Category Archives: Business

Indian Life Insurers Report Record New Business in May 2025, Premiums Up 10.86Percentage YTD

Mumbai, 9th June 2025: The Life Insurance Council has released updated industry business numbers for May 2025, highlighting a remarkable performance by Indian life insurers. New business premiums (NBPs) underwritten by Indian life insurers achieved a robust year-on-year growth of 12.68% in May 2025, with YTD figures recording a 10.86% growth over the same period last year. New business premiums expanded from ₹27,034.15 Crs in May 2024 to ₹30,463.21 Crs in May 2025, while YTD collections increased from ₹47,293.01 Crs to ₹52,427.4 Crs this year.

 According to data released by the Life Insurance Council, the life insurance industry saw individual single premiums grow by 5.21% year-on-year to close at ₹3,525.28 Crs for May 2025, with YTD growth standing at 4.89%. Individual non-single premiums came in at ₹7,086.1 Crs and grew by 2.45% in May 2025, with YTD collections 1.28% higher than the corresponding period last year.

 This strong performance is attributed to life insurers’ focus on encouraging first-time buyers to secure essential life insurance solutions, contributing to a 3.35% growth in combined individual premium collections for May 2025 and 2.46% growth on a YTD basis.

 In the Group policy segment, single premiums grew by 13.09%, with monthly collections reaching ₹18,068.04 Crs. The Group policy category also witnessed an impressive 18.40% growth in premiums collected in May 2025.

 The life insurance industry in India has been making significant strides forward by expanding access to insurance and making an effort to reach out to areas and segments of the country’s population that were previously underserved when it comes to their insurance needs. Towards this end, life insurers added more than 1,46,341 individual life insurance agents.

L and T Wins Order for Heavy Civil Infrastructure Business

Chandigarh, June 09, 2025: The Heavy Civil Infrastructure (HCI) business vertical of Larsen & Toubro has secured a significant order from JSW Energy for the execution of Bhavali Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in the state of Maharashtra.

The project is strategically located across the Nashik and Thane districts of Maharashtra and is designed to have a total installed capacity of 1500 MW, Comprising various small units.

The scope of work encompasses complete execution of all civil works related to the project, including construction of approach roads, upper and lower reservoirs, water conductor system, pressure tunnels, and the underground powerhouse unit.

The order reaffirms L&T’s proven capabilities in delivering complex hydroelectric infrastructure and reinforces its position as a key enabler in India’s quest for renewable energy.

Pumped storage projects like the Bhavali PSP are pivotal to grid stability, particularly in the context of growing integration of variable renewable energy sources.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 30 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, and Services, operating across multiple geographies. A strong, customer–focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

eClerx Expands Global Outreach with New Delivery Center in Cairo, Egypt

NEW YORK, June 9, 2025 – eClerx Services Ltd, a leading productized services provider, today announced the launch of a new delivery center in Cairo, Egypt. This strategic expansion strengthens eClerx’s global operations and reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and harnessing top-tier talent in high-growth markets.

 The Cairo center will serve as a major expansion in technical support operations for one of eClerx’s largest telecom clients. Nestled between Africa, Europe, and Asia, this center allows eClerx to serve several of its largest clients in the US and Europe markets and provide enhanced multilingual support.

 “The opening of our Cairo delivery center marks the second new country opening for eClerx this year in line with our mission to deliver seamless, tech-enabled customer care experiences to our clients,” said Kapil Jain, CEO of eClerx.

 For 25 years, eClerx’s deep domain expertise and innovative technology solutions have provided clients access to enhanced customer journeys, improved our clients’ CSAT, and offered valuable insights that help them remain competitive in their industry. The addition of this center in Egypt will not only enable eClerx to offer these services to more clients across the globe, but also allow the company to leverage the wealth of talent and expertise present in this region.

 “Cairo’s rich talent pool coupled with the region’s thriving tech ecosystem and its strategic geographical location make it an ideal region to invest in,” said Michael Hutchison, Head of Customer Operations at eClerx. “We are excited to take part in an area so rich with innovation and resilience, and we look forward to creating valuable opportunities for local talent while continuing to drive transformative outcomes for our global partners.”

 With this new delivery center, eClerx underscores its commitment to deliver excellence, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships with both its clients and the local community.

One Point One Solutions Ltd to acquire a majority share in Techscient.ai Private Limited to drive AI-led BPM transformation

Mumbai, India, June 9, 2025: One Point One Solutions Limited , a publicly listed leader in Business Process Management (BPM) and digital transformation services, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in TECHSCIENT.AI PRIVATE LIMITED, a next-generation AI-powered no-code automation firm specializing in autonomous software engineering. The strategic acquisition strengthens 1Point1’s AI-led automation capabilities and positions it as a key player in India’s digital transformation landscape.

TECHSCIENT.AI, is an AI-first deep-tech firm focused on no-code workflow automation, generative AI solutions, and intelligent process orchestration. Its proprietary platform enables enterprises to design, deploy, and scale AI-driven workflows without manual coding, enhancing operational efficiency across industries.

“With this acquisition, 1Point1 enhances its strategic focus on AI-powered transformation,” said Akshay Chhabra, Promoter & Director, 1Point1. “TECHSCIENT.AI’s autonomous AI capabilities represent a pioneering shift in BPM. By integrating their advanced solutions into our ecosystem, we are enabling enterprises to automate complex operations, optimise costs, and scale at unprecedented speed.”

TECHSCIENT.AI’s flagship platform integrates AI-native automation, API-first architecture, and real-time data intelligence to enhance customer experience and enterprise efficiency. The acquisition aligns with 1Point1’s commitment to AI-driven BPM, enabling rapid digital transformation across BFSI, healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, and logistics. The acquisition will enable 1Point1 to embed intelligent automation into its core BPM offerings and deliver more comprehensive, technology-led solutions to its clients. It will enhance the company’s ability to engage with new-age enterprises and digital-first clients seeking scalable, AI-driven solutions.

1Point1 will embed TECHSCIENT.AI’s autonomous AI engine within its BPM framework to optimise customer management, back-office operations, and workflow automation. The combined teams will focus on co-developing scalable AI-driven solutions for industries seeking intelligent automation at scale.

Tenneco Appoints Mahender Chhabra as Chief Financial Officer of India Operations

India, June 09, 2025 – Tenneco, a leading global automotive supplier, today announced the appointment of Mahender Chhabra as Chief Financial Officer of Tenneco India, effective immediately. In this role, Chhabra will oversee financial strategy and operations, compliance, and overall financial performance across Tenneco’s Clean Air, Monroe Ride Solutions (MRS), Champion Ignition, and Powertrain (Bearings and Sealing) businesses in India. Chhabra will report to Arvind Chandra, Chief Executive Officer of Tenneco India, and will work closely with the leadership team to support the company’s strategic, financial, and operational goals.

“Mahender’s depth of financial expertise and proven leadership will be key as we continue to strengthen our operational excellence and deliver value to customers across the region,” said Arvind Chandra, CEO of Tenneco India. “His appointment underscores our commitment to long-term growth in this strategic market.”

Chhabra brings over 27 years of extensive finance leadership experience across global automotive and technology companies. He joins Tenneco from Motherson Sumi Wiring India Limited, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. He has also held senior finance roles at HMD Mobile India, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, Bharti Airtel Limited, and Pepsi Foods Limited. His background includes serving as group controller and business controller across high-growth organizations, where he led financial transformation, compliance, and business planning initiatives.

Chhabra holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Maharishi Dayanand University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Tenneco’s presence in India includes 12 manufacturing facilities, 2 R&D centers, and a growing employee base, supporting both domestic and global customers. As the Indian automotive sector evolves—driven by supply chain diversification, increasing export capacity, and technology adoption—Tenneco continues to align its operations with these broader market shifts. Tenneco remains committed to long-term investment in the region, focused on innovation, operational excellence, and building high-performing, future-ready talent.

Indo-French Tech Partnership Picks Staqu to Join Station F, Europe’s Largest Startup Hub

National, 9th June 2025 – Staqu, a pioneering Indian deep-tech startup, has been selected for the prestigious IndiaAI–HEC Paris partnership, marking a significant milestone in Indo-French technological collaboration. This initiative, spearheaded by IndiaAI, the national AI mission of the Government of India under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with HEC Paris and Station F,aims to propel Indian AI startups onto the global stage.

 The IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program is a four-month immersive initiative designed to provide Indian AI startups with unparalleled access to European markets, mentorship from industry leaders, and opportunities for international collaboration. Station F, located in Paris, is the world’s largest startup campus, housing over 1,000 startups and offering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation. HEC Paris, one of Europe’s premier business schools, brings its extensive network and expertise to support this initiative.

 Staqu’s inclusion in this program accentuates its innovative prowess in AI-driven video analytics. Its flagship product, JARVIS, is a versatile platform delivering impact across a spectrum of sectors—from public safety and infrastructure monitoring to retail intelligence, industrial automation, and enterprise operations. While it has played a critical role in supporting law enforcement agencies and high-profile national events like the G20 Summit and the Ayodhya Ram Mandir ceremony, JARVIS also empowers businesses and urban systems with real-time insights, process efficiencies, and regulatory compliance.

 The European Union’s growing emphasis on AI for compliance, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience aligns seamlessly with Staqu’s core competencies and the adaptable architecture of JARVIS.

 “We are incredibly proud to represent India’s deep-tech capabilities on a global platform like Station F,” said Atul Rai, Co-founder & CEO of Staqu. “This selection reaffirms our belief that Indian innovation is ready for the world stage. JARVIS has already proven its value at scale in India, not only by enhancing public safety but also by driving measurable outcomes in enterprise productivity, smart city management, and industrial operations. We’re excited to bring that impact to Europe.”

 This collaboration is part of a broader vision to foster innovation diplomacy between India and France. The Indo-French Tech Programme, jointly supported by IndiaAI, MeitY, and the French Government, aims to facilitate a rapid convergence of the French and Indian startup ecosystems, establishing strong linkages between incubators, innovators, and entrepreneurs from both countries. Such initiatives are pivotal in advancing cooperation in technological innovation and global deep-tech leadership.

 As Staqu embarks on this new journey, it remains committed to its mission: making AI work for real-world safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, everywhere. This opportunity not only marks a proud moment for Staqu but also signifies a moment of pride for India’s tech ecosystem—showcasing the country’s capabilities on a global platform, powered by the IndiaAI.

Dhanvesttor Hails Rise in Women Investors as a Watershed Moment for Financial Inclusion

Kolkata, June 9, 2025 — Dhanvesttor, India’s first women-focused portfolio management company, welcomes the recent findings by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) highlighting a significant shift in the Indian investment landscape: Women now account for 33% of mutual fund assets, double the share from five years ago.

While Dhanvesttor is a recent entrant in the Mutual Fund space, this rise is seen as a major inflection point in India’s investment journey, especially for women-led financial enterprises.

Commenting on the findings, Anooshka Soham Bathwal, CEO & Founder of Dhanvesttor, said :

“This isn’t just a number—it’s a narrative shift. The AMFI report reaffirms what we’ve always believed: women are ready to own their financial journeys. At Dhanvesttor, we’re not just managing wealth, we’re rewriting the relationship women have with money.”

Now with the launch of its Mutual Fund services, Dhanvesttor is at the forefront of a growing movement to make financial independence a lived reality for Indian women. The firm offers curated portfolio management services tailored to the ambitions, life stages, and goals of women investors. It also places a strong emphasis on co-learning and community-building workshops that simplify complex investment concepts into accessible, meaningful conversations.

“Most of our clients are first-time investors. What they need isn’t jargon or judgment—they need a partner. That’s what we offer,” Anooshka added. “The AMFI data is proof that the time is now. Indian women are investing—and we’re here to ensure they do it with confidence, clarity, and community.”

As more women take ownership of their financial futures, Dhanvesttor sees this as a cultural and economic turning point—one that opens up new conversations around gender, capital, and growth in India.

“Retire to the life you’ve always dreamt of”, says HSBC Mutual Fund with its new hashtag RetireToMore campaign

Retirement is often perceived as the end of one’s professional journey. But HSBC Mutual Fund’s new investor education initiative, #RetireToMore, challenges that notion — urging Indians to see retirement as a new beginning, filled with more Life, Passion, and Freedom.

According to the HSBC Quality of Life report on retirement planning, 4 in 10 affluent individuals across all generations feel unprepared for their retirement planning, despite nearly 8 in 10 knowing what they need to retire. Nearly 58% plan to work post-retirement, not always by choice, but often out of necessity. While the average retirement savings needed in India is nearly USD 0.39 mn.

The above data brings out one clear message that “Retirement isn’t a choice, Planning for it is!” To drive this message home, HSBC Mutual Fund has launched #RetireToMore — a 360°, emotionally resonant campaign that positions Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) as a simple, disciplined, and powerful route to building long-term wealth and securing a comfortable retirement.

Targeted at working individuals between 30 to 45 years of age, the #RetireToMore campaign is a series of 3 short digital films, each film focusing on 3 different aspects – Life, Passion, and Freedom respectively. Each narrative reflects the heart of the campaign: Retirement can be a time of rediscovery, provided one begins planning early.

Commenting on the campaign, Sandeep Sreekumar, Vice President at BornHi Digital, said, “Building on our successful collaboration with HSBC Mutual Funds, #RetireToMore, goes beyond brand elevation. Retirement in India is often delayed in planning, underestimated in need, and overlooked in urgency. With 31% of urban Indians unaware of the retirement corpus required to maintain their current lifestyle — and over half expecting their savings to last just 5 to 10 years — there’s a clear need for awareness and action. We believe #RetireToMore can shift the narrative from retirement as an end, to retirement as a new beginning. This campaign isn’t just about financial literacy — it’s about helping individuals reclaim their post-retirement years with dignity, freedom, and purpose”

Talking about the campaign, Kailash Kulkarni, CEO, HSBC Mutual Fund, said, “Industry data and studies reveal that most people have either not started planning for their retirement or are unsure and underprepared for their post-retirement stage. Through our #RetireToMore campaign, we want to make people realise that retirement is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in life. And to fully enjoy this phase, one needs smart financial planning through disciplined investment in SIPs. We are confident in driving this message with our relatable films.”

As part of the campaign, HSBC Mutual Fund has launched a dedicated landing page featuring a series of retirement resources . Visitors can estimate how much they need to retire comfortably. To maximise reach and engagement, the company has adopted a multi-channel approach. The #RetireToMore campaign will be rolled out across social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, with special attention to regional languages. Other channels to boost visibility include metro and bus branding, outdoor hoardings, and OTT platforms.

The initiative is part of HSBC Mutual Fund’s continued broader commitment to investor education and awareness, as done previously with SIP Hai #FaydeWaliAadat and Apne #SIPKoDoPromotion, empowering Indians to take control of their financial future for a fulfilling life via SIPs.

1Point1 Acquires TECHSCIENT.AI to Drive AI-Led BPM Transformation

Mumbai, India, June 9, 2025 – One Point One Solutions Ltd. (1Point1), a publicly listed leader in Business Process Management (BPM) and digital transformation services, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in TECHSCIENT.AI PRIVATE LIMITED, a next-generation AI-powered no-code automation firm specialising in autonomous software engineering. The strategic acquisition strengthens 1Point1’s AI-led automation capabilities and positions it as a key player in India’s digital transformation landscape.

TECHSCIENT.AI, incorporated in September 2024, is an AI-first deep-tech firm focused on no-code workflow automation, generative AI solutions, and intelligent process orchestration. Its proprietary platform enables enterprises to design, deploy, and scale AI-driven workflows without manual coding, enhancing operational efficiency across industries.

“With this acquisition, 1Point1 enhances its strategic focus on AI-powered transformation,” said Akshay Chhabra, Promoter & Director, 1Point1. “TECHSCIENT.AI’s autonomous AI capabilities represent a pioneering shift in BPM. By integrating their advanced solutions into our ecosystem, we are enabling enterprises to automate complex operations, optimise costs, and scale at unprecedented speed.”

TECHSCIENT.AI’s flagship platform integrates AI-native automation, API-first architecture, and real-time data intelligence to enhance customer experience and enterprise efficiency. The acquisition aligns with 1Point1’s commitment to AI-driven BPM, enabling rapid digital transformation across BFSI, healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, and logistics. The acquisition will enable 1Point1 to embed intelligent automation into its core BPM offerings and deliver more comprehensive, technology-led solutions to its clients. It will enhance the company’s ability to engage with new-age enterprises and digital-first clients seeking scalable, AI-driven solutions.

1Point1 will embed TECHSCIENT.AI’s autonomous AI engine within its BPM framework to optimise customer management, back-office operations, and workflow automation. The combined teams will focus on co-developing scalable AI-driven solutions for industries seeking intelligent automation at scale.

Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund Launches Healthcare and Wellness Fund to Let Investors Tap into USDollar 50 billion megatrend

Mumbai, 9th June, 2025: Baroda BNP Paribas Asset Management India Private Limited (‘Baroda BNP Paribas AMC’) has launched its latest New Fund Offer (NFO) – Baroda BNP Paribas Health and Wellness Fund, which opens for subscription on June 9, 2025, and closes on June 23, 2025. This open-ended equity scheme will focus on companies that are expected to benefit from the rising demand in healthcare and wellness—an emerging megatrend both in India and globally.

The fund aims to capitalise on the multi-decade structural growth story in healthcare and wellness space. While India’s existing per capita healthcare expenditure is quite low compared to developed markets, it is expected to grow exponentially on the back of rising affordability, increasing awareness, longer life expectancy, and higher incidence of chronic diseases.

“Over the last century or so, average life expectancy in India has more than tripled. Throughout the life stages from a toddler to a septuagenarian, there is a constant need and expenditure towards one’s wellbeing. Given the a low starting base of per capita expenditure on healthcare, we see this sector as a multi decadal opportunity that seeks with promising prospects for investors,” said Suresh Soni, CEO, Baroda BNP Paribas AMC.

India is facing an alarming surge in chronic diseases. the incidence of cardiac ailments, diabetes, and cancer could grow by ~34–41% this decade. This unfortunate trend reinforces the need for robust preventive and curative healthcare systems, creating fertile ground for investment.

“India offers a $200 billion market cap opportunity with over 100 investible companies across pharma, diagnostics, Medtech, hospitals, insurance, and healthcare research,” said Sanjay Chawla, CIO – Equity, Baroda BNP Paribas AMC.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is a global leader, supplying:

· Over 50% of Africa’s generic medicine requirements

40% of generics used in the US
25% of all drugs used in the UK
India also holds the highest share of USFDA-approved drugs globally.

The BSE Healthcare Index has consistently outperformed the BSE 500 TRI over the last 1, 3, 7, and 15 years, driven by stronger earnings growth. These gains span companies across all market caps—large, mid, and small. Source: MFI Explorer, Data as on April 30, 2025.

This thematic fund is suited for investors who have an investment horizon of 3 years or more. The fund offers investors the opportunity to participate in India’s growing health consciousness and invest in an evolving ecosystem of wellness-focused businesses.