AEx Sport, the flagship sports entertainment platform of London-based AdiGroupè, in collaboration with India’s Prasar Bharati, are charging ahead with fire in their stride. They have greenlit an out-of-the-box, eye-catching Indian storyline that fuses Bharat’s rich entertainment and cultural heritage with the raw power of wrestling and the nation’s rising spirit of nationalism, pride, equanimity, and valour. 

AdiGroupè and AEx Sport to Ignite India’s Sports Entertainment Revolution in partnership with Prasar Bharati

This is not just a refresh. It is a reinvention. A person closely associated with one of the content providers revealed that this is a high-impact, Bharat-first vision designed to resonate deeply, inspire passionately, and dominate the Indian sports entertainment landscape to satisfy world’s largest and pickiest millennial and Gen Z demographic with a compelling storyline that could truly capture the pulse of Indian audiences for multiple seasons. They also claim it has the support of grassroots basis in-depth outreach to organizations across urban, semi-urban and rural India. 

AEx SPORT and Prasar Bharati has also been evaluating for several months a proposal from Australian-originated GLW for this upcoming India-centric sports entertainment content. Sources reveal that a rigorous review fueled by in-depth market research and direct stakeholder consultations exposed critical gaps in GLW’s concept. Its outdated, West-first legacy-driven approach was simply out of touch with the dynamic, evolving demands of India’s sports and entertainment ecosystem. Sources say AEx Sport and Prasar Bharati have officially dropped the GLW concept despite GLW’s aggressive pitching, as it is said their out-of-touch proposal has no place in the evolving roadmap. 

AEx Sport and Prasar Bharati is said to be doubling down on its new property’s identity as a proudly homegrown powerhouse, crafting content that reflects India’s realities, celebrates its athletic grit, and meets sky-high viewer expectations every day for 40 weeks. 

This forward-looking direction, insiders say, underscores a commitment to building a proudly Indian sports entertainment ecosystem, one that is original, ambitious, and aligned with the nation’s rapidly evolving viewer landscape.

The Times Business Awards – Hyderabad 2025, 11th Edition, celebrated the city’s most outstanding entrepreneurs, innovators, and enterprises across diverse industries. The prestigious platform has become a benchmark of excellence, recognizing organizations and leaders who are setting new standards in business performance, innovation, and customer engagement.

Anil Kumar Thota – Co-founder & Director, The Times Business Awards – Hyderabad 2025, 11th Edition

Real Estate Developer of the Year

At this year’s ceremony, ASBL was honored with the award for Real Estate Developer of the Year, reaffirming its leadership and contribution to Hyderabad’s evolving real estate landscape. The award was proudly received by Mr. Anil Kumar Thota, Co-Founder & Director – Business Development, on behalf of the company.

ASBL – Redefining Real Estate in India

Founded in 2017, ASBL (Ashoka Builders India Pvt. Ltd.) has quickly emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate companies. Its journey has been marked by a combination of scale, technology, and human-centric design.

• 10 million sq. ft. of residential development delivered till now and planning to deliver 10 million more in the following years.

• Among the first technology-driven real estate companies in India, pioneering the use of digital twins, construction process automation, and advanced project management systems.

• A philosophy of user-centric architecture, grounded in design research and customer insights, ensuring homes are not just functional but enhance the happiness and lifestyle of their residents.

• A commitment to sustainability, transparency, and customer trust, which has made ASBL a benchmark in the industry.

• Did a 1000 cr sales on the launch of ASBL Broadway and 500 cr on ASBL Landmark.

This award comes as another strong validation of ASBL’s vision to not just build structures, but to create communities that elevate everyday living and contribute meaningfully to Hyderabad’s growth story.

ASBL – Landmark Projects

ASBL’s journey began with ASBL Lakeside in Khajaguda, a premium 2 & 3 BHK community that set new standards with its tranquil lake-side living and exceptional clubhouse, followed by ASBL Spire in Kokapet, which redefined indoor-outdoor living through its innovative room-sized balconies. Building on this foundation, ASBL expanded eastward with ASBL Springs in Pocharam, Uppal, the area’s first high-rise gated community, delivering premium 2 & 3 BHKs with state-of-the-art amenities. The brand’s footprint in West Hyderabad was further cemented with ASBL Spectra at Gachibowli, offering 3 BHKs with outdoor living balconies and 18+ lifestyle amenities, and ASBL Loft in the Financial District, introducing thoughtfully tailored 3 BHKs designed for ease of living with childcare, fitness, and social spaces. Continuing its scale, ASBL announced ASBL Landmark at Kukatpally Y Junction, a luxury upgrade with premium 3, 3.5 & 4 BHKs blending elegance and practicality, and most recently, ASBL Broadway in the Financial District, a marquee development of exclusive 3 BHK residences with expansive balconies, set to deliver by 2029. Together, these projects narrate ASBL’s rapid rise from boutique communities to large-scale urban landmarks, shaping Hyderabad’s skyline across multiple micro-markets.

The Force Behind ASBL’s Rise

At the heart of ASBL’s growth story is its Founder & CEO, Ajitesh Korupolu, a new-age leader who has redefined real estate with his blend of vision, innovation, and customer-first thinking. With a belief that homes should go beyond structures to inspire lifestyles, Ajitesh has steered ASBL into becoming one of Hyderabad’s fastest-growing developers in less than a decade. His focus on design-driven architecture, cutting-edge construction technology, and transparent practices has not only delivered landmark projects but also built deep trust with homebuyers. From pioneering large-scale sales milestones to championing user-centric communities, Ajitesh continues to be the driving force who envisions cities as engines of growth and ASBL as a brand synonymous with quality, scale, and integrity.

• The Fetal Medicine Unit will provide routine blood tests, fetal scans, and newborn screening, along with advanced imaging services to detect congenital abnormalities.

• The Wellness Centre will offer comprehensive health checkups along with genetic mapping to evaluate the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Thiru Ma. Subramanian, Honourable Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the Fetal Medicine Unit and Wellness Centre of Medilabs – a 4,000 sq. ft. facility in Velachery equipped with high-end systems to deliver advanced maternal, fetal, and preventive healthcare services.

L-R: R. Mr. Gopalakrishnan, Ms. Nusrath Fathima of Fetal Medicine & Wellness Centre of Medilabs; Dr. Prakash & Mr. Dilli Babu, Directors, Medilabs

The launch took place in the presence of Mr. Nitish Giria, Director of Girias Home Appliances, along with Dr. Prakash and Mr. Dillibabu, both directors of Medilabs.The new facility marks Medilabs’ entry into fetal medicine and holistic wellness services, extending the capabilities of the leading diagnostic chain known for its advanced testing and lab management services across North Chennai.

The state-of-the-art Fetal Medicine facility will offer comprehensive testing, screening, and scanning services for expectant mothers and newborns. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced ultrasound machines for detailed fetal scanning and AutoDELFIA systems for precise blood tests to detect potential congenital abnormalities in the fetus. The centre also features the high-end Victor 2D platform, enabling comprehensive early screening with exceptional accuracy.

The Wellness Centre will offer a full spectrum of high-end testing services for the public and corporate employees, including advanced genetic testing for cancer risk, chronic diseases, and comprehensive gene mapping, thus providing preventive, predictive, and personalised health insights.

Talking about the new facilities, Dr. Prakash and Mr. Dillibabu said, “Our vision is ‘Caring for Life at Every Stage’. We focus on making high-end diagnostic services accessible to the public, particularly in areas such as cancer and chronic lifestyle diseases, gene mapping, genetic testing, and fetal medicine – segments that require precision, specialised expertise, and world-class technology. With the establishment of the Fetal Medicine Unit and the Wellness Centre, we move one step closer to that vision. These new facilities will provide expert fetal medicine and wellness services, leveraging state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, advanced imaging, genetic counselling, wellness support, and comprehensive clinical guidance.”

Medilabs’ core strength lies in its expertise in managing hospital laboratories, through which it currently partners with nearly 30 hospitals, ensuring high standards of accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. The brand has also built a robust diagnostic network spanning 35 locations across North Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted provider of advanced diagnostic solutions in the region. The organisation is now poised for rapid growth, with plans to expand its network to 100 centres across Tamil Nadu over the next five years.

For more details, please visit: medilabs.co.in.

The World Spice Organisation (WSO), the not-for-profit technical partner of the All India Spices Exporters Forum committed to advancing food safety and sustainability in the spice industry, has successfully concluded the 4th Edition of the National Spice Conference (NSC) 2025. Held at ITC Welcom, Guntur on November 14–15, the event witnessed strong participation from industry leaders, policymakers, scientific institutions, FPOs and sustainability practitioners from across the spice value chain. This year’s conference, themed “Spice Route Ahead – Safe, Sustainable and Scalable”, focused on shaping a forward-looking, resilient and globally competitive spice ecosystem through enhanced food safety, sustainable agriculture and scalable innovations.

4th National Spice Conference in Guntur

The conference brought together representatives from FSSAI, the Ministry of Agriculture, scientific panels, leading spice companies, agri-innovation firms and Farmer Producer Organisations. Discussions centred on elevating India’s position in the global spice trade by strengthening compliance frameworks, accelerating adoption of sustainability practices and enabling farmers to access emerging opportunities in domestic and international markets.

Speaking on the evolving priorities of the sector, Mr. Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, WSO, said, “The spice sector has recognized the importance of sustainability, and the WSO is contributing to this through programs like the National Sustainable Spice Program, which covers more than 25,000 farmers all over India.”

Commenting on regulatory developments, Dr. Paresh Shah, Chairman, FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues highlighted the growing emphasis on ensuring safe, traceable and compliant spices for both domestic consumers and global markets. Dr. Remashree, Director Spices Board and Mr. Sarath babu Guddala, AGM, NABARD outlined government efforts toward sustainable cultivation, improved productivity and expanded support for farmers adapting to evolving quality requirements.

Industry leaders including Mr. Rajiv Shah, Managing Director, Everest Spices and Mr. Prakash Namboodiri, BU Head, AB Mauri shared insights on market trends, technology adoption and quality expectations shaping the future of spice processing and trade. Experts like Ms. Jasmer Dhingra, Programs Director, IDH India, Dr. Homey Cherian, Director, DASD, Mr. Ganapathy KD, Executive Director, Nedspice Processing India Pvt Ltd. shared the need for science-based agricultural practices to ensure compliance and market readiness.

The first day of the conference featured technical sessions on food safety, sustainable supply chain practices, agri and process innovations and the role of communities of practice in driving inclusive growth. Speakers discussed pathways to improve spice quality, strengthen traceability, and integrate agri-technologies for better farm productivity and environmental outcomes. Farmer groups and FPOs shared field-level experiences, enabling an exchange of practical insights for strengthening supply chain resilience.

The second day covered emerging trends, updates on spice crops, ways to balance growth with responsibility and a dedicated interface connecting producers, processors and buyers. The interactive exchanges provided a platform for market linkages and discussions on new opportunities for FPOs within domestic and export markets.

The conference also showcased the National Sustainable Spice Program (NSSP), WSO’s flagship initiative promoting sustainable and food-safe cultivation models. FPOs associated with the programme presented their progress and shared examples of how good agricultural practices and sustainability frameworks are improving farm incomes and market access.

About World Spice Organisation

WSO (World Spice Organisation) was established in 2011 with the objectives of achieving Food Safety and Sustainability in the spice sector. Over the years, WSO has undertaken several initiatives in sustainability, biodiversity and food safety in collaboration with national and international organisations including the Spices Board, Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), GIZ (Germany) and IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative (Netherlands).

For more information about NSC 2025, visit: www.nationalspiceconference.in.

Madame Tussauds Singapore is excited to announce the arrival of beloved actor Ahn Hyo Seop’s wax figure on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.

Ahn Hyo Seop with wax figure at Madame Tussauds

Known for captivating audiences with his performances in popular dramas and movies like “Business Proposal”, “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet” and “A Time Called You,” Ahn Hyo Seop has established himself as a true heartthrob among fans. Most recently, he voiced Jinu, the leader of the fictional K-pop boy band Saja Boys, in the Netflix global animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” which was released in June 2025.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Ahn Hyo Seop to our K-Wave Zone, he’s the heartthrob that fans around the world have been swooning ove,.” said Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore. “It’s time to grab your cameras and your fellow K-drama fans, because this is one proposal you definitely don’t want to turn down.”

The brand-new wax figure, created after Ahn Hyo Seop participated in a personal sitting, perfectly captures the actor’s “charismatic CEO” persona. A detail that will delights fans, the wax figure showcases the original suit from Ahn Hyo Seop’s “Business Proposal” filming wardrobe, which the actor graciously donated.

This elegant look highlights the actor’s flawless appearance and enchanting presence, immersing visitors in the romantic world of K-dramas. The figure previously debuted at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong before coming to Madame Tussauds Singapore.

Now part of the K-Wave zone at Madame Tussauds Singapore, the figure is now part of an exclusive showcase celebrating global Hallyu icons.

For more information about booking tickets to visit Ahn Hyo Seop at Madame Tussauds Singapore, please visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore/

Madame Tussauds 

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

About Merlin Entertainments 

Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, Dreamworks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides, and uplifting learning experiences.

See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information. 

India’s AI-enabled GST litigation management platform, Trackase, has launched to redefine how businesses, law firms, tax experts, and Chartered Accountants manage GST disputes while bringing automation, transparency, and speed to one of the most complex aspects of indirect taxation.

The company marks a major step forward in simplifying and digitizing GST dispute management across India’s legal and tax ecosystem. Built with the vision to streamline case tracking, document management, and workflow automation, the platform empowers organizations to handle GST litigation seamlessly – minimizing manual errors, improving coordination, and saving valuable time.

As India’s GST framework continues to evolve, the complexity and volume of litigation are expanding rapidly, creating an urgent need for smarter, technology-driven solutions. Trackase addresses this challenge through a single, integrated platform that automates litigation workflows, centralizes documentation, and provides real-time visibility across multiple jurisdictions and stages of the litigation process.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Aditya Singhania, Founder and CEO, Trackase, said, “The landscape of GST litigation in India is evolving rapidly, and managing it manually has become increasingly inefficient and error-prone. We built this platform to bring structure, transparency, and speed to the entire litigation management process. Our goal is to empower tax and finance professionals with the tools they need to stay compliant and make informed decisions.”

Through intelligent automation and analytics, Trackase serves as a strategic enabler for CFOs, tax heads, compliance officers, and Chartered Accountants, helping them not only manage disputes efficiently but also extract valuable insights from their litigation data to improve strategic decision-making.

The platform is equipped with a suite of powerful features. Its smart case tracking module allows real-time monitoring of GST litigation cases across jurisdictions and authorities. The centralized document management system ensures secure, cloud-based access to all filings and case-related records. A robust workflow automation engine delivers timely alerts, task assignments, and escalation reminders to reduce manual effort. Additionally, data-driven dashboards and analytics help users visualize dispute trends, monitor performance, and make evidence-based decisions.

By combining automation, analytics, and ease of use, Trackase positions itself as a category creator and innovation leader in India’s GST technology space – setting new benchmarks for compliance efficiency and transparency.

Ekya Schools announced the launch of Ekya Vana today, the first nature inspired K–12 school for conservation and sustainability in Bangalore, that redefines learning through nature and purpose. Built as a living ecosystem, Ekya Vana invites children to learn with the environment nurturing curiosity, compassion, and stewardship.

Dignitaries unveil Ekya Vana, India’s first purpose-based K–12 school for sustainability and conservation, at the FIND Festival 2025

For over 15 years, Ekya Schools, a part of the CMR Group of Institutions, has redefined what education can be, building schools that blend global best practices with the vision of nurturing creative, compassionate, confident learners and problem solvers, empowering them to make a difference in the world. From its early years programs to K–12 institutions, Ekya’s philosophy has always been grounded in making learning meaningful and relevant to the real world. After the successful launch of Ekya Nava the first purpose based school in India for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ekya moves on to introduce its next purpose based school Ekya Vana.

Architecture rooted in Earth sense – Ekya Vana’s spaces inspire care, connection, and sustainability

Ekya Vana is a bold step forward by Ekya Schools towards shaping education that not only prepares students for the future, but also teaches them to sustain it. The world today needs changemakers who understand that progress and preservation can go hand in hand. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and urbanization redefine our shared future, education must evolve to meet these challenges.

Launched during Ekya’s FIND festival 2025, Ekya Vana emerges as India’s first purpose-driven school dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and environmental innovation, offering learners the tools to create an abundant and equitable world.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. A. N. Yellappa Reddy, IFS (Retd.) Former Secretary, Dept of Ecology, Environment and Forests, Govt of Karnataka, Member, Karnataka High court, Lok Adalat said “Only children can be the true teachers of the future: because it is they alone who can protect and care for Mother Earth. If we nurture their curiosity and love for nature, they will become the guardians our world needs.”

Joining him in the launch was Padma Shri recipient Dr. K. Ullas Karanth, Emeritus Director, Centre for Wildlife Studies who reiterated “Conservation must move beyond slogans and become a way of life. My hope is that students at Ekya Vana, and their generation, will lead us toward healing the planet and rekindling our connection with nature.”

The occasion was also graced by Dr. Biswajit Mishra, Chief Conservator of Forests Government of Karnataka who during his address said, “Ekya Vana inspires young guardians to understand our challenges and become part of the solution. My best wishes to these future stewards of nature.” Along with Dr. K.C. Ramamurthy, IPS (Retd.), Chairman, CMR Group of Institutions and CMR University, and Former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, President CMR Jnanadhara Trust, Chancellor, CMR University and Shri Jayadeep K.R. Reddy, CEO, CMR Group of Institutions, Pro Chancellor, CMR University and Director, Ekya Schools.

“At Ekya Vana, we’ve worked on curating a learning experience that goes beyond traditional education. Rooted in nature and driven by purpose, our school is guided by a clear vision: to help learners make a difference through curiosity, compassion, and stewardship of the Earth. Everything we do from masterclasses to immersion camps is designed to make learning real, relevant, and deeply connected to the world around us,” said Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director, Ekya Schools.

Ekya Vana is more than a school, it’s a movement towards education for a sustainable future, where learning is not confined to classrooms but extends to the living, breathing world. With this launch, Ekya Schools continues to lead the way in shaping the future of education.

About Ekya Vana

The school is designed as an ecosystem of learning: outdoor classrooms, butterfly & herb gardens, composting units, nature-workshops and eco-labs form the core of the experience.

The academic framework is anchored in four key pathways: People & Planet, Earth Care, Living Systems and Energy & Innovation, connecting global sustainability themes with real-world learning.

About the FIND Festival

The FIND Festival is Ekya Schools’ flagship event for exploring the future of learning—bringing together students, educators, thought-leaders and industry to reimagine education.

Humans of Bombay launches its latest original production, Like an Athlete, kicking off with none other than KL Rahul, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers. The series offers an inside look into the lives, routines, and mindsets of the athletes who make India proud.

KL Rahul and Jatin Sapru crushing a workout together!

KL Rahul Opens the First Episode

In the pilot episode, KL Rahul gets candid about his life beyond cricket: love, discipline, family, and the quiet routines that keep him grounded.

On how Suniel Shetty Manifested Him:

“He always said he manifested a cricketer in his family — and it came true through a son-in-law.”

On why Suniel Shetty inspires him:

“His morning routine never changes. Even after a late-night shoot, he’s up by 5:30–6 AM, does yoga or meditation, then hits the gym. Before anyone wakes up, he’s done. By 7 AM his granddaughter wakes up, and he spends the morning with us before heading to work.”

On if cricket has ever made him cry:

“Many, many, many times. It’s not that players don’t want to open up. We just don’t say it in front of the camera. Like every other Indian, we think that looking for help is a sign of weakness. It took me a lot to say that, okay, I will take therapy. It’s helped me tremendously. I suggest it to a lot of players in the dressing room, as well.

But, there’s still a big section of people that still think it’s a sign of weakness – things like he’s lost the drive to play cricket or he’s become soft. I’ve heard the term “soft” so many times about me because I am soft spoken, don’t give headline interviews, and slip under the radar. It pisses me off the most.”

About Like an Athlete

Hosted by renowned sports presenter Jatin Sapru, Like an Athlete is Humans of Bombay’s newest IP — a raw, immersive series that follows top athletes through a day in their life. Jatin explores their training, diet, sleep, recovery, and the discipline that drives them.

A New Chapter for Humans of Bombay

With Like an Athlete, Humans of Bombay expands into sports storytelling, bringing audiences closer to the human beings behind the jerseys. The series highlights the values that define champions — resilience, focus, consistency, and humility.

Watch the full episode here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A9VuqEZrCw

This Children’s Day, Mars has partnered with Tinkle Comics, one of India’s most iconic and engaging children’s magazines, to spark conversations among young readers about compassion, empathy, and the basics of responsible pet parenting. The collaboration aligns with Mars’ Young Angels programme for kids and the brand’s broader mission to create a Better World for Pets.

Mars Collaborates with Iconic Tinkle Comics

For over four decades, Tinkle has entertained and educated children through characters that blend humor and heart. Known for making learning relatable, it offers a trusted way for kids to explore big ideas in simple, meaningful ways. In this collaboration, Mars brings together Tinkle’s storytelling strength with its scientific understanding of pet care to help children learn how to feed their pets responsibly.

In the special-edition story, beloved character Shambu takes on a new adventure while caring for his niece, Sia. What begins as a light-hearted afternoon becomes a fun lesson on why pets need food specially made for them and how right nutrition is essential for showing them love and care. The story gently introduces young readers to concepts like complete and balanced diets, safe interaction with pets and everyday empathy, all through storytelling that children naturally connect with.

To bring these lessons to life, Mars, in partnership with STRAW India (Stray Relief and Animal Welfare), conducted interactive storytelling and painting workshops with students of Jyothi Kendriya Vidyalaya School in Bengaluru. The sessions encouraged children to express compassion through art while learning how to interact safely with community animals. A similar engagement was held for children of Mars associates in Hyderabad, creating a shared platform for families to discuss kindness, pet care, and the importance of balanced nutrition for pets.

Vasanthi Kumar, Co-founder & Managing Trustee, STRAW India, added, “Our collaboration with Mars on Tinkle partnership reflects our shared belief that compassion and awareness must start young. Through storytelling and creative workshops, we’re helping children build empathy for animals and understand the basics of pet nutrition.”

This collaboration between Mars and Tinkle represents a blend of education, empathy, and science, using storytelling as a bridge to nurture responsible, kind, and informed pet lovers of tomorrow.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

As an investor, one of the key considerations in your financial journey may be to strike a balance between potential returns and your overall investments. Sector-focused funds may be a way to do this, as they allow you to channel your money into parts of the economy that may drive future growth. 

Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund Live now 

The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund takes this approach by offering exposure across India’s expanding financial ecosystem, including banks, NBFCs, insurers, asset managers, and fintech companies.

The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund NFO period opens on Monday, November 10, 2025, and closes on Monday, November 24, 2025. The scheme will reopen for subscription within five business days from the date of allotment.

Let’s discuss what may make this fund a suitable fit for you.

A long-term investment outlook
If you’re an investor with a long-term horizon, the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund may offer a suitable opportunity to participate in India’s growth story. The country is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, with an estimated GDP of around USD 7.3 trillion, supported by trends such as digitalisation, infrastructure development, and a young, aspirational workforce.
As this growth unfolds, India’s financial system will be central to sustaining it. Estimates suggest that financial assets may need to expand nearly 20 times their current size, with banks potentially adding about USD 4 trillion in capital over the next two decades. Such expansion may create a multiplier effect across the economy, opening avenues for investors seeking long-term participation in the financial services sector.

Sources: The Economic Times, Reuters, The Times of India (July–August 2025), Press Information Bureau, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Boston Consulting Group analysis.

Exposure to India’s BFSI opportunity
If you wish to participate in the growth potential of India’s Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector, a potential enabler of the country’s economic expansion, the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund may be considered. The sector plays a pivotal role in driving capital mobilisation, improving credit access, and strengthening digital and financial inclusion.

Over the past few years, credit disbursement to priority sectors has risen by about 85% since 2019, UPI transaction values have grown nearly fivefold in four years, and microfinance portfolios now reach close to 79 million borrowers. India’s credit-to-deposit ratio remains healthy at around 79%, reflecting robust financial intermediation.

Together, these developments highlight how the BFSI sector continues to support India’s growth by efficiently converting household savings into productive economic activity, a trend that long-term investors may consider as part of their portfolio strategy.

Sources: MOFSL, Press Information Bureau, CareEdge

Focused and research-driven approach
If you understand sectoral investing and are comfortable with short-term fluctuations while aiming for potential long-term growth, the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund may be suitable for you. The fund focuses exclusively on financial services and follows a research-driven investment process.

It begins with a total stock universe of around 1,100 companies, which is first filtered using a megatrends lens to identify about 180–200 BFSI companies. From there, the fund applies its proprietary InQuBe framework to select 45–60 stocks for the final portfolio.

This disciplined approach helps identify opportunities across various segments of BFSI while managing concentration risk through diversification.

*The portfolio count is indicative, and actual number will depend on market conditions at the time of making investment.

Source: Internal Fund Framework (InQuBe process)

Diversified within financial services
If you are looking for diversification within the financial services sector, the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund offers this opportunity. Over the years, India’s BFSI sector has evolved into one of the key pillars of the economy, witnessing a more than 50-fold rise in market capitalisation, from Rs. 1.8 trillion in 2005 to Rs. 91 trillion in 2025, reflecting a CAGR of about 22%. Its contribution to GDP has also increased from 6% to 27%, supported by regulatory reforms, greater formalisation, and wider financial participation.

This growth has been broad-based across key segments. Banks have strengthened their fundamentals, with GNPA levels declining from 5.8% to 2.2% and credit costs falling from 1.3% to 0.4%. NBFCs have recorded steady growth, with net worth expanding at around 15% CAGR and profit after tax at 32% CAGR, now contributing nearly 18% of BFSI earnings. The insurance sector’s AUM has grown tenfold since FY07 to Rs. 61.6 trillion, while mutual fund AUM has increased 45 times in two decades, with the AUM-to-GDP ratio rising from 7% to 19.9%.

By investing across these diverse sub-sectors, the fund may help investors participate in the broader growth potential of India’s financial services ecosystem.

Sources: Reserve Bank of India, MOFSL, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, Association of Mutual Funds in India, Swiss Re Sigma, Press Information Bureau.

Aligned with structural growth trends
If you want to invest in the megatrends shaping India’s financial future, the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund offers exposure to sectors aligned with these long-term shifts.

• Technology: Non-cash transactions are expected to rise from 38% in FY23 to 62% in FY28, with Tier 2 and smaller cities likely to drive over 80% of digital lending disbursements.

• Economic inclusion: Jan Dhan accounts have expanded nearly 18 times in the past decade to 540 million, with deposits of around Rs. 2.3 trillion, strengthening the foundation for financial inclusion.

• Demographic growth: As nearly 75% of Indian households move into middle- and high-income segments by 2030, the demand for credit, insurance, and investments may continue to grow.

• Social transformation: Fintech innovation is widening credit access, especially for new-to-credit individuals and women entrepreneurs.

Through its diversified exposure, the fund may help investors participate in these structural trends that are reshaping India’s financial ecosystem.

Sources: Mobikwik RHP, Redseer, Reserve Bank of India, Periodic Labor Force Survey 2023, Global System for Mobile Communications Association 2023, Jefferies, Internal.

Suitable entry point in the BFSI sector
If you are evaluating when to add sectoral exposure to your portfolio, the current environment in the BFSI space may be suitable. Valuations within the sector are presently below their 14-year averages, while fundamentals remain stable. Over the past two decades, the sector’s weight in the Nifty 50 has increased 2.6 times, now standing at around 37.9%.

Banks today account for about 57% of the BFSI market capitalisation, compared to nearly 85% in 2005 — reflecting rising opportunities in NBFCs, insurers, and asset managers. With improving asset quality, steady profitability, and expected credit growth following the RBI’s 100 bps repo rate cut, this phase may offer investors a suitable entry point into the BFSI sector.

Sources: Report (April 2025), Reserve Bank of India, Jefferies, National Stock Exchange

Conclusion
The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund may suit investors with a long-term outlook who want to participate in India’s financial growth story. With diversified exposure across banks, NBFCs, insurers, and fintechs, the fund offers a structured way to invest in sectors driving the economy forward. 

With its research-driven investment framework and diversified portfolio of 45–60 companies, the fund aims to capture opportunities emerging from structural shifts such as digitalisation, financial inclusion, and rising income levels.

It is advisable to talk to an investment advisor before taking a financial decision. 

New Fund Offer Opens on: Monday, November 10, 2025
New Fund Offer Closes on: Monday, November 24, 2025
Scheme re-opens on: Within five business days of allotment date

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.