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PayU Deepens Strategic Investment in Mindgate – To Accelerate Growth of Real Time Solutions for India and the World

PayU, the payments and fintech business of Prosus, announced today that it is increasing its stake in Mindgate, a pioneer in real-time payments technology, transitioning from a strategic minority investor to a majority shareholder with a total holding of 70%. Both founders will continue to hold a significant minority, together retaining 30% of the company. PayUs additional investment in Mindgate reflects its strong belief in Mindgates vision and capabilities. It also complements PayUs growth strategy and vision towards driving the next generation of digital payments innovations for better customer experience and accelerating the global adoption of Made in India platforms.

PayU deepens strategic investment in Mindgate

While PayU has deepened its strategic investment, operational control will remain with the founders, ensuring leadership continuity, while customers, partners, and employees can expect business as usual with innovation and service excellence. Becoming a majority shareholder marks a strategic milestone for both PayU and Mindgate. The move will allow both companies to deepen their partnership, enhance product offerings, and further drive innovation in Indias rapidly evolving real-time digital payments ecosystem.

“At PayU, we are driven to deliver exceptional value to our merchant and bank partners. Our additional investment in Mindgate underscores our confidence in its strong performance and the vast growth potential in Indias real-time payments ecosystem. It further strengthens PayUs role in accelerating the Government of Indias Digital India vision and reinforces our commitment to powering Indias digital payments through PayUs diversified fintech platform,” said Anirban Mukherjee, CEO, PayU.

“Mindgate continues to play a crucial role in the growth journey of India’s real-time payments by powering 10 billion+ monthly transactions and providing seamless payment solutions to leading banks. Together with PayU’s diversified fintech platform, its extensive network, and increased investment, Mindgate will be well-placed to contribute to the vision of global adoption of real-time payments,” said George Sam, Co-founder & Business Head, Mindgate Solutions.

“We are incredibly excited by PayUs deepened commitment to our shared vision of transforming payments infrastructure through innovation. Our success in India is built on the strength of our issuing platform, which has been central to the growth of real-time payments for leading banks and institutions. With PayU’s strong merchant stack complementing our capabilities, we now have the combined advantage of addressing the acquiring side of the payments ecosystem,” said Guhan Muthuswamy, Co-founder & Software Architect, Mindgate Solutions.

Indias digital payments sector continues its remarkable growth trajectory, especially driven by real-time payment solutions like NPCIs UPI, which itself recorded over 20 billion monthly transactions last month. As NPCI accelerates its mission to expand UPIs global footprint, PayU with its increased stake in Mindgate has cemented itself as a leader in digital payments platforms that provides innovative, scalable, and secure payment solutions, ensuring a seamless transaction experience for users across global markets.

Together, PayU and Mindgate are set to take Digital India and fintechs evolution to the next phase by investing in Indias UPI infrastructure. They also plan to bring real-time payments solutions to the broader Asia Pacific and MENA regions, which are rapidly moving toward real-time payments-led ecosystems like those in India and Brazil.

About PayU

PayU is the payments and fintech business of Prosus, a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world. In India, PayU operations are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital payment requirements of the Indian market. PayU India companies aim to create a full-stack digital financial services platform to serve all (tapped and untapped) financial needs of consumers, merchants and banks through its cutting-edge technology solutions.

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and platform. PayU has empowered 5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 150+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more.

For more details, visit www.payu.in

About Mindgate

Mindgate Solutions, a trusted partner in digital payments since 2008, is headquartered in Mumbai, India, with regional hubs in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the UK. The company specializes in developing advanced payment solutions for banks, government institutions, merchants, and corporates, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as microservices architecture and real-time streaming to ensure scalability, security, and reliability. With a dedicated team of over 1,600 payment professionals and a portfolio of 60+ global marquee clients, Mindgate plays a pivotal role in enabling seamless digital transactions worldwide.

Founded by George Sam and Guhan Muthuswamy, Mindgate has established itself as a dominant force in UPI infrastructure in India, processing over 10 billion digital transactions monthly through its partner banks, facilitating payments worth $1 trillion annually. Mindgate continues to expand its reach across key markets including the Middle East, Europe, the UK, ASEAN, and the US – enabling leading banks to modernize their digital payment infrastructure. Mindgate’s commitment to innovation and excellence has been consistently recognized with prestigious accolades on global platforms, including the MEA Finance Awards, IBS Intelligence Awards, The Asian Banker Awards and most recently, the 1st position in the Digital Payments Award 2024-2025 (TSP Category), conferred by the Ministry of Finance and Department of Financial Services, Government of India.

For more details, visit www.mindgate.solutions

Huawei Named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Storage Platforms, 2025

The internationally renowned analyst firm Gartner has released the “Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Storage Platforms, 2025.” Huawei has been placed in the Leaders Quadrant, the only non-North American vendor to do so.

Huawei Data Storage named a Leader in the Magic Quadrant

Huawei Data Storage continues to advance technological innovation, leveraging an AI-ready data platform, robust data resilience and efficiency, and advanced intelligent data management to comprehensively meet the diverse needs of enterprises in hybrid-cloud, AI, and critical business use cases.

Huaweis Data Storage solutions are used in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide, serving clients in industries such as finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, government, and public utilities across Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

To learn more about Huawei storage products and solutions, please visit e.huawei.com/en/products/storage.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Storage Platforms, By Jeff Vogel, Julia Palmer, Chandra Mukhyala, Joseph Unsworth, 2 September 2025.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

The Bay at Ecoworld to Host The Great Indian Brew Festival 2025

The Bay at Ecoworld, Brookfield Properties‘ flagship food and cultural hub in Bengaluru, is set to host the latest edition of The Great Indian Brew Festival (GIBF) on Saturday, September 21, 2025, from 12 noon to 10 PM.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/33185_Buzzingnow_image_.jpg

Curated Brews, Global Bites & Nonstop Beats

Celebrated as a marquee event in Bengaluru’s social calendar, this year’s GIBF blends the best of Oktoberfest-inspired experiences with an Indian heart, bringing together over 10,000 dining lovers, food enthusiasts, and music fans for a day of shared celebration.

A Celebration of Place and Placemaking
As part of Brookfield Properties’ placemaking philosophy, The Bay at Ecoworld brings vibrant culinary, cultural, and community experiences through its thoughtfully curated environment. With GIBF, The Bay continues its tradition of creating experiences that go beyond consumption-bringing together the city’s brew enthusiasts, food lovers, and music aficionados for an immersive Oktoberfest-inspired celebration featuring exceptional brews, global cuisines, live entertainment, and fun-filled activities for all ages.

We’re excited to bring the spirit of Bengaluru to The Bay at Ecoworld. Hosting The Great Indian Brew Festival here is a natural extension of our retail strategy-curating global experiences that seamlessly integrate with our community. By curating iconic festivals into our spaces, we create experiences that go beyond retail-transforming it into a destination for culture, connection, and lifestyle,” said Nitin Bir, Vice President – Retail Leasing, Brookfield Properties, India.

Complementing the brews is a handpicked culinary spread of 20+ food brands, offering everything from Asian bowls to German bratwursts, Italian classics to Mangalorean comfort food, waffles to artisanal ice creams. Participating names include Kampot, Nizaams, German Brazelhaus, Roma, NY Pizza Co., Funky Belgian Waffles, Sheesh Kebab, and Amadora, among others.

To keep the tempo high, three live bands will perform throughout the day across genres – blending local energy with global soundscapes. Giant cut-outs, Oktoberfest dcor, games like Giant Jenga, Bull Terrain, and, along with tattoo booths, trampolines, and family play zones, round off the festival experience.

A Safe, Seamless, Shared Celebration
GIBF 2025 is designed as a family-friendly event with designated safe zones, strict ID checks, on-site medical assistance, and trained crowd management teams in place for ensuring a responsible and enjoyable experience for all. Entry is ticketed via BookMyShow.

Speaking on the event, Smriti Menon, Co-founder of BuzzinON Media & Events, said, “The Great Indian Brew Festival is not just about the brews, it’s about community. Seeing thousands of people come together at Ecoworld, with the backing of Brookfield Properties and Converge, showed us how powerful this city’s spirit really is. This was Bengaluru at its best.”

Venue Details:
The Bay, Ecoworld

Unit No. R5, Ground Floor, Tower 8A, Ecoworld,
Marathahalli-Sarjapur Outer Ring Road,
Bengaluru – 560103
Ticketing Link: BookMyShow – GIBF 2025

Sony India Introduces High-speed, Large-capacity CFexpress 4 Standard Type A Memory Cards or Card Reader Compatible with CFexpress 4

Sony is pleased to announce today the launch of its CFexpress 4 Standard Type A cards for its Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, the CEA-G1920T (1920 GB) and CEA-G960T (960 GB), along with the MRW-G3 CFexpress Type A card reader. These new CFexpress Type A cards achieve read speeds upto 1800 MB/s & write speed upto 1700 MB/s -more than twice as fast as earlier models. With these new additions, Sony India continues to empower creators and storytellers with technology that streamlines every step of the production process.

Key Features of the CFexpress Type A Cards CEA-G1920T (1920 GB), CEA-G960T (960 GB) and Card Reader MRW-G3:

1. CFexpress Type A Cards (CEA-G Series) CEA-G1920T, CEA-G960T

  • Supports high capacity with 4-standard complaint – With the latest – CFexpress 4 standard, these cards ensure compatibility with modern professional cameras and device. They offer large storage capacities of 1920 GB and 960 GB, respectively, providing ample space to store high-resolution images and lengthy 4K or even higher-resolution videos, making them ideal for demanding creative workflows.

  • High Quality Video Performance Guarantee – With this feature, the memory cards maintain a minimum sustained write speed of 400 MB/s, making it perfect for recording high-bitrate video without interruptions or dropped frames, ensuring smooth and reliable capture of cinematic-quality video material.

  • Enhanced workflow with extremely high read and writes speeds – These cards offers fast read speed of up to 1800 MB/s and a write speed of up to 1700 MB/s with upgraded workflow experience for the professionals. These speeds allow for quick transfer of large files to editing systems, drastically reducing post-production waiting times and enabling creative professionals to work more efficiently with large, high-quality files.

  • Improved Bend Resistance for Superior Durability – These cards feature exceptional physical durability, with the ability to withstand bending forces over ten times greater than earlier CFexpress Type A standards (up to 150 newton force). This feature ensures greater reliability and resilience during demanding shoot conditions making them usable in harsh environments, protecting valuable data.

  • Available with Impact-resistant resin body – The new CFexpress Type A Cards G Series is built with a specially reinforced resin body, these cards are engineered to be highly impact-resistant-five times stronger than the previous memory cards. The newly launched memory cards can survive accidental drops from heights of up to 7.5 meters, making them especially suitable for rugged outdoor shoots and hectic production environments.

  • Superior Portability through Compact body size – With its Compact size, the cards supports the design of lightweight and compact camera bodies, allowing for more portability and ease of use for photographers and videographers on the move.

  1. CFexpress Type A Card Reader MRW-G3
  • Compatible card reader exclusively available for CFexpress Type A card – The new MRW-G3 is designed to support the latest CFexpress Type A memory cards compliant with the CFexpress 4 standard, which ensures optimal compatibility and performance for users of the newest generation CFexpress cards.

  • High-speed transfer with USB 40Gbps support – With high speed USB transfer with 40Gbps support, it offers quick offloading and management of large files such as high-resolution images and 4K or higher video footage, significantly speeding up the workflow for creators and professionals.

  • Supports PCs, smartphones, and tablets for efficient workflows – The MRW-G3 offers broad compatibility across multiple device platforms including computers, smartphones, and tablets. This flexibility allows creators to transfer and edit their content across devices, enhancing convenience and productivity.

  • Offers Stable data transfer with high reliability and durability with heat-dissipation structure to suppress rising temperatures – The card ensures stable and secure data transfer, minimizing the risk of data corruption or loss. It is built to be reliable and durable which makes it suitable for professional environments where consistent performance is critical. Additionally, it also features a redesigned heat-dissipation mechanism that helps keep the device cool during intensive workflows, maintaining optimal operation even with prolonged use.

Price and Availability –

Model

MRP (in INR)

Availability Date

CEA-G1920T (1920 GB)

97,490/-

20th August 2025

CEA-G960T (960 GB)

59,990/-

20th August 2025

MRW-G3

17,990/-

20th August 2025

The CFexpress Type A Cards CEA-G1920T (1920 GB), CEA-G960T (960 GB) and Card Reader MRW-G3 are available across Sony retail stores (Sony Center and Sony Exclusive stores) and major electronic stores, www.ShopatSC.com and other e-commerce portals in India

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

Drone Show Lights Up Skies Across India for PM Narendra Modi’s 75th Birthday Celebration

For the first time in history, four Indian cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad – lit up in unison with spectacular drone shows performed by BotLab Dynamics to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

BotLab Dynamics celebrates PM Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday across India with Multi-City Drone Shows

The PM Modi Birthday Drone Show, designed and executed by BotLab Dynamics, an IIT Delhi Startup, showcased the scale, precision, and vision of India’s homegrown drone technology. For the first time ever, four cities witnessed coordinated multi-city drone shows, making this celebration as iconic as the leader it honored. The showcase proved that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), once seen primarily through the lens of defense, are now redefining entertainment and public celebrations in India at an unprecedented scale.

About the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Birthday Drone Show
The formations carried deep symbolic significance. A glowing portrait of Prime Minister Modi opened the show, followed by the Indian Map and Globe, reflecting India’s expanding global influence. The fighter jet salute symbolized national defence and pride, while the commanding Made in India lion embodied Atmanirbhar Bharat. This formation was especially significant as every drone in the performance was designed and manufactured in India by BotLab Dynamics.

The journey continued with depictions of Digital India and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, cornerstones of Modi Ji’s leadership. This was followed by a powerful formation of the Prime Minister as “The People’s Champion” – addressing the nation as a visionary leader who has driven India’s development while honoring its rich history and cultural roots.

From there, the skies transitioned to the image of a Global Leader through “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One World, One Family,” symbolizing India’s role in uniting the world. The show culminated in the message “Happy Birthday Modi Ji – From Citizens of India,” creating a deeply emotional and unifying moment across all four cities.

These Prime Minister Birthday Drone Shows demonstrated that India now leads in deploying drone technology for large-scale celebrations, setting a benchmark for the world in how technology can honor leadership, culture, and collective pride.

About the Drone Show Company
Speaking on the achievement, a BotLab Dynamics spokesperson said, “We are proud that this tribute, made possible with our drones designed and built in India, reflects the spirit of Atmanirbharta, that our PM supports. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Government of India, and we see it as an opportunity to showcase India’s innovation on the global stage.”

Another spokesperson highlighted “This show came to us just last Saturday, and in three days our team pulled off four simultaneous drone shows at this scale….honestly, we’re amazed ourselves. No one else in India could have taken this on in terms of tech, scale, or ambition. If we hadn’t said yes, it simply wouldn’t have happened.”

The IIT startup is best known for working with brands like Mercedes, Zomato, TATA, Mahindra etc. They have also performed drone shows in India for events like Mahakumbh 2025, IPL, ICC Cricket World Cup, IIFA, National Games, Ayodhya Deepotsav, Beating Retreat etc. In 2024, the company also secured five Guinness World Records during the Amaravati Drone Summit, cementing its reputation as India’s leader in drone light shows.

Click here to learn more about the company: www.botlabdynamics.com

Show Locations: Delhi (Yamuna Ghatt), Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium), Bengaluru (RBNMS Ground), and Ahmedabad (Sabarmati Riverfront).

Your Board Profile Announces the Launch of a Book Inspired by PM Modi on His 75th Birthday

Your Board Profile and OakBridge Publishing are proud to announce the release of Mastering Governance, Leadership & Strategic Storytelling: Lessons from PM Modi for Boards & C-Suite Leaders, authored by noted storytelling coach and Founder of Your Board Profile, Dr. Amit Nagpal.

Mastering Governance, Leadership & Strategic Storytelling: Lessons from PM Modi for Boards & C-Suite Leaders, authored by noted storytelling coach Dr. Amit Nagpal

At a time when leadership is being redefined by disruption, digital transformation, and shifting stakeholder expectations, this book offers a comprehensive playbook for Board and C-suite leaders who want to govern with integrity, lead with empathy, and communicate with impact.

About the Book

Drawing deep insights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey – from grassroots to global statesman – the book explores how vision, relentless effort, and storytelling mastery can shape narratives, mobilize people, and create enduring change. More than a leadership manual, the book introduces a practical toolkit for boards and C-suites seeking to enhance governance effectiveness, drive alignment, and build authentic connections.

While the PM discusses a broader vision for New India and Viksit Bharat 2047, the book serves as a guide to create a “New Corporate India” with higher governance and leadership standards, thereby enhancing the global reputation of Indian startups and corporations.

Key highlights include:

  • The 7E Framework for Strategic Storytelling – Empathy, Emotional Connect, Edutainment, Evocation, Eloquence, Energizing, and Engagement across multiple platforms.

  • Real-world case studies and techniques showcasing how PM Modi has consistently turned policies into purpose and strategy into shared accomplishment.

  • Self-reflection tools enabling leaders to discover their own unique stories and communicate with authenticity.
    ​

At its core, the book argues that Bonding is more powerful than Branding, reminding leaders that trust is the real currency of influence. This book equips today’s leaders – whether in corporations, startups, NGOs, or public life – with corporate governance, leadership, and strategic storytelling skills.

Mastering Governance, Leadership & Strategic Storytelling: Lessons from PM Modi for Boards & C-Suite Leaders is now available for purchase on Amazon India.

About the Author

Dr. Amit Nagpal is a narrative & governance strategist, and specializes in preparing Independent Directors, CXOs, and entrepreneurs for boardroom effectiveness through board branding and governance strategy. He has authored five books that explore various dimensions of storytelling and has contributed chapters to several reputed publications.

With nearly three decades of experience spanning teaching, training, consulting, and thought leadership, Dr. Nagpal has developed pioneering frameworks, including the Board Branding Diamond Model and 7E Storytelling framework. As a Boardroom Branding Specialist, his work has empowered over 200 leaders across various industries to communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and build lasting legacies.

  • Initiatives: Founder of Bloggers Alliance (Leadership & Governance Creators Community) and Your Board Profile.

  • Speaking & Writing: Featured at BSE Conclave, Jio Institute, Masters’ Union, and in multiple governance publications. He has spoken at prestigious platforms and organisations, including Tata Communications, Accenture, ICF, Story the Future Summit, and Career Summit, among others.

About Your Board Profile

Your Board Profile, India’s pioneering boardroom branding platform, was founded by Dr. Amit Nagpal. The platform has empowered senior leaders and aspiring Independent Directors to craft compelling board-level identities that align with governance excellence, ESG priorities, and stakeholder engagement.

Your Board Profile is a Knowledge Partner of Board Stewardship, Mumbai, founded by Vikesh Wallia, Former Board Member, The Times of India. Recognizing that traditional resumes fail to capture a leader’s boardroom value proposition, the platform was designed to:

  • Enhance Board Readiness: Offering Board Branding Scorecards and Board CV Optimization Toolkits.

  • Align Individual & Organizational Brands: Helping leaders showcase integrity, governance acumen, and ESG stewardship.

  • Create Impactful Boardroom Presence: Through storytelling frameworks and strategic narrative building.
    ​

To know more, visit yourboardprofile.in.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amit Nagpal, Founder, Your Board Profile, shared, “When we started Your Board Profile, we wanted to give aspiring Independent Directors and C-Suite leaders a language of influence that resonates with boards. Two years later, the community impact and global recognition reassure us that boardroom branding is now a leadership imperative. The book is our contribution to PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, and the entire royalty will be donated to PM Cares Fund.”

About OakBridge Publishing
OakBridge Publishing is a specialist Publisher of Professional and Academic works meant for Legal, Tax, and Business Professionals with several renowned authors. OakBridge books have been released by the Honble President and Vice President of India previously. It also organises specially curated events for Professionals, and one of their flagship events is VidhiUtsav.

To know more, visit www.oakbridge.in.

Paymentz Engages Leegality’s Consentin to Implement DPDP Compliance

Paymentz, a leading RBI-authorized payment aggregator, has partnered with Consentin by Leegality to implement end-to-end Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) compliance across all its platforms.

Nachiketa Singh and Sapan Parekh from Consentin by Leegality with Anupam Vassa, Raj Agarwal, and Kulin Dave from Paymentz

With the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the forthcoming DPDP Rules, businesses handling personal data in India are mandated to establish systems for consent management, data processing, and governance.

Paymentz, known for its secure, scalable, and white-label digital payment solutions, is addressing these requirements by deploying Leegalitys ConsentIn platform, which offers comprehensive solutions for consent lifecycle governance, data discovery and mapping, cookie compliance, data impact assessment, and audit-ready policy workflows.

The integration of ConsentIn will span Paymentzs core payment gateway services, including real-time payment processing, vendor payouts, and merchant onboarding, across its extensive network of MSMEs, startups, and enterprise clients.

At Paymentz, we are committed to providing secure and seamless payment solutions to our clients,” said Anupam Vassa, CEO, Paymentz. “Partnering with Consentin to implement DPDP compliance across our platforms not only ensures regulatory adherence but also reinforces our dedication to safeguarding user data and enhancing trust in our services.”

Developed by Leegality, ConsentIn is designed to meet the full spectrum of DPDP compliance needs for privacy, legal, compliance, and IT teams. It consolidates various DPDP compliance functions into a single, secure, and easy-to-implement platform, streamlining the process for businesses to align with the regulations.

We are thrilled to collaborate with Paymentz in this pioneering initiative,” said Shivam Singla, CEO, Leegality. “Their commitment to integrating comprehensive DPDP compliance measures sets a benchmark in the digital payments industry for others to mirror.”

About ConsentIn:
ConsentIn is a DPDP compliance platform developed by Leegality. It assists enterprises in managing the full spectrum of DPDP requirements-including consent management, notices, data discovery and governance, risk management, audit trails, and regulatory reporting – through a unified platform. Leegality is a B2B SaaS platform that was established in 2016 and is well-known for its document infrastructure platform, currently in use by over 2000 Indian businesses. More than 120 million customer consents and eSignatures, along with 15 million stamping flows, have been digitised by Leegality’s document infrastructure platform.

About Paymentz:
Paymentz is an RBI-authorized payment aggregator based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established in 2005, Paymentz offers state-of-the-art, white-label payment gateway solutions, serving as a vital infrastructural component in the card-not-present industry. With a focus on simplicity, security, speed, and scalability, Paymentz enables businesses to accept payments from customers anywhere, facilitating seamless transactions across various platforms.

Malabar Group Signs MoU with WHO India to Implement ‘Nurturing Beginnings’ Project

Malabar Group, as part of its continued commitment to social responsibility, has announced the launch of a new CSR initiative, NURTURING BEGINNINGS, in collaboration with the WHO India. The project is designed to improve the nutrition and overall well-being of mothers and children from disadvantaged urban communities, while supporting the mental and intellectual development of children.

Malabar Group Chairman M P Ahammad & WHO India Representative Dr. Roderico H Ofrin signed the MoU for the Nurturing Beginnings CSR project

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Malabar Group’s Headquarters in Kuttikkatoor, Kozhikode in the presence of Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India; Dr. B. Muhammad Asheel, National Professional Officer of WHO; M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group; Asher. O, Managing Director – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Nishad A.K, Group Executive Director, NGO Organization “Thanal” Chairman Dr. V. Idrees, Malabar Group Senior Directors, Management Team Members and other dignitaries. The initiative will be implemented through the Malabar Charitable Trust.

The NURTURING BEGINNINGS project builds on the Group’s flagship Hunger Free World program. Global studies highlight that the first 1,000 days from conception until the child’s early growth years are critical for physical, mental, and intellectual development. To address this, the project will provide free nutritious food to mothers and children, along with medical services that support both physical and mental health. Initially, it will be rolled out in urban communities in Delhi, with plans to expand across other states.

Speaking on the occasion, M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group said, “NURTURING BEGINNINGS is a very important project for us, as it extends the impact of our ‘Hunger Free World’ initiative. Only when children receive proper nutrition from conception through their early years can they grow to their full potential, both mentally and physically. Sadly, many in our society are deprived of this. By collaborating with WHO India, Malabar Group is acknowledging its responsibility in shaping a healthier society. We are deeply grateful to WHO for its support and cooperation.”

Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, said, “WHO congratulates Malabar Group for initiating such a vital project, which is crucial in shaping a healthier future generation. Nutrition and care are the fundamental rights of mothers and children, and the responsibility of society. Malabar Group has been implementing several impactful CSR initiatives, and we are confident that the NURTURING BEGINNINGS project will also be a great success.”

Dr. P. Muhammad Asheel, National Professional Officer of WHO, added, “The NURTURING BEGINNINGS project has the potential to significantly improve the development of children in socially and economically backward communities. WHO India will extend all possible cooperation and support to Malabar Group to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.”

Since its inception in 1993, Malabar Group has consistently allocated 5 percent of its profits towards CSR initiative. Through its Hunger Free World project, the Group currently provides free nutritious meals to 60,000 people daily in India and 10,000 students in three schools in Zambia. Additionally, more than 700 micro-learning centers have been established across India to support street children and school dropouts with food and education, helping them return to formal schooling. In addition, nearly 30,000 children were brought back to school.

The Group also runs ‘Grandma Home’ to support destitute mothers. Since launching its scholarship program in 2007, Malabar Group has awarded over 1,15,000 scholarships to girl students. Additionally, Malabar Charitable Trust is set to distribute 33,000 scholarships this year alone to promote the education of underprivileged girls. The Group’s CSR initiatives span health, housing, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

About Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. With an annual turnover of USD $7.36 billion, the company is currently the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and the 19th ranked brand in Deloitte’s Luxury Goods World Ranking. They have a strong retail network of over 400 showrooms spread across 13 countries, in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, the Middle East, the Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada & Australia. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online showroom, www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com, providing customers with the opportunity to purchase their favourite jewellery at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) and CSR have been the primary commitments of the group since its inception. The key focus areas of the Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment, and Women Empowerment, integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business.

VinFast India Partners with ICICI Bank to Deliver Comprehensive EV Financing Solutions

VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of global EV brand VinFast, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICICI Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, to provide auto and inventory financing for its exclusive dealer network. The partnership aims to offer a seamless suite of credit solutions for the company’s recently launched VF 6 and VF 7 models.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Pham Sanh Chau (left), CEO of VinFast Asia, and Munish Gaur, Product Head – Vehicles, ICICI Bank

Under the agreement, VinFast’s customers will have access to customised financing solutions, including 100% on-road funding, attractive interest rates, flexible repayment options and priority services applicable across the company’s full product range. Dedicated ICICI Bank representatives will be available at all VinFast showrooms to provide on-site support, making EV ownership more accessible and convenient for a wider range of Indian consumers.

The collaboration allows VinFast to leverage ICICI Bank’s extensive pan-India branch network and digital platforms to reach customers across urban and emerging markets alike. It also aligns with the company’s broader goal of accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions in India, one of the fastest-growing EV markets globally.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, and Munish Gaur, Product Head – Vehicles, ICICI Bank.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, shared, “Driving home an electric vehicle should be an exciting and effortless journey, and accessible financing plays a vital role in making that possible. By joining hands with ICICI Bank, we are empowering our customers with flexible and efficient financing options, while also equipping our dealers with the resources they need to scale. Our goal is to create value not just at the point of purchase but throughout the entire ownership journey, while advancing a new era of mobility that is clean, convenient, and inclusive”

Mr. Munish Gaur, Product Head – Vehicles, ICICI Bank, said, “As EV adoption accelerates, access to financing will be key to driving this transition. Our collaboration with VinFast will provide customers with convenient credit options for its premium EV lineup and reflects the Bank’s broader commitment to helping customers achieve their green aspirations with ease.”

As VinFast launches its VF 6 and VF 7 models, this partnership highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to establish a strong and customer-focused footprint in India. The company has also recently inaugurated its EV assembly plant in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant milestone in its long-term growth strategy.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

About ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank Ltd (BSE: ICICIBANK, NSE: ICICIBANK and NYSE:IBN) is a leading private sector bank in India. The Bank’s total assets stood at ₹21,23,839 crore at June 30, 2025.

Vardhman Amrante Announces Mixed Use Development Amrante Boulevard in Ludhiana

Vardhman Amrante, a venture of the Oswal Group, has unveiled its flagship mixed-use development, Amrante Boulevard, in Ludhiana. The project forms a key milestone in the company’s ambitious Rs. 1,350 crore expansion plan. The project is designed to be Ludhiana’s first-of-its-kind integrated development, bringing together premium retail, grade A office spaces, hospitality, and recreational entertainment avenues.

A step towards modern living – Vardhman Amrante presents Amrante Boulevard

Spread across a 7-acre land parcel, the development offers an aspirational ecosystem, where urban sophistication meets global-standard infrastructure. Strategically located on the main canal road, South City, Ludhiana, the area boasts of renowned residential townships and developments, excellent healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and is well-served by prominent retail and entertainment destinations.

Speaking on the announcement, Adish Oswal, Chairman, Oswal Group, said, “Through Amrante Boulevard, our vision is to deliver a destination that harmoniously blends commercial, retail, and lifestyle spaces, offering a benchmark for North India. In the next five years, we aim to redefine Punjab’s blueprint with developments that inspire pride, fulfills aspiration, and brings prosperity. With Ludhiana emerging as a regional powerhouse, this project will not only complement the city’s growth but also elevate its identity as a hub for aspirational lifestyle destination.”

Ludhiana stands as one of Punjab’s most influential centres for industry, trade, agriculture, and logistics. Its strategic location enables seamless connectivity to key cities like Patiala, Bathinda, Delhi, Jalandhar, Moga and Amritsar, reinforcing its importance as a regional powerhouse. The upcoming Amrante Boullevard will enjoy excellent access with just 20 minutes from Ludhiana Railway Station, 1.5 hours from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, 10-15 minutes from the Ludhiana city centre & 15-20 minutes from upcoming Halwara Airport which will further enhance connectivity.

About Vardhman Amrante Private Limited
Vardhman Amrante has been giving a new dimension to Ludhianas real estate. VAPL is the first organized and professional real estate firm in Ludhiana that aims at redefining the identity of Punjab. Vardhman Amrante is turning Punjab into a more prominent area that people with high aspirational value would love to associate with. In the next 5 years, Vardhman Amrante is going to redefine the blueprint of Punjab by providing high-end residential, commercial & hospitality projects with utmost perfection and establish itself as the most preferred real estate brand in the region.