Bengaluru Hosts NAVAYUGA Conference: Shaping the Future of Chartered Accountants

The conference opened with a Special Address by Chief Guest Sri. TC Meenakshisundaram, Founder and Vice Chairman of Chiratae Ventures, who shared his invaluable insights on innovation and leadership in the financial sector.

Sri. KN Vasudeva Adiga, Founder and Managing Director of Paakashala, who spoke on the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in the profession.
An Inspirational Keynote Speech by Dr. VB Arathi, a renowned motivational speaker, who captivated the audience with her message of resilience and perseverance.
Sessions led by industry leaders and thought-provoking workshops tailored to CA students’ needs.

Interactive panel discussions allowed participants to engage with experts, fostering knowledge exchange and professional growth. The event also provided ample networking opportunities for students to connect with peers and industry professionals.

Notable Dignitaries in Attendance: CA Shripad Hulgol Narayan, SICASA Chairman, ICAI Bengaluru Branch (SIRC)
CA Manjunath M Hallur, Vice Chairman, ICAI Bengaluru Branch (SIRC)
CA Kavitha Paramesh, Secretary, ICAI Bengaluru Branch (SIRC)

The conference concluded on a high note, leaving attendees motivated and better equipped to embrace their future roles as Chartered Accountants. With its engaging sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, NAVAYUGA truly set the stage for the next generation of finance professionals.

Croma Unveils the Superrr Exchange – Trade in Your Old Electronics for Triple the Benefits

National, December 23, 2024: Croma, India’s largest electronics retailer backed by the Tata group, unveiled its “Superrr Exchange” to begin festivities for the New Year! Superrr Exchange makes it easier for customers to upgrade their old electronics while contributing to a cleaner, greener future. Starting December 21, 2024, Superrr Exchange offers customers three times the regular benefits on exchanging their outdated gadgets for brand-new, energy-efficient devices.

Under Superrr Exchange, customers exchanging select home appliances and a wide range of other electronic devices will enjoy up to 3x exchange benefits and exclusive rewards and discounts on brand-new products. In addition, they can save up to Rs 21,000 when exchanging old laptops and mobiles.

As a part of this universal exchange initiative, customers can walk in with any old device and walk out with any new product. Yes, this means you can exchange your unused old grinder and walk out with a brand-new Smart TV! What’s more, customers with products that no longer work need not feel left out.

Superrr Exchange will run nationwide across all 550+ Croma stores, making it easier than ever for customers in every part of the country to trade in their old devices responsibly. Every Croma store has a designated disposal area, where old electronics are collected before being ethically recycled in partnership with authorised recycle partners.

Shibashish Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Infiniti Retail Ltd. said, “As we welcome the New Year, Superrr Exchange is helping create new beginnings. People aren’t just getting new devices when they avail of exchange, they’re thinking consciously about buying responsibly. They are also joining a growing movement of people who know that little changes add up to making earth a better place to live.”

In addition to in-store promotions, Croma will spread the word through, social media, outdoor advertising, and other targeted outreach campaigns. By making it more rewarding to upgrade and recycle, Superrr Exchange affirms Croma’s commitment to both its customers and the planet while proving that upgrading to cutting-edge electronics and caring for the environment can go hand in hand. All old electronics will be processed and recycled in an environmentally responsible way.

Prestige Golfshire Club Completes 2024 Masters Series with Table Space as Title Sponsor

Bangalore, December 21, 2024 – The Prestige Golfshire Club hosted the Grand Finale of the 2024 Prestige Masters Series on Saturday 14th December, marking the 10th anniversary of India’s largest amateur golf event open to club golfers. The event was title-sponsored by Table Space, India’s leading enterprise and managed workspace solution provider.

The Grand Finale saw 70 golfers, who had qualified throughout the year, competing for the grand prize – an all-expenses-paid trip to the prestigious US Masters Tournament in April 2025.

Mr. Declan McCollam, General Manager of the Prestige Golfshire Club, commented regarding the tournament, saying, “The Prestige Masters Series has now become the biggest open amateur event in India.” The tournament was the brainchild of Mr. Faiz Rezwan from the Prestige Group, who started the event in 2014.

This year’s winners were:

• Mrs. Anupama Vatal – 37 points (Winner)
• Jibin Jhon – 36 points
• Son Younghee – 35 points

 The event attracted over 900 participants from India and around the world, further solidifying the Prestige Masters Series’ status as one of the most talked-about golf events in the country.

Looking to the future, Table Space has plans for a long-term partnership with Prestige Golfshire Club over the next 5 years to elevate the tournament further.

Amit Banerji, CEO, Founder & Chairman of Table Space, shares, “This tournament aligns with our belief that success isn’t just about performance—it’s about fostering connections, learning together, and pushing each other to reach new heights.”

“We are honoured to sponsor the Prestige Masters Series,” adds Karan Chopra, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman at Table Space. “This tournament reflects qualities like precision, strategy, and perseverance—values we live by at Table Space. It’s more than a competition; it’s a celebration of teamwork and the meaningful relationships we build along the way.”

As India’s leading provider of integrated workspaces, Table Space is proud to have served as the Title Sponsor for the 2024 series.

“Our commitment extends beyond creating premium workspaces—we foster vibrant ecosystems where innovation and collaboration thrive, and the Prestige Masters Series embodies this ethos of continuous growth and collective success” Karan adds.

The Prestige Masters Series continues to grow in stature, with each year’s tournament offering over Rs. 50 Lakhs worth of prizes, distributed among winners in each qualifying leg and in the Grand Finale.

EduGo Abroad partners with French University to empower Indian students with emerging tech education trends

New Delhi, 21st December 2024: India’s leading Europe education consultant EduGo Abroad recently collaborated with DSTI School of Engineering, France’s first specialist educational institution for advanced streams like Cyber Security, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, to host an informative session for students seeking higher education in foreign universities. Aimed at empowering the students with emerging trends in technology, insights into global career opportunities and advanced skill development, the event was presided over by Sebastien Corniglion, the Dean of DSTI, in the presence of Aurora Engineering College Registrar Dr Srilatha Chepure.

“Technology is evolving rapidly and so is the education around it. It thus becomes pivotal for students to be informed and aware about the remarkable opportunities they could pursue. With our proven expertise and penetration in Europe’s educational spectrum, we understood the need to be an enabler for them to gain relevant information into the various avenues. We are very thankful to Mr Sebastien for sharing his insights and industry-centric knowledge with the students, who are poised for a bright future ahead,” said EduGo Abroad partners Mr B Lakshmi Prasad and Dr PV Reddy.

Echoing the sentiments, DSTI Dean Sebastien Corniglion said, “It was a wonderful experience to meet several young and brilliant minds, and acquaint them with the immense higher education potential in Europe. It assumes all the more significance amid the rapid advancements of Data Science, AI and its widespread implications. We welcome students from the Indian subcontinent to pursue excellence in streams designed for the future, and are grateful to EduGo Abroad for its efforts towards facilitating education in Europe.”

A highlight of the event, held at the Aurora Engineering College in Hyderabad and attended by more hundreds of students, was the insightful discussions around AI and advanced technologies between Dr Chepure and DSTI Dean Sebastien Corniglion. Notably, EduGo Abroad recently expanded its footprint to Hyderabad in a bid to facilitate higher education in Europe for students across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The educational consulting firm has partnerships with several eminent educational institutions across European countries, including France, Ireland, UK, Switzerland etc. DSTI, which is amongst the leading global institutions for cutting-edge technology streams, offers a wide range of programmes such as Applied MSc in Data Science and AI, Applied MSc in Data Analytics, Applied MSc in Data Engineering for AI, Applied MSc in Cyber Security and Executive MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Duo Kartik Aaryan and Bhushan Kumar Reflect on Legacy, Stardom, and Staying Grounded on Filmfare’s December 2024 Cover

Kartik Aaryan and Bhushan Kumar grace the cover of Filmfare’s December 2024 issue, celebrating their extraordinary journey together. Following the blockbuster success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the actor-producer duo reflects on their bond, rooted in mutual respect and trust. Kartik, who entered the industry 13 years ago as an outsider, has risen to stardom with Bhushan as a steadfast supporter. Their collaboration has redefined success, showcasing the impact of talent paired with visionary backing.

In an exclusive interview, Bhushan Kumar delves into how he balances preserving the T-Series legacy with a contemporary twist, all while honoring his father’s values. His daring choice to stick to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s release date despite a clash with Singham 3 paid off, reaffirming his faith in Kartik’s star power. For Bhushan, Kartik represents more than just a collaborator—he embodies the promise of the future. Together, they explore cinematic triumphs, the evolving music industry, and their shared vision for what lies ahead. Don’t miss this dynamic feature in Filmfare’s December issue.

Reflecting on the roaring success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kartik exclaims, “I believe Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 succeeded by staying true to the franchise’s essence while introducing fresh elements. The blend of horror, comedy, and nostalgia appealed to both longtime fans and new audiences.”

Having closely witnessed Kartik’s journey growth, Bhushan Kumar offers words of wisdom, saying, “I always tell Kartik to keep working hard and stay grounded despite his success, which he does… I remind him to always stay humble, and success will continue to follow.”

Bhushan reflects on continuing his father Gulshan Kumar’s legacy. He says, “I don’t consider myself the owner of T-Series. For me, he was, is, and will always be the owner of T-Series. That’s why you always see ‘Gulshan Kumar and T-Series presents’ on movie credits.” Addressing the much-discussed release date clash with Singham 3, he clarifies, “I never try to release my film on someone else’s release date, and I didn’t do that this time either, as I had taken the date first. However, it was their compulsion that they couldn’t shift their film.”

Kartik Aaryan shares his heartfelt perspective on success, offering a definition deeply rooted in simplicity and purpose. He explains, “For me, success is making my family proud. It’s the ability to bring a smile to someone’s face through my work. Success is also about sleeping peacefully at night and waking up with a smile.”

Kartik concludes by reminiscing on his journey as an actor, expressing gratitude while embracing the responsibility that success brings. He stated, “I feel incredibly grateful and humbled by where I am today. At the same time, I’m aware of the expectations that come with this position. It’s a mix of pressure and motivation that drives me to constantly deliver my best and evolve with every project.”

Avaada Group Boosts Madhya Pradesh’s Economy with 200 MW/280 MWp Solar Project Completion, Creating Jobs and Advancing Sustainability; Recognized by the Government

Agar, 21st December 2024: Avaada Group, a leading name in India’s renewable energy sector, proudly celebrates the inauguration of its 200 MW/280 MWp solar power plant in Agar, Madhya Pradesh by the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh. The project, developed by Avaada Group, commenced its first piling activity in April 2023 and achieved full commissioning on March 29, 2024, delivering clean energy to the grid within a short timeframe, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the region.

Recognizing this achievement, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri. Mohan Yadav and Hon’ble New and Renewable Energy Minister, GoMP, Shri Rakesh Shukla have appreciated Avaada Group for its role in advancing the state’s clean energy capacity and achieving this milestone in record time.

The Agar solar power plant incorporates unique technologies to enhance performance and sustainability:

• Monocrystalline Bifacial PV Modules ensure high energy yield.
• Dry Robotic Cleaning for optimal module performance with minimal water consumption and preserving ground water.
• SVG System to support grid stability and enhanced reliability to support India’s evolving energy ecosystem.
• Resource Optimization: In-house development of infrastructure, including parking spaces and stands, using recycled site materials such as purlin scraps and iron rods.
• Utilizing 100% Non-Farmable Land: preserving agricultural resources, rehabilitating degraded areas, and minimizing land-use conflicts while generating clean energy.

The solar park, developed by RUMSL (Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited), supplies power to clients like Delhi Metro and Indian Railways. The park showcases the synergy between state-level initiatives and national energy requirements, emphasizing the innovative energy distribution to critical infrastructure. The project overcame several challenges, including hard rock terrain, encroachment issues, and difficult site conditions. Avaada credits the support of the Madhya Pradesh Government for enabling the successful execution of this landmark project.

Avaada’s commitment extends beyond energy generation to enriching local communities through its CSR initiatives under the in five villages of Agar Malwa district. The Avaada Foundation operates on the EEEH Model—Education, Empowerment, Environment, and Health—focusing on grassroots transformation. Some of the key activities include Establishing the Avaada Nav Kiran Stitching Centre in Kasai Dehariya village, promoting financial independence for rural women, Providing financial literacy training and fostering self-help groups and village organizations to empower women, Enhancing school infrastructure, advocating for girl child education, and delivering quality education to underprivileged children among many other such initiatives. These initiatives have positively impacted livelihoods, fostered self-sustainability, and created opportunities for local communities, in alignment with Avaada’s goal of holistic development.

The project has delivered significant socio-economic benefits to the local community and economy. It has generated employment opportunities for thousands of individuals, involving the local workforce in roles such as security, technical support, and maintenance. In addition, Avaada has provided targeted training programs to enhance the technical skill sets of local manpower, creating a sustainable workforce equipped for the renewable energy sector. This initiative, combined with infrastructure development, has further stimulated the regional economy, producing a positive ripple effect that benefits local businesses and industries.

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman at Avaada Group, said:

 “The celebration of successful completion of this 200 MW/280 MWp project is a celebration of India’s clean energy transition journey. We are deeply honored to be recognized and felicitated by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for this achievement. Avaada remains committed to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that not only power India’s growth but also uplift local communities by generating jobs and driving economic progress.”

Maxvolt Energy showcased the newly launched Eco Series of batteries for the first time at EV Expo 2024

Maxvolt Energy Industries Ltd., a pioneer in innovative lithium battery technology, made a resounding impact at the 21st EVExpo 2024 by unveiling its cutting-edge Eco Series Lithium Batteries for electric scooters. Inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, this prestigious event, themed “Join the Initiative Towards Pollution Free India,” took place from December 20-22, 2024, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The Eco Series, designed as a game-changing alternative to traditional lead-acid batteries, promises a transformative e-scooter experience for consumers. These lightweight, high-performance batteries are engineered to ensure a hassle-free switch to lithium power, offering benefits such as rapid charging and a remarkable 4-5 years reliable lifespan. To further enhance consumer confidence, Maxvolt provides a robust 15-month replacement warranty.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Satendra Shukla, Chief Business Officer of Maxvolt Energy, stated, “The Eco Series embodies our commitment to innovation and sustainability. By addressing the growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly battery solutions, we aim to empower consumers and contribute to India’s journey towards a pollution-free future. Besides, the Maxvolt Eco Series provides superior performance, longer lifespan, and greater safety, all at a competitive price”

Available in multiple variants – 48V 25Ah, 60V 25Ah, 74V 25Ah, 48V 29Ah, 60V 29Ah, and 74V 29Ah, Maxvolt’s lithium batteries under the Eco Series are suitable for diverse range of e-scooter models. Keeping Safety First aspect as the USP of Eco Series, these batteries have features such as vibration control, water resistance, air release vent, high-temperature protection, overcurrent, overcharge, discharge protections, and short circuit protection. In addition, their lightweight and rapid charging capabilities ensure seamless adoption and improved performance for e-scooter users.

Industry stakeholders at EVExpo 2024 also engaged in insightful discussions at the conference titled “Unfolding Opportunities in EV Sector.” The event spotlighted India’s evolving EV ecosystem, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable solutions like the Eco Series in achieving a pollution-free future.

Tata AIA launches Multicap Momentum Quality Index Fund

New Delhi, 21 December 2024: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurers, has introduced Tata AIA Multicap Momentum Quality Index Fund. This new fund offer is designed to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of stocks that replicate the Nifty 500 Multicap Momentum Quality 50 Index. The New Fund Offer (NFO) window will open on 24th December 2024 and close on 31st December 2024.

Through a systematic, factor-based approach emphasizing momentum and quality, the fund will invest in stocks across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments.

Why consumers should invest in the Multicap Momentum Quality Index Fund:

· It invests across market cap segments, benefiting from the stability of large-caps and high growth potential of mid and small-cap stocks.

· Focuses on momentum-driven, quality stocks to optimize returns while ensuring the portfolio’s fundamental strength.

· It invests 80%-100% in Equity & Equity-related instruments and 0%-20% in Cash and Money Market Instruments, ensuring an effective balance between growth and liquidity.

· The fund aligns with the Nifty 500 Multicap Momentum Quality 50 Index, adhering to the principles of disciplined, rule-based investing.

Commenting on the launch, Harshad Patil, Executive Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Tata AIA said, “As India’s economy continues on its growth trajectory, the equity markets present a compelling opportunity for wealth creation. However, navigating market volatility and elevated valuations requires a disciplined and strategic approach. The Tata AIA Multicap Momentum Quality Index Fund is a thoughtfully designed offering that blends the benefits of momentum-driven stock selection with the assurance of quality and diversified investments. This ensures policyholders can capture growth opportunities and realize their long-term financial goals. With the life and health management services, this fund underscores our commitment to make our consumers enjoy a fikar-free life.”

Tata AIA policyholders can invest in the Multicap Momentum Quality Index Fund through the company’s Unit Linked Insurance Plans, including its popular TATA AIA Param Raksha solutions ++ and Tata AIA Pro-Fit plan+++. These solutions offer long-term growth potential of equity investments while securing consumers and their families with much-needed life and health insurance coverage.

Tata AIA remains committed to delivering disciplined fund management and innovative investment opportunities that cater to the evolving needs of its policyholders. The Company has built a strong track record with its funds outperforming the respective benchmarks over multiple periods., 96.22% of Tata AIA Life’s rated Assets Under Management^ (AUM) has been rated as 4 or 5 stars by Morningstar, a global rating agency as of November 2024.

Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to set benchmarks in fund performance through its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The company’s funds have outperformed market benchmarks.

Performance of Tata AIA Funds: Last 5 Years Returns (CAGR)          

Fund Benchmark: Multi Cap Fund, India Consumption Fund, Top 200 Fund: S&P BSE 200.

Inception Dates: Top 200 Fund: 12 Jan 2009, Multi Cap Fund: 05 Oct 2015, India Consumption Fund: 05 Oct 2015.

Tata AIA has grown its Assets Under Management significantly to INR 1,17,867.73 cr (November 24), translating to 35.91% YoY growth. This has been possible due to robust Individual New Business Premium income and exceptional investment performance.