All posts by Neel Achary

The 1% Circle, an exclusive luxury fitness and holistic wellness destination, officially launched in Bengaluru on December 26, 2025, marking a new chapter in the city’s evolving wellness landscape. The launch event was held in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Suresh N, Corporator, Bellandur, along with the co-founders of The 1% Circle  Madhukar Joshi, Dhana Teja and Mahesh Babu.

The inauguration witnessed an enthusiastic response from guests, wellness and beauty enthusiasts, and members of the community, underscoring the growing demand for integrated, premium wellness experiences in the city.

Designed as more than just a gym, The 1% Circle is a thoughtfully curated wellness sanctuary that brings together luxury fitness, holistic recovery, and rejuvenation under one roof. The centre features state-of-the-art training facilities alongside advanced recovery offerings such as ice plunge and Steam, creating a balanced approach to performance and wellbeing.

A dedicated wellness and rejuvenation floor further elevates the experience, offering world-class skincare, haircare, and bodycare treatments, setting a new benchmark for self-care and restoration in Bengaluru.

“The 1% Circle was born from the belief that true wellness is intentional, immersive, and deeply personal. We wanted to create a space where fitness, recovery, and self-care come together seamlessly, allowing individuals to invest in themselves at the highest level. This is not just about working out it’s about elevating how Bengaluru experiences wellness,” said Madhukar Joshi, Co-founder, The 1% Circle.

Speaking at the launch, the chief guests appreciated the vision behind The 1% Circle, highlighting the importance of wellness-focused infrastructure in promoting healthier urban lifestyles. The centre is now open and welcomes individuals to explore and experience its offerings firsthand.

With its integrated approach and premium facilities, The 1% Circle aims to create a community for those who view fitness, wellness, and self-care as a way of life.

By:- Mr. Mannuri Vamshi Krishna, Founder & CEO of MedScore

“2025 has been a defining year for MedScore as India’s healthcare supply chain moved from intuition-led credit decisions to real-time financial intelligence. We saw firsthand how disciplined data can transform access to essential medicines, especially in markets where delayed payments and informal lending have silently constrained availability for years. Our work with distributors and retailers showed that stability in healthcare begins with stability in cash flows, and that a credible digital credit identity can be as powerful as inventory itself. This year reaffirmed our belief that financial transparency is the strongest lever for building an equitable, efficient, and resilient healthcare ecosystem. As we step into 2026, MedScore will continue strengthening this backbone by expanding our scoring infrastructure, deepening ERP integrations, and bringing structured credit discipline to every corner of India’s B2B pharma landscape.”

After a phase of rapid expansion and experimentation, the Indian OTT industry in 2025 took a noticeable pause to reassess its direction. Platforms across the ecosystem began re-evaluating what sustainable growth truly means in a crowded and competitive market. Reflecting on the year and sharing his outlook for 2026, Mr. Pratap Jain, Founder & CEO, ChanaJor, offers insight into how the industry evolved across business, content, language, and marketing.

“2025 emerged as a year of course correction for the Indian OTT industry. The focus moved away from aggressive expansion towards building sustainable businesses, with platforms becoming far more mindful of costs, audience retention, and content performance. Rather than chasing scale blindly, the industry began valuing clear positioning and loyal viewership, signalling a shift where discipline mattered more than hype. By this point, OTT had moved past its phase of experimentation, entering a more mature stage defined by sharper business thinking where growth, retention, and relevance took precedence over sheer volume. The conversation was no longer about who launched the most shows, but about who truly understood their audience. Overall, 2025 marked a turning point for the ecosystem, as platforms reassessed how they grow, where they invest, and how they stay relevant in an increasingly crowded market.”

This broader industry shift also shaped ChanaJor’s internal priorities over the year. Jain notes that from both a business and content lens, the focus was on making more deliberate choices rather than expanding aggressively. “For us, 2025 was about investing smarter in content. Instead of increasing volume, we focused on stories that genuinely connect with our Hindi-speaking audience. From a business lens, content led every decision distribution and monetization followed what viewers were actually watching and finishing. The biggest shift was moving from experimentation to conviction-driven storytelling.”

Language and regional focus continued to play a central role in driving growth. According to Jain, ChanaJor’s positioning as a Hindi-only platform became a key strength during the year. “At ChanaJor, our focus has always been clear we are a Hindi-only platform. In 2025, this clarity became our biggest strength. Hindi content allowed us to reach audiences across Tier 2, Tier 3, and emerging markets where relatability matters more than scale. We don’t see language diversity as a necessity for growth; instead, we see depth within Hindi storytelling as our long-term advantage. This focus will remain central in 2026.”

Marketing strategies across the OTT space also reflected this shift towards efficiency and clarity. Jain points out that performance-led approaches dominated spends during the year. “In 2025, marketing spends were largely performance-driven focused on digital discovery, platform integrations, and content-led promotions. Efficiency and measurable outcomes were key.” Looking ahead, he expects a more balanced mix. “In 2026, we expect a gradual shift towards stronger brand-building, while maintaining performance discipline. As the platform matures, trust and recall will play a larger role in driving sustained growth.”

As the industry moves into the new year, Jain says sharper identity-led communication will be a key priority. “Our biggest resolution is to communicate our identity more clearly. Instead of marketing every release aggressively, we want to strengthen what ChanaJor stands for authentic Hindi stories that feel rooted and relatable. Consistency in messaging will matter more than frequency.”

Sharing his view on what lies ahead for the OTT industry, Jain highlights a few defining trends.

“The coming year will be shaped by a stronger focus on viewer retention and engagement, not just acquisition, growth of short and micro-format storytelling with high relatability, and platforms building clear cultural and language identities instead of trying to be everything for everyone. The OTT platforms that succeed in 2026 will be the ones that stay focused, understand their audience deeply, and tell stories with honesty.”

Kolkata, jan 1:- J.D. Birla Institute  Kolkata, has taken a significant step towards strengthening professional education by signing a Memorandum of Understanding  with the Institute of Management Accountants  USA. With this collaboration, JDBI becomes the first college in Eastern India to formally partner with IMA, a globally recognised professional body in the field of management accounting and finance. The MoU marks the beginning of a strategic academic partnership aimed at equipping students with globally relevant skills and credentials.

This milestone reinforces JDBI’s long-standing commitment to career-oriented education and its focus on preparing students for the evolving demands of the professional world. The association with IMA will introduce students to internationally recognised certifications such as Certified Management Accountant  Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis  and Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate  alongside their regular degree programmes.

With a legacy spanning over six decades, J.D. Birla Institute has established itself as a trusted name in higher education. Known for its academic rigour, disciplined learning environment, and emphasis on holistic development, JDBI has consistently nurtured generations of professionals who have gone on to excel in diverse fields. The institution’s illustrious alumni network, comprising industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academicians, stands as a testament to its institutional excellence and academic legacy.

Affiliated to the prestigious Jadavpur University, JDBI benefits from one of India’s most respected academic ecosystems. This affiliation ensures that students receive a strong theoretical foundation supported by robust evaluation standards, while also gaining access to contemporary, industry-oriented learning experiences. The collaboration with IMA seamlessly complements this academic strength by adding a global professional dimension to the curriculum.

JDBI’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern classrooms, digital learning tools, and industry-aligned teaching methodologies create an environment where students can thrive. The institute continuously upgrades its academic offerings to include emerging areas such as data analytics, financial strategy, digital transformation, and sustainable business practices, areas that align closely with the competencies promoted by IMA.

A defining feature of JDBI is its career-focused, professional orientation. The institute places strong emphasis on employability, skill development, and industry readiness. Through this MoU, students will gain early exposure to the management accounting profession, understand global business standards, and develop competencies that employers worldwide value. Workshops, seminars, faculty interaction, and awareness sessions will be conducted to integrate professional learning with academic studies from the very beginning.

The collaboration will directly benefit students by providing structured guidance, mentoring, scholarships, and access to IMA’s global resources. Students will be able to plan their professional journey early, aligning their academic learning with international certification pathways. This early integration significantly enhances confidence, clarity, and career direction.

More importantly, this partnership serves as a stepping stone to international careers. With IMA’s global presence across 150 countries, students trained under this collaboration will be well-positioned for opportunities in multinational organisations, global consulting firms, and leadership roles in finance and strategy.

To support aspiring students and parents, interactive sessions will begin in January, offering detailed insights into the programmes, certifications, and career opportunities enabled by this collaboration. With this landmark MoU, J.D. Birla Institute once again demonstrates its forward-looking vision, bridging academics and global professional excellence to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Hyderabad, jan 1:- Ashika Group today announced that it has received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to act sponsor and set up Ashika Mutual fund, marking a significant strategic milestone in its growth journey. This approval reinforces the Group’s long-standing commitment to building institution-led, research-driven financial platforms and further strengthens its position in India’s rapidly expanding asset management landscape.​

This significant regulatory milestone allows the company to proceed with establishing an Asset Management Company  and preparing for the launch of the mutual fund schemes, subject to fulfilling SEBI’s final registration requirements and conditions.

The approval is a decisive step towards Ashika’s vision of creating a future-ready asset management ecosystem anchored in disciplined investing, robust governance, and long-term wealth creation.

Ashika Group’s foray into mutual funds builds on its extensive experience across capital markets and financial services, including retail & Institutional broking, investment banking, research advisory, global family office services, Alternative Asset Management and Private Equity. The proposed fund house aims to offer a thoughtfully curated range of investment schemes tailored to diverse investor needs, supported by strong research capabilities, disciplined risk management, and a governance-first approach.​

Commenting on the development, Pawan Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Ashika Group, said

 “We are honoured to receive SEBI’s in-principle approval, which marks an important institutional milestone for Ashika Group and reinforces our long-standing belief in building enduring, governance-led financial platforms. The launch of Ashika Mutual Fund is a natural extension of our vision to contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving asset management ecosystem. As sponsors, our responsibility goes beyond performance  it is about creating a culture anchored in strong research, prudent risk management, and unwavering accountability, with the singular objective of delivering sustainable, long-term value for investors.”​

Bengaluru,  Jan 01: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) today launched Dharamrut, a natural botanical seaweed extract enriched with Amino Acids and Alginic Acids, at the Mega Cooperative & Farmers Conference held at Dr. Babu Rajendra Prasad International Auditorium, GKVK, Bengaluru. The product launch marks a significant step in IFFCO’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable, technology-driven, and farmer-centric agricultural practices.

The conference witnessed participation from nearly 2,000 farmers and cooperators from across Karnataka. In addition, the event was live telecast simultaneously across all districts of the state, enabling extensive outreach to the wider farming community. The programme focused on strengthening cooperative values while promoting the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies.

The event was graced by Shri Dileep Sanghani, Chairman, IFFCO, and Shri K. J. Patel, Managing Director, IFFCO, along with senior officials, cooperative leaders, and agricultural experts.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Dileep Sanghani highlighted the pivotal role played by cooperatives in India’s agricultural transformation.

“Cooperatives have been the backbone of India’s agricultural growth for decades. By continuously introducing farmer-centric innovations and strengthening cooperative institutions, we are enabling farmers to improve productivity while safeguarding soil health and sustainability,” he said.

He further added that initiatives like the Mega Cooperative & Farmers Conference provide a valuable platform to directly engage with farmers, understand their evolving needs, and collectively work towards a resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri K. J. Patel, Managing Director, IFFCO, emphasized IFFCO’s focus on innovation-led and sustainable farming solutions.

“The launch of Dharamrut reflects IFFCO’s commitment to combining scientific advancement with natural, bio-based solutions. Products enriched with Amino Acids and Alginic Acids help improve nutrient efficiency, crop vigor, and overall farm performance,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of integrating modern technologies with natural inputs.

“By integrating Nano Fertilizers with botanical inputs like Dharamrut, farmers can achieve better yields with optimized input costs, while also improving soil health. This balanced approach is essential for sustainable and climate-smart agriculture,” he added. 

Dharamrut is a natural seaweed-based botanical extract formulated to enhance nutrient absorption, stimulate root and shoot development, and improve overall crop vigor. The product also supports long-term soil health and enhances crop resilience against environmental stress, making it well-suited for sustainable agricultural practices.

The launch of Dharamrut complements IFFCO’s existing portfolio of Nano Fertilizers and advanced bio-based agricultural inputs, reinforcing its farmer-first innovation strategy. Through such initiatives, IFFCO continues to enable farmers to achieve higher productivity while maintaining environmental responsibility.

The Mega Cooperative & Farmers Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening cooperatives, encouraging technology adoption, and building a future-ready, resilient agricultural sector for the nation.

Mumbai, Jan 1, 2026: Abakkus Mutual Fund has cited that the new fund offer (NFO) of their maiden fund – Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund, which opened on December 8, 2025 and closed on December 22, 2025, secured assets under management (AUM) with the subscription value of ₹2,468 crores. This is a reflection of strong interest from investors across the country, recording participation from nearly 5,518 pin codes from across 2,000 cities. About 36,688 retail and 1,060 institutional investors subscribed the flexi cap fund during the NFO period. To bring investment inclusivity and business scalability, Abakkus Mutual Fund has built an extensive network of 4,700 empanelled distributors.

Vaiibhavv Chugh, Chief Executive Officer, Abakkus Investment Managers Private Limited said, “Favourable reception from investors across the country for our maiden fund is a testament of strong brand capital of Abakkus Group and trust built through prudent advisory offered by our sales team & distributors during the NFO period of Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund. Our portfolio construction is true to label flexi cap product with diverse spread across market cap classifications and appropriate allocation to the conviction ideas. We will be aiming to launch more funds in the coming years.”

The Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund is managed by Sanjay Doshi, Head of Investments and Research, and re-opened for investments from December 30 2025, available in both regular and direct plans.

Sanjay Doshi, Head of Investments & Research, Abakkus AMC said, “Our flexi cap fund will be aligned to market conditions offering right balance of allocation across large, mid and small caps. The fund will have notable allocation to conviction ideas and will be supported by a well-defined risk management framework aligned to long term wealth creation.”

The equity scheme invests across large, mid and small cap stocks, offering portfolio flexibility across market capitalisations. The fund is benchmarked against the BSE 500 TRI and will invest a minimum of 65 percent of its assets in equities and equity-related instruments, with the balance allocated to debt, money market instruments, and up to 10 percent in REITs and InvITs.

All schemes under Abakkus Mutual Fund will follow the in-house MEETS framework, which focuses on Management pedigree and track record, Earnings quality and the ability of companies to multiply profits, Events/Trends that affect or disrupt operations, Timing of investment at reasonable pricing and Structural aspects like size of the opportunity and competitive positioning.

Chandigarh, Dec 30:- TVS Motor Company, a global leader in two and three-wheeler manufacturing has signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with Manba Finance Limited to offer retail finance solutions for its commercial mobility portfolio. This strategic partnership aims to enhance vehicle affordability and improve access to structured financing for customers across India.

Under the agreement, Manba Finance Limited will provide monthly EMI-based financing solutions for the entire range of TVS Commercial Mobility vehicles, covering both passenger and cargo three-wheelers, across internal combustion engine  and electric vehicle (EV) models.

The collaboration is designed to strengthen TVS Commercial Mobility’s ecosystem by offering competitive funding schemes, reduced turnaround time (TAT) for loan processing, and deeper penetration into rural and semi-urban markets. By simplifying access to finance, the partnership seeks to support last-mile entrepreneurs and fleet operators in scaling their businesses.

For customers, the tie-up enables higher purchasing power through attractive down payment options and reduced monthly outflows, supported by bundled financing offers that deliver greater savings and financial flexibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajat Gupta, Business Head  Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company said,

 “At TVS Motor Company, our focus is on building a comprehensive commercial mobility ecosystem that empowers customers to grow sustainably. This partnership with Manba Finance Limited strengthens our ability to offer accessible and competitive financing solutions across our ICE and EV three-wheeler portfolio. By improving affordability, reducing turnaround time, and expanding reach into rural markets, we aim to support entrepreneurs and fleet operators in enhancing their earning potential and business scalability.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manish Shah, Managing Director, Manba Finance Limited, said,

 “This partnership with TVS Motor Company strongly aligns with our commitment to supporting a cleaner and more sustainable mobility ecosystem. It enables us to offer comprehensive and tailored financing solutions across both passenger and cargo three-wheelers. By leveraging TVS Motor’s deep industry expertise, strong distribution network, and trusted brand, we believe Manba Finance is well positioned to build meaningful scale in the three-wheeler financing segment. We see this collaboration as a key growth driver and expect it to contribute significantly to our expansion and portfolio growth in FY26 and beyond.”

The partnership reinforces TVS Motor Company’s focus on building a holistic commercial mobility ecosystem, one that goes beyond products to deliver value through accessibility, affordability, and long-term customer growth.

By:-Vineet Agrawal, Co-founder, Jiraaf

“India’s bond market is likely to enter 2026 on a firmer structural footing, even as near-term volatility persists. After an extended phase of tight monetary conditions, the focus is gradually shifting from inflation control to sustaining growth and maintaining fiscal discipline. While inflation is expected to remain broadly within the RBI’s comfort zone, the central bank is unlikely to rush into aggressive rate cuts, preferring a calibrated approach aligned with global monetary trends and domestic liquidity conditions.

Government borrowing remains elevated, but improving tax buoyancy and a clearer glide path on fiscal consolidation should help anchor long-term yields. Meanwhile, corporate bond issuance is expected to pick up, driven by refinancing needs and a gradual revival in private capital expenditure, adding depth and breadth to the credit market.

For investors, 2026 could shape up as a year of stable income and measured returns, with portfolios benefiting more from resilience than short-term volatility. With yields still attractive and credit fundamentals improving, bonds are increasingly re-emerging as a strategic allocation rather than a tactical trade.”