VST Tillers Tractors Ltd To Continue Association With Bengaluru Bulls As The Title Sponsor

* Unveils Team Jersey for Season 10

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, India’s leading farm equipment manufacturer, today announced that the Company will continue as the title sponsor of Bengaluru Bulls, the Pro Kabaddi League team from Bengaluru for the second consecutive year. The agreement will see VST Tillers Tractors Ltd feature as the title Sponsors of Bengaluru Bulls across various platforms, including the official team jersey. To mark the continuation of the partnership Mr. Antony Cherukara, CEO of VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, and Ms. Kirthi Muralikrishnan, CEO of Bengaluru Bulls unveiled the team's new jersey for the season.

The 10th season of the Pro Kabaddi league is scheduled to commence in Ahmedabad on the 2nd of December 2023. Bengaluru Bulls will kick start their campaign on 8th December 2023 at Shree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru, against Dabang Delhi.

Mr. Antony Cherukara, CEO of VST Tillers Tractors Ltd said “After a successful first year we are happy to announce the continuation of our partnership with Bengaluru Bulls. We believe that the Bengaluru Bulls team connects strongly with our brand and our customers. Since Kabaddi is India’s own sport and has a huge fan following in the rural areas, where a large part of our customers resides, we decided to extend our support to their campaign, this Pro Kabaddi Season. VST products are known for their power, compactness & durability, kabaddi also espouses power & grit,  hence we find synergy in this association.

Ms. Kirthi Muralikrishnan, CEO of Bengaluru Bulls “Bengaluru Bulls is excited to have VST Tillers Tractors as our Title Sponsor for the second year in a row. We are sure that the continuation of association with one of the most reputed farm equipment manufacturers in the country will give confidence and inspire more reputed brands to support the Bengaluru Bulls’ campaign this year.

VST and Bengaluru Bulls will continue to undertake joint initiatives and promote the sport in the state at the ground level and empower young talent from rural India and specifically Karnataka.”

VST Tillers Tractors Limited. was established in the year 1967 by the VST Group of companies. With a legacy of more than 53 years, VST continues to drive farm mechanization and empowerment of Indian farmers. The organization is the largest Indian manufacturer of Tillers, 4WD Compact Tractor, and amongst the leading producers of the other category Tractors, Engines, Transmission, Power Reaper, and Precision Components. VST also exports products to European, Asian, and African markets. For more details, please visit  https://www.vsttractors.com/

Bengaluru Bulls (BGB) is a Kabaddi team based in Bengaluru that plays in the Pro Kabaddi League. Bengaluru Bulls were champions in Season 6 and are one of the most successful teams in PKL history after winning in the 2018–19 season. The team has reached the semifinals five times over 8 seasons, more than any other team in the PKL history.  The team has some of the best players of Pro- Kabaddi trained by the coach Randhir Singh Sherawat, who is an Arjuna award winner. Bulls play their home matches at the Kanteerava Indoor Stadium.

Bengaluru Bulls takes pride in the immense fan following it has in Karnataka, which makes them the PKL team with the largest fan base.

Star Sports Network, Launches India Ki Har Saans Mein Kabaddi, A Star-studded Campaign For PKL 10

* Nandamuri Balakrishna, Kichcha Sudeep, and Tiger Shroff come together in the biggest ‘battle of breaths’ to bring the milestone season to fans.

The countdown to India’s most electrifying league, Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has commenced as Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the league, has unleashed a riveting campaign to herald the arrival of the much-awaited landmark Season 10.  The campaign film, titled 'India Ki Har Saans Mein Kabaddi,' strives to instil a sense of ownership and pride in the sport of Kabaddi and in the hearts of fans for their local teams. It serves as a rallying cry, uniting fans across the nation under the common banner of Kabaddi passion. Viewers and fans can expect an adrenaline-fueled exhibition starting from December 2nd, with action-packed evenings every day from 8 PM (IST).

Star Sports' campaign for the much-anticipated Season 10 of PKL showcases a trio of stars from Bollywood, Tollywood, and Sandalwood, symbolizing the harmonious blend of silver screen glamour and the robustness of India's cherished sport. The posters of #BattleOfBreaths, featuring these superstars, generated immense excitement nationwide, prompting fans to eagerly await more details about the movie starring this superstar trio. The broadcaster created a captivating period drama promo with each superstar guiding their tribes in a quest to conquer the ‘Battle of Breaths’ – seamlessly intertwining the essence of Kabaddi with a narrative of grand proportions. Accompanied by a catchy soundtrack that perfectly complements the flow of the story, the campaign film is a visual and auditory treat for audiences, setting the stage for a thrilling Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League.

Speaking on season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League, South superstar Kichcha Sudeep said “The amalgamation of power, courage, determination, and sheer passion in Kabaddi resonates deeply with me. As we gear up for the 10th season of Pro Kabaddi, I'm thrilled to be part of this adrenaline-fueled journey. PKL, with its raw energy, mirrors the spirit of our nation, with athletes who will lay it all on the line in the Battle of Breaths’. Drawing inspiration from the virtues of bulls, synonymous with strength and determination, I am also enthusiastic about bringing alive 'Kannadiga ki Har Saans mein kabaddi.' This sentiment not only reflects the spirit of Karnataka but also pays homage to the unwavering support and indomitable spirit of the Kannadiga community, mirroring the resilience and courage embodied by the revered bulls.

Link to Sudeep Kichcha Promo: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz5JuScvcsW/?hl=en

Speaking on season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League, Tollywood superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna said “Kabaddi holds a special place in the hearts of every Indian, and to be part of this cinematic journey for Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 is special. Let's come together as tribes, as we breathe life into the arena and make every breath resonate with the essence of Kabaddi This sentiment goes beyond, echoing the physical and mental strength that resonates with Kabaddi athletes. 'Telugites ki har saans mein Kabaddi' is a call to embrace the vigour, determination, and spirit that Kabaddi represents in this region, weaving it into the very fabric of our cultural identity."

Link to Nandamuri Balakrishna promo: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz4qlM5o5I0/?hl=en

As the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 returns to the home cities of all 12 franchisees after a four-year hiatus, the stage is set for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle that promises not only crushing tackles and gravity-defying raids but also an eruption of fan fervor like never before. Brace yourselves for an unparalleled rush of excitement as players give their all on the mat, and fans, clad in team colours, transform the arenas into cauldrons of passion. The anticipation is palpable, the stakes have never been higher, and the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 campaign film serves as the ultimate rallying cry for fans to unite, cheer, and celebrate the heart-pounding journey of India’s own game from December 2nd 2023.

Goldmedal Electricals Unveils New Line-Up Of Stylish, Energy-Efficient Water Heaters

* Goldmedal Electricals Dives into the Water Heater Market

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India's leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) companies, is expanding its product portfolio with the introduction of its new range of water heaters. An established brand in the electrical wiring devices, home automation, wires, LEDs, and fans segments, Goldmedal aims to replicate its success in the water heating category with a series of storage and instant water heater products that offer superior efficiency, design, and durability.

Speaking at the product unveiling, Mr. Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals, stated, "Our commitment has always been to deliver technologically advanced, premium quality, durable, and value-driven products. The launch of our new range of water heaters is another step in that direction. These products have been meticulously designed to meet the demands of discerning consumers, offering exceptional energy efficiency and reliability."

The new Goldmedal water heaters will be available in a variety of models and multiple tank capabilities to cater to a wide variety of needs. From storage to instant water heaters, the product list boasts features such as corrosion-resistant materials, digital temperature display, Dynoflow technology for quicker heating, multiple level safety, and highly efficient, eco-friendly insulation materials. Advanced safety features include precision temperature control, overheat protection, and pressure control valves to ensure a safe and reliable user experience. 

Goldmedal is committed to providing best-in-class after-sales service, backed by a dedicated call centre for immediate resolution of customer grievances. The company also promises free installation in most locations across the country along with quick and hassle-free on-site services.

Speaking about the new products, Mr. Bishan Jain, Director at Goldmedal Electricals, added, "We have established a reputation of being one of the most innovative companies in the electrical wiring devices segment over the last 40 years and it’s our promise to deliver the same level of quality in every product that bears the Goldmedal brand. With Goldmedal Water Heaters, customers will experience the latest product innovations, the highest possible levels of safety, and superior installation and after-sales services. Like with our other 21-11-2023product categories, our aim will be to continue raising the bar in the water heating segment."

All Goldmedal water heaters are rated 4-star BEE and above and offer up to 10 years of warranty. The company has ambitious plans for its water heater category, aiming to replicate the success it enjoyed with its foray in fans, in 2021.

About Goldmedal Electricals

Goldmedal Electricals is a home-grown electrical company which was established in the year 1979 with a vision to create electrical switches and accessories that make a positive difference to the lives of consumers. The company is known in the industry for manufacturing high quality wiring devices and introducing a host of innovations in the industry. The company has manufacturing units in Vasai outside Mumbai, Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the few companies in the industry to have a completely in-house, state-of-the-art tool room and testing facility. Today, the company manufactures a vast range of electrical products including various types of Switches, Home automation systems, LEDs, Fans, Security Systems, Entertainment devices, Doorbells, Wires, Cables, DBs and more for residential buildings as well as commercial establishments.

HDFC Top 100 Fund Celebrates 27 Years Of Wealth Creation

* The scheme was launched in October 1996, making it one of the longest running mutual fund schemes in India.

HDFC Top 100 Fund, an open-ended equity scheme predominantly investing in large-cap stocks (“the Fund”), has successfully completed 27 years of operation in 2023. Over the past 27 years, the Fund has delivered Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of ~19%. Further, a SIP of Rs 10,000 invested systematically on the first business day of every month (total investment Rs 32.40 Lacs) in HDFC Top 100 Fund would have grown to Rs. 6.88 crores by September 29, 2023 (See complete performance details below). This performance is a testament to the fund's ability to navigate market fluctuations and deliver steady growth to investors.

The portfolio construction follows a bottom up approach to stock picking blended with top down sector and macro trends. The Fund follows a diversified style with a blend of GARP (growth at reasonable price) and value. In stock selection, the focus is on quality of business models, management and financial metrics. Portfolio construction is based on risk-reward of opportunities available at any given point in time. As per the mandate, more than 80% of the portfolio always remains invested in the well-established large cap companies. The core of the portfolio construction is from a medium to long term perspective. The strategy will be in line with our philosophy of maintaining a disciplined approach of looking for quality companies at reasonable valuations.

There is lot of focus on risk management with active positions being taken in a controlled manner while ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal risk guidelines. Any high conviction bets are taken after a considered evaluation of the company’s positioning in the industry and the business cycle and regularly evaluated. The portfolio is well diversified in number of stocks and the fund manager takes measured sector deviations calls vs benchmark.

Large-cap stocks have historically demonstrated stability during economic fluctuations and have had better risk reward ratios. Further, the large cap index has outperformed mid and small cap indices in 7 out of last 17 calendar years. Also, given the recent sharp outperformance of mid and small caps over large caps, the large cap segment now seems to be relatively attractive in terms of valuations and investors with medium to long term view may consider investing in HDFC Top 100 Fund.

Rahul Baijal, Senior Fund Manager - Equities, HDFC Mutual Fund, said "HDFC Top 100 Fund's consistent performance over the past 27 years is a testament to our rigorous research, disciplined investment approach, and a focus on well-established businesses. Large-cap stocks offer stability and better risk adjusted return, making them an attractive option for investors looking for investment opportunities over the long term."

MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.

About HDFC AMC

HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (HDFC AMC) is an Investment Manager to HDFC Mutual Fund, one of the largest mutual funds in the country. It was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956, on 10th December 1999 and was approved to act as an Asset Management Company for HDFC Mutual Fund by SEBI on 3rd July 2000. It has other SEBI licenses viz. PMS / AIF. HDFC AMC manages a diversified asset class mix across Equity and Fixed Income/Others. It also has a countrywide network of branches along with a diversified distribution network comprising Banks, Independent Financial Advisors and National Distributors.

Kiwi Raises $13 Million In A Series-A Round Led By Omidyar Network India To Expand The “Credit On UPI” Landscape In India

~Existing investors Nexus Venture Partners and Stellaris also participated in the funding round~

~Certified by NPCI, Kiwi will partner with leading banks to issue instant digital RuPay credit cards~

Kiwi, one of India’s leading FinTech companies that is transforming the credit card landscape in India, has raised $13 million (Rs. 108 Crore) in a Series-A funding round led by Omidyar Network India. Existing investors, Nexus Venture Partners and Stellaris Venture Partners also participated in this round. This funding will enable Kiwi to further expand its ‘credit cards on UPI’ offerings in India.

Founded in November 2022, Kiwi is the first fintech company in India to launch “credit cards with UPI” by issuing digital RuPay Cards in collaboration with banks. Its cutting-edge mobile application provides users with the ability to make secure payments using either a credit card or a bank account directly through their phones. Certified by the NPCI as a licensed UPI third party app (‘TPAP’), Kiwi had previously secured $6 million in funding from prominent investors, including Nexus Venture Partners, Stellaris Venture Partners, and a group of angel investors.

Kiwi is co-founded by senior fintech experts and banking industry veterans, Siddharth Mehta (ex-CEO, Freecharge), Mohit Bedi (ex-Axis Bank and PayU), and Anup Agrawal (ex-business head, LazyPay). Currently, Kiwi has issued 25,000 credit cards and aims to on-board 5 lakh customers by end of 2024. It has partnered with Axis Bank and plans to collaborate with two large banks in the next six months.

Kiwi believes that leveraging credit as a key attraction will drive customer acquisition, particularly with the vast user base of nearly 300 million UPI users, out of which only 40 million are deemed credit-worthy by banks based on traditional underwriting criteria. Kiwi is on a mission to expand the current underserved credit-worthy customers in India. The number of unique UPI users is 8-10 times the number of existing credit card users in India, and the acceptance points for 'Credit on UPI' are estimated to be 35X larger than regular credit card acceptance points. This presents significant growth potential for Kiwi.

On the fund raise, Anup Agrawal, co-founder and CEO of Kiwi, said, "We have been big believers in UPI Credit Card from the start and seeing it take shape is amazing. We started a few months back and looking at the positive response we have received in the last six months of our existence, this fresh round of financing comes at a critical juncture in our business. The funds will enable us to further develop our services and offer innovative products to our customers as we enter the next phase of product development and growth. With this funding round, we are excited to welcome our new investor, Omidyar Network India onboard and humbled to have the confidence and trust of our existing investors Nexus and Stellaris in our business.”

Treasa Mathew, Director, Omidyar Network India said, "Increasing access to affordable and convenient financial products beyond digital payments and ensuring deeper and more consistent usage of formal credit is the critical next step in advancing the financial inclusion journey of India’s Next Half Billion. We are thrilled to lead this investment in Kiwi, a pioneering fintech company with a clear vision for the future of transactional credit in India. We believe in the transformative power of Kiwi's solutions and are excited to back the team as they continue to innovate and expand their footprint. We look forward to a successful partnership and supporting the continued growth of Kiwi in the dynamic Indian fintech landscape."

About Kiwi

Kiwi, one of India’s leading FinTech companies that is transforming the credit card landscape in India. As an NPCI certified entity, Kiwi is the first app in India to offer customers the opportunity to experience "Credit on UPI" through its partnership with banks to issue RuPay Credit Cards. The company aims to disrupt the credit card industry by becoming the leading issuer of RuPay Credit Cards by 2026.

Kiwi had previously raised $6 million in from Nexus Venture Partners, Stellaris Venture Partners, and a host of angel investors.

About Omidyar Network India

Omidyar Network India invests in bold entrepreneurs who help create a meaningful life for every Indian, especially the hundreds of millions of Indians in low-income and lower-middle-income populations, ranging from the poorest among us to the existing middle class. To drive empowerment and impact at scale, we work with entrepreneurs in the private, non-profit and public sectors, who are tackling India’s hardest and most chronic problems. We invest in the areas of Advancing Cities, Digital Society, Education and Employability, Emerging Tech, Financial Inclusion & Well Being and Property Inclusivity. We are also focused on several emerging areas of investment such as Open Digital Ecosystems, Sustainable Living, The Equal Opportunities Lab, India Innovation Insights Hub. Omidyar Network India is part of the Omidyar Group, a diverse collection of companies, organisations and initiatives, supported by philanthropists Pam and Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay.

BIMTECH's 3rd PRISM 2023 Concludes With Insightful Closing Remarks By IIM Nagpur Director, Education Advisor

Birla Institute of Management Technology successfully hosted the '3rd PRISM 2023 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE' from November 17th to 19th. The conference explored the challenges of leadership, digitalization, and sustainability under the theme "Reimagining the Future of Business: The Challenges of Leadership, Digitalization, and Sustainability."

The ceremony concluded with the Dr. Pritam Singh Award Ceremony and Valedictory Function, featuring distinguished personalities, including Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum; Prof. D P Singh, Education Advisor to the Chief Minister, UP Government; Mr. P Dwarkanath, President of PRISM; Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur; Prof. Dr. C Rajkumar, Founding Vice-Chancellor of OP Jindal Global University, Haryana; and Prof. H Chaturvedi, Director of BIMTECH.

Dr. Pritam Singh Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 is conferred upon Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum, EC-NAAC, and NBA. Dr. Pritam Singh Transformational Leader Award 2023 is conferred upon Prof. Dr. C Rajkumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of OP Jindal University, Haryana.

Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur remarked, "During the 3rd PRISM conference in 2023, we observed active participation from a diverse array of esteemed individuals, including seasoned educators, scholars, and professionals deeply immersed in the field of education. Their collective engagement added immense value to the conference, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights."

Prof. H Chaturvedi, Director of BIMTECH, stated, "During the three-day conference, we learned one important thing: if you do good things in life, help others, take care of your pupils, people will never forget you, even if you depart from this world." He further illustrated this principle through the example of Dr. Pritam Singh, emphasizing his roles as an educator, thought leader, and administrator.

The 3rd PRISM 2023 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners. Adani Enterprises and Union Bank of India played pivotal roles as Gold Sponsors, while Executive Access contributed as a Silver Sponsor. The international conference also received valuable support from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL), Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS), Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Systems & Management (VVISM), and Siva Sivani Institute of Management (SSIM) as Bronze Sponsors. Recognizing the significance of the conference, ICSSR (Indian Council for Social Science Research) and the Ministry of Education provided grant support. The media presence was amplified through the collaboration with Business World as the Media Partner, and Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI) joined as a Partner, contributing to the success of the international conference.

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited Crosses Significant Milestone Of 1.4 GW Capacity Of Group Captive Projects

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited, one of the large renewable energy players in India has crossed the 1.4 GW capacity of group captive projects in last seven months. This achievement is the result of signing of Power Delivery Agreements (PDA) with various industries across segments.

Some of the prominent group captive projects that TPREL has signed in the last six months include - collaborations with Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Mukand Limited (a Bajaj Group company), Supreme Petrochem Limited, Xpro India Limited, Neosym Industry Limited, Chalet Hotels Limited, Sanyo Special Steel Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd, ANAND Group, Endurance Technologies Limited, to name a few. TPREL is also set to construct a 41MW captive solar plant for Tata Power’s upcoming 4.3GW Solar cell & module manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & MD, TPREL said, “Crossing the 1.4 GW mark is not just a milestone for us but a testament to our continuous dedication to sustainability and our contribution towards the country’s green energy ambition. We take pride in our role as a catalyst for positive change, delivering customized clean energy solutions that aligns with the unique needs of each industry. This achievement is not just a number; it represents our shared journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.”

With these group captive projects, TPREL's overall renewables capacity as on Oct’23 has reached 7,961 MW, which comprises 3,755 MW of projects in different phases of development and with an operating capacity of 4,206 MW, which includes 3,200 MW in solar projects and 1,006 MW in wind projects. TPREL also has a huge pipeline of renewable projects under finalisation which will further add to its capacity in the coming months. This reinforces TPREL's position as a key player in the renewable energy sector, confirming its commitment to accelerating the energy transition to a more sustainable and environment friendly future.