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Category: MAM

  • Is a lumpsum investment in mutual funds safe?

    Is a lumpsum investment in mutual funds safe?

    Investing your capital in mutual funds through a lumpsum investment can be rewarding, but you must understand the risks and benefits involved. When aligned with long-term financial goals, lumpsum investments offer a way to grow your wealth. However, the safety of lumpsum investments depends on factors including market conditions, the mutual fund scheme, and your risk tolerance. 

    This article explores lumpsum investment in mutual funds, their benefits, risks, and strategies to maximise returns. 

    Understanding lumpsum investment

    In a lumpsum investment, you invest substantial capital at once rather than spreading it out through periodic contributions. This approach is suitable if you have a significant amount and want it to work for you in the market.

    You can make lumpsum investments through mutual funds in stocks, bonds, and other securities. Mutual funds allow you to benefit from professional fund management and market opportunities. 

    Benefits of lumpsum investment in mutual funds

    •    Investing a lumpsum amount in mutual funds during a market upswing has the potential to generate sizeable returns. Since your entire capital is exposed to market movements from the start, it can benefit from an upward trend, though market fluctuations remain a risk.

    •    A lumpsum investment allows more capital to be invested upfront, giving it a longer runway to grow and recover from short-term market fluctuations while benefiting from compounding. This makes it suitable for long-term financial objectives like education or retirement.

    •    A lumpsum investment is simple as it involves only an initial transaction, eliminating the need to track multiple payment dates. However, it requires careful market timing and risk assessment, making it better suited for investors comfortable with market fluctuations.

    Risks associated with lumpsum investment

    •    One of the primary risks of lumpsum investment is immediate exposure to market volatility. Since the entire amount is invested at once, there is no cost averaging to mitigate risks. If the market declines soon after investment, your portfolio value could significantly drop, leading to potential short-term losses.

    •    Timing the market accurately is extremely difficult, making lumpsum investments risky. Investing at market highs may lead to lower returns, while investing before a downturn could result in significant losses. Since predicting market movements is nearly impossible, investors must be prepared for potential volatility.

    To understand the potential of your lumpsum investment, consider using the lumpsum calculator. 

    Using a lumpsum calculator

    A lumpsum calculator helps you estimate the future value of your investments. It provides a picture of potential returns, which assists in effectively planning and managing finances. By entering the investment amount, duration, and expected rate of return, the calculator provides an estimate of the maturity value. 

    For example, if you invest INR 1 lakh in a mutual fund with an expected return of 12% per annum for 30 years, the lumpsum calculator would estimate the total investment value to be about INR 29.95 lakh. This demonstrates how compounding works over time, allowing your investment to grow exponentially. 

    Strategic use of lumpsum investments

    To mitigate the risks associated with lumpsum investments, you can adopt a few strategies: 

    •    Invest in a mutual fund that offers diversification across asset classes and sectors. This helps by spreading risk and enhancing returns.

    •    Research the mutual fund’s historical performance, expense ratio, and the fund manager’s track record. This can provide insights into the fund’s potential to deliver consistent returns.

    •    The mutual fund should align with your liquidity needs. Some funds have lock-in periods, which prevents you from liquidating them in case of emergencies. 

    By following these strategies, you can optimise your lumpsum investments while minimising risks. 

    Conclusion

    A lumpsum investment in mutual funds can be a strategic move when planned carefully with a long-term perspective. While it may carry inherent risks, such as market volatility and timing the market, these can be mitigated through diversification, research, and an investment strategy.

    A lumpsum calculator can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations for investments. However, the safety of lumpsum investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. 
     

  • Trip Cancellation Coverage in Travel Insurance and How to Claim It

    Trip Cancellation Coverage in Travel Insurance and How to Claim It

    Traveling is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in your life. It allows you to explore different cultures, traditions, places, history, and even discover more about yourself. The joys of travelling can open new dimensions of peace, while disruptions in these plans can create a perpetual sense of dissatisfaction.

    Trip cancellations are essentially unforeseen events that prevent you from following through on your plans. They can arise due to a number of reasons including medical emergencies, natural disasters or personal crisis. When these unplanned and unwanted situations arise, trip cancellation coverage helps you deal with the financial setbacks. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo with individual travel insurance or with a group with group travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage will help you recover non-refundable expenses.

    What is travel insurance and what does it cover?

    Domestic or international travel insurance is a financial contract in which you, as the policy holder, acquire financial safety while the insurer guarantees to provide support during unforeseen events. In India, the travel insurance policies are regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, commonly known as IRDA. Under this governing presence, insurers ensure standardised coverage for domestic andinternational travel insurance plans designed for individual and groups alike.

    The majority of comprehensive travel insurance policies in India offer the following benefits under the coverage:

    Medical emergencies cover hospitalisation charges as well as medical treatments and emergency evacuation if you fall ill or suffer injuries during your trip.

    Trip Cancellation and Trip Disruption reimburse you for prepaid and non-refundable expenses when your journey is delayed or cancelled due to extenuating circumstances.

    Many renowned Indian travel insurance providers such as HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Tata AIG and others offer customised policies that cater to both individual and group travellers. You can avail of individual travel insurance plans if you’re travelling solo, or opt for group travel insurance when you travel with your colleagues, friends, family, and other people.

    What is trip cancellation coverage?

    The majority of coverage under domestic and international travel insurance plans deals with emergencies that you can neither foresee nor address without planning. Among them, trip cancellation coverage is a very specific component of travel insurance that reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

    The following reasons are generally accepted as viable causes for trip cancellations coverage:

    Medical emergencies

    If you suddenly fall ill, incur injuries or need hospitalisation, you may cancel your trip. The insurer will help you by providing the necessary compensation for non-refundable charges such as hotel booking, flights, etc.

    Death of a family member

    If an immediate relative passes away before the trip or during, you may delay or cancel your trip for which the insurer will provide the necessary compensation.

    Natural disasters

    Unforeseeable and uncontrollable calamities such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones may affect your travel destination, thus disallowing you from continuing on your journey. In such cases, domestic or international travel insurance can provide reimbursement.

    Terrorism and civil unrest

    Certain issues may arise due to governmental disconcerns that affect certain regions. Such disturbances would prevent you from continuing on your journey, in which case your travel insurance plan will reimburse you the non-refundable amounts.

    It is important to keep in mind that whether you choose individual travel insurance or group travel insurance, if the reasons for cancellation are not included in the contract, the insurer is not bound to pay. This could happen due to personal reasons, visa rejections, and unnecessary or spontaneous changes in travel plans that are not impacted by the terms and conditions of the contract.

    How to file a claim for trip cancellation coverage in India?

    Upon purchasing a group or individual travel insurance plan for domestic or international trips, you can rest assured that the insurer has your back when you suffer unprecedented setbacks. In such cases, you will need to file a claim against your domestic or international travel insurance for the trip cancellation coverage. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

    Check the terms of your policy carefully and understand the terms and conditions related to trip cancellation. It will help you realise whether or not you are filing a legitimate claim, after which you can proceed with the next steps.

    As soon as you suspect cancellation of your trip or extenuating circumstances that could result in cancellation, you must immediately inform your insurance provider. The majority of Indian insurers such as HDFC, Ergo, Bajaj Alliance and others offer 24/7 helplines and online portals where you can report the incident and file your claim.

    You will need to gather a few necessary documents when submitting a claim form for trip cancellation, which are as follows:

    Proof of trip cancellation via official communication from airlines, hotels and other operators involved in the tour.

    Medical reports pertaining to the necessity to delay or cancel your trip, such as doctor’s certificate, hospital discharge summary, medical bills, etc.

    Death certificate of the immediate relative who passed away, thus resulting in the trip cancellation.

    Travel and payment receipts, such as copies of flight bookings, hotel reservations and other prepaid expenses for which you need reimbursement.

    First incident report or FIR filed for theft, civil unrest or legal issues that led to trip cancellations.

    Once you have all the documents handy, you must fill out the claim form online on the insurer’s portal or app. You must ensure absolute accuracy when filling out the form, especially about personal details, trip details, cancellation reasons, supporting documents and your domestic or international travel insurance ID.

    You must submit the travel insurance trip cancellation coverage claim within the specified deadline. In India, this period is typically between 30 to 60 days of the trip cancellation. If you delay in filing the claim, it may be rejected.

    After submitting the claim form with the necessary documents, you can keep track of its status by contacting the insurer’s customer support system. Typically, Indian insurers process claims within 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the claim and the verification process.

    Trip cancellation coverage can be immensely helpful, especially when you’re traveling internationally. Given the difference in currency, any delays and cancellation of your journey could result in massive unforeseen payments. This would be a cumbersome endeavour, but international travel insurance can bail you out of such situations.

    Conclusion

    Trip cancellation coverage in travel insurance is designed to provide financial relief when you are in an unknown land facing unforeseen disruptions. Understanding what is covered, the terms and conditions of the plan and following the correct claim process can help ensure a hassle-free experience.

    It is important that you read the terms and conditions of the policy document carefully when purchasing group or individual travel insurance policies. It will enlighten you about the limitations and inclusions of your plan, thus allowing you to file legitimate claims. It is also crucial that you purchase your domestic or international travel insurance policy from an IRDAI-approved provider to guarantee necessary support in your time of need.

    Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales. 

  • Goafest 2025 returns to Goa with a bang

    Goafest 2025 returns to Goa with a bang

    MUMBAI:  South Asia’s biggest creative extravaganza, Goafest, is heading back to its spiritual home in Goa for its eighteenth edition. Organised by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), Goafest 2025 will take place from 21 to 23 May at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon Goa. This year, the festival welcomes Amazon MX Player as its title sponsor.

    A fresh twist awaits attendees with the debut of the ‘Goafest Village’—a dynamic, multi-venue experience packed with immersive engagements under one roof. Themed ‘Ignite _____’, the festival is set to spark game-changing discussions on creativity, brand evolution and consumer engagement.

    Celebrated as the mecca of advertising, media and marketing, Goafest promises three action-packed days of learning, networking and inspiration. The Abby Awards Powered by One Show will once again take centre stage, honouring South Asia’s most outstanding creative minds.
     

    Prasanth Kumar, Rana Barua, Jaideep Gandhi

    GroupM South Asia CEO & AAAI president Prasanth Kumar said, “Goafest is a beacon of creativity and connection. Returning to Goa feels like coming home. ‘Ignite _____’ is more than a theme—it’s a call to action for bold ideas, groundbreaking conversations and visionary thinking. The Goafest Village concept will elevate networking, collaboration and the overall festival experience.”

    TA president and group CEO of Havas India, south east and north Asia Rana Barua added: “Goafest is where ideas meet impact. This year, we aim to push creative boundaries further with ‘Ignite _____’. The AbbyY Awards Powered by One Show continue to be the gold standard of creative excellence, and this year’s edition will be nothing short of inspiring.”

    Goafest 2025 organising committee  chairman Jaideep Gandhi promised an even bigger spectacle, saying, “With new initiatives like Goafest Village, we are redefining engagement, learning and industry collaboration. Our mission is to propel India’s creative and marketing ecosystem onto the global stage.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO and co-chair of the organising committee  Mohit Joshi, added, “Tech, data and agility are rewriting advertising. At Goafest 2025, we’ll ignite powerful conversations that challenge norms and fuel ideas with real-world impact.”
     

    Ajay Kakar, Aruna Daryanani, Mohit Joshi

    “Goafest has always been a platform where the brightest minds in advertising, media, and marketing converge to exchange ideas and push creative boundaries. Bringing the festival back to Goa this year is about rekindling the energy and spirit that makes Goafest truly special. With a larger-than-ever scale, immersive experiences, and an inspiring lineup of industry leaders, Goafest 2025 will be a space where innovation meets opportunity. We are excited to welcome the entire industry to Goa for three days of learning, networking, and, most importantly, celebrating creativity. We also look forward to honoring the best minds in the industry with the Abby Awards Powered by One Show,” added Adani group corporate branding Ajay Kakar.
     

    Amazon MX Player  director Aruna Daryanani, highlighted the synergy between the festival and the brand’s mission: “As a platform redefining entertainment and advertising, we’re thrilled to partner with Goafest 2025. The theme ‘Ignite _____’ aligns perfectly with our vision of pushing creative and content boundaries.”

    Drawing over 2,000 industry professionals annually, Goafest 2025 is set to be bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever. Expect a melting pot of creativity, commerce and culture—all under the Goan sun.

  • Rajesh Rana takes the reins as ITDC’s marketing chief

    Rajesh Rana takes the reins as ITDC’s marketing chief

    MUMBAI:  Hospitality veteran Rajesh Rana has been appointed director (commercial & marketing) at India Tourism Development Corp  (ITDC). The ministry of tourism, in an order dated 10 March 2025, confirmed the appointment committee of the cabinet’s (ACC) nod for his five-year stint—or until further notice. Rana took charge today, 17 March 2025.

    A hospitality honcho with 26 years in the trade, Rana brings deep expertise in catering, tourism, marketing and business operations. An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Lucknow, with an MBA in marketing, he started out as a management trainee with Jaypee Hotels before making his mark at PSU THDC India Ltd.

    Rana’s career took off when he joined IRCTC in 2005, where he spent 19 years masterminding hospitality and tourism strategies. He climbed the ladder from deputy general manager to general manager, steering operations across regional, zonal and corporate offices. His knack for product development, marketing and risk management has left a lasting imprint on railway catering and tourism.

    Before his ITDC move, Rana served as general manager at IRCTC’s corporate office in New Delhi, also doubling as chief risk officer. With ITDC now in his hands, expect a shake-up in tourism marketing and commercial strategy.

  • HUL seals the deal: Uprising Science takeover gets CCI nod

    HUL seals the deal: Uprising Science takeover gets CCI nod

    MUMBAI:  Hindustan Unilever Ltd  (HUL) is set to expand its beauty and personal care empire, acquiring a 90.5 per cent stake in Uprising Science Pvt Ltd , with the remaining 9.5 per cent to follow in two years. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given the green light to the transaction under Section 6(2) read with Section 5(a) of the Competition Act, 2002.

    HUL, a behemoth in the FMCG space, boasts a portfolio spanning home care, beauty and personal care, and food and refreshments. Its 50+ brands include household names like Lux, Surf Excel, Lakmé, Knorr, and Kwality Wall’s. With manufacturing facilities across India and a vast distribution network, the company dominates the consumer market.

    Uprising Science, the target in this acquisition, specialises in beauty and personal care, particularly skincare, body care, baby care and hair care products. The acquisition is expected to strengthen HUL’s grip on the premium beauty segment, expanding its product range and market share.

    The companies argued that the deal won’t shake up India’s competitive landscape. However, they acknowledged overlaps in key markets, including skincare and haircare, as well as vertical linkages such as sales through beauty salons. The strategic move aligns with HUL’s broader push into high-growth personal care categories.

    With CCI’s approval in the bag, HUL is set to make further waves in the beauty business. Expect bold moves ahead.

  • Morepen Laboratories’ sugar-busting bargain hits Indian market

    Morepen Laboratories’ sugar-busting bargain hits Indian market

    MUMBAI: Morepen Laboratories has unleashed Empamore, a wallet-friendly weapon against Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease that promises to shake up treatment for millions in the world’s diabetes capital.

    With India groaning under the weight of 101 million diabetes cases, the pharmaceutical firm’s latest offering aims to deliver the same therapeutic punch as pricier alternatives at a fraction of the cost—a sweet deal for patients previously priced out of optimal care.

    The new drug, empagliflozin, belongs to the coveted class of SGLT2 inhibitors and will be available in various formulations, including combinations with metformin. All products are manufactured at Morepen’s facilities, which boast the American regulator’s stamp of approval.

    “At Morepen, we are dedicated to democratising healthcare by making world-class treatments accessible to all,” declared vice president of sales & marketing Ashutosh Sharma. “With Empamore, we are providing a trusted, high-quality diabetes treatment at nearly 90 per cent lower cost than existing brands, helping millions manage their condition effectively without financial strain.”

    This aggressive pricing strategy aims to capture a hefty slice of India’s diabetes market, which is expected to grow at a robust 10.9 per cent compound annual growth rate as pre-diabetes cases swell to a staggering 136 million.

    Morepen is no newcomer to the diabetes battleground. The company has already flooded the market with more than 12.33 million glucometers and a mind-boggling 1.65 billion blood glucose strips, establishing itself as a familiar name in medicine cabinets across the subcontinent.

    The firm’s latest offering promises more than just glycaemic control, addressing cardiovascular and renal complications while packaging the pills in perforated strips for patients who might otherwise struggle with adherence.

    With a global footprint spanning 82 countries, Morepen’s bargain-basement diabetes treatment may soon be sweetening the lives of patients far beyond Indian shores—proving that sometimes, the best medicine is the one you can actually afford.

  • Pukka brews a relaxing storm with self care in a cup’ campaign

    Pukka brews a relaxing storm with self care in a cup’ campaign

    MUMBAI: In a world that’s always on the boil, Pukka is serving up a much-needed pause. The UK’s no. one herbal infusion brand, recently launched in India by Unilever, has unveiled its latest campaign ‘self care in a cup’ encouraging consumers to slow down, unwind, and embrace relaxation.

    At the heart of this campaign is what could be the internet’s most calming film, an ASMR-inspired visual retreat crafted to soothe the senses. Conceptualised by Lowe Lintas, the film blends nature-inspired imagery, rhythmic sounds, and a gentle narrative, transporting viewers into a world of serenity, one sip at a time.

    Pukka’s wellness-first approach extends beyond visuals. The brand has also nudged night owls towards better sleep with thoughtfully placed ads on Spotify and Instagram, gently reminding them to swap late-night scrolling for a warm, caffeine-free herbal infusion.

    Leading the charge in this relaxation revolution is Pukka chamomile and lavender for night time sleep, a blend infused with Ayurvedic wisdom and handpicked herbs known to calm the mind and promote restful slumber.

    “With Pukka, we are committed to bringing the power of herbal wellness to every home. This film is more than just a visual escape, it’s an invitation for India to sip mindfully and embrace self-care,” said Unilever Beverages India head Ishtpreet Singh.

    Now available across top metro cities and major e-commerce platforms, Pukka’s herbal infusions are brewing a wellness movement, one cup at a time.
     

  • Oneplus shoots for the stars, puts Dolby Vision in every creator’s pocket

    Oneplus shoots for the stars, puts Dolby Vision in every creator’s pocket

    MUMBAI: Ever fancied yourself the next Scorsese but stuck filming cat videos? Good news! Oneplus is here to rescue you (and maybe even your bored feline) from cinematic obscurity. The smartphone giant is handing everyday creators a Hollywood upgrade with Dolby Vision technology, right on the sleek new Oneplus 13. Because who needs Spielberg when your phone can make your selfies look Oscar-worthy?

    On 13 March 2025, Oneplus launched its snazzy new campaign, #ShootYourShort, encouraging storytellers, filmmakers, and content creators to flex their cinematic muscles using the impressive Dolby Vision features on the Oneplus 13.

    To kickstart the fun, Oneplus roped in four award-winning directors—Maanvi Bedi, Sreemoyi Singh, Chattarpal Ninawane, and Mohammad Ali—to showcase their short films, shot entirely on Oneplus 13. These shorts capture the vibrant, colourful chaos of Holi, turning ordinary festival moments into visual masterpieces. Think vibrant colours, sharp contrasts, and emotional storytelling that could make even Tarantino raise an eyebrow.

    “At Oneplus India, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography and videography,” said Oneplus India director of marketing Ishita Grover. “With #ShootYourShort, we are providing creators and our community an opportunity to explore their artistic vision using the power of Dolby Vision on the Oneplus 13. With Holi around the corner, this campaign celebrates the festival’s vibrant colors and emotions, bringing them to life with stunning picture quality. We are committed to delivering a cinema-grade experience in Dolby Vision that empowers professionals and enthusiasts alike to create visually stunning content with the Oneplus 13.”

    Echoing this enthusiasm, Sameer Seth from Dolby Laboratories chimed in, “Dolby Vision has long been the imaging technology of choice for the world’s leading storytellers and device makers enabling them to deliver unparalleled visual experiences. With the Oneplus 13, we are excited to bring this content creation technology into the hands of everyday creators, empowering them to capture every detail with incredible contrast and lifelike colors. Dolby Vision ensures that every frame is optimized for brilliance and naturalness, allowing creators to push the boundaries of smartphone cinematography.” Translation: your Tiktok dances are about to get Oscar-level cinematography.

    But the cinematic fun doesn’t stop there. Oneplus is inviting all creative minds (yes, even you binge-watchers) to join the #ShootYourShort challenge. Participants can submit their own cinematic mini-masterpieces inspired by a colour of their choice, highlighting the powerful capabilities of Oneplus 13’s Dolby Vision videography.

    To sweeten the deal, the top three submissions will bask in glory (and bragging rights), proving that cinema magic truly fits into your pocket.

    So, grab your Oneplus 13, say ‘action!’, and remember—even Spielberg had to start somewhere.

  • Sintex rolls up sleeves to honour plumbers, gives credit where pipes are due

    Sintex rolls up sleeves to honour plumbers, gives credit where pipes are due

    MUMBAI: Ever had a blocked drain or a leaky tap at 3 am? Yeah, thought so. Imagine dealing with that horror daily. Enter plumbers—the unsung avengers of our watery nightmares. Thankfully, Sintex has finally decided it’s time to roll out the red carpet (or at least digital hoardings) for these heroes. About time, isn’t it?

    From 11 March (Plumbers’ Day) until World Water Day on 22 March 2025, Sintex is running a unique campaign, charmingly called ‘Sintex Nalkaar’, to spotlight plumbers, those invisible magicians behind your running showers and flushing toilets.

    The campaign, splashed across high-traffic areas in Chhattisgarh and Punjab, features digital hoardings proudly displaying plumbers’ faces. It’s like the Hollywood Walk of Fame—but with spanners and pipes instead of stars. Sintex clearly believes in going big or going home, giving these essential craftsmen the public kudos they deserve.

    Sintex isn’t stopping at digital fanfare. The company is hosting special plumber meet-and-greet events, honouring plumbers who ace their tasks using the innovative ‘Plumber Pride App’. Not your typical plumber party—no leaky faucets here, just hearty appreciation, networking, and new earning opportunities.

    These events also showcase Sintex’s latest products, including the economical Sintex Smart Water Tank and the premium Sintex Pure+. Who knew plumbing could be both prestigious and profitable? Clearly, Sintex is plumbing the depths of creativity to inspire more to join the trade.

    “At Sintex, we deeply value and respect our longstanding relationship with the plumbing community,” says Welspun BAPL MD and Sintex director, Yashovardhan Agarwal. “Plumbers are the silent heroes of water infrastructure, ensuring every home and business receives an uninterrupted supply of water—one of life’s most essential resources. Through this community initiative, we aim to honour and amplify the voices of a profession that is often overlooked yet serves as the backbone of our industry. This campaign aligns with our commitment to building a water-positive infrastructure building a thriving community of plumbers—an integral part of the Sintex family.”

    Plumbers don’t just fix leaks—they’re eco-warriors in disguise. These experts save thousands of gallons of water annually by spotting leaks, installing efficient fixtures, and preventing water contamination. They’re educators, repair specialists, and infrastructure whisperers, all wrapped into one invaluable package.

    Next time your pipes rebel, remember—plumbers aren’t just fixing your water issues; they’re saving the world, one drip at a time.

     

  • Britannia Marie Gold & IIS launch ‘HerSpark’ to ignite women’s sports careers

    Britannia Marie Gold & IIS launch ‘HerSpark’ to ignite women’s sports careers

    MUMBAI: Some sparks start wildfires, and Britannia Marie Gold, in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), has just ignited one with ‘HerSpark’—a groundbreaking sports scholarship programme exclusively for women athletes in India. Designed to scout, train, and propel future champions, this initiative provides a fully funded three year scholarship worth Rs 45 lakh to young women eager to break barriers in boxing, swimming, judo, athletics, and parasports.

    Through this initiative, female athletes across India will gain access to world-class training, coaching, lodging, nutrition, and educational opportunities. And it gets even better—athletes will train under legendary Olympians and Continental champions, including Mamuka Kizilashvili (Judo) and Yoandris Betanzos Francis (Athletics), ensuring they receive the highest level of mentorship.

    HerSpark isn’t for the faint-hearted—it’s designed to find the best. The selection process unfolds across multiple stages:

    . Over 1,000 shortlisted athletes will compete in round one selection trials at IIS centres across India.

    .  Those who qualify will advance to two-day regional selection camps at eight key locations.

    . The top contenders will undergo an exclusive three-week elite training camp at IIS Vijayanagar.

    . Only the best will win the coveted three-year scholarship—setting them on a path to national and international glory.

    The HerSpark scholarship is open to Indian female athletes aged 14 and above. Minors (under 18) require parental or guardian consent. Applications are available via the official HerSpark website.

    Britannia Marie Gold has long been a champion for women’s empowerment, leading initiatives such as HerStartup and Her.Store to foster financial independence and entrepreneurship. Britannia Industries general manager – marketing Siddharth Gupta reaffirmed this commitment, “Britannia Marie Gold believes that every woman possesses an innate spark—the potential to achieve more. With ‘HerSpark,’ we extend this commitment to sports, providing young female athletes with the opportunity, training, and mentorship they need to reach their highest potential.”

    IIS president Manisha Malhotra echoed this enthusiasm, “We at IIS are thrilled to join hands with Britannia Marie Gold—a brand that is doing so much to empower women. Through this partnership, we are launching a nationwide scouting programme to identify young female athletes and equip them with the skills and guidance needed to succeed on the biggest stage. We cannot wait to see the success that comes out of this effort.”

    Founded by JSW Group, the Inspire Institute of Sport is a privately funded Olympic Sport Programme with a high-performance centre in Vijayanagar and satellite centres across Manipur, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha.

    With HerSpark, Britannia Marie Gold and IIS are not just offering scholarships—they are shaping the next generation of champions. So, young women of India, are you ready to unleash your spark?