart, Aggarwal said, “We are also looking to take over stalled housing projects in Noida. The Noida authority has come up with a co-development policy to revive stalled projects. A couple of projects have been approved under this new policy.” Aggarwal, however, said the company will take over stalled housing projects, provided the company does not become liable for legacy litigations.

While it will keep looking for land acquisition, Aggarwal said the company has enough land banks in Gurugram for future development.He said the company will launch multiple housing projects worth Rs 50,000 crore in Delhi-NCR over the next three years to tap strong consumer demand.

“Our target is to grow sales bookings by 25 per cent annually,” Aggarwal said.

He expressed confidence that the company would easily achieve the target of Rs 10,000 crore sales bookings in this fiscal.

Signature Global sold Rs 7,270 crore worth of properties during the last fiscal.

Aggarwal noted that housing demand continues to be strong in Gurugram.

“We had given a pre-sales (sales bookings) guidance of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal. We have already achieved Rs 5,900 crore worth of sales bookings in the first half of this fiscal,” he said.

Considering the strong performance in the first six months, he said, “We are quite hopeful of over-achieving of our annual guidance.” Signature Global’s sale bookings jumped over three times to Rs 5,900 crore in the April-September period of the 2024-25 fiscal from Rs 1,860 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year.

Last month, the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4.15 crore for the quarter ended September.

The company had posted a net loss of Rs 19.92 crore in the year-ago period.

Total income rose to Rs 777.42 crore in the second quarter of this fiscal from Rs 121.16 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year.

Signature Global has so far delivered 11 million square feet of housing area.

It has a pipeline of about 32.2 million square feet of saleable area in forthcoming projects along with 16.4 million square feet of ongoing projects.

Aggarwal said the company is targeting to deliver 16 million square feet area to its customers by March 2026.This will help the company to recognise around Rs 10,000 crore revenue in the books of accounts.

Pioneering Creativity: NYAF Celebrates the Winners of the Pioneer League in India

9th December 2024 Singapore | New Delhi, India  The National Young Authors Fair (NYAF), the world’s largest book-writing competition for school students, proudly announces the winners of the Jury Choice and Best-Seller categories in the Pioneer Young Authors Program. This marks the first of three prestigious leagues in the India edition of NYAF, an event that has become a cornerstone of the academic calendar for India’s top schools.

A Milestone in Young Creativity and Literature
The India edition of NYAF 2024-25 is a national celebration of young talent, aiming to foster creativity, innovation, and literacy. With the general category’s book-writing and publishing deadline set for 12th January 2025, NYAF expects participation from over 1 million budding authors and readers representing India’s top 10,000 schools.

Celebrating Young Talent: Pioneer League Winners
NYAF proudly announces the Top 10 Authors in both the Jury Choice and Best-Seller categories:

Jury Choice Top 10

  • ‘Chasing the Impossible’ by Reanna Sachdeva
  • ‘The Spooky Squad’s Halloween’ by Riya Muthuvel
  • ‘Astrid’s Galactic Gamble’ by Angelina Sharma
  • ‘Harvest of Hope’ by Challa Sai Saathvika
  • ‘Pikoo’s Promise’ by Ovi Pravin Dongre
  • ‘The Stardust Market’ by Bhavya Sanjeev
  • ‘The Journey of Johnny’ by Jonathan Fernandes
  • ‘Combat Misery’ by Pragayadeep Jain
  • ‘Mystery of the Giant’s Cave’ by Shanaya Modi
  • ‘The Forest of Doom’ by Prisha Jain

Best-Seller Top 10

  • ‘The Amazing Adventure’ by Rajveer Mehta
  • ‘Halloween On 34th Street’ by Avikaa A Malik
  • ‘The Ocean’s Warming Secret’ by Bianca Arun Pandita
  • ‘Book On How To Write A Book’ by Keya Hatkar
  • ‘Water On Moon’ by Iniya Pragati
  • ‘If Not Today, When’ by Mv Eashanth Kumar
  • ‘The Iron Key Fusion & Fact’ by Ravyanshi
  • ‘The Super Hero’ by K V Dhiyanesh
  • ‘A Debt Repaid’ by Aveer Arora
  • ‘Hody Finds His Superpower’ by Seyon Adhiradhan

Inspiring Words from the Founder
Ami Dror, Founder and President of BriBooks and the National Young Authors Fair, emphasized that the success of the Pioneer League reflects a longstanding trend. “India is a wellspring of young talent, brimming with creativity and innovation. These young authors are a testament to the nation’s future leadership in global literature,” Dror remarked. He expressed optimism about discovering even more remarkable talent in the upcoming leagues.

The Road Ahead
The NYAF team will provide updates on the next stages of the competition, leading up to the Grand Jury, Genre, and Pinnacle Leagues starting 13th January 2025.

ALUCAST® 2024: A Global Showcase with Over 8,000 Visitors and 300+ Leading Brands

ALUCAST

9th December 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India The 10th edition of ALUCAST® EXPO – the comprehensive biennial International Conference and Exhibition on Die Casting Technology and biggest industry platform in India yet, was kicked-off with much fanfare on December 5 at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Center, Dwarka, Delhi, India.

The three-day exhibition held from December 5 to December 7 and was attended by over 200 exhibitors and over 300 brands from countries, including Thailand, Germany, USA, Spain, Italy, Austria, Japan, China and France.

Organized by The Aluminium Casters’ Association (ALUCAST)® and produced by NürnbergMesse India, the mega expo where industry die-casting leaders, innovators, and manufacturers converged to unveil the latest technically advanced products, materials, tools, equipment, and consumables attracted over 8000 industry visitors from 20+ countries.

Mr. Prasan Firodia, President, ALUCAST and Managing Director, Force Motors & Jaya Hind Industries said, “India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in aluminum die casting, with manufacturers leveraging cutting-edge technologies to produce complex critical components, including structural parts, on par with global standards. The country now boasts the largest aluminum die-casting machine at 4400 tons, capable of producing large, high-precision parts, highlighting India’s advanced capabilities in the sector.”

Ms. Sonia Prashar, Managing Director, NuernbergMesse India shares, “ALUCAST® 2024 is set to redefine industry standards with an overwhelming response from the industry. Beyond the auto industry, the anticipated growth in sectors like consumer electronics, aerospace, and electrical equipment positions aluminium die casting as a cornerstone of India’s manufacturing future. Committed to innovation and business growth we warmly welcome all stakeholders to explore, learn, and engage at this transformative event and be part of the innovations shaping the industry’s future.”

The expo gathers significance with India’s growing aluminium die casting sector in manufacturing, especially in automotive technology, with rising demand for lightweight, non-ferrous metals.

Aluminium die casting solutions play key role in diverse industries like Oil and Gas, Automobile, Electronics, Industrial, Aerospace, Telecom, Electrical and Construction.

India’s target to double the size of its auto industry to INR 15 lakh crore by the end of 2024 demonstrates its stronghold in automotive manufacturing, driven by a booming EV market projected to grow at a 49% CAGR by 2030.

Inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr Peter Ottmann, CEO, NürnbergMesse GmbH on December 5, the first day witnessed address by Mr. Prasan Firodia, President, ALucast & Managing Director, Force Motors Limited & Jaya Hind Industries Pvt Ltd.

Mr. Vinay Raghunath, Partner, EY also addressed the gathering as keynote speaker.

The dignitaries also released ALUCAST Publications – Technical Volume, ALUCAST Journal, Exhibitors Directory that was followed by the Awards Distribution Ceremony for Best Foundry Award 2024 to honour the Innovation & Design.

Ms. Sonia Prashar, Chairperson of the Board and Managing Director, NuernbergMesse India Pvt Ltd and Secretary-General, Federation of European Business in India delivered the Vote of Thanks and the three-day expo was kicked-off.

The ALUCAST® also provided a 2.5 days of in-depth presentations and sessions by global industry leaders, this year’s conference theme, “Leveraging Innovation & Technology for Global Competitiveness”, will cover advancements in semi-solid casting, AI applications, die longevity, and workforce reskilling, all key topics driving the future of die casting.

The visitors witnessed the latest machinery, tooling, material and technology designed to elevate productivity and efficiency tailored to meet the diverse needs of the aluminium die casting sector as well as an ultimate platform for forging valuable connections, fostering collaborations, and shaping future innovations.

Bajaj Finserv AMC Launches Healthcare Fund to Tap into Growing Sector Opportunities

9th December 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India Bajaj Finserv AMC has launched its latest offering, the Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund, which is available for subscription from 6th to 20th December 2024. This new fund is designed to capture the immense opportunities emerging in India’s healthcare space, allowing investors to tap into the evolving megatrends while building wealth over the long term.

The health and wealth connection
As India’s population grows and ages, the demand for healthcare services, products, and innovation is expected to soar. In fact, the healthcare sector is set to become one of the largest contributors to the country’s economy in the coming years. India’s healthcare industry is poised for remarkable growth, driven by rising healthcare needs, increasing health awareness, government initiatives, and technological advancements. The Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund aims to capitalize on these trends and provide investors with a chance to benefit from the long-term wealth creation potential in this thriving sector.

Why invest in Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund?

Low correlation with broader market
One of the primary benefits of investing in the healthcare sector is its low correlation with the broader market. Unlike traditional sectors like manufacturing or technology, the healthcare industry is less likely to be impacted by market fluctuations, making it suitable during periods of market volatility. This allows investors to diversify their portfolio while still capturing strong growth potential in a sector with resilient demand.

Riding the healthcare boom
The healthcare sector in India is undergoing a profound transformation. With improvements in medical technology, increasing access to healthcare services, and a rising middle class, the demand for healthcare-related products and services is expanding rapidly. The Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund is designed to leverage this healthcare boom, offering investors an opportunity to ride the wave of growth over the long term.

Targeting future profit pool companies
The fund’s strategy focuses on identifying future profit pool companies in the healthcare space – companies that are poised to benefit from the growth and development of healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and wellness industries. By strategically investing in these companies, the fund aims to capture the future profit potential within the sector.

Diversification opportunity
For investors looking to diversify their equity portfolios, the Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund offers an opportunity to gain exposure to the healthcare sector. Healthcare is a specialized sector, and by incorporating it into a diversified portfolio, investors can reduce their overall risk while potentially earning higher returns.

Investment philosophy and strategy of Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund
The Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund adopts a megatrend-focused investment approach, targeting transformative trends within India’s healthcare landscape. By identifying emerging growth stories and the sectors that are set to revolutionize healthcare, the fund provides exposure to both current leaders and future innovators.

The fund follows the INQUBE investment philosophy, which blends the following key elements:

  • INformation edge: Leveraging deep industry knowledge to identify high-potential companies within the healthcare space.
  • QUantitative edge: Using data-driven analysis to assess the financial health and growth potential of companies.
  • BEhavioural edge: Understanding market psychology and investor sentiment to make informed investment decisions.
  • This holistic approach ensures that the fund is positioned to deliver sustainable long-term growth while navigating the dynamic healthcare landscape in India.

The fund aims to capture opportunities in a diverse range of healthcare sub-sectors, including:

  • Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology: With advancements in drug discovery, biotechnology, and personalized medicine, this sub-sector presents exciting growth potential.
  • Healthcare services and infrastructure: As India’s healthcare infrastructure expands to meet rising demand, healthcare services such as hospitals, diagnostic centres, and healthcare delivery systems are set to benefit.
  • Medical devices and technology: The rapid adoption of healthcare technologies, including telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and wearable health devices, creates a fertile ground for growth.
  • Wellness and health products: The growing focus on health, fitness, and wellness products presents significant opportunities, especially in a post-pandemic world where consumers are more health-conscious than ever before.

By investing across these sub-sectors, the fund provides a comprehensive and diversified approach to capturing the potential growth of India’s healthcare market.

Who should invest in Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund?
The Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund is designed for a specific group of investors looking to take advantage of the growth prospects in the healthcare sector:

Investors with a higher risk appetite: Given the dynamic nature of the healthcare sector, this fund is suitable for investors who are willing to take on higher risks for reasonable returns in long term. The healthcare industry can be subject to regulatory changes, technological disruptions, and market cycles, so a higher risk tolerance is essential.

Long-term investors: Investors with a time horizon of 5+ years can benefit from this fund. They can consider starting a Systematic Investment Plan in this scheme. The healthcare sector’s growth is expected to unfold over the long term, and investing with a long-term outlook increases the likelihood of capturing the full potential of this booming sector.

Investors looking to diversify their equity portfolio: If you are looking to add a healthcare allocation to your existing equity portfolio, The Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund offers a suitable opportunity. Diversifying into healthcare can balance the risk and reward profile of your overall investment portfolio, especially if you have exposure to more volatile or cyclical sectors.

Tactical Allocators: The Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund can also be suitable for investors who want to allocate a portion of their equity portfolio to a high-growth sector like healthcare. By targeting healthcare’s megatrends, the fund allows investors to leverage sector-specific opportunities for tactical advantage.

Key Takeaways
With a strategic focus on megatrends, future profit pools, and diversification, the Bajaj Finserv Healthcare fund is positioned to capture the massive growth potential of India’s healthcare sector. By following a disciplined investment approach, leveraging the INQUBE philosophy, and focusing on long-term wealth creation, BAJAJ FINSERV AMC aims to deliver sustainable returns to investors.

As India’s healthcare sector continues to expand, the Bajaj Finserv Healthcare Fund offers an opportunity to get wealthier as the nation gets healthier.

Kaamya Karthikeyan’s Mountaineering Dream Gets a Boost from Bisleri Vedica

Bisleri Vedica

9th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old mountaineer, is set to embark on her most ambitious expedition yet: summiting Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica. This climb will mark the completion of her Seven Summits Challenge, making her the youngest girl in the world to conquer the highest peak on all seven continents. Supporting her on this extraordinary journey is Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water, sourced from the Himalayas, embodying her spirit #FullOfAltitude.

A student at Navy Children School, Mumbai, Kaamya is the daughter of Commander S. Karthikeyan of the Indian Navy and Mrs. Lavanya Karthikeyan, an early childhood educator. On May 20, 2024, she scaled the summit of Mt. Everest at the age of 16, becoming India’s youngest climber and the world’s second youngest to achieve this feat from the Nepal side. She is also the youngest girl to have summited the highest peak on six continents barring Antarctica. Her outstanding accomplishments have not only earned her the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest national honour for young achievers in 2021, but also accolades from the Hon. Prime Minister himself in his Mann-ki-Baat.

Commenting on this association, Jayanti Khan Chauhan, Vice Chairperson, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are incredibly proud to support Kaamya Karthikeyan as she embarks on this historic expedition to accomplish the Seven Summits, and we wish her all the best as she aims to achieve this monumental feat. We’re thrilled to be a part of her journey, fueling her passion and perseverance with our support. Kaamya embodies the spirit #FullOfAltitude, and we can’t wait to see her reach new heights.”

Having successfully conquered six of the Seven Summits, Kaamya is now training intensely to tackle the vagaries of Mt. Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica, standing at 16,050 feet. Her expedition to this peak at the remotest location of the planet will require enduring extreme weather conditions, freezing temperatures with the mercury dipping to -40℃, and unpredictable winds reaching unimaginable speeds.

Reflecting on her upcoming adventure, Kaamya Karthikeyan remarked, “Summiting Mt. Vinson Massif is the befitting climax of a dream I’ve pursued for years. It’s the culmination of my journey across the seven continents. With Bisleri Vedica’s support, I’m feeling not just empowered for the endeavour but also reminded of the purity and strength that’s needed for such a challenge. Through mission SAHAS, my journey of the Seven Summits, I hope to inspire young Indians to believe in their dreams, to push limits, and to always aim for higher ground.”

Kaamya Karthikeyan has already inspired countless young Indians with her passion and achievements. Her high-altitude escapades in the Himalayas started when she was just seven, including scaling Mt. Stok Kangri at age nine, becoming the youngest girl to summit a peak over 20,000 feet. Her list of impressive feats is long, from skiing down Mt. Elbrus in Russia to summiting Mt. Denali in Alaska, and with her upcoming venture, she stands poised to make history once more.

This partnership with Kaamya Karthikeyan embodies Vedica’s mission to support young achievers who are driven by their passions and goals. Kaamya’s journey aligns with Vedica’s values of purity, strength, and the pursuit of excellence. We will chronicle Kaamya’s journey, sharing her inspiring story of grit and determination, and showcasing what it means to be #FullOfAltitude.

BPCL and Smile Train India Bring Hope and Smiles to Children in Sagar District with Cleft Treatment

9th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Bina Refinery (BR), has partnered with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft focused organization, to support life-changing surgeries and build awareness campaigns about cleft lip and palate to underserved communities in the Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh.

The collaboration aims to support around 70 free surgeries by March 2025, alongside awareness activities to educate and engage local populations about clefts, demystify myths and accelerate identification and treatment across 12 tehsils of Sagar district.

The project also includes organizing screening camps to identify cleft patients and organizing workshops with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) to empower local health workers to identify cases and assist in treatment ensuring long term sustainability of the initiative.

Shirish Chandekar, General Manager (HR) Bina Refinery, shared, “BPCL has always been committed to driving social change and supporting initiatives that uplift the communities we serve. This partnership with Smile Train is an extension of our dedication to improving healthcare in rural and underserved areas. By addressing both medical and awareness gaps, we aim to ensure that children in Sagar district receive the care they need, not only transforming their lives but also raising awareness around cleft conditions across the region.”

Anjali Katoch, Head of Communications and Business Development at Smile Train India expressed gratitude towards BCPL. She said, “Facilitating free, safe and quality cleft treatment is Smile Train India’s priority. This prestigious partnership empowers us to support more cleft surgeries, giving underprivileged children born with clefts the opportunity to lead healthy and full lives. By supporting surgeries and raising awareness among communities and health workers, I am confident that this collaboration will yield transformative results for the region.”

In India, an estimated 35,000 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every year, and hundreds of thousands of children with untreated clefts live in isolation and face difficulties with eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. This initiative marks a significant step towards improving healthcare access in rural India, where cleft conditions often go untreated due to lack of awareness, medical infrastructure, and financial resources. BPCL’s commitment to this cause reflects its long-standing efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support sustainable community development.