All posts by Sujata Achary

Mumbai, 8th February 2025: The Life Insurance Council has released updated industry business numbers for January 2025, revealing positive trends in key areas. New business premiums (NBPs) underwritten by Indian life insurers have achieved a YTD growth of 7.78% compared to the same period last year. YTD collections grew from ₹283833.52 Crs to ₹305912.09 Crs this year. The life insurance industry saw individual single premiums growing by 16.26% on a Y-o-Y basis, closing at ₹4127.67 Crs for Jan’25, with YTD growth at 14%. Individual non-single premiums reached ₹10632.32 Crs, growing by 10.52% in Jan’25, and YTD collections settled at 14% higher than the corresponding period last year.

This strong performance can be ascribed to the fact that life insurers are increasingly focusing on encouraging first-time life insurance buyers to buy essential life insurance solutions, contributing to the 12.07% growth in combined individual premium collections for the month of Jan’25 and 14% growth on a YTD basis.

The life insurance industry in India has been making significant strides forward by expanding access to insurance and making an effort to reach out to areas and segments of the country’s population that were previously underserved when it comes to their insurance needs. Towards this end, life insurers added more than 872055 individual life insurance agents, with an overall 4.82% growth in cumulative agent count. Still, the sustained pace of agent addition is being complimented by the high speed of digitization by life insurers, paving the way for additional gains in insurance penetration that should provide a significant boost to new business premiums in FY25 and beyond.

FADA President, Mr. C S Vigneshwar on January’25 EV Performance

“Electric Vehicle retails continued their strong trajectory in January’25, reflecting growing consumer acceptance and robust OEM commitment to clean mobility. The recent Bharat Mobility Global Expo strongly reflected this shift, with the spotlight firmly on green-energy vehicles and industry determined to accelerate the shift toward green energy. With over 30–35 new EV launches expected this year, we anticipate a notable rise in market share across all segments—from two and three-wheelers to passenger and commercial vehicles. The future for electric mobility looks exceedingly bright and we believe it will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s automotive landscape in the months to come.”

Satish Chandra Aluri, Lemonn Markets Desk

“MPC unanimously voted to reduce the policy rate by 25bps to 6.25% from 6.50% – As widely expected. They unanimously decided to continue with “neutral” stance with an unambiguous focus on inflation.

They also noted that while growth is recovering, it remains below last year’s level, and inflation trends allow for rate easing, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said in his first policy meeting post his appointment in December.

In our view, the outcome was largely along the expected lines with the new governor delivering the first rate cut as widely expected. RBI’s forecasts indicate continued moderation in inflation while growth pick-up is expected to be more gradual indicating the emphasis on supporting growth from a policy perspective while maintaining the “neutral” stance gives them the flexibility to address potential inflation concerns with an eye toward global developments like trade war.”

Disclaimer: Registration granted by SEBI and certification from NISM in no way guarantee the performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors

Dr. Rajeev Singh Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce

In regards to the statement issued by RBI on reducing the repo rate, Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) said, “The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced its key repo rate for the first time in nearly five years by 25 bps from 6.5% to 6.25%. When this rate cut is coupled with the Income Tax Cuts in the Union Budget we feel that the Indian Economy would get both Fiscal and Monetary Boost to move on to a higher growth path. This is an ideal measure with inflation nearing the desired level of 4%.”

Mumbai: A team led by Dr Viswanathan Iyer, Brain and Spine Surgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospitals, Ghatkopar, Mumbai successfully treated a nonagenarian with a bleed on both sides of the brain. The woman’s courageous journey through surgery to attend her granddaughter’s wedding showcases the power of family determination and expert medical care. Despite advanced age, a successful brain surgery enables her to walk out of the hospital, healthier and more vibrant than ever.

Vimlaben Shah (94), a resident of Ghatkopar, was rushed to Zynova Shalby Hospital with a severe headache and difficulty walking. However, the patient got a second lease of life due to timely intervention. This patient’s drive to be present for her granddaughter’s wedding was so powerful that it became her motivation as well. She not only recovered from surgery but defied every expectation. She walked out of the hospital with her head held high and with her entire family by her side.”

Dr. Viswanathan Iyer, Brain and Spine Surgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospitals, Ghatkopar, Mumbai said, “The patient was weak on the left side and with severe imbalance. Her MRI scan of the brain was done and there was a clot in the brain. The reason for bleed is aging and trivial trauma. She was scheduled for Bilateral Subdural Hematoma Evacuation. We drilled two holes on each side of the skull under anesthesia and evacuated the bleed and the surgery lasted around 90-120 minutes. Without surgery, the patient has no chance to improve, her health may have deteriorated and she could also have lost consciousness.”

With family support and a resolute spirit, the patient underwent surgery and made a remarkable recovery in just two days. Her determination to be fit enough to attend her granddaughter’s wedding drove the family to make an extraordinary choice, resulting in an inspiring recovery and a joyful family reunion.

“I was determined to attend my granddaughter’s wedding, no matter what. I knew I had to be there to bless her on her special day. Despite my age and the challenges I faced, I was motivated to recover. I was in no way going to miss my granddaughter’s D-DAY. After all, it was one of the best moments of her life, her dreamy wedding which we had been planning for a long time to make memorable. Thanks to Dr. Iyer’s timely treatment and expert care and with my family’s support, I was able to overcome the stroke and walk out of the hospital just in time. I ordered three sarees from Rajkot and was proud and elated to be able to wear them during the wedding and welcome all the guests as well as supervise all the arrangements by myself. I am forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to witness this joyous moment in my family’s life. I was also emotional after seeing the smile on my granddaughter’s face as she hugged me with immense contentment,” concluded the patient Vimalben Shah.

Dr. Parimala V Thirumalesh, Sr. Consultant – Neonatology &Pediatrics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

As parents, ensuring that our children grow up healthy and strong is a top priority. One often overlooked but essential aspect of a child’s health is deworming. Intestinal worms are common among children, especially in regions with poor sanitation. These parasites can cause a range of health issues, including malnutrition, poor growth, and developmental delays. Regular deworming plays a critical role in maintaining your child’s overall well-being.

What Are Intestinal Worms?
Intestinal worms are parasitic organisms that live in the intestines. The most common types of worms affecting children include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. These worms can enter the body through contaminated food, water, soil, or contact with infected animals. In children, the risk of infection is higher due to their natural curiosity and tendency to play in unsanitary environments.

Why is Deworming Important?
Deworming is essential because intestinal worms can seriously affect your child’s health. Some of the key consequences of worm infestations include:
1. Malnutrition: Worms compete with the host for essential nutrients, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
2. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: Worms cause irritation and damage to the intestines, leading to stomach pain and discomfort.
3. Fatigue and Weakness: As a result of nutrient deficiencies, children may appear lethargic and tired.
4. Diarrhea or Vomiting: Some worms can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to dehydration and loss of appetite.

Signs Your Child Might Have Worms
It is not always easy to spot an infection, as some children may not show obvious symptoms. However, some common signs to look out for include:

•  Itchy Bottom: This is particularly common with pinworms, which cause intense itching around the anus, especially at night.
•  Abdominal Pain: Complaints of stomach aches or cramps may indicate a worm infestation.
• Changes in Appetite: A sudden increase or decrease in hunger could be a sign.
•  Weight Loss: If your child is losing weight despite a normal appetite, it may indicate the presence of worms.

How Often Should You Deworm Your Child?
The frequency of deworming depends on where you live, the local sanitation conditions, and your child’s age. In many countries, health authorities recommend deworming children between the ages of 1 and 5 every six months. In areas with higher rates of worm infestations, children may need to be dewormed more frequently. Your doctor or pediatrician will provide guidance based on your child’s specific needs.

Treatment and Prevention
Deworming treatment typically involves the use of anti-parasitic medications. These medications are safe and effective, and they usually come in the form of a single dose or a short course of treatment. Over-the-counter deworming medications are also available, but it’s essential to seek professional advice before administering them to ensure proper dosage and safety.
In addition to deworming, practicing good hygiene is crucial to preventing reinfection. Teach your children the importance of washing their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after playing outside. Avoiding contaminated food and water and ensuring that your child avoids playing in dirty or contaminated environments can further reduce the risk of worm infections.

New Delhi, 08th February 2025: OPG Mobility (formerly known as Okaya EV), a trusted name in the electric mobility sector, has launched a one-of-its-kind scheme – the Silent Miles Referral Program Exclusively for its community Owners. This unique initiative gives its customers a chance to earn cashback on every successful referral.

Under this program, Ferrato owners can instantly earn ₹1,000 by sharing their unique referral code with a friend who purchases a Ferrato electric two-wheeler. Both the referrer and the referred individual receive an instant bank credit upon successful retail purchase. The referral process is seamless, customers can simply share their unique code via WhatsApp or email and earn instant cashback rewards for every successful referral. With no cap on the number of referrals, customers can keep earning as they expand India’s green mobility revolution.

Customers can share their unique referral code via WhatsApp or email to start earning rewards with each successful referral. This initiative is a great way to promote the widespread adoption of sustainable mobility solutions in the growing electric vehicle market. With no limit to the number of referrals that can be made, it enables customers to refer as many friends as they like, benefiting from every successful purchase.

OPG Mobility recently unveiled the Ferrato ‘DEFY 22’, an all-new electric scooter introduced at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on 17th Jan.’25. Designed for the modern Indian rider, DEFY 22 blends cutting-edge performance, safety, and stylish design, all while being affordable and eco-friendly. With this latest addition to the Ferrato lineup, customers now have even more options to switch to electric mobility while benefiting from the Silent Miles rewards program.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and the Silent Miles Referral Program is our way of recognizing their commitment to sustainable mobility,” said Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, of OPG Mobility. “This initiative is not just about referrals, it’s about building a movement. By rewarding our loyal customers for championing electric mobility, we are fostering a strong, engaged community that shares our passion for innovation, performance, and a greener future.”

The referral program is open to all Ferrato two-wheeler owners aged 18 and above who are Indian citizens. Cashback is credited instantly upon the successful referral and purchase of a Ferrato two-wheeler.

Chennai, India – February 08, 2025: LatentView Analytics Limited (BSE: 543398, NSE: LATENTVIEW), a global data analytics, consulting, and solutions firm, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of FY25, which ended on December 31, 2024.

Commenting on the results, Rajan Sethuraman, Chief Executive Officer, of LatentView Analytics, said, “We are pleased to announce our 8th consecutive quarter of revenue growth, with 9.0% QoQ and 37.5% YoY increase. This strong performance was driven by momentum in consulting, GenAI projects, and new client wins. This quarter marked several significant milestones, including a $3.2Mn engagement win, our highest value single contract with our largest client, reinforcing our strategic partnership and client centricity. Additionally, we also onboarded 9 new clients, including 3 former clients, indicating strong business momentum and improved market sentiment. During 9MFY25, we won 10 GenAI projects, and we continue to invest in building our GenAI capabilities. Notably, our financial services vertical witnessed a significant growth of 62% on a YoY basis during the quarter. As we enter FY26, we remain committed to deepening our client relationships, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities to drive growth momentum. ˮ

Rajan Venkatesan, Chief Financial Officer, of LatentView Analytics, said,
“For Q3FY25, we reported a total operating revenue of ₹2,278 million with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.1%. This margin is before factoring in acquisition-related costs and non-operating forex losses (primarily associated with intra-group loans). On an adjusted basis, our EBITDA margin improved by 360bps on a QoQ basis. As of December 31, 2024, our headcount stood at 1,622 and investments remained strong at ₹10,498 million, reflecting our financial stability and continued operational strength. ˮ

Large Deal Win
LatentView has secured a $3.2Mn deal with a multinational technology company to partner with their Analytics and Decision Support team. The project involves delivering a unified and scalable business intelligence, and data engineering solution to streamline operations and improve decision-making.

Select Key Client Wins in Q3FY25

• For a leading US telecommunications company, we are developing automated machine learning frameworks to improve network reliability through early detection of bandwidth bottlenecks.
• For a hi-tech manufacturing company in the oil and gas segment, we are supporting their digital transformation to improve product reliability, costs, and customer and employee experience.
• We are aiding an American multinational data center and communication network infrastructure provider to better align their web content strategy with trend spotting and consumer preferences.
• For a leading consumer sales and marketing agency, we are delivering precise sales forecasting using AI/ML and our ConnectedView accelerators.
• We are developing a guest lifetime value prediction model for a leading US-based cruise line to forecast customer spending behavior, driving revenue growth, and enhancing customer loyalty.

Other key highlights:

• Remadevi Thottathil (Rema) has been appointed as the Chief Human Resources Officer, reinforcing our commitment to driving growth through the strength and talent of our people.
• We hosted the 18th edition of the LatentView Roundtable, Hype to Hypergrowth – Deriving ROI from AI, in the Bay Area.
• Marking the third year of LatentViewʼs IPO, we held our first Investor Day, titled EvoLV, in Mumbai in November.

Other major events were Datanomics: Powering CX 2.0 in Financial Services with GenAI, New Jersey, AI Risk G Reward: Navigating the Business Landscape, Germany, and Game Off Shores: Get Your Analytics and AI Forces Together in Bengaluru.

Hyderabad: 08th February 2025: CREDAI Hyderabad extends heartfelt thanks to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and the Monetary Policy Committee for the recent decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. This timely move is pivotal for the Indian economy, especially for homebuyers and the housing industry.

The decision comes at a crucial juncture when the economy is seeking renewed momentum. By lowering interest rates, the RBI is not only aiding consumption but also providing much-needed relief to borrowers, particularly first-time homebuyers. This rate cut, coupled with the recent tax relief measures announced in the Union Budget, creates a favorable environment for increased housing demand and encourages developers to launch new projects.

As the housing sector plays a vital role in driving economic growth, this initiative is expected to stimulate demand and enhance affordability for homebuyers. The anticipated boost in household consumption, alongside moderating inflation and improved employment conditions, sets a positive outlook for the housing industry.

CREDAI Hyderabad is optimistic that these measures will lead to a flourishing housing market, contributing significantly to the overall economic recovery. We appreciate the RBI’s proactive approach in aligning monetary policy with the needs of the economy and supporting the aspirations of homebuyers.

We look forward to working together with all stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of these initiatives translate into real opportunities for the community.

by Mr. Praveen Joshi, Managing Director of RSK Business Solutions

Mr. Praveen Joshi, Managing Director of RSK Business Solutions – The ₹95,298 crore allocation for IT and telecom in Budget 2025 is a strategic step towards establishing India as a global leader in digital innovation. As technology evolves rapidly and the demand for connectivity intensifies, this investment is crucial for upgrading infrastructure and building technological advancements. The funding will not only drive the development of next-gen networks and digital platforms but also fuel the growth of key sectors such as AI, 5G, and cloud computing. This allocation is a testament to India’s commitment to advancing its digital ecosystem and ensuring robust connectivity for a tech-driven future.