Category: Business

  • Light Electric Mobility Gains Engineering Focus as HMC HIVE and KPIT Technologies Set Up CoE

     HMC Chairman Pankaj M. Munjal and KPIT CEO Kishor Patil outline plans for a Delhi NCR centre supporting global micromobility and L category electric vehicle OEMs.

    Light electric mobility is moving into a more engineering-led phase as HMC HIVE and KPIT Technologies formalise a partnership to support the growing global demand for micromobility solutions. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an independent Centre of Excellence in the Delhi NCR region, focused on design and engineering services for light electric vehicles, including e-bicycles and other L-category platforms.
    The collaboration brings together complementary strengths at a time when urban transport systems are under pressure to deliver cleaner and more flexible mobility options. As cities expand and last-mile travel accounts for a growing share of daily movement, light electric vehicles are increasingly viewed as a practical response to congestion, emissions, and accessibility challenges. The new Centre of Excellence is intended to address these needs by supporting global original equipment manufacturers with integrated engineering capabilities.

    HMC HIVE, the e-mobility manufacturing platform of Hero Motors Company, will contribute its experience in product development, prototyping, manufacturing enablement, and client engagement. KPIT Technologies, known for its work in mobility software and systems integration, will lead solution architecture, engineering delivery, program management, and software-defined vehicle capabilities within the centre.
    According to HMC Chairman Pankaj M. Munjal, the light electric vehicle sector has reached a point where hardware excellence must be matched by intelligent software and system integration. He noted that the partnership reflects HMC HIVE’s intent to move beyond conventional manufacturing models and support the development of globally competitive micromobility platforms.

    KPIT CEO and Managing Director Kishor Patil highlighted that even at the micromobility level, software-led design and systems thinking are becoming central to safety, cost efficiency, and scalability. He indicated that the collaboration would focus on developing engineering solutions that enable OEMs to bring high-quality and reliable light electric vehicles to market faster.
    The Centre of Excellence is expected to operate with a global outlook, serving customers across international markets while leveraging India’s growing role as an engineering and manufacturing hub. By combining scalable manufacturing systems with software-driven engineering, the partnership aims to create end-to-end capabilities for a segment that is evolving rapidly but remains fragmented in many regions.

    Beyond product development, the collaboration also reflects a broader shift in how mobility ecosystems are being built. Rather than treating micromobility as a peripheral category, the partnership positions light electric vehicles as a serious engineering domain requiring the same rigour applied to larger automotive platforms.
    As the light electric vehicle market continues to expand, the HMC HIVE and KPIT Technologies partnership signals how manufacturing and software companies are aligning to meet the demands of sustainable, urban-first mobility. The Delhi NCR Centre of Excellence is expected to play a central role in shaping engineering solutions that respond to both local and global mobility needs.
    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.
  • Advertising’s Unspoken Realities Find a Humorous Outlet Through a New Game by Motley

    The Mumbai-based independent agency created Cards Against Advertising to showcase shared industry realities through satire

     A new satirical card game developed by independent creative agency Motley is drawing attention within the advertising and marketing community for its candid take on agency life. Titled Cards Against Advertising, the game uses humour to reflect the pressures, clichés and contradictions that many professionals in the industry encounter but rarely discuss openly.
    The game has been created under Motley Orgnls, the agency’s internal platform that supports crew-led creative projects. Designed as a parody party game, it includes 150 cards that reference familiar agency situations, workplace language and day-to-day realities across advertising, marketing and creative services.

    While inspired by the broader format of party card games, Cards Against Advertising focuses specifically on experiences drawn from within the industry. The content has been written by professionals across roles, including creatives, strategists, account managers and interns, with scenarios that mirror moments such as last-minute presentation changes, alignment calls, pitch pressures and informal conversations that often happen off record.
    Advertising remains a highly influential industry, but one that is also frequently associated with long working hours, high expectations and burnout. Many professionals enter the field motivated by creative ambition, only to encounter challenges that are rarely acknowledged in formal settings. The game was conceived as a way to recognise these shared experiences and allow people to engage with them through humour rather than critique or instruction.

    “This is more than just a game; it is a unique advertising-specific party experience,” said Priyanka Surve, Founding Partner and Creative Head at Motley. “It’s a product designed by people who work in the industry, for people who live its realities every day.”
    The project also reflects Motley’s approach to creative ownership and workplace culture. Through Motley Orgnls, team members are encouraged to propose independent ideas beyond client work. Selected projects receive production support from the agency, with profits shared with the creators over time.

    “In an industry driven by ideas, it’s important that creative ownership extends beyond client work,” said Jason Menezes, Founding Partner and Business Head at Motley. “Motley Orgnls exists because creativity shouldn’t just earn a salary. It should build equity, ownership and pride.”
    Designed for small teams as well as larger gatherings, the game is intended for adults who have worked within the creative ecosystem, including agency professionals, former agency employees and clients familiar with agency culture. A typical game session runs between 30 and 90 minutes. Expansion packs focusing on specific roles such as copywriters, designers and social media professionals are planned.

    The release of Cards Against Advertising comes amid ongoing conversations within the industry around burnout, mental health and sustainable work environments. While the game does not present itself as a solution, it offers a shared, light-hearted way for people in advertising to acknowledge collective experiences through humour and self-awareness.
    The card game is currently available by direct outreach through the agency’s official Instagram handle motleyhq.
    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.

  • Turmeric Farmers’ Interests Take Centre Stage at Hyderabad Meet Backed by Telangana Government

    Agriculture Minister Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao spoke at a summit organised by CII Telangana with the National Turmeric Board

     Issues related to farmer income, market access, quality standards, and long-term sustainability in turmeric cultivation were discussed at the Turmeric Value Chain Summit 2025, held in Hyderabad. The maiden edition of the summit was organised by CII Telangana in collaboration with the National Turmeric Board.
    Addressing the inaugural session, Agriculture and Cooperation Minister Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao said the Telangana government would extend full support to the National Turmeric Board and stressed that all interventions in the sector must be designed with farmers’ interests at the centre. He said regular income, access to appropriate technology, and protection of traditional practices were essential to ensure that farmers continue cultivating turmeric rather than shifting to other crops.

    The Minister noted that factors such as soil conditions, profitability, and farmers’ ability to manage risk play a significant role in crop selection. He also pointed out that turmeric could be cultivated as an intercrop in palm oil plantations and said there was a need to strengthen horticulture and vegetable farming alongside forest revival efforts. Describing turmeric as a crop closely linked to Indian culture and tradition, he said the decision to establish a separate National Turmeric Board in Telangana was a positive step expected to further strengthen turmeric production.
    Chairman of the National Turmeric Board, Mr Palle Ganga Reddy, said turmeric was the only spice among the country’s 53 spices to have a dedicated board. He stated that turmeric is cultivated across nearly eight lakh acres in India, with Telangana accounting for around 48,000 acres officially, though actual cultivation could be closer to 60,000 acres. He added that turmeric cultivation continues to expand in several states and said scientific studies were needed to document and promote the multiple uses of turmeric.

    Mr Reddy emphasised the role of market committees in improving farmer awareness about quality enhancement, particularly in major trading centres such as Nizamabad, Metpally, and Mahaboobabad. He said improving facilities at these markets would directly benefit turmeric farmers.
    Mr K Surendra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of Telangana, said the State’s Vision 2047 places farmer welfare as a priority, with twelve focus areas identified to achieve this objective. While economic growth remains important, he said increasing farmer incomes must receive equal attention. He noted that Telangana contributes around ten percent of global turmeric production and said farmer producer organisations and value addition would play a key role in strengthening exports.

    Ms N Bhavani Sri, IAS, Secretary, National Turmeric Board, said India currently meets over seventy percent of global turmeric demand but faces increasing competition from countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and several African nations. She highlighted the need to improve turmeric quality to global standards, particularly by increasing curcumin content and reducing moisture levels below ten percent. Continued engagement between farmers and food processing companies, she said, would help address quality challenges.
    Highlighting the importance of Telangana’s turmeric markets, Mr R Sivaprasad Reddy, Chairman, CII Telangana and Managing Director of Rachamallu Forgings Ltd, said Nizamabad remains a key trading centre and that the establishment of the National Turmeric Board in the State is expected to provide a significant boost to turmeric production.

    Dr V Praveen Rao, Adviser to the CII Telangana Agri and Food Processing Panel and Vice Chancellor of Kaveri University, described turmeric as the “Golden Spice of India” due to its preventive, therapeutic, and curative properties. He said the sector must transition from bulk commodity trading to higher-value, quality-driven and compliance-led supply chains.
    Mr M Jayasankar M, Head of Strategic Sourcing, Agronomy and Sustainability at Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd., said stable and high curcumin production remains a key challenge. He pointed to pesticide residue as a concern, particularly for pharmaceutical and export markets, and said public–private partnerships and backward integration would be important to build credible turmeric supply chains.
    The Turmeric Value Chain Summit 2025 saw participation from over 200 policymakers, industry representatives, farmers, and stakeholders from across the turmeric value chain, including representatives from the Spices Board.
    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.
  • Regional Business Control Moves to Bengaluru as Cellecor Reorganises Operations

    Cellecor’s Co-founder and Managing Director Ravi Agarwal confirmed the move covering five states

    Cellecor Gadgets Limited has reorganised its regional operations with the establishment of a South India regional office in Bengaluru, positioning the city as the base for managing business across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The move marks a structural shift in how the company oversees its southern markets as part of its national operations.
    The Bengaluru office will function as the operational centre for Cellecor’s activities in the region, bringing regional leadership and cross functional teams under one roof. According to the company, the setup is intended to support closer coordination across sales, operations, marketing, finance and service functions, enabling smoother execution across South India.

    Bengaluru was selected for its location advantages and its role as a major centre for technology, trade and organised retail. The city’s connectivity and access to modern retail networks are expected to support Cellecor’s engagement with distributors, large format retail partners and service operations across the southern states.
    Commenting on the development, Ravi Agarwal, Co-founder and Managing Director of Cellecor Gadgets Limited, said South India represents an important growth market for the company. He stated that the Bengaluru office will allow Cellecor to engage more closely with channel partners, improve execution speed and respond more effectively to market requirements while strengthening the customer experience.

    The regional office will oversee Cellecor’s multi category portfolio, which includes televisions, home appliances, mobile accessories and consumer electronics. With demand rising across both urban and semi urban markets in South India, the company expects the Bengaluru base to play a key role in managing operations and supporting business growth across the region.

    Cellecor Gadgets Limited has continued to invest in operational infrastructure, talent and retail partnerships as it scales its presence across India. The company has positioned the regional reorganisation as part of its broader effort to maintain closer proximity to trade ecosystems and improve on ground coordination in key markets.
    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.

  • Mission Critical Rail Networks See Technology Push With Avantel in the Mix

    SATCOM hub equipment worth ₹13.82 crore will be supplied to the Centre for Railway Information Systems with execution planned by June 2026

    Avantel Limited has received a purchase order valued at ₹13.82 crore, inclusive of taxes, from the Centre for Railway Information Systems for the supply of SATCOM Hub Equipment. The order is scheduled for execution by June 2026 and reflects ongoing investments in strengthening communication infrastructure supporting Indian Railways operations.
    According to the company, the SATCOM Hub Equipment will be deployed to support secure, reliable and scalable communication networks for the Centre for Railway Information Systems. The equipment is intended to enhance operational efficiency and improve digital connectivity across rail operations, in line with broader modernisation efforts within the railway ecosystem.

    The engagement forms part of continued collaboration between technology providers and public sector institutions focused on mission critical communication requirements. Through this assignment, Avantel Limited will contribute to communication systems designed for large national infrastructure networks, where reliability and security remain central considerations.
    Avantel has stated that the engagement aligns with national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with the objective of supporting domestic capabilities in defence and communication technologies. The company has highlighted its role in contributing to national security and the growth of the domestic defence ecosystem.

    Commenting on the development, Siddhartha Abburi, Director at Avantel Limited, said the company was honoured to receive the order from the Centre for Railway Information Systems. He noted that the engagement reinforces Avantel’s focus on delivering secure and dependable communication solutions for large scale national infrastructure projects and reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting self reliance through the development and deployment of critical communication technologies within India.
    Founded by Dr. Vidyasagar Abburi, Avantel Limited has been operating in the strategic communication space for over three decades. The company specialises in advanced communication products, radar systems and network management software, with capabilities spanning satellite communications, radar subsystems, software defined radios and defence electronics.

    Through its ongoing engagements, Avantel continues to position itself as a technology partner for mission critical applications, supporting communication needs across defence and infrastructure sectors.
    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.
  • Coffee Startup Toffee Coffee Roasters Attracts ₹5 Crore Pre Series A Funding Led by Inflection Point Ventures 

    Backed by investor Ritesh Agarwal, the brand plans to scale operations and target higher annual recurring revenue through expanded distribution.

    Toffee Coffee Roasters has raised ₹5 crore in a Pre Series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, marking a significant step in the premium coffee brand’s growth journey. The round also saw participation from 66 bridge partners along with Abhijit Vemuganti and Invesst, as the company prepares to scale operations and strengthen its presence across India’s fast-evolving coffee market.
    The Bengaluru based startup plans to deploy close to 60 percent of the capital as working capital to support expanding operations, particularly across quick commerce platforms. Around 10 to 15 percent of the funds will be invested in enhancing and expanding backend roastery infrastructure, while another 10 percent will go toward improving packaging quality. The remaining 10 to 15 percent is earmarked for new product development as the brand broadens its portfolio.

    Toffee Coffee Roasters has gained wider visibility after being featured on Shark Tank India and is backed by investor Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OYO Rooms. The brand currently ranks among the top five coffee websites in India based on online traction and holds an estimated 1 to 2 percent share of the overall coffee category.
    Commenting on the investment, Mitesh Shah, Co founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said that despite India being one of the world’s leading coffee producers, quality artisanal coffee remains largely limited to imported brands or café-only formats. He noted that the at-home segment is still dominated by instant coffee, leaving limited room for specialty roasts. According to him, Toffee Coffee Roasters addresses this gap by offering crafted, high-quality coffee that brings global-style coffee experiences into Indian homes.

    The company focuses on sourcing, roasting, and blending coffee using a lean supply chain model that reduces intermediaries. This approach allows the brand to maintain quality while offering products at accessible price points. All blends are created in house by a team that includes experienced master blenders and certified Q Graders, with expertise across multiple coffee sub categories.
    Toffee Coffee Roasters is led by co founders Rishabh Nigam and Nandini Shrivastava. Rishabh Nigam brings more than six years of experience in growth roles at consumer internet companies such as ZEE5, Pocket FM, and upGrad. He was also part of Pocket FM’s United States expansion team, where revenues scaled from zero to USD 15 million within a year. Nandini Shrivastava, who previously worked with JSW, heads product and operations at the company, overseeing alliances, process improvements, and portfolio innovation.

    Under their leadership, the brand has grown to serve more than 150,000 coffee drinkers across India. The company currently produces over five tonnes of coffee every month, with more than 40,000 units consumed monthly. This translates to an estimated three to four lakh cups of coffee prepared at home across the country each month.
    Looking ahead, Toffee Coffee Roasters aims to scale monthly production to 50 tonnes. This expansion is expected to support monthly revenues of ₹8 to ₹10 crore and reach eight to ten lakh customers who choose the brand as part of their daily coffee routine.

    Nandini Shrivastava said that India’s coffee landscape is changing rapidly, but a wide gap remains between mass-market offerings and premium brands. She noted that as consumption grows across formats such as roasted and ground coffee, cold brews, capsules, and filter coffee, the company’s goal is to build a mass-premium brand that caters to both at-home and out-of-home consumers at accessible price points. She added that the brand is focused on reaching not only metro consumers but also India 1 and India 2 markets.
    India’s coffee market is currently valued at around USD 2 billion and is growing at a compound annual growth rate of over 20 percent. The market is evenly split between at-home consumption and out-of-home channels such as cafés and restaurants. While brands like Nescafe and Bru continue to dominate at-home consumption, changing consumer preferences have driven growth in specialty categories. Premium brands such as Starbucks and Blue Tokai have contributed to this shift, though higher per-cup costs have left a large segment of consumers underserved.

    Against this backdrop, Toffee Coffee Roasters positions itself as a mass-premium alternative that bridges the gap between affordability and quality. The recent funding is expected to support the brand’s ambition to capture a larger share of the coffee category and work toward a long-term annual recurring revenue target of ₹60 to ₹80 crore.

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  • What Amazon’s Festive Data Showed About Genus Innovation This Year

    A sharp rise in demand for lithium based home energy storage during the festive season placed Genus Innovation and its MaxiLion series in focus at Amazon Smbhav 2025 in New Delhi.

     Festive season shopping trends on Amazon this year pointed to a clear shift in how Indian households are approaching power backup and energy security. One of the companies that surfaced prominently in this data was Genus Innovation Ltd, following strong consumer demand for its MaxiLion Energy Storage Series during the high volume festive period.
    The trend culminated in Genus Innovation being acknowledged at Amazon Smbhav 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The annual event brings together businesses, policymakers and technology leaders to examine how digital platforms are shaping India’s economy, with a particular focus this year on innovation, sustainability and the growth of domestic manufacturing under the theme Viksit India ki Taiyaari.

    According to information shared at the event, Genus Innovation’s festive season performance on Amazon was driven largely by consumer preference for lithium based energy storage systems, particularly those designed for seamless integration with solar power and modern home setups. The MaxiLion Energy Storage Series emerged as the primary contributor to this momentum, reflecting changing expectations among buyers who are moving away from conventional power backup solutions.
    Yash Todi, Director and Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Genus Innovation, said customer behaviour during the festive period reflected a broader change in how households evaluate energy solutions. He noted that buyers are increasingly prioritising systems that operate quietly, require minimal maintenance, and are built for long term reliability. According to him, the rise in demand also indicates growing awareness of lithium powered storage as a practical choice for residential use rather than a premium or niche option.

    Amazon Smbhav serves as a platform to recognise brands that demonstrate consistency in customer experience and operational execution across the marketplace. For Genus Innovation, the recognition aligned with its recent focus on strengthening its energy storage portfolio around user centric design, faster charging cycles, and compatibility with rooftop solar installations.
    The MaxiLion Energy Storage Series has been positioned as a residential focused solution engineered specifically for Indian power conditions. The product range is built around lithium technology and is designed to address frequent power interruptions while supporting sustainable energy usage. Features such as fast charging, low noise operation and reduced upkeep have contributed to its adoption across urban and semi urban markets.

    Industry observers note that festive season data often acts as an early indicator of broader consumer shifts. In this case, the performance of lithium based energy systems suggests that Indian buyers are increasingly viewing power backup as part of a larger home infrastructure decision rather than a short term purchase. This aligns with wider growth in rooftop solar adoption and interest in cleaner energy alternatives.
    Genus Innovation’s participation at Amazon Smbhav also reflects the growing role of ecommerce platforms in shaping product visibility for infrastructure and energy related categories, which were traditionally driven by offline channels. Same day service reach and fulfilment capability have become significant factors influencing purchase decisions, particularly for products that are critical to household functioning.

    The company operates as part of the Genus Group and maintains manufacturing facilities in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, along with research and development centres in Haridwar and Jaipur. Its product portfolio spans energy storage systems, UPS and inverters, batteries, solar inverters and EV chargers, catering to both domestic and international markets.
    As India’s residential clean energy market continues to expand, companies operating at the intersection of technology, manufacturing and consumer trust are likely to see increased attention. Festive season performance data from platforms like Amazon offers a window into how these shifts are unfolding in real time.

    For Genus Innovation, the latest trends underline the outcome of its move toward customer focused energy storage systems built around lithium technology. As consumer expectations evolve, festive demand patterns suggest that reliability, integration and ease of use are becoming decisive factors in how Indian households choose their energy solutions.
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  • Reproductive Genomics Gains Focus as KMC Manipal and Anderson Diagnostics Formalise New Centre

    Dr Sharath K Rao and Dr Suriyakumar G highlighted the centre’s role in expanding access to cost-effective genomic testing and building specialist capability

    Kasturba Medical College Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, has formalised a collaboration with Anderson Diagnostics and Labs, Chennai, to establish the MAHE Anderson Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Genomics. The initiative marks a focused step towards strengthening diagnostic services, research and academic training in reproductive genetics.
    The Centre will integrate advanced next generation sequencing technologies to support genetic testing and translational research in areas related to reproductive health. It is designed to serve hospitals under the MAHE network while also extending diagnostic support to healthcare institutions across coastal Karnataka. Alongside clinical services, the Centre will contribute to research activity and capacity building in reproductive genomics.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor Health Sciences at MAHE, said the collaboration brings together MAHE’s academic and clinical ecosystem with Anderson Diagnostics’ operational experience in advanced diagnostics. He noted that the Centre would help improve access to genomic testing that is both reliable and affordable, while also strengthening regional healthcare delivery.

    Dr Suriyakumar G, Director and Radiologist at Anderson Diagnostics and Labs, said the partnership aims to ensure that research output translates effectively into standardised diagnostic reporting for patients. He added that the Centre would focus on building robust processes and high throughput testing capabilities, particularly in complex prenatal and fertility related scenarios.

    Dr Shubhashree Uppangala, Coordinator of the Centre, said the initiative seeks to address gaps in awareness and access to genomic diagnostics in reproductive health. She highlighted the importance of integrating precision medicine approaches into women’s health and reproductive care through structured research and clinical application.

    The MAHE Anderson Centre of Excellence is expected to support training programmes, interdisciplinary research and innovation in reproductive genomics, while contributing to improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. The collaboration reflects a shared effort to strengthen the application of genomic science within routine healthcare practice and academic learning.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTub.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTub
  • Post Offices Set to Become Investment Touchpoints as BSE Enables Mutual Fund Reach

    The initiative will train postal staff as certified distributors, allowing investors in rural and semi urban regions to access mutual fund products through the BSE StAR MF ecosystem

    India’s vast postal network is set to take on a new role in retail investing following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BSE and the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications. The agreement will allow mutual fund products to be distributed through India Post offices using BSE’s StAR MF platform, bringing regulated investment access closer to communities that have traditionally remained outside formal capital markets.

    The initiative leverages the scale and trust of India Post, which operates more than 1.64 lakh post offices across the country, many of them located in rural and semi urban regions. Through this collaboration, selected postal employees and agents will be trained and certified as mutual fund distributors, enabling them to guide customers through investment options and transactions in a familiar physical setting.
    BSE’s StAR MF platform currently facilitates the majority of exchange based mutual fund transactions in India, processing over seven crore transactions each month. By integrating this digital infrastructure with the postal network, the partnership seeks to address long standing barriers such as limited access, lack of awareness and hesitation among first time investors.

    The MoU was signed in New Delhi by Sundararaman Ramamurthy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BSE, and Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager at the Department of Posts, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. The agreement will remain valid for three years, with provisions for renewal.
    Under the framework, India Post personnel will undergo structured training and certification to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and investor protection norms. The focus will be on providing basic investment guidance, facilitating transactions and supporting investor education, rather than replacing existing financial advisory channels.

    For the Department of Posts, the initiative represents a gradual expansion of its financial services portfolio beyond traditional savings instruments. For BSE, it offers an opportunity to extend mutual fund participation into regions where digital only platforms have had limited reach.
    The collaboration is expected to contribute to broader financial inclusion efforts by making long term investment products more accessible and understandable for households in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. By combining trusted physical infrastructure with regulated digital systems, the initiative aims to encourage informed participation in India’s growing mutual fund ecosystem.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTub

  • Mavenark Marks First Close of Its Category II AIF as CEO Phanisekhar Ponangi Strengthens Focus on BFSI Credit and Growth Opportunities

    The Mavenark Credit and Growth Fund Series I secures its first close with a hybrid strategy that allocates at least 51 percent to performing credit and up to 49 percent to equity opportunities across India’s BFSI sector, targeting a ₹300 crore corpus supported by HNI and Ultra HNI investors.

    Mavenark Asset Managers has completed the first close of its Category II Alternative Investment Fund, the Mavenark Credit and Growth Fund Series I, marking an important step in the firm’s expansion within India’s private credit and growth capital landscape. The fund is structured as a hybrid vehicle, combining income-focused performing credit with selective equity exposure. It is designed for investors who prefer a stable return profile while also seeking long-term capital appreciation.

    The fund is targeting a final corpus of ₹300 crore, with the final close anticipated within fifteen months. It is positioned exclusively for opportunities in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sector. In line with its mandate, at least 51 percent of the corpus will be deployed into performing credit, while up to 49 percent may be allocated to equity positions, including pre-IPO and listed equity transactions. This structure enables the fund to balance predictable yield strategies with participation in India’s rapidly expanding financial services market.

    Phanisekhar Ponangi, Chief Executive Officer of Mavenark Asset Managers, remarked that the first close reflects investor confidence in the long-term prospects of the BFSI sector and in the firm’s disciplined approach to credit underwriting. He noted that the hybrid strategy is designed to help build resilient portfolios and support high-quality companies that require flexible, structured capital.
    Mavenark’s leadership team brings over seventy years of combined experience across credit and equity investing. Mr. Ponangi himself has more than two decades of experience and is known for launching India’s first performing credit fund and a dedicated debt PMS. The current fund has attracted participation from a diverse group of HNI and Ultra HNI investors who are increasingly viewing private credit as a mainstream alternate asset class.

    The fund seeks to benefit from the growing demand for structured capital solutions, particularly within financial services. With disciplined deployment and a focus on investor-aligned risk management, Mavenark aims to build a long-term track record across both public and private market strategies.
    Mavenark Asset Managers is the investment arm of the Mavenark Group. The firm follows a philosophy rooted in capital preservation, thoughtful allocation and performance consistency. Its strategies span structured credit and emerging equity opportunities and are built to function effectively across market cycles.

    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTub