Category Archives: Business

Central Bank of India announces acquisition of 24.91% stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited & 25.18% stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited

Mumbai, June 7, 2025: Central Bank of India acquired 24.91% equity stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGIICL) and 25.18% equity stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL), marking the Bank’s strategic entry into both the life and general insurance sectors.

Necessary approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and Competition Commission of India (CCI) were obtained prior to completion of share transfer.

Key Highlights of the Transaction:

Pursuant to this transaction, Central Bank of India will be classified as a promoter in both Future Generali India Insurance & Future Generali India Life Insurance.

FGIICL, established in 2006 and based in Mumbai, is a prominent player in India’s general insurance sector. With a presence in over 150 locations nationwide, the company offers a wide array of insurance products across retail, commercial, rural, and personal segments, serving both individuals and corporate clients.

FGILICL, also incorporated in 2006 and headquartered in Mumbai, has a robust network spanning more than 1,300 locations across the country. The company delivers a broad spectrum of life insurance solutions, catering to the needs of both individual and group customers.

This acquisition underscores Central Bank of India commitment to creating long-term value for its stakeholders by expanding into high-potential financial services verticals. The Bank aims to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its presence in the fast-growing Indian insurance industry through acquisition.

Genpact Acquires XponentL Data to Accelerate AI-Led Innovation

New Delhi, – June 7, 2025 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global advanced technology services and solutions company, today announced it has acquired XponentL Data, a data products and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider. XponentL brings differentiated domain-led data strategy, design, and engineering capabilities; deep industry experience; and strategic partnerships. This acquisition builds on Genpact’s pivot to data, AI, and other advanced technologies, further enhancing Genpact’s ability to help clients across the lifecycle of AI transformation, from strategy through implementation.

In addition to being a Databricks partner, XponentL adds robust training and capabilities across numerous leading data platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft. The company also brings proven industry- and process-specific solutions that accelerate time to business value.

“We believe the future belongs to companies that deploy AI at speed and scale – on a bedrock of data expertise,” said Balkrishan ‘BK’ Kalra, President and Chief Executive Officer, Genpact. “At Genpact, we have been steadily pivoting to an AI-first future, and today’s acquisition is another proof point of our commitment to deliver client value through innovative solutions. XponentL’s robust intellectual property will further strengthen how Genpact can help clients harness the full value of their data. We are incredibly excited to welcome XponentL Data to the Genpact team.”

“Genpact and XponentL share a vision to unlock the power of data for our clients – this opportunity allows us to take it to the next level,” said Tom Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer, XponentL Data. “Genpact’s domain, process, and technology leadership, global footprint, and extensive client base will help scale our solutions together to drive greater impact for our clients.”

The combination further positions Genpact to help clients with data and AI transformation, creating a foundational intelligence capability to drive operational efficiency and business growth in the agentic AI era. The acquisition will fuel Genpact’s Service-as-Agentic-Solutions and the Genpact AI Gigafactory by bringing comprehensive domain solutions in Life Sciences and Healthcare, as well as deep expertise with enterprise data and AI strategy, architecture, and engineering talent.

“XponentL Data has been a pioneer in applying intelligent agents and modern data architectures on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to drive real-world impact. Their acquisition by Genpact—a global leader in digital transformation and operational excellence—creates a unique combination of innovation and scale,” said Michael Hartman, Senior Vice President, Americas Industry, Databricks. “We’re excited to support this next chapter as they help enterprises operationalize AI and drive measurable business value.”

XponentL is headquartered in Pennsylvania and operates globally. Johnstone will continue to lead the XponentL business and all XponentL employees will join Genpact.

GlobalGyan Launches ‘Sarathi Leadership Program’ to Accelerate Mid-Level Managers into Future CXO Roles

Mumbai, 7 June 2025: GlobalGyan Leadership Academy has opened enrolments for the 2025 edition of its flagship executive education initiative, the Sarathi Leadership Program. This transformational journey is crafted to help mid-level managers step into strategic leadership and prepare for CXO roles. Tailored for professionals with over 10+ years of experience, Sarathi bridges the critical gap between operational execution and enterprise-level leadership.

Unlike traditional programs that lean heavily on theory, Sarathi offers a deeply experiential and practical approach to leadership development. Through immersive learning labs, real-time simulations, and mentoring from some of India’s most respected leadership coaches, the program builds strategic clarity, emotional resilience, and the ability to lead transformational change across complex business environments. Sarathi empowers participants to think and act like senior leaders, enabling a shift from managing functions to leading businesses.

The program is structured into four progressive phases: Pre-Immersion, Strategic Leadership Accelerator, Executive Influence Studio, and Post-Immersion Coaching. A cornerstone of the experience is two in-person, three-day immersion labs, where participants engage in live case explorations, strategic decision-making, and the acclaimed Game of Stones simulation designed to sharpen leadership judgment under uncertainty.

What sets Sarathi apart is its faculty of high-impact leadership coaches, including Srinivasa Addepalli, Chandramoulee P., Abhishek Kumar, and Suman Addepalli — seasoned experts who have delivered leadership development programs at top corporates like Mahindra group, HUL, ITC, and the Aditya Birla Group. Their real-world experience enables participants to gain actionable insights and mentorship grounded in business realities.

“Today’s mid-level leaders are often caught in the gap between execution and strategy, highly capable, yet not always equipped with the perspective or tools to influence at the enterprise level. Sarathi was created to fill that void. This is not just a training program. It’s a platform designed to elevate professionals from functional expertise to strategic leadership, helping them confidently step into CXO roles.” said Srinivasa Addepalli, Director, GlobalGyan Leadership Academy.

AI-Powered Travel Tech Startup The Tarzan Way Raises ₹2 Cr in Seed Round from Inflection Point Ventures

Noida, 7^th June 2025– The Tarzan Way, an AI-powered travel tech platform redefining how the world travels, has raised ₹2 crore in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be utilised for product development (35%), operational streamlining (25%), marketing (20%), HR and admin (15%), and miscellaneous expenses (5%). The round also saw participation from Your Trips Limited (UK-based travel company), Prateek Maheshwari (Founder at PhysicsWallah) and other angel investors.

Founded in 2020 by Shikhar Chadha and Shivank Tripathi, The Tarzan Way is an intelligent travel companion that enables users to design hyper-personalised, authentic holiday experiences across the globe in just a few clicks. The company is driven by the mission to simplify and elevate travel through technology.

Both founders bring complementary skills and a shared passion for travel innovation. Shikhar and Shivank aim to break the clutter in the travel industry by combining deep tech with human-centric storytelling, enabling each trip to be memorable and meaningful.

Ankur Mittal, Co- Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “As more people venture out to explore the world, the demand for experiential travel — journeys that are immersive, personalized, and meaningful — is rapidly rising. Yet, most travellers still rely on traditional travel agencies that offer rigid plans, or they find themselves overwhelmed trying to plan it all on their own. Tarzan Way bridges this gap by using AI and technology to create smart, tailored travel experiences that act as a true companion throughout the journey — making every trip not just a getaway, but a story worth remembering.”

The startup operates on a global scale and is fast emerging as a go-to platform for immersive travel experiences. The fresh funds will be deployed towards product development, operational efficiency, marketing, and team building, alongside the launch of its new “Exploration App.”

What makes The Tarzan Way stand out is its hyper-personalised itineraries, AI-backed booking engine, 24×7 live concierge support, and one-click booking experience. Their platform integrates local flavours and authentic experiences with tech-powered efficiency.

“Our passion lies in creating memories that last. We don’t just plan trips; we help people craft stories that stay with them forever. That’s the core spirit behind The Tarzan Way,” said Shikhar Chadha, Co-founder, The Tarzan Way.

In terms of performance, the company has witnessed a 300% YoY revenue growth and 70% MoM user growth. With 35K+ social followers and over 10M content views, it has already clocked ₹13.5 Cr in gross value of bookings.

The Indian travel & tourism sector contributed over $199B to the GDP in 2023 and is projected to touch $512B by 2028. The space is primed for disruption, especially with the rise of AI and experiential travel.

IGP Cake Fest Brings Together Bakers and Cake Lovers for a First-of-its-Kind Celebration

Mumbai, 07 June 2025: IGP, a global D2C multi-category gifting platform, is set to host the country’s most indulgent event — the first-ever IGP Cake Fest — on Sunday, June 8, from 2 PM to 8 PM at Versova Social, Mumbai. This one-of-its-kind, community-led celebration will bring together bakers and dessert lovers for a high-energy experience that blends cake, culture, and creativity.

The festival aims to spotlight India’s freshest baking talent by crowning the best local bakers, creating iconic cake moments, and turning dessert into a full-blown cultural experience. Central to the event is “Battle of the Bakers” ,where one standout baker will win a grand prize of ₹1 lakh and the opportunity to feature their cake on igp’s D2C website which has a global customer base of over 5 million. The celebration will feature celebrity chef Natasha Gandhi as the headline judge – top finalist for Masterchef India. Attendees and cake lovers will also cast live votes to determine the Popular Choice Award, recognizing the crowd’s favorite creation.

Adding to the flavor of the day will be a stand-up performance by the much-loved comedian Shreeja Chaturvedi. The event promises a lively atmosphere with dessert tastings, live cake showcases, engaging games, photo ops, and branded giveaways.

The IGP Cake Fest isn’t just a fun competition; it’s a powerful testament to IGP’s position as a leading brand in cakes across India. More than an event, it serves as a vibrant platform for emerging bakers, creators, and dessert enthusiasts to connect, create, and be celebrated. It reflects IGP’s commitment to building communities around food and reinforces its role in shaping the future of India’s cake and gifting culture.

Commenting on the launch of Cake Fest, Tarun Joshi, Founder & CEO of IGP, said, “IGP has emerged as a leading platform in the cake category in India, delivering joy through thousands of celebrations every day. With Cake Fest, we’re creating a vibrant space for bakers and dessert lovers to connect, express, and be discovered. It’s a natural extension of our belief in celebrating people and their passions — and a step towards building a joyful, inclusive culture around cakes.”

RBI’s 100 bps Rate Cut Boosts Housing Demand, Eases EMI Burden for Homebuyers

RBI’s Rate Cut and Liquidity Push to Spur Private Investment, Support 7% Growth Potential

By-DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India

“India’s GDP growth has performed admirably well in the post-COVID years. It has averaged 7.8% over the period 2022-23 to 2024-25. This is in spite of a challenging global economic environment where global GDP growth has been limited to 3.5%. Over this period, the contribution of net exports to India’s GDP growth has been 0.2% points, (-)2.8% points, and 2.3% points, respectively. Clearly, India’s growth has been largely driven by domestic demand. Within domestic demand, it is mainly the government’s capital expenditure which has been driving India’s growth. A more balanced profile of growth drivers would call for a tangible pickup in private investment demand and external demand. While much can not be said about the way external demand might evolve, domestic private investment demand can be stimulated. In this context, monetary policy is of considerable importance since it affects cost of capital.

The RBI, in its monetary policy review held on 06 June 2025, lowered the policy rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% with the objective of supporting growth. It projected real GDP growth at 6.5% in 2025-26 driven by private consumption and fixed capital formation. The RBI, however, changed its policy stance to neutral from accommodative. The frontloading of policy rate reduction is welcome. However, given the likely global growth slowdown and trade related uncertainties, the RBI may carry forward the momentum of the present interest rate reduction cycle at least until the policy rate reaches 5%. Conditions are ripe for maintaining this downward thrust since CPI inflation remains below the RBI’s target of 4%. In fact, the RBI has revised downwards its CPI inflation forecast for 2025-26 to 3.7% from 4.0% projected in April 2025. As private investment keeps improving, the ongoing rate reduction cycle could incentivize private investment and take India’s potential growth closer to 7% in the next few years.”

By-DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India

The front loading of the rate cut action plus crr cut indicates focus is on enhancing  the transmission of monetary policy . The neutral stance indicates that the bar for further rate cut is higher but isn’t completely off the table . In the next few policies we expect rbi to remain on pause.

The crr cut which will infuse liquidity in h2fy26 , will ensure system liquidity remains above the 1%of ndtl till March 2026. The need for further omo purchases is much lower now.

RBI’s Timely 50 bps Rate Cut Aims to Boost Inclusive Growth and Lending Access

By-Tushar Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Stashfin

“The latest 50 basis point rate cut by the RBI comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian economy. Although inflation is easing gradually, global uncertainties remain. Therefore, the RBI’s intent to balance growth alongside stability is crystal clear. As India consolidates its position as the world’s fourth-largest economy and keeps growing rapidly, the rate reduction will help in lowering borrowing costs and expanding credit access, particularly in underserved regions and segments. For fintechs and other digital lenders, it’s an excellent opportunity to offer more accessible, fair and transparent loans. These conducive measures will facilitate the establishment of a lending ecosystem that supports long-term financial health while helping the economy grow inclusively and sustainably.”

Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Announce Winners of 2025 Global Competition

New Delhi, 6^th June 2025: The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards announced today the 2025 winners during a special ceremony hosted by Emmy-award winner Denny Director (Entertainment Tonight). The third edition of these global awards were held in the iconic Sony Pictures Studios Scenic Arts Building in Culver City, celebrating emerging visionaries, amplifying bold storytelling from different corners of the world. Among the standout talents recognized this year were Indian filmmakers Riah Taipodia and Muhammed Ashfaque. Riah Taipodia was shortlisted in the Non-Fiction category for her work, Khiew Ranei (Black Clay). In the Student category, Muhammed Ashfaque was shortlisted for his film URA, representing the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts.

Chosen for their exceptional work from a pool of over 11,750 film submissions by more than 7,500 filmmakers representing 158 countries and territories, the 2025 Sony Future Filmmaker Awards winners were: Rossana Montoya (Colombia, Fiction), Juliet Klottrup (United Kingdom, Non-Fiction), Santiago O’Ryan & José Navarro (Chile, Animation), and Hayder Hoozeer & Franz Böhm (United Kingdom/ Germany, Student).

The jury comprised prominent industry leaders, including filmmaker and writer Minhal Baig (We Grown Now, Hala, BoJack Horseman); Elizabeth Gabler, President of 3000 Pictures (Where the Crawdads Sing, upcoming Klara and the Sun, Life of Pi); Academy Award®-nominated director Jason Reitman (Saturday Night, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Juno); and award-winning filmmaker Justin Chadwick (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Other Boleyn Girl, upcoming Sierra Madre), who served as Chair of the Jury. Together, they evaluated creative excellence and innovative storytelling to select the winners from a distinguished shortlist.

The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards jury shared their collective admiration for this year’s winners and shortlisted filmmakers: “It is truly exciting to look towards the future of filmmaking through the eyes of this incredible group of winners. As new custodians of the craft, each of them brings a particular vision that challenges the status quo as well as breathing new life into the stories we tell. The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards are not only about recognizing this talent — they’re about supporting and empowering those who will shape the industry for years to come, and we are eager to see how they continue to redefine the cinematic landscape.”

The Awards aim to inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of filmmakers at a crucial stage in their creative journeys. As part of their prize, this year’s winners—along with the wider shortlist across all four categories—took part in an immersive four-day industry program held at Sony Pictures Studios from June 2–5, 2025, culminating in the official Awards ceremony.

The program featured a thoughtfully curated line up of workshops led by Sony Pictures executives, film screenings, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Participants gained deeper insight into the filmmaking process, refined their skills, and built valuable connections with industry leaders and fellow creators from around the world. Topics included cinematography masterclasses, screenwriting, navigating talent agreements, innovative technology demonstrations, and the art of scoring a film. In addition to the professional development experience, the four winners also received cash prizes and Sony Digital Imaging equipment.

The winners of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 are:

FICTION

The Fiction category rewards narrative-led submissions that convey an original fictional story or event. The category winner receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Fiction category, the winner was presented by Jason Reitman, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member:

• Rossana Montoya (Colombia), My Demon – As they race to the hospital for the imminent birth of their first child, Eva and Jacobo clash over their relationship. Shot in a single 17-minute take, the film infuses the raw emotional intensity of two on-screen characters into this intimate narrative.

NON-FICTION

The Non-Fiction category awards short films that are predominantly factual in content. These can include archive footage, documentary footage, reenactments and animation. The category winner receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Non-Fiction category, the winner was presented by Elizabeth Gabler, President, 3000 Pictures and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member:

• Juliet Klottrup (UK), Travelling Home – An English Romany Traveller reflects on his heritage and the annual pilgrimage to Appleby Fair. Shot on 16mm film, the analogue texture enhances the film’s exploration of time, tradition, and belonging, reflecting Klottrup’s collaborative approach with local communities and her visual artistry focused on rural identity.

ANIMATION

The Animation category embraces filmmakers using stop-motion, motion graphics, computer animation, drawn-on-film, rotoscoping, experimental animation, and additional available techniques. The category winner receives Sony Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Animation category, the winner was presented by Minhal Baig, filmmaker, writer, and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member:

• Santiago O’Ryan & José Navarro (Chile), Hermanos Casablanca (Casablanca Brothers) – At the height of the Pinochet dictatorship, two divers agree to help an army official in the hope of receiving information on their missing sister in return. The film employs engaging visual storytelling and a muted and dark colour palette to evoke a sense of loss, uncertainty and danger.

STUDENT

The Student category rewards filmmakers studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide. The category winner and their institution each receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment. In the Student category, the winner was presented by Tatsuhito Tabuchi, Head of New Contents Creation Business Unit, Sony Corporation:

• Hayder Hoozeer (UK) & Franz Böhm (Germany), The National Film & Television School, Rock Paper Scissors – Based on a true story, a father and son in a warzone hospital face life-or-death choices as their hideout becomes increasingly compromised. Their direction uses stark color contrasts and claustrophobic settings to heighten the film’s emotional impact, supporting the actors’ powerful performances.

Toprankers Expands Educational Footprint with 50th Test Prep Centre in Bengaluru, Targets Deeper Presence in South India

Delhi India — 6th June 2025 — Toprankers, one of India’s leading ed-tech platforms guiding students toward careers beyond engineering and medicine, has launched its 50th offline learning centre recently, marking a major milestone in its mission to democratise quality education. The new centres in Whitefield and Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, represent Toprankers’ strategic foray into South India, aimed at delivering premium, accessible test preparation closer to students’ homes.

This expansion builds on the platform’s remarkable growth across North and Central India, where it has established 48 centres in 20 cities including Delhi, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ranchi and Patna. In FY 2024 alone, Toprankers trained over 25,000 students, achieved 5,000+ selections, and saw a 40% YoY growth in enrollments across its learning verticals — Law, Management, Design and Architecture.

“Where can my child train for competitive exams without compromising their mental well-being?” This recurring concern from parents at our webinars sparked our decision to scale responsibly. Bengaluru, with its rising demand for structured offline mentorship and with a strong student base in our online ecosystem, was a natural next step.

The newly launched centres feature hybrid classrooms, smart-learning infrastructure, and student-first zones aimed at replicating Toprankers’ trusted mentorship model — one that emphasizes small batch sizes, live doubt resolution, career mapping, and holistic preparation beyond textbooks.

Students, parents, and mentors enthusiastically participated in the event, which was graced by Saksham Gautam, All India Rank 1 in CLAT 2025 and a student of Toprankers’ LegalEdge program.

Gaurav Goel, Founder & CEO of Toprankers, said:
“Parents in Bengaluru juggle multiple responsibilities, and we understand the importance of making entrance exam prep both high-quality and convenient. Our entry into this city is not just about geography—it’s about empathy, and empowering students with on-ground, real-time mentorship that matches the pace of their dreams.”

He added, “Toprankers has seen over 15,000 selections in the last 3 years alone, with students cracking top exams like CLAT, IPMAT, CUET, NID, CAT, NIFT and Judiciary. The Bengaluru centre is another leap toward our commitment to redefine what accessible, student-first education looks like across India.”

Powered by the House of Brands, Toprankers’ success is driven by its House of Brands—LegalEdge, SuperGrads, CreativEdge, Judiciary Gold, and Udaan, each dedicated to a unique learner profile and exam segment. Together, they’ve enabled lakhs of students to access curriculum-aligned, result-oriented preparation powered by live classes, national-level mocks, and personalised mentorship.

Students across India echo the impact:

“LegalEdge provided an ideal study environment for a prospective topper. The study material, particularly the CLATPost, was exceptional, and the faculty was highly effective. The mental fortitude to stay focused and disciplined was the final piece of the puzzle.”
– Saksham Gautam, All India Rank 1, CLAT 2025

“The personalised attention and mentorship changed the game for me,”
– Sanya Gupta, cracked IPMAT on her first attempt

As India’s education landscape shifts toward career flexibility and multi-stream opportunities, Toprankers’ 50th centre is more than a number—it is a strategic commitment to meet learners where they are and move with them, every step of the way.