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  • Fall 2026 Brings Fresh Momentum for Global Study Aspirants Through Prodigy Finance

    Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer, Prodigy Finance, says funding decisions are based on academic strength and future earning potential

    Prodigy Finance has opened applications for its Fall 2026 intake, marking a renewed phase of confidence in international education planning. The latest application cycle reflects a shift among students toward earlier decision making and long term preparation following a year shaped by visa uncertainty and compressed funding timelines.
    The Fall 2026 window is open to selected regions, including India, enabling eligible students to apply for education loans that can cover tuition fees and living expenses, subject to institutional cost limits. Funding is available for students admitted to universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada.

    Prodigy Finance offers loans in the local currency of the country of study and does not require collateral or a co signer, subject to eligibility conditions. Applications are evaluated on academic performance and projected earning potential rather than family assets or financial background. Loan amounts range from 10000 dollars to 220000 dollars, depending on programme requirements and total cost of attendance.
    For many applicants, the reopening of the loan window represents a transition from hesitation to action. Students who delayed plans over the past year are now approaching the process with greater clarity, applying earlier and planning finances alongside admissions rather than as an afterthought.

    Commenting on the intake, Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, said, “Funding decisions are guided by academic strength and future earning potential, not where a student comes from. Whether applicants are from large cities or smaller towns, those with strong fundamentals and clear career goals will be assessed on merit.”
    She added that eligibility is not limited to candidates from elite institutions. “Talent is the differentiator. Students who demonstrate capability and ambition should have access to opportunities that allow them to compete globally.”

    Founded in 2007, Prodigy Finance has supported more than 45000 international master’s students and has disbursed over 2.3 billion dollars in education funding to students from more than 150 countries. The lender operates a borderless model backed by impact investors and regulated financial entities, enabling access to education financing based on future outcomes rather than past credit history.
    Students preparing for the Fall 2026 intake can review supported universities and submit applications through Prodigy Finance’s official website as part of their study abroad planning.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • Reading Between the Lines of Edelweiss MF’s Latest Sectoral Fund Move

    According to Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management Company, long term trends in financial services influenced the decision

    Edelweiss Asset Management Company Ltd has announced a new sector focused offering with the launch of the Edelweiss Financial Services Fund, an open ended equity scheme that will invest predominantly in companies across India’s financial services ecosystem. The New Fund Offer is open for subscription from 27 January 2026 to 10 February 2026.
    The fund has been introduced at a time when the financial services sector is undergoing significant change, shaped by shifts in household savings, consumption patterns, capital expenditure, demographics, and technology adoption. According to the fund house, these developments are influencing how capital is allocated across banks, non banking financial companies, insurance, asset management, capital markets, and newer technology driven models.

    Commenting on the launch, Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Edelweiss Asset Management Company Ltd, said that India’s financial services sector sits at the intersection of multiple long term trends that are reinforcing one another. She noted that the increasing financialisation of savings, favourable demographics, rising consumption, and rapid digital adoption are creating sustained opportunities across the sector. She added that the Edelweiss Financial Services Fund has been structured to invest in businesses positioned to benefit from these enduring shifts.
    The scheme’s investment objective is to generate long term capital appreciation through a bottom up stock selection approach. The fund will focus on identifying companies with strong fundamentals, sustainable profitability, and the potential for long term growth. While it will be benchmarked against the Nifty Financial Services Total Return Index, the investment strategy remains benchmark agnostic across market cycles.

    Trideep Bhattacharya, President and Chief Investment Officer for Equities at Edelweiss Asset Management Company Ltd, said the fund reflects the structural evolution underway within the financial services sector. He pointed to the gradual shift from traditional bank led lending towards specialised segments such as non banking financial companies, insurance, asset management, market infrastructure, capital markets, and fintech led business models. According to him, the focused sectoral approach is intended to help investors navigate the business cycle through disciplined stock selection.
    The fund will follow Edelweiss Mutual Fund’s FAIR investment philosophy, which assesses businesses on Forensics, Acceptable Price, Investment style agnostic, and Robustness. Through this framework, the scheme aims to identify structural compounders with consistent profitability and the potential for valuation re rating.

    Under the indicative asset allocation, the scheme will invest between 80 and 100 percent of its assets in equity and equity related instruments of companies within the financial services sector. Up to 20 percent of the portfolio may be allocated to other equity and equity related instruments, debt, and money market securities, while up to 10 percent may be invested in units issued by Infrastructure Investment Trusts.
    The scheme will be managed by Ashwani Agarwalla, Trideep Bhattacharya, and Amit Vora. The minimum application amount during the New Fund Offer period is ₹100, with investments allowed in multiples of Re 1 thereafter. An exit load of 1 percent will apply if units are redeemed or switched out on or before 90 days from the date of allotment, while no exit load will be charged after this period.
    The Edelweiss Financial Services Fund is suitable for investors seeking long term capital appreciation through exposure to equity and equity related instruments in the financial services sector and who are comfortable with sector specific risks. The scheme is categorised under the Very High Risk classification.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • Always On Listening Gets a New Format with TecSox Zen Single Wireless Earbud

    Puneet Gulati, Founder and Promoter, TecSox, says the ₹399 Zen earbud is designed to balance premium audio with real world awareness for everyday users

    TecSox has announced the launch of the TecSox Zen Single Wireless Earbud in India, introducing an audio format aimed at users who want to stay connected to sound without losing awareness of their surroundings. Priced at ₹399, the product is positioned as an accessible solution for everyday listening that prioritises comfort, safety, and situational awareness.
    Unlike traditional dual ear earbuds that fully block external sound, TecSox Zen features a single ear Open Wireless Stereo design. This format allows ambient sound to pass through naturally, making it suitable for professionals, commuters, drivers, delivery partners, fitness enthusiasts, and users who need to remain alert while listening to music, podcasts, or calls.

    The Zen earbud delivers high resolution audio tuned for clarity and balance, supporting clear voice calls and consistent sound quality for music and spoken content. It is equipped with advanced Bluetooth connectivity to ensure a stable and seamless connection during work and leisure use. The lightweight and ergonomic build is designed to reduce in ear pressure and fatigue, even during extended periods of wear.
    Built for daily use, the TecSox Zen earbud comes with IPX rated water resistance to protect against sweat and light splashes, making it suitable for workouts and outdoor activity. The device offers up to five hours of continuous playback and up to 48 hours of standby time, supporting long days without frequent charging.

    Commenting on the launch, Puneet Gulati, Founder and Promoter of TecSox, said, “We are focused on making smart, high quality audio accessible without compromise. TecSox Zen is designed for people who want clear music and calls while staying aware of what is happening around them. It is built for real life use, not isolated listening.”

    With the launch of Zen, TecSox continues to focus on combining practical design, dependable performance, and aggressive pricing to address the evolving listening habits of Indian consumers who are increasingly multitasking and mobile.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • A New Healthcare AI Initiative Takes Shape Through Innovaccer and Coforge Collaboration

    Abhinav Shashank, Co founder and Chief Executive Officer, Innovaccer, says the G Forge initiative will help healthcare organizations scale AI and integrate enterprise data

    Innovaccer and Coforge have entered into a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing artificial intelligence adoption across the healthcare ecosystem. The partnership brings together Innovaccer’s AI driven data infrastructure with Coforge’s experience in large scale implementation and enterprise transformation to support measurable improvements across clinical, financial, and administrative functions.
    As part of the collaboration, the two companies have launched G Forge, a joint initiative designed to help healthcare organizations integrate siloed data, operationalize AI across the enterprise, and strengthen decision making at scale. The initiative is targeted at healthcare providers, payers, life sciences organizations, and healthcare technology companies seeking to modernize operations through data led intelligence.

    G Forge combines Innovaccer’s Gravity platform with Coforge’s capabilities in implementation, change management, and organizational transformation. Coforge will serve as the preferred platinum implementation partner for the Gravity AI platform and will also establish a Healthcare AI Center of Excellence to support deployments and enterprise wide adoption.
    Through this partnership, Innovaccer and Coforge plan to develop industry specific accelerators focused on member and provider experience, care management, and revenue cycle management. The offering will include end to end implementation, integration, and managed services to support healthcare organizations at different stages of AI maturity.

    Commenting on the initiative, Abhinav Shashank, Co founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innovaccer, said, “The G Forge initiative is designed to help healthcare organizations move beyond pilots and scale AI across the enterprise. By combining Gravity’s healthcare intelligence platform with Coforge’s execution capabilities, organizations can modernize their data foundations and translate intelligence into real world outcomes.”
    Sudhir Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Coforge, said the collaboration reflects a shared focus on data driven healthcare transformation. “As Innovaccer’s platinum implementation partner, Coforge will help healthcare enterprises deploy and scale Gravity AI with certainty, enabling improvements in operational efficiency and care delivery.”

    Preeti Singh, Executive Vice President and Head of North America Business Unit at Coforge, said the partnership responds to growing demand for solutions that deliver tangible impact. “By aligning Innovaccer’s AI platform with our healthcare technology expertise, we are addressing the need for integrated solutions that improve both clinical and administrative performance while supporting sustainable cost efficiency.”
    The initiative will be supported by forward deployed Innovaccer engineers working alongside Coforge professionals trained on the Gravity platform. These teams will collaborate with customers to design, deploy, and operate AI solutions across a range of healthcare use cases. G Forge will also act as a co innovation platform for building scalable solutions on Gravity’s secure and compliant foundation.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • Central Bank of India Reconnects with the Parsi Community as Growth Momentum Builds

    Shri Kalyan Kumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Central Bank of India, outlines the Bank’s customer centric approach and improving performance for the quarter ended December 31, 2025

    Central Bank of India engaged with members of the Parsi community in Mumbai as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen long standing relationships with key stakeholders. The interaction comes at a time when the Bank has reported improved financial performance for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, reflecting steady progress across its core business segments.
    Central Bank of India shares deep historical ties with the Parsi community. The institution was founded in 1911 by Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala, who described the Bank as the property of the nation and a national asset. The Bank’s first Chairman, Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, also hailed from the Parsi community. Over its 114 year history, the Bank has navigated multiple economic cycles while remaining anchored to its founding philosophy of being a people owned and people focused institution.

    During the interaction, the Bank acknowledged the significant role played by the Parsi community in India’s economic development, particularly across industry, finance, trade, and philanthropy. Contributions from the community have led to the creation of several institutions and enterprises that continue to shape India’s corporate and social landscape.
    The programme was attended by prominent members of the Parsi community, including descendants of the Bank’s founder and its first Chairman. Among those present were Keki Mistry, Non Executive Director at HDFC Bank, Jimmy Mistry, Mickey Mehta, Dinshaw Mehta, former Chairman of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat, Viraf Mehta, present Chairman of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat, Padma Shri awardee Penaz Masani, and Ratan Luth. Their presence added historical and cultural significance to the engagement.

    The interaction also highlighted the Bank’s customer focused initiatives and its role in supporting economic activity across the retail, MSME, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Central Bank of India has reported strong growth in total business, supported by a robust CASA base, healthy growth in advances, and improved asset quality.
    Senior leadership reflected on the founder’s vision of creating a bank owned and operated by Indians at a time when the banking sector was largely dominated by foreign institutions. They noted that the values of trust, resilience, and excellence, often associated with the Parsi ethos, continue to guide the Bank’s approach to banking and customer engagement.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kalyan Kumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Central Bank of India, said, “The interaction with the Parsi community provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views and better understand their evolving banking expectations. The keen interest shown in our products and services reinforces our commitment to continue serving the community and strengthening long term relationships.”
    The Bank reiterated its gratitude to the Parsi community for its support during the institution’s formative years and reaffirmed its commitment to ethical, inclusive, and customer centric banking. Similar engagements are planned as part of the Bank’s broader strategy to deepen stakeholder relationships and strengthen its retail banking franchise.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Prasad and World Sound and Vision Saudi Arabia Open a New Chapter in Film Preservation

    Abhishek Prasad, Director and Chief Technology Officer, Prasad, says the new digitisation and restoration centre reflects a long term commitment to safeguarding cinematic heritage under Saudi Vision 2030

    Prasad, a global leader in film preservation and post production with over seven decades of experience, has partnered with World Sound and Vision Saudi Arabia to launch a new digitisation and restoration centre in Riyadh. The Prasad WSV Digitisation and Restoration Centre is positioned as the first and largest facility of its kind in the GCC, marking a significant development in the preservation of cinematic and archival heritage across the region.
    The initiative is led by World Sound and Vision Saudi Arabia under the direction of Dr. Cotup Saleh, Director, and is supported by Prasad’s global technology and restoration expertise. The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by strengthening the country’s cultural infrastructure and reinforcing its role as a growing hub for media innovation and heritage preservation.

    The Riyadh facility has been designed as a single integrated solution for the digitisation and restoration of films, magnetic tapes, and archival materials. Equipped with advanced scanning, cleaning, tape digitisation systems, and specialised restoration personnel, the centre enables local and regional archives to be preserved within Saudi Arabia. This removes the need to send culturally significant material overseas for restoration.
    Commenting on the launch, Abhishek Prasad, Director and Chief Technology Officer at Prasad, said, “We are honoured to bring Prasad’s seven decade legacy of film preservation and restoration to Saudi Arabia through this landmark partnership with World Sound and Vision. The new Digitisation and Restoration Centre in Riyadh represents a long term commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. Guided by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, we see this as the beginning of a sustained effort to support the Kingdom’s emergence as a global leader in heritage preservation and media innovation.”

    The Prasad WSV Digitisation and Restoration Centre is expected to serve archives, cultural ministries, broadcasters, and academic institutions across the GCC. By combining advanced technology with decades of domain expertise, the facility aims to play a central role in preserving regional heritage while enabling new cultural and economic opportunities linked to restored content and archival access.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • India’s Next Phase of Aviation Growth Puts Focus on Cross-Border Capacity Choices

    Matthew Dass, Director of Consulting at Tourism Economics, says policy decisions on India UAE air links will influence passenger movement and economic outcomes through 2035

    A new study has highlighted how policy decisions on international aviation capacity will shape the future of air travel between India and the United Arab Emirates, as passenger demand continues to rise across one of the region’s most significant air corridors.
    The analysis indicates that if flight and seat capacity between India and the UAE remain at current levels, a substantial share of projected passenger demand may not be accommodated over the coming decade. By 2035, this could translate into tens of millions of passenger journeys that remain unserved, with the Abu Dhabi India corridor facing particularly pronounced pressure.

    The study points to structural changes in India’s aviation market as a key driver of long term demand. India’s travelling class, defined as households with sufficient income to travel by air, has expanded from 24 percent of the population in 2010 to 40 percent in 2024, adding nearly 300 million potential flyers. As a result, overall air travel demand is projected to grow at an average rate of 7.2 percent annually through 2035, equivalent to nearly 22 million additional passenger journeys per year.
    Commenting on the findings, Matthew Dass, Director of Consulting at Tourism Economics, said that demand on India UAE routes is being driven by rising incomes, expanding trade links, and growing inbound and outbound tourism. He noted that load factors on major routes already exceed 80 percent, signalling limited spare capacity under current schedules, with available seats expected to be fully utilised as early as 2026.

    Beyond passenger volumes, the study also examines the economic activity supported by the India UAE air corridor, including tourism spending by inbound travellers and operational expenditure by airlines. Under scenarios where capacity constraints persist, the corridor’s contribution to gross domestic product is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 3 percent over the next five years. Alternative scenarios that ease capacity limits could raise this growth to between 5.5 percent and 7 percent.
    The analysis estimates that doubling seat capacity on the Abu Dhabi India corridor alone could enable an additional 7.2 billion dollars in economic output over the next five years, accounting for direct, indirect, and induced impacts. Such expansion is also expected to support more than 170,000 jobs per year on average during the same period.

    The report further suggests that improved air connectivity may deliver longer term productivity gains of up to 9 billion dollars annually by 2035, while increased capacity and competition could help place downward pressure on airfares, benefiting consumers.
    The study concludes that aviation policy choices will play a decisive role in determining whether India is able to fully capture the economic and consumer benefits associated with continued growth in international air travel. The research was commissioned by Etihad Airways and conducted by Tourism Economics.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • New Creative Mandate Enters a Fresh Phase for AMFI’s Flagship Awareness Campaign

    Venkat N. Chalasani, Chief Executive, Association of Mutual Funds in India, confirms Concept Communications has been appointed following a competitive pitch

    Association of Mutual Funds in India has appointed Concept Communications as its new mainline creative agency following a competitive multi agency pitch process. The appointment marks the beginning of a new phase for AMFI’s long running ‘Mutual Funds Sahi Hai’ campaign, one of India’s most recognised financial awareness initiatives.
    Under the new mandate, Concept Communications will lead the creative refresh of the campaign while supporting AMFI’s objective of expanding mutual fund participation and growing the overall investor base across the country. The platform has played a significant role in shaping financial awareness and encouraging informed participation in mutual funds over the years.

    Speaking on the appointment, Venkat N. Chalasani, Chief Executive of the Association of Mutual Funds in India, said, “We are happy to on board Concept Communications as our creative partner for AMFI’s iconic ‘Mutual Funds Sahi Hai’ campaign. Concept Communications stood out for their understanding of the evolving Indian investor and their vision for the future of brand AMFI. We are confident that this partnership will play a pivotal role in accelerating our investor inclusion agenda.”
    Vivek Suchanti, Chairman and Managing Director of Concept Communications, said the agency looks forward to building on the campaign’s strong foundation. “AMFI is an extremely strong brand that has fundamentally transformed financial awareness and investor participation in Indian markets. We are deeply honoured by AMFI’s trust and excited to partner in the next chapter of this iconic brand. Our focus will be on making mutual fund conversations more accessible, relatable, and action oriented for India’s next generation of investors, especially across emerging and underserved markets.”

    Founded in 1988, Concept Communications is an independent integrated communications agency with a presence across 16 cities in India. The agency has established capabilities in financial and capital markets communication, working with institutions across sectors to deliver insight driven and purpose led communication programmes.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • India’s Spirit of Togetherness Takes Centre Stage in StarDream Cruises’ New Brand Films

    Senior Vice President Naresh Rawal says the two films reflect how the cruise line has adapted onboard experiences to feel intuitive and inclusive for Indian travellers

    StarDream Cruises has released two new brand films that mark a shift towards experience led storytelling, focusing on ease, connection, and presence as defining elements of life at sea.
    The films reflect a moment when everyday distractions fade, allowing travellers to slow down and focus on what truly matters. As the brand continues to expand its presence in India, this storytelling approach highlights how cruising is designed to feel effortless, with every detail taken care of on board.

    Looking ahead to 2026, the communication is guided by the theme Disconnect to Reconnect, supported by the brand tagline Perfect Moments. Together, they express the belief that when travel flows seamlessly, it creates space for people to reconnect with experiences, relationships, and time well spent.
    This idea is brought to life through two films. The master brand film, A World Between S.E.A & SKY, shot aboard Genting Dream, captures the rhythm of everyday life on board. It follows individuals, couples, families, friends, groups, and corporate travellers as they share the same space while moving at their own pace. From flavour led culinary journeys and high energy entertainment to elegant accommodation, safety, and attentive service, the film shows how each element works in harmony, allowing guests to remain present in the moment.

    The second film, A Voyage Called India: A Heart That Sails With Us, focuses on how Indian culture is woven into the StarDream Cruises experience. Featuring families and groups from Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, and Bengali backgrounds, the film reflects the country’s diversity. Through vegetarian, non vegetarian, and Jain dining options, along with shared habits and conversations, it shows how familiarity and inclusion shape the journey for Indian travellers. The film concludes with the idea that while languages and customs may differ, the sense of belonging remains shared.
    Extending the storytelling beyond digital platforms, A Voyage Called India: A Heart That Sails With Us will also be screened in cinemas during the Republic Day period alongside Border 2. The film will be shown across 9 states, 2 Union Territories, 23 cities, and 63 screens between 23 and 29 January 2026, allowing audiences to experience the story collectively in a setting where themes of identity and unity naturally resonate.

    Commenting on the films, Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at StarDream Cruises, said, “Both these films reflect how we think about the StarDream Cruises experience today. A World Between S.E.A & SKY captures the rhythm of life on board, while A Voyage Called India: A Heart That Sails With Us brings focus to how Indian travellers experience that journey. From food preferences and familiar comforts to the way families, friends, and groups come together, the films show how we have adapted cruising to feel intuitive and inclusive for Indian guests.”
    With sailings from key Asian ports including Genting Dream from Singapore, Star Voyager from Hong Kong, and Star Navigator from Taiwan, along with short two night and three night itineraries, the cruise line continues to offer Indian travellers an easy and culturally familiar way to experience cruising.
    Together, the two films reinforce the belief that when travel takes care of the details, guests are free to disconnect from everyday routines and reconnect with moments that feel natural, meaningful, and lasting.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.