Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today announced the launch of NFC Soundbox in collaboration with Mastercard. An industry-first proposition for the merchant community, the new soundbox will act as an all-in-one solution allowing the users to accept Bharat QR, UPI, Tap & Pay and Tap + Pin payments.

With this launch, Axis Bank will be the first bank in India to introduce a Soundbox that can accept Tap + Pin payments, enabling merchants to accept transactions greater than ₹5000 via card instruments. The device will be powered with a dual confirmation feature, providing audio cues through its speaker and visual feedback on the screen in more than seven languages, ensuring a smooth and reassuring transaction experience for both merchants and consumers.

The new Soundbox will be powered with 4G + Wifi capability which provides superior connectivity and seamless processing of transactions. It will be capable of supporting deep integration with third-party applications as well. With Dynamic QR, the amount is automatically populated when the consumer scans the code.

Axis Bank and Mastercard’s collaboration on the NFC Soundbox will help drive card payment acceptance among small merchants. The Soundbox’s innovative and cost-effective proposition along with a seamless transaction experience will help drive quick and secure contactless card payments, leading to cardholder delight.

The new device will also be available on all leading payment networks, such as Visa, RuPay, and American Express.

Speaking at the launch event, Sanjeev Moghe, President & Head- Cards & Payments, Axis Bank, said, “The Bank has always been at the forefront of innovation by introducing various form factors and digitizing the onboarding journey of merchants. This expansion will ensure that our capability stack offers state-of-the-art payment solutions while prioritising a faster and secure payment ecosystem. Through this initiative, we strive to deliver the best possible solutions to both the merchants and their customers by offering multiple modes of payments via different channels. This device aligns with the Bank’s asset lite strategy to provide products/solutions of superior quality at an affordable price. The NFC Soundbox will help the Bank further penetrate the small merchant segments with cost-effective and simple payment solutions that are secure and compliant with PCI standards.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard, said, “What is taking place in India is a playbook for the rest of the world in terms of innovation in digital payments at population scale. The launch of NFC Soundbox is another example of a form factor which provides consumers with access to quick and highly secure card transactions. At the same time, small merchants will be able to use a cost-effective all-encompassing payment solution. Mastercard is delighted to collaborate with Axis bank to power the launch of this unique device furthering digital payments acceptance among India’s small merchants and MSMEs.”

Axis Bank is the largest player in the merchant-acquiring business pan India, with POS terminal market share of 19.8% as of March’24. With an installed base of 17.60L terminals spread across the country, it serves all categories of merchants from the metro cities, urban and rural areas. The Bank has gained an incremental market share of 28% in the last 12 months period (April’23-March’24).

The new NFC Soundbox will enable merchants to accept payments, both above and below ₹5000

• This all-in-one solution will allow users to accept Bharat QR, UPI, Tap & Pay and Tap+ Pin payments
• The Tap+ Pin capability will power payments of more than ₹5000
• Merchants will receive sound and visual transaction alerts in 7+ languages

KIIT World School  organized an ‘Education Fair’ on campus for senior secondary students. This event provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain insights into higher education and career options both in India and abroad.

Representatives from prestigious institutions such as BML Munjal University, Universal AI University, Shobhit University, and World University of Design participated in the fair. A notable feature of the event was a workshop conducted by Canam Consultants, which focused on undergraduate programs available abroad. This workshop detailed the admission process, eligibility criteria, and scholarships offered by various international universities.

Following the workshop, a career fair was held, allowing students to interact directly with university representatives. Students had the chance to ask questions and explore various academic programs, receiving expert guidance from well-qualified teachers and professionals who provided the latest information and technical expertise.

KIIT World School Pitampura  Principal Sangeeta Bhatia said The Education Fair at KIIT World School Pitampura is a testament to our commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their future. By bringing together prestigious institutions and experienced professionals, we aim to inspire our students to see education as a pathway to becoming informed global citizens who can make significant contributions to society. Students were encouraged to see education not just as a means to a career, but as a pathway to becoming informed global citizens capable of making significant contributions to society.

In addition to academic insights, students learned about the culture and campus life at foreign universities. Representatives shared their personal experiences of studying abroad, offering a glimpse into the academic rigor, social life, and campus facilities that students could expect.

Bata India announces the appointment of Deepika Deepti as the Head of Marketing. With over 2 decades of experience in Marketing & Business roles at leading brands & an in-depth knowledge of Indian and International retail industry, Deepika is set to steer Bata India’s Marketing mandate. A true culture shifter, Deepika is known for bringing in & nurturing the Sneaker culture in India through her roles at Adidas & CAMP SMA; in her new role at Bata India Limited, Deepika is set to uphold & elevate a new stylish trajectory for the brand in fashion and lifestyle space.

During her tenure at adidas, she played a pivotal role in driving business growth for India and Emerging markets alongside flipping the script for the sneaker industry in India with adidas Originals, Yeezy & Neo. As the Chief Executive Officer at CAMP SMA she spearheaded the portfolio of Bhaane, Veg Non Veg, and a strategic partnership with Nike India. Prior to joining Bata India, Deepika held the position of Senior VP of Marketing at Metro Brands Ltd,  where she defined a new trajectory with Takes you to the new campaign for metro shoes, as well as activating a modern cultural movement for Fitflop and Fila.

Commenting on the appointment, Gunjan Shah, MD & CEO, Bata India said, “As Bata India continues to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer preferences through premiumization, Casualisation and building strong style credentials, I am confident that Deepika’s expertise in driving business growth and building strong brand equity will reinforce our position as the industry leader.”

Commenting on her appointment, Deepika Deepti, Head of Marketing, Bata India said, “Bata India has been a symbol of trust and quality for close to a century. I am excited for this new journey & can’t wait to bring in unique experiences for Bata’s vast portfolio of brands! I look forward to collaborating with the talented team and leveraging our collective expertise to further strengthen the brand’s position in the market.”

Deepika is an alumnus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, where she specialized in Accessory and Apparel Design. With her strong track record in driving retail growth, streamlining operations, and forming partnerships, she is set to contribute to Bata’s continued success.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medorganics India Pvt Ltd, a division of Meditek India, based in Mangalore. This partnership aims to enhance collaborative research, training, and development in the fields of herbal and nutraceutical products.

Founded in 2018, Medorganics India Pvt Ltd is dedicated to catering to underserved markets through active research and innovation. The company focuses on developing formulations and molecules that meet domestic market demands, particularly in herbal extracts-based tablets and capsules. Licensed by the AYUSH department of Karnataka and FSSAI, Medorganics India is committed to producing safe, effective, and cost-efficient products that comply with regulatory standards. The company has a significant presence across Karnataka and plans to expand its market reach to other states and countries.

The MoU outlines several key objectives. Medorganics India will be recognized as a doctoral study center for MAHE’s Ph.D. program, allowing doctoral candidates to conduct their research in compliance with both institutions’ terms and regulations. Additionally, final-year students from MAHE’s M. Pharm. programs will have the opportunity to undertake industrial internships at Medorganics’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

The collaboration will also facilitate translational research and the development of entrepreneurship. Both MAHE and Medorganics will enable their scientific staff to collaborate in areas such as formulation development, pharmacology of Ayurveda, phytopharmaceutical formulations, health supplements, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals. Training of students and staff on advanced instrumentation, exchange programs for knowledge sharing, and conducting scientific studies of mutual interest are also part of this agreement.

Furthermore, MAHE’s faculty will provide training programs for trainees and participants delegated by Medorganics. Clinical trials on Medorganics products will be conducted at one of MAHE’s group institutions, with access granted to Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, for frequent visits related to clinical trials and technical discussions.

“This MoU marks a significant step in fostering collaborative research and training between academia and industry. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our students and researchers,” said Dr. Raviraja N S, Chief Operating Officer Designate and Director of Planning & Monitoring at MAHE.

Dr. Giridhar P Kini, Registrar of MAHE, added, “Through this partnership, we aim to bridge the gap between academic research and industry requirements. It will provide a platform for our students and faculty to work on real-world challenges and contribute to the advancement of herbal and nutraceutical sciences.”

Mr. Pramod Hegde, Chairman & Managing Director of Medorganics India Pvt Ltd, commented, “We are delighted to collaborate with MAHE, a prestigious institution known for its excellence in education and research. This MoU will enable us to leverage MAHE’s expertise to enhance our product development and expand our market reach.”

Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences at MAHE, stated, “This partnership aligns with our mission to advance health sciences through innovation and research. We look forward to working closely with Medorganics to develop cutting-edge products that can benefit society at large.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing research, education, and the development of innovative herbal and nutraceutical products. Both institutions are committed to leveraging their strengths to achieve common goals and contribute to the health and well-being of the community.

Staying true to its commitment to provide non-stop entertainment, Colors Kannada is excited to present another star-studded family drama, “NINAGAAGI.” The new show is set to air from May 27th at 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday, promising an emotional journey of two contrasting individuals.

In association with special partners, Sparsh Masala, Ullas Agarbathi and Bhima Jewellers, Colors Kannada brings to life the captivating story of Rachana and Jeeva. Rachana, portrayed by Divya Uruduga of Bigg Boss Kannada fame, is a Kannada film superstar with over 100 films to her credit. Trapped in a golden cage by her controlling mother, she has been pushed into making more films for financial gain. In contrast, Jeeva, played by television superstar Ritvik Mathad, is a single parent striving to provide a loving and secure life for his 6-year-old daughter, often telling her that her mom is a star in the sky.

The story takes a heartwarming turn when Jeeva’s daughter innocently accepts Rachana as her mother, setting the stage for a unique journey of love and connection between two people from vastly different worlds.

Prashanth Nayak, Business Head of Colors Kannada, shared his excitement on the new show: “We have always been presenting storylines of core family values before our audiences that involves family bonding. Ninagagi is a fresh experiment with its unique storyline of parental love that will involve many dramas and twists that enable the togetherness of two different people from the different worlds. Featuring superstars such as Ritvvik Mathad and Divya Uruduga in lead roles have justified our presentation of the story too. We are very confident that our audiences will receive Ninagaagi with massive response.”

Speaking on the association, Mr. Someshekar Patil, Managing Director, Ullas Agarbati said, “This partnership not only expands our horizons but also enriches the viewing experience for our audience. By incorporating the calming essence of our incense sticks into the show, we aim to deepen the emotional connection between viewers and the engaging story of Rachana and Jeeva. Together with COLORS Kannada, we look forward to bringing a sense of tradition and tranquility into every household.”

Mrs. Deeksha S Kumar, Managing Director, Sparsh Masala, said, “Sparsh Masala is proud to partner with the highly anticipated family drama ‘NinnaGaagi.’ This collaboration with COLORS Kannada offers us a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience and enhance their viewing experience. As the heartfelt story of Rachana and Jeeva unfolds, our spices will bring an added touch of authenticity to the culinary journeys of our viewers.”

Mr. Vishnusharan K Bhat, Managing Director, Bhima Jewellers, said, “This collaboration perfectly aligns with our shared values, as both Bhima Jewellers and COLORS Kannada are deeply committed to honoring our roots and traditions. As the heartfelt story of Rachana and Jeeva unfolds, Bhima Jewellers is proud to bring a touch of our rich heritage to the homes of ‘NinnaGaagi’ viewers. Together with COLORS Kannada, we celebrate the artistry and beauty that define our brand.”

“NINAGAAGI” is produced by Sri Jai Matha Combines, known for acclaimed shows like Nammane Yuvarani, Kannadathi, Bhagyalakshmi, and Lakshmi Baramma. The show features a stellar cast, including promising talents like Priyanka Kamath, Kishan Belagali, Vijay Koundinya, Siri Sinchana, and Punith Hegde. Directed by Sampruthvi, the visionary behind the successful show Nammane Yuvarani, “NINAGAAGI” is poised to captivate audiences.

To bring this engaging fiction closer to the audience, Colors Kannada will launch a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign, including Print, TV Ads, and pop-up ads on Wynk and Jio Saavn music apps. “NINAGAAGI” will also feature unique and extensive on-ground activities, such as public caricatures in shopping malls, forehead stickers to connect with home engineers, and social media contests with specially designed and crafted jewelry boxes as prizes. Additionally, the campaign will include bus branding and hoardings to ensure the show is ubiquitous.

Don’t miss this saga of love! NINAGAAGI premieres on May 27 at 8PM, Monday through Friday, exclusively on Colors Kannada and Jio Cinema.

Dr Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, Religare Enterprises and Chairperson, GTTCI Global Trade & Technology Council (India), was awarded the International Buddha Peace Award at the ‘Mahasaddhammajotikadhaja’ Title conferring Ceremony on Sunday, 26 March 2024. The ceremony that took place at the Myanmar Embassy in New Delhi was presided over by His Excellency Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to India.

Dr Saluja was recognized for her contributions to promoting peace and global harmony. In her acceptance speech, Dr Saluja highlighted the urgent need for peace in today’s world. She said, “In these challenging times, the need for peace is more critical than ever. India has always been at the forefront of promoting peace and harmony, both within the nation and globally. It is our collective responsibility to continue this legacy and work towards a more peaceful world.”

The event featured distinguished guests such as Abhidhaza Maharaththa Guru, Agga Maha Pandita Dr Ashin Nyanissara, and Abhidhaza Maharaththa Guru, Dr Bhaddant Nyanesara, adding significant importance to the occasion. Over 150 Buddhist monks, followers, dignitaries from various embassies, and diplomats attended the ceremony.

This event reinforced the strong diplomatic ties between India and Myanmar and highlighted the shared commitment towards peace and understanding among nations. Religare Enterprises Ltd emphasized its ongoing dedication to supporting initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence. The company continues to provide platforms that highlight the shared responsibility of individuals, organizations, and nations in working towards global harmony.

Balancehero India, the driving force behind one of India’s leading digital lending apps, TrueBalance, recently appointed Sayantan Ghosh, an alumnus of the Indian Statistical Institute, as its Head of Credit Risk Management & Data Science.

Before joining Balancehero India, Sayantan had a stint with Statsfin and held various leadership positions at American Express. During his tenure with American Express, he led cross-functional teams in developing profitable new account underwriting strategies for international markets and implemented machine-learning risk scorecards to enhance credit risk management. He holds a Master of Statistics with a Major in Applied Statistics and Data Analysis from the Indian Statistical Institute in Delhi and Kolkata.

Commenting on the appointment, Souparno Bagchi, Chief Operating Officer, of Balancehero India said, “With his academic excellence and expertise in credit risk management and data science, I am confident that Sayantan will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission of financial inclusion. This position is a crucial pillar for digital lending platforms, and undoubtedly, with our new appointment, we are poised to drive innovation and excel, further advancing our mission.”

Sayantan Ghosh, Head of Credit Risk, at Balancehero India, said, “As I embark on my journey as the Head of Credit Risk at Balancehero India, I’m eager to apply my expertise to strengthen our risk management strategies and ensure our operations remain stable and resilient. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, I eagerly anticipate driving initiatives that will propel Balancehero India forward in the fintech industry.”

Balancehero India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Balancehero Pvt. Ltd. Korea, has witnessed an exceptional trajectory of success in recent years. In the fiscal year 2020–23, the company achieved a remarkable surge in net earnings, recording a 17-fold increase to reach Rs. 59 Crore. Simultaneously, its revenue from operations experienced substantial growth, climbing from Rs. 244 crore in the previous year to an impressive Rs. 431 crore during the same period. This track record has firmly established Balancehero as a leading player in the digital lending landscape across India, dedicated to serving the credit needs of underserved and unserved segments.

Founded in 2014 by Korean entrepreneur Cheol-won (Charlie) Lee, Balancehero has established itself as a non-bank finance corporation, primarily through its digital lending app, TrueBalance. The company has expanded its services to over 1 million underserved users, spanning 85% of India’s pin codes, with a daily disbursal volume of 10,000.

KFin Technologies Limited (“KFintech”), a leading provider of global investor and issuer solutions announced the appointment of Mr. Chengalath Jayaram as an Independent Director, effective 24th May 2024. Mr. Jayaram brings with him a wealth of experience spanning over 39 years in various facets of finance and business, making him a valuable addition to KFintech’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Jayaram’s illustrious career includes a 26-year tenure at the Kotak Group, where he played a key role in establishing and growing multiple business verticals. His notable positions included Managing Director of Kotak Securities Limited and Joint Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. During his time at Kotak,  Mr. Jayaram was instrumental in heading the Private Banking, Alternative Investments, and international operations, further solidifying his expertise in the financial sector.

Before his tenure at Kotak, Mr. Jayaram gained valuable experience at Overseas Sanmar Financial Limited. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his strategic acumen and leadership in driving business growth and innovation. Mr. Jayaram’s extensive experience also includes serving as a Director on the Board of the Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited, AllSec Technologies Limited, and Financial Planning Standards Board India. His contributions to these organizations have been marked by a consistent focus on expanding business operations, enhancing service offerings, and fostering innovation.

Commenting on the appointment, Sreekanth Nadella, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, KFin Technologies Limited said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. C. Jayaram to our Board. His extensive experience and proven track record in the financial services and capital markets industry will be invaluable as we continue to expand and innovate. Mr. Jayaram’s strategic insights and leadership will undoubtedly propel KFintech to new heights. His deep understanding of the industry and ability to drive business transformation align perfectly with our vision for growth and excellence.”

Commenting on starting this new journey, Mr. C. Jayaram, Independent Director, KFin Technologies Limited said, “I am pleased to join the Board of KFin Technologies Limited at such a dynamic time for the company. KFintech’s rapid growth and commitment to innovation and excellence are truly commendable. I am excited to contribute to the company’s journey as it continues to set new benchmarks in the capital markets ecosystem. I look forward to working with the talented team at KFintech to drive strategic initiatives, enhance our service offerings, and achieve sustained growth.”

Mr. Jayaram holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.