Home Blog Page 344

Whistling Woods International Announces Admissions for July 2025 Intake; Entrance Exam Scheduled From April 24 to 26 2025

Whistling Woods International (WWI) has announced its entrance exam schedule for the July 2025 intake. Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in film, media & creative arts fields can apply for WWI’s full-time degree, post-graduate, and diploma programmes, which are offered in association with the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). With a strong alumni network of over 3,700 graduates excelling across the media and entertainment industry, WWI provides a solid foundation for aspiring professionals.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/31758_WWI_Image.JPG

Whistling Woods International Campus at Goregaon East, Mumbai

WWI is recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) and has also been awarded the Excellence in Creative & Performing Arts at the 6th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards in 2019. Additionally, WWI is globally acclaimed, having been listed among the Top Institutes of Influence by Forbes India.

Applications are now open for all the programmes in Filmmaking, Animation & Game Design, Fashion & Costume Design, Visual Communication Design, Media Communication & Management, Acting, and Music. These courses combine hands-on learning with industry- aligned education to prepare students for thriving careers in their chosen fields.

Entrance Exam Dates

The entrance exams are scheduled for April 24, 25 & 26, 2025, with dates allocated to specific courses as follows:

  • 24 April 2025 – BSc Filmmaking, MA Filmmaking, MA Screenwriting, Diploma in Screenwriting, BA Music Production C Composition

  • 25 April 2025 – BDes Animation, BDes Game Design, BDes Fashion Design, BA Acting

  • 26 April 2025 – BBA Media C Communication, MBA Media C Entertainment, BDes Visual Communication Design (VCD)

How to Apply
Students can register and submit their applications through www.whistlingwoods.co.in or contact +91 8828022630 for additional information.

DWP Prive – Limited Edition Lights Up Colombo with a Spectacle of Celebration and Connection

DWP Prive – Limited Edition set hearts racing and spirits soaring in the vibrant city of Colombo from April 9-11, 2025, as the world’s foremost leaders in destination weddings and luxury celebrations gathered for an unforgettable experience. The globe’s premier B2B platform for the wedding and celebration industry, DWP Prive, welcomed an extraordinary community of visionaries, creatives, and tastemakers from every corner of the world.

World’s foremost leaders in destination weddings and luxury celebrations gathered for an unforgettable experience at DWP Prive – Limited Edition at Cinnamon Life,Sri Lanka

The Host Hotel Partner, Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, provided the ultimate backdrop for this iconic gathering. With its ultra-luxurious design seamlessly infused with touches of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, every corner of the property became a living, breathing canvas that brought the magic of DWP Prive to life.

Speaking of the extravaganza on behalf of the host hotel partner, Lisa Mendis, Director of Events at Cinnamon Life. said, “I think for us it’s a first time, and it’s been phenomenal. I think it gave us an exposure, put ourselves in the map of international market giving us that opportunity where we can tell people our story and also take their story to us and kind of create a nice marriage between the two… it has given us that opportunity and definitely we are going to get lots of business from this.”

The celebration opened with the Goutez Le Luxe experience, an exquisite affair where guests explored the art of wine tasting and the elegance of champagne and cocktails-adding a glamorous touch to the world of luxury celebrations.

As the conference days unfolded, the audience was treated to deeply inspiring sessions that set a new standard for immersive learning. The event kicked off with Pillow Talk, an exclusive keynote by the legendary Preston Bailey, USA, a savant for creating theatrical environments, who delivered a heartful, honest, and intimate talk that set the tone for what followed. Attendees were then taken on a poetic artistic journey by set, lighting and costume designer Sumant Jayakrishnan, India, who explored the emotional depths of creativity in event design.

The agenda was thoughtfully curated with impactful B2B networking sessions-one of DWP Prive’s strongest pillars. These sessions cultivated genuine business relationships between global planners, key decision-makers, and premium suppliers.

Among those who found the experience truly rewarding was Digvijay Singh, Director of Sales & Marketing, Alila Fort Bishangarh also spoke about the direct business potential. He quoted, “DWP Prive overall has been fabulous, it’s been a great interaction with stalwarts of the industry who are into high-end weddings, and the meetings have been really fruitful. In fact, we are almost discussing closures at this point of time.”

The diverse mix of attendees-from designers to planners and suppliers-added immense vibrance to the event. Bryan Tachie-Menson, Founder, Whitechalk Global Ghana’s leading event planner shared his delight at this global coming-together of talent commenting, “People from all walks of life, different lands and fields, people from different background with different expertise and it makes it very colourful because they you get into heads of different planners, decorators, hoteliers, property owners and all that. On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a 100.”

For many, it was an emotionally enriching experience as well. Shade Fatusin, Event Planner and Designer, A Conceal Affair, USA described the event as a deeply grateful journey expressing, “This was the most amazing experience, filled with so much gratitude. There were so many insightful and knowledgeable experiences, with such amazing networking from meeting new suppliers, new friends and new connections!

From insightful learning to industry foresight, the Congress balanced it all. Mahesh Shirodkar, Managing Director, TamarindGlobal highlighted the need to embrace change commenting,”I think it’s a combination of fun, education, connects and overall great organizing. I would like people to try and educate people on how to manage finances, evolving environment which is changing towards digitalization etc., from now till the next 5 years.”

New formats, fresh perspectives, and standout sessions elevated the experience. Tapiwa Mukoti Managing Directo, RSVP Events, Africa shared his appreciation and said, “A refreshing experience with a vibrant new lineup of delegates, bringing fresh perspectives to the event. The well-curated topics, insightful speakers, and high-quality presentations made it a standout gathering.”

The reimagined format of DWP Prive was particularly loved for the way it enabled genuine bonding among peers. Guadalupe Alvarez, Director, Penzi Weddings, Mexico captured this sentiment by saying, “Love the new format and loved getting to know colleagues from all over the world, It was insane!!

Echoing the power of meaningful connections, Pervez Taufiq, , Founder, P. Taufiq Photography, USA shared how this edition opened doors to long-term creative partnerships. He says, “I feel like this allowed us more intimate kind of look at people and be able to get to know so many people, you know that gave us an opportunity to create collaborations and partnerships that in my opinion are going to create some amazing, amazing work out of this.”

As the curtains closed on this magical edition, DWP Prive – Limited Edition reaffirmed its reputation as not just a platform for business but a movement of inspiration, artistry, and genuine human connection, setting the tone for what the future of luxury weddings and celebrations truly looks like.

Reflecting on the resounding success of the event, Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, shared, “We are incredibly proud of what DWP Prive – Limited Edition has achieved in Colombo. It was not just an event-it was a celebration of global talent, cultural richness, and the spirit of collaboration. Bringing together industry trailblazers under one roof created the perfect energy to foster ideas, partnerships, and inspiration. We look forward to pushing boundaries even further in the next edition.”

Sportz Village’s 13th Annual Health Survey Reveals Children Fitness Statistics: 2 in 5 Children in India Do Not Have a Healthy BMI

  • The 13th Annual Health Survey studies data from 1,16,650 children aged 7 to 17, spanning 85 locations across India.

  • In comparison, children from government schools fared better than private schools in BMI, Lower body strength, Aerobic and Anaerobic capacity & Flexibility.

Sportz Village’s 13th Annual Health Survey (AHS) has revealed alarming gaps in the fitness and well-being of school-going children across India. Conducted annually since 2010, the survey aims to analyze and evaluate the health and fitness levels of children in schools across India.

Sportz Village’s 13th Annual Health Survey (AHS)

The 13th edition of the survey, powered by EduSports, assessed 1,16,650 children aged 7 to 17 years across 85 locations, highlighting the urgent need for structured physical education programs in schools.

The EAST REGION has emerged with the second-best performance showcasing an overall fitness in a total of 56.40% of children, showing notable strengths in Upper body strength (54%), Lower body strength (46%), and Flexibility (77%).

The survey highlights that a higher percentage of children from the NORTH REGION have shown extremely poor performance, recording the lowest percentages in three out of seven fitness parameters. The region performed the weakest in Lower body strength (35%), Abdominal strength (81%), and Anaerobic capacity (58%), underscoring significant areas for improvement in these key fitness indicators.

The performance of children from the SOUTH REGION has been a mixed bag. A higher percentage of children have performed well in the parameters of BMI (60.12%), Aerobic capacity (31%), Anaerobic capacity (62%), and Abdominal strength (87%), while showing areas of improvement in Upper body strength and Flexibility.

WEST REGION has performed the best when compared to all other regions with higher percentage of children performing exceptionally well in the parameters of Upper body strength (58%) Lower body strength (60%), Anaerobic capacity (81%), Abdominal strength (93%), Aerobic capacity (52%) & Flexibility (81%).

Sportz Village’s 13th Annual Health Survey (AHS)

Key findings of the survey denote:

  • 2 in 5 children have an unhealthy BMI.

  • 3 in 5 children lack adequate Lower body strength.

  • 1 in 3 children have insufficient Flexibility.

  • 3 in 5 children do not meet the required Aerobic capacity.

  • 1 in 5 children have inadequate Abdominal or core strength.

  • 2 in 5 children lack sufficient Anaerobic capacity.

  • 3 in 5 children do not have adequate Upper body strength.

  • A higher proportion of girls (62.23%) maintain a healthy BMI compared to boys (57.09%).

  • Girls outperformed boys in Flexibility, Abdominal strength, Anaerobic capacity, and Upper body strength, whereas boys performed well in the parameters of Aerobic capacity and Lower body strength
    ​

AHS 2025 key findings

Moreover, a higher percentage of children in private schools have better Upper body strength levels (47%), compared to the children from government schools (37%) as well as Abdominal strength levels (87%) compared to the children in government schools (84%). In comparison, a higher percentage of children from government schools have fared better in BMI (61.64%), Lower body strength (48%), Aerobic capacity (37%), Anaerobic capacity (75%) & Flexibility (75%), demonstrating better overall fitness in children from the latter.

The survey also highlights the positive correlation between the frequency of P.E. classes and overall fitness levels. It found that children who attend more than two P.E. periods per week have better BMI levels, upper body strength and flexibility compared to those with fewer P.E. classes, reinforcing the importance of structured sports programs in schools.

Saumil Majmudar, Co-founder, CEO & Managing Director, Sportz Village, emphasized the importance of balancing academics and sports, stating, Children naturally love to play, yet sports often take a backseat to academics. The 13th AHS findings highlight the urgent need to strike a balance between the two. School leaders must prioritize investments in physical education and sports curricula-not just for the long-term health and well-being of children, but to foster a strong sporting culture that can propel India toward excellence on the global stage.”

Parminder Gill, Co-founder & Head of Foundation, Sportz Village, highlighted the need for policy support and CSR-backed initiatives, adding, “The improved fitness levels among government school children is encouraging, with far-reaching benefits. Sports not only enhance academic performance but also strengthen social-emotional skills, foster inclusion, and promote gender equity. To build on this progress, it is essential to implement strong policies and allocate resources that ensure access to high-quality sports programs, supported by corporates, CSR initiatives, philanthropists, and the government.”

Detailed 13th Annual Health Survey report can be downloaded here.

About Sportz Village
Sportz Village is India’s largest school sports organization, dedicated to making sports an integral part of children’s education and development. Established in 2003, Sportz Village aims to improve childrens health and well-being by integrating sports into school curriculums. Whether through EduSports, its pioneering structured physical education (P.E.) program, or its #SportForChange development initiatives in government schools, or through PathwayZ sports excellence program, Sportz Village is committed to developing young champions both on and off the field.

Currently, the organization benefits over 300,000 children and youth across 500+ private and public schools in 22 states. To date, Sportz Village has impacted over 66 lakh children across India, making it the largest initiative of its kind in the country.

Anurag University Strengthens Global Academic Ties with Arizona State University

Anurag University has strengthened its strategic academic partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), expanding global education pathways for Indian students. Through this collaboration, students can pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or Management. Students will commence their academic journey at Anurag University International College in India before seamlessly transferring to ASU in the United States to complete their degrees.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/31754_AIM_Image.JPG

Dignitaries from Cintana Education, Anurag University, Arizona State University during the media gathering

This partnership enhances access to international education, fosters cross-border collaboration, and equips students to thrive in an increasingly globalized world. Offering a clear and affordable academic route, it empowers students with international exposure while ensuring a smooth, cost-effective transition to the United States – enabling savings of up to 40% on the total cost of earning a globally recognized ASU degree.

This was announced by Anurag University & Arizona State University at a stakeholder interaction session attended by representatives from the U.S. Consulate, Education USA, principals and counsellors from leading international schools in Hyderabad. This event showcased the opportunities created through this collaboration and its potential to shape the academic and professional futures of Indian students.

The presence of officials of U.S Consulate General in Hyderabad served as a platform to recognize the growing U.S – India educational ties.

Key Messages from the Session

  • Dr. Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Chairman, Anurag University: This partnership exemplifies our commitment to offering high-quality global education opportunities that are both accessible and transformative. By providing our students with direct pathways to ASU, we ensure they have the tools to succeed on a global stage.

  • Chris Johnson, Senior Director, Global Partnership Development, ASU: This is more than a partnership – it’s a powerful alliance for global innovation. ASU and Anurag University are breaking barriers and building the future together. What starts here isn’t just change – it’s transformation on a global scale.

The collaboration underscores the increasing demand for internationally recognized, affordable education in India and presents an important opportunity for students to access world-class academic experiences while optimizing education costs.

About Arizona State University
ASU is the largest public university in the United States under a single administration. In a given year, the university enrols more than 181,000 students, including more than 16,000 international students. India remains the top country of origin for ASU’s international students, with more than 6,600 Indian students currently enrolled. ASU is repeatedly ranked #1 in innovation, sustainability and global impact. It has also emerged as a top-ranked research university with nearly $1 billion in annual research.

About Anurag University, Hyderabad

Anurag University: Shaping Future Leaders Through Innovation and Excellence. Located in Hyderabad, Anurag University campus spreads across 150+ acres, serving 15,000+ students with 500+ distinguished faculty. Established in 1998 and attaining university status in 2020, it offers 50+ undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across six multidisciplinary schools. The university holds NBA and NAAC accreditations and has been consistently featured in the NIRF rankings across disciplines for the past five years.

Supported by world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge research centres, and strong industry linkages, Anurag University empowers students through industry-aligned learning, experiential education, and dedicated mentorship programs-nurturing the next generation of changemakers. Known for its innovation-driven education, University actively works to achieve good placement outcomes for it’s students and is proud to be Telangana’s first educational institution to build a satellite in collaboration with industry and government partners.

Location, Layout, Lifestyle: How SKA Divine is Shaping a New Residential Narrative in NCR

As NCR’s real estate evolves, so do the aspirations of homebuyers. They are increasingly seeking residences that go beyond four walls-they want homes that are strategically located, offer expansive and well-thought-out layouts, and align with their aspirations for a modern, elevated lifestyle. Responding to this growing demand is SKA Divine, a thoughtfully crafted residential project by the renowned SKA Group that sets a new benchmark in urban living.

SKA Divine: Where prime location, elegant design, and a holistic lifestyle redefine urban living in NCR

Located within the innovative and thoughtfully planned Wave City along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, SKA Divine enjoys easy access to world-class amenities and a serene environment, all while staying deeply connected to the NCR’s urban fabric. The project offers excellent connectivity with Noida Sector-62 and Ghaziabad Railway Station, just 20 minutes away, and Akshardham is reachable in 35 minutes. It also boasts proximity to the upcoming Jewar Airport. By offering exceptional connectivity without compromising on peace or green surroundings, SKA Divine embodies the perfect balance between modern living and tranquil retreat.

Complementing its prime location is SKA Divine’s meticulous attention to design and spatial planning. Spread across approximately 5 acres, the project comprises 3 elegantly designed towers- alpha, beta, and gamma- rising up to 27 storeys and housing 536 thoughtfully crafted units. The prestigious development offers an array of spacious 3, 3+ BHK & 4+ BHK luxury apartments thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of discerning modern families.

Additionally, homes at SKA Divine are not just spacious; they’re air-conditioned, boast a generous floor-to-floor height of 12 feet, and are surrounded by lush greenery that creates a serene, nature-infused living experience. Designed to enhance both aesthetics and comfort, the apartments feature elegant woodwork throughout with spacious balconies that invite abundant natural light and ventilation. Adding to the grandeur, the project features double-height tower lobbies and club areas, creating an atmosphere of sophistication from the very first step inside.

Apart from the thoughtfully designed living spaces is a lifestyle ecosystem that brings comfort, wellness, and community into perfect harmony. At the heart of SKA Divine is SKA Social Club, featuring the opulence of a 23 ft. double height ceiling that exudes timeless elegance. From an infinity-edge swimming pool and all-weather indoor pool to a fully equipped gym, spa, and indoor sports arena, residents have access to a full suite of recreational and wellness amenities.

Whether it’s catching a movie at the miniplex, celebrating moments in the community hall with pre-function and party lawn, or focusing in the business center, every space is crafted to enrich daily life. There are dedicated zones for all age groups-from a toddler play area and teenager room to guest rooms for visiting friends and family. With an expansive 1,26,000 sq. ft. of lush green landscape, meditation zones, and eco-conscious features like rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment, SKA Divine ensures that luxury is balanced with sustainability. Other premium features, like dedicated EV charging stations, ensure a well-rounded lifestyle.

SKA Divine stands as a testament to modern architectural finesse, with a contemporary elevation defined by clean lines, graceful symmetry, and a sophisticated visual identity. Every aspect of its design has been envisioned to create not just homes but an elevated living environment. Embracing the concept of a modern urban oasis, the project seamlessly integrates green open spaces, walking tracks, and community zones that encourage interaction, mindfulness, and a deeper connection with nature. The project is a true reflection of SKA Group’s legacy-crafted not just as a residential offering but as a holistic experience. By combining strategic location, smartly designed layouts, and a lifestyle ecosystem that caters to every generation, SKA Divine is shaping a new residential narrative in NCR.

Bajaj Finserv Introduces Blockbuster EMI Days – Save Up to 55% on Top Appliances

In every home, appliances are more than just machines-they’re silent partners that simplify daily living. Whether it’s a dependable refrigerator, a Smart TV for family movie nights, or an energy-efficient AC for round-the-year comfort, home appliances play an essential role in making a house truly feel like home.

Blockbuster EMI Days offers easy financing and exciting discounts on appliances

If you’ve been contemplating an upgrade, now is the perfect time. Bajaj Finserv has launched “Blockbuster EMI Days”, a limited-period opportunity to bring home premium TVs, ACs, refrigerators, and more-without breaking the bank. Running from 7th April to 31st May, this mega sale offers up to 55% off, attractive cashback deals, and easy EMI financing, making home upgrades more accessible than ever.

Top offers on televisions

From compact HD-ready TVs to large-screen Smart TVs, customers can explore a wide selection of feature-rich televisions from top brands like LG, Sony, Samsung, and more. With prices slashed and the convenience of repaying the cost over Easy EMIs, upgrading your entertainment setup is both exciting and affordable.

Best deals on air conditioners

Upgrade to an advanced air conditioner with features like inverter technology, reduced electricity bills, and fast cooling. Blockbuster EMI Days brings customised offers, cashbacks, and zero down payment options on select models from trusted brands like Voltas, Daikin, and Blue Star. For instance, EMIs for Voltas ACs start as low as Rs. 1,888 per month, while Samsung models begin at Rs. 1,990, Daikin at Rs. 1,833, and IFB at Rs. 1,522.

Smart choices in refrigerators

Whether you need a single-door refrigerator for compact use or a double-door variant for larger families, brands like Haier, Samsung, and Whirlpool offer cutting-edge features and sleek designs. Enjoy deep discounts and convert your purchase into Easy EMIs with very flexible and long tenure options. For instance, EMIs for Haier models start as low as Rs. 944 per month, while Godrej models begin at Rs. 1,125, Whirlpool at Rs. 860, and Panasonic at Rs. 1,271.

Flexible EMI options with Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Finserv offers a seamless financing experience through its Easy EMI options, allowing customers to convert big purchases into small, manageable monthly instalments. With zero down payment on select products, Easy EMI plans, and flexible repayment tenures, customers can shop for high-value appliances and electronics without straining their budgets. This hassle-free financing empowers consumers to bring home top-tier products while maintaining financial ease and control.

The ongoing Blockbuster EMI Days makes this experience even more rewarding, with limited-period discounts, cashback, and customised offers available from 7th April to 31st May at Bajaj Finserv partner stores.

Whether you’re replacing an old appliance or planning a much-awaited upgrade, Blockbuster EMI Days offers the right time and the right price to make that move. Visit your nearest partner store or explore deals online to bring home the appliances that truly make life better-on Easy EMIs.

Bajaj Finance Limited

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

To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in

NFO Alert: Bajaj Finserv Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Opens for Subscription

Every market leader was once an emerging player, building its foundation before making it to the big league. In India’s dynamic economy, the Nifty Next 50 Index hosts such potential future leaders. This index comprises companies that have outgrown the midcap label but haven’t yet entered the Nifty 50, which represents India’s topmost companies by market capitalization.

The Bajaj Finserv Nifty Next 50 Index Fund NFO is now open

These are businesses that could potentially become tomorrow’s blue-chip stocks-spanning industries like e-commerce, consumer electronics, retail etc. For investors, this index offers a compelling combination: the relative strength of large caps with the potential growth orientation of mid-sized companies. With India’s economy projected to become the world’s third largest by 2030 (as per estimates from The Centre for Economics and Business Research), these companies may potentially benefit from emerging opportunities for growth.

With this backdrop, Bajaj Finserv AMC has launched the Bajaj Finserv Nifty Next 50 Index Fund, giving investors relatively a convenient and cost-effective avenue to tap into the growth potential of the country’s evolving economic landscape. The New Fund Offer period for this scheme began on April 22, 2025, and will be on till May 6, 2025.

Stepping stone to the top
The Nifty Next 50 has long been a pathway to the Nifty 50. Over the last 15 years, 44 companies from this index have been upgraded to the main benchmark, as per data from NSE Indices as of December 31, 2024. This suggests that many of today’s Nifty Next 50 constituents could potentially be the market leaders of tomorrow.

Moreover, the Nifty Next 50 index spans a diverse range of industries, including airlines, auto parts, and personal care.

The index has also demonstrated relatively steady long-term growth potential. Over the past two decades, it has provided a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% (between February 2003 and February 2025, data as per ICRA MFI Explorer).

This indicates that investors who remained invested for longer durations have generally benefited. However, like any equity investment, returns have varied across different market cycles.

*Past performance may or may not be sustained in future.

Current market opportunity
Valuations play a crucial role in investment decisions, and as of February 2025, the Nifty Next 50 was trading below its historical valuation averages. Lower valuations create an entry point for long-term investors, allowing them to enter at favourable prices and potentially benefit if market recognises with the stock’s inherent value over time.

A fund to consider
For those looking to invest in this space, index funds tracking the Nifty Next 50 provide a low-cost way to gain exposure. The Bajaj Finserv Nifty Next 50 Index Fund offers investors a simple and efficient way to participate in the potential growth of these emerging leaders. An index fund can offer unique advantages, such as:

  • Lower costs: Index funds have lower expense ratios compared to actively managed funds since they simply track a benchmark index; the fund manager does not handpick stocks.

  • Diversification: These funds offer exposure across sectors by tracking a broad market index (such as Nifty 50, Nifty Next 50, etc.).

  • Lower risk: As performance is tied to the overall market rather than individual stock selection, index funds can carry lower risk than actively managed funds.

  • Long-term growth focus: They are designed for potential wealth creation over time, without frequent portfolio adjustments or high churn.

  • Simplicity: Their passive approach makes them easy to understand, especially for beginners.

How to invest in the Bajaj Finserv Nifty Next 50 Index Fund
The Bajaj Finserv Nifty Next 50 Index Fund presents a potential opportunity to invest in companies that may shape India’s corporate landscape in the years ahead. Investors can purchase units at a face value of Rs. 10 during the New Fund Offer or NFO period (April 22, 2025 – May 6, 2025). When the fund reopens for subscription, units will be available at the applicable Net Asset Value.

Both Systematic Investment Plan and lumpsum options are available. Lumpsum and SIP options start at Rs. 500 (minimum 6 contributions for SIP). You can invest directly through www.bajajamc.com or through a registered mutual fund distributor.

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

SaveSage’s Pan-India Survey Reveals 70% of Credit Card Users Fail to Maximise Rewards

Highlighting significant inefficiencies in how Indian consumers use their credit cards, SaveSage, India’s leading credit card rewards and loyalty optimisation platform, has unveiled the findings of its pan-India Credit Card Rewards Behaviour Survey 2025. Conducted between February and March 2025, the survey captured responses from over 5,000 credit card holders across nine major cities, revealing that consumers unknowingly miss out on substantial savings due to underutilised reward points and card benefits.

Credit Card Rewards Behaviour Survey 2025: SaveSage Reports

At a time when India is home to over 109 million active credit cards (RBI, February 2025) and credit-based spending is rapidly surpassing traditional payment methods, the implications of these findings are substantial. The survey reveals that 70% of users fail to fully optimise their rewards, largely due to fragmented information, lack of awareness, the overwhelming complexity of reward structures and the tedious redemption process. This translates into lost personal savings, and also highlights a larger inefficiency in India’s dynamic consumer finance landscape.

Key Findings from the Survey

  • 50% of respondents face challenges in redeeming rewards -often settling for cashback over more valuable options like travel, merchandise, or exclusive partner offers

  • 50% of cardholders let reward points expire, largely due to unawareness or lack of tracking mechanisms

  • 60% are unaware of complimentary card perks such as lounge access, travel insurance, golf privileges, and concierge services-foregoing premium benefits at no additional cost

  • 55% of daily transactions are still conducted via UPI or cash, indicating that credit cards are not being utilised as a primary payment method despite their rewards and free credit period advantages

  • 60% of users rely on social media influencers for credit card advice – raising concerns about credibility and the need for more trustworthy, expert-driven information

  • 65% of users are open to switching their primary credit card in pursuit of better benefits, reflecting a desire for more personalised, high-value offerings

These insights highlight a critical gap between the increasing availability of credit card rewards and their actual utilisation, one that could be bridged through better education, simplified tools, and expert guidance.

Commenting on the findings, Ashish Lath, Chief Saver at SaveSage, said, “The findings from this survey validate what weve long believed – that most Indians are leaving real money on the table simply because they dont have the tools or knowledge to optimise their credit card rewards. At SaveSage, we’re committed to changing that. Whether it’s through our AI assistant Savvy or personalized recommendations, our mission is to help every user unlock the full potential of their credit cards and loyalty programs – without the complexity.”

As credit-based financial products become more embedded in the daily lives of Indian consumers, SaveSage plays a pivotal role in helping users navigate this evolving ecosystem.

About SaveSage
SaveSage enables users to track, manage, and optimise credit card reward points and loyalty programs in one place. The platform analyses individual spending patterns and recommends the best credit card suited as per user’s needs, ensuring maximum rewards and benefits. Currently, SaveSage supports over 750 credit cards and 75 loyalty programs. SaveSage’s AI enabled spends assistant Savvy is the first-of-its-kind tool in India that enables users to optimise their credit card spends on the go. SaveSage was launched in Oct’24 and as of Mar’25, it has 50,000+ users.

SaveSage is backed by marquee institutional investors like iSEED, Atrium Ventures, and LetsVenture Fund, along with prominent angel investors including Bhavesh Gupta, Dr Shriram Nene, Ritesh Malik, Ramneek Sehgal, Mayank Gupta, Rahul Mathur, Piyush Nangru, Utkarsh Kumar, Amit Goel, and others.

For more information, please visit www.savesage.club. For any queries, contact us at contact@savesage.club.

Millers for Nutrition, Fortify Health, and The Akshaya Patra Foundation Unite to Improve Nutrition in India

Millers for Nutrition, a coalition of key food fortification stakeholders dedicated to helping millers fortify staple foods, is proud to announce a partnership with Fortify Health and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program, to supply fortified wheat flour to 3416 schools in Gujarat. The flour will be used to make meals for over 400,000 children.

Millers for Nutrition, Fortify Health, and The Akshaya Patra Foundation join hands together for nutritious meals

As part of this initiative, millers including Century Industries (Ahmedabad), Shakti Food Industries (Bhuj), Achyut Cereals & Pulses (Jamnagar), Shreeji Food Products (Vadodara), Momai Traders (Bhavnagar), and Giriraj Food Product (Surat) will collectively supply about 350 metric tons of fortified wheat flour every month to Akshaya Patra’s centralized kitchens in these cities, ensuring a steady and nutritious food supply for students.

“Millers for Nutrition is proud to partner with Fortify Health and The Akshaya Patra Foundation to enhance nutrition in India,” said Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Lead, TechnoServe. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of millions of children across the country.”

Over the past year, Millers for Nutrition, in collaboration with Fortify Health, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, and the Gujarat Roller Flour Millers Association, has conducted fortification trainings in Gujarat to help millers produce high-quality fortified wheat flour. Demonstrating a win-win-win, the initiative has successfully scaled up wheat flour fortification, enhanced childrens nutrition, and supported miller businesses.

Sri Bharatarshabha Dasa, Trustee and National President at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said,“We at The Akshaya Patra Foundation are honored to collaborate with Millers for Nutrition and Fortify Health in this transformative initiative. By integrating fortified wheat flour into the meals of over 400,000 children in Gujarat, we are not just addressing nutritional needs but are actively contributing to a brighter, healthier future for the next generation. This partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaborative effort in making substantial health improvements across communities. Together, we are setting a remarkable precedent for nutritional welfare in India.”

Tony Senanayake, CEO at Fortify Health,said, “Fortify Health is proud to collaborate with The Akshay Patra Foundation leading the way in institutional nutrition across Gujarat. They are delivering high-quality, iron-fortified chakki atta through six central kitchens, reaching over 4 lakh vulnerable individuals, including school children under PM-Poshan. This partnership demonstrates how simple, scalable interventions can effectively improve public health and nutrition outcomes in a state with a high anaemia burden.”

About The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which strives to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India. As the implementing partner of the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meal Scheme), the Foundation provides hot, nutritious and tasty mid-day meals to children in government and government-aided schools every day to support their nutrition and education.

In partnership with the Government of India, various state governments and UT administrations, and the inestimable support of many philanthropic donors and well-wishers, the Foundation has grown from humble beginnings serving just 1,500 school children across five schools to becoming one of the largest (not-for-profit run) school feeding programme in the world, serving wholesome food to over 2.25 million children from 23,000+ schools across 17 States and 3 Union Territories in India.

Akshaya Patra continuously forges partnerships and leverages technology to cater to millions of children and has served over 4 billion meals since 2000. The momentous milestone was commemorated at a special event at the UN headquarters in New York on 2 April 2024.

For more details, please log on www.akshayapatra.org.

About Fortify Health

Fortify Health has a vision for a healthier world where everyone has the micronutrients they need to survive and thrive. We work toward this by enabling access to micronutrient-rich wheat flour to reduce and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. We are now active in 14 states/UTs across India, working with 150 mills across India to reach more than 7 million beneficiaries.

Fortify Health provides technical support to governments and NGOs to integrate wheat flour fortification into various programs such as the Andhra Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited, Punjab Development Corporation, The Akshaya Patra Foundation and Touchstone Foundation.

Fortify Health operates through three work streams.

  • Open Market Support: We support millers to cost-neutrally fortify chakki atta in the open market.

  • Partnership Support: We work with governments, quasi-government and non-government organisations in India to mainstream wheat flour fortification through social safety net programs.

  • Evidence Generation: We conduct monitoring and evaluation of activities to inform the public about the value of food fortification.

For more details, please log on www.fortifyhealth.global.

About Millers for Nutrition
Millers for Nutrition is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners: BASF, BioAnalyt, Bhler, dsm-firmenich, Mhlenchemie, SternVitamin; Regional Strategic Fortification Partners: Hexagon Nutrition, Piramal, Sanku; and a growing group of local technical partners that share a common vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence to benefit society and enhance business sustainability. Millers for Nutrition is powered by TechnoServe with funding support from the Gates Foundation.

Millers, food fortification stakeholders, and others interested in joining the coalition can learn more at millersfornutrition.com.

Pune Gas Continues its Nationwide Expansion with a Fifth Experience Centre

Pune Gas, India’s leading name in commercial and industrial gas systems and solutions, is proud to announce the launch of Telangana’s first dedicated commercial and industrial LPG and Natural Gas systems and solutions Pune Gas Experience Centre in Hyderabad. The centre was inaugurated in the esteemed presence ofMr. A Babu Rao, Chairman of Caf Niloufer-India’s largest tea caf and an icon in the hospitality sector-alongside Mr. Jesal Sampat (Executive Director, Pune Gas), Mr. Bhaven Udeshi (Director of Sales, Pune Gas), and Mr. P Vinay Prakash (CEO of Ignite LPG and Franchise Owner – Pune Gas Experience Centre, Hyderabad).

A. Babu Rao garu – Chairman, Cafe Niloufer with Mr. Jesal Sampat – Director, Pune Gas, Mr. P Vinay Prakash – Franchise Owner, Hyderabad and other members of Pune Gas Team

This marks Pune Gas’ fifth Experience Centre in India, reaffirming the company’s commitment to deeper regional outreach and wider accessibility. Strategically located in Hyderabad, the Experience Centre is designed to meet the dynamic needs of Telangana’s burgeoning hospitality, food service, and commercial sectors.

Pune Gas Experience Centre in Hyderabad

Mr. Jesal Sampat, Executive Director, Pune Gas shared, “Pune Gas has always believed in transforming businesses through gas innovation. With our Experience Centres, we are bridging the knowledge gap and making our systems more accessible to businesses of every scale. As energy costs rise and sustainability mandates become stricter, it’s vital that industries move to smarter, cleaner alternatives-and that’s exactly what we offer.”

Mr. P Vinay Prakash, Franchise Owner – Pune Gas Experience Centre, Hyderabad added,“We are excited to bring this first-of-its-kind centre to Telangana. Well-known names such as The Minerva Coffee Shop and Broadway FoodStories are already reaping the benefits of Pune Gas systems. This Experience Centre now empowers every business-from small cloud kitchens to large-scale manufacturers-to explore gas solutions that can boost both profitability and sustainability.”

Where Innovation Meets Efficiency: A Glimpse inside the Experience Centre

The newly launched centre provides an immersive, hands-on look at cutting-edge gas solutions, with a spotlight on:

LPGenius: The world’s first Smart LPG System, proudly Made in India and installed in thousands of commercial kitchens and industrial setups across the country. LPGenius enables commercial users to eliminate common inefficiencies such as cylinder freezing and sweating, dramatically improving operational output and fuel optimization. The system supports the use of LOT (Liquid Off-Take) 47.5 kg cylinders, a far more efficient alternative to traditional 19 kg cylinders.

With proven savings of 20-30% on LPG costs, LPGenius is becoming the go-to system not just for efficiency, but for compliance as well-especially as environmental regulations tighten in response to India’s declining air quality.

FuelFusion: A revolutionary dual-fuel kit that enables diesel generator sets to run on a combination of LPG and diesel, significantly reducing diesel dependency and lowering CO₂ emissions.

LeakCheck – A sophisticated gas leak detection system built with modern aesthetics and precision engineering, designed to protect both people and property across industrial and commercial premises.

From basic components to state-of-the-art vaporizer systems, the Hyderabad Experience Centre enables customers to find comprehensive solutions, tailored guidance, and complete clarity on system selection-all under one roof.

Meeting the Energy Challenge Head-On

India consumed 30,916 TMT of LPG in FY 2022-23, with only 16% attributed to industrial and commercial sectors. The rest continues to rely heavily on traditional fossil fuels such as diesel, furnace oil, kerosene, and even wood-fuels that are inefficient and polluting.

Telangana alone accounts for over 1.16 lakh industrial and commercial LPG customers, and Andhra Pradesh for 1.41 lakh+. Yet many of these users still face avoidable challenges like LPG cylinder freezing, which can result in a daily loss of 3-4 kg of LPG per cylinder.

Pune Gas’ flagship systems, especially LPGenius, offer a powerful solution to this problem. By ensuring optimum vaporization and flow, and supporting the adoption of LOT cylinders, LPGenius helps users improve productivity, reduce waste, and increase margins-all while embracing a cleaner, smarter fuel.

Website:www.punegas.com.

About Pune Gas

Established over four decades ago, Pune Gas is a pioneer in the design, manufacturing, and implementation of commercial and industrial gas systems. With a robust footprint across India and 20 global markets, Pune Gas has played a transformative role in helping businesses improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and adopt cleaner fuel sources. Its innovations in LPG and Natural Gas systems are trusted by thousands of customers across manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and other commercial sectors.