All posts by K S Krishna

Rural India to See Digital Growth: Rajesh Magow, MakeMyTrip CEO

January 17, 2025 –

“The digital revolution has benefitted the urban class and maybe the semi-urban class. I do see the next wave of growth or benefit will be for rural India. I’m pretty confident that it will happen because of the foundation that has been set,” said Mr. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, and Vice-Chairman, IAMAI, during a session at the 19th India Digital Summit (IDS) today. IDS 2025 is being organized by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, supported by Digital India, Skill India and Make in India.

Expanding on his point about the digital empowerment of rural India Mr. Magow said, “We would have one billion people on smartphones. It will cover a lot of the rural population, open up many avenues for them, and generate employment. There are so many creators and influencers not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well. This is going to to bring in more inclusivity. The government, the public, and the private sector need to create more awareness, change the mindset, and make actual investments in pushing and developing skills to pick up new ideas.”

“One of the foundational pillars of inclusive growth in India was the UID program, which started in 2010. In the digital world, UID is being used to give away the benefits. The second foundation that has been set already is the UPI. It has democratized the payment peer-to-peer transfer, and then, the Aadhaar is helping people open the bank account without any leakage, intermediaries, etc.,” he added.

Mr.Magow also underlined the impotance of the private sector’s initiative to adopt technologies, and commented, “The government has already been doing a lot with the digitization drive spearheaded from the top. The focus on the startup community and programmes has received the right visibility. The private sector should be at the forefront of adopting technologies. Every possible record, including income tax, legal or real estate records, and even most financial services, is digitised today. Even in the travel and tourism industry, airport traffic management has been eased due to DigiLocker. DigiYatra programs are game changers and need to be scaled up now. There are serious investments in creating digital infrastructure, and we should not lose momentum by cutting back on investments.”

Raising the pressing issue of cyberthreats Mr. Magow said, “We must be cognizant of the cyber security issues and not in a denial mode. Only after accepting the scale of cyber crimes happening can we address them. Globally, all the companies are facing cyber attacks. Therefore, many businesses, including MakeMyTrip, have made tremendous investments and brought in a lot of focus in this area. The criminal mind is always a few steps ahead of us. They can only be tackled by thinking proactively, putting checks and balances in place, and making the right investments in technology. Another way to address cyber attacks is by forming strict laws against these crimes. The third important aspect is collaboration. By sharing the data, a lot of such attacks can be prevented easily.”

IDS 2025 is being Powered by NPCI. Amazon.in and MPL are Platinum partners. Among Gold Partners are PhonePe; Australia Trade and Investment Commission; IDA Ireland; Paytm ads, Jagran New Media and Exotel. Route Mobile is the Cloud Communications Partner. Silver Partners include AWS, ShareChat, Shiprocket; Times Internet, and TV9 Network.

Dr. Anuj Verma Wins Best PhD Thesis at VLSID 2025 Conference

January 17, 2025 – Dr. Anuj Verma, a researcher in the field of VLSI design, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Best PhD Thesis‘ award at the 38th IEEE VLSID 2025 Conference held in Bengaluru. This award reflects Verma’s important research in advancing VLSI-related technologies and its impact in the field of wireless communication standards.
Dr. Anuj Verma completed his thesis on ‘Efficient VLSI-Architectures and ASIC-Fabrication of Channel Decoders for Contemporary Wireless Communication Systems‘. This award-winning thesis extensively discusses innovative solutions for hardware efficient and high throughput reconfigurable channel decoders for wireless communication standards. This research demonstrates practical applications considering the critical challenges in the field of 5G New Radio Standard. These are the applications that can bring tremendous changes in the VLSI design landscape.

On receiving this honour, Dr. Anuj Verma said, “It is a matter of great pride for me and I believe that this award is a testament to dedication and collaboration. I would like to dedicate this award to my supervisor Dr. Rahul Shrestha, whose guidance and advice played a vital role in shaping my research journey. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, whose constant support and encouragement motivated me and to the members of the VLSID 2025 Conference Committee for recognizing my work.”

The award reflects the innovation and impact of Verma’s research in advancing energy-efficient and reconfigurable architectures for next-generation wireless communication systems. It also highlights his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in VLSI design. Verma’s research contributions have already made a significant mark in the VLSI domain. He has several publications in several prestigious journals, including IEEE TCAS-I, IEEE TVT, and IEEE TCAS-II. Verma aims to make further significant contributions to cutting-edge research in VLSI design, collaborate with industry and academia, and inspire innovation in the field of advanced VLSI design.

VLSID Conference – International VLSI Design and Embedded Systems Conference is a premier global conference with a legacy of over three and a half decades. This global annual technical conference which focuses on the latest advancements in VLSI and embedded systems is attended by over 2000 engineers, students and faculty members, industry, academia, researchers, bureaucrats and government bodies. VLSI Design Conference started in 1985 as a simple idea to understand the level of VLSI activities in India with a focus on engineering education and research. With its global presence, VLSID is recognized as the ‘sister conference’ of Design Automation Conference. The conference is sponsored by VLSI Society of India (VSI).

Career Launcher Opens Centre at Barakhamba Road, Delhi

17th January, 2024: Career Launcher, one of India’s premier coaching institutions for competitive exams, has announced the opening of a new center in the Kanchanjunga Building, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. This latest addition marks another milestone in Career Launcher’s mission to provide world-class education and guidance to students across India. With a robust network of over 150 centers in more than 90+ cities, Career Launcher has been a trusted name in nurturing talent, honing skills, and transforming dreams into reality.

The new center, located on the third floor of the Kanchanjunga Building in Connaught Place, offers convenient access for students and is strategically positioned near the Barakhamba Metro line. It is the second classroom center in the Central Delhi area, providing an extensive range of coaching programs, including preparation for MBA entrance exams, CUET, law, study abroad, and other career-focused courses.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ms. Sujatha Kshirsagar, President of Career Launcher, emphasized the institute’s commitment to making quality education accessible. “The Barakhamba Center brings us closer to fulfilling our mission of empowering students to reach their full potential. By ensuring proximity to both students and mentors, we aim to create an environment where aspirations turn into achievements. This center reflects our belief in staying connected with the evolving needs of young minds and helping them craft a successful future.”

The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Mr. Gautam Puri, Vice Chairman, and Mr. Ashish Bahri, Executive Vice President, along with other team members from Career Launcher.

Career Launcher has been synonymous with academic excellence and innovation, driven by a team of highly qualified professionals, including IIT-IIM alumni. Its pedagogy combines a deep understanding of the competitive exam landscape with cutting-edge technological tools to deliver unmatched learning experiences.

As of January 2025, Career Launcher has cemented its presence not only in India but also internationally, with centers in Dubai and Oman. This global expansion underscores the institution’s vision of empowering students worldwide through quality education and career guidance.

The inauguration of the Barakhamba Center reinforces Career Launcher’s dedication to transforming education and making a lasting impact on the lives of students. By equipping them with the tools to succeed in exams and beyond, Career Launcher continues to lead the way in India’s coaching landscape.

Founded in 1996, Career Launcher (CL) began by assisting students with MBA entrance exams. It has since become a leading education provider in India, dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals through academic excellence, technological innovation, and domain expertise.

Smile Foundation and Berger Paints get Strategic CSR Project of the Year Award

17 January 2025: A national-level upskilling programme named iTrain on Wheels receives the Strategic CSR Project of the Year Award during the 3rd Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit & Awards, in Mumbai. The programme, implemented by Smile Foundation and supported by Berger Paint India Ltd., is operational in 443 districts (51 aspirational) across 25 states and three UTs of India.

So far, more than 2.98 lakh paint applicators (household painters) have been trained free of cost, resulting in increased income and development of entrepreneurship.

The project is in alignment with (Sustainable Development Goals) SDGs 5, 8 and 10.

Berger Paints India Limited and Smile Foundation came together in 2021 to implement the iTrain on Wheels programme across India, free of cost. The iTrain on Wheels programme has significantly enhanced the skills of semi-skilled and unskilled paint applicators (painters), achieving a key programme objective. Post-training, the paint applicators apply their newfound skills to their work, resulting in improved finishes and overall quality. This skill upliftment has translated into increased work, client satisfaction, referrals, business expansion, and income growth.

While emphasizing technical skills development, the programme also places a significant emphasis on soft skills training, recognizing the importance of effective communication and interpersonal skills in the painting industry. Additionally, the programme’s focus on entrepreneurial skills development highlights its commitment to not only enhancing painters’ technical abilities but also equipping them with the business acumen needed to succeed as independent contractors or business owners.

The upskilling sessions are delivered at the doorsteps or near the workplace of the paint applicators. They are free to use any paint, tools and designs of any make and brand. Everything in this programme is free of cost.

Each iTrain mobile unit is equipped with audio-visual tools, practical training booths and mechanized equipment to make the painting process more efficient, quicker, cleaner and safer. The faculty consists of certified and experienced trainers with industry knowledge and technical competency. All the mobile units have so far travelled 11 lakh kilometers.

Courses cover theoretical and practical knowledge as well as entrepreneurial and soft skills. Trainees receive both theoretical and practical training in new techniques along with the use of mechanized equipment.

Special modules on Wood Polishing, Decorative Painting, and Body Language are also taught during the trainings.

An independent Impact assessment survey had recently been commissioned on this project. Some 76.30% of respondents stated a higher expenditure on utility bills like electricity and water reflecting a greater capacity to cover essential expenses. As many as 72.61% of the respondents stated an increase in spending on nutritious food and vegetables, indicating a prioritization of health and well-being thus maintaining a comfortable standard of living. A significant 74.13 % of respondents have purchased a vehicle, thus, reflecting their financial stability and an increase in the ability to realize their aspiration with the change in the income growth after completion of the iTrain programme, there has been a corresponding increase in multiple household and lifestyle expenditure areas.

The overall impacts are palpable both in the future of their children, families, and in the peer groups.

New Banshee Stealer Version Targets Apple’s Anti-Virus Code

Check Point Research (CPR) has uncovered a new stealthier version of the Banshee macOS stealer that was first reporter in the later part of 2024. A new development seen was how the infostealer latest version introduced string encryption taken from Apple’s XProtect, likely causing antivirus detection systems to overlook the malware, making it a more potent threat to users.

New Banshee Stealer Version Bypassing Antivirus Protections threatening over 100 million macOS users

Since the source code for Banshee Stealer was leaked in November 2024, its operation was reported to have been officially shut down. However, Check Point Research (CPR) has uncovered ongoing campaigns actively distributing Banshee Stealer via phishing websites. Compounding the threat, a fresh version of Banshee has been detected, capable of stealing sensitive data and cryptocurrency wallet information from macOS users, who are said to number over 100 million according to a Statista report. As macOS devices become increasingly popular, they are emerging as a prime target for cybercriminals, challenging the common assumption that built-in security features like XProtect offer comprehensive protection.

This discovery highlights the persistent danger of leaked malware, which continues to fuel cyberattacks even after official operations cease. As the use of macOS-based crypto wallets grows, it becomes more critical for users to adopt proactive cyber security measures. While XProtect offers valuable defense, the evolving sophistication of malware demands additional vigilance and layered security to protect against emerging threats.

Banshee Stealer Targets macOS Wallets and Sensitive Data

Sensitive Data Exposure: The malware targets a wide range of personal data, including crypto wallet credentials.
Crypto Wallets: Popular wallets on macOS devices, such as Trust Wallet, MetaMask, and Coinbase Wallet, are among the primary targets. According to a report from Dune Analytics, Trust Wallet has nearly 170 million users worldwide, with approximately 2.5 million new users joining each month

New Operators of Banshee Stealer Break Tradition by Targeting Russian Users

One of the key changes in the latest version of Banshee Stealer is the removal of the Russian language check—a feature that previously caused the malware to terminate operations when it detected Russian language settings. This change signals a significant shift in targeting strategy, suggesting that the malware is now being utilized by new threat actors who are unconcerned about impacting Russian users. Unlike the original operators, who deliberately avoided Russian targets, these new groups appear to have no such geographic or political constraints, further broadening the malware’s potential reach and amplifying its global threat.

Eli Smadja, Security Research Group Manager at CPR: “MacOS is exposed to attacks just like any other operating system. Like any other operating system, it has been historically regarded as more secure than Windows, though this perception is gradually evolving. Modern malware campaigns, which target both macOS and Windows users, are growing more sophisticated in their methods. Cybercriminals rely heavily on social engineering techniques, such as phishing and fake software updates, to trick users into downloading harmful software. These attacks are not limited to just one operating system—they are designed to exploit common human vulnerabilities, not platform-specific flaws.

Thomas Cook Expands to 9 Locations with Mangoe Lane Outlet

January 17, 2025: With a strategic intent to capitalize on the strong and growing demand from Kolkata, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel services company, has inaugurated a new outlet in the high-potential market of Mangoe Lane-Dalhousie Square and its surrounding catchments. In addition to the customers from the city of Kolkata, the new branch will also service customers from the surrounding catchments of Central Kolkata. The new outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 9 locations in the city and state.

In its commitment to enhance access and convenience, Thomas Cook’s new outlet will address diverse customer segments – families, couples, Young India’s, millennials & Gen Z, business professionals and seniors. Thomas Cook’s Dalhousie outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc. Additionally, Thomas Cook’s AI booking platform assists customers in planning their personalized vacations in real time by checking availability, and making reservations in a matter of minutes.

Dalhousie’s position as an important market offers a range of valuable consumer segments, including business professionals, government employees, families, couples, Young India’s millennials and Gen Z, and seniors alike. Thomas Cook’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International and domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), and Value-Added Services like Travel Insurance.

Kolkata Travel Trends
• Top destinations:
o International: Japan, South Korea, Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Spain-Portugal, Czech Republic-Hungary, Australia, Finland & Scandinavia, USA and Kenya
o Domestic: Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Andamans, North-East
• Holiday duration has increased from 3 days to 5 – 8 days for short trips; from 5 days to 10 -15 days for longer trips
• Emergence of fresh new destinations: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea
• Top traveller segments: Multi-generational families, couples, Young India’s millennials & GenZ, GenS (seniors)
• Top source markets for Pujo Tourism: West Bengal Cities like Kolkata, Siliguri & Durgapur & adjoining States Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand & Odisha

Contact Details
Thomas Cook (India) Limited
3 Mangoe Lane, Near Dalhousie
Kolkata-700001
Phone no- 8879893736

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Kolkata is an important source market for us, and we are witnessing a significant demand from the city. Hence, we are delighted to announce the opening of our Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at Dalhousie. Strategically chosen for its central location, this new outlet will enhance our ability to serve the growing and diverse needs of customers in the region, offering easy access and seamless services to our customers – right at their doorstep! We also have exclusive Bengali tours with co-travellers from the State, accompanied by a Bengali speaking expert Tour Manager and the comfort of select Bengali cuisine while on tour.

On behalf of my Team, I extend a warm welcome to our customers from Kolkata. My Team and I look forward to co-curating memorable holidays for each of our customers – both within India and international.”

Dr. Reddy’s Opens Soil Testing Resource Centre in Hyderabad

January 17, 2025: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited and Dr. Reddy’s Foundation today inaugurated a unique Soil Testing resource center in Hyderabad. Spreading across 14,750 sq.ft., the center is designed to provide fast, accurate, and affordable soil testing services to a diverse range of beneficiaries, including farmers, agronomists, agricultural researchers, and institutions, with the goal of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing productivity.

Degradation of land is one of the major challenges to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in India. Factors such as soil erosion, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and poor land management have led to declining soil fertility. Accurate soil testing plays a critical role in addressing these challenges by helping assess the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil. This data empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions on fertilizer application, crop selection, and sustainable soil nutrient management, thereby improving yields, reducing costs, and enhancing environmental outcomes.

Equipped with advanced technology and instruments such as Thermo Gallery Plus Discrete Analyzer, ICP-OES 5800, MP-AES Agilent 4210, Dionex ICS-6000 HPIC System, Infinity HPLC, Foss KEL Plus Kjeltec 8400, the center offers comprehensive chemical, biological, and physical testing of soil testing of over 18 parameters, including primary, macro, and micronutrients, as well as heavy metals in soil, water, and plants. The centre has capability to process up to 2,00,000 soil samples annually. The centre offers cost-effective and detailed soil health evaluations including nutrient composition, pH levels, organic matter content, and other critical parameters.

Only 5-20% of India’s cultivable land undergoes soil analysis, leaving a significant gap in soil health understanding. Soil Test-Based Recommendations (STCR) outperform General Recommendation Dose (GRD) by optimizing nutrient use, increasing crop yields by 20-30%, and enhancing farm income. The Soil Testing Resource Center (STRC), aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application of regenerative agriculture practices by offering precise, timely and affordable soil analysis. With the current capacity to process up to 75,000 soil samples annually, STRC will not only empower farmers with actionable insights to improve soil health and productivity, but at the same time would provide tailored recommendations benefiting the RA ecosystem as a whole.

Speaking about the initiative, Suman S, Head of Climate Action and Rural Livelihoods initiatives said, “The soil testing resource centre is a significant step and part of our evidence-based scientific initiatives to promote sustainable development and empower communities. It reflects our commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges through innovation and community-focused solutions. Through this centre, we aim to bridge the gap in access to reliable soil data, benefiting farmers, researchers, and agronomists alike. With the focus on affordability, accessibility, and technological excellence, the centre is poised to become a valuable resource for a wide range of stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. By enabling precise and timely decisions, we hope to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and long-term productivity gains.”

The inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from esteemed leaders across the agriculture, sustainability, and social impact sectors. Prominent attendees included Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Executive Chairman & Managing Director, ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. ML Jat, Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT; and Dr. V. Praveen Rao, Vice Chancellor of Kaveri University and Former Vice Chancellor of PJTSAU. Other notable guests included Suhas Joshi, India Carbon Lead, Bayer Crop Sciences; Dr. KRK Reddy, Managing Director, Sri BioAesthetics Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Kavitha Sairam, Founder & CEO, FIB-SOL Life Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and Ram Kaundinya, Partner at Klorofil Biologics LLP and Former CEO of Advanta India.

Additional dignitaries included Vijay Gopal Reddy, General Secretary, KVK-Jammikunta; Dr. Ramanjaneyulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture; Dr. Mahendra Rajaram, Disaster Risk and Resilience Officer (South India), UNICEF; Mr. Tarak Dhurjati, COO of Sri BioAesthetics Pvt. Ltd.; Swati Agarwal, Sales Director and Account Manager, GreatFour Systems Inc.; Dr. Paparao Chintalapudi, Founder & Coach, UPot; Muralidhar G, Co-lead, Mentor & Senior Advisor – Natural Farming, RySS-Government of Andhra Pradesh; and Anwar Shaik, Lead – AP & Telangana, Azim Premji Foundation. Dr. Divya Veluguri, Executive Director of the Deccan Development Society, also graced the occasion.

The event was further enriched by the presence of key leaders, including Satish Reddy, Chairman of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories; G. Anuradha, Founder & Trustee, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation; Shamik Trehan, CEO, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation; and Pranav Kumar Choudhary, COO, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation. Their presence underlined the shared commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture through collaborative efforts.

Dormer Pramet Showcases Innovations at IMTEX 2025

17 January 2025 – Dormer Pramet, a prominent global manufacturer and supplier of metal cutting tools, and a part of the Sandvik Group, is excited to announce its participation as the Gold Sponsor at IMTEX 2025, one of the India’s premier machine tool and manufacturing technology exhibitions. The company is set to present its latest range of metal cutting products and oAer innovative experiences to visitors at booth number B103, Hall 4A, from 23rd January to 29th January 2024, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

Highlighting its dedication to innovation and high-performance solutions, Dormer Pramet, along with Miranda, will showcase an extensive selection of advanced products ranging from milling cutters, taps, and drills. Organized by industry application, the display will feature standout oaerings such as the HighFeed Milling Cutter for the Indexable Insert, SNGX 11, BNGX10 & SOHT 12, engineered for high productivity in Die and Mold & other segment applications, the 43 Degree Face Milling ONMX 06, designed to deliver exceptional surface finish, Versatile use in wide range of workpiece materials and the T9415 New Generation MT – CVD Turning Grade, ideal for Productivity improvement & first choice grade for P Group materials machining with enhanced durability.

In addition to this, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of select products that would be remotely controlled from Dormer Pramet’s Czech Republic production unit. These demonstrations are set to oAer attendees with real-time insights into their capabilities and a hands-on understanding of how the company’s tools can optimize their operations.

Highlighting Dormer Pramet’s evolving brand purpose, the booth at IMTEX 2025 will also feature the company’s refreshed visual identity, which was unveiled last year. The new look symbolizes Dormer Pramet’s commitment to being a partner that provides “certainty at every turn” to the evolving needs of the manufacturing ecosystem. It reinforces the company’s pledge to care for its ecosystem of customers, employees, suppliers, and the environment through reliable, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

Commenting about the brand’s participation at IMTEX 2025, Sharad Kulkarni, Managing Director Indian and Sales Director Asia, Dormer Pramet said, “IMTEX is known to be one of the most significant events that continues to shape the future of the manufacturing and machining industry. As the Gold Sponsor, this event presents us with a unique opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders, showcase the performance and eEiciency of our solutions, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting the evolving needs of our customers. With our refreshed visual identity prominently featured at the booth, we aim to reinforce our brand promise and purpose to our existing clients, potential partners, and distributor network, while delivering an engaging and insightful experience to all visitors.”

With the onset of 2025, Dormer Pramet is gearing up for an exciting year ahead, with plans to launch a new lineup of products in the coming months. These additions will further enhance the company’s comprehensive portfolio, addressing the ever-changing demands of the global manufacturing ecosystem.

Dormer Pramet invites all attendees to visit Booth B103 at Hall 4A to explore its innovative solutions and experience firsthand the value and reliability the company brings to the industry.

YES SECURITIES Ends Wonga Wits S1, Unveils LMS

January 17, 2025 – YES SECURITIES, a trusted name in financial services, successfully concluded Wonga Wits Season 1, its flagship financial literacy initiative, with a dazzling Grand Finale at YES BANK House.

The foundation of Wonga Wits was laid through the We Love Wonga campaign, a collaboration with Red FM that engaged students from 15 prominent colleges. Hosted by celebrated RJs like RJ Malishka and RJ Rishi Kapoor, these interactive sessions made financial education relatable and engaging.

Building on the We Love Wonga campaign’s success, YES SECURITIES launched Wonga Wits, an inter-collegiate finance and stock market quiz designed to deepen financial literacy through an interactive and competitive format. Wonga Wits demonstrates YES SECURITIES’s unwavering commitment to empowering India’s youth through financial literacy.

The competition began with an elimination round on November 30, 2024, featuring over 300 teams. From this, 36 teams advanced to the quarterfinals, held on December 7, 2024. Intense rounds of quizzing narrowed the field to six exceptional teams representing colleges including Jai Hind, Mithibai, SPJIMR, Thakur, and Nagindas Khandwala.

On January 10, 2025, the scenic lawns of YES BANK House hosted the Grand Finale, where six finalist teams competed across five challenging quiz rounds. The evening was graced by:

· Mr. Prashant Kumar, MD & CEO, YES BANK

· Mr. Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO, YES SECURITIES

· Mr. Dheeraj Sanghi, Country Head – Branch & Affluent Banking, YES BANK

· Mr. Nipun Kaushal, Chief Marketing Officer & Head – CSR YES BANK

Principals and coordinators, including

Vice Principal Manish Gogari of Mithibai College and

Principal Mrs. C.T. Chakraborty of Thakur College, added to the grandeur of the occasion.

Winners:

· Winners : S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) (Ansh Agrawal & Ravi Shankar)

· 1st Runner up : Thakur College of Science & Commerce (Ayush Shigawan & Samad Khan)

2nd Runner up: Nagindas Khandwala College (Jeet Rawat & Disha Dubey

Prizes:
Winners: 14” MacBook Pro Space Black
1st Runner up: iPhone 16 Pro 256 GB Titanium
2nd Runner up: 11” iPad Air WiFi 128 GB – Space Gray

Winners were felicitated with Trophies and Certificates by Mr. Anshul Arzare and Mr. Nipun Kaushal, marking a proud moment for participants and their institutions.

The Grand Finale also saw the unveiling of WongaWits LMS, a cutting-edge Learning Management System with four comprehensive modules on financial topics, enabling students to earn certifications.

The evening concluded with a captivating performance by the Jafforia Band, leaving attendees inspired and energized.

Mr. Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO, YES SECURITIES, said “The success of Wonga Wits Season 1 reflects our dedication to empowering India’s youth with essential financial knowledge. Through initiatives like Wonga Wits and the launch of WongaWits LMS, we aim to make financial literacy accessible, engaging, and impactful. We believe in empowering generations to invest wisely, securely and seamlessly. In the today’s world, which is deeply coloured by all sort of unverified social media, it’s important for generations to be able to filter. Financial literacy has both the aspects – to be able to manage finances better and most importantly not fall prey to unverified approaches. Protecting money is equally important aspect along with making the best out of investments. We are immensely proud of the participants, whose enthusiasm and intellect have set a new standard for excellence.”

YES SECURITIES continues to innovate and lead initiatives that make a meaningful impact, with Wonga Wits Season 1 being a shining example of its dedication to financial literacy