Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd. formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (“Axis Max Life“/ “Company“),announced planting 7000+ samplings across its 35 branches in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, under its ‘InsureEarth‘ program today. Over 1,700 volunteers, including employees, agency partners, and local community members, actively participated in a synchronized tree plantation drive in 35 Aarohan branches spread across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Axis Max Life plants 7,000+ saplings across 35 cities by 1,700 volunteers

The plantation initiative aims to promote green living by transforming local hotspots, such as parks, schools, and public spaces, into greener and cleaner environment. Additionally, local communities are being actively engaged to ensure shared ownership and long-term sustainability.

Sumit Madan, Chief Distribution Officer, Axis Max Life said, “At Axis Max Life, we believe in delivering on our promise of ‘Double Bharosa‘-a promise to protect not only the financial future of our customers but also the future of the planet for future generations. As we expand beyond metro and tier 1 cities, we aim to foster deeper connection with communities in these cities by providing financial security as well by actively participating in their environmental well-being. By planting saplings in these regions, the campaign is set to create a ripple effect, bringing local communities together and raising awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.”

Anurag Chauhan, General Counsel, Company Secretary and Head of ESG, Axis Max Life said, “The “Insure Earth” campaign encourages active participation from local communities, reinforcing the idea that small steps toward sustainability can make a huge difference. By encouraging local communities to plant and nurture saplings, we aim to create green spaces that not only beautify our cities but also reduce carbon footprints. It allows us to contribute to the holistic development of these regions and ensure a sustainable future for all of us.“

Axis Max Life’s ‘Insure Earth’ campaign is an integral part of its CSR framework, aligning with its larger mission of building a sustainable future. With an initial rollout in key Tier 3 and 4 cities’, the campaign aspires to create lasting change while reinforcing the brand’s position as a socially responsible company.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per the annual audited financials for FY2023-24, Axis Max Life Insurance has achieved a gross written premium of INR 29,529 Cr.

For more information, please visit the company website at www.maxlifeinsurance.com.

KK Modi University (KKMU), one of the best private universities based in Chhattisgarh, organized a groundbreaking session on spiritual, mental, and physical wellness at its campus in Durg. Staying true to its mission of holistic education, KKMU collaborated with Sanctum founders Luuk Melisse, a former Dutch professional dancer and fitness guru, and Gabriel Olszewski, to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The session by Sanctum combined high-intensity workouts with mindfulness and expressive movement, leaving a lasting impact on students and faculty alike.

Left to right: Dr Monica Sethi Sharma, Vice Chancellor, KK Modi University, Sanctum Founders, Mr Luuk Melisse & Mr Gabriel Olszewski, Ms Charu Modi, Chancellor, KK Modi University

Charu Modi, Founder and Chancellor of KK Modi University, shared her thoughts, “At KKMU, we believe in going beyond traditional education to nurture the all-round growth of our students. It’s not just about academic excellence but also about empowering our students to thrive in every sphere of life-physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Sanctum experience was a perfect fit for this vision, offering our students a truly transformative opportunity to grow and connect with themselves at a deeper level.”

The unique 50-minute session by Sanctum was a multi-sensorial journey designed to unlock potential of the young students of the university through movement, mindfulness, and storytelling. Equipped with headphones, Over 300 participants were guided through immersive breathing exercises, dynamic movements, and rhythmic storytelling, all set to an electrifying soundtrack. This distinctive format, which has gained global recognition and features in Vogue and a BBC documentary, blends physical edginess with mental clarity to help participants achieve mindful euphoria and personal discovery.

A participant, Charu Jain, MBA 2024, shared her thoughts, saying, “This session was truly a life-changing experience for me. I felt a deep connection with myself during the journey, and it brought me a sense of spiritual awakening I had never experienced before. It’s an experience I will carry with me for a lifetime.”

Luuk Melisse, Founder, Sanctum, remarked on the experience, “The energy and enthusiasm at KK Modi University were infectious! It was truly inspiring to work with such vibrant and curious young minds. The atmosphere on campus fosters a sense of innovation and creativity that made our session incredibly special.”

KK Modi University has carved a unique space for itself in India through its modern education. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs across diverse disciplines. Known for its career-focused approach, KKMU’s cutting-edge programs are designed to prepare students for the challenges of the digital age. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and a builder mindset, the university ensures that its students are not only academically sound but also well-rounded individuals ready to make their mark in the world.

About KK Modi University

KK Modi University is a career-focused university that offers innovative courses to prepare students for successful careers. Recognized by UGC, the university emphasizes interaction with experienced faculty and international academic partnerships for a holistic learning experience. Based in Durg, Chhattisgarh, India and catering to national and international students, the university offers under graduate, post graduate and diploma courses across various disciplines including include BTech – CSE with Specialisations, BCA with Certifications, BBA, BDes Communication Design, BCom, BSc in Nutrition & Dietetics, Bachelors in Tourism and Travel Management, Lateral BSc Industrial Engineering, MBA, Executive MBA, MCA, MCom (Hons), MTech, PhD, and Diploma in Computer Application (DCA), Design, and Fashion Design etc.

For more information kkmu.edu.in.

Architects and urban design professionals at the 2nd edition of Latitude 2025, hosted by the Indian Institute of Architects – Karnataka Chapter (IIA-KC), have called for immediate government intervention to address the growing urban infrastructure challenges across India. The two-day event, held on January 24-25, brought together leading architects, urban planners, and policymakers to discuss innovative solutions for the nation’s urban future.

Winners from Betweenspaces, Studio Motley, Parallax alongside Mr. Jayasankar Kentinkara-UltraTech, Ar. Mohan B. R. and Ar. Mueen Haris-IIA-KC at the Design Awards ceremony

During his keynote address, Ar. Mohan B.R., Chairman of IIA-KC, urged policymakers to leverage the expertise of architects in shaping urban development and resolving infrastructure issues. He pointed out the significant disconnect between architectural education and practice due to insufficient government support and collaboration. Mohan emphasized the importance of involving professionals from various fields in policy-making and urban planning processes to achieve sustainable, well-designed cities.

“Indian architects possess the necessary skills and international exposure to tackle large-scale urban challenges,” said Mohan. “Yet, without a robust partnership between architects and the government, we are unable to deliver long-term solutions to the nation’s infrastructure crises, including traffic congestion, urban planning inefficiencies, and inadequate facilities.”

Ar. Mueen Haris, Vice-Chairman of IIA-KC, echoed the sentiment, urging the Indian government to adopt global best practices in architectural design. Drawing a parallel to India’s success in attracting international talent for sports, Haris called for similar efforts to integrate global architectural standards into the nation’s urban design projects.

The event also marked the launch of the IIA-KC Latitude Design Awards 2025, a celebration of architectural excellence across multiple categories. The winners were selected after two thorough rounds of jury evaluations.

The UltraTech Latitude Design Awards 2025 recognized outstanding achievements in architecture across various categories. The recipients of the awards included:

• Outstanding Public Building: Betweenspaces

• Outstanding Individual Residece: Studio Motley

• Outstanding Interiors: Residential

• Outstanding Public Building – Hospitality: Parallax Architects

• Outstanding Educational Projects: Architecture Dialogue and Biome Environmental Solutions

• Outstanding Interiors Non-Residential: Mistry Architects

• Outstanding Beyond Architecture – Architectural Drawing as an Art Form: Sthaan

In addition, the event recognized professors from IIA-KC-affiliated architectural colleges in Karnataka for their outstanding contributions to the field.

Latitude 2025 served as a vital platform for fostering knowledge exchange, creative collaboration, and fresh thinking in the architectural and urban planning sectors. As Indian cities continue to grapple with rapid urbanization, the event underscored the urgent need for more integrated, forward-thinking strategies to build sustainable, liveable urban environments.

Over 1,000 architects and students gathered for the Latitude 2025 event, with PROMINENCE served as the title sponsor for the Latitude 2025 event, while UltraTech proudly supported the IIA-KC Latitude Design Award 2025 as its sponsor.

Parimatch, the #1 global gaming platform, is excited to announce its partnership with Ritu Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler and MMA fighter. The daughter of renowned coach Mahavir Singh Phogat, Ritu has etched her name in the wrestling world with remarkable achievements, including a gold medal in the 48 kg category at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship and a bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Wrestling Championships. After transitioning to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2019, she joined the prestigious ONE Championship, quickly gaining recognition for her powerful ground game and relentless fighting spirit. Ritus talent, tenacity, and sportsmanship have earned her respect from the wrestling community and a loyal fan base in India.

MMA Star Ritu Phogat Joins Parimatch as Brand Ambassador

As a Parimatch ambassador, Ritu will engage in exclusive events and campaigns, connecting with fans through social media and offline meetups to share her journey and embody the spirit of sportsmanship that resonates with the brand. Her story of perseverance serves as an inspiration, particularly for young athletes, aligning perfectly with Parimatch’s mission to promote the winning attitude and empower individuals to transform their dreams into reality.

“I am thrilled to join Parimatch as a brand ambassador,” Ritu Phogat said. “Sport, like the ring, teaches us that every move matters. It inspires, unites, and shows the power of dedication and belief. I can’t wait to connect with fans, share my journey, and show everyone that with hard work and determination, you can step into the ring of life and come out a winner.”

Parimatch is delighted to welcome Phogat on board, “Ritu is a role model for aspiring athletes. Her journey encourages others to follow their dreams in sports with passion and determination. She is a strong advocate for women’s sports, empowering and motivating others through her achievements. We’re proud to partner with such an exceptional athlete and look forward to this powerful collaboration,” commented the Parimatch Press Office.

Parimatch and Ritu Phogat join forces to inspire athletes and promote women’s sports, highlighting the power of resilience and passion in achieving success.

About Parimatch

Parimatch is the #1 global gaming platform that provides a complete suite of sports services to its customers. Since 1994, Parimatch has grown to be enjoyed by 3,000,000 active users worldwide. It is trusted by the worlds top athletes and celebrities: Trinidadian cricket stars Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine and Indian rap icon Divine are among their brand ambassadors. Parimatch is the Regional Sponsor of the Argentine Football Association and the Title Sponsor of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, a South African professional Twenty20 cricket franchise team.

With the economic landscape in a continuous state of fluctuations, businesses of all sizes are seeking innovative financial solutions to fuel their expansion. One of the most sought-after ways to chase growth and scale businesses is taking a business loan. However, before applying for a business loan, it is important to consider one of the key factors influencing loan terms-the interest rate on the loan-and how business loan interest rates can be impacted.

Impact of Interest Rates on Business Loan

Interest rates play a crucial role in determining the cost of borrowing, directly impacting the affordability and accessibility of business loans. A lower interest rate can reduce the overall cost of the loan, making you better equipped to manage repayment and invest in the growth of your business.

Shriram Finance, a top player in the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector, offers a competitive interest rate on its business loan, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.

Understanding the Impact of Interest Rates on Business Loans

Different lenders provide different interest rates on their business loans, depending on their policies, the applicant’s financial profile, the business’s age, etc. However, as a rule of thumb, this is what borrowers must ideally understand.

When the interest rates rise, this is what can be expected:

• Increased Interest Payments: Higher interest rates directly translate to increased interest payments on loans. This can strain a businesss cash flow, especially for those with significant debt.

• Reduced Borrowing Capacity: As the cost of borrowing rises, businesses may find it more difficult to secure loans, limiting their ability to invest in growth initiatives, such as expanding operations, hiring new employees, or acquiring new equipment.

When interest rates fall, here’s how it impacts business loans:

• Decreased Interest Payments: Lower interest rates directly translate to decreased interest payments on loans. This can free up cash flow for businesses, allowing them to invest in growth initiatives or pay down debt.

• Increased Borrowing Capacity: As the cost of borrowing decreases, businesses may find it easier to secure loans, increasing their ability to invest in growth initiatives, such as expanding operations, hiring new employees, or acquiring new equipment.

Factors Affecting Business Loan Interest Rates

There are several factors that impact business loan interest rates, some of which are discussed below:

• Economic Conditions: General economic factors like inflation, repo and reverse repo rate set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) can impact business loan rates.

• Type of Business: The industry and type of business can influence interest rates, with some industries considered riskier than others.

• Business Financials: The strength of your businesss financial performance, including revenue, profit, and cash flow, can affect interest rates.

• Credit Score: A higher credit score of the applicant often leads to lower interest rates, as it indicates a lower risk for the lender.

• Loan Amount: Larger loan amounts may have slightly higher interest rates due to the increased risk for the lender.

• Repayment Tenure: Longer repayment terms can sometimes result in higher interest rates.

• Collateral: Secured loans (with collateral) typically have lower interest rates than unsecured loans.

• Relationship with the Lender: Existing relationships with the lender can sometimes lead to more favourable interest rates

Mitigating the Impact of Interest Rates on Business Loans

To mitigate the risk of business loan interest rate fluctuations, consider the following:

• Choose the Right Loan Type: Consider fixed-rate loans, which lock in a specific interest rate for the entire loan term. This provides stability and predictability in your monthly payments, regardless of market fluctuations.

• Research Multiple Lenders: Dont rely solely on one lender. Explore options from different financial institutions to secure competitive rates and potentially diversify risk.

• Accelerate Your Payments: When interest rates are low for variable-rate loans, increase your monthly payments to pay off the loan faster, reducing the overall interest burden.

• Opt for Debt Consolidation: If you have multiple loans, consider consolidating them into a single loan with a potentially lower interest rate.

Shriram Finance: A Reliable Partner for Business Growth

Shriram Finance, a leading NBFC, recognises the pivotal role of interest rates in shaping the business landscape. The company offers a range of financial solutions, including business loans, designed to cater to the diverse needs of Indian businesses.

Key Features and Benefits of Shriram Business Loan

Here are some of the most attractive features of Shriram Business Loan:

• Flexible Loan Options: Shriram Finance provides both secured and unsecured business loans starting from ₹1 Lakh*, offering flexibility to businesses of all sizes.

• Affordable Interest Rates: The company offers competitive interest rates, starting from 10%* p.a., making it an attractive option for businesses seeking affordable financing.

• Quick Approvals: Shriram Finance prioritises swift loan approvals, ensuring timely access to funds.

• Easy Online Process: The company offers a seamless online application and approval process, simplifying the loan application process.

• Customizable Loan Tenures: Shriram Finance offers flexible loan tenures ranging up to 48 months* for unsecured loans and 84 months* for secured loans, allowing businesses to tailor repayment schedules to their specific needs.

• Transparent EMI Calculator: The company provides a user-friendly EMI calculator to help businesses estimate their monthly repayments.

By offering these features and benefits, Shriram Finance empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of the interest rate environment and achieve their growth objectives.

Conclusion

While interest rates play a significant role in shaping the business landscape, businesses can mitigate their impact by partnering with reliable financial institutions like Shriram Finance. By offering competitive interest rates, flexible tenure options, and efficient processes, Shriram Finance is committed to supporting the growth and development of Indian businesses.

*Above mentioned loan amount, rates and tenure are as per the company’s Digital Business Loan Policy

About Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance is a leading diversified financial services company in India, offering a wide range of financial products and services across consumer, wholesale, and business finance segments. The company has a strong presence pan India with a network of 3,149 branches and an employee strength of 77,764 with an AUM of Rs. 2,430,40 crores. With a focus on financial inclusion and customer-centricity, Shriram Finance continues to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.