Archives March 2025

Delhi, 12 March 2025 – Carlsberg India and WaterAid India have expanded their collaboration to support water conservation projects in communities surrounding Carlsberg breweries in Kolkata, Aurangabad, and Hyderabad. Building on the success of their previous water-replenishment initiative in the water-stressed Nanjangud Block of Mysuru, the partnership now extends to 30 villages, known as Gram Panchayats, across West Bengal, Telangana, and Maharashtra, benefiting 51,000 individuals.

This initiative involves active community participation, focusing on groundwater recharge, improved water-use efficiency, and sustainable water management practices. The program is expected to conserve over 320,000 m3 of water annually. Carlsberg India first partnered with WaterAid India in 2023 to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in Mysuru, Karnataka. The ongoing Mysuru project has already positively impacted over 34,000 individuals and is projected to replenish 85,000 m3 of water annually upon completion.

Recognizing water as a key ingredient in brewing, Carlsberg is committed to replenishing the same amount of water it consumes at its breweries through off-site projects with local communities and ecosystems. The program includes tangible conservation measures, awareness campaigns, training sessions, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Nilesh Patel, Managing Director of Carlsberg India, stated, “Our collaboration with WaterAid fosters a resilient future by promoting community-led water conservation efforts. Staying true to our philosophy of brewing for a better tomorrow, we are dedicated to building a lasting and sustainable future for the communities around our breweries.” The three-year plan addresses critical issues, including excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture and climate change-related disruptions in rainfall patterns, which affect groundwater recharge rates.

VK Madhavan, Chief Executive of WaterAid India, added, “Our partnership with Carlsberg India strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water, particularly in water-stressed regions. WaterAid India’s holistic and participatory approach—centered on community-driven conservation, groundwater recharge, greywater management, and efficient water use—will contribute to a more resilient and water-secure future.”

Udaipur 12th March 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second largest integrated zinc producer, announced the signing of a power delivery agreement (PDA) with Serentica Renewables, a leading renewable energy company in India. The latest power delivery agreement augments Hindustan Zinc’s round-the-clock renewable energy up to 530 MW from previously signed PDA of 450 MW, increasing the overall renewable energy contribution to over 70% of its total power requirement. This is a first-of-its-kind round-the-clock renewables PDA that guarantees a minimum of 315 MW uninterrupted power supply through every 15-minute time block. The resulting project will build new solar, wind and energy storage on multiple sites across the country and integrate several existing renewables projects.

Developed under a captive structure, the project will be strategically spread across high-resource locations in India and is set to be fully operational by 2027. This innovative hybrid solution eliminates Hindustan Zinc’s reliance on other conventional power sources by delivering seamless, reliable energy through advanced storage systems and market mechanisms.

This landmark agreement marks a fundamental shift in industrial power procurement, moving beyond traditional round-the-clock (RTC) models to an advanced, Time Block-Based firm Renewable Energy solution. Unlike conventional renewable energy agreements, this PDA ensures a precisely scheduled and dispatchable power supply using a combination of solar, wind, and cutting-edge energy storage technologies. Through advanced forecasting, grid management, and energy storage innovations, Serentica is enabling industries to transition towards clean energy without compromising on stability or operational efficiency. Serentica is playing a critical role in advancing India’s net-zero ambitions, leveraging technology-driven solutions to provide firm, reliable, and cost-effective renewable power to energy-intensive industries.

Recognized as the world’s most sustainable metals & mining company for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, Hindustan Zinc continues its journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. The company is focusing on decarbonizing its operations by increasing the quantum of renewable energy in its energy mix, enhancing operational efficiencies to reduce energy consumption and transitioning to cleaner fuels & electric vehicles. Through these strategic initiatives, the company has achieved a 14% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to the base year 2020. Notably, Hindustan Zinc started receiving the first flow of renewable power from Serentica’s 180 MW solar park that was utilized in the production of Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc – EcoZen.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “Sustainability at Hindustan Zinc is about future-proofing our business and driving long-term value through innovation. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, we embrace our dual role as a leader in this transformation and as an active participant with our critical metals like zinc & silver. This agreement marks a significant step in our climate action strategy. By securing 70% of our power from renewables we are targeting nearly 70% reduction in carbon emissions setting sights on our goal of achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner.”

Mr. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, added, “This agreement is a breakthrough in providing uninterrupted, firm renewable energy to one of India’s largest industrial players. By guaranteeing 315 MW in every 15-minute time block, we’re solving the intermittency challenge and ensuring that Hindustan Zinc has a stable, reliable power supply for its operations.”

In recognition of its leadership, Serentica was recently honored at the 26th S&P Global Energy Awards, winning the prestigious ‘Deal of the Year – Financial’ award, further cementing its position in the global energy transition.

Hindustan Zinc is the first Indian company in the metals & mining sector to secure validated Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) targets, aligning with the ambitious 1.5°C global warming threshold. Further establishing its strong commitment to sustainability, the company’s extensive product portfolio is the first in the country to hold Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification thus providing comparable data on the product’s environmental footprint. The company is also recognized among Top 1% in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the second consecutive year and among the top 66 companies across 62 industry sectors globally.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.

National, 12th March 2025: The IC3 Movement has announced that registrations for the 2025 IC3 Annual Conference & Expo are currently open. The event is scheduled for August 20–21 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. It will bring together high school educators, university and industry representatives, and policymakers from 95+ countries, providing a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, global networking, and discussions on integrating career and college counseling into school education.

Themed ‘Counseling as a Culture,’ the 2025 conference will focus on integrating counseling as a core function in schools, ensuring students receive structured guidance for informed career and academic decisions.

With over 40 expert-led sessions and interactive workshops, the 2025 conference will explore student mobility, transnational education, counselor training, and emerging career pathways. The conference will also feature deeper discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. A key highlight will be the release of the 3rd edition of IC3 Institute’s Student Suicides Report, providing critical insights into student mental health and the role of counseling in reducing academic pressures.

The 2024 edition welcomed over 2,000 delegates from 57 countries. Many high school delegates shared that the conference significantly enhanced their understanding of student well-being and mental health support, while also providing valuable networking opportunities essential for academic resilience. Last year’s conference also saw the release of the IC3 Institute’s Student Suicides Report, “An Epidemic Sweeping India Vol. 2,” which highlighted the growing need for structured career and college counseling. The report revealed that India recorded 13,044 student suicides in 2022—a 64% increase over the last decade. Alarmingly, student suicides have now surpassed those in several professions, including farmers and salaried employees, accounting for 7.6% of all suicides in the country.

Additionally, the IC3 Institute’s 2024 Annual Student Quest Report found that students typically begin career discussions between ages 12-14 (44%), with some starting earlier (41%) and others later (15%), making middle school the ideal time for counseling. Research links career counseling to academic success, as it enhances engagement and achievement. With 27% undecided on grade 11 subjects, early and structured counseling interventions help students explore options, make informed choices, and develop personally, ensuring readiness for higher education and careers.

“As career and college counseling becomes an integral part of school education, the need for a structured, collaborative approach is more crucial than ever. The 2025 IC3 Annual Conference & Expo, with its theme ‘Counseling as a Culture,’ will serve as a dynamic platform for meaningful discussions, empowering educators with the knowledge, tools, and global perspectives to integrate counseling into the fabric of school education. Through this initiative, we continue our commitment to fostering a counseling ecosystem that ensures every student receives the guidance needed to make informed, confident decisions about their future,” said Ganesh Kohli, Founder of IC3 Movement.

Since its inception, the Annual IC3 Conference & Expo has engaged over 5,180 schools and 740 universities, impacting more than 2.5 million students globally. The 2025 edition aims to take this impact further by deepening conversations on student well-being, academic success, and career readiness. The event will also include the prestigious IC3 Awards, the IC3 Host School Student & Parent Conference, and experiential workshops like the Inner Child Workshop, ensuring a holistic and enriching experience for delegates.

Mumbai, 12th March, 2025: Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited (WIML), one of India’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers under the brands ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik,’ has taken another significant step in its USD 1.29 billion partnership with Beulah International Development Corporation. The company has successfully dispatched four additional customized electric three-wheelers to the Philippines for testing, ensuring their suitability for the local market. This follows the initial shipment of the e-Trike (Driver + 10) in the third quarter of FY 24-25, reinforcing Wardwizard’s commitment to transforming public transportation in the Philippines with sustainable mobility solutions.

The company has dispatched electric three-wheelers which have been designed to meet the specific needs of public and commercial transport in the Philippines. The lineup includes Model 1 (Light Version) with a Driver + 2 +3 seating for urban commutes, Model 2 (Heavy Version) with Driver + 3+3 seating for higher passenger capacity, and Model 3 with a Driver + 6 (3+3 facing) configuration for shared mobility. Additionally, a three wheeler Cargo/Loader has been sent to support sustainable logistics. These vehicles will undergo comprehensive testing to ensure compliance with local transportation standards and regulations set by the Philippine Government, assessing their suitability for the local market.

Mr. Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, stated, “We are delighted to take another significant step in our partnership with Beulah International Development Corporation, further contributing to the Philippines’ transition towards sustainable mobility. At Wardwizard, our focus is on delivering innovative, efficient, and market-relevant EV solutions. With these additional vehicles now dispatched for testing, we are making steady progress in fulfilling our commitment under this strategic collaboration. India is at the forefront of shaping the global EV landscape, and we take immense pride in bringing our expertise to the Philippines. Together with Beulah International, we remain dedicated to accelerating green mobility solutions and fostering a cleaner, more connected future.”

This development follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited and Beulah International Development Corporation, a prominent full-service business integration and EPC firm in the Philippines, backed by RP Connect to modernize the Philippines’ public transport with advanced EVs. Wardwizard previously dispatched the e-Trike (Driver + 10) as the first step in this initiative. Under the agreement, the company will supply electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and specially designed four-wheelers for commercial use, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility in the region.

Bangalore/Mumbai, India – 12th March 2025 – Acerpure India, a division of the global Acer Group, has launched a new range of vacuum cleaners designed to transform cleaning and grooming experiences for households and pet owners. The innovative lineup includes three variants: Dry – D1, Wet and Dry – WD1, and Pet Groomer, each engineered for superior performance and versatility. With cutting-edge designs and advanced features, Acerpure is setting new standards in home care, offering tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of consumers. This launch marks the company’s seventh major launch in just seven months.

The Acerpure Clean D1 is a dry vacuum cleaner designed to deliver exceptional efficiency for everyday cleaning. It is powered by a robust 350W motor that generates an impressive 30 kPa suction power, effortlessly tackling dirt across carpets, floors, and furniture. Featuring innovative zero Bend Technology, it ensures ease of cleaning without any discomfort, making it ideal for prolonged use. Weighing just 2.8 kg, its lightweight design enhances maneuverability while the 1.2-liter dust tank reduces the need for frequent emptying. Equipped with a multi-stage filtration system, including a HEPA filter, the D1 effectively captures fine dust and allergens, promoting a healthier home environment. With its 9 accessories, Acerpure Clean D1 is a complete solution for floor-to-ceiling cleaning.

The Acerpure Clean WD1 offers unmatched versatility as a wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner, ideal for handling both liquid spills and dry messes. With its 3-in-1 functionality, it effortlessly sweeps, sprays, and mops, making it a comprehensive cleaning solution for any household. This cordless powerhouse features a 220W motorized brush and a two-tank system comprising a 700-ml clean water tank and a 500-ml dirty water tank. With a runtime of up to 35 minutes, it supports extended cleaning sessions. Advanced functionalities include an auto-cleaning mode for the brush and tanks and a one-button self-cleaning system for hassle-free maintenance. Its ergonomic handle and lightweight design ensure a seamless and efficient cleaning experience.

For pet owners, the Acerpure Pet Grooming Kit B859 redefines at-home pet care while keeping living spaces fur-free. It features an adjustable suction capacity of up to 10 kPa, effectively capturing fur from sofas, carpets, and clothing. A low-noise motor ensures pets remain calm during grooming, while anti-hair block technology prevents clogging. The kit includes five specialized tools: a grooming brush, a de-shedding tool, a cleaning brush, a trimmer with guiding combs, and a built-in hair dryer, offering a comprehensive grooming experience. Compact and lightweight at just 2 kg, it boasts a 0.7-liter dust tank and a triple-filtration system (pre-filter, metal mesh filter, and HEPA filter) to enhance hygiene and ease of use.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vasudeva G, Director of Acerpure India, said “as a new age & forward-thinking brand, we are excited to share the tremendous response we’ve received from Indian consumers to our diverse range of products, including cutting-edge TVs, water purifiers, air purifiers, air circulator fans, hair dryers, and stylers. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional value, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our highly versatile vacuum cleaner range, marking our seventh product category introduction in just seven months since entering the Indian market. This launch is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and our dedication to providing user-centric, high-performance solutions. We believe in transforming everyday living spaces into safer, cleaner, and healthier environments for our customers—making their homes not just cleaner, but happier too. Our newly launched vacuum cleaner collection is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern households. The D1 model is perfect for tackling daily cleaning tasks with ease, while the WD1 model offers the added flexibility of both wet-and-dry cleaning, providing convenience and versatility. For pet parents, our Pet Grooming Kit is the ultimate solution, offering professional-grade grooming tools that bring salon-quality care into the comfort of your home. At Acerpure, we are more than just a brand—we are a partner in creating environments where health, comfort, and joy thrive. Our new vacuum cleaner range is the latest step in this journey, and we can’t wait to continue delivering high-quality products that make life easier for our customers.”

Chennai, March 12, 2025 — Bharathi Rajaa Hospital & Research Centre has announced its new launch of state-of-the-art Cardiac, Kidney, and Metabolic Care Centre. This cutting-edge facility was officially opened today on Monday, March 10, 2025, bringing round-the-clock, high-quality care to patients in need of specialized treatment.

 The inauguration ceremony was marked by a traditional lighting of the kuthuvilakku, symbolizing the auspicious start of a new chapter in Bharathi Rajaa Multispecialty Hospital. Esteemed film producer Thiru Kalaipuli S. Dhanu performed this significant gesture, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Prof. Dr. CM Thiyagarajan, MD, MNAMS, the Chief of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Bharathi Rajaa Hospital. With the presence of Mr. S. D Prem Kumar, Medical Superintendent.

 This new centre is designed to provide comprehensive care for patients facing cardiac, kidney, and metabolic health challenges and it specializes in post-renal transplant management, offering tailored support for both donors and recipients. The facility features six private patient care suites equipped with advanced monitoring systems to ensure the highest level of care and comfort. With 24/7 services, the centre will offer advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and personalized care – all under one roof.

 Thiru Kalaipuli S. Dhanu, Film Producer said, “Good health is the most precious gift we can have and today, we’re celebrating not just a new hospital wing, but the hope it brings to so many lives. Bharathi Rajaa Hospital has always been a place of care and compassion, and I’m truly honored to know the centre was named after me.”

 “We are happy to open the doors to this new facility, a place where patients will find not just advanced medical care but also a team dedicated to their well-being,” said Dr. C. Natesan, Managing Director. “As our community grows, so does our commitment to providing the best possible care to every patient who walks through our doors.”

 The Cardiac, Kidney, and Metabolic Care Centre represents the next step in Bharathi Rajaa Hospital’s mission to enhance healthcare access and outcomes for people across the region. With a focus on providing holistic care, the new centre will ensure that patients receive the attention they deserve, no matter the time of day.

Chennai, India – March 12, 2025: Infosys Finacle, part of EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY), and Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Limited (Chola), one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), today announced the successful migration of operations to the Finacle Treasury solution. This is set to centralize treasury management on a unified web-based platform for Chola. This cloud-based transformation emphasizes Chola’s commitment to creating future-ready, digital-first treasury offerings that streamlines treasury operations, enhances automation and effectively manage risks and compliance, while ensuring financial prudence and stability.

With Finacle Treasury, Chola now has end-to-end coverage for operations across the entire treasury lifecycle, managing various liabilities and investment portfolios. This includes a diverse range of borrowing and funding sources. Chola has also streamlined its fund transfer process, allowing for faster and more efficient management of loans, market borrowings, securitization, and interest and tax adjustments. Additionally, the company is enhancing operational effectiveness by automating interest processing, accounting for amendments, and payments processes. For instance, this transformation has reduced the processing time for coupon payout significantly.

Mr. Ravindra Kumar Kundu, Managing Director, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company shared his thoughts, “We at Chola are delighted to embrace Finacle’s next-generation Treasury solution. This marks a pivotal step in our treasury transformation journey. Managing the growing and diverse liability book including short and long term borrowings and the investment portfolio including government securities and Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) , have been both a challenge and a priority. The Finacle Treasury platform equips us with the tools to address these challenges, improve operational efficiency, and enhance risk management, all while adhering to stringent regulatory frameworks. This transformation strengthens our ability to optimize funding strategies and scale treasury operations in alignment with our growth ambitions.”

Mr. Sajit Vijayakumar, Chief Business Officer and Global Head, Infosys Finacle said,
“We are delighted to partner with Chola in their mission to modernize treasury operations. The NBFC sector in India stands at a critical juncture, facing increasing compliance requirements and elevated funding costs. Our collaboration with Chola highlights our commitment to delivering a cloud-first multi-asset treasury solution that meet the current and future requirements of the industry. This collaboration further reinforces Finacle’s reputation as a trusted partner for NBFCs, empowering them to innovate, streamline, and scale their operations confidently.”

Bengaluru, March 12, 2025: The 14th edition of Kanyathon #RunForHer, powered by Big Basket, concluded today with resounding success, with over 13,000 participants across Bangalore and Karjat editions running for the cause of women’s empowerment and educating the girl child. Organized jointly by IFIM Institutions, JAGSoM, and Vijaybhoomi University, this year’s student-driven annual charity run was another successful edition. The event was held on the 2nd of March, 2025, simultaneously at Infosys Leisure Ground in Bangalore and Vijaybhoomi University in Karjat, Mumbai.

Kanyathon, with its overarching goal of positively impacting women’s health and education, has made significant strides over the years, reaching out to over 300,000 girls with various initiatives. Through its Shiksha Kendras in Kolar, Electronic City, and Jambrung, essential skills like English-speaking and digital literacy are imparted, alongside providing scholarships to deserving girls, including those from economically weaker sections and the daughters of sex workers. The commitment to education extends further with college scholarships for meritorious girls identified from Kanyathon Shiksha Kendra (KSK) villages.

The event was flagged off by Youngest Olympian Swimmer, Ms. Dhinidhi Desinghu, who was the Chief guest for the event, Guest of Honors-Mr. Sujoy Jana-Business Head, South India BigBasket and Arjuna Awardee and Olympian Swimmer Mr. Sajan Prakash and Mrs. Kalpana Padode, Secretary CDE. The event in Bangalore and Karjat, Mumbai, witnessed an incredible turnout of 13,000 participants, ranging from young children to the elderly. The overwhelming participation reflected the event’s widespread appeal and the community’s shared commitment to fitness and social causes.

Participants engaged in various activities including the 10km Pro, 5km Pro, 5km Fun Run, 3km Family Run, and 3km Fun Walk, along with E-gaming events. Several corporates and organizations came together to support the cause, including Infosys, Wipro, Biocon, Sagility, Timken, HPE, Momentive, Tessolve, Hical Technologies, Brillio, the Army Hospital, CMP, MEG, CISF, and NSS. Additionally, Electronic City residents, students, faculty members, and professional runners actively participated, further strengthening the event’s impact.

Generous contributions by donors ensured that Kanyathon 2025 was able to give away cash prizes totaling Rs. 2 lakh to pro runners and distributed BigBasket gift cards as well as vouchers and goodies from Yogabar, Wrangler, 46 Ounces and Unibic valued at over Rs. 3 lakh. All the participants received T-shirts and medals. Sponsors such as Bigbasket, Cycleworld, Baron Electronics provided innovative prizes including cycles, electronic goods and smart watches while others like – JIVAA (Jagsom, IFIM, Vijaybhoomi Alumni Association), ELCIA Trust, Stuffs of Idli, Sodexo, showed unwavering support for this noble cause.

Speaking about the event, Kalpana Padode, Secretary CDE, expressed “Kanyathon is a student-led initiative dedicated to empowering the girl child through education, health and hygiene. By focusing on rural girls and daughters of sex workers, we are creating lasting change and promoting equality. Every donation fuels this movement, building a brighter and more inclusive future for our daughters.”

“This year’s event has not only raised crucial funds but also raised awareness about the importance of investing in the education and well-being of our sisters and daughters. Kanyathon is a movement that celebrates the resilience and potential of women, and we are proud to be at the forefront of driving this change.” said Mr. Sanjay Padode, President, Vijaybhoomi University & Chairman, IFIM Institutions

The proceeds from the charity run will go towards improving the quality of life of disadvantaged women and girls, which emphasizes the social impact that Kanyathon strives to make.

The event’s global recognition, including the esteemed ‘Prestigious Innovations that Inspire’ Award from AACSB in 2021, underscores its significance in driving positive change. Kanyathon was ranked #1 for its incredible social Impact and engagement during the prestigious Social Impact Awards (SIA) and PRME Chapter India event on December 5th, 2024.

Pune, India; 12 March 2025: UST, a leading technology and digital transformation solutions company, has announced the inauguration of a new office in Pune, Maharashtra, further strengthening its India presence. Through this expansion, UST plans to create around 3500-6000 job opportunities in the next 3-5 years in Pune. Located in the Balewadi’s EQ Smartworks establishment, this new facility spans over 80,000 sq. ft and accommodates over 1000 seats, complementing the facility at Sai Radhe Complex in Pune.

The new Pune office space was inaugurated by Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST, in the presence of Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer; Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer; Ramprasad Santhanagopalan, President, UST Product Engineering and Pune Center Head; Kishore Krishna, Vice President & Global Head Talent Acquisition; Smitha Suryaprakash, Vice President, Design & Experience Practice; Sheffi Anwar, General Manager; and Hari Krishnan Mohankumar, Senior Director Workplace Management & Operations, and other senior leaders and associates at UST.

With over 2000 employees, UST’s Pune Center of Excellence is focused on driving innovation and accelerating growth by leveraging deep expertise in data science, data engineering, design, product engineering, and digital applications. Serving leading global enterprises across industries such as fintech, healthcare & life sciences, retail & e-commerce, manufacturing, and automotive, the Pune center plays a key role in shaping digital transformation for UST’s global clients.

On this occasion, Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST, said, “We are excited to inaugurate our new office space in Pune, marking a significant milestone in our continued growth in India. Through these strategic expansions, we are planning to scale our operations significantly, aligning with business needs and market opportunities in digital transformation. Our focus is on building a strong talent base, business consulting pipeline, strategic partnerships, and expanding infrastructure to support our growing teams in AI, Design, and Engineering.”

Ramprasad Santhanagopalan, President, UST Product Engineering and Pune Center Head, said, “Pune being a strategic and fast-growing technology hub of India, this new office represents a significant investment in UST’s growth in the region. Our investments in AI, advanced design, and cutting-edge engineering will strengthen our capabilities, ensuring that the Pune Center remains a hub for innovation and digital excellence. With our team’s strong domain knowledge expertise, we are confident in our ability to lead large-scale digital transformation programs for our global enterprise clients and remain at the forefront of innovation.”

For the next three years, UST is dedicated to aiming to attain a consistent growth in terms of both seating capacity and headcount across India offices. The company intends to greatly expand its operations over the next three to five years, in line with business requirements and market opportunities in digital transformation and AI. UST concentrated on creating a strong pipeline for business consulting, cultivating a large talent pool, and establishing strategic alliances.

UST has consistently expanded its footprint across India, solidifying its position as a global leader in digital transformation and technology services. Last year UST opened a second office in Bengaluru along with a Design Experience Centre . The company laid the foundation for its second-owned campus in Kochi, Kerala, with plans to create 3,000 jobs over the next five years in Kochi, demonstrating its commitment to growth and investment in the region. In 2023, the company also inaugurated a state-of-the-art office at the International Tech Park in Hyderabad, dedicated to innovative research and development in emerging technologies.

New Delhi, 12th March 2025: Axis Mutual Fund, one of the leading asset management companies in India, announced the launch of New Fund Offer for its new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) – Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF (an open-ended exchange traded fund replicating / tracking the Nifty500 Value 50 TRI). The ETF is designed to provide investors with targeted exposure to the Indian equity markets through Value based strategies. The new ETF offers a low-cost, transparent, and tax-efficient investment opportunity for investors seeking diversified exposure to India’s growing equity markets. Karthik Kumar will be the fund manager for the scheme.

The Scheme would invest in stocks comprising the respective underlying index and shall track the benchmark index. The scheme may also invest in debt and money market instruments, in compliance with Regulations to meet liquidity and expense requirements and in line with the asset allocation pattern. Furthermore, scheme shall invest in stocks forming part of the underlying Index in the same ratio as per the index to the extent possible and to that extent follow a passive investment strategy, except to the extent of meeting liquidity and expense requirements.

The fund is an open-ended ETF, available for subscription with a minimum investment of INR 500 per application and in multiples of INR 1/- thereafter. The ETF will provide investors with access to a broad, well-diversified equity basket. The Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF will be listed on the NSE and BSE, providing investors with liquidity and flexibility to trade on the exchange.

Salient Features of the Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF:

· Value Strategy: The Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF offers a strategy for investors looking to invest in undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential.

· Low-Cost Structure: The ETF offers a low expense ratio, making them efficient investment vehicles for capturing value trends in the market.

B. Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis AMC, said, “With the launch of Axis Nifty500 Value 50 ETF, we are excited to offer Indian investors innovative products that align with the growing trend of value style of investing. This ETF provides a simple and cost-effective way to gain exposure to India’s rapidly expanding stock market, while focusing on strategies that have the potential to deliver superior long-term returns. We believe this ETF will enhance the diversification and performance of investor portfolios.”