Wednesday, March 4, 2026
DEG, Citi Announce Euro 40 Million And INR 260 Crore Co-Financing To Shriram Finance Limited
* This is being done to Boost Sustainable Economic Advancement In India
DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH – and Citi have jointly provided a USD 76 million co-financing package aimed at accelerating economic inclusion, rural development, and climate-aligned mobility across India through Shriram Finance Limited, one of India’s largest non-banking financial services (NBFCs). Under the co-financing loan structure, DEG has provided a Euro 40 million loan, while Citi has extended a INR 260 crore loan to Shriram Finance. This collaborative and innovative financing is designed to strengthen the company’s outreach to priority segments that remain underserved in India’s credit ecosystem. Citi acted as a Lead Arranger and Coordinator for this financing.
The DEG loan will support lending towards Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), electric vehicle (EV) financing, women borrowers, and customers in underserved areas that will enable access to formal credit through Shriram’s strong networks across India. Citi’s financing will support smallholder farmers, a segment critical to India’s food security and rural economy, yet often constrained by limited access to affordable capital. Together, the initiative will contribute to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
This marks the second collaborative financing initiative between Citi and DEG, following the successful transaction supporting CreditAccess Grameen in 2024, underscoring the institutions shared commitment to advancing inclusive and climate-positive financing in India.
Mr Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman at Shriram Finance Limited said that “We are proud to partner with DEG and Citi on this high-impact facility, which strengthens our mission of driving financial inclusion across India. This funding will enable us to support small businesses, women entrepreneurs, EV adoption, and small landholding farmers—segments that form the backbone of India’s growth story. Our deep presence in rural and semi-urban India positions us uniquely to channel this capital to customers who need it most”
“This investment aligns with DEG’s mission to foster sustainable private-sector growth in emerging markets,” added Gudrun Busch, Global Head Financial Institutions at DEG. “Shriram Finance has a strong track record in rural and semi-rural India, and this facility will expand their capacity to serve the real economy and contribute to financial inclusion”
“This co-financing demonstrates how global financial institutions can partner effectively to unlock meaningful development impact,” said Anuradha Choudhary, Managing Director, Head of Financial Institutions, Corporate Banking, Citi India. “By supporting Shriram Finance’s reach into priority underserved sectors, we are enabling economic empowerment where it is needed most. In 2021, Citi also announced its global goal to finance and facilitate US$1 trillion towards sustainable finance by 2030. This solution aligns with the bank’s commitment towards sustainability.”
About Citi
Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.
Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi
About DEG
For more than 60 years, DEG has been financing and advising private enterprises operating in developing and emerging-market countries. With a portfolio of around EUR 11.6 billion we’re one of the largest private-sector development financiers. As an impact and climate investor we accompany companies that are addressing transformation and aiming to seize their opportunities. Our customers not only receive financing and advisory solutions tailored to their needs: they can build on our market knowledge, our impact and climate expertise and our international network. In this way, DEG, a subsidiary of KfW, contributes to creating more skilled jobs and local income and to improving value creation on the ground in line with the SDGs. Learn more: www.deginvest.de
About Shriram Finance Limited
Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) is one of India’s largest and most trusted non-banking financial companies, with a deep footprint across semi-urban and rural India. Known for its strong customer-centric approach, SFL serves millions of borrowers through products such as MSME loans, commercial vehicle financing, two-wheeler loans, gold loans, and personal credit solutions. SFL has a long-standing commitment to empowering first-time borrowers, small businesses, and low-income households—segments typically underserved by the formal financial system.
Axis Bank Becomes Preferred Financer For Tesla To Enable Seamless EV Financing Across India
Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, announced that it has become a preferred financer for Tesla, offering tailored financing solutions and a differentiated customer experience for Tesla customers. This collaboration underscores Axis Bank’s commitment to accelerating electric mobility in India by delivering innovative, customer-centric financing solutions that support the transition towards sustainable transportation.
The collaboration will be rolled out pan India, empowering customers across major metros and emerging EV hubs to access convenient, digitally enabled-financing options aligned with Tesla’s global ownership experience. The offering aims to simplify the Tesla purchase journey by reducing entry barriers and ensuring a smooth, convenient onboarding experience for customers.
Axis Bank will extend curated auto‑loan offerings designed specifically for premium EV customers. These include:
· Customized repayment schemes to suit individual customer cash flows
· Long tenure of up to 10 years
· Fully digital onboarding journey with faster sanction turnaround
Commenting on the collaboration, Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank, said, “As electric mobility gains momentum in India, Axis Bank is proud to collaborate with Tesla to help accelerate this transition. Through this collaboration, we are bringing together world-class electric vehicles with innovative, tailored financing solutions and seamless customer engagement. This makes it easier for customers to adopt sustainable mobility without compromising on convenience or flexibility. This initiative reflects our continued focus on responsible banking and future-ready solutions.”
About Axis Bank:
Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. It has 5,976 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 13,177 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 30th September 2025. The Bank’s Axis Virtual Centre is present across eight centres with over ~1,786 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 30th September 2025. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.axis.bank.in/
18% Of Urban Children In Karnataka Are Overweight Or Obese, Raising Health Concerns
As India marks World Obesity Day, new data from Karnataka points to a growing concern about the health status of school-aged children.
Recent data from a study in Bengaluru show that among children aged 6-15 years in urban areas, about 13% were overweight and 5% were obese.
“Childhood weight gain is a serious global problem that is now permeating Indian cities as well. We are seeing early metabolic changes, including insulin resistance, at younger ages. The encouraging part is that these risks are largely driven by modifiable habits, especially what happens at home,” says Dr. Zeeshan Ali, Nutrition Scientist with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a public health advocacy nonprofit with more than 17,000 doctor members.
What’s driving the shift?
This rise is not due to a single factor, but a convergence of urban lifestyle changes:
Reduced physical activity: Long school hours, academic pressure and increased screen time are replacing outdoor play. Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar and supports bone health, metabolism and cognitive development.
Easy access to ultra-processed foods: Energy-dense packaged snacks high in fat, salt and sugar are widely available and heavily marketed to children. These foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, which can override natural hunger and fullness cues.
More dining in, less home cooked: In households with demanding work schedules, regular home-cooked meals may become inconsistent, leading to greater reliance on packaged and convenience foods.
While systemic change in the food environment is complex, families can meaningfully influence children’s long-term health by reshaping everyday food choices at home.
The Role of Parents
Parents play a decisive role in shaping children’s nutrition behaviours and daily routines. A 2021 review by researchers from the University of Zaragoza, found that children raised in households where legumes, whole grains, and other wholesome, nutrient-dense foods are the norm are more likely to sustain these habits into adolescence and adulthood, reducing their lifetime risk of obesity and chronic diseases.
Whole-food, plant-forward diets centred on vegetables, fruits, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds provide natural satiety, support gut health and help regulate cravings naturally.
Expert Suggestions on Practical Steps for Families
· Model the behaviour you want to see. Embrace a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, grains and nuts and seeds. Plan family outings and activities in public spaces that encourage movement and play for the entire family.
· Use age-appropriate plates and cutlery so that kids eat child-sized portions. Allow children to ask for more instead of pre-serving a large portion.
· Aim for at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day; help them develop familiarity with textures and tastes by experimenting with serving styles and recipes.
· Involve your children in grocery shopping and meal preparation. Explore the different food groups together and talk about what each one does for the body (Is there a better way to phrase this?).
· Instead of stocking packaged treats for the entire month, buy them occasionally and in small quantities. Keep portions defined and set clear expectations that these are to be consumed once in a while. When cravings strike, offer whole-food alternatives such as fresh fruits, roasted makhana, sandwiches with homemade jams or nut butter spreads. (perhaps offer some specific example of whole food alternatives)
· Maintain consistent mealtimes to help regulate hunger cues and reduce snacking
As Bengaluru continues to urbanise and sedentary living become more common, early awareness and family-level action remain the most effective tools to reduce long-term health risks. Experts stress that childhood obesity is not inevitable -- it reflects modifiable environments that families and communities can actively reshape.
Recent data from a study in Bengaluru show that among children aged 6-15 years in urban areas, about 13% were overweight and 5% were obese.
“Childhood weight gain is a serious global problem that is now permeating Indian cities as well. We are seeing early metabolic changes, including insulin resistance, at younger ages. The encouraging part is that these risks are largely driven by modifiable habits, especially what happens at home,” says Dr. Zeeshan Ali, Nutrition Scientist with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a public health advocacy nonprofit with more than 17,000 doctor members.
What’s driving the shift?
This rise is not due to a single factor, but a convergence of urban lifestyle changes:
Reduced physical activity: Long school hours, academic pressure and increased screen time are replacing outdoor play. Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar and supports bone health, metabolism and cognitive development.
Easy access to ultra-processed foods: Energy-dense packaged snacks high in fat, salt and sugar are widely available and heavily marketed to children. These foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, which can override natural hunger and fullness cues.
More dining in, less home cooked: In households with demanding work schedules, regular home-cooked meals may become inconsistent, leading to greater reliance on packaged and convenience foods.
While systemic change in the food environment is complex, families can meaningfully influence children’s long-term health by reshaping everyday food choices at home.
The Role of Parents
Parents play a decisive role in shaping children’s nutrition behaviours and daily routines. A 2021 review by researchers from the University of Zaragoza, found that children raised in households where legumes, whole grains, and other wholesome, nutrient-dense foods are the norm are more likely to sustain these habits into adolescence and adulthood, reducing their lifetime risk of obesity and chronic diseases.
Whole-food, plant-forward diets centred on vegetables, fruits, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds provide natural satiety, support gut health and help regulate cravings naturally.
Expert Suggestions on Practical Steps for Families
· Model the behaviour you want to see. Embrace a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, grains and nuts and seeds. Plan family outings and activities in public spaces that encourage movement and play for the entire family.
· Use age-appropriate plates and cutlery so that kids eat child-sized portions. Allow children to ask for more instead of pre-serving a large portion.
· Aim for at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day; help them develop familiarity with textures and tastes by experimenting with serving styles and recipes.
· Involve your children in grocery shopping and meal preparation. Explore the different food groups together and talk about what each one does for the body (Is there a better way to phrase this?).
· Instead of stocking packaged treats for the entire month, buy them occasionally and in small quantities. Keep portions defined and set clear expectations that these are to be consumed once in a while. When cravings strike, offer whole-food alternatives such as fresh fruits, roasted makhana, sandwiches with homemade jams or nut butter spreads. (perhaps offer some specific example of whole food alternatives)
· Maintain consistent mealtimes to help regulate hunger cues and reduce snacking
As Bengaluru continues to urbanise and sedentary living become more common, early awareness and family-level action remain the most effective tools to reduce long-term health risks. Experts stress that childhood obesity is not inevitable -- it reflects modifiable environments that families and communities can actively reshape.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens New Showroom In 4th Block Jayanagar, Marking 23 Showrooms In Bengaluru
The showroom was inaugurated by, C.K. Ramamurthy, MLA of Jayanagar, along with Cine Actress Srinidhi Shetty, in the presence of Mr. O Asher, Managing Director - India Operations, Mr. Addulla, Director MGDL & Mr. Filsor Babu, Regional Head - Karnataka, Management Team Members, customers and well-wishers.
Located in the well-established commercial hub of Jayanagar 4th Block, 33rd Cross, Bengaluru, the upcoming showroom has been designed to deliver a structured and comfortable jewellery retail experience, aligned with Malabar’s service standards and transparent buying practices. The store will showcase a comprehensive range of gold, diamond, platinum, and gemstone jewellery, including signature collections curated for bridal, festive, every day, and contemporary preferences. Additionally, as part of the store launch, Malabar is offering an exclusive inaugural offer. Customers can take home free silver coins* with every purchase from Feb 28th to March 8th, 2026 (*T&C Apply)
Commenting on the launch, M. P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “Bengaluru continues to be a key market for us, supported by a strong appreciation for design, craftsmanship, and assured buying standards. The Jayanagar showroom allows us to strengthen accessibility within a well-established residential and commercial neighbourhood, while continuing to offer wider collections and consistent service.”
Across its network, Malabar Gold & Diamonds follows uniform customer assurance practices, including transparent billing with detailed break-ups, HUID-compliant gold, certified diamonds, and consistent pricing policies. With the Jayanagar launch, the brand continues to align its retail formats to evolving customer expectations while maintaining structured quality and process standards.
About Malabar Gold & Diamonds
Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.
With an annual turnover of $7.36 billion, the company currently ranks as the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and operates 419 showrooms across 14 countries, supported by offices, design centres, wholesale units, and manufacturing facilities across India, the Middle East, the Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The group, owned by more than 3,500 shareholders, has over 27,500 professionals from more than 26 countries.
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) remains a core commitment of the Group, with focus areas including health, housing, hunger eradication, education, environment, and women empowerment. The Group contributes five percent of its profits to social responsibility initiatives in the same country of operation.
Picture Caption (From Left to Right):
Mr. Filsor Babu, Regional Head – Karnataka
Mr. Abdullah, Director – MGDL
Sri C.K. Ramamurthy (MLA, Jayanagar)
Actress Srinidhi Shetty
Mr. Asher O, Managing Director – India Operations
Along with other Management Team Members.
Orbia Netafim, Amazon India Collaborate To Save 325 Million Liters Of Water Annually Through Advanced Drip Irrigation Across India
Orbia Advance Corporation’s S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) Precision Agriculture business Netafim, the global leader in precision agriculture solutions, announced two major water stewardship initiatives with Amazon India that will save approximately 175 million liters of water annually across Bengaluru’s western agricultural belt and 150 million liters across the northern Hyderabad agricultural belt – a combined total of approximately 325 million liters annually.
In Bengaluru, the project will convert traditional flood irrigation systems into advanced drip irrigation across 80 hectares of gourd and tomato farms, benefiting around 70 independent farmers. In Hyderabad, the project will convert 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms to benefiting around 40 independent farmers. By dramatically improving irrigation efficiency, the initiative supports Amazon’s commitment to become water positive in India by 2027, returning more water to communities than it uses in its direct operations.
With growing water insecurity across Bengaluru and Hyderabad, as well as the wider Karnataka and Telangana regions, converting farms to drip irrigation will significantly reduce water consumption while maintaining agricultural productivity – a move that directly supports both farmer livelihoods and downstream urban water security. Bengaluru farmers participating in this initiative currently draw water from sources connected to the TG Halli Reservoir, which also supplies water to areas of west and north Bengaluru, including urban neighborhoods, commercial districts, and Amazon facilities. In Hyderabad, participating farmers draw water from sources connected to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, a major balancing reservoir part of Hyderabad’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, said: "This initiative focuses on practical solutions that make a measurable difference on the ground, helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems while contributing to water security in water-stressed regions. We're committed to such collaborations as part of effort to support responsible water use in India”.
Under the project, farms transitioning from flood to drip irrigation are expected to significantly reduce water consumption while maintaining crop productivity and stabilizing yields. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots in measured quantities, minimizing evaporation, runoff, and overuse – critical advantages in regions facing erratic rainfall patterns and groundwater depletion.
“We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this important initiative, which demonstrates how precision irrigation can deliver real impact for farmers and communities alike,” said Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions, Orbia Netafim. “By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts. This project reflects Orbia Netafim’s long-standing global commitment to water stewardship and climate-resilient agriculture.”
This project is the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim to address water challenges in India's rapidly growing cities.
Water stewardship is central to Orbia Netafim’s global sustainability efforts. In India and worldwide, Orbia Netafim has supported large-scale irrigation modernization initiatives that improve water efficiency, enhance farmer income stability, and strengthen climate resilience. Building on landmark community irrigation projects in Karnataka, including the Ramthal Community Irrigation Project, Orbia Netafim continues to advance measurable, basin-level solutions that deliver environmental and economic value. This collaboration represents a scalable model for addressing water challenges in stressed regions through practical, results-driven partnerships.
Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru And Free Spirits Motorcycling Club Celebrate Empowerment On Wheels
This high-energy initiative will bring together women riders from across the city, creating a striking visual of solidarity on wheels. The Women Bikers’ Ride honours women who not only embrace the thrill of motorcycling but also embody leadership, resilience, and the spirit of breaking stereotypes.
Following the ride, the celebration will continue at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru with an evening of inspiring storytelling by experienced women bikers, live music, and engaging performances. Interactive games and activity zones will further add to the festive atmosphere, fostering meaningful connections and a strong sense of community.
Through initiatives such as the Women Bikers’ Ride under TheSheImpact, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for inclusive, experience-led events that bring people together and celebrate diverse voices.
Event Details:
What: Women Bikers’ Ride (ThSheImpact 2026)
When: 7th March 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru
Registration: BookMyShow
MAHE Celebrates National Science Day 2026 With Grand Science Exhibition And Distinguished Lecture
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A science exhibition featuring more than 50 stalls showcased a wide range of scientific models and innovative projects across disciplines. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology and Science, MAHE, in the presence of dignitaries and university officials. The initiative aimed to nurture curiosity among young learners and strengthen their interest in scientific learning and research.
The formal programme was held at the Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, KMC, Manipal. The Chief Guest, Dr Hoysall N. Chanakya, Chief Research Scientist (Retd.), Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, delivered the keynote address. With over four decades of research experience, Dr Chanakya has guided more than 10 doctoral scholars and over 20 postgraduate research students, and has led over 50 research, development, and consultancy projects. Since 1978, his work has focused on decentralised bioenergy technologies, including biogas systems, integration of energy solutions into rural livelihoods, water and wastewater purification, and restoration of water bodies.
In his address, Dr Chanakya emphasised the importance of scientific innovation in addressing environmental, societal challenges and encouraged students to pursue research that contributes to sustainable development.
The event was presided over by Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE. Senior MAHE leadership present on the occasion included Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology and Science; Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences; Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, and Dr Anil K. Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal.
National Science Day is observed across India to commemorate Sir C. V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect. Through this celebration, MAHE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting research excellence and innovation, while inspiring young minds to adopt a scientific approach towards life and society.
About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.
Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.
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