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Category: News Desk

  • Indian Capital Pools Drive ₹3,900 Crore First Close for Kotak Alts Yield & Growth Fund

    Srini Sriniwasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alts, and Amit Jain, Chief Executive Officer, Kotak Yield & Growth Fund, outline the Category II AIF strategy targeting ₹5,000 crore

    Mumbai, 12 February 2026: Domestic investor participation in private credit gained momentum as Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited announced a ₹3,900 crore first close of the Kotak Yield & Growth Fund, structured as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund with a target corpus of ₹5,000 crore.
    The first close, equivalent to approximately USD 430 million, represents the largest domestic private credit fundraise from the Indian market to date. The capital was mobilised through participation from domestic family offices, Ultra High-Net-Worth Individuals, and Indian insurance companies, with distribution driven through Kotak Private Banking relationships.

    The Kotak Yield & Growth Fund follows a sector-agnostic strategy focused on cash-flow-positive assets and mid to large-sized enterprises with established governance standards. The investment framework combines stable yield-generating assets with selective growth opportunities, supported by disciplined underwriting and portfolio construction principles.
    Srini Sriniwasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alts, said the first close is significant as it marks the platform’s first domestic fundraise from Indian investors. He noted that earlier strategies were largely supported by global institutional investors and added that the fund extends institutional-grade governance and investment discipline to a domestic investor base.

    Amit Jain, Chief Executive Officer, Kotak Yield & Growth Fund, said the response reflects investor confidence in the platform’s risk management framework and execution capabilities. He added that in the current credit environment, investors are increasingly seeking predictable income alongside downside protection, which the fund aims to address through a structured investment approach.
    The fund seeks to leverage India’s expanding private credit landscape while maintaining focus on underwriting rigor, capital preservation, and clearly defined exit pathways as it progresses toward its targeted corpus.

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  • Grid Infrastructure Momentum Builds as Hartek Secures ₹735 Crore Substation Orders Across Nine States

    Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hartek Group, links the contracts spanning 66 kV to 765 kV to rising renewable and industrial power demand

    Power transmission infrastructure expansion continues across India, with Hartek Group announcing cumulative substation and transmission orders worth ₹735 crore through its Power Systems business unit.
    The contracts span utility public sector undertakings, independent power producers, and industrial clients. The projects cover voltage levels ranging from 66 kV to 765 kV and are distributed across Jammu, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

    The scope of work includes substation development and associated transmission infrastructure designed to support regional and interstate power evacuation. These projects are expected to contribute to grid stability and strengthen transmission capacity in high-demand corridors.
    Commenting on the development, Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hartek Group, said that as renewable energy capacity and industrial power consumption expand, integrated and resilient grid infrastructure becomes increasingly important. He noted that the company’s capabilities in delivering substations, protection systems, and end-to-end engineering solutions position it to support evolving power network requirements.

    The order wins reinforce Hartek’s presence in high-voltage engineering and execution, with expertise spanning substations, switchyards, and protection systems across multiple voltage classes. The milestone also aligns with the company’s recent strategic expansion into integrated solar-plus-storage solutions, including grid-synchronised Battery Energy Storage Systems.
    With end-to-end engineering and execution capabilities across voltage levels from 66 kV to 765 kV, Hartek continues to deepen its footprint in India’s utility and industrial power infrastructure landscape.

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  • Sovereign cloud operating model takes shape under Capgemini and Microsoft alignment

    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini, and Judson Althoff, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Commercial Business, detail plans to embed compliance, resilience and AI capabilities into enterprise cloud architectures

    Mumbai, 11 February 2026: Capgemini and Microsoft are formalising an integrated sovereign cloud operating model aimed at enterprises navigating regulatory, geopolitical and operational complexity.
    The alignment is structured around a managed cloud service framework that incorporates sovereignty controls, compliance oversight and operational continuity planning into digital and AI programmes. The model supports adoption of Microsoft’s Sovereign Cloud environments, including sovereign public, sovereign private and national partner cloud configurations.

    Under the framework, enterprises will be guided through sovereignty assessments to define regulatory exposure, risk posture and operational dependencies. Based on sector and jurisdictional requirements, organisations can determine appropriate workload placement across Microsoft’s sovereign cloud environments while maintaining continuity plans to address potential disruptions.
    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini, said enterprise leaders are operating in an environment where cloud innovation must be balanced with regulatory alignment and risk management. He said the alignment with Microsoft is intended to provide structured pathways for embedding sovereignty throughout digital and AI deployments.

    Judson Althoff, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Commercial Business, said organisations increasingly require cloud and AI capabilities that preserve control over data and operational frameworks. He said the alignment is designed to deliver sovereign cloud solutions spanning public, private and national partner models, allowing enterprises to meet compliance obligations while sustaining operational resilience.
    The joint focus areas include sovereignty by design for AI and cloud transformation projects, integrated risk and compliance visibility across sovereign environments, predefined resiliency execution scenarios to maintain continuity during geopolitical or cyber events, and automated data protection through AI driven cyber defence, encryption and identity governance tools.

    The collaboration will extend across regulated sectors including financial services, public administration, defence, telecommunications, life sciences, manufacturing and national critical infrastructure.
    Capgemini and Microsoft have maintained a partnership spanning more than two decades. In 2024, Capgemini and Orange launched Bleu, a trusted cloud initiative in France designed to address sovereign cloud requirements for public agencies and critical operators using Microsoft technologies.
    Capgemini operates in more than 50 countries with approximately 420,000 employees and reported global revenues of €22.1 billion in 2024.
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  • Management Education Model Expands with 15+9 PGDM Structure at Vivekanand Business School

    Sandeep Bhardwaj, Director, Vivekanand Business School, outlines how the Transformation Pathway integrates 15 months of classroom learning with a 9 month industry internship

    A redesigned approach to management education is being introduced at Vivekanand Business School, which has announced a 15+9 Post Graduate Diploma in Management structure titled the Transformation Pathway.
    The programme combines 15 months of classroom-based academic study with a structured 9 month internship, creating a defined transition from theoretical learning to applied industry experience. The model positions immersion in real business environments as an integral component rather than an optional add-on.

    Built around four pillars identified as Program, People, Place, and Proof of Quality, the curriculum integrates business fundamentals with emerging technologies, micro-credits, open electives, industry projects, and global exposure components. The academic delivery is supported by a faculty base where 95 percent hold doctoral qualifications, with an average of 15 years of professional and academic experience.
    Commenting on the programme, Sandeep Bhardwaj, Director, Vivekanand Business School, said the structure is designed to ensure that management concepts are reinforced through direct industry application. He noted that integrating classroom learning with hands-on exposure enables students to develop workplace readiness from the outset of their careers.

    The diploma is accredited by the National Board of Accreditation and is recognised as equivalent to an MBA by the Association of Indian Universities. Through partnerships and structured industry pathways, the institution aims to align academic preparation with evolving corporate expectations.

    The 15+9 format reflects a broader shift within management education toward experiential learning models that prioritise applied exposure alongside conceptual depth, particularly as employers seek graduates equipped for immediate contribution in dynamic business environments.
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  • Young India Fellowship shifts to fully supported cohort for 2026 to 27 academic year

    Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, reflects on the programme’s 15 year journey as applications close on 23 March 2026

    New Delhi, 11 February 2026: Ashoka University will extend scholarship support to every selected candidate in the upcoming Young India Fellowship Class of 2026 to 27, marking a structural shift in how the programme is funded.
    The Young India Fellowship, instituted in 2011, enters its 16th cohort this year and completes 15 years since inception. The programme preceded the formal establishment of the University in 2014 and is regarded as one of its foundational academic initiatives.

    For the upcoming cohort, all selected Fellows will receive either partial or full financial support. The scholarship support is enabled through backing from HDFC Bank.
    Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is 23 February 2026, while the final round closes on 23 March 2026. The application process is free, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online personal interview.

    The year long residential postgraduate diploma programme is structured around four pillars: core and elective coursework, critical inquiry and expression, immersive experiential learning, and holistic learning and engagement. Fellows complete approximately 18 interdisciplinary courses and undertake a real world project under faculty mentorship.
    The incoming class is expected to comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are eligible, including final year undergraduate students who will complete their degree by July 2026. There is no age limit.

    The current Class of 2026 spans ages 19 to 39 and represents 80 undergraduate institutions across four countries and 67 cities and towns. Thirty five percent identify as first generation college goers, while 59 percent bring prior full time work experience.
    Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, said the Young India Fellowship has built a strong record in leadership development over the past 15 years. He said alumni are working across government, civil society, development, academia, research, sports, performing arts, multilateral organisations, the corporate sector, and entrepreneurship.
    Scholarship support under the programme ranges from 25 percent to full funding covering tuition, residence, and meals. Around 10 candidates will receive the Chancellor’s Scholarship covering full tuition and residence costs. In the current cohort, 59 percent received full tuition waivers or more, 32 percent were fully funded including residence and meals, and 17 Fellows were named Chancellor’s Scholars.
    Ashoka University operates as a non profit institution under the Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006, and is located in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana. The University has more than 3,000 students and over 20 Centres of Excellence across disciplines.
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  • National AI Literacy Push Advances as Coursera Collaborates with IndiaAI Mission to Launch YUVA AI for ALL

    Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director, India and Asia Pacific at Coursera, and Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiaAI Mission, outline the goal of equipping 10 million citizens with foundational AI skills

    A nationwide effort to strengthen artificial intelligence literacy is underway as Coursera announced a collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, to offer the YUVA AI for ALL foundational course on its platform.
    The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s objective of enabling 10 million citizens with essential AI skills and is positioned as a free, self-paced national programme accessible to students, professionals, and individuals seeking foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence.

    India is projected to account for 20 percent of the world’s working-age population by 2047, according to McKinsey & Company. However, the country currently represents approximately 16 percent of the global AI talent pool. With the World Economic Forum estimating that 38 percent of Indian workers’ core skills will evolve by 2030, the initiative seeks to bridge emerging capability gaps and prepare learners for a technology-driven economy.

    The YUVA AI for ALL course blends global AI fundamentals with Indian social and economic contexts. Developed with contributions from AI experts including Jaspreet Bindra and Anuj Magazine, the curriculum is structured into six modules that introduce learners to AI applications across classrooms, workplaces, creative industries, and public services. The course also addresses safety, security, and ethical considerations in AI use. Participants who complete the programme will receive an official certificate from the Government of India.
    According to Coursera’s 2025 Learner Trends data, Indian learners recorded four million generative AI course enrollments, reflecting a 70 percent year-on-year increase. High-growth areas include agentic AI, automation workflows, AI-driven creativity, data literacy, and decision intelligence.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director, India and Asia Pacific at Coursera, said that equipping citizens with foundational AI skills is critical to leveraging India’s demographic advantage. He noted that demand for generative AI learning continues to grow, with multiple enrollments recorded every minute in 2025.
    Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiaAI Mission, said the programme reflects the government’s focus on broad-based AI awareness and equitable access to emerging technologies. He added that partnerships with digital learning platforms are central to expanding AI literacy and supporting inclusive innovation.
    The course is available on Coursera’s platform and is intended to serve as a foundation for wider AI adoption across sectors, supporting India’s broader ambition of becoming an AI-enabled economy.
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  • Insurance distribution widens as HDFC Life aligns with Muthoot FinCorp’s branch network

    Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, and Shaji Varghese, Chief Executive Officer of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., outline plans to offer protection and long term savings products through 3,750 plus branches

    Mumbai, 10 February 2026: HDFC Life has entered into a distribution arrangement with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. that will make its life insurance solutions available across the latter’s nationwide branch and digital network.
    Under the arrangement, customers of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. will be able to access HDFC Life’s group and individual life insurance offerings, including protection products and long term savings solutions designed to support defined financial goals. Distribution will take place through Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s network of more than 3,750 branches across India, in addition to its digital platform.

    The tie up combines HDFC Life’s insurance manufacturing and underwriting capabilities with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s customer reach and physical presence across urban, semi urban, and rural markets.
    Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, said the arrangement supports the industry objective of Insurance for All by 2047. She said the collaboration will help extend relevant life insurance solutions to both existing and new customers of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., while integrated digital processes will enable efficient servicing across touchpoints.

    Shaji Varghese, Chief Executive Officer of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., said both organisations share a foundation built on customer trust. He said the integration of HDFC Life’s product and risk expertise with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s branch network and digital platforms is aimed at offering meaningful financial protection solutions to Indian families.

    The development reflects a broader trend in the insurance sector, where life insurers are strengthening distribution through established non banking financial institutions to widen penetration and deepen financial protection coverage.
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  • HGS reports Q3 FY2026 results amid AI led transformation phase

    Venkatesh Korla, Global Chief Executive Officer of Hinduja Global Solutions, and Vynsley Fernandes, Whole time Director of HGS and Chief Executive Officer of NXTDIGITAL media businesses, comment on performance and outlook

    Mumbai, 11 February 2026: Hinduja Global Solutions announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of FY2026, reporting moderated performance as the company advances its ongoing transformation strategy centred on artificial intelligence and digital capabilities.

    For Q3 FY2026, consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs. 1,075.4 crore, up 1.1 percent year on year. Total income was Rs. 1,192.2 crore, reflecting a decline of 3.5 percent year on year. Total EBITDA for the quarter was Rs. 133.7 crore, with EBITDA margins at 11.2 percent compared to 19.0 percent in Q3 FY2025.
    For the nine month period ended December 31, 2025, revenue from operations was Rs. 3,222.7 crore, down 0.6 percent year on year. Total income stood at Rs. 3,602.4 crore, a decline of 1.6 percent year on year. EBITDA for the period was Rs. 451.4 crore, with margins at 12.5 percent compared to 14.5 percent in the corresponding period of FY2025.

    During the quarter, HGS added 21 new clients in digital CX and technology solutions and 16 clients in HRO and payroll processing. The company also signed multiple engagements focused on early stage AI deployments, particularly across banking, financial services, retail, and technology sectors.
    As of December 31, 2025, HGS had 423 active digital CX and technology clients and 873 HRO and payroll processing clients. Its digital media business, NXTDIGITAL, serves more than 4.8 million customers. HGS operates in 10 countries through 30 global delivery centres and had a total headcount of 17,549 employees at the end of the quarter.

    The company also received multiple recognitions during the period, including awards for its CX analytics solution HGS DaVinci and acknowledgements from global analyst firms for its digital transformation and GenAI capabilities.
    Venkatesh Korla, Global Chief Executive Officer of Hinduja Global Solutions, said the quarter reflected steady progress in the company’s transformation agenda despite certain client specific volume shifts. He said demand for AI driven customer experience and intelligent operations is influencing the nature of client engagements, with enterprises seeking partners that combine domain expertise and advanced AI capabilities. He added that the company enters the final quarter of FY2026 with improved visibility and a stronger base for sustainable performance.

    Commenting on the Digital Media division, Vynsley Fernandes, Whole time Director of HGS and Chief Executive Officer of NXTDIGITAL media businesses, said the business delivered steady performance supported by operational discipline. He noted that broadband subscriber traction remained consistent, supported by higher speed plan adoption and an improved customer mix. He added that expansion into Tier III markets is progressing, with 59 of the identified 100 towns operational and the remaining expected to go live by the first quarter of the next fiscal year. He also said the broadband vertical recorded sequential margin improvement through cost optimisation and improved capacity utilisation, while the digital television business maintained ARPU stability.
    HGS is part of the Hinduja Group and operates across customer experience management, business process management, digital transformation, and digital media services.
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  • Enterprise Autonomy in Focus as Honeywell and TCS Align OT and IT Capabilities with AI

    Ashish Modi, President Honeywell India and Asia Pacific, and Anupam Singhal, President Manufacturing Business Group at Tata Consultancy Services, outline how the collaboration aims to enable intelligent building and industrial operations

    Enterprise automation is moving beyond isolated control systems toward integrated, data driven autonomy as Honeywell and Tata Consultancy Services announced a strategic collaboration to help building and industrial operators unify operational technology and information technology environments using artificial intelligence.
    The initiative combines Honeywell’s experience in operational technology automation, control systems, and AI powered analytics with TCS’ capabilities in IT modernisation, cloud infrastructure, and consulting. The objective is to create a digital foundation that allows real time visibility, predictive intelligence, and autonomous process control across enterprise environments.

    Under the collaboration, Honeywell will integrate its automation platforms, including Honeywell Forge and its industrial and building suites, with TCS’ IT and consulting capabilities. The approach is designed to support the flow of operational data into enterprise IT systems, enabling operators to transition from traditional automation to enterprise wide autonomy.
    The integrated framework is expected to allow systems to perceive, analyse, act, and learn across connected environments. By converging OT and IT into a unified infrastructure, building managers and industrial operators can gain improved visibility into asset performance, operational risks, and process efficiency.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Ashish Modi, President Honeywell India and Asia Pacific, said, “Our customers manage complex operations where OT and IT have traditionally functioned separately. With advancements in 5G connectivity, cloud computing, and AI, the convergence of these domains can accelerate operational insight and efficiency. Bringing these capabilities together through one cohesive system is expected to support safer, more agile, and more informed decision making.”
    Anupam Singhal, President Manufacturing Business Group at Tata Consultancy Services, said the partnership focuses on enabling enterprises to adopt autonomous workflows at scale. “By combining industry expertise with digital and AI capabilities, we aim to help organisations run more connected and efficient operations. This collaboration reflects a shared focus on long term value and enabling customers to make more intelligent decisions as they modernise their infrastructure.”

    As part of the initiative, Honeywell will leverage its AI enabled industrial technologies and OT cybersecurity capabilities to support process efficiency, asset uptime, and workforce productivity. The offering will initially be introduced to customers in India before expanding to global markets, including the United States and the Middle East.
    The collaboration reflects a broader industry shift toward integrated digital ecosystems where operational and enterprise data converge to support autonomous decision frameworks in buildings and industrial environments.

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  • BSE Issues Fresh Warning on Fraudulent Deepfake Video Targeting Its MD and CEO

    The exchange says a resurfaced video falsely using Sundararaman Ramamurthy’s identity promotes fake stock tips and guaranteed returns

    BSE Limited has issued a caution to investors after a previously circulated fraudulent deepfake video resurfaced across social media and messaging platforms. The video falsely features Sundararaman Ramamurthy, Managing Director and CEO of BSE, and claims to offer stock market tips and investment advice.
    According to BSE, the video includes fabricated and misleading assertions, such as promises of guaranteed or unusually high returns, recommendations to invest in select stocks for multi fold gains within a short time frame, and invitations to join private WhatsApp or Telegram groups for so called exclusive investment tips.

    BSE clarified that the content is entirely fake, unauthorised, and created using deepfake technology. The exchange stated that neither Sundararaman Ramamurthy nor any official of BSE, in any capacity, provides stock tips, investment recommendations, or operates messaging groups or channels for investors.
    The exchange further cautioned that such deepfake videos and fraudulent content may continue to resurface in different formats from time to time. Investors have been advised not to believe, forward, or engage with such material and to rely solely on communications issued through BSE’s official platforms and SEBI registered intermediaries for verified and authentic information.

    BSE also stated that it is taking necessary steps to have the misleading content removed and to initiate appropriate action against those responsible for creating and circulating the fraudulent material.

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