Archives September 2025

 By – Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance

“The GST Council’s decision to reduce tax on the healthcare sector marks a transformative step toward greater affordability and inclusivity. At a time when India’s healthcare market is poised for significant growth, this reform acts as a timely catalyst to strengthen the ecosystem by addressing one of the biggest barriers to quality healthcare affordability.

Whether it is making life-saving drugs more accessible or lowering the cost of health insurance, the move directly tackles a long-standing challenge and will enable millions of families to take a crucial step toward financial and medical security.

For the health insurance sector, this change comes at a pivotal moment. As India’s healthcare needs expand and medical risks evolve, the importance of universal health coverage has never been more evident. Health insurance is not merely a financial product, it is a lifeline that protects families, supports well-being, and builds resilience against future uncertainties.

At SBI General Insurance, we view this reform as a strong driver in accelerating India’s journey toward ‘Insurance for All by 2047.’ Our focus will be on leveraging this opportunity to design affordable, accessible, and customer-centric health insurance solutions, while expanding our reach across rural and semi-urban India.”

Toronto, September 5, 2025 : The Bharat Pavilion was formally inaugurated today at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, marking the debut of WAVES Bazaar in North America, India’s first international e-marketplace for film, media, and AVGC-XR sector. The Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Ajay Nagabhushan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India and Mr. Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, in the august presence of Mr. Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF.

This year’s Bharat Pavilion focuses on WAVES Bazaar. Organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), WAVES Bazaar is a global e-marketplace bringing together creators and buyers from film, television, streaming, gaming, animation, music, and AVGC-XR. The platform facilitates networking, buyer-seller interactions, project showcases, and collaborations, enabling Indian creators and international stakeholders to engage in meaningful partnerships.

Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Shri Ajay Nagabhushan said “Bharat Pavilion at TIFF is not only a celebration of India’s cinematic excellence but also a platform to build global partnerships. For the very first time, India is being represented at TIFF by a delegation comprising solely of women-led film projects. From over 200 applications within a week, six outstanding projects were selected by an expert international jury through the WAVES Bazaar platform. These extraordinary filmmakers are not just attendees, they are emissaries of a new era, one where women’s voices, visions, and stories are center stage on the global cinematic platform”.

Talking about the significance of the upcoming WAVES Bazaar event to be held on 6th September, 2025, on the sidelines of TIFF, Mr. Nagabhushan said “WAVES, a landmark initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, held at Mumbai in February, is resonating across the world and its impact and reach can also be seen in Canada. WAVES Bazaar event here will witness a series of activities including panel discussions, round table, policy dialogue and series of B2B meetings between Indian and International delegates.”

Mr. Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh stated “Toronto is home to a vibrant film industry and a large Indian diaspora. The launch of WAVES Bazaar at TIFF is a timely step towards strengthening India–Canada cultural and business ties.”

Mr. Bailey highlighted TIFF’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural partnerships and acknowledged India’s growing influence in the global cinematic landscape. Widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in international cinema, Mr. Bailey has transformed TIFF into a truly global film festival, championing diversity, amplifying new voices, and creating a global platform for groundbreaking storytelling.

The multi pronged discussions after the inauguration focussed on the importance of WAVES and its outcomes, WAVES Bazaar’s potential as a bridge between Indian and international creative economies, and explored the possibility of collaborating in establishing a dedicated Film Market at TIFF in the near future with Indian content taking centre stage. Such an initiative would serve as a catalyst for co-productions, content exchange, and industry collaboration between India and North America.

The Bharat Pavilion at TIFF 2025, curated by NFDC, serves as a dynamic hub for global networking, B2B meetings, and film industry exchanges, underscoring India’s growing leadership in the international media and entertainment sector.

Indore, 5^th September 2025: Prime PR, the youngest and fastest growing public relations firm, was presented with the 14th Quality Mark Awards 2025 in the category of PR & Communications, by Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Shri Kunvarji Bavaliya as Chief Guest, Shri Dilip Sanghani, Chairman – IFFCO as Guest of Honour, renowned Bollywood actor Sharman Joshi. The awards ceremony was organized by Quality Mark Trust at Narayani Heights, Ahmedabad on 26th August, 2025, under the concept of ‘Make in India’.

Prime PR, established in 2020, is well-connected with over 60 cities across India, with its team that works 365 days a year, which includes PR professionals and publicists, strategists and influencers, and linguists and media managers. Prime PR also works with flourishing start-ups, as well as the MSME and Make in India projects.

On the occasion, Mr. Phool Hasan, Founder and Managing Director of Prime PR said that “Prime PR is a strong supporter of on-going learning and development for public relations professionals. We have resilient networks in tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 cities. Our network-wide team has been distinguished for its media relations skills through delivering high-quality projects and developing long-term partnerships with our clients. The recognition we got at Quality Mark Awards 2025 will boost our morale to work with more creative and strategic acumen. ”

Prime PR provides a vast range of services to its clients, which includes Public Relations, Brand Management, Conducting Press Conferences, Release Dissemination, PR Analysis, Planning & Strategy as well as Digital Marketing, Influencers Management, Image Building, Crisis Management, Investor Relations. Prime PR deals with the public relations for Government and Public Affairs also. Prime PR has extensive experience in planning and implementing high-impact initiatives that boost brand exposure and revenue.

Mr. Phool Hasan said, “We understand the difficulties generally faced by our clients, be it corporates, or individuals like doctors, bankers or other social opinion makers who are very keen to express their views on various burning topics in the society, but have no approach to the right platform, so through our service namely, article placement, we felicitate them with proper platform to voice their concerns in time. Digitally sound, and strategically efficient, Prime PR adopts the conceptualised method to do Public relations and communications through a sustainable process, and achieve the objectives set by our clients, as the actual satisfaction of our client is our motto. ”

Mr. Phool Hasan, a senior PR & Communication strategist since last 18 years, has been the key person to several of Corporate India’s significant events. He specialises in brand activation, media relations, public relations, and press conferences. Mr. Phool Hasan has been recognised for his contributions to many major project successes with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., ICICI, Pepsico, IIFA Awards, Amazon India, Axis Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential, HDFC Life, PGI, ORRA, TAFE, METRO Cash & Carry India, Asus India, Mankind Pharma, Glenmark Pharma, Khelo India Youth Games, Marico, CII, and many others.

Hyderabad, September 5, 2025: Madison Media has just announced that it has completed the 100% acquisition of Hiveminds, the performance specialist agency it had acquired 51% stake in 2017. Deepti Bhadauria who was the earlier Chief Strategy Officer and an integral part of the leadership team for the last 5 years, driving growth will take over as CEO. Jyothirmayee JT, Founder will continue in an advisory role within Hiveminds. Deepti will report to Ajit Varghese, newly appointed Partner & Group CEO, Madison Media.

Under Jyothirmayee’s unparalleled leadership and strategic foresight, and with Madison’s backing, HiveMinds has carved a formidable position in the industry, growing revenues 12x since 2017 while serving over 100 clients. The agency has built strong expertise in e-commerce and digital marketing, curating three seasons of the Ecommerce Conclave featuring top industry voices. HiveMinds is also recognized for its advanced martech capabilities, having developed tools for measurement, attribution, and campaign management across retail and digital media.

Says Jyothirmayee JT, Founder, HiveMinds “It’s been my greatest privilege as a founder to build HiveMinds from a bootstrapped startup into a digital marketing powerhouse. HiveMinds is built on a foundation of resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Deepti’s deep understanding of our company’s DNA ensures that HiveMinds’ legacy of delivering exceptional results will continue stronger than ever. I am filled with immense pride and confidence as I hand over the reins, and I’m excited to see her take our collective vision and passion to new heights.”

Says Deepti Bhadauria, Partner & CEO, HiveMinds,

“Jyothi’s visionary leadership has shaped HiveMinds into an organization that consistently sets new benchmarks in performance, innovation, and talent development. It has been an honor to work alongside her in driving client success. As we move into the next phase, my focus is on amplifying this impact—delivering greater value, sharper innovation, and measurable outcomes that strengthen our clients’ market leadership. I am excited to lead HiveMinds, in partnership with Madison, through the fast-evolving media landscape of the country.”

Says Ajit Varghese, Partner & Group CEO Madison Media & OOH,

“Hiveminds has been a remarkable growth story, scaling more than tenfold since our initial partnership in 2017. With this full acquisition, Madison is uniquely positioned to offer clients an integrated model that brings together brand building and performance marketing. As businesses increasingly seek measurable impact alongside strong brand equity, we are bridging the gap between storytelling and commerce. This convergence allows us to play across the full consumer funnel, from awareness to conversion. Our goal is to create future-ready solutions that deliver both growth and trust for clients. In today’s market, brand and performance are no longer separate conversations—they are one.”

Says Sam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World,

“I am immensely proud of what HiveMinds has been able to achieve in the last 8 years and the unique position it holds in the industry. I can see HiveMinds grow from strength to strength in the coming years.”

Hiveminds, a unit of Madison World, is a digital agency with expertise in performance and ecommerce marketing. It works with over 100 clients including Big Basket, Axis Max Life Insurance, Titan, Jubilant Foodworks, Tata Neu, Eureka Forbes, GlaxosmithKline, Crompton, Kenvue, Boat and several others. The agency has won over 50 awards in last 2 years. Madison World through its 11 Units served last year, as many as 500 Advertisers.

New Delhi, India, 4th September 2025– Doorvery, an emerging B2B grocery delivery platform, today announced impressive growth milestones within its first quarter of operations. The company has reached an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of ₹7.5 Crore and is recording 85–90% month-over-month growth, underscoring its strong market positioning in India’s fast-evolving B2B grocery procurement sector.

Key Highlights

Achieved ₹7.5 Crore ARR within the first three months of operations.

Recording 85–90% month-over-month growth.

Serving a diverse client base including retailers, wholesalers, hotels, and restaurants.

The B2B grocery supply industry in India is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by changing consumer behaviours, increasing demand for convenience, and widespread adoption of digital solutions. Doorvery is strategically positioned to capitalize on this shift by offering tailored procurement solutions for retail and hospitality sectors, among others.

Commenting on the milestone, G. Surya Nayayan Patro, Director of Doorvery, said, “The early success of Doorvery reflects both the strength of our business model and the growing demand for streamlined grocery procurement. Our rapid growth trajectory demonstrates the trust that our clients place in us, and we are committed to continuously enhancing our platform to serve the evolving needs of businesses across India.”

About Doorvery

Doorvery is an innovative B2B grocery delivery platform that bridges the gap between manufacturers, brands, and businesses such as retailers, wholesalers, hotels, and restaurants. Through technology-enabled supply chain solutions and reliable logistics, Doorvery simplifies procurement, ensures cost efficiency, and enhances business operations for its partners.

By – Mr Vivek Singh,Home Credit India’s CEO

The recent GST rationalization, which simplifies tax slabs and corrects the inverted duty structure, is a highly progressive and timely reform that will significantly boost consumption and support our fast-growing economy. This move will have a meaningful impact on middle-class households, where a large portion of income is spent on daily necessities. By lowering the GST on everyday items like packaged foods, personal care products, and kitchenware to the 5% bracket, families will see a direct reduction in their monthly expenses. We anticipate this will help lower inflation by over a percentage point.

At the consumer level, we expect to see a dual effect. Lower prices will likely lead to increased spending on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), durables, and electronics. Additionally, families may choose to use some of their savings to build stronger financial buffers. The timing of this reform, just before the festive season, is particularly significant. It will boost consumer confidence and fuel demand for aspirational purchases, from home appliances to two-wheelers—categories where our EMI financing plays a key role.

For Home Credit India, this signals stronger demand for affordable and transparent financing solutions that help households manage both their essential and aspirational needs.

Beyond the immediate benefits, this reform will have a powerful multiplier effect apart of stimulating demand in supporting industries and reinforcing financial inclusion. This GST rationalisation is more than just a tax simplification; it is a catalyst for long-term economic growth that empowers consumers and strengthens the financial ecosystem.

Hyderabad, 4th September 2025 : Limelight Diamonds, India’s largest lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, today announced the launch of its third store in Hyderabad, located at Himayat Nagar. Following the strong response to its Somajiguda and Gachibowli outlets, the brand continues to deepen its footprint in Telangana, catering to the city’s rising demand for sustainable luxury. The launch was led by Karam Chawla, Director, Limelight Diamonds, Sanchit Agarwal, Regional Partner, and the Limelight leadership team.

The new store showcases Limelight’s signature lab-grown diamond collections from solitaire necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to men’s jewellery, all crafted with cutting-edge technology and a focus on sustainable luxury. With interiors blending elegance, minimalism, and warmth, the store offers an elevated shopping experience designed to resonate with the city’s modern, style-conscious audience.

To celebrate the opening, Limelight has introduced a special offer: 15% off on diamond value, 15% off on making charges, and a FREE gold coin on purchases above ₹1 lakh, valid until 30th September, 2025.

“Hyderabad has been one of our most important markets, where customers truly appreciate innovation, craftsmanship, and conscious luxury,” said Pooja Sheth Madhavan, Founder & MD, Limelight Diamonds. “With Himayat Nagar, we are proud to open our third store in the city, making sustainable diamond jewellery more accessible than ever before. This expansion is a testament to Hyderabad’s evolving preference for modern, responsible choices.”

Karam Chawla, Director, Limelight Diamonds, added, “Our journey in Hyderabad has been very encouraging. Customers here are looking for jewellery that reflects both timeless beauty and progressive values. With this new store, we aim to bring our most-loved solitaire collections closer to the heart of the city and continue building trust through transparency, value, and personalised experiences.”

“It’s exciting to bring Limelight Diamonds to Himayat Nagar, a destination known for its vibrant retail culture,” said Sanchit Agarwal, Regional Partner, Limelight Diamonds. “This store is designed not only to showcase exquisite lab-grown diamond jewellery but also to provide customers with unmatched services such as lifetime buyback, 100% exchange guarantee, and jewellery insurance, features that make the brand stand apart.”

With this addition, Limelight further strengthens its retail presence across India, now operating 50+ exclusive brand outlets and 40+ shop-in-shops across 45+ cities,including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.

In a world where experiences are the ultimate currency, travellers seek more than just a method of payment. They require a key—a meticulously crafted tool that transforms travel from a routine journey into a seamless, all-in-one companion. For the Indian traveller in 2025, the right credit card is no longer just a piece of plastic; it is a statement of intent, a passport to a world of privileges, and a silent concierge in their pocket.

From quiet airport sanctuaries to exclusive hotel suites and intelligent foreign exchange savings, these are the five cards that promise effortless and rewarding travel in 2025:

RBL World Safari Credit Card

For the globally minded traveller, the RBL World Safari credit card, powered by Mastercard, is India’s first card exclusively designed for overseas travel. It comes with many exciting benefits, such as:

• Zero foreign currency markup, complimentary airport lounge access (two domestic visits per quarter and three international visits annually).
• A ₹3,000 MakeMyTrip voucher on activation, along with milestone rewards on annual spending.
• Comprehensive insurance benefits covering lost baggage, delayed flights, and overseas medical emergencies so you’re always protected on the move.
• A 24×7 global concierge service further elevates your travel by assisting with reservations, itineraries, and emergencies.
• Complimentary golf rounds and lessons along with Golf Concierge service exclusively available to Mastercard cardholders.

HDFC INFINIA Credit Card (Metal Edition)

Synonymous with exclusivity, the metal edition of HDFC INFINIA credit card delivers unmatched travel luxury and rewards, including:

• 2% forex markup.
• Priority Pass lounge access worldwide for both primary and secondary cardholders.
• Unlimited complimentary golf rounds and lessons at leading courses globally.
• 5X reward points on SmartBuy travel bookings, with a 1:1 redemption value on flights and hotels.
• 24×7 concierge service, zero liability on lost cards, and premium global assistance.

IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura Metal Credit Card

Crafted for discerning travellers, the IDFC FIRST Mayura Metal credit Card on Mastercard network combines industry-first features like zero forex markup with premium lifestyle privileges. It comes with:

• Zero foreign currency markup on international transactions.
• 8 complimentary lounge or spa visits per quarter (4 domestic + 4 international) and railway lounge access and guest privileges.
• A trip cancellation cover up to ₹50,000 and comprehensive travel insurance.
• Up to 60X reward points on spends, redeemable for travel, dining, and lifestyle experiences.
• Curated movie and golf privileges, fuel surcharge waiver, roadside assistance, and premium offers from top brands.

Axis Horizon Credit Card

For travellers with a passion for exploration, the Axis Bank Horizon credit card powered by Mastercard serves as a gateway to seamless, rewarding journeys. Its key features include:

• EDGE Miles—Earn 5 Miles per ₹100 on flight and travel bookings, and 2 Miles per ₹100 on everyday spends. Redeem them at 1:1 value for flights, hotels, and more.
• Complimentary airport lounge access with up to 32 domestic visits and 8 international visits annually.
• A welcome gift of 5,000 EDGE Miles and 1,500 renewal miles every year.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver and exclusive dining perks through EazyDiner discounts.
• Lost card liability insurance up to ₹10 lakh and protection across trips.

Kotak IndiGo 6E Rewards Credit Card

Perfect for IndiGo loyalists, the Kotak IndiGo 6E Rewards credit card ensures smarter, more affordable journeys in the skies. It comes with:

• A welcome IndiGo flight ticket worth ₹3,000 plus 6E Prime benefits valued at ₹1,099.
• 6% rewards on IndiGo bookings, 3% on dining, groceries & entertainment, and 2% on other spends.
• 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually.
• Lower convenience fee on flight bookings and seamless 6E Rewards redemption.
• Milestone bonuses and faster airport check-in and boarding when flying IndiGo.

Whether jet-setting for business or leisure, these credit cards redefine what it means to travel smart in 2025. With features that blend luxury, security, and savings, they serve as trusted companions for the modern Indian traveller. Choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle and let every journey be as rewarding as the destination itself.

Affrika Blackmon brings 10 years of social services experience to the growing nonprofit.

(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 4, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently named Affrika Blackmon as one of its Community Support Specialists. With more than 10 years of experience in social services, Blackmon will focus on connecting families, child care providers, and community members with the information and support they need through Missouri’s statewide Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) system.

Affrika Blackmon

Blackmon’s newly created position is made possible by a contract with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood, which provides dedicated focus in serving Missouri families with young children in need of help. In her position, she will represent CCAMO and serve the Missouri Childhood Resource and Referral (MCRR) Center, which provides crucial child care subsidy navigation for parents going to school or taking a job and connects families to essential resources across the state including locating child care.

Prior to joining CCAMO, Blackmon was the Social Service Coordinator for Volunteers of America and a Senior Social Services Specialist at the Department of Mental Health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Criminal Justice from Ashford University in San Diego, California.

“We are delighted to have Affrika bring her deep commitment and proven leadership in social services to our organization,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “Her expertise will be instrumental as we work to break down barriers to ensure every Missouri family can find and access quality child care.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

TruAlt Bioenergy and Sumitomo Corporation Ink Landmark Bioenergy Agreement in Tokyo During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Japan Visit

New Delhi, 03 September 2025 – In a landmark moment for Indo–Japanese cooperation, TruAlt Bioenergy Limited (TBL), India’s leading producer of biofuels, and Sumitomo Corporation, one of Japan’s largest integrated trading and investment groups, formally announced an ongoing discussion of a strategic bioenergy partnership during the Japan–India Next-Generation Economic Forum, held in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Shigeru Ishiba.

The agreement will mark a new milestone in the India–Japan partnership, uniting India’s ambition to achieve energy sovereignty and emerge as a global hub for biofuels with Japan’s expertise in advanced decarbonization technologies under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). It reflects the shared resolve of both nations to accelerate the goals of the Paris Agreement, enhance energy security and foster sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

The collaboration lays out a clear roadmap for investments, beginning with the development of four state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants in Karnataka and Maharashtra. These projects are expected to create around 700 direct and indirect jobs and unlock an additional 800 to 1,000 livelihood opportunities. Building on this foundation, the partnership will expand into future projects in ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sectors that are critical to India’s clean energy transition and the global decarbonization agenda. To implement this vision, a Joint Venture Company (JVC) will be established, with TruAlt Bioenergy holding 51% and Sumitomo Corporation 49%. The initiative is designed to enhance farmer incomes, drive rural industrialization, and strengthen India’s energy self-reliance, while laying the groundwork for scaled investments in ethanol and SAF in the years ahead.

The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) will serve as a cornerstone of this collaboration, channeling Japan’s advanced low-carbon technologies into India’s bioenergy sector while ensuring transparent crediting of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. By linking investment with measurable climate outcomes, the JCM will accelerate India’s bioenergy transition, reinforce Japan’s decarbonization contributions, and strengthen both nations’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). More importantly, it sets a global precedent for how bilateral partnerships can transform climate ambition into concrete action combining technology, finance and sustainability at scale.

Vijay Nirani, Founder & Managing Director of TruAlt Bioenergy, said:

“Biofuels lie at the heart of India’s quest for energy sovereignty and are integral to our Panchamrit commitments of lowering carbon intensity and expanding renewables. This partnership with Sumitomo Corporation represents the convergence of their global expertise in sustainable enterprise and TruAlt Bioenergy’s leadership in India’s biofuels sector. Anchored in the Joint Crediting Mechanism, it is designed not only to accelerate India’s clean energy transition but also to contribute meaningfully to Japan’s climate commitments. Together, we are laying the foundation for India to emerge as a global hub for biofuels while empowering farmers, strengthening rural economies and building a resilient, green future for generations to come.”