Author: Bhumika Lenka

Bandhan Life Insurance Rolls Out Guaranteed Income Plan with Immediate Payouts, Exclusively at Bandhan Bank

Kolkata, January 21, 2025: Bandhan Life Insurance, a leading life insurance company in India, launched the Bandhan Life Guaranteed Income Plan, now available at Bandhan Bank branches nationwide. This innovative plan offers policyholders a reliable income stream from the very first month, along with life insurance coverage- making it an ideal solution for both short-term needs and long-term financial goals. The plan addresses diverse needs like funding a child’s education, securing retirement, or achieving significant life milestones. With its flexible structure and guaranteed benefits, the plan is an ideal choice for those seeking financial security and protection for their loved ones.

Regarding the launch, Satishwar B., MD & CEO, Bandhan Life Insurance, shared, “At Bandhan Life Insurance, we are committed to empowering our customers with financial security and confidence to achieve their aspirations. Today, when education costs in India are rising by 8-10% annually, and medical costs are increasing by more than 10% each year, having an additional source of income becomes invaluable. Our Guaranteed Income Plan reflects this vision, offering a blend of protection and assured returns that enables individuals to plan for the future without worry. Policyholders can use the additional income for managing everyday expenses or building a long-term fund. With its flexible structure and guaranteed benefits, we believe this plan will meet the need of customers seeking financial stability and peace of mind.”

Key Highlights of Bandhan Life Guaranteed Income Plan

• Assured Regular Payouts: Enjoy a consistent income from the first policy month, ensuring financial stability.
• Multiple Payout Options: Opt for regular income payouts or a lump sum payment at maturity to suit your financial needs.
• Life Insurance Coverage: Along with assured payouts, the plan offers life cover, ensuring financial protection for families in unforeseen circumstances.
• Tax Benefits: The plan qualifies for tax benefits under prevailing laws, making it a smart choice for tax-efficient financial planning.
• Customizable Tenures: Flexible policy, premium payment terms, and income period allow customers to align the plan with their financial objectives and timelines.
• Return of Premium: Get back all your premiums depending on the plan option chosen.

The launch of the Guaranteed Income Plan reinforces Bandhan Life’s commitment to delivering simple, flexible, and reliable financial solutions. In line with its brand promise of ‘Bharat Ki Udaan, Bandhan Se,’ this plan ensures that individuals from diverse regions and backgrounds can easily benefit. It reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to create products that meet real-world needs and help customers achieve their financial goals with confidence.

BHIM Partners with Fintech Yatra to Boost Financial Inclusion and Digital Literacy Initiatives

Mumbai, 21 January 2025: BHIM, India’s flagship digital payments app powered by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) has joined forces with The FinTech Yatra 2025 as a Principal Partner. The FinTech Yatra is a 10,000 km long epic road journey aimed at identifying, understanding and catalysing players in financial services across India. This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate India’s digital payment revolution by empowering communities and fostering financial inclusion.

As a part of this partnership, more than 200 individuals from select NGOs will be trained under a train-the-trainer model, equipping them with knowledge and tools to spread digital payment awareness. By empowering trainers at the grassroots level, this initiative ensures that the benefits of digital payments reach the most underserved and remote areas of the country.

Speaking on the partnership, Rahul Handa, Chief Business Officer, NBSL, said, “BHIM’s partnership with Fintech Yatra 2025 is an important step towards bridging the digital divide and educating citizens about secure and efficient digital payment solutions. This initiative aligns with our mission to create a financially inclusive and digitally empowered India. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to strengthen the fintech ecosystem.”

The FinTech Yatra 2025 is a movement to make India digitally independent. It is a platform that enables connection between innovation providers like start-ups and innovation seekers like financial institutions, venture capitalists and large corporates. By visiting multiple cities, engaging with fintech innovators, and collaborating with platforms like BHIM, the Yatra is set to amplify the adoption of seamless and secure digital payments across the nation.

Abhishant Pant, Founder of The FinTech Meetup, added, “Our partnership with BHIM brings a transformative element to this year’s Yatra. BHIM’s proven leadership in the UPI ecosystem ensures that financial inclusion is not just a vision but a reality for millions across the nation. Together, we aim to empower every Indian to embrace the digital economy. Our endeavor has been to support early stage fintech founders with idea validation, network support and guidance around venture capital, so that they become a catalyst to push for more digital adoption in financial services.”

Livguard’s Solar360 Makes a Debut at Bharat Solar Expo 2025, Offering 10% More Solar Power

21st January 2025, Jaipur: Livguard, a pioneer in solar and energy storage solutions, marked a significant milestone with the introduction of their solutions Livguard Solar360, at the JECC Exhibition & Trade Centre in Jaipur. The event provided an ideal platform to unveil the comprehensive rooftop solar solution to a wide audience, including industry professionals, businesses, and residential consumers.

 The Livguard Solar360 stole the spotlight at the exhibition with its promise to deliver end-to-end solar solutions starting from survey of the roof to installation and commissioning to monitoring and easy AMC plan to ensure consistent higher generation of 10% and lifetime reliability. These solutions are tailored for homes and small businesses ensuring a seamless adoption of renewable energy. Visitors to the Livguard booth experienced firsthand how Solar360 addresses the growing demand for clean, efficient, and cost-effective energy solutions.

 Key Features Showcased at the Event
– Comprehensive Solutions for All Needs: Solar360 supports on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid solutions, designed with high-quality components to maximize efficiency and performance.
– Customer-Centric Approach: The solution has a customer-centric approach including free rooftop surveys, tailored 3D designs, and remote monitoring ensuring ease of use and reliability.
– LivMonitor360: Livguard’s real-time monitoring app was demonstrated, showcasing how it empowers users to track savings and manage their solar systems effortlessly.
– Care Packages: Easy AMC plans garnered significant interest for their focus on maintaining system longevity and maximizing solar generation.
– Sturdy Structure Installed by Experts – The sturdy module structure design is cyclone-proof, leakage-proof, rust-proof. Additionally, all the modules are installed by authorised installation partners who are experts.

 The Livguard booth, creatively designed to reflect the product’s innovative spirit, attracted a large number of visitors who were keen to explore the potential of Solar360 in achieving energy independence.

 “The JECC exhibition was an incredible opportunity to introduce Livguard Solar360 to a diverse audience,” said Rakesh Malhotra, Founder, Livguard. “At Livguard, we’re not just offering renewable energy solutions, we’re delivering a seamless, end-to-end experience that takes the complexity and worry out of adopting solar power. From installation to maintenance, our solutions are designed to ensure higher energy generation, unmatched reliability, and long-lasting performance.

 What sets us apart is our commitment to making solar adoption effortless for homes and businesses by addressing every need under one roof. We provide the assurance that, with Livguard, you’re investing in a solution built for life—one that empowers you to generate sustainable energy efficiently and enjoy peace of mind knowing your energy needs are in expert hands. Our goal is to drive a sense of confidence and ease for our customers as they take this significant step toward a cleaner and brighter future.”

Lemonn Unveils New Margin Trading Facility for 1 Million Strong User Base

India, January 21, 2025: PeepalCo’s innovative investment platform, Lemonn, has launched Margin Trading Facility (MTF) on its app. Lemonn has also reached a milestone of one million users* and is now among the top 50 brokers in India.

MTF can be a significant feature for advanced stock investors, empowering them to amplify their investment potential. Through this, users can now purchase stocks beyond their current account balance by borrowing up to 80% of a stock’s value. Lemonn’s MTF offering comes with a highly competitive interest rate of just 8.99% per annum, making advanced trading strategies more accessible and affordable.

The new MTF feature aligns with Lemonn’s vision of democratizing access to advanced financial tools while ensuring affordability. Users can access it seamlessly with just a single click from the homepage, following a one-day activation period.

Commenting on the announcement Devam Sardana, Business Head, Lemonn said “At Lemonn, we are driven by a singular mission: to make investing simpler, smarter, and more rewarding for our users. The launch of the Margin Trading Facility (MTF) is a step in this journey, empowering investors to approach the stock market with confidence. By offering highly competitive interest rates, we are enabling users to make the best use of opportunities as they arise even when they have lack of sufficient funds”.

In less than a year, Lemonn has achieved significant milestones, including surpassing 1 million users and securing its position among the top 50 brokers in India. These accomplishments highlight the platform’s rapid ascent in the investment ecosystem.

“Our rapidly growing user base is a testament to the trust we’ve earned and proof that we are delivering on our promises. It’s heartening to see more and more people choosing Lemonn as their preferred investment partner,” he added

Lemonn is a user-friendly platform that offers a diverse range of investment options, including mutual funds, direct stocks, IPOs, and F&O trading for first-time and seasoned investors.

SOCIAL Revolutionizes Co-Working in India with Unique New Space Concept

Hyderabad, January 2025: SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighborhood café announces the expansion of its co-working model – SOCIAL Works to 50+ locations in 10 cities. Introduced 10 years ago as the country’s first co-working space, SOCIAL Works was designed to cater to freelancers and professionals seeking an alternative to traditional offices. Now, with SOCIAL Works, SOCIAL is extending its reach to new neighborhoods and pincodes, offering dynamic workspaces where professionals can collaborate, create, and thrive in cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Kolkata.

Available from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, the SOCIAL Works seamlessly blends functionality with SOCIAL’s signature vibe. Designed to resonate with Millennials and Gen-Z, it creates an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and community.

A Vision for Modern Workspaces

Over the years, SOCIAL Works has become a thriving hub where connections are forged, ideas take shape, and success stories continue to unfold. From freelancers to budding entrepreneurs, the space has nurtured ventures of all scales—from small startups to prominent companies like BOAT, IVM Podcasts, Food Talk India, Lazy 8, and many more which began their journey here. SOCIAL Works has also been a creative haven for artists and freelancers, offering them a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow. It has witnessed connections and partnerships flourish in the most unexpected ways in the Works section, making it more than just a workspace—it’s a place where ideas come to life, and creativity thrives. Today, it remains the go-to spot for professionals seeking a dynamic and inspiring environment, fostering meaningful partnerships and providing the perfect blend of productivity and creativity.

As the workday winds down, SOCIAL Works seamlessly transitions into a buzzing social hub. Whether you’re wrapping up a brainstorming session or unwinding with colleagues, the space adapts to your needs. It allows you to work comfortably in an environment that feels authentic to you, while also offering opportunities to meet new people and collaborate.

A Space That Adapts To You

· Flexible pricing options: INR 300 per day, INR 1200 per week, and INR 4500 per month—fully redeemable on SOCIAL’s delectable food and drinks. The cover can also be clubbed with other ongoing offers at the outlet, ensuring every workday comes with a side of culinary delight.

· Workspace pass includes free Wi-Fi, a confirmed seat in the workspace area, and access to SOCIAL’s vibrant atmosphere.

· Monthly members enjoy exclusive access to up to 4 SOCIAL events, such as workshops, conferences, networking meetups, live music, and DJ nights.

· Earn loyalty points through The SOCIAL Club, unlocking exciting offers, topical events, and freebies.

· Discover exciting new food and beverage offerings, featuring special limited-time menus, unforgettable experiences such as meeting your favorite artist, winning exclusive branded merchandise, or indulging in drinks at unbeatable prices!

Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, shared her vision for the SOCIAL Works. “When we launched SOCIAL Works, our goal was to create a workspace that broke away from the rigidity of traditional offices. Over the years, it’s been incredible to see how this concept has supported startups, freelancers, and professionals in building their dreams. We’re creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring, blending work and leisure seamlessly as per different requirements. It’s about evolving with the needs of today’s workforce and continuing to offer a place where ideas can thrive, and connections can flourish.

Keeping in mind the future of co-working, SOCIAL Works is designed to cater to diverse work styles, whether you’re working solo, brainstorming with a team, or catching up with colleagues. The experience is a testament to SOCIAL’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve, blending work and play in a way that’s uniquely their own.

With SOCIAL Works, the brand continues to lead the way in creating spaces that inspire productivity and foster connections. Whether you’re a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or part of a remote team, SOCIAL Works invites you to experience the future of co–working—where every day is productive, and every moment is social.

ZF Group Debuts Cutting-Edge Mobility Solutions at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025

Bangalore , India, January 21, 2025: ZF, a global leader in driveline and chassis technology, is making a huge impact at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, showcasing its latest innovations in mobility solutions. ZF’s presence at the expo emphasizes its commitment to the technological advancements and redefining mobility for sustainable and intelligent transportation in India.

“We are excited to present ZF’s state-of-the-art mobility solutions at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025,” stated Mr. Akash Passey, President , ZF Group India. “India represents a strategic market for ZF, and we are dedicated to facilitating the nation’s shift towards a sustainable, safe, and interconnected mobility ecosystem. Our emphasis on technological innovation and advanced solutions is closely aligned with the dynamic and growing automotive industry in India. We are well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the future of transportation in India, for domestic and global players. “

A key highlight at the ZF booth is the company’s X-by-Wire portfolio. This innovative technology replaces traditional mechanical and hydraulic linkages with electronic signals, enabling greater vehicle customization and enhanced safety. With by-wire technology, ZF lays the foundation for the software-defined vehicles that will lead to new functions and features, many that emphasize safety as much as driving comfort: Purely electronically controlled and networked by-wire systems offer better vehicle control, more steering flexibility, and greater driving stability at high speeds. The display showcases a range of X-by-Wire components, including brake-by-wire, steer-by-wire, and electronically controlled, active damping demonstrating the potential for future vehicles with unprecedented levels of autonomy and personalization.

For commercial vehicles and for passenger cars, ZF is showcasing its latest ADAS technologies, including advanced radar and camera systems, which enhance vehicle safety and efficiency. These systems provide crucial features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Notable Commercial Vehicle ADAS solutions on display include OnGuardMAX Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and together with Short-Range Radar for improved object detection and Reversing Camera for enhanced safety. These technologies work towards making roads safer and reduce the number of accidents.

ZF’s commitment to sustainable mobility is evident in its range of electrification and connectivity solutions on display. The booth features CeTrax 2 dual, an integrated and modular electric central drive for HD trucks, buses and coaches , enabling electrification of heavy-duty vehicles. SCALAR, the next-gen fleet management solution which uses real time data and predictive analysis to streamline and optimize mixed fleet operation.

Among the new products, unveiled at the Expo, is the e-comp Air Lite a cost-efficient, lightweight electric-driven compressor designed for the Indian and Asian markets. Engineered for medium-duty commercial EVs and hybrid vehicles, it features a compact 2-cylinder design ideal for low air-demanding applications. The system enhances energy efficiency with an automatic shut-off feature when air is not needed.

The Electronic Braking System and the Electronic Stability Control provide improved safety and handling, . These solutions highlight ZF’s expertise in providing reliable and efficient solutions for the mobility sector.

ZF also showcased its construction equipment Ergo Power II transmission specifically localized for the evolving demands of the off-highway industry. The innovative transmission from ZF makes it possible to integrate electronic driveline management, lowers operations cost, and provides efficient and high-performance capabilities.

ZF’s competitive advantages lie in its robust portfolio of cutting-edge technologies and its strategic focus on design-to-market areas. By leveraging its strengths in e-mobility, commercial vehicle technology, and industrial solutions, ZF is uniquely positioned to drive the next generation of mobility. Additionally, our commitment to localizing products and optimizing our manufacturing and engineering strengths enhances our agility and resilience in the market.

The future-oriented technologies showcased at the ZF Group booth demonstrate the company’s positioning as a technology leader backed with a robust system capability. With intelligent solutions for the megatrends, ZF impressively demonstrates the vision of enabling vehicles to see, think and act. This in turn is making ZF Group a strong player in Redefining India’s Mobility.

Give Your Meal a Bold New Twist with Aflatoon

India, 21st January 2025: Start the year with a feast that’s anything but ordinary! Aflatoon by SOCIAL brings bold North Indian flavors wrapped in quirky, collectible packaging, turning every meal into a delightful adventure.

Whether you’re hosting a lively party, gathering with family, or planning a cozy night in, Aflatoon promises to make every dining moment memorable. From playful twists on North Indian classics to rich gravies and fragrant pulaos, the menu is designed to excite your taste buds and spark conversation.

Dive into soul-soothing dishes like the slow-cooked Maa Ki Dal Makhani, indulgent Truffle Butter Chicken, or the rich and aromatic Bhoona Gosht Biryani, paired perfectly with buttery naans or fragrant jeera rice. These hearty, comforting options are just what you need to beat the winter chill.

For lighter moments, snack on Butter Garlic Mutton Seekh, Umami Chicken Malai Tikka, or the Lotus Stem Shami Kebab. Planning a hearty meal? The Malai Paneer Biryani or the flavorful Katey Masale ka Gosht, paired with soft naans, make for a satisfying indulgence.

Aflatoon also offers a vibrant selection of chaats that are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your day. From the zesty The Crispy Quinoa and Bhalla Chaat to the tangy and Balsamic Betroot and Crispy Papdi Chaat, each dish is crafted to deliver a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes making them ideal for lively conversations or indulgent treats.

Finish your meal with the classic warmth of Gulab Jamun or the refreshing flavors of Betel Leaf Rasmalai, each offering a perfect sweet ending.

Population Dynamics: A Comprehensive Online Course for Policymakers Launched

New Delhi, 21st January 2025 – In a groundbreaking step towards building capacity in public administration, the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), has launched a pioneering online course titled “Population Dynamics and Its Implications for Public Policy.”

 Hosted on the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform under Mission Karmayogi, this course aims to empower India’s 3.8 million civil servants with the critical knowledge and skills needed to address the complex challenges posed by demographic shifts. The initiative focuses on:

 ● Enhancing understanding of demographic shifts and their impact on society.
● Examining scenarios such as low fertility, urbanization, and the demographic dividend.
● Analyzing the influence of population dynamics for public policy.
● Exploring practical policy options to address demographic changes effectively.

 The course launch event at IIPA’s Indraprastha Estate brought together prominent dignitaries who reinforced the importance of this initiative.

 Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the centrality of data and statistical analysis in policymaking. “Demographic shifts affect every facet of development—from education and healthcare to labor markets and urban planning. This course will be instrumental in equipping government officials to proactively address these challenges,”noted Garg.

 Shri S.N. Tripathi, Director General, Indian Institute of Public Administration, emphasized evidence-based policymaking as the cornerstone of effective governance. He remarked, “This course will provide civil servants with the critical insights they need to design policies that are inclusive, targeted, and sustainable, ensuring that governance evolves with the changing needs of our population.”-

 Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative and Country Director for Bhutan, reaffirmed UNFPA’s dedication to fostering demographic resilience. She stated, “This course is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about shaping the future. India is at a demographic turning point, and the decisions today will define India tomorrow. By equipping policymakers with the tools to turn demographic trends into opportunities, India can carve a path to sustainable development.”

 Shri Jagadananda, Co-Founder and Mentor, CYSD, shared the vision behind the course, stating, “While CYSD has focused on Odisha’s demographic challenges, we recognized that these issues have national relevance. By partnering with UNFPA and IIPA, we aimed to create a course that offers valuable insights for crafting policies that are inclusive, adaptable, and responsive to the diverse needs of India’s evolving society.”-

 This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to the principles of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), advocating for rights-based population policies, gender equality, universal access to healthcare, and sustainable development.

 With its broad reach and focus on capacity-building, the course is poised to become a transformative tool in shaping a responsive and future-ready public administration.

LISSUN Eyes Major Expansion, Aims for 40+ ‘Sunshine by LISSUN’ Centres in 2025

21st January 2025, Gurugram, Haryana, India: LISSUN, one of India’s leading mental health platforms, today announced its ambitious plans to expand Sunshine by LISSUN, a specialized division focused on child development and therapy services. Currently operating nine centers, Sunshine is on track to expand to 40+ centers and reach8000+ children by the end of 2025. This expansion is part of LISSUN’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable services to children with developmental delays and special needs and helping them with issues like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Learning Disabilities.

Sunshine by LISSUN offers a wide range of services, including diagnostic evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and rehabilitation programs. Its multidisciplinary approach, which includes child psychologists, special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral therapists, ensures comprehensive care. These experts collaborate to offer services like IQ assessments, ADHD evaluations, autism screenings, and psychological counseling. In keeping with LISSUN’s innovative approach, Sunshine operates on a phygital (physical + digital) model, integrating advanced technology with top-tier physical infrastructure to deliver holistic, accessible care to children and their families.

As of January 2025, Sunshine by LISSUN operates in 13 centers across key cities in India, including East Patel Nagar, East of Kailash, and Pitampura in Delhi; Indirapuram in Ghaziabad; Sector 51 & Old Gurugram in Gurugram; Gomti Nagar and Aashiyana in Lucknow; and Magarpatta, Viman Nagar and Hadapsar in Pune, Gachibowli in Hyderabad and Domlur in Bangalore. LISSUN plans to strategically expand Sunshine to 40+ centers by the end of 2025, with a focus on metropolitan areas, educational hubs, and underserved regions. The new centers will target cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Mumbai, where the demand for child developmental and mental health services is growing. Additionally, the expansion will prioritize cities with a high concentration of schools and educational institutions, facilitating partnerships and referral networks. LISSUN also aims to enter underserved areas in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where access to quality child developmental services remains limited.

Tarun Gupta, Co-founder of LISSUN, shared his vision for the expansion, stating, “At LISSUN, our vision is to create a society where every child has access to the best developmental care possible. With Sunshine by LISSUN, we have worked tirelessly to build a robust, compassionate model of care for children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Our goal of expanding to 40 centers by 2025 is part of our broader mission to bridge the gap in access to child mental health services across India. This journey will help us positively impact the lives of thousands of children and support their developmental journey with empathy and excellence.”

The expansion of Sunshine is being fueled by the $2.5 million Pre-Series A funding that LISSUN recently secured, led by RPSG Capital Ventures, and other new and existing investors, including Multiply Ventures, Airium Angels, Ivycap Ventures, Rainmatter, and Sucseed Ventures. The capital will be used to establish modern facilities, hire skilled professionals, and enhance technological capabilities. As part of its expansion strategy, Sunshine by LISSUN will also incorporate several differentiators in its upcoming centers. Parents will be able to use digital tools to manage appointments, track therapy progress, and receive real-time updates on their child’s development. The new centers will also leverage data analytics to provide personalized, outcome-based therapy plans, ensuring that each child receives the highest quality care. In addition, LISSUN plans to integrate AI-powered tools such as chatbots to provide 24/7 support and personalized content recommendations for parents.

Looking beyond its 2025 goal, LISSUN envisions Sunshine reaching over 10,000 children by 2026. The mental health platform is also exploring international expansion, aiming to introduce its child developmental care model to global markets with high demand for such services. LISSUN is committed to establishing itself as a thought leader in the child development sector through active participation in global forums, conducting research, and advocating for policies that promote child mental health.