On Saturday, a massive protest titled “Meyemtho – Maakante” was held in Anantapuram by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the BC Coordination Committee, demanding immediate implementation of a comprehensive caste census. During this protest, BC leaders raised serious concerns about the government's neglect of caste enumeration and strongly criticized the political establishment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jujjavarapu Purnachandra Rao, BSP Andhra Pradesh Coordinator and retired DGP, remarked, “After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the state has suffered severely due to the absence of the Periyar-inspired BC political legacy. Today, the result of this is clear: the Reddy and Kamma-led governments have led the state to destruction through caste-based politics, steering the state away from welfare and development. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu, under BC leadership, is advancing in welfare, development, and equality. As Periyar rightly said, dignity and respect are more important than political freedom. We are questioning today whether this dignity and respect exist for BCs, SCs, and STs in Andhra Pradesh.”

“According to Ambedkar's principles, although every vote is equal, the votes of BCs have no political value, and politics has been confined to Reddys and Kammas. There was a time when, if a Reddy minister was in power, an SC Deputy Chief Minister could not even speak, nor could sit beside him. These are not new facts. The BCs are being used only as vote banks.”

“Across the country, caste dominates politics. In this scenario, it is crucial for us to know how many of us there are, so we can understand our rights, representation, funds, and appointments, and recognize the injustice that has occurred. The only solution to this is a comprehensive caste census. Why is the government hesitant to conduct this? Because they don't want the world to know our strength. Just like Hanuman did not know his strength until someone reminded him with praises, BCs too are unaware of their power. This is why youth, leaders, and BC people from all sections must unite and fight. Only then will we gain the courage and strength to challenge the system.”

“BC leaders from all parties, whether TDP or YSRCP, must step forward and make their parties aware. Keep the power near you. Today, there are 29 SC MLAs, 7 STs, and 40 BCs. If this number reaches 100, we will be able to fight collectively for the marginalized and weaker sections. When the number of BC MLAs increases, the voices and strength for the fight for SCs and STs will grow. If the main parties fail to field BC MLA candidates, we, the BCs, must teach them a lesson by electing other BC candidates. Only then will BC leaders within these parties open their eyes.”

In this massive protest, BSP State President B. Paramjyothi, State BC Coordination Committee Chairman Angadala Purnachandra Rao, and other BSP and BC leaders spoke out and vowed to intensify their fight for the demand for a caste census.

 

Structured Mentorship and Upskilling to Help Women Reclaim Their Professional Trajectories

 

The Mahindra Group is proud to announce the launch of “SOAR: Seamless Opportunity for Amazing Returnships,” a pioneering program designed to create full-time, meaningful career opportunities for women professionals who have taken a career break and are now ready to resume their corporate journeys. Unlike many industry programs that limit returning talent to short-term or part-time assignments, SOAR invests deeply in these professionals, providing them with roles aligned to their pre-break experience as well as an intensive framework of mentorship, training, and continued engagement.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ruzbeh Irani, President – Group Human Resources, Mahindra Group, said, “Women returning to the workforce bring resilience, fresh perspectives, and invaluable experience. At Mahindra, we believe in nurturing this talent by offering not just a role, but a journey—one enriched with guidance, upskilling, and long-term growth opportunities. SOAR reflects our promise to ensure that every returning professional feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach new heights.”

 

Designed for women with at least five years of prior work experience and a career break of six months to three years, SOAR begins with a comprehensive induction at the Mahindra Leadership University (MLU). This onboarding process encourages networking, collaborative learning, and a shared sense of purpose among all participants. Each returning professional is then paired with both a “buddy” and a mentor, fostering critical support and advocacy during the transition back to work.

 

Alongside ongoing mentorship, the program offers flexible work arrangements such as job sharing or part-time engagements, allowing candidates to balance personal and professional commitments. Through periodic feedback loops, structured one-on-one check-ins, and leadership reviews, SOAR ensures that participants continually build upon their skill sets, rediscover their professional identity, and thrive over the long term.

 

The Mahindra Group, a multinational federation of companies operating in diverse industries, has long embraced its philosophy of “Rise”—empowering people to drive positive change. With SOAR, the Group extends this mission to women returning to work, believing that inclusive workplaces ultimately fuel resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. By weaving developmental opportunities into a strong support network, SOAR sets a new benchmark for forward-thinking talent management, benefitting returning women professionals and the communities they serve.

 

 

IIFL Finance Limited (“IIFL”) has successfully raised USD 325 million through a Fixed Rate Senior Secured Bond, priced at a competitive coupon rate of 8.75% with a door-to-door tenor of 3.5 years. This issuance marks IIFL’s significant re-entry into the international bond markets after its debut offering in February 2020, further diversifying its borrowing profile.

 

The bond offering witnessed an overwhelming response from global institutional investors across Asia, Europe, and the United States. The transaction began with an initial pricing guidance of 9.00% and garnered peak demand of USD 1.15 billion at final pricing guidance. The final order book stood at over USD 730 million, with allocations of 20% in Asia, 25% in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), and 54% in the US. High-quality fund managers accounted for 95% of the allocation, while insurance companies and private banks made up 3% and 2%, respectively.

 

The proceeds from this issuance will be used for onward lending, as per the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Guidelines by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

 

The successful issuance comes in the wake of the RBI’s decision to lift the ban on IIFL’s gold financing business in September 2024, further strengthening investor confidence. IIFL’s management highlighted its resilient business model, robust processes, and strong risk controls during extensive investor engagements over the last few days.

 

Commenting on the successful issuance, Kapish Jain, CFO of IIFL Finance, said:

“The strong response to this bond offering from top-tier global institutional investors is a testament to the trust and confidence in IIFL’s business model, operational strength, and governance standards. This issuance not only allows us to diversify our funding sources but also reinforces our commitment to delivering value to stakeholders while adhering to prudent financial practices.”

 

The bond offering was rated B+ by both S&P and Fitch, with a stable outlook. Leading international banks—Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, Mizuho, and Deutsche Bank—acted as joint book runners for the transaction.

 

IIFL Finance Limited (“IIFL”) has successfully raised USD 325 million through a Fixed Rate Senior Secured Bond, priced at a competitive coupon rate of 8.75% with a door-to-door tenor of 3.5 years. This issuance marks IIFL’s significant re-entry into the international bond markets after its debut offering in February 2020, further diversifying its borrowing profile.

 

The bond offering witnessed an overwhelming response from global institutional investors across Asia, Europe, and the United States. The transaction began with an initial pricing guidance of 9.00% and garnered peak demand of USD 1.15 billion at final pricing guidance. The final order book stood at over USD 730 million, with allocations of 20% in Asia, 25% in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), and 54% in the US. High-quality fund managers accounted for 95% of the allocation, while insurance companies and private banks made up 3% and 2%, respectively.

 

The proceeds from this issuance will be used for onward lending, as per the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Guidelines by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

 

The successful issuance comes in the wake of the RBI’s decision to lift the ban on IIFL’s gold financing business in September 2024, further strengthening investor confidence. IIFL’s management highlighted its resilient business model, robust processes, and strong risk controls during extensive investor engagements over the last few days.

 

Commenting on the successful issuance, Kapish Jain, CFO of IIFL Finance, said:

“The strong response to this bond offering from top-tier global institutional investors is a testament to the trust and confidence in IIFL’s business model, operational strength, and governance standards. This issuance not only allows us to diversify our funding sources but also reinforces our commitment to delivering value to stakeholders while adhering to prudent financial practices.”

 

The bond offering was rated B+ by both S&P and Fitch, with a stable outlook. Leading international banks—Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, Mizuho, and Deutsche Bank—acted as joint book runners for the transaction.

 

Partnership empowers Dhoot Transmission Group to drive continued innovation, expand global reach, and capitalize on high-growth segments

 

Dhoot Transmission Group (“Dhoot”), a leading manufacturer of automotive components, today announced a strategic growth investment from Bain Capital, a global private investment firm. Through an aligned partnership with Founder and CEO, Rahul Dhoot, Bain Capital will leverage its global automotive expertise and deep value-creation capabilities to support the company’s continued growth. Together, they aim to accelerate Dhoot Transmission Group’s leadership in high-demand segments, foster continued innovation, and support global expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

 

Founded in 1999, Dhoot Transmission Group is a global leader in Two-Wheeler and Three-Wheeler Wiring Harness. The company’s advanced Wiring Harnesses also power Heavy and Light Commercial Vehicles, Off-road Vehicles, and Farm Equipment in ICE and EV segments across the globe. Over the past 25 years, Dhoot Transmission Group has also diversified in Electronics Sensors & Controllers, Automotive Switches, Connection Systems, and an array of EV products, including Charging Guns, Inlets, Off-Board Chargers, RCDs, High Voltage & Low Voltage Wiring Harness, and assembly of Li-Ion Batteries. This growth has been fueled by a strong focus on innovation, a customer-centric approach, strategic acquisitions, and technology partnerships. Dhoot Transmission Group has also expanded internationally, employing over 10,000+ people across 20+ state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in India, the UK, Slovakia, and Thailand.

 

“Our journey over the past two decades has been defined by a commitment to innovation, quality, and trust,” said Rahul Dhoot, Founder and CEO of Dhoot Transmission Group. Partnering with Bain Capital is an exciting opportunity to accelerate this evolution. Their strategic expertise and integrity make them the perfect partner to help us scale globally and pursue emerging opportunities that deliver value to our customers worldwide.”

 

“Over the past two decades, Rahul has built Dhoot Transmission Group into a market leader, serving as a critical partner to OEMs powering India’s Two-wheeler market—the largest in the world with a strong growth trajectory. Dhoot's entrepreneurial culture, customer focus, and investments in cutting-edge technology have also now positioned the company at the forefront of several high-growth segments. We are excited to partner with Rahul and the Dhoot Transmission team to build on their impressive growth journey and help drive expansion through M&A and technology partnerships,” said Rishi Mandawat, Partner at Bain Capital. “Their customer-first approach and strong employee engagement has helped the group to build a leading auto-component business and together, we see significant opportunities to expand both organically and inorganically, accelerate exports, and enhance their global footprint,” added Saahil Bhatia, Managing Director at Bain Capital.

 

Bain Capital’s investment was made through its Private Equity team, which has deep experience supporting the growth of founder-led companies and global industrial platforms. Since establishing its Mumbai office in 2008, Bain Capital has built one of the largest private equity teams in India, with notable investments including Hero MotoCorp, RSB Transmissions, Porus Labs, 360one Wealth, CitiusTech, J.M. Baxi, and Quest Global.

 

Terms of the private transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

 

Alvarez and Marsal, AZB & Partners, ERM, ICICI Securities, Kearney, Kirkland and Ellis, KPMG and PwC served as advisors to Bain Capital.

 

Singhi Advisors, Trilegal and Deloitte served as advisors to Dhoot Transmission Group.

YES BANK, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), has announced the launch of the Frictionless Finance Accelerator Programme. This initiative, unveiled on National Startup Day, aims to support fintech startups in addressing critical challenges, scaling their innovations, and driving financial inclusion.

India’s startup ecosystem is thriving, with over 1.5 lakh Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) registered startups and more than 100 unicorns. Fintech, a key pillar of this growth, is redefining access to financial services and enabling small businesses to thrive. With this accelerator, YES BANK reinforces its role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in this dynamic sector.

Key Features of the Frictionless Finance Accelerator, include :

1.      Support System for Startups: Startups gain access to expertise from RBIH, academic resources from SPJIMR, and YES BANK’s industry knowledge.

2.      Focus on Emerging Technologies: The programme supports solutions in digital lending, AI-powered risk management, blockchain-based payments, and financial inclusion.

3.      Regulatory and Business Guidance: Platforms like YES Connect provide startups with tools to navigate regulatory frameworks, optimise business models, and leverage digital infrastructure.

4.      Collaborative Ecosystem: The programme builds partnerships between fintechs, industry leaders, and regulators to foster growth and innovation.

Mr. Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK, said, “India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, and fintech startups are at the forefront of this transformation. The world is changing fast, and the future is one of interconnectedness, powered by technologies that once seemed impossible. At YES BANK, we are committed to supporting this growth through initiatives like the Frictionless Finance Accelerator, which helps startups address real-world challenges and build scalable solutions.”

YES BANK’s Role in Driving Innovation

YES BANK has consistently supported startups, especially in fintech, through initiatives like YES HeadStartup and digital platforms such as IRIS Biz, YES Connect, and SmartFin. These solutions simplify operations, enabling startups to focus on innovation.

The Bank’s partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with Vegapay to launch Credit Line on UPI, highlight its emphasis on co-creating financial solutions tailored to startups’ needs. Similarly, its association with SPJIMR’s Wise Tech School of Innovation provides startups with mentorship, funding access, and resources to scale efficiently.

“Our focus is on creating a robust ecosystem where startups can thrive. We don’t just offer products or platforms; we offer partnerships that drive real impact,” Mr. Kumar added.

Dr. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, emphasised the value of collaboration for responsible innovation, stating, “We appreciate the support provided by RBIH and YES BANK to launch the first Frictionless Finance Accelerator. At SPJIMR, through our WISE Tech initiative, we champion responsible innovation that blends cutting-edge technology with inclusivity and ethics. This partnership will enable start-ups to address challenges, redefine financial accessibility, and contribute to India's growth. Together, we are shaping a seamless and secure financial culture.” 

Mr. Rajesh Bansal, CEO, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, shared his vision and stated, “Our mission of enabling 'Frictionless Finance for a Billion Indians' is deeply rooted in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This accelerator programme is a testament to our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs by providing access to world-class mentorship, facilitating connections with banks, and enabling them to create pathways for transformative growth that will shape the future of India’s financial ecosystem.”

The Programme’s launch coincides with a time of tremendous opportunity and transformation. With global venture capital investments in 2024 soaring to $314 billion and the global digital economy expected to exceed $20 trillion by 2030, fintech start-ups are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance. The Frictionless Finance Accelerator is a movement that symbolises the transformative power of partnerships, bold vision, and relentless action.

 

 

5paisa Capital Limited (5paisa.com), which is one of India’s leading discount brokers today said that it has appointed technology and wealth management industry veteran Gaurav Seth as Chief Executive Officer as it aims to deepen its offerings for traders and investors and further bolster its tech platform.

 

Seth has over two decades of experience building businesses at the intersection of financial services and technology globally with experience spanning the US, India and SouthEast Asia. Prior to joining 5paisa, he was the Chief Product Officer at Syfe where he focused on building Syfe as the leading digital wealth player in Southeast Asia. Earlier, Seth was the Chief Business Officer and part of the initial team at Paytm Money where he played a pivotal role in establishing Paytm Money as a top brokerage and mutual fund distributor in India. Prior to Paytm, Gaurav led the digital transformation of Morgan Stanley's wealth management business in NY and advised leading wealth managers on their digital strategy.

 

Seth is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad and Bachelor of Engineering from the Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala.

 

Commenting on the appointment, Co-Promoter Mr. R Venkataraman said, “Mr. Seth’s experience in tech driven innovations at major global and Indian firms will complement the digital transformation priorities at 5paisa Capital. We look forward to a great period of growth and innovation at 5paisa Capital under Mr. Seth’s leadership.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gaurav Seth said, “5paisa Capital was the original disruptor in Indian broking industry and democratized equity investing for millions of Indians by offering a great platform at affordable fees. I am happy to be a part of this legacy and excited about the next phase of growth at 5paisa.”

 

5paisa.com is one of India’s largest discount brokers with more than 4.62 million customers at the end of September 2024. The company reported a net profit to Rs 219 million in Q2FY25, while revenues stood at Rs 1008 million. 5paisa.com is one of the most used stock investing apps in India with over 20.6 million users and has a high rating of 4.3 on Google Play.

 

EDITOR'S SYNOPSIS

 

●        ACC and the Adani Foundation, partner with NABARD, to develop a 639-metre concrete irrigation channel, or ‘kuhl’, in Ropa village, Himachal Pradesh

●        This irrigation channel benefits 14 farmers, covering 2.3 hectares of farmland in the village.

●        The project replaces traditional kacha channels with pucca ones, reducing water wastage, ensuring timely irrigation, and boosting crop yields by over 10%.

 

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, in partnership with the Adani Foundation along with support from NABARD, has improved irrigation facilities in Ropa village, Himachal Pradesh. Under the Dhounkothi Panjgain Watershed Development Project, a 639-metre concrete irrigation channel, known locally as a ‘kuhl’, has been built to prevent water wastage and ensure timely water supply for 14 farmers, benefiting their 2.3 hectares of farmland.

 

ACC, along with Adani Foundation, played a pivotal role in providing technical expertise and project execution to replace traditional kacha ‘kuhls’ with sustainable pucca channels. This initiative included vital components including check dams and water-drop structures to maximise water conservation and distribution efficiency.

 

Farmers from Ropa village, including Ravi Thakur, now enjoy timely irrigation and improved crop yields, with maize and wheat production rising by over 10%. Thakur said, “With water now able to be evenly distributed across all our fields, ACC and the Adani Foundation have truly changed our farming prospects.”

 

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable farming practices is highlighted through such initiatives, not just in Himachal Pradesh and across the nation.

 

Choice Equity Broking Private Limited, one of India’s leading stock broking companies and the equity broking arm of Choice International Ltd., has announced an exclusive partnership with StockBee, an AI-powered news platform. This one-of-its-kind collaboration marks a revolutionary step in transforming how investors and traders access financial news, delivering real-time, personalized, and actionable insights through Choice’s platform.

This partnership is a first in the broking industry, making Choice the only stock broking company to offer this unique feature. Through this exclusive integration, Choice's 1 million+ customers will gain access to StockBee's award-winning AI platform that processes vast amounts of financial data per second, enabling investors to make timely and well-informed decisions.

“In today's rapidly evolving markets, the speed and quality of information can make the difference between profit and loss,” said Mr. Arun Poddar, CEO and Executive Director of Choice International Ltd. “Our partnership with StockBee is not just a collaboration; it is a pioneering initiative that brings institutional-grade market intelligence to retail investors. This exclusive integration ensures our customers have access to powerful tools previously reserved for large financial institutions.”

The integrated platform delivers market intelligence with unprecedented speed and precision, processing news in milliseconds while maintaining exceptional accuracy. Using advanced natural language processing, the system transforms complex financial documents into clear, actionable insights, while its sophisticated filtering eliminates irrelevant updates. Investors receive customizable alerts for corporate actions and regulatory changes, complemented by comprehensive sentiment analysis across both traditional and social media channels – all tailored to their specific portfolio holdings.

“Traditional news aggregation services often overwhelm investors with information,” explained Mr. Poddar. “Our exclusive collaboration with StockBee cuts through the noise, delivering personalized, actionable intelligence that helps our customers make more informed decisions faster than ever before.”

As India's retail investor base continues to grow rapidly, this exclusive collaboration further cements Choice’s position as a technology-driven financial services provider committed to empowering investors across India.The new service is available to all Choice customers, ensuring broad access to this unique solution.

 

In an endeavour to ensure the safety and security of millions of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, this year, Maha Kumbh Police is further enhancing safety at the event with support from Eveready Industries India Ltd., the country’s leading flashlight and battery manufacturer. As part of the initiative, Police personnel deputed for the grand duo-decennial occasion will be equipped with 5000 Eveready Siren torches, featuring a powerful safety alarm, to help maintain order. In addition, safety norms will be propagated across 56 police stations within the Mela premises

 

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a once in a lifetime event, is expected to draw approximately 400 million pilgrims this year. Given its sheer magnitude, it will be paramount for authorities including the Maha Kumbh Police to ensure a peaceful and transformative experience for all devotees at the event. To contribute to this objective, Eveready has stepped forward to present its latest innovation, the Siren Torch DL102, to the Maha Kumbh Police.

 

Eveready Ultima Batteries & Siren Torches will also be prominently visible across the Kumbh VIP Dome City and various parts of the holy city.

 

Commenting on the initiative, SSP Kumbh Mela, Shri. Rajesh Dwivedi, said, “We have made extensive arrangements for the safety and security of pilgrims. Eveready’s Siren torches will also be an important part of this arrangement. It will definitely help strengthen our efforts”.  

 

The Eveready Siren Torch, while serving as a traditional flashlight, transforms into a powerful and empowering safety device with a 100dbA sound alarm that can be activated by simply pulling an attached keychain. As part of this initiative, Eveready will undertake a practical demonstration for the Maha Kumbh Police to showcase the dual functionality and utility of the device.  This versatile and pocket-friendly flashlight which is more than just a product, is a symbol of safety, empowerment and the ability to raise one’s voice in critical moments.

 

Anirban Banerjee, Sr. Vice President & SBU Head (Batteries & Flashlights) at Eveready Industries India Ltd., said, “The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest congregations and this year the 44-day long spectacle is expected to draw unprecedented visitors. Over the years, police has consistently done a commendable job by efficiently managing large crowds thereby safeguarding millions of pilgrims during their spiritual journey. This year, we are proud to join forces with the Maha Kumbh Police equipping them with the powerful Siren Torch to assist them in effective crowd management and maintaining a safe environment.” 

 

Link to the teaser video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlC9rUFIC58

 

The Siren Torch will further help the police manage vast crowds while simultaneously enhancing surveillance and security measures at the venue. Furthermore, the Maha Kumbh Police and Eveready will also display emergency contact numbers, at prominent police posts, to help attendees reach out to relevant authorities in case of any crisis. 

 

The revolutionary DL102 Siren Torch is an indispensable instrument and stands as a beacon of confidence, giving individuals especially women, the assurance to push boundaries and explore horizons without compromising on their safety. This powerful device empowers them to move forward boldly and carefree transforming moments of hesitation into opportunities for fearless advancement.