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Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Inaugurates Indoor Sports Complex in Tiruchuli

  • The sports complex has been developed in response to an identified need highlighted by the District Rural Development Agency

  • State-of-the-art sports facility will encourage youth and boost community fitness

  • The project aims to benefit more than 500 students annually

 

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the newly constructed Indoor Sports Complex at the Government Arts & Science College, Tiruchuli on 18 July. Developed under SBI Foundation’s sports programme, the facility will provide students and local youth with modern multi-sport and fitness infrastructure to promote healthy lifestyles and nurture grassroots talent.

 

Hon’ble FM Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Indoor Sports Complex at Govt. Arts & Science College, Tiruchuli, under SBI Foundation’s sports programme with SSRDPT

 

The Indoor Sports Complex has been developed in response to an identified need for quality sports infrastructure at the Government Arts & Science College, Tiruchuli, as highlighted by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Virudhunagar. The facility comprises a multipurpose indoor hall with turf adaptable for a range of sports, including basketball, volleyball and badminton. There are also a fully equipped gymnasium and a dedicated board games room. Designed for inclusivity and accessibility, the complex is intended to serve both college students and nearby community members through scheduled open-access hours and outreach activities.

 

“This is an important milestone for State Bank of India and SBI Foundation as this state-of-the-art sports facility is dedicated to the youth of Tiruchuli. We are truly honoured by the gracious presence of Hon’ble Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, which adds great significance to this memorable occasion,” said G.S. Rana, DMD (HR) & CDO, SBI.

 

The project aims to directly benefit more than 500 college students annually and to reach over 1,000 youth from surrounding villages each year through community engagement and open-access programming. By creating long-term and sustainable infrastructure, the initiative seeks to increase regular participation in sports and fitness, developing holistic life skills, and create pathways for talented individuals to pursue competitive sports and related opportunities.

 

“SBI Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone whose support has brought this Indoor Sports Complex to life. This facility is designed to encourage youth participation, nurture grassroots talent, and strengthen the health, confidence and leadership potential of students, youth and athletes from nearby villages. We are glad to partner with the Government of India and local stakeholders on this initiative, which aims to help promising young athletes to develop the skills and exposure needed to compete on national and international stages.” said Swapan Dhar, Managing Director, SBI Foundation.

 

The project is being implemented in partnership with Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDPT). The facility is already functioning, with students using the spaces for physical training, recreational activities and organised coaching sessions.

 

Through its wider sports programme, SBI Foundation is working with both para and able-bodied athletes to help them prepare for national and international events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, as well as major national competitions such as the Khelo India Games. In the same spirit, the Indoor Sports Complex at Tiruchuli is expected to strengthen grassroots sports in the region by enabling students and young athletes from nearby villages to access quality training infrastructure and pursue sporting aspirations in a more structured manner.

 

To date, SBI Foundation has supported over 300 athletes, who have collectively won more than 650 medals at national and international levels, including the Paralympic Games and Para Asian Games. Notably, over 40% of these medals have been won by para-athletes.

 

About SBI Foundation

SBI Foundation is the CSR arm of the State Bank Group. True to the Bank’s tradition of ‘Service Beyond Banking’, the Foundation engages with communities in various focus areas, including rural development, healthcare, empowerment of PwDs, sports, education, sustainability and environment, livelihood and skill development, and more. Operating across 28 states and 8 union territories in India, the Foundation undertakes initiatives to provide resources to vulnerable sections of society through strategic partnerships with impactful entities in the social sector. The Foundation believes in reflecting the ethos of the State Bank Group in running interventions that are ethical, promote growth and equality, and improve the socio-economic well-being of the society. www.sbifoundation.in.

Swetta Jumaani's 2026 Numerology Prediction Comes Alive at the FIFA World Cup

2026 is a Number 1 year, ruled by the Sun. At the beginning of the year, I had predicted that the energies of the Sun would dominate global events. I specifically mentioned that the colours of the Sun—yellow, orange and gold—would prosper, and that countries carrying strong Sun symbolism, particularly the lion, would find themselves in positions of prominence and success. 

 

When numbers speak, the future listens – Swetta Jumaani

 

The lion holds special significance because it is associated with Leo, the zodiac sign ruled by the Sun. Leo embodies leadership, authority, recognition, growth, courage and power—all qualities amplified during a Number 1 year.

 

Link to the video – www.instagram.com/reel/Da0MoVoqJfn/?igsh=MTY1djV1Y3lram9oZg==

 

This was a theme I revisited in my July predictions and had also highlighted earlier when RCB lifted the trophy, where the symbolism of the lion and the energy of the Sun were clearly visible.

 

What makes this particularly interesting is how it is unfolding at the FIFA World Cup. Out of 48 participating teams, only 8 carried strong Sun or lion symbolism within their flags, crests or national emblems. Yet, 3 of those 8 teams (Spain, England , Argentina) have successfully reached the semi-finals.

 

Spain has already secured its place in the final after defeating France, further strengthening the observation that Sun energy is outperforming and rising to the top in this Number 1 year. Numerology is not merely about numbers; it is about patterns, timing and recurring energies. The FIFA semi-finals provide another fascinating example of how the symbolism of the Sun, leadership, visibility and victory continues to manifest throughout 2026.

 

Ps. The Sun may be winning. The lion may be roaring. But the real victory belongs to Numerology, whose predictions continue to play out on the world stage.

 

For booking an appointment contact the below numbers via call or WhatsApp :- 9822354526 9834885132 7028655513 9503193210 — Swetta Jumaani Astro-Numerologist

 

Swetta Jumaani is an internationally renowned astro-numerologist with over 20 years of experience in numerology, astrology, and name correction. A member of the esteemed Jumaani family, she is known for her insightful predictions, guidance on personal and professional growth, and expertise in aligning individuals and businesses with the power of numbers. Her work spans relationships, careers, business, and global trends, making her a trusted voice in the field of occult science.

HPCL Ranked Among India's Top 20 Most Valuable Brands in Brand Finance India 100 2026

  • HPCL recognised among India’s Top 20 Most Valuable Brands in the latest Brand Finance India 100 rankings.

  • Continues its consistent presence among India’s leading brands, reflecting sustained customer trust and brand strength.

  • Strong nationwide presence across fuel retail, LPG distribution, refining, and digital customer services.
     

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has been ranked among India’s Top 20 Most Valuable Brands in the Brand Finance India 100 Rankings 2026, reaffirming the Company’s strong brand equity and leadership in the country’s energy sector.
 

Compiled by Brand Finance, one of the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancies, the annual rankings evaluate brands using the internationally recognised Royalty Relief methodology. The assessment measures brand value by considering financial performance, brand strength, and consumer perception, making it one of the most credible global benchmarks for brand valuation.
 

HPCL’s inclusion among India’s Top 20 Most Valuable Brands reflects the Company’s sustained focus on operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and delivering reliable energy solutions. The Company had also featured among the Top 20 Most Valuable Brands in the 2025 rankings, demonstrating the consistency and resilience of its brand.
 

As India accelerates its energy transition, HPCL continues to strengthen its portfolio through investments in cleaner energy, digital transformation, and technology-driven solutions. Backed by decades of customer trust and a commitment to sustainable growth, the Company remains focused on creating long-term value while supporting the nation’s evolving energy needs.

 

About HPCL

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), incorporated on July 15, 1974, is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and one of India’s leading integrated refining and marketing companies. With interests spanning refining, marketing, distribution, research and development, and renewable energy, HPCL is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Through innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity, HPCL continues to play a key role in strengthening India’s energy security and supporting the nation’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Celebrates 77 Years of Fragrance Excellence with Innovative Festive Launches

Celebrating 77 years of fragrance excellence, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s No.1 agarbathi manufacturer and one of the world’s largest incense brands, today unveiled its latest festive range of Bamboo-less Solid Dhoop and Medini Judwaa Premium Cup Sambrani. Manufacturing over 12 billion incense sticks annually and reaching consumers in more than 75 countries, the company continues to blend tradition with innovation, offering products that reflect evolving consumer preferences while staying rooted in India’s rich spiritual heritage.

 

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Unveils New Festive Fragrance Range Ahead of the 2026 Festive Season

 

Founded in 1948 by visionary entrepreneur Shri N. Ranga Rao, Cycle Pure Agarbathi has grown from a traditional incense manufacturer into a globally trusted brand. Over the decades, the company has strengthened its leadership through consistent product innovation, responsible manufacturing, modern technology, and an unwavering focus on quality, while remaining deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality.

 

As a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, Cycle Pure is proud to be the world’s first carbon-neutral agarbathi manufacturer, a milestone it has consistently maintained through investments in renewable energy, afforestation initiatives and responsible manufacturing practices. Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company has also achieved Plastic Neutral status by offsetting the equivalent amount of plastic it uses through certified plastic waste recovery and recycling initiatives.

 

Bamboo-less Solid Dhoop – 3 variants Dasara, Yagna and Woods each fragrance has been thoughtfully crafted to evoke a distinct sensory experience.

 

Inspired by the grandeur of the world-renowned Mysuru Dasara celebrations, Dasara combines the warmth of sandalwood with a rich masala blend to recreate an atmosphere of celebration, elegance and timeless tradition.

 

Yagna, one of Cycle’s oldest and most revered formulations, traces its origins to the late 1940s. Inspired by the sacred Vedic ritual of offering natural ingredients to the holy fire while chanting mantras, it creates a divine fragrance that enriches prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection.

 

Drawing inspiration from the serenity of nature, Woods captures the feeling of an early morning walk through a lush forest. Blending sandalwood, amber, Ailanthus Malabarica and natural oils, it offers a deep, woody fragrance that promotes calm, balance and rejuvenation.

 

In Indian tradition, Medini is revered as the Earth Goddess, symbolizing stability, abundance, and harmony. Inspired by this nurturing essence, Medini Judwa Cup Sambrani is crafted to create a deeply calming and sacred atmosphere for your prayers and rituals. The special pack contains two soothing fragrances – Rose and Jasmine, each chosen for its ability to enhance the spiritual ambience of your home.

 

Speaking at the media interaction, Mr. Amarnath Datta, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, said, “For over 77 years, our journey has been guided by one simple philosophy to honour tradition while continuously evolving with changing consumer needs. Our success has been built on trust, consistent quality and innovation. While our roots remain firmly embedded in Indian culture and spirituality, we have embraced modern technology, research-led product development and sustainable manufacturing practices to remain relevant across generations. Today, consumers can access our products through traditional retail, modern trade, e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, ensuring we remain available wherever they choose to shop.

 

He further added, “Innovation also means taking responsibility towards the environment. As the world’s first carbon-neutral agarbathi manufacturer, and now a Plastic Neutral company, sustainability is embedded into the way we design, manufacture and deliver our products. Equally important is our commitment to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women, reinforcing our belief that business growth must go hand in hand with social progress.

 

The company noted that consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards premium pooja products, authentic fragrances and environmentally conscious choices. These changing preferences have inspired the development of the new festive range, which combines traditional fragrance experiences with modern innovation.

 

Mr. Dwaipayan Das, Associate Vice-President, Marketing, said, “The festive season is a time of deep emotional and spiritual connection for Indian families. Consumers today are seeking products that combine authenticity, quality and sustainability. Our latest launches reflect these evolving expectations while preserving the rituals and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Bihar continues to be an important market for us, and we are witnessing growing demand for premium fragrance offerings during the festive season.”

 

The company also highlighted that its recent acquisition of Satvik aligns with its long-term vision of strengthening its presence in the pooja and spiritual products category. By bringing together complementary strengths, the company aims to offer consumers a broader portfolio of trusted products while continuing to invest in innovation, sustainability and consumer-centric growth.

 

As India prepares for the festive season, Cycle Pure Agarbathi remains focused on expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its market presence across channels, and delivering meaningful fragrance experiences that bring together heritage, innovation and responsible growth.

 

About NR Group

Founded in 1948 by visionary entrepreneur Shri N. Ranga Rao in Mysuru, NR Group is the maker of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s No.1 agarbathi brand and one of the world’s largest incense manufacturers. Over the past 77 years, the Group has diversified into home fragrances through IRIS, functional air care products under Lia, floral extracts through NESSO, and aerospace engineering through Rangsons. Guided by its philosophy of innovation with responsibility, NR Group continues to blend heritage, sustainability and community development while serving consumers across India and more than 75 countries.

Gold Loan Calculator Guide: Understanding RBI's New Gold Loan LTV Rules

Consider a small business owner requiring immediate working capital to fulfill a massive festive order, or a household facing an abrupt medical expense. In India, physical gold has historically served as a primary liquidity bridge during such critical moments. However, for decades, borrowers were constrained by a rigid regulatory ceiling that limited exactly how much cash their assets could unlock.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/36202_mF_image.jpg

Understand RBI’s New Gold Loan LTV Rules


From April 1, 2026, revised RBI norms introduced a tier-based Loan-to-Value (LTV) structure for lending against gold collateral. Earlier, lenders largely operated under a uniform 75% ceiling across loan categories. The updated framework now links the permissible LTV ratio to the sanctioned loan amount, allowing smaller-ticket borrowers to access comparatively higher funding while retaining broader regulatory safeguards within the lending system. For everyday financial decision-makers, understanding these new tiers is the very first step toward optimizing asset leverage. 


Decoding the 2026 Tiered LTV Framework
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio determines the maximum percentage of an asset’s market value that a lender can issue as a principal amount. The 2026 regulatory overhaul recognized that small-ticket borrowers require maximum liquidity without the burden of heavy documentation. 


Here is how the new regulatory structure classifies a standard gold loan:

 

Loan Amount Bracket

Maximum Allowable LTV

Strategic Use Case

Up to INR 2.5 Lakh

85%

Immediate micro-liquidity, agricultural needs, emergency medical bills

INR 2.5 Lakh to INR5 Lakh

80%

Small business inventory funding, moderate personal expenses

Above INR 5 Lakh

75%

Large-ticket business capital expansions, debt consolidation


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the previous regime, a borrower pledging an asset base could access a maximum of 75% of its value across the board. Today, a retail borrower needing exactly INR 200,000 can secure it with significantly less collateral, thanks to the new 85% slab. Furthermore, the revised framework eased credit appraisal requirements for eligible loans below INR 2.5 lakh, reducing documentation requirements for many borrowers. 


The Math Behind the Disbursement
To accurately project cash disbursements, one must look beyond simple gross weight. The true metric relies on the net weight of the metal—explicitly excluding stones, enamel, wax, and heavy fastening threads—benchmarked against a standard 22-carat purity level.


When prospective borrowers utilize a reliable gold loan calculator, the algorithm factors in this precise net weight alongside the gold rate today to output a legally compliant, eligible limit. It is crucial to note that lenders do not use live, intraday spot prices. Instead, the gold rate today utilized for underwriting is calculated based on the lower of the previous day’s closing price or a 30-day average. This standardized valuation methodology prevents sudden, short-term market volatility from falsely inflating, or unfairly deflating, a borrower’s credit limit.


Why Institutional Reliability Matters
Getting approval for that top-tier 85% LTV might sound excellent in theory, but high percentages only benefit the borrower if the underlying asset valuation is honest and transparent. Navigating these updated regulatory waters requires an entity with a robust, highly compliant infrastructure.


Approaching a legacy financial institution like Muthoot Finance ensures that these strict RBI appraisal mandates are executed seamlessly. Furthermore, institutions like Muthoot Finance act as a highly reliable partner for borrowers because they possess the internal capacity and digital infrastructure to process the new under-INR 2.5 lakh, zero-income-proof applications rapidly. This efficiency turns the promise of emergency liquidity into an immediate reality, free from arbitrary delays. 


Crucial Safeguards for the Smart Borrower
Secured credit requires a strategic mindset. The revised regulations increase access to secured funding, while also introducing stricter operational requirements and monitoring standards for lenders. As a result, understanding a few important borrowing conditions before completing the loan process becomes equally important: 

 

  • Mind the Buffer: An 85% LTV leaves a substantially narrower margin for error for the lender. If a borrower opts for a lump-sum bullet repayment structure and fails to track the accrued gold loan interest rate, the total outstanding balance can quickly breach the asset’s total value, risking a swift margin call or auction notice. 

  • Evaluate Repayment Structures: The 2026 framework strictly caps consumption loans featuring bullet repayments at a 12-month tenure. If you anticipate requiring more than a year to clear the principal, opt for structured EMI-based payments. EMI plans are not bound by the same rigid 12-month restriction, making it easier to manage the ongoing gold loan interest rate without facing a sudden cash crunch. 

  • The 7-Day Return: Empower yourself with the knowledge of collateral return timelines. The RBI now strictly mandates that lenders must return pledged items within exactly 7 working days of final account closure. Any institutional delay triggers a INR 5,000 daily penalty payable directly to the borrower. The revised framework also outlines timelines for collateral return after loan closure, along with compensation provisions in cases of undue delays. 

  • Demand the Key Fact Statement (KFS): Never sign an agreement without reviewing the KFS. This standardized document strips away marketing jargon and explicitly lists the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), processing fees, and exact valuation charges.

 

Take Confident Action
The April 2026 regulatory updates have effectively democratized secured lending, granting smaller borrowers unprecedented access to capital on fairer terms. By standardizing valuations and increasing the LTV for small-ticket requirements, the central bank has made asset-backed financing safer, faster, and far more lucrative for the everyday individual.


Short-term funding gaps can often be managed more efficiently through properly structured secured lending. Evaluate your immediate financial requirements, utilize a trusted gold loan calculator to run your specific numbers in private, and consult with a regulated lender to lock in your funds while macroeconomic conditions remain favorable. Plan your next financial move confidently and ensure your assets are actively working to support your future.

India's First Listed IVF Company, Gaudium IVF, Unveils AI Powered Signature Labs, Kicking Off Planned 19 Centre Expansion

Gaudium IVF and Women Health Limited, India’s first publicly listed IVF chain, today kicked off its first milestone in the Company’s planned 19-centre expansion, as outlined in the growth roadmap shared with investors during its IPO. The launch reinforces the Company’s commitment to making high quality, technology driven fertility care more accessible to aspiring parents through a standardised clinical and laboratory model that combines AI powered innovation with the highest standards of clinical excellence, patient safety and ethical care.

 

India’s first listed IVF chain, Gaudium IVF, unveils its AI-powered Signature Lab, kicking off its planned 19-centre expansion

 

Strategically located in South Delhi, the new centre offers comprehensive fertility care under one roof, combining experienced fertility specialists, advanced reproductive medicine and Gaudium IVF’s standardised clinical protocols. At the heart of the new centre is the Gaudium Signature Lab, the Company’s proprietary laboratory framework that integrates advanced embryology, AI-powered technologies and internationally benchmarked quality standards to create an optimal environment for embryo development. As Gaudium IVF expands its network, the Signature Lab model will be replicated across every new centre, ensuring patients experience the same high standards of precision, safety and clinical excellence, irrespective of location.

 

The centre also brings together Gaudium IVF’s AI-powered embryology ecosystem, including SiD (Sperm Identification Device) for advanced sperm assessment and ERICA (Embryo Ranking Intelligent Classification Assistant) for embryo evaluation. By complementing the expertise of embryologists with data-driven insights, these technologies enhance precision, consistency and confidence throughout the IVF journey.

 

Built on a 17-year legacy of innovation and patient-centric care, Gaudium IVF has established itself as one of India’s trusted fertility care providers. Its commitment to laboratory excellence has been recognised internationally with the European Quality Award from ESQR, Spain, reinforcing the high standards that underpin the Company’s clinical outcomes, including in complex infertility and recurrent IVF failure cases.

 

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Manika Khanna, Chairperson and Managing Director, Gaudium IVF, said, “Fertility care is one of the most specialised fields of medicine, where science, clinical expertise and ethical practices come together to help couples realise their dream of parenthood. At Gaudium IVF, we believe every patient deserves care that is not only clinically advanced but also transparent, compassionate and centred around their individual needs.

 

The launch of our South Extension centre reflects our commitment to making world-class fertility care more accessible without compromising on the standards that have guided us for the past 17 years. As we expand our network, our focus remains on building centres that combine scientific excellence, AI-powered innovation and globally benchmarked laboratory standards with a patient-first approach. The Gaudium Signature Lab reflects this philosophy by bringing together qualified embryologists, technologically advanced laboratory, ethical practices and evidence-based care to support informed clinical decisions and provide patients with the highest standards of fertility care. These principles will continue to guide every step of our growth journey.”

 

The launch comes at a time when demand for specialised fertility care continues to grow across India, driven by delayed parenthood, changing lifestyles and increasing awareness of assisted reproductive technologies. Through its planned network expansion, Gaudium IVF aims to replicate its Signature Lab model across new centres, combining advanced reproductive medicine, AI-powered embryology and standardised clinical protocols to deliver consistent, high-quality fertility care at scale and reinforce its leadership in India’s rapidly evolving fertility care sector.

 

About Gaudium IVF and Women Health Limited

Founded in 2009, Gaudium IVF and Women Health Limited is a leading fertility care provider with a PAN India presence and a growing global reach. Recently becoming India’s first publicly listed IVF chain, the organisation has consistently pushed the boundaries of reproductive healthcare innovation in the country. With the introduction of AI-led embryology, Gaudium IVF continues to redefine the future of fertility treatment, reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer. Under the leadership of Manika Khanna, the organisation is known for its patient-centric approach, advanced clinical excellence, and continuous focus on innovation in reproductive medicine.

Nikhil Kamath Tells Brian Armstrong That Crypto Became the Thing It Was Built to Escape on the Latest Episode of People by WTF

Nikhil Kamath opens the latest episode by disqualifying himself, and it turns out to be the most useful thing he does. He has never bought any crypto, not once, and says he expects to leave the conversation exactly as he entered it. Then he asks Brian Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, to stop being a founder for two hours and become a college professor. Armstrong obliges. What Kamath does with the lesson becomes the story.

 

Brian Armstrong in podcast chat with Nikhil Kamath

 

His central provocation arrives without warning and Armstrong never quite resolves it. Bitcoin began as a protest, Kamath argues: against governments printing without consent, against intermediaries, against permission itself. Look at it now. Stablecoins backed by US Treasuries. KYC at every turn. Regulatory clarity negotiated in Washington. Five years ago crypto meant something democratic and open. Today, he says, the first image that comes to mind is Donald Trump. Somewhere along the way the movement became the establishment. He says to Armstrong: it is strange to watch an engineer become a lobbyist. Armstrong doesn’t accept the premise, crypto is inherently apolitical, he argues, and his hope is a framework that outlasts whoever holds office. Kamath lets the disagreement stand.

 

Armstrong’s provocation runs the other way, and it is the one India will hear. Asked what a 25-year-old could build under the country’s crypto tax regime, he offers no product idea and no workaround. He calls it one of the most punitive regimes anywhere Coinbase operates: the barrier is policy, not technology, and no entrepreneur solves a tax rate with a better product. His advice is political, Indian crypto users need to make themselves visible, because governments rarely respond to constituencies they cannot see.

 

Between those positions sits the argument that matters. Armstrong wants India to issue a digital rupee in stablecoin form with legislation behind it: dollar stablecoins succeed precisely where local digital fiat leaves a vacuum, and a country that built UPI might as well finish the job. Kamath’s answer is about sovereignty, made as a sceptic rather than a nationalist. A government running a tight fiscal system has little incentive to open an off-ramp into a dollar-backed instrument it neither issues nor controls. Look at what happened when the United States cut Russia out of SWIFT, he says, and ask why India would hand anyone that lever. They agree on remittances, roughly USD 150 billion a year by his reckoning, the largest flow in the world, still slow and still expensive. They agree on almost nothing else.

 

Kamath is sharpest when he stops arguing ideology and starts auditing arithmetic. If USDC is backed by short-term Treasuries yielding four percent, and Treasuries yield once, where does the second yield come from? If most of it flows back to customers, where is Coinbase’s spread? Is ten percent of four percent enough for the risk? Armstrong answers directly, ninety percent to the user, ten retained, balance-sheet risk with the issuer rather than the exchange. The questions matter more than the answers. It is a brokerage founder asking a crypto CEO to show his workings, and it earns him the provocations on either side of it.

 

On AI, it becomes clear Kamath has been making one argument all along. Armstrong worries AI concentrates wealth inside a few companies. Kamath worries it concentrates value inside another country, the harder problem, because it stops being about inequality and becomes about whether India is in the value chain at all. He remembers Microsoft and Linux: two things almost the same, and the years of being charged nothing that made it impossible to leave once the charging began. The last thing India needs, he says, is a generation of builders paying twenty dollars a month to an American company for the model their business runs on, held hostage the day the open-source alternative catches up. Armstrong broadly agrees, the open models run six months behind at a fraction of the inference cost, most workloads will end up there, and the valuations he is watching make him nervous.

 

What stays after the episode is how both men learned to deal with power. Armstrong assumed, as a young engineer, that following the law meant never having to think about government. It didn’t. He went to Washington anyway and could not tell for years whether it worked, until Coinbase sued its own regulator, against nearly everyone’s advice, and won. His rule: don’t do it unless the issue is existential and you are certain you are right. This was both, because capitulating would probably have ended the crypto industry in the United States. He talks about the USD 150,000 cheque from Paul Graham that gave him permission to quit his job. Kamath answers with Foundry, twenty-odd founders, half a million dollars each, a house to build in and a diagnosis of why India makes fewer of these people than it should. Not talent. A country that has not yet learned to find someone who tried and failed more impressive than someone who never tried.

 

Kamath leaves unconvinced that crypto has become what it set out to be, and the episode is stronger for not pretending otherwise. By the end, however, the conversation is no longer only about crypto. It is about digital money, AI infrastructure and financial sovereignty, all circling the same question: who owns the rails the future runs on? Kamath never answers it directly. Instead, he returns to an instinct that runs through the entire conversation: be wary of certainty. His closing analogy is about Bitcoin holders and Indian real estate developers alike, both convinced the asset can only go up, and convinced enough to argue every contrary view into submission. “Land can only go up,” they’ll tell you. “It’s finite in number.”

 

The episode is available now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

 

About People by WTF

People by WTF is a global podcast platform hosted by Nikhil Kamath, featuring in-depth conversations with leaders across business, policy, technology, culture and academia. The show explores long-term institutional, technological and economic questions shaping global society through candid, high-signal dialogue. Past guests include Elon Musk, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty, Martin Escobari and Ranbir Kapoor.

Galgotias University Students Bring Pride to India with Outstanding Achievements at Global Diplomacy Conference in Malaysia

Continuing their impressive streak of bringing laurels to India on global platforms, students of Galgotias University have earned international recognition at the Global Youth Diplomacy Model United Nations (GYDMUN), held in Malaysia.

 

   Galgotias University brings pride to India as Sahil Rana and Amaan Lone earn top honours at the GYDMUN in Malaysia

 

The prestigious international conference brought together delegates from more than 25 nationalities, creating a dynamic platform for young leaders to deliberate on pressing global issues. Participants engaged in discussions centred on diplomacy, international cooperation, the United Nations Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Sahil Rana, a BA (Hons.) Political Science student from the School of Liberal Education, Class of 2027, won the Best Delegate Award. Amaan Lone, a B.Tech. Data Science student from the School of Computer Science, Class of 2028, received the Most Outstanding Delegate Award.

 

Competing alongside delegates from diverse cultural, national and academic backgrounds, Sahil and Amaan demonstrated exceptional research abilities, confident presentation, persuasive public speaking, diplomatic negotiation and critical thinking under pressure.

 

Throughout the conference, they articulated their assigned countries’ positions with clarity, responded thoughtfully to challenging questions and presented compelling, evidence-based arguments grounded in the principles of the United Nations. Their ability to engage constructively with participants from different cultures reflected the true spirit of Model United Nations and the importance of collaborative approaches to global challenges.

 

Sharing his experience, Sahil Rana said, “Winning the Best Delegate Award among participants from more than 25 nationalities is an incredibly proud moment for me. The experience taught me that success in diplomacy depends on thorough preparation and understanding perspectives different from one’s own. I am grateful to Galgotias University for encouraging me to learn beyond the classroom and giving me the confidence to represent India on an international platform.

 

Reflecting on his achievement, Amaan Lone said, “Participating in GYDMUN was a transformative experience that challenged me to think critically, communicate with clarity and respond calmly under pressure. Receiving the Most Outstanding Delegate Award has strengthened my belief that students from every academic discipline can contribute meaningfully to conversations on global issues. I am thankful to the University and my mentors for their constant guidance and support.”

 

Dr Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer of Galgotias University, said, “Sahil and Amaan have made the University and the country proud through their exceptional performance on an international platform. Whether in diplomacy, technology or entrepreneurship, our students are proving that young Indians possess the knowledge, creativity and leadership needed to contribute meaningfully to the world. We remain committed to providing them with mentorship, resources and global opportunities that enable them to transform their potential into real-world impact.”

 

The honours earned in Malaysia add to a growing series of international achievements by Galgotias University students. At EDVentures 2026, hosted by The Education University of Hong Kong, student teams from the University represented India against 19 teams from 10 countries. Project TACTO secured the top spot for its inclusive, sensory-based coding education solution for visually impaired learners, while Tekurious Pvt. Ltd. was selected among the global finalists for its immersive virtual reality-based learning platform. Read about Galgotias University at EDVentures 2026.

 

The University also achieved remarkable success in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge 2026, with 18 students from its iOS Development Centre selected among only 350 winners worldwide. Their applications addressed challenges across accessibility, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Two students earned the distinction for the second consecutive year, demonstrating the consistency of the University’s innovation ecosystem. Read about the Apple Swift Student Challenge achievement.

 

Further strengthening its commitment to international academic exposure, Galgotias University selected and fully sponsored 16 students for a two-week Graduate Summer Programme at Girton College, University of Cambridge, under the memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. The immersive programme introduces students to frugal artificial intelligence, innovation and entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, global leadership communication, business modelling and executive storytelling. Culminating in a capstone venture pitch, the programme enables participants to learn from an internationally respected academic ecosystem, engage with multidisciplinary perspectives and develop solutions to contemporary global challenges. Read about the Cambridge Graduate Summer Programme.

 

Together, these accomplishments reflect Galgotias University’s expanding presence across international platforms in diplomacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and academic excellence. They also underscore the University’s commitment to learning beyond the classroom and to nurturing socially responsible, globally aware and future-ready leaders.

 

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.

SKA Group Launches SKA Atlantis in Siddharth Vihar, Expands Its Luxury Residential Portfolio

SKA Group, one of NCR’s leading luxury real estate developers, has announced the launch of SKA Atlantis, a luxury residential project in Siddharth Vihar, Ghaziabad. Spread over four acres, SKA Atlantis comprises three towers offering 3- and 4-BHK residences. The launch further strengthens the SKA Group’s presence in the NCR residential market, where it has built a reputation for delivering projects ahead of their respective RERA possession timelines.

 

SKA Group Launches SKA Atlantis in Siddharth Vihar, Expands Its Luxury Residential Portfolio

 

The launch comes at a time when the township is seeing stronger residential interest, supported by improving regional connectivity and a steady expansion of social infrastructure.

 

SKA Atlantis seeks to create a residential environment where open spaces remain central to everyday life. Zero vehicular movement is ensured, allowing landscaped greens, pedestrian areas and children’s play spaces at the surface level. The project offers around 119,000 sq. ft. dedicated to greenery and amenities.

 

These include an indoor all-weather swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, yoga studio, squash court, coworking space, guest rooms and activity zones for different age groups, including dedicated spaces for toddlers, teenagers and senior citizens. Dedicated spaces for children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens have been integrated into the overall master plan.

 

“Homebuyers today are placing greater importance on the quality of the overall living environment rather than the size of an apartment alone. SKA Atlantis has been designed around that growing expectation by combining generous open spaces with facilities that encourage community living across all age groups. A hallmark of this project is zero vehicular movement at the surface level. Located in Siddharth Vihar, the region has rapidly gained in prominence in the last few years, supported by improving infrastructure and seamless connectivity. As with all our projects, we remain committed to our T3 principles of Transparency, Timely Delivery and Technology and offering everything we have committed to our customers,” said Sanjay Sharma, Managing Director, SKA Group.

 

SKA has already completed the acquisition of the project land from the UP Awas Vikas Parishad. The development is expected to be completed over the next five years, with possession targeted for 2031. The project comprises three towers, Atlas with 37 floors, and Eden-Aqua and Coral-Bliss with 34 floors each. It offers residences in configurations of 1,549 sq. ft. (3 BHK + 3 T), 1,792 sq. ft. (3 BHK + 3T), 2,080 sq. ft. (3 BHK + 3T), 2,295 sq. ft (4 BHK + 3T). and 2,989 sq. ft. (4 BHK + S + 5T), with prices starting from Rs. 10,499 per sq. ft.

 

Siddharth Vihar has steadily gained attention as infrastructure around the corridor has expanded. SKA Atlantis sits close to Metro, RRTS, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and NH-24, providing easy access to Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida. The upcoming Noida International Airport is further expected to strengthen the region’s connectivity via FNG, while the surrounding social infrastructure, schools, hospitals and retail destinations have continued to grow alongside residential developments.

 

SKA Group’s portfolio of completed residential projects include SKA Arcadia, SKA Orion, SKA Divya Tower, SKA Skardi Greens, SKA Metro Ville, SKA Green Arch the possession of all was delivered ahead of their respective RERA committed dates. Its ongoing portfolio includes SKA Imperia, SKA Estate and SKA Divine. Over the years, SKA Group has built its brand around timely execution, transparent customer engagement and consistent delivery standards, principles the company collectively refers to as its T3 philosophy of Transparency, Timely Delivery and Technology.

C. B. Jisso Emerges as a Key Contender in NCUI Board of Directors Election

As the National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI) election approaches, cooperative sector observers believe C.B. Jisso, Chairman of Malankara Credit Society Ltd., has emerged as one of the strongest contenders from South India. His leadership and the remarkable growth of Malankara Credit Society have earned him recognition as a visionary who has helped redefine the modern cooperative movement.

 

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C. B. Jisso Emerges as a Prominent Voice in NCUI


Under C.B. Jisso’s leadership, Malankara Credit Society has grown into one of South India’s leading Multi-state Cooperative Credit Societies, serving over 1.70 lakh members with a business turnover exceeding INR 1,300 Crore across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The society has consistently achieved profitable growth while ensuring regular dividends to its members.


Malankara has also pioneered several industry-first initiatives. It became the first Credit Society in Kerala to obtain membership in the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), placing it on the global Cooperative map. The Society introduced Kerala’s first 24×7 Cooperative branch, setting new benchmarks in member service. It was also the first Cooperative Credit Society in India to introduce a Brand ambassador, bringing a fresh and professional approach to Cooperative branding and public engagement. Another landmark initiative was the launch of Diamond Loans, a first-of-its-kind offering in the Indian Cooperative Credit Society sector, reflecting the institution’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric financial solutions.


Industry experts believe that these initiatives have inspired several Cooperative institutions across South India to embrace modernization while preserving the core values of cooperation, transparency, and member welfare. Malankara is increasingly viewed as a benchmark for professionally managed Cooperative institutions.


Observers also point to C.B. Jisso’s vision for the cooperative sector, which emphasizes stronger national representation for Cooperatives, digital transformation, improved asset quality through responsible lending, leadership development, collaboration among Cooperative institutions, and policy advocacy to create a more enabling environment for sustainable growth.


With the NCUI election scheduled for tomorrow, many within the Cooperative fraternity believe C.B. Jisso’s proven leadership, innovative outlook, and institution-building achievements place him in a strong position. While the final decision rests with the electorate, there is growing confidence that his contribution to strengthening the cooperative movement in South India has earned him widespread goodwill and support.


Regardless of the election outcome, C.B. Jisso’s leadership and Malankara Credit Society’s pioneering initiatives continue to inspire Cooperative institutions across the country, reinforcing the role of innovation, professionalism, and member-centric governance in shaping the future of India’s Cooperative movement.