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Fortis Hospitals Mumbai Launches 'Har Ghar Hero', A City-Wide Mission to Make Mumbai CPR-Ready

Fortis Hospitals Mumbai today announced the launch of ‘Har Ghar Hero’, a first-of-its-kind, community-led CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) preparedness movement aimed at empowering Mumbaikars with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. Bringing together citizens from the length and breadth of Mumbai, across housing societies, corporates, schools, colleges and civic bodies, under one unified movement, the initiative reinforces a simple message – every household should have at least one person trained in CPR, a ‘Hero’ who can step forward when every second counts.

 

Fortis Mumbai launches ‘Har Ghar Hero’ initiative to build CPR-ready Mumbai with (L-R) Dr Gore, Dr Gaikwad, Dr Singh, Hon. Ms. Hemangini Patil, Dr S. Narayani, Dr Gore & Dr Nabar

 

The initiative was inaugurated by Hon. Ms. Hemangini Patil, Regional Transport Officer, Thane Region, and Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra. They were joined by Fortis Mumbai’s leadership team and emergency medicine specialists — Dr. Sandeep Gore (Director, Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital Mulund), Dr. Amit Nabar (Director, Emergency & Community Medicine, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate), Dr. Preetam Gaikwad (Head, Emergency Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital) and Dr. Sudhir Gore (Head, Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital Kalyan), who spoke about the importance of building CPR preparedness beyond hospital settings. The launch was also supported by Dr. Manjeet Singh Arora, Senior Consultant-General Physician, Fortis Hospital Mulund, who has spearheaded CPR trainings in the community for the past two decades, and won multiple accolades for his contribution to community preparedness.

 

In a sudden cardiac emergency, the first few minutes are often decisive. Through ‘Har Ghar Hero’, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai aims to bring CPR awareness and training closer to communities, building a wider network of people who are prepared to act until professional medical help arrives. What sets the initiative apart is its scale and reach; it is designed to unite residents from every corner of the city, from South Mumbai to the far suburbs, in a single, sustained movement toward a common goal – a CPR-ready Mumbai.

 

As part of the initiative, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai will partner with civic bodies, utility and service providers, transport operators, quick-commerce platforms, housing societies, corporate hubs, educational institutions and other community groups to expand CPR awareness across the city. The focus for the coming year would be on equipping 2 lakh Mumbaikars of all ages and backgrounds with essential CPR skills, and building a growing base of trained first responders who can act swiftly in a cardiac emergency, before EMS teams arrive.

 

Fortis Mumbai will also launch a community perception survey to gauge current levels of emergency preparedness among Mumbaikars, and awareness about application of Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These insights that will help identify gaps and shape future training efforts.

 

Speaking at the launch, Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra, said, “With ‘Har Ghar Hero’, Fortis Mumbai is taking an important step towards making CPR preparedness a community priority. In a cardiac emergency, the first responder is often not a healthcare professional but a family member, colleague, neighbour or passer-by. Our aim is to build a culture where every household has at least one person who knows what to do when it matters most. Through sustained partnerships and community-led training, we hope to create a city that is better prepared to respond to emergencies.”

 

Over the past few years, emergency medicine specialists from Fortis Hospitals Mumbai have collectively trained and certified 1.5 lakh Mumbaikars in CPR, and engaged with 1,000+ housing societies, 350+ corporate set-ups, 300+ colleges and schools, 100+ government bodies and civic institutions, and 600+ NGOs and community groups. Through ‘Har Ghar Hero’, Fortis Mumbai aims to build a sustained movement around CPR awareness, growing a network of trained citizens who can act as ‘Heroes’ in the moments when immediate action makes the difference.

To get your workplace or housing society trained and certified, call 022 4111 4111.

 

About Fortis Healthcare Limited  

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 36 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 12 states and union territories. The Company’s network comprises over 6,000 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.

 

For more information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com/

 

About IHH HEALTHCARE (“IHH”)

IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care. In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network.

 

For more information, please visit  www.ihhhealthcare.com

Spread the Goodness: Homemade California Walnut Spreads You'll Want to Keep on Hand

A good homemade spread is one of the easiest ways to add flavour, texture and wholesome goodness to everyday meals. Whether sweet, savoury or a little indulgent, these versatile recipes made with California walnuts are perfect for everything from breakfast toast and sandwiches to snack boards and desserts. Make a batch, store it in a jar, and enjoy delicious possibilities throughout the week.

 

Wild Blueberry California Walnut Chutney

 

1. Wild Blueberry California Walnut Chutney

 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow onion, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

2 cups wild, frozen blueberries

1 cup red seedless grapes

2 tablespoons sugar

1 bay leaf

1 cinnamon stick

Zest of 1 lemon, white pith removed (cut in large strips with a small sharp knife)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Salt to taste

Serving Suggestion: Spread on whole grain crackers or toast and top with toasted walnut pieces.

 

Preparations

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan.

2. Add onion and ginger and cook until soft. Add all remaining ingredients except vinegar and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces, about 30 minutes.

4. When chutney has thickened, stir in vinegar and season to taste with salt.

5. Allow to cool and remove bay leaf, cinnamon and lemon zest.

6. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator. Makes about 2 cups.

 

Cinnamon Fruit and California Walnut Spread

 

 

2. Cinnamon Fruit and California Walnut Spread

 

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried Mediterranean apricots
1 cup California walnuts
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple juice concentrate
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

 

Preparations

1. Place apricots in a food processor and pulse to chop.
2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse again until finely chopped.

3. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
4. Serve on whole grain bagels, apple slices, toast or graham crackers.

Variations
1. Reduce apricots to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup dried cherries.
2. Replace apricots with dried apple rings.

 

Choco-California Walnut Spread

 

3. Choco-California Walnut Spread

 

Ingredients

2 cups lightly toasted walnut halves
1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (can be a tad more)
Scant 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons agave nectar
Optional:
1/2 to 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A touch of heavy cream, stirred in just before using

 

Preparations

1. Combine everything in a food processor and whip until very smooth (or slightly textured, if you prefer).
2. Transfer to a container with a lid, store at room temperature in a dark place.
3. Use as desired, and if you like, stir in a few drops of cream just before serving, for added richness and best spreadability.

VAHDAM® India Ranks Among India's Top 5 Great Workplaces 2026

VAHDAM® India, a leading homegrown wellness brand bringing India’s finest teas, herbs, botanicals, and wellness products to the global stage, has been ranked among India’s Top 5 Great Workplaces 2026 by Great Place To Work®. The company has also been recognized among India’s Best Workplaces™ in FMCG 2026, India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces 2026, and Best Workplaces in Manufacturing 2026.

 

VAHDAM® India Ranks Among India’s Top 5 Great Workplaces 2026

 

This prestigious recognition underscores VAHDAM® India’s unwavering commitment to fostering a progressive, people-first workplace culture. With a strong focus on empowering employees through continuous learning, leadership development, transparent leadership, and meaningful ownership, the company continues to set new benchmarks in employee experience and organizational excellence.

 

VAHDAM® India’s journey reflects sustained progress over the years, moving from Rank 71 among India’s Top Workplaces in 2024, to Rank 17 in 2025, and now securing a place among India’s Top 5 Great Workplaces in 2026. This consistent upward trajectory reflects the trust, engagement, and shared purpose that continue to define the company’s culture.

 

Adding to this milestone, VAHDAM® India has also been recognized among India’s Best Workplaces™ in FMCG 2026, India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces 2026, and Best Workplaces in Manufacturing 2026. These accolades build upon the company’s previous recognitions, including Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces in Asia, Best Workplaces for Millennials, and Best Workplaces in FMCG, reflecting a sustained commitment to creating an exceptional workplace rather than a one-time achievement.

 

Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO, VAHDAM® India, said, “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make VAHDAM® what it is today. Our journey from Rank 71 to Rank 17 and now among India’s Top 5 Great Workplaces demonstrates what can be achieved when people feel trusted, empowered, and inspired by a shared purpose. From the very beginning, we’ve believed that building a truly global brand from India starts with building a workplace where people can do their best work and grow alongside the business. As we continue to scale globally, nurturing a culture rooted in ownership, innovation, and continuous learning remains at the heart of everything we do.”

 

Kalpesh Tiwari, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), VAHDAM® India, added, “We’re proud to be recognized among India’s leading workplaces once again. At VAHDAM®, our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth. We remain committed to investing in our people by strengthening leadership capabilities, fostering learning and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for every individual to thrive. This recognition reflects our belief that when our people succeed, the business succeeds with them.”

 

The recognition comes as part of a rigorous evaluation conducted by Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, which identifies organizations that create exceptional employee experiences through trust, pride, and camaraderie. VAHDAM® India continues to be recognized for its inclusive leadership, dynamic work environment, and people-centric culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

 

About VAHDAM® India

Founded in 2015 by Bala Sarda, VAHDAM® India is on a mission to build a homegrown Indian brand for the world. With direct sourcing from farms and estates across India, in-house manufacturing at its 100,000 sq. ft. BRC-certified facility, and a strong presence across more than 140 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and Europe, VAHDAM® has grown into a leading global wellness brand.

 

Backed by strong customer love and organic endorsements from global icons like Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, and Martha Stewart, VAHDAM® has raised over Rs 290 crore in funding. The company is Certified Plastic Neutral and Climate Neutral, and contributes 1% of its revenue towards supporting the education of tea growers’ children through Digital Learning Centres and scholarships.

 

Learn more at www.vahdam.in and follow VAHDAM® India on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Galgotias University Hosts Japanese Delegation to Explore Academic and Research Collaborations Amid Growing Ties Between India and Japan

Galgotias University welcomed a high-level delegation of government officials, industry leaders and academic experts from Japan, along with representatives of the Governments of India and Uttar Pradesh, for discussions on academic and research collaboration. The talks prioritised three technologies central to the global sustainability agenda, Green Hydrogen, Electric Vehicles and Semiconductors, while keeping the door open to partnerships across a much wider range of disciplines.

 

Galgotias University welcomes the Japanese delegation to advance India-Japan collaboration in green hydrogen, EVs, semiconductors and academic research

 

The deliberations explored joint research programmes, technology exchange and academic partnerships, opening new pathways for the University’s students and researchers to contribute to clean energy, sustainable mobility and next-generation manufacturing. The engagement reflects the growing role of universities as bridges between global policy leadership, advanced research and emerging talent.

 

Speaking on the visit, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Hosting such a high-level delegation on our campus is a proud moment for the University. It also demonstrates the growing importance of Greater Noida as a critical academic, industrial and transportation hub. We intend to convert these discussions into joint research projects, exchange programmes and industry partnerships that our students and faculty can participate in directly.”

 

India and Japan share a natural affinity rooted in centuries of civilisational and cultural exchange and reinforced today by common democratic values and complementary strengths. Japan brings deep expertise in precision manufacturing, clean energy technology and industrial innovation, while India offers scale, a vast pool of young engineering and research talent, and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

 

As the two nations deepen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, academic and research collaborations are emerging as new avenues of engagement alongside trade and investment. Joint research programmes, faculty and student exchange, co-supervised doctoral work and university-industry partnerships are increasingly the channels through which the two countries turn shared intent into shared innovation, and Indian universities are positioning themselves at the centre of this exchange.

 

The visit also comes at a time of deepening cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan in clean energy and advanced manufacturing, positioning the state as an emerging hub for green hydrogen, EV components and semiconductor investment. By engaging directly with government delegations, Galgotias University aims to align its research capabilities and talent pipeline with these national and international priorities.

 

The visit is a precursor to deeper engagement in the coming weeks, with follow-up discussions expected to translate the initial conversations into concrete research programmes, exchanges and partnerships. The University will continue to pursue collaborative research, faculty and student exchange, and industry-linked innovation in sustainable technologies, reinforcing its commitment to education and research that serve society.

 

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

 

In the QS World University Rankings 2027 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 16th among private universities and 46th among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

 

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,500 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, IBM, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

Loan Fest 2026: Apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan Online with Attractive Offers

Bajaj Finance, one of India’s leading financial services providers, has announced the launch of Loan Fest 2026, a limited-period campaign designed to make online borrowing more rewarding for eligible customers. Running from 10th July to 31st August 2026, the campaign enables customers to apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan through a simple digital process while offering attractive rewards on successful loan disbursal. Alongside the campaign benefits, customers can access loan amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, flexible repayment tenure of 12 months to 108 months, competitive personal loan interest rate options ranging from 10% to 30% per annum, and quick access to funds.

 

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan

 

The campaign aims to help customers finance both planned and unexpected expenses, including home renovation, higher education, weddings, travel, and medical emergencies. With minimal documentation, collateral-free borrowing, and a fully digital application journey, the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers a convenient solution for customers looking for quick and flexible financing.

 

Attractive rewards during Loan Fest 2026

As part of Loan Fest 2026, eligible customers whose Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period may receive an exclusive reward bundle. The bundle has been curated to provide additional value by combining entertainment, dining, music, and lifestyle benefits alongside the loan. These rewards are available only to eligible customers and are subject to the applicable campaign terms and conditions.

 

The reward bundle includes:

  • Zee 5, Sony Liv & 14 other OTTs – 6 months free membership

  • JioHotstar membership – 3 months

  • Free 3-month Zomato Gold Membership

  • Free 3-month JioSaavn Pro

  • Free 45 Day Gaana membership

  • Free 40+ Vouchers

 

The exclusive rewards complement the standard features of the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan, making the borrowing experience more rewarding during the campaign period.

 

Why apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online?

Applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online enables customers to complete the borrowing process conveniently without visiting a branch. The end-to-end digital application journey requires minimal documentation and allows eligible customers to check their loan offer, complete the application, and submit the required details online.

 

Eligible applicants may receive quick approval, and funds can be disbursed within 24 hours* after approval and successful verification. The digital process is designed to provide customers with a faster and more convenient borrowing experience.

 

Flexible borrowing with repayment tenure of up to 108 months

One of the key highlights of the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is the flexible repayment tenure ranging from 12 months to 108 months.

 

The extended tenure gives customers greater flexibility to choose a repayment schedule that suits their financial goals and monthly budget. A longer repayment period may help reduce monthly EMIs compared with a shorter tenure for the same loan amount, enabling borrowers to manage larger financial commitments more comfortably.

 

The personal loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30% per annum, depending on factors such as the customer’s eligibility, credit profile, income, and internal assessment.

 

Features of Bajaj Finance Personal Loan

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is designed to support a wide range of personal financial requirements while offering a convenient borrowing experience.

 

Key features include:

  • Loan amount ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh

  • Repayment tenure from 12 months to 108 months

  • Personal loan interest rate from 10% to 30% per annum

  • Collateral-free loan

  • Quick approval for eligible applicants

  • Funds disbursed within 24 hours*

  • Minimal documentation

  • Fully digital application process

 

These features enable customers to borrow according to their financial requirements while choosing a repayment option that aligns with their budget.

 

Estimate your EMI before applying

Customers can use the personal loan EMI calculator available on the Bajaj Finance website before submitting an application. The calculator helps customers estimate monthly EMIs based on the selected loan amount, applicable interest rate, and repayment tenure.

 

It also enables customers to compare different repayment options, understand their repayment commitments, and make informed borrowing decisions before applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan.

 

How to apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online

Applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is simple and can be completed in a few steps:

 

  1. Visit the website: Customers begin by visiting the Bajaj Finance website and navigating to the Personal Loan page.

  2. Check loan eligibility: Customers enter the required loan amount and select the preferred repayment tenure. They then click “CHECK LOAN OFFER”.

  3. Enter personal details: Customers provide their personal, financial, and employment details to receive a personalised loan offer.

  4. Review the loan offer: Customers review the available loan offer and may adjust the loan amount or repayment tenure based on their requirements.

  5. Complete KYC verification: Customers complete the KYC process and verify their bank account details to facilitate disbursal.

  6. Application assessment: The application is submitted for assessment, following which a loan specialist contacts the customer regarding the next steps in the process.

Eligible applicants may receive funds within 24 hours* after approval and successful verification.

 

A rewarding digital borrowing experience

Loan Fest 2026 reflects Bajaj Finance’s continued focus on providing customer-centric lending solutions through a seamless digital experience. By combining attractive rewards with flexible repayment tenure, competitive personal loan interest rate options, collateral-free borrowing, and quick access to funds, the campaign provides additional value for eligible customers applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online.

 

Eligible customers can visit the Bajaj Finance website to check their loan offer and apply online during the Loan Fest campaign period.

 

Terms and conditions apply*

 

About Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

Cashfree Payments Announces Zero Percent Payment Gateway Fees for its New Businesses Till March 2027

  • New businesses signing up on Cashfree pay zero payment gateway fees on their first Rs. 20 lakh sale, valid till 31st March 2027

  • Sellers go live within minutes, get next-day settlements and a dedicated account manager through the entire festive season

  • The offer is the best among India’s payments industry, pairing a full fee waiver with fastest onboarding and settlements

 

Cashfree Payments, India’s leading AI-native payments company, today announced it is offering 0% payment gateway fees for all new businesses signing up on its platform, on the first Rs. 20 lakh of Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) until 31st March 2027. The offer targets early-stage and growing sellers across their own online channels.

 

Offer aims to provide a launchpad to SMBs ahead of the festive season

 

Through this offer, Cashfree Payments aims to give businesses a genuine launchpad ahead of the festive season. This period is when most small businesses do the bulk of their annual business, but it typically comes with its own cost pressures. Discounts and offers eat into margins just as sales peak, and payment gateway fees eat into that margin further. By removing its own fee from this window entirely, Cashfree is handing sellers back real margin and cash they can redirect into inventory, ads, or logistics instead.

 

Akash Sinha, Co-founder & CEO of Cashfree Payments, said, “An average SMB or D2C business makes 40% of their annual sales during the festive season. Getting the payments layer right during these weeks matters more than at any other point in the year. We’ve also seen that 90% of new sellers signing up ahead of the season record a GMV under ₹20 lakh during the entire period, which means this offer effectively covers their entire festive run. That’s significant breathing room for a business to put money into offers, inventory, or wherever it’s needed most. This is the kind of launchpad we want every SMB to have with us.”

 

Alongside the fee waiver, new merchants can go live on Cashfree within minutes of signing up, against the industry norm of multiple days. They also get next-day settlement, against the standard two-day cycle, improving cashflow to fund the next round of ads or restocking during peak sale days. Every merchant onboarding under the offer is assigned a dedicated account manager from the point of signup, so sellers get support during the critical sale period. Taken together, the offer combines zero-cost onboarding with the fastest go-live and settlement cycle available to SMBs in India today, making it the strongest festive-season offers in the industry.

 

Businesses looking to go live ahead of the festive season can sign up on Cashfree Payments at cashfree.com to claim the 0% fee offer before it ends on 31st March 2027.

 

About Cashfree Payments

Founded in 2015, Cashfree Payments is India’s largest payments platform, processing over USD 80 billion in transactions annually for more than a million businesses–from high-growth startups, ecommerce & D2C brands, SMBs, and enterprises.

 

Businesses use Cashfree Payments to collect payments across 180+ payment modes, provide seamless one-click checkout to their customers to improve conversions, and conduct cross-border payments across 176+ countries and 140+ currencies. Built for scale, Cashfree’s infrastructure handles an industry-leading 12,000 transactions per second, processing peak volumes without friction.

 

Alongside payments, Cashfree Payments offers Secure ID, an identity verification stack with a comprehensive suite of APIs and KYC components. Secure ID enables fintechs and startups to streamline compliant onboarding and KYC flows by minimising user inputs, thus reducing drop-offs, intelligently verifying identity documents, and detecting fraud and anomalies with high accuracy.

 

Cashfree Payments is India’s first AI-native payments platform, enabling AI agents to process invoices and conduct payments autonomously through its MCP server, and allowing businesses to embed payments natively within AI chatbots through Cashfree Here.

 

The company was one of the first fintech companies to hold all three RBI licenses of Payment Aggregator (PA), Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB), and Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI). Cashfree Payments is backed by Silicon Valley investor Y Combinator, Apis Partners, State Bank of India (SBI), KRAFTON, and was incubated by PayPal.

Parimatch Releases a New TV Commercial Featuring the Cricket Star David Warner

Parimatch, has just released a new promotional video featuring the cricket star and the brand’s Ambassador, David Warner. The video symbolises the beginning of a new era for Parimatch as a platform for all kinds of fan enjoyment – from dramatic and thrilling moments to pure sports cheering.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/36249_parimatch_image.png

Parimatch Releases New TV Commercial Featuring David Warner


The video features the legendary cricketer in a series of surprising and humorous situations inspired by the moments that have made him a fan favourite. Warner breaks into a Bollywood-style dance, a nod to his viral TikTok videos inspired by Indian culture, rides a mechanical bull in a playful reference to his fan-given nickname, and delivers his signature cricket shot. The real fun, however, begins on Parimatch, where the brand’s new philosophy comes to life: “We entertain. You win.”


According to the Parimatch Press Office, David was the natural choice to lead the campaign. Charismatic, authentic, and fully dedicated to his craft, he perfectly embodies the brand’s evolved positioning.


David’s openness to new experiences, combined with his genuine passion for the game, perfectly reflects the values that lie at the heart of Parimatch’s brand. Alongside the innovative gaming approach, we offer our users endless opportunities for fun, thrilling wins, and lasting enjoyment,” said the Parimatch Press Office.


The new video marks another milestone in the long-lasting and fruitful partnership between Parimatch and David Warner, united by a shared commitment to promoting sportsmanship and responsible gaming among millions of cricket fans worldwide.


Watch the new campaign video on Parimatch’s YouTube channel.

Shiksha Finance Raises INR 43 Million Through PTC Deal with DMI Housing Finance

Chennai-based Shiksha Financial Services India Private Limited (“Shiksha Finance” or “Shiksha”) announced the conclusion of a securitisation transaction with DMI Housing Finance Private Limited, a National Housing Bank (NHB)-registered housing finance company committed to expanding access to affordable housing finance, particularly for lower-income and economically weaker sections. With a presence across 9 states and a network of 67 operational branches, DMI Housing Finance participated in the transaction as the investor. The transaction marks Shiksha’s first debt fundraising from a housing finance company.


The transaction involved the issuance of pass-through certificates (PTCs) by “Micro-LAP Empower June 2026”, a special purpose vehicle trust set up exclusively for the transaction. The Series A1 PTCs of INR 43.4 million were fully subscribed to by DMI Housing Finance. The PTCs are backed by a pool of mortgage-backed loan receivables from 148 loan contracts originated by Shiksha Finance.

 

The Series A1 PTCs have been assigned a provisional rating of ICRA A- (SO), with the credit enhancement in the structure being in the form of (i) a CC (Cash collateral) of 11.00% of the initial pool principal provided by Shiksha Finance, (ii) subordination of 10.00% of the initial pool principal for Series A1 PTC, and iii) the EIS of 41.80% of the initial pool principal for Series A1 PTC.

 

The PTC transaction with DMI Housing Finance is the third in a series of similar transactions concluded by Shiksha Finance. With this transaction, Shiksha has cumulatively raised over INR 200 million through the securitisation route. The rating of PTCs from the previous two transactions has been maintained at A- (SO) by ICRA after their annual review.

 

The transaction with DMI Housing Finance is an important one for us at Shiksha, as this adds a new investor and a new class of investors to our list of supporters and stakeholders,” said Mr V L Ramakrishnan, CEO of Shiksha Finance. “We see PTCs and direct assignments as significant avenues for debt fundraise and treasury management in the future.”

 

About Shiksha Finance

Shiksha Finance provides secured (mortgage-backed) loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and to informal sector workers. As of June 2026, Shiksha operates in two southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh with 19 branches with total outstanding portfolio of INR 742.1 million under the micro-LAP product. Shiksha believes that the micro-loan against property (micro-LAP) product enables access to finance for MSMEs by unlocking the value of their residential property. Shiksha has funded nearly 2500 underbanked entrepreneurs and informal workers since launching the product. By providing micro-loan against property (micro-LAP) loans to eligible borrowers, Shiksha Finance enables borrowers to increase their income, driving higher business accruals and structurally enhancing their credit profiles.

ET Money Expands its Long-term Investing Offerings with Global Investing

ET Money, India’s long-term investment app and part of the 360 ONE WAM group, today announced the launch of Global Investing. This addition further expands the long-term investment solutions available on the platform.

 

Invest in the world’s biggest and most innovative companies with one tap on ET Money

 

The new offering gives Indian investors multiple ways to invest across global markets—from individual US Stocks and International ETFs to Global Mutual Funds and Managed Portfolios. The global investing infrastructure is powered by Vested Finance.

 

Indian investors today are increasingly focused on building well-diversified, long-term portfolios. Having embraced diversification across asset classes, they are now taking the next logical step—looking beyond India to diversify across markets, access global businesses and build more resilient portfolios.

 

However, investors looking to diversify globally have continued to face uncertainty. Fresh investments into international mutual funds by Indian AMCs have been subject to RBI’s overseas investment limits, with subscriptions opening and closing over time as industry limits were approached.

The alternative meant starting a separate investing journey—using another app and tracking international investments separately—making global investing feel disconnected from the rest of an investor’s long-term portfolio.

 

ET Money’s offering removes these barriers by making global investing a seamless part of the app experience. Investors can now access global markets alongside Mutual Funds, FDs, Bonds, NPS and other long-term investments—all in one place.

 

Investors can:

  • Invest directly in individual US Stocks

  • Diversify across countries, sectors and investment themes through International ETFs

  • Start SIPs or invest lumpsum in Global Mutual Funds managed by some of the world’s leading asset managers

  • Choose professionally managed global portfolios for a guided investing experience

 

Commenting on the launch, Mukesh Kalra, Founder & CEO, ET Money, said, “Indian investors have evolved significantly over the last few years. The conversation has shifted from simply choosing investments to building well-diversified long-term portfolios. Increasingly, that also means looking beyond India.

 

With Global Investing, we’re expanding our long-term investing offering to make that next step simpler. Whether an investor wants to own individual global companies, diversify through ETFs, invest with leading global fund managers or choose professionally managed portfolios, they can now do it within the same investing experience they already trust for their long-term wealth.”

 

Commenting on the partnership, Viram Shah, Co-Founder & CEO, Vested Finance, said, “Global investing in India is moving from a niche to a default part of how people build long-term wealth, and distribution is what makes that shift real. ET Money has one of the largest and most engaged mutual fund audiences in the country – a natural home for global investing. Their users can now add US stocks, managed portfolios and, most naturally, Global Funds (UCITS structures) run by the world’s leading asset managers, all in one place. For an audience that already invests in funds, that’s the most familiar way to go global.”

To celebrate the launch, ET Money has also introduced a limited-period Go Global Offer, under which investors can invest globally with Rs 0 brokerage until 15 August 2026.

 

About ET Money

ET Money, a 360 ONE WAM group company, is India’s leading full-stack wealth platform, helping Indians invest with clarity and confidence.


It brings the most important, retail-friendly investment products together in one place. From mutual funds and stock portfolios to fixed deposits, bonds, insurance and pension solutions, ET Money curates investment-worthy choices and makes them accessible through seamless, paperless digital journeys.


The platform leverages technology and thoughtful design to enhance decision-making with research-driven insights, personalised recommendations and active portfolio supervision. Its suite of investment intelligence includes the ET Money Fund Report Card, Fund Verdicts, Portfolio Health Check and Multi-Asset Allocation Strategies.


ET Money envisions a future where every Indian investor gets unmatched support across every stage of their wealth-building journey — enabling disciplined, long-term investing with exceptional ease, clarity, and confidence.

Environmental CSR in India: Rs. 17,000 Crore Deployed Over A Decade, But Climate-Vulnerable Regions Remain Underfunded

Environmental CSR in India has grown steadily over the past decade, with Corporate India investing Rs. 17,377 crore across environmental sustainability, conservation of natural resources and agroforestry initiatives. However, a new report by Sattva Consulting, powered by India Data Insights (IDI), finds that while environmental CSR has expanded, funding remains concentrated among a relatively small group of companies and is not always aligned with the geographies and sectors facing the country’s greatest environmental challenges.

 

The report, A Decade of Green Spending: What Rs. 17,000 Crores of Environmental CSR Reveals About Corporate India, lands at a moment when India, ranked the 9th most climate-vulnerable nation in the Climate Risk Index 2026, is under growing pressure to align corporate giving with climate resilience goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and its 2070 Net Zero commitment.

 

Environmental CSR spending fell to a post-pandemic low of 4.4% of total CSR outlay in FY2020-21, as companies redirected funds towards health and relief efforts. It has since recovered, stabilising at 8.4% of total CSR spend in FY2023-24, still well behind enduring priorities such as education and health. The report notes that with an estimated $2.5 trillion needed to meet India’s Nationally Determined Contributions by 2030, and $10 trillion required to build a climate-resilient economy by 2047, CSR capital has a distinct role to play in bridging gaps where public systems face capacity or resource constraints.

 

While environmental CSR is growing, corporate philanthropy is not yet fully aligned with India’s highest climate risks, especially sectors with the greatest environmental footprint.

 

A Concentrated Funding Base

Just one out of five companies that report CSR spending direct any of it towards the environment. Less than a fifth of smallest CSR spenders allocate funds towards climate action. In contrast, nearly all of the companies with CSR budgets over Rs. 50 crore reserve a portion of their outlay for environment-related projects.

 

European-headquartered MNCs operating in India show markedly higher participation (about two-thirds) than Indian companies (54%), a gap the report links to the influence of stringent European regulatory frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

 

Growth Without Scale

The growth in environmental CSR is being driven almost entirely by a rising number of small and mid-sized projects rather than larger, systemic investments.

 

The number of environmental CSR projects grew 20% over the past three years, while aggregate spending grew only 6% in the same period, leaving the average project size flat at Rs. 45 lakh. Only 29 projects in FY2024 carried budgets of Rs. 10 crore or more, barely up from 22 such projects in FY2020-21.

 

Divergence In Environmental Footprint And Funding

The report finds a marked disconnect between industries’ environmental footprint and their environmental CSR behaviour. Sectors with some of the largest environmental footprints, including Energy, Mining, and Oil, Gas, Coal & Petroleum, show relatively low participation in environmental CSR. Even where companies in these sectors do undertake environmental initiatives, they allocate only 5-7% of their CSR budgets towards environmental causes, well below several consumer-facing industries. By contrast, consumer-facing sectors such as FMCG, Food and Beverages, and Automotive, despite a comparatively lighter environmental footprint, allocate over 10% of CSR spend to environmental causes, a pattern the report attributes to brand positioning and consumer-facing ESG commitments rather than direct impact alignment.

 

Climate-Vulnerable Districts Underfunded

 The report’s starkest finding concerns geography. Nearly 45% of environmental CSR funding is directed to pan-India or multi-state programmes, and a further 22% flows to Tier-1 cities, leaving just over a third of funding for more localised, place-based interventions.

 

States including Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, all classified as highly climate-vulnerable, receive less than Rs. 25 per capita in environmental CSR. The pattern sharpens at the district level: among India’s 50 most climate-vulnerable districts, 30 of them received only 1% (Rs. 106 crore) of total environmental CSR spending over the past three years, with a handful of districts in Assam alone accounting for 60% of what little vulnerable-region funding exists.

 

Traditional Themes Dominate

Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions.

 

The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport and climate.

 

Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions.

 

The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport, climate governance and carbon MRV, and circular economy alongside nearly Rs. 500 crore embedded within Health, Livelihoods, and Education CSR programmes that integrate water, clean energy, and climate-resilience programmes.

 

What This Means For Corporate India

“India’s climate ambitions will require every form of capital to work more strategically. As climate risks increasingly affect business operations, supply chains and communities, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from project-based philanthropy into catalytic capital, supporting climate-vulnerable regions, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and complementing broader sustainability and ESG efforts,” said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, Co-founder and CEO, Sattva Consulting.

 

Looking Ahead

The report’s authors argue that as ESG disclosure norms tighten and climate risk becomes more immediate for business operations, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from a fragmented, theme-led funding mechanism into a more targeted, catalytic lever for climate resilience. It should align more closely with industry’s environmental footprint, channel funding towards India’s most climate-vulnerable geographies, and complement existing project-led giving with longer-horizon, systemic interventions in areas such as air quality, circular economy, and climate governance. Realising this shift, the report notes, will require coordinated, collective action across corporates, philanthropy, and ecosystem actors, rather than standalone funding approaches.

 

The report is based on an analysis of CSR disclosures filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for FY2014-15 to FY2023-24, covering ₹17,377 crore in spending across Environmental Sustainability, Conservation of Natural Resources, and Agroforestry.

 

The full report is available at www.sattva.co.in/quick-read/environmental-csr-in-india-lessons-from-%e2%82%b917000-crore-of-investments/.
 

About Sattva Consulting

Sattva Consulting is a global impact consulting firm from India. Since 2009, we have engaged with communities, business, and government to achieve societal impact at scale. We believe that Civil society, Business, and Government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our advisory and orchestration services, knowledge and data platforms—built as public goods for the ecosystem, and collaborative solutions and partnerships.

To know more, visit sattva.co.in.
 

About India Data Insights

India Data Insights (IDI), an initiative by Sattva Consulting, aims to empower India’s development sector with actionable, ready-to-use data insights to enable sharper decisions and maximise impact. Built as a public good, IDI consolidates public data across SDG practice areas on one, unified platform, offering insightful visualisations, interactives, blogs and ready-to-use-charts and dashboards.

To know more, visit indiadatainsights.com.