deRivaz & Ives Auction House, one of India’s premier online platforms for celebrating Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts, antiquarian books, prints, photographs, objets d’art, classic & vintage automobiles, and more, is delighted to return this August with aABC. This carefully curated sale is a tribute to the vibrant tapestry of India’s artistic advertising culture, fine arts and rare books inviting art lovers and collectors alike to explore and cherish the stories woven into each piece.

Over the course of two days, through this online auction, the auction house brings together extraordinary works- rare advertising ephemera that echo our social history, evocative travel and industrial posters, treasured antiquarian books, and iconic cinema publicity material. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of art, this sale offers a heartfelt chance to acquire pieces rich in provenance and history, each with its own story to tell.

The live auction opens on 22nd and closes on 23rd August, with lots closing sequentially between 6:00 pm and 8:15 pm IST on the final day. To truly connect with these treasures, private previews will be held in New Delhi from 18th-22nd August, between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm daily- by appointment, offering an intimate glimpse into these remarkable works.

The Fine Arts section (Lots 36-64) is anchored by celebrated names in Modern Indian art. Highlights include Ganesh Pyne’s Portrait of Rabindranath Tagore (c.1961), a rare and intimate mixed media work estimated at Rs. 4,000,000-6,000,000; M.F. Husain’s Untitled (c.1976-77) oil on canvas (Rs. 3,000,000-4,500,000); H.A. Gade’s Untitled (c.1958-59) (Rs. 1,800,000-2,700,000); and K.H. Ara’s Still Life with Bottle (late 1950s, Rs. 1,600,000-2,400,000). Also featured is Jamini Roy’s Flight into Egypt, designated a National Art Treasure (non-exportable) and estimated at Rs. 800,000-1,200,000.

The catalogue extends to early etchings and woodcuts by B.B. Mukherjee (1936-48), a lyrical F.N. Souza Landscape (1962), an intense Rabin Mondal oil on paper painting on the Death of the first Congo President Patrice Lumumba (1962), a wonderful wooden sculpture by Piraji Sagara, and works by Gopal Ghose, Ambadas, Sunil Das, G.R. Santosh, C. Douglas, Rekha Rodwittiya, Shibu Natesan, and Binod Sharma. Select lots (40, 41, 43, 44 & 94) are located in London and will be sold under the Merchanting Trade Auction protocol as per Clause 32 of the Terms & Conditions.

Lot6a | Hercules Cycles with the famous German Shepard mascot | Print on cardboard, early 1950s

Vintage Advertising & Posters: India in Print

The Vintage Advertisements and Posters section (Lots 1-35) charts a vivid visual history. Standout pieces include a late-19th-century Bradford Dyers’ Association trade poster (“Colour is the King of Cloth”), a rare Erasmic “Himalaya Bouquet” perfume panel (late 1920s-30s), and a 1932 Karachi religious calendar on Sanatan Dharma. The glamour of mid-20th-century cinema is captured in a set of 20 Lux Soap Filmfare advertisements featuring stars from Suraiya to Asha Parekh, while a set of four Agfa promotional half-sheet posters reflects the early popularisation of photography in India.

Politically charged and civic material includes the “Quit Goa!” poster (c.1961) and Government of India Five-Year Plan charts on Steel, Power, and Foodgrains (1961-62). Travel and tourism are represented by three Kashmir posters from the 1950s, Indian Railways designs for Puri and Ujjain, French colonial Africa posters, and a remarkable suite of 16 Air-India posters spanning regional “See India” themes and the celebrated 1967 “Shikar” design.

Rare Books & Cinema Publicity: Cultural Time Capsules

Completing the auction is a selection of Rare books & catalogues, focusing on personalities such as Robert Clive of Plassey, Toru Dutt, Sarojini Naidu, Nicholas Roerich, Rabindranath Tagore, M.F. Husain & F.N. Souza; and cinema publicity material posters, lobby cards, booklets, and stills, underscoring deRivaz & Ives’ standing as a market leader in Indian and world film memorabilia, with rare posters of Mahal (1949), Sangram (1951), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Maya (1961), Neel Kamal (1968), Mera Naam Joker (1970), Sholay (1975) and a focus on the cinema of Raj Kapoor & Dharmendra as some of the Cinema Highlights.

Bidding, Previews & Buyer Information

• Absentee Bidding: Opens 19 August, 3:30 pm IST; closes 22 August, 9:00 am IST

• Live Online Auction: 22 August, 10:00 am IST start; closes 23 August in timed intervals between 6:00 pm and 8:15 pm IST

• Private Previews: 18-22 August, 10:00 am-8:00 pm in New Delhi & Mumbai (by appointment)

• Buyer’s Margin: 15% on winning bids

• All works sold on a “AS IS” condition basis; complimentary Condition Reports available on request

• Reserves: Set at or below the lower estimate

• Currency: For accounting, USD 1 = INR 86; GBP 1 = INR 116

Full catalogue, registration details, and Terms & Conditions are available at derivaz-ives.com. All registration details must be finalised prior to bidding; KYC and financial references may be required.

About deRivaz & Ives

deRivaz & Ives is one of Indias premier auction houses, renowned for its carefully curated sales across Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts, Antiquarian Books, Prints & Photographs, Vintage & Classic Automobiles, and both Indian and Hollywood Film Memorabilia including the Popular Arts, Photography, Crafts & Collectibles. The platform bridges scholarly cataloguing with digital accessibility, offering seasoned collectors and new audiences alike a seamless and immersive auction experience.

Bharat Bank, one of country’s respected multi state scheduled co-operative banks, celebrated its 47th Foundation Day with renewed commitment towards the people it has faithfully served for more than 4 decades. On this special occasion, the bank redesigned three of its high impact products focused not only to meet financial needs but to also touch lives-rewarding savers, supporting families in owning their homes, and empowering women entrepreneurs to shape India’s future.

Bharat Bank launches product/offers on the occasion of 47th Foundation Day

At the heart of the announcement was the Bharat Vishwas Fixed Deposit – 7.65% ROI for 499 Days (for Senior Citizens) 7.15% ROI (General), a product designed to give people better returns on their savings. It is aimed at strengthening the culture of disciplined saving that is deeply rooted in Indian households and also to safeguard the investor’s interest by diversification of funds in varied safe asset class. This product ensures that their trust in saving is rewarded with enhanced returns.

For generations, owning a home has remained one of the strongest aspirations in every Indian family. A home is more than bricks and mortar-it is a symbol of stability, dignity, and pride. Recognising this, Bharat Bank re-introduced Griha Samriddhi, a housing loan with reduced charges and increased the loan limit upto Rs.3 Crore that lightens the financial burden for families dreaming of their own space.

The bank also gave a special focus to women through the launch of Vanita Udyami, a business loan designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs. Bharat Bank believes that empowering women in business does not just transform individual lives but uplifts entire communities. By offering loans with attractive interest rates, easier documentation and quicker approval process, Vanita Udyami provides women with the foundation they need to start or grow their enterprises, thereby contributing to a stronger, more inclusive economy.

Reflecting on the years of journey, the management of Bharat Bank shared that the Bank has seen itself as an institution of trust, built by the people and for the people. Our vision has always been rooted in the belief that banking must serve a larger purpose-of easing burdens, enabling dreams, and uplifting society.

Bharat Bank expressed its appreciation for national initiatives that encourage entrepreneurs and businesses. The launch of these products also highlights Bharat Bank’s long-standing philosophy of creating a real social impact.

Over the years, the bank has supported countless families during times of need, stood beside entrepreneurs in their early struggles, and rewarded savers for their trust. With every initiative, the bank has attempted to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, always staying close to the lives of the people.

Bharat Bank continues to stand out as a people’s BANK. It has shown that banking is not just about numbers, interest rates, or repayments, but about hope, dignity, and progress. The redesigned products-Bharat Vishwas Fixed Deposit, Griha Samriddhi, and Vanita Udyami-are more than financial instruments; they are promises to the people of Bharat that the bank will continue to walk beside them, helping them to save, build, and grow.

On this Foundation Day, Bharat Bank once again reaffirmed its guiding principle: banking should not merely be about transactions, but about transforming lives.

To empower young innovators with entrepreneurial skills and transform their ideas into real-world start-ups, Chandigarh University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (CU-IEDC) in collaboration with its Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) organized ‘Zero-to-One’ – a nationwide 24-hour MVP Building Hackathon on Thursday to mark World Entrepreneurs’ Day. Attracting registrations from over 1,300 teams and 5,200 student innovators representing leading universities across 15 states, the event has positioned itself among the largest university-led hackathons in India, offering participants access to a $6 million prize pool and a direct entry to Campus Tank.

The ‘Zero-to-One’ hackathon is themed ‘an idea in the morning, a start-up by night’ served as a fast-paced innovation sprint, giving aspiring entrepreneurs a platform to transform their ideas into market-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Out of a total of 1300 teams, 100 teams were shortlisted who developed MVPs during the given 24-hour slot out of which top 10 teams were selected in the final round.

Chandigarh University Vice Chancellor with three winning teams of ‘Zero to One – 24-Hour Startup Challenge 2025’ organized by Chandigarh University at Gharuan campus

The top 3 winning startups got direct entry in the country’s first university-led start-up challenge Campus Tank granting direct access to the top 300 teams to compete for the $6 Million prize pool. Lazy Genius, a team of four students from Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta Institute of Professional Studies (ADGIPS) New Delhi which came first in the Startup Challenge for their HealthTech Startup, has developed a physiotherapy model which will remain easily available for users with back and neck pain issues. Zudos, a team of three Chandigarh University students who came second in the Startup Challenge, have developed a tech startup for the creation of an affordable smartboard which operates with a laser mouse. Invaders, a team of four students from St John College of Engineering & Management (SJCEM) in Maharashtra which came third, have developed a Fintech Startup which will help groups of people who can’t borrow money from bank to get loans on monthly basis by becoming part of a digital wallet. A special award of US$ 100 was also given by Github to Syntex Syndicate.

While CMD Tynor Orthotics India and Vice Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Pushvinder Jit Singh presided over the event as Guest of Honour, other prominent personalities from the world of entrepreneurship and start-ups who mentored participants in their prospective ventures during the hackathon include Mahavir Pratap Sharma, TIE India Angels, Mohit Dua Co-Founder, AI Sensy, Piyush Garg, Founder Techyst, Pratiksha Gupta, CEO, One Special Place, Piyush Sharma, Facilitator Google Cloud, Santosh Kumar Mishra, SDE Microsoft, Uday Sharma, CEO DevnDez, Simarpreet Singh, Developer Groups Google and Vikash Kumar Yadav, Campus Expert Github. From Chandigarh University, Prof (Dr) RS Bawa, Advisor to Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) Manpreet Singh Manna, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Archita Nandi, Director, Chandigarh University – Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) among other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The hackathon saw participation of aspiring founders from premier institutions including Amity University, GLA University, Thapar University, Lamrin Tech Skills University, MIT ADT University, Chitkara University, LPU, UPES, SRMIST, Delhi Technical Campus, IIIT Sonepat, VNIT, NIET, Geeta University, HPTU, GEC Gandhinagar and Chandigarh University among others. The participants came from states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Warangal, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Panipat, Gurgaon and Chandigarh among other cities.

Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said,“Zero to One is the first of its kind MVP building hackathon organized by Chandigarh University that is aimed at transforming ideas into enterprise. It has brought together students, startups and tech enthusiasts to brainstorm, innovate, build and present impactful start-up solutions under the mentorship of industry stalwarts. I am quite hopeful that it is through such events that empower next-gen entrepreneurs with adequate funding and expert mentorship to transform their ideas into successful ventures, the start-up ecosystem of India will grow to be number one in the world soon. The hosting of ‘Zero to One’ has established CU which has already incubated more than 200 startups as national innovation driver that empower job‒creators.”

Archita Nandi, Director, Chandigarh University – Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI)said, “While top 3 teams got the direct entry in the Campus Tank, the top 10 selected teams will be handheld by CU to release an MVP in the most frictionless environment for the next 4 months with incubation and market launch support from Chandigarh University. The handheld startup teams will be mentored by industry stalwarts and get direct entry to the demo day at Campus Tank. The hackathon was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world entrepreneurship. With a focus on ideation, validation, MVP building, debugging and final pitching, the program created a launchpad for India’s next generation of startups, while also celebrating the successes of seasoned entrepreneurs who have already made their mark. The top teams will also gain exposure to CU’s established Technology Business Incubator (TBI) infrastructure, integrating them into India’s growing startup ecosystem.”

Under strong leadership at the Centre, Transformative reforms reshaping every sector in India, this is the right time to dive into the world of entrepreneurship: Pushvinder Jit Singh, CMD Tynor Orthotics India and Vice Chairman, CII

Pushvinder Jit Singh, CMD Tynor Orthotics India and Vice Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)said, “We are living in extraordinary times under a strong and visionary leadership at the Centre. With transformative reforms reshaping every sector, India is rising with renewed confidence and is well on its way to becoming a Vishwa Guru. There has never been a more opportune moment to dive into the world of entrepreneurship than now.”

Zero to One – 24 Hour Startup Challenge will help students, encourage entrepreneurship, says Santosh Kumar Mishra, Founder of InterviewCafe & Microsoft’s Software Development Engineer

Santosh Kumar Mishra, SDE II (Software Development Engineer II) at Microsoft and Founder of InterviewCafe, said, “A Startup is not just about building a product but also about marketing, sales and all other things around it. Chandigarh University is supporting students in everything from product development to marketing and sales and there is a culture here at CU for encouraging entrepreneurship. I think this is a big shift of mind and it’s very important in this era to have a mindset of a job creator than a job seeker. I think leadership skills are also being developed at CU for building a Startup.”

Lauding Chandigarh University’s Campus Tank initiative, Mishra said, “This is a great initiative as it will give opportunity to students who are not studying in India. Students are the pillars of India’s Startup eco-system. So, the government and Chandigarh University are doing great work by providing a supporting environment. All students need is not chase good marks only and discover their passion because helps put all your energy into something and lead a meaningful life.”

Chandigarh University has taken commendable initiatives for providing in-house platform for students: Simarpreet Singh, Community Organiser, Google Developer Groups

Simar Preet Singh, Community Organiser, Google Developer Groups, said, “Generally, students do not have funds to start their startup. So ‘Zero to One – 24-Hour Startup Challenge 2025’ is a great initiative for students to transform classroom knowledge into entrepreneurial action. As the winners of this hackathon will get entry into Campus Tank which has pledged funding of $6 million, such funding can help them build their startup. I think providing such in-house platform to students is a commendable initiative. Students should definitely try to make their ideas a reality. This increases their self-confidence. I have seen the development of a startup culture in India. It would be a great if students of Chandigarh University build their own startups and bring glory to India.”

Chandigarh University is promoting Startup culture among students with Hackathons, says Uday Sharma, Founder & CEO of DevnDez

Lauding the Zero to One – 24 Hour Startup Challenge, Uday Sharma, Multi-Niche Tech Creator and Founder & CEO of DevnDez, said, “Such a competition is a great initiative for promoting a Startup culture among students. I advise students to be yourself. If you know the problem you are solving and the purpose of solving it, then you can solve anything. The solution you will come up with will help society and impact on the lives of many people. And you can take it forward in the form of a Startup. Earlier Hackathons were held only in companies which promoted the culture of job roles, but such competitions are being held in educational institutions which is great. Chandigarh University is promoting Startup culture among students with such Hackathons which is a great initiative.”

It is important to make a roadmap for building a startup and career: Piyush Sharma, Facilitator Google Cloud & founder of YouTube channel @trickyman

Piyush Sharma, Google Cloud Facilitator & founder of YouTube channel @trickyman, said, “Chandigarh University 24-hour hackathon is a great initiative, where students got a chance to launch their startup in 24 hours. I think this initiative will inspire other universities. In todays time it is difficult to get a job just by having a degree, so it is important to participate in Hackathons, internships and project.”

“Startup culture is very important because with this student can become job givers from job takers. It is important to make a roadmap for building a startup and career. Student life is the best time to work on a Startup Idea because this is the right time to strengthen ones future. Chandigarh Universitys Campus Tank platform is an important step in this direction,” he added.

Chandigarh University not just Fund Start-ups but Transforms them into successful ventures through expert mentorship: Vikash Kumar Yadav, Campus Expert Github

Vikash Kumar Yadav, Campus Expert Github said, “Funding alone cannot guarantee success of any start-up, for it to become a high-growth venture, we need mentorship by industry experts. Unlike the start events organized at many other institutions, what sets apart Chandigarh University is that it not only provides the required funding for start-ups but also ensure mentorship by industry experts to transform brilliant ideas into successful entrepreneurial ventures. It is platforms like Zero to One that will shape the future of budding entrepreneurs and further boost the start-up ecosystem of our nation.”

About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

Valvoline Cummins Private Limited (Valvoline Cummins), a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium automotive fluids, is announcing a new strategic business collaboration with Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. (Mahindra), India’s leading SUV manufacturer. Mahindra and Valvoline Cummins will work together to offer genuine and high-performing lubricants, like engine oils, transmission and axle oils, including those under the Mahindra – Maximile brand. These lubricants will be distributed at respective Mahindra Dealership networks and Bazar networks through the Mahindra spares business unit.

Valvoline Cummins and Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. teams come together to mark a new chapter of collaboration

This development marks a major milestone in a relationship that has steadily evolved over two decades in which Valvoline Cummins has been a trusted lubricants partner for Mahindra Automotive’s domestic aftermarket. As part of the new collaboration, Valvoline Cummins will now supply the majority of Mahindra’s aftermarket lubricant requirement, strengthening the depth and scale of the relationship.

Additionally, Valvoline Cummins will tailor its innovative solutions and services to Mahindra’s operations in the North, West, and East zones of India, offering a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance lubricants under the brand name of Mahindra Maximile. These products will be tailored for their entire range of Passenger vehicles, SUVs and Pickup vehicles.

The collaboration includes a four-year agreement, aligning with Mahindra’s broader goals around operational efficiency and performance enhancement. This latest agreement further demonstrates Valvoline’s position as a progressive and innovative brand empowering and enabling what moves the world forward.

In alignment with both companies’ sustainability commitments, Valvoline Cummins will also introduce Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) packaging across its supply chain to Mahindra-reinforcing a joint commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.

Speaking on the partnership, Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director, Valvoline Cummins Private Limited, said, “As a trusted partner with Mahindra for the past decade, we are excited for this evolution of our relationship. Today marks a major milestone that will enable significant business growth and reflects further confidence in our people, technology, innovation, serviceability, and continuous commitment to customer centricity as a core value.”

Remarking on the overall significance of the partnership, Michael Dreyer, Senior Vice President and General Manager APAC, Valvoline Global Operations said, “Mahindra is fast becoming a trusted global brand, and Valvoline is well positioned to collaborate across geographies and support their global ambitions. This strategic agreement unites two trusted names with a shared focus on performance, innovation, and sustainability. As Valvoline expands its role within the Mahindra ecosystem, the collaboration is set to deliver enhanced value across vehicles, and customer experiences-setting new benchmarks for excellence in automotive lubricant solutions.”

About Valvoline Cummins India JV
In India, Valvoline™ Cummins Private Limited is a 50:50 joint venture between Valvoline International Inc; 100% subsidiary of Valvoline Global Operations and Cummins India Limited; Indias leading manufacturer of diesel engines and the largest exporter of engineering products, resulting in Valvoline Cummins Private Limited, that is engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of lubricants, grease, and other allied products. To know more, visit www.valvolineglobal.com/en-in.

™ Trademark, Valvoline Global Operations, or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries.

™ Trademark, Cummins Inc, or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries.

CLICK 2025, India’s leading performance and growth marketing conference, organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), concluded yesterday at Andaz, New Delhi. The conference, registering over 6000 footfalls, brought together marketers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss emerging trends and strategies in performance marketing. More than 100 speakers from the digital marketing ecosystem addressed over 20 sessions across two days, including 25+ masterclasses and case studies.

Speaking at a session on high-performance new-age brands, Sidharth Shakdher, CMO & Business Head – Paytm commented, “High performance brands are able to build sustainable growth loops. They use data very effectively, whether deterministic or probabilistic, to learn consumer cohorts and intelligently drive the next step in growth.”

During his panel discussion,Rajiv Dubey, VP Marketing Experience at Dabur India Ltd., said, “Connected TV is going to be mainstream as every TV is turning into a smart TV and screens are only getting bigger. What’s lacking is a unified measurement system – we need a framework that brings TV and CTV together. But one thing is certain: If you continue to advertise, you will see results.”

“We’ve done early experiments to bring interactivity to CTV, because the next big play is about personalisation. Whether it’s contextual ads, QR code scans, or chatbot engagement during live matches, we are only scratching the surface,” commented Aakash Gupta, VP Product- Monetization & Creators at JioStar.

At another panel discussion, Vikar Shaikh, Head-Digital Strategy at Valueleaf, said, “Q-commerce is reshaping consumer behaviour-what was once a monthly purchase cycle is now weekly, with apps being opened 4-5 times a week. While ROI is vital, brands must also set aside budgets for long-term brand building beyond pure performance.”

Among the major speakers at CLICK 2025 were Lee-Ann Johnstone – Founder, Affiverse; Rajiv Dubey – Vice President – Marketing, Dabur India; Sidharth Shakdher – CMO & Business Head, Paytm; Vikram Singh – Digital Marketing Head, ITC Hotels; Anchit Chandra – Digital Marketing Head & CRM, Muthoot Fincorp ONE; Dennis Yu – CEO, Blitz Metrics; Parul Bhargava – CEO, vCommission; Srikanth Bureddy – Co-founder, Valueleaf; Sanjay Sindhwani – CEO, Indian Express Digital; Meetu Mulchandani – Head, Brand Factory, Honasa Consumer; Prajakta Rathe – Deputy General Manager, Reliance Retail; Chanpreet Arora – Chief Business Officer, Wholsum Foods (Slurrpfarm & Mille); Simon Stanley – Head of Affiliates, Kaspersky; and Pankaj Sharma – CEO & Director, MGID.

The partners for CLICK 2025 are vCommission, Valueleaf, Singhtek, Apptrove by Trackier, Confluencr, MGID, Affise, GrabOn and Offer18. The conference is also supported by ONDC.

About Internet and Mobile Association of India
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 600 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety.

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading and fastest growing private general insurance companies, has announced the launch of ‘First-of-its-kind’ Health Insurance Branches across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with plans to extend nationwide. This strategic expansion is part of the Company’s broader mission to strengthen its footprint in underserved markets, ensuring greater accessibility to health insurance solutions for millions of individuals and households.

SBI General unveiled 30 Specialized Health Insurance Branches across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

A large section of our population is uninsured and this problem is more severe in smaller towns and remote areas. SBI General Insurance has taken this initiative to launch 30 specialized Health Insurance Branches which will offer health protection via a comprehensive bouquet of products, completely digital journey and backed by the widest network of more than 2100 hospitals in the states and rapid cashless response of average half an hour to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Health Insurance branches are strategically located across key areas in Telangana, including Bhuvanagiri, Jagityal, Kamareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Kothagudam, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Miryalaguda, Nirmal, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Suryapet, Wanaparthy and Zaheerabad. In Andhra Pradesh, they are present in Anakapalli, Anantapur, Bheemavaram, Eluru, Jangareddigudem, Kadapa, Kakinada, Nellore, Ongole, Pallakollu, Rajam, Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Tenali and Vizianagarm.

These branches will offer a range of specially curated health insurance products such as Arogya Supreme Policy, Super Health Insurance, SBIG Health Super Top-Up, Arogya Sanjeevani and Personal Accident Insurance. With these tailored products, SBI General Insurance seeks to address the unique healthcare needs of local communities, delivering affordable coverage and enhancing financial protection for a broader and more diverse population.

The launch event was held in SBI General Insurance Hyderabad branch office in the presence of Shri. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI Group, Shri. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO of SBI General Insurance, Shri Rajiv Kumar, DMD, Internal Audit Department (SBI) , Shri S Radhakrishnan CGM Hyderabad Circle (SBI), Shri Rajesh Kumar Patel CGM Amravati Circle (SBI) and Shri. Mohd Arif Khan, Deputy CEO, SBI General Insurance along with senior leadership and other key dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. CS Setty, Chairman, SBI Group said “Leveraging SBI’s expansive network, we are committed to empowering citizens with greater access and security through financial services. We believe that our efforts will strengthen our connections with customers and contribute towards IRDAI’s vision of Insurance for all by 2047‘. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive, reliable & accessible health insurance to every Indian.”

Shri. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD and CEO at SBI General Insurance added, “At SBI General Insurance, our goal is to make insurance accessible across India, and this expansion is a key step in that direction. With the addition of these 30 branches, now SBI General has one of the largest branch network in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana covering 40 districts. Every such branch reflects our commitment to bring our services closer to our customers, understanding their needs and delivering innovative solutions”

This initiative is part of SBI General Insurance’s overarching strategy to enhance insurance penetration in semi-urban and rural geographies, where access to insurance coverage has been limited. By focusing on health insurance, these offices will offer localized service delivery, ensuring that the offerings are not only accessible but also relevant and responsive to the unique challenges of each region.

As part of its commitment to building a more inclusive and customer-centric ecosystem, SBI General Insurance aims to significantly enhance the awareness and adoption of health insurance in these underserved regions, ensuring that families, businesses, and individuals are financially protected in times of need.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as Indias most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 145 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named the winner in the Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

For more details: www.sbigeneral.in

In a landmark step towards empowering underprivileged communities through education, the Nora Solomon Foundation (NSF), the CSR arm of Chintels India, has laid the foundation stone for a new school building at Government Senior Secondary School, Bajghera, Gurugram.

Foundation laying ceremony for the new wing of Govt. Senior Secondary School at Bajghera, Gurugram

The initiative, carried out in partnership with Chintels CSR, aims to provide free and equitable access to quality education and skilling opportunities for children from Bajghera and nearby areas. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Shri Rao Narbir Singh, Hon’ble Industries and Forest Minister, Government of Haryana, who hailed the project as “a milestone in bringing quality education to underprivileged children.”

The upcoming building will house classrooms, a principal’s office, a staff room, and other essential facilities, creating a holistic environment for learning. The school is designed to become a centre of hope and opportunity for hundreds of children who otherwise face barriers to quality education.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rao Narbir Singh underlined the larger vision behind the initiative, saying, “Education and skilling are the strong pillars of progress, and this school will be a foundation for hope, learning, and a better future, opening doors of opportunity for countless young minds. It will provide access to quality education and skillsets, thereby contributing to the holistic development of the community. True development is meaningful when it empowers the next generation while safeguarding our environment. I urge all citizens to support this cause by planting trees, refraining from the use of single-use plastic, and actively participating in nature conservation.”

For the Nora Solomon Foundation, which has long been working in education, healthcare, and social welfare, this project represents a continuation of its mission to create sustainable, long-term impact.

“Through the Nora Solomon Foundation, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people around us. Building this school is our way of giving back to the community, and we believe it will create lasting value by empowering the next generation through education,” said Mr. Ashok Solomon, Trustee and Chair, Nora Solomon Foundation.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Prashant Solomon, Director, Chintels India, highlighted the company’s vision of inclusive growth. “We believe that development should go hand in hand with social responsibility. We are proud to contribute to shaping a brighter future for the children of Bajghera. This school is a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that every child has the necessary tools to dream, learn, and succeed in life. Maybe one of these children will find a cure to dangerous diseases or invent a way to travel to Mars. Dreams are made into reality through hard work and opportunity. That is what I wish for the children of this school.”

Beyond this school project, NSF has consistently extended its support to local communities through initiatives such as sponsoring education, offering vocational training, supporting healthcare programmes, and partnering with charities and organisations in need.

Dave & Buster’s, the iconic American entertainment and dining brand, has officially arrived in Mumbai with a spectacular grand opening on August 14 at Infiniti Mall, Andheri. Following its successful India debut in Bangalore, the launch marks another milestone in the brand’s expansion journey across the country.

The Malpani Group Directors Rajesh, Manish, Ashish, Jai & Shreya Malpani inaugurated Dave & Buster’s, launching Mumbai’s largest indoor entertainment & dining hub

The inauguration was led by Rajesh Malpani, Manish Malpani, Ashish Malpani, Jai Malpani, and Shreya Malpani, Directors of the Malpani Group, the exclusive franchise partner for Dave & Buster’s in India. Together, they unveiled Mumbai’s largest indoor entertainment and dining destination, designed to redefine the way the city plays, dines, and socializes.

Spanning 22,000 sq. ft., Dave & Buster’s Mumbai offers an unmatched blend of games, dining, and social experiences. The venue features more than 60 cutting-edge arcade and VR games, Nitro Bowling lanes with high-energy lighting, Hi-Tech Darts, and vibrant restaurant. A full-service sports bar and live mega screening arena will showcase cricket, football, F1 and global sporting events. The space also includes private party rooms catering to birthdays, corporate gatherings, and group celebrations. Complementing the entertainment is a bold food and beverage menu that combines global flavors, chef-curated Indian dishes, and signature Dave & Buster’s beverages.

“Dave & Buster’s is not just a restaurant or arcade, it’s an experience – one that combines the thrill of play with amazing food and drinks,” said Shreya Malpani, Director, Malpani Group. “With this launch in Mumbai, we are bringing together everything the city loves – entertainment, sports, great food, and high energy – under one roof. We’re excited to make this a new go-to destination for Mumbaikars.”

The launch was also attended by Antonio Bautista, Global Chief International Officer of Dave & Buster’s, who congratulated the Malpani Group on successfully expanding the brand’s footprint in India and shared his excitement for the brand’s long-term vision in the market.

About Dave & Buster’s
Founded in 1982, Dave & Buster’s is an iconic American experiential hospitality brand known for its dynamic blend of food, drinks, games, and sports viewing. With over 200 locations across the U.S., it has built a legacy of social entertainment. In India, the brand is being developed exclusively by the Malpani Group under a long-term franchise agreement.

About Malpani Group
The Malpani Group is a diversified business house with ventures in real estate, hospitality, FMCG, media, and entertainment. It is widely recognized for delivering landmark projects in the leisure sector, including the acclaimed Imagicaa World Entertainment Ltd. As the driving force behind Dave & Buster’s India entry and growth, the group continues to innovate the Indian consumer experience landscape.

Masai, one of India’s leading outcome-based platforms, in collaboration with XLRI, has announced the launch of a 6-month entrepreneurship program designed to equip recent graduates, working professionals and aspiring founders with practical skills, mentorship, and industry exposure.

The launch comes at a time when the global digital economy, largely driven by entrepreneurial ventures, is projected to reach $23 trillion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 15-20%. In India, startups attracted a record $35 billion in funding in 2024, underscoring the strength and vibrancy of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Against this backdrop, the Masai-XLRI program aims to prepare the next generation of founders with the skills and confidence to turn ideas into scalable ventures.

Mr. Prateek Shukla, Co-Founder & CEO, Masai

Delivered through live interactive sessions, hands-on mentorship, and real-world projects, the program is structured into six modules: Founder’s Mindset, Problem-Solving and Idea Discovery, Prototyping and Product-Market Fit, Marketing and Brand Building, Business Models and Fundraising, and Scaling and Demo Day. Participants will work on projects such as creating financial plans, building MVPs using no-code tools like Webflow and Bubble, running marketing campaigns, conducting customer interviews, and delivering investor-ready pitch decks. The program culminates with a Demo Day, where top teams present their startups to industry mentors and investors during a two-day in-person pitch challenge at the XLRI campus.

Commenting on the launch, Prateek Shukla, CEO & Co-founder of Masai, said, “India is brimming with entrepreneurial energy, but structured, outcome-driven pathways to turn ideas into ventures remain scarce. With this program, we aim to provide aspiring founders with the mindset, skills, and mentorship to navigate challenges and build sustainable businesses. By combining the academic strength of XLRI with Masai’s practical approach, we are creating a learning experience that prepares participants for the realities of entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Arindam Mondal, Program Director, XLRI added, “Entrepreneurship has the potential to create not only businesses but also long-term social and economic impact. This program reflects XLRI’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who are equipped with resilience, ethical grounding, and practical skills. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and real-world exposure, we want to help participants develop ventures that are innovative, responsible, and scalable.”

The curriculum features XLRI’s distinguished faculty alongside seasoned startup founders, investors, and industry leaders. Participants will also gain access to AI-powered and no-code platforms for product development, content generation, analytics, and automation. To strengthen industry readiness, the program incorporates case studies, collaborative peer learning, and direct engagement with the startup ecosystem.

Eligibility requires a graduation degree in any stream. Candidates must clear a qualifier test conducted by Masai, followed by a counselling process before enrolment. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate from XLRI Leadership Education and Development. Applications are now open on Masai’s official website.

About Masai

Established in June 2019, Masai embarked on its journey as a military-style coding school, committed to shaping individuals into skilled programmers and data analysts through an intensive curriculum. This immersive educational experience involved rigorous training from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, with the goal of equipping students with industry-ready skills within a span of 7-8 months.

In its fifth year of existence, Masai has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a distinguished career institute. With over 800,000 applications, Masai has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to bridging the skill gap in the industry. The institute has been instrumental in the continuous skilling of talent for more than five years, and its impact extends to the placement of 4000+ candidates in various enterprises and 6000+ students currently in the system, focusing on individuals with a family income of less than or equal to 7.5 lakhs per annum. Masai is extremely proud of achieving the goal of bringing 350+ families out of poverty.

Masai has attained remarkable milestones, successfully securing employment for over 3,500 candidates in key roles as Software Developers and Data Analysts. These placements have extended to prominent unicorn startups like Ola, PayTM, Meesho, Swiggy, as well as multinational corporations, including Capgemini, Uber, JP Morgan, and GlobalLogic.

About XLRI

Established in 1949, XLRI – the oldest management school in India, introduced a range of management-focused courses for trade unions.

Over the years, XLRI has consistently expanded its academic offerings and enhanced its infrastructure to cater to the increasing demand from students, establishing itself as a leading management institution in India. XLRI is the first management school in India to internationalize our academic programmes. XLRI has always had and maintains a global outlook. True to its vision, XLRI strives to offer an education which just does not culminate in a mere degree, but one that inspires future business leaders to respond to the unmet needs of the society.

A key characteristic that sets apart XLRI students from other management schools is MAGIS – a quest for the best, never to settle down for mediocrity and always aspire to excel. They relentlessly strive for more, for something better than the best. Instead of wishing circumstances to change and become different, MAGIS-driven persons either make them happen or make the most of them; instead of waiting for golden opportunities, they turn all that they touch into gold.

Over the years, XLRI has launched quite a few short and long-term programmes for working executives to help upgrade their management-centric knowledge base and become more competent business leaders.