Archives 2025

Bangkok/New Delhi, Nov 29: Sanjay Laul, Founder & CEO of Laul Global and the architect behind the global education powerhouse MSM Unify, has been recognized as “Asia’s Most Inspirational Leader 2025” at the prestigious Asian Brand & Leadership Conclave 2025, held in Bangkok.

Organized by The Brand Story, with EY as Process Advisors, and supported by the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry as Industry Partner, the conclave brought together distinguished leaders and institutions shaping the future of business, innovation, and impact across Asia.

This recognition honors a leadership journey defined by conviction, resilience, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of global education.

From the early vision of building transparent and scalable international education pathways, Sanjay Laul has led MSM Unify to become one of the fastest-growing education and mobility platforms globally, prioritizing long-term impact over short-term outcomes.

A first-generation entrepreneur with more than 25 years of leadership experience, Sanjay has built an ecosystem that empowers universities, workforce institutions, and students worldwide, advancing fair access to education and economic mobility.

He has founded and scaled a portfolio of global institutions and education businesses—including MSM Unify, Eton College, Taylor Pro College, Multihexa, Innivec, and Q Academy—enabling working professionals and international students to access world-class academic and career opportunities.

On receiving the award Sanjay Laul Said; “I am honored to receive the title of Asia’s Most Inspirational Leader 2025. Leadership is never a solitary journey—this recognition reflects the collective belief, perseverance, and responsibility shared across our teams, partners, universities, and stakeholders worldwide. Our commitment remains focused on shaping meaningful global education pathways where every deserving learner can access opportunity with transparency, dignity, and empowerment.”

Sanjay is widely recognized for pioneering transformational models such as: Global Marketing Office (GMO)

• A scalable in-country partnership framework enabling universities to:
• Strengthen global brand presence
• Improve student engagement
• Increase conversion rates by 30–40%

The GMO model is now adopted by leading universities across Canada, the UK, Australia, and Europe, setting a global benchmark in ethical and transparent international recruitment.

Through AI-powered program matching, digital counseling tools, virtual engagement infrastructure, and real-time application tracking, MSM Unify connects students and partners to:

• 1,500+ institutions
• 180,000+ students
• 70+ countries

It operates with a team of 750 professionals across six continents, delivering 100–300% YoY growth, and expanding market leadership across education, workforce development, and technology-led employability.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, Sanjay led MSM Unify’s rapid digital transformation, building a virtual admissions and recruitment ecosystem that enabled uninterrupted learning and engagement worldwide—a turning point that reshaped sector dynamics.

Sanjay’s leadership philosophy centers on clarity, accountability, and the belief that education transforms nations. His impact initiatives include:

• Scholarships and skill-building programs through the Laul Foundation
• Digital learning access for Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions
• Partnerships with global certification leaders such as Microsoft and AWS
• A diverse workforce representing 20+ nationalities
• 47% women in leadership across MSM Group

He also champions leadership development through the “Leaders in Motion” program, building future-ready global education operators.

With strong double-digit growth momentum and rapidly expanding international presence, Laul Global’s portfolio continues to advance cross-border education, employability, and technology-enabled learning pathways that equip individuals and economies for the future of work.

Mumbai/Bengaluru, Nov 28: NutrifyToday Academy has appointed Dr Balkumar Marthi as its new President, tasking the veteran foods leader with accelerating university-originated research into products that can be scaled and commercialised across the industry.

The Academy’s Founder, Amit Srivastava, says, “Dr Marthi’s appointment is a turning point for the Academy. He is the best person to connect university labs with commercial markets because he has a unique mix of global R&D leadership, regulatory knowledge, and academic innovation. Our goal is still the same: to make the supply chain more open so that innovation doesn’t have to wait. With Dr Balkumar in charge, we’re ready to speed up that mission and turn groundbreaking research into products that can really grow.”

A microbiologist by training (PhD, University of Delaware), Marthi brings three decades of experience spanning global R&D, industry associations, and science-based regulatory engagement. He used to work for Unilever in senior research roles, such as an Expertise Director at the company’s R&D centre in the Netherlands. He has worked on improving food safety and innovation in many areas.

Most recently, Marthi held academic leadership roles at GITAM (Deemed to be University), including Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where he helped drive venture development and industry partnerships that brought student and faculty ideas closer to real-world application. Public statements and coverage from 2023 highlight his work mentoring student innovators and strengthening GITAM’s innovation ecosystem.

Marthi is a well-known figure in India’s food safety and regulatory scene, both in corporate and campus hallways. He chaired the Scientific Advisory Committee of the CII-HUL Initiative on Food Safety Sciences (CHIFSS). This platform works with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to advance science-based risk analysis and training. He has also spoken on these subjects at CII’s Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Summit.

At NutrifyToday Academy, Marthi will steer programs that knit together universities, researchers, and industry to fast-track new product development. The Academy has already convened senior faculty and industry leaders in courses such as New Product Development & Commercialisation, where Marthi has served as Head of Department and curriculum lead.

A central pillar of his mandate will be to leverage NutrifyGenie AI—Nutrify Today’s curated AI engine that maps ingredients, clinical evidence and multi-country regulatory guardrails—to help teams move from ideation to commercialisation with greater speed and compliance. The platform supports formulation design, claims architecture, and label/regulatory checks across key markets. It has also been profiled in industry outlets for its role in compressing go-to-market timelines.

Dr Balkumar Marthi, President of NutrifyToday Academy, says, “I’m excited to join Nutrify Today Academy when the nutrition industry needs faster, smarter ways to get research into the market. I’ve spent decades dealing with the complexities of food safety,regulations, and product innovation. I’ve seen how great ideas can go to waste without the right environment. The Academy is a one-of-a-kind place where researchers, industry partners, and regulatory experts can all connect. It helps innovators go from coming up with ideas to making money with both speed and scientific rigour. Our goal is to work together to get more people access to functional nutrition that tastes good, faster.”

Given rising demand for great-tasting functional products, the Academy under Marthi is also expected to emphasise flavour design and taste-masking—a perennial barrier in nutraceuticals—by combining formulation science with vendor ecosystems spotlighted on the NutrifyGenie knowledge base. Industry literature points to techniques ranging from flavour modulators to microencapsulation to neutralise off-notes without compromising efficacy.

 Nov 28:-Learning Spiral successfully organized the Skilling Conclave Skills Roadmap for New Age India in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Department of Higher & Technical Education, Government of West Bengal. Held at The Park Hotel, Park Street, the event brought together senior government officials, leading academicians, and technology experts to discuss India’s evolving skills ecosystem.

The keynote address was delivered by Shri Binod Kumar, Principal Secretary, School & Higher Education, Government of West Bengal, who highlighted the state’s commitment to strengthening digital learning, fostering industry–academia collaboration, and preparing students for a tech-driven future. The event highlighted that the future of India’s education system hinges on how quickly and effectively we integrate modern skills into our academic framework.

Mr. Manish Mohta, Founder, Learning Spiral, said;

“The future of higher education, future-ready skill development, a national skills roadmap, and the transformative power of AI for education, it has become evident that institutions must embrace cloud-based learning ecosystems and emerging technologies without delay. This is no longer optionalit’s essential for building an agile, employable, and innovation-driven generation. We believe that collaboration between government, academia, and tech leaders will be the key to preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The conclave witnessed active participation from key dignitaries, including the Secretary, DHE, Govt. of West Bengal; Director, DTE, Govt. of West Bengal; Prof. Amlan Chakraborty, Director, A.K. Chowdhury School of IT, University of Calcutta; and AWS leaders Sumita Gupta and Rohit Sharma.

The Skilling Conclave reaffirmed LSL’s commitment to enabling a future-ready India by fostering dialogue, innovation, and partnerships that support the next generation of learners, educators, and institutions.

India’s wedding spending has become a significant contributor to short-term personal loan demand, especially among self-funded couples. With inflationary pressures, higher venue and service costs, and rising gold prices pushing wedding budgets beyond initial estimates, last-mile credit requirements have increased sharply.

A 2023 IndiaLends survey found that about 26% of brides and grooms who planned to self-fund their weddings considered personal loans, underscoring how widespread and mainstream the use of digital credit has become during high-spend wedding cycles.

Fintech lenders, with their instant disbursals, lean documentation, and small-to-mid ticket loan ranges, are playing a pivotal role in meeting this surge. Here are the platforms that actively support instant wedding-driven borrowings and address the growing demand for quick, reliable personal credit during peak spending cycles:

RupeeRedee;

Tech driven digital lending platform, founded in 2018 to provide quick and hassle free personal loans to underserved segments of the Indian population. By leveraging advanced technologies and robust data protection, RupeeRedee Simplifies the borrowing process for individuals who may not have access to traditional banking services. The platform focuses on offering medium-sized loans (up to 1,49,000) with minimal documentation, making it accessible to individuals from lower-income groups, especially those in need of immediate financial assistance. RupeeRedee operates through its captive Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), FincFriends Private Limited, ensuring faster loan disbursals and a seamless KYC Process.

MoneyView;

MoneyView is a leading digital lending platform that provides fully paperless personal loans to salaried and self-employed individuals across India. Established with a focus on accessibility and financial inclusion, the platform uses proprietary credit models to evaluate borrowers beyond traditional credit scores. MoneyView offers flexible loan amounts and repayment tenures, supported by a fast disbursal process and minimal documentation. Its technology-led underwriting enables wider credit access, especially for users with limited credit history.

CASHe;

CASHe is an AI-driven digital lending platform offering short- to medium-term personal loans tailored for young professionals. Founded to bridge the gap in instant credit availability, CASHe leverages machine learning–based credit evaluation through its proprietary Social Loan Quotient (SLQ) scoring system. The platform provides quick approvals, flexible tenures, and app-based KYC, making it suitable for borrowers seeking time-sensitive funding. Its product suite addresses small-ticket requirements with a strong focus on speed and convenience.

True Balance;

True Balance is a mobile-first fintech platform focused on extending small-ticket personal loans to underserved and new-to-credit users across Tier II and Tier III markets. Backed by alternative data-driven credit assessment, the platform simplifies borrowing for individuals with limited access to formal banking. True Balance offers quick-disbursal loans with minimal documentation, designed to support day-to-day liquidity needs. Its inclusive approach aims to strengthen financial access for lower-income and first-time borrowers.

KreditBee;

KreditBee is a rapidly growing fintech lending platform that provides instant personal loans to salaried and self-employed individuals. Using streamlined digital onboarding and robust risk assessment models, KreditBee enables borrowers to access medium-value credit with quick approvals and short processing times. The platform offers flexible tenures and transparent pricing, catering to users seeking reliable and convenient credit solutions for planned and unplanned expenses. Its strong penetration among young earners makes it a key player in India’s digital lending ecosystem.

Fibe (formerly EarlySalary);

Fibe, earlier known as EarlySalary, is a consumer-focused fintech brand offering instant personal loans and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to salaried professionals. The platform combines fast digital onboarding with advanced credit scoring to provide affordable, short-term credit. Fibe’s offerings include salary advances, shopping credit, and personal loans designed for users needing immediate financial support. With quick disbursal and flexible EMI options, the platform caters to customers seeking convenient, app-based borrowing without extensive paperwork.

Bengaluru, , Nov 28: The State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Karnataka, in collaboration with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), organised an Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Outreach Programme to enhance awareness and accelerate enrolments across the state, particularly among low-income and unorganised sector workers.

APY, a flagship guaranteed pension scheme of the Government of India, provides social security to citizens aged 18–40 years. The scheme offers a fixed monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 upon attaining 60 years, with lifetime benefits for the spouse and return of the accumulated corpus to the nominee.

The programme was chaired by Shri Pravesh Kumar, Chief General Manager, PFRDA. Shri M. Bhaskara Chakravarthy, Convenor  SLBC Karnataka and General Manager, Canara Bank, delivered the welcome address, followed by the inaugural address by Smt. K. B. Geetha, General Manager, SLBC Karnataka, Canara Bank.

Senior officials, including Shri Arunkumar P and Shri Saket Kumar from NABARD and RBI, and Shri Sunil Kurtkoti, Financial Advisor, Government of Karnataka, emphasised the importance of banks and Lead District Managers (LDMs) targeting uncovered populations in semi-urban and rural areas, and conducting focused drives for contractual state government workers.

Karnataka Achievements under APY (FY 2024–25)

• Enrolments: 6.17 lakh against a target of 7.75 lakh (80% of state target)

• State Ranking: 9th among large states | 14th nationally

Outstanding Performers Recognised;

1. Annual Awards of Lead District Manager FY 2024–25
   Districts Covered: Yadgir, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Vijayanagar, Chitradurga, Raichur, Vijayapura, Gadag, Chamarajanagar, Ballari, Davanagere, Belagavi, Bagalkote, Haveri, Kolar, Mysuru, Mandya, Tumkur

2. Annual Awards of State Controlling Head of Banks FY 2024–25
   Awarded Teams: Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Karnataka Grameena Bank, IndusInd Bank, South Canara DCC Bank, IDBI Bank, IDFC First Bank, South Indian Bank, Yes Bank, Karnataka Bank

Shri Ajay Kumar Podishetty, Assistant Manager, PFRDA, provided a detailed presentation on APY operations, including best practices for enrolment.

The programme also included a comprehensive review of bank-wise and district-wise performance, with banks and LDMs urged to intensify outreach efforts to achieve remaining targets for FY 2024–25.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Pradeep Kumar, Divisional Manager, SLBC Karnataka.

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.