17, Mar 2025
Student Tribe’s MAA Tribe Meet-Up at T-Hub: A Celebration of Women and Community Bonds
17th March, India: In a powerful and inspiring celebration of International Women’s Day, Student Tribe, India’s largest student community platform hosted MAA Tribe Meet-Up at T-Hub . The event welcomed 800+ students accompanied by their mothers, creating a vibrant gathering to honor the phenomenal women who drive progress in society and are the first mentors for every student. The meet-up was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of appreciation, empowerment, and meaningful connections.
The MAA Tribe Meet-Up created a vibrant platform where attendees celebrated the achievements of women and strengthened community bonds. The event featured an engaging mix of insightful discussions, impactful recognitions, and inspiring moments, setting a new benchmark for student-led community initiatives in India
Adding to the significance of the occasion, distinguished guests such as Ramaa Raavi, a renowned life coach, spoke about the special bond between students and their mothers. Kishore Indukuri, Founder of Sid’s Farm, highlighted the parallels between a parent’s dedication to their child’s well-being and Sid’s Farm’s commitment to purity. Dr. Ramakrishna, Managing Director at Smiline Dental Hospital, emphasized the importance of dental hygiene and preventive care. Dr. Sainath Bhethanabhotla, Sr. Consultant & Head of Medical Oncology at Star Hospitals, discussed the necessity of regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle while underlining the unpredictability of life. The Show ended with a fun quiz and a giveaway by SRIRAMS IAS.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder & CEO of Student Tribe, stated “International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration but a reminder of the immense contributions that women make in shaping our society, our families, and our future. The MAA Tribe Meet-Up was a testament to our deep commitment to fostering an inclusive space where appreciation, mentorship, and empowerment come together to drive meaningful change. By bringing together students, industry leaders, and inspiring personalities, we are creating a platform that uplifts voices, fuels aspirations, and nurtures future leaders. This is just the beginning of a larger movement to recognize, support, and create opportunities for the changemakers of tomorrow. We believe that by honoring women and fostering strong connections between students and professionals, we can collectively build a society where talent and potential know no barriers.”
With its growing influence in student communities across India, Student Tribe continues to lead meaningful initiatives, bridging the gap between students, industry leaders, and thought pioneers, ensuring that young minds are equipped with the inspiration and connections they need to thrive.
A key highlight of the celebration was the heartfelt gesture of gifting silver souvenirs to the mothers through fun giveaways, acknowledging their unwavering support and love. The event also focused on health and wellness, with Smiline Dental Hospital providing dental check-up vouchers and Star Hospitals offering cancer screening coupons worth over ₹3,000, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare. Students, an integral part of the celebration, were also recognized and rewarded, receiving smartwatches and other exciting gifts to enhance their experience and commemorate the occasion.
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- By Team
17, Mar 2025
Poonawalla Fincorp Unveils Commercial Vehicle Loan Business, Boosting Bharat’s Economy
Mumbai, March 17, 2025 – Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Cyrus Poonawalla Group promoted NBFC, focused on Consumer & MSME Lending, has expanded its product suite with the launch of its Commercial Vehicle (CV) Secured Loan Business. This new offering aims to bolster the essential logistics and supply chain sectors, by enhancing transportation capabilities for CV operators. The loan covers Small, Light, and Intermediate & Heavy Commercial Vehicles from all major manufacturers, supporting both new and used vehicle purchases. Customers will also benefit from flexible, structured payment and repayment options.
As part of this launch, PFL has also introduced a technology solution aligned with its risk-first approach. The solution focuses on reducing the documentation process for customers, enabling faster turnaround time and a seamless onboarding experience. By integrating with various technology partners, the company has developed assessment framework with validation from verified sources.
With a strong focus on Bharat’s tier 2 and tier 3 markets, PFL plans to initially enter 68 locations across 12 states in the first phase, with further plans to expand to 400 locations across 20 states through a hub-and-spoke model in the next phase. CV loans will be offered through direct-to-customer, dealers, and channel partners. The company has onboarded industry professionals to provide tailored financial solutions and enhance customer experiences.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arvind Kapil, Managing Director & CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp, said “Commercial transport sector continues to be the backbone of our growing economy. Our new Commercial Vehicle Loan directly facilitates the financial needs of transporters with streamlined processes and hassle-free documentation. It also adds clear strength to the bouquet of our secured businesses.”
India’s booming e-commerce sector, rapid industrial growth, and ambitious infrastructure development have fueled a rising demand for both new and used commercial vehicles nationwide. The used commercial vehicle segment, projected to form a significant part of PFL’s Commercial Vehicle loan portfolio, stands as a cornerstone of this initiative, driving affordability and opportunity across the transport and logistics ecosystem.
Adopting a strategic, risk-first approach, PFL not only facilitates quicker loan disbursements but also ensures that fleet owners and transporters can expand their operations with confidence and stability. The company continues to focus on simplifying lending, creating customer delight, and enhancing experiences, which are its top priorities.
17, Mar 2025
Educators’ Meet and Recognition Ceremony Held by Noida International University in Jewar
Jewar, March 17, 2025 — Noida International University (NIU), a NAAC A+ accredited institution, successfully organized an Educators Meet & Felicitation Ceremony in Jewar, highlighting the university’s academic excellence, global outreach, and student-centric environment. The event, attended by over 70 educators and dignitaries, highlighting NIU’s commitment to providing world-class education and a safe campus for students, especially girls.
The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Akash Sharma, Director, Admission & Outreach, NIU, along with guest of honor Prof. Vinod Nagar, Professor, School of Education, NIU, who graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, shed light on the university’s achievements and its growing global presence. They were joined by distinguished guests Bhanu Pratap Singh, Ankur Sharma, Tarun Pratap Singh, and Mukesh Bhardwaj, who also addressed the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Akash Sharma highlighted that NIU is home to students from over 60 nations, offering a multicultural environment with cutting-edge courses in Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and other global disciplines. He further stressed the university’s focus on ensuring a safe and inclusive space for female students, making it one of the preferred destinations for higher education. He also emphasized the role of educators in shaping future generations and applauded the collective effort in making NIU a center of academic and research excellence.
17, Mar 2025
Tamil Nadu State Budget 2025-26
By-Raveendra Bhat Area Sales Director, Water Utility INDO Region
14 March 2025: “The measures outlined in the Tamil Nadu State Budget 2025-26 reflect the government’s commitment to sustainability, inclusive growth and water security. The budgetary allocation of Rs 675 crore for the modernization of drinking water projects in the state is noteworthy as water is at the heart of the way communities, businesses and governments function. It is also a move that reflects that the government is in tune with the current needs of stakeholders in the water technologies space. The launch of drinking water projects in Erode, Mayilatudhurai, Thiruvallur and other districts of Tamil Nadu is equally commendable. These projects will significantly enhance the quality of life of people and take them closer to a water-positive future. The state government’s thrust on drinking water projects is thus welcome. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence for advanced pump motor technologies in Coimbatore is also a step in the right direction. As a leading provider of pumps for the Indian and international markets, we at Grundfos believe it will serve as a veritable ground for Research and Development and also encourage collaboration towards building products that match world-class standards.”
17, Mar 2025
Hassan’s Brigade PU College Welcomes 2nd PUC Students with Orientation and Felicitation
Hassan, March 17, 2025: Brigade PU College, Hassan kicked off it’s pursuit to new academic heights with orientation & felicitation program for 2nd PUC parents & students.
Hareesh PK, CEO & Founder of Arjunaa Academy for Achievers (AAA) motivated the students by citing several case studies of people who have reaped massive returns by investing their time & energy in education.
He also spoke about several challenges that a student commonly encounters during the preparation & equipped students with right solutions to overcome these challenges.
“The heart of an institution is a highly qualified & dedicated faculty team” said Mr. Vijay Shankar, Principal and Trustee of Brigade PU college and introduced the entire teaching & non-teaching staff to the students & parents..
A brief outline of the academic plan for entire year was presented & competitive training for 2nd PUC was inaugurated with a book launch ceremony, unveiling the competitive books that students would be solving during the academic year.
Mr. Sreekanth PK, Director of Arjunaa Academy encouraged the Olympiad toppers of 1st PUC by felicitating them.
17, Mar 2025
Crack Academy Brings World-Class Learning to Underserved Students in Tier 3 and 4 Areas
Students in Tier 3 and 4 cities often face limited access to quality education, making it difficult for them to compete in national-level competitive exams. To address this gap, the Himachal Pradesh Government has joined hands with Crack Academy to offer students expert mentorship, personalized coaching, and financial assistance, ensuring that they have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts.
Through this collaboration, the academy, under its initiative “Mere Shehar ke 100 Ratan” will provide free coaching to 6,800 meritorious students. Additionally, significant concessions will be offered to thousands more, making exam preparation more affordable. The initiative aims to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive exams and secure promising career opportunities. The academy also ensures that students receive well-researched, structured study materials designed to align with the latest exam patterns.
Beyond financial support, Crack Academy is also expanding its infrastructure, setting up 90+ coaching centers further enhancing learning resources for students. By empowering students with competitive exam readiness, Crack Academy is breaking barriers and transforming the future of education in smaller cities, ensuring that talent and ambition are no longer limited by location or financial constraints.
17, Mar 2025
MTaI Statement on Parliamentary Standing Committee report
While the Parliamentary Standing Committee has perceptively identified the opportunities for improvement—such as ongoing training of CDSCO officials, the implementation of a fully digitized, time-bound, and trackable licensing system, minimizing frequent and delayed queries, lateral entry from the industry and the establishment of an industry advisory board to streamline operations—certain aspects must also be considered:
1. The centralization of intricate matters within CDSCO is largely due to the concentration of expertise at the organization.
2. The preference of some companies for Vietnam and Malaysia as manufacturing destinations stems from a variety of factors beyond just CDSCO’s regulatory processes, such as policies, tax regimes, etc.
3. In one of its earlier comments the committee had spoken of understaffing in CDSCO. This is correct and this understaffing is more acutely felt since all classes of devices have recently come under a mandatory licensing regime.
The honourable committee’s proposal to create a dedicated support team to assist applicants with queries—akin to a chaperone service—would be particularly beneficial, especially for startups, and should be taken up.
In its role as a regulator, CDSCO should continue to champion industry quality and ethical standards thus contributing to the sector’s enduring growth and global positioning.
17, Mar 2025
Immerse Yourself in the Classical Charm of Holi Sittings in Almora
Almora: The spirit of Holi in Almora was elevated to new artistic heights this year with the soulful renditions of classical ragas in special baithaki (sitting) sessions held across the town. These gatherings brought together renowned artists who mesmerized audiences with traditional bandis (compositions) in Raag Pilu, Kafi, Jangla, Desh, and Bhairavi, making the festival an unforgettable experience.
Almora, known for its deep-rooted cultural heritage, witnessed an overwhelming response to these classical Holi sittings. Various locations hosted these events, where the blend of classical music and Holi festivities created a mesmerizing atmosphere. The audience, comprising locals and visitors alike, was spellbound by the melodic beauty of bandis that have been passed down through generations.
Eminent classical musicians took center stage, bringing alive the true essence of Holi through Dhrupad, Khayal, and Thumri compositions. The performances, enriched with traditional taans and sargams, captured the festive mood while upholding the sanctity of India’s classical music traditions.
Speaking about the same Dr. Anil Sanwal renowned artist, said, “These baithaki sittings are a testament to Almora’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich musical heritage. Classical music has always been an integral part of Holi celebrations in this region, and we are proud to carry forward this tradition.”
Another artist Deep Joshi said , “As colors filled the air, so did the deep and evocative notes of these ragas, creating a surreal experience for all present. With such initiatives, Almora continues to be a beacon of India’s rich cultural tapestry, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the timeless beauty of classical music.”
14, Mar 2025
C Summit and Awards 2025: Primus Partners Focus on Green Growth for MSMEs
New Delhi, March 14th, 2025- India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are key drivers of economic growth, but their shift toward sustainability remains a challenge. Addressing this, the inaugural edition of the C³ Summit & Awards, organized in partnership with Primus Partners and supported by the Ministry of MSME, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Unlike conventional summits, this two-day event focused on enabling MSMEs to tackle climate challenges through a structured approach.
Centered around the theme ‘Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable Future’, the two-day event highlighted the need to align Climate, Circularity, and Community for a greener MSME sector.
The event was graced by Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, who highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in building a Viksit Bharat and highlighted their significant contribution to GDP and exports.
He said, “MSMEs are the cornerstone of a Viksit Bharat. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of MSME has been strengthened to drive growth. MSMEs contribute 30.1% to the GDP and 45.73% of exports, supported by initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana and others, which empower women, enhance skills, and create jobs. We are confident that Bharat will rise to the 3rd position globally by 2027, and MSMEs will be key to this remarkable progress.”
In their address to the attendees, Mercy Epao, and Ateesh Kr. Singh, Joint Secretaries from the Ministry of MSME, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable development, energy transition.
A report titled, ‘Financing the Future: Bridging India’s $11 Trillion Annual Green Capital Gap’ was also unveiled in the august presence of Sameer Jain, MD (Sustainability & ESG) of Primus Partners, Pooja Lahri, Vice President at Primus Partners, Meenakshie Mehta, Outlook Publisher & Director, M Ramakrishnan, MD (Agriculture), Primus Partners and Neeraj Thakur, Editor, Outlook Business.
The C3 Summit and Awards also saw the launch of Vishwa Carbon, an end-to-end decarbonization platform, in collaboration with Primus Partners. With a global presence across five countries and representing Bharat Carbon in India, the platform is primarily focused on supporting MSMEs in their net-zero journey.
Emphasizing the critical role of technology, policy, and financing in India’s sustainability journey, Sameer Jain, MD of Primus Partners, said, “As India progresses towards its ambitious Panchamrit goals, the intersection of AI, renewable energy, and MSMEs will shape the future of sustainability. With MSMEs contributing 30% to India’s GDP and leveraging AI for innovation, growing data consumption will inevitably increase energy demand, making it crucial to integrate sustainable energy solutions and technological advancements to meet these evolving needs.”
Talking about the policy intervention, Pradeep Tharakan, Director, Energy Transition, ADB said, “As the world’s third-largest energy market, India needs long-term plans like the 2070 net-zero goal, backed by government programs, incentives, and regulations to shift from a fuel-based to a material-based economy. A fully integrated grid supports this transition, but efforts must scale up 5-6 times consistently. With new technologies emerging, MSMEs need better access. Policy interventions are also vital. India must focus on three priorities—securing diverse, affordable financing; expanding into regions like the Northeast; and developing a skilled, digitally equipped workforce.”
The discussions highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in decarbonizing sectors where they form a vital part of the supply chain, with a strong emphasis on climate finance and easing access to sustainable funding. Experts explored policy interventions, financing mechanisms, and technological innovations essential for a smooth green transition.
On scaling India’s computer power, Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, Asia South at NVIDIA said, “India needs to scale up its compute power consumption from 0.5% to at least 3%, as its current status is far below the global average because of its relatively small compute fabric despite the country’s large population. India must scale up to at least 3% of compute power consumption, but if we continue relying on traditional computing models, it will be an expensive path.”
Highlighting the financing gap for MSMEs despite government programs and stressing upon the need for a strong climate transition narrative, Pooja Lahri, Vice President, Primus Partners said, “Despite several government programs, MSMEs continue to face a significant financing gap. To bridge this, we need a strong and clear climate transition narrative that aligns financial support with sustainable growth.”
In a conversation with the Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra and the Commissioner of Industries, Trade, and Commerce of Arunachal Pradesh, Ramakrishnan M, Managing Director of Primus Partners, emphasised the importance of collaboration among all key stakeholders, regardless of the scale of industrial developments within a state. He highlighted that no matter how large or small the industrial activities may be, it is crucial for all involved parties—government bodies, industry leaders, and local communities—to come together with a shared focus on sustainability thereby ensuring that growth is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive for the long term.
Emphasizing the crucial role of industry collaborations amongst MSMEs, Prashant Girbane, Director General, MCCIA said, “The Ministry of MSME has introduced excellent schemes, but their impact depends on wider reach and effective implementation. We must leverage industry collaboration, much like Germany, to ensure these initiatives drive real growth and transformation across the sector.”
Discussing the role of the synergy between central and state governments, Rajiv Chawla, Founder & Chairman, IamSMEofIndia said, “Sustainable profits, opportunities, and simplified compliance are the key factors encouraging MSMEs to adopt a greener, more sustainable path. MSMEs are primarily focused on achieving regulatory compliance, seizing opportunities, and ensuring strong profits and returns on investment (ROIs) while moving toward sustainability. Both central and state governments play a vital role by offering incentives tied to ZED certification, which encourages businesses to follow eco-friendly practices.”
Masterclasses were also conducted, equipping MSMEs with actionable insights to adopt sustainable practices and navigate the path toward a net-zero future. The C³ Summit & Awards concluded with a firechat discussion with Jitendra Kumar a.k.a. Jeetu Bhaiya that inspired MSMEs and leaders to pave the way for sustainability. Industry leaders were honored with awards in their respective fields to recognize their contributions and celebrate their commitment to sustainability and innovation. The event focused on helping MSMEs transition to sustainability, supporting India’s net-zero 2070 goal.
14, Mar 2025
Dr. Dipesh Shah on GIFT IFSC’s Evolution as a Global Financial Powerhouse
National/Gujarat, 14th March 2025: India’s apex industry body for alternative assets, the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), in collaboration with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), successfully hosted the inaugural IFSCA-IVCA Fund Management Conclave 2025 on 12th March 2025 at GIFT City, Gujarat.
The Conclave brought together key stakeholders to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape, innovative fund structures, and India’s emergence as a global fund management hub. Organised in partnership with IC Universal Legal, Investec, PwC, and Peak XV Partners, the conclave fostered dialogue on accelerating capital flows through IFSC and strengthening India’s position in the global investment ecosystem. Dr. Dipesh Shah, Executive Director (Development), IFSCA, delivered an address on ‘Business Growth in IFSC,’ highlighting key developments and opportunities shaping the sector.
Dr. Dipesh Shah highlighted GIFT City‘s rapid transformation into a global financial hub, driven by targeted incentives, business-friendly regulations, and a growing financial ecosystem. He emphasised GIFT IFSC’s role in facilitating global capital flows, sustainable finance, and emerging sectors like aircraft and ship leasing. He further highlighted the importance of strong governance, regulatory clarity, and talent development in sustaining its momentum and attracting greater domestic and international participation.
He said, “GIFT IFSC has evolved from an unfamiliar concept to a thriving global financial hub, now home to 29 banks, a rapidly growing fund ecosystem with over 215 registered funds, and a balance sheet that has surged from $14 billion in 2020 to $78 billion today. With debt listings exceeding $64 billion—including $15 billion in ESG-focused funds—GIFT City is not only facilitating global capital flows but also positioning itself as a center for sustainable finance. The expansion of aircraft and ship leasing, once dominated by international financial hubs, is now taking shape in IFSC, marking India’s rise as a global player in these sectors.
As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that the growth of IFSC is accompanied by depth in talent and governance. I propose that we establish a PO-CO forum at the next IVCA-IFSC Conclave, where principal officers and compliance officers can discuss fund operations, regulatory frameworks, and governance standards, ensuring that IFSC continues to lead with credibility and substance. An awards initiative recognizing outstanding professionals in this space would further strengthen our commitment to building a world-class financial ecosystem.”
