Author: Rabindra

Accenture 4QFY24 first take: In-line performance, down-side risk to the upper-end of the FY25 guidance

Read-across for IT services coverage: The print suggests that the momentum within outsourcing growth stood elevated in 4Q both in terms of revenues (+7% YoY CC) and bookings (41% YoY CC). The vertical and geo performance also remained broad-based, while Communications growth improved by 5% YoY CC, after five consecutive quarters of decline. Although the growth of Fin. Services declined YoY in 4Q, the pace of deceleration has moderated to a large extent. However, on the FY25 guidance, we believe the street is over-optimistic and building revenue growth (6% YoY) at the upper-end of the guidance band, hence there is a downside risk to the consensus.

• Revenue at US$ 16.4 bn, up 2.6% YoY (+5.0 CC YoY) vs in line with the estimates and at the mid-range of the guidance

• Outsourcing revenue (50% of mix) came at US$ 8.26 bn, up 1.7% YoY (+7% CC YoY) while Consulting revenue (50% of mix) came at US$ 8.14 bn, down 2.3% YoY (+3% CC YoY)

• FY25 revenue guidance at 3-6% CC YoY, whereas the street the is already at the upper-end of the guidance band

• Q1FY25 revenue guidance of US$ 16.85- 17.45 bn, guidance band of 2-6% YoY growth with 1.5% impact of forex, while the street is tad below the upper-end of the guidance band

• Adj. EBIT margin for Q4 came at 15.0% (+10 bps QoQ) and maintained FY24 EBIT margin at 14.8%. For the FY25, the company expects expansion of 10-30bps (adjusted) YoY GAAP

• New booking grew by strong 21% YoY (+24% CC YoY) to US$ 20.1 bn, outsourcing bookings came at US$ 11.5 bn up 41% YoY growth while consulting business reported weak bookings of US$ 8.6 bn a marginal growth of 1% YoY

• Gen AI booking came at US$ 1bn & full year bookings came at US$ 3 bn,

• Segment wise Health & Public services continued to lead the growth, it grew by 11% YoY CC while CMT reported growth (+5% YoY in CC) after five consecutive quarters of decline, while the pace of deceleration within Financial Services has moderated, declined by 2% YoY CC,

• Geography wise North America continued its growth momentum, grew by 6% YoY CC, while EMEA grew by 2% YoY CC after two consecutive quarters of decline

Bajaj Allianz Life and ICICI Lombard Pioneer Insurance Awareness in Tripura

Tripura, September 30, 2024: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of India’s leading private life insurers, and ICICI Lombard General Insurance, one of India’s leading private general insurers, have made notable strides as the lead insurers for life and non-life insurance respectively in Tripura. In a significant step forward, the third meeting of the Tripura State Level Insurance Committee (SLIC) which concluded today, has showcased progress in advancing insurance awareness and coverage across the State. Both insurers reaffirmed their commitment to bring insurance services to the uninsured, as part of their collaborative efforts under the State Insurance Plan.

Bajaj Allianz Life and ICICI Lombard, as the lead life and non-life insurers in the state, are committed to enhancing insurance awareness and access. The State Level Insurance Committee will continue promoting financial literacy through targeted campaigns and various other initiatives. These efforts, which go beyond traditional campaigns and include policy-level interventions, aligned with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, aim to create a more inclusive and customer-friendly insurance ecosystem. This collaboration reinforces both companies as trusted partners in safeguarding the financial well-being of individuals and businesses in Tripura.

Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Anil PM, Head Legal, Compliance & FPU, Bajaj Allianz Life, said, “It’s been over a year since we were entrusted as the lead life insurer for Tripura, and we’ve made significant strides—not only in raising awareness but also in making life insurance more accessible to the people of this region. Our initiatives have focused on educating diverse groups, from school students to local communities, ensuring that everyone understands the value of financial security. I am grateful to the state government for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in our progress. With this shared vision of helping the people of Tripura achieve their life goals with ease, we will continue driving initiatives that are in line with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047.’”

Mr. Alok Agarwal, Executive Director, ICICI Lombard, said, “Being entrusted as the lead non-life insurer in Tripura has given us the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the state. Since our appointment, we have been actively working with state authorities and local institutions, on offering the right protection to individuals and families, enhancing risk coverage, and fostering a more resilient and protected community. Under our Insurance Awareness initiative in Tripura we have been reaching out to communities for insurance awareness in the state. Further, we have extended our initiatives to propagate best practices in road safety, health and education initiatives, to reduce the health and accident related financial costs. Our efforts are in line with the IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ and we remain committed to ensuring that every individual has access to the protection they deserve.”

Looking ahead, both insurers plan to maintain active participation in upcoming District Level Insurance Committee (DLIC) meetings across Tripura, while continuing their insurance awareness initiatives. Additionally, they will regularly update stakeholders on the progress of their activities, further strengthening their partnership with the state.

How will Luv and Kush Bridge the Distance Between Lord Ram and Sita in Sony SAB’s ‘Shrimad Ramayan’

Mumbai, September 27, 2024: Sony SAB‘s ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ is the epic saga of Lord Ram (Sujay Reu) and Sita (Prachi Bansal). In recent episodes, viewers have seen Sahastra Ravan (Praneet Bhatt) send a demon to cause chaos in the ashram where Sita is residing. Just as Sita was giving birth to her twin sons, the demon unleashed destruction in the forest and ashram, putting everyone in danger. Despite the chaos, Sita bravely gave birth to Luv and Kush, ushering new beginning amidst the adversities.

In the upcoming episodes, the audience will witness a new phase of Shrimad Ramayan as the story takes a leap of 12 years and Luv and Kush have reached an age where they are curious about their surroundings. Growing up in the ashram, Luv and Kush have heard stories about the valiant Lord Ram and his heroism. However, they remain unaware that they are indeed the children of the great Lord Ram and Sita. In a pivotal moment, Luv and Kush approach Sita with questions about Lord Ram, setting the stage for a revelation that could change their lives forever.

Will they uncover the truth about their lineage and how will they bridge the distance between their parents?

Prachi Bansal, who plays the role of Sita in Shrimad Ramayan, said, “Portraying Sita’s journey, especially during the birth of Luv and Kush, has been a very emotional experience for me. It shows how even in the hardest times, Sita’s strength and braveness were so spectacular. While Sita tries her best to keep Lord Ram’s identity and their relationship under wrap, destiny has other plans as Luv and Kush are moving closer to bringing one of the most revered pair together, again.”

Atharva’s quest for a new phone leads the Wagle family into a major scam in Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya’

Mumbai, September 27, 2024: Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey’ follows the daily struggles and triumphs of the middle-class Wagle family. In the recent episodes, Atharva (Sheehan Kapahi) is captivated by the idea of getting a new phone, driven by a desire to impress a crush who casually mentioned he should buy one. However, this innocent wish soon takes the Wagle family on an unexpected and complicated journey.

In his excitement of buying a new phone, Atharva enters his Aadhar details on a fraudulent website, believing he won a pair of headphones to go along with it. Getting deeper involved in the scam, Atharva also shares the Aadhar details of his family members including Rajesh (Sumeet Raghvan), leading them to give all the sensitive information to scammers. The situation escalates when the Police and the officials from the investigation department arrive, suspecting Rajesh’s involvement in the scam. Rajesh is taken in for questioning, but as the investigation unfolds, he helps the authorities uncover the fraudulent scheme behind the website, bringing the scam to light.

Sumeet Raghvan, who plays the role of Rajesh in Wagle Ki Duniya, said, “Atharva’s situation is a powerful reminder of how vulnerable we all are to online scams, especially in today’s digital age. His innocent wish for a new phone spirals into something far more serious, showing how easily one can make a mistake when unaware of the risks. This storyline emphasizes the importance of educating ourselves and our loved ones about online safety, especially when it comes to sharing personal information.”

The Influence Exchange Confex & Awards 2.0 Series Concludes with Resounding Success in Dubai

Mumbai: The Influence Exchange Confex & Awards 2.0 Series, held at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, concluded with overwhelming success. Bringing together industry leaders from AdTech, MarTech, and Influencer Marketing, this global event served as a key platform for the exchange of ideas, innovations, and strategies. It featured a dynamic mix of keynote speeches, thought-provoking presentations, and lively panel discussions, all centered around the event’s theme, “Unlocking Brand Power”. The conference attracted over 250 professionals, influencers, and marketers from around the world, eager to explore the latest trends in digital marketing, privacy regulations, and the convergence of CTV, AdTech, and MarTech.

The day began with an inspiring keynote address on the role of Emirati influencers in shaping the next generation, delivered by renowned influencer and model Dr. Mahra Lutfi. This set the tone for a series of deep dives into how influencers are changing the landscape of marketing and brand engagement. The panel discussions brought together top industry figures to examine critical developments such as the integration of CTV and marketing technology in influencer marketing and how brands can use these tools to drive growth and innovation.

The highlight of the event was the prestigious Influence Awards ceremony. Held in the evening, it celebrated outstanding contributions from influencers, brands, and technology platforms, recognizing those who have made a significant impact through their creativity and engagement. Influencers from a wide range of categories were awarded for their excellence, from Ahmad Najib Ayoub, who won the Best Financial Influencer Award, to Ksenia Hofmann, who was named Best Fashion and Style Influencer of the Year. Other notable winners included Musthaq Thuyyadi Chek for Best Art & Photography Influencer, Khadeeja Khan as Food/Culinary Influencer of the Year, and Karim Tarek, who took home the Gaming Influencer of the Year award. The Marketeer Award categories also recognized key leaders in the industry, such as Imran Sidi for Brand Activation Strategist of the Year, Maysam Azzam for Social Media Marketeer of the Year, and Sneha Chaudhary as Influencer Marketeer of the Year.

The conference provided ample opportunities for networking, with sessions that facilitated collaboration and new partnerships between delegates from various industries. Attendees praised the event for its comprehensive approach to fostering meaningful connections and addressing the challenges facing today’s marketing landscape.

One of the most engaging discussions of the day was the panel on “The Future of Influencer Marketing: The Convergence of CTV, Martech, and AdTech,” featuring speakers such as George Yaryura, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Mashreq, and Tianyu Zhang, a leading influencer. Moderated by Kaunain Fatima, the panel explored the integration of CTV and AdTech in influencer marketing campaigns and how these technologies are shaping the future of brand communication. Another key discussion focused on empowering the creator economy, with insights from Jon Barber, Vice President of TECOM Group, and Walid Elmusrati, an influencer known for his work in social media innovation.

The event also featured insightful presentations, such as Jemima Myers, CEO of Social Chameleon, who discussed leveraging social search and creators for commercial success, and Archie Rudyuk, CEO of Takefluence, who presented on harnessing user-generated content for business growth.

As a comprehensive gathering of the industry’s top minds, the Influence Exchange Confex & Awards 2024 has established itself as a driving force for innovation and collaboration in influencer marketing. The event left attendees equipped with actionable insights to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of influencer marketing and digital technology. The next edition of the Influence Exchange Confex & Awards is scheduled to continue the momentum, where attendees can once again immerse themselves in groundbreaking discussions on the future of marketing, technology, and influence.

The success of the Dubai event was made possible by key sponsors and partners. Social Chameleon, a Search-First Social Media®️ agency, served as the Gold Partner, while Takefluence partnered as the Solution Partner. Other notable exhibitors included PROVEN 360, Yala Yala Media Co. L.L.C, and Social Cash, each offering innovative solutions for marketers and influencers. Approach Entertainment served as the PR & Celebrity Partner, while Approach Bollywood took on the role of Entertainment Partner for the event.

Shakti Ki Ek Nayi Jazbaat from Everlite By Senco Gold, celebrating true connections ahead of Navaratri

New Delhi, 27th September 2024: In a poignant reflection of emotional connections, Everlite By Senco is thrilled to unveil its latest narrative, “Har Jazbaat Ko Karein Celebrate,” that beautifully encapsulates the essence of unspoken bonds between two women. This festive season, this story serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in understanding and support beyond words.

The story encapsulates intimate moments shared between characters – applying a bindi, helping with earrings, and bonding over mutual excitement for the Navaratri festivities. Each act of silent support reflects the essence of feminine power and resilience, perfectly aligning with the themes celebrated during this vibrant festival.

This unexpected twist not only enriches the storytelling but also emphasises the beauty of understanding and connection that exists beyond verbal communication. At the heart of this narrative lies the jewellery itself, serving as a mute symbol of the subtle yet powerful bond shared between the characters. Each piece enhances its appearance while embodying the true spirit of Shakti – the inner strength that shines brightly from within.

As Everlite acts as a catalyst, it bears witness to these precious moments, reminding us that beauty is often found in what’s unsaid, which when shared, is heartfelt! Such ankahee bond flowers in the absence of any reliance on words.

As we honour the festival of Navratri, let us embrace the treasures of unspoken connections and the power of emotional understanding that unite us all.

Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing and Designs at Senco Gold & Diamonds, shared, “We had a wonderful time filming this campaign and believe our audience will connect with it deeply, especially now. This Navratri, through our Shakti Edit and Lotus Collection, we’re unveiling designs that honor the divine feminine and evoke a sense of inner strength. With Everlite by Senco, we continue to celebrate Devi Puja alongside our other campaigns like Aparupa and Sajilo Rey.”

Woxsen University reclaims global rank for MBA Programs in QS Business Masters Ranking 2025

27th September 2024, Hyderabad – Woxsen University secures top positions in the latest QS Business Masters Rankings 2025, for the second time. Renowned for its industry-aligned curriculum, global perspective, state-of-the-art infrastructure & Industry partnerships, Woxsen University continues to be a nexus for Innovative research and transformative learning, nurturing a talented student pool that contributes extensively to the contemporary business landscape.

Despite being one of the youngest universities on the list, Woxsen has garnered impressive QS rankings for its flagship MBA Programs.

Masters in Finance Program

· 1st in India

· 13th in Asia

· Top 151+ Worldwide

Masters in Business Analytics Program

· 2nd in India

· 9th in Asia

· Top 101+ Worldwide

Masters in Management Program

· 7th in India

· 19th in Asia

· 151+ Worldwide

“Making it in the QS Business Masters Ranking 2025 justifies the tremendous growth Woxsen has shown by the year, positioning us as a leading global higher education institution. This ranking highlights every effort put in by our students, faculty and all our stakeholders. The trust placed in us by our community fuels our determination to exceed expectations every time.” said Praveen K. Pula, Founder & Chancellor of Woxsen University.

Vice President, Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez said “Woxsen University has topped the charts in diversity, employability, and value for money in the QS Business Masters Ranking 2025, exemplifying our consistent efforts towards a diverse and inclusive learning environment. We prioritize equipping our students with new-age skills they need to succeed in the ever-transforming global job market, while also ensuring that our programs offer exceptional value for their investment. Woxsen’s commitment to these aspects has cemented its reputation worldwide as a leading university for business education.”

Woxsen University has been evaluated by QS Rankings on significant parameters like Employability, Alumni outcomes, Thought Leadership, Value for Money, Class, and Faculty Diversity. Woxsen has joined the ranks of prestigious Indian institutions like IIMs, XLRI, and SPJIMR, as well as international universities, demonstrating its progress towards becoming a globally renowned University.

Moving Ahead – “Bigger, Better, Bolder, FundsIndia’s Growth Path Continues | FundsIndia

New Delhi, 27th September 2024 – FundsIndia, one of India’s leading digital wealth management platforms, is entering an exciting new growth phase as it relocates to a larger, state-of-the-art office space. This move comes on the heels of a significant development, as WestBridge Capital, has taken a majority stake in the company, signaling a strong endorsement of FundsIndia’s strategic direction and potential.

FundsIndia, known for its mission of “Making India Wealthier” and a proven track record of 15 + years providing world-class investment products with over 15,500 crores AUM, is marking this momentous occasion as a key milestone in its journey. The relocation to a more spacious, modern office reflects the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and creating a dynamic work environment for its employees.

“Our move to this new office is more than just a change of address,” said FundsIndia CEO Mr Girirajan Murugan. “It symbolizes our evolution as a company and our aspirations to deliver even greater value to our clients, investors, and employees. We are ready to expand our offerings, enhance our technology, and redefine wealth management for the digital age. We’ve reached an incredible milestone of 15,500 crores in Assets Under Management, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the trust our customers have placed in us. We thank each one of them for being a part of this journey and for helping us build a future full of promise and potential,” said Girirajan Murugan.

A Dynamic Workspace for a Thriving Workforce

The new office, located in Chennai Nungambakkam, is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Featuring cutting-edge infrastructure, open spaces, and vibrant meeting areas, the workspace aims to support FundsIndia’s growing team and attract top talent in the industry. As the company expands its operations, the enhanced working environment will empower employees to drive innovation and deliver the best services to their clients.

Exciting Times Ahead for Employees and Investors

The company is gearing up to introduce new investment products, expand its existing service capabilities, and enhance its digital platform to meet the evolving needs of its customers. “The coming days will be even more exciting,” added Girirajan Murugan. “Our plans are bigger, and we’re set to provide even more value to our investors while creating new opportunities for growth and development for our employees.”

As FundsIndia embarks on this new journey, the company remains focused on its mission to democratize wealth management in India, helping every Indian invest in their future with confidence and ease.

Heartathon: A Run for a Healthy Heart

Bengaluru, September 27, 2024 – In observance of World Heart Day on September 29, 2024, Aster RV Hospital JP Nagar Bangalore is organizing a unique marathon event called “Heartathon.” This event aims to raise awareness about heart health, its ailments, and the importance of prioritizing cardiovascular well-being; our chance to combine fitness, fun, and learning, all while supporting a vital cause. The proceeds of the event will be utilized for free heart surgeries of children from economically weaker sections of the society.

Heart health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. By participating in the Heartathon, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to their cardiovascular health and contribute to a broader awareness of heart disease prevention. It’s essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Dr. Divakar Bhat, Consultant – CTVS Surgery, Aster RV Hospital said “The Heartathon will feature a 7.2-mile (11.6 km) run, symbolizing a healthy heart rate. Participants will have the opportunity to run alongside doctors from Aster RV Hospital, learning about heart health facts along the way. The event will be held on a flat running track around the hospital, and while personal bests are not the primary focus, completing the run in 72 minutes or 36 minutes will be rewarded with special surprises.”

Why Should You Register?

Firstly, the Marathon is open to people from all walks of life. By participating in the Marathon and making a registration amount, they will be contributing for the cause of providing aid to the heart surgeries of the needy.

Empower Heart and Mind: Running is one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. By participating in the Heart athon, we are not just taking care of our physical health but also enhancing our mental strength. It’s a perfect blend of exercise and education, designed to leave us feel energetic and informed.

Unique and Fun Distances Challenge ourself with our 7.2 mile (11.6 km) run, symbolizing a healthy heart rate (72 beats /min) or opt for the 3.6 mile (5.8 km) lighter option. Whether we aim for a new personal best or just look to enjoy a healthy run, there’s a distance for everyone.

Special Rewards and Keepsakes Complete the run in target times—7.2 miles in 72 minutes or 3.6 miles in 36 minutes will earn a surprise reward! Every finisher will receive a unique heart-shaped finisher’s medal, a symbol of commitment to heart health that can be cherished for years to come. The event T-shirt isn’t just a great memento; it’s a badge of honor that shows you’ve taken steps to improve your health.

Educational and Engaging Along the route: Runners will find educational stations with tips and facts about heart health, providing a unique learning experience as they run. Plus, with senior doctors and expert mentors like Dr. Divakar Bhat, Dr. Venkatesh S, and Dr. VeerendraSandur on board, there’ll be access to top-notch medical advice and support.

Healthy and Tasty Refreshments after the run that’s as rewarding as the race itself will be provided. It’s a chance to refuel, relax, and socialize with fellow runners and health enthusiasts, share stories, exchange tips, and enjoy the sense of community that the Heart athon fosters.

5 Ways In Which Stress Can Affect The Heart

By-Dr. Chirag D, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

Stress has become a part of daily life that cannot be avoided, whether it is caused by work, personal life, or finances. Short-term stress in most cases can be controlled and managed, but long-term stress tends to have negative effects on one’s health, especially for the heart. Long-term stress has been linked to cardiovascular complications in addition to compromising the body’s other systems and promoting an unhealthy lifestyle. Understanding its impact on one’s physical as well as mental health can greatly contribute towards improving the individual’s overall well-being. This article discusses five ways stress can affect a person’s heart health and why is it harmful.

1. High Blood Pressure – Each time a person gets stressed, his/her body counteracts this by the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These are stress-associated hormones that cause an increase in the heart rate which eventually results in the narrowing of the blood vessels. This leads to a rise in systolic blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to stress leads to the development of high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart diseases. If Hypertension is left untreated over a long period, it puts a strain on the heart which may lead to heart attacks or strokes.

2. Leads to Unhealthy Habits – It is common for most people going through depressing situations to delve into unhealthy practices. For example, some people tend to overeat junk while others seek comfort in alcohol and smoking. Such habits commonly lead to obesity and high cholesterol, and other factors that encourage the onset of heart diseases. However, people can relieve stress in many other ways, like exercising, taking up a new interest, or even yoga, without endangering the well-being of their hearts.

3. Promotes Inflammation – Chronic stress has been noticed to result in a hyperactive immune system that doesn’t help fight any infection but rather helps cause more inflammation. The inflammation also has negative effects on the blood vessels therefore making a person susceptible to Atherosclerosis due to the chances of fat deposits along the walls of the blood vessels. Blockage in the same increases the risk of attack or stroke hence it calls for proper control of stress.

4. Impedes Comfortable Sleep – Stress can affect the quality of sleep to the level that falling asleep or even staying asleep becomes a problem for individuals. Sleep, especially restorative sleep, is significant when it comes to heart health, since the lack of it causes high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate. Prolonged sleep disorder can result in weight gain and diabetes which are both high-risk factors for heart-related issues. Engaging in activities that will calm the body, like reading or meditating before sleeping will elevate the quality of sleep and protect the heart as well.

5. Effects the Heart Rhythm – Stress has the capacity to produce palpitations in some people. For people already suffering from heart malfunctions, this may extend to arrhythmia. It happens because stress interferes with the electric signals that control the heart rhythm. Occasional palpitations may not be a cause for concern, but persistent abnormalities can pose dangers, including heart attack. When stress causes people’s heart rhythm to change frequently, they should consult a doctor.

It is essential to understand the repercussions of stress and how it can impact a person’s heart health. Engaging in stress relieving activities like exercises, reading books, listening to music, dance and meditation among others can greatly impact a person’s overall well-being, helping them to lead a happy life.