Category: Business

Manoj Nambiar, Managing Director, Arohan Financial Services, said the revised framework links microfinance loan pricing to borrower credit profiles and repayment behaviour, with rates ranging from 19.99 percent to 24.24 percent.

Arohan Financial Services has introduced a risk based pricing framework for its microfinance products, using its credit scoring model to determine borrower level pricing with immediate effect.
Under the revised structure, interest rates across Arohan’s microfinance products will range from 19.99 percent to 24.24 percent, depending on the borrower’s credit risk profile and repayment behaviour. The company said the move will allow customers with stronger repayment discipline and lower risk characteristics to access more favourable borrowing rates.

The Kolkata based NBFC microfinance institution, which is part of the Aavishkaar Group, said the revised schedule places some of its interest rates among the lowest in the NBFC MFI sector for customers with stronger credit quality. The company said the framework is intended to support fair and transparent lending while rewarding disciplined repayment behaviour.
Arohan said it follows a risk based lending approach that enables customers with a sound repayment history to benefit from lower rates. It added that the revised pricing structure is built on its existing credit scoring model and is designed to align loan pricing more closely with borrower level risk assessment.

Manoj Nambiar, Managing Director, Arohan Financial Services, said, “A disciplined approach to lending, combined with prudent risk management, has helped Arohan to maintain one of the lowest non performing asset ratios among NBFC MFIs. As a result, we are able to access diversified funding at competitive rates and pass on funding cost advantages to customers with stronger credit profiles, while extending credit to underserved communities.”
He added, “I am delighted to announce the special rate of 19.99% to our tried, tested and best rated repeat borrowers while continuing to expand access to affordable credit. Risk based pricing allows us to reward good repayment behavior, improve portfolio quality, and ensure long term sustainability, all while remaining committed to our mission of financial inclusion.”

The company said its board had earlier adopted a self imposed margin cap of 12 percent over its effective yield, describing the move as part of its focus on borrower protection and appropriate pricing.
Arohan also said the revised framework is aligned with the Reserve Bank of India’s March 2022 master direction on the regulatory framework for microfinance loans, which deregulated pricing in order to ensure that rates charged to borrowers remain fair, transparent, and competitive.

The company said it had first introduced a risk based pricing model in 2022 and 23. At that time, it implemented a board approved pricing policy for microfinance loans that outlined the different components used to determine rates, including cost of funds, operating expenses, credit risk premium, and margin, along with other applicable charges.
Arohan Financial Services said it will continue to work closely with customers to ensure clear communication and smooth implementation of the new pricing framework.

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TNQTech joins select group of certified workplaces with strong employee engagement scoresSameer Kanodia, Managing Director and CEO, Lumina Datamatics, and Vice Chairman and CEO, TNQTech, highlights alignment of culture, collaboration, and employee engagement

Mumbai, April 2, 2026: TNQTech, a subsidiary of Lumina Datamatics, has been certified as a Great Place to Work, marking a milestone in its efforts to build a people-focused and performance-driven workplace.
The certification reflects employee feedback and workplace practices centred on collaboration, professional growth, and engagement. TNQTech is among a limited number of organisations in India to receive this recognition in the 2025 to 2026 cycle.

Employee participation in the certification process exceeded 83 percent, indicating strong engagement levels and providing a representative view of workplace experience.
Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director and CEO, Lumina Datamatics, and Vice Chairman and CEO, TNQTech, said, “This recognition reflects the alignment of culture across our organisations. Our focus remains on building an environment where teams can collaborate, innovate, and grow while delivering meaningful outcomes.”

TNQTech operates in the publishing technology space, offering AI-driven solutions across editorial, production, and digital content workflows. Its integration with Lumina Datamatics has expanded capabilities in content services and digital delivery.
The recognition also builds on Lumina Datamatics’ track record of workplace certification over the past three years, reflecting a consistent focus on employee experience and organisational culture.
Together, TNQTech and Lumina Datamatics continue to focus on creating inclusive and collaborative work environments that support both employee development and business outcomes.

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Francisco Novella Fletcher, Co-founder of SqaaS, along with Rajnish Kumar and Aloke Bajpai of ixigo, said ShellBot is designed to provide secure, always-on AI agents with full user control, visibility, and cross-platform functionality.

Squad As a Service, S.L., an AI company backed by ixigo, has launched ShellBot, a managed platform designed to enable users to deploy secure and autonomous AI agents for everyday tasks.
Announced on 2 April 2026, the platform allows individuals, freelancers, small businesses, and enterprises to operate private AI agents hosted on dedicated cloud environments. These agents can handle tasks such as email management, scheduling, research, coding, and workflow automation across platforms including WhatsApp, Slack, Telegram, Gmail, and Microsoft Teams.

ShellBot is built on OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent framework, and is designed to provide users with a dedicated virtual machine running an AI agent rather than relying on shared infrastructure. The company said this approach supports improved data privacy, performance, and control while maintaining continuity across tasks through a unified memory and context layer.
A key focus of the platform is safety and user control. ShellBot follows a secure-by-default design that requires confirmation before critical actions, supports granular permission settings, and includes safeguards against misuse such as prompt injection attacks. The system also allows users to monitor activity and pause or stop operations when required.

Francisco Novella Fletcher, Co-founder of SqaaS, said, “ShellBot is built to make powerful AI agents simple, secure, and truly useful in everyday life. Our vision is to leverage advanced AI systems to solve complex, everyday problems at scale, while ensuring users always remain in control of how their AI operates.”
Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO, ixigo, and Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo, said, “AI agents represent the next shift in how technology serves users, moving from passive tools to active collaborators. With ShellBot, SqaaS has made this technology accessible and practical for real world use, supported by secure and scalable infrastructure.”

The platform is model agnostic and supports multiple AI providers as well as local models, allowing users flexibility without dependency on a single ecosystem. Pricing starts at 29 euros per month, with a promotional offer for early users on its Pro plan.
ShellBot is now available globally, marking SqaaS’ entry into a growing category of AI infrastructure focused on autonomous and user controlled systems. The company said the platform reflects a broader shift toward making advanced AI tools accessible beyond developers and into everyday use across industries.

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Vikas Jain, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, and Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman Emeritus, NAREDCO Maharashtra, highlight investor confidence, regulatory support, and expansion opportunities in REIT sector

Mumbai, April 2, 2026: India’s Real Estate Investment Trust market is witnessing strong growth and emerging as a competitive investment avenue compared to Asian peers, according to a report by ANAROCK .
Titled “India REITs: Taking a Stride Building Momentum with Scale and Performance,” the report highlights how the sector is evolving into a mature asset class supported by regulatory reforms, operational performance, and increasing investor participation.

Indian REITs have delivered nearly 9 percent five year price returns, outperforming several regional markets, while maintaining distribution yields in the range of 5 to 6 percent. Portfolio occupancy levels have remained above 90 percent, supported by demand from global corporates across sectors such as technology, BFSI, and consulting.
The report notes that REITs accounted for over 20 percent of office leasing activity in the second quarter of FY26, reflecting continued demand for commercial real estate assets. Since listing, REITs have delivered capital gains ranging from approximately 12 percent to over 60 percent.

The introduction of Small and Medium REITs in 2025 has further expanded access to real estate investments, enabling retail participation through fractional ownership models and unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 67,000 to Rs 71,000 crore.
Tax efficiency remains a key advantage, with regulatory requirements mandating distribution of at least 90 percent of net distributable cash flows. More than 65 percent of distributions are tax exempt, enhancing returns for investors.

Despite the progress, only about 32 percent of India’s REIT ready assets are currently listed, indicating significant room for expansion. The report also highlights diversification into emerging asset classes such as logistics parks, data centres, healthcare infrastructure, and residential real estate.
Vikas Jain, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, said the sector is witnessing rising investor confidence, supported by platforms that bring together domestic and global stakeholders to explore investment opportunities.

Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman Emeritus, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said India’s real estate sector is transitioning toward institutional capital structures, with REITs playing an important role in its evolution into a global asset class.
Introduced by SEBI in 2014, REITs have grown steadily in India, with five listed trusts currently managing over 176 million square feet of leasable area.

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Umang Gupta, Country Head, RX India, highlights reforms, organised retail growth, and rising demand as industry leaders gather in New Delhi

New Delhi, April 2, 2026: MAPIC India Shopping Centre Summit and Awards will take place on April 8 at JW Marriott Hotel, Aerocity, bringing together leaders from retail, real estate, and investment sectors to discuss the evolving dynamics of India’s retail market.
The summit will focus on the theme “The India Advantage: Reforms, Retail and Rising Consumption,” reflecting the sector’s growth driven by policy reforms, expanding organised retail, and increasing consumer demand.

India’s retail sector has shown strong momentum, with festive season sales in 2025 rising by 11 percent. Organised retail is projected to reach USD 230 billion by 2030, while investments of over USD 3.5 billion are expected in retail real estate over the next three years.
The agenda includes keynote sessions, panel discussions, and report launches covering topics such as large scale mall development in emerging cities, the impact of quick commerce on consumer behaviour, and financial strategies within the retail sector.

Sessions will also explore the convergence of retail and hospitality, along with the role of design and experiential formats in shaping future retail environments.
The event will feature a live competition recognising shopping centres for footfall growth initiatives, followed by the MAPIC India Shopping Centre Awards 2026, which will honour achievements in customer engagement, retail innovation, and performance.

The summit will see participation from industry leaders including Abhishek Bansal of Pacific Malls, Jayen Naik of Nexus Malls, Rashmi Sen of The Phoenix Mills, Shibu Philips of Lulu Group India, and Kavindra Mishra of Shoppers Stop, among others.
Umang Gupta, Country Head, RX India, said, “India’s retail sector is entering a high growth phase driven by reforms, expanding organised retail, and a strong consumption base. The summit will bring together stakeholders to exchange insights and shape the next phase of growth in the sector.”

MAPIC India continues to serve as a platform for collaboration among developers, retailers, investors, and policymakers, supporting partnerships and investment decisions across the retail ecosystem.

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Shruthi Sudhanva, Director and Chief People Officer, Excelsoft Technologies, and Vinod Sudhakar, Chief Technology Officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, highlight integrated approach to education, nutrition, and student development

Mysuru, April 2, 2026: Excelsoft Technologies Limited, in partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, has extended scholarship support to government school students from the Mysuru region while also contributing to child nutrition initiatives across Karnataka.
The initiative was marked by a scholarship felicitation ceremony held in Bengaluru on March 24, where meritorious students were recognised for their academic achievements. Thirty students from the Mysuru region were awarded scholarships under the programme, with nineteen attending the ceremony.

As part of the initiative, Excelsoft also organised a session on artificial intelligence for the students, offering exposure to emerging technologies and future-oriented learning opportunities.
Shruthi Sudhanva, Director and Chief People Officer, Excelsoft Technologies, said, “Education and wellbeing go hand in hand in shaping a student’s future. Through our support to scholarship and nutrition programmes, we aim to enable students to pursue their education with greater stability and confidence.”

Beyond scholarships, the company contributed to The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s mid-day meal programme for March 2026 in Mysuru. The support is expected to provide nutritious meals to approximately 4,193 children, reinforcing the role of nutrition in enabling consistent learning.
Vinod Sudhakar, Chief Technology Officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “Education and nutrition are intrinsically linked. A child who is nourished learns better and stays engaged in school. Partnerships such as this help strengthen long-term outcomes for students.”

The collaboration reflects a shared approach towards addressing both educational access and nutritional needs, recognising that sustained learning requires support beyond the classroom.
Excelsoft Technologies, a digital learning solutions provider, continues to focus on initiatives that combine technology, education, and student development, while The Akshaya Patra Foundation advances its mission of addressing classroom hunger through large scale meal programmes.

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Priyanka Punjabi and Alankar Jain, Founders, The Lil Flea, bring together 500 plus brands, live music acts, and curated experiences at Jio World Garden

Mumbai, April 2, 2026: The Lil Flea is set to mark its 12th anniversary with an expanded edition in Mumbai, bringing together a mix of shopping, food, music, and community experiences across two weekends this April.
The event will take place at Jio World Garden from April 3 to 5 and April 10 to 12, with each day beginning at 3 PM.

What began as an independent pop up has evolved into a large scale cultural platform, showcasing homegrown brands, artists, and creators from across the country.
This year’s edition will feature over 500 brands, including around 200 from outside Mumbai, spanning categories such as fashion, accessories, home decor, art, and lifestyle products. The platform continues to highlight independent labels alongside emerging creators.

The food experience will include a wide range of global and regional offerings, from street style dishes to curated menus, along with dessert options that form a key part of the festival experience.
Music remains a central element of the event, with performances scheduled across genres. The lineup includes artists such as Rashmeet Kaur, Indian Ocean, Kavita Seth, Anand Bhaskar Collective, and Tsumyoki, among others.

The festival will also host workshops, interactive installations, and community led spaces aimed at creating participative experiences. A dedicated segment for children includes an open mic and a concert, encouraging young performers to take the stage.
Sustainability continues to be a focus, with the event supporting brands and practices aligned with conscious consumption.

Founded by Priyanka Punjabi and Alankar Jain, The Lil Flea has grown into a platform that combines retail, culture, and live experiences, with a strong focus on independent creators and community engagement.
With its expanded format and diverse programming, the 12th anniversary edition reflects the scale and evolution of the platform over the years.

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Avinash Shekhar, Co Founder and CEO, Pi42, and Tak Lee, CEO and Managing Partner, Hashed Emergent, highlight rising participation, larger trade sizes, and growth beyond metro cities

India’s crypto derivatives market is witnessing a shift in participation patterns, with younger investors and emerging regions driving growth, according to a study by Pi42 and Hashed Emergent.
The data shows that 61 percent of crypto futures traders are from the Gen Z age group of 18 to 25 years, indicating a strong presence of digitally native investors in the segment. Participation among women has also increased, with women now accounting for nearly one in eight traders on the platform.

The study highlights a rise in investor activity and conviction. Average trade size has nearly doubled from around $1,051 in 2024 to approximately $1,960, while trading frequency has increased, with close to 60 percent of active traders engaging in daily transactions.
Regional trends point to strong momentum beyond metro cities. Eastern India accounts for nearly 32 percent of retail participation, with states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya emerging as key contributors. The data reflects a broader shift towards adoption in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

Avinash Shekhar, Co Founder and CEO, Pi42, said, “The data reflects a structural shift in how Indian investors are engaging with crypto derivatives. We are seeing younger users adopt more informed and strategic approaches, while participation from emerging regions continues to grow.”
Tak Lee, CEO and Managing Partner, Hashed Emergent, said the trends indicate that crypto derivatives are becoming an entry point for a new generation of investors, with adoption expanding beyond traditional urban centres.

The study is based on insights from over 2 lakh crypto futures traders on the Pi42 platform, covering trading activity between January and December 2025. It forms part of the broader India Web3 Landscape Report by Hashed Emergent.
The findings suggest that India’s crypto ecosystem continues to evolve, supported by rising awareness, increasing participation, and expanding access across regions.

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 LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

Atishay Jain, Managing Director, Koncept Global Books, highlights focus on confidence, communication, and applied thinking for students across Delhi NCR

Gurugram, April 2, 2026: Koncept Global Books has announced the launch of its SkillUp Summer Program across partner schools in Delhi NCR, aimed at strengthening life skills among middle school students.
The program is designed for students in Classes 6 to 8 and will be conducted within school premises starting May 2026, ahead of the summer break. Structured as a two day initiative, it focuses on areas such as communication, confidence building, applied thinking, and responsible decision making.

Atishay Jain, Managing Director, Koncept Global Books, said, “Education must extend beyond textbooks to build essential life skills. The SkillUp Program focuses on developing confidence, critical thinking, and real world awareness among students at an early stage.”
The curriculum includes sessions on emotional intelligence, communication, STEM based innovation, financial literacy, and digital responsibility. The program uses participative formats such as group activities, innovation exercises, and student presentations to create an engaging learning environment.

Unlike conventional summer camps that focus on hobby based activities, the initiative is structured to connect academic learning with real world application through experiential formats.
The program will be conducted across multiple schools in Delhi NCR and is expected to reach a large number of students based on institutional participation. It will be delivered by trained educators with expertise in student engagement and applied learning methods.

A Parent Showcase will be organised as part of the program, where students will present their projects and key learnings, offering insight into their development.
Koncept Global Books, an initiative by Arihant Publishing, focuses on developing learning solutions that combine academic clarity with practical application, particularly in the K-8 segment.

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 LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.