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NIPS Wins National Culinary Title at Amrut AICTE Millet Recipe Competition

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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NIPS Wins National Culinary Title at Amrut AICTE Millet Recipe Competition

The students of NIPS Hotel Management Institute achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the top honors in the Lunch/Dinner (30-50% Millet Composition) category at the prestigious Amrut AICTE Millet Recipe Competition. Held on October 25, 2024, at the AICTE Headquarters in New Delhi, the grand finale brought together 88 teams from an initial pool of 1,298 entries. NIPS emerged as a shining star, reaffirming its position as a trailblazer in culinary education and innovation.

Winner of AICTE Millet Cooking Competition

This victory is a testament to the creativity, hard work, and dedication of NIPS students, as well as the invaluable guidance and expertise of the institutes esteemed faculty. By mentoring students and fostering their culinary talent, NIPS faculty have played a pivotal role in achieving this national recognition.

The competition aimed to promote the use of millets as a sustainable and nutritious ingredient while providing an unparalleled platform for aspiring chefs to showcase their innovation. Five teams from NIPS participated in the qualification round in January 2024, demonstrating their culinary prowess with millet-based dishes that seamlessly blended tradition with modernity. After rigorous evaluation over several months, two NIPS teams advanced to the grand finale, setting a new benchmark for excellence.

In the finale, participants competed across three primary categories-Breakfast/Snacks, Lunch/Dinner, and Desserts-divided further based on millet composition. Each team had one hour to craft two exceptional dishes that balanced flavor, nutrition, and creativity. NIPS’ winning team impressed the judges with their innovative approach, securing the top position in the Lunch/Dinner (30-50% Millet Composition) category.

“Participating in this competition has been a life-changing experience,” said Sajid Ali Lashkar, a member of the winning team. “It has taught us how to innovate while staying rooted in tradition, and the support we received from our mentors was invaluable.”

Dr. Vivek Pathak,Founder Director, NIPSadded, “We are immensely proud of our students for their outstanding performance at the Amrut AICTE Millet Recipe Competition. Their success reflects not only their talent and hard work but also the high-quality education, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and exceptional mentorship at NIPS. Achievements like this prepare our students for global careers, ensuring they are industry-ready and equipped to excel in the competitive culinary landscape.“

This accomplishment underscores NIPS’ commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and excellence in culinary education. The competition, celebrated for promoting millets as a key ingredient for healthier and more sustainable lifestyles, provided the perfect stage for students to push the boundaries of creativity and contribute to the future of food practices.

Looking ahead, NIPS is inspired to continue its journey of excellence, participating in prestigious events and nurturing the next generation of culinary leaders. With its world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge kitchens, and exposure to industry platforms, NIPS is dedicated to shaping careers and transforming talent into success.

About NIPS Hotel Management Institute
NIPS Hotel Management Institute is a leading institution dedicated to shaping future leaders in the hospitality industry. Renowned for its innovative teaching methodologies and emphasis on practical skills, NIPS equips students with the tools and knowledge to excel in culinary arts, hospitality management, and beyond.

Paisabazaar Reaches New Milestone; 50 Million Customers Benefit from its Credit Awareness Initiative

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Paisabazaar, India’s largest digital marketplace for consumer credit, today announced that over 50 million consumers have now checked their free Credit Score from the platform, making it India’s largest free credit awareness initiative. The milestone underscores Paisabazaar’s commitment over the last decade to drive credit awareness and financial inclusion through its pioneering Free Credit Score initiative.

Launched in 2017, Paisabazaar’s Free Credit Score initiative is lifetime-free, offering consumers access to their credit scores from multiple credit bureaus, in seven languages. Over the years, Paisabazaar has also continuously invested in technology and focussed on innovation, not only to make accessing and tracking credit score seamless, but also to spread awareness and provide insights on building credit health. According to Paisabazaar’s estimates, over 16% of India’s active credit score consumers (who have at least one active credit product) have checked their free credit score from Paisabazaar.

Naveen Kukreja, Co-founder & CEO, Paisabazaar, said, “We are extremely proud of the sheer scale of our credit score product and the way it has evolved over the years, keeping consumer need at the centre. We realised early in our journey that lack of awareness around credit score is a major pain-point for consumers, leading to a high proportion of rejections. For the last few years, we have focussed on building solutions that empower consumers to take charge of their credit health. Reaching 50 million consumers is a significant milestone, reaffirming the trust in our platform from varied segments. We remain committed to helping enhance financial literacy, improve access and strengthen the overall credit ecosystem.”

As a lending marketplace, Paisabazaar says it has always aimed to serve the credit needs of varied credit segments. While for credit healthy consumers, Paisabazaar offers pre-approved offers and a wide choice, over the last few years it has also built a multi-faceted ‘Credit Improvement Program’ to help consumers with damaged credit or low score climb the credit ladder. This includes personalised ‘Advisory Services’ that offer expert guidance, rectification services and a comprehensive ‘Credit Health Report’, which provides key insights.

Radhika Binani, Chief Product Officer, Paisabazaar, said, “Continuous innovations have been at the core of our efforts to deepen credit awareness, and making tracking and building of credit health more engaging for Bharat. Our aim has always been to help consumers from varied segments check, track and build their score with ease. Our technology-driven innovations simplify complex credit data and offer personalised insights. Our focus remains on to help build a credit-fit India, ensuring more consumers can make informed and responsible credit decisions.”

Paisabazaar’s Credit Awareness initiative has helped 10.2 million consumers improve their score significantly within six months of checking their Credit Score. Around 59% of its consumers have taken at least one credit product after checking their score. Additionally, more than 18 million consumers who checked their free credit score from Paisabazaar and had DPD (Days Past Due) in their report have cleared their outstanding debt.

Innovation has been central to Paisabazaar’s endeavours in enhancing consumer awareness and deepening engagement. Paisabazaar has leveraged its technology and analytics capabilities to introduce Score Predictor that helps users understand the impact of credit actions PB Assist, an AI-powered chatbot, that provides real-time insights and personalised recommendations.

Paisabazaar’s investment in the credit score initiative, through brand campaigns and technology-led innovations, has helped Bharat become credit aware, having reached nearly one in every six Indian households. In the initial years of the initiative, only about 20% of consumers accessing their Credit Score on Paisabazaar were from non-metros.

Today, around 70% of those who have checked their credit score on Paisabazaar are from beyond the top metro cities (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.) Currently, three out of four new consumers who check their credit score for the first time on Paisabazaar come from outside these major urban centres, highlighting the platform’s role in deepening credit awareness across Bharat.

About Paisabazaar

  • Paisabazaar is India’s largest marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score platform. It is part of the PB Fintech Group (listed on Indian stock exchanges since 2021)

  • Over the last 11 years, Paisabazaar has earned the trust and goodwill of over 50 million consumers.

  • Every month, the platform receives around 20 lakh enquiries from more than 1000 cities.

  • Paisabazaar over the years has built deep partnerships within the lending ecosystem, partnering with 60+ Banks, NBFCs, NBFC fintechs, to offer wide choice.

  • Paisabazaar has been running India’s largest credit awareness initiative, by offering consumers their credit score from the credit bureaus for free.

  • Paisabazaar’s co-created strategy helps meet consumer need gaps, through a robust array of exclusive, first-in-market and best-in-class digital products, built with partner Banks and NBFCs.

  • Paisabazaar is also an ISO (27001: 2013) certified organization with industry-best controls, to safeguard the best interest of consumers. We are also a PCI DSS certified organization.

Bajaj Markets Partners with CRIF High Mark to Allow Users to Check Their Credit Score for Free

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Bajaj Markets Partners with CRIF High Mark to Allow Users to Check Their Credit Score for Free

Bajaj Markets, in partnership with CRIF High Mark, lets users know their credit score free of charge. This collaboration aims to offer customers comprehensive insights into their creditworthiness. Through this facility, Bajaj Markets helps individuals stay up to date with changes in their credit portfolio while promoting enhanced financial management.

One can check CRIF High Mark Credit Score on Bajaj Markets

Check CRIF High Mark Credit Score on Bajaj Markets

Here are some important points about CRIF High Mark Credit Score:

  • The credit score ranges from 300 to 900

  • The CRIF High Mark Credit Score helps establish a borrower’s creditworthiness

  • The assessment of the score is done based on factors such as credit utilisation ratio, credit mix, and credit repayment history

Furthermore, this free credit score on Bajaj Markets provides the user with an improved view of their credit history.

Monitoring the credit score in a timely manner can help identify any errors and maintain a healthy credit profile. To get a thorough understanding of creditworthiness, one can check their credit score on Bajaj Markets.

Over and above the credit score by CRIF High Mark, Bajaj Markets offers access to a wide range of financial products and services. These include credit cards, diverse investment options, loans, and even insurance policies. Simply visit the Bajaj Markets app or website today to gain access to these products.

About Bajaj Finserv Direct

Bajaj Finserv Direct, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, is one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in India. It has two primary arms, Bajaj Markets, a financial marketplace, and Bajaj Technology Services, a techfin service provider.

Bajaj Markets is a marketplace that offers multiple financial products across all categories – Loans, Cards, Insurance, Investments, Payments, Pocket Insurance, and VAS. Bajaj Markets has partnered with trusted financial brands to offer “India ka Financial Supermarket”. A one-stop destination where its customers can explore a host of products that can help them achieve their financial life goals.

Having started its journey as a fintech, Bajaj Finserv Direct has also built a very strong business as a techfin. Through Bajaj Technology Services it offers a wide gamut of digital technology services which span Custom Applications, Enterprise Applications, Data & Analytics, Gen AI, Cloud Services and Digital Agency.

Visit the Bajaj Markets website or download the Bajaj Markets’ app from the Play Store or App Store to experience “India ka Financial Supermarket”.

Mobius Foundation Hosts Panel Discussion on Biosphere Reserves and Sustainable Development

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Mobius Foundation Hosts Panel Discussion on Biosphere Reserves and Sustainable Development

Mobius Foundation organised a panel discussion on ‘Biosphere Reserves: Strategies for Sustainable Development and Conservation’ at the Constitution Club of India. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and conservationists from UNESCO, WWF, and various academic institutions to deliberate on the role of biosphere reserves in India’s ecological future. Discussions emphasised Mobius’ vision for safeguarding biodiversity, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Release of the Coffee Table Book on Climate Liability, Justice, and Jurisprudence by Mobius Foundation

Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman, Mobius Foundation addressing the event said, “Biosphere reserves serve as critical pillars of a sustainable future. Collaborative efforts are essential to preserving these declining valuable ecosystems, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from their ecological and economic contribution.”

The panel featured prominent speakers, including Dr Benno Boer, Chief of Natural Sciences at UNESCO (South Asia Regional Office); Dr Priya Gupta, Lead, Governance, Law & Policy at WWF India; Dr Erach Bharucha, Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research; Dr Aditya Joshi, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur, and Advisor at Mobius Foundation;and Mr Praveen Garg, President of Mobius Foundation.The discussion was moderated by Mr. Abhilash Khandekar, Senior Journalist.

The panellists pointed out how insufficient community engagement and inadequate livelihood alternatives often lead to conflicts between conservation goals and local needs. Threats from unregulated development, invasive species, and large-scale projects pose significant risks to the ecological integrity of these reserves. Further, funding and an unequal distribution of benefits hinder effective management and sustainable development initiatives. Inadequate research and monitoring infrastructure hinder effective conservation planning.

The discussion explored major opportunities under the themes of biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, strengthening governance and policy frameworks, sustainable livelihoods and integrating indigenous knowledge into conservation efforts. Dr Benno Boer, Chief of Natural Sciences at UNESCO (South Asia Regional Office) stressed the importance of robust governance mechanisms and collaborative approaches among stakeholders and said, “Biosphere reserves are living laboratories where we can apply, test, and demonstrate best practices for human living in harmony with nature. Active community participation in planning, management, and zonation is crucial to their success.”

Dr Erach Bharucha, Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research emphasised the need for long-term planning and said, “Without dedicated legal frameworks for biosphere reserves, conservation efforts remain fragmented. Strengthening governance and scientific research along with greater financial investment, policy support, and cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial for sustainable development.”

Dr Priya Gupta, Lead, Governance, Law & Policy at WWF India said, “Conservation should be approached with a local perspective, as it has a global impact. Biosphere reserves are biocultural reserves, where cultural systems play a crucial role in the survival of biodiversity.”

Dr. Aditya Joshi, Advisor of Mobius Foundation shared some case studies of different biosphere reserves where the interventions address the main challenges. He stated “Biosphere reserves are the cultural and biodiversity hotspots and through diverse approaches, integration of multi-stakeholder groups and successful models can lead towards balancing conservation with sustainable development.”

Recognizing the critical role of biosphere reserves in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Biodiversity Framework, several key recommendations emerge. Strengthening community engagement by prioritizing participatory approaches and providing alternative livelihoods is crucial. Investing in robust research and monitoring infrastructure is essential for effective conservation planning and management. Promoting sustainable practices like organic agriculture, ecotourism, and renewable energy within biosphere reserves is vital. Exploring innovative funding mechanisms, such as carbon credits and biodiversity offsets, is necessary to support long-term conservation efforts. Fostering collaboration among government agencies, local communities, researchers, and the private sector is crucial for effective and integrated management.

Mr Praveen Garg, President of Mobius Foundation, concluded, “Biosphere reserves represent a unique opportunity to protect our natural heritage while promoting sustainable development. Today’s discussion highlights the path forward: collaboration, education, and integrated governance with multi-stakeholder groups. We must act now to safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.”

About Mobius Foundation

Mobius Foundation is committed to advancing sustainable environmental practices, biodiversity conservation, and climate justice. Through events, research, and partnerships, the foundation aims to foster collaborative efforts to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development worldwide.

Universal Sompo Prioritizes Customer Empathy in Claims Settlement

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Universal Sompo General Insurance, a trusted service provider in the insurance sector, reaffirms its commitment to delivering a seamless claims experience built on speed, transparency, and care.

The company has processed approximately 13.70 lakh claims cases across all lines of business, a total of Rs. 2,135 Crore, as of December’24. Additionally, the company has expedited third-party claims settlements, disbursing Rs. 234 Crore thus far, across 2,709 cases in FY 24-25. The company is also aligned with Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana and approved 21,723 claims cases amounting to approximately Rs. 17 crore.

The company has been consistently assisting policyholders in their times of need, reinforcing its commitment to its policyholders.

Customer Testimonials Reflect Unmatched Service Excellence

Industry Leaders and individuals alike have acknowledged and experienced its efficient and customer-centric approach.

“When our business faced an unexpected crisis, Universal Sompo proved to be more than just an insurer- they were a true partner. Their swift claims processing and dedicated support ensured minimal disruption, allowing us to get back on track without financial strain. Their reliability and efficiency make them our preferred insurance provider.” Dr. Santosh Kumar Mallick, Executive Director (Human Resources), Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.

Similarly, individual policyholders have shared life-changing experiences:

“In moment of crisis, Universal Sompo delivered on their promise. A medical emergency could have been financially overwhelming, but their seamless claims process and compassionate service made all the difference. They managed everything with speed and transparency, giving me peace of mind when I needed it most.” Mr. Dharmendra Kumar, Assistant General Manager, Head Marketing, Dainik Jagran, Jharkhand.

Universal Sompo’s service excellence is evident in real-life scenarios. Through its “Anywhere Cashless” initiative, it has facilitated extending timely medical care to policyholders even at non-network hospitals in critical situations. Recently, company is recognized and felicitated by State Government for 100% flood claims settlement pertaining to property and motor damages.

The company’s customer experience team is consistently exceeding service expectations while providing personalized care to policyholders. As an evidence of service excellence, Universal Sompo maintains a strong reputation, receiving Google rating of 4.4, based on reviews across 71 distinct cities and positive recommendations on Facebook, demonstrating strong customer trust and satisfaction levels.

Varsha Gujarathi, Chief Customer Officer, Universal Sompo General Insurance, stated, “Every claim represents a human story. Settling claims is not merely procedural but a testament to our empathy and commitment to policyholders in their times of need. Universal Sompo strives to build trust through robust training programs, instilling compassion in our claims personnel, and investing in customer-centric technology solutions to exceed expectations at every step.”

About Universal Sampo General Insurance

Universal Sompo is a Joint Venture of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investments, and a global insurer, SOMPO. The company is headquartered in Mumbai and has 163 offices countrywide with representation through its digitally enabled employees across over 300 locations. It has a strong distribution network of Agents, Point of Salespersons, Bank Branches, Automobile Dealers, Brokers, Common Service Centres, and Digital Platforms/ e-Commerce players. The company offers 234 IRDAI-approved products, and 1494 Add-on covers, ranging from Motor, Accident & Health, Home Insurance, Shopkeepers Packages, Crop and other non-life packages for SMEs, Fire, Marine, Engineering, Employee Benefits, Project Insurance, Liability, and other special products for Corporates. Microinsurance covers the Rural segment.

PayU Partners with AdvantageClub.ai to Transform Loyalty Points Redemption Ecosystem in India

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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PayU Partners with AdvantageClub.ai to Transform Loyalty Points Redemption Ecosystem in India

PayU, one of Indias leading digital financial services providers, has announced a partnership with AdvantageClub.ai, a global AI-powered leader in the engagement, rewards, and well-being space, to re-define employee engagement, rewards & recognition, wellness solutions (OPD plans, annual health checkup, and wellness challenges), sales incentive automation, flexible benefits, surveys, moments that matter, and communities on a single platform. The integration of AdvantageClub.ai on PayU Checkout will enable AdvantageClub.ai users to seamlessly pay for their digital purchases using their rewards or wallet balance, creating a frictionless shopping experience.

Integration of AdvantageClub.ai on PayU Checkout will enable AdvantageClub.ai users to seamlessly pay for their digital purchases using rewards or wallet balance

With a user base of over 5.5 million users, a presence in over 100+ countries, 1000+ clients, and 10,000+ brand options, AdvantageClub.ai is renowned for its 95%+ reward redemption rate, making it a preferred choice for corporate rewards. This partnership expands the scope of PayU’s merchant partners to drive more customer retention, increase transaction volumes, and deliver superior value to their users. By combining PayU’s robust payment ecosystem with AdvantageClub.ai’s innovative loyalty platform, this collaboration will also transform customer engagement while unlocking growth opportunities for Indian businesses.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

  • Seamless Rewards Redemption: AdvantageClub.ai users can seamlessly redeem their loyalty points or wallet balances at checkout on PayU’s merchant platforms, enhancing ease and convenience for consumers.

  • Boosting Merchant Engagement: Merchants gain access to AdvantageClub.ai’s loyalty ecosystem, enabling stronger customer retention and boosting overall transaction value.

  • Scalable Corporate Rewards Ecosystem: With 1,000+ corporate clients and a high reward redemption rate, AdvantageClub.ai empowers employees and corporates with unparalleled engagement solutions.

  • Expanding Reach: This partnership integrates a niche loyalty partner into PayU’s platform, further solidifying PayU’s leadership as one of India’s largest loyalty rewards program aggregators.

Nikhil Mehta, Senior Vice President – Partnerships & Payments Strategy – PayU, said, “As one of Indias largest loyalty & rewards program aggregators, PayU is focused on expanding its loyalty & rewards partner portfolio to accelerate growth for every business. Our partnership with AdvantageClub.ai to integrate their solutions on PayU checkout will pave the way for the future of loyalty rewards redemption in the country. With such integrations, we continue to deliver innovative, value-driven solutions for our merchants and users alike, translating into better business growth and enhanced online shopping experiences.”

Sourabh Deorah, Co-founder and CEO of AdvantageClub.ai said, “Our collaboration with PayU, an industry-leading payment gateway, is a milestone in bridging the gap between corporate rewards and digital transactions. Together, we are simplifying rewards redemption at checkout, enhancing convenience for millions of users, and driving meaningful engagement for merchants. This synergy of innovation and impact is redefining the rewards experience, creating a win-win ecosystem for employees, corporates, and businesses globally.“

About PayU
PayU, one of Indias leading digital financial services providers with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital payment requirements of the Indian market. PayU India companies aim to create a full-stack digital financial services platform to serve all (tapped and untapped) financial needs of customers through technology solutions.

PayU provide payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 150+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

About AdvantageClub.ai

AdvantageClub.ai is a global AI-powered employee engagement, rewards, and wellness platform with offerings like rewards & recognition, wellness solutions including OPD plans, Annual health checkups, and wellness challenges, sales incentive automation, flexible benefits, surveys, moments that matter, and communities on a single platform. It provides end-to-end solutions to facilitate employee engagement by digitizing the company’s R&R policies, allowing them to drive better employee retention and happiness. AdvantageClub.ai has over 5.5 million users, with a presence in over 100+ countries, 1000+ clients, and 10,000+ brand options. Established in 2016, AdvantageClub.ai is the brainchild of UCLA postgraduates Sourabh Deorah and Smiti Bhatt Deorah, who identified employee engagement as a space to create disruption using AI, data mining, and analytics. Headquartered in San Francisco, AdvantageClub.ai has an impressive client portfolio featuring Air India, BCG, Biocon, Concentrix, HCL, Hexaware, L&T, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, Teleperformance, and many more.

SMFG India Credit Wins the Prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility 2024

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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SMFG India Credit Wins the Prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility 2024

SMFG India Credit has won the coveted Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility 2024. This prestigious recognition is awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence in integrating social and environmental concerns with their economic goals.

SMFG India Credit – Golden Peacock Award

The award was received by Mr. Swaminathan Subramanian, along with the CSR team at SMFG India Credit, who have relentlessly worked hard to achieve this milestone. Over the past three years, SMFG India Credit has rolled out several impactful CSR initiatives, including financial literacy programs for underserved communities, skill development training for youth, primary healthcare services across remotest locations and animal welfare initiatives in rural areas of the country.

Commenting on this significant achievement, Mr. Swaminathan Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer at SMFG India Credit, said, “We are truly honored to receive the Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility 2024. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating a meaningful social impact through sustainable and inclusive initiatives. At SMFG India Credit, we believe in value creation by integrating our CSR ambitions into our business strategy. Through our various CSR initiatives, we have been able to implement a wide range of innovative socio-economic and environmental programs aimed at achieving long-term positive outcomes for communities. We will continue to build on this success and remain committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”

LinkedIn Post

About SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Credit Co. Ltd.)

SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Credit Co. Ltd.), a leading NBFC – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India and a wholly owned subsidiary of SMFG, has been operating in India since 2007. Together with its subsidiary, SMFG India Home Finance Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Home Finance Co. Ltd.) also known as SMFG Grihashakti, the company has established a pan-India presence, across 670+ towns and 70,000+ villages through 1000 branches and 25,000+ employees offering lending products to underserved & unserved retail and small business borrowers. By doing so, it has introduced people to formal credit. SMFG India Credit along with SMFG Grihashakti offers a comprehensive range of lending solutions, including SME financing, commercial vehicle and two-wheeler loans, home loans, home improvement loans, loans against property and shares, personal loans, and rural livelihood advancement loans etc.

About Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG)

SMFG is one of the largest global banking and financial service groups, offering a diverse range of financial services including commercial banking, leasing, securities and consumer finance and is headquartered in Japan. SMFG is listed on the Tokyo and New York (via ADR) Stock Exchanges and has a market capitalization of approximately US$93.5 billion (as of 31st December 2024). SMFG is one of the global systemically important banks (G-SIBs) and has high credit ratings of A1 by Moody’s Investors Service and A- by Standard & Poor’s.

First Batch of Online Students Graduate from Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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First Batch of Online Students Graduate from Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education organized the 1st Convocation for its graduating cohort of online students on 8th February 2025. The convocation was held for 426 students who successfully completed postgraduate programs including MBA (Master of Business Administration), MSc in Business Analytics, MSc in Data Science, PGCP in Business Analytics, and PGCP in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, through a 100% online mode. The in-person convocation ceremony was held in Manipal, at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) campus.

Over 426 students graduated at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) campus

As per UGC guidelines, “The online degree is recognized as equivalent to the conventional degrees offered on campuses and students can apply for all job opportunities and higher education as per their eligibility.” Manipal Academy of Higher Education launched its first batch of online degree programs in September 2022.

The Convocation was inaugurated by the Chief Guest of the day, Dr HS Ballal – Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The event was presided over by other top dignitaries including Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh – Vice Chancellor, Dr Narayana Sabhahit – Pro Vice Chancellor (Technology & Science), Dr Sharath K Rao – Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr Dilip G Naik – Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Madhu Veera Raghavan – Pro Vice Chancellor (MLHS & Head – MAHE Bangalore campus), Dr Giridhar Kini P – Registrar, Dr Vinod V Thomas – Registrar, Evaluation, Dr Manojkumar Nagasampige, Director – Directorate of Online Education, and the Guest of Honor, Mr Ambrish Sinha, CEO – UNext Learning.

Addressing the graduates’, Dr Ballal said, “This unique event marks a significant milestone not only in the lives of our graduates, but the history of our institution as we adapt to the evolving times.“

The online graduates comprised of working professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. The graduates were thrilled to visit the university campus and were excited to receive their degree certificates and meet their peers & faculty in person.

To learn more about the online programs offered by Manipal Academy of Higher Education or enroll, visit www.onlinemanipal.com.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education is one of India’s leading academic and research institutions with a NAAC A++ rating and prestigious Institution of Eminence (IoE) recognition. The institution has been offering world-class education across diverse streams since 1953. It is ranked #4 by NIRF and has a track of notable alumni like Satya Nadella, Vikas Khanna, and Dr Devi Prasad Shetty.

MAHE’s integrated Learning Management System (LMS) gives access to extensive e-learning material, recorded sessions, webinars, doubt clearing sessions, quizzes, assignments, and more. MAHE’s online learners get free access to Coursera courses and certifications during the course of the program. MAHE’s online learners are also offered placement assistance in the form of skill assessments & enhancement, industry-readiness sessions, resume building, and virtual placement drives.

MAHE currently offers 7 degrees & certification programs in online mode and caters to 8,600+ learners across 7 programs from 44 countries and over 25 states.

Asyad Group Shapes Global Trade and Logistics at Breakbulk Middle East 2025

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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Asyad Group Shapes Global Trade and Logistics at Breakbulk Middle East 2025

Asyad Group, Oman’s global integrated logistics provider, reinforces its leadership in international trade and breakbulk logistics at Breakbulk Middle East 2025, held in Dubai on February 10-11. Engaging with key industry players, Asyad drives discussions on the transformation of global supply chains, the future of breakbulk logistics, and the increasing significance of the GCC and MENA regions in global trade connectivity.

Asyad Participates In Breakbulk Middle East 2025

Juma Al Uraimi, Acting Chief Commercial Officer at Asyad Group, underscores the Group’s vision for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable logistics sector. “The landscape of breakbulk logistics is rapidly evolving, driven by the intersection of large-scale industrial projects, digital innovation, and sustainability imperatives,” he says. “Asyad is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and integrated multimodal solutions to enhance trade flows and position Oman as a critical gateway in global supply chains.”

Asyad’s leadership contributes to key panels examining digital transformation in logistics, supply chain optimization, and infrastructure investment, reinforcing Oman’s emerging role as a strategic logistics hub linking global markets. Discussions also focus on the rising demand for logistics solutions supporting renewable energy projects.

Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of the Port of Duqm, emphasizes Oman’s growing role in the energy transition, with logistics playing a critical role in transporting wind turbines, solar panels, and other oversized equipment essential for clean energy infrastructure.

Juma Al Maskari, Director at Asyad Logistics, highlights the projected USD 300 billion expansion of contract logistics, underscoring Asyad’s role in streamlining global trade and optimizing supply chain costs. He emphasizes how Oman’s geographic positioning and logistics infrastructure provide a competitive advantage for international businesses.

Asyad’s leadership in hydrogen logistics is also a focal point, with Tom Anneberg, VP Commercial Strategy & Product Development, showcasing the Group’s support for large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia ventures in Salalah Freezone. These projects reinforce Oman’s role as a key player in the global clean energy supply chain.

With over 60% of logistics providers investing in AI, IoT, and automation, the industry undergoes a digital transformation. Asyad remains at the forefront, harnessing its USD 4.1+ billion logistics ecosystem to drive innovation, enhance trade efficiency, and strengthen Oman’s position as a global logistics powerhouse.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/.

NFO Ongoing: What Makes the Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund Different

Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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NFO Ongoing: What Makes the Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund Different

When it comes to investing, a common tendency is to follow the herd – invest in stocks that are gaining in popularity or selling those that are out of favour. However, better opportunities can often be found by going against the tide and spotting or leveraging trends that the market is yet to recognise.

Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund follows a contrarian investing strategy

This is what makes the Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund comparatively different. The fund follows a contrarian investing strategy, seeking to generate long-term return potential by investing in undervalued opportunities.

The New Fund Offer period for the scheme began on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, and is on till Thursday, February 20th, 2025.

This article tells you more about the distinct features of the Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund and how it seeks to leverage contrarian investing to create the potential for long-term wealth building.

Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund and contrarian investing

Contrarian investing is a strategy where investors go against popular market trends. The core belief is that markets often overreact to news and act out of fear, greed or overconfidence, causing some stocks to be undervalued or overvalued.

So, instead of following the crowd, the Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund will seek out fundamentally strong stocks that others are avoiding because of temporary fear or bad news and sell stocks that others are chasing. Thus, it will seek to identify hidden opportunities. These could arise from business cycles, management transitions, underappreciated growth opportunities, turnaround stories, temporary business disruptions and cyclical movements, among others.

This approach will allow the fund to buy stocks at undervalued rates and potentially earn returns over time if the market recognises the security’s intrinsic value.

Here are some key features of contrarian investing:

  • Goes against market trends – Invests in stocks that are currently out of favour; avoids stocks that are overpriced owing to popularity.

  • Focuses on undervalued stocks – Looks for companies with potential for long term growth that the market has overlooked.

  • Requires patience – Investments may take time to show returns.

  • Based on deep research – Involves analysing fundamentals rather than following market sentiment.

  • Seeks long-term gains – Aims to benefit when the market corrects itself.

  • Minimizes emotional decisions – Avoids panic selling and trend-driven buying.

Professional management

Contrarian investing requires patience, research, and confidence, as it may take time for the market to correct itself and reflect a stock’s intrinsic worth. It can also be risky, as not every contrarian approach – especially one not grounded in strong fundamental and behavioural analysis – may pay off. This is where the mutual funds offer an advantage, as they are professionally managed. With the Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund, our investment experts will make buy and sell decisions regarding the portfolio, based on contrarian investing strategies, allowing even laypersons and new investors to benefit from this nuanced approach.

Balancing risk and reward across market caps

Combined with this contrarian approach is the benefit of diversification. Being a multi cap fund, this scheme invests across large cap, mid cap, and small cap stocks. Large cap stocks lend relative stability to the portfolio, while mid cap and small cap stocks offer significant long-term growth potential, though with more risk.

Moreover, historical stock market data shows that the winning market cap changes across market cycles – meaning that not any single market cap always comes out on top. In some years and cycles, large caps have outperformed, while in others, mid caps or small caps have been the leaders. Thus, by combining all three in its portfolio – with a minimum 25% exposure to each – the fund will seek to leverage diverse market opportunities.

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

Who should invest in this fund

The Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund could be suitable for investors who:

  • Prefer a long-term approach rather than short-term speculation

  • Seek long-term wealth creation with 5+ years

  • Are comfortable with market fluctuations

  • Want a diversified portfolio with disciplined exposure to large cap, mid cap, and small cap stocks

How to invest in the Bajaj Finserv Multi Cap Fund

Investors participating in the New Fund Offer period (i.e. from February 6th, 2025, to February 20th, 2025) can buy units at a face value of Rs. 10 each. When the fund reopens for subscription in a few business days, investors can purchase units at the prevailing Net Asset Value. The investment routes include:

  • Directly through Bajaj Finserv AMC offline or online (www.bajajamc.com)

  • Through a registered mutual fund distributor

  • Through Registrar and Transfer Agent KFintech

  • Through aggregator platforms

Investments, both Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) and lumpsum, start at Rs. 500. Those considering starting an SIP in the scheme can take the help of a mutual fund SIP calculator to plan their investments. Lumpsum investors can similarly use a lumpsum calculator.

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

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