Archives January 2025

National, 27th January, 2025: In a significant move to foster bilateral collaboration, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and the Asosiasi Manajer Investasi Indonesia (AMII), the Indonesian Investment Managers Association have formalised an important step towards enhancing bilateral financial and economic best practises through cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 25, 2025, in New Delhi, where a delegation of 12 top CEOs from Indonesia’s mutual fund industry accompanied the Indonesian President on his state visit to India. This partnership is set to strengthen the mutual fund sectors in both countries, enrich industry standards, and promote investor education and financial literacy, paving the way for a more dynamic, transparent, and globally integrated mutual fund ecosystem.

The MoU will create a platform for India and Indonesia to exchange best practices, insights, and strategies aimed at boosting the mutual fund industries. The partnership will cover understanding and need of broad spectrum of areas, including requirement for regulatory reforms, governance standards, essential investor protection steps, data analytics, research, product innovation, and risk management ensuring that both countries benefit from each other’s expertise and experiences.

As part of this historic event, AMFI hosted a Round Table for the visiting delegation of AMII, Indonesia, highlighting key aspects of the Indian economy’s growth story, opportunities in the mutual fund sector, and the pivotal role of technology in driving the capital markets. The round table also explored emerging opportunities at GIFT City and emphasized India’s leadership in financial innovation and governance.

The round table featured prominent speakers, including:

· Mr. Amitabh Kant, Sherpa, G20 and Former CEO of Niti Ayog

· Mr. Anuj Kumar, Managing Director, CAMS

· Mr. Hanif Mantiq, Chairman of AMII and CEO of Star AM, Indonesia

· Mr. Mohamad Oki Ramadhana, Commissioner of Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX)

· Mr. Marsangap P Tamba, Chairman of APRDI and PWMII and Commissioner of PT Principal AM, Indonesia

On the momentous occasion, Mr. Navneet Munot, Chairman, AMFI commented “India’s collaboration with Indonesia aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, set forth by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and Indonesia’s goal of achieving a developed economy by 2045, marking 100 years of their independence. This partnership resonates with India’s commitment to the leadership of the Global South, fostering economic collaboration and mutual growth. A strong capital market and a thriving asset management industry, as exemplified by the success of India’s mutual fund sector, will play a crucial role in achieving these milestones. This collaboration will lay the foundation for a sustainable and globally competitive mutual fund industry in both countries.”

Commenting further, Mr. Venkat Chalasani, Chief Executive, AMFI added “This collaboration signifies a crucial milestone in the growth of the mutual fund industry in both India and Indonesia. By working together, we are creating a unique opportunity to enhance understanding of market led financial industry, standards of governance, boost investor confidence, and drive innovation. This MoU will facilitate knowledge exchange between the two countries through the industry bodies”

The AMII delegation, which includes senior officials such as the Commissioner of the Indonesian Stock Exchange, the Chairman of AMII, and top leaders from Indonesia’s asset management sector, will engage in discussions that promise to be instrumental in shaping the future of mutual funds in both countries. Through focused deliberations on industry governance, innovation, and operational excellence, the MoU will lay down a blueprint for progressive, cross-border cooperation.

Mr. Hanif Mantiq, Chairman of AMII, emphasized, “This is a pivotal moment in the global mutual fund landscape. By learning from each other’s regulatory frameworks and governance structures, we will be able to offer our investors greater security and innovation in the years to come. The collaboration with AMFI will serve as a model for strengthening the bond between the financial sectors of emerging markets.”

The initiatives under this collaboration will include workshops, research, and capacity-building activities designed to educate and empower investors in both India and Indonesia, thus promoting responsible investment practices.

Prayagraj, January 27th, 2025 – At the confluence of spirituality and science, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, attended the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, an event that harmonizes India’s ancient wisdom with celestial alignments and cultural unity. As a lifelong learner and advocate for sustainability, Mr. Mittal’s visit reflects his belief in the profound interplay between science and spirituality, and its relevance to modern life.

Having visited Prayagraj since childhood, Mr. Mittal shared his personal and philosophical connection with the city and its sacred traditions. Speaking on the occasion, he said: “The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious gathering; it reflects the extraordinary scientific understanding of India’s ancient rishis. Thousands of years ago, they observed how planetary alignments and cosmic rhythms influence the Earth’s energy fields and human consciousness. The precise timing of the Maha Kumbh, based on celestial events such as Jupiter in Aquarius and the Sun transitioning into Capricorn, aligns with natural energy flows that modern science is only beginning to explore. At the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, one can experience a profound connection to the unity of humanity, nature, and the cosmos.”

As part of a unique initiative to promote cultural inclusivity, Avaada Group sponsored a cultural heritage trip for 1,000 individuals from underserved communities across India, offering them an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Mahakumbh and deepen their connection with India’s rich heritage. Mr. Mittal emphasized the importance of such experiences in fostering cultural pride and inclusivity, stating: “The Triveni Sangam represents unity, renewal, and harmony—not just of rivers, but of people and energies. It reminds us of the deep wisdom in our traditions, which inspire us to preserve these sacred practices while building a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Avaada Group’s Commitment to Culture and Sustainability

Mr. Mittal’s participation in the Maha Kumbh reflects Avaada Group’s dedication to integrating sustainability with cultural preservation. By enabling individuals from diverse communities to experience this event, the group highlights its mission of inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.

The Maha Kumbh is also a powerful reminder of the ecological wisdom embedded in India’s traditions. It underscores the importance of preserving rivers, promoting sustainable practices, and living in harmony with nature. These values align seamlessly with Avaada Group’s vision of creating a sustainable future that respects both cultural and environmental heritage.

The Science Behind the Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh 2025 stands as a unique convergence of ancient knowledge and modern understanding. The event’s timing is carefully calculated based on astronomical alignments, showcasing the advanced insights of India’s ancient rishis, who linked celestial movements with human energy and planetary forces.

During this rare planetary alignment, the gravitational forces between Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon subtly influence the Earth’s geomagnetic field, creating conditions believed to cleanse negative energy, dissolve past karmas, and align human consciousness with natural cosmic rhythms. Bathing in the sacred Triveni Sangam is seen as a way to harmonize the body’s subtle energy channels (nadis) and tap into these heightened universal vibrations.

Modern research increasingly validates the wisdom embedded in these rituals. Studies show that geomagnetic properties of rivers, cold-water immersion, and the vibrational qualities of sacred sites have measurable effects on physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, aligning closely with the teachings of ancient India.

A Gathering of Unity and Transformation

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is a celebration that transcends boundaries of time, tradition, and geography. It showcases the depth of India’s cultural and scientific heritage while inspiring people to reconnect with their roots.

Mr. Mittal’s presence at Prayagraj reflects his commitment to empowering individuals and communities while emphasising the need to embrace ancient wisdom in addressing modern challenges. His vision, rooted in sustainability and cultural pride, offers a powerful roadmap for growth that balances progress with respect for tradition and the environment.

“Agentic AI can transform productivity by handling complex tasks independently and adapting to feedback, but its responsible use is essential – making data privacy crucial for building trust. AI’s effectiveness depends on the quality of its data, making strong governance and data quality vital. Responsible data handling doesn’t just build trust—it unlocks AI’s full potential.

Protecting privacy today means being transparent, ethical, and proactive. As Agentic AI evolves, challenges like skill gaps, fragmented governance, and real-time data needs highlight the importance of clear processes and secure data pipelines. To succeed, businesses must upskill teams, implement strong governance, and invest in impactful AI solutions.

Building local cloud regions enhances data security and compliance, safeguarding sensitive information. With Gartner predicting that by 2028, 40% of enterprise AI assets will be traded through marketplaces, privacy and authenticity are more critical than ever. On Data Privacy Day, let’s commit to safeguarding data, building trust, and embracing the Agentic Systems Era, where intelligent agents create new opportunities for growth”

-Varun Babbar, Managing Director – India & SAARC, Qlik

Mr. Utham Gowda, Founder & CEO of Captain Fresh,

“As India charts its path to achieve ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports annually, the Union Budget 2025-26 is expected to play a pivotal role in driving this ambitious goal.

At Captain Fresh, we’ve seen how technology can form the foundation for creating a platform business connecting various nodes across the global supply chain. As digitization becomes an imminent theme in organizing global supply chains, India can position itself as an exporter of not just seafood but also technologies that transform the value chain. We hope the government will incentivize innovation by fostering collaboration with tech startups in the production ecosystem—both marine & aquaculture—to address critical challenges like scalability, market access, and international quality standards.

We expect the budget to emphasize technology integration, infrastructure development, and policy reforms to enable sustainable growth. Strengthening bilateral trade agreements to reduce tariff barriers and prioritizing R&D to advance domestic productivity will be crucial for meeting growing global demand.

By modernizing infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices, the government can boost exports and position India as a global leader in the Blue Economy, creating significant economic opportunities for coastal communities. Aligning fiscal priorities with sectoral needs will also enhance resilience, generate employment, and drive GDP growth while solidifying India’s standing in the $450 billion seafood industry.”

Hyderabad, January 27, 2025……Stree, a Telugu book launched at Osmania Medical College at the 1977 Batch Alumni Reunion eve on Saturday in Koti in Hyderabad. Authored by Colleges Alumni, Former Faculty Dr.H.Narmada MBBS.DGO, MNAMS, DPHA Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgeon and a Fertility Specialist. The book was launched in the presence of more than 150 of her classmates of the 1977 batch who had flown into the city from various parts of the world.

From Puberty to Menopause, everything a woman wants to know and doesn’t know whom to ask is answered in this book written in a reader-friendly format for the benefit of the women more so for the benefit of the rural women, said Dr Narmada while talking to the gathering immediately after its launch.

From puberty to menopause, a woman’s body experiences a natural progression of hormonal changes, with puberty marking the start of reproductive capability and menopause signifying its end, where the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstrual periods cease permanently; key points include the stages of perimenopause leading up to menopause, common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and the importance of consulting a healthcare provider to manage any concerns throughout this life stage she said.

A self-published eidth dummy size book of 180 pages has 61 chapters such as Puberty, Marriage, ChildBirth, Alert on NewBorns, Menopause, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder; Nutrition, health problems encountered by Pregnant Women, Breast Cancer, Infertility, Test Tube Baby, Child Nutrition etc and many more such interesting things.

Bengaluru, 27 January 2025: Galaxy Health Insurance, the newest standalone health insurance company enters Karnataka by opening its first regional office in Bengaluru. The office will serve as a hub for regional operations. The company plans to open 27 offices across Karnataka in the next year with Bengaluru being the first one.

Galaxy Health Insurance is jointly promoted by the renowned industrial house TVS family Shri. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram – Clayton Limited along with the family of Shri. V. Jagannathan, who was earlier CMD of United India Insurance Co. Ltd and the founder of India’s first standalone health insurance company. Galaxy received its license from the IRDAI in March 2024.

Mr G. Srinivasan, MD & CEO, Galaxy Health Insurance said, “We started Galaxy last year with a commitment to making health insurance products affordable, accessible, and customer-centric. The launch of our regional office in Bengaluru is a significant step toward fulfilling that promise. As the technology capital of the country, Bengaluru is a vibrant city with a young, dynamic population, making it the ideal gateway for our expansion in Karnataka. With plans to establish 27 offices across Karnataka and onboard 5000 insurance agents in 2025, we aim to meet the evolving needs of customers while contributing to local employment and economic growth.”

Galaxy recently introduced its first flagship product, Galaxy Promise, an affordable, comprehensive health insurance plan designed for individuals and families.

The regional office was inaugurated by Mr G Srinivasan, MD & CEO Galaxy Health Insurance. Mr Margabandhu (CUO) Mr. Guru Prakash (CMO), Mr. V. Thiyagarajan (Financial Advisor) Mr. John Noronha (Mentor), Mr Vinod Kumar R (State Head), and Mr. Oleti Anil Kumar (Zonal Head) were also present at the opening

Mr. Haresh Karamchandani, MD & Group CEO, HyFun Foods

“As a pioneer in the export of frozen potato products from India, we recognize the vast opportunities presented by food processing – a sunrise sector. We believe the upcoming budget can be a turning point by focusing on three key aspects:

First, capital investments through measures such as long tax holidays for new capex above a particular threshold and export-linked incentives that make products competitive vis-a-vis larger manufacturing economies. Larger processing units benefit from economies of scale, making products globally competitive and boosting foreign exchange earnings.

Second, this sector has the potential to be a significant employment generator. Subsidies linked to additional job creation can accelerate labor absorption and improve livelihoods for many.

Finally, increasing domestic consumption by lowering taxes for the middle and upper-middle classes will stimulate demand and drive further economic growth.

We are optimistic that the budget will acknowledge these priorities and provide the support needed for sunrise sectors like the food processing sector to thrive and become a major driver of growth for India.”

By Ashish Dobhal, CEO of UPL SAS

India’s farmers have long played a pivotal role as custodians of the country’s food security. But they find themselves beset by challenges just when the country needs their farmlands to be at their productive best.

India, home to 1.4 billion people, is already the world’s most populous country. Its population, still growing, is only expected to peak at a whopping 1.7 billion in 2062.

This population surge, combined with a growing economy, rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization and rapidly evolving dietary habits, is creating unprecedented demand for food.

India needs its farmlands to step up if it is to keep its growing population fed and hold on to its mantle as one of the world’s largest food exporters. We have to do this at a time when global warming-induced climate change is wreaking havoc, causing everything from disrupted weather patterns and extreme events to more frequent pest attacks.

To put it simply — India’s farmlands are being called upon to produce more food than they ever have at a time when growing that food has never been harder.

This pressure to meet growing domestic and global food demand is exacerbating the challenges farmers in India have already been grappling with like high costs of production, reduced farm incomes and cumbersome debt burdens.

Clearly, the approach to farming needs a re-think. We need to equip the agriculture sector and our farmers to meet the challenges facing them not just today but the challenges they will face tomorrow.

We need to equip them to boost the productivity of their farmlands while building resilience to the ever-worsening effects of climate change.

Technology could hold the key.

New-age digital solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), sensor-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) has transformed nearly every aspect of human existence.

Similarly, it has the power to revolutionize India’s farmlands.

It can enable precision agriculture, a practice that uses technology and data on soil and crop health to determine the specific quantity and timing of water, nutrients and protection products a crop needs based on which stage of its growth cycle it is in.

Precision agriculture, therefore, turns farming into a far more regenerative, resource-responsible practice which brings down costs, boosts yields and therefore farm incomes, while also conserving soil health.

Other aspects of digital agriculture can help farmers plan crop cycles better.

Satellite technology, for instance, can help predict weather more accurately. This information can help farmers plan sowing and harvesting cycles to coincide with the most favorable weather.

This is crucial in today’s age of disrupted weather patterns, with delayed or unseasonal rainfall affecting yields of key seasonal crops like monsoon rice and winter wheat.

Digitization can also prove to be a formidable weapon against pest attacks. Drones, for instance, can fly over large tracts of land fast. Their imaging technology can scan for signs of a pest or disease outbreak, alerting farmers to it before it has had a chance to spread too far.

Digitization has already shown results. The World Economic Forum’s AI for Agriculture Innovation initiative carried out in collaboration with the Telangana government, for instance, helped chill farmers in the state achieve a 21 percent increase in yields.

At the same time, it helped them reduce pesticide use by 9 percent and, most crucially, delivered an $800 income boost per acre per cycle.

In fact, on a broader scale, research shows that digital agriculture has the potential to boost agricultural GDP of low-and-middle income countries by over $450 billion or 28 percent a year.

This is as strong a reason as any to change the way we do farming. The world is now in a digital age. Farming needs to go digital too. India’s farmers have sacrificed much to help the country achieve food security often at great cost. This food security has been the bedrock underpinning the economic growth that has made India prosperous. It’s time we recognized this. It’s time we empowered our farmers to prosper too.

Bengaluru, India – January 25, 2025: Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Samsung Electronics held its Galaxy Tech Forum event on January 23 in San Jose, California. Tech leaders and experts from around the world discussed the future of AI at Blanco, an Urban Venue, a three-story space located in the heart of Silicon Valley that blends historic architecture with a modern white design.

Samsung Newsroom visited the first Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “How Mobile Technology Can Accelerate a Sustainable Future,” to learn about Samsung’s mobile innovations and partnerships that are contributing to a brighter tomorrow.

Driving Mobile Innovation and Sustainability
Samsung is committed to accelerating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Despite the numerous benefits offered to modern society, the rapid growth of the mobile industry has also brought significant environmental challenges. To address those challenges, Samsung has made the actualization of a sustainable future a cornerstone of the company’s vision for mobile devices.

“We’ve made significant progress in fostering sustainable practices throughout our product lifecycle and this is only possible through open collaboration with like-minded partners. And there is even more to come,” said Daniel Araujo, Head of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Each device of the S25 series will include at least 50% recycled cobalt, and for the first time in Galaxy history, the battery of the S25 model will be made with recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy smartphones,” he continued, highlighting Samsung’s advancements in product circularity.

Leveraging Galaxy Camera Technology To Restore Vital Marine Ecosystems

Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung has incorporated over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets — equivalent to the weight of 15 million plastic water bottles — into Galaxy products. Along the way, the company has recognized the critical threat ocean-bound plastic poses to coral reefs and has taken a leading role in restoration efforts through strategic partnerships.

Dr. Stuart Sandin, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego said coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection from storms and erosion. He added that with more than 50% of the world’s coral reefs already lost and ocean-bound plastic threatening the remaining marine ecosystems, new restoration methods using mobile technology are gaining traction.

“We partnered with Samsung because of our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our optimistic and technology-forward approach is contributing to new solutions for coral reef restoration,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees — a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. His announcement of the organization’s partnership with Samsung was followed by a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the collaborative efforts between the companies.

Araujo explained that to support Seatrees’ efforts, Samsung developed Ocean Mode— a new camera setting that optimizes underwater photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He discussed how the feature will provide valuable visual data that can be used to 3D map coral reefs to aid efforts for their restoration. The panelists acknowledged that mobile technology is making environmental conservation more accessible since high-quality data can now be collected with lightweight, user-friendly smartphones.

The Sustainability session provided an in-depth exploration of how mobile technology can address environmental and social challenges. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for meaningful change on a global scale.

Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forum on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Sustainability session, experts explored how Samsung’s forward-thinking technology and strategic collaborations are building a more sustainable future.

The forum was organized into four sessions — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI, — each addressing the transformative changes and challenges innovation will bring to these areas. With around 100 media representatives and industry professionals in attendance, the panels centered on the disruptive potential of AI and offered blueprints for future technologies across various sectors.

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025: IIFL Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of IIFL Group, launches the ‘Sakhiyon Ki Baadi’ Anthem on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, January 24, 2025, to celebrate the spirit of millions of girls across India, fighting against all odds to become literate. This inspiring anthem serves as a testament to the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering young girls and ensuring access to education for every child. It is a tribute to the resilience and determination of the girls who are the cornerstone of this initiative.

This beautiful anthem brings the cultural flavor of Rajasthan and was sung by the famous Rajasthani folk singer Kheta Khan. The video showcases vibrant pictures from Sakhiyon Ki Baadi schools taken by noted photographer Abhijit Bhatlekar and IIFL’s employee Rajiv Shinde. The video is edited by Kasbah Films and Media Private Limited.

Mrs. Madhu Jain, Director of IIFL Foundation, remarked, “The anthem is more than just a song; it is the voice of every girl whose dreams have found a nurturing platform through ‘Sakhiyon Ki Baadi’. This anthem will undoubtedly resonate far and wide, reminding us all of the power of education and the importance of investing in our future leaders. On this National Girl Child Day, we reaffirm our pledge to break barriers and create opportunities for young girls to thrive and shine.”

Under Mrs. Jain’s leadership, IIFL Foundation’s flagship education project, Sakhiyon Ki Baadi, has successfully enrolled over 36,000 out-of-school girls into 1,200 schools, primarily located in remote tribal villages of Rajasthan. The program provides educational opportunities for girls who have either never attended school or had their education interrupted. Currently, the initiative is active in the districts of Udaipur, Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Banswara, Dungarpur, Sirohi, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara, Jodhpur, and Ajmer.

Besides Sakhiyon Ki Baadi, IIFL Foundation has many other education-focused initiatives. IIFL Foundation has adopted 102 girls’ schools in Rajasthan in partnership with Education Department of Rajasthan and is providing state-of-the-art classrooms, smart labs, and clean toilets. It’s another innovative model ‘Maa Bari’ project has transformed 30 schools with modern infrastructure and facilities to promote education for first-time learners from indigenous tribal communities in Rajasthan. Another project is ‘Sampark’, through which IIFL Foundation aims to reach over 4 lac students across 5800+ government schools in Rajasthan improving their English and Mathematics with an opportunity to expand to more schools.

IIFL Foundation’s ‘Digital Shaala’ project introduces 5000+ students to digital pedagogy with installation of TV sets equipped with AV learning material covering grades 6 to 10. IIFL Foundation’s Sesame Community radio initiative reaches over 2.5 lac students providing foundational literacy. IIFL Foundation also runs ‘Chauras’ a daycare-cum-literacy center for children staying at construction sites.

Besides education, IIFL Foundation is also well-known for its successful interventions in the areas of health, poverty alleviation and climate action among others. IIFL Foundation is one of the first CSR foundations to launch drone-based last mile vaccine delivery and introduction of agriculture drones. Through its various initiatives the foundation reaches over 10 lac beneficiaries.