Celebrating Smriti Mandhana, the fearless Naya Sher embodying the bold spirit of Jersey 18 at the World Cup

National, 15th October, 2024: Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana are two of the most prominent figures in Indian sports. Everything they touch becomes a trend, establishing new norms on and off the pitch. Their journey is a testament of the philosophy ‘Life chooses you when you choose bold.’ Whether they are smashing records on the field or inspiring millions to follow their passions, they lead by example.

 Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water recently launched a powerful video featuring Virat Kohli, where he reflects on how Jersey 18 is more than just a number to him. The jersey is a celebration of passion and determination, a symbol Virat proudly shares with the remarkable Smriti Mandhana. A true bold leader, Smriti led her team to victory in the Women’s T20 tournament, embodying the #NayaSher spirit as she showcases her fearless spirit in the ongoing World Cup. Virat also highlights how her fearless attitude makes her an inspiration to all.

 Smriti, who is in action at the world cup shared the special video on her social media, captioning it, “From one Jersey 18 to another, there’s something special about this number that keeps the passion running high.” As she prepares to #ChooseBold and bring her A-game, Smriti calls on all the Naya Shers and fellow supporters of Jersey 18 to join her.

 Speaking on the occasion, Smriti Mandhana said, “Being Bold is about making fearless choices and pushing boundaries. World Cups are always important for us. On and off the field, I’m ready to make daring decisions. I want to lead with courage and inspire others to Choose Bold.”

 Well, as the World Cup kicks off, fans are already buzzing with excitement, feeling the electrifying surge of cricket energy fueled by Smriti’s inspiring commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing bold choices.

ANSR makes a strategic investment in Summit Consulting Services

Bengaluru, 15th October 2024: ANSR, the market leader in developing strategic Global Capability Centers (GCCs), has acquired a majority stake in Bengaluru based Summit Consulting Services.

Summit specializes in building Global Centers for growth stage, mid-sized and Private Equity backed organizations with a focus on leveraging global talent, cost optimization and transforming technology and process functions. With a strong focus on technology-driven delivery methodology, Summit’s success can be attributed to its speed-to-market and innovative business models, including Basecamp, India’s first GCC incubator at T-Hub, Hyderabad.

India’s GCC market is experiencing a surge in demand from mid-sized organizations and high-growth companies looking to accelerate their product engineering, digital initiatives and investments in critical capabilities such as AI/ML, InfoSec and analytics.

“We at Summit see this as a game changer in the mid-market play of the GCC segment. With the resources strength of ANSR and lean best practices at Summit, we are better positioned to deliver enhanced and comprehensive solutions to our clients,” said Sandeep Sharma, Founder & CEO, Summit Consulting Services

ANSR is a pioneer within the GCC industry with end-to-end solutions offering businesses the opportunity to efficiently build, manage, and scale Global Centers in talent-rich hubs. With a robust track record of enabling over 135 global leaders to set up and scale their operations, ANSR remains at the forefront of the industry. ANSR’s enterprise-ready solutions across talent, workspace, business operations and consulting are delivered through its innovative GCC SuperApp – a tech-driven platform delivering speed, efficiency and flexibility to its customers.

“Mid-market companies are driving a post-COVID GCC boom. With over 240 centers from these firms launched in the last four years, they comprise 60% of all new GCCs today. This rapid expansion underscores the strong confidence business leaders and investors have in the strategic value these centers offer. By bringing Summit Consulting Services on board, we are further expanding our solutions to better serve the unique needs of mid-sized GCCs as they scale their operations,” said Vikram Ahuja, Co-Founder, ANSR and CEO, Talent500.

HaystackAnalytics Launches Infexn™: First Comprehensive Diagnostic Test for Bacteria, Fungi, and RNA Viruses

15 October 2024, Bengaluru; HaystackAnalytics, a pioneer in genomics-based diagnostic solutions, is proud to announce a significant milestone in precision medicine by expanding its infexn™ test using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The existing infexn™ test using NGS which has been in use for the comprehensive detection of bacteria, fungi and AMR in a single test, has now been upgraded to also detect respiratory RNA viruses. Thus, by testing respiratory samples, such as VTM, BAL, etc. using the infexn™ – NGS test, clinicians are further enabled towards antimicrobial stewardship (AMSP), wherein they may not choose a specific test for a specific suspected infection. Instead a single infexn™ – NGS test can screen for major RNA viruses, all bacterial and fungal human pathogens, and AMR.

Infectious diseases remain a major public health concern worldwide, impacting millions of lives every day. Globally, many respiratory viruses continue to pose significant challenges. Influenza strains such as Influenza A(H1N1) and Influenza A(H3N2), along with Influenza B, Parainfluenza 3, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Adenovirus, are prevalent across many regions. In India, the burden of infectious diseases is particularly severe, with millions at risk daily. The country not only faces the continuing challenges posed by COVID-19 but also struggles with a high incidence of other respiratory viruses, including Influenza A(H1N1), Influenza A(H3N2), Influenza B, Parainfluenza 3, RSV, and Adenovirus. To combat this, Indian hospitals and diagnostic centers are increasingly adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve the accuracy and speed of infectious disease diagnostics. While there are very few well established antiviral treatment options, clinicians worldwide can make safer choices when supported by comprehensive diagnostic methods. The expansion of the scope of the infexn™ test using NGS, to include the detection of major respiratory RNA viruses, is a step in this direction of hypothesis free, universal infectious diseases testing paradigm.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Anirvan Chatterjee, Co-Founder, HaystackAnalytics, said, “By adding key RNA viruses to the already comprehensive NGS based infexn™ test, we continue to remain one of the world’s very few deeptech startups working towards enabling a judicious use of antibiotics and contributing towards faster and better treatment outcomes.”

Commenting on the development, Dr Mahua Dasgupta Kapoor, Director, Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases), HaystackAnalytics, said, “We are proud to introduce this expanded capability of infexn™ using NGS, which empowers clinicians to take more precise and timely decisions, especially in the face of respiratory viral outbreaks that can further complicate bacterial or fungal infections. Our aim is to stay ahead of these evolving challenges by offering a comprehensive solution that integrates genome sequencing into everyday healthcare practices. This underscores the transformative role of genomics in India’s healthcare sector, ultimately paving the way for making it more applicable, accessible, and affordable for all.”

The next-generation sequencing test, infexn™, developed by HaystackAnalytics, is a genomics-based test capable of detecting pan-bacterial, pan-fungal, and now respiratory viral infections, along with identifying relevant rare and difficult-to-culture organisms, all within 24 hours. Developed in India and designed for global application, infexn™ using NGS emerges as the preferred test for detecting deadly infectious diseases. It holds the potential to promptly identify infections, empowering the healthcare ecosystem with advanced diagnostics to provide a customized care regime for patients. In the myriad of emerging infectious agents, infexn™ using NGS has now evolved into a versatile diagnostic tool for doctors.

DHL Express lights up Diwali with up to 50% off for India’s international shipments

Mumbai, October 15th, 2024: DHL Express, the global leader in international express services, is adding to the festive cheer of Diwali by offering customers discounts on international and domestic outbound shipments. This limited-time offer, valid until 02nd November, 2024, allows customers to share festive greetings and gifts with their loved ones across the world while enjoying up to 50% off on international shipments and up to 40% off on domestic shipments.

 As one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, Diwali, the festival of light, is an occasion for families to come together and exchange sweets and gifts. DHL Express recognizes the importance of togetherness during these times. It aims to bring loved ones together despite being miles apart, by providing customers with reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions. Customers can enjoy up to 50% off on international shipments weighing between 3 kg and 25 kg; while a 40% discount is offered on domestic shipments weighing between 2kg and 10kg. The offer is available at over 650 DHL Express service points across India.

 Notably, customers can opt for an environmentally friendly shipping option. Through the DHL GoGreen Plus service, which uses the book-and-claim method, the buyer ‘books’ a specific quantity of sustainable aviation fuel at the time of purchase and then ‘claims’ the greenhouse gas emissions reduction toward their sustainability targets. Sustainable aviation fuel reduces Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions for DHL’s customers. The initiative aligns with the company’s broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its global logistics network.

 Sandeep Juneja, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, DHL Express India said, “Diwali is a time to celebrate and connect, and we are proud to present an offer that brings our customers closer to their loved ones while delivering value through competitive rates. At DHL, we understand the importance of seamless, reliable logistics, particularly during festive seasons, when timely and efficient deliveries are paramount. We remain committed to delivering superior logistics solutions that ensure these connections are maintained. Additionally, our continued focus on sustainability through initiatives like GoGreen Plus, underscores our dedication to offering innovative solutions that allow customers to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on quality or efficiency.”

CREST Olympiads Exams 2024-25: Register Now to Know Exam Dates!

Empowering Students Worldwide
The CREST Olympiads is a renowned international platform that aims to enhance students’ academic skills across various grade levels. As pioneers in online Olympiad exams, CREST offers a globally competitive environment across subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, Reasoning, Green Olympiad, Cyber, Mental Math, and spell Bee. CREST Olympiads inspire students to excel academically and personally by encouraging critical thinking and meaningful engagement.

 Mission and Vision
At the core of Olympiads is a mission to cultivate young minds through academic excellence and a spirit of competition. The organization provides students with opportunities to showcase their knowledge on a global stage, effectively preparing them for future educational and career challenges. The Olympiad exams serve as a foundation for students aspiring to succeed in competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and other entrance tests, equipping them with essential problem-solving techniques and skills.

 Benefits of Participating in Olympiad Exams
• Enhanced Analytical Skills: Students develop a systematic approach to problem-solving, essential for tackling complex questions.
• Global Recognition: Achievements in Olympiad exams can lead to prestigious awards and scholarships, opening doors to numerous academic opportunities.
• Increased Confidence: Success in these exams boosts self-esteem, motivating students to strive for excellence in all their future endeavors.
Nitin Godawat, Managing Director at CREST Olympiads, states, “In an environment where most of the students in schools get 90% and above, such exams provide reality check and prepare students for future competitive exams”. He further says, “A student scoring 50% marks in JEE Advanced can get admission in India’s most reputed engineering college, IIT Bombay. There’s no reason to have very high scores in the school system”.

 List of Olympiad Exams
• CREST Mathematics Olympiad (CMO)
• CREST Science Olympiad (CSO)
• CREST English Olympiad (CEO)
• CREST Reasoning Olympiad (CRO)
• CREST Cyber Olympiad (CCO)
• CREST International Spell Bee – Winter (CSBW)
• CREST Mental Math Olympiad (CMMO)
• CREST Green Warrior Olympiad (IGWO)

 How to Register
Registering for the Olympiads is straightforward. Students can register through their schools or individually via the official website www.crestolympiads.com. The objective exams consist of multiple-choice questions that are conducted online, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

 Awards and Prizes
Olympiads emphasize rewarding students to boost confidence and motivation. Individual awards are given to those scoring 50% or higher. Highlights of the awards include:
• International Ranks 1-3: Achiever’s Trophies, and Merit Certificates.
• Top 10%: Medals and Merit Certificates.
• Top 25%: Merit Certificates.
• Top 25-50%: ‘Honorable Mention’ Digital Certificates.
• All Participants: Digital Participation Certificates.

Sunstone Educathon 3.0 strikes chord with youth

New Delhi/Gurugram, 15th October 2024 – In its continuous tryst to support and elevate the standard of education and teachers, Sunstone organized Educathon 3.0, a vibrant 5K and 10K run, on Sunday. Enthusiastic youth, teachers, students and people from different age groups participated in the event making it a spectacular event.

 The runners decked up in colourful T-shirts assembled at the venue- Urban Akhara in Sector 58 of Gurugram right from the morning. More than 300 runners participated in the Educathon.

 As the runners laced up their shoes, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and camaraderie, illustrating the spirit of community and collective purpose. Each step taken on this beautiful course brought them closer to Sunstone’s mission of ensuring that every student has access to quality education for the development of their illustrious career trajectory.

 Educathon 3.0 unites runners from across India who share a common goal: to bring about meaningful change in the lives of students through successful training of the teachers. This year, Sunstone partnered with the Simple Education Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering teachers and revolutionizing students learning experiences.

 Sharing his enthusiasm about the event, Ashish Munjal – Co-Founder and CEO of Sunstone said, “We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiastic participation in Sunstone’s Educathon 3.0. Every runner, volunteer, and supporter has played a vital role in making this event successful. Together, we are not just promoting health and fitness; we are also creating pathways for brighter futures for countless children in need. Every run matter, and every step brings us closer to our goal of transforming lives through education.”

 Speaking about the event, Mainak Roy, Co-Founder and CEO of Simple Education Foundation, said “We are grateful for Sunstone’s continued support and dedication. Initiatives like Educathon 3.0 not only raise vital funds but bring much-needed attention to the importance of proper teacher training in shaping students’ futures. In this effort, we are working to equip future teachers with the right tools, methods, and support to transform classroom learning. Our focus is on improving students’ social and emotional development skills, a sense of belonging, and a growth mindset.”

 Participants engaged in a day filled with inspiring stories, fitness, and community spirit, while also enjoying various activities designed to promote health and well-being. As the event came to a close, we celebrated not just the finishers but also the collective effort to uplift standard of education.

 Following the success of last year’s event, where participants rallied together to raise significant funds for underprivileged children’s education and nutrition, the event is back and is ready to make an even bigger impact.
The success of Educathon 3.0 marks another milestone in Sunstone’s commitment to social responsibility.

TVS Credit registers a growth of 19% in PAT in H1 FY25 versus H1 FY24

Chennai, October 15, 2024: TVS Credit Services Limited, one of India’s leading NBFCs, published its unaudited financial results for the quarter and half-year ended September 30, 2024, which reflect the Company’s robust growth and financial stability.

The Company reported Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs. 26,652 Crore as of Sep’24, an increase of Rs. 3,136 Crore and a growth of 13% as compared to Sep’23. The Company’s Total Income increased by 18% year-on-year and stood at Rs. 3,245 Crore in H1 FY25. The Net Profit After Tax registered a healthy growth of 20% year-on-year and stood at Rs. 301 Crore in H1 FY25. With the addition of over 20 Lakh new customers in H1, the Company has served over 1.6 Crore customers till date.

Q2 FY25 Highlights:

· AUM stood at Rs. 26,652 Crore as of Q2 FY25, a 13% growth compared to Q2 FY24.

· Total Income for Q2 FY25 was Rs. 1639 Crore, a 17% growth compared to Q2 FY24.

· Profit Before Tax for Q2 FY25 stood at Rs. 216 Crore, a 20% growth compared to Q2 FY24.

· Net Profit After Tax was Rs. 161 Crore for Q2 FY25, a 20% growth compared to Q2 FY24.

H1 FY25 Highlights:

· AUM stood at Rs. 26,652 Crore as of Sep’24, a 13% growth compared to Sep’23.

· Total Income for H1 FY25 was Rs. 3245 Crore, a 18% growth compared to H1 FY24.

· Profit Before Tax for H1 FY25 stood at Rs. 403 Crore, a 20% growth compared to H1 FY24.

· Net Profit After Tax was Rs. 301 Crore for H1 FY25, a 19% growth compared to H1 FY24.

The Company continued to maintain its strong growth momentum in disbursements during H1 FY25, primarily driven by increase in distribution reach supported by growth in consumption and increase in penetration. As part of its ongoing risk management and portfolio optimisation, the company has taken proactive steps to further strengthen credit norms, ensuring sustained portfolio health amidst evolving market conditions. TVS Credit remains resolute in its commitment to expand the product offerings, distribution, digital transformation, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.

With the ongoing festive season, TVS Credit has unveiled a range of special product schemes and exciting consumer promotions to help customers fulfil their aspirations.

AnyMind Group appoints Siddharth Kelkar and Aditya Aima to lead India & MENA operations

Singapore/India: 15th October, 2024 – AnyMind Group, a BPaaS company for marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation, has today announced key leadership appointments for the India and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. Siddharth Kelkar, Managing Director, Performance Business, AnyMind Group, and Aditya Aima, Managing Director, Growth Markets, AnyMind Group, have been given additional responsibility to co-lead the company’s India and MENA operations as Co-Managing Director, India and MENA.

They will replace Rubeena Singh, who leaves AnyMind Group on October 15, 2024.

In their expanded roles, Kelkar and Aima will jointly spearhead operations for the India and MENA region, leveraging their expertise to drive business expansion, foster strategic partnerships and enhance the company’s presence in these key markets.

Kelkar and Aima joined AnyMind Group through the acquisition of POKKT, a mobile advertising platform, in 2020, and have been with POKKT for seven and five years respectively. These leadership changes come with the group’s strategic viewership to position the company for success and scale up its operations in the two regions.

On the appointments, Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group, said: “Both Siddharth and Aditya have proven themselves to be strong leaders in their respective fields, and are always thirsty for new growth, directly reflecting a trait that runs through our management team. We are confident that with their leadership, we are able to help even more businesses become borderless in what is a vast region that possesses great potential.”

Siddharth Kelkar has been a part of the media industry for over 20 years and has worked across digital, print and broadcasting mediums. Before joining AnyMind Group and POKKT, Kelkar held leadership roles in SVG Media, Ozone Media and Reliance Games (Zapak). He has also worked with The Times Group, Hindustan Times and CNBC TV18.

On his appointment, Kelkar said: “I’m excited to take on this expanded responsibility at a time when both India and the MENA regions are at the cusp of transformative growth in digital, marketing, and e-commerce landscapes. Leveraging AnyMind’s cutting-edge solutions, we aim to drive innovation, empower businesses, and build deeper partnerships that will fuel long-term success for our clients across these key markets. I look forward to working with Aditya and the wider team at AnyMind to further scale our presence and impact.”

Aditya Aima has over two decades of experience, including the ad tech, broadcast and publishing industries. Prior to joining AnyMind Group and POKKT, Aima held leadership positions in Culture Machine Media, Astro Malaysia, Bloomberg TV and Turner Broadcasting System.

On his appointment, Aima said: “It’s an honor to co-lead the India and MENA regions, which present immense opportunities for growth. With the rapid digital transformation happening across both markets, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses unlock their full potential using AnyMind’s integrated platform for marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation. Together with Siddharth, we are committed to driving strategic initiatives that will not only support our clients but also solidify AnyMind’s leadership in these dynamic markets.”

AnyMind Group entered the Indian market in 2020 through the acquisition of mobile advertising platform POKKT. POKKT, a leading mobile advertising platform in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, is integrated with app publishers internationally and provides video and rich media ad solutions. AnyMind Group’s wider suite of technology and operations covers the needs of brands, creators and publishers through two broad spaces: Brand Commerce (for e-commerce, marketing, logistics, production and conversational commerce) and Partner Growth (for creator and publisher solutions).

Troo Good Secures Dollar9 Million in New Funding Led by Oaks Asset Management

National, 15 October 2024: Hyderabad-based Troo Good, India’s largest millet-based snack brand, has successfully raised USD 9 Million in a funding round led by Puro Wellness. Existing investors Oaks Asset Management and V Ocean Investments also participated, strengthening their support for Troo Good’s growth strategy. This capital infusion will support the company’s efforts in expanding infrastructure, enhancing distribution capabilities, and driving product innovation.

This latest round brings Troo Good’s total funding to approximately Rs 130 Crore. Troo Good last raised Rs 55 Crore in a Series A round in November 2021. The company has consistently remained profitable, showing revenue growth year-on-year while competing in the highly competitive FMCG market. This focus on profitability and expanding its retail footprint, online sales channels, and new geographies has cemented investor confidence, as demonstrated by Oaks Asset Management and V Ocean Investments’ continued support.

Vivek Anand PS, Partner at Oaks Asset Management, expressed his confidence in the brand, saying, “Troo Good has consistently delivered value year after year, proving the strength of its business model and the exceptional leadership of founder Raju Bhupati. Our confidence in the brand has only grown, and we are very happy to be part of this next phase of their journey.”

Speaking on the successful fundraise, Raju Bhupati, Founder and CEO of Troo Good, commented: “This funding marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey as we scale our infrastructure, expand our distribution network across India, and focus on innovative millet-based products. We are committed to making healthy, affordable snacks accessible to all and are excited about the opportunities ahead. The funds will help us enhance our manufacturing capabilities, reach more consumers, and innovate with new products that cater to our customer’s evolving tastes and needs. I am extremely excited about the partnership with Puro Wellness in particular since they bring immense complementary skills and strategic distribution depth to Troo Good.”

Troo Good will continue to focus on growing its market share in the rapidly expanding healthy snacks segment. The company is preparing to establish the Troo Good brand as a leader in the millet-based snack category.

Since its founding in 2018, Troo Good has become known for its range of millet-based snacks, including chikkis, protein bars, and Nutri bars. The company sells over 3 Million units daily of its popular millet chikkis and other millet snacks. With this fresh capital, Troo Good is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for healthy, affordable, and sustainable snack options across India.

Mr. Ruchir Modi, Founder of Puro Wellness, stated, “We are deeply aligned with Troo Good’s vision of delivering healthy, affordable snacks to India’s mass market. This partnership is a natural fit for Puro Wellness as we expand our mission to build a comprehensive wellness foods platform. Beyond capital, we are bringing our extensive distribution network and strategic expertise to the table, ensuring that Troo Good becomes a household name across the nation. Together, we aim to elevate the wellness food industry and make healthy eating accessible to millions more.”