8, Dec 2025
Bajaj Finance Ltd’s Financial Literacy Initiative Sparks Empowerment in Andhra’s Tribal Areas
Araku, Andhra Pradesh, Dec 08: Bajaj Finance Ltd., India’s largest Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the private sector and a part of Bajaj Finserv, today organized its financial literacy programme titled ‘Arthsutra Samvad’ in the interior region of Gondivalasa village under Chinalabudu Panchayat in Araku Valley mandal. A similar awareness programme was conducted on December 6 in Minimuluru village of Paderu mandal in the same district. This pan-India initiative aims to promote financial inclusion across villages and underbanked locations in India’s hinterland.
‘Arthsutra Samvad’ is being implemented under the RBI’s initiative for augmenting financial literacy and awareness. It aims to create awareness about financial discipline, online fraud, and good practices in money management.
Dignitaries, including Shri Panchadi Govind, Deputy Tehsildar of Araku Mandal; Shri B. Upender, Sarpanch of Chinalabudu Panchayat; and Shri Rayavarapu Venkatarao, representative of the Naandi Foundation, graced the event. The programme was held at Gondivalasa village and witnessed participation from approximately 75 members, predominantly belonging to the vulnerable tribal communities.
Bajaj Finance’s ‘Arthsutra Samvad’ is a comprehensive programme to foster financial awareness and empowerment at the grassroots level across India’s hinterlands. At its core, the initiative aims to simplify personal finance for individuals, helping them make informed choices with confidence and clarity.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Tehsildar Panchadi Govind said,
“There have been many cases where villagers go to withdraw money only to discover that their hard‑earned savings have already been taken without their knowledge. Do not fall into such traps. Awareness is a powerful tool it can prevent exploitation and empower communities. At the same time, cultivating habits of saving and budgeting will help secure a better future for our families.
Highlighting that awareness is the strongest safeguard, the Sarpanch of the panchayat remarked:
“The lack of education often emboldens fraudsters. There have been several cases where people misuse thumb impressions to withdraw money without consent. Everyone must remain vigilant, especially when using ATM cards to access their funds.”He further urged the community: “Speak openly with your relatives, parents, and children. Awareness is our strength it empowers us and weakens the fraudsters.”
Rayavarapu Venkatarao, representative of the Naandi Foundation, cautioned participants with a simple rule:
“If an offer of easy money seems too tempting, it is most likely a fraud. Do not allow others to use your bank account, even if they promise you money in return. Such practices can put you at serious risk. In this region, many people have suffered losses by clicking on links containing .apk files. Remember, money never comes free—if it looks too luring, you should recognize it as a fraud.”
As part of the campaign’s multi-faceted approach, Arthsutra Samvad also places strong emphasis on financial fraud awareness. Everyone should remember the helpline number 1930, and in case of any cyber fraud, they should report it immediately. The audience has been guided on the careful and responsible use of mobile phones. Additionally, they have been cautioned against digital arrest scams, fraudulent investment groups on WhatsApp, installing suspicious APK files, and clicking on unidentified links received on their devices.
Through workshops, interactive sessions, and community dialogues, the Arthsutra program covers essential topics such as the importance of savings and how to build financial buffers for emergencies, understanding the nuances of responsible borrowing to avoid debt traps, and recognizing and avoiding common scams including those that occur online or in person.
In addition, participants will be guided on cultivating financial discipline and developing the resilience needed to navigate life’s monetary ups and downs. By merging practical knowledge with real-life scenarios, Arthsutra Samvad hopes to spark a long-term shift toward financially conscious behavior and a future-ready citizenry.
The programme will be further amplified through cultural events in surrounding areas and will include interactive workshops, expert talks, and community engagement activities, designed to simplify finance and encourage lifelong financial learning.
As part of the 100-year-old Bajaj Group, Bajaj Finance is committed to serving society. A Bajaj Finance spokesperson said,
“We believe the business of financial services has a larger purpose that of inclusion of the underserved and unbanked population into the nation’s financial mainstream. As part of our efforts to further financial inclusion, we are now launching a pan-India financial inclusion programme, aimed at bringing as many people as possible into India’s formal financial stream.”
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- By Neel Achary
8, Dec 2025
Vedanta Presents Immersive ‘Dastaan-e-Metals’ Experience at Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025
Chandigarh, Dec 08: Vedanta Ltd, world’s leading critical minerals, energy transition metals, oil & gas, power and technology conglomerate, marked a successful association with Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious platforms celebrating Urdu language, art and culture. Held from 5th– 7th December, the festival featured legendary writer-poet Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, renowned singer Sukhwinder Singh, over 300 artists, and 35 enriching sessions, bringing together some of the most influential voices from India’s cultural landscape.
The festival provided Vedanta with a powerful platform to present “Dastaan-e-Metals From the Art of the Past to the Metals of the Future,” an immersive experience tracing the company’s journey from India’s ancient metallurgical heritage to its future-ready industrial innovations.
The centrepiece of the showcase was a cutting-edge VR experience that transported visitors deep into Vedanta’s Rampura Agucha Mine in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district, the world’s largest and a global benchmark in sustainable mining. Through this immersive tour, guests witnessed how modern technology, scientific extraction methods, and responsible practices come together to produce critical minerals. The journey seamlessly traced the complete lifecycle of metals: from ore discovery beneath the Earth’s surface to Vedanta’s advanced smelters, where they are transformed into high-quality zinc, lead and other vital resources.
The virtual walkthrough then opened into a curated gallery demonstrating the indispensable role of these refined metals in everyday life aluminium from Vedanta’s world-class Jharsuguda smelter powering mobility and aerospace, copper enabling India’s electronics and digital infrastructure, zinc strengthening national infrastructure through galvanisation, and silver driving the future of clean and renewable energy.
Adding a powerful historical dimension was a rare 2,500-year-old zinc retort from the world’s most ancient Zawar mines of Vedanta in Rajasthan. This remarkable artefact not only reflects India’s pioneering mastery of metallurgy but also embodies the legacy of innovation that Vedanta continues to advance through its fully integrated mining-to-metals value chain.
Vedanta also supported the Rekhta Mushaira on 6th December, which brought together celebrated Urdu literary voices including Wasim Barelvi, Javed Akhtar, Hilal Fareed, Shariq Kaifi and others. The session added to the cultural richness of the festival and further strengthened Vedanta’s support for India’s literary traditions.
Extending beyond industry, Vedanta showcased a social impact display featuring live art demonstrations by artisans along with traditional craft forms such as Odisha’s Dhokra sculptures, Saura paintings, Rajasthan’s Ajrak textiles, and Bilona ghee produced by rural women’s collectives. This segment reflected Vedanta’s commitment to cultural preservation, sustainable livelihoods and community empowerment.
Lt.Col. Dinesh Garg (Retd.) visited Vedanta’s stall and said
“This is the Dilli Haat of metals and mining a uniquely curated space where you can explore everything from ancient metallurgical heritage to the most advanced technologies shaping India’s future”
Another visitor added,
“I’ve never seen metals storytelling and technology blended so seamlessly. The VR-led Dastaan-e-Metals experience was truly amazing, and the community initiatives showcase with live artisan demonstrations added a powerful dimension, reflecting real craftsmanship, real impact and the deeper purpose that defines Vedanta’s vision.”
Reflecting on the association, Vedanta’s spokesperson noted that Jashn-e-Rekhta offered an important opportunity to celebrate the confluence of heritage and innovation. The Dastaan-e-Metals experience, they shared, reflects Vedanta’s belief that India’s future is rooted in its cultural legacy, where the artistry of the past and the science of the future come together to shape national progress.
Apart from Jashn-e-Rekhta, Vedanta supports several distinguished cultural and literary platforms, including the Vedanta Jaigarh Heritage Festival, the Jaipur Literature Festival, and the Vedanta Udaipur Music Festival. Through these initiatives, Vedanta brings heritage, community and innovation together on a single stage, strengthening its vision of an India that stands as a global cultural capital, an economic powerhouse and a symbol of resilience and opportunity.
8, Dec 2025
Commandant Swati Sharma Honoured for Outstanding Service to Rajasthan Home Guards
An ex-Captain of the Army Ordnance Corps, Sharma has devoted more than a decade to the Rajasthan Home Guards. Her academic credentials also add to her distinction: she is a British Chevening Scholar for 2021–22 and holds an M.Sc. degree in Risk, Disaster and Resilience from University College London (UCL). This specialised training has significantly helped strengthen the department’s preparedness for disaster response and capacity-building.
Commandant Swati Sharma’s recognition comes on the back of several wide-ranging operational and administrative responsibilities she has handled in recent years. During Operation Sindoor, she coordinated closely with the DGCD in Delhi, state authorities and Army establishments to ensure smooth deployment of Border Home Guards. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she planned and supervised the deployment of Home Guards volunteers not only in Rajasthan but also in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab along with Haryana vidhan sabha elections. She also led the rollout of the HDMS online deployment software across Rajasthan, which is instrumental in bringing greater transparency and administrative efficiency to the system. She also headed a team that visited Uttar Pradesh to study the State’s Home Guards model for possible adoption of best practices in Rajasthan.
In her various postings including, Commandant Ajmer, Second-in-Command at the Home Guards Training Centre in Jaipur and Director of CTI Rajasthan, Sharma has also contributed to administrative strengthening. She supervised the acquisition of land and the early construction phase of the new Directorate building, drafted the Subordinate Service Rules 2021 to enable constable recruitment after a 22-year gap, and undertook digitisation of long-pending departmental records. Her efforts in improving training infrastructure include the development of instructional videos, the establishment of a WET canteen and the launch of basic training courses for newly recruited constables. She is also credited with facilitating, for the first time, the deployment of Lady Home Guards for election duties across districts as well as outside Rajasthan.
8, Dec 2025
Delulu iShots Beverages Energises Gen Z with Campus Takeover at KJSIM
Delulu iShots Beverages Ignites Gen Z Energy at K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) with Pitch Contests and Campus Takeover
The Grand Finale: A Day of Energy, Ideas & Delulu™ Vibes
- Rapid-fire “How Delulu Are You?” quizzes
- Interactive games
- Spot prizes and giveaways
The goal: Make Functional Food Fun and Brand Discovery unforgettable.
4. Conversations with the “College Delulus”
In her address, Nidhi also announced exclusive internship opportunities for KJSIM students, inviting young marketers and innovators to get hands-on experience with India’s most disruptive new-age functional foods company. She emphasized the science and power of clean eating and function-based ingredients, including Proteins and Phytonutrients such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Brahmi, and how these could be embedded in the Daily Gen Z lifestyle.
8, Dec 2025
AISECT Honoured with India CSR Award for ‘Skills on Wheels’ Skill Development Initiative
AISECT Receives 16th India CSR Award for Excellence in Skill Development Initiatives for Its ‘Skills on Wheels’ Programm
Delhi, Dec 08: AISECT has been honoured with the 16th India CSR Award under the category “Excellence in Skill Development Initiatives” for its flagship Skills on Wheels programme. The award was presented by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, revered as the Father of Indian CSR and Sustainability, in recognition of AISECT’s innovative approach to expanding rural skilling access and strengthening last-mile delivery of future-ready skills. AISECT was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Abhishek Gupta (General Manager), Mr. Mukesh Kumar (Manager), and Ms. Princy Rai (State Head – Delhi).
The Skills on Wheels initiative, implemented in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and supported by IndusInd Bank’s CSR programme IndusInd Sattvam, is reshaping the skill development ecosystem in underserved regions. Operating across the aspirational districts of Nashik and Osmanabad in Maharashtra, the programme directly addresses gaps in training infrastructure, limited digital access, and mobility challenges by delivering skill development to learners within their own communities.
At the core of the programme is a custom-built mobile training unit, engineered as a fully equipped smart classroom inside a modern bus. This mobile classroom is equipped with 25 high-performance laptops, interactive smart screens, AV systems, high-speed internet, ergonomic seating, air-conditioning, and certified trainers, creating a professional learning environment that reaches deep into remote villages. This mobility-based model ensures accessible, structured, and employment-oriented training without the constraints of travel or cost.
The programme offers 20-hour skill modules in four high-demand sectors—IT/ITES, Retail, Telecom, and BFSI—with a strong emphasis on digital literacy and workplace readiness. Supported by a robust mobilization and community outreach framework, the initiative has created significant grassroots impact. A total of 4,020 candidates has been trained, enhancing employability and opening livelihood opportunities for youth in development-priority areas.
The India CSR Award recognizes Skills on Wheels as a path-breaking, technology-driven model that effectively bridges the rural skill divide. It highlights AISECT’s commitment to innovation, mobility-based skilling, and the creation of sustainable, community-centric learning ecosystems aligned with national priorities for inclusive growth and workforce development.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Executive Vice President, AISECT, expressed that this recognition affirms the organization’s mission to ensure equitable access to world-class skill development across India. He highlighted that bringing a fully equipped training ecosystem to aspirational districts enables young people to build dignified and future-proof livelihoods and shared that AISECT remains committed to expanding such mobility-driven innovations to more underserved regions.
With this national accolade, AISECT continues to advance its work in inclusive skilling innovation, digital inclusion, employment-linked training, and community outreach. The organization aims to further expand the Skills on Wheels model, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities and enabling individuals across rural India to participate meaningfully in the evolving economic landscape.
8, Dec 2025
Indo–Italian Medical Consensus Sounds Alarm on Paediatric Sarcoma; Experts Urge Action on Early Diagnosis
Bengaluru, Dec 8: Indo–Italian experts from India, Italy, Malaysia, and Singapore convened in Bengaluru for the Indo–Italian Consensus Meet on Sarcoma and Complex Orthopaedic Reconstruction, held on December 5th & 6th at Bengaluru. The two-day conference, is a collaborative medical conference organised by the Global Healthcare Academy, focusing on paediatric/adult sarcoma care, complex reconstructions, 3D printing, regenerative medicine, and precision orthopaedic oncology via expert panels and hands-on workshops.
Experts at the meet advised that late detection, misdiagnosis, and gaps in national cancer policy continue to cost young lives and limbs. The conference, themed “Sarcoma Advances, Genomics & Immunotherapy,” brought together more than 200 leading specialists in orthopedics, oncology, paediatric oncology, radiology, and reconstructive surgery for high-level discussions, live demonstrations, and consensus building on clinical protocols.
The deliberations were led by eminent global faculty, including Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, Founder & Chairman, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd; Dr. Pramod Chinder, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Group Director – Orthopaedic Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre; Dr. Marco Manfrini, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna; Dr. Laura Campanacci, Musculoskeletal Oncology, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna; as well as keynote speakers Dr. Vivek Ajit Singh, Professor and Head of Orthopaedic Oncology, University Malaya, and Dr. Kumaran Rasappan, Adjunct Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore.
Dr. B. S. AjaiKumar, Founder & Chairman, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd said that
“Sarcomas are preventable when diagnosed early and treated the right way, the first time. The Indo-Italian Consensus Meet marks an important milestone in bringing together global expertise to complement and strengthen our standards of care. By increasing awareness, ensuring rapid access to MRI, and establishing a national Sarcoma Registry, we can enable timely diagnosis, higher limb-salvage rates, and equitable care for patients across India – whether they live in Bengaluru or in a small rural town. The central goal in sarcoma management is to prevent recurrence. This is only possible when every patient – child or adult – receives evidence-based, multidisciplinary, first-time-right treatment. Over several decades, HCG has built one of the largest sarcoma programs in the country. Our experience – particularly that of Dr. Pramod Chinder, who has treated more than 5,000 sarcoma cases – shows that these cancers can be definitively treated with strong long-term outcomes when handled correctly from the outset.
While international protocols provide a basic scientific platform, our true strength lies in making these guidelines patient-centric and India-specific. We refine them using our own extensive clinical data, high case volumes, and deep understanding of disease patterns unique to Indian patients. With the integration of genomics, precision diagnostics, and innovative treatment planning, we continue to improve outcomes and ensure that no patient is denied the chance of a cure.”
He further added that
“One of the most compelling examples of what timely, expert, multidisciplinary care can achieve is the limb-saving surgery Dr. Pramod performed on a 20-day-old newborn – an outcome that reflects the level of expertise now available in our country and underscores what is possible with the right approach. With continued collaboration, scientific rigor, and a national commitment to early detection, we can significantly reduce recurrence rates and ensure that every sarcoma patient – child, adolescent, or adult – receives world-class, first-time-right care.
Imagine a young person waking night after night with leg pain, dismissed as growing pain or a sports injury – until scans finally reveal bone cancer. This is the reality we must change. It reinforces why early diagnosis and timely, first-time-right treatment are absolutely critical.”
Experts highlighted that sarcomas are often diagnosed late in India, particularly in children, because early signs are frequently overlooked by parents and primary care physicians. Symptoms such as swelling around the knees or shoulders or persistent pain are commonly mistaken for minor injuries, leading to avoidable delays. Population-based cancer registry data reinforce this concern, showing that 68% of Ewing Sarcoma cases occur in the 0–19 age group, with the highest incidence in children aged 10–14 years.
Parents are advised to watch for red flags such as persistent bone pain for weeks, night pain, a growing lump or swelling, limping or reduced mobility, fractures from minor injuries, and unexplained fever, weight loss, or fatigue. These symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Dr. Pramod S. Chinder, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Group Director – Orthopaedic Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, said:
“The biggest tragedy in sarcoma care is when a child loses a limb simply because the first surgery was not done right. Early MRI, correct biopsy, and a multidisciplinary approach are non-negotiable. Our collaboration with leaders from the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Italy, brings world-class limb-salvage techniques, 3D-printed implants, and precision navigation to Indian practice.”
He further added that this partnership will directly strengthen clinical pathways, reduce misdiagnosis, and help save more limbs and more childhoods across India. Over 15 years, “We have managed more than 6,000 bone tumours, including up to 3,000 sarcomas, and our experience shows one clear truth that sarcomas are highly curable when treated correctly the first time. With proper chemotherapy, high-quality limb-salvage surgery, and standardised reconstruction, long-term survival exceeds 70%, and our survivors go on to become doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and athletes.”
In India, cancers affecting the bones and muscles make up only about 1% of all cancers, making them among the rarest forms; yet they are nearly 70% curable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately, especially in children. The Indo–Italian collaboration holds particular significance as India’s policy framework for bone and muscle sarcomas is still evolving, while Italy’s sarcoma program is widely regarded as a global gold standard.
According to Dr. B. S. AjaiKumar, this conference marks a Significant step toward developing an organized Sarcoma Registry for India, a crucial requirement in today’s AI-driven healthcare era, where accurate data and precision-guided care can significantly improve survival outcomes.
Specialists cautioned that sarcoma outcomes worsen when the first surgery is performed incorrectly, often due to swelling being mistaken for infection or a harmless lesion. Such errors can lead to improper incisions or incomplete tumour removal, severely limiting limb-salvage options.
The meet highlighted advanced technologies transforming sarcoma care, including robotic navigation, 3D-printed implants, targeted chemotherapy, and image-guided minimally invasive treatments. Experts noted that these innovations, supported by genomics and immunotherapy, are dramatically improving limb-salvage success.
Despite being highly treatable when diagnosed early, sarcomas remain excluded from most public health schemes, leaving families with significant financial burdens. Experts called for insurance coverage, wider MRI access, regional referral centres, and a mandatory national Sarcoma Registry to improve timely, equitable care.
8, Dec 2025
IIFCL Raises USD 500M ECB, Oversubscribed 5x at Lowest Cost in 15 Years
IIFCL’s Inaugural USD 500 Million ECB Oversubscribed Five Times, Secures Lowest Cost in 15 Years to Boost Infrastructure Financing
New Delhi, Dec 08: India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) has successfully raised USD 500 million in External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a World Bank Group-supported guarantee facility. The initiative, aimed at financing priority infrastructure projects, witnessed overwhelming interest, with bids nearly five times the proposed facility.
The ECB, structured with a 15-year tenor, is designed to match the amortizing profile of typical infrastructure loans and avoid fixed rate-fixed tenure shocks commonly seen in bonds. MIGA provides coverage of up to 95% on principal and future interest, with an embedded hedging structure, enhancing the financial security of the facility.
Sh. Palash Shrivastava, Deputy Managing Director, IIFCL, stated:
“The strong response from global lenders reflects confidence in India’s growth story and infrastructure expansion. This success strengthens IIFCL’s ability to channel long-term international capital into priority projects and sets a benchmark for other institutions seeking global funding.”
Twelve leading international banks participated in the bidding, including Citi Bank, JP Morgan, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Société Générale, SMBC, Credit Agricole-Corporate & Investment Bank, BNP Paribas, MUFG, Commerzbank, BBVA, and Deutsche Bank. The facility supports sectors under the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure Sub-Sectors, with a particular focus on sustainable and climate-aligned projects, adhering to Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) aligned with MIGA and Government of India standards.
This initial tranche of USD 500 million forms part of a larger programme targeting up to USD 2.5 billion in international capital mobilization for infrastructure financing, without requiring a direct Government of India guarantee. The financial closure for the first tranche is expected within this quarter.
8, Dec 2025
Executive Centre India Achieves IMMUNE™ Building Standard Certification
Dec 8: Executive Centre India Limited’s workspace at One BKC, Level 17, Mumbai has been awarded the IMMUNE™ “Powerful” certification (4.5 star rating out of 5), marking a major milestone for India’s co-working industry. With this achievement, TEC becomes the first organisation in India’s flexible workspace ecosystem to be certified under the globally recognised IMMUNE™ Building Standard.
The IMMUNE™ Building Standard is administered by the Healthy by Design Building Institute (HDBI), an international accreditation body that evaluates buildings on their ability to protect and enhance occupant health. The certification assesses 135+ criteria across indoor air quality, ventilation, water safety, cleaning protocols, material health, pathogen control, and overall operational resilience. A “Powerful” rating reflects high-level implementation of science-based design and technology measures that contribute to safer and healthier environments.
Paul Daniel Salnikoff, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Executive Centre India Limited, commented
“Executive Centre India Ltd is honoured to be the first co-working operator in India to receive the IMMUNE™ Building Standard certification with a 4.5-star rating out of 5 for our One BKC workspace, a proud milestone for our organisation. This recognition from a global standard that prioritises people’s well-being reinforces our mission to set new benchmarks in quality, resilience and member experience, ensuring that each TEC workspace combines premium design and functionality with a strong focus on health protection and well-being.”
The certification marks a significant step for India’s flexible workspace sector, bringing globally recognised health standards into a co-working environment for the first time. By meeting the IMMUNE™ criteria, TEC demonstrates how shared workplaces can integrate thoughtful design and rigorous operational practices to support the needs of today’s workforce.
8, Dec 2025
Discover a Majestic Winter Sanctuary: Raffles Jaipur’s Elegant End-of-Year Escape
8, Dec 2025
SpinItUp Secures INR 50 Lakh Pre-Seed Funding from Zee TV Ideabaaz Titans
India, Dec 8:- SpinItUp, India’s first interactive music commerce platform that lets club-goers pay to request their favorite songs during live DJ sets, today announced that it has secured INR 50 Lakh in pre-seed funding from Zee TV Ideabaaz Titans; Jimmy Mistry (Della Adventure Resorts), Anupam Bansal (Liberty Shoes) and Archana Jehagirdar (Rukam Capital), at a valuation of INR 10 Crore.
