Risk is often misunderstood as something to be avoided, but in investing, it’s the fuel that can power long-term returns.

It’s also important to recognize that risk isn’t defined by size – sometimes, even large, familiar companies can fail due to issues like poor governance or excessive debt. Long-term outperformance doesn’t come from size alone, but from quality, strong governance, and sustainable growth.

Invest in Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund NFO

The key is not to avoid risk, but to understand it, manage it, and potentially use it to your advantage.

This is especially true in the small cap space, which tends to be highly volatile. But in investing, higher risk usually means higher potential returns. To tap into the potential of small caps while mitigating risk through research-backed stock selection, the Bajaj Finserv AMC announces the launch of Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund with a 3-in-1 advantage: Quality – companies with distinct competitive advantage, Growth – companies with high scalability potential, and Value – companies that are trading at below their intrinsic value.

The New Fund Offer period begins on June 27, 2025 and is on till July 11, 2025. Units will be available at a offer price of Rs. 10 during the NFO.

What are small cap funds
Small cap companies are businesses ranked 251st and beyond on the basis of market capitalisation on the stock exchange as per SEBI guidelines. They often operate in emerging sectors and may offer higher growth potential over the long term.

For instance, in the past half-a-decade, small caps have outpaced large and mid-caps in profit contribution, growing up to 2.5X faster.

Source: Ace Equity, Data as on Dec 31, 2024

Alongside this, small cap funds offer a broader diversification, spanning across sectors, themes and offering exposure to the companies powering India’s growth story.

Source: BSE, Data as on May 31, 2025

Why invest in small caps now
The FY25 market correction has brought down small cap prices, but the fundamentals of several companies remain strong, creating a suitable entry point. Profit growth and return ratios continue to be healthy, highlighting the strength of earnings potential.

Source: Ace Equity
Many small caps are leading quietly in niche markets, driving innovation and expansion. This makes it a suitable time to make an entry into the small caps market.

Why Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund

• Three-pronged alpha strategy: A balanced blend of Growth, Quality, and Value styles.

• Differentiated investment process: The proprietary INQUBE framework leverages top-down megatrends, bottom-up stock selection, and behavioural insights.

• Investment expertise: Bajaj Finserv AMC has a seasoned investment team with deep multi-sector expertise. The company currently has 78 unique small cap holdings across existing funds.

The five pillars of Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund

• Quality: The fund will focus on companies with sound fundamentals, consistent earnings performance, and sustainable competitive advantages.

• Growth: Portfolio will comprise businesses with a long-term growth vision, scalable models, and the potential to sustain performance over time.

• Undervalued opportunities: The fund identifies stocks trading below their intrinsic value, often strong companies facing temporary mispricing or undergoing business turnarounds.

• Leadership: The fund backs emerging category leaders that dominate niche segments and hold high market share in specific micro-markets.

• Governance: The portfolio prioritises companies with transparent business practices, aligned promoter interests, and experienced, credible management teams.

Plan steady investments in small cap funds
One way to build long-term exposure to small caps is through a Systematic Investment Plan.

With the help of an SIP calculator, you can plan your SIPs in a small cap fund. An SIP calculator helps you visualise how regular monthly investments can grow over time. SIPs allows you to invest regularly while managing market volatility through rupee-cost averaging.

When you use an SIP calculator, you can set realistic goals, stay consistent and take advantage of the power of compounding as well as rupee cost averaging.

With an SIP in Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund, you can not only explore the small cap sector but also experience potential growth while mitigating risks.

How to invest
You can invest in the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund both online as well as offline. Any investment you make can be done directly or through a mutual fund distributor. To learn more about the fund and invest, visit www.bajajamc.com.

New Fund Offer Opens on: Friday, June 27, 2025
New Fund Offer Closes on: Friday, July 11, 2025

Scheme re-opens on: Within five business days of allotment date

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

Three out of five Indians arent getting adequate nightly sleep, with a quarter reporting their sleep has worsened since the pandemic, according to a new trend report from AGR Knowledge Services. Rather than seeking medical help, most are turning to online solutions and supplements, creating a booming marketplace for sleep aids.

The report, “The Modern Sleep Bazaar: How Sleep Debt Became Indias Wellness Opportunity,” analyzed digital conversations, search queries and consumer sentiment to map the countrys growing sleep crisis and the commercial response.

When Rest Takes a Backseat: Indians Sleep Less Than 6 Hours​

Key findings include:

• Sleep gummies saw 650% spike in search interest over the past year

• Online searches for “how to sleep 8 hours in 4” and similar quick-fix terms are increasingly common

• Interest in natural ingredients like melatonin, magnesium, ashwagandha and chamomile has surged

• Over 30-40 brands are active in Indias sleep supplement space, but few are established players
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“What were seeing is a fundamental shift from treating sleep aids as one-off solutions to integrating them into nightly rituals,” said Suyog Keluskar, President of the Social Media Intelligence wing of AGR Knowledge Services. “Consumers arent just buying products-theyre buying peace of mind and turning sleep into an active wellness practice.”

The research reveals significant gaps in the market. While consumers are actively searching for solutions, their digital conversations show heavy emphasis on safety concerns, dependency risks and product effectiveness-indicating demand for more transparency from brands.

The trend represents a major opportunity for established health and wellness companies to enter the space with credibility, particularly as search behaviour shows consumers are looking for reassurance as much as results. This transformation reflects broader changes in how Indians approach wellness, with sleep joining fitness and nutrition as an active health pursuit rather than a passive necessity.

AGRs social listening methodology combines AI technologies with industry expertise to extract insights from real-time online / social media conversations, revealing consumer emotions, fears and aspirations beyond surface-level mentions and hashtags. To request the copy of the report, write to kushal@agrknowledge.com. AGR executives are also available for interviews and additional data insights.

Deepak Pareek, storyteller, media entrepreneur, and the voice behind the much-loved podcast ‘The Chill Hour,’ has been awarded “Best Podcast – Society and Culture” at HT Podmasters Awards 2025, India’s premier podcasting conclave and awards, dedicated to celebrating the best voices in the industry. This award has added another feather in the cap in Deepak Pareek’s heartwarming podcast journey and has further strengthened national presence and recognition which marks a spectacular moment in Deepak Pareek’s journey as a content creator dedicated to raw, candid, unfiltered conversations.

Deepak Pareek wins Best Podcast – Society and Culture Award at HT Podmasters Awards 2025 for his Podcast – ‘The Chill Hour’

Created and hosted by Deepak Pareek, ‘The Chill Hour’ podcast brings together voices across entertainment, entrepreneurship, wellness, and culture for raw, reflective conversations. ‘The Chill Hour’ podcast has completed 108 episodes and is available on all major audio and video platforms. From producing compelling conversations to building a thriving community of over half a million followers, Deepak Pareek’s work continues to bridge storytelling with purpose. With this award, The Chill Hour enters an exciting new chapter, one that promises deeper dialogues, wider reach, and a growing impact on Indias cultural conversation.

With the Indian podcasting industry witnessing rapid growth, Podmasters 2025 recognized excellence, fostered industry collaboration and provided a platform for learning and networking. The event had two parts – a conclave and a star-studded awards night. Dynamic forums featuring panel discussions, masterclasses and fireside chats with India’s leading podcasters, media professionals, industry experts and honouring outstanding achievements in podcasting across multiple categories happened during the day followed by a gala awards ceremony recognizing creators who have pushed the boundaries of storytelling and audio innovation.

Launched with a simple yet powerful vision to create a space for real talk, vulnerability, and personal growth, The Chill Hour Podcast has now become a staple in India’s growing podcasting scene. Over the course of more than 100 episodes, Deepak Pareek has hosted a wide range of voices from across industries like bollywood actors, neuroscientists, psychologists, celebrity divorce lawyers, dating coaches, spiritual gurus, etc. Some of the prominent names being Kailash Kher, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gajraj Rao, Raghav Juyal, cultural icons like Shalini Passi and rising stars from the worlds of sport, comedy, entrepreneurship, and art. His interviews dive deep into topics including mental health, self-improvement, relationships, creator economy, true crime, and modern-day identity that have the power to drive change and create an impact.

Reacting to the win, Deepak Pareek said, “Seriously, this award means so much to me! Its not just about the recognition; its about celebrating real talk and powerful stories. The Chill Hour started as my little passion project, just a quiet spot for genuine chats in a super noisy world. Seeing it grow and touch so many people, and now getting this amazing shout-out, feels totally wild and also really humbling. This ones for all the incredible guests who shared their stories, and every single listener who made time for these conversations. Heres to bringing more such stories to the world, one episode at a time!“

Hosted by HT Smartcast and Fever Live, the awards were more than just a celebration. With over 200 nominees across 30+ categories, the event was buzzing with creators, storytellers, celebs and fans of all things spoken and streamed. Whether it was true crime or mental wellness, comedy banter or deep dives into desi culture, every genre found its moment in the spotlight and its voice. At its heart, Podmasters was more than glitz- it was a love letter to creators who’ve turned voice into an art form and it was clear – podcasts are no longer a niche. They’re now pop culture staples, and India’s audio icons have officially gone prime-time. Move over influencers- the podcasters are here and they’ve got something to say (loudly and in Dolby surround).

Mumbai’s audio scene hit maximum volume as the Podmasters Awards 2025 turned up the dial on glam, grit, and gorgeous gowns. What was once a quiet corner of the internet has officially evolved into a red-carpet-worthy cultural movement. And leading the charge were the ever-radiant Debina Bonnerjee, Gauahar Khan, Rhea Chakraborty, Prajakta Koli, Aahana Kumra, Karishma Tanna, and Yamini Malhotra, proving that podcasts might be audio-only, but the style is all visual drama.

When students are given the space to question, explore and make sense of what they learn, something big happens. Learning starts to reflect life. It moves beyond memory and repetition, and begins to take shape through reasoning, application, and ideas. These are not skills developed overnight. They grow over time through the right environment, experiences, and exposure.

Students engaged in collaborative reading

At Manav Rachna International Schools (MRIS), this way of learning has taken shape steadily across years of thoughtful academic design. From how subjects are approached to the kind of experiences offered beyond the classroom, the emphasis has remained clear. The focus is on helping students build the ability to think, respond, and act with purpose.

This belief led to the school’s decision to participate in the PISA-based Test for Schools, an international assessment developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and introduced in India by ExcelOne, joining over 100 schools across India in this first-of-its-kind effort. The results provided a broader view of how students are learning. More than scores, it offered insights into how knowledge is being applied, how learners are thinking through unfamiliar situations, and how classroom practices translate when viewed through a global lens.

The participation was to understand how learning at MRIS holds up when examined closely. When students are placed in situations where the questions are new, the patterns are unfamiliar, and success depends on their ability to connect, interpret, and reason. That intent shaped every aspect of the experience. A group of Grade 10 students who matched the age criteria participated in the assessment, which focuses on 15-year-olds.

The assessment covered three domains: reading, mathematics, and science. It did not test memory or syllabus content. It looked at how students extract meaning from texts, interpret data, solve real-world problems, and use logic in unfamiliar contexts. The results showed that students of MRIS performed significantly above the national and OECD averages, with scientific reasoning emerging as the strongest domain.

This strength was especially encouraging, as it reflected the kind of thinking the school has always aimed to nurture. The ability to interpret scientific information, evaluate evidence, and apply it in a range of new situations is not only a subject-specific skill. It is a way of thinking that grows when students are given opportunities to explore, reflect, and try different approaches.

That process begins early. In the foundational years, MRIS introduces students to hands-on learning through Tinkershala, a space designed for guided exploration. Here, students observe, design, and solve problems in ways that build curiosity, collaboration, and communication. As they move through school, they step into Makershala, where they choose between STEM-based or media-based pathways.

Students who choose the STEM path engage with electronics, robotics, engineering design, and innovation projects. Those who opt for the media stream explore podcasting, digital storytelling, journalism, and visual content creation through Mediashala. Regardless of their chosen path, students develop skills in problem-solving, real-world application, and approaching tasks from multiple perspectives.

These learning experiences are strengthened by the school’s Future Skills and Sustainability curriculum, which connects classroom learning to real-world issues. Whether students are working on environmental solutions, designing products, or studying behaviour patterns, the emphasis remains on relevance, inquiry, and impact.

The insights gained from the PISA-based Test for Schools extended beyond subject competencies. The assessment also included detailed student questionnaires that captured learner perceptions on motivation, classroom climate, stress, confidence, and connection to learning. A majority of MRIS students reported feeling engaged and supported in their academic journey. They expressed belief in their ability to succeed, a sense of belonging, and a recognition that learning has a real-world purpose.

Importantly, the report also pointed to a healthy level of equity across student performance. There were no visible gaps between learners from different socio-economic backgrounds or genders. This reflects the school’s ongoing efforts to ensure equity in opportunity, support, and outcomes for every learner.

Students approached the exam based on what they had learned over time through regular instruction, projects, and classroom experiences. That is what made the insights more meaningful. The outcomes showed how students think when they are on their own, when the task is new, and when they must rely on their understanding and reasoning.

These insights continue to shape academic planning and reflection across the school. The findings are being used to strengthen what works well, identify areas for growth, and further integrate real-life application into everyday learning. The focus remains on offering timely support to learners who need it and creating classroom experiences that build confidence, ownership, and deeper understanding.

The school’s participation in this initiative served as a meaningful checkpoint. It offered both validation and direction. Validation that the learning environment is enabling students to apply their skills with clarity and confidence. Direction to keep refining the approach, because the world beyond school demands more from students than scores.

At MRIS, learning is a foundation students build and carry with them, shaping how they think, act, and lead. The PISA for Schools experience offered an opportunity to step back and see this from a wider frame, reminding the school of what it has always aimed to do and prepare learners not just for success, but for significance.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is known for campaigns that connect with audiences through relevant and insight-based communication. In its latest campaign, HDFC Life has reached out to audiences in the Eastern part of the country – across the states of West Bengal and Odisha – with the message Enjoy today while planning for your family’s tomorrow. The ad film features Abir Chatterjee, one of West Bengal’s prominent actors.

HDFC Life Launches East-Focused Campaign in West Bengal and Odisha to Drive the Need for Financial Preparedness

Given India’s cultural diversity, regional marketing plays a key role in building stronger connections. Recognising this need, HDFC Life launched a unique region-focused campaign approach last year, starting with the Southern states. The campaign and other focused efforts saw the brand improve on its key health parameters like awareness across southern markets. After South, HDFC Life has decided to now focus on the Eastern states of India.

Pritika Shah, Head – Marketing, HDFC Life

Consumer studies from the East indicate that lifestyle improvement is on top of the list in terms of financial goals. Individuals aspire to enjoy their life to the fullest with their families – outings, vacations, celebrating cultural events, etc. In order to ensure that the family’s goals and aspirations are not compromised, one needs to secure their future with timely financial planning. This is conveyed by the protagonist as he speaks about his childhood memories in the ad film.

Click here to watch the ad film.

Speaking about the campaign, Pritika Shah, Head – Marketing, HDFC Life, said, “India is a culturally diverse country. To reach out to such audiences across different regions, it is important to connect through cultural nuances and regional references, tailored towards their financial priorities and mindset. This has been the core thought behind our region-focused strategy.

The positive response to our earlier South-focused efforts has encouraged us to take this approach towards other parts of India. Our first-ever East-focused campaign, featuring Abir Chatterjee, has been launched for the audiences of West Bengal and Odisha. We believe that with our campaign, we will be able to connect and inspire more individuals towards financial independence.”

Adding to this, Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer, Leo – South Asia said, “For our first conversation with key Eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha, we wanted to lead with a trusted voice who could be a catalyst for change towards responsible financial planning. We brought the conversation to life through the voice and journey of celebrated actor Abir Chatterjee. Through this campaign, we hope to capture the audience’s attention and mobilise them to secure their family’s future.”

The campaign will be available across multiple media platforms, including television, digital, and outdoor.

GrabOn, India’s leading online savings platform, has successfully concluded the 13th edition of its Cricket Fantasy League (CFL), which ran from March 14 to June 3, 2025. The latest installment of the campaign combined the high-voltage thrill of cricket with the growing popularity of fantasy gaming, attracting fans from across the country to test their skills, score points, and win exciting prizes.

“CFL 13 was not just a fantasy league. It was a full-blown celebration of India’s cricket craze,” said Ashok Reddy, CEO of GrabOn. “We’re proud to see how this in-house campaign has grown into a community-driven platform where sports fans connect, compete, and win together.”

GrabOn’s Cricket Fantasy League – Season 13

An Event Backed by Big-Name Partners

This season’s success was powered by a solid roster of sponsors who helped amplify the experience across platforms:

• In-game sponsors, including Google Workspace, Etihad Airways, and Udemy, brought a mix of utility, global connectivity, and learning to the table, enhancing the tournaments value for users.

• Outreach Partners: Explurger, eLitmus, and Panel Station helped spread the excitement far and wide, ensuring cricket fans from all walks of life got in on the action.

• Gifting Sponsors: Participants had the chance to win exclusive rewards from a star-studded lineup that included Pepperfry, Bummer, Eatsure, Zoomin, Amazon Prime, and EaseMyTrip. From stylish home decor to flight deals and streaming subscriptions, the rewards were as varied as they were generous.
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What Made CFL 13 Stand Out

This year, GrabOn introduced three brand-new mini-games to level up the fun and keep users coming back. As fans played and earned points, they unlocked exclusive prizes and climbed the leaderboard, all while staying plugged into the live cricket action.

With a smooth interface, real-time match updates, and leaderboard-based incentives, CFL 13 delivered a seamless and addictive gaming experience from start to finish.

A New Milestone in Cricket Fandom
From first-time players to seasoned fantasy pros, thousands joined in the action this season. The league recorded millions of interactions, ten daily winners throughout the campaign period, and an overwhelming response from across India, solidifying CFL as one of the most anticipated digital cricket events in the country.

GrabOn thanks its growing community and brand partners for making CFL 13 a smashing success. As always, the game may be over for now, but the spirit of cricket lives on until next season.

About GrabOn
GrabOn is India’s go-to online savings destination, offering verified coupons, deals, and discounts across 3,000+ merchants. With a mission to make online shopping smarter and more rewarding, GrabOn helps millions of users save every day.

Learn morewww.grabon.in.

Loop, the insurance and healthcare company on a mission to add 20 healthy years to the lives of working Indians, has announced that Harpreet Singh Rai, former CEO of health-tracking pioneer Oura and an early investor in Loop, has joined Loop as President, Healthcare.

Harpreet brings a decade of experience in building and scaling preventive health solutions that merge science, data, and human behavior. As CEO of Oura from 2018 to 2021, he led the launch of the company’s 2nd and 3rd generation rings, selling over 1 million units.

Harpreet Singh Rai

In his new role, Harpreet will lead the development of Loop’s healthcare products, working closely with Loop’s medical, product, and engineering teams. His focus will be on creating seamless, engaging experiences that help people take charge of their health.

“Indias workforce loses 20 years compared to global peers; not because of destiny, but because our system profits from sickness rather than health. Harpreet has built consumer health products that people actually use and love. Thats exactly the leadership we need to scale prevention beyond corporate walls,” said Mayank Kale, Co-founder and CEO at Loop.

Before Oura, Harpreet spent nine years as a technology portfolio manager at Eminence Capital, focusing on healthcare and technology investments. He began his career in Morgan Stanley’s M&A group and holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan. His rare blend of engineering, investing, and health leadership uniquely equips him to accelerate Loop’s prevention-first approach.

“Loop is building something fundamentally different-Mayank and the team have a unique lens to improve healthcare for India. I’m excited to help make healthcare more accessible, engaging, and measurable for millions of working Indians. This is how we add decades to lives-one person, one family, one company at a time,” said Harpreet Singh Rai.

About Loop
Loop is on a mission to add 20 healthy years to the Indian workforce. By combining best-in-class insurance with unlimited primary care and data-led prevention, Loop empowers over 850,000 employees at 1,200+ companies to live longer, healthier lives. Backed by global investors including Y Combinator, Khosla Ventures, Elevation Capital, and General Catalyst, Loop is redefining corporate healthcare by making prevention profitable, outcomes measurable, and vibrant health possible for every team in India.