Author: Rabindra

Rajkummar Rao Joins Cashfree Payments as Brand Ambassador for ‘Move Fast’ Campaign

Bangalore, December 9th: Cashfree Payments, India’s leading payments and API banking platform, has announced the appointment of acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao as its brand ambassador. Alongside this, the company launched its new brand refresh campaign, Move Fast, emphasising its commitment to speed and agility. The campaign positions Cashfree Payments as a go-to partner for businesses seeking faster onboarding, faster payments and faster support.

Onboarding versatile Indian actor Rajkummar Rao as the face of this campaign, the company has released a digital film that showcases the brand’s bolder and sharper direction and vision. The film illustrates how Cashfree Payments empowers merchants of all sizes and at every stage of growth to experience fast onboarding, smooth transactions, and seamless support—enabling them to scale effortlessly and focus on what truly matters: growth and success.

Speaking about the brand refresh, Akash Sinha, CEO & Co-Founder of Cashfree Payments, said, “We are excited to welcome the talented Rajkummar Rao as the brand ambassador. Our refreshed brand centres around one core idea: ‘Move Fast’. With us, businesses can adapt and grow confidently, knowing we support their evolving needs. ‘Move Fast’ isn’t just about the present; it’s about partnering with businesses for the future and empowering them to stay ahead of the curve. With Rajkummar Rao onboard, this campaign reinforces our commitment to providing businesses with the speed, flexibility, agility and support they need to grow and thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.”

Commenting on this collaboration, Rajkummar Rao, an acclaimed Indian Actor, said, “I am thrilled to be part of the Cashfree family. Today, digital payments have become an integral part of our daily lives, making transactions smoother and more efficient. Partnering with a brand that has been at the forefront of the fintech revolution and empowering Indian businesses to scale and move fast is both inspiring and rewarding. I’m proud to be a part of this journey.”

As businesses look to capture the growth of India’s digital economy, Cashfree Payments is reinforcing its commitment to help businesses scale through a suite of fast and reliable services. The brand refresh aligns with the company’s mission to deliver a swift payment experience, enabling faster onboarding, quicker issue resolution, and more reliable settlements. This campaign positions Cashfree Payments as the ideal partner for businesses seeking speed and dependability in their payment operations, helping them overcome barriers and unlock new growth opportunities.

Aditi Olemann, Head & Senior Director of Marketing at Cashfree Payments said, “At Cashfree Payments, we are shaping the future of digital payments by making them inclusive and accessible to businesses of all sizes—whether it’s a startup in a small town or a large enterprise in a metro city. Our new tagline, ‘Move Fast,’ embodies the core of what we deliver: speed, reliability, and operational efficiency. With this brand refresh, we’ve reimagined Cashfree Payments to not only reflect our growth and evolution but also to capture the exciting path we’re charting for the future.”

Key elements of Cashfree Payments’ brand refresh campaign:

● Acclaimed Indian actor Rajkummar Rao is the face of the latest brand refresh campaign. This campaign will be supported by a digital brand film, outdoor advertising and more.

● The new brand tagline ‘Move Fast’ represents Cashfree Payments’ commitment to offering the best to businesses at speed and scale – fastest onboarding, fastest payments and fastest support.

● Cashfree Payments offering faster onboarding, faster payments and faster support is the core message driven through the brand refresh campaign.

● A version of the logo unit will incorporate ‘Move Fast’.

● Brand refresh campaign is slated to go live across digital channels and offline platforms from the week of 9th December

● The digital brand film has been conceptualised and created by the Cashfree Payments’ inhouse team in collaboration with the creative agency – OML

Cashfree Payments’ services include the fastest onboarding process in the industry, enabling merchants to integrate and activate their payment gateways in as little as one day. The company also prides itself on offering some of the quickest resolution times for technical, fraud, chargeback, and compliance issues, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations. Additionally, the company guarantees on-time settlements, empowering businesses with better cash flow management and increased working capital to fuel growth.

The company processes transactions worth USD 80+ billion annually and is trusted by over 6,00,000 businesses for digital payment solutions. The company has been at the forefront of redefining how businesses approach digital payments, onboarding, payouts and more through its wide range of tech-first offerings. In recent times, it has introduced industry-first products like Secure ID, flowWise for payment orchestration, KYC Link, Risk Shield for fraud monitoring and more. Outside of India, Cashfree Payments is expanding its presence in the UAE region through its acquired partner, Telr.

HSBC India Launches Premium Credit Card Tailored for Global Private Banking Clients

Mumbai, 9th December 2024: HSBC India has unveiled HSBC Privé – its first premium credit card designed with privileges exclusively curated for its private banking clients. The Global Private Banking business in India serves high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) who are professionals, entrepreneurs and their families with investable assets of more than USD $2 million.

The launch in India is part of a global programme to offer elevated travel, exclusive access and exceptional lifestyle experiences to its clients. Debuted in Hong Kong, besides India, the invitation-only card will also be launched in more markets globally.

Launched in collaboration with Mastercard, HSBC Privé’s privileges are specially curated for its UHNWI and HNWI clients, who are entrepreneurial, international and keen to expand their networks to discover new opportunities globally.

Commenting on the launch, Sandeep Batra, Head, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India, said, “For our Global Private Banking clients who lead dynamic lives with a spirit of ambition and entrepreneurship, we offer a distinctive wealth management approach and our clients choose us not only because of our deep understanding of their needs, but also our capabilities to provide them with bespoke services beyond private banking. We are excited to welcome our clients to HSBC Prive and the unparalleled experiences and opportunities that it has to offer in line with their aspirations and lifestyle needs.”

Rich Indian entrepreneurs are spending their wealth on luxury residences, goods and experiences as they remain optimistic about their business prospects in the home market and believe their personal wealth will grow1.

Credit card spending by the UHNWI and HNWI segment, represented by World and World Elite Mastercard cardholders in India, increased by 87% year on year in 2023. Particularly, overseas spending on experiences and travel categories grew by 69% and 56%, respectively, over the same period, indicating these to be categories of strong, growing interest among HNWI and UHNWI cardholders2.

Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard, said, “Mastercard is a leader in delivering unmatched value proposition across consumer segments globally. India today is among the fastest-growing countries in terms of the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. At the cusp of such a tectonic shift in the economic composition of the country, this association will enable Mastercard and HSBC to elevate extraordinary experiences for the latter’s Global Private Banking clients. Integrating personalised services and priceless propositions with security that inspires confidence, HSBC Privé will set a new benchmark in the UHNWI and HNWI segment.”

Recognising these spending trends, HSBC Privé is built upon deep client insights to cater to the needs of UHNWI and HNWI clients. Dedicated Contact Center agents are available to assist HSBC Privé cardholders to explore a suite of prestigious benefits3 uniquely curated for them, including:

Elevated travel — A companion first or business class airline ticket with leading airlines, access to premium airport lounges worldwide, travel Insurance, VISA at your doorstep and zero forex mark-up on all international spends.

Exclusive access — Worldwide access to bespoke private clubs, members-only lounges and workspaces at more than 150 locations across Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States, access to Michelin Star restaurants, access to bespoke experiences such as travel to Antarctic by Private Jet, get complimentary golf access in Asia Pacific, offers on wellness program and sessions with celebrity trainers.

Exceptional lifestyle — Premium hospitality groups benefits, accelerated upgrade to highest tier, exclusive shopping privileges and more.

India Tops the Global South in Adapting to the AI and Tech Revolution

New Delhi, December 09, 2024 –The Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC), the world’s premier forum for workforce development and labor market insights, has released a report shedding light on how rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping global employment. Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering Skills in a Dynamic Global Labor Market underscores India’s pivotal role in the Global South’s response to artificial intelligence and automation, showcasing the country’s workers as frontrunners in skill development and technological adaptation.

India’s Workers Rise to Meet the Challenge of the Tech Era

With over 70% of Indian professionals actively seeking opportunities to upskill, the report identifies India as a global leader in technological adaptation​. The dynamic nature of India’s job market, where artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation are becoming integral, drives this proactive stance.

Key Insights:

1. Higher Trust in Government Compared to Other Markets: While global trust in governments to support upskilling remains low at 20%, Indian respondents (31%) and those in Saudi Arabia (35%) demonstrated significantly higher confidence in their governments. In contrast, countries like the USA (15%) and UK (12%) reported markedly lower trust levels. Indian respondents also expressed 49% trust in businesses, further emphasizing the private sector’s role in workforce development​.
2. Technological Change is Driving Urgency for Skills Development: The urgency to reskill due to technological advancements is a shared concern among Indian workers, with 55% fearing that their skills could become partially or fully obsolete within the next five years. This places India in line with the global trend, where similar concerns are expressed by 61% in Brazil and 60% in China, compared to lower levels in developed markets such as the UK (44%) and Australia (43%).
3. Climate Change Spurs Skills Development in Key Sectors: Climate change is a more significant driver of upskilling or reskilling in India, with 32% of respondents identifying it as a factor influencing their reskilling decisions in the next five years. This aligns with countries like China (41%) and Vietnam (36%) but contrasts with countries such as the UK (14%) and USA (18%), where climate change has a comparatively lower impact on skills development priorities.
4. Barriers to Skill Development Persist: Barriers to upskilling or reskilling remain consistent globally, with Indian respondents citing lack of time (40%) and financial constraints (38%) as primary challenges. Similar patterns are observed in Brazil, where 43% report lack of time and 39% financial constraints, and in South Africa, where 45% and 42% respectively cite these barriers. In contrast, respondents in developed markets like Norway and the UK report fewer obstacles. In Norway, only 27% cite lack of time and 28% financial constraints, while in the UK, the figures are 31% and 24%, respectively, reflecting the impact of stronger support systems in these countries. These variations highlight the differing levels of accessibility and institutional support across global regions.
5. Emphasis on STEM, Cognitive, and Socio-Emotional Skills: When considering the future of skills, respondents in the APAC region, including India, prioritized cognitive skills (54%) and STEM capabilities (38%) as essential for thriving in a technology-driven economy. In contrast, socio-emotional skills were more valued in service-oriented economies such as the USA and the EU, with 39% and 41% of respondents prioritizing these skills, respectively. Meanwhile, in Africa and LATAM, STEM skills are relatively lower in priority at 30% and 34%, respectively, while entrepreneurial skills gained prominence in Africa (47%). These variations highlight regional differences in workforce priorities and the influence of economic structures on skill demand.

Harrington Street Arts Centre Unveils ‘We Live in Furnished Souls’, A Revolutionary Art Exhibition

Kolkata, 9th December, 2024: The Bridging Culture and Art Foundation (B-CAF), in collaboration with The Harrington Street Arts Centre (HSAC), launched the much-anticipated exhibition ‘We Live in Furnished Souls’ with an elegant inauguration ceremony on Thursday, December 5th, 2024. Curated by Nanak Ganguly, the exhibition showcases a rich tapestry of contemporary visual art by a group of regional artists, including Arpan Sadhukhan, Puspen Roy, Snehasis Maity, Piyali Sadhukhan, Saumen Khamrui, Sekharbaran Karmakar, Subhankar Chakrabarty, and Umesh Jana.

The opening was graced by distinguished guests, including CS (Dr.) Adv. Mamta Binani, President of the MSME Development Forum, West Bengal; Mr. Shiv K Agarwala, Honorary Consul of Romania in Kolkata; Mr. Pradip K Agarwal, CEO of Heritage Group of Institutions; Ms. Reena Dewan, Director of B-CAF; Ms. Noni Khullar, Director of HSAC; and Mr. Imran Zaki, President of FACES and many other eminent personalities.

The exhibition will be on view at the Harrington Street Art Gallery from Dec 5th to Dec 14th, 2024, from 12 noon to 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The exhibition brings together a dynamic collection of artworks that traverse diverse genres, from painting and sculpture to installations, challenging conventional boundaries of art and representation. As Nanak Ganguly, the curator, eloquently noted, the exhibition invites a redefinition of realism and abstraction, reflecting the urgent need to transcend outdated notions of modernism and embrace new, inclusive forms of artistic expression.

Speaking to the media, Ms. Reena Dewan, Director B-CAF, said, “The artworks are deeply personal and self-referential, shaped by the artists’ intimate visions and explorations of form, space and myth. Each piece invites the viewer to move beyond the familiar and discover something new.”

On this Occasion, Mr. Nanak Ganguly, Curator, said, “The beauty and idea of these works hold us in extreme promises to challenge representation as a ‘formidable tool of domination’ but to a redefinition of realism because it is high time to realize we will no longer be restricted by debased modernism and redefine the definition, of realism, abstraction and cultural representation.”

Speaking to the media, Ms. Noni Khullar, Director HSAC, said, “The passion driving these artists is unmistakable—whether it is carefully restrained, revealing itself in subtle, thoughtful expressions or unleashed in raw, turbulent energy that mirrors the complexities of life itself.”

SDME Society’s Ayurveda Colleges Shine with Top National Rankings

December 9th, 2024, Bengaluru: Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Education (SDME) Society announces a remarkable achievement as three of its Ayurveda colleges have excelled in the Quality Council of India (QCI) grading, conducted by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) across India. This evaluation took place recently to assess institutions’ performance.

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda, Hospital & Research Centre, located in Kuthpady, Udupi, received the 2nd rank.

In Hassan, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital earned the 4th rank.
Additionally, the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute of Ayurveda & Hospital in Anchepalya, Kumbalagoudu Village, Bengaluru, achieved the 9th rank, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

“We take great pride in the collective efforts of our faculty, students, and staff.” says Mr. Shreyes Kumar, Director of SDME Society, commenting on this significant achievement. “Our commitment to fostering a transformative learning environment remains strong. To enhance our recognition, we are focusing on several strategic approaches that respond to current trends and future needs. This includes acknowledging small daily accomplishments, enhancing our curriculum through innovative teaching methods, updating academic programs to incorporate the latest advancements and research in Ayurveda, implementing clinical services and outreach programs, and further upgrading our infrastructure.”

The QCI and MARBISM rankings are aligned with the mission and vision of the SDM Ayurveda colleges, which emphasize quality education, healthcare services, and research in Ayurveda. The institutions aim to serve humanity through ethical and value-based learning, focusing on providing affordable healthcare services and operational excellence, as demonstrated by their NABH accreditation.

The criteria used for the QCI and MARBISM rankings include curriculum quality, practical and clinical experience, teaching-learning environment, student progression, assessment policies, research output, financial resources, community outreach, quality assurance systems, and stakeholder feedback. This comprehensive evaluation serves as a benchmark for quality education and institutional credibility, significantly influencing prospective students’ decisions regarding enrollment in Ayurveda programs.

Iniya Aesthetics & Wellness Marks 6-Month Milestone in Empowering Beauty, Led by Richa Sharma

Kolkata, 9th December, 2024: Iniya Aesthetics & Wellness, the leading destination for transformative skin, anti-aging, and wellness treatments, is celebrating its 6-month anniversary with a grand event hosted by renowned actress Richa Sharma. This milestone marks half a year of providing cutting-edge, science-based beauty and wellness solutions under the expert guidance of Dr. Shraddha Pandey, a distinguished cosmetologist and aesthetic dentist.

Held at Iniya’s luxurious, state-of-the-art facility, the event was a perfect blend of innovation, expertise, and glamour. Attendees had the opportunity to experience personalized consultations, live demonstrations of the clinic’s cutting-edge treatments, and exclusive insights into the future of aesthetics and wellness. The evening featured a range of signature services from Iniya’s offerings, including skin rejuvenation, anti-aging therapies, hair restoration, and permanent makeup.

Speaking to the media, Mrs. Richa Sharma, Actress, said, “It was an absolute pleasure to host this milestone event. Dr. Shraddha Pandey and her incredible team have created a one-of-a-kind space where beauty, well-being, and science converge. I’m so proud to be part of Iniya’s journey and look forward to seeing their continued success.”

On this Occasion, Dr. Shraddha Pandey, Managing Partner, said, “The support we’ve received over the past six months has been beyond anything we could have imagined. From day one, our goal has been to provide personalized, science-backed treatments that help our clients look and feel their best. This event marks the beginning of an exciting journey ahead, and we are grateful to everyone who has been a part of it.”

Speaking to the media, Debarpita Bhattacharyya, CEO of Iniya Aesthetics & Wellness, said, “This 6-month anniversary celebration is not just a milestone, but a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and trust we’ve built with our clients. At Iniya, we are committed to transforming the wellness and beauty experience through innovative treatments and personalized care. We are excited to continue this journey of excellence and look forward to helping more individuals embrace their natural beauty and well-being.”

Iniya Aesthetics & Wellness is a premier destination for advanced skin care, anti-aging, and holistic wellness solutions, founded by Dr. Shraddha Pandey, a distinguished cosmetologist and aesthetic dentist with over a decade of expertise in the field. Located in the heart of Kolkata, Iniya is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their aesthetic goals through innovative, science-backed treatments tailored to each client’s unique needs.