6, Nov 2025
Microfinance Lending Shows Strong Signs of Recovery Amid Continued Portfolio Moderation: CRIF High Mark MicroLend Report
Kolkata , 6th November 2025: CRIF High Mark, a leading credit bureau in India, has released the latest edition of its quarterly publication MicroLend, highlighting the continuous cautious yet improving credit environment as of September 2025. While the overall Gross Loan Portfolio (GLP) continued to moderate, delinquencies and origination quality trends point toward improving asset health and better portfolio management across lenders.
As of September 2025, the industry’s GLP stood at ₹3.46 lakh crore, reflecting a 16.5% year-on-year and 3.8% quarter-on-quarter decline. However, the value of loans disbursed rose 6.5% QoQ, indicating a shift toward higher ticket sizes and lending to seasoned borrowers.
Portfolio quality showed notable improvement, with PAR 1–180 days past due (DPD) improving to 5.99%, a 1.07% QoQ decline. DPD buckets (PAR 1–30 and PAR 31–90) eased across most lender types
Highlighting key trends:
- NBFC-MFIs continued to dominate originations value, accounting for 41.6% of total disbursement value in Q2 FY26, followed by Banks (31.2%), Small Finance Banks (14.5%) and NBFCs (12.7%).
- Loans in the ₹50,000–₹1 lakh segment accounted for the majority of disbursements, while loans above ₹1 lakh doubled their share YoY to 15%, driven largely by banks and NBFCs.
- Borrower exposure to up to three lenders rose from 83.1% to 91.2% between Sep’24 and Sep’25, reflecting adherence to the guardrails cap —limiting borrowers to a maximum of three lenders.
- As of Sep’25, borrowers with aggregate portfolio exposure up beyond ₹2.0 lakh (Guardrails threshold) accounted for just 2.3% of the overall industry, reducing from 5.1% as of Sep’24
Commenting on the findings, Sachin Seth, Chairman – CRIF High Mark Credit Bureau (CIC) Regional Managing Director, CRIF India & South Asia, said: “The microfinance sector continues to demonstrate its resilience, with lenders showing prudence in customer selection and credit underwriting. The steady rise in ticket sizes and increased lending to experienced borrowers reflect a maturing credit ecosystem that is balancing growth with sustainability. As institutions leverage data-driven insights to assess borrower behavior, we expect the next few quarters to see more calibrated expansion backed by stronger asset quality.”
The MicroLend report is CRIF High Mark’s quarterly publication that provides data-driven insights into India’s microfinance ecosystem, tracking key performance metrics such as portfolio trends, delinquencies, borrower exposure, and lender behavior.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
6, Nov 2025
Nagabhushanam Mess Achieves 7x Growth with Zomato’s Support
Nagabhushanam Mess, Hyderabad’s beloved homely meals brand, sees 7x order volume growth with Zomato platform’s support
Hyderabad, 06th November, 2025: Nagabhushanam Mess, a homegrown Hyderabad brand known for its wholesome, affordable meals, has grown 7x in order volumes since onboarding on Zomato in May 2018. Focused on delivering hygienic, pocket-friendly food to thousands of customers, the brand continues to strengthen its presence in the city.
Speaking on their journey, Srinivas Reddy, Founder of Nagabhushanam Mess said, “We worked hard to set up our kitchen and get customers. However, we felt unsure about how to increase customer satisfaction and grow our restaurant further. Zomato has provided key insights for advancing our progress while keeping customers happy, and we are truly grateful for their support.”
Aditya Mangla, CEO – Food delivery business, Eternal, said, “It’s inspiring to see brands like Nagabhushanam Mess grow rapidly while also staying true to cultural roots. We feel privileged to be able to support their journey by offering the tools, aggregated insights, and visibility they need to serve their customers better. Helping restaurants grow on our platform is a top priority for us.”
Nagabhushanam Mess’s journey began with a simple observation. In 2016, Srinivas was working as a medical representative at a hospital in Hyderabad when he noticed a recurring problem. Patients and their families often struggled to find hygienic, affordable and homely food near the hospital. Determined to fill this gap, he opened the first Nagabhushanam Mess outlet the same year. With no prior experience in running a business, Srinivas persevered through every challenge and stayed committed to his mission of providing wholesome meals at pocket-friendly prices.
Since onboarding on Zomato, the brand has:
- Achieved 7X growth in yearly order volumes, increasing from over 5,400 in May–Dec 2018 to 36,200 in 2024
- Switched from paper to foil and container packaging to address spillage concerns
- Re-engineered the menu and introduced promotions and offers to expand customer reach
- Improved service quality by identifying weak spots in the supply chain and operations
To help small restaurants scale quickly, Zomato has introduced several initiatives in recent years. These include a DIY onboarding tool that helps restaurants get listed on the platform in just 15 minutes, and access to the Restaurant Services Hub, a curated marketplace of verified vendors offering licensing, staffing, and hygiene audit services. In select cities, new restaurants also benefit from 0% commission for the first 30 days, along with credits for ads and Hyperpure services. As of Q2 FY26, Zomato has an average of 327,000 monthly active food ordering and delivery restaurant partners on the platform.
6, Nov 2025
Virtusa Foundation Revives Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad
Virtusa Foundation Restores Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad’s Financial District
India, 06th November, 2025: Virtusa Corporation, a leading product and platform engineering services company, through its philanthropic arm, Virtusa Foundation, has successfully completed the restoration of Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad’s Financial District. In partnership with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and implemented by United Way of Hyderabad, the project has transformed the 3.5-acre lake near Virtusa’s Hyderabad campus into a thriving urban ecosystem and a clean, green recreational space for the surrounding communities.
The rejuvenation underscores Virtusa Foundation’s continued efforts to create sustainable environmental impact and improving community well-being. The comprehensive restoration program over two and a half years has transformed the dry lakebed into a healthy water body now capable of sustaining both nature and community life. This dry lakebed has regained its full water-holding capacity of 24 million litres, ensuring year-round water retention. The return of over 14 native species of birds, butterflies, and other fauna and flora have revived the local ecosystem. The enhanced groundwater recharge and an improved microclimate have brought direct benefits to employees working within the immediate vicinity of the financial district.
The Ranglal Kunta Lake had long suffered from continuous sewage discharge from the Nanakramguda area. With support from GHMC, these sewage inflows were diverted to a nearby drain, addressing a long-standing environmental challenge and enabling the restoration to move forward. The rejuvenation involved extensive desilting and deepening of the lakebed, construction of a stone-pitched bund, and installation of bio-remediation systems with aeration support. The project also introduced a pedestrian walkway with secure fencing, a landscaped green zone with a plantation, a gazebo, a pergola, and seating areas, along with a weir gate to regulate water levels and maintain ecological balance. The restored lake now serves as a community-friendly green space that connects people with nature while supporting a healthy ecosystem. This, in turn, contributes to Hyderabad’s vision for sustainable urban living and reflects Virtusa’s belief that healthy environments nurture stronger communities.
The replenished lake was inaugurated today in the presence of Arekapudi Gandhi, MLA, Serilingampally; Hemanth Borkhade, IAS, Zonal Commissioner, GHMC; M. Kavitha, Zonal Commissioner, TGIIC; Madhuri Duggirala, Vice President, gTech Ads Solutions, Google Hyderabad Site Lead. Their participation reflected a shared vision for sustainable urban development and environmental rejuvenation in Hyderabad’s Financial District.
Speaking on the occasion, Amit Bajoria, Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa Corporation, said, “
At Virtusa, sustainability is a core responsibility that guides how we contribute to communities and the environment. The restoration of Ranglal Kunta Lake reflects our belief that progress and purpose can move together. What was once a barren space has now become a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and community well-being. This transformation shows that when organizations, civic bodies, and citizens work with shared intent, change becomes visible, lasting, and deeply fulfilling. For Virtusa, this initiative reflects our purpose of making experiences better with technology and responsibility, bringing together innovation and compassion to build communities that thrive.”
This initiative is part of Virtusa’s broader sustainability vision, reflecting its commitment to engineering measurable environmental impact and fostering sustainable urban ecosystems. Through strategic partnerships and active community engagement, the Virtusa Foundation continues to address societal challenges while empowering individuals and communities to create lasting social outcomes, guided by its purpose of making experiences better with technology.
6, Nov 2025
Curtain Up on a Bigger Canvas: TIFA 2025 Poised to Elevate Young Filmmakers and Content Creators
Bangalore, 6th November 2025: The Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025, hosted by RV University’s School of Film, Media & Creative Arts in Bengaluru, is set to become an even more powerful stage for young filmmakers and content creators aged 13 to 25. Building on its recent growth, TIFA has quickly established itself as the city’s third-largest film festival after BIFFES and BISFF.
At its core, TIFA is not just a festival, but a launchpad where budding filmmakers meet industry. At the curtain raiser of TIFA 2025, H. N. Narahari Rao, President of Suchitra Film Society, unveiled the festival catalogue and teaser. The event also featured the screening of select films representing four continents and spanning four genres, offering a glimpse into the diversity and creative spirit of this year’s festival.
This year, the five-day festival is thoughtfully structured around key thematic zones, moving beyond a standard film celebration: Media Day (focused on journalism and media), AVGC Day (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), Regional Cinema Day (Karnataka as state in focus) and the Awards Night.
The esteemed jury panel features prominent names, including Television and Film Actor Amit Behl; Editor – International at TV9, R Sridharan; Assamese filmmaker and critic Utpal Datta; CEO and Founder of The Bridge, Amanda Groom; and Founder of Custard Apple Pictures, M.N. Gujari, Author, Ed Vollans, among others.
TIFA 2025 is deepening its focus on industry connections through partnerships with leading media houses and film production companies. Major players in the realm of Film and Media, such as Frameboxx, Hombale Films, TV9, among others will host dedicated sessions and masterclasses throughout the festival.
The festival will host a series of high-stake competitions designed to discover emerging voices in Film, Media & Creative Arts, including the AVGC Hackathon, RJ Hunt, and The Talent Hunt for Emerging Filmmakers of Tomorrow (THEFT), a thrilling 48-hour filmmaking challenge where winners stand a chance to be launched by Hombale Films.
“At 300+ submissions from 40 countries and six continents, TIFA, in its fourth edition, has truly emerged as India’s largest student-led global film festival dedicated to teenage and young adult filmmakers” said Prof. Piyush Roy, Founding Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at RV University. “With TIFA, we are creating a clear pathway from campus to screen, from idea to audience, and from young talent straight into professional careers.”
“With finalists having been selected across several genres – fiction, documentary, experimental and animation – and from different regions of Karnataka, India and the world, the festival is also emphasising its regional, national, and global breadth. TIFA will feature an opening film from North East India and has a clear roadmap for a future roadshow in Guwahati to further extend the platform’s national reach will seek to underline themes of childhood and diversity in the youth experience from across the world,” said Vedant Panamgipalli, 3rd Year BSc. Filmmaking Student at the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts and Festival Director of TIFA 2025.
Those interested in attending the festival must register ahead to join this unparalleled celebration of youth creativity.
5, Nov 2025
4th National Spice Conference 2025 Charts Future of Spices
4th National Spice Conference 2025 to Pave ‘The Spice Route Ahead’ for a Safe, Sustainable and Scalable Future
Andhra Pradesh, 05th November 2025: The World Spice Organization (WSO), the not-for-profit technical partner of the All-India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), is set to host the 4th National Spice Conference (NSC) 2025 on November 14–15, 2025, at ITC Welcom, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Guided by the theme “The Spice Route Ahead: Safe, Sustainable and Scalable,” this year’s conference will bring together leading voices from government, industry, and academia to deliberate on the evolving dynamics of India’s spice sector.
The two-day event will feature focused business sessions, a curated exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and indigenous agri-products, and a dedicated buyer–seller interface. NSC continues to serve as a confluence of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking, ensuring that every delegate leaves with valuable insights and meaningful connections.
Since its inception in 2022, the National Spice Conference has grown into a premier platform uniting stakeholders across the spice value chain. Last year’s edition witnessed participation from over 350 delegates, including processors, exporters, traders, laboratories, agri-input companies, technology firms, and farmer representatives. The 2025 edition is expected to surpass 400 participants, with a strong representation from farmers attending under the National Sustainable Spice Program (NSSP). Over the years, NSC has hosted eminent speakers from the Spices Board of India, Ministry of Agriculture, FSSAI, ICAR, and leading spice companies, enriching discussions with their expertise and experience.
The inaugural session of NSC 2025 will feature Mr. Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, WSO, along with senior officials including Dr. Homey Cherian, Director, DASD, Dr. Paresh Shah, Chairman, FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues and Dr. AB Remashree, Director, Spices Board
The conference will host insightful business sessions across two days. Business sessions on Day 1 will explore Ensuring Food Safety in the Spice Supply Chain: Farm to Fork, Sustainability and Inclusive Growth through Communities of Practice, AgriTech and Farming Innovations, Introduction to FPOs, and Government Schemes for the spice sector. Day two will include an Interaction with Farmers, a session on Balancing Growth with Responsibility, and conclude with a Buyer–Seller Meet designed to strengthen market linkages and foster trade relationships.
Experts from Regulatory authorities and research institutions such as Dr. Vandana Tripathy, Network Coordinator, AINP on Pesticide Residues; and Mr. Santhosh Eapen, Member, FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues Dr. D Prasath, Coordinator, AICRP on Spices will speak in the sessions. Industry leaders such as Mr. Rajiv Shah, Managing Director, Everest Spices, Mr. Prakash Namboodiri, Commercial Director – AB Mauri, Mr. Ganapathy KD, Executive Director, Nedspice Processing India Pvt Ltd. Dr. Poonam Pande, Senior Manger Sustainability, McCormick Global Ingredients Ltd, Mr. Sreedhar Kaluva- General Manager, Olam Food Ingredients and Dr. Venugopal KJ, Partner, Food Safety and Quality Solutions Inc. will be part of the sessions.
Speaking about the upcoming edition, Mr. Ramkumar Menon, Chairman of the World Spice Organization, said
“The National Spice Conference has evolved into a crucial platform shaping the future of India’s spice industry. The 2025 theme, ‘The Spice Route Ahead: Safe, Sustainable and Scalable,’ reflects our commitment to fostering an ecosystem that prioritizes food safety, environmental responsibility, and inclusive growth. By connecting farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders, NSC aims to create a collaborative roadmap that ensures India’s continued leadership in the global spice trade.”
The 2025 edition will build upon the learnings of previous conferences, advancing dialogue on quality, sustainability, and market linkages. As the spice industry stands at a pivotal juncture navigating growing global demand, evolving consumer expectations, and rapid technological advancements the discussions at NSC 2025 will be instrumental in defining the future of a safe, sustainable, and scalable spice ecosystem.
The 4th National Spice Conference 2025 will continue this mission, fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and shaping a sustainable future for India’s spice industry.
5, Nov 2025
Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Empower 200 Women-Led Enterprises in Karnataka for E-Commerce Success
November 05 2025, Bengaluru: In a step bringing women entrepreneurs into the mainstream of e-commerce, Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Network launched an initiative focused on women-led enterprises in Karnataka. Through this initiative, 200 enterprises were on-boarded on ONDC Network, providing them with the access to expansive e-commerce markets, enabling new entrepreneurial opportunities and accelerating business growth for India. With a focus on sustainability, the initiative also supported sellers from sectors such as handicrafts, handloom and manufacturing, helping them increase incomes and improve long-term business outcomes.
Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation commented, “India’s e-commerce market is slated to surpass the US to become the second-largest globally by 2034, as per many industry reports. Yet, many small and medium sellers still lack the digital expertise needed to thrive in this space, limiting their growth opportunities, a scenario which is more skewed for women. Our collaboration with ONDC Network has helped bridge the digital divide by building capacities and empowering 200 women entrepreneurs to seamlessly enter and thrive in online marketplaces. By harnessing technology and skill development, we have provided them with a level playing field and access to sustainable market linkages to ultimately drive economic growth.”
Implemented across 22 districts of Karnataka including rural and urban regions of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Channapatna, Belgaum, Udupi etc., the initiative addressed the significant challenges faced by women entrepreneurs including limited market access, lack of digital and financial skills and no prior e-commerce experience. Women entrepreneurs received on-ground support through training, cataloguing and GST registration. The program also built their capacities, connected them with stakeholders, and ensured regular governance for problem-solving and quality control. Through the right tools, skills and resources, the initiative equipped women entrepreneurs with essential tools to compete in the modern business landscape, amplifying their market presence and driving sustainable growth.
Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO at ONDC said: “Every woman entrepreneur carries a story of resilience, determination and aspiration. Through this collaboration with Nasscom Foundation, ONDC Network is providing the digital infrastructure that enables enterprises to access wider markets and strengthen their businesses. The true transformation lies in the way these women are adopting digital tools, building new skills and embracing new opportunities to grow their ventures. As they succeed, they not only create a stronger future for themselves but also generate positive impact for their families, communities and the broader economy. Together with Nasscom Foundation, we are committed to supporting this journey and contributing to a more inclusive digital landscape for India.”
Through this effort, Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Network, in collaboration with the technical expertise from Sattva Consulting, created a self-sustaining ecosystem that empowered women entrepreneurs, strengthened local economies, and facilitated ease of business.
5, Nov 2025
Techno India Group Hosts Human Library Episode with Wildlife Photographer Rajarshi Banerj
Techno India Group Hosts The Sixth Episode Of Human Library – ‘Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow’ With Internationally Acclaimed Wildlife Photographer Rajarshi Banerji
Kolkata, 5th November, 2025: Continuing its legacy of fostering experiential and holistic education, Techno India Group, Eastern India’s largest education provider, hosted the sixth episode of its acclaimed human library talk series, Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow, at the Techno India campus with Mr Rajarshi Banerji, the internationally renowned wildlife photographer celebrated for his exceptional contributions to nature and wildlife photography.
A brainchild of Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group, Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow has become a dynamic platform where students interact directly with luminaries from diverse fields.
The session offered an awe-inspiring glimpse into Mr Rajarshi Banerji’s adventures across forests and wildernesses around the world. Through stunning visuals and captivating anecdotes, he shared the stories behind some of his most iconic photographs – from the dramatic Kaziranga Tiger on Rhino Kill to the globally acclaimed Black Panther Under the Stars, which earned him the Grand Prize of the 35th Memorial Maria Luisa Contest in Spain. His image was selected as the absolute winner among 18,684 photographs and 199 films submitted by 1,590 photographers from 95 countries, making him the first Indian and Asian photographer ever to win this prestigious honour.
Mr Banerji also spoke about his recent achievements, including his Golden Turtle 2025 (Russia) Award in the Animal Behaviour category for his captivating image of juvenile gharials perched atop a bull gharial in the National Chambal Sanctuary, and his recognition as the Second Winner in the Flora and Fauna Category at the Black and White Photo Awards 2025 for his striking portrait of Craig, the legendary tusker of Amboseli, Kenya.
The event concluded with an engaging interactive questionnaire session, where students eagerly posed questions about conservation, patience in the wild and the ethics of wildlife photography. Moderated by Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, the dialogue encouraged students to explore the intersections of art, science, and empathy for nature.
“The purpose of Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow is to inspire young minds to look beyond textbooks and discover the real stories that shape the world around us. Mr Rajarshi Banerji’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance and respect for nature. He creates wonders by the lens of his camera. His stories rekindle our connection with the natural world and remind us of the importance of sustainability and awareness – values that Techno India Group deeply upholds,” said Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group.
Inspired by the global Human Library movement that began in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000, Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow continues to “lend people instead of books,” giving students the opportunity to learn directly from living stories of inspiration and achievement.
Previous editions of Unwind have featured luminaries such as Film Director Mr. Sandip Ray, Dr. Pradeep Vyas, IFS (Retd), Ms. Rangina Hamidi, Former Minister of Education, Afghanistan, Ms. Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India and Dr. Sumantra Chattarji, Clinical Psychology Expert and Neuroscience Advocate.
5, Nov 2025
10th International Conference on Waste to Worth Technologies
Mumbai, 5th November, 2025: “India’s future lies in converting waste and agricultural biomass into clean energy. This mission is not only about waste management, it is about protecting our ecology, improving public health, and strengthening India’s development vision” said Mr Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India in his video message at the CII 10th International Conference on Waste to Worth Technologies.
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India in his video message underscored that India’s future lies in converting waste and agricultural biomass into clean energy an import-substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free solution to make the country self-reliant. He emphasized that innovation in bioenergy is crucial to curb air pollution caused by crop residue burning and to accelerate the shift toward a circular economy
The third edition of the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF–3) was also launched at the 10th International Conference on Waste to Worth Technologies to accelerate India’s transition towards a resource-efficient and sustainable circular economy. NCEF–3 expands its scope to twenty priority materials and focuses on actionable implementation, measurable outcomes, and accountability to operationalize circularity at scale.
While addressing at the Inaugural session, Shri V K Chaurasia, Advisor in-Charge, CPHEEO, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs emphasized that true progress in waste management and circularity will come through collective effort, with industry, innovators, and government working in close coordination to create an enabling framework for sustainable growth.
In his Welcome address, Mr Masood Mallick, Chairman, CII National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies, Managing Director & Group CEO, Re Sustainability highlighted the need for improved processing and value creation, which shall help accelerate India’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy. He called for establishment of a transparent circularity measurement systems, the creation of green jobs, and strengthening India’s global collaborations through international missions.
Nearly 50 organizations were felicitated at the 6th edition of the CII 4R Awards 2025 that recognize and celebrate organizations demonstrating outstanding leadership in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair (4R) practices. A Compendium of Best Practices highlighting innovative circular economy models and scalable waste-to-worth solutions was also released during the conference.
The conference also witnessed the maiden launch of Young 4R Awards. The award aims to motivate young minds below the age of 35 and promote sustainability and waste management.
Nearly 10 organizations also showcased their waste to worth technologies at the Conference.
The conference was attended by over 300 delegates, including senior government officials, industry leaders, international experts, and academic thought leaders, who engaged in day-long discussions on a wide spectrum of themes. The deliberations focused on governance frameworks, the transition to a circular economy, technological innovations, intellectual property partnerships for sustainable growth, and emerging opportunities in waste management and circular practices.
5, Nov 2025
TiE Delhi-NCR & Binary Semantics Reveal 2025 Emerging Finance Leaders
Celebrating Financial Visionaries: TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics Announce Winners of the 3rd Emerging Finance Leader Awards 2025
New Delhi, 05th November, 2025: The 3rd edition of the Emerging Finance Leader Awards 2025, jointly hosted by TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics, culminated in a grand celebration at TiEcon Delhi 2025, held on October 29–30, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. The awards shone a spotlight on India’s most visionary finance leaders, the strategic minds driving innovation, accountability, and growth across the country’s dynamic startup ecosystem. 3rd edition of the Emerging Finance Leader Awards 2025, jointly hosted by TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics, concluded on a high note at TiEcon Delhi 2025, celebrating the finance leaders powering India’s entrepreneurial success.
Held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, the awards spotlighted the trailblazing CFOs and financial strategists who are steering India’s new-age businesses with innovation, accountability, and foresight. The initiative, originally launched as the Startup CFO Awards in 2023, has evolved into a platform that honors leaders who combine financial acumen with transformative thinking to build sustainable, scalable organizations.
The 2025 edition recognized excellence across seven categories: B2B & Cleantech Finance Leader of the Year, Consumer Startup Finance Leader of the Year, Governance, Compliance & Reporting Excellence Award, AI & Digital Enablement Finance Leader of the Year, Fintech Finance Leader of the Year, Most Capital-Efficient Finance Leader of the Year, and Fastest Growing Startup Finance Leader of the Year.
Honorees this year represented a wide spectrum of industries, from AI, fintech, and governance to B2B and cleantech, celebrating excellence and innovation across sectors including:
- Praveen Boda, CFO – Mygate (Vivish Technologies Private Limited) under Most Capital Efficient
- Abhilove Sharda, Head of Finance & Director – Credflow under Fintech
- Tanmay Kumar, Group CFO – Shiprocket under Fastest Growing
- Utkarsh Khandelwal, Founder & CFO – Infloso AI under AI & Digital Enablement
- Priyanka Gupta, Head of Finance – Ignox Labs Pvt. Ltd. (EMOHA) under Governance, Compliance & Reporting
- Apurva Dalmia, Head of Finance, Legal & Admin – Pepper Content under B2B & Cleantech
- Anant Kapur, Director & CFO – NICO Nanobubble India Co. (M/s Neer Shakti Systems Pvt. Ltd.) under B2B & Cleantech
“In its 3rd year of association with Binary Semantics, we’re glad to celebrate the 2025 cohort of Emerging Finance Leaders, representing the best of India’s new-age economy. These visionaries from diverse sectors are driving incisive innovation and strategic growth, redefining finance as a force shaping the future of Indian enterprise,” said Upasana Sharma, Executive Director, TiE Delhi-NCR.
The distinguished jury, comprising Kunal Singhal (MD, Eazy ERP Technologies Pvt Ltd) and Sandeep Gupta (Managing Partner, SRGA & Co.), evaluated nominations across parameters of governance, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable impact.
Srijan Choudhary, Director at Binary Semantics, added, “This year’s winners exemplify how technology and finance can converge to drive responsible growth. From harnessing AI and automation to building scalable and compliant systems, these leaders are setting new standards of excellence. At Binary Semantics, we’re proud to partner with TiE Delhi-NCR in recognizing those who are reimagining financial leadership for a digital-first, innovation-driven economy.”
All shortlisted finalists will receive a six-month complimentary subscription to GSTrobo®, Binary Semantics’ AI-powered GST compliance software, as part of the initiative’s commitment to enabling technology-driven finance excellence.
Now in its third year, the Emerging Finance Leader Awards have become a movement, spotlighting financial stewardship as a strategic pillar of startup success. By bridging innovation and integrity, these awards reaffirm TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics’ shared vision of empowering finance leaders to shape the future of business in India.
5, Nov 2025
Yellowstone International Film Festival aims at Reviving Mumbai’s Cinematic Spirit
India, 5th November, 2025: In a city where cinema breathes through every street corner, filmmaker Tushar Tyagi is taking a bold step to ensure Mumbai never loses its place as the beating heart of Indian film culture. With the launch of the Yellowstone International Film Festival (YIFF) in Mumbai, Tyagi is not only creating a platform to honour cinematic excellence but also safeguarding the city’s identity as the cradle of storytelling and artistic expression.
The Mumbai edition is set to honour the best of Indian and international cinema, blending the glamour and depth of global filmmaking with the soul of India’s creative spirit.
From premieres and official selections to panel discussions, masterclasses, and filmmaker interactions, YIFF is creating a space where art and industry will converge.
Speaking about the festival, Tyagi who has founded the festival said “YIFF is being curated as a film and filmmaker’s first Festival. Our aim has always been to champion not just new voices but with that, also dialogue and a platform of learning”.
“This festival is about giving back to the city that gave us storytelling, stars, and the dream of cinema itself.” He added.
The move comes at a critical time when many film festivals across India have struggled to sustain themselves amid financial and logistical challenges. Tyagi’s efforts to bring YIFF to Mumbai mark a resurgence of the city’s film festival culture, offering filmmakers a much-needed stage for their craft and audiences an opportunity to engage with cinema beyond commercial confines.
From films like Caravan, Aisha Can’t Fly, Holy Rosita and 100 Sunset to sessions with industry heavyweights like filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Shoojit Sircar, editor Nitin Baid and costume designer Anna Singh among others, the festival is pushing the envelope for audiences this edition.
For Mumbai, a city synonymous with filmmaking, hosting a vibrant and inclusive festival is vital to maintaining its cultural fabric. It reinforces the city’s role as a hub where art, ideas, and innovation meet.
