ISCR Announces “Run4Research”: A Challenge Race In Bengaluru To Raise Awareness For The Importance of Clinical Research

The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) is thrilled to announce its upcoming "Run4Research" event, a challenge race aimed at promoting awareness for India's vibrant clinical research community. Organised with executing partner Cellula, the event is scheduled for June 30th, 2024, from 5 AM to 9 AM at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, this event offers 3K, 5K, and 10K categories to cater to participants of all fitness levels. ISCR invites runners, anyone involved in the field of clinical research and health enthusiasts to participate in this exciting event that combines fitness with joining for the cause of promoting clinical research in India.

The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) is a professional body dedicated to promoting ethical and high-quality clinical research in India. ISCR's mission is to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and to advocate for the advancement of clinical research to improve healthcare outcomes. Through various initiatives, ISCR strives to enhance the scientific, ethical, and operational aspects of clinical trials in the country.

Dr Sanish Davis, President, Indian Society for Clinical Research, emphasises the event's importance, saying "Clinical research is vital for bringing new treatments to patients. Without rigorous testing in clinical trials, new drugs, vaccines, and medical devices cannot be approved for use. This event aims to make patients aware of the importance of clinical trials and how their participation can benefit both themselves and future generations."

The event is made possible through the generous support of leading organisations in the global life sciences sector, providers of integrated solutions in clinical research, science led biopharmaceutical companies that bring medical and diagnostic innovations to improve health and improve lives and also a leading electric vehicle company, known for its innovative and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

The Run4Research is open to all including seasoned marathoners and weekend warriors alike. With multiple race categories to suit different fitness levels, participants can choose the challenge that best fits their abilities. Beyond the race itself, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with clinical research professionals and visit informational booths to learn more about clinical research and its impact on healthcare.

MSME Day: How Financial Institutions Can Drive Holistic Growth of Small Businesses

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of our economy, driving growth and innovation across various sectors. These millions of enterprises are powerful engines of employment and catalysts for ensuring a more inclusive and resilient economy. World MSME Day, celebrated on June 27, recognizes the vital role MSMEs play in achieving sustainable development goals, fostering innovation, and providing employment opportunities globally.

Jairam Sridharan, Managing Director of Piramal Finance, emphasizes the critical role financial institutions play in fostering the holistic growth of MSMEs. “As an NBFC, we recognize the critical role financial institutions play in driving the holistic growth of MSMEs. To foster their development, financial institutions must adopt a multi-faceted approach. First, seamless access to finance is vital. Second, beyond lending services.”

Tailored lending solutions, including microloans and flexible credit lines, cater to the unique needs of MSMEs. Streamlining the loan approval process through digital platforms significantly reduces bottlenecks, enabling faster access to capital.

“Financial institutions should partner with government and industry organizations to create comprehensive support systems. This collaboration can provide MSMEs with access to grants, subsidies, and mentorship programs like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and the Startup India initiative, offering them the necessary resources and guidance to scale their operations,” Jairam adds.

In addition to lending, financial literacy programs add significant value. Educating MSME owners on financial management, investment strategies, and risk mitigation empowers them to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing their business sustainability and growth potential.

Technology and data analytics are transforming MSME financing. Adopting alternative credit scoring models and big data allows financial institutions to more accurately evaluate the creditworthiness of MSMEs, particularly those without traditional credit histories.

In conclusion, financial institutions play an essential role in driving MSME growth by providing accessible finance, enhancing financial literacy, fostering collaborative ecosystems, and leveraging technology. This holistic approach not only supports the growth of individual enterprises but also strengthens the broader economic fabric.

Mahindra XUV700 Achieves 200000 Unit Milestone in Record Time

*  To celebrate this milestone Mahindra has introduced two new colour option in  XUV700: Deep Forest and exclusive to XUV700 Burnt Sienna.

*   Reached the milestone of 100 000 units rolled out in 21 months and achieved 200 000 units in 33 months.

*   Setting new standards since launch, the XUV700 debuted with segment-first features such as Level 2 ADAS, Alexa built-in functionality, and Dual 26.03 cm HD Superscreen.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer, celebrates a major milestone with the production of the 200 000 Mahindra XUV700 SUV, achieved in just 33 months. To mark this milestone, Mahindra has introduced two new colours: Deep Forest and exclusive to XUV700 Burnt Sienna, expanding the range to nine.

The Mahindra XUV700 has deeply resonated with Indian customers for its unmissable presence, tough yet sophisticated experience, spirited performance, world-class safety, and advanced technology. Setting a new standard, it introduced segment-first features like Alexa Built-In Functionality, Level 2 ADAS, and Dual 26.03 cm HD Superscreen, among many more. It solidifies its position as the premier SUV for the urban driving experience and memorable highway journeys, backed by 40 prestigious awards, including the "2022 Indian Car of the Year."

Safety is integral to the XUV700 experience, with the SUV holding India's Safest Vehicle "Safer Choice Award" for 2022 and a 5-star Global NCAP rating. It achieved the highest combined occupant safety rating in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, earning five stars for adult occupant protection and four stars for child occupant protection.

Reflecting Mahindra's commitment to continuously enhancing the customer experience, the 2024 XUV700 was launched in January with new features like ventilated front seats, memory ORVMs, and the Napoli Black colour. Additionally, the introduction of the AX5 Select, MX 7-seater, and Blaze edition diversified the line-up, enhancing accessibility and appeal for customers. Mahindra has also expanded its production capacity, ensuring faster deliveries.

Social Media Addresses for Mahindra XUV700:

·         Brand website:  https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/xuv700

·         Instagram: @mahindraxuv700

·         Facebook: @mahindraxuv700

·         Twitter: @MahindraXUV700

·         YouTube: Mahindra XUV700

·         Hashtags: #XUV700#MahindraXUV700

About Mahindra

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate. 

The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room.

Capri Loans Introduces Affordable “Gold Loans For MSMEs With Interest Rate Starting 99 Paise Per Month Per Rs. 100

- Loan approval within 30 mins, with digital disbursement and flexi repayment option

Capri Loans, a leading non-banking financial company, launched an affordable gold loan scheme tailored for business owners with an Udyam Aadhaar. Designed to meet the working capital needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this scheme offers an attractive interest rate of just 99 paise per month per Rs.100 which effectively comes to 11.88% pa. This interest rate by far is the most competitive in the industry with no hidden charges.

Aimed at promoting financial inclusion and expanding credit access to underserved regions, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, this scheme offers several features designed for the convenience and flexibility of business owners. With minimal paperwork required, individuals and sole proprietors can secure the loan using just their KYC documents. The loan amount is disbursed within 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy entrepreneurs. Additionally, the scheme includes a top-up facility and negligible processing fees, simplifying the borrowing process. Business owners can use their idle gold assets to improve their cash flow by simply presenting their Udyam Aadhaar number.

Mr. Ravish Gupta– Gold Loan, Business Head at Capri Loans emphasized "At Capri Loans, we believe in empowering MSMEs with accessible financial solutions that fuel their growth and drive economic prosperity. Our newly launched gold loan scheme, tailored for Udyam Aadhaar holders, exemplifies our commitment to foster financial inclusion and transform the lending landscape. With streamlined processes, competitive interest rates, and innovative repayment options, we stand firm in our pledge to support the aspirations of entrepreneurs across India."

With flexible repayment option and no foreclosure charges, this scheme allows business owners to repay according to their business payment cycle. Additionally, the loan amount is transferred digitally to the borrowers' bank accounts for added convenience.

Capri Loans remains committed to support the growth and success of MSMEs across the country through innovative financial solutions tailored to their needs.

Tata Motors Leads SUV Market With Nexon And Punch Across India

Key highlights:

Nexon ranked as the #1 SUV three years in a row (as of FY24)

Nexon celebrates 7 Lakh Sales milestone and its 7th Anniversary

Nexon and Punch ranked as #1 and #2 in the SUV category for FY24

Punch became the #1 selling car in March and April 2024

Nexon.ev and Punch.ev become the first EVs to achieve 5-star BNCAP rating, with Punch.ev becoming India’s safest EV

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers, ended FY24 on a high, with its two products, Punch and Nexon, emerging as the best-selling SUVs in the country. Tata Nexon grabbed the pole position, dominating this segment three years in a row, despite aggressive competition in the segment, with Punch being a close second. Tata Nexon also recently achieved the magnanimous 7 lakhs sales milestone in its 7th year making it the most loved SUV of India.

The compact SUV segment has shown remarkable growth over the years, making it the most competitive and contested segments and Tata Motors is committed to be one of the leaders in this space. It is evident from the company’s consistent investment in various innovations for the Nexon and Punch.

About Nexon:

Since its launch in 2017, the Nexon has attracted customers who seek uniqueness and something out of the box while also delivering top-tier performance and comfort. Nexon’s futuristic design, superior safety features and consistent evolution have made it a popular choice among Indian consumers, earning it a reputation for reliability. Nexon was India’s 1st GNCAP 5 star rated vehicle in 2018, which set the benchmark for all Indian automobiles to follow. The legacy has continued ever since. In Feb 2024, the new gen Nexon received its GNCAP 5 star rating as per the enhanced 2022 protocol, which was soon followed with the Nexon.ev achieving the prestigious 5-star rating from Bharat-NCAP, this month.

Winner of 41 coveted awards and 7 lakh Nexons on the Indian roads, its stellar performance is evident in its accelerated sales growth, with over 3 lakhs units sold in just the last two years (2022 and 2023). Available in multiple powertrains – petrol, diesel and electric, brand Nexon has grown in strength with time and built a loyal fan base for its class leading design, segment best features and a tech forward experience.

About Punch:

The Tata Punch on the other hand has democratized the SUV attributes. Its uncompromising design, comfort, and proven capability appeal to both existing and first-time buyers. Offering a SUV stance, spacious interiors, and the highest safety rating in its segment (GNCAP 5 star rated), the Punch is undoubtedly a comprehensive package. Furthermore, the Punch.ev recently received a 5-star BNCAP rating, making it India’s safest vehicle. On the whole, the Punch has led the charge in the sub-compact SUV segment with a commendable 170,076 units sold in FY24 coagulating its position in the market. As of March 2024, the Punch become the #1 selling car in the industry.

The compact SUV market in India has witnessed a substantial development in the past few years manifested by the steady growth in the market share. Within this segment, industry has witnessed a rise from 4% to 7% in the market share and in the bigger SUV market, the market share has grown from 8% to 14%. This surge highlights the increasing demand and appeal of the compact SUVs across the automotive landscape reassuring their position as a leading force in the industry.

Mobicule Accelerates Growth In South India; Phygital Debt Resolution Space Through Expansion In Bengaluru And Chennai

* Increasing Employee Strength By 200 For Its integrated  Contact Center And Print – To – Post Facility

* Mobicule Technologies  with its path breaking platform helps banks and NBFCs to enhance their Debt Resolution efficiency and reduce bounce rates. This expansion not only aims to tap into Bengaluru's rich talent pool but also sets new standards in the fintech industry, reflecting Mobicule's commitment towards  delivering actionable difference, innovation and quality service.

Mumbai-based, Mobicule Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a frontrunner in Phygital Debt Resolution and customer onboarding, proudly announces its strategic expansion in the South India market, marking a significant step towards enhancing its presence and capabilities in the Phygital Debt Resolution sector. This expansion is highlighted by the establishment of an integrated Phygital Contact Center  in Bengaluru and print-to-post facility in Chennai, designed to drive growth and improve service delivery in the region.

Following the successful launch of its Phygital Contact Centre and the Intelligent “Print-to-Post” solution in Mumbai, Mobicule Technologies continues to make substantial strides in the fintech sector. The company is set to enhance customer experience strategies for banks and NBFCs, reduce bounce rates, and improve the efficiency of Debt Collection and Recovery through advanced user behaviour analytics, risk assessment, and a combination of digital, AI-enhanced, and physical communication strategies.

The hub office in Bengaluru will serve as a vital cog in the wheel for Mobicule's operations in Southern India, supporting a broad spectrum of functions, including sales and support  office and a fully integrated Phygital Contact Center. This facility is expected to host a significant number of new employees ranging from tech specialists and data analysts to customer service representatives and managerial staff, reflecting Mobicule’s dedication to local talent and economic growth.

Siddharth Agarwal, Founder and Managing Director of Mobicule Technologies, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, "Expanding into Bengaluru aligns perfectly with our strategic objectives to bolster our market presence and tap into the abundant local talent, propelling our innovative solutions to new heights. This expansion is more than just a growth strategy; it represents Mobicule's ongoing commitment to revolutionize debt resolution services through cutting-edge technology.

Yatin Pednekar, co-founder and CTO of Mobicule Technologies, further emphasized, “The strategic importance of Bengaluru in the company's expansion plans. He notes, 'Bengaluru's dynamic environment and its renowned status as India’s tech hub are instrumental in driving our growth and pioneering initiatives in the fintech sector. This city’s vibrant economic landscape provides the perfect ecosystem for innovation and technological advancements. Yatin further highlights how Mobicule Technologies harnesses cutting-edge technologies, stating, 'We utilize advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time analytics as part of our core strategy.

Raju RamaSwamy, Head – Growth Markets and Alliances said “Our partner strategy has provided thrust to further strengthening our positioning as an end-to-end platform for collection and debt resolution. Through this collaboration, we leverage the technologies and services from top Cloud, communication and payment gateway providers, Feet on street, Contact Center solutions and legal service ecosystems.  This has allowed our customers to deploy new services quickly, integrating tightly and deliver a best-in-class customer experience.

With these new initiatives in Bengaluru and Chennai, including the sales office and integrated Phygital Contact Center and one of its kind fully automated Print-to-Post facility , Mobicule Technologies is set to significantly enhance its service offerings and customer interaction, establishing new benchmarks in the fintech industry.

JSW Infrastructure Has Agreed To Acquire Majority Stake In Navkar Corporation Limited

JSW Infrastructure Limited (the “Company”), a part of the JSW Group and India’s second-largest private commercial port operator, through its wholly owned subsidiary JSW Port Logistics Private Limited (the “Acquirer”), has agreed to acquire 70.37% shareholding held by Promoters and Promoter Group in Navkar Corporation Limited (“Navkar”). Necessary definitive agreements have been signed between the parties.

The completion of the acquisition is subject to the receipt of customary approvals required from certain regulatory bodies and the completion of identified conditions precedent.

Navkar Is listed On BSE And NSE. It’s key operating facilities are:

·        One Container Freight Station (CFS) and Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal at Somathane, Pavnel and Two CFS at Ajivali, Panvel.

·        An Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Morbi, Gujarat. The ICD is part of the Multimodal Logistics Park (MMLP).

Navkar also has a Container Train Operator License of Category 1 and Category 2. Navkar has established a foothold with facilities in the Western India industrial belt across the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat and leveraged its railway capability to extend its service network to Pan India.

The acquisition aligns with the Company’s strategy to pursue value-accretive organic and inorganic opportunities in the port and related infrastructure sector. The acquisition will result in the Company's foray into logistics and other value-added services. It will facilitate the business to offer improved port connectivity and streamlined supply chain solutions to its customers.

The acquisition also marks a first step towards the Company’s long-term vision of building and scaling an efficient pan-India logistics network for last-mile connectivity. Further, it complements the growth strategy of increasing the Company’s share of port-related container cargo driven by India’s strong economic fundamentals.

As a result of the Proposed Transaction, the Acquirer will be required to make an open offer in accordance with SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011.

JM Financial Limited acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the Company for this transaction.

About JSW Infrastructure Limited:

JSW Infrastructure Limited is part of the JSW Group. JSW Infrastructure Limited is the second largest private commercial port operator in India having environment-friendly seaports & terminals. It currently operates ten port concessions strategically located on the west and east coasts of India. Its international presence includes a Liquid tank storage terminal of 4,65,000 cubic meters in Fujairah, UAE. The existing ports and terminals of the Company can handle a wide range of cargo and vessels up to Cape size. Its largely mechanized cargo handling system enables quick turnaround times while ensuring efficient use of existing resources. The strategic locations of these facilities make its ports a preferred option for its customers. JSW Infrastructure Limited has expanded its cargo mix by leveraging its locational advantage and maximizing asset utilization. As part of its future growth strategy, the Company plans to enhance its overall cargo-handling capacity to 400 MTPA by 2030 or earlier. It is also strengthening its market position by focusing on value-added offerings with end-to-end logistic support and a diversified cargo profile. JSW Infrastructure is committed to strengthening its ESG performance across the operational ecosystem by aligning its policies and practices with international standards. As a multinational conglomerate, JSW Group has a significant presence in sectors such as steel, energy, infrastructure, cement, sports, and venture capital among others.