Archives November 2025

By- Mr. Vishad Turakhia, MD & CEO Equirus Securities  ;

Australia has seen a sharp rise in international education demand, with the total number of overseas student visa-holders crossing 608,000 by late 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks. Indian students now represent roughly 17% of this cohort, cementing India as one of Australia’s strongest education corridors. Yet, despite such strong demand, the study-abroad financing journey remains complex, scattered, and stressful for families, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

NiviCap has been built to fix exactly that. It has been built to solve the real challenges Indian students and their families face when planning education in Australia. More than just a loan provider, it offers straightforward, transparent education loans that cover tuition, living expenses, visa costs, and travel, with loans up to ₹45 lakh and competitive interest rates based on creditworthiness.

Backed by the founders of ZIKSU, Australia’s homegrown fintech, it combines knowledge of the Indian market with on-the-ground experience in Australia so that parents know precisely where their money is going and when.  The NiviCap App goes beyond loans; it helps families with more than just loans. It also makes it easier for them to send and receive money, pick up students at the airport, and hold their hands when they arrive so they don’t have to figure things out on their own in a new nation. Everything from applying to getting money to living in Australia is designed to be quick, straightforward, and digital, with human help when it’s needed most. This way, students can focus on their future and parents can feel their stress levels drop at every stage. Strengthening this bridge of trust is the presence of Justin Langer, former Australian cricket coach, who supports NiviCap as its Brand Ambassador, resonating with the platform’s values of guidance, reliability, and mentorship.

Mr. Karthik Srinivasan, Founder, NiviCap;shared, “As an Indian-born Australian, I’ve lived the same journey that lakhs of Indian students aspire to every year. Today, around 5.2 lakh Indian students want to study in Australia, but only about 1.6 lakh make it, often because the financial process feels overwhelming, fragmented, or unclear. Nearly 80% depend on loans, yet many families struggle with documentation, cross-border regulations, and the emotional stress of managing finances across two countries. Having worked in banking across India and Australia, I’ve seen firsthand how these challenges can make academic dreams feel distant.”

“That is why we built NiviCap App, not just as a loan platform, but as a holistic, industry-led support system for students and their families. ‘Fast. Fair. Family Approved.’ isn’t just our promise, it’s the commitment that shaped this platform.”.

New Delhi,   Nov 28:Primebook India, a deep-tech startup committed to building India’s first computing ecosystem, today announced a successful funding extension of $250,000 in a mix of primary and secondary shares fromEkamya Capital, following its $2 million Pre-Series A fund raise in April 2025 at a valuation of $15 million.

This funding will be strategically directed towards advancing Primebook’s proprietary operating system, PrimeOS, and enhancing its AI and Cloud PC infrastructure, while reinforcing brand trust and consumer accessibility across India. 

R&D focus areas include;

• Enhancing the current screen-aware contextual AI and building a foundational AI layer capable of performing routine actions for users.

• Investing in AI research and development talent, and data security frameworks.

• Continuing to deepen Prime X Cloud PC integration, allowing seamless handoff between local and cloud environments.

Branding focus areas include;

• Expanding offline retail footprint and enhancing after-sales and service infrastructure 

• Launching user education and awareness programmes around PrimeOS features and responsible AI use, data privacy, etc. 

Speaking about the investment, Mr. Chitranshu Mahant, Co-founder & CEO of Primebook, said: “This funding rounds out our commitment to helping every young Indian access smart, secure, and cost-effective computing devices. Our next priority is to transition PrimeOS into a future-ready, robust ecosystem. The one that doesn’t just power laptops but empowers users. We’re working towards a world where technology adapts to individuals, not the other way around. A world where every student, creator, and professional can access the same quality of digital opportunity, regardless of geography or background. We are grateful to Ekamya VC for aligning with us on the same vision and supporting our next phase of innovation and growth.”

Adding to this, Mr. Aman Verma, Co-founder & COO of Primebook, shared: “Of course, by using AI and cloud innovation, we aim to craft more personalised, engaging, and relevant experiences for our users. But beyond technology, we want Primebook to stand for something meaningful, a brand that reflects the spirit, ambition, and creativity of young India. Primebook represents a shift in digital independence for the youth, not just in terms of accessibility, but in ownership of their digital future.”

Expressing confidence in the brand’s direction, Mr. Gaurav Kapoor, Founder & Managing Partner – Ekamya Capital, stated: “We’re excited to announce our investment in Primebook, which is building the first computing ecosystem in India. As personal computing evolves past traditional systems, PrimeOS represents an ambitious outcome in terms of making laptop experiences more accessible, flexible, connected, and efficient for learners and doers. The entire ecosystem of Primebook, including the cloud integration, AI-powered capabilities, and productivity tools, is forging a new path for how youth today learn, create, and work. As they combine a rigorous R&D focus with scalable innovation and cost-effectiveness, Primebook is expanding the definitions of modern computing. We’re excited to support a team committed to building impactful devices and redefining what everyday computing means for millions.”

Ongoing backing from renowned investors such asEkamya Capital only reinforces the rising confidence in Primebook’s ability to reshape the high price-to-performance ratio technology space in India. 

Built for Young India, Primebook stands for intelligent, inclusive, and future-ready computing. Rooted in India’s digital landscape, its Android-based PrimeOS operating system empowers first-time laptop users to move seamlessly from consumption to creation. By tactfully blending functional hardware with advanced software intelligence, Primebook is shaping a culture of digital confidence, where the young generation takes control of their technology and grows with it. 

Nov 28: buildAhome, one of India’s leading turnkey home construction companies, has announced a series of major updates aimed at enhancing transparency, customer experience and sector-wide organisation in the individual home construction market.

Established in 2016, buildAhome has grown from a four-member startup into a trusted construction partner with over 1,000 completed homes across more than 15 cities. The company continues to operate through a robust in-house model comprising architects, engineers, MEP specialists and finishing experts, ensuring complete quality control, predictable timelines and cost clarity for homeowners.

Adding to its efforts to simplify and standardise the homebuilding journey, buildAhome has unveiled its first Knowledge Centre in Bengaluru. This experiential space is designed to educate and empower prospective homeowners by giving them a transparent view of the construction process. The centre features a distinctive glass-floor display showcasing over 100 construction materials in the exact sequence they appear during building. It also houses digital exhibits that explain structural planning, MEP systems, quality checks and sustainability practices. Visitors can explore a vast visual library of more than 10,000 images, use a real-time cost calculator and access project documentation from over 1,000 completed sites. With the introduction of Annual Maintenance Contracts, the company further reinforces its commitment to long-term support and customer confidence.

On the technology front, buildAhome is strengthening its ERP-integrated digital system that connects architects, engineers, vendors and clients on a unified platform. Homeowners can track every stage of their project—materials, milestones, updates and billing—through a dedicated mobile interface, offering a level of transparency that is uncommon in the construction sector.

To amplify its message of trust and reliability, buildAhome recently onboarded cricket legend Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador. The campaign, titled “Banni, let’s build a home,” reflects the company’s promise of a worry-free and transparent building experience.

buildAhome also continues to prioritise sustainable construction through initiatives such as solar integration, rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly home design, highlighted through its IGBC Platinum-certified project, Urvi.

With these strategic updates, buildAhome reaffirms its vision of making homebuilding in India transparent, organised and technology-driven, while continuing to build lasting trust with homeowners.

New Delhi, Nov 27: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., India’s pioneer in compact farming solutions, unveiled its first-ever EV Power Tiller and EV Power Weeder at the 9th EIMA AGRIMACH, at PUSA, New Delhi. The products were formally unveiled by Smt. S. Rukmani, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(M&T), Government of India. This launch marks VST’s entry into the fully electric farm machinery space and reinforces its commitment to future-ready, sustainable agricultural solutions.

Designed to support the evolving needs of Indian farmers, the new electric range offers eco-friendly performance, reduced operating costs, and ease of use, ushering in a new era of green farming solutions.

Speaking about the milestone, Mr. Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors, shared that the new electric models are fully engineered and manufactured in-house at VST’s advanced facilities. “The introduction of our Electric Tiller and Electric Weeder underscores VST’s ongoing mission to empower farmers with advanced, efficient, and sustainable technologies. Our EV solutions are designed to deliver high performance with minimal environmental impact, aligning with India’s clean energy goals”.

VST’s electric mobility journey is rooted in years of collaboration with leading global electric tractor OEMs, where it has supplied advanced drivetrain components for autonomous and next-generation electric tractors. Building on this deep expertise and guided by a strong commitment to self-reliant innovation the company is now ready to channel global EV learnings into India’s small-farm mechanization landscape. Through indigenous, future-ready solutions, VST aims to redefine productivity, sustainability, and affordability for the next era of smallholder farming.

Comprehensive Product Showcase at EIMA AGRIMACH 2025

In addition to the EV tiller and weeder range, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd displayed an extensive lineup of its advanced products, demonstrating the company’s strong portfolio across power tillers, tractors, and attachments:

· Electric Start Power Tillers(13 HP and 16 HP )

· Weeders- Ranger 50, Ranger 80 FR & Ranger 80 RR Models (with crop specific attachments)

· Maize Reaper

· Engine for Portable Power Solutions

· VST Zetor – 50 HP Tractor Model

Expanding Global Footprint

To strengthen its global growth strategy, VST is aiming to introduce its electric range in European and other international markets.

Strong Market Momentum

VST continues to lead the Indian tiller segment, with strong performance in FY25:

Power Tillers: 37,297 units (vs. 36,480 in FY24)
The introduction of electric power tillers and weeders is expected to further accelerate VST’s momentum and support India’s transition toward sustainable and efficient farming.

Nov 27: Dubai is a city that constantly reinvents luxury, offering refined experiences that blend elegance with adventure. Beyond its iconic landmarks, the emirate hides a collection of extraordinary moments waiting to be discovered – from sky-high helicopter tours to serene mountain retreats. Whether you’re seeking indulgent escapes, breathtaking views, or unforgettable sensory delights, these hidden luxuries reveal a side of Dubai where every moment feels personal, intimate, and effortlessly lavish which is far beyond the typical tourist trail.

Take to the Skies: A High-Flying Helicopter Adventure

Soar above the city’s most mesmerizing icons on an exclusive helicopter tour, offering a rare bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s architectural wonders. Lifting off from Palm Jumeirah, this experience takes you across the shimmering coastline, past the Burj Al Arab, and around the towering Burj Khalifa. With live narration and uninterrupted panoramas, it’s an exhilarating yet elegant way to witness Dubai’s grandeur. Whether you’re capturing skyline shots or simply soaking in the moment, this flight transforms sightseeing into a sophisticated airborne escape.

Discover Timeless Luxury at Al Maha, Dubai’s Desert Hideaway

Escape to Al Maha, a secluded luxury retreat set within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Its 42 Bedouin-style villas offer private temperature-controlled pools, sweeping dune views, and refined interiors accented with regional antiques. Step into a world where desert silence, roaming wildlife, and glowing sunsets elevate every moment. Enjoy bespoke experiences—from camel treks and nature walks to elegant private dining on your villa deck. Al Maha transforms the desert into an intimate, indulgent escape crafted for true tranquillity.

Sail Into Golden Hour with Nara on the Sea

Set sail on Lady Nara, Sonara Camp’s contemporary dhow that brings a polished, modern touch to the Dubai Water Canal. The journey drifts past mangroves and skyline silhouettes, all washed in the soft glow of sunset, while chef Gregory Khellouf’s Mediterranean-leaning menu adds a refined culinary layer to the experience. With its chic setting and easy, unhurried rhythm on the water, guests are treated to world-class service, gourmet menus and an ambience that perfectly blends refinement, luxury and relaxation.

Taste Pure Gold with a 24K cappuccino experience

For those seeking a touch of pure extravagance, the 24-karat Gold Cappuccino at Burj Al Arab delivers a moment of indulgence unlike any other. Brewed to perfection and crowned with edible gold flakes, this house classic elevates a coffee break into a signature Burj Al Arab experience. Whether enjoyed at the elegant Observation Lounge or the breezy UMA Lounge, it embodies the effortless glamour at the heart of the world’s most luxurious hotel.

Glamping Under the Stars at Hatta Dome Park

Escape the city’s pulse and retreat to Hatta Dome Park nestled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, where luxury meets wilderness in 15 meticulously designed dome tents. Each dome offers panoramic mountain vistas, a private terrace and fire pit, and all comforts of a boutique stay in king-sized beds, plush furnishings, and modern amenities that allow you to unwind under an open sky. Step outside, and the crisp mountain air, the flicker of firelight and a blanket of stars set the scene for a serene night of glamping.

Pune,  Nov 27:- BatteryPool, a pioneering pay-as-you-go EV battery access platform, has raised ₹8 crore in its Pre-Series A round, led by Inflection Point Ventures, with participation from Indian Angel Network (IAN), Chennai Angels, Keiretsu Forum, and notable HNIs. Currently managing 2,000+ batteries across six cities, BatteryPool plans to scale its battery fleet 10x over the next 18 months, strengthening its national footprint.

BatteryPool’s competitive edge lies in its proprietary hardware and IoT-enabled battery management system, powering one of India’s most flexible sachet-style energy platforms for EV users. As the first company in the country to allow riders to pay in small daily, weekly, or monthly amounts, BatteryPool has made EV adoption significantly more accessible. This low-commitment, pay-as-you-go model is witnessing strong uptake across cities, proving that simplified payments can unlock mass EV adoption.

Vikram Ramasubramanian, Inflection Point Ventures, said;
“As India accelerates EV adoption, fast and efficient charging becomes critical—any delay impacts rider income and business operations. BatteryPool solves this by offering seamless, pay-as-you-go access to charged batteries, keeping riders constantly mobile. Their model maximizes the lifecycle value of every battery, creating multiple revenue streams from a single asset.”

Founded in 2020 by Ashwin Shankar, a Stanford-trained electrical engineer with experience at Schlumberger and NASA, BatteryPool blends deep engineering expertise with systems-level thinking shaped by his role in a leading technology policy think tank.

Ashwin Shankar, Founder, BatteryPool, said;
“The sachet model revolutionized consumer access in India from mobile data to daily essentials. EVs are next. Our pay-as-you-go battery model makes electric mobility truly affordable. Our focus now is on strengthening the ecosystem, expanding battery access, enhancing user experience, and supporting everyday riders as India transitions to electric mobility.”

India has over 2 million electric two- and three-wheelers on the road today, with another 2 million expected to be added in FY25. As EV adoption accelerates, the demand for simple, reliable, and scalable battery access solutions continues to grow rapidly.

IFP Season 15 is gearing up to take over Mehboob Studios on November 29 & 30 with a power-packed lineup of creators, artists, filmmakers, performers, and industry disruptors from across the country. This year’s edition brings together some of the most exciting voices shaping India’s creative landscape, from storytellers redefining cinema and digital culture to musicians, comedians, designers, and cultural innovators who continue to push boundaries. Amid this stellar slate, audiences can also look forward to sessions featuring five remarkable women: Shefali Shah, Raja Kumari, Ananya Panday, Richa Chadha,  and Shilpa Rao whose perspectives and artistry add even more depth, fire, and creative energy to the weekend.

Shefali Shah – Many Shades of Shefali Shah;

From Delhi Crime to Darlings, Shefali Shah is known for characters that feel raw, lived-in, and unforgettable.  At IFP she leads a masterclass on building her 5 most complex characters, offering an inside look at how instinct, experience, and emotional truth drive her performances.

Expressing her excitement for the session, she said, “I have been fortunate to play roles that challenged me, moved me, and stayed with audiences in ways I never expected. Whether it was the intensity of Delhi Crime, the complexities of Darlings, or the early grounding years of Satya, each phase shaped my journey as an actor. Speaking about that evolution is always a meaningful reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place. Breaking down that journey with an audience that values the craft feels deeply special. IFP has built a platform where creators and viewers meet with sincerity and curiosity, and I am excited to be a part of that spirit this year.”

Raja Kumari – Making of Kashi to Kailash;

Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, and songwriter Raja Kumari has created a space where Indian roots meet global beats. At IFP, she dives into the making of “Kashi to Kailash”, sharing how identity, collaboration, and cultural resonance shape her artistic world.

Ananya Panday – Owning the Plot;

Today, Ananya has become one of the most watched young talents, constantly pushing herself to explore fresh worlds and genres through her cinema. At IFP Season 15, she will be reflecting on finding her creative voice and navigating the ever-evolving world of entertainment.

Richa Chadha – Redefining the Everyday Heroine;

Richa Chadha has reshaped the modern heroine with characters that are unapologetic, layered, and rooted in reality. At IFP, she leads a conversation that challenges outdated portrayals of women and spotlights the creators pushing representation forward. Her session unpacks what it means to play women who are neither idealized nor diminished, how intuition and emotional intelligence guide her choices, and how she continues to expand the definition of a heroine in an industry embracing new narratives.

Shilpa Rao – Singing from the Soul;

With a career built on depth, texture, and soulful storytelling, Shilpa Rao remains one of India’s most expressive vocalists. At IFP, she dives into an intimate session exploring her musical journey, creative process, and the emotional honesty that shapes her sound.

These five women  alongside a vibrant lineup of creators  bring power, perspective, and originality to the stage, with sessions that promise to be the heartbeat of IFP Season 15.

Bengaluru,  Nov 27: Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited proudly announces the launch of Zone by The Park, New Market, Kolkata, a stylish urban getaway located in the heart of the city. With this launch, the Group further strengthens its presence in West Bengal with THE Park Kolkata, The Denmark Tavern in Serampore, and the existing Zone by The Park near Biswa Bangala Convention Centre and Zone by The Park Digha.

Centrally located just and a few kilometres from iconic landmarks such as the Indian Museum, Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, and the city’s buzzing shopping streets, Zone by The Park, New Market connects guests to the soul of Kolkata while offering a modern retreat to unwind.

Featuring 42 well-appointed rooms, the signature all-day dining restaurant Bazaar – offering global cuisines, and the legendary Flurys in its lobby, the hotel is a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Guests can relax and recharge in un-boxy spaces with playful interiors, smart amenities, and cozy comforts – as vibrant as the city itself. The soon-to-open Townhall can host up to 100 guests, ideal for both business and social gatherings.

Speaking on the launch, Mr Vikas Ahluwalia, General Manager and National Head of Zone by The Park Hotels, stated, “We are delighted to launch Zone by The Park in New Market, Kolkata. This marks our second Zone by The Park hotel for price-conscious design-conscious travellers in the city. It underscores our commitment to expanding our presence in high-demand micro-markets and delivering differentiated experiences that blend social-by-design, connectivity, and collaboration.  This hotel will serve as a hub for official meetings, social gatherings, and events in the city. We would also like to thank our Partners–Sandhu Group for developing the Hotel and trusting us.”

Mr Inder Pal Singh Sandhu, Director, Sandhu Group opined; “We are delighted with this launch and happy to be forging a bond with one of the oldest hospitality companies in India. By associating with Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, we are confident of creating opportunities for growth and value for all the stakeholders.”

This launch reinforces the Group’s deep-rooted connection to the City of Joy, bringing a modern expression of its signature hospitality back to the city where it all began.

In an era where educational institutions are racing to expand across cities and countries, Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director of Birla Open Minds, shared a powerful perspective on the art of growing without losing one’s essence.

Speaking at the TAISI Conference 2025 in Goa, Birla addressed the theme “The Multiplication Challenge: Scaling with Soul,” emphasizing that the success of educational expansion lies not in numbers, but in the ability to replicate a school’s spirit and ethos across every new chapter.

“expansion should never come at the cost of identity,” he remarked. “Every new school added to a network should feel like an extension of the same heartbeat, where the mission, values, and spirit remain constant even as the form evolves.”

He explained that for Birla Open Minds, scaling responsibly means aligning people, pedagogy, and purpose. The institution focuses on strengthening leadership pipelines, embedding continuous teacher development programs, and leveraging technology to ensure academic excellence and cultural consistency.

Birla also highlighted how innovation and empathy can coexist in growth journeys. By investing in mentorship models, empowering local school heads, and nurturing communities of practice across campuses, schools can retain their core identity while adapting to regional nuances.

He concluded with an insightful takeaway that moved beyond reflection to action:
“The solution lies in building frameworks that let schools grow like living organisms, rooted in shared values, nourished by collaboration, and evolving with purpose. That’s how we scale with soul.”