Category: FINANCE
EnVision 2025: India’s First Energy Festival Returns with the Theme ‘Ground Zero for Net-Zero’
The climate crisis demands immediate action and collective effort across countries, industries, and communities with local, indigenous innovations and advanced, worldwide technological advancements coming together to achieve a sustainable, net-zero future. To accelerate this momentum, IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India’s leading deep-tech innovation and startup incubation ecosystem, and India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), in association with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is set to host Envision 2025 for its third edition from January 30 to February 1, 2025. With the theme for this edition, ‘Ground Zero for Net-Zero’, the event will feature expert sessions, panel discussions, deep-dive workshops, and technology showcases uniting grassroots initiatives and global stakeholders in a combined call to action.
As a special highlight, renowned innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk will feature in an exclusive dialogue on sustainable development and energy innovation The three-day event will feature discussions alongside key dignitaries such as Mr. Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary – MNRE, Ms. Sudha Ramen from the State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu, and Ms. Halima Hollan from the British Deputy High Commission for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and Silai Zaki, Australian Consul General in Chennai, among others. Leading IITM professors and industry experts from organizations such as First Solar, Ohmium, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, JSW, and more will also share their insights on the future of sustainable energy solutions. An exclusive screening of a short film on the effects of climate change centered around Pulicat Lake featuring a community-led cast along with actors such as Adithi Balan and Charles Vinoth, will also be held.
Building on the success of Envision 2024, which attracted over 500 attendees, this year’s conference aims to amplify its impact with a focus on 12 technological areas including Green Buildings. Strengthening the Grid for Renewables, Motors and Controllers, Carbon Capture, Waste to Energy, Solar and Wind Energy, Electric Mobility, Energy Storage, Nuclear Energy, Climate Finance, Climate Policy, Circular Economy, and Green Hydrogen. This year’s conference will also host the second edition of “Pitch to Win” inviting innovative climate tech solutions from startups.
Envision 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to shape a sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive energy future for the nation. IIT Madras Research Park encourages everyone’s participation in this crucial dialogue to advance climate action. To know more, visit https://10x.respark.iitm.ac.in/envision2025
FINANCE
Ramco Systems Limited announced today that Ramco Payce has been officially certified as a Workday Global Payroll Connect (GPC) partner. The certification validates Ramco’s ability to deliver prebuilt, pretested integrations with Workday Human Capital Management (HCM), helping organizations standardize multi-country payroll, strengthen governance, and improve operational confidence across markets. What Workday GPC means for Enterprises: […]
Bluevine Invests in Financial and Mental Well-Being to Help Improve Personal and Professional Lives for Employees
With a vision to create balance and growth in the lives of its employees and long-term investment in its human capital, Bluevine India has announced expanded employee benefits through enhanced plans with Modern Health and NorthStar, a leading mental health platform and an all-in-one financial advisor, respectively.
These new tie-ups have been introduced under Bluevine’s new Employee Value Proposition (EVP) program, comprised of five foundational pillars: Culture, Wellness, Growth, Rewards, and Values. This approach defines the essence of employment at Bluevine, highlighting the company’s commitment to holistic employee well-being.
Talking about how these new programs have been benefiting the employees, Mr. Ritesh Kumar, Manager, Customer Success, Bluevine India said, “Partnering with Modern Health and NorthStar has truly transformed how my team and I approach well-being. Having the benefit of accessibility to mental health resources and financial guidance at the workplace allows me to focus on my performance while not ignoring other crucial aspects of my life. This holistic support system empowers me to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Modern Health is a leading mental health platform that provides employees at Bluevine with a comprehensive suite of mental health solutions allowing them to come to work with a positive mental attitude. The facilities that Bluevine employees can access through these resources include: virtual therapy sessions, coaching, self-guided resources, and community support groups. Every January, the annual package renews, offering 12 sessions per calendar year to all employees and their dependents, regardless of their joining date, ensuring that the employees always have access to sufficient support at all times.
Through Bluevine’s partnership with NorthStar, an all-in-one financial advisor and personal finance tools platform, the Company aims to increase employee satisfaction by ensuring that their compensation packages are working to help employees achieve larger life goals. The employees benefit from personalised financial guidance, budgeting assistance, and decision-making tools that help them make informed financial decisions and optimise their compensation and benefits package.
Speaking about Bluevine’s dedication towards its employees’ well-being, Ms Payal Singh, Head Of People, Bluevine India, said, “At Bluevine, we prioritise the overall well-being of our employees. We chose to work with Modern Health and NorthStar to provide comprehensive support beyond traditional benefits that create long-term impact. By offering mental health solutions and personalized financial guidance, we aim to better the quality of life of our employees. We firmly believe in creating a harmonious workplace where both positivity and productivity are given outcomes.”
Complementing these partnerships are crucial initiatives such as Bluevine Voices – employee-led groups promoting inclusivity. Notable groups include Women’s Voices, Pride Voices, and Abled Voices, each addressing unique aspects of diversity and fostering a sense of belonging.
Recently celebrating 10 years in business that included passing milestones for 500,000 customers served and over $14 billion in loans delivered, and currently trusted with more than $1 billion in managed customer deposits, Bluevine continues to be a pioneer and U.S. market leader with its small business digital banking platform. All these initiatives underscore Bluevine’s commitment to creating a workplace that sees each employee as a whole person – prioritizing mental health, financial well-being, and inclusivity, and fostering an environment where all employees feel seen and valued.
Zaggle Partners with SCB to Redefine Corporate Spend Management
Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited (Zaggle), India’s leading spend management company today announced a partnership with Standard Chartered Bank. Under the partnership, Zaggle will introduce its innovative prepaid card solutions designed to help Standard Chartered’s corporate customers to seamlessly manage expenses and enhance control over corporate spending and therefore offer greater convenience to their employees. The prepaid card offering will cater to corporates looking for a secure, controlled and easily trackable way to manage employee expenses, travel allowances and vendor payments.
The partnership echoes a growing trend where FinTech innovators and Global Banking leaders join hands to create tech-driven, future-ready financial ecosystems. With India’s rapidly digitizing economy, prepaid card is set to become a critical tool for CFOs and finance teams to drive efficiency, accountability and agility in their respective organizations.
This partnership will empower Zaggle and SCB customers to transform the way they manage business expenses. By integrating advanced prepaid card technology, corporates can gain real- time visibility into spending, set dynamic controls and simplify reconciliation processes. The solution not only enhances financial oversight and operational efficiency but also provides employees with secure, flexible payment options, delivering greater convenience.
Speaking about the collaboration, Dr. Raj P Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman of Zaggle, said: “At Zaggle, we are commited to reshaping the way businesses manage their expenses. Partnering with Standard Chartered Bank is a significant milestone that will enable us to deliver more value to our clients by offering integrated, intelligent and scalable spend solutions.”
“We are excited to partner with Zaggle to offer innovative prepaid card solutions,” said Sachit Sahni, Head Transaction Banking, India and South Asia from Standard Chartered Bank. “This will provide our corporate customers yet another tool to manage their payables through a cashless, seamless, secure and rewarding payment experience.”
TERI released Act4Earth Policy Briefs during COP28
On the Energy thematic day at COP28, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched two policy briefs on Green Budgeting and Internationalizing Lifestyles for Sustainable Development at its event on ‘Just Energy Transitions and SDGs: Tools and Enablers’ at COP28. The event was organized in collaboration with TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS), Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), and the Center for International Climate Research (CICERO). The discussions focused on tools to achieve sustainable energy transitions as outlined in the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, opened the session and emphasised that as countries enter a phase of strenuous negotiations at COP28, it is pertinent to focus on achieving inclusive transitions and move climate finance commitments from billions to trillions. At COP28, so far, we have not seen the needle move from billions to trillions. “We need development models that are built around sustainable development, just transition, circularity, and inclusivity. This means more climate finance for developing countries”, she added.
Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Diplomat and Distinguished Fellow, TERI, chaired the session and set the tone of the discussions by highlighting the complexity around defining just transitions and the need for it to be equitable and affordable. The other key speakers for the ‘High Level Segment’ included Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA), Mr Ramesh Subramaniam, Director General, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director, Institute for Essential Services Reform.
Dr Mathur remarked on the need for local ownership and investment in people at the ground level to achieve just transitions. Mr Subramaniam emphasized on just transition finance which needs to work in parallel to climate finance and address the socioeconomic challenges related to the climate transition. “Financial institutions have total assets of USD 486.6 trillion in 2021 and mere 1.4% of this amount could close the SDG financing gap of USD 7 trillion”, he added. Mr Tumiwa, spoke on Indonesia’s experience with energy transitions and argued that to implement JETP, it needed additional elements such as clean technology; investment capital at reasonable cost; and partnerships with other countries on technology and investment practices.
It was followed by the launch of Act4Earth policy briefs on – ‘Advancing Environmental and Climate Goals Through a Multidimensional Model of Green Budgeting’ and ‘Internationalizing Lifestyles for Sustainable Development’. On Green Budgeting, Dr Shailly Kedia, Senior Fellow, TERI, emphasised a multidimensional model of green budgeting to contribute to climate and green transitions planning, resource allocation, and implementation. Green budgeting is a self-assessment tool which has the potential to not just mobilize public finance for climate and sustainability actions but also identify gaps. This will then help in designing programmes that can be based in international climate finance mechanisms including those announced at COP28.
Piaggio Vehicles launches the all-new Apé E-City Ultra and the Apé E-City FX Maxx
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman & MD, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said,
“India is undergoing a major shift towards electric mobility, and three-wheelers are leading this transformation on the ground. We believe EVs are an opportunity to reshape urban transport and improve livelihoods. New Apé E-City Ultra and Apé E-City FX Maxx are being built with these realities in mind. They deliver what the Indian customer needs: best in cl-ass range, low battery degradation, strong performance, and minimal operating costs. These vehicles are enablers of economic mobility. As the Pioneers of EVs in the three-wheeler space, Piaggio is proud to support India’s net-zero vision with smart, future-ready solutions that can scale across cities and small towns alike. Our focus is not only on innovation but also on contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President CV Domestic Business and Retail Finance, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said, “The electric passenger three-wheeler segment is evolving quickly, with customers increasingly seeking vehicles that offer longer range, reliable battery life, and lower running costs. The Apé E-City Ultra and the Apé E-City FX Maxx have been developed keeping these needs at the centre. With a certified range up to 236 km, strong power delivery, and industry-best battery technology with minimal degradation, these vehicles are built for daily use in demanding city conditions. The vehicles also come with superior warranty of 5 years/2,25,000 km, providing added assurance. We are confident that these products will support the user’s livelihood due to its low charging costs, reduced maintenance, and higher uptime, making them a smart choice for profitable and sustainable mobility.”
The new Apé E-City Ultra is designed for high efficiency with a host of powerful features:
- Best-in-cl-ass certified range of 236 km
- Peak power of 9.55 kW with fast pickup and strong torque of 45 Nm
- Top speed of 55 kmph, enabling quicker trips and higher turnaround efficiency
- 28% gradeability, ideal for flyovers and hilly roads
- Climb Assist Mode for instant power when needed
- 10.2 kWh LFP battery with 3 kW charger for quick charging and lower downtime
- Category leading 5-year / 2,25,000 km warranty
- Digital speedometer showing battery level (SOC), range (DTE), speed, and system alerts
- Smart 4G Telematics with live tracking, geo-fencing, and Remote immobilization.
- Robust build quality with a strong metal body
The Apé E-City FX Maxx, Piaggio’s trusted electric model, now comes with enhanced power and range:
- Certified range of 174 km per charge
- Peak motor power at 7.4 kW
- Gradeability of 19%, with a torque output of 30 Nm
- 8.0 kWh battery delivering consistent energy output over time
- Prismatic cell technology ensuring minimal battery imbalance and extended life
- Smart energy monitoring for controlled battery degradation
The Apé E-City FX Maxx is launched at a starting price of ₹3,30,000/- and the Apé E-City Ultraat ₹3,88,000/- Ex Showroom, India. Both models will be available at Piaggio dealerships across India.
FINANCE – Page 2
The 26th Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) today elected its new President & Vice-President for the term 2025-26. CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda has been elected as the President, ICAI and CA. Prasanna Kumar D has been elected as the Vice-President, ICAI w.e.f. February 12, 2025. The oath of office was administered by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of […]
DMI Group Expands Leadership Team with Key Appointments
DMI Finance Private Limited (“DMI Finance”), the NBFC arm of the DMI Group (“DMI”), today announced the addition of two senior executives to its leadership team. The company has appointed Niraj Khandelwal as Group Chief Financial Officer (“Group CFO”), and Rachit Gupta as Group Treasury Head, subject to requisite approvals, if any. These appointments further strengthen DMI’s strategic and operational capabilities as the company continues to expand in the financial services sector.
As Group CFO for DMI, Niraj Khandelwal will oversee the seamless integration of strategy, policies, and technology across finance, accounting, and taxation functions, enabling the company to enhance its financial processes and controls in management reporting, financial accounting and taxation. Niraj brings over 26 years’ of extensive experience in banking and financial services, specializing in strategy and planning, budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis. Prior to joining DMI, he held significant positions at Credit Suisse, IL&FS Investsmart Ltd. and JM Morgan Stanley Direct.
As Group Treasury Head for DMI, Rachit Gupta will oversee fundraising, investments, cash flow and liquidity management, asset-liability management, and banking transactional support for the entire Group. He will also manage strategic relationships with various stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and establish new processes and policies. Rachit brings over 20 years’ of extensive experience in both the public and private sectors within the banking and financial services industry. Prior to joining DMI, he held significant positions at Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (formerly Fullerton India), Edelweiss Financial Services, and Power Finance Corporation, where he led multiple initiatives in integrated treasury and finance across diverse sectors and geographies.
Shivashish Chatterjee, Co-Founder of the DMI Group said: “We are excited to welcome Niraj and, Rachit to our leadership team. Their extensive experience and deep understanding of the financial sector will significantly strengthen our operational capabilities and ensure that we continue to scale efficiently. At a time when the financial services landscape is rapidly evolving, having leaders with such expertise will ensure that DMI remains agile and competitive.”
Yuvraja C. Singh, Co-Founder of the DMI Group said: “These strategic appointments to our senior management team align with our long-term growth objectives. As we continue to innovate and expand, their leadership will be crucial in enhancing our financial and treasury operations while also building strong relationships with stakeholders. We are confident that they will play a pivotal role in driving DMI’s next phase of growth”
GOANCHO : promising to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed beaches and spice-laden kitchens of Goa
Bandra’s New Culinary Gem: Cafe Goancho Brings Goan Flavors and Innovative “Poietos” to Your Plate! Bandra, the suburb that’s always buzzing with new food haunts and cafe escapades, just welcomed a new kid on the block!
A vibrant new cafe, by the name of Cafe Goancho has just opened its doors, promising to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed beaches and spice-laden kitchens of Goa.
More than just a Cafe, Goancho is a culinary journey, dedicated to serving Goan Cuisine that will have you coming back for more, again and again. But how did it all start, you must wonder? It all started with two women with diverse background but a common mission: to bring the food of Goa that they love so much, to the streets of Mumbai.
Smita Naik and Neha Singh Khanolkar, on just another lazy Sunday, were discussing their favorite dishes of Goa and lamented about how they could never find a good one in sight ever in Mumbai. And thus, a complaint gave birth to a new dream.
Smita, born and brought up in Kudal, on the outskirts of Goa, had grown up on the spices and curries of the region. With a firm background in finance and investments, she got busy helming a career in it post marriage, eventually becoming a partner at Rukmini Foods Impex. Years later, the tastebuds were lingering for the familiar taste of nostalgia.
And that’s when she reached out to her sister in law, Neha. Setting up bakeries and kitchens wasn’t a new thing for Neha. Starting off at Oberoi in Delhi, she’s spent over a decade honing her skills as a baker.
Specialising in sourdough bread making from the prestigious School of European Pastry in Mumbai. For two years, Neha focused on perfecting the art of making 100 percent whole wheat poies and sourdough breads.
One bite of the poies and sourdough sandwiches and you will be surprised by the softness and the flavour of the bread. But Neha wanted to go beyond that. She decided to stuff it too with the best fillings. Introducing the Poie’to!
That’s the story of the humble Cafe Goancho : just two women rolling up the sleeves and serving up delicacies, one dish at a time.
When you enter Cafe Goancho, the first thing you notice is that the focus is squarely on tradition. Every dish on the menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Goa, prepared with timehonored recipes and the freshest ingredients.
From the fiery kick of a classic Recheado to the comforting embrace of a Chicken Xacuti, each bite evokes the true spirit of Goan home cooking.
You’ll find all your favorites here, meticulously crafted to deliver that unmistakable Goan flavor you crave.
Not to forget, even the ever elusive Chonak, the fish native to the shores of Goa. Or even sip on the natural cooler, a Kokum Mojito.
But while honoring tradition, Cafe Goancho isn’t afraid to innovate. And their star new offering, Poie’tos, is set to revolutionize your Goan food experience.
Imagine this: the soft, fluffy, and slightly crusty Goan poie bread, traditionally enjoyed on its own, now transformed into a vessel for an explosion of flavors. “Poie’tos” are an ingenious creation where different authentic Goan curries are generously stuffed into poie bread, then perfectly toasted to create a warm, satisfying, and utterly delicious handheld meal.
Whether you’re a fan of the rich, coconut-infused Prawn Balchão, the tangy and spicy Chicken Vindaloo, or a comforting Cafreal or even an experimental English Breakfast, there’s a Poie’to waiting to surprise and delight you.
It’s the perfect grab-and-go option for a quick lunch, a unique snack, or a delightful way to sample multiple curries in one go. No wonder, Cafe Goancho is just the perfect stop for a swift takeaway.
Add to that, they’re open till late night too. All the way till 1:30am. The ideal stop for the late night cravings and hunger pangs.
Beyond the incredible food, they also offer a warm and inviting ambiance that mirrors the relaxed charm of Goa itself.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends, catch up over a cup of hot toddy, or simply savor the flavors of a truly unique meal.
So, if you’re in Bandra and yearning for a genuine taste of Goa, or simply curious to try something deliciously new, make your way to Cafe Goancho.
Your culinary adventure awaits, and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the magic of Poietos ! ‘Cafe Goancho is now open at Shop no 6, plot no 56A, Pali hill road, near vegetable market, Mumbai 400050]. Follow us on @cafegoanchobandra for updates and daily specials!
Ramco Systems announces the launch of Aviation Software 6.0 for smarter aircraft management
Global aviation software specialist, Ramco Systems announced the release of version 6.0 of its Aviation Software – a revolutionary product release designed to transform M&E and MRO operations with AI-driven insights, advanced automation, and seamless integration. An integrated solution with modules for Contracts, Engineering, Planning, Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, Finance, ePUBS and advanced mobility capabilities, Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 is built to handle the challenges of tomorrow
The release introduces many unparalleled features that enable organizations to digitally transform their maintenance execution processes, as well as their management of flight safety, materials and commercials, with some of the key features and modules including:
Sundar Subramanian, Chief Executive Officer, Ramco Systems, said, “The latest version of Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 is a significant milestone in our journey of continuous innovation and commitment to excellence. Along with the advanced capabilities, our specialized Engine MRO solution is a key part of this release, addressing the critical challenges of engine maintenance. By harnessing advanced technology and our domain expertise Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 will enable aviation organizations meet their growing customer demands and stay competitive. We look forward to empowering organizations drive transformation with this game-changing release.”
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems, said, “We are incredibly proud to bring Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 to our customers. Our relentless focus on innovation has helped us build this AI-powered solution that not only addresses the current challenges faced by aviation organizations but also anticipate their future needs. With advanced capabilities such as automated workflows, data-driven decision making, optimized supply chains, and specialized modules like Engine MRO, we believe we are setting new industry standards with Ramco Aviation Software 6.0.”
.Ramco Aviation Software is trusted by 24,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. With 90+ Aviation organizations onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for top Airlines, 3rd party MROs, large Heli-Operators, leading Defense organizations, and major Urban Air Mobility companies around the world. Available on cloud, Ramco Aviation Suite provides accessibility with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly accelerating organizational efficiency and agility. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence based solutions, intelligent voice enabled user experience, and advanced features such as digital task cards, offline maintenance capability, conversational chatbots, HUBs and cognitive solutions.