ITV

Blog

  • Ugro Capital buys Profectus Capital in all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore to boost MSME play

    Ugro Capital buys Profectus Capital in all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore to boost MSME play

    MUMBAI: Ugro Capital has pulled off a serious power play in India’s NBFC sector. The MSME-focused Datatech lender announced it would acquire 100 per cent of Profectus Capital in an all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore. The transaction, funded through UGRO’s recently raised equity proceeds, is expected to add Rs 150 crore in annualised profits and Rs 115 crore in cost savings.

    This strategic buyout adds immediate heft to Ugro’s balance sheet with a 29 per cent AUM spike and gives the lender a stronger foothold in high-yield emerging markets and school financing—the latter alone carrying a medium-term potential of Rs 2,000 crore. The deal also diversifies Ugro’s asset mix, leaning further into secured lending with zero incremental origination cost.

    As part of the transaction, Ugro signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Profectus Capital Private Limited from its existing shareholders, making the company a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition is subject to customary approvals, including clearance from the RBI and shareholders.

    “This strategically priced acquisition deploys our equity raise to achieve instant scale and Rs 115 crores cost savings and annualised incremental profitability of Rs 150 Crores thus boosting ROA by 0.6–0.7 per cent. Integrating Profectus’ school finance expertise unlocks Rs 2,000 Crores growth potential and strengthens our secured asset mix – accelerating our journey to become India’s largest MSME lender through enhanced emerging markets and embedded finance capabilities”, said Ugro Capital founder & MD Shachindra Nath.

    Profectus Capital currently manages Rs 3,468 crore in assets across a seven-state footprint, supported by a 28-branch network and over 800 employees. Its gross NPA stands at 1.6 per cent, with a net NPA of 1.1 per cent.

    Profectus Capital ED & CEO K.V. Srinivasan added, “The coming together of the two organisations would be beneficial owing to the synergies and complementarity of the businesses, which should result in greater operational efficiency and profitability for the business. We at Profectus, thank our investors for their unwavering commitment and support throughout our journey, which has helped us to establish a very strong process-oriented business with an excellent portfolio quality”.

    Both companies will retain their existing operations and business strategies during the integration phase.

    Incred Capital acted as the exclusive advisor to Ugro Capital, with SNG & Partners serving as legal counsel. Pricewaterhousecoopers Services LLP conducted the financial due diligence, while Legacy Growthpartners handled the tax due diligence.

  • UST flags off Trivandrum Marathon 2025 with training runs and big race on 12 October

    UST flags off Trivandrum Marathon 2025 with training runs and big race on 12 October

    MUMBAI: When the going gets tough, the tough start training early. Kerala’s capital is lacing up again as the UST Trivandrum Marathon returns for its second edition on Sunday, 12 October 2025. Promising high-octane footwork and community spirit, the marathon is expected to see more than 10,000 participants across categories.

    Organised by UST, the global digital transformation firm, in partnership with NEB Sports, the 2025 edition will once again start from the UST Campus in Thiruvananthapuram. Just like last year, the event will feature a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run and a 5K Fun Run—ensuring there’s a lane for every level of enthusiasm.

    To get the runners race-ready, three official training runs will begin with the first warm-up sprint on Sunday, 22 June. UST Campus will host the kick-off training session, and participants will receive T-shirts, route support and breakfast to keep energy levels and morale high.

    “I’m really delighted that UST is hosting Thiruvananthapuram’s largest marathon for the second year in a row. Aligned to our organisation’s mission of Transforming Lives, this marathon is designed to uphold our community’s wellness and health. This year, we aspire to make it larger than the previous edition, with advanced training runs, support initiatives and expert advice. With more than 10,000 runners participating, we are committed to making the UST Trivandrum Marathon 2025 a memorable event”, said UST COO Alexander Varghese.

    NEB Sports CMD Nagaraj Adiga added, “As in the first edition of the UST Trivandrum Marathon, we are excited to be joining hands with UST for the mega event this year. With the date now set for the training runs and the main event, we are excited to host the maximum number of runners from across the country”.

    Those wishing to participate can register at bit.ly/3ZnARUv and pick their distance. With just weeks to go until the first training run, the countdown to Kerala’s biggest marathon has officially begun.

  • TV9 brings News9 Global Summit to Dubai, bridging business with Hindi cinema

    TV9 brings News9 Global Summit to Dubai, bridging business with Hindi cinema

    MUMBAI: As cricket fans mourn India’s latest middle-order collapse and the mercury soars in Noida, TV9 Network is setting its sights westward with diplomatic flair and some celebrity swagger. The media giant has officially launched the second international edition of its News9 Global Summit, and this time it’s Dubai that will host the event, themed ‘India-UAE: Partnership for Prosperity and Progress’.

    Set to take place on 19 June 2025 at the Taj Dubai, the summit promises a medley of cross-border policy, economic dialogue, and cultural exchange. The line-up spans heavyweight bureaucrats, billionaire entrepreneurs, artificial intelligence enthusiasts, and those who like their cameras facing them—Hindi cinema celebrities.

    Union minister of Oil and Gas Hardeep Singh Puri will deliver the keynote address, while India’s ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir will speak on strengthening strategic ties. Spiritual leader Pujya Brahmavihari Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha will delve into the religious bonds bridging the two nations.

    The UAE edition follows the summit’s maiden voyage to Stuttgart, Germany in November 2024. With this initiative, TV9 aims to position the News9 Global Summit as a soft power lever that fosters investment, bilateral cooperation, and cultural understanding between India and its key global partners.

    “Following the momentum generated by our first Global Summit in Germany, we are excited to bring News9 Global Summit to the UAE, a thriving nation of innovation and commerce. This platform reflects our vision to create meaningful, cross-border partnerships that drive sustainable progress. India and the UAE share a dynamic relationship, and the Summit will be a pivotal space for dialogue and collaboration”, said TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das.

    The summit’s agenda covers pressing topics such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the India-middle east-Europe Corridor (IMEC), start-up synergies, tariffs, and AI integration. It will also celebrate cultural harmony, with Indian and Emirati influencers, creators and changemakers lending their voice.

    Celebrity firepower will come courtesy of Suniel Shetty, Ektaa Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, among others, adding Hindi cinema glamour to the policy-packed schedule.

    The event is backed by an ensemble of patrons and sponsors. UAE-based Buimerc is the Summit Patron, with De Beers, Tata AIG Insurance, and the National Egg Co-ordination Committee as associate sponsors. Classmate, Hanok, JK Super Cement and Womenpreneur magazine are partners, while SKIL Travels handles logistics. Soil and Sita Vatika are on board as celebration partners. Famous Studios is the entertainment partner, Khaleej Times is the media partner, and the Indian People’s Forum is the official diaspora partner.

    Live updates will roll out on @News9Tweets, while the action unfolds across News9 and other TV9 Network channels.

  • Aamir Khan gives schools a class on inclusion and emotional safety

    Aamir Khan gives schools a class on inclusion and emotional safety

    MUMBAI: “Real learning only happens when a child feels safe emotionally and mentally.” That was Aamir Khan, not in a film, but in real life, as he joined educationist Ganesh Kohli for a deeply personal and urgent conversation on mental health and inclusion in schools. In a session titled “Education and Counselling for Inclusion”, streamed live to educators and students around the globe, Khan opened up about his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, his own family’s experiences with neurodiversity, and the often overlooked need for emotional scaffolding in academic spaces.

    Organised by the IC3 Movement, the session wasn’t just talk, it mirrored a broader call for change. India, where over 13,000 students die by suicide annually, faces a staggering crisis. IC3’s report, Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India, reveals that this rate is doubling faster than general suicide rates, demanding not just awareness, but action.

    Khan, known for Taare Zameen Par and 3 Idiots, didn’t hold back. “We speak of excellence,” he said, “but we forget, it’s impossible without emotional safety.” His words resonated against findings from IC3’s 2024 Annual Student Quest Report, which surveyed students and counsellors across 56 countries. 81 per cent of students and 83 per cent of counsellors said that connecting personal values like passion and purpose with career choices improves mental well-being and clarity.

    IC3 Founder Ganesh Kohli stressed that inclusion must go beyond good intentions. “It requires transforming mindsets, policies, and day-to-day interactions,” he said. “Inclusion is about ensuring every student belongs.”

    The session spotlighted some urgent themes: stigma around mental health, the shortage of trained school counsellors, and the need for emotionally intelligent educators. “Teachers should be the highest paid professionals in any society,” said Khan, reiterating how one bad teacher can damage generations, and one good one can change lives.

    This dialogue sets the tone for the upcoming 2025 Annual IC3 Conference & Expo (August 20–21, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai), themed “Counseling as a Culture”. It will bring together educators and policymakers from 95 plus countries, and focus on weaving career and college counselling into the fabric of every school where well-being matters just as much as test scores.

    As anxiety, burnout, and academic pressure hit alarming levels, conversations like these are no longer optional. They’re a syllabus in themselves. And in Aamir Khan’s words, perhaps it’s time schools stop chasing marks, and start listening to what truly makes a child thrive.

  • Mars hits it out of the park with its first-ever premier league of beauty

    Mars hits it out of the park with its first-ever premier league of beauty

    MUMBAI: Mars Cosmetics, just bowled over the internet with the Mars Premier League (MPL) — a vibrant collision of cricket frenzy and cosmetic flair. Channeling the pulse of IPL season, MPL wasn’t just a beauty contest — it was a high-stakes face-off blending bat, blush and bold looks in equal measure.

    Staying true to its mantra of ‘Makeup for Everyone’, Mars handed over its City Paradise Eyeshadow Palettes to makeup mavens across India, challenging them to capture the spirit of eight IPL cities in jaw-dropping beauty looks. Think stadium roar meets spotlight shimmer.

    Mars Cosmetics director and business administrator, Rishabh Sethia said, “We’re always looking at opportunities to pair beauty with moments in culture that truly resonate with our fans. The IPL is a sporting event, of course, but it’s also a celebration of passion, community, and high-level energy. We brought that same energy into the world of makeup with the Mars Premier League. It was not competition; it was a moment for creativity, for self-expression, and for everything glamorous.”

    Conducted in four electrifying rounds — the first three online and open to all — the MPL ignited an avalanche of fan votes, reels, and cosmetic creativity. The grand finale saw India’s top beauty creators converge offline, judged by a panel that included Aditi Dubey, Vandana Sehgal, and MPL mentor Anupreet Bakshi.

    And it was Delhi’s own Anupreet who walked away with the Rs 1,00,000 cash prize, a red-carpet pass to the Bollywood Hungama Style Icon Awards, and a coveted meet-and-greet with actor Varun Dhawan — all while stealing hearts (and likes) with her fierce, city-inspired artistry.

    The finale was a content creator’s dreamscape, featuring interactive hubs like a DIY “Mirror, Mirror” booth and a buzzing nail art lounge — designed to spark influencer creativity and spread the MPL glam gospel across social media.

    While Mars remains tight-lipped about whether MPL will return next year, this debut season has already rewritten the rules of beauty marketing — where mascara meets match fever, and fandom finds its fiercest winged eyeliner.

  • Sanya Malhotra stirs up the wellness scene with Bree Matcha debut

    Sanya Malhotra stirs up the wellness scene with Bree Matcha debut

    Mumbai: Bollywood star Sanya Malhotra is swapping scripts for sips with the launch of Bree Matcha, her debut entrepreneurial venture in collaboration with wellness brand Essenzaa Nutrition. The new clean-label matcha brand aims to serve a ritual of calm and clarity, one cup at a time.

    Born out of a shared love for functional superfoods and mindful routines, Bree blends traditional Japanese tea culture with the pace and pulse of modern Indian life. The range includes Everyday Matcha, Ceremonial Matcha, and a full ceremonial kit — complete with a chasen, bowl, and spoon — designed to elevate the daily brew into an intentional ritual.

    Sourced from Kagoshima, Japan, and backed by Essenzaa’s 14-year legacy in clean nutrition, Bree boasts antioxidant-rich blends that energise without the crash.

    “At a time when everything feels urgent, Bree Matcha is my personal reminder to slow down and be intentional,” said Malhotra. “It’s a ritual I deeply believe in, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of something that  builds and supports natural energy and calm focus.”

    Essenzaa Nutrition, founded by Dr Kunal Shah and Siddharth Shah, brings its global credibility — exporting to 23 countries and specialising in clinically proven formulations — to the table. With Bree’s minimalist design and mindful messaging, the brand isn’t just selling tea; it’s serving a lifestyle.

    “We wanted to introduce a product that aligns with both health and lifestyle. BREE is not just about energy, it’s about how you choose to show up in your day,” said Shah.

    “We wanted to introduce a product that aligns with both health and lifestyle. BREE is not just about energy, it’s about how you choose to show up in your day,” said Dr Kunal Shah.

    “Bree Matcha is not just a beverage—it’s a movement towards conscious consumption and modern wellness,” said Siddharth Shah. “Our vision is to make matcha a part of everyday rituals for the new-age Indian consumer, blending ancient Japanese tradition with contemporary lifestyles.”

  • Clear Premium Water taps into quick commerce to quench urban thirst on-demand

    Clear Premium Water taps into quick commerce to quench urban thirst on-demand

    MUMBAI: In a city where you can order sushi, a mattress, and a mop all in under 10 minutes, water was the only holdout. Not anymore. Clear Premium Water has taken a giant digital leap, launching across India’s top e-commerce and quick commerce platforms including Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Zepto, Big Basket, and Flipkart Minutes.

    The Ahmedabad-based bottled water brand, one of the fastest-growing in the country, now brings premium hydration to users with just a few taps. The tie-ups are designed to plug into the evolving consumer demand for immediacy—particularly in urban markets where quick commerce is shaping buying behaviour, one algorithmic impulse at a time.

    “This is an age where convenience is king, and our priority is to be available wherever our customers are”, said Clear Premium Water founder & CEO Nayan Shah. “Our launch across all major e-commerce and quick commerce platforms showcases our focus on adapting to shifting lifestyles and ensuring that quality hydration is always within easy reach. It is a key piece of our omni-channel strategy and also reflects our broader ambition to become India’s most trusted and widely available bottled water brand”.

    Clear’s full product portfolio is now available online, catering to everything from casual sipping to party hosting. The brand offers a range of pack sizes—single-serve bottles for travel, multi-litre options for office coolers, and family packs ideal for events or stocking the home fridge.

    The push comes as digital-first shopping behaviour takes deeper root among Indian consumers. The brand’s integration with platforms like Flipkart Minutes and Blinkit aligns with rising expectations of delivery speed and availability. With hydration now a part of the digital cart, Clear is betting big on accessibility and immediacy to win brand loyalty.

    Beyond the convenience, the brand positions itself as a lifestyle essential—trusted, clean, and ready to hydrate wherever you are. Whether you’re prepping for a road trip, hydrating post-yoga, or just panic-ordering supplies before the guests arrive, Clear wants to be the bottle in your bag and your browser.

  • Birla Tyre hits the gas with bold new identity and ‘Tyger’ reboot

    Birla Tyre hits the gas with bold new identity and ‘Tyger’ reboot

    MUMBAI: Birla Tyre has rolled out a bold new brand identity, complete with a redesigned logo and a revamped website, as the company shifts gears under new ownership. Led by Dalmia Bharat Refractories Ltd (DBRL) and strategic partner Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd (HSCL), the relaunch signals Birla Tyre’s ambition to reclaim relevance in a fast-evolving mobility landscape.

    At the heart of the rebrand is ‘Tyger’ — a sleek new mascot that channels power, agility and leadership. The custom-designed wordmark evokes speed and momentum, while a punchy blue-and-orange palette adds flair and optimism. Together, they set the tone for a company itching to make tracks again.

    Speaking on the occasion, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd chairman cum managing director & CEO Anurag Choudhary said, “This rebranding is more than merely a visual transformation; it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to purposeful development and progress.”

    Dalmia Bharat Refractories Ltd whole time director & CEO Dr. Chandra Narain Maheswari further added, Our new logo encapsulates the essence of Birla Tyre, which is founded on four fundamental pillars: a legacy that motivates boldness, a product line that is prepared for the future, an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and a oneness with world around us. As this new identity signals Birla Tyre’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry with energy, innovation, and purpose.”

    The brand refresh is backed by a deeper overhaul — new capital, sharper strategy, and operational rejig. With distribution expansion, product innovation, and aggressive marketing in the pipeline, Birla Tyre is steering hard into the future. Integrated campaigns across TV, digital, print, and outdoor media are expected to follow shortly.

    The company now aims to regain traction in key markets and win back mindshare.

  • Nodwin and co make a grand move to put Indian chess on the esports map

    Nodwin and co make a grand move to put Indian chess on the esports map

    MUMBAI: In a bold opening move to reinvent chess for the digital age, Nodwin Gaming has announced a three-way strategic alliance with Chess.com and ChessBase India. This unlikely but high-powered trio of esports, grassroots chess, and global tech is aiming to supercharge India’s presence in the fast-evolving world of chess esports.

    The partnership promises a future-ready ecosystem built on three strengths: Nodwin’s slick production and broadcast chops, ChessBase India’s deep community roots, and Chess.com’s global tech muscle. Together, they’ll co-create original IPs, host high-stakes tournaments, produce creator-driven content, and unlock new avenues for brand partnerships — all while turning chess into a legitimate esport.

    Speaking on the announcement, Nodwin Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee said, “Chess is undergoing a cultural renaissance, from park benches and schoolrooms to sold-out esports arenas and creator streams. Chess has now become the fourth most-watched sport in the country after cricket, kabaddi, and Bgmi tournaments. With this partnership, we’re not just supporting a heritage game, we’re aiding in its natural course of progression. By combining each organization’s unique strengths, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem that can take Indian chess from heritage to hype. It’s time the brilliance of our grandmasters meets the energy of our digital generation.”

    India is fast emerging as a chess superpower — both on and off the board. Chess.com saw over 7.6 billion games played globally in 2024, with India alone clocking 9 million+ monthly active users. Viewership on the platform exploded by 640 per cent year-on-year, capped by 24 million views during Gukesh Dommaraju’s World Championship win, streamed jointly by Nodwin, ChessBase India, and Chess.com.

    Speaking on the alliance, ChessBase India CEO Sagar Shah said, “This partnership is not just a business alliance — it’s a vision to grow the chess community in India from the grassroots to the grand stage. For the last decade, we’ve focused on building a robust chess culture in the country, and now, with Nodwin and Chess.com by our side, we hope to bring forth more opportunities to all those involved in the chess ecosystem.”

    Chess.com India country director Avadh Shah said, “Chess has been one of the most dominant and fastest growing sports in the last 3 years across India and the world. In terms of both participation and viewership, chess is experiencing record-breaking numbers—the highest we’ve ever seen. Given the excitement around the sport, it is only fitting that the leading companies within the ecosystem collaborate to further its development and invite partners to join this journey as well.”

    Mobile is the dominant screen, with over 80.9 per cent of Indian chess viewership happening on smartphones. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai rank among the world’s top chess-consuming metros, fuelled by millennial and Gen Z audiences.

    The game’s next big test? Chess at the Esports World Cup 2025 with a cool $1.5 million prize pool. India’s very own S8UL Esports will field grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, marking the first time an Indian esports org will compete in international chess at this level.

    As chess makes its way from quiet corners to centre stage, this partnership is playing for the long game — building a pipeline of tournaments, influencer content, grassroots engagement, and global ambition.

    Checkmate, but make it mainstream.

  • Meenakshi Kandwal joins NDTV India to bring grit, grace and people-first journalism to primetime

    Meenakshi Kandwal joins NDTV India to bring grit, grace and people-first journalism to primetime

    MUMBAI: At a time when newsrooms race for views, NDTV has chosen to double down on values. The channel has welcomed seasoned journalist and anchor Meenakshi Kandwal to its editorial team, signalling a bold investment in purpose-led storytelling. The move underlines NDTV’s renewed focus on editorial clarity and integrity, where impact matters more than noise.

    Kandwal, known for her razor-sharp reportage and youth appeal, brings over 15 years of experience in television and digital journalism. From hosting marquee shows like Opinion India Ka on Times Now Navbharat to Aaj Subah and Ek Aur Ek Gyarah on Aaj Tak, she has built a career that balances wide reach with rare editorial conviction. Her audience spans platforms like X, Instagram and YouTube—where her authenticity cuts through algorithm fatigue.

    Her reporting often pushes beyond what’s trending. She once trekked through snow-laden terrain from Leh to Kargil to spotlight a lack of airport access in the region—not as a transportation gripe, but as a lifeline issue. “I want to see an airport before I die,” an elderly man told her. That quote, and the ensuing national conversation, reveal the ethos that drives her storytelling.

    “She brings a rare mix of depth, empathy, and editorial sharpness. Her field stories have already had a national impact”, said NDTV group CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal.

    Kandwal began telling stories early—reading the morning news at school in seventh grade. She later became the first-ever anchor chosen through Star News’ nationwide anchor hunt.

    Whether covering labourers trapped in tunnels in Chamoli or championing unheard voices in Bharat, Kandwal has stayed grounded in the belief that journalism should serve people, not pageviews.

    “NDTV India has always stood for trust, empathy, and journalism that values the viewer’s intelligence. That’s exactly what drives me as a journalist. I look forward to going beyond the headlines and telling stories that matter”, Kandwal said on her appointment.

    Her addition strengthens NDTV’s dynamic new lineup, a newsroom being reshaped by young but deeply credible journalists. It’s part of a larger transformation NDTV India has undertaken—to make journalism relevant, rooted, and relatable again.