Thursday, March 19, 2026
Axis Finance Launches AI Monitoring Of Collection Calls, Sets New Benchmark In Customer Protection
Axis Finance Limited (AFL), one of India’s fastest-growing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), today announced the rollout of a fully AI-led quality monitoring framework for its collection calls, aimed at elevating customer protection, strengthening compliance, and reinforcing fair, transparent and responsible communication during repayment interactions.
Collection calls are among the most critical customer touchpoint in the lending lifecycle. With this implementation, outbound collection call is now monitored, analysed and assessed to ensure conversations are conducted in an appropriate, respectful and consistent manner, aligned with responsible collection practices and internal governance standards. This transition marks a shift from limited manual call sampling to technology-enabled monitoring at scale, enabling stronger and more consistent supervision across customer interactions.
This AI-enabled framework provides deeper insights into customer conversations, guiding teams on appropriate follow-up actions. It enables standards-driven communication, compliant and conduct-led interactions, and higher-quality customer conversations, while supporting proportionate engagement, reducing repeat outreach and improving clarity across the collections process.
By transitioning from limited sampling to larger call coverage, Axis Finance has significantly strengthened accountability and oversight across customer interactions. The framework has been designed with a governance and compliance-first approach, reinforcing responsible collection practices and strengthening customer protection across the collections process. Calls flagged for potential deviations from expected conduct are identified and escalated through a structured review process, enabling prompt and appropriate corrective action, where required.
The initiative also supports a more uniform and trustworthy customer experience. Insights from monitored conversations help address recurring customer concerns and reduce friction during repayment discussions. The AI-led monitoring framework has been deployed in a live, high-volume collections environment as part of Axis Finance’s broader efforts to strengthen operational governance across customer-facing functions.
Commenting on the initiative, Sai Giridhar, Managing Director & CEO, Axis Finance Limited said, “At Axis Finance, we remain committed to strengthening customer trust through responsible and transparent practices. The introduction of our AI-led monitoring framework reinforces this commitment by ensuring every interaction is conducted with fairness, clarity and respect. Technology continues to play an important role in deepening governance across our processes, and this initiative further supports our focus on building customer-centric, compliant and well‑supervised operations.”
This development is part of Axis Finance’s broader commitment to responsible lending, customer-first operations, and governance-driven processes, supported by technology-enabled monitoring across customer-facing functions.
About Axis Finance:
Axis Finance Limited (AFL) is a non-deposit accepting non-banking financial company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India. It was incorporated on 27th April 1995 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank Limited.
Axis Finance provides both wholesale and retail lending solutions to corporate and retail customers. On the retail front, Axis Finance offers products including Loans Against Property, Business Loans, Personal Loans and Axis Finance Disha Home Loans. On the wholesale front, the products offered are Collateralized Loans, Corporate Financing, and Real Estate Financing.
For further information on Axis Finance Limited, please refer to the website: https://www.axisfinance.in
Honda Expands Two-Wheeler Production Capacity In India With New Line At Tapukara Plant
Strengthening capacity to meet India’s growing mobility needs
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), Honda’s motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in India is advancing its capacity expansion to meet the growing and diversifying demand for two-wheelers in the country.
HMSI is expanding its manufacturing capacity with the installation of a new third production line at its Tapukara plant in Alwar District, Rajasthan. This milestone underscores HMSI’s unwavering promise of The Power of Dreams, aimed at empowering millions of Indians to achieve their ambitions with confidence.
The new production line at Tapukara is planned to begin operations in 2028 with an annual capacity of 6,70,000 units. With this addition, the total capacity of the second factory will increase to 2.01 million units per year. It will also generate employment opportunities for over 2,000 people, further contributing to development of the region.
Commenting on the capacity expansion, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, mentioned, " India is entering a new phase of mobility transformation, and HMSI is committed to leading this journey with responsibility and purpose. Strengthening our production ecosystem at Tapukara is an important step towards building greater resilience, flexibility, and future readiness across our supply chain. This expansion will help us respond more effectively to market demand and continue delivering value that supports the aspirations of millions of customers. In line with our commitment to safer, cleaner, and more accessible mobility, we remain focused on long-term sustainable growth that advances mobility and strengthens the company’s foundation for the future.”
Sh. Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan added, “Rajasthan continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for world-class manufacturing. The capacity expansion by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India in their Tapukara situated manufacturing plant is a step forward in that direction. HMSI’s continued investment in the region will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also generate employment and contribute to growth of the automotive ecosystem in the region. We welcome this move and look-forward to the industry’s continued contribution towards mobility, innovation and economic development.”
HMSI operates four manufacturing plants across India with a total annual capacity of 6.25 million units. Since starting operations in 2001, the company has produced over 70 million units, reflecting its scale and long-term commitment to India’s mobility sector. As announced in May 2025, HMSI is adding a fourth production line at its Vithalapur plant in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. This new line, scheduled to begin operations in 2027, is progressing as planned and will further strengthen HMSI’s production network.
The second factory began operations in July 2011 with an annual capacity of 0.6 million units, which was expanded to 1.2 million units in March 2012. Since 2023, HMSI has been introducing automation in machining and production efficiency technologies, and the current annual capacity stands at 1.3 million units. These efficiency improvements will continue, with plans to reach 1.34 million units by FY2026.
HMSI will make a total investment of approximately INR 15 billion to establish a highly flexible third production line capable of manufacturing commuter models of scooters and motorcycles. For this HMSI will purchase 73,700 m² of land at Tapukara including this third line and additional planned expansions at other plants, HMSI’s overall annual production capacity will increase from the current 6.25 million units to approximately 8 million units by FY2028.
Aligned with Honda’s global vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, HMSI integrates sustainable practices across operations, from solar-powered factories to water conservation and recycling initiatives, ensuring that environmental stewardship and business growth go hand in hand.
MMTC-PAMP Appoints Rachna Jindal As New Chief Financial Officer
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With over 25 years of extensive experience in finance, treasury, supply chain, and business transformation verticals, Rachna will lead the Finance function at MMTC-PAMP, driving financial governance, strategic planning, capital allocation and profitability. She will report to Mr Samit Guha, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC-PAMP. Furthermore, to bring operational synergies, she will also be leading the Supply Chain function at the company.
Speaking about her appointment, Mr. Samit Guha, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC-PAMP, said, “Rachna brings a wide range of experience across finance with supply chain and business transformation experience, making her an ideal and transformative leader for us. Her cross-industry experience across manufacturing, consumer businesses and multinational environments will be instrumental as we strengthen governance, enhance supply chain integration and scale our growth agenda. We are confident that her leadership will further reinforce MMTC-PAMP’s strategic plan and long-term value creation.”
Commenting on her latest appointment, Ms. Rachna Jindal, Chief Financial Officer, MMTC-PAMP, said, “I am pleased to join MMTC-PAMP a leader in the Precious metal ecosystem in India. The company’s commitment to excellence, governance, transparency and innovation aligns closely with my overall professional experience. I look forward to working with the leadership team to build robust financial frameworks, drive operational efficiencies and support the company’s next phase of sustainable growth.”
Previous to her recent appointment, Ms Jindal served as CFO and Supply Chain Head, India at Yara International, leading financial governance, strengthening audit and analytics frameworks, and enhancing supply chain agility through improved tracking, tracing and anti-counterfeiting initiatives. Prior to Yara, Rachna was CFO at Farmley, a direct-to-consumer food start-up, where she gained hands-on experience in e-commerce, omni-channel distribution, Series B fundraising, treasury management and NBFC-led debt financing. As Senior Vice President, Finance and Accounts, at Jindal Poly Films Limited, a listed Indian packaging manufacturer (part of the BC Jindal Group), she led a large team in accounts and finance, gaining exposure to capital restructuring, fund raising, ESG roadmap and business acquisition projects.
Her longest stint, nearly 14 years at Pernod Ricard India, saw her gaining experience across corporate accounting, internal audit, taxation and treasury, before serving as Finance Controller for supply chain and manufacturing, overseeing large-scale operations across multiple warehouses and production units. Additionally, she had held leadership roles with organisations such as Honda and Alcatel.
Rachna is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Commerce graduate from the University of Delhi. Outside of work, she is the State President of Haryana Finance Council, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), a premier National Business Chamber for Women in India.
Union Bank of India Organizes "Women Special Hindi Workshop
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Union Bank of India organized a one-day "Women Special Hindi Workshop" on the occasion of International Women's Day at its Central Office in Mumbai, recently. Shri Asheesh Pandey, Managing Director & CEO of the Bank presided over the function in the presence of Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Executive Director of the Bank.
Shri Harish Singh Chauhan, Deputy Director (Imp.) and Head of Office, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Official Language, Regional Implementation Office, Navi Mumbai was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Ms. Chitra Desai, Author and Advocate was present as the Special Guest. During the event, women executives were honoured for their outstanding contributions towards the promotion of Hindi and women empowerment in the bank.Executives present in the workshop emphasized the increased use of Hindi in banking operations and stated that in the digital era, working in the official language has become simpler and more effective use of e‑tools and technological resources. They highlighted the role of the mother tongue and regional languages in providing customer services and underscored the importance of women’s leadership development, the changing banking landscape, and coordination in work culture.
MS Dhoni Defines Hope In Zed Black’s ‘Sab Shubh Hoga’ Campaign For Pure Camphor & Bhimseni Camphor
The launch coincides with the first day of Chaitra Navratri on 19th March, an auspicious period when millions of devotees across India begin nine days of prayer and spiritual observances. The campaign introduces Zed Black’s Pure Camphor and Bhimseni Camphor range, with Dhoni also appearing on the product packaging. The campaign will roll out across national television, digital platforms, social media, and retail touchpoints across India.
The TVC features MS Dhoni as a narrator, weaving together slices of everyday life of a student, an office-goer, and a shopkeeper, each hoping for a better tomorrow. The film ultimately reinforces the reassuring belief that “Sab Shubh Hoga.” The campaign has been conceptualised by Oberoi IBC.
The initiative marks the company’s strategic push to strengthen its presence in the growing camphor and pooja essentials market, expanding beyond its core incense portfolio. In India, cricket and faith share a deep emotional connection, and Dhoni’s calm persona aligns with the campaign’s message of optimism and belief. The campaign also seeks to resonate with younger audiences through a simple and comforting sentiment much like the idea that “all is well.”
Speaking about the campaign, Ankit Agrawal, Director, Mysore Deep Perfumery House, said, “With ‘Sab Shubh Hoga,’ we wanted to capture a sentiment rooted in faith, positivity, and the belief that every sincere prayer brings hope. Our decade-long association with MS Dhoni reflects these values of trust and belief, making him a natural fit for the brand. With Zed Black Samarpan Pure Camphor and Bhimseni Camphor, we aim to strengthen our presence in the devotional products market, lead the Bhimseni camphor category, and make it widely accessible as we move towards the ₹1,000 crore milestone.”
The campaign highlights Pure Camphor and Bhimseni camphor, traditionally used in prayer rituals across Indian households and valued for their purifying and wellness properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Offered in multiple formats including jars, zipper packs, and pouches ranging from 2 gm to 500 gm, the range represents one of the most comprehensive camphor portfolios in the market, designed to cater to diverse consumer needs across retail formats.
With the launch, Zed Black is positioning Pure Camphor and Bhimseni camphor as a mass-premium offering, aiming to build strong category leadership by ensuring availability across general trade, modern retail, and quick commerce platforms.
The campaign also builds on Zed Black’s long-standing partnership with Dhoni, which began in 2017 and has produced several widely discussed campaigns. One of the most notable was the “#PrarthnaHogiSweekar” campaign directed by Farah Khan in 2021, which featured Dhoni in a retro Indian cricket jersey and gained strong traction across digital platforms.
Commenting on the company’s growth strategy, Anshul Agrawal, Director, Mysore Deep Perfumery House, said, “The company continues to invest in expanding manufacturing infrastructure and strengthening its distribution network to support new categories such as camphor and pooja essentials. Our broader focus remains on building a fragrance-led FMCG portfolio backed by innovation and sustainable manufacturing initiatives.”
Speaking on the campaign, brand ambassador and ace cricketer MS Dhoni added, “With Zed Black, the message has always been simple ‘Do your best and believe.’ ‘Prarthana Hogi Sweekar’ celebrated that thought, and ‘Sab Shubh Hoga’ will continue to inspire people to stay positive and move forward with faith.”
Over the years, Zed Black has grown from a small incense venture in Indore into one of India’s leading fragrance and devotional product brands. Today, the company’s portfolio spans incense sticks, dhoop, pooja essentials, lifestyle fragrances, and camphor products, serving millions of consumers across India.
With a distribution network reaching over 10 lakh retail outlets and a presence in 40+ international markets, the company continues to deepen its market reach.
Zed Black is now gearing up for its next phase of growth and has set a target to cross the ₹1,000 crore revenue milestone by FY28, while aiming to build leadership in emerging devotional product categories such as Pure Camphor and Bhimseni camphor.
Founded in the early 1990s as part of Mysore Deep Perfumery House (MDPH), Zed Black has grown into one of India’s leading incense and fragrance brands. The company operates a 9,40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Indore and employs a 4,000-strong workforce, nearly 80% of whom are women, producing over 4.5 crore incense sticks daily.
Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 - Uniting Policymakers And Industry Leaders At One Platform For Shaping India’s Power Future
The four-day summit will feature 100+ conference sessions, 300+ speakers, 500+ exhibitors, more than 80 country representatives and over 25,000 visitors from across the global electricity ecosystem
Some of the key speakers at the Summit will include Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India; Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India; Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India; Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India amongst others
International ministerial dialogues, CEO forums and strategic conferences to drive collaboration on energy transition, grid modernization and investment in the power sector
Summit to spotlight over ₹50 lakh crore . investment opportunities from now to 2032 and further- in power generation, transmission & distribution, and energy storage, with focus on Make in India and technology indigenisation
The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, a flagship global conference-cum-exhibition for the power and electricity sector, to be held from 19-22 March 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, shall be attended by several International Energy Ministers and also Ministers from the Indian States and many senior representatives from across the central government and State Governments. The strong participation from across geographies reaffirms the Summit’s position as one of the most important global platforms for dialogue, collaboration and innovation in the electricity and clean energy ecosystem.
Some of the key speakers at the Summit will include Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs; Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri. Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy; Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India; Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) from Government of India; International Energy Ministers from 10 countries, Power Ministers and Secretaries from more than 25 states and Union Territories, Ambassadors from ~60 countries, more than 100 CEOs including heads of all Central Power Sector Enterprises. Their participation will bring together senior policymakers, regulators, academia, sector experts, utilities, investors, innovators and industry leaders to deliberate on key priorities shaping India’s evolving electricity ecosystem.
The Summit will also place strong emphasis on vendor development under the Make in India initiative, with a focus on advancing the indigenisation of key technologies across emission systems, solar power, energy storage, transmission infrastructure and digital distribution technologies. With investment opportunities estimated at over ₹50 lakh crore in generation, transmission, distribution, and energy storage till 2032, the Summit aims to catalyse innovation, competitiveness, and resilience in India’s electricity sector.
The presence of participants from more than 80 countries reflects growing global interest in India’s rapidly evolving power sector and highlights the country’s emerging leadership in enabling a resilient, affordable and sustainable energy transition.
In addition to international representation, senior leadership and officials from more than 25 Indian States and Union Territories including special association with Haryana (Strategic State Partner), Rajasthan (Partner State), Uttar Pradesh (Strategic State Partner), Maharashtra (Strategic State Partner), Andhra Pradesh (Focus State), Bihar (Focus State), Odisha (Focus State), Gujarat (Strategic State Partner), Punjab (Partner State), Madhya Pradesh (Partner State), Chhattisgarh (Partner State) and Delhi (Focus State) have confirmed their presence. The participation of state governments is expected to facilitate critical dialogue on strengthening India’s electricity framework, accelerating renewable energy integration, modernizing grid infrastructure and enhancing power distribution efficiency across the country.
The Summit, themed “Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally.”, will feature a comprehensive programme comprising of more than 50 high-level sessions including strategic conferences, technical conferences, leadership panels and focused industry interactions aimed at shaping the next phase of growth for the global electricity sector.
A large-scale exhibition in more than 20,000 sqm area, will form a central pillar of the Summit, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, innovations and solutions across the electricity value chain. The exhibition will be organized across thematic zones covering power generation, transmission, renewable and clean energy, energy storage, distribution and smart grid technologies, alongside dedicated areas for energy innovation, startups and emerging technologies. These zones will provide industry leaders, innovators and manufacturers a platform to demonstrate advancements in power generation technologies, transmission systems, distribution and control solutions, digital technologies, energy storage and battery innovations, energy efficiency solutions and renewable energy systems.
The Summit will also host a series of specialized programs designed to facilitate high-impact dialogue and industry collaboration. These include an International Ministerial Meet, a National Power Ministerial Meet, CEO forums across generation, transmission and distribution segments, and an overall sectoral CEO dialogue (including CEOs from Hitachi USA, Rosetti Russia, ESKOM, TNB Malaysia, Africa50, EDF Power Solutions, ZESCO) bringing together leaders of major utilities and energy companies. In addition, several thematic sessions will focus on key industry priorities such as stationary energy storage, Industry 4.0 technologies in the transmission sector, hydropower development, carbon markets, legal and regulatory frameworks, and vendor development opportunities across the electricity value chain. Special sessions will also spotlight emerging areas including energy startups, next-generation technologies, youth and young professionals, as well as initiatives promoting Women in Electricity leadership.
The Summit will further feature international collaboration platforms including sessions involving global institutions and partners such as the Africa Session, British High Commission, and leading energy associations. Dedicated industry dialogues including CableTech 2026, discussions on behind-the-meter energy storage for distributed renewable energy, and sessions led by organizations such as the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) will explore emerging technologies and investment opportunities shaping the future of the electricity sector.
Strategic conference discussions at the Summit will focus on themes critical to the future of the global power ecosystem and include more than120 leaders, key decision makers across strategic panels. These include strengthening interconnected electricity systems worldwide, advancing India’s leadership in the global energy transition, building resilient electricity supply chains, unlocking new avenues for finance and investment in the power sector, accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies, and fostering advanced technological innovation across the electricity value chain.
Sessions will also examine ways to enhance ease of doing business in the sector, expand inclusive energy access, and develop the next generation workforce needed to support the rapidly evolving electricity landscape.
The event is expected to attract a diverse global audience including government leaders, project owners, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction companies, infrastructure developers, qualified international buyers, technology and engineering leaders, financial institutions, MSMEs, large manufacturers, industry associations and academia. The Summit will also host structured buyer-seller meets, enabling international procurement agencies, utilities and infrastructure developers to directly engage with Indian manufacturers and technology providers.
Aligned with the vision of Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi for energy security, sustainability and global leadership, the Summit is expected to act as a catalyst for strengthening India’s role in the global electricity ecosystem while promoting investment, technology partnerships and international cooperation.
The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 is a Ministry of Power and industry-led initiative. The Summit is expected to feature over 100 high-level conference sessions, more than 300 speakers, representatives from more than 80 countries, over 500 exhibitors including over 100 startups and more than 25,000 visitors, making it one of the largest electricity-focused platforms globally.
HELL ENERGY DRINK Crowns Emerging Bowling Talent In “Future Kings: Bowlers Edition”
HELL ENERGY DRINK concludes Future Kings: Bowlers Edition’ with the announcement of seven emerging talents in association with Punjab Kings. Future Kings: Bowlers Edition is an initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing promising bowling talent in the country. Guided by the spirit of “Powering the Next Generation of Cricket Talent,” the program reflects HELL ENERGY DRINK’s commitment to nurturing young athletes and strengthening grassroots cricket in India.
Participants underwent a rigorous evaluation process wherein they were assessed on multiple aspects of bowling, including pace, control, variations, tactical awareness, and overall fitness. The trials brought together a strong pool of emerging bowling talent, who were declared as winners: Simran Gharu, Amit Verma, Rahul Chaudhary, Anmol Sharma, Vineet Rawat, Aaryaraj Sanjay Nikam, and Arshnoor Pannu, who stood out as performers and earned recognition for their skill, discipline, and potential. As a reward, the winners have got the opportunity to bowl in the nets with players from Punjab Kings.
Organized in association with Punjab Kings, Future Kings: Bowlers Edition conducted trials in 4 major cities in Punjab. The search concluded with a high-octane finale in Zirakpur on 20th February 2026. The contest saw enthusiastic participation from aspiring fast bowlers and spinners who stepped forward to test their skills in a structured and high-performance environment.
The initiative struck a chord with young cricket enthusiasts and aspiring athletes across the region, reinforcing HELL ENERGY DRINK’S focus on celebrating ambition, perseverance and sporting excellence in India.
Commenting on the initiative, Unnikannan Gangadharan, Director, HELL-ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED, said, “At HELL ENERGY DRINK, we celebrate the spirit of performance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s a passion that inspires millions. With Future Kings: Bowlers Edition, in collaboration with the Punjab Kings, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures raw talent at the grassroots level. Punjab is a key market for HELL Energy Drink, and this initiative allows us to meaningfully connect with young, aspiring cricketers from the region who dream of making it big. Through this program, we aim to identify and support promising bowling talent, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills, learn from the best, and push their limits. At HELL, we believe the future of Indian cricket lies in empowering young athletes today, and Future Kings is our step towards progressing in that journey.”
“Grassroots cricket has always been important for us at Punjab Kings. Initiatives like Punjab Future Kings: Bowlers Edition give young bowlers across Punjab a chance to step forward and showcase their talent. It’s great to see the kind of response coming in, and we’re glad to partner with HELL ENERGY DRINK to create a platform that connects with young cricketers and gives them a real opportunity” said Satish Menon, CEO, Punjab Kings.
See what the winners have to say: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVsvN4ijRBY/
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