Mumbai, 18^th February 2025 – Choice Equity Broking Private Limited (Choice Broking), a leading full-service brokerage firm and a subsidiary of Choice International Limited (BSE: 531358, NSE: CHOICEIN), today announced the acquisition of Arete Capital Services Private Limited (Arete), a prominent wealth management firm with an Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹5,151 crores. This strategic acquisition strengthens Choice Broking’s position in the wealth management and investment advisory space, enhancing its ability to serve High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and institutional clients with a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions.

With this acquisition, Choice Broking’s total wealth management AUM will grow from ₹1,090 crores to ₹6,241 crores, representing a 5.73x increase—nearly a sixfold expansion in its total AUM. This marks a major step in Choice Broking’s expansion strategy, enhancing its ability to provide a wider range of investment solutions and advisory services to an evolving client base.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Arun Poddar, CEO & Executive Director, Choice International Limited, said: “The acquisition of Arete Capital Services is a key milestone in our journey to become a leading player in the wealth management space. With Arete’s strong reputation and expertise, we are confident in our ability to deliver superior investment solutions and personalized financial planning for HNIs and institutional clients. This move emphasizes our vision of offering technology-driven, research-backed financial solutions that empower investors to achieve long-term wealth creation.”

Kamal Somani, Director, Arete Capital Services, added:
“Arete Capital Services has always been committed to providing customized investment solutions that align with the unique financial goals of our clients. Joining forces with Choice Broking presents an exciting opportunity to enhance our offerings, leverage cutting-edge technology, and extend our reach to a broader investor base. We look forward to this new chapter that will unlock greater value for our clients and stakeholders.”

The integration of Arete Capital Services into Choice Broking’s ecosystem is expected to strengthen its wealth management portfolio, deepen client engagement, and scale its market presence. The combined expertise of both firms will enable the delivery of high-quality investment solutions, reinforcing Choice Broking’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and investor success.

Choice Equity Broking Private Limited

Choice Equity Broking Private Limited is a leading financial services firm providing equity, commodity, and currency trading. As a subsidiary of Choice International Limited, the company is committed to leveraging technology-driven platforms and deep research insights to offer best-in-class investment solutions across retail and institutional segments.

Arete Capital Services

Arete Capital Services Private Limited is a well-established wealth management firm specializing in the distribution of investment products and advisory services. With an AUM of ₹5,151 crores, Arete serves a strong clientele of HNIs and institutional investors, offering tailored financial solutions focused on long-term wealth creation and investment growth.

India’s agritech landscape is witnessing a transformative shift, thanks to innovative startups that are redefining traditional farming practices. These companies are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to empower farmers, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture. Here are some of the top startups leading this revolution:

1. BioPrime AgriSolutions
Founded in 2016, Pune-based BioPrime AgriSolutions is at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology. The company has developed proprietary platforms like SNIPR (Smart Nanomolecules Induced Physiological Response) and Bionexus to create advanced agri-biological products. These innovations help crops withstand climate-induced stresses, reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and improve overall yield. BioPrime’s commitment to farmer empowerment is evident through initiatives like the “King Farmers Cohort” program, which offers crop-specific training and mentorship to enhance sustainable farming practices. For more information.

2. Kheyti
Established in 2015, Kheyti addresses challenges faced by smallholder farmers through its “Greenhouse-in-a-Box” solution. This affordable, modular greenhouse is designed to protect crops from environmental uncertainties, reduce water usage, and increase yields by up to seven times. Kheyti’s holistic approach includes end-to-end support with training and market linkages, ensuring farmers can maximize the benefits of their investment. The startup’s impactful work has been recognized globally, earning accolades like the Earthshot Prize in 2022.

3. Plantix
Originally developed to combat pesticide overuse, Plantix has evolved into a comprehensive digital platform for farmers. The app utilizes artificial intelligence to diagnose crop diseases through smartphone images, providing instant recommendations for treatment. While its mission has shifted over time, Plantix remains a valuable tool for farmers seeking to identify and manage crop health issues efficiently.

4. CropIn Technology
CropIn offers a suite of digital solutions aimed at making farming data-driven. Their platforms enable real-time monitoring of crop health, weather forecasting, and supply chain traceability. By integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, CropIn assists farmers in making informed decisions, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability.

5. Ninjacart
Ninjacart is revolutionizing the agricultural supply chain by connecting farmers directly with retailers and businesses. Through its technology-driven platform, the startup streamlines the distribution process, reducing wastage and ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce. This direct linkage eliminates intermediaries, benefiting both producers and consumers.

New Delhi, February 18th, 2025: The University of Leeds (UoL), UK and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), India, successfully co-hosted the 3rd International Health and Research Conference, bringing together global experts, academics, and professionals to drive innovation and collaboration in healthcare and medical research.

The conference was attended by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Shri K. Kailashnathan, who delivered a keynote addressing the audience during the inauguration. Additionally, Prof. Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds joined virtually to give her inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in advancing health sciences.

Speaking about the conference, Prof West said, “This convention brings together distinguished experts and thought leaders not only from India and the UK but also from across South and Southeast Asia. Through workshops, discussion forums and seminars, we are presented with an exceptional opportunity to engage in insightful debates and exchange ideas that will foster meaningful collaborations between our institutions and nations.”

This initiative between SBV and the University of Leeds aimed to foster innovation and strengthen global bonds in health sciences. The agenda of the conference was to foster insightful discussions, expert panels, and presentations on key medical research and educational advancements. The convention featured a wide array of topics on key areas such as biomedical research, cardiac care, holistic medical education, and women’s leadership.

Speaking about the Convention, Prof. Nirmal Coumare, Director of Health, Hospitals and Outreach Services, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and Conference Chair said, “The Convention unfurled a significant platform that had showcased the vital elements in contemporary academic and research leadership, especially with a focus on the rapidly evolving health sciences. The Convention took care not only to integrate these values from the national perspectives, namely United Kingdom and India but to incorporate holistic health and our quest for realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).”

Distinguished panelists came to engage in interactive sessions to enhance practical knowledge and skills while giving insights on grant writing, research methodologies, and the use of advanced technologies in health research. Such a diverse group of participants and panels helped to spur collaborative efforts, initiate partnerships, and unite to achieve common goals.

The 3rd International Health and Research Conference not only reinforced the importance of global cooperation but also provided early-career researchers with a unique opportunity to present their findings and engage with leading experts in the field.

The University of Leeds and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth remain committed to fostering research-driven healthcare advancements and look forward to continued collaborations in future editions of the conference.

Mumbai, February 17, 2025: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Silver Shield in Category III – Life Insurance at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting 2023-24.

This prestigious award was presented to HDFC Life by the Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the ICAI Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.

Organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since 1958, these awards recognize companies that demonstrate outstanding financial reporting standards. The esteemed jury selects winners after a thorough review of the accounting practices adopted in financial statements, disclosure policies, and presentation of financial statements. The top two winners are chosen on their adherence to Indian Accounting Standards, statutory guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

What makes this recognition even more special is that HDFC Life is the only life insurance company to feature among the awardees this year.

HDFC Life has been on a continuous journey to financially secure Indian citizens by offering a wide range of life insurance solutions. Since its inception, the company has provided financial protection to millions of customers and their families, serving as a safety net in times of need while enabling them to achieve their long-term financial goals. The company’s commitment to its policyholders is reflected in its 99.5% claim settlement ratio for FY24.

Speaking on the award, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & CFO, of HDFC Life, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at HDFC Life. This award reinforces our values of transparency and good governance. At HDFC Life, we are committed not only to the financial security of our customers but also to sustainable and responsible business practices. We continue to strengthen our governance framework while driving long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing towards a more resilient future.”

New Delhi, February 17, 2025: Apollo Hospitals will host the International Health Dialogue 2025, a high-impact global forum combining the 12th International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC) and the 12th International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with IT (THIT) on February 21-22, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event will host over 3,000 global healthcare leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, and patient safety experts from more than 120 countries to explore strategies for building safer, more efficient, and digitally advanced healthcare ecosystems.

The International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC), Asia’s leading platform for advancing patient safety, will focus on the theme “A New Era of Patient Safety.” Discussions will highlight how healthcare systems can integrate AI-driven healthcare, smart diagnostics, cybersecurity, and global accreditation standards to enhance clinical excellence and risk management. A special focus will be placed on developing fail-safe healthcare organizations and embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in healthcare strategy.

Reflecting on the importance of patient safety, Dr. Preetha Reddy – Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals says, “Patient safety is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. As technology rapidly evolves, it is essential to harness advancements that enhance safety while improving access. The International Health Dialogue 2025 serves as a vital platform for collaboration and discussions on driving transformative healthcare advancements. At Apollo, we are committed to integrating cutting-edge innovations that uphold the highest standards of care, keeping patient well-being at the heart of everything we do.”

The 12th edition of the THIT Conference will focus on how data, AI, and digital transformation are reshaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Sangita Reddy – Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasizes, “International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with IT (THIT) conference continues to bring together the brightest minds to explore innovations that enhance health outcomes, healthier patients, improve workflow efficiency and shape the next generation of healthcare systems.”

The International Health Dialogue (IHD) 2025 will feature ministers from five countries and will have keynote addresses and discussions from some of the most influential names in global healthcare and technology, including Dr Jonathan Perlin- President & CEO, of Joint Commission International (JCI), Sonia Roschnik – Executive Director, Geneva Sustainability Centre, Omar Ishrak – Board, Intel Corporation, A Marc Harrison – Co-Founder and CEO, Health Assurance Transformation Corp. to name a few. These eminent voices, alongside other leading policymakers, innovators, and healthcare professionals will explore the future of patient safety, digital transformation in healthcare, and global healthcare collaborations.

Participants will also have access to hands-on training workshops, masterclasses, and live technology demonstrations that provide practical insights into infection control, surgical safety, and digital health interventions. The International Health Dialogue 2025 is set to be a landmark event, bringing together global stakeholders to drive transformative change in patient safety and digital healthcare.

Bangalore, 17th February 2025: Falak, one of the finest North Indian restaurants at The Leela Bhartiya City, unveils a Royal Mughalai new menu curated by MasterChef Farman Ali. The Royal Mughalai menu draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Mughlai cuisine, blending royal influences with a contemporary approach to health-conscious dining. Every dish reflects a balance of robust flavours, nutritional awareness, and classic cooking techniques, offering an experience rooted in heritage while catering to modern sensibilities.

The menu is inspired by the pre-partition era, reflecting the culinary grandeur of Mughal kitchens while incorporating flavours that have stood the test of time. This new offering pays homage to the sophisticated techniques and exquisite ingredients that defined an era of royal feasts. With a focus on authenticity, each dish presents a seamless blend of aromatic spices, slow-cooked preparations, and a thoughtful selection of fresh produce and premium meats. The concept embodies a refined yet nourishing approach to Mughlai cuisine, emphasizing traditional flavours without compromising on health benefits.

Speaking on the launch of the new menu, Masterchef Farman Ali shared, “Falak’s new menu is a celebration of India’s culinary heritage, offering dishes that honour forgotten delicacies while integrating a mindful approach to health. Each creation reflects our dedication to preserving age-old flavours while adapting them to the evolving preferences of today’s diners.”

The highlights of the menu include Murgh-e-Firdaus, a dish inspired by the legendary ‘Murgh Chutney Tikka’ of Delhi and Lucknow, offering a rich blend of Mughlai spices. Gosht Dil Pasand Seekh Kebab, a tender and aromatic lamb kebab, encapsulates the flavours of North Indian culinary heritage. Murgh Methi, made with fresh fenugreek and spinach, not only delivers robust flavours but also boasts immunity-boosting properties. Murgh Kashmiri, a fiery and bold dish influenced by Kashmir’s ‘March Wagan’ tradition, adds a vibrant touch to the spread. Additionally,

Gosht Saag presents a comforting combination of slow-cooked mutton with spinach puree, while the Kadhai Tossed Lobster showcases Peshawari spices, infusing the dish with a robust yet heart-healthy appeal.

Vegetarian offerings are equally captivating, with Tikki Lazeez featuring cabbage patties served alongside tamarind, yoghurt, and mint chutney. Zaitooni Paneer Tikka, marinated in olive oil and stuffed with olives and cheese, highlights the health benefits of olives, while Awadhi Tarkari pays tribute to the Awadh Dynasty with its cashew and carom seed-infused vegetable curry. The Baingan Bharta Zaitooni, cooked in a tandoor, brings forward a smoky depth of flavour while providing heart-healthy nutrients and antioxidants.

Falak is ranked 27th on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2023 Top 50 list and proudly stands as the crown jewel of The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru. Each dish at Falak is a whisper of a bygone heritage. The restaurant’s stunning interiors, with burnt orange and cloudy white silks reflecting Bengaluru’s sunset, create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.

Fact Sheet:

Where: Falak, The Leela Bhartiya City, 6/2, Thanisandra Main Road, Tirumanahalli, Bengaluru 560064