Kotak Mahindra Bank To Acquire Standard Chartered Bank, India’s Personal Loan Book

* Acquisition aligned to Kotak’s vision to transform for scale - to drive growth, expand market share and unlock new opportunities in the Salaried Affluent customer segment

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Personal Loan book (“Proposed Transaction”) of Standard Chartered Bank, India, further strengthening its position in the Retail Credit market.

As of September 30, 2024, Proposed Transaction comprises a total loan outstanding of around ?4,100 crore (equivalent to ~$490 million). The Proposed Transaction consists of loans classified as “Standard Loans” as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines. The transaction is expected to be completed over the next three months, subject to regulatory and other approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions and KMBL will acquire the loan book, which will be outstanding closer to the completion date.

This acquisition aligns with KMBL’s strategy to transform for scale and focus on customer-centric growth. The high-quality loan book from Standard Chartered Bank allows KMBL to build on its strength in the affluent customer segment and further reinforces its leadership in the retail lending space.

KMBL aims to leverage its technology expertise and quality customer service to ensure a seamless transition for existing Standard Chartered Bank Personal Loan customers, maintaining the high standards both institutions are known for.

Ambuj Chandna, Head-Products, Consumer Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “India’s unsecured lending market offers significant growth potential for Kotak, especially in the higher-end segment. Our strong risk management, customer-centric products, and technology-driven approach position us for sustainable growth. This transaction supports our Retail Assets growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to retail lending. It provides access to a high-quality customer base, and with Kotak Group’s successful integration track record, we are committed to a smooth transition. We look forward to welcoming new customers to Kotak Mahindra Bank, ensuring a seamless transition and enhanced experience with our diverse products and services.”

Aditya Mandloi, Head – Wealth & Retail Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, India & South Asia said, “Our decision to divest the personal loan book is in line with the Bank’s focus to accelerate growth in the wealth, affluent and SME segment. India continues to be a key market for Standard Chartered network, with Wealth & Retail Banking (WRB) and Corporate & Investment banking (CIB) as the cornerstones and we will continue to invest and grow in India. Together with Kotak, we remain committed towards ensuring a seamless transition for our clients”.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received a banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As of 30th June 2024, Bank has a national footprint of 1,965 branches and 3,279 ATMs (including cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai). For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/

MIT Manipal Celebrates Green Innovations On World Hydrogen Day

The Department of Mechatronics at MIT Manipal inaugurated the “Celebrating Green Innovations (CGI)” initiative on 8th October 2024, coinciding with World Hydrogen Day. The event was marked by a keynote talk and discussions centered on the advancements in hydrogen-based engine technologies, reaffirming MIT Manipal’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, who graced the occasion as a chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of celebrating World Hydrogen Day by focusing on innovative technologies that support sustainability and future energy solutions. He commended the Department of Mechatronics for spearheading this timely initiative.

"At MIT Manipal, we are dedicated to driving innovation in sustainable technologies. Hydrogen-based solutions have immense potential to revolutionize the future of clean energy, and events like CGI reflect our commitment to fostering research that addresses global environmental challenges," said Dr Anil.

The event featured a keynote talk by Dr. Abhishek Paul, Assistant Professor at NIT Silchar, titled “Hydrogen RCCI Engines - The New Frontier of Clean Engine Combustion.” Dr. Paul provided valuable insights into how hydrogen, as a fuel, can transform the landscape of clean combustion technologies. He emphasized that hydrogen-powered RCCI (Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition) engines offer a promising solution for reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency.

The “Celebrating Green Innovations” initiative at MIT Manipal aims to explore and promote cutting-edge sustainable technologies, with a focus on green energy solutions. Through events like these, MIT Manipal continues to lead in research and innovation, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Announces The Introduction Of ‘Festival Limited Edition’ Of Toyota Glanza

* Introducing Exclusive ‘Festive Limited Edition’ of the Glanza, featuring Premium TGA Packages, aimed to further elevate the style, comfort, and prestige

* Complimentary Accessory Package available across all grades, in all Toyota dealerships until 31st October 2024

Marking the festive spirit, Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the introduction of ‘Festival Limited Edition’ of the Toyota Glanza. Customers can now enjoy exclusive dealer-fitted Toyota Genuine Accessory (TGA) packages, designed to elevate their driving experience with enhanced style, performance and comfort of the Glanza during this festive period.

Celebrated for its advanced technology, sleek design, and high fuel efficiency, since 2019, the limited-edition Toyota Glanza comes equipped with 13 exclusive TGA Package, worth ?20,567. The vehicle features standout elements like premium chrome and black body side moulding, back door garnish chrome, and ORVM garnish chrome. Additional highlights include 3D floormat, door visor premium, and neck cushions (black & silver) for extra comfort. The stylish appeal of the Toyota Glanza is further enriched with chrome garnishes on the rear bumper, fender as well as rear reflector, and welcome door lamp, adding a premium touch.

Commenting on the introduction of the festive limited edition of Toyota Glanza, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Our aim is to bring added excitement to our customers during this festive season with the introduction of the ‘Festival Limited Edition’ of the Toyota Glanza. Glanza has always been appreciated for its blend of dynamic-sporty design, advanced features, and superior performance, and with this limited edition, we are enhancing its appeal even further.

We have taken great care to ensure that the accessories not only uplift the visual appeal of the Glanza, but also add to the overall comfort and utility, making it ideal companion for customers looking for a premium and refined driving experience. We are committed to delivering quality and value that go beyond the product itself, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional after-sales services that Toyota is known for. We believe this festive edition will resonate strongly with our customers, offering them the opportunity to celebrate in style while enjoying the performance and prestige of their favourite Toyota model.”

As Toyota's most affordable hatchback, the Glanza has become a preferred choice for countless Indian families. Over the years, the vehicle has continuously evolved to meet the needs of tech-savvy customers, building a legacy of delivering an exceptional driving experience while maintaining efficient performance. Now, with the Festival Limited Edition, available across all variants, the ownership experience is further enhanced with a perfect blend of style and convenience.

As a part of the festive offer, the complimentary TGA packages for the customers opting for Toyota Glanza Festival Limited Edition will be available until 31st October 2024. Furthermore, each accessory is expertly fitted by certified Toyota technicians at dealerships, ensuring quality to deliver unmatched customer experience. The festival limited edition not only adds a festive flair to the popular Toyota model but also offer exceptional value with extended warranties, genuine Toyota accessories, and Toyota's renowned after-sales services—all designed to cater to the diverse needs of the customers.

Bookings are open across all Toyota dealerships. Customers can either book the car online https://www.toyotabharat.com/online-booking/ or visit their nearest Toyota dealership.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages & Anandana: The Coca-Cola India Foundation Collect Empty PET Bottles During Mysuru Dasara Festival

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, in collaboration with Anandana: The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and along with the Mysuru City Corporation, successfully collected empty PET bottles during this year’s grand Mysuru Dasara. With Y4D Foundation as the implementing partner, the "Used PET Bottle Free Dasara Celebration" initiative promoted package collection in one of Karnataka’s largest annual events.

The 10-day Mysuru Dasara, held from October 3 to October 12, 2024, attracted thousands of tourists and devotees from across the country. HCCB launched this initiative to manage empty PET bottles throughout the festivities. Over 30 volunteers actively participated, to support the execution of the waste management drive.

The initiative focussed on placing collection bins and recycling stations at key festival locations, including Chamundi Hills, Aahara Mela, and other prominent sites. The empty PET bottles were collected and transported to designated warehouses for segregation, and then transported to a PET bottle recycling partner.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer at HCCB, said, “Mysuru Dasara is more than just a festival. It's a vibrant expression of our cultural heritage, uniting communities through devotion, celebration, and environmental responsibility. By collecting and recycling PET bottles, we actively contribute to a circular economy. The 'Used PET Bottle Free Dasara' initiative underscores our dedication to building a World Without Waste and advancing a shared commitment to environmental stewardship..”

Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director– Sustainability and CSR at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said “At Coca-Cola, our ambitious World Without Waste strategy aims to help create a circular economy for our packaging—from how bottles and cans are designed and manufactured to how they’re recycled and reused. As we celebrate our vibrant cultural festivals, we acknowledge our responsibility to take actions that help protect both the environment and local communities. By collaborating with local partners during these moments of celebration. we can help provide collection infrastructure while educating participants on waste segregation and the responsible disposal of solid waste.”

About Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages

HCCB was incorporated on 14th February 1997. Since then, HCCB has come a long way in being able to serve over 23 lakh retailers, ~2,300 distributors, and 5,000+ employees. 2,50,000 farmers grow the agricultural produce that HCCB uses in making its products. The company is headquartered in Bangalore and its operations are spread in 12 states, and 236 districts in South and West India. Through its 13 factories spread across India, it manufactures and sells 37 different products across 8 categories. Its products include some of India’s most loved beverages - Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Minute Maid, Maaza, SmartWater, Kinley, Limca, Fanta, and a lot more. 

How Menopause Can Impact Bone & Heart Health: Here’s What You Need To Know?

Even though all women go through menopause at some stage in their lives, not many of them truly understand its impact on their health and well-being. It is a condition that isn’t spoken much about which makes it difficult for women to be prepared for this next chapter in their lives. Menopause can stir up various feelings. For some, it’s the feeling of relief over no longer experiencing period cramps, and a sense of self-discovery and curiosity for what’s next. But what’s important to understand is that this phase also brings with it changes to a woman’s body and a drop in estrogen levels.1

Due to these changes, women need to be aware of the common health conditions that can happen post menopause. Dr. Sheela Mane, Senior Consultant, Anugraha Nursing Home, Bangalore, said, “Studies based on women undergoing menopause in India found that the most commonly reported symptoms include hot flashes & night sweats along with other symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.1 In a study conducted by the Indian Menopause Society, the incidence of these symptoms was found to be 75%2. While awareness around these symptoms is growing slowly, and we can assume that far fewer understand its impact on overall health, but there is still a growing need for more people to know the common conditions post menopause. Women may be at a greater risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and muscle mass loss, largely due to reduced estrogen. Understanding the impact of menopause on bone and heart health can help them to prevent, recognize, or address them early on.” 

Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India commented, “It’s important to help women understand the impact of menopause on bone and heart health. As per a survey by Abbott & Ipsos, 82% people believe that menopause affects a woman’s personal well-being. This makes it increasingly important to help women prioritize their health, during menopause and beyond.”

The most common condition post menopause is osteoporosis, which affects one in three women over the age of 50 years.2 This is due to reduced levels of estrogen, resulting in bone loss and lowered mass, which makes them fragile and at a greater risk of breaking.3 Today, roughly 61 million people in India live with osteoporosis, and 80% of them are women.4 Osteoporosis is often a ‘silent condition’ with no visible symptoms until there is a fracture. At times, there may be height loss, which can be accompanied by back pain or a curved back. Injuries relating to osteoporosis may be serious and cause pain and long-term disability.5 Checking in with your doctor and understanding your risk factors can be vital. To strengthen your bones, some lifestyle steps you can consider include exercising frequently, having a healthy diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, and rich in calcium and Vitamin D, avoiding smoking, and cutting down on alcohol.

Women post menopause are also at a risk of losing muscle mass, which is vital for mobility, balance, and strength as they age. The loss of muscle mass, or sarcopenia, is accelerated in women, happening nearly a decade earlier than for men due to menopause. This comes with its own set of complications such as weight gain and makes simple tasks like climbing stairs more challenging.6 Watch for fatigue and a drop in energy, as warning signs to consult a doctor. You can also proactively take steps to enhance muscle mass like – lifting weights for strength training, opting for full-body exercises that work several muscles, eating nutritious food, and getting good quality sleep.

With the onset of menopause, the risk of heart disease also increases. This is because estrogen deficiency may lead to changes in lipid levels such as increase in cholesterol. 7 Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats can result in a greater risk for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular related risk factors.8 In addition, women who experience natural menopause at a later age have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Factors that may lead to early start of menopause include worse cardiovascular health during reproductive years, smoking and possibly genetics.7 Research also shows depression during the menopause transition can lead to higher risk of cardiovascular disease.9 It’s important to find ways to cope – whether with counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, or mindfulness methods, all while relying on social support. 

To summarize, as women age, it’s important for them to get regular check-ups and screen for health conditions most common post menopause. By knowing what signs to look out for, you and your loved ones can better navigate life beyond menopause and embrace the next chapter of your life with ease. 

AiDash Launches First-of-its-Kind Full Stack Platform For Grid Inspection And Monitoring

* Debuting At Evolve 2024, The New End-To-End System Makes Utilities

* climate resilient and better prepared for the energy transition

AiDash, an enterprise SaaS company helping critical infrastructure industries become climate resilient and better prepared for the energy transition with satellites and AI, today unveiled an end-to-end system addressing utilities' most urgent challenges in the wake of climate threats like storms and wildfires. Its new Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring provides utilities with the data and insights needed for proactive, preventative maintenance to keep the grid operational, safeguard communities, and reduce costs. AiDash CEO Abhishek Singh debuted this first-of-its-kind solution at the company’s Evolve 2024 conference in New Orleans.

“In an era of super storms and wildfires, keeping the power on is more challenging than ever. Climate change, growing power demands, and the need to expand grid capacity highlight the urgent work ahead to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable power,” said Abhishek Singh, CEO of AiDash. “With our Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring, we’ve combined all of our capabilities and integrated new data sources, giving utilities the most accurate information to enable swift, decisive action.”

The Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring launches as the U.S. utility landscape now includes over 7 million miles of power lines, approximately 250 million poles, a billion devices or assets, and billions of trees. Inspecting, monitoring, and maintaining this at scale is beyond human capacity. Technology adoption is the only path forward for utilities to minimize outages, reduce costs, and improve grid reliability.

“If every asset is inspected with the right remote sensing technology, at the right frequency, and problem areas are addressed quickly, utility-caused fires and outages can be drastically reduced, if not eliminated,” said Singh. “Our solution empowers utilities to be more proactive, adaptive, and resilient, leading to safer communities, better working conditions, and improved bottom lines.”

First-of-its-Kind Platform Makes Utilities More Climate Resilient

Over the past five years, AiDash has committed itself to using the latest in satellite technology and AI to respond to utility companies’ most pressing needs in the face of the unprecedented effects of climate change. The company’s new system is designed to make an even greater impact on their operations and maintenance (O&M), as AiDash’s full suite of products has been brought together in one cohesive platform.

With the AiDash Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring, utilities can perform a satellite scan of their entire network to identify potential vegetation issues, pinpoint asset locations (poles and conductors), and assess road accessibility and terrain.

Based on these satellite insights and depending on use cases, budget, and criticality, utilities can then opt for ground-based LiDAR or visual inspections for road-accessible assets, aerial scans (visual/LiDAR) for broader areas, and drone scans for limited, hard-to-reach regions. 

This multi-pronged approach delivers detailed, large-scale visual inspections of all assets and surrounding vegetation using a single platform. Data is consolidated, and advanced AI quickly identifies, prioritizes, and predicts issues. This enables swift, proactive actions to tackle current and future grid challenges while reducing the average cost per mile of scans. The platform also makes the grid more intelligent and ready for the energy transition.

The Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring enables utilities to:

Inspect and monitor assets and surroundings at scale and with the required frequency

Model system and climate risks, as well as sustainability impacts

Predict tasks and their criticality for routine and ad hoc O&M

Apply business constraints to analyze scenarios, create and prioritize digital plans

Execute tasks and log progress using the AiDash Field Application

Track progress and audit completed work

"By leading with satellites and complementing them with ground-based LiDAR and on-ground patrols, we achieve what no single data source could—and do it more cost-effectively. Sharing data between our vegetation management and asset management teams improves coordination, enhancing reliability for our customers," said Bert Stewart, Manager of Vegetation Strategy at National Grid.

Securing Tomorrow Together

The Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring marks the next stage of AiDash’s growth in transforming how utilities protect and maintain their assets. To achieve its mission of making critical infrastructure more adaptive and climate-resilient, AiDash is collaborating with all entities involved, such as utilities, regulators, and partners, including consulting firms, system integrators, and technology and data partners. The company plans to expand this ecosystem, recognizing that climate challenges are too large for any single company—collaborative solutions are essential.

To learn more about AiDash’s approach and technology, visit www.aidash.com

About AiDash

AiDash is making critical infrastructure industries climate-resilient and sustainable with satellites and AI. Using our full-stack SaaS solutions, customers in electric, gas, and water utilities, transportation, and construction are transforming asset inspection and maintenance – and complying with biodiversity net gain mandates and carbon capture goals. Our customers deliver ROI in their first year of deployment with reduced costs, improved reliability, and achieved sustainability goals. Learn more at www.aidash.com.

Mamaearth Shines As The 3rd Largest Skincare Brand In India As Per Euromonitor International

Honasa’s second brand, The Derma Co. makes its mark among the top 20 skincare brands in India, emerging as the country's largest active-based skincare brand

Gurugram, 17th October 2024: Mamaearth, India's leading brand for toxin-free and natural personal care products, has secured the 3rd spot among the top skincare brands in India* according to Euromonitor International, the world's leading provider of global business intelligence, market analysis, and consumer insights.

This remarkable achievement highlights the brand's rapid growth and strong market presence in the highly competitive Indian beauty and personal care industry. Mamaearth has also climbed to 9th position from 13th last year among the top beauty and personal care brands in India, as per Euromonitor’s latest report on Beauty and Personal Care in India.

The CY2023 report on Beauty and personal care in India highlights the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India’s beauty and personal care sector, with home-grown brands like Mamaearth, under Honasa Consumer Ltd., gaining significant market share.

In addition to Mamaearth's success, Honasa Consumer Ltd. has other notable brands making waves in the market. The Derma Co. has made significant strides, entering the list of top 20 skincare brands in India and emerging as the largest active based skincare brand. Furthermore, the Euromonitor report acknowledges the intensifying competition in India’s sunscreen market with Honasa’s brands such as Aqualogica, The Derma Co, and Dr Sheth’s gaining substantial recognition and prominence.

Commenting on the brands’ popularity Varun Alagh, Co-founder and CEO, Honasa Consumer, said, “We're thrilled to see Mamaearth making such a significant mark in the Indian beauty and personal care market. This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work, our commitment to creating natural, toxin free products for Indian consumers, and the trust they have placed in us. We're equally proud of The Derma Co.'s progress and glad that Indians are recognizing its value proposition. We are committed to building on this success across all Honasa brands and lead the next phase of the beauty and personal care space in the Indian market.”

Honasa Consumer, which began with its flagship brand Mamaerath, now boasts a portfolio of popular brands including The Derma Co., Aqualogica, Dr Sheths, BBlunt, all designed to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. The company’s success story extends beyond individual brands, showcasing a robust playbook for building a house of purpose-driven, consumer-centric brands by leveraging consumer insights, digital capabilities, and a deep understanding of market trends.

*Source Euromonitor International Limited; Passport- Beauty and Personal Care in India 2024.

About Mamaearth

Founded by husband-wife duo Ghazal Alagh and Varun Alagh, Mamaearth is one of the fastest growing beauty and personal care brand. Driven by innovation and using the best of science and nature, the brand caters to personal care needs of young, aspirational and increasingly conscious Indian consumers. In a short span of 6 years, Mamaearth has created a product portfolio of 200+ products packed with goodness inside and has reached over 5 million customers in 500 Indian cities servicing over 18000 pin codes. Mamaearth products are available on www.mamaearth.in, major eCommerce platforms like Amazon, Nykaa, Flipkart and over 40 thousand points of sales across the country.

About Honasa Consumer Ltd.

Honasa Consumer Limited is a purpose-driven brand house building the future of personal care and beauty. The company has created a portfolio of digital-first brands, including Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, and Staze, based on a customer insights-led innovation strategy. Honasa has also purchased controlling shares in Dr. Sheth's and Bblunt. With more than 100,000 FMCG retail locations and a vast omni-channel distribution network that covers more than 18,000 pin codes in India, Honasa's products are accessible to customers in more than 700 districts across the country.

New-To-Credit (NTC) Customers Form 25% Of Users Of Magnet FD Credit Card By ZET And SBM Bank

* 55% of NTC customers fall in the age group of 18-25 years

* 81% of the users of Magnet had a credit score of 650 or less

* Hyderabad tops demand for Magnet, followed by Bengaluru & Jaipur

In a major stride towards financial inclusion, New-To-Credit (NTC) customers formed around 25% of the users of the recently launched Magnet FD Credit Card by ZET and SBM Bank.

Customer trends by ZET suggest that since its launch, the Magnet FD Credit Card has been popular among youngsters. More than half, around 55%, of the NTC customers for Magnet FD Card, were in the age category of 18-25, indicating that the secured credit card is becoming increasingly popular among youngsters who are keen on building their CIBIL score through an FD credit card. 

ZET’s data also suggests that if a larger age bracket (18-35 years) was taken into account, the user base jumped to 85%, with an average age of 28. Hyderabad topped the demand for Magnet credit cards, followed by Bengaluru, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, New Delhi, and Mumbai. 

Secured credit cards have become increasingly popular ever since the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the risk weightage on unsecured credit cards. Industry data suggests that almost 100,000 secured credit cards are issued every month, but unlike unsecured credit cards, they have a 100% approval rate since they are backed by Fixed Deposits. 

Commenting on the trend, Manish Shara, Co-Founder & CEO of ZET, said: “The popularity of secured credit cards as a CIBIL builder product is increasing fast among NTC customers. It is encouraging to witness that almost 25% of the users of Magnet are NTC users. Magnet not only stands as a catalyst for aiding NTC customers but also for those with poor credit history in accessing easy credit products. We found that almost 81% of the users who opted for Magnet had a credit score of 650 or lower. Magnet is an exciting proposition for building a CIBIL Score while enjoying the benefits of a normal credit card.”

Specifically designed to empower individuals who lack a credit score or aim to improve their credit scores, Magnet is a secured credit card backed by a Fixed Deposit (FD). Users get joining benefits worth Rs. 21,000+, including OTT subscriptions to popular platforms like Disney Hotstar, Sony LIV, and Zee 5, offers on dining, travel, and more, and up to 10% rewards on top brand vouchers such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra. These exciting benefits are here to make you feel eager and excited to explore the world of Magnet.

Magnet comes against an FD of a minimum of Rs.5,000, ranging to Rs.25,000, with 90% of the amount as the credit limit. The FD is secured per RBI guidelines and insured up to Rs.5 lacs by DICGC. Users can also enjoy up to 7% interest on their Fixed Deposits, further enhancing their financial well-being. Magnet is also a lifetime-free offering with no renewal fee. It can be easily taken owing to no documentation proof and guaranteed issuance, ensuring affordability without compromising on benefits as a commitment to financial accessibility. 

MAHE, Manipal Signs Partnership Agreement With KoreAMMR, Mumbai For Developing 3D Bioprinted Products

Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research (MCBR), MAHE, Manipal has entered into partnership agreement with Kore Additive Manufacturing and Medical Reconstruction Pvt. Ltd. (KoreAMMR), Mumbai to codevelop 3D printed biotherapeutic products. KoreAMMR has leased a portion of GMP compliant facility of MCBR to codevelop the novel 3D bioprinted products along with MCBR faculty and researchers. The partnership facility was inaugurated by Dr Narayan Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology and Science, MAHE, Dr P Giridhar Kini, Registrar MAHE, Mr Ravindra Doshi, Managing Director KoreAMMR and Mr Chaitanya Doshi, CEO of KoreAMMR.

While signing the agreement Dr Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE, and Mr Ravindra Doshi, Managing Director of KoreAMMR, lauded the partnership to develop novel products and hoped to see the codeveloped products entering the commercial market soon. MCBR founding Head and MAHE COO Dr Raviraja N S said, “signing this agreement with KoreAMMR while MCBR is celebrating 3 year of establishment is a significant milestone, and this multifaceted partnership is aimed to develop new 3D bioprinted products for biomedical applications and to train human resource needed in this niche area”.  

Mr Chaithanya Joshi, CEO, KoreAMMR said “the partnership with MCBR is a crucial for KoreAMMR and we will start manufacturing for clinical trials in this facility’’.

Dr Kirthanashri, Coordinator and Associate Professor of MCBR and Group leader in 3D bioprinting said “As part of this collaborative agreement KoreAMMR employees can enrol for PhD at MAHE and work under the supervision of faculty guides at MCBR.  The master’s students of MCBR can intern at KoreAMMR to complete their dissertation”.

KoreAMMR was founded in July 2022 with the mission to make affordable 3D Bioprinted transplantable organs and is incubated at SINE IIT Bombay and RIIDL KJ Somaiya in Mumbai. The founder was inspired by Dr Anthony Atala who in the year 2011 made the first 3D Bioprinted urinary bladder and transplanted it into the patient and the patient is alive and healthy today. The main challenge faced by KoreAMMR is the time it takes to clear the regulatory pathway to use 3D Bioprinted products for medical application. By collaborating with MCBR and MAHE, KoreAMMR is expecting to complete these clinical trials within 5-7 years significantly lowering the cost and time taken to develop 3D Bioprinted products and commercialize them. KoreAMMR is also working on developing organ on chip systems with MCBR to eliminate need for animal testing in exchange of human relevant organ models for pharmaceutical drug discovery and drug testing and for personalized medicine in the field of oncology. Through this collaboration KoreAMMR and MAHE will be able to train the next generation of biotechnology and biomedical scientists and engineers to make India a global leader in the Biotechnology and Biomedical domain.

Dr Harish Kumar, Director, Corporate Relations; Dr Arun Maiya, Dean, MCHP; Dr Srinivas Mutalik, Principal MCOPS; Dr Naveen Salins, Associate Dean, KMC Manipal and others were present during the occasion.

Yamaha Achieves Milestone Of 400 Blue Square Showrooms; Expands Its Presence In Tier-2 And Tier-3 Cities

* Introduced as part of the ‘Call of the Blue’ campaign, these premium outlets highlight Yamaha’s rich racing DNA

* Each Blue Square outlet features Yamaha’s exclusive range of premium two-wheelers, apparel and accessories

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has achieved a significant milestone by establishing 400 Blue Square showrooms nationwide, adding 100 new outlets in just the past six months. This rapid expansion underscores Yamaha’s ongoing commitment to delivering an unmatched customer-centric experience. By bringing its premium two-wheeler offerings closer to customers, particularly in India’s rapidly growing tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Yamaha is catering to the rising aspirations of its consumers across the country.

Since the launch of ‘The Call of The Blue’ brand campaign in 2018, Yamaha has focused on bringing its premium offerings closer to customers and building stronger connections. The introduction of Blue Square showrooms in 2019 has been instrumental in creating an exclusive environment that reflects Yamaha’s racing DNA and caters to the growing demand for performance-oriented products.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “Crossing the milestone of 400 Blue Square showrooms reflects our continuous effort to be closer to our customers, especially in India’s fast-growing tier-2 and tier-3 cities. We recognize the growing aspirations of customers across the country, and we are here to cater to those ambitions by offering a premium, personalized experience through our Blue Square outlets. These spaces are not just retail touchpoints—they are where customers can truly immerse themselves in the Yamaha world and explore our products in an environment designed for them. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dealer partners and customers for their continued trust and support in achieving this milestone.”

The design of Blue Square showrooms caters to the evolving needs and aspirations of today’s discerning customers. With dedicated zones for accessories, merchandise, and community engagement, these showrooms embody Yamaha’s philosophy of innovation, sportiness, and style. Each outlet serves as a hub for Yamaha’s ‘Blue Streaks’ rider community, enabling customers to participate in group rides and build connections with fellow enthusiasts.

The Blue Square network houses Yamaha’s most exciting products, including the track-oriented R3, street fighter MT-03, and the maxi-sport AEROX 155 scooter, alongside models equipped with advanced features like Traction Control System (TCS). Customers can also explore a range of other motorcycles and scooters, including the YZF-R15 V4, MT-15 V2, FZ-X, Fascino 125 FI Hybrid, and Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid, all designed to offer a thrilling riding experience with superior performance.

With 400 operational Blue Square outlets across India, Yamaha continues to expand its footprint, ensuring that more customers, especially in emerging regions, have access to its premium products and services.

Yamaha has a dedicated page on its website for the Blue Square showrooms. Customers can visit this link to learn more. https://www.yamaha-motor-india.com/yamaha-bluesquare.html.

About Yamaha Motor India group of companies:

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for the domestic as well as overseas markets. YMC has established its subsidiaries - Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd. (YMRI), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd. (YMIS) and Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd. (YMI) in India to independently support IYM in the development, sales & marketing of its products and overall business planning & regional control respectively. Presently, its product portfolio includes YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX Version S (155cc), AEROX (155cc) and scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), RayZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), RayZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

Pocket52 Launches ‘Vibe Crazy Hai’ - Brings A Fresh Spin To Online Poker Experience

Pocket52, one of India’s leading online poker brands from the house of Gameskraft, announced the launch of its new brand campaign titled ‘Vibe Crazy Hai’. With this campaign, Pocket52 seeks to enhance brand recognition and solidify its place as a top choice for poker enthusiasts. The campaign focuses on bringing back the fun of playing poker and delivering an exciting, immersive, and innovative gameplay experience while reinforcing the platform’s trustworthiness and reliability.

The ‘Vibe Crazy Hai’ call-out captures the excitement and energy of the Pocket52 experience, further enhancing its brand identity. The campaign spotlights Pocket52’s upgraded gameplay, featuring immersive new game table themes like Beach Shack, Secret Den, Godfather Action, and Vintage Texas, designed to elevate the playing experience. Players can also enjoy expressive in-game elements such as emojis and throwables like an Egg, Shark, Bomb, or even a Chappal, adding a fun and interactive dimension to the game. Together, these elements create a dynamic and engaging experience for users, setting Pocket52 apart in the online poker space.

The campaign is a series of three Digital Video Commercials (DVCs), each emphasizing the craziness of the Pocket52 gameplay experience. The films explore various scenarios to showcase how playing poker on Pocket52 feels just like being at a real poker table. Each story brings out the emotions and excitement of live poker via features like customisable themes, throwables and emojis. By focusing on relatable moments and life-like gameplay, the films aim to demonstrate how Pocket52 elevates online poker to a truly immersive level. The campaign primarily targets both seasoned and new poker players in the skilled online games segment, while also reaching out to a broader audience of gaming enthusiasts, poker lovers, and fans of skill-based games. It highlights Pocket52’s core strengths—secure transactions, fast and hassle-free withdrawals, and a consistently reliable app experience. With these enhancements, Pocket52 aims to deliver an engaging and trustworthy platform that resonates with players across the board.

Nitesh Salvi, Vice President- Business, Pocket52, said, “With the launch of the 'Vibe Crazy Hai' campaign, Pocket52 is enhancing the online poker experience with new features like throwables, emojis, and customizable themes to boost player interaction. We aim to deliver a seamless, secure, and enjoyable platform for both experienced poker players and gaming enthusiasts in India. As we keep improving, our goal is to create a world-class poker experience that players can rely on.”

The ‘Vibe Crazy Hai’ campaign will be promoted through multiple digital channels, including social media and OTT platforms among other platforms. To watch the campaign DVC, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGhgXTf_M_A

About Pocket52:

Pocket52, one of India's renowned Poker Apps trusted by 16 lakhs+ Poker players, not only gives you a world-class gaming experience but also connects you with like-minded individuals. The brand is certified by internationally renowned iTech Labs, Australia, to make your gameplay safe, secure, and hassle-free. It aims to revolutionize the skill-based online real-money gaming industry in India by providing a feature-rich app built with cutting-edge technology, superior customer service, a transparent network, and round-the-clock promotions for both android and iOS users. The platform provides some of the most rewarding Loyalty programs with safe and secure transactions, a 24x7 Call support feature and real cash for real players. The Pocket52 app is available on all devices, including all popular smartphones and tablets (Android & iOS). To know more, click here:  https://www.pocket52.com/

About Gameskraft:

Since its inception in 2017, online skill-based games company Gameskraft has catered to a growing group of players within the skill-based online games community. It is now one of the country’s most recognised games brands, home to massively popular gaming platforms. Gameskraft operates at the convergence of technology and gaming, offering millions of gamers secure, high-quality experiences. The company’s keen knowledge of the sector drives newer and safer ideas in skill-based gaming.

Indian Bank Signs MoU With Tata Motors To Offer Commercial Vehicle Financing Solutions

* To offer tailored and easy financial solutions for commercial vehicles, including LNG and electric vehicles

Indian Bank, one of India's leading public sector banks, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer to offer attractive financing solutions to Tata Motors commercial vehicle customers and authorised dealerships across the country. The bank will offer customised financial packages with competitive interest rates and streamlined credit processing. This partnership will provide tailored financial solutions for Tata Motors’ entire commercial vehicle portfolio including LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and electric range of commercial vehicles. Tata Motors and Indian Bank will also significantly scale up their partnership on dealer financing.

Speaking on this announcement, Mr. Ashutosh Choudhury, Executive Director, Indian Bank, said, "We are elated to sign a MoU with Tata Motors to offer tailored financial solutions for their dealerships and fleet operators. Our financial packages will help both customers and dealers achieve their business objectives while enhancing overall financial efficiency. We look forward to working closely with Tata Motors to help their customers achieve their business goals."

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “We are happy to sign a MoU with Indian Bank, this partnership will help provide easy financing solutions for our customers. By streamlining credit access and offering seamless financing options, we aim to strengthen financial ecosystem for our dealer network, helping them scale their business while providing enhanced convenience to our valued customers.”

Tata Motors offers the widest commercial vehicle portfolio spanning from sub-1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions. These robustly engineered commercial vehicles are further complemented by a range of value-added services for comprehensive vehicle lifecycle management, through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. With Fleet Edge – Tata Motors’ connected vehicle platform for optimal fleet management, which enables operators to further increase the uptime of its vehicles and reduce the total cost of ownership, and 24x7 support from India’s widest service network, Tata Motors continues to establish new benchmarks in holistic transportation solutions.

Founded on August 15, 1907, Indian Bank is a prominent Public Sector Bank in India, with the Government of India holding 73.84% of its shares (as of 30th June’ 2024). Recognized as the first public sector bank to install an ATM in Madras in 1989, it operates 5,846 branches (including 3 Digital Banking Units) across diverse regions: 1,983 rural, 1,531 semi-urban, 1,173 urban, and 1,159 metros. The Bank also has 3 overseas branches and 1 International Banking Unit (IBU). As part of its digital transformation drive Indian Bank under Project WAVE, is redefining customer experiences and optimizing services. In Q1 FY25, the Bank generated an impressive ?36,678 crores via digital channels, while also witnessing a sharp surge in mobile banking and credit card users. Under Supply Chain Finance, the Bank provides end-to-end financing solution through Online platform for meeting working capital requirements of Dealers and Vendors. Supply Chain Finance product of the Bank has made strong strides in recent past and on-boarded many leading companies in automobile and other sectors.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy,

leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

India Blockchain Week 2024 Returns To Spotlight India’s Web3 Startups And Talent

Top international Web3 players are coming to India Blockchain Week (IBW) from 30th November to 8th December 2024 in Bangalore, to foster purposeful collaboration with the Indian innovation ecosystem. Returning this year with over 100 exciting events, IBW is the country’s first-ever multi-chain platform catalyzing mass adoption of blockchain innovation across industries. Some of the events include the flagship IBW Conference, IBW chain-agnostic Hackathon, IBW Web3 Demo Day, ETH India Hackathon, and more, bringing together the brightest minds in the Web3 ecosystem along with policymakers to create a conducive environment for cross-border partnerships.

The Indian government's growing focus on blockchain innovation has driven initiatives like the National Blockchain Framework (NBF) to enhance information security, transparency, and efficiency for digital governance and service delivery. Launched under the same initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Vishvasya Technology Stack offers Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) through data centers across Pune, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar, supporting various permissioned blockchain applications. These efforts reflect the government's commitment to advancing and implementing blockchain solutions.

Hosted by Hashed Emergent, a Web3 Venture Capital firm, the 2-day flagship IBW Conference will take place on the 4th and 5th of December at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, hosting prominent speakers including Sandeep Nailwal, Co-founder of Polygon, Avery Ching, Co-founder and CTO of Aptos, Keone Hon, CEO of Monad, and Chen Fang, COO of BitGo. Alongside Indian policymakers, entrepreneurs, and developers, the conference will facilitate discussions on India’s vibrant tech talent, its market adaptability for technological advancements, and the evolving regulatory landscape. 

Avery Ching, the Co-founder & CTO of Aptos Labs, commented, “India is home to incredibly talented developers and leaders who are advancing web3 in remarkable ways. It’s inspiring to see the impact builders in India have had on the entire Aptos ecosystem, and I hope to see more builders after our activation at IBW this year.”

"India is at a unique inflection point in Web3 adoption, with its thriving developer community, commitment to entrepreneurship, and pace of economic activity. I am excited to speak about opportunities for Monad Labs to collaborate with the local Web3 ecosystem in advancing blockchain innovation," added Keone Hon, CEO of Monad.

A consultation panel, led by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), is currently collaborating with industry stakeholders, including experts, companies, and the public, to establish regulations for cryptocurrency in India. IBW Conference will act as a vital platform for dialogue between policymakers and industry experts, providing a roadmap for India's potential in this sector.

“As a host of India Blockchain Week Conference, we are committed to amplifying India’s thriving web3 landscape on the global stage,” said Tak Lee, CEO & Managing Partner of Hashed Emergent. “Our goal is to foster collaboration across the Indian ecosystem by bringing together local innovators and global stakeholders. We’re excited to return with the second edition of IBW, continuing our work to nurture and grow the web3 community in India and other emerging markets.”

India’s innovation ecosystem is fueling global blockchain growth contributing to over 12% of the world’s Web3 developers and housing more than 1,000 startups, according to a joint report by Hashed Emergent and KPMG India. To further drive this momentum, IBW Demo-Day on December 4th will spotlight 15 leading Indian Web3 startups, showcasing their projects to an audience of investors, founders, and developers. ETH India Hackathon, running from December 6-8, will host over 1,500 developers, making it one of the country’s largest Ethereum hackathons. The IBW Hackathon will see 250+ participants, with the top ten projects competing for prizes and a chance to present at IBW2024 Conference.  

With sponsors like Polygon, Aptos, Starkware, and Starknet Foundation, IBW 2024 Conference will unite the largest ecosystems of start-ups, developers, and investors in the global web3 industry. Last year’s IBW Conference featured Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum), Jayant Sinha (Former Member of Parliament), Sebastien Borget (Sandbox), Charles Guillemet (Ledger) among others as speakers. 

About India Blockchain Week (IBW)

India Blockchain Week (IBW) is India’s largest series of blockchain and Web3 events, set to unify the global and local blockchain communities from November 30th to December 8th, 2024. With over 100 events, including the IBW2024 Conference, ETHIndia, IBW Demo-day, IBW Hackathon, and other networking opportunities, IBW provides a platform for thought leadership and collaboration across the blockchain ecosystem.

About Hashed Emergent

Hashed Emergent is the venture capital arm of Hashed, backing builders from India and emerging markets shaping the on-chain frontier. It invests at the earliest stages of a web3 startup's journey, using its expertise, experience, and network to amplify their growth and success. The team is rooted in the cultural hubspots of web3 in emerging markets, spanning across Bangalore, Seoul, Singapore, Lagos and Dubai. Hashed Emergent drives web3 focused ecosystem and community expansion in these markets through its purpose-built initiatives. 

“How India Borrows 2024” – A Study By Home Credit India Shows Aspirational-Led Borrowing Trends, Growing Digital Adoption...

Key Insights:

Consumer Durables: Borrowing for smartphones and home appliances soared to 37% in 2024, up from 1% in 2020, signalling a continued focus on technology and home improvement.

Entrepreneurial Borrowing: Business-related loans surged to 21% in 2024, from 5% in 2020, reflecting growing entrepreneurial momentum, bolstered by government MSME credit schemes and subsidies.

Home-Related Loans: Loans for home renovation and construction marginally grew to 15% in 2024, from 9% in 2022, driven by a desire for better living conditions and long-term investment.

Medical Emergencies: Borrowing for medical needs dropped to 3% in 2024, from 7% in 2020, potentially reflecting better financial planning and access to affordable healthcare.

Digital Adoption: The shift toward digital financial transactions continues, with app-based banking now the preferred choice for 65% of borrowers, driven by 24/7 financial access and convenience.

Chatbots & WhatsApp: 29% of borrowers trust chatbot responses and 26% of borrowers consider the loans offered on WhatsApp as trustworthy, reflecting the growing trust in these digital platforms.

Embedded Finance & EMI Cards: 50% of borrowers who would like to use embedded finance believe embedded finance speeds up borrowing and simplifies e-commerce shopping; 43% of lower-middle-class borrowers favour EMI cards for reliability and faster disbursals.

Digital Loan Journey: Preference for digital loan channels for future credit needs declined by 10%, signalling an increasing demand for more personalised, human-centred lending solutions.

Data Privacy Concerns: 58% of borrowers are concerned about lending apps collecting and using their personal data.

Financial Literacy: 33% of borrowers expressed a need for digital financial education, with Gen Z (40%) showing the highest interest.

Home Credit India, a local arm of the leading global consumer finance provider, has released the findings of its annual consumer study - How India Borrows - today. The sixth edition of the study reported a significant shift in borrowing patterns among the lower-middle-class consumers, transitioning from survival-driven borrowing to one fuelled by aspirations, entrepreneurship, and long-term investments. This transformation reflects India’s evolving socio-economic landscape, where consumers are increasingly focused on improving their quality of life, empowered by greater access to credit and the growth of digital platforms.

Speaking on the sixth consumer study, Ashish Tiwari, Chief Marketing Officer, Home Credit India, said: “Our latest How India Borrows 2024 study highlights a transformational shift in the borrowing behaviour among the lower-middle-class borrowers. It shows an increasing preference towards borrowing for consumer durables and small business ventures and consumer’s growing comfort with app-based banking, chatbots for customer service, WhatsApp payments, and digital literacy, reflecting not only the evolving financial aspirations of borrowers to enhance their lifestyle and income opportunities, but also the growing role of digital platforms in making credit more accessible. The study also points out the strong affinity towards embedded finance and EMI-based financing and the importance of raising awareness around data privacy. Keeping this in mind, Home Credit India remains committed to providing transparent, secure, convenient, and accessible financial solutions, empowering consumers on their journey towards a better quality of life and fostering a responsible and inclusive financial future for all, thus partnering with them in making their #ZindagiHit.”

Borrowing Behaviour Among Consumers

According to the study, most of the loans were taken to purchase consumer durables, followed by lending for business and house renovation. For example, borrowing for smartphones and home appliances increased from 1% in 2020 to 37% in 2024, indicating a continuous rise in borrowing for acquiring new technology and consumer durables. Borrowing for business expansion and start-ups jumped from 5% in 2020 to 21% in 2024, fuelling a sustained entrepreneurial momentum as individuals sought new income streams and opportunities, driven by pandemic-related economic shifts and strong government support for MSMEs through credit schemes and subsidies. Borrowing for home renovation/construction saw a modest rise, from 9% in 2022 to 15% in 2024, reflecting the rising consumer interest in improving living conditions, enhancing home value, an optimistic economic outlook, and a focus on long-term investment in assets.

The study further showed stable trends in education loans, which remained at 4% from 2022 to 2024, underscoring the continued importance of children’s education. Borrowing for marriages gradually increased from 3% in 2021 to 5% in 2024, highlighting the continued cultural importance of fulfilling social commitments. Interestingly, borrowing for medical emergencies has dropped significantly, from 7% in 2020 to 3% in 2024, which could be attributed to improved financial planning, more affordable healthcare options, and better access to insurance.

Rise in Digital Financial Transactions

The study indicated that as consumers become more tech-savvy, their borrowing habits are also shifting towards app-based banking, with 65% favouring it over browser-based banking (44%) in 2024. This trend reflects the consumers' growing preference for convenience, 24/7 financial access over traditional branch visits, and heightened digital literacy. App-based banking is most popular among Millennials (69%), followed by Gen Z (65%) and Gen X (58%). Geographically, Metros lead with 71% adoption, followed by Tier 2 cities at 69%. Browser-based banking, meanwhile, sees higher usage among Gen Z and Millennials at 47% each, with Gen X having the lowest usage at 35%.

Online shopping has also shown a pattern of normalisation following the peak disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, usage of online shopping hit 69% due to health and safety concerns but dropped to 48% in 2023 as restrictions eased. By 2024, it has slightly rebounded to 53%. Women (60%), Millennials (59%), Gen Z (58%), Metros and Tier 2 cities (56% each) now drive this trend. Kolkata (71%), Kochi (66%), Hyderabad (64%), Chennai (60%), and Ranchi (59%) are the top five cities in terms of online shoppers.

Increased Usage of Chatbots and WhatsApp

As per the study, Chatbots are gaining traction in customer service, with 27% of middle-class borrowers citing familiarity with the tool, up 4% from last year. Awareness is stronger among Gen Z at 30%. Additionally, 38% of borrowers find chatbots easy to use for customer service, and 29% trust the responses provided by them.

WhatsApp has also redefined the communication landscape, becoming a key channel in the lending space due to its user-friendly features and widespread adoption. It continues to gain prominence, with 59% of borrowers receiving loan offers via WhatsApp. Trust in loan offers received on WhatsApp has also grown, rising from 24% in 2023 to 26% in 2024, reflecting increasing confidence in this digital platform. Loan offers received on WhatsApp are prevalent among Gen Z (61%), and in Tier 1 cities (67%).

Growing Adoption of Embedded Finance and EMI Cards

Driven by their convenience in credit-related transactions, the adoption of innovative financial solutions, like embedded finance and EMI cards, is on the rise. There has been a nuanced shift in customer attitude towards embedded finance, with 43% of customers expressing interest in these services. Almost 50% of the borrowers in favour of embedded finance agree that embedded finance makes borrowing faster and e-commerce shopping simpler. For example, 64% favoured major e-commerce platforms (like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, etc), followed by 21% opting for travel apps (like MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, etc), and 23% using food delivery apps (like Zomato, Swiggy, etc).

According to the study, interest in embedded finance is notably higher among Gen Z (55%) and Men (45%), highlighting a demographic divide in engagement. Additionally, customers in Tier 1 cities, particularly in urban centers, such as Lucknow (68%), Patna (53%), Ahmedabad (52%), Bhopal (52%), and Ranchi (52%), exhibited a greater propensity towards embedded finance.

EMI Cards remained the most popular credit tool among the lower-middle-class borrowers in India, with 43% citing them as their preferred option due to greater trust and faster disbursals. Other popular sources for obtaining loans include credit cards, preferred by 24% of borrowers, and digital lending apps, preferred by 12%.

Balance Between Digital Convenience and Human Connection

A growing shift in loan acquisition patterns was noticed in the study, with 48% of borrowers opting to visit physical branches, underscoring the enduring preference for face-to-face interactions; 30% of borrowers opting to complete applications online, reflecting the growing confidence in technology and convenience; and 22% of borrowers relying on customer care representatives, highlighting the need for human intervention.

Borrowing preferences differ notably by region. In Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities like Kochi (85%), Lucknow (73%), and Ranchi (69%), borrowers prefer physical branches, indicating that people value personal interaction and trust. Meanwhile, borrowers in metropolitan cities such as Bengaluru (64%), Hyderabad (53%), and Chennai (48%) increasingly lean towards online channels due to accessibility and tech familiarity, reflecting their openness to digital financial services.

Interestingly, the preference for digital loan channels for future credit needs has declined by 10% from the previous year, signalling an increasing demand for more personalised, human-centred lending solutions. For financial companies, this shift emphasises the need to enhance customer experiences by blending digital efficiency with empathetic human support, redefining the loan acquisition process to better resonate with modern consumers.

Awareness of Data Privacy

The study also highlighted a growing awareness gap regarding data privacy guidelines among borrowers. 24% of borrowers have claimed to have heard of the data privacy requirements that lending companies must implement, an 8% increase from last year, but this understanding is superficial as their knowledge on the subject is negligible.  Nearly half (48%) of the lower-middle-class borrowers don’t understand anything about the data protection guidelines, highlighting the need for increased transparency and education from financial institutions and regulators.

In terms of comprehension of the data protection rules and guidelines, approximately 40% of borrowers claim to understand, with 38% recognising that these guidelines prohibit unauthorised data sharing. Borrowers from Kochi (49%) and Chennai (43%) seem to be more digitally advanced and claim to understand the usage of personal data. However, only 15% of borrowers are aware that these guidelines specifically pertain to the use of their data exclusively for the loan application process, a 3% increase compared to last year.

The study also found that about 58% of borrowers are concerned about how their personal data is collected and used by lending apps. Almost half of the borrowers (57%) voiced that they don’t have any control over their personal data with the lending apps, and 49% of the borrowers feel that the lending apps collect more data than required. Although less than one-fourth (23%) of the borrowers understand the usage of their personal data by lending apps, a strong demand for transparency exists as more than three-fourths (76%) of borrowers seek clarity on the usage of their personal data. Tier 1 (87%), Gen Z (80%), and Men (78%) are particularly interested in learning about the use of their personal data.

Need for Financial Literacy

The study also showed varying levels of interest in financial education. 15% of borrowers reported needing assistance while using internet banking, loan applications, payment wallets, and other critical online financial tasks, indicating that a notable portion of users, especially Women (17%), Gen X (24%) and borrowers in Tier 1 cities (18%), still encounter challenges or lack confidence in managing their financial activities digitally.

33% of borrowers, on the other hand, expressed a desire for guidance from reputable organisations on the usage of internet related tasks, particularly Gen Z (40%), Women, (37%), and borrowers in Tier 1 and Tier 2 (36% each), demonstrating a stronger demand for being equipped or educated to effectively manage online financial tasks.

The How India Borrows 2024 study was conducted across 17 cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Patna, Ranchi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Kochi, and Dehradun. The sample size consisted of approx. 2500 borrowers in the age group of 18-55 years, with an average income of Rs. 31,000 per month.

Jagadeesh, Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Flags Off Southern Leg Of NueGo’s Kashmir To Kanyakumari Expedition

India’s first electric intercity bus brand launches a historic initiative to promote green mobility nationwide

In its mission to promote sustainable transportation across India, NueGo—the country’s first organized electric intercity brand under GreenCell Mobility—flagged off the Southern leg of its iconic Kashmir to Kanyakumari (K2K) electric bus expedition today at its Bangalore Depot. The Bangalore flag-off ceremony was graced by Shri Jagadeesh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nelamangala, Bangalore, along with other distinguished dignitaries like Mr. Manjunath, Commissioner, City Municipal Corporation, Mr. Ravikumar, Traffic Police Inspector, Nelamangala, Mr. K.M. Siddahonnappa, Fire Station Officer, Nelamangala, Mr. Murlidhar, Police Inspector, Madanayakanahalli

The K2K electric bus expedition, which commenced its journey from Kashmir, is now entering the southern phase. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and emitting zero tail-pipe emissions, this all-electric bus aims to set new records by covering over 4,000 kilometers through 11 states and union territories. The journey, which has already spanned approximately 3300 kilometers, highlights the feasibility of EVs for intercity travel across challenging terrains and weather conditions. Along the way, the bus will engage with the public in multiple cities, fostering discussions on sustainability.

This phase of the expedition follows previous flag-offs in other regions, including Nagpur, where Hon'ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Sh. Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the western section, emphasizing the importance of EVs in India’s transport ecosystem.

Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO and MD of GreenCell Mobility also emphasized the need for green mass mobility solutions in India. " NueGo's ambitious E-K2K journey will see us travel over 4,000 Kms from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, demonstrating the resilience of electric buses across diverse terrains. This expedition is more than just a record-breaking feat; it symbolizes India's rich cultural heritage. By passing through 200+ cities and towns, the journey aims to raise awareness about cleaner modes of travel and inspire a transition to EV buses. Engaging in various impactful activities, the E-K2K bus truly embodies the spirit of -the E-bus that does good."

This green journey underscores NueGo’s commitment to sustainable mobility and spreading awareness about electric vehicles (EVs) across the nation.

NueGo currently operates in over 100 cities, providing more than 450 daily departures with a fleet of 250 electric buses. These vehicles undergo 25 rigorous safety inspections, including electrical and mechanical tests, ensuring reliability for passengers. With a range of over 250 kilometers on a single charge, NueGo buses feature premium travel services such as airport-like lounges, geo-location tracking, and luxury guest experiences.

The company also champions women’s safety, offering Pink Seats, a 24x7 women’s helpline, CCTV monitoring, GPS tracking, and driver alcohol tests, ensuring safe and comfortable journeys for all passengers.

As NueGo’s electric bus travels through different regions, it not only sets benchmarks for electric mobility but also promotes India’s rich cultural heritage along the way. Through the K2K journey, NueGo aims to inspire individuals and institutions to adopt sustainable travel solutions and demonstrate that electric vehicles are a viable and essential future for intercity travel.

Ather Energy Introduces Ather Care Service Plans For Its Customers

-          All plans to cover a duration of 1 year or 10,000kms, whichever comes first

Ather Energy, a pioneer in the electric two-wheeler industry in India, introduced the Ather Care service plans for its customers. The Ather Care plans cover free periodic maintenance, offer discounts on wear-and-tear part replacements, and include value-added services such as ExpressCare and Polishing, providing customers with both convenience and savings.

With more customers transitioning out of the initial 3 year warranty, Ather recognized the need for a plan that would help minimize the financial ambiguity of periodic maintenance. Ather Care offers three care plans — Ather Care, Ather Care Plus, and Ather Care Max—allowing customers to choose a plan that suits their needs. All three Ather Care plans are structured to cover a duration of 1 year or 10,000 kms, whichever comes first, ensuring comprehensive maintenance options for Ather owners.

Details of the Ather Care plans:

*        Ather Care: Includes 2 free periodic maintenance, a 10% discount on wear and tear parts once a year, and a 10% discount on labor for wear and tear replacements once a year.

*        Ather Care Plus: Offers 2 free periodic maintenance, 1 free polishing, 1 free wash, a 10% discount on wear and tear parts (twice a year), and a 15% discount on labor for wear and tear replacements (twice a year).

*       Ather Care Max: A comprehensive plan that offers 2 free periodic maintenances, 2 free brake pad replacements, 2 free washes, 2 free ExpressCare services, 2 free polishings, free belt lubrication, a 10% discount on wear and tear parts (twice a year), and a 15% discount on labor for wear and tear replacements (twice a year).

Customers will be able to purchase the plan at any of Ather’s authorized 210 Service Centers or 230 Experience Centers as of September 30, 2024 and can redeem their Ather Care benefits exclusively at the dealership where they purchase the plan. The prices of the plans range from ?1130 to  ?2400, and offer benefits of up to  ?5900 for customers, depending on the plan and the city it is purchased in. With the Ather Care plans, Ather is addressing a key concern among EV owners, that is, the perceived high cost of maintenance of Electric two-wheelers. 

JICA Supports Chiba Shoyu Co., Ltd. Collaboration With Kampai To Locally Produce Authentic Japanese Soy Sauce In India

* Partnership and culinary milestone celebrated at an exclusive event

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has supported Chiba Shoyu Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese soy sauce manufacturer with over 170 years of history, and Kampai (Japanese restaurant), a well-established Japanese restaurant and prominent player in the Indian restaurant industry, to introduce the first-ever locally produced authentic Japanese soy sauce to India. This initiative, titled “the Development of the Soybeans Industry through Japanese Traditional Koji in India” is part of JICA’s SDGs Business Validation Survey, which aims to promote sustainable development and support local enterprises by sharing Japanese expertise in food processing and manufacturing.

The success of this collaboration was celebrated at Kampai, New Delhi, on October 16, 2024 with the official unveiling of Chiba Shoyu’s first batch of authentic soy sauce. Attendees included Avantika Sinha Bahl, Founder & Managing Director of Kampai, and Ankur Chawla Kampai, Kyosuke Iida, President of Chiba Shoyu, Mr. Tomohiro Arima, Senior Representative of JICA India, and representatives from the Japanese Embassy. Guests had the opportunity to taste the locally produced soy sauce paired with a curated menu that showcases its potential to enhance the Indian culinary landscape.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Tomohiro Arima, Senior Representative of JICA India, stated, “It is an immense pleasure to be part of this collaboration, which is not just about introducing a Japanese product to the Indian market but also represents a deeper cultural exchange between Japan and India. The partnership between Chiba Shoyu, known for its expertise in authentic soy sauce production, and Kampai, recognized for its commitment to bringing true Japanese flavors to the Indian culinary scene,  sets a new benchmark for quality and taste. Through this initiative, we aim to empower local industries by sharing Japanese expertise and contribute to ‘Make In India’ initiative in line with the Indian government's goals.”

The partnership began with a pilot (experiment) project in November 2023 at Kampai’s facility in Gurgaon, to produce soy sauce in India. The project utilized locally sourced raw materials and an Indian workforce, guided by Chiba Shoyu’s technical experts. After a rigorous 10-month fermentation process, the first batch of authentic Japanese soy sauce was successfully produced in September 2024. During the pilot phase, Chiba Shoyu’s technical team conducted quality control visits to ensure that the traditional koji fermentation methods were meticulously followed to maintain the quality and authenticity of the product.

As the next step, Chiba Shoyu and Kampai will focus on establishing a full-scale manufacturing facility in Gurgaon or Haryana to expand production for both domestic consumption and export to markets in the Middle East and Europe. This development will not only create local employment opportunities but also introduce sustainable processing practices to the region. Commercial production is expected to commence within a year, significantly contributing to local job creation and providing a platform for future exports.

JICA remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster sustainable development, promote local industry growth, and strengthen cultural ties between India and Japan. The success of this project sets a strong precedent for future collaborations in food processing and beyond, as JICA continues to work towards creating long-lasting value for communities in both nations.

Aakash Educational Services Unveils “Aakash Breakroom” Podcast, Your Essential Guide To NEET & JEE Success And Personal Growth

* Empowering Students: Proven Strategies for NEET & JEE Success

* Navigating Exam Pressure: Strategies for Academic Excellence and Personal Well-Being

'* Aakash Breakroom' podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elPDa6WRo5Q) will provide an enhanced learning experience for NEET and JEE aspirants

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services for NEET and JEE, is proud to announce the launch of its podcast series, “Aakash Breakroom” to motivate and educate students, offering actionable strategies to enhance their NEET and JEE exam preparation. This podcast is designed to support and meet the needs of students preparing for competitive exams, offering academic insights and guidance on personal growth and well-being.

The Aakash Breakroom podcast will feature a wide range of topics, focusing on helping students excel academically and navigating exam preparation pressure. It will cover effective strategies for success in competitive exams, providing proven academic tips and tricks to aid students in their study process. In addition to academic advice, the podcast will address the critical issue of stress management, sharing techniques to help students manage pressure and maintain their focus during high-stress periods.

Recognizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle, the podcast will also offer insights on how students can maintain their well-being while pursuing their academic goals. Beyond academics, the podcast will provide a platform for sharing personal stories and insights from experienced individuals, helping students feel supported in both their academic and personal journeys.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, MD & CEO of Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said, "At AESL, we believe that success in competitive exams goes beyond academic knowledge—it requires resilience, balance, and emotional strength. With the launch of the Aakash Breakroom podcast, we're providing students with not just the tools to excel in exams, but also the mental and emotional support they need to thrive in this demanding journey. Our aim is to inspire, motivate, and equip students with strategies that prepare them for both the rigors of the exam and the challenges of life beyond it."

AESL is recognized for offering thorough and effective preparation programs for students aiming to excel in high-stakes medical (NEET) and engineering entrance exams (JEE), as well as competitive exams like NTSE and Olympiads. The institute is dedicated to delivering top-quality test preparation services that empower students to realize their full potential and succeed in their academic pursuits.

Rentokil PCI Introduces “Termite Baiting Service And Innovative GoldSeal Service” - 4D, Leading The Way In Sustainable Innovation

Rentokil PCI, India’s leading pest control service provider, acclaimed for its expertise, is excited to announce the launch of its two pioneering services that set new standards in the pest control industry: Anti-Termite Fortress (Termite Baiting Service) and GSS 4D (Cockroach Service). These innovative offerings highlight Rentokil PCI’s focus on cutting-edge technology and sustainability, establishing new benchmarks in the industry.

The Anti-Termite Fortress is a termite baiting service approved by the Central Insecticide Board (CIB). This service offers a hassle-free, cost-effective, and non-invasive solution for homeowners, architects, builders, and construction companies. Unlike traditional methods that require drilling and chemical injections, the termite baiting service employs strategically placed bait stations, both in-ground and above-ground, to target termite colonies directly at their source. These bait stations use cellulose-based materials that termites naturally feed on, ensuring the complete eradication of termite colonies while safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem. This eco-friendly approach ensures the safety of families, pets, and the environment and provides long-term protection.

Simultaneously, Rentokil PCI has also introduced the GoldSeal Service - 4D (GSS - 4D), India’s only comprehensive 4D cockroach treatment. This service offers unparalleled protection for both households and businesses through its four-dimensional approach to pest control: Denying entry, shelter, and food thereby effectively Destroying cockroach populations. The GSS - 4D treatment includes rigorous checks to seal cracks and crevices, using silicone gel and natural dust to deny entry and shelter. Using drain cleaner the common sheltering spots of cockroaches are eliminated. The service also provides biodegradable garbage bags with an insect repellent effect thus denying cockroaches access to food. It also features powerful gel baiting, spray treatments, and eco-friendly insect monitoring traps. In this manner, GSS - 4D ensures complete protection against cockroaches and promotes a healthier, cleaner environment through sustainable practices.

David Lewis, Managing Director of Rentokil PCI, expressed his enthusiasm for these new services, stating, “The introduction of Termite Baiting Service and GSS—4D our comprehensive cockroach service marks a new era in pest control. The two services specifically target the most rampant species of pests thus exemplifying our drive to create innovations of scale, rooted in sustainability which provide effective solutions that protect our customers' properties and promote a healthier, greener environment. We proudly lead sustainable pest management and set new industry standards.”

With these launches, Rentokil PCI reinforces its approach to delivering globally acclaimed, technologically advanced, eco-friendly pest control solutions that align with the growing demand for sustainable practices. By integrating sustainability and innovation into its core offerings, Rentokil PCI continues to revolutionise pest control in India, ensuring long-term protection and peace of mind for its customers.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Celebrates The Festive Season With Exclusive Limited Edition Of Urban Cruiser Taisor

* Exclusive Festival Limited Edition to offer enhanced premium-ness and styling

* Complimentary Accessories Packages worth over ?20,160 available until 31st October 2024 across all Toyota dealerships

Adding to the festive fervour, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the Limited Edition of its highly popular model - Urban Cruiser Taisor. This special edition, designed with a focus on enhancing style, and premium-ness, comes with a well curated Toyota Genuine Accessories (TGA) package to elevate delight and excitement to customers.

Available across all Turbo variants, the Limited Edition comes with a comprehensive TGA package of ?20,160 enhancing both the exterior and interior of the versatile UC Taisor. List of key features:

Front and rear under spoilers in granite grey and red colors

Premium door sill guards

Chrome garnishes for the headlamps and front grille

Body side molding

Door visor premium

All-weather 3D mats and a welcome door lamp

All TGA will be fitted by certified Toyota technicians at dealerships, ensuring the highest quality and customer satisfaction.

Commenting on the introduction of the festive edition, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, our efforts have always been centered on being a part of our customers' special occasions and celebrations which reflect our dedication to crafting delightful, customer-centric experiences. Following the recent introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Festive Edition, we are excited to offer the Urban Cruiser Taisor Festive Edition, designed to bring something fresh and exciting to this festive season. We are confident that our customers will find great value in this new addition.”

Since its launch in April 2024, the Urban Cruiser Taisor has quickly become a favorite among customers, especially those seeking a blend of style, performance, and versatility. Inspired by Toyota's SUV heritage, the Taisor features striking exteriors that exude a sense of prestige, complemented by its sleek, aerodynamic design and bold front grille. With a reputation for reliability and comfort, the Taisor has captured the hearts of SUV enthusiasts across India.

The 1.0L Turbo is available in 5 Speed Manual Transmission and 6 Speed Automatic Transmission delivering maximum power of 100.06 PS @ 5500 rpm. In addition to a power packed driving experience, the 1.0L Turbo also offer segment best fuel efficiency of 21.5* km/l for Manual and 20.0* km/l for Automatic.

Customers can either book the car online https://www.toyotabharat.com/online-booking/ or visit their nearest Toyota dealership.