Home Credit’s How India Borrows Study Shows Women In India Are Fast Embracing Technology & Innovation For Credit Needs

* The study shows that in 2022, 49% of women borrowers prefer online loan journey through mobile apps, whereas, in 2021, it was a preference for 34% women 

* Additionally, 59% of women have some kind of financial service app on their smart phone, just a few percentage points behind men (64%) 

* More than 55% women are interested in ‘embedded finance’ where e-commerce users can convert purchases directly to EMIs for affordable financing 

* Overall 40% borrowers surveyed are interested to initiate loan application through WhatsApp chat in future and women are neck to neck with men 

This International Women's Day, with the UN theme of ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,’ Home Credit India, a local arm of the leading global consumer finance provider, reaffirms its commitment to promoting financial inclusion and gender equality through responsible and digital-led finance ensuring access to affordable credit. In sync with the UN Women theme, Home Credit’s annual How India Borrows (HIB) study, released in December 2022, has shown that with changing times, women in India, particularly from Metros, Tier 1 & 2 cities are fast embracing technology and digital evolution of consumer finance. 

In India, women have traditionally faced barriers towards access to financial services, but this seems to be changing in recent years. The HIB study shows in 2022, 49% of female borrowers prefer to complete loan process though online journey via mobile apps, highlighting a strong preference for convenience and accessibility. In 2021, the preference for digital loans was by 34% females. Additionally, 59% of female borrowers have some kind of financial app on their smart phone, a few points lesser than men (64%) and have also shown preference for mobile banking (52%) over internet banking (41%). 

Another major positive in the growing embrace towards digitalisation of financial services, is the study revealing that more than 55% women borrowers are interested in 'embedded finance,' so they can convert their online shopping bills to EMIs for affordable financing. This is coupled with other findings such as 38% female borrowers versus 41% males have shown interest in initiating loan application through WhatsApp chat in future and 24% women have shown trust & familiarity with chatbots, up from 18% in 2021, while only 6% showed distrust to the medium. 

Overall, nearly two-third or 66% of female borrowers are optimistic about digital lending services owing to rising popularity of online loans, convenience experienced, and faster adoption of digital lending. 

Speaking on the findings, Mr. Ashish Tiwari, Chief Marketing Officer, Home Credit India, said, “As a responsible consumer lender, Home Credit has always believed in the power of technology and digital innovation to foster financial inclusion and accessibility to all. The How India Borrows study shows the beginning of the shift in narrowing gap in the digital divide in gender equality when it comes to financial freedom and access to financial services for women. As digital lending fastens accessibility & convenience and female borrowers across cities are embracing digital transformation well, we at HCIN are committed 

to providing seamless and user-friendly lending experiences in addressing the unmet credit needs of our customers by combining the convenience of varied financing options such as EMI Cards with transparency and accessibility.” 

As a responsible consumer lender, financial literacy is one of the main ESG pillars for Home Credit India and are working on it by promoting financial and digital literacy to drive a responsible borrowing culture in the wider society. As part of our financial literacy initiatives, we have engaged with over 3 million people through our Paise Ki Paathshala microsite, blogs and social media campaigns. Along with it, Home Credit had started a financial literacy CSR initiative – Saksham in 2022, to impart basic personal finance skills in partnership with a national NGO – Indian Development Foundation, targeting 30,000 marginalised women & girls pan-India. 

Home Credit India is committed to leveraging technology to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers women and promotes gender equality. Through continued focus on innovation and technology, Home Credit India aims to be an enabler of fulfilling consumer aspirations and helping them lead a life of financial independence. 

MathMagic Show By Prof Dr. Arthur T. Benjamin Organised At MIT Draws Large Crowds

On March 3rd, 2023, MIT Ab1 Quadrangle hosted the much-awaited MathMagic Show that drew in about 1000 students from 30 schools in and around Manipal, along with 500 students from various MAHE units. The one-hour show was a spectacular success, leaving the audience awestruck with its intriguing magic tricks and mathematical feat which was hosted by Dr. Arthur T. Benjamin.

The MathMagic Show, which was designed to showcase the beauty of mathematics in a fun and interactive way, was a unique experience for students of all ages. The show featured several performances by renowned mathemagicians, who blended mathematics and magic to create a fascinating show that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

Speaking about the show Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE said, "We are thrilled to host Dr. Arthur T. Benjamin's Mathemagics show at MAHE. As an institution of higher learning, we recognise the importance of promoting STEM education and inspiring students to pursue careers in these fields. Dr. Benjamin's show is an innovative way to engage young minds and spark their interest in mathematics."

Dr. Arthur T. Benjamin, Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College said, "Mathematics is not just about numbers, equations, and formulas; it is also about creativity, logic, and problem-solving. That's what I hope to convey through my Mathemagics show. I want to show people that math can be fun and magical, and that everyone has the potential to be a mathmagician. My message to young people is that don't be afraid of math. Embrace it, engage with it, and use it to explore the world around you. Whether you want to be an engineer, a scientist, an entrepreneur, or anything else, math will be a powerful ally in your journey. So don't let math intimidate you – let it inspire you to greatness."

The show was not only entertaining but also educational, as it helped students appreciate the beauty of mathematics and understand its practical applications. The MathMagic Show aimed to inspire students to pursue mathematics and other STEM fields and to promote an interest in these fields among the youth.

The event was a collaborative effort between MIT Ab1 and several local schools and MAHE units. The success of the MathMagic Show is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of promoting mathematics and STEM education in the community.

Ambuja Cements’ Promoted Farmer Producer Company And Self-Help Group Felicitated With ‘Best FPO And Best SHG Award’ By NABARD

·         Ambuja promoted Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) from Bhatinda was awarded the ‘Best FPO’ and Guru Tegh Bahadur Self-Help Group (SHG) was awarded the ‘Best SHG’ by NABARD

·         Projects supported by NABARD include agro & skill-based livelihood, women empowerment, water resource management and education

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of Adani Cement and part of Adani Group, recognised for its community development projects. The Company promoted Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) from Bhatinda, Punjab was felicitated with the ‘Best FPO Award’ and Guru Tegh Bahadur Self-Help Group (SHG) was felicitated with the ‘Best SHG Award’ by NABARD during the State Credit Seminar 2023-24 held in Chandigarh.

Through the Company’s CSR interventions, the farmers are encouraged to form FPOs and market their produce collectively which helps them to avoid intermediaries and earn more profit. The Company extensively invests in training farmers on the latest technologies, environment-friendly methods and providing farming equipment & machines. The success of these initiatives has helped many FPOs to operate as registered businesses to market their products.

Furthermore, the Company encourages women to join Self-Help Groups (SHG) enabling them to support themselves and their families. The Guru Tegh Bahadur SHG is crafting and selling traditional handicrafts in local markets and exhibitions. The Company also offers training in business plans, regular recovery and record keeping to supports groups willing to start their own business.

Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO, Cement Business, said, “It is a moment of pride to witness the growth of our community initiatives and such recognitions encourage us to form people's institutions for the development and prosperity of the community. The SHGs and FPOs enable people to be responsible and self-determining and cater to our goal of society's progress.”

The Company believes in forming people's institutions and has enabled Women Federations, Water Users Associations, Village Health Functionaries, Watershed Development Committees and School Management Committees. Projects supported by NABARD include agro & skill-based livelihood, women empowerment, water resource management and education.

SAP Labs India Hosts Bengaluru Edition Of Its SAP Insider Track Event With 1000 Participants

* Some of SAP’s key customers in across sectors like aerospace, manufacturing, banking and IT were present at the event

SAP Labs India today hosted the Bengaluru edition of the SAP Inside Track (SIT) – a local grassroots community event where SAP Community members come together to share knowledge about SAP related topics. With participation from nearly 1000 community members the event witnessed a huge turnout of customers, partners and freelancers. Some of SAP’s key customers in across sectors like aerospace, manufacturing, banking and IT were present at the event. 

The event was kickstarted with a keynote session by Sindhu Gangadharan, MD and SVP, SAP Labs India, who emphasized on the power of community. This was followed by the launch of SAP Community OpenSource Project to focus on a wide range of areas like Product, People, Purpose, and Planet. 

Speaking at the event, Sindhu said, “SAP Inside Track (SIT) is a community event, driven by the people and for the people. The Bengaluru edition of SIT held at SAP Labs India has been the world's largest SIT community event with over 1,000 SAP enthusiasts, technologists, product experts, as well as end users gathered under the same roof. It is a brilliant opportunity to learn, network and tap into new opportunities - which is exactly the power of the community and the ecosystem. We’re excited to take SIT to other locations like Gurgaon, Pune, Hyderabad and Mumbai in the coming days.”  

The SAP Inside Track Bengaluru edition featured 8 tracks with multiple sessions conducted by subject experts and industry veteran, offering their insights on the latest advancements under the SAP product portfolio. This included SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Build, and SAP Concur, to name a few. 

The event also had best practice sessions on Security, Integration, Hybrid Landscape Management, cloud application Development, extending SAP Cloud Solutions among other. One of the key highlights of the SAP Insider Track was App Space – expert-led hands-on sessions on core SAP BTP concepts. Participants in the App Space build 133 SAP based applications. 

The Bengaluru edition will be followed by SAP Insider Track events in SAP Labs’ different locations across India at Hyderabad, Pune and Gurgaon. 

About SAP 

SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as a sustainable intelligent enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 87% of the world’s total global commerce touches an SAP® system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into sustainable intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

ChatSonic By WriteSonic Launches A Super-Powerful ChatGPT Like Extension For Google Chrome

* Create amazing content anywhere in an instant with a CMD (Ctrl)+M shortcut! Get instant answers to any questions or generate new emails, replies and summaries with thread history. Similar features for Twitter, Linked In etc and much more

Over the last few months, ChatGPT is creating a buzz. Due to limitations of ChatGPT to create content on any topic after Sept 21, ChatSonic by WriteSonic has been presented as the best alternative to ChatGPT by world's best AI review platforms and news sites. As a matter of pride, ChatSonic has been created by the India-born Samanyou Garg. Designed to simplify content creation and facilitate better communication, ChatSonic is evolving into a preferred name in AI-based content creators and as the best alternative to ChatGPT for content creation.

This advanced Chrome extension by ChatSonic makes working in Gmail, Twitter, LinkedIn, and the web more productive and efficient. Generate high-quality emails, instantly, saving you time. Summarize long emails and email threads to get the gist of it, and even provide a timeline summary of entire email threads. Level up your Twitter game with ChatSonic. It can help you create unique tweets with the help of AI-based suggestions, as well as suggest relevant hashtags and Twitter accounts to engage with. Plus, it can summarize long tweets and threads to save you time. It also boosts your LinkedIn presence with perfect posts and comments. It can also help you generate the perfect LinkedIn post in seconds and thought-provoking comments to drive engagement. Moreover, it integrates with Google to give you up-to-date, factual, and accurate information. 

Get ChatGPT-like results right next to Google Search with this advanced Chrome extension. With its Chat GPT-like replies, you can save time while browsing the web, and it integrates with Google to give you up-to-date, factual and accurate information. Create unique content anywhere with the CMD(Ctrl)+M shortcut. All you need to do is hit CMD(Ctrl)+M and the ChatSonic AI pop-up will appear in the center of your screen to help you with your tasks. You can quickly create unique content and rephrase the given text in seconds giving you an edge over other users. Be it editing your social media bios, writing an article, or summarizing text, you can do it all with the help of this shortcut.

Get ChatSonic now and start leveling up your online presence. ChatSonic is the perfect tool for anyone looking to simplify their content creation and communication tasks. Whether you're a writer looking to save time and increase productivity, a business owner looking to improve your online presence, or a student struggling with writing assignments, ChatSonic has got you covered.

Samayou Garg, the founder of WriteSonic which is backed by Y-Combinator, expressed his excitement at the launch of the ChatSonic Chrome extension. He claimed that ChatSonic has surpassed ChatGPT as the best alternative, and its user base has grown 10 times in the last 2 months. ChatSonic has generated over 6 million pieces of content, equivalent to more than 2 billion words. ChatSonic's Chrome extension is poised to transform how AI-based content generators are used, as it eliminates the need to download tools or switch tabs. Users can use ChatSonic while working on Gmail, LinkedIn, or any other Chrome service.

He further added, “In today's busy world, while many people are creating tools to boost productivity, sometimes, we have used a common-sense approach and launched a Google Chrome extension to help users handle their email content, create tweets, LinkedIn posts, and create unique content anywhere on Chrome without having to leave the page.”

The company also launched ChatSonic’s mobile app for Android. 

About WriteSonic:

WriteSonic is a Y-Combinator backed AI content platform that empowers everyone in the world to create any form of content 10X faster. Think of it as Canva for writing, with tools that simplify the process of creating, editing, and publishing SEO-optimized articles, blog posts, ads, landing pages, eCommerce product descriptions, social media posts, and many other forms of content. Founded in 2021 by Samanyou Garg and based in California, WriteSonic has received over 10,000+ 5-star reviews on G2, TrustPilot, and Capterra. Additionally, the company is backed by renowned investors like HOF Capital (investors in Uber, Stripe, Alibaba, UiPath, Klarna), Rebel Fund (team includes founders of Instacart, Reddit, and Cruise), Soma Capital (investors in Deel, Rippling, Razorpay, Lattice, coda, Rappi), Broom Ventures, Amino Capital (investors in Zoom, Webflow, Rippling), and some of the best angels from different industries.

On International Women’s Day: Fuel Your Health With The Right Nutrition!

Women are known to be multitaskers, right from managing their household chores to their careers.  They are responsible for taking care of their children and family while balancing their personal and professional goals. In this hustle-bustle, most women tend to overlook their health.

With International Women’s Day around the corner, it is essential for women to know why they must take care of their health with the right nutrition and indulge in an active lifestyle. This will help them keep moving, enabling them to continue and enjoy the simple everyday life. Dr. Irfan Shaikh, Head, Medical & Scientific Affairs at Abbott’s Nutrition Business shares 6 essential nutrients that should be present in every woman’s plate:

Calcium: Calcium helps to strengthen bones at every stage of life. Not many are aware that bones are constantly remodeling within the body. This replacement process often involves removing small amounts of calcium from the bones which are exchanged with new calcium. Therefore, it is necessary to consume adequate calcium to preserve bone density during this process. Products like lentils, beans, soybeans, and fatty fish along with fruits such as orange, guava, and papaya will help increase calcium levels in the body.

Iron: Iron is an essential micronutrient required as a component for a number of proteins, including enzymes and hemoglobin. The latter is important for the transport of oxygen to tissues throughout the body for metabolism. It is also required for many critical functions in the human body such as – energy metabolism, mixed-function oxidase systems, neurodevelopment, connective tissue synthesis, and hormone synthesis. Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency seen in Indian women. Foods like nuts, dried fruit, legumes (mixed beans, baked beans, lentils, chickpeas), dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, broccoli), fish, red meat, etc can be good sources of iron.

Vitamin D: A vital mineral, vitamin D improves calcium and phosphate absorption, which is important for maintaining strong, healthy bones and better immune system regulation. Most people normally obtain Vitamin D through sunlight, but other sources include foods like mushrooms, soy milk, eggs, shrimp, and fatty fish[i]

Fibre: Soluble Fibre is the most effective nutrient to reduce cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood. Obtaining enough fibre in meals becomes crucial to achieve adequate nutrition since it aids in digestion and absorption. Foods high in fibre include oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, fruits, and vegetables. Also, drinking a lot of water helps you utilize the fibre in your meal to the fullest.

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 helps in the functioning and development of red blood cells, the nervous system, and the brain. Fatigue and anemia can arise from a vitamin B12 deficiency, and as you become older, your body may become less prone to using B12. Blood samples should be thoroughly examined to develop a strategy for preventing illnesses. Foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products can provide key vitamin B12.

Protein: A moderately high protein intake is required to maintain a positive nitrogen balance. It is also needed to offset lower energy intake, impaired insulin function and decrease in protein synthesis, all of which occur with ageing. Protein-rich foods constitute a balanced diet that maximizes energy and strength. Foods such as eggs, meat, fish, pulses, and legumes provide the required am.

Niine Announced Official Hygiene Partner For Femina Miss India 2023

Niine, one of India's leading sanitary pad brands in India, has become the Official Hygiene Partner for Femina Miss India 2023.  Femina Miss India is a national beauty pageant that has been held annually since 1964 and Niine is among the fastest growing personal hygiene brands in India. The collaboration comes at a time when there is a pressing need to raise awareness about menstrual health, with misconceptions surrounding it still prevalent.

The Femina Miss India 2023, to be held in April this year, will have thousands of women participants and millions of viewers. Research shows that India has more than 200 million women who are unaware of proper menstruation hygiene. By collaborating with Femina Miss India, Niine has an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene and help break the taboo around the subject. 

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Ameya Dangi, CEO, Niine, said, "Niine aims to be a crusader and torchbearer of women’s health and hygiene rights. Through awareness and education on menstrual hygiene Niine aims to empower women with confidence and happiness. We are thrilled to partner with Femina Miss India 2023 and believe that this partnership will help propel our vision for ensuring women’s hygiene rights.”

Mr. Ameya Dangi, CEO, Niine, further added that, “While there has been considerable progress on furthering the cause of women’s health and hygiene, the topic of menstrual health unfortunately is still associated with quite a few myths and taboos.. Niine has been at the forefront of conducting education drives in schools and colleges across the country to change this. We also endeavour to bring in best quality sanitary pads to Indian consumers by doing extensive research on technology and materials and making them accessible to the masses. . All our efforts are directed to improve awareness on menstrual health and hygiene in the country.”.

“This Femina Miss India and Niine collaboration is all about empowerment, with one being on stage, the other being in life, but both giving dignity and confidence to women. An average woman goes through more than 450 menstrual cycles in her lifetime, and managing periods smoothly helps in improving her personal health and well being. Discussions around periods should be treated as normal by both women and men”, he added.  

About Niine:

Niine Private Limited has been incepted on World Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28th May 2018. Niine Private Ltd. was started with an aim of contributing towards the betterment of female personal hygiene in India. Niine’s personal hygiene solutions are crafted through rigorous testing and innovations, making Niine’s products extremely skin-friendly and highly absorbent. In a market dominated by two global giants, Niine has become one of the top 5 selling brands of female hygiene products in a short period of 5 years.