Archives December 2024

12th December 2024: The University of Roehampton, with distinguished international partners Oxford International Education Services (OIES), a division of Oxford International Education Group and a renowned global leader in the international education services space, is thrilled to announce the launch of January 2025 intake for the MSc programs. Aspiring postgraduate students from India can choose from a wide array of industry-focused courses in Business, Psychology, Education, Health, and Computer Science. Designed with a future-focused approach, these programs aim to empower students with cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and a global outlook—providing the perfect platform for career progression and professional success.

The eligibility criteria for applicants is a graduation score of 55% or above. Also, the placement year option in the second year offers hands-on industry experience and enhances career opportunities. In addition to its MSc offerings, the University of Roehampton also provides undergraduate programs in diverse fields, including Marketing, Law, International Business, Human Resource Management, Adult Nursing, and Cyber Security.

Oxford International Education Services (OIES), a division of Oxford International Education Group, specializes in helping universities expand their global reach. With over 50,000 successful admissions to date, OIES connects students with pathways, vocational training, and direct degree opportunities.

Mohit Gambir, Managing Director at OIES commented saying- “We are excited to offer Indian students the opportunity to study at the University of Roehampton, where they can gain valuable skills and real-world experience. The MSc programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and industry exposure they need to succeed globally, and the chance to complete a placement year makes it even more rewarding. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to grow academically and professionally in a dynamic and supportive environment”

The University of Roehampton is ranked in the top ten in the UK for post-graduate Student Satisfaction (2022 & 2023) and is ranked as the number one modern university in London

(Times Good University Guide 2022). This January, take the first step towards a globally rewarding career with the University of Roehampton, London.

12th December 2024: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals has successfully concluded its extensive participation in the National Myopia Week 2024 AllEyesonMyopia Campaign, held from 14th to 20th November. As a key supporter of this initiative, ENTOD led impactful activities across India to address the alarming rise in myopia. The campaign, spearheaded by the MATANAND Welfare Foundation and the Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmological Society of India (SPOSI), brought together medical experts, educators, and communities to emphasise prevention, early detection, and better management of this growing health concern.

The campaign reached over 5 crore people across India, including parents, teachers, children, and healthcare professionals. Across 400 districts, 2,000 ophthalmologists conducted awareness programs, including free eye check-ups and myopia awareness sessions in 200 schools, directly benefiting over 50,000 students. Awareness drives in 250 eye hospitals and clinics engaged 1,00,000 patients and families. Over 100 myopia awareness rallies, organised in collaboration with leading eye institutions, created meaningful local engagement and strengthened the campaign’s impact.

On digital platforms, the campaign saw significant traction. Collaborations with 100 social media influencers, including parenting and health experts, amplified awareness, while 60 eye doctor influencers registered on the official campaign website. More than 150 reels and 500 stories were shared across social media, boosting outreach. The hashtags #AllEyesonMyopia, #NationalMyopiaWeek, and #Entodpharma trended prominently on X (formerly Twitter), reaching millions of users. #AllEyesonMyopia alone trended at Number 2 with over 3,380 tweets in a day and a total reach of 1.8 crore (18 million). Similarly, #NationalMyopiaWeek and #Entodpharma gained substantial engagement, trending with millions of impressions over multiple days. Adding a creative touch, the campaign’s theme song was released globally on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, enhancing public engagement.

Efforts extended to remote regions, including Kashmir, where awareness activities in 18 schools and eye clinics reached underserved communities. The campaign’s impactful journey has been documented by a leading Hotstar production team, with a documentary on the mission and initiatives set for release in early 2025 on the Hotstar OTT platform, expected to be viewed by over 30 million people in India.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that causes blurry distance vision, typically developing during childhood. It is influenced by genetics and lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen time and insufficient exposure to outdoor light.

Recent studies indicate a sharp rise in myopia globally, with projections showing that one-third of urban Indian children aged 5 to 15 will experience myopia by 2030. Alarmingly, the prevalence of myopia among urban Indian children is expected to escalate from 21.2% in 2019 to 48.1% by 2050. High myopia (spherical equivalent ≤ -6.00 D) significantly increases the risk of irreversible vision loss, making this condition a major concern for public health.

Reflecting on the campaign, Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, said, “At ENTOD, we believe in going beyond treatment to create lasting impact through education and awareness. Myopia is a rapidly growing concern, especially among children, and addressing it requires proactive measures. Through this campaign, we aimed to empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their vision. The overwhelming response we received reaffirms our commitment to building a healthier future for the next generation by advocating for early detection, lifestyle changes, and better eye care practices.”

Dr Pankaj Ranjan, MBBS, MS ( OPHTHALMOLOGY), MHA, PGDM( DM), Specialty – Cataract, Glaucoma & Ant Segment VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital a senior ophthalmologist and active collaborator in the campaign, added, “The increasing prevalence of myopia, particularly in children, stresses the importance of initiatives like this. Through collective efforts, we were able to reach diverse communities and stress the role of routine screenings, reduced screen exposure, and outdoor activities in managing myopia progression. This campaign has been instrumental in spreading awareness and encouraging early intervention, which is key to preventing the severe complications associated with high myopia.”

The success of National Myopia Week 2024 highlights the importance of united efforts in advancing eye health, creating a healthier future for communities across India.

December 12, 2024: As the cryptocurrency era reshapes the financial landscape, the convergence of finance and technology has become a driving force behind new opportunities and challenges. With the rise of digital platforms, blockchain, and fintech innovations, professionals must be equipped with a solid understanding of technology and risk management to ensure consumer protection and financial stability. To address this growing demand, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow), a leading business school which is ranked 4th amongst all B-schools in India (ranked by FT-100), in collaboration with Emeritus, has announced the launch of its 10th batch of Executive Programme in Fintech, Banking & Applied Risk Management.

According to the Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance Report, Asia-Pacific (APAC) is poised to outpace the US and become the world’s top fintech market by 2030, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%. This data clearly underscores the urgent need for professionals in the region to sharpen their skills in emerging financial technologies and advanced risk governance, enabling organizations to harness the opportunities presented by this remarkable growth.

With a sharp focus on developing expertise in financial technologies and risk management, this 10-month high-impact programme is specifically designed for mid to senior-level managers in the banking and financial services sector aiming to grasp financial technologies, business leaders and risk management consultants overseeing digital transformation, as well as early-career professionals. Additionally, it will also benefit entrepreneurs and visionary business owners seeking to elevate their ventures.

Speaking on the programme, Mr. Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, India and APAC, Emeritus, said, “We are thrilled to partner with esteemed institutions like IIM Lucknow to launch this high-impact programme that equips professionals with the essential skills to excel in fintech and risk management. This programme will empower participants to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, fostering their ability to develop innovative solutions that drive meaningful change.”

The IIM Lucknow Executive Programme in Fintech, Banking & Applied Risk Management offers immersive live online learning sessions delivered by top IIM Lucknow faculty and international expert practitioners as well as a 2-day in-campus immersion at the IIM Lucknow campus. It also includes a capstone project guided by IIM Lucknow Faculty, real-world case studies and hands-on learning through business simulations. The modules of this programme include overview of risk management in banking and financial services, regulatory landscape and credit risk models, and digital disruption, innovation, and transformation among others.

Programme Details:

Start Date: December 30, 2024

Fee: INR 2,20,000 + GST

Certification: Upon successful completion of the programme and maintaining a minimum attendance of 75 percent, participants will receive a certificate of completion from IIM Lucknow and an opportunity to gain the IIM Lucknow Executive Alumni status

12/12/24: P N Gadgil & Sons, one of India’s most esteemed jewellery brands, has once again made history by securing a spot on the prestigious Fortune 500 India list for 2024. Marking its second appearance, the brand has ascended from rank 471 to an impressive 280, solidifying its position as a leader in the retail jewellery sector and a beacon of Marathi entrepreneurial pride.

As the first Marathi jewellery brand to achieve this distinction, P N Gadgil & Sons stands as a testament to the enduring power of trust, quality, and customer-centric values. Known for its premium collections that seamlessly merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the brand has captured the hearts of customers both in India and globally.

Speaking about this, Amit Modak, CEO, P N Gadgil & Sons Limited, said, “Being recognized for the second time among Fortune 500 India’s largest companies is a moment of immense pride for us. This achievement is a testament to the relentless dedication and teamwork of our organization. It underscores the strength of our growth, with evident topline and steady progress, driven by exquisite jewellery designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and unmatched customer service. Over the past decade, our unwavering commitment to innovation and artistry has propelled us forward, cementing our position as a leader in the jewellery industry.”

The company credits its meteoric rise to the unwavering loyalty of its customers, alongside its philosophy of blending heritage with innovation. By prioritizing integrity and excellence, P N Gadgil & Sons has become a name synonymous with trust and quality in the jewelry world.

This recognition is more than a financial milestone; it underscores the company’s role in elevating Maharashtra’s regional pride and inspiring other homegrown businesses to aim for global acclaim. As P N Gadgil & Sons continues its journey of excellence, it reaffirms its mission to create timeless jewellery that reflects its rich legacy while setting new benchmarks for the industry.

12TH DECEMBER 2024: Veranda Learning Solutions, a listed enterprise providing end-to-end solutions in the education space, has received approvals to raise funds for an amount of up to Rs. 250 Crores through preferential issue. The funds raised will be directed toward acquisitions, deferred consideration payouts, and to grow its existing business. This preferential raise is part of the broader fund-raising plan to be completed this financial year.

“We are thrilled with the robust response to the private placement driven by marquee investors. This successful fundraising equips Veranda with a robust capital base to drive our next phase of growth and demonstrates the confidence of investors in the vision and our potential for growth. We’re on track to close all acquisitions in this financial year, and no further equity dilution in Veranda Learning is expected beyond this Financial year,” said Executive Director and Chairman of Veranda Learning, Mr. Kalpathi S Suresh.

Veranda Learning Solutions also announced its plan to acquire 51% stake in BB Publications Private Limited (“BB Virtuals”) for a consideration of Rs. 126.2 Crores and 65% stake in Navkar Digital Institute Private Limited for consideration of Rs. 45.5 Crores. These acquisitions will strengthen Veranda’s CA/CMA coaching offerings, reinforcing its position as a leader in commerce education throughout India.

Unlocking Value through a Four-Pillar Strategy: Veranda Learning Solutions is focused on unlocking value through its strategic 4-pillar approach, encompassing academics, commerce, government test preparation, and study abroad. The commerce vertical has already demonstrated strong performance and is on target to reach an EBITDA of Rs. 120 Crores for FY25 and is expected to achieve Rs. 100 Crores at the PAT level in FY26. To further enhance operational efficiency and strategic focus, Veranda is planning to undertake a corporate restructuring exercise to merge the existing companies in alignment with these segments. VLS is committed to initiating a value creation cycle across all four pillars, aiming to scale and monetize each segment effectively.

BB Virtuals: Expanding online CA Preparation Capabilities of Veranda XL

BB Virtuals, founded by renowned CA educator Bhanwar Borana, is an established online platform for CA aspirants, known for delivering high-quality, accessible learning resources. CA Bhanwar Borana, with over 12 years of teaching experience, has played a crucial role in guiding students to achieve top ranks, having taught more than 200,000 students and produced over 500 rank-holders over the years.

With BB Virtuals’ strong online presence, Veranda will amplify its reach, offering a wider range of resources to support students pursuing professional qualifications in the Commerce segment.

Mr. Bhanwar Borana, Founder of BB Virtuals said “By Partnering with Veranda and leveraging the strength of JK Shah Classes, we will enhance our ability to provide aspirants with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their CA and CMA journeys. Together we will set new standards in commerce test preparation.”

Navkar: Strengthening Veranda XL’s Offline Framework for CA/CMA Coaching

Navkar, founded by educator Hiteshkumar Shah, is an established offline platform for CA aspirants in Gujarat. With over 17 years of teaching experience, Hitesh Shah has built a strong reputation in the education sector. Under his leadership, the institute has become a prominent provider of professional education, specializing in courses for CA, CS, and CMA.

Mr. Hitesh Shah, MD of Navkar Institute, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to work alongside JK Shah Classes and Veranda Learning, leveraging our combined strengths to grow the business and continue supporting students in achieving their professional dreams.”

These acquisitions complement Veranda’s existing portfolio of being a leader in CA/CMA/ACCA training. “By integrating these companies with JK Shah Classes, we are building a powerful alliance that provides students pursuing commerce education with unparalleled academic support,” said Prof. J.K. Shah highlighting the strategic acquisitions undertaken by Veranda.

Professionalizing the Board: The Company had appointed three new board members—Prof. Jitendra Kantilal Shah, Prof. Ashok Misra, and N. Alamelu—as a part of its larger initiative to professionalise the board. Prof. Jitendra Kantilal Shah, the founder of JK Shah Classes, has been a pioneering force in the field of education for over 40 years. Prof. Ashok Misra brings a unique blend of academic and industry expertise to Veranda’s board. A former Director of IIT Bombay, Prof. Misra, was also a Distinguished Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, he has served on the boards of several prestigious institutions, including IIT Roorkee, IIT Delhi, Reliance Industries Limited, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), and continues to be on the board of Kirloskar Electric. The company aims to further strengthen the Board and add experts and professionals with reduction in number of Promoter directors.

Professional Management: In line with its growth trajectory, the Board has approved the elevation of Mr. Aditya Malik to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Aditya is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience across industries and has demonstrated experience in the fields of revenue expansion, risk management, and global operations. Mr. Malik, previously the CEO of Veranda HigherEd, has played a key role in driving the success of Veranda’s higher education initiatives. The operating management has transitioned into a fully professional and highly competent management. Mr. Vivek Sapre is the Group CHRO who has joined Veranda with more than 10 years of experience in handling HR challenges across industries. Mr. Pravin Menon, Chief Marketing Officer, has worked with leading media and publication businesses and has been associated with Veranda for more than 2 years. Mr. Rajesh Pankaj, Chief Program Officer, carries 30 years of experience in the education and software industry, having worked with Pearson, Macmillan, HCL, SSI. Ms. Saradha Govindarajan, Group CFO, associated with the company for more than 2 years has significant experience in raising funds, mergers and acquisitions and handling large scale P&Ls.

Bengaluru, 12 December – United Way Bengaluru has received a grant of INR 20 million from Visa Foundation, to enhance and expand its environmental initiatives, aiming to create lasting positive change in the garden city of Bengaluru.

United Way Bengaluru has been actively working on various environmental initiatives in and around the city, aimed at creating a more sustainable future for the city. With support from the Visa Foundation, these efforts will be scaled up significantly. This collaboration will focus on planting an estimated 10,000 native tree species to enhance green cover, helping to restore ponds for rainwater conservation and increasing the groundwater table through 117 percolation wells across Bengaluru.

The grant is a part of the Visa Foundation Gives program, a multi-year initiative launched in 2022 dedicated to addressing local issues in communities where Visa employees live and work. This initiative in India was chosen by employees of Visa in Bengaluru through a survey. In addition to the grant, the program will also enable them to volunteer with United Way Bengaluru to further advance its mission and amplify their own impact as volunteers in their communities.

“We are excited to partner with Visa Foundation, whose support will strengthen and accelerate our initiatives to address environmental challenges” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru. “Together, with a shared commitment to sustainability, we aim to address Bengaluru’s critical environmental issues and build a stronger, more resilient city for the future.

“Visa Foundation has been partnering with local organizations in India to help uplift everyone, everywhere,” said Graham Macmillan, President, Visa Foundation. “With this grant to United Way Bengaluru, we are delighted to continue investing in programs that are close to our colleagues’ hearts and aligned with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals, helping us build an inclusive, sustainable future for all.”

Mumbai,12 December 2024– Driver Logistics, one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in India, has been awarded the prestigious CII SCALE Award 2024 for its excellence in sustainability-focused logistics solutions. The award was presented at the 11th Edition of the CII Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Awards, held at Mumbai

The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) is the premier industrial body and the CII SCALE Awards are recognized as one of the highest honors in the logistics sector, celebrating organizations that demonstrate a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Driver Logistics LLP stood out for its innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions and improving the efficiency of its supply chain operations.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from CII. This award reinforces our ongoing commitment to sustainable logistics and our efforts to continuously improve the way we manage supply chains while minimizing environmental impact,” said Naveen Kolathur, Chief Operating Officer, Driver Logistics.

The event was attended by leading industry figures. Some of the other award winners included DHL Express, DP World, Mahindra Logistics and TVS Supply Chain Solutions.

Driver Logistics provides end-to-end logistics services, including warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery, with a strong focus on implementing sustainable practices. The Company has operations in 6 states in India and in the course of the last 12 months has expanded its services extensively in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu especially in the areas of Multi-User Warehousing, 3PL and Partial Truckload. Operations already cover all PIN Codes in Kerala

This Christmas, Khoya Mithai presents artisanal creations to celebrate the season of joy and togetherness with its exquisite winter collection. Blending the magic of festive cheer with the timeless charm of traditional Indian mithai, Khoya has curated a selection that transforms every moment into an unforgettable occasion. Crafted with love, care, and the finest natural ingredients, these sweets embody the warmth and generosity that define Christmas.

Khoya’s winter specials honor recipes passed down through generations, elevated with modern refinement. The collection features an assortment of handmade delights such as Sattu Peda, Moong Dal Ladoo, Urad Dal Pinni, Panjiri Ladoo, and more. Made with pure, minimally processed ingredients, these sweets celebrate natural flavors and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Adding a contemporary touch is the Coconut and Cashew Bar—a unique blend of tropical coconut and rich cashews. This treat offers a fine balance of taste and texture, perfectly complementing Khoya’s signature elegance. Presented in bespoke packaging, each box doubles as a thoughtful gift, perfect for sharing joy with loved ones.

Speaking about the collection, Sid Mathur, Founder and Director of Khoya Mithai, says, “Winter is a season of togetherness, and our offerings signify that sentiment. We wanted to create something that captures the comfort of family traditions while elevating the experience with the finest ingredients and meticulous artistry. This collection is our tribute to the bliss of simple pleasures and meaningful connections.”

From intimate family gatherings to grand celebrations, Khoya’s winter collection brings joy to every occasion. Explore the curated boxes, available in various sizes, and make this Christmas special with the richness of tradition and the sophistication of Khoya Mithai

12th December 2024: The Life Insurance Council has released its business figures for November 2024, highlighting a dynamic landscape in the insurance sector. The year-to-date (YTD) performance remains robust, reflecting a 15.67% growth compared to the same period last year. This positive trend underscores the resilience and ongoing expansion of the life insurance industry, even as it navigates various market challenges.

In November 2024, YTD collections displayed impressive growth, rising from ₹2,11,690.65 crores last year to INR.2,44,868.20 crores this year. This indicates a strong underlying demand for insurance products as consumers and corporate clients seek enhanced protection.

According to data released by the Life Insurance Council, the life insurance industry saw individual single premiums growing by 10.44% on a Y-o-Y basis to close at ₹3669.44 Crs for Nov’24 while YTD growth stood at 13.7%. Individual non-single premiums came in at ₹8,153 Crs and grew by 6.46% in Nov’24, even as YTD collections settled at 16.63% higher than the corresponding period last year. This powerful performance can be ascribed to the fact that life insurers are increasingly focusing on encouraging first-time life insurance buyers to buy essential life insurance solutions, contributing to the 7.66% growth in combined individual premium collections for the month of Nov’24 and 15.68% growth on a YTD basis. In the Group policy segment, new policy issuances expanded by 2.31% on a Y-o-Y basis.

The life insurance industry in India has been making significant strides forward by expanding access to insurance and making an effort to reach out to areas and segments of the country’s population that were previously underserved when it comes to their insurance needs. Towards this end, life insurers added more than 6,54,682 individual life insurance agents, with an overall 2.63% growth in cumulative agent count. Still, the sustained pace of agent addition is being complimented by the high speed of digitisation by life insurers, paving the way for additional gains in insurance penetration that should provide a significant boost to new business premiums in FY25 and beyond.

India’s states serves as the backbone of the nation’s growth and development. The vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) hinges on the synergistic efforts of these states to drive economic, social and cultural transformation in India, said an analysis conducted by the Industry body, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

PHD Research Bureau, PHDCCI, released an analytical report, “States’ Performance Indicator Report: Paving India’s Green Path for Sustainable and Inclusive Development”, at the States’ Policy Conclave on Wednesday, 11th December 2024 at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi.

The analysis has been undertaken on lead socio-economic indicators including states’ agricultural growth, manufacturing growth, services growth, exports, level of education, strength of health infrastructure and fiscal balance and other state specific variables.

In the growth of GSDP, almost all the States are above the growth levels of the pre-pandemic years. 25 states grew more than 7% (average FY 22, FY23) in post-covid years, of which, 17 states grew more than 9% (average FY 22, FY23), said the industry body PHDCCI.

States of Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Odisha have shown high growth in their respective GSDP in 2021-22 and 2022-23, said the industry body PHDCCI.

States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are best in agriculture production and ensure food security for the nation. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are rich in mineral resources, said the industry body PHDCCI.

Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka lead in industrial and technological advancements, contributing significantly to India’s GDP. Tourism-rich states of Kerala, Rajasthan and Goa showcase India’s cultural heritage to the World, bolstering foreign exchange earnings, said the analysis by the Industry body PHDCCI.

Infrastructure development in states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, along with renewable energy projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat, aligns with India’s sustainable development goals. Moreover, Northeastern states, through improved connectivity and regional integration, are becoming vital hubs for trade and tourism, said the industry body PHDCCI.

Education and healthcare innovations in states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu set benchmarks for human development. Similarly, schemes of Gujarat’s Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Punjab’s – Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) and Telangana’s IT corridor drive foreign investments, amplifying India’s global outreach, said the industry body PHDCCI.

At this juncture, the collaborative and competitive spirit among India’s states fuels India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat, ensuring all-inclusive and sustainable development.

The key strength areas prominently shaping the states are, agriculture and allied, manufacturing sector, services, exports, tourism, educational and health infrastructure and well maintained fiscal balance, said the analysis by the Industry body PHDCCI.

Going ahead, PHDCCI suggests a nine-pronged strategy to further enhance the growth of the States. These include focus on enhancing ease of doing business, reducing the cost of doing business, boosting infrastructure development, fostering sustainable growth, stimulating growth in the services, strategizing to boost exports, promoting skill development and innovation, investing in health and education, and adopting and sharing state best practices.