Archives December 2024

December 6th, 2024 — Bhima, one of South India’s most trusted jewellery brands, is celebrating the 4th anniversary of its Hoodi store with an exclusive three-day event. To honor this remarkable milestone, the brand invites its customers to join the anniversary celebrations from December 6th to 8th, 2024. Over these three days, patrons can look forward to exclusive anniversary offers wherein they can enjoy up to INR 500 off per gram on gold, up to INR 5,000 off per kg on silver, and a flat INR 7,000 cash back per carat on diamonds and free gift card worth up to INR 1 lakh. In addition, customers visiting the showroom during this period will have a chance to participate in a special lucky draw, with the exciting opportunity to win two Aprilia scooters every day, adding an extra layer of celebration.

These exclusive offers are Bhima’s heartfelt gesture of gratitude to its loyal customers who have been an integral part of the brand’s journey over the years. The 4th anniversary celebration is not just a milestone for the brand, but a moment to celebrate the relationships built with its valued customers. With a wide range of jewellery that caters to every occasion and taste, Bhima invites customers to explore its exquisite designs and enjoy the unmatched value of these special anniversary offers.

RBI MPC policy announcement by Mr. Sandeep Ahuja, CEO, Atmosphere Living

“The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate is a significant boost for the real estate sector, ensuring stability in home loan interest rates and fostering confidence among both buyers and developers. For homebuyers, steady rates offer clarity and encourage more people, including those on the fence, to take the plunge into homeownership. For developers, stable borrowing costs mean better financial management and smoother project execution, helping to meet market demand efficiently.

In the luxury real estate segment, the unchanged interest rates are particularly favorable for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs), who continue to see real estate as a reliable investment. Recent trends indicate a surge in the sales of ultra-luxury homes, reflecting the growing appetite for premium properties that combine lifestyle and long-term value. Reputed developers with a proven track record of quality construction and timely delivery are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, catering to buyers who prioritize exclusivity and high standards.”

RBI Monetary Policy commentary by Sakshi Gupta

“The RBI opted for a wait and watch mode in todays’ policy, keeping its stance and policy rate unchanged as expected. The central bank successfully engineered a fine balance in its communication between the need to remain cautious on growth while achieving price stability. The growth forecast was revised down by 60bps to 6.6% while inflation was revised up to 4.8% for 2024-25. We expect GDP growth to average at 6.4% in FY25, with some pick-up in momentum in the second half of the year.

The more substantive announcement in today’s policy came in terms of the support for liquidity conditions through a CRR cut of 50bps, which is estimated to add INR 1.1 lakh crore of liquidity to the system. Banking system liquidity has come under pressure in recent days on account of tax outflows, foreign outflows and higher currency leakage. We expect the RBI to continue providing more “durable” support for liquidity through various measures including longer-duration fine tuning operations, Open Market Operations, and sterilising its FX interventions.”

“A February rate cut remains on the table, especially if growth momentum fails to pick-up meaningfully over the coming weeks. That said, a rise in global uncertainty and pressure on the rupee or domestic inflation could nudge the RBI to delay any rate cuts to the April policy – preferring prudence and patience over pre-emptive action.”

Mr. Vinod Francis, GM & CFO, South Indian Bank:

“The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to retain the repo rate at 6.5% highlights its balanced approach to supporting growth while keeping inflation under control.
Acknowledging growth-inflation concerns, the decision to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points is a prudent move that will inject liquidity into the banking system. This well-calibrated measure will not only enhance banks’ lending capacity but also make credit more accessible to borrowers. Demonstrating vigilance, the policy reflects a practical approach amidst global uncertainties and domestic economic developments. Demonstrating vigilance, the policy reflects a practical approach amidst global uncertainties and domestic economic developments while ensuring financial stability.”

Mr. Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money

“The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to increase the UPI Lite wallet limit to ₹5,000 and enhance the per-transaction limit to ₹1,000 marks a significant milestone in fostering a more inclusive digital payment ecosystem. This move directly addresses the needs of individuals in regions with inconsistent internet access by enabling faster, more convenient offline transactions, particularly for small-value payments.

This initiative further strengthens the foundation for a robust and secure digital payments framework by expanding the reach of UPI to new user segments. It also encourages small-scale merchants and consumers to adopt digital payment methods, reducing dependency on cash transactions. Moreover, this step reflects India’s commitment to leveraging technology for financial inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of digital payments extend to the most underserved communities.

At Spice Money, we see this as a crucial step in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural India. The UPI Lite feature, which functions without requiring internet connectivity, is particularly suitable for remote areas where reliable internet access is scarce. This advancement aligns with our mission to empower underserved communities by providing them with seamless and secure digital payment options. It will not only drive financial literacy and trust in digital payments but also strengthen the shift towards a cashless economy, boosting financial empowerment across the country.”

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO, BCT Digital .

“The Reserve Bank of India’s launch of MuleHunter.AI marks a significant step forward in the fight against financial frauds involving mule accounts. These frauds have become a significant challenge for the banking industry and the Indian economy, with some large banks reporting fraudulent transactions of Rs. 400-500 crore every month. These accounts, often used to launder proceeds of cybercrimes, undermine trust in the financial system. In a notable move, the Center recently froze around 4.5 lakh mule bank accounts in the past year, showcasing the scale and urgency of the issue.

At BCT Digital, we have devised a solution, which leverages real-time monitoring to alert banks about money mules and avert frauds. It utilizes machine learning to predict and prevent fraud, providing early warning signals to banks by identifying suspicious accounts and alerting them in real time. This proactive approach strengthens the financial system by disrupting fraudulent networks and reducing the reliance on reactive measures.

As the fight against mule accounts intensifies, it is crucial to foster collaboration between regulators, banks, and technology providers. The RBI’s continued focus on initiatives like the ‘Zero Financial Frauds’ hackathon and MuleHunter.AI underscores the importance of building a robust, technology-driven framework to safeguard India’s financial ecosystem.”

Mr. Amit Sachdev, COO, M1xchange

“The RBI’s move to establish the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI (FREE-AI) is a step forward in enabling innovation and inclusivity in the financial sector within defined boundaries. AI-driven underwriting models can transform credit assessments, enhance efficacy and efficiency, reduce NPAs, and improve the viability of catering to the smaller customer segments. At M1xchange, we believe this will strengthen the adoption of alternative credit assessment tools by financial institutions. This advancement promises greater transparency and efficiency in lending, driving greater adoption and sustainable growth in the priority sector.”

Mr.Pushkar Mukewar, Founder & CEO, Drip Capital.

“The RBI’s decision to link the FX-Retail platform with the Bharat Connect platform of NPCI is a crucial step towards democratizing access to foreign exchange for MSMEs. By integrating FX-Retail into the apps of banks and non-bank payment system providers, this initiative simplifies registration and transaction processes for businesses that are critical drivers of India’s export economy.

For MSMEs, which often grapple with opaque pricing and limited access to competitive forex rates, this move ensures greater transparency, fairness, and cost-efficiency. The enhanced user experience and security provided by this linkage will empower MSMEs to manage their foreign exchange needs with confidence, reducing the burden of hidden costs and inefficiencies.

We see this as a critical milestone in India’s journey to boost export competitiveness and enable MSMEs to thrive in the global market. This alignment of technology and policy will not only streamline forex transactions but also bolster the resilience of small businesses, ultimately driving India’s growth story forward.”

Vishal Sharma, Cofounder & CEO of AdvaRisk,

“RBI has prudently taken into account the rising input cost to raise the limit for collateral free agri loans to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1.6 lakh earlier. This will be a boon for small farmers and equip them to better adapt to the challenges of rising cost of farming activities. That said, collateral free loans come with their own set of risks. Lenders should build robust risk management strategies to cope with fresh developments. While onboarding borrowers, it is vital for lenders to vet any properties they own, and their income, which will help establish repayment ability of borrowers. They also should use the latest technology to enhance the real-time monitoring efforts to keep risks in check.

Besides, RBI is also setting up a committee to recommend Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI) in the financial sector. We look forward to their recommendations, compliance to which will ensure that AI is not misused in any way.”

Dr. HP Singh, CMD, Satin Creditcare Network Ltd.

“The decision to cut CRR is a pivotal move by the RBI to ease liquidity thereby helping accelerate economic activities and drive growth. The festive-driven surge in rural demand and the overall resilience signals improving economic activities in the hinterlands, which will drive the revival of the MFI industry.

Additionally, the Central Bank’s announcement of creating an AI panel can revolutionize the microfinance industry by enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and scalability. AI-driven underwriting models streamline credit assessments, reduce NPAs, and boost profit margins. At Satin Creditcare, we have always been buoyant about the potential of innovative technologies in driving efficiency in the lending space. Embracing AI enables MFIs to navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth.“

Vaidyanathan Srinivasan, Operating Partner ,Essar Capital

 “The Monetary Policy Committee’s widely anticipated decision to keep interest rates unchanged is a prudent and measured step. This along with a neutral monetary stance sends a strong signal of economic stability, which is vital for core sectors of the country.

This move supports steady financing conditions, enabling businesses to focus on executing large-scale infrastructure projects and advancing renewable energy investments. Predictable borrowing costs are essential for fostering growth and innovation in these capital-intensive sectors. As India continues to push for sustainable development and improved infrastructure, the RBI’s policy ensures that the momentum in these sectors remains uninterrupted, contributing significantly to the nation’s long-term economic goals.”

Dhanpat Nahata, Managing Partner – Essar Capital

“The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 6.5% for the 11th consecutive time and reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 4.5% to 4% is a timely and strategic move. Amidst heightened global uncertainties, rising energy costs, and fluctuating commodity markets, this monetary policy stance ensures financial stability and enhances domestic liquidity. The reduction in CRR might inject additional funds into the banking system, encouraging banks to lend more to corporates, particularly in critical sectors such as energy and infrastructure.”

Mr. CS Setty, Chairman, SBI:

“The monetary policy announcements made today are pragmatic, candid and has crossed important milestones in regulatory and development policy space. The cut in CRR by 50 bps, raising the FCNR (B) deposit rates, development of the Secured Overnight Rupee Rate (SORR) benchmark and revision in limit of collateralised agriculture loans are all positive for banks. The decision to form a committee to investigate the issue of ethical AI in financial services and use of technology to detect mule accounts is timely”.

Monetary policy quote by K Paul Thomas, MD and CEO, ESAF Bank.

“The decision to extend UPI credit line to small finance banks will play out as a game-changing decision for players like us since we can now onboard those who are new to credit with pre-approved loans. This will deepen the process of financial inclusion further. Also, the hike in the limit for collateral-free agriculture loans will lead to an uptick in rural credit and help ease financial conditions of farmer-households”.

Mr. Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money

“The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to increase the UPI Lite wallet limit to ₹5,000 and enhance the per-transaction limit to ₹1,000 marks a significant milestone in fostering a more inclusive digital payment ecosystem. This move directly addresses the needs of individuals in regions with inconsistent internet access by enabling faster, more convenient offline transactions, particularly for small-value payments.

This initiative further strengthens the foundation for a robust and secure digital payments framework by expanding the reach of UPI to new user segments. It also encourages small-scale merchants and consumers to adopt digital payment methods, reducing dependency on cash transactions. Moreover, this step reflects India’s commitment to leveraging technology for financial inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of digital payments extend to the most underserved communities.

At Spice Money, we see this as a crucial step in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural India. The UPI Lite feature, which functions without requiring internet connectivity, is particularly suitable for remote areas where reliable internet access is scarce. This advancement aligns with our mission to empower underserved communities by providing them with seamless and secure digital payment options. It will not only drive financial literacy and trust in digital payments but also strengthen the shift towards a cashless economy, boosting financial empowerment across the country.”

Every actor dives deep into their character, finding ways to connect with the role while overcoming its unique challenges. Reyaansh Vir Chadha, who takes on the intriguing lead role of a Tantrik, recently opened up about the fascinating balance between what makes him similar to his character and what sets them worlds apart.

Reeyansh shares with a warm smile, “This isn’t just another show, it’s something truly unique, unlike any typical social drama. My character is a complete 360-degree personality. He doesn’t just follow a straight path; he’s full of layers, making him incredibly relatable with everyone. He reacts based on the situation, which feels so real. What I love most is his mix of vulnerability and kindness, qualities I genuinely connect with. He’s practical, sorted, and always knows what he’s doing, just like me! Life has taught me to stay grounded and clear-headed. I’m not one to get stuck in confusion; I prefer a practical, straightforward approach, and that’s something my character and I share.”

He further added,”I don’t find it challenging to switch between characters, it comes naturally to me. Personally, I’m not a believer in cults, Tantra, or anything like that; it just doesn’t resonate with me. So, when I play such a character, I make sure to convince myself of it. The character I play is extremely talkative, which is the total opposite of me in real life. I’m calm, peaceful, and far from hyperactive, I like to stay in control of my energy and vibe. That’s the biggest difference between me and the character:”

National, 06 December 2024: SMFG India Credit (SMICC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), has been awarded an international credit rating of “AA-” with a stable outlook by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). This exceptional outcome places SMICC four notches above India’s sovereign rating and only one notch below its parent financial group SMFG’s own “AA” rating.

JCR highlighted SMICC’s strategic importance to SMFG’s Asia Multi-Franchise Strategy, which is supported by robust governance and alignment with SMFG’s ethos of promoting financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities in India.

Mr. Pankaj Malik, Chief Financial Officer, SMFG India Credit, said “This AA- rating by JCR is a testament to SMFG India Credit’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth with the help of innovative products offerings. SMICC’s consistent growth trajectory and strategic alignment with SMFG’s global objectives position us as a key player in India’s rapidly expanding retail loan market. This recognition further motivates us to continue fostering financial inclusion and delivering value to our stakeholders.”

JCR also observed that SMICC’s business scale has grown significantly, driven by the expansion in the domestic consumer credit market and strong support from SMFG. The company’s growth trajectory remains robust and it continues to maintain a healthy loan book. The company has also kept its interest rate risk and liquidity risk appropriately managed through risk management committee.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has signed a prestigious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Bristol, UK, ranked 9th in United Kingdom and 54th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This partnership focuses on enhancing student mobility and research opportunities through initiatives such as credit transfer programs, semester exchanges, summer training, and collaborative research projects, ensuring students gain international exposure and experience. Beyond academic excellence, this partnership will create opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It will enable students and faculty from both universities to gain diverse perspectives and experiences, promoting a more interconnected and collaborative global academic environment.

The delegation of the University of Bristol, including Professor Melissa Allen, Associate Dean of Social Sciences and Law, Dr. Florian Stadtler, Senior Lecturer in English, Dr. Valentina Vezzani, Lecturer in Design Thinking, Miss Susanna Batten, International Partnerships Manager, Katie Denton, International Partnerships Officer was welcomed by Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal Pro Vice Chancellor of LPU for the MoU signing ceremony. Dr. Rashmi Mittal shared her vision for the collaboration, stating, “LPU believes in empowering students to think and act globally. This partnership with the University of Bristol is another step in creating leaders who can solve the challenges of tomorrow while embracing diverse cultural perspectives. LPU aims to continually provide students with opportunities that elevate their academic journeys and prepare them to thrive on the global stage.”

Dr. Aman Mittal, Vice President of LPU, accentuated the transformative potential of this collaboration. “This MoU reflects LPU’s dedication to expanding global learning avenues for our students. The University of Bristol’s reputation for innovative research and academic rigor aligns with LPU’s vision of creating a future-ready, globally competitive student community. This partnership will enable our students to learn from and contribute to a truly international ecosystem.” Dr. Aman Mittal also underscored how the agreement would create fertile ground for interdisciplinary research, combining the expertise of both universities in fields ranging from social sciences and law to design thinking and psychology.

As a distinguished member of the Russell Group, the University of Bristol is renowned as one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. It is celebrated for its academic rigor, pioneering research, and consistently contributing to advancements across various fields. This agreement further strengthens LPU’s position as India’s most globalized campus, hosting students from over 50 countries and maintaining partnerships with top universities worldwide. With its expanding network of international collaborations, LPU remains at the forefront of redefining higher education in India, creating unparalleled opportunities for its students to excel in an interconnected world.

6th December 2024 – WRMS, a trailblazer in creating innovative and inclusive insurance solutions, proudly announces its recognition as the “Best InsurTech Company of the Year” at the esteemed India Insurtech Association’s Annual Event 2024. This accolade highlights WRMS Global’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the insurance industry through state-of-the-art technology and a steadfast focus on inclusivity.

The 2024 annual event convened over 900 professionals from the insurance, technology, health-tech, and insurtech sectors to delve into the theme “Pathways to Inclusive Insurance – A Vision for 2047”. This theme resonates with WRMS Global’s mission to empower communities and enhance the accessibility of insurance for all.

Adding a significant milestone to the event, a Vision Document on Parametric Insurance was launched. This document outlines a framework for Re/Insurance and InsurTech companies to develop and distribute parametric insurance covers. It aims to assist stakeholders in navigating challenges, building resilient communities, and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. Designed to serve as a comprehensive handbook, the document provides valuable insights and guidance, enabling stakeholders in the Indian insurance industry to make informed decisions and optimize their strategies.

The event featured keynote speeches from distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Kalyanaraman Rajaraman, Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member of NITI Aayog. Their insights on innovation, regulation, and the pivotal role of insurance in India’s development set the stage for meaningful discussions and collaborations.

Anuj Kumbhat, Founder and CEO of WRMS, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This award is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team, the unwavering support of our partners, and the trust of the communities we serve.” Team members Neha Batra, Ashish Agarwal, Sarathy Srinivas, and Alongbar Brahma also conveyed their appreciation, underscoring the collective efforts that led to this significant achievement.

Central to the event was a shared commitment to addressing the challenges within the insurance sector and identifying opportunities for impactful change. WRMS’s leadership team emphasized, “The conversations sparked at this event reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing shared challenges. Together, we are building pathways to a more inclusive insurance ecosystem.”

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for WRMS, as the company continues to spearhead innovation. By leveraging advanced data analytics and improving access for underserved populations, WRMS Global is shaping the future of insurance for a digital-first and inclusive world.

New Delhi:- Gujarat government’s state building ‘Garvi Gujarat Bhawan’ situated at the heart of the capital, honored with Green building award by GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. The award ceremony was held on 5th December, 2024 at India Habitat Center, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The ‘16th GRIHA Summit’ was organized from December 4th – 5th , 2024 with the theme ‘Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment’ aims to create a better future for all, by empowering communities for resilience and sustainability, to cope with the adverse impacts of accelerated climate change.

Developed by TERI and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, the GRIHA rating system was adopted as the national standard for green buildings by the Government of India in 2007. The iconic “Garvi Gujarat” building, representing Gujarat in New Delhi, has been given three-star rating by the Green Rating. On the occasion, on behalf of the Government of Gujarat,Capt. Prashant Singh, Chief Administrative Officer from Garvi Gujarat Bhawan received an award with a GRIHA rating plaque and a shield. The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs of India.

Notably, the Garvi Gujarat building was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in September 2019. The building has successfully met all the requirements of a green building, featuring eco-friendly elements such as a vertical garden, solar panels, a sewage treatment plant (STP), electrochromic glass/smart glass in the skylight, water harvesting systems, and solid waste management facilities.

Spanning approximately 20,000 square feet, Garvi Gujarat remains a major attraction for visitors, even five years after its inauguration. The bhawan is said to be the model of mini-Gujarat, a mix of traditional and modern architecture with a rich reflection of the state’s culture.

Architecture students from Delhi-NCR recently visited Garvi Gujarat Bhawan, where they were guided through the building. During the tour, Resident Commissioner, Smt. Arti Kanwar, explained how the structure was completed in less than two years and successfully met all the green building standards

6th December, 2024: Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, one of India’s premier business schools, is pleased to announce the second phase of admissions for its two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Online Programme. The admission window for this phase is open till January 6, 2025. Designed for working professionals, this AICTE-approved programme enables individuals to gain a prestigious postgraduate management qualification from a globally recognised institution without taking a break from their careers. Prospective students can apply via the official website to secure admission before the deadline.

“In today’s fast-paced world, career advancement requires a global perspective, critical thinking, and the ability to manage complexity. Our PGDM (Online) Programme equips students with these essential capabilities, fostering responsible leadership and entrepreneurial mindsets. At MDI, we blend rigorous academic learning with practical exposure, ensuring that our students are prepared to excel in a dynamic business environment.” said Prof. Mohita (Assistant Professor Faculty In-charge – Admissions and Career support for PGDM Online Programme) at MDI Gurgaon

Programme Strengths

The Two-Year PGDM (Online) program, AICTE-approved and AMBA-accredited, will transform online business education. This program features an immersive campus immersion lasting 8 to 10 days, designed for networking and learning, along with optional international immersion opportunities for global exposure. Participants will connect with peers and industry experts, fostering valuable relationships that support future growth. Notably, the program operates without any EdTech partners, ensuring a personalized learning experience through live interactive classes led by esteemed MDI faculty. Students will also enjoy remote access to the MDI-G library and receive comprehensive career guidance. Additionally, the program promotes student-driven activities, including sports and cultural events, enriching the overall educational experience. To encourage excellence, INR 10,000 scholarships are available for the top two students in the first eight modules. This program represents a significant opportunity for those seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Comprehensive Programme with a Global Focus

The institute’s PGDM (Online) Programme mirrors the rigor of its flagship PGDM course, offering an integrated and global perspective on management. The curriculum is delivered through synchronous online classes, asynchronous self-paced learning, and campus immersion, ensuring flexibility without compromising academic rigor. The course structure encourages critical and innovative thinking, effective communication, and collaborative decision-making, all while emphasizing functional competencies across various business domains.

Curriculum Structure: Building Competence and Leadership

The first year consists of eight modules over six weeks each, covering core courses essential for building a holistic understanding of management. In the second year, students can tailor their learning by choosing elective courses from specialized areas such as Accounting and finance, Operations Management, Marketing, Organizational Behaviour and HRM, Information Management, Strategic Management, Business Analytics, and Energy Management. With 36 elective credits required, participants gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen areas.

Additionally, the final module focuses on a capstone dissertation, enabling students to apply their learning to real-world challenges. The entire programme is designed to cultivate a global mindset and leadership skills that will serve students throughout their careers.

Campus Immersion for Networking and Practical Exposure

The institute’s PGDM (Online) Programme offers a unique blend of flexibility and hands-on exposure. Three campus immersions are incorporated into the learning journey: a two-day induction bootcamp, a five-day deep-dive session, and a final programme wrap-up. These immersions allow students to interact with their peers, engage with industry experts, and benefit from workshops and sessions led by the institute’s esteemed faculty.

Moreover, an optional international immersion at the end of the programme allows participants to broaden their global perspective. The international immersion is a separate cost and will be organised based on interest from a minimum of ten participants.

Scholarships: Recognizing Excellence

In its commitment to recognising excellence, MDI Gurgaon offers scholarships of INR 10,000 each to the top two participants of every module throughout the first eight modules. This initiative encourages high performance and rewards those with outstanding academic and leadership potential.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Should Apply?

Prospective candidates should meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the PGDM (Online) Programme:

● A minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in both Class X and XII.

● A Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 3 years) with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in any discipline from a recognised university.

● At least 2 years of full-time work experience (as of December 31, 2024), excluding internships and apprenticeships.

● Proficiency in English is essential.

● After an initial application review, shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview.

Applications should be submitted early, as seats are limited. Offers are made based on the available spots and the candidate’s fit for the programme.

The PGDM (Online) Programme from MDI Gurgaon provides a transformative learning journey for professionals seeking career advancement and leadership roles. The blend of rigorous academics, flexible delivery, and global exposure ensures that graduates can manage complexity, lead change, and create value in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

The world’s fastest hedgehog is back, and he’s faster, funnier, and bolder than ever! With the highly anticipated trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 finally here, fans are gearing up for an electrifying adventure as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles take on their toughest challenge yet. Packed with heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud moments, and high-speed thrills, this installment promises to catapult the franchise to dazzling new heights.

But the true showstopper? Jim Carrey’s spectacular return as the legendary Doctor Eggman!  After stealing the show in Sonic 2, Carrey’s unmatched charisma and wickedly hilarious take on Eggman are set to light up the screen once more, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.

Reflecting on his return, Jim Carrey brought his signature humor and charm, saying, “I never left the Sonic universe! Where else would I go? The Sonic universe is all-encompassing. Only a fool would try to quantify it. I think it was Carl Sagan who said, ‘For creatures as small as we, vastness is bearable only through the collection of 50 rings or finding a chaos emerald.’ I’m paraphrasing, of course. Carl Sagan said something completely different, but I’m sure he was a very big Sonic fan, so I don’t think he’d mind.”

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.

5th December 2024: Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, has received FDA approval for its Percept™ RC and is now available in India. This is the smallest and thinnest dual channel neurostimulator available for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system, marking the latest advancement in the Percept ™ family. This new rechargeable neurostimulator compliments Medtronic’s existing portfolio of devices. The Percept™ neurostimulators are the only* DBS systems available with integrated sensing capabilities, allowing physicians to deliver highly personalized treatments for patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and epilepsy.

Equipped with BrainSense™ technology, the Percept™ RC captures and records brain signals, offering valuable insights that allow healthcare providers to adapt and personalize therapy to meet each patient’s changing needs. Its rechargeable battery, powered by Medtronic’s patented technology, provides an impressive 15-year plus service life6 with minimal fade, ensuring consistent and reliable performance over time. Unlike other devices, the Percept™ RC recharges rapidly, achieving a 10% to 90% charge in under an hour, delivering convenience and dependability for patients.

Mr. Prateek Tiwari, Sr. Director, Neuroscience and Specialty Therapies, Medtronic India said, “We are elated to bring the latest innovation in DBS technology to patients and clinicians in India. This cutting-edge solution aligns with the increasing demand for advanced healthcare innovations and promises a transformative impact on the treatment of complex neurological disorders. With its ability to deliver highly personalized, data-driven therapy, our new rechargeable Percept™ RC neurostimulator with BrainSense™ technology has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and offer a new hope for those managing the challenges of chronic neurological conditions. We look forward to empowering healthcare providers in India to set a new standard in precision care and enhanced quality of life.”

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) uses a surgically implanted device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker. Medtronic Percept™ neurostimulators send electrical signals through thin wires to specific brain regions affected by neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Nearly 70 percent of all DBS-eligible patients are estimated to require an MRI as part of their essential care1. Medtronic offers full-body MR Conditional DBS systems for patients to have safe scans anywhere on the body under specific conditions‡.

Percept™ offers greater freedom and scan access for patients with 3T scans and best-in-class 1.5T MRI scan labeling5-7. Medtronic has the only* DBS system that allows patients to have stimulation on in bipolar mode during an MRI2-4.  In addition, the Percept™ neurostimulators are engineered to allow for future software updates designed for the Percept™ platform without a neurostimulator device exchange.

Since 1987, Medtronic has served over 180 thousand patients in more than 70 countries with its life-changing DBS therapy5. In India Medtronic DBS systems are serving patients for over 25 years now5.