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TimBuckDo Closes Rs. 2.70 Crore Funding Round Backed by Industry Titans and VCs After National TV Showcase on Ideabaaz

TimBuckdo, India’s emerging student-first social commerce platform, today announced the successful closure of its Rs. 2.70 crore funding round, following its appearance on Ideabaaz, the national television entrepreneurship show aired on Z TV and Z5.

 

TimBuckDo Closes Rs 2.70 Crore Funding Round Backed by Industry Titans and VCs After National TV Showcase on Ideabaaz

 

The interest generated during TimBuckdo’s participation on Ideabaaz has now culminated in a completed and fully closed funding round, with all investors concluding their due diligence and formal commitments.

 

The round saw the participation from a group of global investors including Sandesh Sharda, Turbostart, Anupam Bansal, Arjun Vaidya, and Shaili Chopra, along with Rukam Capital, headed by Archana Jahagirdar, Ideabaaz’s investment arm, and the co-founders of Ideabaaz.

 

The total investment, which expanded from initial on-air interest to Rs. 2.70 crore, reflects strong conviction in TimBuckdo’s mission to build India’s largest and most trusted student ecosystem.

 

A Significant Moment for TimBuckdo

TimBuckdo’s journey from national television to a fully closed investment round marks a meaningful milestone for the company. The structured process from pitch, to investor engagement, to diligence, to closure, highlights the platform’s credibility and the growing market readiness of India’s student workforce.

 

Investor Statements

Ganesh Raju, Founder – Turbostart

“We invested in Timbuckdo because we saw a team with real passion and lived experience tackling a problem many Indian students face every day which is finding flexible, meaningful ways to earn, learn, and gain experience while they study. The founders’ deep commitment to empowering students and their thoughtful approach to building a safe, scalable gig ecosystem convinced us that Timbuckdo isn’t just solving a problem, it’s shaping how India’s students access opportunity and build their futures”

 

Sandesh Sharda, Angel Investor and Titan on Ideabaaz

“I could relate to the GiG workers problem and TimBuckDo solves it very well. The Management Team is driven and looks like Gig workers will continue to grow in India as we are a young economy driven by youth”

 

Anupam Bansal, Executive Director, Liberty Shoes and Titan on Ideabaaz

“Timbuckdo is opening meaningful pathways for students through gig opportunities, real-time earnings, and exposure to new ideas. I’m proud to support them with both capital and mentorship as they shape the future of young talent.”

 

Arjun Vaidya Managing Partner, V3 Ventures I Ventures Lead – India, Verlinvest Founder, Dr. Vaidya’s (acquired) and Titan on Ideabaaz

“India’s young population is a superpower that many don’t talk about. With the rest of the world facing an aging population crisis, we have an opportunity. But, we need to do something about it. As a student, I always wanted to work but I never got my due. Seeing the Timbuckdo pitch brought these things together. Respectable, structured and most importantly PAID work for students in a platformized manner. The size of the opportunity is massive and Ideabaaz is excited to see what this team does with it!”

 

Mudit Kumar, Co-Founder, Ideabaaz

“The gig economy is redefining how young Bharat learns, earns, and experiments and it’s no longer limited to professionals – it’s rapidly becoming a gateway for students and young talent to gain real-world exposure early. Timbuckdo is playing a critical role in building this culture by enabling structured, trusted gig opportunities at scale. We believe platforms like these will be foundational to Bharat’s future of work.”

 

Co-Founder Statements

Mythri Kumar, Co-founder, TimBuckdo –

“Ideabaaz gave us a stage to share our mission, but the trust placed in us throughout the diligence and funding process has been the true milestone. We intend to use the funds and the exposure from the show judiciously to strengthen our student community and make gig work a widely adoptable culture. With marquee investors backing us, our confidence in scaling TimBuckdo has only grown stronger.”

 

Apoorv Sharma Prasad, Co-founder, TimBuckdo –

“Closing this round with the backing of respected investors and partners is a moment of immense responsibility. The process was detailed and thorough, and its successful completion gives us the momentum to accelerate our next phase-from our AI-led student engine to expanding across campuses nationwide.”

 

About TimBuckdo

TimBuckdo is India’s first social-commerce platform built exclusively for students, empowering them to earn, upskill, and become financially self-reliant through meaningful gig opportunities. The platform brings together AI-driven job matching, dynamic in-store discounts via QR codes, a rapidly expanding campus ambassador network, and full-stack tools for digitising campus events and activities all designed to strengthen the student gig ecosystem and make part-time work an accessible, reliable, and rewarding culture across India.

 

About Ideabaaz

Ideabaaz, aired on ZTV and Z5, is a national television platform where all-stage founders pitch to leading business Titans and venture firms. The show bridges entrepreneurship, mentorship, and investment, providing startups visibility and access to experienced investors.

Marriage Timelines Shift, Remarriage Rises: Jeevansathi Report Reveals How India Is Redefining Partner Search and Marriage

Jeevansathi has released its latest data-led report, The Big Shift: How India Is Rewriting the Rules of Partner Search and Marriage, analyzing a decade of user trends (2016-2025) along with survey insights from over 30,000 active users in 2026. The report uncovers measurable shifts in how Indians are choosing partners – from weakening caste preferences and rising remarriage acceptance to delayed timelines, evolving gender roles and a hybrid model of family involvement.


Key findings highlight a 43% rise in remarriage seekers over the past decade, the median marriage age moving from 27 to 29, a steady dilution of strict caste filters (down from 91% to 54%), 77% profiles now being self-managed, and 90% users prioritizing the “right person” over age or financial stability.


Median Marriage Age Shifts from 27 to 29
Marriage timelines are stretching as career and self-readiness take precedence.


Over the last decade, the median age of Jeevansathi users has moved from 27 to 29 years, with 50% of users now initiating their search at age 29. This shift reflects a generation prioritising financial stability, career growth and personal clarity before committing to marriage.


77% Profiles Now Self-Managed as Singles Take Control
Marriage decisions are becoming more individual-led.


Today, 77% of Jeevansathi profiles are created and managed by users themselves, compared to 67% in 2016. Family-managed profiles have reduced from 33% to 23%.


Interestingly, sibling involvement is higher than parental involvement in Tier 3 cities, acting as digital facilitators between traditional families and tech-enabled matchmaking. The findings point to arranged marriage evolving into a self-driven process with family support rather than family control.


Strict Caste Preference Drops from 91% to 54% in a Decade
In 2016, 91% of Jeevansathi users selected caste as a strict partner preference. By 2025, that number has declined sharply to 54%, reflecting a significant mindset shift.


The trend is more pronounced in metros, where only 49% of users still select caste as a strict partner preference. The data suggests compatibility, shared values and lifestyle alignment are increasingly being prioritised alongside traditional identifiers.


Over the last decade, Indian singles have become more intentional -choosing compatibility, shared values and emotional readiness over rigid filters or timelines. Marriage today is increasingly self-led, yet deeply collaborative, where individuals take charge of decisions while families continue to play an important role.” said Rohan Mathur, Chief Business Officer – Jeevansathi & Head of M&A, Corp Dev. 


Remarriage Seekers Rise 43% Over 10 Years.
India’s remarriage mindset is steadily evolving.


In 2016, 11% of users on the platform were seeking a second marriage. By 2025, that number has increased to 16%, marking a 43% rise over the decade.


Notably, 15% of interest received by divorced profiles comes from users who have never been married. Additionally, one in six Jeevansathi success stories today involves individuals entering a second marriage -indicating a gradual destigmatisation of divorce.


90% Say “Right Person” Matters More Than Age or Income.

Marriage readiness is increasingly emotional, not chronological or financial.

Nine in ten users say finding the right partner matters more than reaching a certain age or income level, with responses nearly identical across genders. The findings indicate that compatibility has overtaken traditional readiness benchmarks in defining commitment.


69% Value Parental Involvement in the Process
Despite growing independence, family continues to play a meaningful role.


69% of users say parental involvement makes the process easier (always or sometimes), with the number slightly above for women (75%).
The data reflects an emerging hybrid model where singles want autonomy in choosing their partner, but not isolation in decision-making.


Only 8% Believe One Partner Should Be the Sole Breadwinner
Traditional financial structures within marriage are being renegotiated.


Only 8% of users believe one person should be the primary earner. Meanwhile, 87% of men say they are comfortable marrying a woman who earns more than they do, and 15% of women say they are open to marrying men who earn less. Dual-income realities and evolving gender norms appear to be reshaping expectations around financial roles.


78% Intend to Marry Within Six Months
Serious intent continues to define matrimony platforms.


78% of Jeevansathi users say they want to get married within the next six months, with nearly half (48%) hoping to do so within three months. The findings underscore that while criteria are evolving, clarity of intent remains strong among Jeevansathi users.


The Big Shift report positions marriage not as a declining institution, but as one being recalibrated -blending autonomy with tradition, compatibility with culture, and aspiration with practicality.

REnergy Dynamics Delivers India's Fastest CBG Plant to Achieve 21+ TPD Capacity

REnergy Dynamics (RED) announced today that its Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Nagothane, Maharashtra has become the fastest CBG plant in India to cross its nameplate capacity of more than 21 tons per day (TPD). This milestone makes it the only plant in India to have achieve its capacity in less than 24 months. Additionally, it is only the second industrial scale multi-feedstock plant in India to achieve full nameplate production.

 

RED delivers India’s Fastest CBG Plant to achieve 21+ TPD Capacity


RED’s scope for the project included technology, EPC and operations for one of India’s largest conglomerates.


Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Kushagra Nandan, Chairman and Managing Director, REnergy Dynamics, said, “Both these achievements mark an inflection point in India’s CBG journey as RED has successfully demonstrated industrial scale, multi feedstock CBG plants can be designed, stabilised and optimised in record time in India. Nagothane validates our execution model and our belief that bioenergy can be scaled with technical rigour and economic discipline.”


Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Varun Karad, CEO, REnergy Dynamics, said, “Nagothane was our first competitive win, and achieving nameplate capacity at this speed reflects the strength of our engineering teams and operational strategy. We are building assets that are not only commercially viable but also deeply integrated with the local ecosystem, supporting farmers, generating employment and strengthening India’s clean energy transition.”


Achieving stable, full-scale operations at a CBG plant of this size is rare in the current bioenergy ecosystem. The Nagothane facility represents an important step forward for India’s CBG and bioenergy sector, reinforcing confidence in the scalability and long-term viability of large bioenergy projects when designed and executed with rigor.


The Nagothane plant is engineered to process a diversified mix of feedstocks including napier grass, press mud cake, cow dung, paddy straw, bagasse and cane trash. This multi feedstock capability enhances operational flexibility and ensures stable year-round performance.


It integrates an advanced membrane-based gas upgrading system capable of delivering biomethane purity of up to 99 percent when required, with high methane recovery efficiency that maximises yield and strengthens plant economics.


About REnergy Dynamics
REnergy Dynamics (RED) is dedicated to advancing the renewable energy sector in India, offering an integrated bioenergy platform to its clients. RED’s portfolio of solutions includes: company-owned and developed large-scale bioenergy projects; EPC services to renewable energy developers; feedstock aggregation and its supply to compressed biogas projects; and the manufacturing and supply of CBG plant components. RED has quickly established a significant presence in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat through various bioenergy projects. The company is committed to sustainable growth and aims to create positive social and economic impacts on the communities and businesses they collaborate with.

 

To learn more, visit www.renergydynamics.com

 

Indian Real Estate Eyes Rs. 10 Lakh Crore Milestone, with Senior Living and Commercial Assets Driving Growth, Outlook Highlighted at CREDAI MahaCON 11th Edition

India’s real estate sector is entering a structurally transformative phase, with infrastructure expansion, demographic shifts, and rising capital market participation expected to define the industry’s next decade of growth. The outlook was highlighted by industry leaders at CREDAI Maharashtra’s 11th edition of MahaCON, the state body’s flagship real estate conclave, held in Mumbai from Feb 9-11.

 

CREDAI Maharashtra Leadership at the 11th MahaCon

 

Speaking at MahaCON on the sector’s trajectory, Boman Irani, Chairman, CREDAI, said Indian real estate has recorded nearly 130% growth over the past decade and is on course to evolve into a Rs. 10 lakh crore industry in the coming years.

 

“The Indian real estate market is evolving rapidly, and we stand at the cusp of a significant expansion cycle,” Irani said.

 

He identified senior living and commercial real estate as structurally underpenetrated segments likely to anchor the next phase of growth. India’s senior living market is projected to reach USD 36 billion by 2050, supported by rising longevity and changing family structures, while the commercial office segment is expected to grow into a USD 1.43 trillion market by 2035, reflecting sustained corporate demand and urban economic activity.

 

Irani added that the sector’s next evolution will depend heavily on data-driven development and artificial intelligence, enabling greater transparency, sharper decision-making, and improved operational efficiency across the real estate lifecycle.

 

“India needs a data-driven real estate ecosystem that leverages AI to strengthen planning, sales, finance, and customer experience,” he noted.

 

Highlighting another structural shift, Satish Magar, Past Chairman, CREDAI, said large-scale infrastructure projects are fundamentally altering Maharashtra’s urban development pattern and expanding investment activity beyond traditional metropolitan centres.

 

The distance between cities has reduced due to improved transport networks and regional connectivity, opening new doors for investment, development, and employment across Maharashtra,Magar said.

 

Improved highways, transit corridors, and regional connectivity are increasingly decentralising demand, making emerging micro-markets attractive for both developers and institutional investors — a transition experts believe could enable more balanced regional growth while easing pressure on saturated urban hubs.

 

The sector is also witnessing deeper participation from capital markets, signalling growing financial maturity. According to Amit Kumar, Founder, MSMEx & Grobizfund, 269 SME IPOs collectively raised Rs. 12,200 crore in 2025, compared with 246 IPOs worth Rs. 9,500 crore in 2024, highlighting rising investor confidence and the gradual formalisation of funding channels available to developers.

 

Industry experts indicated that Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are expected to power the next wave of real estate growth, supported by infrastructure upgrades, redevelopment opportunities, and expanding economic activity. Developers are increasingly adopting AI-led sales strategies, concept-driven planning, and experience-focused developments as competition intensifies and homebuyers become more discerning.

 

Stronger collaboration between academia and industry is also expected to accelerate innovation, improve construction technologies, and enhance productivity across the value chain.

 

Industry economist Deepak Karanjikar noted that Maharashtra’s economic trajectory over the next decade will play a decisive role in shaping real estate demand, as policy direction, infrastructure investment, and industrial expansion continue to influence development patterns across the state. He highlighted that aligning macroeconomic strategy with urban planning will be critical to unlocking long-term opportunities for developers while supporting more sustainable and regionally balanced growth.

 

Taken together, these trends indicate that Indian real estate is transitioning from a historically cyclical sector to one driven increasingly by structural fundamentals. As infrastructure reshapes urban corridors and institutional participation deepens, the industry is expected to remain a critical engine of investment, employment generation, and economic expansion in the decade ahead.

 

The 11th edition of MahaCON concluded on a forward-looking note, with industry leaders reaffirming their focus on customer trust, ethical conduct, and innovation. The conclave also highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing, as well as youth and women participation, while showcasing the adoption of technology, data, and AI. MahaCON 2026 has further reinforced CREDAI Maharashtra’s commitment to fostering a more transparent, inclusive, and growth-oriented real estate sector in India.

Danube Properties Launches 'Serenz by Danube' in JVC With A Convenient 2-Minutes-In, 2-Minutes-Out Access

Danube Properties has announced the launch of Serenz by Danube, a premium residential development designed to elevate contemporary urban living in Dubai. It was officially unveiled by Danube Group’s Founder and Chairman – Rizwan Sajan, Group Managing Director – Adel Sajan, Director of Agency Relationships – Sana Sajan, along with cricket legend and Danube’s Global Ambassador – Brett Lee.
 

Danube Properties Launches ‘Serenz by Danube’ in JVC
 

Located in the heart of Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), the project is envisioned as “A World of Amenities,” combining luxury, wellness, and community-focused living. Rising as an iconic 50 + 25-storey development, Serenz by Danube commands a prime location in JVC between Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The project offers exceptional citywide connectivity with a convenient 2-minutes-in, 2-minutes-out access, ensuring effortless movement to and from the building.
 

Serenz by Danube sets a new benchmark for urban living as it spans over 120,000 sq. ft. of curated lifestyle spaces – first time ever in Dubai – and it offers more than 40 premium amenities catering to residents of all ages.
 

Key amenities include a resort-style serenity pool, a dedicated aqua park for children, landscaped gardens, spa facilities, fitness areas, sports courts, kids’ daycare, meditation zones, and vibrant social spaces.
 

Commenting on the launch, Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said, “Serenz by Danube represents our vision of creating more than just homes. Our fully furnished premium apartments are designed to enhance everyday living through comfort, wellness, and luxury. Supported by our signature 1% per month payment plan, the project offers strong value for both homeowners and investors.”
 

Serenz by Danube offers fully furnished premium residences, with prices starting from AED 850,000. Situated in one of Dubai’s most sought-after residential communities, JVC offers a family-friendly environment, strong rental demand, and long-term investment potential.
 

With its innovative 1% monthly payment plan, Danube Properties continues to make luxury living accessible while maintaining its reputation for quality, design, and timely delivery.

 

About Danube Properties
Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group founded in 1993 by Rizwan Sajan, is among the UAE’s leading private real estate developers. Known for pioneering the 1% payment plan, the company delivers fully furnished apartments complemented by over 40 lifestyle amenities, with a strong track record of quality construction and timely delivery.

Stable Money Leads Gold & Silver ETF Surge on ONDC as Investors Turn to Safe, Regulated Products

As gold and silver prices trade near recent highs, wealthtech platform Stable Money is seeing record transaction volumes in precious metal ETFs, driven by growing investor demand for safe, transparent, and SEBI-regulated investment options. This momentum is reinforced by Stable Money’s leadership on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), where it drives over 95% of all mutual fund transactions on the network. This position reflects strong investor trust built through early ONDC integration, a focus on regulated products, and a seamless user experience.
 

Stable Money x ONDC
 

The surge comes at a time when market uncertainty is pushing more Indians towards regulated gold and silver exposure through exchange-traded funds, moving away from physical holdings or unregulated alternatives.
 

Stable Money operates on ONDC, an open digital infrastructure that enables platforms to reach investors across the country without being locked into closed ecosystems. By leveraging ONDC’s interoperable network, Stable Money offers seamless access to SEBI-regulated mutual funds and ETFs – making it easier for investors to access trusted financial products. This alignment reflects a shared vision: democratising access to regulated investments through open, transparent infrastructure.
 

With precious metal prices hovering near multi-year highs and ongoing global economic uncertainty, investors are increasingly favouring SEBI-regulated gold and silver ETFs for their transparency, ease of access, and regulatory oversight. Stable Money has recorded its highest monthly transaction volumes in these asset classes, reflecting a clear shift in investor preference toward products they can trust. ONDC saw nearly 1,50,000 transactions in Jan ‘26, closing at an AUM of INR 72 Crores.
 

“When markets are uncertain, investors want products and platforms they can trust – and the numbers show it. We’re seeing our highest transaction volumes ever in gold and silver ETFs because people are choosing SEBI-regulated products over physical holdings or unregulated options. They want transparency, safety, and easy access all in one place. By operating on open infrastructure like ONDC and focusing exclusively on regulated investments, we’re able to meet that demand at scale without locking investors into closed ecosystems,” said Saurabh Jain, Co-founder and CEO, Stable Money.
 

Hrushikesh Mehta, SVP – Financial Services at ONDC, said, “Stable Money’s activity on the ONDC Network reflects growing adoption of open, interoperable infrastructure within financial services. Participation at this scale indicates increasing maturity of network-led distribution models. It also points to broader access to regulated investment products across platforms. This represents an important phase in the evolution of open digital networks.”
 

This growing preference is clearly reflected across Stable Money’s 30 lakh-strong user base, where the platform has recorded its highest-ever transaction volumes in gold and silver ETFs. By leveraging open digital infrastructure such as ONDC and maintaining a focused approach on regulated investments, Stable Money is well-positioned to meet this demand at scale while keeping investor choice and trust at the core.
 

About Stable Money

Stable Money is India’s leading fixed-income investment platform that enables individuals to earn stable and secure returns through fixed deposits, bonds via Stable Bonds, and other low-risk instruments. Founded in 2022, the platform has built a user base of over 30 lakh investors and facilitated more than Rs. 4,000 crore in investments with a simple, trusted, and transparent digital experience. The company has raised $40 million from top investors, including Z47, Fundamentum, Lightspeed, and RTP Global, along with prominent angel investors such as Sriharsha Majety (Swiggy), Kunal Bahl, and Rohit Bansal (Snapdeal).
 

For more information, please visit www.stablemoney.in.


About ONDC
Incorporated on 30th December 2021, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. ONDC aims to create a transformative digital infrastructure that enables open, unbundled, and interoperable network for commerce in India.

 

It is not an application, platform, intermediary, or software, but a set of specifications designed to foster inclusive and collaborative digital ecosystems.
 

To know more, visit ondc.org.

L&T Finance Ltd. Scales Gold Loan Footprint to Over 260 Branches

  • The Company’s entry into Gold finance business began with 130 branches via an acquisition deal in June 2025

  • Within 8 months of acquisition, the Company has added over 130 new branches 

 

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, today announced a major milestone in its retail strategy by doubling its Gold Loan branch network to over 260 branches nationwide. This rapid expansion was marked by the launch of its 130th new branch earlier this month since the acquisition of the gold loan business in June 2025. By matching its acquired portfolio with over 130 new branches in under a year, LTF has signalled a high-velocity play in India’s secured credit landscape.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/34650_LFT_image.PNG

Visit our website to avail of the L&T Finance Gold Loan


By scaling operations across the North, West, East, and South regions, LTF is pursuing geo-expansion to capture increasing demand for secured credit. LTF’s Gold Loan business has expanded its footprint to 18 States and Union Territories, marking its strategic entry into Assam, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. By seamlessly integrating physical proximity with digital agility, LTF continues to redefine the gold loan experience through rapid turnaround times and flexible credit solutions.


Commenting on this development, Mr. Raju Dodti, Chief Operating Officer, LTF, said, “We are elated to share that we have successfully doubled the Company’s dedicated gold loan branch network in record time since our entry into this business, bringing the total count to over 260 branches nationwide, which will continue to increase given our aggressive branch expansion policy. Our rapid expansion is a testament to our ‘Lakshya’ strategy—transforming into a top-class, digitally-enabled, customer-centric retail powerhouse. By adding nearly 1 branch per day over the past few months, we aren’t just increasing our footprint; we are building a robust ecosystem of security and trust. By scaling across the North, West, East, and South, LTF is de-risking its portfolio through geographic diversification while capturing high-growth retail demand. It is also underpinned by operational excellence, featuring state-of-the-art security systems and an experienced workforce specialised to deliver gold-standard customer service.”


About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

 

X: x.com/LnTFinance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LnTFS

Linkedinwww.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lntfinance

YouTubewww.youtube.com/user/ltfinance

ET Now Global Business Summit 2026 to be Addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Senior Ministers and Global Leaders

The ET Now Global Business Summit (GBS) 2026 goes live today, bringing together some of the most influential voices in business and policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the summit, lending momentum to conversations taking place at a time when global economies face tightening financial conditions, technological disruption and geopolitical volatility.


The two-day summit will see participation from Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Nayab Singh Saini, who are expected to outline policy priorities spanning infrastructure, trade and industrial growth. H.E. Charles Michel, former Prime Minister of Belgium and former President of the European Council, will also address the summit, bringing a European geopolitical perspective to the discussions.


The summit will also feature Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder & Executive Chairman, S4 Capital; Renuka Jagtiani, Co-founder and Chairwoman of the Landmark Group; David Schwimmer, CEO of London Stock Exchange Group; Yann Le Pallec, President of S&P Global Ratings and Chairman of CRISIL; and Lim Ming Yan, Chairman of Changi Airport Group. A special address will also be delivered by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan.


Business and trade perspectives will be shared by H.E. Ambassador Lazar Comanescu, Secretary-General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC); Anant Maheshwari, President and CEO (Global Regions), Honeywell; Akiko Okumura, Executive Vice President, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Peyton Howell, CEO of Parexel; Mike Jatania, CEO of The Body Shop; and Kishore Moorjani, CEO, Alternatives and Private Funds, CapitaLand Investment.


Leading economists and policy thinkers such as Ann E. Harrison (former Dean, UC Berkeley Haas), Dr. Ajay Chhibber (former UN Assistant Secretary-General), Sergei Guriev (Dean, London Business School), Dr. Fabian Zuleeg (Chief Economist, European Policy Centre), Professor Klisman Murati, and Marianne Williamson will explore global economic trends and policy implications.


Innovation and emerging technologies will also feature prominently with speakers such as Mate Pencz (Founder & CEO, Loft), Ren Ito (Co-Founder & COO, Sakana AI), Pratik Gauri (Founder & CEO, 5ire), Ivana Bartoletti (VP, Global Chief Privacy & AI Governance Officer, Wipro), Deblina Sarkar (MIT professor and inventor), Dr. Jason Held (Founder & CEO, Saber Astronautics), and Neil Harbisson, the first legally recognised cyborg.


About ET Now Global Business Summit
The Times Group presents ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026 as a distinguished platform that has in the past hosted an illustrious array of personalities, both from India and around the world. This distinguished list includes luminaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the visionary Bill Gates from Microsoft, Brian Chesky of Airbnb, Arianna Huffington from Huffington Post Media Group, Dara Khosrowshahi, the leader of Uber, Reed Hastings representing Netflix, the innovative Steve Wozniak from Apple, renowned venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki, Anshula Kant from the World Bank Group, iconic actor Shah Rukh Khan, and the esteemed Economist and Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, among other influential figures. The summit continues to be a nexus of unparalleled insights and global perspectives, bringing together the brightest minds to shape the future of business and innovation.


About ET Edge
ET Edge, an Initiative of The Times Group, is India’s largest conference and thought leadership company. Since its inception in 2015, ET Edge has been at the forefront of creating unique thought leadership initiatives with the objective to empower multiple sectors, industries, and segments by dispersing critical business knowledge through strategically developed specialised conferences and summits. ET Now Global Business Summit is among ET Edge’s flagship IPs, which strives to bring together visionaries and key global leaders through its enriched knowledge platforms to aid the symbiotic relationship between societies and businesses. Some of the other marque conference properties of ET Edge include (SDG) Sustainability Development Goals Summit, Supply Chain Summit, CX Summit, and Best Brands series.

MAHE to host International Convergence on Sustainable Development Goals from March 24-26, 2026

  • Three-day global conference bringing together diverse stakeholders

  • All 17 UN SDGs to be addressed through panel discussions, keynote presentations, and masterclasses

  • Expected participation of academicians, policymakers, NGO leaders, researchers, industry partners, and representatives from the Government 

 

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is set to host the Manipal Global SDG Convergence – 2026 (MAGSCON-26), a landmark international conference dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The three-day event, scheduled from March 24-26, 2026, will be held at the Dr. TMA Pai Halls in Manipal.

 

A global platform for SDG-focused collaboration at MAGSCON-26


MAGSCON-26 aims to showcase and strengthen collective commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda by bringing together a diverse spectrum of global stakeholders. The conference is organised by the MAHE Quality Department and will feature academicians, policymakers, NGO leaders, community representatives, students, researchers, media professionals, industry partners, and government officials from India and across the globe.


The conference will include keynote presentations by distinguished leaders in higher education, sustainability and public policy, high-level expert panel discussions, masterclass sessions on global rankings and sustainability frameworks, and interactive forums covering all 17 SDGs. Participants will engage with thought leaders, explore real-world case studies through poster presentations, and develop pathways for impactful, evidence-based action.


The convergence is structured across three thematic tracks:

 

  • Day 1 focuses on “Higher Education for a Sustainable Future” – driving climate action, biodiversity conservation, and coastal sustainability through the SDGs.

  • Day 2 centres on “Higher Education Institutions: Catalysts for Sustainable Health” – advancing health and well-being, inclusive communities, and cultural vitality.

  • Day 3 addresses “Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Sustainable Policy, Governance, Technology and Innovation” – reimagining policy frameworks, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems to support long-term sustainable development.


Panel discussions will cover critical areas including reimagining higher education for inclusive, future-ready learning; climate action, biodiversity conservation and food security; health, well-being and community resilience; youth leadership, ethics and social innovation; CSR, sustainable technology, AI and innovation; and global partnerships and knowledge networks for accelerating the SDGs.


The conference has invited researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students, and civil society representatives to submit abstracts on interdisciplinary approaches and policy-relevant insights. The abstract submission deadline is February 16, 2026, with acceptance notifications on February 25, 2026. Early bird registration closes on March 5, 2026, with regular registration available until March 20, 2026.


Commenting on the significance of MAGSCON-26, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “This convergence represents MAHE’s unwavering commitment to being a catalyst for sustainable transformation. As an Institution of Eminence (IoE) with students from over 60 countries, we have both the responsibility and the unique opportunity to convene global minds to co-create solutions that will shape a more equitable and sustainable future. MAGSCON-26 is not just a conference – it is a call to action for higher education institutions worldwide to lead the change we wish to see.”


Dr. Christopher Sudhakar, Director, Quality, MAHE, added, “The Sustainable Development Goals offer a universal framework to address the world’s most pressing challenges, and quality is the common thread that determines their impact. Through MAGSCON-26, we are creating a rigorous and dynamic platform that aligns academic excellence with measurable, real-world action. By convening researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders, we aim to enable evidence-based dialogue, share quality-driven best practices, and build sustainable collaborations that deliver tangible outcomes. This is a defining moment for higher education to demonstrate its transformative power through quality, accountability, and impact.”


The event will feature networking opportunities during tea breaks, poster sessions, and dedicated interaction slots with partners and experts. A special experiential component includes a local visit to Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village and a gala dinner on Day 2 to foster informal collaboration and cultural exchange. The convergence will conclude with a valedictory session to capture key insights, commitments, and future directions.


MAGSCON-26 aspires to serve as a dynamic platform where higher education institutions and their partners build enduring collaborations and co-create solutions for an inclusive and sustainable future, enhancing MAHE’s visibility as a global leader in sustainability education and action.


Registration for MAGSCON-26 is now open. For more information about the conference, abstract submission, and registration details, please visit: conference.manipal.edu/MAGSCON2026


For detailed information on MAHE’s sustainability initiatives, please visit: sustainability.manipal.edu


Convener Contacts:

Dr. Vivek Pandi: vivek.pandi@manipal.edu | +91 820-29 22658
Mr. Srikant R. Gumaste: srikant.gumaste@manipal.edu | +91 820-29 23653
 

SRM University-AP to Confer Honoris Causa to Dr Samir V Kamat, DRDO Chairman at Special Convocation, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to Attend

SRM University-AP will hold a Special Convocation on February 14, 2026, to recognise and honour Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO with the prestigious Honoris Causa degree. The university will honour Dr Kamat for his outstanding contributions to India’s self-reliance and technological strength in defence systems.

 

The Special Convocation will be graced by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Law & Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Govt of India, as the Chief Guest. Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister will deliver the convocation address at the ceremony.

 

Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO and Union Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal will attend the Special Convocation at SRM AP

 

Founder Chancellor of SRM University-AP Dr T R Paarivendhar, Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Registrar Dr R Premkumar Members of Governing Body, Board of Management and Academic and Research Council will also attend the convocation ceremony where 7 Ph.D. scholars will be awarded their doctoral degrees.

 

Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SRM AP remarked that the Special Convocation is a celebration of excellence, leadership, and the enduring power of knowledge to transform society.

 

SRM University-AP is all set to host the grand occasion in the presence of its Deans, Directors, Faculty, Scholars and Staff. The special convocation at SRM AP marks an occasion to celebrate the academic excellence of the research scholars and celebrate and honour the contributions of the distinguished guests.