19, Sep 2025
Dhruva Capital Services announces strategic merger with microfinance lender Vector Finance Private Ltd
Mumbai/ Kolkata, September 19, 2025: Dhruva Capital Services, an NBFC engaged in the business of investment and financing has announced strategic merger with Vector Finance Private Limited marking its foray into microfinance business. The company currently offers business loan, loan against property, loans for commercial vehicle and commercial equipment, invoice and lease rental discounting and construction finance.
The board of directors of Dhruva Capital Services on Friday approved the merger of Vector Finance with the company and its shareholders. The merger will be subject to necessary approvals/sanctions, from National Company Law Tribunal or such other competent authority and shareholders and creditors of both the companies, Dhruva Capital said in a notification to stock exchanges.
With Assets under Management (AUM) of Rs 390.23 crore as on March 31, 2025, Vector Finance has presence across six states primarily in the eastern and north eastern parts of the country. In FY25, the company disbursed a total amount of Rs 222.66 crore among 43,274 customers. Its total revenue from operation stood at Rs 27.16 crore as on March 31, 2025.
Mr Rahul Johri, Chairman, Vector Finance and a veteran banker with over 34 years of experience in leadership roles between the microfinance sector and banks such as Bandhan Bank, DBS Bank, Standard Chartered and Barclays said, the merger would offer perfect synergies and help create and develop a more diversified and resilient organisation.
“At Vector Finance it has been our constant endeavour to drive grassroot level penetration of finance in the country. This merger will offer the perfect synergies to help create and develop a more diversified and resilient organisation by leveraging upon Dhruva Capital’s understanding of financial sector and backed by our strong deep roots level connect in the MFI sector. The merger will also help reduce the overall cost of borrowing besides providing access to additional capital, which in turn would help the company further improve both its topline and also endeavour to reduce the interest rate to customers. This integration will enhance our ability to serve customers across segments, expand our product suite and unlock synergies in operations and capital efficiency,” Johri said.
Commenting on the merger, Mr Shreeram Bagla, Managing Director of Dhruva Capital Services, said, “The proposed merger of Vector Finance with Dhruva Capital marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. The microfinance company has a strong presence across six key states in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, which are largely underpenetrated. By joining forces with the company, we wish to create a stronger and more resilient institution which combines our robust understanding of the financial sector with the deep and well entrenched reach of microfinance sector. Our vision is to drive inclusive growth by penetrating into under penetrated markets and empowering underserved communities. We believe that this strategic merger will not only strengthen our balance sheet and help us expand our reach and presence but will also make finance accessible and affordable to the mass market.”
According to SIDBI data, the portfolio outstanding of microfinance industry as on 31st March 2025 is ₹3,35,071 crore with 11.1 crore active loans. NBFC-MFIs contributes highest towards portfolio outstanding.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
18, Sep 2025
KFON Expands High-Speed Internet to Nelliyampathy
Palakkad, September 18, 2025: KFON is set to bring high-speed internet services to the Nelliyampathy region in Palakkad. Work on establishing the Nelliyampathy– Kollengode backbone link is progressing rapidly to support this expansion.
KFON is focusing on providing broadband connections to areas with limited internet connectivity. The team is working urgently to complete all essential infrastructure and ensure services are made available to customers as quickly as possible.
In the first phase, KFON internet services will be rolled out at 17 End-of-Service (EOS) centers, including government offices. Subsequently, households, commercial customers, and other institutions will also be able to enjoy KFON’s high-speed internet services.
“This is a significant step by KFON toward realizing Kerala’s digital aspirations. Internet services open up vast opportunities for every individual. KFON’s goal is to ensure high-quality internet at affordable rates for all people across Kerala, without economic, social, or geographic disparities. We are now very close to achieving that goal,” said Dr. Santosh Babu IAS, Managing Director of KFON.
18, Sep 2025
Rahul Sinha Joins ‘Chhoriyan Chali Gaon’ as It Premieres on Zee TV, Sept 19 at 10 PM
When the dynamism of news meets the thrill of reality television, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. This was evident on Zee TV’s popular show Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, which featured a special integration with Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News. In this unique episode, contestants took on the role of journalists—reporting, investigating, and presenting stories with the same responsibility and energy as real media professionals. The challenge gave participants a true taste of the fast-paced newsroom environment, testing their ability to identify stories, frame narratives with impact, and deliver them confidently before a wide audience.
The special Chhoriyan Chali Gaon episode featuring Rahul Sinha will air on Thursday, 19th September at 10:00 PM, only on Zee TV. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind crossover where news meets entertainment most engagingly.
Adding even more excitement to the mix was the presence of Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, who joined the show as a special judge. Known for his sharp editorial eye and commanding presence, Mr. Sinha brought real newsroom credibility to the reality stage. He evaluated contestants on their instincts, storytelling flair, and ability to think on their feet when faced with situations inspired by real-world journalism. His insights didn’t just raise the competition’s bar but also gave participants and viewers a glimpse of what it truly takes to be a journalist.
Mr. Anindya Khare, Marketing Head, ZMCL, said, “We’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to shape perspectives and spark dialogue. With Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, we saw an opportunity to go beyond entertainment and bring journalistic integrity into the reality format. This collaboration with Zee News is more than a content experiment—it’s a cultural statement. By placing contestants in the shoes of real reporters, we’re not only challenging them to think critically and communicate with impact, but also inviting viewers to appreciate the responsibility behind every headline. It’s a format that entertains, educates, and elevates—true to Zee’s legacy of innovation with purpose.”
This collaboration was a fresh experiment in content—blending the seriousness of news with the energy and entertainment of reality TV. It not only entertained but also educated, showing audiences that journalism is as much about responsibility as it is about storytelling.
18, Sep 2025
EY India Techathon 6.0 engages with young innovators to shape the AI leaders of tomorrow
New Delhi, 18 September 2025: EY India, the leading professional services organization, today announced the launch of the sixth edition of its flagship campus innovation challenge — Techathon 6.0; Building Tomorrow’s Solutions for Today’s India. Techathon 6.0 is focused on developing real-world solutions for India’s unique challenges, and by harnessing the creativity of young innovators, it aims to nurture the next generation of AI leaders.
Themed Agentic AI — autonomous systems that can adapt, take initiative, and make proactive decisions, Techathon 6.0 challenges students to design scalable, real-world AI solutions for businesses, communities, and citizens across sectors including pharma, BFSI, auto, FMCG, retail, and Startups.
For the first time, leading organizations such as Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail (ABFRL), Mahindra & Mahindra, Hero MotoCorp, Asian Paints, Tata Capital, and Firstsource will collaborate with EY leaders in mentoring rounds, offering students unparalleled industry exposure and the opportunity to co-create solutions with real-world business applications.
Mahesh Makhija, Partner and Technology Consulting Leader, EY India, said, “Techathon 6.0 is about building real solutions for Indian’s unique problems. By pairing young India’s creativity with responsible innovation, we are preparing tomorrow’s AI leaders.”
Techathon has seen 100x growth since inception, the competition has engaged more than 1.25 lakh students across 95%+ of India’s premier institutes over the years, making it one of the largest platforms for nurturing AI talent in the country.
Over the years, Techathon has produced solutions that have been recognized by industry leaders, with winners and runners-up from institutions such as IIT Kharagpur, IIM Lucknow, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, and KIIT Bhubaneswar.
This year’s edition introduces a multi-stage evaluation powered by EY’s proprietary AI-enabled tools, followed by expert reviews, mentoring sessions, and semi-final presentations. Finalists will showcase their innovations at the grand finale before an eminent jury of industry leaders. Winners will receive cash prizes, mentorship, and potential opportunities to work on real-world client challenges.
18, Sep 2025
EvoluteIQ Secures 53 Million Funding from Baird Capital to Boost Global Growth and India R&D
National, 18th September 2025 – EvoluteIQ, the enterprise-grade, AI-native automation platform, today announced the successful close of a $53 million minority growth capital round. This investment is led by Baird Capital, a leading global private investment firm. This strategic infusion of capital will enable EvoluteIQ to supercharge its global expansion, deepen investments in its Bengaluru R&D Centre, and cement its leadership in the agentic AI–powered automation space across varied industries.
Founded in 2019, by a group of tech visionaries – Sameet Gupte, Sanjay Koppikar, Deepak Kinger, Arun Hiremath, and Naveen Prabhu, EvoluteIQ redefines automation of complex business processes through its breakthrough platform (EIQ), underpinned by its proprietary Agentic Mesh Architecture {aMa} and the AI Workbench. The platform delivers measurable outcomes across mission-critical operations in Banking & Financial services, Insurance, Healthcare, Telecommunications, and Manufacturing by orchestrating complete end-to-end business workflows.
EvoluteIQ’s differentiated approach addresses the enterprise market’s most pressing need: moving beyond fragmented AI tools to comprehensive, autonomous business process management. The EIQ platform sets the standard for agentic automation, enabling Fortune 500 enterprises to build autonomous, resilient, and future-ready systems that drive lasting growth.
Strategic Investment for Global Expansion
With support from Baird Capital’s global platform, EvoluteIQ plans to scale its established business internationally while maintaining its strong Indian foundation. Baird Capital’s Daina Spedding and Mark Donnelly will join the EvoluteIQ Board of Directors.
“The investment demonstrates our excitement for AI and reshaping automation,” said Daina Spedding, Director in Baird Capital’s Global Private Equity team. “EvoluteIQ has earned its place alongside other automation trailblazers, bringing deep expertise and addressing a critical AI need across the enterprises they serve. We are delighted to welcome EvoluteIQ into Baird Capital’s portfolio.”
Strong India Focus Drives Global Growth
India continues to be at the core of EvoluteIQ’s growth strategy, housing the company’s largest R&D centre in Bengaluru. The funding will enable significant expansion of the Indian operations, with plans to hire top talent and scale the team as the company builds next-generation technology for AI-led transformation.
“India has been instrumental in our journey, providing the technological backbone of innovation for our global success,” said Sameet Gupte, Co-Founder & Chief Executive at EvoluteIQ. “We are privileged to partner with Baird Capital for EvoluteIQ’s next phase as a company. The Agentic AI market represents a fundamental shift from reactive automation to proactive, intelligent orchestration. Baird Capital’s expertise in scaling technology companies, network, and global resources will help us accelerate our journey, as we focus on driving transformative growth through outcome driven agentic models.”
Major Industry Recognition and Market Leadership
EvoluteIQ’s innovative approach has garnered significant industry recognition across multiple leading analysts across the industry, a few amongst them are:
- Gartner Recognition in the BOAT (Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies) market segment
- Gartner MQ in 2025 for RPA
- Everest PEAK Matrix for Low-Code Platforms as a “Major Contender”
- Everest Group’s ‘Innovation Watch’ for Agentic AI Products
- Featured in Celent’s Report on Generative AI in Insurance
- Recognized in Everest Group’s Agentic AI in HR study
- Included in IDC’s Unified AI and Agentic AI Platforms in Asia report
Strategic Fund Utilization
The investment will be strategically deployed across three key areas:
- Global Expansion: Hiring sales and marketing teams globally to accelerate growth and scale operations
- R&D Innovation: Continued investment in research and development to maintain leadership in the Agentic AI space
- Strategic Acquisitions: Identifying and acquiring complementary technologies and capabilities
Future Vision
EvoluteIQ’s long-term vision centres on enabling organizations to automate their processes through the EIQ agentic AI platform at scale. The company believes the future lies in AI ecosystems where customers purchase outcomes through integrated platforms, with intellectual property encompassing not just technology but comprehensive enablement capabilities.
18, Sep 2025
Bhajanlal Commercial Pvt. Ltd. Gears Up for Apple Puja Mahotsav Launch
Kolkata, September 18, 2025: With Puja festivities around the corner, Bhajanlal Commercial Pvt. Ltd., Eastern India’s most trusted premium retail name, is set to host the much-awaited Apple Puja Mahotsav Launch on September 19 at 8:00am across all Bhajanlal showrooms and its online platform www.bhajanlal.in. Customers will be among the first in India to order Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup, Watch series, and AirPods Pro 3 — with exclusive launch-day offers, no-cost EMIs, and instant cashback benefits.
Bhajanlal: Beyond Retail, Into Lifestyle
For over three decades, Bhajanlal has redefined the consumer experience — not just selling electronics, but creating a culture of trust, service, and aspiration. Today, the brand represents more than premium gadgets; it has become an ecosystem of technology and lifestyle retail.
Under the leadership of Mr. Mohan Bajoria, Director, Bhajanlal has steadily grown into a household name, recognised for its forward-looking approach and unwavering reliability. With Mr. Jayant Bajoria, CEO driving the digital transformation, Bhajanlal’s phygital presence — blending high-street flagship outlets with a powerful online store — has become a benchmark in Indian retail.
Why Bhajanlal Remains the Gold Standard
Bhajanlal’s offering extends beyond devices to a complete lifestyle proposition. Its portfolio spans smartphones, wearables, TVs, home appliances, audio, cooling solutions, computing and hand-picked lifestyle brands such as Mia by Tanishq, CaratLane and Titan Eye+. The company strengthens purchase confidence with comprehensive services—gadget insurance, buyback & upgrade programmes, doorstep repairs, and extended warranties. Financial partners including Bajaj Finance, HDFC, SBI, Axis, ICICI, IDFC First, TVS Credit enable attractive buying options such as zero-cost EMIs up to 36 months, cashback and device-financing plans.
In a bold step of diversification, Bhajanlal is now expanding into apparel, with its first exclusive Jockey showroom set to open soon — signalling the brand’s evolution into a full-fledged lifestyle destination.
18, Sep 2025
Stryker expands its R&D footprint in India with new facility in Bangalore
Bengaluru, India, September 18, 2025 – Stryker (NYSE: SYK), a global leader in medical technologies, announced the expansion of its R&D presence in India with the opening of a new facility in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Building on its existing 220,000 square-foot R&D campus in Gurgaon, the new 140,000 square-foot facility further strengthens Stryker’s footprint in the country.
The new state-of-the-art facility brings together cross-functional teams and industry-leading lab infrastructure, uniquely blending next-generation capabilities in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and product security.
Complementing this innovation hub, a medical experience center will deepen collaboration with healthcare professionals by showcasing solutions that help save lives and improve patient care, including ICU beds, stretchers, ambulance cots, and hospital and public-access AEDs (automated external defibrillators).
“We’re growing with purpose – expanding our capabilities to innovate, collaborate and deliver solutions that address the needs of our customers and patients worldwide,” said Ram Rangarajan, Vice President, Stryker Global Technology Center. “The advanced labs will allow us to work closely with healthcare professionals, unlock valuable insights, and accelerate innovation. With a strong focus on Digital and AI technologies, our new, state-of-the-art facility is designed to attract top talent, foster excellence, and drive sustained growth – all while remaining true to our mission of making healthcare better”.
The launch of the new facility in Bangalore builds on Stryker’s existing presence and reflects its continued commitment towards India’s dynamic ecosystem of research excellence, medical technology innovation and deep talent expertise.
18, Sep 2025
Nikon supports Youth India Programme to empower Future Creators
Mumbai/ New Delhi, 18 September 2025 — In a significant move to nurture creativity and build future-ready skills among students, Nikon India has announced its support for the Youth India Programme as an official equipment partner. The initiative is led by Arya Chitra, General Manager of the Youth Global Program.
By providing structured exposure to the world of visual media, the programme aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills that foster creativity, confidence, and career preparedness. Through this activity we are planning to reach out to 20 different schools/colleges within this financial year.
Programme Highlights
- Skill Development: Training in photography, filmmaking, storytelling, and responsible media use.
- Experiential Learning: Access to Nikon-led workshops, curated projects, and guided excursions.
- Media Labs in Schools: Dedicated creative spaces supported by Nikon with mirrorless cameras, media kits, and mentorship.
- Career Exposure: Early exposure to fields such as journalism, communications, media, and content creation.
“At Nikon India, we firmly believe that early skilling is critical to preparing a future-ready generation. We support initiative of knowledge sharing with students from Schools and Colleges, which encourages creativity, experiential learning, and career preparedness. Through the Youth India Programme, we are enabling students to gain industry-relevant skills,” said Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director, Nikon India.
As part of its phased rollout, the programme has been introduced in partnership with leading educational institutions, beginning with the Global Indian International School (GIIS) network under the Global Schools Group.
“The Youth Programme is more than just photography/videography—it’s a movement of youth empowerment through creativity and purpose. Through storytelling, visual expression, and digital media, young Indians are finding their voice—and that voice is powerful.” Said Arya Chitra General Manager, Youth Global Program.”
18, Sep 2025
Pushpanjali Medicon 2025 Concludes with 2,500+ Global Medical Experts in Attendance
New Delhi,18 september 2025 : Pushpanjali Medicon 2025, one of the most awaited gatherings in the field of healthcare excellence, concluded successfully today. The event brought together leading doctors, specialists, and healthcare professionals from across India and abroad, ranging more than 2500, establishing itself as a landmark academic and skill-building platform.
The event commenced on 6th September with an intensive ACLS-BLS workshop, where over 200 participants underwent hands-on training in advanced cardiac life support and basic life support. The workshop equipped doctors, nurses, and paramedics with critical lifesaving skills, with all participants receiving certifications upon successful completion, further enhancing their professional expertise.
On 7th September, Pushpanjali Medicon 2025 hosted its flagship scientific program, which drew an overwhelming participation of more than 2500 delegates. The day-long sessions featured thought-provoking presentations and panel discussions by eminent speakers from India and abroad, who shared insights on the latest advances in healthcare, innovative treatment protocols, and emerging trends in medicine. The scientific program not only reinforced academic rigor but also emphasized practical learning, making it a truly enriching experience for the medical fraternity.
Prominent medical luminaries such as Dr. Amitava Gupta, a leading hand surgeon from the USA, widely respected for his advancements in microsurgical reconstruction, Dr. Terrance Khastgir, a distinguished leader in the field of electrophysiology, known for his pioneering work in cardiac rhythm management, Dr. Shekhar Sheshadri, an acclaimed psychiatrist and mental health advocate, who emphasized the importance of holistic well-being alongside clinical excellence.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, renowned pulmonologist and former Director of AIIMS, Dr. Deepak Talwar, a pioneer in respiratory and critical care, and Dr. Vijay Aggarwal, an eminent voice in healthcare quality and policy, shared their expertise at the event. The conference also featured insights from Dr. R.V. Asokan, Dr. J.A. Jayalal, and Dr. Satyender Tyagi, their collective presence highlighted the academic depth and international stature of Pushpanjali Medicon 2025.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, Chief Patron of Pushpanjali Medicon 2025, said “Pushpanjali Medicon has always been a platform to celebrate excellence, share knowledge, and inspire the medical fraternity to reach greater heights. The overwhelming response to this year’s event is a testament to its growing impact, and I am confident it will contribute immensely to advancing healthcare and patient well-being.”
With its perfect blend of skill-based training and scientific exchange, Pushpanjali Medicon 2025 has once again reaffirmed its place as a milestone event in medical education and healthcare advancement.
18, Sep 2025
NODWIN Gaming Returns with DreamHack India at Hyderabad Comic Con This October
New Delhi, September 18, 2025: NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, has announced that DreamHack India 2025, India’s largest digital festival, will return to Hyderabad this year as part of Hyderabad Comic Con 2025, one of the nation’s biggest pop culture celebration. The mega three-day event will take place from October 31 to November 2, 2025, giving fans the ultimate festival of gaming, comics, cosplay, and fandom culture under one roof.
Adding to the excitement, DreamHack India celebrates its 6th anniversary this year, marking a milestone moment for India’s gaming community. DreamHack has become a staple of India’s esports and gaming calendar, featuring electrifying LAN tournaments, cosplay contests, tech expos, retro zones, meet & greets with leading streamers and creators, and its fan-favourite Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) zones.
The BYOD zone remains one of DreamHack’s most iconic experiences. Here, attendees can bring their own PC, console, or mobile setup to game together across three days, surrounded by friends, creators, and fellow enthusiasts. For working professionals and college students, BYOD offers the perfect weekend gaming getaway, an immersive break from routine where you and your crew can compete, connect, and play nonstop in a true festival atmosphere. This year, fans will also have the option to rent a high-performance PC on site, making it easier than ever to jump straight into the action without carrying heavy equipment.
Together, DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2025 will host an unparalleled lineup of activities, including:
- PAN FEST (BGMI) – An open-for-all BGMI competition with daily lobbies, giving every fan a chance to drop in solo or squad up with friends and battle it out live at the festival.
- KO Fight Night – DreamHack’s legendary fighting games tournament returns, featuring Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros, and Street Fighter VI. Expect intense 1v1 duels, dramatic comebacks, and electrifying rivalries.
- Chess at DreamHack – A battle of minds featuring Rapid and Blitz formats, where classic strategy meets DreamHack’s competitive stage, drawing in both seasoned players and curious fans.
- BYOD Tournaments – The heart of DreamHack, where fans can bring their own PCs, consoles, or mobiles (or rent one on-site) to game non-stop across three days with friends, communities, and creators.
- Retro & Board Games Zone – A nostalgia-packed zone featuring classics like Contra, Pac-Man, and Tetris alongside all-time board game favourites like Monopoly, Carrom, and Ludo for fans looking for a fun, casual break.
Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said: “Over the past six years, our partnership with DreamHack has built some of India’s most iconic gaming moments, and blending it with Comic Con has created a one-of-a-kind celebration where gaming meets pop culture. Hyderabad’s fans have always brought unmatched energy, and last year’s three-day format proved just how powerful this fusion can be. This October, we’re coming back bigger and bolder than ever with everything from comic book launches, spectacular cosplay showcases, music and comedy performances, and geeky shopping to esports tournaments, chess, retro, and tabletop games, all under one roof.”
Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India, added: “What makes Hyderabad Comic Con truly magical is how it brings every kind of fan under one roof, from cosplay enthusiasts and comic collectors to gamers and creators. Last year, over 40,000 fans cheered as Wagh Suyog was crowned champion in both the Blitz and Rapid Chess formats, a perfect example of how competition, creativity, and community thrive together here. This year, by joining forces with DreamHack once again, we’re taking that spirit to the next level. Fans can look forward to three unforgettable days where pop culture, gaming, and fandom collide like never before.”
Comic Con India has been the nation’s definitive pop culture destination for over a decade, bringing together comics, anime, movies, television, and cosplay in five major cities. This year, Hyderabad Comic Con returns earlier than ever with more experiences, more fandom, and more entertainment than before.
